TEASER FADE IN: INT. HOMESTEAD - DAY ONE 1 MIKE flips through a recipe book at the pantry, eagerly scanning the pages. She pauses to consider: MIKE Apple chutney? SULLY, cradling KATIE, and BRIAN look up from the breakfast table, puzzled by Mike's question. BRIAN What's chutney? MIKE It's a sort of spicy relish. Brian is not thrilled by the description. Neither is Sully. SULLY Ever make it before? MIKE (shakes her head) It shouldn't be too difficult. I'll just follow the recipe... (looking back at the book) This dinner has to be special. It's Katie's first Thanksgiving, Colleen will be home from school today... BRIAN (remembering, relieved) That's right. Colleen'll be home to help cook. Sully nods, relieved, too. Mike looks up from her book. MIKE Colleen needs her time at home to study. Sully sees Mike's determination -- it's best to support her. SULLY Your ma's gonna fix a real fine meal for us, Brian. (CONTINUED) 2. CONTINUED: 1 BRIAN (catching Sully's signal) Oh. Sure, Ma, it's gonna be great. Mike smiles, appreciating their encouragement. MIKE Well, I certainly intend to try. It's not often we're all together anymore... OFF Mike as she focuses back on the recipe... EXT. BANK - DAY ONE 2 A WORKER finishes washing the front window. PRESTON inspects the glass, nodding and smiling. PRESTON Good work. A fine start. Start? The worker looks at the clean pane, confused. PRESTON (indicating) Streak. Smudge. No sparkle. The bank has to look perfect today. (a confidential aside) Do well here and there'll be a lot more windows for you to wash at my new hotel. Inspired, the worker begins again. Preston smiles, but before he steps away, he catches his reflection in the glass and anxiously adjusts his hat and lapels. ANDREW approaches, observing him with curious amusement. ANDREW Special occasion? PRESTON I should say so. My father's train is due in. He's come all the way from Boston. ANDREW You must be looking forward to seeing him. Preston nods and takes a breath, clearly nervous, too. (CONTINUED) 3. CONTINUED: 2 Something up ahead catches Andrew's eye. +ANDREW'S POV 3 Mike and Sully cross toward the train station. +BACK TO ANDREW AND PRESTON 4 as Preston notices Mike, too, and looks pointedly at Andrew. PRESTON Have you told her? ANDREW I -- just haven't found the right time. PRESTON Andrew, we've talked about this. My investors will all be here on Thanksgiving, and they expect to meet the doctor who's running my hotel's clinic. I want that doctor to be you. ANDREW So do I. PRESTON Then tell Michaela that you're leaving. Preston stares, waiting. ANDREW Now? Preston... PRESTON (sighs) Well, I'm afraid you've put me in a terrible position. Dr. Cassidy's been hounding me, daily, for the job. I've tried to hold him off, but -- since you're clearly not ready to work without Michaela's supervision... ANDREW I'm ready. I'm definitely ready. (steeling his resolve) I'll tell Michaela right now. Preston smiles as he and Andrew head for... 4. EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY ONE 5 Mike and Sully cross the platform. Mike beams, excited to welcome Colleen home. HORACE steps out of his office with a telegram. He has the guilty look of a messenger bearing disappointing news. SULLY (misreading Horace's expression) Mornin', Horace. Train late? Horace opens his mouth to explain, then simply thrusts forward the telegram. Sully reads it as Mike looks on, worried. SULLY Colleen ain't comin' today. MIKE What? SULLY Teacher gave 'em extra work to finish before Thanksgivin'. She'll try to be home by Thursday. MIKE Try to be...? This disturbing development is punctuated by a train whistle. Mike turns toward the sound. HORACE Wanna wire her back, Dr. Mike? Mike nods vaguely, staring at the approaching train in dismay. SULLY Don't worry. Colleen'll make it home in time. MIKE (smiling but uncertain) Of course she will. She won't want to miss the holiday. Mike starts to follow Sully and Horace toward the telegraph office when Andrew stops her. He looks ill-at-ease. ANDREW Michaela? (CONTINUED) 5. CONTINUED: 5 Mike assumes that Andrew has come to meet Colleen, too. MIKE Oh, Andrew... I'm afraid Colleen's not on the train. She had to stay at school. ANDREW Colleen? Well, I'm sorry to hear that, but -- I'm not here to meet Colleen... Andrew hesitates and glances over at Preston, who, several yards away, glares back urgently. Andrew turns to Mike again. ANDREW Actually, I've wanted to tell you -- But the train arrives, brakes squealing, distracting Mike. Andrew sighs in frustration. +ANGLE - THE DOORWAY OF THE TRAIN 6 The CONDUCTOR steps down, followed by the PASSENGERS. +ON THE PLATFORM 7 Preston braces himself to greet his father, staring up at the door. +ANGLE - PRESTON A. LODGE, II 8 as he emerges from the car. He's a domineering, impeccably tailored man who exudes success and robust confidence. +PRESTON 9 steps forward with a tense smile. PRESTON Father... Mr. Lodge spots him and smiles. They move closer. MR. LODGE Well then... you haven't changed much, now have you? PRESTON It's been fourteen months, sir, I may still surprise you. (CONTINUED) 6. CONTINUED: 9 They stop in front of each other. And firmly shake hands. +ANGLE ON MIKE 10 as she curiously observes the two Lodges. +BACK TO PRESTON AND MR. LODGE 11 PRESTON I trust Mother is well? MR. LODGE (nods) She and your brothers send their regards. PRESTON And your journey was pleasant? MR. LODGE Tumultuous. There were terrible storms across the Plains. PRESTON Well, you're here now, Father, safely. And I'm... (searching for the word, guarded but sincere) Honored that you made such a long trip. MR. LODGE I made good use of the time and secured some new business along the way. Preston nods, wishing for a warmer, more fatherly display of affection. And getting none. MR. LODGE Yes, well... (surveying the setting) Let's see this charming, little empire of yours... Mr. Lodge strides off toward... Mike and Andrew. Preston, already flustered, jogs after him. PRESTON First, sir, let me introduce the finest physician in Colorado Springs... (CONTINUED) 7. CONTINUED: 11 Mike smiles, surprised by Preston's endorsement. She sticks out her hand, but Preston whisks his father right past her. PRESTON Dr. Andrew Cook. Andrew winces, then smiles. Mike withdraws her hand, abashed. MR. LODGE (studying Andrew) The finest physician? Then you must be the one running my son's clinic. Andrew casts an uneasy glance toward Mike, then sees Preston's expectant, imploring stare -- and shakes Mr. Lodge's hand. ANDREW Yes, sir, that's right... I am. Preston exhales with relief. OFF Mike, staggered by Andrew's announcement as we... