Michael Is Coming

By P. James Norris

MICHAEL IS COMING Written by P. James Norris Based on "Izzy Tells No Lies" By P. James Norris pjamesnorris25@gmail.com EXT. CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - DUSK Every class of person, in every style of clothing from politicians in suits and ties and power suits, to the out-of- town travelers shopping in their jeans, to the homeless in near rags pushing shopping carts containing all of their worldly possessions, share the sidewalks on either side of East Colfax Ave. in Denver Colorado. Traffic is backed up for several blocks in both directions at the stop-lighted intersection of East Colfax Ave. and North Logan St. People talk and yell. Car horns blare. Car exhaust fouls the muggy, late-August air. Clouds that have yet to drop their rain cover the sky. FATHER WILLIAM (male, late-30’s, Russian immigrant, stocky, average height, wearing traditional black garb with white priest’s collar) steps out of the middle set of Cathedral doors onto the front landing. He stops on the first step and looks, overwhelmed, at the passing throngs. He closes his eyes and crosses himself. FATHER WILLIAM (with a slight Russian accent) Lord, I am your servant. But the task you have set before me... I am beginning to doubt I am its equal. (a beat) Lord, I beg you: grant me the strength to bring Your comfort to those who most need it. Father William opens his eyes and looks across Colfax Ave. to see IZZY/ISABELLE (transgender woman, 20, short and slight, with cornflower blue eyes and dingy, stringy blonde hair) standing on the far side of Colfax Ave. waiting for him. Living on the streets has aged Izzy beyond her 20 years. Left her blonde hair dingy. Her face dirty. They make eye contact, and Izzy abruptly begins swatting at the air in front of her face. She turns and walks, nearly stumbling at times, west toward Logan St. Father William watches her for a moment and then begins to make his way down the Cathedral steps. Izzy reaches Logan St., turns around and walks east toward Pennsylvania St. As Father William reaches the sidewalk, 2. BENNY (slightly drunk) Hey paaadre. BENNY (male, late-60’s, African-American, tall but hunched over his walker with age, portly, bow-legged wearing a US Marines baseball cap), pushes a wheeled walker with bright orange tennis balls on the rear feet toward Father William. A cigarette dangles from his lips even as an oxygen tank on his back pumps oxygen directly into his nose. Benny stops a few feet from Father William. Father William breathes through his mouth to avoid the stench of alcohol, nicotine, and body odor. Perspiration begins to bead on his forehead. FATHER WILLIAM Good evening, Benny. How are you tonight? BENNY (slightly less slurred) ) Same'ld, same'ld. Ya know-oww it is, paadre. FATHER WILLIAM Well... BENNY Say, padre. Ya wouldn't happen to have some spare change, wouldja? Father William looks across the street--Izzy is half-way to Pennsylvania St.--he sighs. FATHER WILLIAM Benny, I do have some change, but... BENNY Honest, padre. I'm headed down to Mikki D's for some coffee and a burger. Father William looks across Colfax Ave.--Izzy Is walking west back toward Logan St. FATHER WILLIAM (sadly) Benny, I remember giving you two dollars last Thursday night when you told me the same thing. (MORE) 3. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) And you told me you'd bring me the receipt to prove you bought food and not cigarettes or whiskey. But you didn't. So, tonight, you're on your own. BENNY (slurring completely) Tat's fair, paaadre. Tat’s fair. Benny pulls a piece of cardboard off the side of his walker. He hangs the sign from wire clothes hangers on the walker's front cross-bar. It reads: Viet Nam War Vet--Every quarter helps--GOD BLESS. While Benny does this, Father William looks to Izzy, and even as he does, she turns around at Pennsylvania St. and begins walking back toward Logan St. BENNY (CONT’D) Ya hafa gude evenin', paaadre. Benny starts wheeling west toward the McDonald’s. FATHER WILLIAM You as well, Benny. Father William walks to Colfax Ave. and steps into the first westbound lane. Izzy stops walking--without looking at Father William--but continues swatting at the air, looking at the ground at her feet. The traffic allows Father William to cross Colfax Ave. so that he steps onto the south sidewalk just in front of Izzy. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Good evening, Izzy. Izzy looks up to meet his gaze, but she is diffident and scattered as she greets him. IZZY (diffident and scattered) Father Grigori. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy, “Grigori” is my given name. How do you know it? The ghost of a smile touches Izzy’s lips. 4. When she doesn’t reply, Father William looks closer and notices a light, open-hand shaped bruise on her left cheek and a bruise around her right wrist. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, what happened to your face and wrist? IZZY Michael is coming. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy, what happened to your face and wrist? IZZY Isabelle needed money, so she tried to turn a trick. But the Jane was a lesbian who didn't appreciate Isabelle's little Isaac. Father William sighs. FATHER WILLIAM I see. (a beat) Who is Michael? Isabelle locks eyes with Father William. ISABELLE (direct and self-assured) Michael is coming for Benny. Izzy looks away, and then back at Father William but without anything like the same intensity as she had just a moment ago. Father William flinches as she begins swatting at the air in front of her face. She turns and walks away. FATHER WILLIAM (quietly) May the Lord watch over you, Isabelle. INT. BASILICA - NIGHT Father William gives Communion to a handful of mostly elderly parishioners. 5. FATHER WILLIAM Take this, all of you, and eat of it: for this is my body which will be given up for you. Take this, all of you, and drink from it: for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant. Which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me. The parishioners line up in front of the Communion table, and Father William gives each of them the sacrament. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) The body of Christ. Father William places a wafer on the PARISHIONER’s (female, late 60s, Anglo-American, a touch frail, middle-class nicely dressed) tongue. PARISHIONER Amen. Father William hands the parishioner a thimble-sized plastic cup of red wine. FATHER WILLIAM The blood of Christ. The parishioner drinks the wine and drops the cup into a wastebasket. PARISHIONER Amen. Some parishioners return to a pew to kneel and pray while others simply leave. When he has given the last parishioner the sacrament, Father William returns to the altar. He stands for a moment, looking at the parishioners and then bows his head, closes his eyes and inhales deeply, exhales through his mouth. He looks up. FATHER WILLIAM I... (a beat) There is a young lady who used to attend this church. She... She feels she is no longer welcome in a house of our Lord. (a beat) But we are all welcome. (MORE) 6. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) God calls to us. Each of us. Even when we can’t hear him doing so. I, myself... (a beat) Shortly after I arrived in this country, I saw a poster in a church. It had a poem, “Footprints in the Sand,” that touched me in a way very little else ever has. Perhaps you have seen it as well. I memorized it, but I will not recite it in its entirety for you now. It was about a man who, looking back on his life at the time of his death, saw a sandy beach. In places there were two sets of footprints and at others there was only one set. He saw that the lowest points of his life were when there was only one set of footprints, and said to God, “I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me." And God replied: "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you. Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." I... (a beat) I pray that you remember this: the Lord is always with you. He is with all of us. Even when... (a beat) Even when it seems that he is not. (a beat) We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen. The Lord be with you. Some of the parishioners respond with, “And also with you.”, while others do not. