Ballykissangel Episode 4.11

"It's A Man's Life"

Produced by Chris Clough

Directed by Simon Massey

Written by Ted Gannon

Transcribed by Margaret Pattison

 

SCENE: St. Joseph's.

Aiden is sitting in the confessional, reading a book, possibly a Bible. He hears a noise and looks up. Through a slit in the door, he sees an older man standing in the church. The man walks toward the confessional. Aiden puts his book down. The man enters the other side of the confessional.

 

Aiden: May the Lord be in your heart and in your soul--

 

The man leaves the confessional again. Aiden looks out through the slit again and sees the man walking away. He reaches through the cross-shaped hole between the two sides of the confessional and picks up an envelope lying on the shelf on the other side. He pulls it back through to his side and looks at it. It is a small brown packet, with the name "Kathleen Hendley" written in blue ink on the front. Aiden looks up in the direction the man left.

 

ROLL OPENING TITLES

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's kitchen.

Niamh is making tea. She carries a pot over to the stove and pours hot water from the kettle into it. Ambrose enters, wearing an undershirt.

 

Ambrose: Where's my shirt?

 

Niamh turns her head toward the table. A chair is hanging over the back of one of the chairs.

 

Niamh: Right there.

 

Ambrose moseys over to the shirt, fingers it, then drops it perfunctorily. Niamh hurriedly puts the teapot on the table, then turns her attention to the food on another stove, shoveling it onto plates.

 

Ambrose: It's not ironed.

 

Niamh: Then wear yesterday's shirt.

 

Ambrose puts his hands in his pockets: It's dirty. I can't do my job with a dirty shirt.

 

Niamh, tiredly: I didn't have time to iron it last night OK?

She puts a plate of food down on the table, then goes to the sideboard to get a knife and fork.

 

Ambrose, resignedly: I'll wear yesterday's shirt.

 

Niamh puts the silverware down: I'll iron it now.

Ambrose, testily: I said I'll wear yesterday's shirt, right?

 

Niamh picks up another plate and a slice of bread. She slaps the bread onto the plate and puts the plate down in front of Ambrose.

 

Niamh: Right.

 

Ambrose pulls out his chair and sits down: Maybe I'll iron my own shirts in future.

 

Niamh goes back to the first stove and stirs something in a pot.

 

Niamh, unenthusiastically: That'd be a great help.

 

Ambrose pours himself a cup of tea.

 

Ambrose, spitefully: Or maybe we need to employ a housekeeper.

 

He looks at Niamh. She returns his look.

 

Niamh, coolly: Maybe we do.

 

Niamh picks up her jacket from the back of her chair and starts looking for her keys.

 

Ambrose: Where are you going?

 

Niamh, shortly: Out. Have you seen the car keys?

 

Ambrose: If you'd leave them in the same place--

 

Niamh shouts: I don't want to leave them in the same place!

 

Ambrose: What does that mean?

 

Niamh: You don't know?

 

Ambrose: If I did I wouldn't be asking you would I.

 

Niamh: So work it out.

 

Niamh leaves.

 

SCENE: Kathleen's living room.

Aiden hands Kathleen the envelope, which she takes reverently with both hands.

 

Aiden, apologetically: There's nothing I can tell you about the man that left it.

 

Kathleen smiles, sadly: Don't need to Father. I know who it was.

 

Aiden: Would you prefer if I...?

He gestures to indicate that he might leave.

 

Kathleen: No Father.

She opens the envelope and pulls out a piece of paper, which she unfolds. It is a letter. It says:

 

"Dear Kathleen,

 

                I am sorry that I cannot bring this ??

you in person, but I feel that ??

has passed between us for that.

                I am sorry for all of the pain ??

caused you and I hope that this ??

some small way to helping you.

 

                Love,

                Dermot"

 

Kathleen reads the letter in silence. She looks like it's pretty much what she expected, but it saddens her all the same.

 

Aiden: Is there anything I can do, Kathleen?

 

Kathleen slowly shakes her head.

 

Aiden: Sure?

 

Kathleen nods and looks up: Yes Father.

She puts the letter down on the table and picks up the envelope again. She pulls out a bundle of British pound notes, bound with a rubber band. She looks at Aiden again.

Kathleen: There's one thousand four hundred pounds there. For all the good it has done.

 

SCENE: Siobhan's garden.

Siobhan is carrying a small dog in her arms and talking to a man as she walks. Ambrose is walking next to her, holding Kieran by the hand.

 

Siobhan: ?? I'll have him ready for you this afternoon ??

 

The man walks away out the gate.

 

Ambrose: It's that Niamh went to Dublin just now, at short notice--

 

Kieran climbs onto a toy truck.

 

Siobhan: What for?

 

Ambrose is at a loss: Oh... Erm...

 

Siobhan hands the dog to Ambrose.

 

Ambrose: Erm, for a sale. I know I'm springing it on you but, I'm really stuck in--

 

Siobhan: No problem Ambrose.

She leans over to Kieran: Would you like to stay with Auntie Siobhan for a while?

 

Kieran: Yeah.

 

Siobhan: Have a glass of milk? And a binky?

 

Kieran: Yeah.

 

Siobhan: Kay.

 

Ambrose: And I'll be over when I finish duty. About seven or so.

 

Siobhan's smile fades: Will Niamh not be getting him?

 

Ambrose is at a loss again: Oh, erm, yeah, maybe.

 

Siobhan: Fair enough so.

She leans over to Aisling in her swing: Look Aisling who's going to play with us today.

 

Aisling coos and smiles.

 

Siobhan: It's Kieran.

 

Ambrose: You're going to be a very good boy while Daddy's at work aren't you.

 

Kieran picks up a handful of stones and dumps them into the toy truck.

 

Kieran, mischievously: No.

 

Siobhan looks apprehensively at Ambrose. Ambrose glances nervously at Siobhan.

 

Ambrose: Fine.

 

Kieran: Push me!

 

SCENE: Golf course.

There are several heavy vehicles standing around. Donal is sitting on one of them.

 

Liam: Look it Donal, it's like this. Are you or are you not going to let me drive the mower.

 

Donal grips the steering wheel and stares straight ahead, grimly: No!

 

Liam shouts: Who's in charge here!

 

Brian approaches, shouts: I am!

 

Liam and Donal look at Brian.

 

Brian: What's the problem?

 

Donal: He got to have the mower all day yesterday, and now he wants to have it today as well! That's not fair.

 

Brian waves at Donal with his hand: Get off!

 

Donal gets off. Brian climbs up into the driver's seat. Liam looks at Donal triumphantly. Donal glares at Liam.

 

Brian: Get on.

He turns on the engine.

 

Donal gets up onto the mower next to Brian.

 

Liam: Erm, Mr. Quigley, where are you's going?

 

Brian: Me and Donal have a bit of business to attend to.

 

Donal grins at Brian. They drive away.

 

SCENE: Pond.

