That WHORE! While the good Reverend, the father of her child, is out looking for a runaway young girl, the harlot is on her back with her supposedly soon-to-be ex-husband's hands all over her abdomen. The growing indication of the Reverend's baby. The poor Reverend was obviously hurt by the scene, but like the truly wonderful man he is, he put his own feelings aside. He showed more concern for Zoey instead of dwelling on the fact the mother of his unborn child had just hurt him deeply.
Unfortunately, nothing can be done to the harlot, at least not yet. As for that disgusting, despicable husband of hers, the same cannot be said. He will be greatly punished for causing the Reverend to hurt.
Dear God, please provide me with the strength to fulfill your plan. Please watch over the harlot's baby, as well. In Jesus' name, Amen.
The sound of the doorbell wafts through the mansion, rousing Adrian from his sleep. Momentarily, he is confused, but once he looks down beside him, at Evelyn curled into his side asleep, he remembers how the two talked about Zoey and Ayda. The conversation then, of course, switched to their own children. Evelyn's exhaustion was becoming more apparent but she refused to go to bed, determined to stay up until the situation was resolved. Adrian didn't argue. Instead, he watched as she leaned back against the sofa, her eyes drooping. When she had finally relaxed enough, he pulled her closer. She didn't fight the contact which pleased him immensely. Apparently, while she slumbered, he also fell into a light sleep, his handing resting on her stomach. His neck and back are less than appreciative of his sleeping position.
The doorbell sounds again forcing Adrian to stand. Carefully he extracts himself from Evelyn then heads into the foyer. As he rounds the corner her notices Carmen standing at the door, her hand on her hip. Her irritation is palpable as she speaks with the person at the door. Nearing the door, Adrian can see the visitor is a young girl with a baby in an umbrella stroller. Adrian knows exactly who this young lady is.
"Mr. Powell," Carmen huffs, for once glad to see her boss. "This kid is insisting she speak with Mrs. Powell, even though it is really late!" Carmen narrows her eyes at the girl, receiving an equally menacing look in return.
"I just need to talk to her. She can call the Reverend!" Zoey almost pleads, defiance shining in her eyes as she glares at the maid.
"It is after ten; don't you have a curfew?" Carmen asks with more sass than the teenager. Adrian rolls his eyes, slightly worried how Carmen will handle his and Evelyn's child if she can't even handle a few minutes of talking with Zoey.
"I'll see this lovely, young lady to Mrs. Powell," Adrian tells Carmen. He realizes if the girl is left with their hostile maid much longer, she might leave. Evelyn would not appreciate that, and honestly, Adrian doesn't like the thought of this young girl and her baby out wandering the streets of L.A. at night. "Come along dear, she's right this way."
Adrian leads the girl into the study. He watches as she studies her new surroundings, a look of awe on her face. She has never been in such a nice house with such luxurious items. Adrian is aware that a young child couldn't care less if it lives in a large home, and it doesn't matter if the child is loved, but from what Evelyn has told him, Zoey has experienced the sparsest of lives. The hardships she has faced is nothing any child should have to endure. He fights the urge to put his arm around the young girl, mostly because from the wary glances she shoots his way, she would probably assault him if he tried. Adrian doesn't blame her, once again reminded of everything this girl has been through.
"Evelyn," Adrian says softly, running his hand up and down her arm. Evelyn stirs and mumbles, opening her eyes slowly.
"What do you want?" She groans. She is so comfortable, and sleeping feels so nice.
"Zoey's here to see you."
Evelyn's eyes widen at the girl's name. She bolts upright, cursing silently as the room begins to spin at the sudden movement. Through the dizziness, she spots the girl and baby, relieved to see they are both all right. She studies Zoey's face, the telltale signs of shed tears staining her cheeks and leaving her eyes puffy. Ayda appears unfazed by all of this, happily kicking and gurgling in the stroller.
