Épisode Daniel (1/2) S05E18 - Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman Saison 5

TEASER


FADE IN:


EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAWN - DAY ONE - FEBRUARY 1872 1

Establishing, at sunrise. Sully's horse is tethered to the hitching post.


INT. MIKE AND SULLY'S BEDROOM - DAY ONE 2

MIKE is asleep, alone in bed. The door opens. SULLY quietly comes in, wearing his coat and carrying a pack. He looks over at Mike, happy to see her, then turns to get settled.

Mike stirs. Groggy, she sees Sully from behind.

MIKE
Sully...?

He turns. Mike smiles and props up, surprised and delighted.

MIKE
You're home.

Sully smiles and moves to the bed. They embrace.

MIKE
I wasn't expecting you until this afternoon.

SULLY
Rode all night. Didn't wanna spend another night sleepin' in Manitou.

MIKE
You finished the fence?

SULLY
(nods, pleased)
They paid me five dollars extra for doin' it early.

Mike is pleased, too, but also concerned.

MIKE
You've been working so hard.

SULLY
Look who's talkin'.

MIKE
Yes, but I don't have to leave home when I do.

(CONTINUED)


2.


CONTINUED: 2

SULLY
Gotta go where the work is, Michaela. We got a mortgage to cover.

MIKE
I know ...
(perturbed)
And I feel so guilty about it, Sully. If I hadn't burned everything at the clinic --

SULLY
Ya had to. It was the only way to get rid a the source of the infection.

MIKE
Yes, at my clinic. But now we both have this loan --

SULLY
Hey, whatever happens to you, happens to me. We're in this together.

Mike is appreciative, but she still feels responsible.

SULLY
'Sides, I don't mind the hard work. It's the sleepin' apart I can't get used to.

MIKE
(smiles softly)
I'm just glad that you're home.

SULLY
Only place I wanna be.

They kiss. Then, to Sully's surprise and disappointment, Mike gets out of bed.

SULLY
Where ya goin'?

MIKE
I have to bake.

SULLY
Bake?

MIKE
And straighten the house.
(reminding him)
Our guest is coming today.

(CONTINUED)


2A.


CONTINUED: (2) 2

SULLY
Daniel? You don't have to make a fuss over him.

(CONTINUED)


3.


CONTINUED: (3) 2

MIKE
Sully, he's your oldest and dearest friend. I want to make a good impression.

SULLY
But ya don't have to worry 'bout that. Daniel's like family.

MIKE
Exactly.

Sully surrenders, watching Mike start her day as we --

CUT TO:


INT. BARBERSHOP - DAY ONE 2A

JAKE is stropping his razor. His reclining CUSTOMER's face is wrapped in a hot towel. LOREN waits his turn, reading the Gazette. The headline: Stock Market Slides. He gripes:

LOREN
Why's Dorothy wastin' space printin' stories like this? I want local news. Local. Who cares what's goin' on in New York?

The customer raises his hand. Jake starts removing the towel, preparing to shave him.

LOREN
So what if the Stock Market's slipped?

The customer abruptly sits up, making Jake jerk his razor back. It's PRESTON.

PRESTON
Slipped?

JAKE
Yeah, ya almost lost an ear.

PRESTON
(waving for the paper)
The last I read in the Denver Post, the market was stable.

LOREN
(handing it over)
Well, it says here all a those blue bloods're runnin' scared, cashin' in their investments.

(CONTINUED)


4.


CONTINUED: 2A

PRESTON
They're fools then. Alarmists.
(reassuring himself)
The market fluctuates. One must be prepared to weather the ups and downs.

Loren and Jake share a look as Preston voraciously reads the article.


EXT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - DAY ONE 3

MATTHEW comes outside and joins Mike (holding KATIE), Sully, and BRIAN. Mike looks especially beautiful.

MATTHEW
Been about a year since ya went to Virginia City, Sully. Bet Daniel's mine's grown a lot since then.

BRIAN
(wide-eyed enthusiasm)
Yeah. How much gold do ya think Daniel's got?

MIKE
Well, we're certainly not going to ask him, Brian. It's not polite to question people about money.

Brian looks abashed, but Sully is amused.

SULLY
Bet Daniel wouldn't mind if ya asked 'im about searchin' for gold, Brian. He's got a real way with words.

Brian smiles.

The family turns toward the train station, but Preston hurries over from the barbershop and stops them. The Gazette is tucked under his arm.

PRESTON
Sully... Michaela?

Sully and Mike exchange glances, expecting to be annoyed.

PRESTON
Just a friendly reminder -- as of today, you are three weeks late on your mortgage payment.

(CONTINUED)


5.


CONTINUED: 3

Sully surprises Preston with an envelope. Preston peeks inside and fingers the cash. His smile slips.

PRESTON
I'm afraid you must've miscounted.

SULLY
You'll get the rest. You got my word.