The mower is parked next to a pond on the golf course. Donal and Brian are standing next to the pond.

 

Brian: This better be good Donal.

 

Donal points to the pond: This here's called Moran's Gully. It's not an obstacle. It's a natural pool.

 

Brian: Yes I know all that! They let us get round it when we developed the course.

 

Donal: Watch this.

He holds up a golf ball and tosses it into the water. The golf ball disappears with a plunk.

 

Donal pretends to be a golfer: Oh dear. I've lost me golf ball.

 

Brian looks like Donal is wasting his time, testily: Yes.

 

Donal: That ball cost me three quid. If ten balls go into the gully in a day, that's thirty quid worth of golf balls. Thirty quid a day, is nine hundred quid a month.

 

Brian is now looking thoughtful. He nods: Sell them for two quid a go, six hundred a month.

 

Donal interjects: Three hundred.

 

Brian turns questioningly to Donal.

 

Donal: Each.

Brian turns away.

Donal reminds him: Tax free.

 

It is a difficult decision, but Brian makes it.

 

Brian, resignedly: Fair enough. It's a deal.

 

Donal grins, holds out his hand. They shake on it.

 

Liam appears out of nowhere: I was looking to where you's got to.

 

Brian: Donal here has just evolved an environmental protection enterprise, to do with my golf links, and until further notice, you are seconded to him.

 

Brian points from Liam to Donal. Liam looks stricken. Donal looks resolved.

 

Liam, shrilly: Does that mean what I think it means?

 

Donal reaches into Liam's breast pocket and takes out his cell phone. He checks his watch.

 

Donal: Come on. The work won't do itself.

 

Donal dials a number on the phone.

 

SCENE: River Angel.

It is sunny. Dermot is standing on the rocks, snapping a picture with his camera. Aiden approaches him, dressed casually and tossing a stone in his hand.

 

Aiden: Not a bad day now?

 

Dermot puts the camera away: Yeah well we're promised rain later.

He gestures toward the sky.

 

Aiden: Ah, the holiday maker's nightmare.

 

Dermot chuckles appreciatively: You're on holidays yourself?

 

He starts walking slowly. Aiden accompanies him.

 

Aiden: Ah no, no.

 

Dermot: Well you don't sound as if you're from these parts.

 

Aiden: Well I suppose you could say I'm...passing through.

 

Dermot: Ah ha.

 

Aiden: How about yourself?

 

Dermot: Oh yes I am right enough but a long time ago you know I've been, the last thirty-five years now I've been in Coventry.

 

Aiden: Ah right.

 

Dermot raises the camera to his face as if to take another picture.

 

Aiden: Get back often?

 

Dermot lowers the camera.

 

Dermot: First time.

 

Aiden nods.

 

Dermot: Thought I might take a few snaps. I'm going home this evening on the ferry.

 

He takes a picture.

 

Aiden: Well, nice meeting you. Oh, name's Aiden.

He holds out his hand to Dermot.

 

Dermot lowers the camera again, shakes his hand: Oh ah, Dermot, Dermot Malone, I'll say good-bye to you, now Aiden.

Aiden takes a few steps away. Dermot goes back to his picture-taking. Aiden turns around again.

 

Aiden: You're not by any chance going through Cilldargan on your way home...?

 

Dermot: Yeah sure you want a lift?

 

Aiden: You couldn't hang on for a while, say ten minutes?

 

Dermot: Well like I say I'm in no hurry. The car is just over there.

He points somewhere upriver.

 

Aiden: Great.

 

Dermot: Right.

 

Aiden leaves quickly. Dermot takes more pictures.

 

SCENE: Ballykissangel.

Ambrose is ticketing a car parked on the street. Michael comes running toward him on the sidewalk. There are no other cars parked anywhere near.

 

Michael: Ambrose!

 

Ambrose, coolly: Michael.

 

Michael: A close rum take, what?

He opens the car door and puts his briefcase inside.

 

Ambrose: How so?

 

Michael closes the car door and walks around to the front of the car, where Ambrose is still busily writing.

 

Michael: Well I...nearly brought myself a ticket.

 

Ambrose: No nearly about it, you have got yourself a ticket.

 

Michael protests: Ambrose, I was on a call out.

 

Ambrose: Was it an emergency?

 

Michael: Well, erm, actually, no.

 

Ambrose: Your car is parked more than two feet from the curb. It's a traffic obstruction.

 

Michael looks around: Ambrose, there isn't any traffic!

 

Ambrose goes over to the sidewalk and points at the curb next to the offending vehicle.

 

Ambrose: And as you're parked so far from the curb I can clearly see the double yellow lines you're on.

 

Michael: Well if I'm parked two feet from the curb how can I be parked on the double yellow lines?

 

Ambrose: Will I book you for parking on double yellow lines or will I book you for parking in the middle of the road?

 

Michael raises his hands in surrender: As you wish.

He goes to the driver's side.

 

Ambrose: I'll take that as a double yellow lines.

He rips the ticket out of his booklet and hands it to Michael as he passes by. He walks down the road.

 

Michael: Have a nice day.

He gets into the car and closes the door.

 

SCENE: Kathleen's kitchen.

Kathleen enters, followed by Aiden.

 

Kathleen: Sorry for dragging you in here Father. It's more private than in the shop.

 

She walks through the kitchen on her way to the living room.

 

Aiden: Grand Kathleen, but like I was saying, I bumped into this man--

 

Kathleen stops and turns.

 

Kathleen: Where is he now?

She goes down the steps into the living room.

 

Aiden: Well, that's the thing, you see--

 

CUT TO: Kathleen's living room.

Kathleen enters, followed by Aiden.

 

Aiden: --he doesn't know I'm here.

 

Kathleen: Do you know his name?

 

Aiden: He did tell me, yes.

 

Kathleen stops, turns to face Aiden, and watches him anxiously, then asks: Was it Dermot Malone?

 

Aiden, relieved: Yes! Now, I've got to meet him again soon, so I wondered, if you wanted me to tell him that you'd like to see him.

 

Kathleen: Yes Father. I'd be grateful if you would.

 

Aiden, pleased: Fair enough. I'll go tell him.

He quickly leaves the room and goes up the steps.

 

SCENE: Pond.

Liam and Donal, wearing knee-high boots, are standing next to the pond. Donal is fiddling with a long rod, on the end of which he has attached a sieve. Liam is holding several more rods.

 

Donal, proudly: That should do it.

 

Liam looks defeatist. Donal plunges the sieve into the water, fishes about with it, then pulls it back out.

 

Donal: Rod.

 

Liam hands a rod to Donal. Donal screws it onto the end of the first rod.

 

Liam, dryly: The frogs are in for a fright.

 

Donal gives Liam a look, then puts the sieve into the water again. It seems he is trying to hit bottom. He gestures to Liam for another rod.

 

Donal: Another one.