Adrian watches as Evelyn hugs the young girl. Like most children, the girl seems completely at ease with Evelyn. It was a surprising sight to witness when Evelyn and he began dating. They had attended a country club event where some of the families brought their children. Most were not happy to see children at the event, but Evelyn had brightened at their appearance. While the adults drank, and gossiped, Evelyn was perfectly content sitting with one of the little boys on her lap while the other three or four children regaled her with tales of their lives. Twenty-five plus years later, and she still shines when surrounded by children in the role of nurturer.
Adrian pours Zoey a glass of water as he watches. Evelyn is talking to the girl, trying to explain how dangerous it is for her to be out in L.A. at such a late hour. Zoey is dismissive of the claim but respectful. Ayda is starting to wriggle, unhappy little noises escaping her so Zoey unfastens her from the stroller and hands her to Evelyn. With the baby in her arms, and a smile adorning her face, Evelyn instructs Zoey to have a seat on the sofa. Adrian brings over her water which she reluctantly accepts. She isn't sure whether or not to trust this man.
"Is he yo baby daddy?" Zoey asks, taking a sip of water. Adrian cringes at the term, about to explain that he is the father of his wife's child, but Evelyn sends him a look. She isn't any fonder of the term than he is, especially since it belies the girl's vast vernacular, but she doesn't want to alienate Zoey.
"Yes, he is." She nods, waiting for the girl's reaction.
"Wow, I assumed the Reverend is," Zoey shrugs, her speech returning to that of the intelligent young lady Evelyn is familiar with. Evelyn shakes her head, realizing it is only logical that Zoey would think James is the father. "Violet will be happy to hear that!" Zoey laughs.
"She is aware of my pregnancy?" Evelyn asks, not really surprised considering her expanding middle. Zoey nods. "And she is under the assumption James is the father?" Again, Zoey nods. Evelyn groans and hangs her head. James' entire congregation probably thinks she is carrying his child.
"Zoey told Carmen she would like you to call James," Adrian says, growing tired of hearing how everyone thinks the Reverend is the father of his child.
"Please! Maybe if he talks to Aunt Tawny she will change her mind about the old people home." Zoey looks pleadingly at Evelyn.
Evelyn agrees and pulls out her phone. She dials James' number then hands the phone to Zoey when it begins to ring. While Zoey talks to James, Evelyn stands from the sofa with Ayda in her arms. She walks over to the bar where Adrian has once again taken up residence.
"She seems comfortable with you." Adrian motions to the baby. Evelyn smiles adoringly at Ayda then presses a kiss to her temple. "So does she." This time Adrian motions to Zoey.
"She is a very intelligent child who has experienced a lot of horrible things in her short life," Evelyn sighs sadly. She holds Ayda closer, pressing another kiss to her temple.
"He wants to talk to you," Zoey interrupts, bringing the phone to Evelyn. Evelyn takes the phone, hands the baby back to her mother, then steps away from Zoey and Adrian.
"James," she says, hoping he has been able to smooth things out with the aunt.
"Hey, we're on our way over. Is it ok if she hangs out for a while?" James hates to ask, but if Zoey taes off again there is no telling where she will end up.
"Of course!" Evelyn answers immediately. She is glad the girl has decided to come to someone she knows for help.
Once Evelyn completes the call, she invites Zoey back to the sofa. Evelyn inquiries about her grandmother's health. The girl quickly launches into an explanation of how her aunt believes it would be best for everyone if the grandmother was placed into a nursing home. Due to the aunt's work schedule, Violet's work schedule, Zoey's schooling, and caring for baby Ayda, there isn't the time to provide proper care for the grandmother. Zoey doesn't understand this, in her mind everything will be all right if they handle it as a family. Adrian and Evelyn are impressed by what she is willing to do to help, but as she speaks it becomes clear the aunt's suggestion is the best solution.
Zoey has moved onto a happier topic of conversation when the Powells hear the front door open. Adrian is momentarily annoyed that the Reverend so easily comes and goes in his house, but he puts the thought away. The most important matter currently is Zoey and Ayda and reuniting them with their family. Even if that does mean James waltzes through his house, and that violent looking young woman accompanies him.