PRESTON
I have more than that, Sully -- I have your signature. On loan papers. Binding documents. And those deadlines are there for a reason.

Brian watches his parents, worried. Mike gives Sully a calming look.

MIKE
We appreciate your patience, Mr. Lodge.

PRESTON
You do understand there are late fees. Penalties. And your next payment is due in a week.

MATTHEW
Another "friendly reminder"?

PRESTON
(sliding on a smile)
Precisely.

There's a distant TRAIN WHISTLE.

SULLY
We got a train to meet.

Sully turns the family toward the station, leaving Preston disgruntled...


EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY ONE 4

The train arrives.

ANGLE - THE DOORWAY OF THE TRAIN

Steam billows as the CONDUCTOR steps down, followed by the PASSENGERS.



6.


+ON THE PLATFORM 5

Sully looks up at the doorway, his grin poised to break in anticipation.

Further behind him, Matthew gathers with Brian and Mike lifts Katie out of her carriage. She smooths the baby's collar, then turns toward the train, quickly primping her own hair.


+ANGLE ON - DANIEL SIMON 6

as he emerges from the car, dressed in a stylish but understated suit, carrying luggage. He is a charismatic, ruggedly handsome man. Warm, personable, with a rich sense of humor.


+SULLY AND DANIEL 7

Spot each other and move closer, kidding each other like comfortable old friends:

DANIEL
Well, will ya look at you...

SULLY
(re: Daniel's clothes)
What's this?

DANIEL
It's called a suit, Sully.

They grin and embrace, slapping each other's backs.


+ANGLE ON - MIKE 8

As she curiously observes Daniel, weighing her first impression.


+RESUME 9

Daniel looks toward the family, explaining:

DANIEL
Sully ain't used to seein' me like this.

SULLY
Ya look good.

Daniel and Sully trade smiles, excited to be reunited.

SULLY
Now c'mon, meet ev'rybody...

(CONTINUED)


7.


CONTINUED: 9

Matthew steps forward and shakes Daniel's hand.

MATTHEW
Matthew Cooper.

SULLY
Our sheriff.

DANIEL
I see. Has Sully told ya 'bout all the trouble we used to cause?

MATTHEW
Musta slipped 'is mind.

Matthew glances curiously at Sully, who quickly moves Daniel over to Brian. Daniel shakes his hand.

DANIEL
You must be Brian.

BRIAN
Hello, sir.

There is a subtle, unspoken connection between them, as if they share a secret.

DANIEL
Daniel, Brian. Y'know, your pa wrote me all 'bout ya. Even got 'im to send me some a your articles.

BRIAN
Ya did?

DANIEL
Yep. 'Specially liked that one 'bout your friend Anthony goin' to the town school.

Brian looks touched. Sully brings over Katie.

SULLY
Colleen's at school, but here's her baby sister.

Daniel holds her little hand.

DANIEL
Katie... an angel, Sully...

Sully beams. The next is a big moment for him:

SULLY
Daniel? This is Michaela...

(CONTINUED)


8.


CONTINUED: (2) 9

Daniel follows Sully's glance as Mike moves forward and graciously extends her hand.

MIKE
It's a pleasure to meet you, Daniel.

Daniel shakes Mike's hand, genuinely struck by her beauty. He regains his composure and smiles sweetly.

DANIEL
The pleasure's all mine.

Mike smiles. Sully comes over, delighted.

SULLY
Waited a long time for the two a you to meet. Let's go home.

Mike nods in agreement, beaming between Sully and Daniel as we slowly...

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER





9.


ACT ONE


FADE IN:


EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY ONE 10

Sully drives up. Mike sits beside him, holding Katie. In the back, Brian is enraptured by Daniel's story.

DANIEL
(with hushed intensity)
The boards creaked, then started to crack an' splinter... when all of a sudden --
(makes the sound of a crash)
The mine collapsed! An' two tons a rock came tumblin' past me, stoppin' just inches over Sully.

Brian gapes at Sully, then looks back at Daniel, eager to hear more. Mike and Sully exchange amused looks, climbing down from the wagon.

DANIEL
But d'ya think he panicked, Brian? No, sir. Sully just waited. Didn't move.

SULLY
My leg was caught. I couldn't.

Everyone smiles. Sully looks at Daniel with heartfelt appreciation.

SULLY
It was Daniel dug me out. Coulda got 'imself killed, but he kept diggin', kept on goin' 'til he reached me.

BRIAN
(turns to Daniel, awed)
You saved Sully's life.

DANIEL
Sully woulda done the same for me.

Daniel and Sully share a look -- we sense the strong bond of friendship between them.

Mike is pleased to see their regard for each other.

Daniel and Brian climb down.

(CONTINUED)


10.


CONTINUED: 10

MIKE
We're all eternally grateful for your actions, Daniel. How will I ever repay you?

DANIEL
How 'bout dinner, Michaela? I'm starvin'.

Mike smiles agreeably. Brian excitedly helps Daniel with his bags.