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER 8. ACT ONE FADE IN: EXT. TELEGRAPH OFFICE - DAY ONE 12 Sully writes his message to Colleen and passes it to Horace through the window. HORACE I'll send it right away, Sully. Horace moves to send the telegram as Mike steps up to Sully, looking preoccupied. SULLY Told Colleen to do the best she can. Let us know when she's comin'. Mike barely nods. Sully misinterprets her concern. SULLY She'll get her work done, Michaela. MIKE (pensive, distracted) Andrew's leaving the clinic... Sully looks at her curiously. Mike looks up to explain: MIKE Andrew's opening his own clinic at Preston's new hotel. Sully can see that Mike is unsettled by the news. SULLY That alright with you? Mike smiles, but she's confused by her mixed feelings. MIKE Certainly. SULLY (he knows his wife) Ya sure? MIKE It's a wonderful opportunity for him, Sully. Of course I'm sure. Sully nods, backing off. We go out on Mike, her smile fading... 9. EXT. TOWN - DAY ONE 13 Strolling away from the train station, Preston gives Mr. Lodge a tour of Colorado Springs. Andrew tags along. PRESTON (with flair, trying to impress) Everyone comes here, Father, with a dream... a passion for independence and success, to stake a claim on the frontier... Mr. Lodge looks around, half-listening, taking stock. MR. LODGE Dirt. PRESTON Pardon? MR. LODGE Dirt streets. No sense of permanence or stability. PRESTON Well, we're still a young town, sir. The streets will be paved. We're growing one step at a time. ANDREW Yes, the people here, sir -- they're used to a slower pace. It's not like Boston. MR. LODGE Not yet. But soon. (grins, claps Preston's shoulder) There's a Lodge leading the way. Preston's smile shakes under the weight of his father's expectations. He looks ahead, more encouraged. PRESTON Speaking of progress, sir, all of it begins right here... +THEIR POV 14 Preston's bank. The spotless window gleams in the modest, but perfectly respectable building. +BACK TO MR. LODGE 15 as he steps forward to inspect it. (CONTINUED) 10. CONTINUED: 15 MR. LODGE Yes, yes, good thinking, son. You were wise to start small. PRESTON Small? MR. LODGE A larger bank might have intimidated these frontier people. Preston nods, glancing off, relieved by the distraction when Sully and Mike walk their way, followed by Wolf. PRESTON Sully... Michaela...! Sully and Mike pause as Preston brings over Mr. Lodge. Andrew lingers behind, but Mike catches his eye and he looks away, discomforted. PRESTON I'd like to present my father. Preston A. Lodge II, Dr. Michaela Quinn... MIKE Mr. Lodge. Welcome. MR. LODGE Dr. Quinn? MIKE Yes. And I believe you knew my father -- Dr. Josef Quinn. (jogging Lodge's memory) You declined his loan? MR. LODGE Oh yes. A bad risk, I'm afraid. MIKE (staying poised) Fortunately, another banker felt otherwise. My father secured his loan, and his practice became one of the largest -- and most profitable -- in Boston. Put in his place, Mr. Lodge clears his throat, turns to Sully. MR. LODGE And you are? (CONTINUED) 11. CONTINUED: (2) 15 Sully shakes Mr. Lodge's hand with unflappable self-assurance. SULLY Sully. MR. LODGE That's succinct. And what is your profession, sir? Sully hesitates -- how did that question follow? PRESTON I've been here for more than a year and still haven't figured that out. Sully turns a cool stare on Preston, who keeps needling. PRESTON Sully is our wilderness renaissance man. Mr. Lodge regards Sully with genuine interest. MR. LODGE A wilderness man... (notices Wolf) Indeed. (to Sully) I expect you could tell some remarkable stories... Preston realizes that his dig at Sully has backfired -- and moves quickly to recapture his father's attention. PRESTON Sir, we should ride over to my hotel, if you're not too tired. The light there this time of day is dazzling. Mr. Lodge nods at Mike and Sully as Preston guides him away, exposing Andrew in their wake. Mike and Andrew trade strained looks. Sully backs away, seeing an opportunity for them to talk. SULLY Gotta see... Robert E -- 'bout somethin'. Mike eyes Sully, knowing what he's up to. He gives her a bolstering smile. SULLY See ya later... (CONTINUED) 12. CONTINUED: (3) 15 Sully goes to the livery. Mike smiles awkwardly at Andrew, then heads for the clinic. Andrew hesitates for a beat before jogging after her. ANDREW Michaela...? Mike lets him catch up, then keeps walking. ANDREW I know my news caught you off-guard this morning. MIKE Yes, well... ANDREW I tried to discuss it with you earlier, privately. I never intended to surprise you. MIKE I understand. Mike manages a smile, but Andrew can see the tension behind it. ANDREW I want you to know -- I've learned a great deal working with you, and I truly value the experience. It's just... Before Andrew can continue, he and Mike notice LOREN waiting outside the clinic. LOREN I'm early, Dr. Mike. MIKE That's fine, Loren, I'll be right in. Loren goes inside. Andrew turns to Mike, tactfully: ANDREW Loren was my patient when you were home with Katie. Then as soon as you came back to work... MIKE (simply, not defensive) I've been Loren's doctor for years. (CONTINUED) 13. CONTINUED: (4) 15 ANDREW And you'll continue to be, as you should. (beat) This will always be your clinic, Michaela. That's your name up on that sign. And now, I'm hoping, you'll give me your blessing to hang a sign of my own. Mike wants to encourage him, but she feels abandoned. Her response is obligatory, not heartfelt: MIKE You know that I wish you the best. Andrew wishes for more, but Mike just smiles tightly at him. MIKE Loren's waiting. Mike turns into the clinic. Andrew watches her, distressed. EXT. TRAIL TO THE SPRINGS CHATEAU HOTEL - DAY ONE 16 Preston and Mr. Lodge ride a carriage through the woods. PRESTON I've never worked harder in my life, Father. Every aspect of the hotel, every detail, has been my decision... (excited) It's just around the bend. Preston glances at his father, but Mr. Lodge doesn't lean forward or change expression. He just sits calmly and waits. Still, Preston can't help grinning with anticipation as the carriage rolls past some trees and... there it is... +THE SPRINGS CHATEAU AND HEALTH RESORT 17 A sprawling, stylish building of great charm, with trellises and thin columns along a wraparound porch. +BACK TO SCENE 18 As Preston drives on and parks in front of the hotel. A few WORKERS are putting on the finishing touches. (CONTINUED) 14. CONTINUED: 18 Mr. Lodge climbs down from the carriage and surveys the property. Preston follows, bracing for his father's reaction. Finally: MR. LODGE It's a very pleasant