- Monica is up for promotion. The angels are being interviewed to see if she is ready. She's sent to a town needing help. An explosion at school killed the students and teachers. It leaves the town in a shadow of grief, blaming an unknown man.
- This synopsis is based on Season 1 DVD set Disc 4.
The show begins with an introduction by Carol Burnett. She tells of our introduction to a bare-footed angel named Monica (Roma Downey) walked out of the desert and into our hearts on September 21, 1994.
She further discusses the theme song "I'll Walk With You" and how angels are sent everyday to walk with us.
As she informs us this is the series finale, she reminds us the "road may seem long" but we do not walk alone.
The scene then goes directly to the opening theme music and credits.
After the credits, we open on a mountain scene. The purple mountains fill the screen and the camera pans right. The scene then changes to a close up image of the tops of brown grass-like plants. Panning right, a rattlesnake's rattle is heard and then seen curled on a dark rock in the foreground coming into view from the right. Monica's head appears in the background behind the snake and the camera shifts to follow her as she walks towards the camera (and the snake) but passes to the left of the snake on the rock. She seems completely oblivious to the snake's presence. The camera drops from her to the snake on the rock with the rattles still buzzing. The camera shifts back to her and tracks down. She is wearing the same outfit from the very first episode and as the camera gets to her legs, you see the snake on the rock. She is barefoot and passes the snake without incident.
The scene shifts again and she is walking (as in the opening credits) from right to left and pulling a white hair ribbon out of her hair with her left hand. She lets it fall and it changes to a white dove and flies off to the right.
The scene changes to distant mountains with a touch of snow on them in the background while brown grass with some small areas of snow are in the foreground. The dove flies from left to right across the middle of the screen.
A bus stop sign appears in the lower left. This scene is similar to the first episode's opening. A bench comes into view below the sign. Monica is sitting on it wearing hat, coat, and scarf. The text "I Will Walk with You Part One displays in white text on the bottom of the screen.
The camera drops to the ground where the rattlesnake now sits coiled and rattles are buzzing still. The camera pans up to show the snake is near the bottom of the bus bench where Monica is sitting. She seems not to notice the snakes sound, but then turns her head slightly and looks down at it. She tells it to scat. The camera goes back to the snake that is now moving away. When the camera cuts back to Monica, Tess (Della Reese) is sitting beside her on the bench bundled up in coat and hat. Credits are appearing in the bottom of the screen during all of this.
Tess asks why Monica lets the snake get so close. Monica responds she was thinking of something and explains she has been daydreaming a lot lately. Tess nods and says she understands that stress can do that to human form, even if an angel is inside.
With the camera back on Monica, she explains it isnt stress, not exactly, its just she wants it over with.
Tess says she cannot rush these things. It takes time to evaluate an angels performance, records that have to be reviewed, interviews that have to be documented.
Monica has surprise in her voice when she asks who has to be interviewed. She learns that as well as Tess, Andrew (John Dye), Gloria (Valerie Bertinelli), as well as other angels Monica has worked with will be on the list.
Monica believes that since Tess is on the list it is a good sign. Tess tells her that isnt necessarily so because she has to be completely honest and completely impartial. She further explains she wants Monica to have the promotion but it isnt up to her, it is up to the Father.
Monica believes it will happen, she believes that Tess and she will become supervisors together. When she says that, Tess gets a thoughtful, almost forlorn look.
Monica sees the look and asks what is wrong. Tess explains that all these years she has been training Monica to take her place. Monica, teary-eyed says she doesnt understand. Tess explains that when this assignment is over, she will have a new assignment. She doesnt know what it is yet, but she knows she will not be able to be with Monica.
Monica looks at Tess through her teary-eyes and asks if this will be their last assignment. She doesnt want it to stop. Tess says that nobody knows better than angels that there are no real goodbyes. Tess explains to Monica that this is the last assignment she will give her and that is why she wants her to do the best work ever. She wants to be proud of Monica.
Tess then asks if Monica remembers the place they are at. Monica says she does. It is the place where Tess gave Monica her very first assignment. Tess, also teary-eyed says she could never resist a little symbolism. She tells Monica the assignment is the same as it was then. She is to get on the bus and follow it until the Father tells her what he wants her to do and asks if Monica can do that.
Yes, but, Monica starts. No buts, Tess interrupts. She tells Monica to get herself together because the bus is coming.