BRIAN
You're in Colleen's room. But don't worry, she took most a her girl things with her to school.

DANIEL
Well, that's a relief.

Sully and Mike linger behind, watching them go inside. Sully turns to Mike, waiting for her opinion.

MIKE
He's wonderful, Sully. Warm and charming...

SULLY
(sensing her hesitation)
But...?

MIKE
Well -- I don't know... I suppose I expected your best friend to be someone like you.

SULLY
Daniel 'n me think the same way 'bout most things.

MIKE
Yes, but even so, what was I thinking?
(looks at Sully)
There's no one like you.

Sully smiles.


EXT. GAZETTE - DAY ONE 11

HANK takes a Gazette out of the bin and waves Jake over to show him the paper.

(CONTINUED)


11.


CONTINUED: 11

HANK
Look. Did ya see? Our new advertisement --
(showing him)
"Weekend Special. Free Drinks for Guests of The Gold Nugget."

JAKE
(aghast)
Free drinks?

HANK
But look at, the fine print? "A two-week stay is required."

Jake holds the paper closer, squinching his eyes.

INSERT -- THE ADVERTISEMENT.

It reads: "Weekend Special, Free Drinks for Guests of the Gold Nugget." The print underneath is barely legible.

JAKE
A two-week stay...
(grins)
I like it.

Hank nods. They're about to return to The Gold Nugget when DOROTHY's laughter inside the Gazette draws their attention.

DOROTHY and CLOUD DANCING come to the door, clearly enjoying each other's company, not yet noticing Jake and Hank.

CLOUD DANCING
That is a true story.

DOROTHY
Cloud Dancin', I never know when you're teasin' me...

Dorothy grins, putting her hand on Cloud Dancing's arm. Then she spots Jake and Hank staring at her with their eyebrows raised, and quickly pulls her hand back.

Cloud Dancing responds to her uneasiness by making a quick, polite exit, smiling at Dorothy and nodding at Hank and Jake.

CLOUD DANCING
Good afternoon.

Hank and Jake watch Cloud Dancing leave, then turn their wary gaze on Dorothy.

JAKE
You two been spendin' an awful lotta time together.

(CONTINUED)


12.


CONTINUED: (2) 11

DOROTHY
Well, I'm writin' a book about 'im, Jake, I've gotta do the proper research.

HANK
What kinda "research"?

DOROTHY
(frowns, a tad defensive)
Well, next time, for instance, Cloud Dancin's gonna show me 'bout gatherin' herbs.

HANK
You goin' out there with 'im? Alone in the woods?

DOROTHY
That is where herbs grow.

Hank and Jake trade derisive looks, then head for their hotel.

DOROTHY
Hey!

They turn. Dorothy holds out her hand.

DOROTHY
A penny.

She motions to their Gazette. Hank pays up.


INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT ONE 12

Mike, Sully, Daniel and Brian enjoy dessert. Daniel finishes his slice of pie.

DANIEL
Second piece was even better. You're a fine cook, Michaela.

Mike grins, unaccustomed to this kind of praise.

MIKE
Daniel, I don't know what you're used to eating, but I thank you. Sincerely.

Daniel smiles. Sully glances at the hearth.

SULLY
Fire's dyin'. Gotta get some more wood.

(CONTINUED)


13.


CONTINUED: 12

Sully stands. Daniel sees an opportunity for them to talk privately and stands up, too.

DANIEL
I'll help ya.

BRIAN
But ya gotta finish tellin' how you --

MIKE
Brian, you've barely given Daniel a moment to breathe.

DANIEL
Oh I don't mind. Brian? Be back in a minute.

Brian nods.


EXT. HOMESTEAD - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT ONE 13

Sully and Daniel come outside.

DANIEL
He's a good boy, Sully. A good son.

SULLY
(with pride)
Yeah, he is.

As they head for the woodpile, Daniel looks around, clearly impressed with the homestead.

DANIEL
Shoulda known you were bein' modest with me.

SULLY
Huh?

DANIEL
This house. You been describin' some nothin' little lean-to in the woods, but this...

Daniel pauses to admire the house and the setting.

SULLY
Yeah, well... I wanted to give Michaela somethin' special. Build a good home for her 'n the kids.

(CONTINUED)


14.


CONTINUED: 13

DANIEL
(looks at Sully with esteem)
Ya sure did.

Sully looks pleased. He and Daniel start collecting logs.

SULLY
So when're you gonna be settlin' down?

DANIEL
Soon as I find the right girl. An' now that I sold the mine, I got plenty a time to look.

Sully stops, stunned, not sure what he heard.

SULLY
Sold it?

Daniel laughs, amused by his reaction. Then, more seriously:

DANIEL
All those years I was wanderin' around, explorin', hopin' to strike gold? The strange thing is, soon as I did, felt like the best part was over. I mean, it was excitin' to find gold 'n all, but --
(shrugs)
Guess what I really liked was all that wanderin' 'n explorin'.