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) May almighty God bless you, the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. (a beat) Go in the peace of Christ. Thanks be to God. 7. Father William bows, kisses the altar, turns and walks to the door to the SACRISTY. He opens it, steps through, and closes it behind him. INT. CATHEDRAL SACRISTY - NIGHT Father William leans back against the door and closes his eyes. FATHER WILLIAM Lord, I see only one set of footprints for myself. And Isabelle. I pray that you walk with Benny tonight. He opens his eyes, steps away from the door, and he divests himself, he looks in a mirror, and we... BEGIN FLASHBACK: EXT. BASILICA - DAWN Father William stands on the front steps of the Cathedral. MONSIGNOR JAMES (male, late-50’s, Anglo-American, robust for his age and taller than Father William, wearing traditional black garb with white priest’s collar) approaches Father William with a look of urgent concern. MONSIGNOR JAMES Father William, could you come with me please? FATHER WILLIAM (with a thicker Russian accent) Of course, Father. (a beat) Is there a problem? Monsignor James puts his hand on Father William’s elbow, turns and leads him around the west side of the Cathedral. MONSIGNOR JAMES Julia found a young woman at the rectory door. She’s in the clinic now--she’s been badly beaten. FATHER WILLIAM O bože. 8. MONSIGNOR JAMES Beg pardon? FATHER WILLIAM I’m sorry, it was Russian. It means, “Good Lord.” MONSIGNOR JAMES Indeed. In any case, the young woman’s name is “Isabelle”. Or rather, that’s what she calls herself. FATHER WILLIAM What do you mean? Monsignor James sighs. MONSIGNOR JAMES Isabelle’s tale is a tragic one. Isabelle is transgendered, and-- FATHER WILLIAM “Transgendered”? MONSIGNOR JAMES You don’t know this word? It means someone’s whose gender identity doesn’t match their biological gender. (a beat) In Isabelle’s case, she was born a boy. A boy named “Isaac”. But as Isaac entered his teens, he began to identify as a girl. His parents, congregants at this very church, in fact, came to me for advice. I counseled them that Jesus would want them to accept their son for who he was, and if he saw himself as a girl, then they should as well. (a beat) But they were, are, quite conservative, and on his eighteenth birthday, Isaac dressed as a girl and told his parents that from then on, he wanted them to acknowledge him as such. To call him “Isabelle”. They couldn’t do it and threw Isabelle out of their home. She’s been living on the streets ever since. 9. EXT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - CONTINUOUS Monsignor James stops at the Clinic door. MONSIGNOR JAMES I want you to sit with her. She won’t tell me what happened. Maybe she’ll tell you and you can tell the police. This isn’t the first time she’s turned up here beaten, but it’s the worst by far. FATHER WILLIAM Of course, Father. I’ll do what I can. Monsignor James opens the Basilica door. MONSIGNOR JAMES Good. INT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - CONTINUOUS Monsignor James leads Father William into the clinic, and approaches a cot where Izzy lies and is being tended by SISTER BETH (female, late-30’s, Anglo-American, wearing traditional Catholic Nun’s habit, competent)--Sister Beth is sitting on the cot next to Izzy holding Izzy’s hand. There is a privacy curtain around the cot, opened so that Sister Beth can sit next to Isabelle. Monsignor James gestures for Sister Beth to come to him. MONSIGNOR JAMES Sister Beth? SISTER BETH I’ll be right back, Isabelle. Sister Beth pats Izzy on the hand, stands, and joins Monsignor James and Father William. SISTER BETH (CONT’D) Yes, Monsignor? MONSIGNOR JAMES Sister, I’d like Father William to sit with Isabelle for a while. Maybe she’ll tell him what happened. SISTER BETH Yes, Monsignor. 10. FATHER WILLIAM How badly is she hurt, Sister? SISTER BETH There are no broken bones, though her nose is broken. She insisted that we not call the police or paramedics--aside from that she’s just terribly bruised. (a beat) I tried to give her something for the pain, but she refused. FATHER WILLIAM Very well. Father William and Monsignor James walk over to Izzy’s cot, followed by Sister Beth. Izzy lies on her back, and Sister Beth is right--Izzy’s nose is clearly broken, and her face is terribly bruised, both lips are split, her right eye swollen shut and the left will likely be blackened in short order. Her left eye is closed as the Fathers and Sister approach her. MONSIGNOR JAMES Isabelle? (a beat) Isabelle, can you hear me? When Izzy fails to reply, Monsignor James looks at Father William. FATHER WILLIAM (softly) Lord, have mercy. (to Monsignor James) The Bratva did things like this back in Moscow. MONSIGNOR JAMES “Bratva”? Father William sighs. FATHER WILLIAM I don’t know the word. (a beat) A large, well-organized gang? MONSIGNOR JAMES Mafia? 11. FATHER WILLIAM Yes. Ma-fi-a. Only when they did something like this, they generally broke bones. They killed my older brother, Dmitri, over a hundred rubles. MONSIGNOR JAMES I didn’t know that. FATHER WILLIAM It’s why I left Russia. Monsignor James looks at Father William with sympathy for a moment, but then returns his gaze to Izzy. MONSIGNOR JAMES Isabelle? This is Father William. I’ve asked him to sit with you until you can tell us who did this to you. Is that all right? When Izzy doesn’t respond, Monsignor James gestures for Father William to sit the chair next to the cot. Father William sits on the chair and Monsignor James puts his hand on his shoulder. MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) (softly) See if you can’t get her to tell you what happened. Who did this to her. FATHER WILLIAM Yes, Father. Monsignor James turns to leave and notices Sister Beth standing behind him. He takes Sister Beth by the elbow. MONSIGNOR JAMES Sister, let’s give them some privacy. SISTER BETH Of course, Father. Monsignor James walks with Beth to her desk, and then leaves. Sister Beth remains standing for a moment, but then sits at her desk and begins doing paperwork. Father William notices a bowl with water and a hand towel in it on the floor near Izzy’s head. 12. He reaches down, picks the towel up out of the bowel, and wrings it out--the water is tinged red with blood. FATHER WILLIAM I don’t know if you can hear me, Isabelle-- At the sound of her name, Isabelle’s forehead creases and her jaw clenches. Father William notices. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Isabelle, what’s wrong? Are you in pain? IZZY (softly, painfully) Not “Isabelle.” “Izzy.” FATHER WILLIAM You would like me to call you “Izzy”? Izzy nods ever so slightly. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Very well, Izzy. Father William places the damp hand towel across Izzy’s forehead and left eye. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, can you tell me who did this to you? IZZY Doesn’t matter. As she says this, her lower lip cracks again and begins to bleed slightly. Father William sees another hand towel in the bowl. He reaches down and takes the hand towel from the bowl. FATHER WILLIAM Of course, it matters. Very carefully, Father William dabs at Izzy’s cracked lower lip. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) They should be punished so they won’t do this to someone else. 13. IZZY No. Isabelle knows. What happens...happens. FATHER WILLIAM (aghast) Izzy-- IZZY Isabelle would like to sleep now, Father William. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy-- Izzy turns her head, slowly and slightly, away from Father William. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Very well. I’ll be here when you awaken. Father William places the towel back in the bowel. Father William’s attention is drawn to the Basilica’s single window as a police car’s flashing lights pass by. The rising sun is only beginning to illuminate the world outside the Basilica. TIME CUT: INT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - DAY The morning sun is fully risen. Sister Beth sits at the desk and is putting a bandage on the forehead of Benny, who sits in a chair in front of her. Father William still sits next to Izzy who appears asleep. Izzy’s left eye, which is more swollen then it was, but not swollen shut, opens. She turns her head toward Father William. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy, are you all right? IZZY (slowly and carefully) Isabelle needs to go to the bathroom. 14. FATHER WILLIAM I’ll get you a bedpan and give you some privacy. Father William stands and draws the curtain around Izzy’s cot partially closed. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Sister Beth-- ISABELLE (direct and self-assured) No. Father William turns back to Isabelle. FATHER WILLIAM No? Then what-- Izzy slowly, painfully, begins to sit up. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, you shouldn’t-- Izzy slowly swings her legs off the cot. Father William reaches to help her, but Izzy looks at him sharply and Father William withdraws his hand. Izzy stands. But when she tries to take her first step, she stumbles and would fall if not for Father William taking her arm. But when he does Izzy freezes. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Please, let me help you. Father William stands there, holding her arm for a long moment. Eventually, he releases her arm. ISABELLE Isabelle needs to do this for herself, Father Grigori. Father William starts at Izzy’s use of his given name. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy, my name is “Father William.” ISABELLE Since you took your vows. But your name was “Grigori.” And will be again, after you’ve been here long enough. 