building, Preston. Preston smiles, but... that's it? He guides Mr. Lodge toward the hot spring, trying to stir up some enthusiasm. PRESTON And the main attraction here, Father -- my natural hot spring. You see I've cleared away all the brush and built this elegant decking. MR. LODGE (with genuine pride) Yes. Excellent, Preston. Well done. Preston is pleased, but Mr. Lodge looks up to consider the hotel again, distracted, bothered... MR. LODGE I suppose I pictured something a bit more... substantial -- but I can see that there's room to expand. You do intend to add more stories? PRESTON (swallowing his hurt, smiling) Several. Mr. Lodge looks satisfied, but the pride and joy drains from Preston's face... EXT. HILLTOP - DAY ONE (SAME TIME) 19 On horseback, JAKE and HANK gaze down at the valley. +THEIR POV - THE HOTEL 20 Preston and Mr. Lodge are heading toward the main entrance. +BACK TO JAKE AND HANK 21 They act nonchalant, but the hotel is undeniably grand by Colorado Springs standards. (CONTINUED) 15. CONTINUED: 21 JAKE It ain't much. HANK Nah, all work is what it is. Runnin' that place's gonna eat up all 'a Preston's profits. JAKE If he's got any. We're doin' our place up right. Keepin' things simple. They stare at the hotel and sigh, increasingly depressed. HANK Got the Hot Springs right over there, huh? That's gonna be a draw. JAKE Rooms're prob'ly real big 'n fancy. HANK (a beat, grins) We still got one thing Preston's hotel don't. (looks slyly at Jake) Entertainment. Jake smiles, pleased by the reminder. INT. GAZETTE - DAY ONE 22 DOROTHY prints the latest edition. LOREN comes in eagerly. LOREN My new advertisement... (snatches a freshly printed page) Hot off the press. DOROTHY That ink's still wet. Loren checks his fingers -- they're blackened with ink. Dorothy gives him an amused look as Preston enters with Mr. Lodge. (CONTINUED) 16. CONTINUED: 22 PRESTON Father, I'd like you to meet our town's preeminent journalist, Dorothy Jennings. And Loren Bray, proprietor of the General Store. LOREN Always pleased to meet a fellow entrepreneur... Loren sticks out his ink-stained hand. Mr. Lodge looks at it, hesitating. Loren self-consciously withdraws it. DOROTHY (smiles cordially) How nice that you're here to spend the holiday with your son. Mr. Lodge looks puzzled. DOROTHY Thanksgivin'? MR. LODGE Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving happens every year, but Preston's hotel opening, that's a momentous occasion. Mr. Lodge smiles at Preston, who is delighted by his father's praise. PRESTON Dorothy, I want you there by two on Thursday. You can interview the hotel's investors before the opening ceremony. DOROTHY (innocently) I couldn't possibly be there before four. Preston stops and Mr. Lodge knits his brow -- did Dorothy... this woman... just dare contradict his son? DOROTHY I'm doin' research -- for my book. I scheduled an interview on Thursday for most of the afternoon. (CONTINUED) 17. CONTINUED: (2) 22 PRESTON You'll have to re-schedule. DOROTHY Pardon? PRESTON My Grand Opening is big news for this town. If you want to be taken seriously, as a professional journalist -- DOROTHY (bristling) I am a professional journalist. PRESTON Then give my story the attention it deserves. DOROTHY Your story'll get the proper attention, Preston -- startin' at four. Dorothy stares defiantly. Preston backs away from the challenge and leaves with his father. Dorothy exhales. LOREN Who's this you're interviewin'? DOROTHY My book's about Cloud Dancin', Loren. LOREN You goin' out to the reservation? DOROTHY I wanna be able to describe how Cloud Dancin' and the other Indians live. Loren scoffs, but Dorothy cuts him off with a look and gets back to work. EXT. GAZETTE - DAY ONE - SAME TIME 23 Mr. Lodge takes Preston aside, perturbed. MR. LODGE That Gazette is your newspaper, Preston, and that woman in there, she works for you. (CONTINUED) 18. CONTINUED: 23 PRESTON Well, not exactly. You see, I co-own the newspaper. With Miss Jennings. MR. LODGE Co-own? You gave her fifty percent? PRESTON (hating to reveal this) Actually... Dorothy owns fifty-one percent. Mr. Lodge gapes incredulously. Oh, the shame of that deal. MR. LODGE No wonder she didn't listen to you. Preston droops, feeling miserable. INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT ONE 24 Mike measures spices precisely, as if the recipe were a scientific formula. She stirs them into a pot. Sully comes over, enjoying the vapors. He starts to dip in a spoon, but Mike playfully claps a cover over the pot. MIKE The chutney needs to simmer for an hour. Mike returns to her mixing bowls. Dives into another recipe. MIKE I never understood before -- cooking can be a comfort. Sully nods, watching her. He doesn't want to press, but... SULLY You talk to Andrew? Mike pauses. Nods with a sigh. Looks at Sully. MIKE It's not that I don't wish him well, Sully. I do. Of course I do. It's just that -- (surprised by herself) I've grown accustomed to having Andrew around. (MORE) (CONTINUED) 19. CONTINUED: 24 MIKE (CONT'D) When he was at the clinic, I could be home, with Katie. And after all, Mother brought Andrew here to help me, and now he's -- well, he's -- SULLY Competition? Mike almost flinches, hearing the word aloud. MIKE No... (anxiously whisks a bowl) I'm not concerned about that... (whisks some more) But I did enjoy having another physician around to discuss cases. SULLY You can still discuss cases with him. Mike remains disturbed by the new arrangement. SULLY Michaela, Andrew left Boston, left his family to come out West and make a good livin' here as a doctor. That remind ya of anybody? Mike looks at Sully, getting his point. She smiles softly. MIKE Not especially. As Sully returns her smile, we CUT TO: EXT. CAFE - DAY TWO 25 The REVEREND, Hank, and Jake eat lunch together. GRACE works nearby. Preston and Mr. Lodge approach. Preston looks tired and stressed. His father's visit is already taking its toll. REVEREND Preston, looks like you need a cup of coffee. (CONTINUED) 20. CONTINUED: 25 PRESTON I could use two, Reverend. I was up late planning my opening ceremony. I'd like to begin with a benediction. Would you do me the honor? REVEREND Well, I'm not familiar with any specific hotel blessings, but I'm sure the good book will offer something. HANK I'm gonna christen our place, too, when it's done. Break a bottle 'a champagne right on it. MR. LODGE Your place, sir? PRESTON Yes, Father, Mr. Lawson and Mr. Slicker here are building a modest little flophouse behind the saloon. JAKE It's a social club and deluxe resort. (to Mr. Lodge) And I'm Mayor Slicker, sir. MR. LODGE Mayor...? Didn't