Daniel and Sully share a smile of perfect understanding.

SULLY
So whad'ya gonna do?

DANIEL
I dunno exactly. But I made my money, now I wanna do... somethin' important, y'know?
(beat)
The first thing I wanna do is make sure ya get your fair share a the profits.

Sully knits his brow.

SULLY
What profits?

(CONTINUED)


15.


CONTINUED: (2) 13

DANIEL
From the mine, Sully. All that time and hard work ya put in, helpin' me get it started?

SULLY
But I didn't do it for money, Daniel. I did it 'cause ya needed my help.

DANIEL
I know. An' I never coulda done it without ya.

Daniel hands over an envelope. Sully is caught completely off-guard by this.

DANIEL
That's your piece.

Sully looks inside at the cash.

SULLY
Mighty big piece.

DANIEL
Well, you earned it.

After a beat, Sully looks at Daniel, unwavering.

SULLY
I'm real glad for your success, Daniel. An' I thank you, I do. But I can't take this...

Sully hands back the envelope. Daniel sighs knowingly.

DANIEL
You're just as stubborn 'n prideful as you ever were.

SULLY
Guess so.

DANIEL
Well, I'm gonna stick aroun' for awhile. I hope you'll reconsider.

For Sully, there's little chance of that. But he smiles politely and turns away to gather more logs.



15A.


INT. MIKE'S AND SULLY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT ONE 14

Mike and Sully get ready for bed. Mike brushes her hair. Sully takes off his shirt.

(CONTINUED)


16.


CONTINUED: 14

MIKE
It was very decent and generous of him to offer.

Mike is appreciative, but troubled. Sully knows what she's thinking -- the money would have cleared their debt.

SULLY
Robert E's got more work for me, Michaela -- an' I'll keep checkin' around.

MIKE
(nods, smiles)
We're fine.

They continue undressing.


EXT. GRACE'S CAFE - DAY TWO 15

Daniel and Sully eat, surrounded by interested listeners Dorothy, ROBERT E, GRACE, and Brian. Hank and Jake, eavesdrop from another table. Preston sits at another.

DANIEL
The first time I met Sully?

SULLY
Now don't get into that.

Daniel playfully ignores him.

DANIEL
It was back in New York. We were younger'n you, Brian. Sully was busy introducin' me to 'is left fist.

Everyone reacts.

SULLY
I met Daniel's right one directly after.

BRIAN
Ya mean you two were fightin'?

DANIEL
'Fraid so. Over a game a marbles.

SULLY
We had a "difference of opinion."

(CONTINUED)


17.


CONTINUED: 15

DANIEL
But things worked out somehow, an' me 'n Sully been on the same side ever since.

Sully and Daniel trade looks.

BRIAN
Then ya met up out West again.

DANIEL
That's right. Just the two of us, barely in our teens, 'n ready to take on the frontier.

HANK
(pipes in, insinuating)
You fellas musta blazed a few trails along the way, huh?

DANIEL
(aware of Brian's presence)
We got into a scrape or two.

At his table, Preston needs more coffee, trying to get Grace's attention.

PRESTON
Grace?

GRACE
(focused on Daniel)
That was real brave, two boys travelin' all alone like that.

DANIEL
No braver than you 'n Robert E, Grace. Movin' out here to a strange new place? An' now look at ya, ya both got your own businesses.

Grace and Robert E smile, flattered. Preston heads over with his empty cup, annoyed.

GRACE
Well... we do work hard...

PRESTON
(pouring his own coffee)
Not hard enough.

(CONTINUED)


18.


CONTINUED: (2) 15

Grace gives him a look.

DANIEL
An' you Dorothy, runnin' the newspaper? I do so admire what you folks've done here in town...

Dorothy enjoys Daniel's praise, too.

DOROTHY
What kinda work do you do, Daniel?

DANIEL
I was in the minin' business.

ROBERT E
Coal?

BRIAN
Gold.

PRESTON
(now he's interested)
Gold?

Jake and Hank shift closer, too.

Sully is pleased that everyone is taken with Daniel, but he suddenly feels forgotten, inadequate.

JAKE
How'd ya make out?

DANIEL
Got lucky. I found some.

JAKE
How much exactly?

Daniel is too modest to respond, but Brian chimes in:

BRIAN
It ain't polite to question people 'bout money.

Jake frowns.

PRESTON
Sully, perhaps you should take a few pointers from your accomplished friend here.

Daniel looks up at Preston -- who is this guy?

(CONTINUED)


19.


CONTINUED: (3) 15

DANIEL
Beg your pardon, sir, but p'haps you should take a few pointers from Sully.

This stifles Preston. Sully looks at Daniel appreciatively.


INT. CLINIC - DAY TWO 16

Mike takes the last stitch out of MR. SIMKIN's hand.

MIKE
There. Your hand has healed beautifully, Mr. Simkin.

