Forever Knight (1992) s01e21 Episode Script
1966
Cooperate with me.
Nobody's listening to me here, are they? Is anybody going to listen to me? I'm the one that's Don't wave your finger at me, mister.
Let me.
Let me.
[SPEAKS KOREAN.]
[DROPS KEYS.]
Rats.
[GASPS.]
Excuse me, ma'am.
Are you going in to the police station? Uh, yes, I am.
Good.
We'll go together, huh? SCHANKE: Three more.
Three more shifts, and I'm off this night gig.
Yeah.
I am never covering for another night detective on vacation.
Never.
Besides, it gets weird around here after midnight.
It's the witching hour, Schanke.
You'll learn to love it when you don't have a choice.
What's with the family? Oh, the old man over there plugged a gangbanger who beat up his son and tried to rob his store.
All the homeboys are freaking out, and we've got to protect the family.
How's the gang member? Laid him out.
D.
O.
A.
You know, I cannot find anything here in Wilson's desk.
It is an absolute [CRASHING.]
Would you look at that? I should just leave it there, huh? He'll be back in three days.
I should just leave it there.
Pick it up.
Okay, I'll pick it up.
Gun! Gun! Gun! Stay there, Schanke.
No! They stay.
Back away! [ .]
He was brought across in 1228 Preyed on humans for their blood.
Now he wants to be mortal again To repay society for his sins To emerge from his world of darkness From his endless forever night.
All right, listen up.
Everybody keep their heads and do exactly what I say, and no one has to get hurt.
I want my brother released.
I want Jimmy Lee.
What is he talking about? Bank robbery this afternoon.
The guy killed a guard.
He's downstairs in the lockup.
This guy's crazier than his brother.
Schanke, hang tight.
He doesn't know that you're down there.
Wait for your shot.
You might have to take him out.
All right.
Who in the hell Are you in charge here? I'm Captain Stonetree.
You talk to me.
Hey, don't move.
What are you doing? I said nobody move.
I'll kill her, I swear.
Stop! Stop! You drop the gun, and you get on your knees.
Do it, you son of a bitch, or I'll take her head off right now.
That's good.
Very good.
Now, you put your hands behind your head.
Do it! Let her go.
Let them all go.
Take me instead.
Shut up.
You haven't got a hope in hell-- I said shut up! You haven't got one hope of getting out.
I said shut up, and stay where you are! Stay where you are.
I was just browsing.
The library closed hours ago.
Look, is that thing loaded? I could run you through with it.
Well, that could be a problem.
You are an American.
What are you, C.
I.
A.
? You'd better hope not.
What are you doing in East Berlin? Actually, I just came for the scenery.
The authorities should find that very funny especially without your papers.
I brought my library card.
I'm looking for a book.
Now, who here can help me find it? My father.
He is the night custodian.
[FOOTSTEPS.]
[SPEAKING GERMAN.]
He was upstairs, snooping around.
And you brought him here? Actually, I brought him here.
Amerikaner.
Why are you here? Your hospitality to strangers is heartwarming.
I'm looking for a book.
It's an ancient manuscript called The Abarat.
Do you know it? Nein.
Well, I know it's here somewhere.
I've been tracking it for years.
That leads me to this place.
Now I want you to help me to find it.
Go back to America.
You will get no help from us.
I might not give you the choice.
WOMAN: The book won't do you any good Unless you read archaic Sanskrit, that is.
Well, I've got time to learn.
Why are you interested in the ancient book of miracles? What's in it for you? A cure.
According to legend, The Abarat contains cures For curses.
Maybe the internal security will assist you.
They are very accommodating to American spies.
And to enemies of the state? A little after-hours research? We are helping our father with his job.
You're looking to get out.
You're looking for the old catacombs.
And you're looking in the wrong place.
Mind your own business.
What do you know about the catacombs? I know they were constructed to accommodate the dead during the plague.
Everybody has heard that legend.
Under the old Bergen church.
They're closer to the wall than you think, nowhere near the Deissen Strasse where you're looking.
These maps are 200 years old.
And I've done my homework.