 

Liam hands him another rod, which he screws into the end of the second one.

 

Liam: Yeah, I mean imagine aliens shoving a great big pipe down through the clouds down on the earth.

 

Donal gives Liam another look, then shoves the sieve down deeper into the pond.

 

Donal: Rod!

 

Liam hands him another one.

 

Liam: Gone to Rathdrum, missed my tea break.

 

Donal screws the rod on, then pushes the sieve deeper down.

 

Liam, laughing: Donal...is the rods not long enough?

 

Donal looks peeved.

 

Donal: It's just the pool is deeper than we thought, that's all.

He pulls the whole long chain of rods back out of the water. The sieve is still attached, and empty, at the end.

 

Donal: Time for Plan B.

 

SCENE: Ballykissangel.

Dermot and Aiden are leaning against Dermot's car.

 

Aiden: I didn't want you to leave without knowing, Kathleen would like to see you.

 

Dermot shakes his head and looks away: That's not a good idea.

 

Aiden: She seems to think it is.

 

Dermot: No, no, it's in the past, leave it there. I don't suppose you'll be needing that lift into Cilldargan after all Father.

 

Aiden: If you'll just wait, we could talk, Dermot.

 

Dermot: I couldn't face her. It's as simple as that.

He gets into his car, starts the engine, and drives away. (English license plate G528 DJX)

 

Aiden turns and walks dejectedly back into town.

 

SCENE: Kathleen's living room.

Kathleen has changed into a nice blue dress. She is adjusting her necklace in the mirror. She primps her hair. She hears a bell jingle, smiles, takes one last look in the mirror, and hurries up the steps into the kitchen.

 

CUT TO: Hendley's shop.

Kathleen enters from the rear of the shop, looking expectantly toward the door, smiling. As she gets closer, her smile fades.

 

Kathleen: He's not coming, is he.

 

Aiden is standing there, alone.

 

Aiden, gently: No, Kathleen, I'm sorry.

 

Kathleen sighs, disappointed: I see. Thank you Father.

 

Aiden nods slightly, then turns to leave.

 

Kathleen: Father?

 

Aiden stops, turns back to Kathleen: Yes Kathleen?

 

Kathleen steps over to the door and turns the "OPEN" sign to "CLOSED".

 

Kathleen: If you wouldn't mind?

 

SCENE: Siobhan's garden.

Kieran is playing on the toy truck. Aisling is sitting in her swing. Siobhan comes hurrying out of the house, carrying a rattle, which she places in Aisling's swing.

 

Siobhan: Aisling want her rattle yeah?

 

The phone rings inside the house. Siobhan isn't sure what to do. She grabs Kieran and places him in the play pen.

 

Siobhan: Auntie Siobhan is going to answer the nice phone now. So you just play in there, and I'll be back in a second, all right?

 

Kieran looks bored. Siobhan runs inside.

 

Siobhan (inside): Hello? Yes, Mrs. Quinn.

 

CUT TO: Inside.

Siobhan is on the phone.

 

Siobhan: No, no, no problem Mrs. Quinn.

She looks out the window. Kieran is standing in the play pen.

 

Siobhan: Those little dogs are very highly strung. Yes. Yes all right, fine. Bye-bye.

She hangs up the phone, then mutters to herself: Your little dogs should be extra highly strung, Mrs. Quinn, from the nearest lamp post.

 

She looks out the window again. The play pen is empty.

 

Siobhan shouts: Kieran?!

She runs out the door.

 

CUT TO: Garden.

 

Siobhan runs out, shouts: Kieran?!

She stops and looks around. She notices that the gate is open. She grabs Aisling's blanket from where it is draped over the play pen and picks up Aisling from her swing.

 

SCENE: Road.

Brendan is cycling along the road. He sees Kieran, pedaling the toy truck along the road coming toward him. Brendan stops and frowns.

 

Brendan, to himself: Kieran!

 

Kieran looks up at Brendan and smiles.

 

Brendan frowns some more, to himself: What are you doing here?

 

Siobhan comes running down the road, holding Aisling tightly.

 

Siobhan calls: Kieran?!

 

Kieran keeps pedalling. Siobhan catches up to him and grabs hold of the truck.

 

Siobhan: Kieran, you wouldn't hardly cross me! (??)

 

Siobhan looks up and sees Brendan. She looks stricken.

 

SCENE: Kathleen's kitchen.

Kathleen has just put the kettle on for some tea. Aiden is standing there watching her.

 

Kathleen reminisces fondly: He was the best-looking fella for miles around. Every girl was after him. But I was the one that was going steady with him.

 

Aiden smiles: That's some compliment to you then Kathleen.

 

Kathleen gestures toward the chair: Sit down Father.

 

Aiden sits down. Kathleen moves over to stand next to the table.

 

Kathleen: He wanted to make something of himself.

 

She sits down as well.

 

Kathleen: So we agreed he'd go to England. And when he had enough saved he'd come back, and we'd be married. I had some savings I gave him, for his boat fare and...till he could get a job and get on his feet.

 

Aiden nods.

 

Kathleen: So...I waited for the letter to tell me, he was coming back for me. And you know the rest Father.

She looks down.

 

Aiden: And...that's why you never married.

 

Kathleen smiles wistfully: I had many's the offer. But I always hoped, he'd just appear some day.

She looks around: See, I bought this place, off Miss Moynihan. The village gossip.

 

Aiden swallows.

 

Kathleen: I know, a lot of people think I started where she left off. I suppose you mind everyone else's business, when you have none of your own.

She looks down at the table. The envelope with the money is still lying there.

 

SCENE: Siobhan's living room.

Kieran runs in, followed by Siobhan carrying Aisling. Brendan follows.

 

Siobhan: Did you want some more, lemonade Kieran.

 

Kieran: Yeah.

Siobhan puts Aisling down in her pram.

 

Brendan: What about those attitudes you keep going on about?

He wanders over to the window and looks outside.

 

Siobhan: Listen, I would give that child Prozac if I had it. He doesn't know the meaning of the word danger.

 

Brendan: Give him back to Ambrose. Tell him you'd forgotten, tell him you've got something to do this afternoon.

 

Siobhan: Ah sure I couldn't do that.

 

Brendan: Course you can are you getting any work done?

 

Siobhan, pitifully: Not a tap.

 

Brendan: Look. You can't stop work to look after his child. Tell Ambrose to take the afternoon off.

 

Siobhan protests: Oh I can't do that. I agreed to mind him.

 

Brendan scoffs. A crash sounds from the kitchen. Siobhan and Brendan dash out.

 

CUT TO: Kitchen.

Siobhan and Brendan stop in the doorway, mouths ajar. Kieran has dropped a glass jam jar onto the floor, where it has broken, spilling its contents. In addition, he is busily throwing flour about the room and himself.

 

Siobhan: That's it. You can take him back to Ambrose.

 

Brendan: Who me?!

 

SCENE: Pond.