MR. SIMKIN
Yeah, an' next time I won't use it to stop my saw.

Mike smiles. There's a knock on the door. Daniel pokes in.

DANIEL
Oh, 'scuse me. I'll come back.

MIKE
That's alright, Daniel. Why don't you wait outside for a moment? We've just finished.

MR. SIMKIN
C'mon in, if ya like. Doc just took out my stitches.

DANIEL
Oh, sure, if you don't mind.

Daniel steps inside and looks around with interest.

Mr. Simkin reaches into his sack and presents Mike with three jars of preserves.

MR. SIMKIN
These oughta cover it.

MIKE
(hesitates, disappointed)
Peaches...

Daniel glances over, watching their interaction.

MR. SIMKIN
That's alright, ain't it?

Mike snaps out of her dismay and smiles graciously.

(CONTINUED)


20.


CONTINUED: 16

MIKE
Of course. Your preserves have always been delicious. Thank you.

Mr. Simkin nods at Mike and Daniel, then leaves.

Daniel looks at Mike with an admiring smile.

DANIEL
Sully told me all 'bout your kindness, now I seen it for m'self.

Daniel indicates the preserves.

MIKE
(matter-of-fact, a little embarrassed)
Oh, well, many of my patients pay me in kind, and normally I wouldn't think twice about it, but now...
(beat)
Unfortunately, they don't accept peaches at the bank.

Daniel doesn't want Mike to feel uncomfortable.

DANIEL
Too bad. Be nice to do all your shoppin' 'n bankin' at the same place.

Mike smiles, grateful for his tact.

MIKE
It would, now wouldn't it?

OFF Daniel and Mike enjoying their friendly moment...


INT. HOMESTEAD - DAY TWO 17

Her brow furrowed, Mike writes on a pad at the table. Sully comes inside. His spirits seem bright and optimistic.

SULLY
Hey.

Mike glances up with a weak smile.

SULLY
Daniel back from town?

(CONTINUED)


21.


CONTINUED: 17

MIKE
Not yet.

SULLY
(looking over her shoulder)
What's that?

MIKE
A budget.

SULLY
A budget? Michaela --

He has something positive to tell her, but she's distracted.

MIKE
I don't see how we'll ever be able to conserve enough, Sully. We have the loan, and Colleen's tuition...
(beat)
Perhaps we should wire Mother.

SULLY
(no way)
We ain't borrowin' another cent from your mother.

MIKE
But --

SULLY
Michaela, I got a job.

MIKE
(reacts)
You did?

SULLY
On a cattle drive. A rancher stopped by Robert E's, hirin' men.

MIKE
But -- a cattle drive? That means you'll have to leave home again.

BRIAN (O.S.)
How long this time?

Sully and Mike look toward the stairs. Brian is there, dismayed.

(CONTINUED)


22.


CONTINUED: (2) 17

SULLY
Few days.

BRIAN
Maybe ya don't have to go.

SULLY
I got to, Brian.

BRIAN
But Daniel just got here. Maybe --

SULLY
Brian, I don't like leavin' ya --
(turns to Mike)
But this is our best chance at makin' a good chunk a money. It'll cover our mortgage for the next three months.

MIKE
When do you go?

SULLY
Day after tomorrow.

Mike nods, but she shares Brian's sentiments. Sully reaches out to reassure her.

SULLY
It ain't been easy, but we're gonna get this loan off our back, Michaela.
(beat)
I'll never let us lose the homestead. That's a promise.

Mike musters a comforted smile, as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE





23.


ACT TWO


FADE IN:

EXT. GENERAL STORE - DAY THREE - TO ESTABLISH 18

LOREN (V.O.)
Four ... five ... six ...


INT. GENERAL STORE - DAY THREE 19

CLOSE ON MONEY being counted at the register. REVEAL Loren paying CLOUD DANCING. The REVEREND sits nearby.

LOREN
Seven... eight... and a lady bought two a your watchamacallits.

Loren holds up a beautiful piece of Indian jewelry.

CLOUD DANCING
Bracelets.

LOREN
Bracelets, yeah. So that makes nine.

CLOUD DANCING
Ten. One dollar for each. We agreed.

LOREN
On fifty cents.

REVEREND
On a dollar. I remember.

Loren shoots the Reverend a look.

LOREN
Why don't ya sit outside for a change? Fresh air'll do ya good.

REVEREND
(with a smile)
I'm comfortable.

LOREN
(sighs, pays Cloud Dancing)
Two makes ten.

Cloud Dancing nods his thanks, then moves to the door, running into Mike on her way in. They're happy to see each other.

(CONTINUED)


24.


CONTINUED: 19

MIKE
Cloud Dancing. I didn't know you were in town today. Can you stay for lunch?

CLOUD DANCING
I am sorry, Michaela. I have -- an appointment... with Dorothy.

MIKE
(hesitates, then smiles)
Oh.

