THE SEND OFF
HUBBARD STREET
BY
HENRIETTE MOUSTAKIS
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. FUNERAL HOME. NIGHT
DANNY PURCELL lies in a coffin. FRANK HOCKENBERRY and ZEK ANDERSON are by it.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I never thought he'd be the first to go.
ZEK ANDERSON
I expected it to be me. I'm the oldest.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
At least we knew he wasn't alone.
A group of men come in. They turn to see all greet LILLY PURCELL. They are MARCUS TAYLOR, ALBERTO RUIZ and MYRON GOLDMAN.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
(looking at Danny)
They're starting to come. A few more and we'll all be here.
ZEK ANDERSON
You think he hears you?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I think he's greeting them at the door.
The three men walk over. The duo faces them.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Hello, Zek.
ZEK ANDERSON
Hello Myron. How you been?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Busy. Hey Doc.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Hey, L.T..
MYRON GOLDMAN
You look good.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I feel good. This is one event you won't have to throw me out of.
(to Taylor)
Hello Taylor. Danny told us of your latest writing project.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I've brought copies so you won't be surprised.
They all look at Danny.
MYRON GOLDMAN
He looks so peaceful.
ZEK ANDERSON
He was very peaceful towards the end.
Two other men enter. All are greeted by Lilly. They are JOHN MC KAY and MARVIN JOHNSON.
MARCUS TAYLOR
We're all here now.
The two men walk over. Hugs are exchanged and then they look at Danny.
JOHN MC KAY
I can't believe he's gone.
MARCUS TAYLOR
We're getting up in years. It's gonna happen soon, to all of us. I was there when Doc died.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Doc died?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I was brought back. Technically I was the first to go. I just never made it.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I wonder how Danny went?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
One thing I can tell you, he wasn't alone. He had the same friends I did.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Not you know who?
ZEK ANDERSON
Exactly. This time he didn't go alone. It's so good to see you guys again. I really missed you. How are you all doing? What are you doing?
MARCUS TAYLOR
I'm still writing.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I'm still teaching.
MARVIN JOHNSON
I'm in local politics.
ALBERTO RUIZ
I'm still cooking.
JOHN MC KAY
I run a flying school. What are you going Sarge?
ZEK ANDERSON
Retiring in a few months. I've inherited Danny's show. I'll be taking it on the road.
JOHN MC KAY
What about you, Doc? You ever enter medicine? You were pretty good at it.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I work at the VA hospital in Administration. I did social work for awhile. How did you and Johnson find out about Danny? Zek couldn't find you before.
MARVIN JOHNSON
We got a letter with an E-mail address. It was signed by someone named---
MARCUS TAYLOR
Andrew?
JOHN MC KAY
Yes. How did you know?
MARCUS TAYLOR
We all met him. He was Zek's friend.
ALBERTO RUIZ
The guy who looked like Doc?
ZEK ANDERSON
Bingo.
JOHN MC KAY
How did he know to find us? Did you guys try?
ZEK ANDERSON
I wouldn't know where to look.
JOHN MC KAY
You say he looked like Doc?
ALBERTO RUIZ
They could be twins.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Mc Kay, have you ever seen me but NOT me?
JOHN MC KAY
No. Only guy who looks like you is you. Isn't it?
MARCUS TAYLOR
Are you sure?
JOHN MC KAY
Come to think of it. We had a replacement mailman for a few days. I saw him from an upstairs window. He was walking away and looked up. It WAS you.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I have been many things but never a mailman. How about you, Johnson?
MARVIN JOHNSON
I had the same mailman. How can that be? Mc Kay lives in Los Angeles. I live in Atlanta.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
(looking at Danny)
Well Danny, do you tell them now or later? He was your friend.
Lilly walks over.
LILLY PURCELL
I'll tell them Frank.
MARCUS TAYLOR
You don't need to tell me. I already met the guy.
LILLY PURCELL
Gentlemen, if you'll come with me, I have a story to tell you.
All walk off except Frank, Zek and Taylor. They look at Danny.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Why is it dead people always look so peaceful?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
They're finally at home.
MARCUS TAYLOR
That could have been you Doc.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
It will be eventually, just not yet. Danny, go with God.
A fourth and fifth man join them. They are Danny and ANDREW the ANGEL.
DANNY PURCELL
I am Doc.
ANDREW - ANGEL
Are you ready to go home now?
DANNY PURCELL
Yes.
The two leave the crowd.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
SCENE ONE
INT. FUNERAL HOME. NIGHT -- LATER
The wake is winding down. The men sit huddled in a group. All are quiet. Lilly comes by. They stand.
LILLY PURCELL
They're closing down in ten minutes. Thank you all for coming.
ZEK ANDERSON
You're welcome. If there's anything you need just tell me. Something always comes up.
LILLY PURCELL
I will.
MYRON GOLDMAN
We'll be back tomorrow for the funeral.
LILLY PURCELL
Danny was so right about all of you.
MARCUS TAYLOR
He was our friend.
Lilly walks away.
ZEK ANDERSON
What do you say we go for a drink before we go home?
MARCUS TAYLOR
Sounds good to me. What about you, Doc? You don't drink.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I drink ginger ale.
ZEK ANDERSON
Well, let's go. There's an English pub down the street. They serve imported beers.
MYRON GOLDMAN
That has to be better than what we had in Nam.
ALBERTO RUIZ
That wasn't beer. That was lighter fluid.
ZEK ANDERSON
Well, gentlemen, let's go.
CUT TO:
SCENE TWO
INT. RED LION PUB. NIGHT. -- LATER
All are sitting down with drinks. A cloud of cigarette smoke hovers over them.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I still can't believe Lilly's story. It's too crazy.
ZEK ANDERSON
It's not crazy. Frank and I have both met him professionally. Taylor too.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Only I didn't have to die first.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I did.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Man, alot of strange things happened that week. He was the snitch at the bar and did that wedding ring thing.
ALBERTO RUIZ
What wedding ring thing?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
When I got attacked they made it look like a robbery. They took my watch, my wallet and my wedding ring. I'll let Taylor tell the rest. I was asleep.
MARCUS TAYLOR
After you know who helped identify them and we located them, we searched the premises and found the missing items, except the ring. As they were being cuffed, a drawer opened up, by itself. All of us saw it. One of us checked the drawer and found the ring. It wasn't there before.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Where did it come from?
MARCUS TAYLOR
It just appeared. I brought it back to the hospital and we put it on his finger.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
When I woke up it was there.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I don't know Taylor. That story is too far fetched. I saw the guy. He looked human.
MARCUS TAYLOR
He also disappeared on us. Where was he when the hooker was being killed?
ALBERTO RUIZ
That's right. He left by then.
MARCUS TAYLOR
He left because he was on duty. I swear, on a stack of Bibles, Doc's wallet was NOT in my pocket when I examined the crime scene. Someone put it there. And right after, HE caught the guy and held him till the police arrived and then he vanished.
MYRON GOLDMAN
How do you know all this?
MARCUS TAYLOR
He told me outside of Doc's room.
