BALLYKISSANGEL, Episode 2.4

THE FACTS OF LIFE

Written by John Forte

Directed by Paul Harrison

Produced by Chris Griffin

-----

Transcribed by Margaret Pattison

 

SCENE: Peter's bedroom. Night.

Peter, wearing a grey T-shirt, is kneeling by his bed. He finishes his prayers, crosses himself, and climbs into bed.

 

CUT TO: Outside. Night. Rainy.

Two people are visible inside a red car, which is parked. The windshield wipers are on. A man is at the steering wheel, a woman is in the passenger seat. It is hard to make out their faces exactly, due to the heavy rain, but it is clear they are not regulars. Another car passes by. The man looks out the window.

 

CUT TO: Curate's house exterior.

The light goes off in the upstairs room.

 

CUT TO: Car.

The man looks at the woman.

 

Woman sighs: OK, let's do it.

 

Man: I don't think we should.

 

Woman: Do it!

 

The man opens his door, gets out, and walks around to the passenger side. He opens the passenger door and takes something out of the car, then closes the door again.

 

CUT TO: Peter's bedroom.

Peter is in bed. He hears a rapping sound. He opens his eyes, reaches over to the night stand and turns on the lamp. The rapping continues. Peter sits halfway up.

 

CUT TO: Curate's house exterior. Night. Rainy.

Peter opens the door. He is wearing a dark blue robe (dressing gown). He hears the sound of a car engine revving. He looks around. He runs out to the street. He sees a car driving away.

 

Peter shouts: Very funny!

He walks slowly back toward his house. He sees a cardboard box on the ground. There seems to be a black leather jacket in it. He hastily picks up the box and carries it inside.

 

CUT TO: Curate's house interior.

Peter, soaking wet, puts the box down and pulls aside the jacket. There is a baby inside. The baby covers its face with its hand and makes sleepy cooing sounds. Peter kneels back and looks up, stunned.

 

ROLL TITLES

 

SCENE: Bathroom.

Niamh, wearing a pink robe, is sitting on the toilet (the lid is closed), reading out loud out of a book. Ambrose, naked (presumably), is reclining in the bathtub, which is full of soapy water.

 

Niamh: Deborah.

 

Ambrose: No.

 

Niamh: Delia.

 

Ambrose, emphatically: No.

 

Niamh: Delilah.

 

Ambrose shakes his head.

 

Niamh: Dawn, Dibnah (??), we'll call her Dibnah.

 

Ambrose raises his eyebrows: What if it's a boy?

 

Niamh smiles: Then we won't call her Dibnah.

 

Ambrose smiles: If it is a girl, we should call her, Anne Bernice Denise Colleen Linda Maureen Egan.

 

Niamh: We are not naming our daughter after the Nolan sisters.

 

Ambrose: Just Bernice then. She was my favorite.

He sings: I'm in the mood...

He picks up the shower head and uses it as a microphone: ...for dancin', romancin'--

 

Niamh, suddenly: Sinead!

 

Ambrose wrinkles his nose: No way.

He puts down the shower head.

 

Niamh: Why not it has a certain mystery about it.

 

Ambrose: Speaking of mysteries, where's the soap gone?

He feels around in the water.

 

Niamh, absent-mindedly, thumbing through her book: Search me.

 

Ambrose, wickedly: OK. I will!

He grabs at her.

 

Niamh stands up suddenly, pulls the book back out of his reach, horrified: Ambrose!

 

Ambrose stands up, teases: You're not leaving this bathroom until you agree on Bernice.

 

Niamh smiles, teases back: Sinead...

She darts a look at the bathroom door, which is open.

 

Ambrose: Bernice...

 

Niamh runs for the door: Sinead!

 

CUT TO: Outside bathroom.

Niamh steps out of the bathroom, pulls the door closed.

 

Ambrose: Bernice! Oooh! Oh!

 

It sounds as if Ambrose has slipped and fallen.

 

Niamh listens, tentatively: Ambrose?

 

Ambrose, forlornly, from inside the bathroom: I think I found the soap.

 

Niamh gets a horrified look on her face, opens the door quickly and runs into the bathroom again.

 

SCENE: Street outside the curate's house. Night.

It has stopped raining, but the streets are still wet. Assumpta is walking Fionn. She sees Peter's Javelin parked there, and in front of it, a red car. She stops and looks at the curate's residence.

 

CUT TO: Curate's house interior.

Peter is now dressed in a black-and-grey checked shirt.

 

Peter, concerned: How is he Michael?

 

Michael is wrapping the baby up in a yellow towel. He is wearing a brown patterned sweater.

 

Michael: Well the umbilical cord looks like it's been cut with a pair of blunt scissors but...he is in pretty good shape.

 

Peter looks down at the baby: When was he born?

 

Michael looks up at Peter: A few hours ago.

 

A knock sounds at the door. Peter looks at the door.

 

Peter deadpans: Let's hope it wasn't twins.

 

Michael smiles slightly and turns his attention back to the baby.

 

CUT TO: Curate's house exterior.

Assumpta is standing outside the door. She is wearing a dark brown jacket and a red scarf. Peter opens the door. He looks surprised and not altogether pleased to see Assumpta.

 

Peter: Assumpta.

 

Assumpta, breathlessly: Oh, you're OK.

 

Peter looks away and nods slightly.

 

Assumpta: Um, I was just passing and I saw Dr. Ryan's car, I thought you might have had a--

 

The baby cries from inside the house.

 

Assumpta, wide-eyed: A baby?

 

SCENE: Curate's house interior.

Michael is sitting in a chair, talking on the phone. Fionn is sitting nearby.

 

Hello, Mary? Dr. Ryan here. Sorry to bother you at this late hour--

 

CUT TO: Curate's kitchen.

Peter is standing, holding the baby, still wrapped in the yellow towel, in his arms and giving him his little finger to suck on. Assumpta is hovering. She is wearing a grey sweater over a white T-shirt.

 

Assumpta: I suppose he's kind of cute if you're into that sort of thing.

She walks past, holding a glass jar full of tea bags.

 

Peter, to the baby: Now you just ignore her, she's a big softie, really.

 

Assumpta: So did you get the number of the car?

She goes over to the corner, where there is a hot water heater, and busies herself making tea.

 

Peter, regretfully: No. But I think it was from somewhere outside Ballykay.

 

Assumpta: And how'd you work that out, Columbo?

 

Peter: Well, because I didn't recognize the car, and I don't know of anyone around here who's expecting a baby, do you?

 

Assumpta, quietly: Well, not officially anyway.

She pours hot water into a kettle.

 

Peter: What does that mean?

 

Assumpta: Well, it wouldn't be the first time in Ireland that a girl gave birth to a baby in secret. Comes from living in a country where some people think family planning means getting the kids to Mass on time.
She puts down the hot water heater and reaches for a tea bag.

 

Peter: Oh don't tell me, it's the church's fault again.

 

Assumpta: But you don't exactly make things easy, do you?

She gives Peter a hard stare.

 

Michael enters. He is wearing a brown jacket, looks like he's getting ready to go.

 

Michael: Well I talked to the social worker in Cilldargan, she'll be round as soon as possible, I think he'll be fine.

 

Peter: Thanks, Michael.

 

Michael: You wouldn't mind looking after him till she comes, would you?

 

Peter looks at Michael, then back at the baby.

 

Michael, apologetically: I mean he's-- you know staying here in the warm.

 

Peter sighs: I'll do my best.

 

Michael warns him: Could be overnight.

 

Assumpta, nonchalantly: Well I could lend a hand if you like. See if I can discover my mothering instincts.

 

Peter: Thanks. We appreciate it.

He walks carefully over to Assumpta and hands her the baby.

 

Michael: Meanwhile, I have to visit Ambrose. Apparently he's injured himself.

 

The baby crows. Assumpta leans over him.

 

Assumpta: Is he all right? (meaning Ambrose)

 

Michael: Oh it didn't sound too serious, but I'd better call over.

He rubs the baby's head.

 

Peter: Sure. Don't worry. He's in safe hands now.

He nods toward Assumpta and the baby.

 

Assumpta grimaces: That's debatable.

 

The baby cries. Michael leaves.

 

SCENE: Niamh and Ambrose's bedroom. Daytime.

Ambrose is sitting up in bed. He is wearing a red and blue striped pyjama. Niamh is standing next to the bed, wearing a moss green T-shirt, a brown flower-print dress, and a big brown cardigan. Superintendent Foley is standing at the foot of the bed, in uniform, hat under his arm.

 

Niamh, earnestly: And you see Mr Foley, my husband was lifting a big box of police files, oh he often works late, you know, and then I heard this terrible cry, and I came running and I found him stretched out on the floor.

She picks up Ambrose's hand from where it is resting on the cover and holds it between her two hands. Ambrose looks solemnly at Foley during this recital.

 

Foley, solemnly, looking from Niamh to Ambrose: I see. (To Ambrose) Where did it happen.

 

Ambrose: Downstairs.

Niamh, simultaneously: Upstairs.

 

Foley looks startled.

 

Niamh, lamely: On the stairs.

 

Ambrose looks down.

 

Niamh continues busily: We thought at first it might have been a slipped disc, but the doctor said it's just a bad strain. He suggested a few days' rest.

 

Foley: Well, lucky man, Guard Egan you didn't do yourself any permanent damage.

 

Niamh looks pleased with herself.

 

Foley: And you've got a lovely wife to look after you.

 

Niamh looks even more pleased. Ambrose smiles nervously. Brian knocks at the door behind Foley.

 

Brian: Good morning! Ah. Sergeant Foley.

He removes his hat and greets Foley.