At this, Loren perks up and looks over with a scowl. Cloud Dancing nods to Mike, then leaves.

Mike moves inside.

MIKE
Good morning, Reverend. Loren.

REVEREND
Michaela.

MIKE
(uncomfortable)
Loren, I need to buy a few things. And I'll need to charge them to my account.

Loren flips to Mike's page in his ledger.

LOREN
Well, I s'pose I could --
(looks at Mike pointedly)
Start another page.

MIKE
(reacts)
I appreciate it.

Mike proceeds to shop.


EXT. WOODS - DAY THREE 20

Through a thicket of trees, we see Dorothy, holding her parasol, following a few feet behind Cloud Dancing. The image should be lovely and lyrical -- an unusual couple out for a stroll in the peaceful forest setting.



25.


+CLOSER 21

Cloud Dancing stoops by the base of a tree and digs up some roots. Dorothy cranes her neck to observe.

CLOUD DANCING
(TBA: in Cheyenne)
Valerian and Black Cohosh ...
(beat)
In English, Valerian and Black Cohosh.

Dorothy nods, learning, writing it down. Cloud Dancing gets up and shows her the herbs.

CLOUD DANCING
Both can be brewed as tea for a deep healing sleep.

DOROTHY
(intrigued)
The tea helps ya to sleep.

Cloud Dancing nods and they keep walking.

DOROTHY
How'd ya learn about all a these herbs?

CLOUD DANCING
I was taught by my father, who was taught by his...

DOROTHY
(taking notes)
Passed on through the generations...

CLOUD DANCING
Yes. It was a great honor to receive this knowledge, but now my family, my son, is gone... and the tribes, they are scattered.
(disturbed)
I ask myself... who will be taught now? Now, who will know?

DOROTHY
You're teachin' me, Cloud Dancin', and I'm writing it all down. So more people will be able to learn...

Cloud Dancing nods appreciatively. He spots a bush.

CLOUD DANCING
Lavender...

(CONTINUED)


26.


CONTINUED: 21

He clips off a sprig and holds it out for Dorothy to smell.

Dorothy smiles and steps closer. As she inhales the heady scent, she meets Cloud Dancing's close steady gaze -- and gets slightly mesmerized.

DOROTHY
And -- what's lavender used for?

CLOUD DANCING
Nothing. It smells good.

Dorothy looks at Cloud Dancing. He smiles beguilingly. She smiles back. A beat. They stare into each other's eyes. She lifts her face toward his. He leans closer. But at the last instant, Dorothy gets nervous -- and moves away toward more greenery.

DOROTHY
What's this ... ?

CLOUD DANCING
(composing himself)
Let me see.

They continue hiking together.


EXT. LIVERY - DAY THREE 22

Sully and Daniel walk over.

DANIEL
So what time do ya leave tomorrow?

SULLY
'Round eight.

Robert E leads over Sully's horse.

ROBERT E
Got 'im all set for your trip, Sully. Took the liberty a puttin' on a new set a shoes.

Sully hesitates -- this means another expense.

SULLY
Four shoes...

ROBERT E
I didn't want ya to run into any trouble out there.

(CONTINUED)


27.


CONTINUED: 22

SULLY
Yeah -- thanks, Robert E...

Sully reaches into his pocket. Robert E realizes Sully's concern and leans closer to stop him without fuss.

ROBERT E
Forget about it.

Sully nods, grateful. Daniel looks on, admiring Robert E's unpretentious compassion.

As Robert E returns to work, Matthew approaches on his horse.

DANIEL
Hey, Sheriff.

MATTHEW
Hey, Daniel. Sully? I got somethin' to tell ya, I thought you should know.

Matthew climbs off his horse.

SULLY
What is it?

MATTHEW
It might just be rumors an' all, but the word is... that rancher who hired ya?
(Sully nods)
Heard if his cattle don't sell at the right price, he don't pay 'is men what's been promised.

SULLY
That so?

MATTHEW
Like I said, I only heard it. But it's a risk.
(beat)
Maybe you shouldn't go.

SULLY
I got to, Matthew. If he pays like he should that's a big pot a money.

MATTHEW
I know.

Matthew takes Sully aside for a private moment.

(CONTINUED)


28.


CONTINUED: (2) 22

MATTHEW
But I been thinkin'... I could sell my homestead. After all, you gave it to me --

Sully lets this kind gesture register -- but cannot accept it.

SULLY
That's right, Matthew, I gave it to ya.

MATTHEW
But I wanna help --

SULLY
I know, an' I 'preciate it. But you keep your house. Ev'rythin's gonna work out fine.

Grateful, Sully puts his hand on Matthew's shoulder. Matthew nods, glances at Daniel, then walks his horse toward his office.

DANIEL
You got a lot a people that care about ya.

Sully nods. Daniel proceeds carefully:

DANIEL
Sully, look -- it seems a real shame you havin' to leave your family for some job that may not pay off -- and all so's you can hand whatever money ya make over to him?