Donal and Liam are standing in a boat in the middle of the pond. They are pulling up a net.

 

Liam: Donal.

 

Donal: What!

 

Liam: This place is thirty foot deep in places. How are you gonna find a golf ball down there?

 

Donal spots something in the net: Ah ha!

He pulls a golf ball out of the net and holds it up to Liam: What do you call that then?

He drops the ball into the boat: Keep pulling they're biting.

 

Liam sighs. They pull on the net together.

 

Liam: Hold on, what have we got here.

 

A shopping cart is tangled up in the net. Liam struggles to get it onto the boat.

 

Liam: Come on give us a hand!

 

They pull the cart up onto the boat.

 

Liam laughs: Ha ha ha! Ho ho ho ho! Ho ho ho! Well! At least we've got something now to carry all them golf balls we're going to find. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

 

Liam is doubled over in laughter. Donal does not look amused.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

Kieran is riding a toy truck through the pub. Brendan hands Kieran's jacket to Ambrose. Orla is serving customers.

 

Brendan: The thing is Ambrose, Siobhan has to work, so she can't look after Kieran. I'm sorry about the change of plans.

 

Orla: I'd help you out but I'm just too busy here.

 

Brendan: Anyway there you go. Sorry Ambrose.

He leaves.

 

Ambrose: Yeah.

 

Brendan: Bye Kieran!

 

Brian is standing at a table at the far end of the bar. Kieran plows into Brian's rear end. Brian shouts.

 

Brian growls: Kieran, what are you doing?

 

Kieran beams mischievously.

 

Ambrose comes over: Kieran, no! That's bold!

 

Brian: Kieran! Where's Niamh?

Ambrose flails about for an answer: Er, she...went to Dublin, at short notice, this morning. A sale she wanted to get to...

His voice trails off unconvincingly.

 

Brian: And who's looking after my grandson?

 

Ambrose, put upon: Well, Siobhan was, but she can't anymore, I'm trying to line someone else up.

 

Brian: Would you look at the state of him!

 

Kieran is smeared with jam and flour.

 

Ambrose, apologetically: Yeah, Brian, I-- I know.

 

Brian: And what do you mean line somebody else up? You're not playing pass the parcel with my grandson!

 

Ambrose: Look-- I'm not in humour OK? It's virtually impossible to find a minder at this notice.

 

Brian: Well I'm working from home this afternoon, he can come and stay with me.

 

Ambrose, hopefully: Are you sure?

 

Brian: I'll need to get a change of clothes for him though.

 

Ambrose can hardly believe his luck: OK, right.

 

Brian: Sure his old granddad might be able to teach him a few tricks of the trade, hah?

 

Kieran: Yeah.

Kieran plows into Brian again.

 

Brian, good-naturedly: Kieran!

 

Kieran laughs.

 

SCENE: Field.

Two couples are approaching a low stone wall dividing a field. One couple is Sean and Emma, the other is Danny and Eamonn. Sean is carrying an envelope and a shovel.

 

Emma: You're doing the right thing Dad.

 

Sean: I know. Didn't like upsetting myself for the past.

 

Emma: Good?

 

Sean: Good.

 

Danny hands Sean a penny. Sean hands Danny an envelope. Sean smiles. Danny opens the envelope and pulls out a piece of paper.

 

Eamonn points at the paper and reads: The two middle fields sold by Sean Dillon to Danny Byrne for the fee of one penny.

 

Eamonn and Danny look at each other and nod.

 

Sean: This gate marks the new boundary between our land, and Danny's land.

He holds up the penny: This marks the end of a feud that should never have happened.

 

Eamonn, punching at the air for emphasis: Hear hear!

 

Sean: And if the feud is dead, it's time it was laid to rest.

He shovels up a bit of earth and drops the penny in.

 

Eamonn: Sean!

 

Sean looks up at Eamonn.

 

Eamonn: If you don't mind, I'll do the second part.

 

Sean hands Eamonn the shovel.

 

Sean: I'll welcome you.

 

Eamonn turns the earth back over onto the penny. He hands the shovel back to Sean.

 

A great injustice has been righted by Sean Dillon.

 

Danny taps Eamonn on the arm: Ah no Uncle!

 

Eamonn holds a hand up to shush Danny: It needs to be said. This land is rightfully back with the family that owns it. The Byrnes had this land since...since the start of the world.

 

Danny smiles in amusement.

 

Eamonn: Till the Dillons took it from them. Now we have it back. And I'm telling you...

 

Eamonn narrows his eyes at Sean. Sean's smile fades. He seems to get defensive. Then Eamonn smiles.

 

Eamonn: ...the Dillons will always be the most welcome guests on our land, and in our hearts.

 

Emma: Yeah! Hey!

She claps. Sean claps. Danny smiles. Then he claps, too.

 

SCENE: Pond.

The banks are strews with the detritus which Liam and Donal have dredged from the depths... a television, a bicycle, unidentifiable large chunks of metal, a typewriter... Liam and Donal are still out on the boat.

 

Liam: Nice day for it anyway. Looks like it might rain later. What do you think, Donal?

 

Donal is pulling on the net.

 

Donal: Give us a hand!

 

Liam: I'm the bold man, not the salvage expert.

 

Donal: Quigley said you were to work for me.

 

Liam: He didn't say anything about raising the Titanic!

 

Donal: Look, are you gonna pull on this or aren't you?

He holds a rope out to Liam. Liam waits several seconds, then grabs the rope.

 

Liam: Wait. One...two...

 

Donal: Just pull!

 

They somehow get themselves tangled up, or maybe they just don't coordinate their efforts properly, at any rate they end up lying down in the bottom of the boat.

 

Liam sits up: Not going too well, is it?

 

SCENE: Brian's garden.

A cell phone is ringing. Brian pops up from behind a hedge, wearing a tie around his head in the manner of an Indian headband.

 

Brian: Yes. Donal, this better be good. I've interrupted a very important business conference.

He switches the phone to his other hand, in which he is already holding a bow and arrow, and opens the gate.

 

Brian: Well-- Well do whatever you have to do, for God's sake! Look, in plain English. Don't bring me problems, bring me solutions.

 

He edges his way across the lawn toward a group of several teepees made of sheets and sticks. He hangs up the phone and puts it into his pocket.

 

Brian: Kieran...Kieran Brian Quigley Egan...I'm going to burn up every ounce of energy, that ?? in that body of yours.

 

He checks two of the teepees. We can hear Kieran giggling. Kieran emerges from one of the teepees.

 

Brian: Geronimo coming to getchya!

He lets out a war cry. Kieran crawls back into the teepee. Brian crawls after him. Kieran runs out of the teepee, squealing with delight. Brian laughs.

 

SCENE: Pond.

Donal is walking with the heavy equipment guy, perusing a paper. According to the credits, the man's name is Tom.

 

Tom, indicating paper: Has Quigley OK'd it?