"Zoey!" Violet hisses as she steps into the study. James places a calming hand to her shoulder, but her anger doesn't abate. "What were you thinking?" She demands, rounding the sofa to come stand in front of Zoey. "Is Ayda ok?" She reaches for the baby but Zoey pulls her away.
"I can take care of my own baby!" She insists, sounding like the petulant teenager she is.
"Zoey, what if you, me, and your sister go talk? I'm sure Evelyn wouldn't mind watching Ayda." James is well attuned to the moods of teens, and if he doesn't do something immediately, the young girl is likely to take off again.
"Come along, Ayda, you can spit up on the sofa so our grouchy, lazy maid will have something other than her phone or her nails to keep her busy tomorrow," Evelyn says sweetly to the baby as she takes her from Zoey.
"I don't do baby puke," Carmen says, appearing in the doorway with crossed arms.
"If only your cleaning skills were as impeccable as your eavesdropping skills," Adrian sighs. Carmen huffs then walks away before she is roped into watching that baby.
"We'll just be outside," James tells Evelyn.
"Carmen will show you to the library. You can talk there," Evelyn offers.
Carmen reappears, narrows her eyes at Evelyn, then leads the three to the seldom used library. The books are frequently read, but the actual room itself is never occupied. If it was, Carmen wouldn't spend most of her time re-shelving the books left astray in the study.
Evelyn resumes her seat on the sofa, placing Ayda in her lap so the baby is facing her. Adrian watches his wife with the baby, remembering how she would spend hours simply holding Barrett, amazed by their child. Adrian had been the same way, but Evelyn was always radiant as she gazed down at their son. Ayda might not be hers, but she is glowing as she interacts with the infant.
"You never answered my question." Now that they know Zoey is safe, he remembers what he asked her before they were interrupted.
"And what question was that?" She knows what he is talking about, but she still isn't sure if she should provide him with the answer.
"Are we having a daughter or another son?" He asks slowly as he takes a seat beside her. He looks at her expectantly, the look on his face reminding her of how Barrett used to look when he was excited over something.
"You said you wanted to be surprised," She reminds him.
"At the time, yes, but now I want to know. So, is it a boy or a girl?" Adrian is literally on the edge of his seat. Evelyn considers toying with him but strikes the idea.
"Think about it tonight, and if you still want to know in the morning, I will tell you."
It isn't the answer Adrian was hoping for, but Evelyn knows her husband. Adrian wants what he thinks he wants, becoming so obsessed with it he doesn't think it through completely. Evelyn expects to be met with some resistance, but Adrian simply nods.
"Fine," he sighs, leaning back into the sofa. Ayda giggles at this. "You found that funny, did you?" Adrian asks the baby, siting back up. He studies the little girl, a large, toothless grin crossing her face as she looks at him.
"Is he funny, Ayda?" Evelyn ask, tickling the baby's side. Ayda wriggles and giggles again.
Twice in twelve hours James walks in on Adrian and Evelyn in the middle of a private moment. It isn't as intimate as the earlier moment he interrupted, but this one is so domestic and playful James can't help but feel a bit of jealousy. They sit on the sofa, Evelyn holding Ayda as Adrian does silly things to make her laugh. Each time she laughs they do as well.
"Where's Ayda?" Violet asks as she stops beside James. Her eyes narrow at the scene she is greeted with.
"I will get my baby!" Zoey tells Violet tersely, pushing past her.
Zoey thanks Evelyn for her help then takes Ayda. She folds the stroller up and heads out the front door to James' car. Violet follows behind her, obviously still angry, but she has shut down. She appears to not even pay Zoey or Ayda any attention. Adrian finds it a bit odd, the girl's sudden change in behavior, but he finds the girl, herself, odd. Wisely, he doesn't comment. James pulls Evelyn to the side as he watches the girls walk away.
"Thank you for your help," James tells Evelyn, his tone cooler than usual. She gives him a confused look but he continues before she can say anything. "I'm going to the hospital with them. I'll call you tomorrow." He drops a quick kiss to her cheek then bids her a good night.