MYRON GOLDMAN
You saw him?
MARCUS TAYLOR
He was close enough to kiss.
JOHN MC KAY
Doc, how do you feel about this?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Very confused. Him and his friends were always around us for awhile.
ALBERTO RUIZ
There's more than one?
ZEK ANDERSON
There's three. Remember that possessive nurse who pulled us out by the ears?
MARCUS TAYLOR
I can't forget that attitude. She's meaner than Charlie was.
ZEK ANDERSON
The third one is a young, Irish and very attractive.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Nice legs.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I never met her?
ZEK ANDERSON
She called you over to the crime scene.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
That's when May met her. It was my famous lost weekend. You were right. There was a first victim. I interrupted the attack. You see, I had a gun in my jacket.
ALBERTO RUIZ
You hate guns.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I hated myself more. Mc Kay, Johnson, you missed the real show.
MYRON GOLDMAN
You can say that again. I glad I threw you out.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
You threw me out before I could get the gun and use it, on myself. I intended to ruin all your dinners.
MYRON GOLDMAN
You wanted to kill yourself?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
In front of all of you. Instead, you threw me out before I could. I was so drunk I got lost and ended up in the garage. I saw a woman being attacked. I took my gun and hit him with it. He collapsed. I then took the gun and pointed it at him. I had every intention to use it. But, you know who, showed up. He, along with May, convinced me not to. As I put the gun down, everything went black. I remember waking up in my room, with May sitting across from me.
ALBERTO RUIZ
How did you get there?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
That's where the Irish one comes in. She and May picked my up and carried me to my room. In fact, when you guys came to return my wallet, May was in the room. I just didn't tell you.
JOHN MC KAY
Who's May?
ZEK ANDERSON
Do you remember a farmer by the name of Hai Nguyen?
JOHN MC KAY
No.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I do.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Mayling is his oldest daughter, and my wife and mother of my children.
ZEK ANDERSON
She's got nice legs too.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Hey! That's my wife you're talking about.
ZEK ANDERSON
Well, she does. After all those kids, she's got a great figure. Don't look so surprised. I notice her.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
She notices you. You likes your butt, says mine is flabby.
ZEK ANDERSON
She's right. You have the flabbiest butt I have ever seen.
JOHN MC KAY
Your butt is a sore sight Doc.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I still can't believe what you guys are saying. It's too crazy.
ZEK ANDERSON
I thought so too, till I met him professionally. For years he volunteered at the VA. He made a point of not getting close to anyone but Frank. He always had just enough money, never told us where he lived, and took alot of vacations. He only talked to Frank.
MARVIN JOHNSON
What did you talk about?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Home for one.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Where did he say it was?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I have known for years what he was, ever since my lost weekend. I was in my room and tried to kill myself. I put the gun to my head and there he was. He convinced me not to. He gave me some bull story about the maid. He said if I did it she'd have to clean it up. So why ruin her day.
MARCUS TAYLOR
That's not true. There are special people who do that.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I know that now. I saw a special on cable. I didn't know it then.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Neither did he.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Oh yes he did.
MYRON GOLDMAN
So he lied?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
No, he bluffed. He never lies. You should see him play chess. He always wins. No one at home will play with him. It was during those games we talked.
ZEK ANDERSON
You did play alot of chess.
MYRON GOLDMAN
And it didn't bother you what he was?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
No. I named my son after him. The day he was born, he held him and blessed him.
ZEK ANDERSON
Just like he blessed Purcell. He was not afraid of heaven.
MARCUS TAYLOR
And you, Sarge?
ZEK ANDERSON
I know death is part of life. I've seen enough of it. When I was shot I wasn't afraid. I was told it wasn't my time and sent back.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Who told you?
MARCUS TAYLOR
Guess?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I don't think Danny suffered at the end. Andrew wouldn't allow that. Yes, I just said his name. You're all been avoiding it. He was always very gentle.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Death is never gentle.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
That's where you're wrong Taylor. I've been there. Think of life as being two things, body and soul. When we're alive they are the same. But, when we die, the soul simply leaves. It doesn't have to leave violently. It can be very peaceful. That's how it was with my mother. And that's probably how it was with Danny. You didn't see him at the end. Zek and I both did. All we're burying tomorrow is his body. His soul is with God. He's probably looking down at us, right now and smiling.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I'm not sure of your logic, but I'm sure you're right about Purcell.
(raises his glass)
I'd like to propose a toast.
They all raise their glasses.
MYRON GOLDMAN
To Danny. We all loved you and we will miss you. You were part of our family. May you find peace wherever you are.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Amen to that.
Their glasses join and are lowered.
JOHN MC KAY
Which one of us is doing the eulogy?
ZEK ANDERSON
None. I volunteered. Danny's son said some big wig was coming in for that. It seems Danny knew a senator. He's flying in from Washington.
MYRON GOLDMAN
A senator? Purcell ran in important circles.
ZEK ANDERSON
Guess so. We'll find out tomorrow. Well guys, it's late. Frank and I have a long ride to the hotel.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Me too. Anyone need a lift? I know Chicago.
No one takes him up on his offer.
MYRON GOLDMAN
It's settled then. We'll meet at the church at nine.
They all get up and walk to the door.
ZEK ANDERSON
I like this gathering. Next time let's not make it a funeral.
MARCUS TAYLOR
You're right Sarge.
They walk out.
CUT TO:
SCENE THREE
INT. HOTEL ROOM A. NIGHT. -- LATER
Myron and Mc Kay are in their room getting ready for bed. Myron is on the bed reading when Mc Kay comes out of the bathroom.
JOHN MC KAY
Your turn.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Just like old times. You still hog the shower.
JOHN MC KAY
I have an image to maintain. What are you reading?
MYRON GOLDMAN
The Bible. There's nothing else to read except the cable guide. I was just thinking.
JOHN MC KAY
You were always good at that.
MYRON GOLDMAN
What do you think about the stories we heard?
JOHN MC KAY
I don't know. I never met the guy. You did.
MYRON GOLDMAN
He was weird, but an---? I don't think so. That's too far fetched.
JOHN MC KAY
Then explain the ring and the wallet?
MYRON GOLDMAN
I can't. They probably missed the ring before and the drawer was left open.
JOHN MC KAY
And the wallet?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Taylor found it and put it in his pocket. He just didn't want Doc to get into trouble.
JOHN MC KAY
What about catching the killer?
MYRON GOLDMAN
I'll give him that. He probably did but left when the police came. Not everyone likes cops.
JOHN MC KAY
Okay, I'll see you on those. Now how about what Lilly said? She was there.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I never met Lilly until now. She's alone. Her husband just died. Do we really know what is going on in her head?
JOHN MC KAY
You are really trying not to believe. How can you read that book and not believe?
MYRON GOLDMAN
I also read my horoscope and I know that's garbage. My wife and I would read it everyday before I went to work.
JOHN MC KAY
I wouldn't put God and horoscopes in the same breath.
MYRON GOLDMAN
God, no. Angels, yes. They're up there with leprechauns.