 

Foley, coldly: Superintendent Foley, as you well know, Mr Quigley--

 

Brian waves his right hand, makes a deprecatory face: How could I forget.

He looks at Foley's uniform: And it certainly suits you.

 

Niamh, warningly: Dad...

 

Brian turns his attention abruptly to Ambrose: So. How's the patient today?

 

Ambrose: They think I'll be out of action for a couple of days.

 

Brian: When was the last time you saw any action around here?

 

Ambrose, put in his place, glances at Niamh, who looks down.

 

Foley: Yes, well, action or not, I've arranged a temporary replacement to keep an eye on things while you're...convalescing. We wouldn't want anyone taking advantage of the situation now would we?

He looks pointedly at Brian: Mr Quigley.

 

Brian: Oh heaven forbid.

 

Foley: If it's all right with you Mrs Egan, I'd be most grateful if you'd put him up here.

He puts on his hat.

 

Niamh, taken off guard: Certainly.

 

Ambrose: Do I know this guard?

 

Foley: I shouldn't think so. He's fresh out of training, his name's McMullen.

He turns to go.

 

Brian: So Ballykay's his first assignment is it?

 

Foley, indignantly: He's a very capable garda.

He leaves, closing the door behind him.

 

Brian, Niamh and Ambrose look at each other.

 

Brian, dryly: That will be a first.

 

SCENE: Curate's house interior. Daytime.

Fr Mac is sitting in a chair. Peter is sitting on the couch, holding the baby, giving him his little finger to suck on.

 

Fr Mac: Have we any idea yet where he came from?

 

Peter: Well sort of. The guards found the car abandoned on a housing estate in Cilldargan.

 

Fr Mac: That'll be the Springville. (??)

 

Peter: But they haven't found out who's responsible.

 

Fr Mac: Probably nobody ever will.

 

Peter turns away to suppress a massive yawn.

 

Fr Mac looks at him closely: Have you been up all night minding this lad on your own?

 

Peter hesitates, shakes his head slightly, smiles slightly: No trouble.

He looks back at the baby.

 

Michael enters: Ready when you are Father.

 

He is followed by two women, presumably social workers.

 

Peter looks up from the couch: What will happen to him now?

 

Michael: Well they'll just take him to hospital for a final checkup.

 

Peter: And then?

 

Fr Mac stands up: If we don't find the mother...(sighs) he'll be adopted.

 

Peter looks at Michael with slight alarm.

 

Fr Mac: You'll keep me informed won't you.

 

Michael: Certainly.

 

Peter strokes the baby's cheek.

 

SCENE: Outside. Sunny.

One of the social workers closes the rear door of a red car. The other social worker is sitting in the back seat, holding the baby and stroking its cheek.

 

CUT TO: Curate's house exterior.

Peter and Michael are walking away from the house. Peter is wearing the same brown checkered shirt as before, a pair of blue jeans, and dark shoes. Michael is wearing a white button-down shirt, a brown tie, a brown cardigan, brown pants, and brown shoes. He is carrying his doctor's bag in his left hand. They look toward the social workers' car.

 

Peter: Not much of a start in life, is it?

 

CUT TO: Car.

The car drives away.

 

CUT TO: Peter and Michael.

Michael: We all have to start someplace.

He walks to his car and opens the driver's side.

 

Peter: There must be something we can do to help prevent this sort of thing.

 

Michael puts his bag into the car: Prevention is always better than cure.

He leans on the car door: What do you have in mind?

 

Peter: Well some kind of sex education might help.

 

Michael: Maybe you could give a talk to the youth club.

 

Peter: Me?

 

Michael: Well why not? You get on well with youngsters. Besides there's always the novelty value.

 

Peter: What's that?

 

Michael: Priests talking about sex.

He smiles slightly and gets into his car.

 

Peter gives him a withering look, but with a smile. He turns around and walks back to his house.

 

SCENE: Closed interior door.

A white door is closed. Niamh opens the door from the other side and comes out. She is still wearing the brown dress from before. She looks sad. She closes the door.

 

SCENE: Field. Sunny.

Donal is digging in a field. Brian and Liam are watching him. Brian is wearing a brown suit and a brown hat. Liam is wearing faded blue jeans, a purple sweater, a brown jacket, and his yellow hat. Donal is wearing faded blue jeans, a brown shirt, a black vest, and a black longshoreman hat. Brian leans over and picks up some of the dirt that Donal has dug up.

 

Brian exclaims: Top soil!

He shows the handful of dirt to Donal, then to Liam: Irish top soil that's God's good earth.

He tosses the dirt down: And you know, worth a small fortune, least it would be if it wasn't here. Now gardeners, they love good soil but they can't get it. I've got it but it's in the wrong place.

 

Liam: Ah, you want to take it from here and sell it.

 

Brian: Precisely. I'm going to sell a little bit of Ireland to the Irish, or anyone else that'll pay for it.

 

Donal: But sure, it wouldn't be worth it Mr Quigley.

He looks around at the blue flatbed truck parked some ways away: You know the size of our truck. Take weeks to shift all this.

 

Liam pontificates: Ah he's right Mr Quigley. You'd need one of them trucks the size of the county to make it worth your while. And they wouldn't be allowed on the road around here. Ah sure think! Ambrose'd never let--

Light dawns on his meagre intellect: You are a genius Mr Quigley!

 

Brian laughs in delight, turns to Donal, then back to Liam: Has been said. Now just put simply lads, I want you to go out and hire us the biggest truck in Ireland. And don't worry about that rookie guard, leave him to me.

He turns and strides importantly away toward his car.

 

Liam and Donal watch him go. Liam shrugs at Donal.

 

SCENE: Michael's office.

Michael is sitting at his desk, writing something. He is wearing the same clothes as before, plus gold wire-framed glasses.

 

Michael: You were very early in the pregnancy.

 

Niamh is standing behind a blue privacy screen.

 

Niamh: So that's it.

 

Michael puts down his pen and takes off his glasses: I'm sorry Niamh. I know how much it meant to you.

He folds his glasses carefully and puts them down.

 

Niamh slowly comes out from behind the screen. She is buttoning up her dress. One strand of hair is falling over her face.

 

Michael: Course you must realize that, just because you miscarried this time, it doesn't necessarily mean it will happen again. I know it's little comfort to you now, but...there'll be other times.

 

Niamh whispers: The time...

 

Michael: Sorry?

 

Niamh, hoarsely: What time is it doctor?

 

Michael lifts his cuff to see his watch, which he wears on his left wrist: It's uh...it's just gone eleven, why?

 

Niamh picks up her coat from the chair and puts it on, agitated: Oh I've got to get ?? for the new guard. There's nothing in the house and Ambrose can't--

 

Michael stands up, walks slowly around the desk to Niamh, soothingly: Niamh, Niamh, Niamh. You must...try not to overdo things for now. OK?

 

Niamh: OK.

She turns and leaves.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's interior.

Assumpta is sitting at the bar, a mug of coffee in front of her. She is wearing a big black knitted sweater, her hair is lightly rumpled. Peter is also sitting at the bar, around the corner from her. He is wearing his priest uniform.

 

Assumpta, incredulous: So you're gonna lecture a bunch of teenagers about sex?

 

Peter puts down his own mug on the bar in front of him, amused and defensive: It was you who gave me the idea in the first place.

 

Assumpta: Oh that's right blame me.

 

Peter: Certain people think family planning is getting the kids to Mass on time remember?

 

Assumpta yawns, puts her hand in front of her mouth: Sorry. I'm not used to staying up all night with a priest.

 

Peter chuckles.

 

Assumpta chuckles too, but more in an ironic way.

 

Assumpta: I'm afraid that ?? next time.

 

Peter: Well I've got to find a way of keeping these teenagers awake during me talk.

 

Assumpta: Well I doubt that'll be a problem. Mean it's not exactly gonna be like your average Sunday morning sermon is it.

 

Peter: So how do kids find out about the facts of life over here?

 

Assumpta: Trial and error probably. But I learned most of my lessons in the back of the Ritzy Cinema. Had my first kiss in there.

 

Peter, deep in thought: Now there's an idea.

 

Assumpta, amused: Hmh! Well you can forget it, the Ritzy closed years ago.

 

Peter: No no no no. Movies!

 

SCENE: Egans' bedroom.

Niamh opens the door from the outside. She looks like she's been crying. Ambrose is still sitting in bed, wearing his pyjamas. He is looking at a baby names book. He looks very happy. He glances up, sees that it's Niamh, and looks back at the book.

 

Ambrose: If it's a boy how about Regan? At least it'd be easy to remember huh, Regan Egan, what do you think?

 

Niamh walks toward Ambrose, pain written all over her face. Ambrose realizes something is wrong. His smile fades.

 

Ambrose: Niamh.

 

Niamh continues to look at Ambrose with a very troubled expression.

 

SCENE: Hendley's interior.

Peter is standing by the selection of videos, pulling at his lower lip with his fingers. He is wearing his priest's uniform. He frowns and walks around to the other side of the rack. Kathleen is bending down behind the counter. She is wearing a dark blue dress and a patterned shopkeeper's smock. She looks at Peter and frowns. She straightens up, holding two slim green boxes in her hands.

 

Kathleen: You looking for any particular title Father?

 

Peter: Well I'm looking for a film that deals with love and relationships.

 

Kathleen stows the boxes on a shelf, turns to Peter: Love and relationships?

 

Peter: Mmm any suggestions?

 

Kathleen: How about Gone With The Wind?

 

Brian is standing at the refrigerated section, holding a bottle of orange soda. He is wearing his brown suit and hat. He looks around at Kathleen and Peter.

 

Peter: Anything more...recent?