Adrian is surprised by the aloofness of his tone. He is also taken aback by the fact Evelyn doesn't say anything. Whenever the two of them fight, Evelyn always tries to have the last word. It could just be that her relationship with James is different, but Adrian doesn't think it's just that. He wonders if maybe the good Reverend is finally growing tired of the unexpected situation the three find themselves in. He can't blame the man, and the Reverend's departure would help him achieve his goal of reuniting with Evelyn, but he doesn't want Evelyn hurt. Not again. Somehow, there must be a way for Evelyn to end this relationship of her own volition, but currently Adrian doesn't see that happening. For the night, he decides to shelf the thoughts of how to end this relationship without allowing Evelyn to get hurt.
Adrian and Evelyn have spent the hour since Zoey's departure sitting on the sofa discussing Zoey and Violet. It isn't lost on either that this new child of theirs, as well as Barrett, is cheated out of having that sibling bond. While Zoey and Violet are angry at each other, they are sisters and they care for one another. This new child of theirs will never have that bond. Their baby will not know its older brother, a fact that saddens them both.
"Barrett would be a wonderful big brother," Evelyn smiles at the thought. Adrian nods in agreement, remembering how taken their son had always been with babies. A trait he inherited from his mother.
"Yes," Adrian agrees. "Although, he would probably find it weird having a sibling so much younger." Barrett will forever be six in their minds, but if he had lived he would be twenty-five.
"He might have a child of his own," Evelyn says, tears forming in her eyes. Adrian nods, once again hit by the unfairness of it all. Not only did they lose a child, their child lost a chance at a bright and promising future. He closes his eyes against the tears and the thoughts.
"We're too young to be grandparents," Adrian tells her, hoping to lighten the mood.
"Apparently, we are still young enough to be parents," Evelyn smiles proudly, cupping her stomach. Adrian is relieved by how quickly she recovers. They will always miss Barrett, and they will never stop loving him, but they need to start celebrating this new life without allowing their grief over Barrett's death, and the fear of losing this child, to overshadow their joy.
A comfortable silence has fallen over the two as they sit thinking about their children. They have so many hopes for this new child. Evelyn yawns, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. She hates to end this moment Adrian and she are sharing, but she is exhausted. Her feet ache, the hour is only growing later, and like it or not, her earlier shopping trip has left her spent. Adrian can read the inner battle in Evelyn's eyes. He stands from the sofa, extending his hand out to her. She glares at his offensive outstretched hand.
"I am completely capable of standing without assistance!" Evelyn scoffs, standing easily to her feet.
"I was just trying to be polite," Adrian replies calmly, holding his hands up in surrender. He doesn't want to lose this current peace that has settled between them.
"Thank you for the offer, but I'm not that big yet."
Evelyn appreciates the concern, but she is already dreading the days when something as simple as standing will require assistance. It was hard enough when she was pregnant with Barrett, and she was much younger then.
Together, the two exit the study. Adrian turns out the lights then follows Evelyn up the stairs. They bid each other a goodnight then part to their separate rooms. By the time Evelyn changes into night clothes, she is so exhausted she doesn't give any thought to her phone which she left down stairs in the study.
Glory to God! The harlot isn't carrying the Reverend's child. She is pregnant by that lecherous husband. As to why she has stayed with the Reverend this long remains unclear. She has ample reason to leave him and return to her husband.
Something must be done about those two; the Powells. They have tainted the Reverend but he is strong. God will protect him. Zoey, however, doesn't need to be anywhere near them, and neither does Ayda. They don't deserve a child of their own, either. That entire family, even the unborn child, is pure evil. Something must be done to stoop them.
God has shown me the and now I know the Powells must be eradicated. Dear Lord, it isn't an easy choice but it is one that must be carried out. Please provide me with the strength to fulfill your wishes. In Jesus' name, Amen.
It has been a long, exhausting day. James feels every stressful minute as he finally sits down on his bed. There have many worse days, usually runaway teenagers do not turn up so quickly and in such great shape, but the day has been tiring. Attempting to resolve the situation between Zoey and her aunt was a difficult task, but luckily, at least for the night, everyone has decided to see how the grandmother does through the night before making any permanent decisions.