JOHN MC KAY
Hey! Don't insult my heritage. I'm Irish.
MYRON GOLDMAN
And I'm Jewish. We have our own myths. I live in the real world.
JOHN MC KAY
Then explain why Doc, Sarge and Taylor believe.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Mass delusions. Two of them died. No one is ever the same after that. They're always talking about white lights and Jesus standing at the end of a long hall. It's been medically proven what they see is a chemical reaction the brain has to the process of dying.
JOHN MC KAY
Maybe you're right. Doc and Sarge were injured. Explain Taylor?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Taylor tells stories. He's a novelist for God's sake. I have his books.
JOHN MC KAY
So do I. I still would like to meet the Irish one. I always liked a pair of nice legs.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I'm a breast man myself. You ever get married, Mc Kay?
JOHN MC KAY
Twice, failed both times. I guess I'm not the marrying kind.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Any kids?
JOHN MC KAY
Never was married long enough to make them. Flying is my life. I used my GI money to start a flying school. It's the only thing that gets my blood rushing.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Ever get anyone famous?
JOHN MC KAY
Not at first. But one day, John Travolta shows up.
MYRON GOLDMAN
No shit.
JOHN MC KAY
And Harrison Ford after John told him. They're both very good pilots. So is Michael Dorn.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Who?
JOHN MC KAY
He plays a Klingon on Star Trek, does all the movies. I was also in a few. Sometimes I double as a stunt pilot. You ever see TOP GUN?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Yeah.
JOHN MC KAY
I was in there. Never met Tom Cruise though. What about you, Myron? You mentioned a wife.
MYRON GOLDMAN
She died years ago, cancer.
JOHN MC KAY
Sorry to hear that? Any kids?
MYRON GOLDMAN
No. It was when we tried to get pregnant we found the cancer. I am seeing someone. She's younger and has a few kids. Right now I'm still Uncle Myron.
JOHN MC KAY
It seems Doc is the only one with kids. None of us had any.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Ruiz did, I think. Taylor was too busy getting divorced, like you, to get any. The only three men, including me, that were happy, were Doc, Zek and Ruiz.
JOHN MC KAY
What about Johnson?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Haven't talked to him yet. I will tomorrow. I'm hitting the shower.
Myron goes into the bathroom.
CUT TO:
SCENE FOUR
INT. HOTEL ROOM B. NIGHT. -- LATER
Taylor, Johnson and Ruiz enter. They start to unpack and put items in the closet.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Just like the old days, right RU?
ALBERTO RUIZ
Except the accommodations are nicer.
MARVIN JOHNSON
And cleaner.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I wouldn't say that. I just killed a roach.
MARVIN JOHNSON
You want me to call the front desk?
MARCUS TAYLOR
No, I will. Someone give me a Kleenex. I want to show them the evidence.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Always a cop, huh Taylor?
ALBERTO RUIZ
Maybe we can get a discount on the room. Can you believe these rates? And I thought New York was high.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Chicago is catching up. I've been here many times and each time the price goes up, not down.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Atlanta's catching up. America isn't cheap anymore. I don't know how the immigrants that came here made it.
MARCUS TAYLOR
At least they were invited. Some of us weren't.
MARVIN JOHNSON
You're still harping on that. The days of slavery are over.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Whitey isn't. As long as we stay black, he will be white.
MARVIN JOHNSON
What about L.T., Mc Kay, Doc and Sarge?
MARCUS TAYLOR
With the exception of L.T. and Sarge, the others were drafted. We were all grunts. We had brothers, Ricans and rednecks. None of us were status quo.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Lay off, Taylor.
MARCUS TAYLOR
What's with you Johnson? You see that black skin every time you look in the mirror?
MARVIN JOHNSON
If I really believe that I wouldn't be where I am now.
MARCUS TAYLOR
You're just an alderman.
MARVIN JOHNSON
And my precinct is multiracial. I have to deal with all of them. If I thought like you I wouldn't be elected.
MARCUS TAYLOR
You mean you kissed whitey's ass.
MARVIN JOHNSON
You will never change.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I'm black and I'm proud.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Black or white, your attitude stinks. My wife is white. It was hard at first but we survived. And I'm talking the south, not Detroit. If Danny were alive today, I bet he and Doc would have stories to tell.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Well, Purcell isn't. And that's why we're all here. He's up there with the angels.
MARVIN JOHNSON
About those stories you told us, were they really true?
MARCUS TAYLOR
Every last one.
ALBERTO RUIZ
He was really a---?
MARCUS TAYLOR
Yes, as was the witch Sarge and I met in ICU and the Irish one with the legs. You guys know me. I'm a realist. I believe in facts. That's one of the reasons I became a cop. We deal with real evidence, like this roach. What happened to Doc really threw me.
ALBERTO RUIZ
I believe in angels.
MARCUS TAYLOR
You also believe in God. I don't.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Maybe that's your problem. There has to be more to life than this.
MARCUS TAYLOR
You believe in God, Johnson?
MARVIN JOHNSON
Every time one of my children was born and I'd hold them for the first time, I always saw God in their eyes.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Even after your eldest was killed in the gang war?
MARVIN JOHNSON
Especially after that. It was one of us who killed him. He was just sitting on our front steps. My boy was a straight A student. He was just accepted into medical school.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Sorry I brought that up.
ALBERTO RUIZ
You think he saw---him?
MARCUS TAYLOR
I held him till the ambulance came. He told me of a beautiful man in front of him. When he died he looked so peaceful. I know he saw someone. And I'm sure Danny saw what he saw.
MARVIN JOHNSON
You believe Lilly?
MARCUS TAYLOR
Yes. I also believe you.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Me too.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Me too.
ALBERTO RUIZ
There are alot of mysteries we can't solve. Maybe we're not meant too. That's where faith comes in.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I lost my faith years ago.
ALBERTO RUIZ
I don't believe that. I believe deep down inside you still have it. You just don't want anyone to know. If I didn't have faith in my dreams I wouldn't be the rich mogul I am today. That's a big joke. I have more bills than I ever had.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Yeah, but you're doing good. You have eight restaurants.
ALBERTO RUIZ
And TWO more in the works. Everyone's a theme restaurant. I like variety.
MARVIN JOHNSON
What are they?
ALBERTO RUIZ
One is French. I'm pretty sure on that one.
MARVIN JOHNSON
And the last?
ALBERTO RUIZ
You're going to laugh.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Now we won't. Try us.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Star Trek.
MARVIN JOHNSON
The show?
ALBERTO RUIZ
My kids like the show. I caught a few. On the Enterprise was this restaurant. Whoopi Goldberg was the bartender. They called it Ten-Forward. I didn't think there was much of a market till my wife made me take my youngest to a convention. You couldn't believe all the people. I saw the crowd and dollar bills shined in my eyes.
MARVIN JOHNSON
So you're duplicating Ten-Forward?
