EXT. HILLSIDE HORSE TRAIL - DAY
The rough path at an angle bends around the side of a hill offering a postcard-picture vista to the surrounding hills and distant Sierra Blanca Peak. FAINT BIRDSONG silenced by the CUH-CLIP COH-LOP OF APPROACHING HORSES. Sess is the first rider to lead the horse train uphill, followed in line by Claire, Jackie, Hunter, Chloe and Tom, the last of the riders to leave view around the bend. BIRDSONG resumes after the last FAINT CUH-CLOP.
INT. GREAT ROOM - DAY
Limestone, fireplace, whitetail deer mounts, pool table, mini-bar, loaded rifle case, Zapotec rugs, leather furniture. Gil sits in a chair near a small table with a lamp and copy of Foglost on it. He looks through the big window to oak trees forever and TWO BOYS, 16 and 14, in shorts, t-shirts and tennis shoes, kicking a soccer ball back and forth, moving farther into the woods.
MARIA, 40ish - sandals, faded jeans, mustard tee with BROWNSVILLE GRL in brown across the front - arrives in the doorway near the hat rack that includes a sombrero. She watches Gil awhile before speaking.
MARIA: Knock knock.
Gil smiles.
GIL: Who's there?
MARIA: Ida.
GIL: Ida who?
MARIA: Ida forgotten Tom and Wanda arrive today if not for the calendar.
He turns to her.
GIL: Tomorrow. And just Tom. Wanda stayed back with a friend whose husband recently passed.
MARIA: Oh. How's the book?
GIL: Page turner. I'll finish it tonight. Do I have your permission to let Ricky drive the Vette.
MARIA: Oh boy. Does he know about it?
GIL: No. Wanted to run it by you.
MARIA: Of course, dad. But I want to be there when you hand him the key.
GIL: Of course.
MARIA: When and where?
GIL: Out to Vanderpool for lunch. I'll record a little from the passenger seat.
MARIA: Thank you. I'd like that. Fishing still on?
GIL: Still on. You coming?
MARIA: I'm meeting Victoria in Wimberley for lunch and salon.
GIL: How is she?
MARIA: Pregnant. Very happily.
GIL: Glad to hear it. Pass along my congratulations.
MARIA: I will. Okay with tamales tonight?
GIL: You know the answer to that. Way okay.
She winks, leaves into hall. Gil watches the boys disappear, opens Foglost to the marked page, reads.
SOUND OF WOODPECKER KNOCKING.