There are other decisions that need to be made, and those decisions are what weigh the heaviest on James' mind. Since the night Evelyn thought she was suffering a miscarriage, things have been different between the two of them. At first James thought she was simply rattled by what had happened, carefully easing back into her normal routine. He then started paying attention how much time Adrian and she were spending together. James has reminded himself throughout the pregnancy that the two will spend time together, they are expecting a child together after all, but this new connection of theirs is more than that. Tonight, seeing them with Ayda, the way they looked at each other, the happiness and hope they share at this new life they have created, James realizes it is more than two parents bonding. Adrian isn't over Evelyn, has never claimed to be, but Evelyn has insisted on many occasions she is over Adrian. James has been in denial this entire time, and no matter what he wants or how many times Evelyn assures him she's over Adrian, the truth of the matter is that Evelyn and Adrian are still very much in love with one another. James should have known better than to become involved with a woman in the process of divorcing her husband.
The shrill ringing of his phone jolts him out of his thoughts. He doesn't allow any more self-ridicule to run through his mind when he sees the name on his screen.
"Did she runaway again?" He asks, forgoing a proper greeting.
"Reverend Hamilton, it's Zoey." The girl sounds frightened.
"Zoey, what's wrong? Did something happen to your grandmother?" James certainly hopes not. The girl was nearly destroyed by her grandfather's death.
"Granny's ok; it's Violet!"
This alarms James. He has just seen both Violet and Zoey. He left them less than an hour ago at the hospital. What could possibly have happened in that short span of time? He asks about Violet, dreading the answer. If something has happened to her, he doesn't see how Zoey will manage. She might rail against her sister, but Violet has been the one constant in her life. Without her older sister's love and guidance, there is no telling what would have become of Zoey or Ayda.
"She was so mad after we left your girlfriend's house, but she calmed down when we got to the hospital, but after you left she got mad again. She kept asking me about Mrs. Powell and calling her a harlot. She kept saying that she shouldn't be pregnant with your baby and I told her it isn't your baby. That only made her madder. She started saying how Mrs. Powell is a whore and….." Zoey continues at a quick pace, obviously upset by her sister's behavior.
James has stopped listening, too caught up on what Violet called Evelyn to decipher anything else out of Zoey's mouth. In the note that arrived with maggot infested chocolates, the send called Evelyn a harlot. Two years earlier, Sarah received a note calling her a harlot. He can't believe what he is thinking, but there is no other explanation. Coincidences do occur, but he doesn't think that's what this is.
"Zoey, where is Violet now?" James asks calmly, much calmer than he feels.
What Zoey says sends chills through James. Violet left the house with their grandfather's gun, mumbling about God's plan. Violet has always appeared to be a sweet girl, but since everything happened with Zoey, Violet has been different. A change in behavior is expected after finding out your uncle has been raping your twelve-year-old sister, and then at thirteen your sister gives birth to his child, but there has always been a little something about Violet that has been different. She is probably no more than twenty-five, and during the almost four years she has worked with Hamilton House, she has always stayed to herself, except when it comes to James. She has always tried to make a point of helping him with everything, going above and beyond her job description. Naively, James has assumed she just wants to help the less fortunate, do God's work. He has been wrong.
Time for self-recrimination will come later, but now he instructs Zoey to stay home in her room. He assures her he will take care of Violet then ends the call. He then calls Evelyn. If Violet is as unhinged as he fears, she will be on her way to the Powell's. James must warn Evelyn. He is in his car speeding toward Evelyn's before the second ring.
The fool who so ineptly named morning sickness was either never pregnant, or just extremely lucky to never suffer from the affliction except in the morning. Evelyn believes it is the former since the person who coined the term was probably a man. She also would like to know the origin of the myth that 'morning sickness' only lasts during the first trimester. She is into the second trimester and continues to suffer. The fact that she is beyond exhausted is not helping matters. All she wanted to do was sleep, but unfortunately, the moment she curled up in her bed, the nausea was plaguing her.