ALBERTO RUIZ
I called Paramount and talked to the boss herself. She said there's already a Star Trek hotel in Vegas. A restaurant in New York was a good idea.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Too risky for me.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Me too, till I saw the receipts from the convention. It's due to open in a few months. I even have some of the stars showing up. I have the bald English guy confirmed.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Picard. His name is Patrick Stewart...Okay, I like the show. So sue me. Just don't tell anyone else.
MARVIN JOHNSON
(laughing)
You're a trekkie. I love it. Mr. I hate whiteys is a trekkie. How white can you get? You always were just hot air. I don't know about you guys but I need a shower.
He stands to go to the bathroom.
MARVIN JOHNSON
(doing hand sign)
Live long and prosper, Mr. Spock.
Johnson goes into the bathroom. Ruiz does the Vulcan greeting to Taylor.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Me too, Taylor. Let's unpack.
CUT TO:
SCENE FIVE
INT. HOTEL ROOM C. NIGHT. -- CONTINUOUS
Frank and Zek are unpacking. Frank is lost in thought and Zek notices.
ZEK ANDERSON
Frank, what planet are you on?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Huh?
ZEK ANDERSON
You've been spacey since the wake.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I'm just tired.
ZEK ANDERSON
I know you. You're more than tired. Do you feel okay?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
My health is fine.
ZEK ANDERSON
Then what is it?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I was thinking about Danny. He was so young. All this talk about Andrew brought it all back. All these years he was there to help me and my family. I can see him helping Danny.
ZEK ANDERSON
You two were very close.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
We were like brothers. I miss him.
ZEK ANDERSON
If you ask me, I don't. He was always a ghoul to me. The one time I shook his hand it freaked me out. It felt like---
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
A gentle caress.
ZEK ANDERSON
Yeah, like that.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
You didn't see him when he first held Andrew as a baby. They were both bathed in white light. My son has had that light all his life. Sometimes, when it's dark, I see it. Now they call it an aura. But I know better. You have it too.
ZEK ANDERSON
Me?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
After you came home from being shot I saw it then. You and my son are pure souls.
ZEK ANDERSON
You're starting to freak me out. Knock it off. I've done plenty of things I'm ashamed of in my life. In NO way am I pure. I was very good with a knife in the old days. I don't think Charlie thought of me as pure.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
We were all like that.
ZEK ANDERSON
Except you. You never killed. And when you did, you---
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Changed.
ZEK ANDERSON
And not for the better.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Do I have that light?
ZEK ANDERSON
You have something. I saw it when you looked at Danny. You looked - different, not as harsh. If I didn't know any better, it was--almost angelic. For a moment I saw him.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
He's in me. He taught me to love again. You guys gave me love; but I never knew how to return it. He taught me. Maybe that's what you see. I'm definitely not pure. You know how I became a man?
ZEK ANDERSON
I'm all ears.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I was thirteen. She was my baby-sitter, a real woman of sixteen.
ZEK ANDERSON
Whose idea was it?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Mine, but she went along. I hated loosing her.
ZEK ANDERSON
You were always a little devil.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I never said my halo was straight.
ZEK ANDERSON
It definitely is tilted.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
That's why I have five kids.
ZEK ANDERSON
Speaking of kids, how is Andrew?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
As good as can be expected. We've entered therapy. A lot of deep feelings are coming out, especially with Paul. I don't have high hopes for him. The boy is hooked. I haven't let on to Paul or Victor. They need more work than Andrew and I. Andrew never left me. Paul left his father years ago. He never had a Zek to turn to. You were there when my son needed you. You were there for both of us.
ZEK ANDERSON
I just wanted to be a friend.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
You were more. I never realized till you got shot. We were in that store, with a gun to us, and all I could think about was keeping pressure on the wound. I didn't want to loose you.
ZEK ANDERSON
You saved my life.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
And when you passed out, and I saw Andrew in front of me, I begged him not to take you. Everyone thought I was talking to myself. Then you stopped breathing and the police broke in. I didn't want to loose you.
ZEK ANDERSON
I didn't want to go. Let's change the subject. You call May first. I'll be in the shower.
He leaves and Frank goes to the phone.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
SCENE ONE
EXT. GRAVEYARD. DAY
A hearst drives up followed by many cars. The men get out dressed in their Sunday bests. They go to the back of it and bring out the coffin. Lilly comes from out of the car. The men take the casket and walks slowly to the gravesite with Lilly behind. They put it on a platform above the grave and stand back. A flag is on top. Everyone is silent. The wind blows slowly in their hair. There isn't a sound. More cars drive up, followed by a limo.
ALBERTO RUIZ
That has to be him.
ZEK ANDERSON
Or her?
JOHN MC KAY
We'll find out soon enough.
A group of SECRET SERVICE men get out of the car.
MARCUS TAYLOR
That's Secret Service.
JOHN MC KAY
How can you tell?
MARCUS TAYLOR
They look like they stepped out of Blues Brothers movie. It's the glasses.
The men approach the limo. A door opens as a man comes out who is immediately covered by them. They approach Lilly.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT
Where is Mrs. Purcell?
LILLY PURCELL
I'm her.
The men step away and an elderly Afro-American man steps forward. He takes off his glasses. He is SENATOR COLONEL BREWSTER. He extends his hand.
ZEK ANDERSON
Colonel Brewster?
MARVIN JOHNSON
Senator Brewster from New York. It's his first term.
Senator Brewster walks up to the men and they salute.
SENATOR BREWSTER
At ease men. This isn't the army.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Colonel? This is quite a surprise.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Not really Goldman. Purcell and I have been corresponding for months. He told me all about you men.
ZEK ANDERSON
Danny sure loved his computer.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Yes he did, Sergeant.
(walks by men)
Myron, you still teaching?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Yes sir.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Ruiz, you have really made a name for yourself in New York City. I've eaten at a few of your establishments. They're in my district. Mc Kay, your school is one of the finest in the west coast.
JOHN MC KAY
Thank you sir.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Taylor, I've read all your books. I can't wait to read the next one. I got your pages in the mail yesterday. Johnson, how is local politics? It's been awhile since I've been a member of city hall.
MARVIN JOHNSON
It's very exciting.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Any plans to go further? I could use a good man in my service.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Not at the moment Colonel. My people need me.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Admirable trait. Sergeant Anderson, I was so pleased to hear you were taking over the show. I couldn't think of a better person.
ZEK ANDERSON
Thank you Colonel.
SENATOR BREWSTER
And you, Hockenberry. I have quite a file on you. You made the news a lot these TWO years.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Not by choice.
SENATOR BREWSTER
I'm very proud of you. America should have more men like you, like all of you.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Thank you sir.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Let's drop the formalities. We're here to bury a friend. Let's get started.
They walk to the casket. A PRIEST addresses the crowd. Frank is mesmerized the whole time. The men stand in formation by the casket. Zek starts looking around. He spots a male figure in the distance. He rubs his eyes and looks again. It is Andrew. He nudges Taylor.
ZEK ANDERSON
Taylor, two o'clock.
Taylor looks.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Is it?
ZEK ANDERSON
Sure is.
Taylor nudges Ruiz and the process continues until it reaches Frank. Myron nudges him.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
What is it?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Doc, two o'clock.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
(looking)
What am I looking at?