Monica leans out past Tess and looks down the road. The camera changes to the image of a Trailways bus coming down the two-lane road towards them. Monica, looking heartbroken, looks at Tess and tells her she loves her. Tess responds she loves Monica too. Monica hugs Tess. Through a teary voice, Tess tells Monica to go on as the bus stops and the air brakes are heard. Monica walks to the door of the waiting bus as Tess stands up from the bench. Tess calls to Monica that her ticket is in her pocket. Monica checks her right coat pocket and pulls out her bus ticket. She looks back at Tess, standing there. Tess tells her if Monica needs her, she will be there. Monica says she knows. They both nod and Monica climbs the first step of the bus. She turns to look back at Tess, as if to say more, but the camera cuts back to the bench they had been sitting on. Tess is gone. Monica touches her right hand to her lips and blows a kiss out the door while looking around and up as if looking for Tess. Teary-eyed again, she gets on the bus and it closes its door and pulls away.
With Crew credits still flashing off and on the screen, the bus is now shown driving from left to right coming towards the camera in a brown grassy area of the road. The camera cuts to Monica sitting in an aisle seat on the bus. A lady sitting behind her off to the right in the window seat and a small girl directly behind her next to the lady. A man can be seen two seats back on the right in the aisle seat. Monica turns and looks around at the people seeing if any may be her assignment.
The voice of the bus driver announces that Danville is the next stop. She sits back and waits.
The bus is sitting outside a building. The door opens and the driver steps off and back to the cargo area of the bus. A male passenger gets off behind him wearing a brown coat and carrying a bag. He slings the bag over his right shoulder as he steps from the bus. The camera cuts to feet walking while someone makes an announcement of bus departures and destinations. The feet shot also shows the red bottom of a white canvas bag. The camera pans up as the feet get on the first step of the bus entering. It is a young man wearing a long black coat. He pauses on the steps and looks out. Across the road is a road sign that reads 2700 South. There is a small store of some type. All the windows have bars on them from the top of the building to the sidewalk. Sitting in the black Mercedes with the windows dark and closed. The camera cuts back to the young man boarding the bus. He makes a grimace-type look and boards. The camera cuts back to a view from inside the black Mercedes. It shows the bus the man just boarded. The bus driver has the cargo areas closed and is heading to the door to board his bus. The camera zooms into the bus as the driver boards. The man with his bag can be seen through the windows ahead of the driver.
The camera cuts back to the bus interior and shows Monica in her seat. The man just boarded walks down the aisle and takes the aisle seat directly across from her. He sits, sighs, and makes a quick look towards the back of the bus. The camera cuts to the outside of the front of the bus. Air brakes sound and the bus jolts to a start. The black car is visible across the street past the front of the bus before it starts moving. It pulls out blocking the view of the black car. After the bus passes, the car moves out of the parking lot and turns in the direction the bus just went. Nothing can be seen through the darkened windows.
The camera follows the car as it falls in behind the bus in a small town with barren trees and chain link fences. Faintly, in the distance, a snow topped mountain can be seen.
The camera cuts back to the bus interior. It shows the right profile of the man just boarded. The window seat beside him is empty. He turns and looks towards Monica. The camera follows. She is looking off into the distance. Nothing is said and the camera changes views to the bus on the road from the front. The driver is visible. The black car is behind bus and visible to the right for a brief moment.
The camera catches the bus driving down the road and remains stationary long enough to catch the black Mercedes as well following the bus.
The camera changes views to a desert canyon. A bird, possibly eagle, can be heard as the scene changes to another shot of a canyon. Tess voice is heard explaining how she first met Monica when she was in annunciations. The scene changes to yet another canyon view. Tess continues to explain Monica was transferred to the choir briefly but she did a bang up job there before being transferred to Search and Rescue. The canyon shots continue to change and could be the Grand Canyon with the Colorado River flowing in the bottom. Canyon scenes pan past while Tess talks. Then the camera shows her in white with the canyon scene in the background and Tess explaining that since Monica came to work with her she hasnt had a complaint. She continues to describe Monica as conscientious and compassionate. She continues by saying that Monica gets very, very close to her assignments.
The camera goes back to the bus interior. Monica is leaning over towards the man on the bus in the seat across the aisle from her. With her mouth open, she studies him. The camera pans back to show him appearing to sleep. He startles her with asking if something is wrong and she pulls back. She apologizes and tells him no, nothing is wrong. She explains she is looking for someone, but she doesnt know who yet. She tells him she doesnt believe it is him, though. He nods and looks at her and says it is a shame. She smiles and says it doesnt mean she cannot make a new friend, though.
She extends her hand and introduces herself. He introduces himself as Zack (Scott Bairstow). They shake hands. Monica asks Zack what he does.
Zack says he is a kind of travelling handyman that hits the road, follows the seasons, and works wherever he finds the need.
Monica tells him is sounds very poetic. He says he just wants to see what is going on in the world. He asks Monica about herself. She stammers slightly and says she travels a lot and then she meets people and helps them. He says kinda like an angel. Monica gives a little laugh and agrees, kind of.
She asks where Zack is heading. He says same place she is. She asks how he knows. He tells her there is only one stop left for that route. He tells her the stop left is Ascension and they are the only ones left on the bus. Monica looks and sees the other seats are empty in front of them. She says, oh, then I guess that is where I am going. He laughs and says good. After a brief moment he adds, they could use an angel there. She looks at him concerned and asks why. He looks back at her and says, youll see.