 

Donal hesitates a really long time.

 

Donal: Erm...one day's rental, yeah.

 

Tom does not look convinced.

 

Donal: Yeah, three hundred quid.

 

He puts the paper on Tom's back and signs it. A large motor starts up. Tom takes the paper back and walks away, still not looking entirely comfortable about the entire deal. A large green crane behind Donal starts to move its arm. Donal trots over to the crane and indicates that it should move toward the pond.

 

SCENE: Kathleen's living room.

Kathleen is sitting alone in an arm chair, staring at the cold fireplace. A bell tinkles. Kathleen doesn't stir. A knock sounds. Kathleen turns her head toward the door and slowly stands up. She goes up the steps.

 

CUT TO: Hendley's shop.

Kathleen enters the shop from the back. She looks toward the door and sees Dermot standing there. Dermot knocks again. It isn't clear whether he can see her or not. He turns and walks away. Kathleen walks to the door. She stands at the closed door, watching Dermot go down the steps. She unlocks the door and opens it. Dermot turns around.

 

Dermot: Hello Kathleen.

 

Kathleen: Father Aiden said you'd left.

 

Dermot: Yeah I did but I-- I got my courage up so...so here I am.

 

Kathleen: Courage, was it?

 

Dermot: Look Kathleen, if you told me to go to hell, then I-- I would understand.

 

Kathleen: That's...very considerate of you.

 

Dermot walks up the steps.

 

Dermot: I'm sorry.

 

Kathleen: Would you like to step in?

 

Dermot looks around: Are-- Are you sure?

 

Kathleen, flatly: Yes.

 

CUT TO: Kathleen's living room.

Kathleen is pouring tea. Dermot is sitting at the table. He is still wearing his coat. Kathleen sits down, too. She pours some cream into her tea. She and Dermot look at each other awkwardly.

 

Kathleen: Even if you'd written, to tell me it was over, Dermot...

 

Dermot nods with regret.

 

Kathleen: But never to know...Why, Dermot? Why?

Dermot: That young priest that came to me, did you tell him, about us being sweethearts?

 

Kathleen: Today is the first time I've mentioned it in twenty-five years.

 

Dermot: And did you tell him what a fine figure of a man I was? That I never allowed a sip of drink to cross my lips? Hm?

 

Kathleen does not answer.

 

Dermot: Well that all changed when I got to England. Big time. I'd been there about three months and I'd drunk every penny of your money. Then, the following year, I-- I tried to get back. And I got as far as the boat on Christmas Eve and I met a couple of mates that I knew from a filling site near Charing Cross and um, you know...

He makes a sign for drinking.

 

Kathleen is listening with a frown.

 

Dermot: And I missed the boat. I spent Christmas Day on a bench.

 

Kathleen, incredulously: And you think that would have stopped me? I would have come over to you! I would have helped you!

 

Dermot: You couldn't have helped me, Kathleen, the woman who married me found that out.

 

Kathleen is taken aback.

 

Dermot: She was an Irish girl too.

 

Kathleen: Do you have children?

 

Dermot smiles: Yeah, yeah I have a daughter. Her name's Kathleen. But she-- you know she's married now got a family of her own. But anyway. The rest of your life starts today, that's what they say, isn't it.

 

Kathleen smiles sadly: It's what they say, yes.

 

Dermot: So what do you think. Would you like to, go for a drive, maybe?

 

Kathleen smiles and nods: That would be lovely.

 

Dermot smiles.

 

SCENE: Pond.

The crane is lifting a large object from the pond. Liam is at the controls, Donal is directing him.

 

Donal: Up down up down just clear it!

 

Liam: You don't know what you're doing at all do you!

 

Donal: Up up up up up!

 

The object is cylindrical and metal and appears to have Cyrillic letters on it.

 

Donal: Up up up up up!

 

The object says CCCP and has a Soviet hammer-and-sickle on it. It looks like it's probably a satellite.

 

Donal: So what is it?

 

Liam: That's a lot of junk.

 

Donal: Do you think is it worth anything?

 

Liam: God knows how long it's been lying in water!

 

Donal: It's unusual looking anyway.

 

Liam: Know what I think it is. I think it's one of them old Spanish slurry spreaders used to be all the rage a couple of years ago.

 

Donal: It doesn't look like one to me.

 

Liam points to the CCCP.

 

Liam: Ah! Now. That's Spanish that is.

 

Donal: Oh yeah? What does it say?

 

Liam: I don't know! Slurry spreader, I suppose.

 

He points at the hammer-and-sickle.

 

Liam: And that now. That's what's called the company logo.

 

Donal: I've seen that before all right.

 

Liam: Mmm.

 

Donal: Well let's get it back in there we've got enough junk out here.

 

Liam: Now hold on a minute just what about my lunch break?

 

Donal: Forget about your break.

 

SCENE: Meadow.

Sean and Danny are walking through a wooded field near a stone wall.

 

Danny: ?? I haven't a clue what I'm going to do with these fields. My uncle wants to graze his sheep on them.

 

Sean: Well there's good grass there.

 

Danny: Yeah but I was thinking I'd like to something a little different. I heard you know all about this organic farming rot.

 

Sean chuckles: When I came back here I thought I might get into it. I've lots of information in the house.

 

Danny: I'm not that good at reading.

 

They climb over the stone wall.

 

Sean: Well, forget about the reading. How are you with a plough?

 

Danny: Don't know. Me uncle has a tractor I could give that a shot but I've never done any ploughing.

 

Sean: Well, you should consider it, if you're going to make a go of this thing.

 

They climb over another stone wall.

 

Sean: A couple of fields I could rent out to you.

 

Danny nods.

 

Sean: You do want to make something of yourself don't you?

 

Danny, as if the thought had only just occurred to him: Yeah I do actually.

 

Sean: Well then, make something of those two fields.

 

SCENE: Brian's kitchen.

Brian and Kieran are cutting out cookies.

 

Brian: Now, this may not be the most macho hobby for a young man like yourself--

 

Kieran: Yeah.

 

Brian: But never underestimate the joys of the homemade biscuit.

 

Kieran: Can I have that for a minute?

He indicates the cookie cutter.

 

Brian: Of course you can! Do you know that your Mummy...

He hands the cookie cutter to Kieran.

Brian: ...and your Mummy's Mummy, used to make these on wet afternoons. And then your Granddad would come in...and they'd surprise me with them.

 

Kieran: Yeah.

 

Brian smiles wistfully at Kieran.

 

SCENE: Park.

Kathleen and Dermot enter a park.

 

CUT TO: Seaside.

Kathleen and Dermot are strolling through a park along the seaside.

 

CUT TO: Tea house.

Kathleen and Dermot approach a tea house with a sign outside, "WED 4pm- Sonny Knowles Entertains - TEA DANCE". They stop.

 

Dermot: What do you think? Do you fancy it?