MYRON GOLDMAN
There's a man out there.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I don't see anyone.
Myron looks again and he is gone. The priest walks away and Senator Brewster steps up.
SENATOR BREWSTER
We have come here today for a very sad occasion, the burial of our good friend Danny Purcell. I first met Purcell when he was under my command. He had the senses of a cat and the eyes of eagle. This made him a fine soldier. Being in command, I never really got to know my men personally. I just treated them, as I would wish to be treated, with respect. They fought hard and well. Danny was up there with the best of them.
Years later I heard of an exhibit. When it came to Washington I went to see it. I was very surprised to see Purcell running it. I went through it many times and felt prouder every time I did. And I have been a supporter of it ever since. With Purcell now gone I am pleased to say that the show will go on. It has been handed down to another man I am very proud of, Sergeant Zek Anderson.
The men look at Zek who keeps looking ahead.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Danny leaves behind a loving wife and four boys. I can only with that whatever and wherever these boys, correction men, go in their lives, they will be a benefit to their father, their friends and their country. Danny, on a personal note, I will miss you. I will miss our talks and our e-mails. But most of all, I will miss..you. God be with you.
The bugler starts playing taps. The men and Senator Brewster stand in formation. A gun salute happens next. The men go to the casket and start folding the flag, ending with Zek. He gives it to Senator Brewster who turns and gives it to Lilly. He turns back to the men and they all salute the casket. The service is concluded. Senator Brewster approaches them.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Gentlemen, I have arranged for a buffet at the Purcell home. Just follow our car.
Senator Brewster walks off and the man follow.
CUT TO:
SCENE TWO
INT. PURCELL HOME. DAY. -- LATER
The men enter. A full spread is on the dining room table. Several servers are ready to circulate the room.
ZEK ANDERSON
That's a nice spread. Where did you find them?
SENATOR BREWSTER
They've done a few affairs in Washington. They have a nice gimmick. The man who runs it must be wealthy. His fee is minimum, only supplies. His workers are volunteers. The money goes to charity.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
What charity?
SENATOR BREWSTER
That's the beauty of it. When I hired them, they gave me a list and I picked it. Seeing how Danny died, I chose the American Cancer Society. I simply made the check out to them.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
You brought them from Washington?
SENATOR BREWSTER
They have branches all over. I simply contacted the one in Chicago.
ZEK ANDERSON
What's their name?
SENATOR BREWSTER
F.A.I.T.H.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Faith?
SENATOR BREWSTER
No, F.A.I.T.H. They're in the book under caterers. I need to find their rep. His name is Sam. Will you excuse me gentlemen?
Senator Brewster walks over to the server who turns. It is RAPHAEL the ANGEL. Frank recognizes him and smiles.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Well, I'll be damned.
ZEK ANDERSON
What for?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I'll tell you in a few minutes.
Senator Brewster walks to another man. He is older and Afro-American. He turns. It is SAM the ANGEL.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I knew it.
ZEK ANDERSON
Knew what?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
See that man Brewster is talking to?
ZEK ANDERSON
Yeah.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Last time I saw him, he was selling hot dogs in the park.
ZEK ANDERSON
You know him?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
The young one is Raphael.
ZEK ANDERSON
They're not?
Frank goes to the table.
ZEK ANDERSON
Where are you going?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
To eat. Trust me. It will be heavenly.
They go to the table. Frank is the first to grab a plate. He starts examining the display.
SAM - ANGEL
Try the chicken. It's excellent.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Hello Sam.
SAM - ANGEL
Hello Frank.
ZEK ANDERSON
Frank, tell me this isn't happening.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I'll take the chicken. Anything else you recommend?
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
Everything is heavenly.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Load it up. I'm starving. Why are you here Sam? It has nothing to do with me, right?
SAM - ANGEL
Not this time. Just enjoy the meal. What can I get you, Sergeant Anderson?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Don't be afraid. Eat up Zek. There are others waiting.
Frank gets his plate and walks over to the mantle fireplace. He starts looking at the pictures. Zek approaches him. He has a full plate and is enjoying it.
ZEK ANDERSON
This is really good. I would love to know what's in it.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I can't help you there. If it were made my human hands I could.
ZEK ANDERSON
You think Brewster knew?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I don't know. If he doesn't, I won't tell him.
ZEK ANDERSON
What about the men?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
No way. Let them enjoy their meal.
(looks around)
And by the looks on their faces, they are.
ZEK ANDERSON
(looking at chicken)
You think animals have souls?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I don't know. I could swear my pets do, especially George.
ZEK ANDERSON
George is a lizard.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
But he's MY lizard. He smiles when I enter the room.
ZEK ANDERSON
Frank you're hopeless.
(looks at pictures)
Danny looked very happy.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
He led a good life.
Raphael walks up with a tray of drinks.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
Your drinks, gentlemen. Frank
(hand him his)
Your ginger ale.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Thank you.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
How is Gunther?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Very happy.
ZEK ANDERSON
How do you know him?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
He was my father's matchmaker.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
Correction, my boss was. Where did you think love comes from?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
(looking at pictures)
Was HE with him at the end?
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
Yes. He died peacefully in his sleep. He felt no pain.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Thank you for telling me.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
I better see to the rest of the guests. Before I go, how is Andrew?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
We're getting along better. He's been writing his own music now. It's a shame you can't hear it.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
You forget. My friends and I have the best seat in the house. Enjoy your meals.
Raphael walks off to Senator Brewster, Taylor and Ruiz.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Colonel, where did you find these guys? This food is heavenly.
ALBERTO RUIZ
I could use these guys for my restaurants.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
Drinks, gentlemen.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Thank you. I didn't catch your name.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
Raphael, if you gentlemen will excuse me.
Raphael walks away.
SENATOR BREWSTER
I hear you're going Star Trek, Ruiz. That's pretty risky.
ALBERTO RUIZ
I'm worried about it.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Don't be. There are alot of trekkies in this world. Who knows? You might be talking to one right now.
(smiles)
Will you excuse me?
Senator Brewster walks off and goes to Myron and Mc Kay.
JOHN MC KAY
It was a beautiful ceremony.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Brewster never does anything small. Just look at this spread.
SENATOR BREWSTER
I'm glad you enjoy the food. They come highly recommended.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Where did you find these guys?
SENATOR BREWSTER
The phone book.
MYRON GOLDMAN
It was a beautiful ceremony, Colonel. I'm sure Lilly appreciated it. Events like this are stressful enough. Feeding people can get costly. I remember with my wife.
SENATOR BREWSTER
I was sorry to hear about her.
MYRON GOLDMAN
She was a beautiful woman.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Will you gentlemen get Taylor and Ruiz and meet me by the basement door? I'll get Sarge and Doc.
The men meet by the door. Senator Brewster walks up to Zek and Frank, who are still enjoying their meals.
ZEK ANDERSON
This food is unreal.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
You better go back before it's all gone.
SENATOR BREWSTER
That can wait. I need you for a few minutes. Let's go down to the basement. Lilly is waiting for us.