She looks back. The camera cuts to outside of the bus and shows it travelling down the road. A 45 mile speed limit sign for traffic going the opposite direction is shown. It is dark out now and headlights are visible. It is the black Mercedes still following the bus. The camera fades to black.
The scene now shows the same canyon scene that was behind Tess earlier when she spoke of Monica only now it is Gloria sitting there speaking of Monica.
She starts off by saying Monica had always been extremely patient with her. She found Monica very knowledgeable and very worldly. She stops, tries changing worldly but has a hard time coming up with the right word. She finally says in the world but not of the world.
Gloria is replaced by Ruth (Cloris Leachman). She mentions that Monica is very honest. Exceedingly, achingly, horribly honest. Monica has the charmingly trait of missing the big picture because she is a dreamer.
The camera then cuts back to show Monica still on the bus, once again staring off. Outside her window, the desert grasses in winter hibernation are brown in the foreground and the snow topped mountains are in the background. Back to Monica. In a flashback, the rattlesnake is again on the ground and moving. Tess is asking Monica how she let the snake get that close in their conversation just before she boarded the bus. Then the camera brings you back to Monica sitting in her seat on the bus.
Now the camera shows Sam (Paul Winfield) in front of the canyon view where Tess, Gloria, and Ruth had been before. He is describing Monica in his words. He tells of Monicas strengths and how he has seen her stand against the devil time and time again. He says that unfortunately that more she fights him the more he gets to know her and now he is like a rattlesnake that knows exactly where and how to strike, right at her heart.
Inside the bus, Monica still stares off into space. Through the window behind her, buildings can be seen passing. She is pulled out of her thoughts when Zack calls her name and tells her they are there. She looks around. The next scene is a yellow and blue billboard that proclaims Mitchells Gas n Go Ascension Bus Stop. The camera moves down and the bus can be seen driving towards the sign. It turns off into the parking lot and brakes can be heard. The bus stops and with a hiss the door opens and the driver jumps up and steps off. It is now again light outside. The driver stands off beside the door, seemingly to hold it open. Monica is first of the bus followed by Zack. Monica thanks the driver who responds to come back again. Zack says thanks as he steps off. The driver watches as they walk away.
With the bus in the background barely visible behind Monicas head, Zacks back can be seen between them with the yellow billboard sign post behind them. The right side is filled with trees, buildings, low buildings, not more than a single story, sidewalks that the curb is worn on.
As they start down the street together, Zack tells Monica it is quiet around there and she agrees.
As they take their first few steps Monica asks if he is going to look for work in Ascension. Zack responds he is going to. Behind them the bus can be seen pulling back out and heading back the direction it came from. Monica pulls her hat on. Zack inquires if Monica will be looking for work. She doesnt know yet but supposes she will, she says she usually does.
The camera then cuts to the road and shows the black Mercedes driving past, apparently having come from in front of them. It heads in the direction the bus is travelling but turns left into the bus stop they just walked out of. Zack watches before asking Monica if he can buy her a cup of coffee. Monica says it sounds lovely. He tells her he knows the best place in town, that is the only place in town and they walk off.
The camera shows a church steeple with the sun shining behind it. As the camera pans down, the front entrance to the church comes into view then the sidewalk where Zack and Monica can be seen walking. They stop where the sidewalk meets the sidewalk that leads to the church steps. Zack studies the boarded up doors of the church. The camera pans to the sign in front of the church. One leg is gone and the sign leans towards the church. Visible on the sign is Ascension Community Church Est 1923, Visitors Welcome. Additional letters are in the center R P ETE LOC WOOD T & CR IS DV EES 6 PM. Zack and Monica see the church and the sign. Zack says, Lets go. Monica looks at the entrance to the church as they start walking again.
The camera cuts to Monica and Zack walking. Monica has empty hands and Zack has a bag slung over his right shoulder and the white canvas/red bottom bag in his left hand. He looks at Monica and states that nobody is meeting her and no luggage, you really are a mystery lady. She responds, well you did say this town needed an angel. He agrees, yeah, cant you tell?
They keep walking as she looks around. She asks, Its Saturday, isnt it? He nods and she asks, so where are all the children? At that point they come upon a pink and blue bicycle laying against a building on the sidewalk. The camera zooms in on it lying on its side. The pink has been spray painted as well as the blue on the rims.
Zack stops in front of a door and pulls the door open. They both walk in. A man walking out nods. Monica removes her hat as a womans voice is heard telling them a menu is on the table and she will be right with them.
They choose a booth. Zack puts his bags against the wall. Monica sees someone standing behind him. Joey (Paul Wittenburg)? She looks at him closer. Joey, its me, Monica. The camera zooms in on this new young mans face before a flashback begins.