Evelyn makes her way to the kitchen hoping a cup of ginger tea will settle her stomach. When Rosie had first offered it to her after her rather embarrassing reaction to Guy's food, she believed the woman was dumber than originally thought. Much to her surprise, the tea is the only thing that helps with nausea. With the kettle on to boil, she sits down at the island, sighing as she caresses her stomach. As long as this baby is healthy and happy, around the clock 'morning' sickness is a small price to pay.
The ringing doorbell pulls Evelyn from her thoughts, erasing the smile from her face. She glances at the kitchen clock, surprised to see that someone is at their door at such an ungodly hour. Curious as to who this could be, she turns off the stove then heads for the door. As she enters the foyer, Adrian, looking very groggy and sleep tousled, appears at the top of the stairs. He doesn't appear at all pleased to be rousted from his slumber.
"Evelyn?" He asks when he spots her. He thought she was still asleep upstairs.
"Someone is here," she whispers, motioning to the door. Adrian rolls his eyes. If someone wasn't ringing their doorbell, he would still be asleep in bed, not descending the stairs as his wife states the obvious.
The doorbell sounds again. Adrian makes his way down the remainder of the steps and together the two make their way to the door. Adrian takes the lead, peers through the glass in the front door, and is surprised to find Zoey's sister standing there. The woman is crying, but even with tears streaming down her face she looks menacing.
"It's Violet," Adrian whispers to Evelyn. Evelyn is alarmed by this, her thoughts going immediately to Zoey and Ayda. She pushes Adrian aside and opens the door.
"Are Zoey and Ayda all right?" Evelyn asks before the door is fully opened.
Violet stands on the porch with wide eyes. One hand is behind her back, a murderous look overtaking her face when her eyes land on Evelyn then Adrian. She is enraged. The good Reverend has just left the house only a few hours earlier and already the harlot is cozying up to her supposed 'soon-to-be ex'.
"Don't talk about my sister!" Violet demands, stepping closer to Evelyn. Evelyn backs up, the movement allowing Violet entry into the house. Violet raises her hand from behind her back, a small hand gun trained on Evelyn.
Evelyn goes wide eyed, unable to comprehend what is happening. Adrian doesn't have the same problem. He immediately steps between Violet and Evelyn, refusing to stand by silently as a gun is pointed at his wife and unborn child. Violet doesn't appreciate the movement, her finger moving to the trigger.
"Don't move!" She orders, a rabid expression crossing her face.
"Ok," Adrian agrees, holding his hands up in surrender. He is aware they all must stay calm.
"Violet, what are you doing?" Evelyn asks from behind Adrian, her voice quivering.
"What am I doing?" Violet's spits. "What am I doing?" She asks again, her tone pitched higher. "I am fulfilling God's plan. God doesn't like lying, adulteresses who seduce good men of faith."
Evelyn and Adrian exchange glances. James and Adrian both suggested it could be a member of the congregation, but Evelyn was so quick to dismiss the claim. None of those kind, loving people could possibly be capable of the mean-spirited pranks. Unfortunately, she was right. Violet isn't just capable of pranks, she appears very willing and able to commit, at the very least, great bodily harm.
"You've been sending those little 'gifts'?" Adrian asks, partially curious, but more than anything wanting to keep her talking. Maybe if they keep her talking she won't shoot. It isn't the best plan, certainly not a long-term solution, but it's the least Adrian can hope for.
"The chocolates were amateurish, I admit, but I didn't have the heart to mutilate another animal. All of God's creatures are precious." Violet smiles wickedly at the Powells. It feels good to take credit for her handiwork. "Your car was also a bit juvenile." Violet shrugs unapologetically.
Adrian furrows his brow. He doesn't remember seeing anything wrong with Evelyn's car. He glances at Evelyn, a knowing look on her face. Apparently, she knows what the woman is talking about. Before she can stop herself, Evelyn asks, "Did you have anything to do with the food poisoning?"
Adrian is confused by the question. He isn't sure why his wife would jump to this conclusion, but the smirk that crosses Violet's lips confirms Evelyn's suspicions.