15. Father William is nonplussed. Izzy takes a careful step away from the cot and Father William follows her after a moment to reopen the privacy curtain around the cot so she can pass. Izzy makes her way slowly to the restroom, Father William following closely behind, ready to help should she stumble again. When she reaches the restroom door, Father William opens it for her and then closes it behind her. Father William stands there for a moment unsure if he should wait by the door in case Izzy should need help. But then he turns, and strides over to Sister Beth, who is done bandaging Benny. SISTER BETH There you go, Benny. You know, if you didn’t drink so much, you wouldn’t fall and hit your head so much. Benny just grins, and gingerly rubs his head under the bandage. Sister Beth swats his hand. BENNY Thanks, Sister Beth. SISTER BETH Really, Benny. Why don’t you come to tonight’s service? The Lord will help you. All you have to do is ask Him. BENNY Naw. But thanks. The Lord and I haven’t spoken since Saigon. Sister Beth thinks about responding but decides not to. Standing, Benny’s a little hunched over. He starts toward the clinic’s door, hobbling as much as walking. Sister Beth look up to the heavens, crosses herself, and stands. SISTER BETH Benny. Benny awkwardly turns to her as she walks to the far side of her desk. 16. BENNY Yeah, Sister? Beth pulls a walker with bright orange tennis balls on its rear feet away from the wall where it was barely visible from where Benny had been siting. SISTER BETH Benny, a parishioner came in yesterday. His grandmother passed last week. (a beat) He brought in her walker and I’d like you to have it. Benny looks at the walker for a moment and then grins broadly. BENNY I haven’t had a set of wheels... Well, in years. Sister Beth pushes the walker over to him. BENNY (CONT’D) Bless your soul, Sister. He takes it from her. Grips and ungrips the handles. Turning back toward the door, he looks over his shoulder at Father William. BENNY (CONT’D) Look at me! I’m a man again! Father William smiles at him bemusedly. Much more stable for having the walker, Benny leaves. FATHER WILLIAM (to Sister Beth) You’ve tended to him before? Sister Beth smiles ruefully. SISTER BETH You might call Benny a regular customer. It’s generally just a bruise on his head or a small cut on a hand or arm. He falls down a lot when he drinks, and he drinks a lot. Maybe with the walker... Father William shakes his head. 17. FATHER WILLIAM Isabelle is using the restroom. And I have to go to the restroom myself. Could you watch for her? SISTER BETH Of course, Father. Father William walks back to the restrooms and enters the men’s room. Sister Beth sits back down and completes a form about Benny’s treatment. She finishes the form and looks toward the restrooms. TIME CUT: INT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - LATE MORNING Father William exits the men’s room and walks over to Sister Beth who still sits at the desk. FATHER WILLIAM Is Isabelle still in the restroom? SISTER BETH I believe so. Father William walks over the women’s room door. FATHER WILLIAM (somewhat quietly) Izzy, is everything all right? He waits a moment, but gets no response. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) (louder) Izzy? Sister Beth stands and walks over to Father William. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) (even louder) Izzy? (a beat) Sister Beth? Sister Beth goes into the restroom and, leaving the door open, looks around. She turns to Father William, looking bewildered. 18. SISTER BETH She’s not in here. Father William takes a step back and looks around worriedly. FATHER WILLIAM (loudly) Izzy?!? (to Sister Beth) Where could she have gone? SISTER BETH I’m sorry, Father, I don’t know. I was filling out a form regarding Benny’s treatment. Father William is alarmed, but schools himself so as not to take it out on Sister Beth. FATHER WILLIAM She couldn’t have gone far--I’m going to look for her outside. SISTER BETH Father-- FATHER WILLIAM It’s not your fault. If I find her, I’ll bring her back. Father William walks out of the Basilica Clinic. EXT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - CONTINUOUS Father William walks urgently to the Logan St. sidewalk, looking for Izzy. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy?!? He walks south to Colfax Ave., but Izzy is nowhere to be seen. END FLASHBACK INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - NIGHT Father William kneels, praying, in front of the curtained window of his cell. 19. FATHER WILLIAM Heavenly Father, what should I do? I’m worried for both Izzy and Benny. (a beat) If Isabelle meant Your Archangel Michael, Your angel of death, is coming for Benny to take him to Heaven, I... (a beat) Thy will be done, but Benny is a misguided but good soul, I think. Father William is startled by a sudden pounding on his cell door. JULIA (O.S.) Father William! Are you awake? There's been a... Father William crosses himself, quickly stands and walks to his door. He opens the door and standing there with her right fist still raised as though ready to knock again and her left hand at her breast is JULIA (female, late-50’s, Latin-American, short and plump, wearing a brightly colored blouse, jeans, and apron). Her eyes are wide with fear. FATHER WILLIAM Julia, what is it? What’s wrong? JULIA Han matado a un hombre. El-- Father William reaches out to touch her raised fist, but she snatches it to her breast. He takes both of her hands in his. Julia swallows hard, her eyes pleading for comfort. FATHER WILLIAM Julia, está bien. Whatever it is, it is the Lord's will. Julia seems comforted by this doggerel theology. JULIA Father, there is a man in the courtyard. (swallowing hard) I think he is dead. 20. Father William looks at Julia for a moment while he processes this. Then he turns, strides to his window, and thrusts the heavy drapes open. EXT. THROUGH WILLIAM’S WINDOW ONTO THE COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS Red-and-blue lights flash balefully. Uniformed officers stand around a body. Paramedics rock back on their heels, removing an oxygen mask from the face of a body lying in a smudge of something black against the courtyard's limestone and marble tiles. Not far from the body, laying on its side, is Benny’s unmistakable walker with its bright orange tennis balls. Monsignor James stands at a distance. INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - CONTINUOUS Father William bows his head. FATHER WILLIAM I commend you, my dear brother, to almighty God and entrust you to your Creator. EXT. THROUGH WILLIAM’S WINDOW ONTO THE COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS Father William looks back out the window and notices a woman standing in shadow across Logan St.--she stands with her head bowed. The woman looks up at Father William and he sees that it is Isabelle. INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - CONTINUOUS Father William turns, and at a run, almost bowls Julia over, who is still standing in his doorway. JULIA Father, what is it? INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL TO RECTORY - CONTINUOUS Father William runs down the hall and then takes the two flights of stairs to the ground level two at a time. 21. EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS When he blows through the Rectory doors, he startles the police officers, paramedics and Monsignor James. EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD TO LOGAN ST. - CONTINUOUS Father William runs past Monsignor James to the middle of Logan St. MONSIGNOR JAMES Father William! What is it? FATHER WILLIAM Izzy! But Isabelle is gone. TIME CUT: EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD - NIGHT Father William and Monsignor James stand out of the way as the paramedics load Benny’s body onto a stretcher. MONSIGNOR JAMES It was a single, small caliber gunshot. Father William watches the paramedics load the body-laden stretcher into the back of their ambulance. MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) The police wanted to know if Benny had anything of value on him. I said that, to the best of my knowledge, his walker was his most valuable possession. Father William watches the paramedics confer with the police. MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) Although, I suppose he might have just bought cigarettes or a bottle of whiskey. (a beat) People have been killed for less on Colfax. Father William watches the Paramedics climb into their ambulance and pull away. 22. MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) (dryly) Father William, as Monsignor, I’m not accustomed to being ignored. Father William starts. FATHER WILLIAM I’m sorry, Father, what did you say? Monsignor James gives him a gallows smile. MONSIGNOR JAMES It’s not important, I suppose. (a beat) The police wanted to know if Benny had any next of kin--do you know if he did? FATHER WILLIAM He mentioned a son, once. But I have no idea how to contact him. MONSIGNOR JAMES That’s what I feared. Well, he died on church grounds, so the Church will pay for his funeral. FATHER WILLIAM (distracted) That’s good. MONSIGNOR JAMES Father William, when you came running out of the Rectory like Satan was your heels, you yelled “Izzy”. FATHER WILLIAM I thought I saw her standing across the street. (a beat, then slowly) I think she witnessed the murder. MONSIGNOR JAMES What makes you say that? FATHER WILLIAM She told me that Michael was coming for Benny. I think she meant the Archangel. I think she was standing witness. 