INT. REARDON BOARDING HOUSE -- EARLY AFTERNOON (Scene 17)

BRIDGET is reading a book to PETER at the kitchen table. NOLA enters. Bridget looks at Nola.

BRIDGET: Weren't you wearing that yesterday?

NOLA: So are you the fashion police now?

BRIDGET: It's not fashion that I'm policing

NOLA: Look, I really don't want to trade insults with you today.

BRIDGET: That sounds good to me.

NOLA: I couldn't get my car out of the mud. I couldn't get home

BRIDGET: (teasing) So did Quinton behave like a gentleman and sleep on the couch?

NOLA (smiling) No

BRIDGET: Well tell all

NOLA: What has been going wrong between us lately?

BRIDGET: You were right the other day. I guess I am a little jealous. I see the way Quint looks at you. No one looks at me like that.

NOLA: (fishing) What do you mean, the way Quinton looks at me?

BRIDGET: You know all silly and goo-goo eyed.

NOLA: You think so

BRIDGET: So tell me all the gorey details. I guess I can live vicariously.

NOLA (dreamily): We had a wonderful wonderful time. As a matter of fact after I shower and change, I'm going to meet Quinton and J for a movie.

BRIDGET: So do you think you two will be able to work it out?

NOLA: I hope so.

BRIDGET: So should I start looking for two new boarders?

NOLA: No, not just yet

BRIDGET: Well I'm happy for you. I really am

INT. REARDON BOARDING HOUSE -- EARLY EVENING (Scene 18)

QUINT, J and NOLA happily enter the boarding house.

J: I can't believe you talked me into that movie

NOLA: It was a wonderful, romantic movie

J: Yeah, just the kind I hate.

QUINT: It was good, but that Byzantine documentary would have been perfect.

NOLA: That Liam Neeson is a very attractive man and I love that accent

QUINT: Should I be jealous?

J: (sarcastically) Well I would love to discuss this flick all night, but I have a date tonight and need to get ready

J runs upstairs.

NOLA: Would you like something to drink, some iced tea?

QUINT: That would be great.

Nola goes to get Quint a drink

NOLA: Quinton, I'm a little worried about last night

QUINT: No Nola, it was beautiful, please don't have any regrets.

NOLA: It's not really regrets, it's just that we didn't . . . we didn't use any protection

QUINT: Nola, no, now believe me, I would never ever put you in any danger. I was always safe. I hope you know that?

NOLA: No it's not that. It's just that well . . . I haven't been on my . . . you know . . . the pill . . . and I'm afraid about . . .

QUINT: You don't think . . .

NOLA: It's not really likely, but it just scared me. I was so swept up in the moment. The doctor said it would be so dangerous.

QUINT: Maybe you should call Dr. Sedwick and see what she thinks.

NOLA: I guess that is what I should do. (trying to lighten the modd) I'm really sure it's fine.

QUINT: I was going to ask you to come back with me tonight, but I think you should make sure everything is okay first.

NOLA: I'm sorry Quinton. I really want to be with you.

They kiss

EXT. QUINT'S DIGSITE - A FEW DAYS LATER (Scene 19)

NOLA shows up looking for Quint

NOLA: (calling) Quinton . . . Quint it's almost 11:30

Nola sees RENO from behind and approaches him. She taps him on the shoulder

NOLA: Reno, have you seen Quinton?

Reno turns slowly around, but it is not Reno.

NOLA: (hesitating) I'm sorry, who are you?

MAN: Don't you remember me Nola?

Nola gets a terrified expression on her face

NOLA: It can't be . . . Silas

SILAS: You all thought I died all those years ago in Tanquir, but nothing keeps me down Nola, nothing, and now I have another score to settle.

Nola starts to scream for Quinton, but Silas covers her mouth.

SILAS: Nola, I wouldn't advise that.

Silas pulls out a knife

NOLA (quietly): Where is Quinton and our son

SILAS: That boy of your's and Quinton's is not too bright. He thought I was that flunkie Reno and I told him you called and wanted them to meet you at the doctor's office

NOLA; How did you know about that?

SILAS: Nola I know everything

NOLA: well obviously you don't know everything because if you have a problem with Quinton why are you going after me? We're getting divorced.