FLASHBACK Wayne (Randy Travis) and Joey are in a church. Monica tells Joey she is glad he came. He tells her Mr. Beans needs an angel (see episode 1.9).
Monica comes back to the present. Joey looks at Monica and asks her where has she been? He then walks over and hugs her. There is a man at the counter in the café. He says something to the waitress. She asks Joey if he knows this lady (Monica). He doesnt answer. Monica, still hugging Joey asks where Wayne is. The waitress calls out, Wayne! He talked to her, he said something. A figure with his back to the camera turns. He is wearing a county sheriff uniform. It is Wayne. The camera shoots to Monica still holding Joey, then Wayne, to Zack, then back to Wayne who hangs up the pay phone receiver he was holding. He has an angry look on his face. He makes eye contact with Monica who nods acknowledgment.
Wayne walks over to where Joey and Monica are standing. He tells Joey he knows that Joey is glad to see Monica but he has to let her go and return to work. Its ok Joey, Monica tells him, Im here now.
Wayne is now sitting at the booth talking to Zack while the waitress pours coffee. So how long have you known Monica? He asks Zack. Zack looks up at Wayne across the table and responds, Oh, just a few hundred miles worth. We sat together on the bus. She seems to be a very special lady. Wayne, shaking his head, you have no idea.
The waitress asks Zack, Does your friend want coffee? Wayne answers for Zack, best I remember she likes a lot of it, and a lot of cream and sugar.
Monica returns to the table saying the coffee smells good. The waitress asks if Monica is staying there with friends. Monica says she hasnt decided yet and thanks her for the coffee. The waitress continues to look at Monica. Thanks Rindy (Karina Logue), Wayne says. The waitress walks off.
Wayne looks at Zack and says, I hate to tell you this, but I dont think you are going to find a lot of work in this town. Zack shakes his head and says, Forgive me but there seems to be a lot of things around here that need repairing. I can stay busy for a year just fixing up your main street.
Didnt used to look like this, Wayne answers. When Joey and I moved here a few years ago, this was a pretty little town. Very peaceful place. Actually, they hardly needed a Sheriff at all. Thats why I took the job. But things change.
Wayne, where are the children? Monica asks.
Wayne looks at Monica and says, I guess you knew I got married. No, Monica answers. She was a teacher here, he continues. Was, Monica responds.
She uh, she died about a year ago. Actually, she was killed along with almost every kid in this town, Wayne states. The look of sadness on Monicas face is apparent. Oh, Wayne!
I heard about that, Zack says. About that time the door bell entering the restaurant chimes and Mike (Patrick Duffy), the Mayor enters. He removes his coat as Wayne tells him hello. I got an old friend I would like you to meet, Wayne continues.
Mike looks up expectantly, then a look comes over his face as he sees the people at the booth. Monica stands and walks over to Mike. He looks at her, Oh my God! he says. I never thought Id see you again. Monica looks at him, Hello.
Fifteen years ago, I fell asleep behind the wheel of the car on I15 between Barstow and Vegas. You uh, dropped by and to wake me up, Mike provides. Hello! I was in Search and Rescue, Monica tells him. He replies, I never forgot you. He looks at Monica. The camera shoots to Zack who watches before returning to Mike and Monica standing near the door.
Back to the canyon scene with Rafael (Alexis Cruz) seated in front of the view. Its funny how humans like to say all the time what a coincidence! or man this is your lucky day! Monica doesnt let you get away with that. She says theres good things happen, bad things happen, inexplicable things happen. Gloria appears in the seat now. But if you give good luck the credit, or bad luck the blame, then you are not giving God the chance to give it meaning.
Back in the restaurant, the waitress is talking to Zack. See, every time I bump it or move it, the darn thing just turns off. Before I know it, my coffees cold. Zack touches the coffee maker and looks at Rindy. Its a nice place youve got here. Thanks, she says. Whose pink bicycle is that outside? he asks her. The camera cuts to another man before returning to her. It a, was my little girls. She loved pink. Everything had to be pink, she says with a smile, clothes, walls, her bicycle.
Now we see Mike talking to the man seen seconds ago. This is a small town, he is telling Monica, theres just one school. Every child from kindergarten to the twelfth grade was having lunch in the cafeteria. The boiler exploded, it ignited a propane tank and we lost them all. Forty-six children and eight teachers. One of them Waynes wife, Julie. He looks at Wayne who is sitting with them. Monica looks at them, then looks up at Zack working on the coffee maker across the room. He looks back. He sees the black Mercedes drive past the window. Monica catches his stare and turns to look out the window. She sees the black car driving past. She sits, looking as the screen fades to black.