you write that... (turns to Preston) You were running for that office? Preston blanches. JAKE He did and he lost. To me. Mr. Lodge gapes at Jake, finding this hard to digest. INT. CLINIC - DAY TWO 26 Andrew packs, putting instruments in his medical bag and textbooks in a box. Mike busies herself, trying not to watch. Their eyes meet. They trade awkward smiles. ANDREW Well. I think that's everything. (CONTINUED) 21. CONTINUED: 26 MIKE Not quite... Andrew looks puzzled as Mike hands him a small stack of files. MIKE They're the records of all the new patients you treated in my absence -- while I was staying home with Katie. ANDREW But -- these are your patients. He holds the files toward her, but she nudges them back. MIKE No, I've never seen them. Not once. They've only been treated by you. ANDREW But I treated them here. He tries to give her the stack again, but she's adamant. MIKE You used my facility, Andrew, that's true. But you're just starting out, and I think it's only fair if you continue to see them. At your clinic. Andrew reluctantly packs the files, then looks at Mike. ANDREW Thank you. MIKE Thank you. They stare at each other, neither knowing what to do or say next. Andrew picks up his things. He and Mike exchange another uncomfortable smile, then he heads out. Mike goes to her desk, sneaking a troubled, backward glance at Andrew leaving as we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE 22. ACT TWO FADE IN: EXT. CAFE - DAY THREE 27 GRACE chops and dices on a cutting board. She's very organized and her concentration is intense. ANTHONY comes over brightly. ROBERT E trails behind. ANTHONY Hey, Ma. GRACE (measuring ingredients) Just a minute, Anthony. I'm real busy. ANTHONY You been real busy for days. Grace glances up and registers Anthony's forlorn expression -- then Robert E's steady glare. GRACE Anthony, you gotta be extra patient with me this week. Preston's countin' on me makin' Thanksgivin' real special at his hotel. It's important I do a good job. (pointedly to Robert E) Important to all of us. ROBERT E And havin' Thanksgivin' here at the cafe is important to some folks, too. A tradition. Where're they s'pposed to eat if you're closed? GRACE They can eat at the hotel. 'Sides, I hear most folks're gonna be celebratin' at home this year. ANTHONY Where are we celebratin'? Grace pauses and looks at Anthony's sweet, inquisitive face. She tries to sound enticing: (CONTINUED) 23. CONTINUED: 27 GRACE We're gonna have us a banquet -- right there in the hotel's fancy kitchen. ROBERT E The kitchen? Like we was servants? GRACE Robert E, you know what Preston's payin' me. Servants? We're makin' more money in one day there'n I could make here'n three Thanksgivin's. (rationalizing) The kitchen's fine... we got our future to worry about, not where we're eatin' a plate of turkey. Grace smiles at Anthony, then gets back to work. Anthony sighs. Robert E puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder. EXT. SPRINGS CHATEAU HOTEL - ANDREW'S CLINIC - DAY THREE 28 Andrew comes out of his office, taking account of the boxes, medical furniture and supplies waiting to be moved in from the porch. Preston approaches. PRESTON Well, I see that you're settling in. ANDREW I'm still waiting for a few more supplies, but I'm ready to start work. PRESTON No, you're not. Andrew looks puzzled, concerned. PRESTON Not until you hang this... Preston smiles and surprises Andrew, presenting him with a shingle engraved with "Andrew Cook, M. D." ANDREW (touched) Thank you, Preston. It's perfect. (CONTINUED) 24. CONTINUED: 28 PRESTON (pats Andrew's shoulder) Welcome aboard. Preston walks away, pleased. OFF Andrew, beaming at his shingle with pride... EXT. CLINIC - DAY THREE 29 The Reverend comes up the steps as Mike leaves the clinic. REVEREND (smiles and tips his hat, moving past her) Dr. Mike. MIKE Can I help you, Reverend? REVEREND Oh, no thank you. Is Andrew in? I saw him about my throat last week. MIKE Andrew -- he's... already working at his own clinic. The Reverend halts and turns back, embarrassed. REVEREND Oh. Well, my throat feels fine now. He just wanted me to stop by and follow up. MIKE Yes, you should have him take another look to be sure. REVEREND Well, you can -- MIKE No, no, Andrew started your treatment -- (trying to look insistent) He should finish it. The Reverend assures Mike of his loyalty: REVEREND Just this once, I suppose. (CONTINUED) 25. CONTINUED: 29 Mike nods, appreciative. She watches the Reverend walk away. MATTHEW (O.S.) Dr. Mike...? Mike turns. MATTHEW approaches. MATTHEW I'm goin' to Denver. MIKE What? MATTHEW Gotta escort a fugitive back to the jail there. MIKE A fugitive? MATTHEW The man escaped two days ago. Charlie Piper found 'im drunk, passed out in his barn. MIKE But you can't go to Denver today, tomorrow's Thanksgiving. MATTHEW I got no choice, he's s'posed to stand trial on Friday. Mike sags -- her hopes for a perfect Thanksgiving are crumbling. MATTHEW I'll catch the first train back in the mornin', I promise. And I'll make sure Colleen is on board with me. Mike nods, slightly comforted. SUDDENLY, from the street... HORACE (O.S.) Thief! Stop, thief! Mike and Matthew react, then Matthew dashes around the corner... +IN THE STREET 30 A DRIVER races a surrey up the center of town, chased by a frantic, distraught Horace. (CONTINUED) 26. CONTINUED: 30 HORACE He stole my surrey! Matthew jumps in the surrey's path. The Driver sees Matthew's badge and slows down. Matthew grabs the horse's bridle. Preston, clipped and grim in his manner, strides over with Mr. Lodge. PRESTON That man didn't steal anything... Mike, Dorothy, Loren, Jake, Hank and Robert E approach and gather curiously. Horace is upset, catching his breath. PRESTON He works for me. MATTHEW What're you talkin' about? PRESTON He took the surrey legitimately, on the bank's behalf. HORACE But it's mine. PRESTON The bank owns that surrey, Horace. You're six weeks late on your loan payment. Horace looks flustered and confused. Preston hesitates, glancing at his father, who's closely watching his every move. Preston turns decisively to Horace: PRESTON The surrey has been repossessed. HORACE Repossessed? But I only got two more payments! I was short last month 'cause I sent Myra money for Samantha. MIKE Two more payments, Preston. Surely you could give Horace an extension. All eyes fall on Preston, including Mr. Lodge's. Mike and the townsfolk glare beseechingly, disdainfully. Preston wavers, then feels his father's exacting stare -- and steels his resolve. (CONTINUED) 27. CONTINUED: (2) 30 PRESTON No. No exceptions. No extensions. Everyone