Daniel glances scornfully at Preston's bank.

SULLY
I got no choice, Daniel. I borrowed money from the bank, I gotta pay it back.

DANIEL
But s'pose ya forget that cattle drive. S'pose ya borrow the money from me.

Sully is ready to balk, but Daniel cuts him off.

DANIEL
Hear me out. Let me lend ya the money. Then ya can pay that banker off and owe the money to me.

(CONTINUED)


29.


CONTINUED: (3) 22

SULLY
No. Lettin' money come b'tween friends ain't good.

DANIEL
Well, I ain't takin' "no" for an answer just yet. You think about it, an' I'll ask ya again.

Sully sighs, then nods, agreeing to consider the offer.


INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT THREE 23

Brian and Mike, who holds Katie in her lap, watch Daniel skillfully move a quarter around his fingers.


+ANGLE ON - SULLY 24

He sharpens his knife at the fire. His pack is beside him, ready for the trip. He glances over, glad to see Daniel entertaining the family.


+RESUME 25

Daniel suddenly pops open his hand -- the coin is gone.

BRIAN
Where is it?

DANIEL
Right here --

With his other hand, Daniel "magically" pulls the coin out of Katie's ear. Brian and Mike grin. Daniel takes the baby.

DANIEL
You c'mere now, sweet girl -- let's see if I can shake any more change outta ya...

To Katie's delight, Daniel bounces her on his knee.

Brian looks at Sully and sees him tying up his pack. Brian's smile fades. He approaches Sully, troubled.

SULLY
Daniel showin' you all a his tricks?

BRIAN
Yeah.
(beat)
I like havin' an Uncle.

(CONTINUED)


30.


CONTINUED: 25

Sully is pleased that Brian feels this way about Daniel.

BRIAN
Wish you could be aroun' while he's here.

SULLY
Brian, we talked about this --

BRIAN
I know. But Daniel's your friend, Pa.
(blurts it out)
Why won't ya just take the money?

Sully looks at him quizzically. Daniel and Mike glance over.

SULLY
How'd you know 'bout that?

Brian pales, realizing his flub.

BRIAN
I...

Brian trades awkward glances with Daniel.

MIKE
Brian?

Daniel gets up. He doesn't want Brian to take the heat.

DANIEL
Sully -- Brian wrote me a letter.

SULLY
A letter?

DANIEL
(no big deal)
He just wrote that times were tough.

Sully and Mike look at Brian for an explanation.

BRIAN
When I saw how much you 'n Ma were worryin' -- an' you havin' to leave home all the time -- I didn't know what else to do...

Sully is steamed, feeling duped. Brian feels terrible.

(CONTINUED)


31.


CONTINUED: (2) 25

BRIAN
'Til I remembered how you went to help Daniel when he needed ya.
(beat)
I'm sorry, Pa.

Mike puts her arm on Brian's shoulder and gives Sully a look -- don't be too hard on him.

SULLY
I know ya meant well, Brian, but --
(turns to Daniel)
You knew when ya came that we needed the money.

DANIEL
Yeah, I did.

SULLY
That makes it charity, Daniel.

DANIEL
It ain't charity.

MIKE
Sully, I'm sure Daniel meant --

SULLY
It's charity, Michaela, pure 'n simple.

Sully turns away to secure his pack. Case closed. Mike gives Daniel a sympathetic look.


EXT. HOMESTEAD -- MORNING - DAY FOUR 26

Sully takes his pack off a fence post, slings it over his shoulder, then turns to Mike, Brian, and Katie to say his goodbyes.

SULLY
Be back 'fore ya know it.

Sully kisses Mike, then glances toward the porch as Daniel steps outside. He goes over to him.

SULLY
Look. I 'preciate what ya tried to do. Still, --

DANIEL
I understand. You gotta take care a this thing on your own.

Sully nods, happy that Daniel understands him.

(CONTINUED)


32.


CONTINUED: 26

SULLY
I'm grateful you're stickin' aroun' while I'm gone to look after things.

DANIEL
'Course, Sully. Glad to.

SULLY
Be good to see ya when I get back.

Daniel smiles. Sully climbs onto his horse, which is saddled in preparation for the cattle drive.

BRIAN
Bye, Sully.

SULLY
See ya soon.

Sully exchanges another look with Mike, then gallops off.


+CLOSE ON - MIKE 27

Watching him, missing him already.


+CLOSE ON - SULLY 28

As he pauses at the top of the drive and looks back.


+SULLY'S POV 29

Daniel waves beside Mike, Brian, and Katie. They look like a family.


+SULLY 30

Waves back, comforted by the sight of his old friend staying in his absence. He gallops away.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO





33.


ACT THREE


FADE IN:


INT. CLINIC - DAY FIVE 31

Mike lifts her new microscope out of its packing crate. She admires it, then notices the invoice and puts the scope down with a perturbed sigh.