Outside looking at the front of the café. It has a white and green sign up high proclaiming the place to be Dorindas Café along with a green and blue neon sign with the same thing hanging in the window near the door. A red and blue OPEN sign hangs on the other side of the door. A red pickup truck is reflected in the glass. A black car is parked out front. It does not have the dark tinted windows and is not the Mercedes that followed Zack from when he boarded the bus. A lady is walking past the café.
And all the children were killed? Monica asks Mike. No, a few kids were home sick that day. It was real hard on them after that. Eighteen families have moved out already and therell be more. Those of us that stayed, we just dont know how to help each other. Mike finishes. And Joey stopped speaking, Monica states as she looks towards Wayne. Joey always helped with the kids at recess. He was walking up to the school when it blew up. Wayne answered. And he hasnt spoken until today, says Monica.
Joey talked? Mike asks. Both Wayne and Monica nod yes. Well what did he say? Mike asks. Monica responds, not much. Why? Wayne answers, A lot of people think it shouldnt have happened. Some have said the boiler was old and should have been fixed a long time ago. A lot of bad feelings around here and nowhere to put it. Wayne sniffs, I guess people need someone to blame. At this, the guy at the counter seen several times in brief shots turns and looks at them. From his viewpoint you can hear Monica ask, Blame? Who? From across the room, the man finally speaks from the counter, The murderer. Wayne provides his name, Eddie (). Eddie walks over from the counter carrying a news paper. I was there Wayne, you werent. You didnt hear what Joey said, Eddie states. I know my brother, Wayne replies.
Eddie! Mike interjects. The lady is just here for a visit. We dont need to burden her with our local theories. Eddie looking like he is going to say something further instead turns and walks back to the counter.
Wayne takes a deep breath, starts to move and says, I need to get going. Monica, Ill see you later. Mayor. Mike watches him leave the table.
Well that was fast, Rindy says to Zack at the coffee maker. Yeah, the prong was bent a little, no charge, he tells her. Well then, no charge on the coffee, either, she responds back, thanks. Wayne walks up with money in his hand, Rindy? He looks at Zack, wish I could say there is a lot more work for you in this town, but folks just arent in a fixing-up mood. Im going to give it a try anyway, Zack replies as he pulls his jacket on. Suit yourself, Wayne tells him. I guess youll need a place to stay. The local motel closed down a couple of months ago. But Ive got a shed in the back of my place youre welcome to. Is that a kind offer or a way for the town sheriff to keep an eye on me? he asks while smiling. A little of both, I guess. Wayne tells him. Zack replies, Thanks, I accept. Get your stuff, Ill walk you over, Wayne tells him. Wayne then walks over to where Joey is working at a table. See you at 5:30 Joey. Joey pauses in his work and straightens. He stares off into space briefly before Wayne walks on.
Monica, still sitting at the table with Mike watches Wayne walk out. Zack follows and turns to wave to Monica before going after Wayne. Monica waves back from the table. She turns back to Mike. So, Mike, will you show me your town? she asks. He smiles back at her, absolutely, lets go. He rises from the table with Monica.
Outside Mike and Monica are walking along a street. Still divorced, kids in college, he tells Monica as they walk. After you saved my bacon, I made a few changes. I stopped working 24/7, quit the big law firm in the city and became a country lawyer. Monica says, Small town, clean air, good people. Very good people, Mike agrees. Its hard to see them hurt this much. Wish there were something I could do to help. Monica looks at Mike, maybe thats why youre here.
He looks at her as they continue to walk, I dont know. I didnt want to be mayor. Nobody did. The other one moved away. He lost two children. As he finishes this, they find themselves standing outside the burned school. Three stories with smoke marks visible in the two lower floors of the building. The grounds are deserted. A fence surrounding the property. Mike looks down at something and tells Monica, that belonged to Eddies little boy, Kenny. He was eight years old. Down on the sidewalk is a dump truck toy. He loved trucks. Wanted to be a mechanic just like his dad, Mike continues. Eddie wont take it home. Nobody else has the heart to throw it away. Theres probably another one in there somewhere. Eddies six year old liked trucks too. At that, Monica looks up again at the front of the school. Sadness etched in her face and teary-eyed.
Outside a two story red brick building with a green and yellow sign out front. Jean Tobias, MD Family Practice and the address are on the sign along with a medical caduceus. Inside Mike is introducing Monica. He looks at a woman, this is a friend of mine, Monica, he tells the woman. Monica, Dr. Jean (Patty Duke). She is my poker buddy and my ally on the town council. He looks up and sees a man sitting across the room. Hey Peter (Ivar Brogger), how are you doing? Ok, I guess, replies Peter. He is sitting in a chair in front of a window holding something that looks like a paper bag and smiles.
Good to meet you Monica, says Dr. Jean while shaking Monicas hand. Hello, Monica says to her. This is Peter Lockwood, Dr. Jean continues. Peter rises from the chair at the introduction and Monica walks over to him. Hello, she says to him, shaking his hand, I saw your name on the church marqueewell, part of your name. Yes, I should do something about that, he tells her. Im on,sabbatical, he adds.