SILAS: Don't underestimate me Nola, I told you I know everything. I was here that other rainy night and know more about you and Quinton than I care to know. You are some little minx.

(he gently touches the knife to her stomach)

SILAS: You were turning me on Nola. I was ready to go in there if old Quinton couldn't satisfy you.

NOLA (terrified): So what do you think Quinton has done to you now?

SILAS: He crossed my daughter; is what he did.

NOLA: Your daughter?

SILAS: Yes, my daughter

NOLA: Who are you talking about?

SILAS: I guess you don't know about her, but you do know her. She was a student of Quinton's.

NOLA: I have no idea.

SILAS: Her name is Devin, but she sometimes goes by the name Jessica

NOLA: Jessica, does Quinton know?

SILAS: (angry) Of course he knows. And since you are the only way to truly get at Quinton, you're coming with me. That McCord or rather Chamberlain; whatever he is calling himself these days is soft to the core when it comes to you.

NOLA: You should be happy. He ended it with Jessica

SILAS: Ended what?

NOLA: Their affair.

Silas laughs out loud

SILAS: You think Quinton was having an affair on you . . . his precious Nola. . . I don't think so . . . the man doesn't have the backbone for that. Besides if Quinton ever laid a filthy hand on Devin . . . Jessica . . . I would have killed him on the spot. Look I've told you enough.

NOLA: I don't understand

SILAS: Look Nola, I am so sick of hearing Quinton whine about you these past two years. (mocking tone) "Please let me tell Nola the truth". I really DON'T need to hear it from you.

(Silas gags Nola and pulls him after her)

DR. SEDWICK'S WAITING ROOM -- LATER (Scene 20)

QUINTON is anxiously waiting and keeps looking to the door whenever someone comes in. He walks up to the RECEPTIONIST.

QUINT: Excuse me

RECEPTIONIST: Can I help you sir?

QUINT: Yes, I am waiting for my wife, Nola Chamberlain. Has she by any chance already gone in to see the doctor?

The receptionist checks her book

RECEPTIONIST: Mrs. Chamberlain was scheduled for her appointment about half an hour ago, but she never showed up and never called to cancel.

QUINT: That is very strange. If she shows up could you please have her page me and I'll be right back

RECEPTIONIST: No problem, Mr. Chamberlain

Quint quickly leaves the office

EXT. OUTSIDE DR. SEDWICK'S OFFICE (Scene 20B)

QUINT: I know you wouldn't have missed this appointment.

He rushes off

INT. SILAS' CAR -- AT THE SAME TIME AS ABOVE (Scene 21)

A nervous NOLA sits next to SILAS. He has removed her gag.

NOLA: Where are you taking me?

SILAS: I'm taking you back to visit some old friends.

NOLA: What old friends?

SILAS: You hate rats don't you?

NOLA: Please not that place

SILAS: Oh, shut up!!

EXT. QUINT'S DIGSITE--THAT AFTERNOON (Scene 22)

Quint anxiously looks for Nola

QUINTON: Nola . . . Nola

He runs into tent and looks around. He exits tent with cellular phone. He dials phone.

QUINT: Dammit, answer!!

BRIDGET (V.O): Sorry we can't take your call. Please leave a message after the tone

QUINT: Nola it's me. Please call me when you get this message. It's very . . .

Quint notices something on the table outside the tent. He grabs the note on the table. His face turns pale when he sees "McCord" written on the outside of the note

QUINT: Crocker

J arrives

J: Dad, I found mom's car parked in the south lot. Did you find her?

QUINT: J, we have a problem

J: What's the matter. Did you and mom have a fight or something?

QUINT: No, I think Nola . . . I mean your mother might be in trouble

J: What's going on?

QUINT: Was there anything unusual about Reno when he told you Nola called?

J: Well he sounded like he had a cold or something. He was really busy. He just gave me the message. We didn't talk much.

QUINT: Did you see his face?

J: No, no . . . I don't remember . . . he was working . . . Dad, what's wrong?

QUINT: I don't think that was Reno. I think someone may have kidnapped your mother.

J: Dad, come on. Who would want to hurt mom?