 

Brian puts the soda back.

 

Kathleen: Brief Encounter.

 

Peter: No I think what I'm looking for, is something a bit more...modern.

 

Kathleen, getting suspicious: What exactly do you mean by modern?

 

Peter: Well you know, something that might appeal to er...a younger audience.

 

Brian raises his eyebrow and sneaks a look at Kathleen.

 

Kathleen, shocked: Really Father! I'd have you know, I do not keep that sort of film!

She huffs away, shooting one last look at Brian, as if to say, "Didn't I tell you something like this would happen?"

 

Peter protests: No, Kathleen, I didn't m--.

 

Brian walks over to the counter, carrying a can of soda in his left hand. He reaches into his back pocket with his right hand: Having problems Father?

 

Peter: Brian. Think we're talking at cross purposes here.

He peruses the selection of videos again.

 

Brian: Oh this is the last place on earth you'd find that sort of...special interest video.

He puts the soda can down on the counter and counts out the money.

 

Peter gives him a withering look: I am looking for a film that will help me with my talk at the youth club.

 

Brian, more enthusiastically: Oh yeah. Sex talk, I heard about that.

 

Kathleen, from the back of the store, squawks: What?

 

Peter: I'm giving a talk at the youth club. It's not a sex talk.

 

Kathleen comes back.

 

Peter: It's about relationships.

 

Kathleen, nodding knowingly: Is it now.

 

Brian turns to Kathleen: Think Father Mac sees it that way?

 

Peter: I'm trying to prevent any more unwanted babies.

 

Brian: There's always someone who'll adopt them.

He leaves with his soda.

 

Kathleen rings up Brian's purchase on the register. Peter looks after Brian with a totally disgusted look.

 

SCENE: Egans' bedroom.

Ambrose is sitting up in bed, wearing red pyjamas with white stripes. Niamh is sitting on the bed next to Ambrose, leaning against him. Ambrose has his arms around Niamh. She looks sad.

 

Ambrose, quietly: It's my fault. If I hadn't fallen over and caused all this trouble

 

Niamh, quietly: Don't be daft. These things happen. Don't ask me why but they do.

 

Ambrose looks slowly down at Niamh, tries to smile: There'll be other times.

 

Niamh: That's what the doctor said. It doesn't make me feel any better.

 

Ambrose: Would it make you feel better if I told you I loved you?

 

Niamh turns her face up to Ambrose: It might.

 

Ambrose, lovingly: I love you.

 

Niamh: I love you, too.

 

Ambrose kisses Niamh on the forehead. Someone clears their throat. Ambrose and Niamh look over at the door. Guard McMullen is standing there, in full uniform.

 

Niamh whispers: I'm sorry, excuse me.
She hurriedly gets off the bed and pulls her cardigan closely around her.

 

McMullen, crisply: Guard Egan, I presume.

 

Ambrose: Yes.

 

McMullen: McMullen P. Reporting for duty.

 

Ambrose looks him over silently.

 

SCENE: Street. Sunny.

Peter's Javelin drives along a street, then stops.

 

CUT TO: Car.

Peter looks out the window. He is wearing his black suit, but a grey sweatshirt instead of the black shirt with the collar. He carefully rolls up his window.

 

CUT TO: Lot.

Several children are playing in a dirt lot. Peter walks over to them. A car siren whoops in the distance.

 

SCENE: Egans' guest room.

Guard McMullen is unpacking and setting up his room. He carries six videos from an open suitcase on the bed over to the dresser and sets them down. The first one says "Garda Siochana--A GUIDE TO ROAD SAFETY--VOL.1" Someone knocks gently on the door three times.

 

McMullen: Come.

He picks up a pile of shirts from his suitcase and carries them over to the dresser.

 

Niamh opens the door and enters, closing the door behind her.

 

Niamh: Is everything OK, Mr McMullen.

 

McMullen: Yes.

He stows the shirts in the dresser and stands up again, looking at Niamh with a very serious face: Fine. Thank you, Mrs Egan.

 

Niamh: Oh Niamh please.

 

McMullen takes some more clothes out of his suitcase.

 

Niamh: If you don't mind me saying, you seem a little mature to have just graduated from police college.

 

McMullen: I was a prison officer for many years, before I had my calling to the guards.

He brings the clothes to the dresser, then goes back to his suitcase.

 

Niamh, attempting humour: Prison officer. Well then you'll be used to a small room.

 

McMullen turns and glares at Niamh. He carries a small yellow book over to the dresser. Niamh's smile fades and she turns aside.

 

Niamh, distractedly, to no one in particular: This was going to be the nursery.

 

McMullen: By the way. I don't eat anything with peanuts in it.

He lifts his suitcase off the bed and carries it to the dresser.

 

Niamh, snippily: Fine.

 

SCENE: Dirt lot in Cilldargan. Sunny.

Several boys are kicking a football (soccer ball) around. The ball rolls over to Father Clifford, who stops it with his foot and kicks it deftly into his hands.

 

Peter: You lads happen to know anything about the car that was abandoned here last night?

 

The boys walk slowly over toward Peter and form a gang.

 

Peter: Erm...yeah the red one.

 

Boy: Why do you want to know?

 

Peter, tossing the ball from one hand to the other: Well let's just say I have an interest.

 

Boy: We already talked to the guards, we don't know who abandoned the car.

He looks around to his mates for confirmation.

 

It is clear that Peter does not believe him. He responds coyly: Oh. You wouldn't lie to a priest now would ya?

 

Boy, condescendingly: You're not a priest. Where's your collar.

 

Peter draws back his jacket to reveal his white priest's collar in the inside pocket. The camera closes in one one young boy in a red jersey.

 

Peter: Ah never mind. Doesn't matter.

He tosses the ball up into the air and heads it back to the boys: Middleford rules. OK?

 

The boys laugh, say "OK" and back off. The boy in the red jersey lingers. Peter brushes off his hands and walks back toward his car.

 

CUT TO: Cilldargan street. Sunny.

The boy in the red jersey is walking quickly next to a wall. Peter is following him at some distance. Several other children are walking around and playing. The boy crosses the street. Peter stops and watches him.

 

SCENE: Cilldargan flat interior.

Peter's shadow is visible on the other side of the door through the glazed glass. He kicks the door lightly three times in place of knocking. A young man comes out of the kitchen and goes toward the door.

CUT TO: Door exterior.

Peter is standing outside the door. The young man opens the door.

 

Peter, eagerly: Hello. Er, I'm Father Peter Clifford, the curate of Ballykissangel. I'm just visiting the area. Would you have a moment?

 

The young man seems to hesitate for a moment, then nods his head slightly and gestures Peter to enter.

 

Man: Come in.

 

CUT TO: Flat interior.

Peter stands in the entryway. The young man closes the door. He is short, slightly stocky, with dark brown hair that he wears slightly long, and a gold hoop earring in his left ear. He has on a grey jumper (sweater) with black vertical stripes.

 

Peter, smiling: What's your name then?

 

Man: Roy Quinn.

 

Peter nods in a friendly manner.

 

Roy gestures toward the lounge: That's my brother Sean.

 

The boy in the red jersey is sitting in a chair, watching TV. He gets up and walks toward Peter.

 

Peter: We've met.

 

Sean walks past Peter and up the stairs without so much as acknowledging his presence.

 

Roy: Scuse me Father, I have to get the dinner on.

He points toward the kitchen.

 

Peter: Sure.

 

He lingers back, steps into the lounge and has a look around. The camera pans around the lounge. There are icons and knick-knacks set up on shelves and tables. It is clear this is supposed to be a Catholic home. Peter goes to the kitchen

 

CUT TO: Kitchen.

Roy is opening a can at the counter. Peter enters.

 

Peter: Do you ever go to Ballykissangel yourself?

 

Roy, slightly taken aback: What would I ever want to go there for?

 

Peter shrugs, turns away, pointedly: You tell me.

 

Roy puts down the can opener and turns toward Peter: Haven't been there in ages.

 

Peter looks out the window at laundry blowing on the line. Then he turns back to Roy.

 

Peter: Are your parents around?

 

Roy: Dad's away at work.

 

Peter: Where's that?

 

Roy: Dublin.

 

Peter: Dublin? What time does he get home in the evening?

 

Roy: He doesn't. He stays with a cousin.

 

Peter: Must be very hard for your mother.

 

Roy: She's left.

 

Peter looks downcast. Then he looks up again: Where did she go?

 

Roy, finally irritated: I don't know and I don't care. Listen Father, I'm sorry but I have to get on with this.

He jerks open a drawer with a clatter of flatware.

 

Peter, understandingly: Of course. Erm...I'll drop by at a more convenient time.

He leaves the kitchen.

 

Roy puts down the spoon in the pan he was stirring on the stove and follows Peter out of the kitchen.

 

CUT TO: Door exterior.

Peter opens the door. He waits in the doorway, looking back down the hall. Roy appears in the doorway as well.

 

Peter: In the meantime, Roy, if there's anything that you want to talk to me about...anything...you know where to find me.

 

Roy nods slightly: All right.

 

Peter: Bye then.

He leaves.

 

Roy closes the door.

 

CUT TO: Flat interior.

Roy leans back against the door and locks it. He exhales heavily.

 

CUT TO: Upstairs.

A young woman opens a door. She has permed blond hair and is wearing a blue robe over a pink sweater with animal shapes on it.

 

Woman, annoyed: What'd you let him in for?

 

Roy looks up at her, defensively: I had to didn't I? He'd a got suspicious.

 

The young woman looks peeved. She closes her door.

 

SCENE: Field.

