scene 22

Previous.

EXT. RURAL RESIDENTIAL ROAD - DAY

John and Jan with five-pound dumbbells in each hand stride purposefully uphill on the side of the road lined by widely spaced handsome homes on big tree-shaded lots. 

Both in running shoes, khaki shorts and polo shirts that match their ballcaps.  John's advertises Stanford, Jan's Cal Berkeley. Their labored breathing and sweat-stained shirts reflect their effort and pace. 

JAN: When's the last time you were on a horse? 

JOHN: Mind reader. I was just remembering. At Dunlap I came down to go to the equestrian center in Griffith Park. We rode along the river. Before that the pony ride at the county fair wearing those Roy Rogers boots. You?

JAN: The summer before my junior year in high school. A friend's cousin's family had horses and land in Santa Rosa.

JOHN: Good time?

JAN: I fell off.

JOHN: Doh. Injury?

JAN: Sprained ankle and bruised ego. I got back on and yes, the day ended up being a good one. I was thinking that as far as I know the only time Chloe's been in a saddle is the Grand Canyon mule ride.  

JOHN: To the best of my recollection. I know Hunter and Barb did a ride on their honeymoon.

JAN: Right.

A lull as they near a home with a late-80s Mercedez-Benz 560SL in the driveway that slopes up to the house from the road. They finally arrive at that house, put dumbbells on a ledge connected to the mailbox post.

Jan puts her hands on her hips, John checks his watch.

JOHN: Guess.

JAN: It felt quick. 

JOHN: Twenty-nine and a half.

JAN: Yay. 

They exchange a high-five, Barbara's PHONE CHIRPS. She gets it from pocket, stares at the screen.

JAN (CONT.): From Barb.

She hands the phone to John, who stares at the Sierra Blanca selfie Chloe sent Barbara. 

JOHN: That smile.

JAN: That smile. Hunter's girlfriend is pretty.

JOHN: She is.

JAN: Your gut feeling, John.

He hands her back the phone, puts arm around her. They walk the driveway to the door.

JOHN: Positive. A good thing. For Chloe and Hunter. Your intuitive radar?

JAN: Same. 

JOHN: I'm going to plug Travis, Wanda and Laramie into the search.

JAN: Betcha catcha fish.

JOHN: I'll letcha know.

He opens the door, Jan enters, John follows, closes door behind him.