Mike glances over at her new instruments, touching them with fond regret. She sits at her desk, takes a breath, and jots down some notes.

There's a knock on the door. Mike looks up.

MIKE
Come in.

Mike is surprised to see Daniel enter.

MIKE
Daniel.

DANIEL
Don't mean to intrude. Thought ya might like to stop for lunch.

MIKE
Oh, I'd love to, Daniel, but I can't, I'm too busy.

Daniel glances around the empty office, raising an eyebrow.

MIKE
(smiles slightly)
Not with my patients, I'm -- well, I've decided to sell a few of my supplies.

DANIEL
But I thought ya just bought 'em.

MIKE
I did. -- in fact, my microscope just came today -- but I have to contribute something. Sully's away, working so hard, and my supplies are brand new -- I'm sure I could get a good price for them.

(CONTINUED)


34.


CONTINUED: 31

DANIEL
Michaela, I'm afraid your supplies stopped bein' "brand new" the second ya opened the package. Prob'ly worth sixty, maybe seventy percent a what ya paid for 'im. 'Sides, someday you're just gonna have to buy new ones.

Mike sighs, not pleased to be reminded of all this.

MIKE
If only more of my patients paid me in cash.

DANIEL
Have ya asked 'em to?

MIKE
I assumed if they could that they would.
(beat)
Wouldn't they?

Daniel smiles.

DANIEL
Seems to me, most folks could afford to pay ya somethin'. But the first thing ya gotta do --

Daniel stops, not wanting to impose his ideas. But Mike wants to hear them.

MIKE
Go on, Daniel, please.

DANIEL
(simply)
Set your prices.

MIKE
(a new concept)
Prices?

DANIEL
Sure. Ya gotta set 'em just like Grace does at the cafe, or Robert E at the livery, or Hank and Jake over at their hotel.

MIKE
But I'm treating illness and injury, I'm not selling soup or renting rooms.

(CONTINUED)


35.


CONTINUED: (2) 31

DANIEL
(gently)
You're a fine doctor, Michaela, 'n that's most important, but I think ya got a right to get paid for your services, just like ev'rybody else.

Mike can't argue with that, but --

MIKE
Most of the people in this town are poor.

DANIEL
Then lemme ask ya somethin' -- if you were workin' back in Boston now, treatin' folks in some fancy office, you'd have no trouble chargin' 'em?

MIKE
I suppose not.

DANIEL
Good. So if somebody back in Boston cut his finger, what would ya charge 'im to stitch it up?

MIKE
A simple cut? I'm not sure. One dollar, perhaps?

DANIEL
Then charge the folks here fifty cents.

Mike absorbs this. Daniel continues.

DANIEL
Two bits to treat a catarrh? Two dollars to set a broken bone?

Mike listens, warming to Daniel's suggestions.

DANIEL
An appendix -- how much would that cost to take out?

MIKE
(thinking fast)
Five dollars?

(CONTINUED)


36.


CONTINUED: (3) 31

DANIEL
That's worth two-and-a-half broken bones right there.

Mike smiles.

DANIEL
A carbuncle. Now what would ya charge for a carbuncle?

MIKE
(in the spirit)
Hmm ... Large or small?

They share a smile.


EXT. GRACE'S CAFE - DAY FIVE 32

Jake, Hank, Loren and the Reverend enjoy their dessert.

JAKE
Best pie west a the Mississippi.

The others agree, eating it. Hank signals Grace.

HANK
Grace? 'Nother piece a your pumpkin pie.

Grace sweeps by.

GRACE
Sorry. Just sold the last of it.

Hank mournfully watches her serve the slice to another table.

HANK
That was my pie...

Hank slumps, then notices -- the Reverend is innocently sipping his coffee, leaving his pie exposed.

Hank slyly moves his fork toward the Reverend's plate. Jake and Loren grow silent, watching him. The Reverend reacts to the sudden quiet, catching on just in time.

REVEREND
(protecting his pie)
Don't even think about it.

LOREN
(to Hank with disdain)
Tryin' ta steal food from a blind man. A blind Reverend.



37.


+ANGLE ON - DOROTHY 33

She pleasantly approaches the men's table, holding some notebooks.

DOROTHY
Afternoon, gentlemen.

REVEREND
Dorothy. Won't you join us?

Dorothy smiles, about to take a seat beside him, when --

JAKE
She won't like it here, Reverend. No Injuns.

Dorothy frowns and stays standing.

HANK
Hey, Dorothy, gotta warn ya -- some folks say ya spend too much time with their kind an' your skin'll turn as red as your hair.

Dorothy gets flustered as Jake and Hank chortle. Loren looks torn, both critical and protective of her.

REVEREND
Hank --

DOROTHY
Never mind, Reverend. I could use the quiet. I got work to do.

Dorothy looks sharply at Jake and Hank, exchanges troubled glances with Loren, then moves to another table.

LOREN
(to Jake and Hank)
Whatcha sayin'