23. MONSIGNOR JAMES The Archangel Michael? (chuckling) I think you need some sleep, Father. FATHER WILLIAM I don’t know how that will be possible. MONSIGNOR JAMES Go to your cell and pray to the Lord. I’m sure he’ll grant you rest. Father William looks back across Logan St. FATHER WILLIAM I certainly hope so. (a beat) Good night, Father. MONSIGNOR JAMES Good night, Father. Father William walks toward the Rectory, but looks back at Monsignor James as, MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) Father William, I’m sure Isabelle is fine. Father William nods and continues on his way. INT. RECTORY TO FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - CONTINUOUS He enters the Rectory, walks up the flight of stairs, and into his cell. He strips down to his underwear and climbs onto his bed, lying on his back. He crosses himself and closes his eyes. FATHER WILLIAM Lord, it is I, Your son Grigori, who needs comfort. Please keep Isabelle safe from harm this night. TIME CUT: 24. INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - SUNRISE Father William’s eyes are open and his head rests on his hands--he hasn’t slept--as indirect sunlight begins to shine in through the window of his cell. With a sigh, he gets up, dresses. INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL TO CHAPEL - CONTINUOUS He leaves his cell, walks down to the cathedral’s chapel and approaches Monsignor James who is by the main doors wishing early morning worshipers well as they leave. FATHER WILLIAM Father, I must make confession. Monsignor James looks at him for a moment. MONSIGNOR JAMES Very well. Monsignor James turns, and walks over to the confessional and steps in, closing the door behind himself. Father William does likewise. INT. CONFESSIONAL - CONTINUOUS Father William sits as the confessional screen slides open. MONSIGNOR JAMES In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Father William crosses himself as Monsignor James speaks. FATHER WILLIAM Bless me father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession. Since then my faith in our Father’s infinite love has wavered. MONSIGNOR JAMES Why is this, my son? FATHER WILLIAM Benny. 25. MONSIGNOR JAMES Benny’s death is a tragedy, indeed. But is this all? People die every day, and yet-- FATHER WILLIAM Back in Russia, people died as well. But there the hospitals were free--they were no good, but the doctors and nurses did their best. The Bratva had a code of honor. They beat and even killed people, but only if the person was involved in Bratva business. (a beat) But here, death comes for people so randomly and yet so predictably. Benny was killed for... Who knows what? A pack of cigarettes or a bottle of whiskey? The poor here die from diseases that are easily curable because they can’t afford treatment. Izzy’s parents threw her out of their home because she... Father, where is God’s infinite love? MONSIGNOR JAMES Faith is hard, my son. Even if we cannot see it, we must have faith that the Lord loves us. You’ve been with us two years, and as a young priest, new to his robes, I have known no one else with faith such as yours. FATHER WILLIAM Then why do I feel like I’m in a spiritual desert dying for even a sip of faith? MONSIGNOR JAMES (a beat) In penance for your sin, you will forsake your duties to Mother Church this day and go out into the “desert” and perform your duty to Isabelle--go find her and do whatever you think necessary, within God’s law, to keep her safe. FATHER WILLIAM Thank you, Father. 26. Father William crosses himself, exits the Confessional and walks out of the church through the front doors. Monsignor James exits the Confessional and crosses himself. MONSIGNOR JAMES Lord, please take Father William to Isabelle and allow him to do what he must for her. EXT. COLFAX AVE. AVE - MONTAGE OF FATHER WILLIAM LOOKING FOR ISABELLE - DAY Father William asks various people if they know where he can find Isabelle. He speaks to homeless people, panhandlers, gaudy transvestites, prostitutes, shop owners. He gestures to indicate her height and the length of her hair. Some say, “No.” And some direct him to go ask so and so. The Cathedral is always in the background, first on the left, then the right, and then back to the left, but in each scene, it’s farther away. The sun also moves--at first, it’s low in the east, but as the Cathedral gets farther away, the sun climbs to noon, and then begins to sink toward the west. Father William crosses Colfax Ave. from time to time, and in the crazy traffic, nearly becomes a statistic on more than one occasion. TIME CUT: EXT. 16TH MALL - DUSK Father William asks panhandlers and homeless people about Isabelle. He gestures to indicate her height and the length of her hair. Some say, “No.”, and some direct him to go ask so and so. TIME CUT: EXT. WEST COLFAX AVE. - NIGHT A defeated Father William walks east past the state capitol building and its bright lights. He’s taken off his jacket and is carrying it over his shoulder. The back of his shirt is wet with sweat. He wipes the sweat off his forehead with his forearm. There is still heavy traffic on Colfax Ave., but it seems a little more orderly than it was during the day. 27. The lights of the Cathedral and its facade are visible to the east. TIME CUT: EXT. BASILICA - NIGHT Father William stands on the south side of E Colfax Ave. looking at the Cathedral. He sighs. Looks up into the cloudy sky. FATHER WILLIAM (quietly) Heavenly Father. (a beat) I... (closes his eyes) ) Is she already dead? He stands there for a moment, face up toward the sky, with his eyes closed, and then sighs. He looks at the Cathedral and the traffic, which is lighter but still present. When it’s safe, he crosses Colfax Ave. and climbs the steps to the Cathedral. He opens one of the doors halfway, but then lets it swing shut and walks around to the Rectory entrance. INT. RECTORY TO FATHER WILLIAM'S CELL - NIGHT Father William climbs the stairs to his cell. There is a folded note taped to his door--it reads: Father William, Please come see me when you can. Father Monsignor James. FATHER WILLIAM (quietly) When I can, Father. When I can. Father William opens his door, enters his cell and throws his jacket on his bed. He takes off his sodden shirt and throws it on his bed as well. He walks into his bathroom, wets a hand towel in the sink, and proceeds to give himself a towel bath. When he’s done, he walks to his closet an pulls out a fresh shirt. Putting it on, he walks to his window. He looks out the window and sees a person standing in the same place as Isabelle had the night before when Benny was killed. The person looks up at him, and he sees that it is Isabelle. 28. INT. FATHER WILLIAM'S CELL TO RECTORY - CONTINUOUS He turns and runs from his cell. Down the stairs. EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD TO ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Across the Rectory courtyard. Across Logan St. To Isabelle. EXT. ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Coming to stop within arm’s reach of her, she looks him in the eye. It’s not the diffident and scattered gaze of Izzy, but the direct, intense gaze of Isabelle. FATHER WILLIAM Isabelle, I’ve been looking for you all day. Isabelle’s eyes widen and she looks away as her hands begin to twitch. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, I’m sorry. I’ve been worried about you. Isabelle’s jaw clenches and her hands become still. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, how are you tonight? Isabelle’s gaze is diffident and scattered, but she smiles ever so slightly. IZZY (diffident and scattered) Michael is coming. Father William’s eyes widen in fear. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy-- ISABELLE (direct and self-assured) Michael is coming for Isabelle. A glint of light appears on the side of a trash dumpster twenty feet behind Isabelle. A shape emerges from behind the dumpster. A flash of light and the sound of gunfire. 29. Isabelle gasps. Stumbles towards Father William, her hands landing on his chest. Father William wraps his arms around her. The sound of something metallic hitting the asphalt of the parking lot. BENNY’S KILLER You won't rat me out to the pigs, you bitch. The sound of feet running away into the night. Father William gently lowers Isabelle to the ground. ISABELLE He’s here. Night becomes day. Or rather, morning, as a diffuse but bright light gradually illuminates Izzy’s face. But in the light shining on Isabelle from behind Father William, those extra years fade away. Her dingy and stringy blonde hair takes on a flaxen sheen. The dirt on her face evaporates. ISABELLE (CONT’D) Grigori, I have brought Michael for you. Isabelle looks over Father William’s shoulder, and Father William does so as well. EXT. ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - VFX - CONTINUOUS Standing behind and to his right is the ARCHANGEL MICHAEL (male, late-20’s, tall, well-muscled, absurdly beautiful)-- complete with great feathered wings, breastplate and a sword in a scabbard on his left hip--the light illuminating the night emanates from him. ARCHANGEL MICHAEL Child, forgive yourself and know the forgiveness the Lord God granted you the day you were born. Come with Me, and never know pain again. 30. EXT. ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS ISABELLE Father William, I brought Michael to lead you out of the desert. Isabelle closes her eyes and stops breathing. As she does, the Archangel’s light fades away. EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD TO ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Monsignor James exits the Rectory and runs to the parking lot. EXT. ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Monsignor James comes to a halt behind Father William. MONSIGNOR JAMES Father William, I heard a gunshot! What’s happened?!? Is that Isabelle? Is she-- Without looking back at him, Father William replies. FATHER WILLIAM Isabelle has been called home. Monsignor James takes a step forward. MONSIGNOR JAMES What? (a beat) Were you able to give her the Last Rites? Father William stands and turns to face Monsignor James-- there are tears on his face, but he is smiling. FATHER WILLIAM There was no need. MONSIGNOR JAMES What? FATHER WILLIAM There was no need. She is in heaven with our Heavenly Father. Monsignor James is unsure what to make of this. 31. Father William reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cellphone. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Father, I should call the police. THE END