 

Kathleen giggles: Oh ho ho ho. I haven't danced in years.

 

Dermot chuckles.

 

Kathleen, enthusiastically: Sure why not?

 

Dermot: Why not indeed?

He puts his arm around her and they go inside.

 

SCENE: Brian's garden.

Kieran and Brian are kicking a football around.

 

Brian: Come on then come on come on--

 

Kieran kicks the ball.

 

Brian: Yes! Good boy! Come on one more time.

 

Kieran kicks the ball. It goes through Brian's legs.

 

Brian: Oh!

 

He falls down on purpose.

 

Brian: I tell you this Kieran. One day you're going to be playing for the county, huh?

 

Kieran runs over to Ambrose, who is standing on the side of the lawn.

 

Brian: Ah look Kieran. Here's your Daddy.

Brian gets up.

 

Ambrose: Thanks Brian I appreciate it.

 

Brian: Oh, I enjoyed it more than he did. No need to thank me. Oh! I'm jaded. So. Is Niamh back from her sale in Dublin yet.

 

Ambrose avoids looking at Brian: Er...no, er, she's not.

 

Brian looks at Kieran: I told him he could have his tea here.

 

Ambrose bristles: He can have his tea at home.

 

Brian: What's he having.

 

Ambrose: I haven't decided yet.

 

Brian: Well he thinks he's having pizza here.

 

Ambrose, annoyed: You shouldn't have told him that.

 

Brian shrugs: More than enough to go around. Come on then Kieran!

 

Kieran kicks the ball to Brian.

 

Brian: That's my boy!

 

Brian kicks the ball back to Kieran.

 

SCENE: Tea house.

 

Announcer: Now ladies and gentlemen. You remember this.

 

The music starts up. Kathleen and Dermot are dancing.

 

Music:    Sure she's Irish.

                Tis no wonder at all,

                All the fellas should fall,

                For the Colleen

                With the smile in her eyes,

                Sure she's Irish.

                And as bright as the May

                So the fellas all say,

                As a bird of paradise.

                She's a beautiful one,

                She's a wonderful one,

                For who could be sweeter

                There's devil a one,

                Sure she's Irish.

                She's the belle of the ball,

                The star of them all,

                With her lively Irish eyes.

 

SCENE: Pond.

Liam and Donal are standing beside the pond. Donal is wearing a diving suit and reading an instruction manual. Liam is holding a long rope, which is attached to Donal.

 

Liam: Quigley's not going to like this.

 

Donal adjusts the face mask and starts walking toward the pond. (The mask makes him difficult to understand.) He is still reading the instructions.

 

Donal: When the going gets rough, the rough get going.

 

Liam: That's tough, Donal.

 

Donal: Righteous tough.

 

Liam: No I meant, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

 

Donal: You're not just saying it there!

 

Liam, seriously: Donal, this could be dangerous!

 

Donal: It'll be all right, as long as you follow the instructions.

 

Liam protests: You can't read that under water!

 

Donal: I've already read it.

 

He shoves the instruction manual at Liam.

 

Liam: What if you get into difficulties!

 

Donal: I'll come back up and check them out!

 

Donal puts the breather in his mouth.

 

Liam gets serious doubts: Donal, hang on.

 

Donal makes the "OK" sign with his fingers.

 

Liam: Donal can we talk about this, Donal, listen, Donal!

 

Donal jumps into the water.

 

Liam: Oh God.

He starts letting the rope down into the water after Donal.

 

Liam: Oh God. Donal! I can't believe you did this!

 

The pond bubbles.

 

Liam: Oh God.

 

He shakes the rope.

 

Liam: Hello.

 

He shakes the rope again and tries to see into the water, but it is too murky. He inches closer to the water and looks apprehensive. Suddenly, with a large upspray of water, a mannequin bursts through the surface of the water. Liam yells in fright. When he sees what it is, he breathes heavily and calms down.

 

SCENE: Brian's kitchen.

Kieran is coloring at the kitchen table. Brian is clearing the table. Ambrose is washing up at the sink.

 

Brian: That's great, what's it going to be?

 

Kieran: ??

 

Brian (who may not have understood Kieran either): Right, well, if you want to, yes.

 

Brian clears some dishes from the table. He puts the salad bowl on the counter and brings the other dishes to Ambrose.

 

Brian: Great thing about living out of the microwave and the freezer is, no washing up to speak of.

 

Ambrose: You'd recommend it, would you.

 

Brian: Only if there's no choice.

 

This gives Ambrose pause.

 

Ambrose: Meaning?

 

Brian, quietly, without looking at Ambrose: What's going on between you and Niamh? And I don't want to hear about any sales in Dublin.

 

Ambrose: I wasn't going to tell you about any sales. I wasn't going to answer if you must know.

 

Brian slowly turns around to face Ambrose.

 

Brian: Have I ever interfered between you and Niamh before?

 

Ambrose: Constantly.

 

Brian: Yeah well, this is different.

 

Ambrose, emphatically: There is nothing - wrong - Brian - OK.

 

Brian raises his hands in surrender, turns away, and shrugs.

 

Brian: OK. Then you can handle it yourself.

 

Ambrose: Exactly.

 

Ambrose turns to look at Kieran, who is still at the kitchen table.

 

Kieran: Where's Mum?

 

Brian, quietly to Ambrose: Now would you like to tell me how that does not ??

 

SCENE: Seaside.

Outside the tea house, deck chairs are set up facing the sea. Kathleen and Dermot are sitting at a table behind the deck chairs. It is windy and cool. Kathleen pours Dermot a cup of tea.

 

Dermot: That's grand, thank you. So what do we drink to?

 

Kathleen: I don't know. Maybe, to being friends again?

 

Dermot chuckles and raises a finger: Friends.

He drinks.

 

Kathleen drinks.

 

Dermot: Well we never lost our touch, hm? I mean there was nobody hereabouts could touch us. The way we used to waltz. Remember?

 

Kathleen smiles: I do Dermot. I do.

 

Dermot: You know when I came to see you this afternoon, Kathleen, I...I was scared.

 

Kathleen: I'm glad that didn't stop you.

 

Dermot: Well, you must have felt...betrayed.

 

Kathleen admits: In part. And angry.

 

Dermot looks down, ashamed.

 

Kathleen: You can't hang on to that. You just make the best of things and get on with your life.

 

Dermot: I'm sorry, Kathleen.

 

Kathleen: I'm sure you are. But sure, it's a lovely day.

 

Dermot: Yeah.

 

Kathleen: Let's make the most of the evening. No talk of the past, hm?

She smiles at him.

 

Dermot: Thank you for that.

He raises his tea cup to her. They drink.

 

SCENE: Field.

Danny is ploughing a field with a tractor. Eamonn and Trixie are watching him. Eamonn looks pleased as punch.

 

SCENE: Bedroom in Brian's house.

Brian is getting Kieran ready for bed. He is combing Kieran's hair. Ambrose enters tentatively.