"It was really too easy. For such an ungodly woman, you are rather trusting," Violet shakes her head. She takes a step towards the Powells, then another. With each step inside the foyer she forces the Powells to take a step back.
"Why are you doing this?" Evelyn wants to know what is going through this girl's mind.
"Because filthy whores won't leave the Reverend alone. Satan keeps sending lustful, nasty women to lure him away from God, but I won't let that happen. God won't let that happen. I won't allow it!"
Violet aims the gun at Evelyn's stomach, a sudden calm falling over her. Evelyn's eyes widen in horror, the fear freezing her to the spot. Violet squeezes the trigger but before the bullet makes contact with Evelyn, she is hurled to the ground. The bullet meant for her rips into Adrian who has shoved her out of the way. He falls, the back of his head slamming into the bottom stair.
"ADRIAN!" Evelyn screams as she sits up. She strangles back at sob at the sight of her husband's lifeless body, blood beginning to pool around him.
"Don't move," Violet warns in a deathly low growl. The gun is trained on Evelyn, the danger to her unborn child the only thing keeping her from rushing to Adrian's side.
"He needs help!" Evelyn pleads, tears running down her face.
"God will provide him with the 'help' he deserves." Violet's voice is ice cold. She swings the gun from Evelyn back to Adrian. She trains the gun on his head, her finger finding the trigger once again.
"NO!" Evelyn begs.
James is horrified by what he is seeing. The door to the mansion is wide opened, Violet stands in the foyer with a gun, Evelyn is on the ground sobbing, and Adrian lies at the foot of the stairs bleeding. Without thinking, James charges into the room, slams his body into Violet's, and the two fall to the ground. The gun goes off, luckily firing into the ceiling instead of a person. Plaster rains down on them as James tackles Violet. The gun flies out of her hand, sliding across the tile floor. Evelyn scrambles for the gun while James and Violet struggle.
"You crazy bitch!" Evelyn is irate as she stands in the foyer, her body shaking with fear and anger. She points the gun at Violet, so much wanting to pull the trigger.
Somehow, James has managed to maneuver Violet so she is on her back. He is straddling her as he holds her hands down at her sides. She stops moving when she notices the gun.
"Don't do it, Evelyn," James pleads with her. He knows she will regret should she handle the situation the way Violet wanted to.
Evelyn looks back and forth between Violet and James. The past few weeks this woman has terrorized her and her family. Because of this woman, she could have lost her baby. Tonight, the woman was going to end their lives. So badly she wants to pull the trigger, but a groan from Adrian draws her attention. Evelyn keeps the gun pointed at Violet as she rushes to Adrian side.
"He's alive!" She announces, fresh tears springing to her eyes. She kneels beside Adrian, horrified by all the blood. He moans again, sending a wave of hope through Evelyn.
"What is going on?" Carmen demands as she enters the foyer, her mouth dropping open at the sight that greets her. The first gunshot woke her, the second alarmed her, forcing her out of her room in search of the chaos.
"Call 911!" Evelyn orders. Carmen fumbles for her phone, pulling it out of her robe pocket. James remains in the floor holding onto the struggling woman who had just been at the house a few hours earlier. Evelyn ignores it all. Her only concern at present is Adrian.
Evelyn can hear Carmen on the phone. She feels James' eyes on her and the warm blood soaking into her pajamas. The blood. There is so much of it. She takes off her robe, balls it up and presses it firmly against the bullet wound in Adrian's shoulder. The robe almost immediately turns red.
"Adrian, don't you dare die on me!" Evelyn's voice is stern despite the tears streaming down her cheeks. "We love you, we need you." She sobs. She presses down harder on the robe with her right hand to staunch the bleeding. With her left hand, she takes Adrian hand and presses it to her stomach. "She needs you!"
James watches the display, his heart breaking for Evelyn. He wants nothing more than to comfort her, but he can't leave Violet. Momentarily she appears subdued, but she is too unstable. Her behavior is unpredictable. Finally, in the distance, the sound of sirens shatters the silence of the night.