The cellular phone RINGS. Quinton quickly answers it.

EXT. QUINT'S DIGSITE / INT. SILAS' CAR (Scene 23)

QUINT: Hello

SILAS: McCord

QUINT: Crocker, where is my wife?

SILAS: Your sexy little wife is sitting right next to me. I'm seeing her in a whole new light Quinton. I'm gaining a whole new appreciation for mature women.

QUINT: If you lay a hand on her . . .

SILAS: I'm tired of those long drawn out games we used to play. What I want is simple. I want all of your notes on disk from Machu Pichu and I want all those artifacts that you stole back from Devin.

QUINT: I can get that ready right away. Where do you want them?

SILAS: It better be right away because after watching Nola with you the other night. I don't know how long I will be able to be a gentleman, before I get mine.

QUINT: I'm serious Crocker. Don't you touch even a hair on her head.

SILAS: I'm calling the shots here McCord?

QUINT: (furiously) You said you wouldn't touch Nola if I did all you said. I have done what you want for almost two years now . .

SILAS: Quit your whining McCord. I'll call you back in about 3 hours.

QUINT: Crocker . . .

Quint puts the phone down

QUINT: He hung up

J: Dad, please tell me what's going on

QUINT: There's a man named Silas Crocker. A horrible man that I thought was out of our lives years ago before you were even born. He has been threatening me again for the last couple of years and now he has taken your mother and wants a few things for her return.

J: Well let's give him what he wants

QUINT: It's never that simple with him J. He hates me and he knows how important Nola is to me. He has done this before J, but your mother and I never speak of it.

J: He's taken her before

QUINT: Yes, he once took her and when we finally got her back, well we almost . . . lost her. Now he's threatening to . . .

J: What? If he hurts mom, I'll kill him myself

QUINT: J, I am going to need your help

J: Anything

INT. QUINT'S TENT / INT. SILAS' CAR -- A FEW HOURS LATER (Scene 23B)

J and QUINT look at each other in silence. The phone RINGS. Quint answers on the first ring

QUINT: Hello

SILAS: Very good McCord

QUINT: I've got everything you want. Is Nola okay?

SILAS: Your little minx wife is fine. I think she's learned that she'll get more with honey than vinegar with me. . . I think she wants me Quinton. She needs a real man not some whining, sniveling loser like you.

QUINT: Crocker, where do you want me to bring these things? Where is Nola?

SILAS: Slow down, I want you to leave everything at the bottom of the green garbage can at Gate 7, Terminal C at O'Hare at 10:00 PM tonight sharp and then get out of there.

QUINT: Fine, when do I get Nola?

SILAS: That's up to you and how clever you are. Don't do anything stupid McCord!

FADE OUT:

8 - "The Mantra Comes True"

INT. ABANDONED SHIP -- LATER THAT DAY (Scene 24)

NOLA is tied to a cot. SILAS sits in a rickety chair next to the cot drinking straight out of a bottle of whiskey. He moves over to Nola's cot and sits down on the floor next to it. He is obviously drunk. He gently runs the back of his knife along her arm.

SILAS: Ya know Nola, if McCord decides your not worth it, you and I . . . you and I . . . I think could be very happy together Nola doesn't respond, but cranes her head as far away from him as possible.

SILAS: Last time we were here, I had to keep you gagged, but this time there is really something different about you. Something that I like very much Nola.

NOLA: (monotone) Did you talk to Quinton?

SILAS: Yes, I talked to that pathetic excuse for a man. I don't know Nola, he might just leave you here after all. Maybe after all this time of pretending to have an affair with my daughter maybe he thinks it is time for the real thing. What do you think?

NOLA: He wouldn't do that?

SILAS: You're probably right about that, but that doesn't mean that you and I can't . . .

Silas pulls Nola's face towards his. She pulls away becoming weak from the smell of liquor on him.

NOLA: Please stop, your breath is making me sick.

Silas becomes furious

SILAS: Don't you think that the stench of McCord on you is making me sick.

NOLA: (terrified) Please . . . stop

SILAS: You and Quinton are both so pathetic. He thinks he is so high and mighty and you try to play the role of little innocent Nola, when I know what you really are?