CUT TO:
SCENE THREE
INT. BASEMENT. DAY. -- MOMENTS LATER
The men, Senator Brewster and Lilly are in the basement.
MARCUS TAYLOR
What is this all about?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Who called this?
LILLY PURCELL
I did. In these crates are the exhibit pictures.
ZEK ANDERSON
I thought we were going to do this privately?
LILLY PURCELL
We will later. This involves all of you.
She pulls out a book and hands them out.
LILLY PURCELL
In this crate contains pictures that were never shown. Danny chose not to. When you open the books, you'll find out why.
They do and are stunned.
ZEK ANDERSON
I can see why. Why have you brought the others here?
SENATOR BREWSTER
Because it's time they're shown.
ZEK ANDERSON
I disagree.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I have to agree with Zek. We all saw this. Is the rest of the world ready for it?
MARCUS TAYLOR
I agree with them. They can't see the pictures. It's the village we saw. It almost ruined your career, Colonel.
SENATOR BREWSTER
But it didn't. The world needs to know the truth about Phu-an.
ZEK ANDERSON
Lilly, no. Let these people rest in peace.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Colonel, my men saw the massacre and they don't need to see the pictures.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Goldman, of all people, you should see why. You made a point of getting this story out. I risked my career for this.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Why now, Colonel? Or should I say Senator? If this is political I will be very disappointed. So will my men. They respect you.
SENATOR BREWSTER
It's not political, and it's not my idea.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Then whose is it?
Sam appears.
SAM - ANGEL
It's God's.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Shouldn't you be upstairs working?
SAM - ANGEL
My work is here.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I knew this would happen.
MARVIN JOHNSON
What would happen?
SAM - ANGEL
Forty-three souls were silenced. It's time they were heard.
MARCUS TAYLOR
How would you know?
SAM - ANGEL
I saw it. We all did. Andrew took them home.
(starts to shine)
I am an Angel sent from God.
SENATOR BREWSTER
The name of your company is not initials? It really is faith.
SAM - ANGEL
Yes, Colonel. The woman who came to see you was one of ours.
ZEK ANDERSON
What did she look like?
SENATOR BREWSTER
Young, nice legs. She loved coffee.
Frank and Zek laugh.
SENATOR BREWSTER
What are you laughing at, Sergeant?
ZEK ANDERSON
Nothing sir. But I still agree with Myron. The pictures should stay hidden.
MARCUS TAYLOR
We saw it, Colonel. That was enough for us.
SAM - ANGEL
Detective Taylor, you have never been close to God. He wants you to know he loves you. He loves all of you. He knows what's in your hearts. L.T. Goldman, he knows how much you loved your wife. I have a message from her. Move on, Myron. Start living again. Mr. Johnson, your son's love always shines on you. Mr. Mc Kay, life is more than flying. Don't be afraid to care. You men all had a chance to live. The people in that village didn't and they appealed to God. He appeals to you now. Listen to him. These people need to be heard.
MARCUS TAYLOR
You're definitely Andrew's friend. You sound just like him.
SAM - ANGEL
He was the only ONE of the angels there that day.
ZEK ANDERSON
Look, Sam. It was important when it happened. We wanted the men to pay, and they did.
SAM - ANGEL
Sergeant Anderson, this message is only for you. I can't make you. God gave you free will. You are in charge of the exhibit now.
ZEK ANDERSON
It's financial suicide. Danny wouldn't even show them. Help me out, Frank. These are your friends.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Don't look at me. I agree with you.
ZEK ANDERSON
(looks at pictures)
I need to think about it. Is that okay with you, Sam?
Sam has disappeared.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
They did it again.
ZEK ANDERSON
I need some time alone. You men go upstairs.
SENATOR BREWSTER
Take your time, Sarge.
The men go upstairs. Senator Brewster stops.
ZEK ANDERSON
Why now, Colonel? It's been thirty years.
SENATOR BREWSTER
The Vietnamese government has requested the transcripts.
ZEK ANDERSON
It is political. I'll think about it.
Senator Brewster goes upstairs. Lilly walks up to him and puts her hand on his shoulder.
LILLY PURCELL
I know you'll make the right decision.
CUT TO:
SCENE FOUR
INT. PURCELL HOME. DAY. -- CONTINUOUS
The men are huddled in a circle. Senator Brewster walks up to them.
SENATOR BREWSTER
I have to leave. My flight is in two hours. It was good seeing you again.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Good seeing you, Colonel. Or should I say Senator?
SENATOR BREWSTER
Colonel is fine between us. Anytime you are in Washington, come see me. Here are my cards.
(gives L.T. card)
Good luck, men.
They salute and he leaves with his Secret Service men.
MYRON GOLDMAN
(turning to Frank)
Did this happen to you, Doc?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Sometimes. You met mine before.
MARVIN JOHNSON
We've gone past the issue. Does it really matter what he was? The issue is the pictures. I still say NO. Does everyone agree?
They all agree.
MARCUS TAYLOR
It's up to Sarge now. Isn't anyone still hungry? That food was good. I'm going back for more.
Taylor walks off.
MYRON GOLDMAN
As usual, Taylor. You think with your stomach.
Zek comes up from the basement. Frank walks up to him.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
There's still some food left. I'd go before it's gone. Taylor's gone up for seconds.
ZEK ANDERSON
I'm not hungry anymore.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Me either. Take a walk with me.
The two men leave the house and enter a yard off Lake Michigan.
CUT TO:
SCENE FIVE
INT. BACKYARD. AFTERNOON. -- MOMENTS LATER
The two men walk out.
ZEK ANDERSON
So this is Lake Michigan? I wouldn't mind this backyard.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
It's pretty out here. Danny did right by this house. I didn't think ducks were that profitable.
ZEK ANDERSON
Only if you can get them into a tutu. I don't know what to do, Frank. What would you do?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I don't know. This could kill the whole show. It's Danny's life.
ZEK ANDERSON
I wish Danny were here. He would know what to do.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
He did. He didn't show them. Whatever you decide I know it will be right. You're a fair man. Danny knew what he was doing.
Myron comes out with another full plate.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
You still hungry?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Angel or not, the food is good. Can you give us a few minutes Doc?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I'll be inside. I'm getting hungry.
Frank leaves.
MYRON GOLDMAN
You really should get some more. It's almost gone.
ZEK ANDERSON
I'm not hungry. Danny knew this when he asked me. Myron, I don't know what to do. Brewster told me the Vietnamese government requested the transcripts from the trial. Our names are in them.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Then we go public. They can't blame us. We came afterwards. Shit! We reported it.
ZEK ANDERSON
And the men who did it? What about them? Is it fair to them?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Was it fair to the villagers? Zek, I can't tell you what to do. It's your show now. Do what you think is right.
ZEK ANDERSON
I'm getting sick of hearing that.
Myron goes inside. Zek looks up at the sky.
ZEK ANDERSON
Danny, wherever you are, tell me what to do. Give me a sign.
Raphael comes out.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
He did. He sent Sam. Listen to his words. Listen with your heart. The last hours of those people were ones of terror. The world has to know.