Story Content

Michael Is Coming

Michael Is Coming

P. James Norris

with cornflower blue eyes and dingy, stringy blonde hair) standing on the far side of Colfax Ave. waiting for him. Living on the streets has aged Izzy beyond her 20 years. Left her blonde hair dingy. Her face dirty. They make eye contact, and Izzy abruptly begins swatting at the air in front of her face. She turns and walks, nearly stumbling at times, west toward Logan St. Father William watches her for a moment and then begins to make his way down the Cathedral steps. Izzy reaches Logan St., turns around and walks east toward Pennsylvania St. As Father William reaches the sidewalk, 2. BENNY (slightly drunk) Hey paaadre. BENNY (male, late-60’s, African-American, tall but hunched over his walker with age, portly, bow-legged wearing a US Marines baseball cap), pushes a wheeled walker with bright orange tennis balls on the rear feet toward Father William. A cigarette dangles from his lips even as an oxygen tank on his back pumps oxygen directly into his nose. Benny stops a few feet from Father William. Father William breathes through his mouth to avoid the stench of alcohol, nicotine, and body odor. Perspiration begins to bead on his forehead. FATHER WILLIAM Good evening, Benny. How are you tonight? BENNY (slightly less slurred) ) Same'ld, same'ld. Ya know-oww it is, paadre. FATHER WILLIAM Well... BENNY Say, padre. Ya wouldn't happen to have some spare change, wouldja? Father William looks across the street--Izzy is half-way to Pennsylvania St.--he sighs. FATHER WILLIAM

Benny, I do have some change, but... BENNY Honest, padre. I'm headed down to Mikki D's for some coffee and a burger. Father William looks across Colfax Ave.--Izzy Is walking west back toward Logan St. FATHER WILLIAM (sadly) Benny, I remember giving you two dollars last Thursday night when you told me the same thing. (MORE) 3. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) And you told me you'd bring me the receipt to prove you bought food and not cigarettes or whiskey. But you didn't. So, tonight, you're on your own. BENNY (slurring completely) Tat's fair, paaadre. Tat’s fair. Benny pulls a piece of cardboard off the side of his walker. He hangs the sign from wire clothes hangers on the walker's front cross-bar. It reads: Viet Nam War Vet--Every quarter helps--GOD BLESS. While Benny does this, Father William looks to Izzy, and even as he does, she turns around at Pennsylvania St. and begins walking back toward Logan St. BENNY (CONT’D) Ya hafa gude evenin', paaadre. Benny starts wheeling west toward the McDonald’s. FATHER WILLIAM You as well, Benny. Father William walks to Colfax Ave. and steps into the first westbound lane. Izzy stops walking--without looking at Father William--but continues swatting at the air, looking at the ground at her feet. The traffic allows Father William to cross Colfax Ave. so that he steps onto the south sidewalk just in front of Izzy. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Good evening, Izzy. Izzy looks up to meet his gaze, but she is diffident and

scattered as she greets him. IZZY (diffident and scattered) Father Grigori. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy, “Grigori” is my given name. How do you know it? The ghost of a smile touches Izzy’s lips. 4. When she doesn’t reply, Father William looks closer and notices a light, open-hand shaped bruise on her left cheek and a bruise around her right wrist. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, what happened to your face and wrist? IZZY Michael is coming. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy, what happened to your face and wrist? IZZY Isabelle needed money, so she tried to turn a trick. But the Jane was a lesbian who didn't appreciate Isabelle's little Isaac. Father William sighs. FATHER WILLIAM I see. (a beat) Who is Michael? Isabelle locks eyes with Father William. ISABELLE (direct and self-assured) Michael is coming for Benny. Izzy looks away, and then back at Father William but without anything like the same intensity as she had just a moment ago. Father William flinches as she begins swatting at the air in front of her face. She turns and walks away. FATHER WILLIAM (quietly) May the Lord watch over you, Isabelle. INT. BASILICA - NIGHT Father William gives Communion to a handful of mostly elderly parishioners. 5. FATHER WILLIAM Take this, all of you, and eat of it: for this is my body which will be given up for you. Take this, all of you, and drink from it: for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal

covenant. Which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me. The parishioners line up in front of the Communion table, and Father William gives each of them the sacrament. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) The body of Christ. Father William places a wafer on the PARISHIONER’s (female, late 60s, Anglo-American, a touch frail, middle-class nicely dressed) tongue. PARISHIONER Amen. Father William hands the parishioner a thimble-sized plastic cup of red wine. FATHER WILLIAM The blood of Christ. The parishioner drinks the wine and drops the cup into a wastebasket. PARISHIONER Amen. Some parishioners return to a pew to kneel and pray while others simply leave. When he has given the last parishioner the sacrament, Father William returns to the altar. He stands for a moment, looking at the parishioners and then bows his head, closes his eyes and inhales deeply, exhales through his mouth. He looks up. FATHER WILLIAM I... (a beat) There is a young lady who used to attend this church. She... She feels she is no longer welcome in a house of our Lord. (a beat) But we are all welcome. (MORE) 6. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) God calls to us. Each of us. Even when we can’t hear him doing so. I, myself... (a beat) Shortly after I arrived in this country, I saw a poster in a church. It had a poem, “Footprints in the Sand,” that touched me in a

way very little else ever has. Perhaps you have seen it as well. I memorized it, but I will not recite it in its entirety for you now. It was about a man who, looking back on his life at the time of his death, saw a sandy beach. In places there were two sets of footprints and at others there was only one set. He saw that the lowest points of his life were when there was only one set of footprints, and said to God, “I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me." And God replied: "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you. Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." I... (a beat) I pray that you remember this: the Lord is always with you. He is with all of us. Even when... (a beat) Even when it seems that he is not. (a beat) We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen. The Lord be with you. Some of the parishioners respond with, “And also with you.”, while others do not. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) May almighty God bless you, the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. (a beat) Go in the peace of Christ. Thanks be to God. 7. Father William bows, kisses the altar, turns and walks to the door to the SACRISTY.

He opens it, steps through, and closes it behind him. INT. CATHEDRAL SACRISTY - NIGHT Father William leans back against the door and closes his eyes. FATHER WILLIAM Lord, I see only one set of footprints for myself. And Isabelle. I pray that you walk with Benny tonight. He opens his eyes, steps away from the door, and he divests himself, he looks in a mirror, and we... BEGIN FLASHBACK: EXT. BASILICA - DAWN Father William stands on the front steps of the Cathedral. MONSIGNOR JAMES (male, late-50’s, Anglo-American, robust for his age and taller than Father William, wearing traditional black garb with white priest’s collar) approaches Father William with a look of urgent concern. MONSIGNOR JAMES Father William, could you come with me please? FATHER WILLIAM (with a thicker Russian accent) Of course, Father. (a beat) Is there a problem? Monsignor James puts his hand on Father William’s elbow, turns and leads him around the west side of the Cathedral. MONSIGNOR JAMES Julia found a young woman at the rectory door. She’s in the clinic now--she’s been badly beaten. FATHER WILLIAM O bože. 8. MONSIGNOR JAMES Beg pardon? FATHER WILLIAM I’m sorry, it was Russian. It means, “Good Lord.” MONSIGNOR JAMES Indeed. In any case, the young woman’s name is “Isabelle”. Or rather, that’s what she calls herself. FATHER WILLIAM What do you mean? Monsignor James sighs. MONSIGNOR JAMES Isabelle’s tale is a tragic one. Isabelle is transgendered, and-- FATHER WILLIAM “Transgendered”? MONSIGNOR JAMES You don’t know this word?