(He takes a few more long drinks of whiskey. He looks at his watch.)

SILAS: Well it is almost 8 o'clock Nola. Time for me to leave you here soon are you sure you don't want to reconsider . . .

Silas shakes her

SILAS: Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?

(He runs the back of his knife gently across her neck. She starts to whimper)

SILAS: (very drunk) Oh, Nola, what's . . . the . . . matter?

Silas passes out from the whiskey. Nola looks down at him on the floor next to her. A rat crawls over Silas and Nola squirms in fear.

INT. QUINT'S CAR -- ABOUT 9 PM (Scene 25)

J is driving while QUINT gives directions to the airport.

QUINT: We get off at this next exit.

J: When is he going to tell us where mom is?

QUINT: I think I might know where he took her, but we must follow his instructions.

J: Where do you think?

QUINT: Silas likes to repeat history. . . he gets a sick perverse pleasure out of it. I believe he took her to an abandoned ship yard a few miles from the airport, but we must deliver the artifacts just as he demanded.

INT. QUINT'S CAR -- A FEW MINUTES AFTER 10 PM (Scenes 26)

QUINT comes running out the airport terminal. J is waiting for him in the car.

QUINT; Did you notice anything unusual while I was inside.

J: Not really it has been pretty quiet.

QUINT: This is the international terminal and I would assume that Silas is on a flight out of here

J: Isn't he going to tell us where mom is?

QUINT: It is possible that we will have to figure that out ourselves. He did mention something about being clever and he also said that he was tired of long drawn out games. I think we should try to find that abandoned ship.

J: Are you sure?

QUINT: Yes, let's go.

EXT. QUINT'S CAR AT ABANDONED BOAT YARD -- ABOUT 11 PM (Scene 27)

J and QUINT sit in the car at the boat yard.

J: It is so creepy around here

QUINT: This is just the kind of thing that Silas likes

J: Dad, over there . . . a car

QUINT: Where?

J points in the direction of the car

QUINT: Silas is still here. I don't understand

J: Well at least we know that mom is here

QUINT: I thought for sure he would leave the country once he had the artifacts. J, this could be dangerous . . . you must stay with me at all times and do exactly as I say

J: When do you think the police will be here?

QUINT: They should be here any minute, but we need to get in there before them so Silas doesn't have any time to panic and do anything desperate. J nods and both of them get out of the car and quietly close the doors behind them.

QUINT: (whispering): If I remember correctly the name of the ship he held her on was Margarita.

J: I just can't believe he would do this to mom.

QUINT: Believe it, Silas is a deadly man

They cautiously creep toward the boat.

INT. ABANDONED SHIP -- A FEW MINUTES LATER (Scene 28)

NOLA is trying to loosen herself from the cot, but to no avail. She keeps trying to move the cot in an attempt to keep the rats away. SILAS is still out cold on the floor. She suddenly hears a noise in the ship.

NOLA (calling) : Help me!!

Silas starts to stir

INT. ABANDONED SHIP CORRIDOR -- AT THE SAME TIME (Scene 28B)

J and QUINT respond to Nola's call.

J: Mom

QUINT: Quiet

They quietly creep in the direction of Nola's call.

INT. ABANDONED SHIP (Scene 28C)

NOLA continues to try to get loose. SILAS starts to wake up

SILAS: Dammit, what time is it?

He checks his watch

SILAS: 11:15. Nola you are going to have to pay for this.

He slowly pulls out his knife. Suddenly QUINT and J burst into the room. Quint and Silas fight while J attends to Nola. Silas grabs Quint and holds his knife to his throat.

SILAS: Stop it there pretty boy or you'll meet the same fate as your pathetic old man here.

Nola pushes J away.

QUINT (to J): Do as he says?

Silas starts to move the knife closer to Quint's neck

NOLA: (cries out) Please no

Suddenly Silas loses his balance and Quint quickly grabs for the knife. Silas tries to kick it out of his hands, but Quint backs up steadily holding the knife. J continues to untie Nola.

