Paladin, Chapter 15

 EXT. STREET - DAY

PALADIN walks down street until he reaches saloon and enters.

INT. SALOON - DAY

PALADIN enters saloon.  He walks to bar where lone bartender is cleaning glasses.  In the far corner of saloon he notices CHARLES and POLLYANNA sitting at a table engaged in conversation he couldn't hear.

PALADIN: (to bartender) Good morning.

Bartender looks up while continuing his work, but says nothing.

PALADIN: My name's PALADIN.  SHERIFF ROGERS appointed me as his deputy while he is out of town for a couple of days.  He took a prisoner to Reno to stand trial for murder.  

Bartender continues to be mute.

PALADIN: Nice talking to you.

PALADIN heads to table to talk to CHARLES and POLLYANNA.  He pulls up a chair and sits down to join the two.

PALADIN: Morning.  Mind if I join your conversation.  The bartender isn't a very good conversationalist.

CHARLES and POLLYANNA don't seem happy about the intrusion to their private talk.

POLLYANNA: What's that badge on your chest?  A joke?

PALADIN: No joke.  The sheriff appointed me his deputy while he's gone to Reno for a couple of days.  Thought I'd let you two know.

POLLYANNA: Okay.  We know.  Now, if you'll excuse us...

PALADIN: CHARLES, I was just talking to GRACE at the store and she was wondering where you were.  

CHARLES: Thank you for the information.  Have a good day, Deputy Sheriff.

PALADIN: You know, I'm sure I don't have to tell you, your wife is a very attractive woman.

CHARLES: What did you say?

PALADIN: Now I really must be going.  A deputy sheriff has many places to visit in town.  

CHARLES attempts to grab PALADIN's arm as he rises.  PALADIN avoids the attempt.

PALADIN: Is there something more you'd like to say, CHARLES?

He shakes his head in the negative and PALADIN leaves the saloon.

CHARLES: (to POLLYANNA) What was that all about...him talking about GRACE like that?

POLLYANNA: You're a fool, CHARLES.  He's trying to make you jealous...so's you'll leave me here and rush back to your mousy wife.

CHARLES: Yeah, you're probably right.  GRACE...very attractive?  Not is...never was.

POLLYANNA: Forget about her.  Look at me.  What do you see?

CHARLES: I see a beautiful woman.  A woman I want.  Not the woman I'm stuck with.  If it wasn't for my business losses years ago, I never would have married her.

POLLYANNA: And now that you're in a better situation and have found a better woman, you need to do something about Grace.  

CHARLES: You mean get a divorce?  It would cost me plenty.  Her father left everything in GRACE's name.  I'm only her husband.  If I weren't I'd have nothing.

POLLYANNA: But, you would inherit everything upon her death.

CHARLES: Death?  What are you suggesting?

POLLYANNA: I'm not suggesting nothing.  I'm just stating facts...facts that you should think about.  Enough of GRACE.  Will I see you tonight?

CHARLES: Of course.