Margaret hears FOOTSTEPS on the stairs and slips out of sight as --
SAUNDERS
and his men walk down the stairs and cross the lobby toward the dining room.
INT. DINING ROOM - SENECA HOTEL (CONTINUOUS)
Saunders and his men stop at the doorway. They look around the room for a young woman dining alone. Saunder's eyes finally settle on --
THE KID
sitting alone at the table. A place is set across from him but the chair is empty.
RESUME - DINING ROOM
Saunders crosses to The Kid
Excuse me.
(as The Kid looks)
Was there a yound lady seated with you?
KID
Yes.
SAUNDERS
Where is she?
His brusque tone annoys The Kid.
Why do you want to know?
SAUNDERS
(abruptly)
It's a military matter. Now where did she go?
CONTINUED:
The Kid hesitates, reluctant to help, then offers the little he knows.
She said she wasn't feeling well and excused herself.
Saunders turns to the Soldiers.
Look out back. I'll check in the street.
They hurry out of the dining room.
TIGHT ON THE KID
Concerned, wondering what's going on.
INT. SALOON - ROCK CREEK - DAY
TIGHT ON A GUN HANDLE pounding a table, trying to quell a dissonant chorus of VOICES.
Quiet. Quiet Now!
ANGLE ON SALOON
Where business is temprotarily suspended while an informal town meeting takes place. Two dozen RESIDENTS participate. Among them are TOMPKINS, Rachel, Lou, Codyu and NOAH. Teaspoon bangs on the table to restore order. Jesse and a few other STUDENTS watch the proceedings from just outside the doorway.
Settle down, folks.
(as quiet is restored)
That's enough talk, it's time to vote. All in favor of a special tax to rebuild the schoolhouse say aye.
Most of the restidents raise their voices in support.
Aye!
TEASPOON
All opposed?
Tompkins d a few others vote against the measure. Jesse and the students join the chorus, hoping to sway the outcome.
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