Mike and Dr. Jean are talking. You wanted to talk to me about something? Mike says to the Doctor. Yes, she answers. She looks towards Monica and Peter. Excuse us Monica, Peter. Ill be right back and then well have a look at your shoulder.
Monica and Peter sit in the chairs in front of the window. Peter looks at Monica, you a reporter? He asks. Oh no, Monica answers. Good, Peter replies. Cause they never really got it right, he adds. Monica leans towards him, got what right? she asks. What it was like before, he says. Monica looks at him for a second before he adds, you had to be here. He looks over at a board on the wall covered with photos of children. You had to know the children to know what he took away that day. Monica looks at Peter, who? she asks. Peter looks at Monica, the devil. Monica stars at Peter. Satan himself moved into this town and he is still here.
Mike and Dr. Jean are talking in another room. Eddie Markowski wants to call an emergency town meeting, she tells Mike. What!? Mike asks incredulously. I was in the café with him for over an hour, he never said a word to me. Dr. Jean continues, you remember the guy from Chicago who was looking at property to buy here last year? Mike answers, Oh, yeah, yeah. Well Eddie says hes got a proposition for us, Dr. Jean says. What kind of proposition? asks Mike. Dr. Jean answers, I dont know, but it cant be good. Honest to God Mike, this whole town has gone to hell in a hand basket.
Back with Monica and Peter, Monica asks Peter what he has in his hand. Peter hesitates before answering. I was in my office that morning and my daughter, Macy, stopped off on her way to school. She handed this to me. He pulls an Easter Egg Coloring kit out of the paper bag he had been holding. And said, Daddy do you want to make some Easter Eggs tonight? He clears his throat before continuing. I keep waiting for the right time to make them for her. I think, .. maybe today, and then today comes and the colors stay in the bag.
Monica looks at Peter with tears on her face, You remember the story of Easter? she asks. Death came on Friday, life came on Sunday, but there was a long, very hard day in between. He nods and says, Yes, of course. Buy all of us are stuck here in Saturday, arent we?
The camera pans to the photos filling the large board on the wall. Infants, toddlers, and some older children smile back from the board. Some in black and white, but most are color. Delivered everyone of those kids, Dr. Jean can be heard saying. Monica, tear still on her face is listening. She wipes her eyes as Dr. Jean and Mike return to the room. A few of their parents, too. They were beautiful. Mike puts his hands on her shoulders and says, yeah. The camera goes back to the board and the young faces smiling back from it, frozen in time.
Mike is talking, the minute I saw this place, I had to buy it but the owner wouldnt sell until I agreed to let her stay. They are at a brick house with a corner tower-like structure. Monica looks out and asks, The piano teacher? Yeah, Mike answers. He points to another room and says, there she is. Shes a remarkable character. A woman in pale purple is in another room with her back to them chatting to herself. She taught half the children in this town to play the piano. She calls them, her kids She filled this place with music. I cant imagine living here without her. Monica looks at Mike expectantly, and her students? Mike hesitates, theyre gone. All gone. You see that bag there? Monica turns and sees a gray and blue backpack laying on a table. Beaded decorations hanging from it. It belonged to her granddaughter. She loved Beethoven, Chopin. She forgot to take it home with her the night before the accident. Now Im not allowed to touch it. She says its evidence. Evidence, says Monica. Mike nods his head and says, shes had a really hard life. She was abused by her husband, lived on the street for awhile, finally reconciled with her family only to see both her grandchildren die one day. Oh no, Monica looks at Mike. Mike nods again, her daughter was one of the teachers at the school and her son-in-law couldnt stand the loss and he killed himself. He sighs and continues, so now shes developed this very strange obsession. All she talks about is the assassination. Of President Kennedy, Monica finishes. She looks at the woman and flashes back again.
FLASHBACK A woman is walking across a busy street, pulling a luggage cart. Monica is walking with her. Monica asks her about the books she is pulling. The lady tells her it is research, evidence, and theories as well as responses to theories, diagrams and random notes, witnesses, suspects. Monica asks her if they are talking about the Kennedy assassination. The woman stops and looks and Monica and asks her what she knows about it.
Back to present time, Monica looks at Sophie (Marion Ross) while Mike asks, you know her? Monica nods she does. She looks over at the woman, Sophie? Sophie? Sophie turns and sees Monica. Well Monica, I could have used you hours ago. Monica answers her, I know, I am sorry that I am late, Monica tells her.
There is a whole new theory that needs to be examined. At the time of the assassination, Waynes little brother Joey, that poor baby saw the whole thing. Right there while he was standing in front of the school book depository, boom. She makes an explosion motion with her hands. He passed right out and when he comes to he is babbling about the man. Where is the man? What happened to the man in the school? Now! Who is that man! I want him in here to examine him, question him. She turns back to her task.