ZEK ANDERSON
But why me? Why make me the messenger?
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
That's what Moses said. Remember when you Godson got into trouble? You convinced him to go to the police. He wasn't there when that man died, but he knew.
ZEK ANDERSON
As I do. I'll think about it.
(looks at sky)
The sun is setting. I can see the clouds changing. It's going to be a pretty one.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
It's even prettier from up there.
ZEK ANDERSON
Get the men. They should see this.
RAPHAEL - ANGEL
Done.
Raphael goes inside. Zek looks back at the sky.
ZEK ANDERSON
Enjoy the sunset Danny. We all will with you.
He starts to cry as the men come out.
CUT TO:
SCENE SIX
EXT. BACKYARD. AFTERNOON. -- MOMENTS LATER
The men are all watching the sky. The sun has fully set and the stars are coming out. All are silent.
MARCUS TAYLOR
You think Danny saw this?
ZEK ANDERSON
I know he did. He's probably sitting on one of those stars waving at us. Are the caterers gone?
MARCUS TAYLOR
They left already. They left some food just in case you're hungry.
ZEK ANDERSON
I'm not hungry. I'm thirsty.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I could go for a pint.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Sorry Taylor. No place on Earth serves Romulan Ale.
ZEK ANDERSON
What?
ALBERTO RUIZ
In-joke, Sarge.
JOHN MC KAY
Dorn used to talk about it. It was blue kool-aid.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Dorn who?
JOHN MC KAY
Michael Dorn. He played a Klingon on Star Trek. I taught him to fly.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Ru? Maybe you could get him for the opening?
ALBERTO RUIZ
I'm trying. He's busy for months. He just finished a Korean Kung Fu flick. What about that drink, Sarge?
ZEK ANDERSON
Sounds good to me. I just need to say good bye to Danny first.
(looking at sky)
Danny, we're going now. It was a great party. Wish you were here. Be happy.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Amen. Let's go.
CUT TO:
SCENE SEVEN
INT. BAR TWO. NIGHT. -- LATER
The men are seated with drinks. Smoke covers them again.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Why is it? The one memory I have of us is us sitting and drinking?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
That's all we did. There weren't many bowling alleys in Saigon.
MARCUS TAYLOR
All they had were bars, and plenty of loose women.
ALBERTO RUIZ
I didn't see you complain.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I had nothing to complain about. Nothing like an easy woman when your time is limited.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Especially those who will do whatever you pay them for.
ALBERTO RUIZ
You should know. You were their favorite. They even gave you a monkey.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
They gave me more towards the end. I was riding the penicillin train.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Trained medical man like you?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Trained had nothing to do with it. I was a man.
MARCUS TAYLOR
A man on a mission. What do you tell Andrew about this?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Very little. He's like a sponge. He soaks up everything I tell him. It's very hard raising a good Christian boy.
ZEK ANDERSON
Especially when his daddy has a reservation for downstairs. That has to be why you got that extra help. You don't see us with a train of angels.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
They're there. You just don't see them. Besides, I was already in hell. I lived there for ten years. There's nothing the real hell doesn't have that I didn't do already.
ALBERTO RUIZ
What was it like Doc?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Lonely and empty. All I wanted was my next drink. And then there were the beatings. Drunk bashing is so much fun. You saw me after one. It was one of the worst, that I remember. I don't remember the others. I was in hell, and I created it, all by myself. You could have been attending my funeral today, if you knew where I was. And I made a point of disappearing.
ALBERTO RUIZ
You had angels helping you.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Yes I did, three. Zek, his wife and my beautiful Mayling. They are my real angels. Angels aren't always divine. Sometimes they are very human.
MYRON GOLDMAN
They still call you the Hubbard Street Angel?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
The ones that remember. That part of my life is over. I know May is happy. She hated it when I went back there. She was always afraid something would happen.
MARCUS TAYLOR
And it did.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
It took my son to do it. I screwed up big time with him. I'm not making those mistakes with my girls.
ALBERTO RUIZ
You'll just make different ones. I've raised three. They're no picnic either.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Looks like Taylor, Mc Kay and I are the only ones who didn't have kids.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Don't worry. Between Ruiz, Doc and Johnson, they made up for it.
ZEK ANDERSON
There were fourteen kids in that village. The youngest was a baby and the eldest was twelve. They never got their first pimple.
MYRON GOLDMAN
What are you going to do Sarge?
ZEK ANDERSON
I'm going to think about it. The first exhibit isn't till a few months. I have to retire first.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
It will be strange without you. I'm used to seeing you at work. I'll miss our coffee breaks. Just think. You won't see Mary Ann's pink underwear anymore.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Who is that?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
A girl from accounting. The kitchen boys can't wait till lunch. She gives them a free show.
ZEK ANDERSON
You'll get over it. You guys going home tomorrow?
MARVIN JOHNSON
My precinct still needs running.
ALBERTO RUIZ
People still have to eat.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Crime doesn't stop when a cop goes on vacation.
ZEK ANDERSON
What about you, Mc Kay?
JOHN MC KAY
My school runs itself. It can wait a few more days. How about you, Doc?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I miss my wife.
ZEK ANDERSON
With a body like hers, I don't blame you.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
You ever think of her that way Zek?
ZEK ANDERSON
She was a child.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
But when you saw her ten years later?
ZEK ANDERSON
I admit she caught my eye. But I was a married man. And when you got her pregnant I knew I didn't have a chance. The lady was yours.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
And she is a REAL lady.
ZEK ANDERSON
I miss Jenny.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
You take that show you'll miss her even more. Are you ready for that?
ZEK ANDERSON
No but it's something I have to do. The show needs to go on.
MYRON GOLDMAN
You can stay with me if you come to West Point. I could save you hotel.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Same here.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Me too.
MYRON GOLDMAN
I guess what we're saying is, you're always welcome with us.
ZEK ANDERSON
I got all of America: West Point, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, and New York City. I got it made.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I warn you he snores.
ZEK ANDERSON
And you talk in your sleep. Half the stuff can't be repeated in mixed company.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
May talks too. Andrew says he hears us having full conversations in our sleep.
ZEK ANDERSON
It's been so good seeing you guys again. It feels like home. I'm gonna miss you all.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Zek, this doesn't have to be good bye. We all have computers and e-mail. And then there's the old-fashioned telephone. We buried a friend today. Let's not meet at the next funeral.
ALBERTO RUIZ
How do you guys feel about Star Trek?
ZEK ANDERSON
I beg your pardon?
ALBERTO RUIZ
I'm opening my new restaurant in a couple months. The target date is Sept 10th. There will be celebs there. Maybe even Michael Dorn, Mc Kay. You two can talk shop. I need bodies to eat. Just think. You'll be eating with Klingons.
MARCUS TAYLOR
And drinking Romulan Ale.
ALBERTO RUIZ
What about it guys? Bring the wives. It will be our own private party.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Only if I don't have to wear ears. All in favor, raise your glasses and say AYE.