Donal hops down from a very large piece of yellow construction machinery. It has a big shovel with spikey prongs on one end, and a big plow on the other end. Donal closes the door on the driver's cab and walks around the vehicle. He starts hitting the shovel with a hammer. We hear a rumbling sound. Donal turns to see what is making the sound. He looks awed. He looks up and mouths "Holy shit."

 

SCENE: Hendley's exterior.

Eamonn exits the shop. He is carrying a white plastic bag and rummaging around in it. As he gets to the bottom of the steps, he runs into Guard McMullen. Or rather, Guard McMullen's chest, which is at the level of Eamonn's eye. Eamonn looks up until he comes to the face.

 

McMullen: Good afternoon.

 

Eamonn removes his hat: Good afternoon guard.

He slowly moves away, looking nervously back at McMullen.

 

McMullen follows Eamonn's steps with narrowed eyes.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's interior.

Padraig, Siobhan, and Brendan are sitting at their usual end of the bar. Assumpta is cleaning up a table.

 

Padraig: Father Clifford took care of the baby all by himself?

 

Siobhan: Apparently.

 

Assumpta smirks to herself.

 

Padraig laughs. Brendan chuckles. Eamonn enters. Assumpta goes back behind the bar.

 

Eamonn: Diet cola please Assumpta.

He puts his plastic bag down on top of the bar.

 

Assumpta: OK.

 

Brendan: Well at least you know where to go now whenever you're short of a babysitter.

 

Siobhan: Now there's a point.

 

Padraig: Mm-hm.

 

Niamh enters. Her hair is still in disarray.

 

Brendan: Good evening Niamh.

 

Niamh glances fleetingly at the customers at the bar, closes the door behind her, and flees toward the kitchen. She stops at the end of the bar, where Assumpta is standing.

 

Niamh whispers: Could I have a word, Assumpta.

 

Padraig pipes up: You know if there's anywhere that baby should have been left Niamh it's on your doorstep. Give you a bit of practice, huh?

 

Brendan raises his glass of stout: Absolutely.

 

Niamh runs out.

 

Assumpta runs after her: Niamh! Niamh! Would you take over for me please Padraig.

 

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's exterior.

Niamh runs out. Brian is just about to go in.

 

Brian: Niamh, I--

 

Niamh quickly walks away from him. Brian stands there in the street.

 

Brian: Niamh?

 

Assumpta runs past him, after Niamh.

 

Brian: Assumpta?

 

Assumpta slows down and says to Brian over her shoulder: It's all right Brian, don't worry.

She runs after Niamh again.

 

Brian stands there in the street.

 

McMullen approaches, hands behind his back, sternly: Is this your vehicle, sir?

 

Brian: Ah Guard McMullen. I was hoping to meet you. Brian Quigley.

He holds out his right hand to shake McMullen's hand.

 

McMullen: Did you know your tax disk expires at the end of the month.

He walks past Brian, ignoring his outstretched hand.

 

Brian: Well I do now. Thank you.

 

McMullen stands in front of Brian's vehicle and examines the front license plate. He starts fiddling with his front jacket pocket, as if he's trying to get something out.

 

Brian: You know something Guard? It's a blessing you've been sent here.

 

McMullen: Why's that?

He pulls a little black notebook out of his pocket.

 

Brian: Oh, folk round here flaunt the law like there's no tomorrow. It's worse than the Wild West sometimes.

 

McMullen pulls a little pen off the notebook: That a fact?

 

Brian: Absolutely, I mean look at these cars. Parked with no regard for anyone.

 

McMullen is busily studying Quigley's car and writing something in his notebook.

 

Brian: Now how is traffic meant to get past here? Can you tell me that?

 

McMullen looks up the street: What traffic?

 

Brian: The point is, for me to run my business successfully, I need a certain cooperation. From people like yourself.

 

McMullen nods slightly: Cooperation?

 

Brian nods his head: Essential.

 

McMullen looks down at his notebook.

 

SCENE: Egans' lounge.

Niamh and Assumpta are standing in the middle of the lounge. Niamh is sobbing on Assumpta's shoulder. Assumpta is hugging Niamh with one hand on her back and one on her head. Ambrose enters. He is wearing a blue and black plaid robe over his pyjamas. Assumpta signals him that it isn't a good time. He nods slightly and backs out of the room. Niamh continues to cry.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's interior.

Siobhan and Brendan are sitting at their corner of the bar. Eamonn is sitting in the middle. Peter is sitting at the other end. Padraig is behind the bar. He puts a glass of diet cola down in front of Eamonn.

 

Eamonn: Makes you feel you're a criminal when you've done nothing.

 

Siobhan: That's what real guards are supposed to do.

 

Eamonn: Then I'll be glad when Ambrose is back.

 

Michael enters. He is wearing a grey cardigan, a white button-down shirt and a brown tie. He walks straight over to Peter.

 

Michael: Peter. Glad I caught you.

He pats Peter on the shoulder: Good news.

He leans against the bar: There's been loads of interest in your lecture.

 

Padraig: Oh, is this the erm...sex talk?

 

Peter, emphatically: It is not a talk about...

He shakes his head in discouragement, mumbles: I don't know, I give up.

 

Michael: You'd better not. Now I've already sounded out the youth club leader, he's very keen. I think the sooner we do this the better.

 

Brendan rubs his forehead: Father are you sure about this?

 

Padraig: Somebody has to inform the youngsters.

 

Siobhan: If the teachers won't.

 

Brendan turns to Siobhan: Look. Do you want me to keep my job or not? Heh?

He turns to Peter: What does Father Mac think about this?

 

Peter: Er...

He turns around toward the kitchen: Hi Assumpta.

 

Assumpta smiles: Hi, hi. Um, thanks for that Padraig.

 

Padraig: No problem. All right now?

 

Assumpta: Oh yeah I'm fine fine thanks.

She walks back behind the bar and looks nervously at the customers. She is wearing a white T-shirt, a tight charcoal-grey jumper, and a grey wraparound skirt.

 

Peter whispers: What's the matter?

 

Assumpta, quietly: Niamh's not very well.

 

Michael: Oh you spoke with her did you?

 

Assumpta nods. Michael nods. Peter looks at Michael.

 

Peter: Well is it serious?

 

Michael looks over at Assumpta and inclines his head in a way that says, "Well should we tell them?"

 

Assumpta: Well I suppose you're bound to find out sooner or later, Niamh's had a miscarraige.

 

Peter: Oh no.

 

The other customers look stricken.

 

Michael: She's going to need a lot of support.

 

Padraig: Can't help having Guard Genghis McMullen staying on.

 

Michael, philosophically: Well, it might not be a bad thing at the moment.

He turns to Assumpta: Will keep her mind off things.

 

Everything starts shaking. There is a loud rumbling. An earthquake?

 

Brendan: The glass is shaking.

 

Eamonn: Jeez! It's an earthquake!

He picks up his glass and dives under the bar.

 

The others go outside.

 

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's exterior. Night.

Padraig, Siobhan, and Michael exit the pub. They are looking in amazement at something on the bridge.

 

CUT TO: Hendley's exterior.

Kathleen comes out of the shop, still wearing her shopkeeper's smock. She looks at something and makes a surprised face.

 

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's exterior.

Padraig, Siobhan, Peter, Assumpta and Michael are looking at something on the bridge. A light is illuminating them.

 

Padraig exclaims: What the--

 

A shadow of a figure gesturing as if to guide an airplane in for landing appears.

 

CUT TO: Bridge.

A monstrously huge dump truck is crossing the bridge. It is a ROADSTONE RDO40. Donal is standing on the street in front of it, giving directions.

 

Donal: Fast about!

 

CUT TO: Hendley's.

 

Kathleen shrieks: What do you think you're playing at?

 

CUT TO: Street.

The truck is now turning the corner in front of Hendley's.

 

Donal cups his hand over his ear, turns toward Kathleen, shouts: Can't hear you!

He gestures toward the truck: Keep coming!

 

The truck slows down and stops.

CUT TO: Truck cab.

Liam is driving the hulk.

 

Liam: Donal, come on!

 

Donal climbs up a ladder onto the truck.

 

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's.

 

Padraig yells: You can't bring that thing through here! It's illegal!

 

CUT TO: Truck.

Donal is climbing up to the driver's cab.

 

Donal: Sorry can't stop.

 

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's.

The five townspeople look at the truck.

 

CUT TO: Truck.

Donal climbs into the cab and closes the door. The truck drives away up the street.

 

CUT TO: Hendley's.

Kathleen flattens herself against the shop door as the truck passes.

 

CUT TO: Street.

The truck is very large. It makes a lot of steam and noise. There are flashing lights.

 

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's.

 

Peter, mystified: What was all that about?

 

Assumpta: That, was Brian Quigley taking advantage of a change in the law.

 

SCENE: Brian's hot tub. Night.

Guard McMullen is standing next to the hot tub. He is watching the monster dump truck approach. Brian walks up to him and hands him a glass of whiskey. McMullen is wearing his uniform. Brian is wearing a dark V-necked sweater over a checked, open-necked shirt.

 

McMullen: There it goes.

 

Brian: Well as they say, big is beautiful. Must make a nice change for you, being out of the city.

He puts his drink down on a table nearby.

 

McMullen: Very pleasant.

 

Brian: You need to get to know the lay of the land.

 

McMullen: I think I'm beginning to.

He sits down.

 

Brian: Enjoy the countryside. Little run-about.

He tosses his car keys onto the table next to his whiskey: Feel free to use it whenever you like.

 

McMullen: In the line of duty?

 

Brian sits down also.

 

Brian: Oh sure it'll be sitting there rusting otherwise.

He raises his glass.

 

McMullen raises his glass. They both drink.