reacts, shocked and disgusted by Preston's attitude, but Horace straightens, recovering his pride. HORACE (with a strong, cold look at Preston) Go on then. Take it. Preston, tight-lipped, signals the driver, who snaps the reins. Preston looks over at Mr. Lodge, who gives him a curt nod of approval. Horace turns back toward his office, head held high. Mike takes in the scene with dismay... INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT THREE 31 Sully looks up from stacking firewood as Mike arrives home, rushed, carrying a basket of groceries. MIKE Sorry I'm late. The clinic became so busy at the end of the day. Did you and Brian eat? (Sully nods) Katie? SULLY Fast asleep. You should have something. MIKE I don't have time, Sully, tomorrow's Thanksgiving. I have to start the stuffing. (as she unpacks) Walnuts, onions -- (stops, realizing with alarm) Celery. I forgot to buy celery. SULLY It doesn't matter. MIKE But the recipe -- (CONTINUED) 28. CONTINUED: 31 SULLY No one'll notice, Michaela. (comes over playfully, affectionately) It'll be our secret... Mike eases up and smiles slightly, aware of her overreaction. MIKE I don't know why I'm even fussing anymore. I wanted everything to be just right, but now Matthew and Colleen -- SULLY Will be home tomorrow afternoon. Me and Brian'll go meet 'em at the station. Sully rubs Mike's shoulders. She settles back against him, relaxing. MIKE You know what? (turns to face Sully) The stuffing can wait. They share a smile, then kiss. OMITTED (32-33) 33 EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY FOUR 34 Preston, Mr. Lodge and Andrew *get out of their carriage. DRIVERS wait in two empty carriages behind them. MR. LODGE Remember, Preston, you want your investors to feel powerful. Important. PRESTON (getting a bit impatient) Father, I think just seeing the hotel, the fruit of their investment, will make them feel important... +ANGLE - SULLY AND BRIAN 35 as they walk across the platform. WOLF trots behind them. 29. +ANGLE - HORACE 36 steps out of his office to meet them. HORACE Train's been delayed, Sully. It's stuck, a few miles past Monument. Before Sully can respond, Preston interrupts, having overheard. He approaches with his father and Andrew. PRESTON Stuck? What are you talking about? Horace ignores Preston, directing his news to Sully and Brian. HORACE Just got word, there was a terrible storm. Trees and branches, fallin' all over, blockin' the tracks. PRESTON It can't be. Not today. HORACE (scowls at Preston) It is. Wire said it was rainin' and blowin' so hard, homes and buildin's were gettin' torn up... (to Sully) It'll take some time till they clear off the tracks. Sully considers this as Andrew looks at Preston: ANDREW The ceremony. Should we postpone? Preston glances at Mr. Lodge. PRESTON (trying to remain undaunted) The tracks will be cleared. We'll wait. Mr. Lodge nods, approving. Sully turns to Brian: SULLY Got a feelin' we'll be waitin' a long time. Let's go borrow a couple more horses from Robert E. Ride out to pick up Matthew and Colleen. (CONTINUED) 30. CONTINUED: 36 Brian agrees and leaves with Sully. OFF Preston, determined not to be thrown by this change of events. INT. HOMESTEAD - DAY FOUR 37 Mike carries Katie over to the beautifully prepared Thanksgiving table. She smiles proudly, showing the baby: MIKE There now, isn't that pretty? Your very first Thanksgiving... Mike sits with Katie. She admires her work for a few moments. The clock ticks, exaggerating the quiet. Mike glances at the time, then looks around at the empty chairs. Her smile slips a bit. She tells Katie, reassuring herself: MIKE Your father and your brothers and sister will be home very soon... the whole family... Suddenly, the wind whistles in and blows out the candles on the table. EXT. HOMESTEAD - MOMENTS LATER - DAY FOUR 38 Mike walks away from the house, holding Katie. She stops and stares down the road, watching and waiting, her hair and dress blowing in a chilly breeze. +MIKE'S POV 39 The road is empty. No one in sight. +MIKE 40 hears some low, rumbling thunder. She looks up. +MIKE'S POV 41 Dark clouds roll across the sky. 31. +MIKE 42 Shivers and pulls Katie closer. Getting anxious, she turns and hurries back inside as we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO 32. ACT THREE FADE IN: EXT. SPRINGS CHATEAU HOTEL - DAY FOUR 43 CLOSE ON a parasol popping open, then lifted toward an overcast sky. PULL BACK on the LADY and her ESCORT as they stroll amongst a festive, impressed CROWD. A colorful banner is strung over the hotel's entrance -- "Grand Opening -- Springs Chateau and Health Resort." Streamers are laced around the columns. Balloons are tied to the railings. A small brass BAND plays a spirited tune on the porch. +ANGLE - THE REVEREND 44 as he rehearses his speech, reading from a Bible: REVEREND "The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveler..." The Reverend looks up to find Loren watching him. REVEREND Job. 31:32. LOREN I knew that. +ANGLE - HANK AND JAKE 45 They look around covetously at the good-sized crowd. JAKE Ain't much of a turn-out. HANK (smirks at him) C'mon, who ya kiddin', Jake? All these folks've come out here -- on Thanksgivin'? When it looks like rain? It's time for a little publicity... Jake watches curiously as Hank approaches a GROUP OF MEN. HANK Hey there, fellas -- this place sure turned out nice 'n pretty... (CONTINUED) 33. CONTINUED: 45 The men agree. Jake knits his brow -- why the hell is Hank promoting Preston's place? But Hank continues, to the men: HANK Thing is, ya take away the Hot Springs and whad'ya got? Some fancy new building in the middle of nowheres. Jake grins to himself, catching on. He chimes in: JAKE Yeah, and how long's a man expected to sit soakin' in boilin' water anyways? HANK Exactly. Now, if you're lookin' for a little excitement... (leans in, on the sly) Me and my partner here's fixin' up a more "friendly" establishment right in the center of town... The men listen, their interest piqued. +ANGLE - ROBERT E AND ANTHONY 46 They ride up to the side entrance. Their wagon is loaded with boxes. +GRACE 47 Rushes out of the hotel to greet them, anxiously wiping her hands on her apron. ANTHONY (smiling) Hey, Ma -- GRACE (not answering, distracted) Where ya been, Robert E? You got all my platters. My cakes, puddin's, and pies... Anthony droops, neglected. Robert E notices. Grace doesn't. (CONTINUED) 34. CONTINUED: 47 ROBERT E First sign 'a rain, Anthony made me stop 'n make sure all your cakes and pies was covered. He didn't want anythin' to happen to 'em. Grace pauses. She looks contritely, gratefully, at