It's later in the evening, around nine-thirty. Cordelia Burnham has just entered the Sherwood Diner. Roark Grimes and his girlfriend Fawn Hollister are sitting in a booth by the door.
Roark: Hey Cordelia, over here! (She turns her head, waves, and walks over to them).
Cordelia: Hi guys. How are things? (She sits next to Fawn).
Fawn: Well, we're waiting to hear from Loretta about some jobs, but other than that, we're fine.
Roark: Did you register for your classes?
Cordelia: Yep, everything went smooth----until I got done.
Fawn: What happened?
Cordelia: I met this guy who asked me out, and when I told him I was married, he accused me of lying to blow him off. I was so angry, I told him off and left.
Fawn: Uh-oh, looks like Brody's going off the deep end again.
Cordelia: You know this guy?
Roark: Brody is my best friend----well he used to be. But in the past few months, he's gotten really angry and dark. Every little thing sets him off. I know he's been having some problems at home lately, his dad isn't the greatest guy to get along with, but he won't open up to me. I wish I knew what was wrong. Believe me Cordelia, he's not that hot-headed, especially with women.
Cordelia: Well, all I know is he made me both angry and scared at the same time. I haven't told Rosie or Everett yet, but I guess I should. You know, I'm really glad Rosie went away. I hope she's having a good time.
At the Grimes family beachouse in Bethany Beach, Delaware, Lance and Rosamond are laying on a rug in front of the fireplace.
Lance: I want to stay like this forever.
Rosamond: Mmm, that would be nice.
Lance: This getaway is just what we needed.
Rosamond: So much has happened the past several months, and it's all been so crazy.
Lance: From now on I hope it's smooth sailing for the two of us.
Rosamond: It won't be for long honey----you're about to become a dad by the end of next month.
Lance: I know. I still can't believe it, it's too surreal. But I'm looking forward to it, and Mom and Dad are so excited about having their first grandchild.
Rosamond: And they thought Roark would be the first one to become a father. (Laughs) It's funny how life turns out.
Lance: Like falling in love with you. I never expected it.
Rosamond: I never expected it either! I thought I would find a nice blue collar man, settle down in a tiny house with a couple of dogs and that would be that.
Lance: Are you disappointed your dream didn't come true?
Rosamond: No, not at all. Then I wouldn't have known what a wonderful man you are.
Lance (grabbing her chin gently): I love you so much.
Rosamond: I love you too. (They kiss, and Lance eases her back onto the rug, unbuttoning her blouse).
Valerie Talbot is sitting in an easychair in her bedroom, knitting a baby blanket for Lance and Eliza when the phone rings on the table beside her.
Valerie: Hello.
Kane: Hi Val, how are you doing tonight?
Valerie: Hi Kane, just fine. I'm upstairs knitting a baby blanket for Lance and Eliza's bundle of joy. Did you speak to the girls?
Kane: Yes, and they're okay. They were playing Monopoly with Paul and Tess.
Valerie: It's so nice of Paul and Tess to take care of Zoe and Amaya.
Kane: They've been through hell Val. Hopefully things will get better soon after Drennen's hearing.
Valerie: I was thinking about having a family dinner here at the house, with the two of us, the girls, and Paul and Tess. I think it will bring us even closer together.
Kane: You know Val, that's a wonderful idea. You were always a such a great cook.
Valerie: Well, I try. (Gets up quickly) Kane, I hear a noise. It sounds like it's coming from inside the house!
Kane: Okay Val, stay calm. I'll be right there. Call the police, and see if you can hide.
Valerie: Alright. Please hurry Kane. (She hangs up the phone and quickly dials the police. Wade Atherton answers).
Wade: Breckenridge police, Officer Atherton speaking.
Valerie: Hi, this is Valerie Talbot. I'm at 625 Crescent Drive, and I think a burglar is inside my house!
Wade: Valerie, I'll be right there. Try to get out of sight. (Hangs up)
Valerie puts the phone back. The noises are starting to get louder so she runs into her master bathroom and closes the door almost slightly, her heart pounding.
Valerie: Oh God, please let Kane or the police get here soon!
(Just then, her bedroom door slams open. Through the crack of the door, Valerie can see a masked figure dressed all in black start to bang drawers open)....
Next on come nightfall....
The police search for the masked intruder.
Kane makes a suprising discovery.
Cordelia thinks about joining a self-defense class.
THIS HAS BEEN COME NIGHTFALL
BY BREE PERRY
COPYRIGHT 2001
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