Is that how you got in to East Berlin? The tunnels? No, the tunnels have been sealed for centuries.
I Had my own way across.
I didn't use the tunnels.
However it was you came, you're going back.
Oh, yeah, with The Abarat.
With us.
I will help you find the book.
I can do the translation, and you will take us back with you to the other side of the wall.
It's a deal.
Come on.
You might want to take off your jacket.
It's very warm down there.
The Abarat was supposed to have been among the artifacts that were recovered in an Afghanistan dig in the early part of the century.
All kept here in the uncatalogued collection.
Well, this doesn't look so bad.
I don't think it'll take us that long.
Just wait.
You have not yet seen.
Oh, yeah.
I see what you mean.
We've got our work cut out for us.
Would you recognize the book if you saw it? I think so.
I can read the covers.
Languages are my specialty.
Toward the end of the war, the Luftwaffe searched for the book.
They believed it contained a magic formula that would enable them to Um Defy gravity? To make man fly.
They were very desperate in the end.
You are also desperate.
I need to find the book quickly.
Before someone else does? Yeah, well, there are others who want the book as badly as I do.
To take the cure? Or to prevent me from taking it.
Oh.
Then the book is very important to you.
The book is my freedom.
Then you know what it is like to be trapped in a life you do not want? Yeah.
I have an idea.
Yes, I believe you do.
I'm sorry, I did not catch your name.
It's Nick.
Nick Thomas.
Before we go any further here, don't you think you should go and show Bernhardt and Father where the catacombs are? That's my part of the bargain.
You're right.
Assuming that you really do know how to find them.
And you'll keep looking for the book? I will stay here a few more hours.
We cannot resume together until tomorrow evening.
We are only permitted access to these areas thanks to my father.
Well, that suits me fine.
I only work nights anyway.
Tomorrow evening, then.
Bernhardt and Father, they are waiting for you.
So they are.
[LACROIX WHISPERING.]
Nicholas Was? Quiet.
It's nothing.
Let me see the map again.
This is the oldest map I could find.
Well, see, the old Bergen Church had a subterranean mausoleum.
Perhaps we could access the catacombs from there.
The old Bergen Church was destroyed in the war.
The government would not allow it to be rebuilt.
I know where the ruins are.
Come.
[LACROIX WHISPERING.]
Nicholas.
Toffler, Bernhardt, over here.
Give me some light.
I think this is it.
Go ahead.
Let's go.
Wait, wait, wait.
Not yet.
You wait.
I'm going through.
Hey, I said, not yet.
We don't go until I find out it's safe, and until I have The Abarat.
Then we all go together.
We are not leaving without Lily.
Okay, we'll wait, but the longer we delay, the greater chance we have of being caught.
All right.
We'll return tomorrow.
Just go home, go home.
Gather up a few things you want to take.
We meet tomorrow night at the library.
Bernhardt, we go.
We make an agreement.
Ja? Herr Toffler! Herr Toffler! We meet tomorrow night.
Midnight, at the library.
Midnight.
Bernhardt, come on.
Your loyalty to your brother is admirable.
Yeah, he's always there for me, so I am here for him.
That's not going to get you anywhere.
STONETREE: Can you imagine what it's like outside this building right now? I'm going to get out of here, all right.
See, they are going to get me out of here, and she is going to get me out of here.
I'll get out.
I'll get out.
Go ahead.
Take a look for yourself.
See what you're up against.
There's at least a dozen heavily armed officers out there right now.
You and brother will step outside.
They'll take you out so fast, you won't know what hit you.
Nice and clean Like surgery.
You're in the same position we are.
You're under the gun.
You'll die here tonight.
Are you ready for that? No.
No, I am not going to die here.
You're all going to put your weapons down.
Put them down where I can see them.
All of you! Now! That's it.
See, that's it.
The captain's right, you know.
You're a hostage too.
We're all in this together now.
All together? We are all hostages here.
LILY: We are all hostages here, Mr.
Thomas, hostages in our own country.
We're all hostages to something.
This is the land of broken spirits, like living dead for some of us.
Well, I can certainly relate to that.
Except for the party members, of course.
There is a lot of promise for the people who sell their soul, so-called "socialists".