They all do.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Keep the glasses up. A toast. To Danny Purcell, wherever you are. We love you.
They join glasses.
ALBERTO RUIZ
And I would like to add. Here's to seeing you ALL again on September 10th, 2001.
I GUESS YOU CAN TELL WHAT MY NEXT STORY WILL BE.
CUT TO:
SCENE EIGHT
INT. HOTEL ROOM A. NIGHT. -- LATER
Mc Kay and Myron enter. They start packing.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Man, am I tired. This has been a long day.
JOHN MC KAY
Funerals usually are.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Lilly is not going to sleep tonight. For days after my wife died I slept on the couch. I didn't want to see an empty bed. The nights are the hardest.
JOHN MC KAY
I was never lucky to find that type of love.
MYRON GOLDMAN
It doesn't happen often. But when it does, grab on to it and never let go.
JOHN MC KAY
Is that what you're going to do?
MYRON GOLDMAN
I'm tired of being Uncle Myron. I want to hear the word DAD. I can't believe there isn't anyone for you Mc Kay.
JOHN MC KAY
I've been dating someone, but commitment was never my style.
MYRON GOLDMAN
Word of warning. Flying may be nice but it doesn't keep you warm at night. Just think about it.
JOHN MC KAY
Myron? What did you think about Sam?
MYRON GOLDMAN
The man in the basement?
JOHN MC KAY
What if he's not a man?
MYRON GOLDMAN
He's a man all right. He has to be.
JOHN MC KAY
You know, out of all us here, we're very much alike. We believe what we can see only. What if there were more to him?
MYRON GOLDMAN
Mc Kay, this is all I know. I met a guy named Andrew almost twenty years ago. I just found out something very strange about him. It probably influenced what I saw.
JOHN MC KAY
You don't believe it?
MYRON GOLDMAN
I want to believe there's something more out there. I want to believe my wife is safe and happy. If there is a heaven and there are angels, I hope she is with them. She was my angel and I miss her very much.
He hangs his head to hide his tears. Mc Kay comes by him.
JOHN MC KAY
She's with them. You think she saw the sunset with us?
MYRON GOLDMAN
I know she did. I felt her.
CUT TO:
SCENE NINE
INT. HOTEL ROOM B. NIGHT. -- CONTINUOUS
Taylor, Ruiz and Johnson enter. Taylor starts to grab his suitcase. Ruiz and Johnson sit on the bed.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Did you see the sunset?
MARCUS TAYLOR
We all did. We were there.
ALBERTO RUIZ
I wonder if Danny was watching it?
MARVIN JOHNSON
I thought of the same thing. I kept wondering if my boy was looking back.
MARCUS TAYLOR
Hey! Listen to you two. Don't you realize what happened tonight? We saw a bleeping angel. And you talk about a sunset? You're both confused.
MARVIN JOHNSON
No, Taylor, you're the one that's confused. Sarge saw the angel. We just happen to be there. The sunset was more important. Wherever Danny is, he was watching it with us.
ALBERTO RUIZ
He was with us all night. I could feel him.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I'd like to know who came to my funeral too.
MARVIN JOHNSON
What that attitude, there would only be a handful. All night, I thought about Lilly. She's lost her best friend. She won't see him when he sleeps, or when he wakes, or walks down the hall. His pillow will be empty. She'll never hear his laugh, his smile, or his smell.
MARCUS TAYLOR
You mean your boy, don't you?
MARVIN JOHNSON
He had this infectious laugh. It sounded like a hyena. I know he's with the angels. You're so freaked out by what you saw. What happened was important to Sarge only. Even Doc didn't care. That should tell you something. He knew what Sam was from the beginning. All Doc wanted to do was eat. He couldn't stay away from the buffet. He and Sarge were the only two who had their priorities straight.
MARCUS TAYLOR
It didn't bother you guys?
ALBERTO RUIZ
We have faith. It wouldn't bother us. Johnson and I were lucky enough to have a family. The problem with you is you're alone. How many times were you married? Why didn't they last?
MARCUS TAYLOR
You try staying married while you're a cop? We have a very high divorce rate.
MARVIN JOHNSON
And no one made you want to stay?
MARCUS TAYLOR
The last one did. She left me a few years ago. She couldn't stand the stress. She didn't know it when I left in the morning, I'd be alive at night. She hated answering the phone when I was gone. She finally left.
MARVIN JOHNSON
It's a shame you had no kids.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I've been lying to you and the others. When she left, she was pregnant. My boy is being raised by his stepfather.
ALBERTO RUIZ
Have you seen him?
MARCUS TAYLOR
No. She made me promise to stay out of her life.
MARVIN JOHNSON
What about the boy?
MARCUS TAYLOR
I never saw him. I know his name, his address and where he goes to school. A couple of times I got in the car to check him out. But I never had the guts to turn the key. He has a stable home. What would he want with me?
MARVIN JOHNSON
You know what I would tell you if I was an angel?
MARCUS TAYLOR
What?
MARVIN JOHNSON
Go to him. You don't have to tell him who you are. Get to know him before it's too late. Before he gets shot just because he's sitting on his front steps. The next time you're in your car, turn the key.
ALBERTO RUIZ
We lost a friend today. We'll never see him again. All we have are our memories. Don't be afraid to make memories of your own.
MARVIN JOHNSON
Do it, Marcus, for you.
MARCUS TAYLOR
I don't know where to begin. I fought in the bush and I wasn't scared. The thought of seeing a little boy terrifies me.
ALBERTO RUIZ
(smiling at Johnson)
It's a start.
CUT TO:
SCENE TEN
INT. HOTEL ROOM C. NIGHT. -- CONTINUOUS
Frank and Zek are in bed. Both are staring into the dark.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
It's been a long day.
ZEK ANDERSON
You tired?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Exhausted. I can't keep my eyes open.
ZEK ANDERSON
That's no surprise. You ate like a pig.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
You came a close second. Zek, I need to ask you a question. At the funeral, everyone claimed to see a man at two o'clock. I didn't see anything. Was it Andrew?
ZEK ANDERSON
Yes. He probably came to show his respect.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
I thought so. I'm glad he did. One more question and I'll shut up.
ZEK ANDERSON
Promise? We have an early flight tomorrow.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Have you made up your mind yet?
ZEK ANDERSON
About the pictures?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
What else?
ZEK ANDERSON
No. I have a few months to think about it. Would you do it?
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
My first reaction is No. But then I hear their voices in my head. We all watched the sunset together, hoping Danny was with us. Where they watching it too?
ZEK ANDERSON
Sam wants me to do it.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Sam is only the messenger. God gave you freewill. He has his reasons, and so do you. Night, Zek.
ZEK ANDERSON
Night, Frank. Do me a favor? If you have to talk in your sleep again, keep it to a whisper. I'd like to get some sleep.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
And this comes from a man who snores? I thought Danny was bad. At least he didn't make the earth shake.
ZEK ANDERSON
If you don't want to be the next funeral, go to sleep. Night, Frank.
FRANK HOCKENBERRY
Night, Zek.
FADE OUT: