Scene IX

The scene opens up at Hooch Central, where Boo is typing madly at her laptop. Her soup is getting cold because she had not touched it. She jumps when she thinks that she hears her cell phone ring but she realizes that it is the phone of Bertie, who is next to her.
Bertie: (Picks her jacket up from beside her, searches it until she finds the ringing apparatus and answers) Hello? (pause) Yes this is she. (brow furrowing) Hello, Deputy, what can I do for you? (pause) I'm at Hooch Central. (pause) Yes my mother is here too. (she pauses and is beginning to look worried) Yes I can do that. (pause) ok, goodbye Deputy.
Sergey and Spook are looking at Bertie in concern, but Boo is still is in her own little world with her laptop.
Spook: What is it Bertie? What did the Deputy want?
Bertie: I'm not sure, he didn't say. (looking flustered) He just said that he wanted to talk to my mother and I. He told me to wait here, and to make sure my mother doesn't leave.
Sergey: That is so strange; you don't think she's in some trouble do you?
Bertie: I don't know, but I don't think I have to worry about her leaving any time soon, she'll perched on that stool until I drag her home.
After a few moments of silence, in the background we see Scout South burst through the restaurant door. He stops, looks around until his gaze meets up with the table of interest, and then stomps over. The ruggedly handsome lumberjack clumsily takes a seat and begins talking excitedly.
Scout: K, so guys, have you ever been to the tree? You know the big one outside of town? It’s got like this huge vine...
Spook: (interrupting him hastily) Not now Scout! (Scout is now looking dejected). Oh, I'm sorry, it's just not the right time for one of your silly stories.
Scout: (Still pouting, but now looking more concerned and incredulous) Something wrong?
Sergey: Apparently Deputy Grafton wants to have a word with Bertie and her mother; he's on his way over here.
Scout: Well isn't that something? What in the world could the Deputy want with Bertie or her mother?
Spook: We don't know, that’s the problem.
Scout: Oh, I see
Bertie: Could we stop talking about this as if I'm not here, or as if some terrible tragedy has happened? We don't know anything yet, nor should we assume the worst.
Spook: Yes you're quite right Bertie, the only thing accomplished from having expectations of the worst is a sense of dread.
The group is now left to their own thoughts, especially Boo who hasn't paid attention to a single event that has passed. The camera then cuts back to the Maine residence. We see Burt standing in the middle of the room thoughtfully sipping his Martini, but Maccabees has left. Ginger Sixth enters and picks up the martini on the table
Ginger: (looking deeply concerned) How did it go?
Burt: (breathing in deeply) It went as well as could've been expected. He wasn't happy.
Ginger: Well it's about time you lay down the law with that boy Burt, he needs to have more respect for you.
Burt: (looking at her intently) Yes, he does.
Ginger: (smiling sweetly she reaches out her free hand and places it on his shoulder gently) When do you plan on telling him about us Bert?
Burt: I don't know, it's going to have to be soon, seeing as we’re getting married in a month.
Ginger: Speaking of which we have some planning to do. I've made arrangements for us to have lunch tomorrow with the Wedding coordinator. We need to go over just a few things.
Burt: All right, what time did you want to meet?
Ginger: We're going to have lunch at Hooch Central at 11:45
Burt: (he puts his martini down on the table) Ginger (putting both hands on her shoulders and looks her squarely in the eye) are you sure?
Ginger:(puzzled) Burt, I made the appointment weeks ago, I have it written in my Day timer.
Burt: (his face full of passionate frustration) No Ginger, I mean marrying me.
Ginger: oh, silly Burt, of course I'm sure.
The camera cuts back to Rusty Parts Auto shop