Monica turns to Mike, Is it true? Did Joey see a man at the school? Mike nods, When Joey woke up, he told Eddie he saw a stranger in the school. That was enough to keep folks wondering. Wondering if the children were murdered? Monica asks. Mike nods his head again.
Monica turns back to Sophie. Sophie crosses back over to Monica and says, You never know what direction its coming from. Sometimes the underpass, sometimes from the grassy knoll, and then sometimes, sometimes they just blow up the whole motorcade, the whole motorcade. She cries and hugs Monica. I know, Monica whispers to Sophie. The screen fades to black.
Once again, it is the canyon scene with Adam (Charles Rocket), The Angel of Death, sitting there. He tells of working with Monica when she was in Search and Rescue. He wasnt surprised when she was promoted to case worker. Shes a natural. She totally gets the whole human mentality thing, but in a good way. A really good way.
Back in the café again. Mike, Zack, and Monica are sitting at a table talking about repairs. Zack suggests he will talk to the preacher about fixing the sign in front of the church. Mike chimes in, Sophie is always complaining about loose hinges on her piano bench. Monica tells Zack that should keep him busy.
Monica looks up to see Joey looking at them. Good Morning Joey, Monica says. Joey stares at the people at the table a moment before turning back to work. He used to talk a lot huh? Zack asks. Oh yes, especially to Mr. Beans. He was this funny little green teddy bear with brown ears and a red ribbon. Whatever Joey has locked in his mind, he would have shared it with Mr. Beans, Monica tells Zack. Zack looks thoughtful for a second and glances back at Joey.
Back outside Mikes house, a sign down front says Piano lessons. Sophie is inside, playing with her folders. She asks Zack, working on her piano bench, Have you ever been to Dallas? Zack replies that he has been to Dallas. You have! She starts rattling off stuff about debriefs, receipts, and such. She inquires if she ever debriefed Zack. He states she had not. He says he heard she plays the piano. He asks if she would play something for him. He asks for Chopin or Beethoven. Sophie tells him that has all been classified. He tells Sophie he has been cleared to that security level. She looks at him, you have? He nods and says he has. After saying it is highly irregular and breaks all of the protocol. She sits on her newly repaired piano bench, opens the piano, and starts to play. Singing along with her playing. She plays Fur Elise. With the music still playing, the camera goes to Zack walking through the street in front of the café with two 2x4s on his shoulder and carrying his white canvas bag. Eddie steps out of the café as he passes and watches him go by. Eddie looks down and sees the bicycle that was on the sidewalk in front of the café is gone.
Zack is working inside the doctors office on the front door hinges. He checks it and it opens smoothly as the doctor walks up. She tells him it works like a charm and asks how much she owes. He tells her no charge. He opens the door again and a kitten is outside crying. He hands it to the doctor protesting she isnt a veterinarian. He tells her a baby is baby, right? Zack glances at the board with the pictures of all the children on the wall and looks back at the doctor.
Outside the front of the church, Zack is working on the broken church marquee sign. Peter steps out of the church and sees him. He puts his paper bag down and walks over to help hold the sign up for Zack to finish his repairs.
Eddie is walking down the city street past the burned school and stops at the gate. He notices his sons truck is missing from the place it had sat for so long. He looks puzzled.
Dr. Jean is coming in her front door with mail in her hand. Looking at the stack she started thumbing through them before something catches her attention. She stops, then looks up and starts walking across the room. She gets to the board that had been covered with the photos of children to find it is empty. All of the photos are gone. She reaches up and gentle places her right hand on the cork.
A womans voice is saying, Its crazy Wayne, that bikes been out there a year and nobodys touched it. Now suddenly its gone? Who would do a thing like that? At that time, the door opens and Zack walks in carrying a paper bag. He walks to Joey, Hey Joey, got something for you. He hands him the bag. Joey reaches into the bag and pulls out a green bear. Mr. Beans! Joey exclaims. Wayne watches from the counter and smiles. Monica, sitting at the table with Joey looks at Zack who says, I fix toasters, I sew teddy bears, what can I say? Joey hugs the bear smiling.
Outside another building. The sign reads, Fairfield County, Colorado Town Hall. People are walking inside up the steps. A police car is parked out front. A crowd is gathering inside.
Monica and Zack walk in. A man greets Zack. Monica notices and says he has made quite the impression, the town could use more people like him. He suggests she call up more of her angel friends and see if they want to come over and play. Monica tells him he can laugh now but someday she may surprise him.