 

SCENE: Curate's house interior. Day.

Peter is walking out of his kitchen, holding a steaming mug and a book. He is wearing a dark grey cable-knit sweater. The book is titled, "Sex Therapy". He looks out the window.

 

CUT TO: Window.

Through the window, Niamh is visible standing outside, leaning against the wall and staring into space.

 

CUT TO: Peter.

He puts down the book and the mug. He goes to his door and opens it and goes out.

 

CUT TO: Curate's house exterior.

Niamh is still standing there, staring at a spot on the ground. She is wearing a red polo shirt and a big grey cardigan.

 

Peter: Niamh?

 

Niamh: Is that where the baby was left?

 

Peter: Look, why don't you come in? I've just made some tea.

 

Niamh, still staring at the ground: It's so unfair Father. I lose my baby and someone just dumps theirs on your doorstep.

She looks up at Peter, troubled: How could anyone do such a thing?

 

Peter: I wish I knew.

The phone rings inside. Peter looks annoyed at the distraction. Nevertheless, he walks over to Niamh and puts his hands on her shoulders.

 

Peter: Listen, why don't you come in for a minute.

 

The phone continues to ring. Niamh walks slowly into the house. Peter follows.

 

CUT TO: House interior.

Niamh enters the house, followed by Peter with his hands on her back. The phone is still ringing.

 

Peter: Sit there for a minute. I'll just get this.

 

Niamh sits down. Peter goes over to the phone and answers it.

 

Peter: Hello? Father Mac. Er...can I call you back?

 

CUT TO: Fr Mac's office.

 

Fr Mac, emphatically: No! You may not! Father, is it true what I've been hearing about you?

 

CUT TO: Peter.

Peter: I'm not sure.

 

CUT TO: Fr Mac.

 

Fr Mac: That you have been looking for suggestive videos.

 

CUT TO: Peter.

 

Peter: Oh...Kathleen didn't have anything to suit my tastes.

He turns and looks out the window.

 

CUT TO: Fr Mac.

 

Fr Mac growls: Don't play games with me Father.

 

CUT TO: Peter.

 

Fr Mac (over the phone): Is it true that you plan giving a talk to the youth club about sex?

 

Peter, relieved: Oh that.

 

CUT TO: Fr Mac.

 

Fr Mac explodes: You mean there's worse!?

 

CUT TO: Peter.

 

Peter, reassuringly: No, no. And the talk's not about...(sotto voce) sex...as such, it's--

 

CUT TO: Fr Mac.

 

Fr Mac interrupts: Listen to me Father!

 

CUT TO: Peter.

 

Fr Mac shouts (over the phone): The church's position is quite clear in this matter!

 

Peter holds the phone away from his ear for this outburst, then holds it against his face again.

 

Peter, humbly: Yes Father.

 

Fr Mac, threateningly (over the phone): I'll see you in my office.

 

Peter: Certainly. I'm on my way. Goodb--

 

Fr Mac hangs up. Peter looks like he's suppressing some anger. He hangs up, too. He looks around. The chair Niamh was sitting in is empty.

 

Peter: Niamh?

 

CUT TO: Curate's house exterior. Sunny.

Peter comes jogging out of the house.

 

Peter: Niamh?

He walks down to the road and looks both ways. He doesn't see Niamh. He wipes his mouth in a gesture of frustration. He seethes silently and goes back inside.

 

SCENE: Egans' kitchen interior.

Niamh is mopping the floor vigorously with a yellow rag mop. She hears the outer door open and pauses.

 

CUT TO: Hall.

Down the hall, we can see Brian come in from outside. He is wearing a brown tweed jacket, brown pants, a light checkered shirt, a brown spotted tie, and a dark grey felt hat. He closes the door and walks down the hall. He takes off his hat and holds it in both hands.

CUT TO: Kitchen.

Niamh continues to mop the floor.

 

Brian: Hello.

 

Niamh, barely glancing up: Mind the floor Dad I'm trying to clean up around here.

 

Brian: Oh I see. Why didn't you call me?

 

Niamh pauses, then continues mopping without looking up.

 

Niamh: I'm sorry Dad. I really should have, I just couldn't.

 

Ambrose (from upstairs): Niamh?

 

Niamh looks up, calls: Wait a minute!

 

She takes a few more swipes at the floor, then puts the mop into the bucket.

 

Brian, looking at his hat: How's he?

 

Niamh: He's worse than a baby!

She looks suddenly at Brian, realizing what she just said.

 

Brian looks at Niamh. Niamh takes the mop back out of the bucket and slaps it around on the floor.

 

Brian, frowning at the floor: Making a terrible mess.

 

Niamh: I know I can't clean I'm a terrible cook and I'd probably make a terrible mother!

She looks at the floor, she is about to cry.

 

Brian examines his hat again, then looks at Niamh: Well you're right about the cooking.

 

Niamh looks at Brian with tears in her eyes, but also the hint of a smile.

 

Brian puts his hat down and walks over to Niamh, whispers: Come here.

He hugs her and kisses her on the cheek.

 

Niamh cries. She squeaks: Oh Dad.

 

Brian: I'm sorry love.

 

Niamh chokes out: No I'm sorry.

 

Brian: What for.

 

Niamh: I know how much this baby meant to you too.

 

Brian: Not nearly as much as you mean to me.

He squeezes her, kisses her on the side of the head, and squeezes her a couple more times.

 

Niamh sighs. They separate.

 

Niamh: I'm just waiting for number three.

 

Brian: What do you mean?

 

Niamh: First Ambrose. Now this. What else can go wrong?

 

The doorbell buzzes.

 

Brian: Well not the doorbell anyway.

 

Niamh smiles slightly.

 

Brian: I'll call back later.

He presses his forehead to hers: I've got the earth to move.

 

Niamh: The what?

 

Brian chuckles: Nothing for you to worry about.

 

Foley, muffled, from outside: Mrs Egan? It's Superintendent Foley.

 

Brian: I'll just slip out the back way.

He walks to the door, stopping to pick up his hat.

 

Niamh: And Dad...

 

Brian turns around again.

 

Niamh, sincerely: Thanks.

 

Brian winks with his left eye. Niamh walks out toward the front door. Brian watches her go. Then he turns, puts his hat on, and leaves.

 

SCENE: Hall.

Niamh opens the door. (It is another door than the one that Brian came in by.)

 

Niamh: Mr Foley.

 

Foley, stiffly: Mrs Egan. I wondered if I could have a word with your husband.

 

Niamh: Come in.

She steps aside so that Foley can enter.

 

Foley steps in and removes his hat.

 

CUT TO: Egans' bedroom.

Ambrose is sitting up in bed, wearing the red pyjamas with the white stripes. Niamh is sitting next to him on the bed. Superintendent Foley is standing at the foot of the bed.

 

Foley: Are you still in pain?

 

Ambrose: Not too bad sir, thank you I hope to get up later.

 

Niamh, politely, to Ambrose: Let's wait and see shall we?

 

Foley: No rush. Garda McMullen seems to have everything in hand. He says he's really starting to like it around here.

 

Niamh and Ambrose smile politely.

 

Ambrose, unenthusiastically: Great.

 

Foley: Perhaps it's not a bad thing having an outsider in this place.

 

Ambrose: Why is that sir?

 

Foley: Well for instance...now the two of you are married...that makes Brian Quigley your father-in-law.

 

Niamh bristles at that, but maintains calm.

 

Ambrose: Let me assure you sir, I would never show favorite to anyone just cause they're family.

 

Foley: Maybe so. But we must be seen to be totally impartial, which is why I'm giving serious consideration to keeping Garda McMullen on here in Ballykay.

 

Ambrose innocently protests: But sure there's not enough going on here for two guards.

 

Foley: Exactly. That's why we'd have to find you...a new posting.

 

Niamh: What?

 

Ambrose: Where?

 

Foley: Perhaps a move to an inner-city beat might be good for you.

 

Both Niamh and Ambrose look dejectedly at the floor.

 

Niamh, ominously: Number three.

 

Ambrose looks at her.

 

SCENE: Ballykissangel street. Sunny.

Guard McMullen is walking up the street. He checks his watch and continues walking.

 

CUT TO: Egans' bedroom.

Ambrose is sitting up in bed, wearing the red pyjamas with the blue stripes. There is a breakfast tray on his lap. He is listlessly moving some soup around. He finally picks up a spoonful and lifts it to his mouth. The ground starts rumbling. Objects in the room start shaking. An earthquake?

 

CUT TO: Street.

Guard McMullen walks up the street with his hands behind his back. The monster dump truck appears.

 

CUT TO: Truck cab.

Liam is driving. Donal is sitting next to him.

 

Liam sings: Oh...I love truckin', I love truckin', I love truckin'--

 

CUT TO: Street.

The truck is approaching Guard McMullen.

 

CUT TO: Cab.

Liam shouts: Look out!

 

CUT TO: Street.

Guard McMullen holds up his right hand for the truck to stop. The truck stops.

 

CUT TO: Cab.

Liam and Donal bounce back and forth from the sudden stop.

 

CUT TO: Street.

Guard McMullen stands before the truck with his hand outstretched.

 

CUT TO: Cab.

 

Liam, in shock: Truck.

 

SCENE: Fr Mac's office.

Fr Mac is behind his desk, Peter is on the other side. Both are seated. Both are wearing priest uniform.

 

Fr Mac, derogatorily: What's gotten into you? Teaching sex to children.

 

Peter: They're not children. They're young men and women. And it's not about sex, it's about relationships.

He leans forward: Look, I believe that the church has a moral responsibility to do something.

 

Fr Mac, condescendingly: Oh do you really.