Ah, there is no Abarat in this one.
Father should be on his dinner break now.
We should go and join him.
If it's all the same to you, I'll just stay down here and keep looking, all right? You don't even know what you're looking for.
No.
Come on.
We'll How you say in America? Take five minutes.
LACROIX: Are you from the ministry? Are you the one who called? About a matter of great importance for your agency.
Who are you? Let's just say I'm a friend of the state and I would like to register a complaint.
Good meat we cannot get, but Russian vodka, we have a surplus.
My daughter here is very intelligent.
Many months of conscientious study.
Oh, Papa.
She cannot get a job worthy of her intelligence.
She mops floors at the university.
She is a janitor like me.
Why? No party member.
They keep a lid on us.
No jobs, but plenty of Russian vodka to keep the population happy.
Hah! [SPEAKING GERMAN.]
Here's looking at you, kid.
[SPEAKING GERMAN.]
Mm What have you managed tonight, father? I do not know what it is but it not stink Some kind of meat.
Uh, no thanks.
You just go ahead.
We have to celebrate our agreement.
[COUGHING.]
[GAGS.]
It's delicious.
Your American food has spoiled your palate.
Here we eat what we can get, and we get very little.
So have you found the book? Uh, there's no luck yet.
But I think we are close.
Only a few more crates to search.
Is there a chance that we might leave tonight after Bernhardt arrives? I have sent him home to pack to pack for a holiday.
He'll want to take his tools.
Bernhardt is a mechanic, a very good one.
He has daydreams about American muscle cars.
Well, all I need is the book, The Abarat.
Look, I'll go through the tunnels first just to make sure that they're passable.
You'll go through the tunnels? And we'll wait behind For the police, maybe? You're not setting us up, are you, Herr Thomas? The police do that here regularly.
You're going to have to trust me, aren't you? Like I have to trust you to give me the book.
Are you to be trusted, Mr.
Thomas? Yes.
Are you? "Show him the way.
" What the hell are we waiting for? [SPEAKING GERMAN.]
I'm not going to wait.
I will find my own way.
Toffler! Bernhardt Toffler, stay where you are! Don't move.
Look here, we must be getting close.
Here is a document that actually makes reference to The Abarat.
So we know it actually exists.
At least, I think it's a reference, but perhaps it's part of the same set that contains The Abarat.
See here.
This is a formula for medicine.
Prescription.
Yes.
Yes.
There are many of them, but this is not The Abarat.
I mean This is more of, um a cookbook or something.
See, there's nothing in here about magic or curses.
Tell me what it is like where you come from.
America? Well, the streets aren't lined with gold, if that's what you think.
At least they are not lined with Russian tanks.
I don't want to go to America.
I would be very happy to live in West Germany.
This is my country.
We all just want to live free.
Well, then you will.
That's good.
I hope you are not trying to deceive us, Mr.
Thomas.
The same applies to you, Lily.
But then you'll just have to trust me.
I hope that you're telling us the truth, because if you are not, if you are a member of the secret police, if you do betray our trust I will kill you myself.
Trust me Or you'll never get out alive.
Freeze or die, punk.
[WHISPERING.]
One shot Just give me one shot.
GUNMAN: Okay, so we're all hostages, are we? I'm a hostage too, am I? Well, I'll show you hostage.
I will show you.
You like that, huh? You see that? You see it? You give me my brother right now or we all go to hell together, all of us, together, one big happy, dead family.
KNIGHT: I've got to get you to a hospital.
Nick, you've got to remember what's important here, the family.
Get him out.
I want all these cops out of here now! All of them.
All of them! Get the family out of here.
GUNMAN: The more people you get out of here I'll get you and the family out.
KNIGHT: I will get you and your family out of here.
And I'm depending on you to hold to our agreement and help me with the translation, right? We'll take The Abarat with us.
It may take some time to decipher.
Weeks, perhaps.
I've been searching for this book for years, went through hell trying to find the thing.
Gone all over the world trying to track down different leads.
Believe me, if we find it-- when we find it-- we'll have all the time we need.
When we cross over, where will you go? We have family there, distant relatives.
