Page 65 - Demo

GUS
...NO ONE HAS BEEN THERE FOR ME BUT KATIE AND NOW SHES
GONE!!! YOU PROMISED ME LEVI! YOU PROMISED ME ID BE FREE.
(LEVI takes a seat in the empty chair near GUS)
GUS
They took me from my family in “Kentucky” brought me to
South Carolina and I finally met someone who loved me - and they took her way!! No sleep, no talk, no thought. I got you now! You promised me. I want to live. For Katie. I cant see the hanging Judge Levi.
LEVI
You ain't shoot nobody. I told them what happened! You’re my
brother and I love you.
(SILENCE. GUS leans forward on the TABLE)
LEVI
(In tears)
Listen to what I’m about to tell you. It what’n supposed to be you Gussy. Master John had already signed me away. Me and momma stood there crying - not wanting you to know. When those white folks got there- wanted you instead of me - and just like that you was gone. I thought about you every day. Momma cried for you every night. Before she passed she swore for God on her knees asking him to bring her two boys back together. As she closed her eyes for the last time - I made a promise to her that I would find you. Took twenty years - but I got you. And you ain’t seeing no hanging judge.
BASS
I have a question for you Gus. What’s your mother’s name.
GUS
BASS
(GUS is confused) GUS
What?
Your mother. Her name.
Wha.... Why...
63.