It means someone’s whose gender identity doesn’t match their biological gender. (a beat) In Isabelle’s case, she was born a boy. A boy named “Isaac”. But as Isaac entered his teens, he began to identify as a girl. His parents, congregants at this very church, in fact, came to me for advice. I counseled them that Jesus would want them to accept their son for who he was, and if he saw himself as a girl, then they should as well. (a beat) But they were, are, quite conservative, and on his eighteenth birthday, Isaac dressed as a girl and told his parents that from then on, he wanted them to acknowledge him as such. To call him “Isabelle”. They couldn’t do it and threw Isabelle out of their home. She’s been living on the streets ever since. 9. EXT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - CONTINUOUS Monsignor James stops at the Clinic door. MONSIGNOR JAMES I want you to sit with her. She won’t tell me what happened. Maybe she’ll tell you and you can tell the police. This isn’t the first time she’s turned up here beaten, but it’s the worst by far. FATHER WILLIAM Of course, Father. I’ll do what I can. Monsignor James opens the Basilica door. MONSIGNOR JAMES Good. INT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - CONTINUOUS Monsignor James leads Father William into the clinic, and approaches a cot where Izzy lies and is being tended by SISTER BETH (female, late-30’s, Anglo-American, wearing

traditional Catholic Nun’s habit, competent)--Sister Beth is sitting on the cot next to Izzy holding Izzy’s hand. There is a privacy curtain around the cot, opened so that Sister Beth can sit next to Isabelle. Monsignor James gestures for Sister Beth to come to him. MONSIGNOR JAMES Sister Beth? SISTER BETH I’ll be right back, Isabelle. Sister Beth pats Izzy on the hand, stands, and joins Monsignor James and Father William. SISTER BETH (CONT’D) Yes, Monsignor? MONSIGNOR JAMES Sister, I’d like Father William to sit with Isabelle for a while. Maybe she’ll tell him what happened. SISTER BETH Yes, Monsignor. 10. FATHER WILLIAM How badly is she hurt, Sister? SISTER BETH There are no broken bones, though her nose is broken. She insisted that we not call the police or paramedics--aside from that she’s just terribly bruised. (a beat) I tried to give her something for the pain, but she refused. FATHER WILLIAM Very well. Father William and Monsignor James walk over to Izzy’s cot, followed by Sister Beth. Izzy lies on her back, and Sister Beth is right--Izzy’s nose is clearly broken, and her face is terribly bruised, both lips are split, her right eye swollen shut and the left will likely be blackened in short order. Her left eye is closed as the Fathers and Sister approach her. MONSIGNOR JAMES Isabelle? (a beat) Isabelle, can you hear me? When Izzy fails to reply, Monsignor James looks at Father William. FATHER WILLIAM (softly) Lord, have mercy. (to Monsignor James)

The Bratva did things like this back in Moscow. MONSIGNOR JAMES “Bratva”? Father William sighs. FATHER WILLIAM I don’t know the word. (a beat) A large, well-organized gang? MONSIGNOR JAMES Mafia? 11. FATHER WILLIAM Yes. Ma-fi-a. Only when they did something like this, they generally broke bones. They killed my older brother, Dmitri, over a hundred rubles. MONSIGNOR JAMES I didn’t know that. FATHER WILLIAM It’s why I left Russia. Monsignor James looks at Father William with sympathy for a moment, but then returns his gaze to Izzy. MONSIGNOR JAMES Isabelle? This is Father William. I’ve asked him to sit with you until you can tell us who did this to you. Is that all right? When Izzy doesn’t respond, Monsignor James gestures for Father William to sit the chair next to the cot. Father William sits on the chair and Monsignor James puts his hand on his shoulder. MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) (softly) See if you can’t get her to tell you what happened. Who did this to her. FATHER WILLIAM Yes, Father. Monsignor James turns to leave and notices Sister Beth standing behind him. He takes Sister Beth by the elbow. MONSIGNOR JAMES Sister, let’s give them some privacy. SISTER BETH Of course, Father. Monsignor James walks with Beth to her desk, and then leaves. Sister Beth remains standing for a moment, but then sits at her desk and begins doing paperwork. Father William notices a bowl with water and a hand towel in

it on the floor near Izzy’s head. 12. He reaches down, picks the towel up out of the bowel, and wrings it out--the water is tinged red with blood. FATHER WILLIAM I don’t know if you can hear me, Isabelle-- At the sound of her name, Isabelle’s forehead creases and her jaw clenches. Father William notices. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Isabelle, what’s wrong? Are you in pain? IZZY (softly, painfully) Not “Isabelle.” “Izzy.” FATHER WILLIAM You would like me to call you “Izzy”? Izzy nods ever so slightly. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Very well, Izzy. Father William places the damp hand towel across Izzy’s forehead and left eye. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, can you tell me who did this to you? IZZY Doesn’t matter. As she says this, her lower lip cracks again and begins to bleed slightly. Father William sees another hand towel in the bowl. He reaches down and takes the hand towel from the bowl. FATHER WILLIAM Of course, it matters. Very carefully, Father William dabs at Izzy’s cracked lower lip. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) They should be punished so they won’t do this to someone else. 13. IZZY No. Isabelle knows. What happens...happens. FATHER WILLIAM (aghast) Izzy-- IZZY Isabelle would like to sleep now, Father William. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy-- Izzy turns her head, slowly and slightly, away from Father William. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Very well. I’ll be here when you awaken. Father William places the towel back in the bowel. Father William’s attention is drawn to the Basilica’s single

window as a police car’s flashing lights pass by. The rising sun is only beginning to illuminate the world outside the Basilica. TIME CUT: INT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - DAY The morning sun is fully risen. Sister Beth sits at the desk and is putting a bandage on the forehead of Benny, who sits in a chair in front of her. Father William still sits next to Izzy who appears asleep. Izzy’s left eye, which is more swollen then it was, but not swollen shut, opens. She turns her head toward Father William. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy, are you all right? IZZY (slowly and carefully) Isabelle needs to go to the bathroom. 14. FATHER WILLIAM I’ll get you a bedpan and give you some privacy. Father William stands and draws the curtain around Izzy’s cot partially closed. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Sister Beth-- ISABELLE (direct and self-assured) No. Father William turns back to Isabelle. FATHER WILLIAM No? Then what-- Izzy slowly, painfully, begins to sit up. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, you shouldn’t-- Izzy slowly swings her legs off the cot. Father William reaches to help her, but Izzy looks at him sharply and Father William withdraws his hand. Izzy stands. But when she tries to take her first step, she stumbles and would fall if not for Father William taking her arm. But when he does Izzy freezes. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Please, let me help you. Father William stands there, holding her arm for a long moment. Eventually, he releases her arm.

ISABELLE Isabelle needs to do this for herself, Father Grigori. Father William starts at Izzy’s use of his given name. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy, my name is “Father William.” ISABELLE Since you took your vows. But your name was “Grigori.” And will be again, after you’ve been here long enough. 15. Father William is nonplussed. Izzy takes a careful step away from the cot and Father William follows her after a moment to reopen the privacy curtain around the cot so she can pass. Izzy makes her way slowly to the restroom, Father William following closely behind, ready to help should she stumble again. When she reaches the restroom door, Father William opens it for her and then closes it behind her. Father William stands there for a moment unsure if he should wait by the door in case Izzy should need help. But then he turns, and strides over to Sister Beth, who is done bandaging Benny. SISTER BETH There you go, Benny. You know, if you didn’t drink so much, you wouldn’t fall and hit your head so much. Benny just grins, and gingerly rubs his head under the bandage. Sister Beth swats his hand. BENNY Thanks, Sister Beth. SISTER BETH Really, Benny. Why don’t you come to tonight’s service? The Lord will help you. All you have to do is ask Him. BENNY Naw. But thanks. The Lord and I haven’t spoken since Saigon. Sister Beth thinks about responding but decides not to.