 

Brian, to Kieran: Right. You're right as a pin you are.

Brian looks up and sees Ambrose: Oh. A few minutes yet before his old Granddad...is finished beautifying him.

 

Ambrose smiles.

 

Kieran: Yeah.

 

Brian: Then, we're going to put you down in your Mummy's old bed, aren't we?

He kisses Kieran on the forehead.

 

Brian: Yes we are.

 

Kieran: Night night Daddy.

 

Ambrose leaves.

 

Brian: Good. Come on. Now once upon a time--

 

CUT TO: Brian's garden.

The sun is low in the sky. Brian and Ambrose exit the house. The teepees and football are still there, along with other toys scattered around the lawn.

 

Brian: He's a nippy little fellow with a football. Had great fun this afternoon.

 

Ambrose: You tired him out anyway.

 

Brian: Well, when Niamh was that age, I was always on the go.

 

Brian starts picking up the toys.

 

Brian: Right in the middle of the business, you know? Always a customer to be chased, always a customer to be satisfied.

 

Brian picks up a teepee. Ambrose picks up some smaller toys.

 

Brian: At the end of the day that's not what it's about. All that work is supposed to be for the family.

 

Brian picks up another teepee.

 

Brian: Here hold that.

 

He hands off the teepees to Ambrose.

 

Brian: And then when Christiane died, and just me and Niamh, completely at a loss how to bring up a family.

 

He picks up another teepee.

 

Ambrose: You did a very good job.

 

Brian pauses, then turns to Ambrose: I envy you, Ambrose. Oh not because you're young or because you have a child, but because...you really do make time for them. And that's the most important thing.

 

Ambrose: Doesn't change how things are though, does it?

 

Brian: Well I know one thing. Niamh loves you. She's mad about you.

 

Ambrose: But I don't know where to start.

 

SCENE: Dublin.

Niamh, dressed very elegantly and carrying two shopping bags, is walking down the street to her car. She opens the rear hatch and puts her bags inside, then closes the hatch. She looks across the street. She sees Sean through the window of a pub. He is reading a newspaper, with his back to the window. Niamh looks around, then crosses the street.

 

CUT TO: Pub.

Sean is sitting in a booth, reading the Business and Finance section. Niamh enters.

 

Niamh: Mind if I join you?

 

Sean looks around, surprised: Niamh! Hi!

 

He folds up his paper and stands up.

 

Sean: Sure, um, would you like a drink?

 

Niamh: Yeah.

 

Sean walks over to the bar, indicates her costume: I love the outfit.

 

Niamh follows him: Thanks very much.

 

SCENE: Pond.

Liam is standing next to the pond, nervously holding the rope. Bubbling sounds are coming from the pond.

 

Liam mutters to himself: Oh this is ridiculous. Quigley'll go ape when he hears about it.

He shouts at the water: You're really for it Donal, you know that!

 

The rope goes quickly into the water. Liam lets it out as fast as he can. He comes to the end of the rope. It flips out of his hands and into the water. It is gone. Liam looks at the water, in shock. Bubbles come up. Then the water goes still.

 

Liam: Uh oh. Donal? Donal! Donal!

 

No response. Liam panics.

 

Liam: Uh...Oh God.

 

Liam removes his hat and starts running.

 

Liam: Help! Heeeeeelp!

 

SCENE: Dublin pub.

Niamh is sitting on a stool at the bar. Sean is standing next to her, holding a glass.

 

Sean: So, just before you came in I was wondering how my father might have thought about me, giving those two fields back to Danny.

 

Niamh: How do you think?

 

Sean: I don't know. I've been away from him for so long. You leave here at sixteen and you come back, a whole lifetime later, and...kind of, lost, I suppose.

 

Niamh: But you don't regret leaving.

 

Sean: Why regret what you can't change? Leaving here has made me what I am. Good bad or indifferent.

 

Niamh: Good I'd say.

 

Sean: You reckon.

 

Niamh: Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like if I'd traveled here and there and done this and that. Instead of just being boring old Niamh Quigley. And then becoming even more boring old Niamh Egan.

 

Sean: Is everything all right, Niamh?

 

Niamh gives him a scared-rabbit look.

 

Sean: Sorry if I appear to pry.

 

Niamh: No, it's just...Oh I don't know. Life. Me and Ambrose, we're not getting on.

 

Sean: How bad is it?

 

Niamh: He doesn't know how bad it is, that's how bad it is.

 

Sean sighs: One thing I have to correct you on, Niamh, if it's any use.

 

Niamh: What.

 

Sean: Under no circumstances could you be considered boring.

 

They look at each other.

 

Sean: Ambrose is a lucky man.

 

He takes a sip of beer. Niamh smiles very slightly, but continues to watch him.

 

SCENE: Brian's garden.

Ambrose is standing at the edge of the garden, looking out at the scenery. Brian approaches, carrying a cup and a glass of whiskey.

 

Brian: Coffee.

 

Ambrose takes the cup from him: Thanks.

 

Brian: He went out like a light.

 

He takes a sip of his whiskey.

 

Brian: Why don't you ring and see if she's come home yet.

 

Ambrose: I just have, she hasn't.

 

He takes a sip of his coffee.

 

Brian: Ambrose, it wouldn't hurt if you were to talk, you know.

 

Ambrose, testily: I'm a little fed up with talking at the minute.

 

Brian: Yeah well, fed up or not, she needs to know what the hell is going on.

 

Ambrose admits: I don't know. And that's the truth.

 

He starts to walk. Brian follows him.

 

Ambrose: Something's changed, between Niamh and me. We don't seem to be able to get through to each other.

 

Brian mutters: Happens in all marriages.

 

Ambrose: She says...we're just a routine. We're just...clocking off the days until something happens. Do you know what that means? I don't. And when I ask her to be more specific, she gets upset and says I'm not aware of how she feels, well how am I supposed to be when she won't tell me.

 

Brian: Maybe she's just saying that the magic has gone out of things.

 

Ambrose: How? We still do the things we used to do, nothing's changed.

 

Brian shrugs in a way that indicates that that's exactly the problem.

 

Ambrose, defensively: I can't pretend that I'm different in order to please Niamh, if she's fed up with me...then she's fed up with me.

 

Brian, quietly, deadly serious: Ambrose. You're on very dangerous ground here.

 

SCENE: Pond.

A garda car (not Ambrose's) and a rescue vehicle are on site. An inflatable boat full of divers is making its way toward the middle of the pond. Aiden walks over to Liam, who is staring out at the water. They look at each other grimly, then Liam takes a couple of steps away and stares out at the water again. A diver rolls off the boat into the water. More sirens sound on the approach. Another diver rolls into the water.

 

SCENE: Seaside.

The wind has really picked up. The sun is very low in the sky. Kathleen and Dermot are walking up a boat ramp. Dermot points at something off in the distance.

