EXT. - THE BEACH - AFTERNOON

Gerri stood on the water's edge, watching the sand waver under the press of the salty wash, darkening the tips of her cowboy boots. She retreated, sweat trickling down the center of her back to pool just above the waistband of her jeans, the heat of the California sun powerful at 3PM in the afternoon.

She'd happily fled-and yes, was willing to admit she ran like a coward-from Dr. Panther's office at the captain's call, but not ...