Standing, Benny’s a little hunched over. He starts toward the clinic’s door, hobbling as much as walking. Sister Beth look up to the heavens, crosses herself, and stands. SISTER BETH Benny. Benny awkwardly turns to her as she walks to the far side of her desk. 16. BENNY Yeah, Sister? Beth pulls a walker with bright orange tennis balls on its rear feet away from the wall where it was barely visible from where Benny had been siting. SISTER BETH Benny, a parishioner came in yesterday. His grandmother passed last week. (a beat) He brought in her walker and I’d like you to have it. Benny looks at the walker for a moment and then grins broadly. BENNY I haven’t had a set of wheels... Well, in years. Sister Beth pushes the walker over to him. BENNY (CONT’D) Bless your soul, Sister. He takes it from her. Grips and ungrips the handles. Turning back toward the door, he looks over his shoulder at Father William. BENNY (CONT’D) Look at me! I’m a man again! Father William smiles at him bemusedly. Much more stable for having the walker, Benny leaves. FATHER WILLIAM (to Sister Beth) You’ve tended to him before? Sister Beth smiles ruefully. SISTER BETH You might call Benny a regular customer. It’s generally just a bruise on his head or a small cut on a hand or arm. He falls down a lot when he drinks, and he drinks a lot. Maybe with the walker...

Father William shakes his head. 17. FATHER WILLIAM Isabelle is using the restroom. And I have to go to the restroom myself. Could you watch for her? SISTER BETH Of course, Father. Father William walks back to the restrooms and enters the men’s room. Sister Beth sits back down and completes a form about Benny’s treatment. She finishes the form and looks toward the restrooms. TIME CUT: INT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - LATE MORNING Father William exits the men’s room and walks over to Sister Beth who still sits at the desk. FATHER WILLIAM Is Isabelle still in the restroom? SISTER BETH I believe so. Father William walks over the women’s room door. FATHER WILLIAM (somewhat quietly) Izzy, is everything all right? He waits a moment, but gets no response. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) (louder) Izzy? Sister Beth stands and walks over to Father William. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) (even louder) Izzy? (a beat) Sister Beth? Sister Beth goes into the restroom and, leaving the door open, looks around. She turns to Father William, looking bewildered. 18. SISTER BETH She’s not in here. Father William takes a step back and looks around worriedly. FATHER WILLIAM (loudly) Izzy?!? (to Sister Beth) Where could she have gone? SISTER BETH I’m sorry, Father, I don’t know. I was filling out a form regarding Benny’s treatment. Father William is alarmed, but schools himself so as not to take it out on Sister Beth. FATHER WILLIAM She couldn’t have gone far--I’m going to look for her outside.

SISTER BETH Father-- FATHER WILLIAM It’s not your fault. If I find her, I’ll bring her back. Father William walks out of the Basilica Clinic. EXT. BASILICA’S WALK-IN CLINIC - CONTINUOUS Father William walks urgently to the Logan St. sidewalk, looking for Izzy. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy?!? He walks south to Colfax Ave., but Izzy is nowhere to be seen. END FLASHBACK INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - NIGHT Father William kneels, praying, in front of the curtained window of his cell. 19. FATHER WILLIAM Heavenly Father, what should I do? I’m worried for both Izzy and Benny. (a beat) If Isabelle meant Your Archangel Michael, Your angel of death, is coming for Benny to take him to Heaven, I... (a beat) Thy will be done, but Benny is a misguided but good soul, I think. Father William is startled by a sudden pounding on his cell door. JULIA (O.S.) Father William! Are you awake? There's been a... Father William crosses himself, quickly stands and walks to his door. He opens the door and standing there with her right fist still raised as though ready to knock again and her left hand at her breast is JULIA (female, late-50’s, Latin-American, short and plump, wearing a brightly colored blouse, jeans, and apron). Her eyes are wide with fear. FATHER WILLIAM Julia, what is it? What’s wrong? JULIA Han matado a un hombre. El-- Father William reaches out to touch her raised fist, but she snatches it to her breast.

He takes both of her hands in his. Julia swallows hard, her eyes pleading for comfort. FATHER WILLIAM Julia, está bien. Whatever it is, it is the Lord's will. Julia seems comforted by this doggerel theology. JULIA Father, there is a man in the courtyard. (swallowing hard) I think he is dead. 20. Father William looks at Julia for a moment while he processes this. Then he turns, strides to his window, and thrusts the heavy drapes open. EXT. THROUGH WILLIAM’S WINDOW ONTO THE COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS Red-and-blue lights flash balefully. Uniformed officers stand around a body. Paramedics rock back on their heels, removing an oxygen mask from the face of a body lying in a smudge of something black against the courtyard's limestone and marble tiles. Not far from the body, laying on its side, is Benny’s unmistakable walker with its bright orange tennis balls. Monsignor James stands at a distance. INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - CONTINUOUS Father William bows his head. FATHER WILLIAM I commend you, my dear brother, to almighty God and entrust you to your Creator. EXT. THROUGH WILLIAM’S WINDOW ONTO THE COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS Father William looks back out the window and notices a woman standing in shadow across Logan St.--she stands with her head bowed. The woman looks up at Father William and he sees that it is Isabelle. INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - CONTINUOUS Father William turns, and at a run, almost bowls Julia over, who is still standing in his doorway. JULIA

Father, what is it? INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL TO RECTORY - CONTINUOUS Father William runs down the hall and then takes the two flights of stairs to the ground level two at a time. 21. EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS When he blows through the Rectory doors, he startles the police officers, paramedics and Monsignor James. EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD TO LOGAN ST. - CONTINUOUS Father William runs past Monsignor James to the middle of Logan St. MONSIGNOR JAMES Father William! What is it? FATHER WILLIAM Izzy! But Isabelle is gone. TIME CUT: EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD - NIGHT Father William and Monsignor James stand out of the way as the paramedics load Benny’s body onto a stretcher. MONSIGNOR JAMES It was a single, small caliber gunshot. Father William watches the paramedics load the body-laden stretcher into the back of their ambulance. MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) The police wanted to know if Benny had anything of value on him. I said that, to the best of my knowledge, his walker was his most valuable possession. Father William watches the paramedics confer with the police. MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) Although, I suppose he might have just bought cigarettes or a bottle of whiskey. (a beat) People have been killed for less on Colfax. Father William watches the Paramedics climb into their ambulance and pull away. 22. MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) (dryly) Father William, as Monsignor, I’m not accustomed to being ignored. Father William starts. FATHER WILLIAM I’m sorry, Father, what did you say?

Monsignor James gives him a gallows smile. MONSIGNOR JAMES It’s not important, I suppose. (a beat) The police wanted to know if Benny had any next of kin--do you know if he did? FATHER WILLIAM He mentioned a son, once. But I have no idea how to contact him. MONSIGNOR JAMES That’s what I feared. Well, he died on church grounds, so the Church will pay for his funeral. FATHER WILLIAM (distracted) That’s good. MONSIGNOR JAMES Father William, when you came running out of the Rectory like Satan was your heels, you yelled “Izzy”. FATHER WILLIAM I thought I saw her standing across the street. (a beat, then slowly) I think she witnessed the murder. MONSIGNOR JAMES What makes you say that? FATHER WILLIAM She told me that Michael was coming for Benny. I think she meant the Archangel. I think she was standing witness. 23. MONSIGNOR JAMES The Archangel Michael? (chuckling) I think you need some sleep, Father. FATHER WILLIAM I don’t know how that will be possible. MONSIGNOR JAMES Go to your cell and pray to the Lord. I’m sure he’ll grant you rest. Father William looks back across Logan St. FATHER WILLIAM I certainly hope so. (a beat) Good night, Father. MONSIGNOR JAMES Good night, Father. Father William walks toward the Rectory, but looks back at Monsignor James as, MONSIGNOR JAMES (CONT’D) Father William, I’m sure Isabelle is fine. Father William nods and continues on his way. INT. RECTORY TO FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - CONTINUOUS

He enters the Rectory, walks up the flight of stairs, and into his cell. He strips down to his underwear and climbs onto his bed, lying on his back. He crosses himself and closes his eyes. FATHER WILLIAM Lord, it is I, Your son Grigori, who needs comfort. Please keep Isabelle safe from harm this night. TIME CUT: 24. INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL - SUNRISE Father William’s eyes are open and his head rests on his hands--he hasn’t slept--as indirect sunlight begins to shine in through the window of his cell. With a sigh, he gets up, dresses. INT. FATHER WILLIAM’S CELL TO CHAPEL - CONTINUOUS He leaves his cell, walks down to the cathedral’s chapel and approaches Monsignor James who is by the main doors wishing early morning worshipers well as they leave. FATHER WILLIAM Father, I must make confession. Monsignor James looks at him for a moment. MONSIGNOR JAMES Very well. Monsignor James turns, and walks over to the confessional and steps in, closing the door behind himself. Father William does likewise. INT. CONFESSIONAL - CONTINUOUS Father William sits as the confessional screen slides open. MONSIGNOR JAMES In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Father William crosses himself as Monsignor James speaks. FATHER WILLIAM Bless me father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession. Since then my faith in our Father’s infinite love has wavered. MONSIGNOR JAMES Why is this, my son?