Mike calls order for the meeting. Dr. Jean is seated at the table next to him. The crowd sits. Rindy looks over and notices the pastor is without his bag. She asks him where his paper bag is. He says he must have left it at home and asks how did she recognize him without it. He smiles and the crowd around him laughs. Mike says it is the first laugh he has heard around there in a long time and notes that it sounds good. He then gets to business and asks if Mr. Carver is present. A man steps forward from a back corner of the room. Mike introduces Mr. Carver (Bob Bancroft) as a lawyer from Chicago that has business he wishes to discuss with them.
Mr. Carver places his briefcase on the table Mike and Jean are sitting at. He tells the people he represents a client who is interested in purchasing the town to convert the land to commercial property. They wish to make it the worlds largest retail complex of factory outlet of stores.
Jean interrupts to ask if they want to buy everything, the whole town. He confirms they want the whole town. He tells them it will mean a great deal of money for each of them.
Eddie, sitting in the crowd says then we can get the hell out of here and get on with our lives. Mike speaks from the table, its not that simple Eddie. Everyone here has lost a great deal and money is not going to take the pain away. Eddie retorts, know what will take the pain away is some justice, but nobodys looking for that! Nobodys trying to find the man that did this to us. Wayne responds to his claim with, we dont know there was a man. Eddie responds with, no, I know. Joey wasnt the only one who saw someone that day. I think I did too. Mike says, lets just think this through. Eddie answers, Ive thought it through and I say sell. Know Ive got nothing holding me here but a boatload of bills and an empty house that I can barely stand to be in. What about you Peter? What do you say about this? Peter says he doesnt know.
Rindy stands and says that when her mother started the café 20 years earlier the town was different, on its way up, people moving in, babies being born, the town had a future. She says the future is gone now. Sophie pops up and says the future died in 1963.
Jean stands at the table in the front of the room and talks about 30 years prior she swore an oath to dedicate herself to healing people. She says she did the best she could for the people of the town, for the children of the town. She doesnt know how to do it any longer. She keeps wondering if they cant heal together. Maybe they should try to heal apart from each other.
Monica raises her had standing in the back of the room. She asks if they would mind an observation from an outsider. Monica proceeds to tell them that nobody can visit the town and feel the terrible loss everyone has suffered. She goes further to say that since she has been there, she has seen a change in so many of them. She suggests they may not have noticed but because she is an outsider, at this point, Eddie interrupts and says she is an outsider and she cannot tell them what to do with the town. Mr. Carver says he cannot either, but he says he guarantees they will never get a better offer. Mike says they will take his offer under consideration.
Eddie interjects again, and demands they vote on it right now to get an idea where they stand. Mike agrees to the vote. He states the vote is not official and asks everyone in favor of considering Mr. Carvers offer to raise their hand. Most of those in the room raise their hands. Mike asks if anyone wants to stay. One hand is raised, Zacks. This infuriates Eddie. He asks Zack who in the hell do you think you are, pal? Zack shrugs and says he likes the town. He says there are good, gentle hearted people there. He describes a small town such as that one as an oasis in an ugly world.
Sophie raises her hand and says quickly that it is nice there. Mr. Carver asks how Zack can stay there after all hes lost. Eddie snaps back that Zack hasnt lost anything, hes only been there a week. He accuses Zack of wanting a piece of the deal. Our deal, well its not going to happen. Eddie tells the townspeople he has been keeping an eye on Zack. He asks the town folk if they have noticed things disappearing around town after he showed up. Some nod. Mr. Carver asks if it is true Zack has only been there a week. He states he was there a year early making his initial assessment of the property and he claims he saw someone at the school the day of the explosion, he announces he is almost certain he saw Zack right around lunch time. That terrible day. Jean says, Oh my God. Eddie says, It was him! Others start talking. Rindy says he is the man Joey saw. Peter says he knew it wasnt an accident. Wayne states that they shouldnt jump to any conclusions. Sophie says Zack looks familiar. She asks Zack if he has been there before. Zack admits he has been there before but before he can finish a man says something that interrupts his response and Mr. Carver says he remembers now. Rindy jumps up screaming her baby was in the school. Monica tries to get Zack to say something. Eddie jumps up and runs down the aisle cursing Zack. He gets his hand on Zacks throat while Mike tries to get order and Wayne tries to break it up. Chaos ensues, but eventually it is broken up.
Zack and Wayne are sitting in the police office talking. He tells Zack that folks have been searching a long time to pin the explosion on. Zack asks if he is being arrested. Wayne tells him to call it protective custody. At that point, the window is broken and an angry voice is heard outside. Wayne ensures Zack is ok. He tells him that no credit cards, no nothing makes him look suspicious. Zack says he just never stayed in one place for very long. Wayne closes the cell door and apologizes to Zack. Zack tells him to do what he has to do.
Outside the sheriffs office folks are walking and the broken window can be seen. As the camera pans back, it shows a black Mercedes with darkened windows starting up and driving away. Monica looks after the car as it drives off. TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2.
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