Anthony. GRACE How'm I so lucky to have such a thoughtful boy? Anthony smiles, feeling better. There's a growl of THUNDER. ROBERT E (glancing up) Gotta hurry. Go back for the next load. +ANGLE - PRESTON, MR. LODGE AND ANDREW 48 Riding their* carriage up to the hotel, stopping near Jake, Hank, Loren, and the Reverend, who all look puzzled. JAKE Where's all your high-class investors? PRESTON Their train was detained. ANDREW There was a big storm. Everyone glances up at the rumbling sky. Preston is annoyed. PRESTON It's not coming here. I've sent some carriages out to pick up my investors. We'll begin as soon as they return -- then it's straight back to my plan. The THUNDER sounds again, closer. Hank holds out his hand, feeling raindrops, glancing up. HANK I think your plan's about to change. OFF Preston's irritated look... 35. EXT. WOODS - DAY FOUR 49 Sully and Brian stop their horses with Wolf and two tethered horses trailing behind. The surrounding branches sway in the wind. The sky is dark and foreboding. SULLY Better turn back, Brian. Looks like that storm's comin' our way. BRIAN (worried) But Matthew and Colleen... SULLY They'll be safe, the storm already passed by 'em. But your ma's home alone with Katie, and it's gonna be dark soon. Brian nods. THUNDER cracks. SULLY Let's go -- They turn and ride off at a gallop. OMITTED (50) 50 INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT FOUR 51 Trying to ignore the howling wind outside, Mike bastes the turkey on top of the oven. She samples a small piece. MIKE Delicious. She smiles over at Katie, who's propped in a chair. MIKE You'll have to take my word for it. Ominous shadows of branches bending in the wind fill the room. Mike brightens a lantern. She goes to the window and looks out, her brow furrowing with concern. LIGHTNING flashes. A broken branch smacks against the glass. Mike jumps back, startled. She picks up Katie and holds her close, sweetly humming to soothe the both of them. 35A. EXT. SPRINGS CHATEAU HOTEL - NIGHT FOUR 52 The balloons tied to the railing blow about wildly. (CONTINUED) 36. CONTINUED: 52 Preston is positioned atop the main steps with Mr. Lodge. MR. LODGE Your investors are not coming, Preston. You'd best move things along. PRESTON Yes, sir. Preston signals the band to stop. The restless crowd converges. PRESTON Thank you, everyone, for your patience. And welcome -- to the Grand Opening of my Springs Chateau and Health Resort -- THUNDER cracks. The crowd looks agitated, wanting in. Preston's smile wavers. PRESTON Reverend? The Reverend runs up, holding his hat down. REVEREND Perhaps we should move the ceremony inside... Preston hesitates, but it STARTS TO POUR. REVEREND Perhaps we should move inside -- now. Before Preston can respond, the crowd pushes past him and [scrambles into the hotel. +OMITTED (53) 52A +BY THE] SIDE ENTRANCE 54 Grace, Robert E, and Anthony work in the downpour, unloading the last platters of food from the wagon. (CONTINUED) 37. CONTINUED: 54 LIGHTNING flashes, followed by THUNDER. Robert E prods Anthony toward the hotel, then turns back to Grace. ROBERT E Leave it, Grace! Grace ignores him, getting soaked, desperately gathering more trays. Robert E pulls her away and throws a blanket over the remaining food. Robert E and Grace dash through puddles to reach Anthony in the doorway. +ANGLE - PRESTON 55 He stands still, despondent, jostled by the stream of people scurrying inside. His opening ceremony is ruined. MR. LODGE (O.S.) Preston! Preston glances over at Mr. Lodge in the main doorway. He looks at his son without compassion. MR. LODGE Are you just going to stand there? Preston shakes his head slowly. Defeated. Getting drenched. PRESTON No, sir... But Preston doesn't move. Mr. Lodge frowns and heads in. Preston hears something rip. He looks up. +PRESTON'S POV 56 The colorful banner on the hotel droops -- it flaps for a moment, then tears free completely and flies off, fluttering. +PRESTON 57 Stands, numb. It's such a cruel joke. 37A. OMITTED (58-62) 62 EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST - NIGHT FOUR 63 Sully and Brian ride through the deluge. Wolf and the other horses race behind. (CONTINUED) 38. CONTINUED: 63 A jagged bough snaps off a tree and crashes in their path. The horses stop and whinny. BRIAN Whoa, boy... THUNDER cracks. Brian pales, frightened now, too. BRIAN Sully...? SULLY We've gotta wait it out. Take cover. Brian nods and Sully looks around. +SULLY'S POV 63A PAN back and forth, searching for protection amongst the bare trees. And then -- he spots it. A small niche. A natural recess in the hillside, covered with brush. +RESUME 63B Sully rides closer, Brian follows, and they quickly climb off their horses. Sully clears away the branches and shrubs, then nudges Brian inside the alcove. BRIAN The horses...? SULLY (untethering them) They'll find cover. Sully prods the horses and they run off into the trees. Sully moves... +INSIDE THE ALCOVE 63C with Brian. Wolf clambers in, too. There's just enough overhang to shield them. A tight fit. Brian looks out at the storm, scared. The rain is torrential. Broken branches fly past. Rocks tumble down from above. (CONTINUED) 39. CONTINUED: 63C Alarmed, Brian looks to Sully, who arches over him protectively. SULLY We'll be safe here. Brian nods uncertainly. OFF Sully, looking out, stunned by the severity of the weather. INT. HOMESTEAD - NIGHT FOUR 64 Holding Katie, Mike listens to the tempest outside. She hears a heavy door banging open and closed. Looks out. +MIKE'S POV 65 The barn door is flapping, and FLASH and another HORSE have wandered into the corral, scared and disoriented. +MIKE 66 Reacts anxiously. MIKE Flash... She stares out, agonizing, torn -- what to do? She can't bring Katie outside, but she can't abandon the horses, either. Mike decides. She tucks Katie safely in her cradle, then pulls her shawl over her head. She braces herself at the front door. Opens it -- cold wind and rain blow in. Mike runs out into the storm... EXT. HOMESTEAD - MOMENTS LATER - NIGHT FOUR 67 Mike battles the wind, squinting, moving toward the corral. Leaves and twigs whip around her. Mike reaches the horses. She gets them into the barn. Struggles to shut the door. Secures it with the plank. Mike turns back to the house, slipping in the mud. She gets up. LIGHTNING cracks. Something Mike sees in the briefly illuminated sky astounds and frightens her, and for a moment, she just stands there, incredulous, in awe... 40. +MIKE'S POV 68 LIGHTNING zaps again. The flash exposes a curling TORNADO in the distance. Another bolt reveals the menacing funnel cloud snaking closer. +MIKE 69 Reacts and lurches toward the house. Running. Stumbling. Her shawl flies off. She flings open the front door. INT. HOMESTEAD - MOMENTS LATER - NIGHT FOUR 70 Mike grabs Katie out of her cradle, but where to go... what to do? Outside, the storm rages. Louder. More threatening. Mike runs with Katie and ducks under the staircase, pressing back as far as they can go... The SOUND OF SHATTERING GLASS. Mike flinches and hugs Katie closer. OFF Mike, in shock, listening to the wind roar into her home... