Shattered

I really don't know where to start.

So many things I could have done differently.

I would ask myself if I allowed it to happen.

But I already know the answer.

I look around at all of it now.

Was it worth it?

How many lives destroyed?

How much is enough?

Spring was a beautiful time in Clarksdale.

It was also the time when the Burnetts,

the town's most well-to-do family,

would throw their annual spring party.

The Burnett's practically ran the town

and they wore their wealth well.

Everyone wanted to be a part of their circle.

Forest Burnett was heir to a timber fortune

and ran his company between Clarksdale and Atlanta.

Ha!

I give up, let's just say hi to our guests.

How are you?

Thank you for coming.

Oh, it's so good to see you.

Hey!

That's amazing.

Here, try one of mine.

Thank you.

Can I save it for later?

Sure.

Appreciate it.

- Oh, hi. - How are you?

Good.

Aw.

What's the matter with you?

Oh, sorry.

This is a bit above my pay grade.

Travis and I have been going to these for years.

Oh.

I'm a bit bored.

Ah, of course.

What's the matter with you?

What's wrong, Kate?

Relax, have fun.

Tonight is celebration about the old man.

The old man?

Forest Burnett, he's running for city manager.

Oh, again he's running.

I thought he had this all in the bag.

You need to learn how things work around here.

Ah, okay, of course.

(upbeat honky tonk music) (people chatting)

No, when I was a kid I used to play it.

Yeah, well of course dad wanted me to play tennis.

Of course.

Thank you, dear.

I wanna thank you all for coming to

our humble gathering today,

not that you had a choice.

I wanna make a formal announcement today to all of you,

friend and family alike,

that this year although I have enjoyed the honor

of serving as your city manager,

this year I feel that I can better serve this community

as your city councilman.

I'm running for the council.

(applauding)

Thank you, thank you.

And I will need your support, all of you,

and your votes, and most importantly your generosity.

We live in a fine community,

all of you my friends and neighbors.

I wanna thank you again for coming out here today

and please don't be afraid to give at the door now.

Enjoy the party and the barbecue.

God bless ya.

Oh I'm sorry, I was just leaving.

No, nonsense, no stay, stay, stay, stay.

Okay, okay.

I'm being rude, I should greet all the guests.

Emily, take those gimlets out back would you please, dear?

Go.

I don't believe I know you, young lady.

Ah, Kate Stenson.

My sister Jill is married to Travis.

Ah, Stenson, I'll be damned.

I knew your daddy.

Oh.

Yeah, a good man.

Yeah.

How is it we haven't met at one

of these awful parties before?

I don't know.

Well, I've never been invited before I guess.

Well, I'll tell my wife about that

and get you on the guest list.

Okay.

Have you met my son Kenneth?

No.

No?

Mmm-mmm.

Never?

Well we have to remedy that, you come on with me.

Okay.

Kenneth?

Ken?

I'm speaking to you, son.

Daddy calls.

Meet Kate Stenson.

This is her first time here at the house.

She wanted to meet you.

Ah.

Well, nice to meet you, Kate.

Nice to meet you, Kenneth.

Call me Ken.

Kenneth sounds like I'm being scolded.

Some barbecue?

Yeah, sure, yeah.

The best in the state.

Is it?

Oh, yeah.

Wow, okay.

Oh, thank you so much.

Here you go.

Yeah, this, this looks good.

It is good.

Oh, hi honey.

Hi Kate, Kenneth.

Hi, Dad.

Hi, Mr. Burnett.

Oh now what'd I tell you?

No more mister, you're family now.

Come on.

Sorry.

Mmm, I am gonna get a refill.

Kate would you like one?

Um, I'm okay, thank you.

So how are those law studies coming along, huh?

Good, good.

I mean, I graduate next semester,

so it's been a little crazy.

Well, not this weekend.

You take a little vacation, all right?

Rest your mind for a few days.

You hear me?

You got it.

We're actually looking forward to a little relaxing time.

Honey.

You forget me?

Dad, I think we want to do a little

freshening up before dinner.

Really?

That right?

Huh?

Forest.

They just got here...

Take it easy on that alcohol.

What'd I say?

We're with family.

I think I do want to freshen up.

Sure, sure.

After the long drive and all.

Go ahead.

I have a few things to do this afternoon.

I'll see you all at dinner, hmm.

You know, she's a good-lookin' girl.

You breeding cattle?

That's enough.

You go and straighten yourself out before dinner.

You hear me?

No more of these.

Oh!

That's all right.

Kate, it's all right.

Can I?

Do you need anything?