FATHER WILLIAM Benny. 25. MONSIGNOR JAMES Benny’s death is a tragedy, indeed. But is this all? People die every day, and yet-- FATHER WILLIAM Back in Russia, people died as well. But there the hospitals were free--they were no good, but the doctors and nurses did their best. The Bratva had a code of honor. They beat and even killed people, but only if the person was involved in Bratva business. (a beat) But here, death comes for people so randomly and yet so predictably. Benny was killed for... Who knows what? A pack of cigarettes or a bottle of whiskey? The poor here die from diseases that are easily curable because they can’t afford treatment. Izzy’s parents threw her out of their home because she... Father, where is God’s infinite love? MONSIGNOR JAMES Faith is hard, my son. Even if we cannot see it, we must have faith that the Lord loves us. You’ve been with us two years, and as a young priest, new to his robes, I have known no one else with faith such as yours. FATHER WILLIAM Then why do I feel like I’m in a spiritual desert dying for even a sip of faith? MONSIGNOR JAMES (a beat) In penance for your sin, you will forsake your duties to Mother Church this day and go out into the “desert” and perform your duty to Isabelle--go find her and do whatever you think necessary, within God’s law, to keep her safe. FATHER WILLIAM

Thank you, Father. 26. Father William crosses himself, exits the Confessional and walks out of the church through the front doors. Monsignor James exits the Confessional and crosses himself. MONSIGNOR JAMES Lord, please take Father William to Isabelle and allow him to do what he must for her. EXT. COLFAX AVE. AVE - MONTAGE OF FATHER WILLIAM LOOKING FOR ISABELLE - DAY Father William asks various people if they know where he can find Isabelle. He speaks to homeless people, panhandlers, gaudy transvestites, prostitutes, shop owners. He gestures to indicate her height and the length of her hair. Some say, “No.” And some direct him to go ask so and so. The Cathedral is always in the background, first on the left, then the right, and then back to the left, but in each scene, it’s farther away. The sun also moves--at first, it’s low in the east, but as the Cathedral gets farther away, the sun climbs to noon, and then begins to sink toward the west. Father William crosses Colfax Ave. from time to time, and in the crazy traffic, nearly becomes a statistic on more than one occasion. TIME CUT: EXT. 16TH MALL - DUSK Father William asks panhandlers and homeless people about Isabelle. He gestures to indicate her height and the length of her hair. Some say, “No.”, and some direct him to go ask so and so. TIME CUT: EXT. WEST COLFAX AVE. - NIGHT A defeated Father William walks east past the state capitol

building and its bright lights. He’s taken off his jacket and is carrying it over his shoulder. The back of his shirt is wet with sweat. He wipes the sweat off his forehead with his forearm. There is still heavy traffic on Colfax Ave., but it seems a little more orderly than it was during the day. 27. The lights of the Cathedral and its facade are visible to the east. TIME CUT: EXT. BASILICA - NIGHT Father William stands on the south side of E Colfax Ave. looking at the Cathedral. He sighs. Looks up into the cloudy sky. FATHER WILLIAM (quietly) Heavenly Father. (a beat) I... (closes his eyes) ) Is she already dead? He stands there for a moment, face up toward the sky, with his eyes closed, and then sighs. He looks at the Cathedral and the traffic, which is lighter but still present. When it’s safe, he crosses Colfax Ave. and climbs the steps to the Cathedral. He opens one of the doors halfway, but then lets it swing shut and walks around to the Rectory entrance. INT. RECTORY TO FATHER WILLIAM'S CELL - NIGHT Father William climbs the stairs to his cell. There is a folded note taped to his door--it reads: Father William, Please come see me when you can. Father Monsignor James. FATHER WILLIAM (quietly) When I can, Father. When I can. Father William opens his door, enters his cell and throws his jacket on his bed.

He takes off his sodden shirt and throws it on his bed as well. He walks into his bathroom, wets a hand towel in the sink, and proceeds to give himself a towel bath. When he’s done, he walks to his closet an pulls out a fresh shirt. Putting it on, he walks to his window. He looks out the window and sees a person standing in the same place as Isabelle had the night before when Benny was killed. The person looks up at him, and he sees that it is Isabelle. 28. INT. FATHER WILLIAM'S CELL TO RECTORY - CONTINUOUS He turns and runs from his cell. Down the stairs. EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD TO ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Across the Rectory courtyard. Across Logan St. To Isabelle. EXT. ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Coming to stop within arm’s reach of her, she looks him in the eye. It’s not the diffident and scattered gaze of Izzy, but the direct, intense gaze of Isabelle. FATHER WILLIAM Isabelle, I’ve been looking for you all day. Isabelle’s eyes widen and she looks away as her hands begin to twitch. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, I’m sorry. I’ve been worried about you. Isabelle’s jaw clenches and her hands become still. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Izzy, how are you tonight? Isabelle’s gaze is diffident and scattered, but she smiles ever so slightly. IZZY (diffident and scattered) Michael is coming. Father William’s eyes widen in fear. FATHER WILLIAM Izzy-- ISABELLE (direct and self-assured)

Michael is coming for Isabelle. A glint of light appears on the side of a trash dumpster twenty feet behind Isabelle. A shape emerges from behind the dumpster. A flash of light and the sound of gunfire. 29. Isabelle gasps. Stumbles towards Father William, her hands landing on his chest. Father William wraps his arms around her. The sound of something metallic hitting the asphalt of the parking lot. BENNY’S KILLER You won't rat me out to the pigs, you bitch. The sound of feet running away into the night. Father William gently lowers Isabelle to the ground. ISABELLE He’s here. Night becomes day. Or rather, morning, as a diffuse but bright light gradually illuminates Izzy’s face. But in the light shining on Isabelle from behind Father William, those extra years fade away. Her dingy and stringy blonde hair takes on a flaxen sheen. The dirt on her face evaporates. ISABELLE (CONT’D) Grigori, I have brought Michael for you. Isabelle looks over Father William’s shoulder, and Father William does so as well. EXT. ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - VFX - CONTINUOUS Standing behind and to his right is the ARCHANGEL MICHAEL (male, late-20’s, tall, well-muscled, absurdly beautiful)-- complete with great feathered wings, breastplate and a sword in a scabbard on his left hip--the light illuminating the night emanates from him. ARCHANGEL MICHAEL Child, forgive yourself and know the forgiveness the Lord God granted you the day you were born. Come with Me, and never know pain again. 30. EXT.

ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS ISABELLE Father William, I brought Michael to lead you out of the desert. Isabelle closes her eyes and stops breathing. As she does, the Archangel’s light fades away. EXT. RECTORY COURTYARD TO ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Monsignor James exits the Rectory and runs to the parking lot. EXT. ARCHDIOCESE PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS Monsignor James comes to a halt behind Father William. MONSIGNOR JAMES Father William, I heard a gunshot! What’s happened?!? Is that Isabelle? Is she-- Without looking back at him, Father William replies. FATHER WILLIAM Isabelle has been called home. Monsignor James takes a step forward. MONSIGNOR JAMES What? (a beat) Were you able to give her the Last Rites? Father William stands and turns to face Monsignor James-- there are tears on his face, but he is smiling. FATHER WILLIAM There was no need. MONSIGNOR JAMES What? FATHER WILLIAM There was no need. She is in heaven with our Heavenly Father. Monsignor James is unsure what to make of this. 31. Father William reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cellphone. FATHER WILLIAM (CONT’D) Father, I should call the police. THE END