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE 41. ACT FOUR FADE IN: EXT. HOMESTEAD - DAY FIVE - MORNING 71 The storm is over. The sky has cleared. Sully and Brian gallop up, followed by Wolf and the two tethered horses. They pause at the edge of the property, stunned by the damage they see: +THEIR POV 72 The house is battered, but intact. Debris litters the yard and roof, which is missing shingles. Windows are broken. The shutters are askew. A branch has smashed through the front window. Parts of the corral and the porch railing have been knocked down. Mike's shawl, dirty and torn, is snagged on the fence. +BACK TO SULLY AND BRIAN 73 Reacting with alarm. BRIAN Ma! They ride quickly toward the house. INT. HOMESTEAD - MOMENTS LATER - DAY FIVE 74 Sully opens the door and moves inside with Brian. The room is a mess -- shards of glass, wet leaves, the dinner table in disarray. This scares them even more. SULLY Michaela? MIKE (O.S.) Sully? Sully and Brian turn toward her voice as... Mike comes downstairs, holding Katie -- they're both unharmed, though Mike is clearly shaken. Everyone stands still for a charged moment, then, feeling great waves of relief, they rush for each other and embrace... SULLY You alright? Katie? (CONTINUED) 42. CONTINUED: 74 MIKE (nods) We are now. Mike holds Sully's arm, Brian's, choking back tears as she smiles at them, soaking in their faces. MIKE Matthew and Colleen? SULLY Storm damage blocked their train. BRIAN We rode out to get 'em, Ma, but we had to stop 'n take cover. Mike understands, then... REVEREND (O.S.) Dr. Mike! EXT. HOMESTEAD - MOMENTS LATER - DAY FIVE 75 The Reverend is breathless, worried, on top of his horse. Mike (with Katie), Sully, and Brian come out onto the porch. REVEREND You alright? MIKE (nods, sees his anxiety) We're fine, Reverend. What happened? REVEREND The town came through real good, and the clinic. But the hotel -- a tornado touched down nearby. People are hurt. MIKE I'll get my bag. EXT. TRAIL TO THE SPRINGS CHATEAU HOTEL - DAY FIVE 76 Mike and Sully drive their wagon over a path strewn with pieces of wood. The Reverend rides alongside. Mike sees something ahead, perplexed... 43. +MIKE'S POV 77 *A chair is snared in a tree. +BACK TO MIKE 78 as she realizes how it got there. She glances at Sully. He has seen the fixture, too. They brace themselves, fearing the worst. (Note: The hotel should be revealed in the same way it was introduced in Act One.) The wagon rolls past a row of trees... and there it is... +THE SPRINGS CHATEAU AND HEALTH RESORT 79 The roof is gone. A section of the facade has been ripped away. The windows have all blown out. The latticework trim has been splintered. Wood and glass is scattered everywhere. A jumble of furniture -- arm chairs, coffee tables, standing lamps -- has been dropped from the sky. People stumble around or sit in the yard. Dazed. Disheveled. Some are bleeding. Those with more serious injuries are stretched out. There are a few dead bodies. +MIKE AND SULLY 80 stare for a moment, astounded. Then: SULLY I'll check inside the hotel. Make sure nobody's still trapped. Mike nods and quickly climbs down. Taking her medical bag, she approaches the injured, ready for the daunting work ahead. +MIKE'S POV 81 Scanning around. She spots Andrew crouching beside a PATIENT -- he's bandaging him with quick, concentrated precision. +ANDREW 82 Glances up and notices Mike. ANDREW Thank God you're here. (CONTINUED) 44. CONTINUED: 82 Mike steps forward as Andrew fills her in, indicating all around them: ANDREW There are some broken bones. A few cases of shock. That man there, multiple lacerations -- MIKE I'll see to him. Mike gets to work. +ANGLE ON PRESTON 83 He hurries past the wounded toward Mr. Lodge, who's heading down the front steps, holding a bloody handkerchief to his head. PRESTON (greatly relieved) Father, I couldn't find you. MR. LODGE Some beams collapsed. I was helping some people out of the parlor. Preston instinctively reaches toward his father's wound, to comfort him, but Mr. Lodge stiffens and draws back. MR. LODGE Don't fuss over me. You should see to the others. Preston awkwardly lowers his hand, stopped by his father's invisible but ever-present boundaries. EXT. TOWN - DAY FIVE 84 Dorothy walks down the alley between the clinic and the Gazette. The street is littered with debris. Dorothy sees something ahead and hesitates, jaw dropping. +DOROTHY'S POV 85 The sign that normally hangs outside her office is on the ground, dirtied. 45. +DOROTHY 86 reacts, anxious and astonished. INT. GAZETTE - MOMENTS LATER - DAY FIVE 87 Dorothy hurries in and looks around, relieved. The windows are broken, but her office is in one piece. Loren enters. LOREN Dorothy? Dorothy turns -- they're very happy to see each other. DOROTHY Oh Loren, you're alright. Your store? LOREN (nods) Whole town got lucky. DOROTHY Thank God... LOREN Where ya been anyways? DOROTHY The storm, Loren. Kept me out at the reservation. LOREN Reservation? DOROTHY I told you. My interview with Cloud Dancin'. LOREN Ya spent the night there? DOROTHY (reacts) I got work to do. Dorothy grabs a broom and starts sweeping. Loren watches her for a moment, then, contrite, he takes her broom away to sweep for her. They share a slight smile of old friends. EXT. SPRINGS CHATEAU HOTEL - SIDE ENTRANCE - DAY FIVE 88 Grace, Robert E, and Anthony lift their overturned wagon. The remaining boxes are crushed. (CONTINUED) 45A. CONTINUED: 88 ANTHONY All your work, Ma... GRACE That's just cookin'. (CONTINUED) 46. CONTINUED: (2) 88 ANTHONY (sees, in the pile) And that's your blueberry pie... Anthony steps forward and rummages through the mess. Grace watches him for a moment, then turns to Robert E. They share a tender, knowing look. GRACE I'm sorry I got carried away, Robert E. (beat) I just want a good life for us. ROBERT E We already got a good life. Right here. Right now. Grace nods and smiles, eyes misting. Robert E puts his arm around her as they watch Anthony together. Anthony looks back at them, having dipped into the pie -- his hand and mouth are stained with blueberries. ANTHONY (grins) Still