 

Peter, insistently, getting worked up: We have to speak to these young people now if we're to prevent more unwanted babies being dumped on our doorstep.

 

Fr Mac: Whoever this mother is, it's quite obvious that she has no interest in rearing the child.

 

Peter: We have no proof of that.

 

Fr Mac: I would have thought that abandoning her baby on your doorstep was proof enough.

He narrows his eyes: Now I shall be making recommendations about adoptive parents to the appropriate authorities, and I expect your full support.

 

Peter: Do I have yours?

 

Fr Mac frowns slightly in incomprehension.

 

Peter: Can I give this talk?

 

Fr Mac: Only if it corresponds fully with the teachings of the church.

 

Peter rolls his eyes: Don't worry Father I won't be handing out condoms at the door.

 

Fr Mac, incensed: This is not a matter for flippancy!

 

Peter spits out: No. It's not.

 

They stare at each other. Peter blinks.

 

Peter: I'm sorry.

He licks his lips slowly, struggling to maintain control: I assure you, it will be done with taste.

 

Fr Mac: Very well.

He sighs slightly.

 

Peter, taken aback: You agree.

 

Fr Mac, impatiently: Yes, yes.

 

Peter, in great relief: Thank you. You won't regret this Father.

 

Fr Mac looks at Peter: I hope you don't.

He picks up the phone, puts it to his ear and starts to dial: You may go.

 

Peter looks at the phone, raises his eyebrows slightly, and gets up.

 

SCENE: Garda station exterior. Sunny.

The monster dump truck is parked outside. A placard in the window proclaims, "VEHICLE IMPOUNDED".

 

CUT TO: Garda station interior.

Brian walks up to the desk, where McMullen is sitting, wearing his uniform.

Brian, through his teeth: I demand that you release that truck immediately.

 

McMullen, coolly: Impossible.

 

Brian: Why?

 

McMullen shakes his head, calmly: It's too big, for these roads. You're breaking the law.

 

Brian turns and paces around the office: You know what I think, guard.

 

McMullen: What?

 

Brian: I think you're overdoing things a little.

 

McMullen raises his left eyebrow slightly.

 

Brian: You need to relax.

 

McMullen leans slowly forward over the desk: Perhaps...instead of, arguing, we should sit down like a couple of gentlemen and talk this through. I'm sure we could come to some, agreement.

 

Brian, evenly: I thought we had an agreement.

 

McMullen: You thought wrong.

 

SCENE: Roy's house exterior.

House number 3. Peter stands at the outer door, wearing his priest uniform. He knocks on the door. Upstairs, the young woman who was wearing the robe at Peter's last visit opens a window. She has on a pink sweater with abstract shapes. She leans out. The curtain blows around her head.

 

Woman: Hello?

 

Peter steps back from the door and looks up, smiling: Oh. Hello! I'm Father Peter Clifford. And you are?

 

The woman looks less than pleased that Peter is there: Grainne Quinn.

 

Peter, taken aback: You're Roy's sister.

 

Grainne nods.

 

Peter: Of course.

 

Grainne: What?

 

Peter: Can I come in?

 

Grainne shakes her head and starts to close the window: No.

 

Peter: Look, Grainne...I want to help.

 

Grainne hesitates, then, desperately: I don't need any help.

She closes and locks the window.

 

Peter walks away.

 

SCENE: Country road. Overcast.

Niamh is walking her bicycle along a dirt path across a bridge (not the main bridge into town, another smaller one). She is wearing a red polo shirt and a big brown cardigan. Her hair is pulled back in a pony tail. She looks down at the bicycle. The chain has come off the gear. She drops the bicycle at the side of the road. She pulls the sweater around her and walks away.

 

CUT TO: Field. Sunny.

Niamh is walking across a field. There are mountains visible in the distance with mist around them.

 

CUT TO: River. Sunny.

Niamh is standing in the shade of a big, bent tree, looking at the river.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's kitchen.

Assumpta is mixing something in a bowl. She is wearing a white T-shirt and a lightweight white jacket with big blue flowers on it. Her hair is loose and tousled. She looks up. Niamh is standing in the doorway. She is wearing the same red shirt, but is holding the sweater in her hands. She smiles slightly at Assumpta.

 

Niamh: Hello.

 

Assumpta smiles: How are you?

 

Niamh: Exhausted.

She enters the kitchen: I've been walking for miles.

She puts her sweater over the back of a chair.

 

Assumpta: Well...nice day.

She walks over to the sink.

 

Niamh sits down: Assumpta...

 

Assumpta turns and looks at Niamh questioningly.

 

Niamh: Thanks.

 

Assumpta bends down, opens the little refrigerator under the counter, and pulls out a bottle of champagne, holds it up and offers: Do you fancy a drop?

 

Niamh stares at the bottle: What's that for?

 

Assumpta: Well I...I saved it for you anyway.

She walks over to the table and puts the bottle down in front of Niamh.

 

Niamh stares at the bottle: To wet the baby's head you mean.

 

Assumpta: Yeah. Do you still want some?

 

Niamh looks up at Assumpta, then smiles slyly: Let's go for it.

 

Assumpta narrows her eyes, whispers: Yes.

She turns away, possibly to get glasses or a corkscrew.

 

Niamh sighs and looks at the bottle with satisfaction. She licks her lips slightly.

 

SCENE: Cilldargan street.

Peter's Javelin is parked at the side of the street. Peter gets out. Roy and his little brother Sean are walking across the street toward Peter.

 

Peter: Hi Roy.

 

Roy: Hi.

 

Peter: Sean. (To Roy) Erm...can I have a word with you. Alone.

 

Roy puts his hand on the back of Sean's head and nudges him. Sean runs off. Peter nods to Roy that Roy should get into the car. Roy goes over to the passenger side. Peter opens the driver's door and gets back into the car. He closes the door.

 

SCENE: Egans' lounge.

Ambrose is sitting in an armchair with a jigsaw puzzle on his lap. The box is balanced on the arm of the chair. Ambrose is wearing his red pyjamas with the white stripes and a grey and black plaid robe. Brian is pacing the room. He is wearing brown pants, a tweed jacket, a white shirt, and a dark brown tie with white dots.

 

Brian: Do something. Thing is costing me a fortune in hire charges.

He puts his hands in his pockets and continues pacing.

 

Ambrose: If McMullen catches me not acting impartially, he'll tell Foley, and that'll be it, I'll be packed off to the inner city, and you'll probably never hear of me again.

 

Brian: Well every cloud has a silver lining.

Ambrose grits his teeth: And where I go, Niamh goes, too.

 

Brian whirls around to face Ambrose, sharply: You are going nowhere. Just that monster has to go.

 

Ambrose: It's your fault, you created that monster, giving him the use of your car. Now he's talking about settling here, he's even started looking for a house.

 

Brian, with interest: Has he?

 

Ambrose: Of course he could always use your car to move his things.

He sighs.

 

Brian: Where is he now?

 

Ambrose points: In the office, typing up his report.

 

Brian picks up one of the videos lying on top of the TV and marches toward the door.

 

Ambrose: What, where are you going, what are you planning?

 

Brian: I am planning, to keep my daughter in Ballykay, which means keeping you here.

He tosses the video at Ambrose.

 

Ambrose catches it, managing to avoid spilling the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle.

 

Brian: Capisce?

 

Ambrose: Capisce.

 

Brian opens the door and leaves. Ambrose looks at the video then at the door. He looks confused.

 

Brian, on the other side of the door: Ah Guard McMullen!

 

Ambrose turns the video around and reads the title: "A GUIDE TO ROAD SAFETY, VOL. I".

 

SCENE: Javenlin exterior.

Through the windshield, we see Peter is sitting in the driver's seat. Roy is in the passenger seat. The car is still parked at the side of the road.

 

Peter: I know about the baby Roy.

 

Roy, innocently: What baby?

 

Peter, losing patience and raising his voice: Come on Roy!

He calms down, quietly: It wasn't me that was born yesterday.

 

Roy looks down.

 

Peter: You helped Grainne with the birth.

 

Roy nods slightly.

 

CUT TO: Javelin interior.

 

Peter looks out through the windshield: Who's the father?

 

Roy: Some fella Grainne trusted.

 

Peter looks at Roy.

 

Roy: Ah, he was gone as soon as he found out she was pregnant.

He looks away: Dad doesn't know. She kept it hidden from him. Wasn't hard, he's hardly ever around.

 

Peter frowns in concern.

 

Roy: She really misses the baby.

 

Peter looks down.

 

Roy: She says she doesn't but I know.

He looks at Peter: She cries herself to sleep at night.

He looks down again.

 

Peter looks at Roy: Well I want to help, Roy. But I need you to help me first.

 

Roy sighs, thinks.

 

SCENE: Egans' bedroom.

Ambrose, wearing the same pyjamas as before, is standing next to the bed, pulling back the covers. His robe is lying across the covers. He stiffly gets into bed. Someone knocks at the door. Ambrose looks up. McMullen enters, wearing his uniform.

 

McMullen, hands behind his back: I completed my report on your father-in-law.

 

Ambrose holds the covers up in front of him, nods slightly: Good for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I--

He points at himself and the bed.

 

McMullen interrupts, proudly: There's something else. I'm giving a lecture this evening at the youth club.

 

Ambrose: What lecture?

 

McMullen: The curate is giving a talk to the young people, so I've decided to address them afterwards on the subject of road safety.

 

Ambrose objects: You'd have to clear it with the super first.

 

McMullen, superiorly: I already have. He's coming along to hear me.

He turns, leaves, and closes the door.

Ambrose frowns slightly, then looks resigned, lies down, and pulls the cover over his head. Then he sits up and groans in pain.