 

Dermot: Hasn't changed a bit. Just like yourself, hah?

 

Kathleen stops and rummages in her purse.

 

Kathleen: I want you to do me a favour, Dermot.

She takes out the brown packet with the money and hands it to Dermot.

 

Kathleen: Take that back with you.

 

Dermot: I can't, Kathleen. That's yours.

 

Kathleen: I don't need it. I'm what they call comfortable. It's done its job, Dermot. It's got us here, together, talking again. If you don't want it, give it to your Kathleen.

She presses the packet into Dermot's hand.

 

Dermot: Is that what would make you happy?

 

Kathleen: It would.

 

Dermot: Then that's what I'll do so.

He puts the packet into his pocket and they continue walking.

 

Kathleen: I think it's time.

 

Dermot: Yeah it is, erm...

He checks his watch: I could drop you back home if you want me to.

 

Kathleen: No, no, there's a bus. I'll wait here till you sail.

 

Dermot: Well it's time to say good-bye.

 

Kathleen: Not for so long this time, hm?

 

Dermot: Yeah. Erm, would you mind if, when I get back to London, that I-- I-- I wrote to you.

 

Kathleen: I'd be delighted.

 

Dermot: And, would you mind now, if I erm...

 

Kathleen smiles: When did I ever mind that?

 

Dermot takes her face between his hands and kisses her on the lips.

 

Dermot: And I'll keep in touch.

 

He walks away and waves.

 

Dermot: God bless you Kathleen.

 

Kathleen: And you Dermot.

 

She turns and looks out at the water.

 

SCENE: Pond.

There are several rescue workers milling about, as well as an ambulance, a garda car, a crane, and all the junk that Liam and Donal had salvaged. Brian and Liam are walking quickly across the field.

 

Brian:  ?? Have you no brains at all man?

 

Liam: Well what am I supposed to do?

 

Brian: Tell him not to! Who's in charge?

 

Liam: You put him in charge this morning!

 

Brian: Oh for God's sake Liam, I didn't expect this to happen! Why couldn't you have rung me!

 

Liam: I did! Your phone was off!

 

They stop and sigh heavily. Aiden approaches one of the rescue divers.

 

Aiden: Well? Seamus eh?

 

Seamus shakes his head and turns away. He points to the divers still out on the pond.

 

Seamus: Right lads! In you come! Let's pack up!

 

Aiden walks over to Brian and Liam. A garda is also standing behind them. Everyone gathers around, facing the pond, and bows their heads.

 

Aiden: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

 

Everyone crosses themselves.

 

Aiden: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

 

Behind the group, there is another body of water.

 

Aiden: Forgive us this day our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

 

The water behind the group bubbles.

 

Aiden: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil--

 

There is a big upward rush of water and bubbles, and then Donal appears. He is still wearing his diving suit and air tanks. He wanders over to where the group of rescue workers is praying.

 

Aiden: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

 

Donal removes the mask.

 

Aiden: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death, amen.

 

Donal coughs. Everyone turns slowly around. Donal smiles self-consciously.

 

Donal: All right?

 

Brian, Liam, and Aiden walk slowly toward him, with expressions of disbelief and the start of anger.

 

SCENE: Sea.

A ship is sailing. It has "Irish Ferries" painted on the side. Its horn sounds.

 

CUT TO: Pier.

Kathleen is watching the ship. Some workers are hosing down the docks behind her. Kathleen has a slight smile on her face.

 

CUT TO: Sea.

The ship sails past a cliff.

 

CUT TO: Pier.

The ship is on the horizon. Kathleen walks away.

 

SCENE: Pond.

The rescue workers are packing up. Brian is walking with Donal and Liam.

 

Donal: Ah, Mr. Quigley, it's just...it seemed like a good idea at the time.

 

Brian, tiredly: Tomorrow Donal, tomorrow. I've had a hard day.

 

Donal: And anyway, it wasn't a complete waste of money.

 

Donal proudly produces a golf ball and holds it up in front of Brian.

 

Brian, tiredly: Yeah, good man Donal. But...tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll talk to you tomorrow.

He walks away.

 

Donal, to Liam, brightly: That wasn't so bad, heh? Why was he mumbling on about tomorrow?

 

Liam: Donal me old mate, are you familiar with the phrase, shot at dawn?

 

Donal, confused: No.

 

Liam: Well trust me, you will be.

 

Donal squints his eyes at Liam.

 

SCENE: A bedroom at Brian's house.

Kieran is sound asleep. Ambrose stands in the doorway, watching him sleep. He makes a decision and leaves.

 

CUT TO: Ballykissangel street.

It is night. The town is deserted. Niamh drives across the bridge and pulls up in front of the pub. She turns off the car, gets out, and looks up at the pub, which is dark. She takes out her keys, walks over to the door, unlocks it, and goes in.

 

CUT TO: Kieran's bedroom.

The room is dark. Niamh enters and pulls back the covers. She finds the bed empty and leaves the room.

 

CUT TO: Hall.

Niamh checks her bedroom and finds it empty as well. She starts to panic. She runs from one room to the next.

 

Niamh: Ambrose! Kieran! Ambrose!

 

CUT TO: Street.

Niamh comes out of the pub and slams the door behind her.

 

CUT TO: Brian's kitchen.

Ambrose is sitting at the table, rubbing his thumbs. He hears a door close, and then footsteps approaching. He doesn't make a move.

 

CUT TO: Hall at Brian's house.

Niamh enters, looking around. She walks down the hall and peeks into a room.

 

CUT TO: Bedroom.

Kieran is lying in bed, asleep.

 

Niamh whispers: Kieran. ??

 

She pulls the blanket up over him and kisses him on the cheek. She leaves the room.

 

CUT TO: Hall.

Niamh walks purposfully back down the hall to the kitchen.

 

CUT TO: Kitchen.

Niamh opens the door. Ambrose is still sitting at the table.

 

Niamh, from the doorway, accusingly: Why weren't you at home Ambrose?

 

Ambrose doesn't turn around, answers just as accusingly: Why weren't you.

 

Niamh: Where's Dad?

 

Ambrose: He had to go out.

He turns around in his chair: Where were you?

 

Niamh: Cilldargan.

 

Ambrose: All this time.

 

Niamh: I was shopping.

 

Ambrose: Yes, I can see that. But the shops closed hours ago, didn't they.

 

Niamh enters the kitchen and swaggers over to the sink: Don't treat me like one of your suspects.

 

Ambrose stands up: Is that the way it is?

 

Niamh: I was out for the day all right? I don't need an interrogation about who I met or what I did.

 

The thought hadn't even occurred to Ambrose, but now he realizes it.

 

Ambrose: So who did you meet?

 

Niamh: I met no one.

 

She looks away, then looks back at Ambrose and holds his gaze steady.

 

Niamh, innocently: No one at all, Ambrose, all right?

 

Ambrose stares at her.

 

ROLL CREDITS.