good. Robert E and Grace laugh. +IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL 89 Mike and Andrew tend to the last PATIENT together. Mike stitches a cut near the man's eye; Andrew ties a splint to his leg. They shift back, exhausted, finishing at the same time: MIKE ANDREW There. There. The two doctors look at each other with faint smiles -- it's good to be working together again. MIKE (kindly, to the patient) Your leg should heal very nicely, but you did hit your head -- you need to stay here so Dr. Cook can monitor you for a possible compression. (CONTINUED) 47. CONTINUED: 89 ANDREW No, you should go back with Dr. Quinn -- (to Michaela) I heard your clinic wasn't damaged either, but I'm still waiting for the rest of my supplies. MIKE (nods, then to the patient...) Perhaps it's best if you come with me. We'll get a wagon to take you into town. The patient nods. Mike stands with Andrew, looking at him. MIKE In the meantime, please give me a list of the things that you need. I'd be happy to share with you. ANDREW Thank you, Michaela. Mike sees Sully watching them. She smiles to herself -- Sully was right. She turns to Andrew. MIKE You know that I'll miss working with you at the clinic, Andrew, but we're still colleagues. And I hope that we'll continue to support each other -- as physicians... and as friends. Andrew smiles, moved -- this is exactly what he's been hoping to hear. He nods. ANDREW I'd like that. Mike looks pleased. At peace with their new relationship. +NEARBY 90 Preston listlessly follows his father as they survey the disaster area. Mr. Lodge is curt, gruff, all-business. MR. LODGE You've only one course of action, Preston. Rebuild. (CONTINUED) 48. CONTINUED: 90 PRESTON Yes, sir. Their conversation catches the attention of Mike, Andrew, Sully and the Reverend. MR. LODGE But you'll use stronger material this time. And I'll make the proper inquiries -- one should only hire the finest craftsmen. PRESTON Yes, sir. Mr. Lodge looks at Preston, impatient with his lethargic attitude. MR. LODGE You've had a setback, Preston, it's part of business. (beat) Do you know how much adversity I've been dealt in my career? Misfortune only made me stronger. I learned from it, then moved on. Ever forward. That's the Lodge way. PRESTON Yes, sir. Preston is devastated, in great distress -- which is all too apparent to Mike, Sully, and the others, if not to his father. DISSOLVE TO: OMITTED (91-93) 93 49. OMITTED (94-95) 95 EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY SIX 96 Preston and Mr. Lodge cross the platform toward a waiting train. They stop near the doorway and turn toward each other. MR. LODGE Well. You've got your work cut out for you now, Preston. (offering encouragement) Fortunately, you're a capable young man. This is the most praise and support that Mr. Lodge can muster. Preston looks at his father, wanting desperately to connect, to be consoled and encouraged in some more meaningful way. PRESTON Father...? Preston struggles to find the words, a way to bridge the distance between them. PRESTON Father, I... Mr. Lodge stares, knitting his brow, but Preston doesn't know how to express his feelings -- he's just like his father. MR. LODGE Speak up, Preston. Preston looks at him -- and gives up. He straightens his posture and manages a self-assured smile. PRESTON I hope you have a safe journey home. Mr. Lodge nods, a little puzzled. He sticks out his hand. Preston shakes it. Firmly. Preston watches his father climb aboard the train, raising his hand in a wave... but Mr. Lodge never looks back. Preston stands there, staring up at the empty doorway, terribly alone. The train departs. 50. +ANGLE ON HORACE 97 Unnoticed, he watches from his office window. Horace has witnessed everything -- Mr. Lodge's insensitivity; Preston's vulnerability -- and this insight will bring forgiveness... DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SPRINGS CHATEAU HOTEL - DAY SIX 98 Preston drives his carriage. His expression is pensive, dejected, faraway. As he drives up, he is astonished by what he sees: +PRESTON'S POV 99 A CROWD of townsfolk is spread over his property, clearing the rubble. Some are at the hotel, already making repairs. We see people hammering, sweeping, patching. +PRESTON 100 Climbs down, mystified. +BACK TO SCENE - TRACKING WITH PRESTON 101 As he slowly weaves around the workers. He sees Dorothy, Loren, the Reverend, Andrew, Robert E, Brian, Anthony... they glance at him with compassion, then get back to work. Preston walks on, speechless. He spots Sully sawing a new beam. They, too, share a brief look, then Sully continues working. Preston proceeds. Horace, carrying a toolbox, pauses in his path. They make eye-contact. Shocked to see him there, Preston tries to speak but, overcome, he can't find the words. Horace nods slightly -- no words need be spoken. Grace comes up to Preston. GRACE Ya hungry? She hands him a plate of food. GRACE Got plenty more over by the porch. Folks've been comin' from all over, droppin' off food. Preston nods, choking back his emotions. Grace walks away, then Preston sees Mike. She approaches him. (CONTINUED) 51. CONTINUED: 101 PRESTON (asking why) Michaela...? MIKE (simply) Someone in our town needs help. (after a moment) I'd like to think you'd do the same for any of us. Preston hesitates. A few days earlier, his answer would have been clear, but now...? He nods at Mike. She smiles. They share a warm moment -- briefly, until Preston spots someone hammering on his hotel. He can't help himself... PRESTON (advancing) Careful with that molding, my friend. It's custom-made... Mike watches Preston and smiles. No one can change too much overnight. Sully steps up, holding Katie. SULLY Michaela? Mike turns to him. Brian is at his side. SULLY Got two more helpers... Mike follows his glance. +MIKE'S POV 102 Matthew and COLLEEN. They stand there, smiling at her. +BACK TO MIKE 103 as she takes them in, beaming with joyful surprise. +RESUME 104 Matthew and Colleen move forward. Mike embraces them, her eyes brimming. MATTHEW Told ya I'd bring her back, Ma. Just a little late is all. (CONTINUED) 52. CONTINUED: 104 COLLEEN Sorry we missed Thanksgiving. Mike looks at Colleen, then glances around at... Matthew and Brian... Sully with Katie... and beyond them at... the people pitching in at the hotel... and others donating and sharing food at a large table... MIKE You didn't miss it, Colleen... (smiles) You're just in time. Colleen nods. We PULL BACK on Mike and her family, surrounded by the busy townsfolk and slowly... FADE OUT. 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