 

SCENE: Roy and Grainne's kitchen.

Grainne is ironing. She is wearing a white robe over the same pink sweater she was wearing before.  Sean is sitting at the table, cutting vegetables. He is wearing a hooded sweatshirt. A radio is playing in the background. A door closes. Grainne looks up. Roy enters the kitchen. Grainne smiles at him. Then she sees that Peter is with him, and her smile disappears.

 

Grainne puts down the iron, demands: What's he doing here?

 

Roy: He wants to talk to you.

 

Grainne: Roy!

 

Peter: It's my fault, Grainne. Anyway, I'd already worked out most of it meself.

 

Grainne looks resigned. She sighs and looks daggers at Roy. She turns to Sean.

 

Grainne: Go to your room Sean.

 

Sean continues cutting vegetables.

 

Grainne: Sean!

 

Sean gets up and leaves. He walks past Roy and Peter without acknowledging them. Grainne turns off the radio. She looks tired. She leans on the table. She turns slowly around and looks at Peter.

 

Grainne: The baby OK?

 

Peter: He's fine. He's still at the hospital while they're trying to arrange adoption.

 

Grainne goes back to her ironing: Yeah well. He's better having someone who can take proper care of him.

 

Peter walks over to Grainne: You can take care of him Grainne. You've taken care of this whole family, virtually on your own. But you're not alone now, not anymore. There's help there if you need it.

 

Grainne: I couldn't do it to Dad.

She looks pleadingly at Roy: It's hard enough for him.

 

Peter: Well I can talk to your father if you want me to.

 

Grainne looks down at her ironing.

 

Peter: But at least see a doctor. You're not well.

 

Grainne looks up at Peter: No! If I go to a doctor, the social services'll get involved.

She glances at Roy, then back at Peter: Split us all up.

 

Peter: They could help you.

 

Grainne, firmly: What's done is done.

She looks at Roy.

 

Roy looks at Peter. Peter looks at Roy, then down.

 

SCENE: Brian's house interior.

Brian is walking through the house, McMullen is following him with his hat under his arm.

 

McMullen: I don't see why I have to come the whole way over here to talk.

 

Brian: Well, it's a little bit delicate and I didn't want my son-in-law overhearing. Drink?

He walks over to a shelf with bottles of liquor and takes down a glass.

 

McMullen, snippily: If you could get to the point.

 

Brian pours a drink: I hear, you may be looking for a place of your own here in Ballykay.

He puts the lid back on the bottle and replaces it on the shelf.

 

McMullen: I might.

 

Brian: I just might be able to help.

He takes a carafe of water from the shelf and pours some water into the glass.

 

McMullen raises his eyebrow slightly: Oh yes.

 

Brian puts the water back on the shelf, picks up the drink and a brochure, and walks over to McMullen. He hands him the brochure: "QUIGLEY DEVELOPMENTS...HOLIDAY HOMES"

 

McMullen: Holiday homes by Quigley Developments.

 

Brian walks away and looks out the window: I have one particularly attractive property standing empty at the moment. In fact I could do with somebody living there just to keep an eye on the place.

 

McMullen: I think I will have a small one.

 

Brian turns around and looks at McMullen.

SCENE: Egans' bedroom.

Ambrose's uniform is lying out on the bed. Niamh picks up the jacket. She is wearing a long white sweater. Her hair is loose. Ambrose is putting on his tie. Niamh helps Ambrose into the jacket. He groans.

 

Niamh: You shouldn't be going out in your condition.

 

Ambrose: I have to. Superintendent Foley'll be there.

 

Niamh buttons up Ambrose's jacket.

 

Ambrose: Could be my last chance to make an impression.

He fastens the little gold chain on his uniform.

 

SCENE: Ballykissangel street.

Several teenagers are walking along the street, talking and giggling. Dogs are barking. They are going to the school. There is a signboard out in front: "SCOIL NAISIUNTA BAILE COISC AINGEAL--BALLYKISSANGEL NATIONAL SCHOOL". There is a smaller sign attached to the wall: "BALLYKISSANGEL YOUTH CLUB".

 

CUT TO: School room interior.

McMullen and Liam are standing at the front of the room. The room is full of black plastic chairs set up in rows. There is a TV set up at the front of the room, as well as a small movable table with a bottle of water and a glass on it. McMullen is holding a clipboard and wearing his uniform. Liam is wearing faded blue jeans and his light brown jacket and yellow hat.

 

McMullen: Why don't you put the video there and then set up the flip chart.

He turns the page on the clipboard.

 

Liam picks up a VCR from the table and sets it underneath the TV. Some teenagers walk past in the back of the room. One girl sits down. Liam walks off to the side. McMullen watches him go.

 

CUT TO: School room door.

Peter is standing at the entrance to the room, wearing a big blue sweater. Michael is standing next to him, wearing a grey shirt, a brown tie with tan spots, and a big brown cardigan. Peter greets some students as they enter.

 

Peter: Hello.

 

Boy: Cheers.

 

Inside the room, we can see Liam carrying a big flip chart. He sets it down at the front of the room.

 

McMullen: No, not in front of the television. Move it over there.

 

Michael rolls his eyes, whispers to Peter: How could he muscle in on this.

 

Peter, dryly: He thinks it's thematic. Safety first in all things.

He looks away and suppresses a smile.

 

Michael, grimly: Yeah. By the way, Father Mac phoned me earlier on. He wanted to know what time you were giving your talk.

 

Peter, taken aback: Why didn't he phone me?

 

Michael: I think he wanted to surprise you.

 

Peter: Oh I bet he did.

He smiles at a student entering: Hiya.

 

Girl: Hi.

 

Michael: The thing is that I might have accidentally got mixed up. I told him you were speaking after McMullen. So I'm afraid...he may be too late.

He shrugs regretfully.

 

Peter suppresses a smile: Good man Michael.

 

Michael nods smugly.

 

Peter greets another student: Hi, thanks for coming.

 

SCENE: Outside the school.

Brian's car pulls up outside the school. Donal runs along the road toward the school and stops at Brian's car. Donal is wearing faded blue jeans, a red and blue plaid shirt, a brown jacket, and a dark blue woolen hat. Brian, wearing the same clothes as before plus his hat, holds a folded-up envelope out the window.

 

Brian: Give that to Liam. He'll know what to do.

 

Donal takes the envelope: Right Mr Quigley.

He runs toward the school.

 

CUT TO: School room interior.

A student walks past. Michael pats Peter on the back.

 

Michael: You're on.

 

Peter nods. He walks toward the front of the room, consulting an orange notepad. The youth are mostly sitting, some are still standing and chatting with one another. McMullen is still standing at the front of the room, his hat under his arm. When he sees Peter approaching, he nods and walks toward the back. Liam is also still at the front of the room, leaning against the table. Peter nods at Liam.

 

Peter: OK everyone.

 

CUT TO: Door.

Donal hops up to the door, trying not to be seen. He peers around into the room, then slips back behind the wall. Liam comes out of the room. Donal hands Liam the envelope. Liam winks at Donal and leaves. Donal peeks quickly into the room again.

 

CUT TO: Front of room.

The students are still chatting among themselves.

 

Peter: If I could have your attention please!

 

CUT TO: Back of room.

McMullen stands next to Michael.

 

McMullen, authoritatively: Quiet!

 

CUT TO: Front of room.

The students shut up and sit down.

 

Peter: Thank you Guard McMullen.

 

CUT TO: Back of room.

McMullen nods, pleased with himself. He takes a seat next to Michael.

 

Peter: Well hello everyone.

 

CUT TO: Front of room.

Peter sits down on the edge of the table.

 

Peter: I'm sure by now, you know what it is that I'm here to talk about.

 

Someone whistles. Everyone laughs.

 

CUT TO: Back of room.

McMullen stands up.

 

CUT TO: Front of room.

Peter smiles and motions for McMullen to sit down, mouths "It's all right."

 

CUT TO: Back of room.

McMullen nods curtly, sits back down.

 

Peter: I think what I mean is...

 

CUT TO: Front of room.

 

Peter: ...we're all here to talk about, love, and what it means to us.

He folds his arms across his chest and consults his notes.

 

CUT TO: Door.

Donal is lurking by the door. Another door opens. Donal hops over to another dooway. Brian enters the hall through that doorway and looks into the room where the talk is going on.

 

Donal: All set Mr Quigley.

 

Brian nods imperceptibly and walks across the hall to another room. Donal ducks out through the door that Brian entered by.

 

CUT TO: Front of room.

Peter: ...towards those we love...and to ourselves.

 

SCENE: Roy and Grainne's kitchen.

Grainne carries a tea pot from the stove to the counter, where a mug is standing. She is wearing a brown plaid skirt, brown stockings, and a brown sweater. She pours tea into the mug.

 

CUT TO: Lounge.

A football game is on TV. Sean is sprawled in a big easy chair, watching it.

 

CUT TO: Kitchen.

Grainne picks up the mug. She leans back against the counter. She is very pale. She walks slowly to the table, looking weak and faint. She puts the mug down on the table and leans against the clothes-drying rack, bending over forward as if things were going black.

 

CUT TO: Lounge.

A door closes. Sean jumps up.

 

Sean: Daddy!

He runs toward the door.

 

Their father enters, wearing a dark brown leather jacket over a light brown sweater.

 

Dad: Hey ya little devil hey!

He picks Sean up and kisses him: How're'ya! How're'ya!

He sets Sean down in the easy chair again.

 

Dad: All right Roy?

 

Roy is sitting on the couch. He smiles: Hi Dad.

 

Dad walks toward the kitchen: And where's my little girl?

 

A crash sounds from the kitchen.