QUINT: You think you are going to destroy my family . . . destroy my life . . . I will see to it that you are destroyed. You force me to live a lie for two years . . . for two years . . . you keep me from the most important thing in my life and now you threaten my wife and my son . . . I thought we saw the last of you years ago, now I will see to it that we have

(Nola gets loose and embraces J. Quint gives SIlas a sharp blow to the stomach and starts swinging the knife. Suddenly 2 POLICE burst in and contain Silas and hold back Quint.)

POLICE: Silas Crocker, you are under arrest.

They snap hand cuffs on him. Nola and Quint embrace.

INT. ABANDONED SHIP -- A FEW MINUTES LATE (Scene 28D)

NOLA and QUINT continue to embrace. The POLICE and J leave the room together

QUINT: Honey, he didn't touch you did he?

NOLA: I'm fine, I'm fine

QUINT: Nola, I'm so sorry about this

NOLA: I love you. I love you so much.

She slowly pulls away from him and looks up in his eyes

NOLA: Silas told me everything. He told me what you did. Quinton, why didn't you tell me.

QUINT: I couldn't. Silas swore that if I told you the truth that he would kill you. I just couldn't take the chance of putting you in danger.

NOLA: But all this pain these last two years. It hurt so much Quinton

Quint holds Nola tightly

QUINT: That is exactly what Silas wanted. He considered it his ultimate revenge. I had no choice, but to go along to protect you. He was so vengeful.

Nola pulls away a bit and continues

NOLA: Did he want your work, what?

QUINT: At first I just thought Silas was up to his old tricks, trying to steal my work, but that was only a small part of it.

NOLA: What do you mean?

QUINT: He just wanted to make my life hell and he knew that you would be my greatest sacrifice.

NOLA: (almost scared to ask) So you were never involved with Jessica?

QUINT: Not the way Silas made me lead you to believe. There was no affair. Nola it killed me to see the hurt in you, but I simply had no choice

Nola pulls Quint close to her

NOLA: Oh, I feel so close to you. I don't know who this was worse for.

QUINT: You understand why I did it?

NOLA: I think so . . . I don't know what to think . . . it's such a waste . . . to almost have thrown away something so perfect

QUINT: You're not angry with me?

NOLA: This is all so horrible, but Quint this changes everything.

Nola continues to hold Quint tightly

QUINT: (scared) How?

Nola looks deeply into his eyes

NOLA: Jessica and you, you didn't . . .

QUINT: Never ever, there could never be anybody for me, but you. I love you.

Nola holds him tight and sighs. They kiss

INT. QUINT'S CAR -- A LITTLE LATER (Scene 29)

QUINT and NOLA sit close together in the front seat. J is driving.

NOLA: I don't understand, how did Silas survive the cave in Tanquir? When did you find out he was alive?

QUINT: I found out shortly after we moved from Springfield and went on the dig in Tanquir

NOLA: That long ago?!! Why didn't you tell me.

QUINT: I didn't want to scare you and besides he never tried to contact us.

NOLA: But I thought he died in the cave.

QUINT: So did I, but remember I told you before the cave collapsed that I saw the Lost City, well apparently Silas was not dead and was able to make it into the city.

J: But how did he get out?

QUINT: When I went back to that sight we discovered another exit. He obviously found that other exit.

NOLA: How did you know then that he got out, I mean we all thought he was dead.

QUINT: When we excavated the sight, we were unable to find his remains and no one had been allowed on that sight since that time we were there so it was the only way

J: Wow dad that is some story

NOLA: Why do you think it took so long for him to contact us?

QUINT: As I understand it after he escaped from the Lost City he was very sick and had some memory lose. It was only because of Devin . . . I mean Jessica . . . that he was ever able to find us . . . I mean I wasn't going by the name McCord anymore and we had moved from Springfield. She was the one who was finally able track us down.

J: I knew that Jessica was no good . . . I just knew it . . . you always acted so strange around her . . . I just could never understand why you stayed with her . . .

QUINT: Well now you understand, it was all part of Silas' sick plan, but I can't say that she didn't get enjoyment out of it too.

NOLA: Please. let's not talk about them anymore

Nola snuggles closer to Quint.

J (trying to lighten the mood): So I guess the divorce is definitely off.

Quint and Nola look at each other

FADE OUT

Go to next chapter of "Not So Forbidden Fruit"