 

Roy jumps up: Grainne!

He runs to the kitchen, past Dad, who is standing in the hall looking perplexed.

 

Roy: Call an ambulance!

 

SCENE: School room interior.

The students are mostly listening to Peter, although they are getting fidgety and some are whispering to each other.

 

Peter: Course, the love between...any two people is...a precious gift, and like any gift, it should be treasured.

 

CUT TO: Back of room.

Michael nods encouragingly at Peter. McMullen is sitting next to Michael like a rock. Michael gives Peter an "OK" sign. McMullen consults his watch.

 

Peter: But, it may also raise...

 

CUT TO: Front of room.

 

Peter: ...difficult questions, and dilemmas, which need answers.

 

Girl, rudely: Get on with it Father!

 

McMullen stands up, threateningly: Who said that!

 

Peter wipes his forehead nervously with the back of his hand, looks at his notes: Erm as I was about to say, these difficulties arise particularly, when we come to express our love...(he licks his lips slightly) in a physical way.

He looks down at his notes.

 

CUT TO: Wall.

Brian opens a little window in the wall and peers into the room. Liam is behind him.

 

SCENE: Outside Grainne and Roy's house. Night.

Grainne is being wheeled out of the house strapped to a hospital gurney. She is covered with a red blanket. Her father and Roy are following the medics. Sean stands in the doorway.

 

Dad: What's going on!

 

Roy: I'll tell you on the way.

He goes back to get Sean: Sean! Come on!

He grabs Sean's arm and pulls him with him, closing the door. They hurry to the back of the ambulance.

 

Grainne is now lying in the back of the ambulance. Dad, Roy and Sean cluster at the door.

 

Medic: Just hold it right there for a minute.

 

SCENE: Class room interior.

The students are applauding. Peter stands up. He looks relieved.

 

Peter: Thank you.

He closes his orange note book.

 

Peter: So, er, if you have...any other questions...please don't hesitate to come and talk to, either me, or Doc Ryan over there...

He nods toward the back of the room.

 

The students all turn around to see Michael. Michael waves.

 

Peter: ...cause I promise you, our doors are always open. Thank you.

He smiles and gives a short bow.

 

The students applaud politely. Peter walks toward the back of the room.

 

CUT TO: Back of room.

Superintendent Foley enters, followed by Ambrose. Both are wearing uniform and carrying their hats in their hand.

 

Michael stands up and greets them: Ambrose.

He walks over to Peter and pats his back: Well done Peter, good work.

They walk out of the classroom.

 

Brian is visible peeking through the little window into the room.

 

CUT TO: Hall.

Peter walks out of the class room and into the hall. Michael follows him, closing the door behind them.

 

Peter: Whew, I'm glad that's over with. Er, but thanks Michael.

He sits down on the edge of a little table: Well it's a start anyway.

 

Michael: Mm.

 

Fr Mac approaches.

 

Peter: Ah, Father.

 

Fr Mac, disappointed: Oh, did I miss it?

 

Peter and Michael look at each other.

 

Peter, regretfully: I'm afraid so.

 

McMullen (from inside the room): Quiet!

 

They all look toward the classroom. Then Michael looks at Fr Mac.

 

Michael, matter-of-factly: My fault, Father. I got mixed up.

 

Fr Mac: And you a doctor.

 

Michael shrugs, completely unregretful.

 

Peter: Course, if you'd let me know you were coming...

 

Fr Mac: Yes, well. Never mind.

 

Michael: It went very well, Father.

 

Fr Mac, quietly: Remains to be seen. Good night.

He leaves.

 

Peter: Good night Father.

 

Michael: Good night.

 

A door closes.

 

Peter exhales: That was close.

 

A phone rings. Michael pats himself down. He finds the phone in his breast pocket.

 

Michael: Excuse me.

He steps away.

 

Peter looks understanding. The phone rings again, then beeps.

 

CUT TO: Class room interior.

McMullen is pacing at the front of the room, tapping a pointer against his hand.

 

McMullen: I'm here to talk to you about, road safety.

 

Boy: Boring!

 

McMullen: Any more of that, and you're out.

 

CUT TO: Hall.

Peter stands up, looking concerned.

 

Michael: Peter, I think you might want to come to the hospital with me.

 

Peter: What for?

 

Michael: Baby's mother has just been admitted as an emergency.

He walks away. Peter follows him.

 

CUT TO: Class room.

 

McMullen: In this situation...

 

CUT TO: Side room.

Brian is watching McMullen through the little window in the wall. He nods to Liam, who leaves.

 

McMullen: ...there are a number of potential hazards...

 

CUT TO: Class room.

 

McMullen: ...for pedestrians. In particular there--

He points at something with his pointer.

 

Two students get up and try to sneak out.

 

McMullen: Sit!

He continues his lecture, pointing with the pointer: There, and there.

 

Liam enters at the back of the room. He sits down next to Superintendent Foley.

 

CUT TO: Back of room.

Liam leans across Foley and hands the envelope to Ambrose.

 

Liam: Scuse me. Ambrose, here's the key to the cottage for Guard McMullen.

 

Ambrose: What cottage?

 

Liam: Oh it's one of Mr Quigley's holiday homes. He's lending it to the guard until he gets fixed up with somewhere.

 

CUT TO: Front of room.

Continuing with his lecture, McMullen is looking curiously toward the back.

 

CUT TO: Back of room.

Superintendent Foley gets riled.

 

Foley, loudly: He's doing what!

 

Liam tries to reassure him: Oh it's OK it's OK it's OK. Now it's all fixed. And Mr Quigley said to tell him, he'll leave the car in the driveway for him.

 

Foley, incensed: The car!

 

Liam: And er, he'll drop over the video machine later.

He indicates the VCR at the front of the room.

 

CUT TO: Side room.

Brian has been watching this exchange from his secret vantage point. Liam gets up and leaves. Ambrose beams, now that he realizes what has just occurred.

 

CUT TO: Back of room.

Foley turns to Ambrose. Ambrose quickly wipes the smile off his face.

 

Foley: What's going on?

 

CUT TO: Front of room.

McMullen seems to have realized that something has gone terribly wrong. He looks injured, but is continuing with his lecture: What you should not do...

 

CUT TO: Side of room.

Brian closes the little window.

 

SCENE: Hospital.

A nurse walks down the corridor. Peter and Dad are sitting on a bench at the end of the corridor.

 

Dad shakes his head: Should have been there.

 

Peter's reply is unintelligible.

 

Dad: Wouldn't have happened. ?? happened maybe she could talk about it, say something about it or even ??

He gets up and walks away.

 

Peter gets up and puts his hand on Dad's back and walks with him.

 

CUT TO: Stairs.

Michael is coming down the stairs. Dad and Peter are waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

 

Michael: They're giving her a blood transfusion. Otherwise she seems fine. Physically anyway.

 

Dad: Thank God.

 

A social worker comes down the stairs, carrying the baby in a yellow blanket. Roy and the other social worker are with her.

 

Roy: Hello Father.

 

Peter: Roy.

 

The social worker stops next to Dad and shows him the baby.

 

Dad: My grandson.

 

Social worker: Shall we go up?

 

The social workers go back up the stairs. Dad follows them.

 

Roy: I'll come up in a minute.

He watches them go, then turns to Peter: Thank you Father.

He turns and goes upstairs, too.

 

Peter smiles and looks gratified.

 

SCENE: Hendley's exterior. Sunny.

Assumpta comes out of the store. She is wearing a bright red button-up sweater over a black T-shirt and dark blue jeans. Her hair is very curly and messy. She is carrying a plastic shopping bag. She walks down the steps and looks up the street. Peter is trotting down the street, wearing a black sweater over his priest shirt.

 

Assumpta: How'd the talk go last night?

 

Peter: Er...very well, I think. And...I've got some good news.

 

Assumpta: You're taking it on tour.

She pushes her hair back out of her eyes.

 

Peter chuckles appreciatively: About our baby.

 

Assumpta: Oh.

 

Peter: It looks hopeful, that he'll go back to his mother.

 

Assumpta: Well that's grand.

 

Peter: 'Tis, isn't it.

 

Assumpta: Father Mac'll be really thrilled.

 

Peter: I can live with that. He'll have to.

He walks past Assumpta toward Hendley's.

 

Assumpta watches him, slightly puzzled. Then she starts toward Fitzgerald's.

 

CUT TO: Street.

The huge monster dump truck is rumbling across the bridge into town. Liam is driving, Donal is also in the cab. Guard McMullen is walking behind it, holding a suitcase and a briefcase. He stops at the intersection. There is a white car parked there.

 

CUT TO: Hendley's exterior.

Peter, having paused at the door to watch the truck roll by, smiles to himself and enters the store.

 

SCENE: Garda station interior.

Ambrose, in uniform, is entering the office, followed by Brian, wearing a brown jacket, brown hat, white shirt and brown patterned tie.

 

Brian: Right! Mission accomplished, business as usual.

 

Ambrose: Hope you're not thinking of using that truck of yours again Brian.

He takes a seat behind the desk and looks at Brian challengingly.

 

Brian pauses, hands folded in supplication: Come on Ambrose.

 

Ambrose looks at the desk, casually: Oh look. He's forgotten his report about you.

He holds up a manila folder: Will I take it out to him or will you?

 

Brian takes the folder: You know Ambrose you're wasted here. The inner city wouldn't stand a chance with you in charge.

 

Ambrose smiles. Brian turns to go. Niamh enters, wearing a bright red big sweater. Brian grabs Niamh and gives her a big kiss on the cheek. Niamh frowns in confusion. Ambrose's smile fades.

 

ROLL CREDITS