Hopefully, they will take us in until we can get established.
A new life for all of us.
I am going to collect Bernhardt.
He should have been back by now.
Sometimes he is distracted.
We are almost through here, only a few more crates to search.
I hope you find the book so we can leave tonight.
Herr Thomas What if the book is not in this collection? Well, if I don't find the book here, I'll just have to look for it somewhere else But I still have to go home, and you'll just have to come with me, won't you? Good, good.
I will tell Bernhardt the good news.
You have made him very happy.
And you? Well Yes, I will be very glad to get out of this awful place.
Now all we have to do is Get Bernhardt to cheer up.
One more time, please.
Where is the American agent? What American? Gerhardt, jog his memory, please.
The American who was helping to plan your escape.
What is his name? I do not know any Americans.
Maybe I'll let some air into your thick skull, ja? Clear your head.
[OFFICERS TALKING.]
Sir? So, your father works at the central library.
Is he there now? Is your sister with him? Go to hell.
Put him in a car.
We'll go to the central library and gather up the others.
The American is there.
I want him alive.
The American is mine.
After we interrogate him, you can do whatever you please with him.
You will not be able to arrest him.
Ah, you know him? Perhaps we should interrogate you.
Try.
So, you want us to go to the library to arrest them? You've got to get them out of here.
Let them take the captain out of here.
Oh, no.
No, I am in charge here, and I call the shots.
You will do what I say, and I say I want to see my brother.
You get him up here.
Oh, no.
You don't get something for nothing.
There's no negotiation here.
I'm not negotiating nothing.
No deals, nothing.
Now, you listen to me.
You don't give me anything, you don't get anything.
Let them go And I'll tell the officers here to stand down.
I let them go, you'll bring me my brother? Okay.
All except the old man.
He stays until you deliver my brother.
It's a deal.
Good.
Then we'll talk about getting us out of here, hmm? You got it.
Let's go.
[WHISPERING.]
Okay, wait for it, Schanke.
Wait for it, Donny boy.
Come on.
Okay, now the woman.
Cut her free.
Hey, no way.
No, no, no.
You bring my brother.
That was the plan.
No.
Listen, it's over.
What? There's only one more deal.
You cut her free, surrender, and you won't die.
That's it.
Big mistake, cop.
That's a huge mistake.
This is the last of them.
If your book is here, it's got to be in this one.
Well, we'll find out soon enough.
Lily.
[SPEAKING GERMAN.]
Police are in the house.
You told them.
LILY: You talked to the police? You set up my son.
I will cut your heart out, you bastard.
We trusted you.
[OFFICERS YELLING.]
I had nothing to do with Bernhardt's arrest.
Liar! I'll prove it to you.
Let me prove it to you.
[BANGING.]
Listen.
We haven't got much time.
[BANGING.]
MAN: Check this door! You have no choice but to trust me.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
I'm your only way out of here now.
You're not giving me anything to live for, cop.
Move.
You see, I don't mind dying today.
Especially not with such pretty company.
Natalie, listen to me.
Nothing's going to happen to you.
Ah, so it's Natalie, is it? You see, we were never properly introduced.
Is she your girlfriend, officer? Okay, I'm going to give you one last chance.
Give it up.
Forget it, cop.
You see, we are all leaving here together, all of us.
We're going to take a nice little stroll In the sunshine.
Get up.
We either all leave here together, or they carry us out in parts, in little plastic bags.
You got that? Is that what you want? Is it? Is there a back way out? Ja, but the door is locked.
I do not have a key.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of that.
Once we get out, go straight to the Bergen Church.
I'll pick up Bernhardt and meet you there.
All right, stand back.
Come on, let's go.
How How did you Never mind.
Let's go.
Go on, quickly.
I'll catch up.
Yeah.
[WHOOSH.]
[GROWLING.]
[MAN SCREAMING.]
Hang on, Bernhardt.
You'll have to excuse my driving.
I'm really not used to traveling like this.
I thought you were I know, you thought I was with the police.
I guess we've dispelled that idea.
Come on, let's go.
Come on, let's not lose it now.
Let's go.
Bernhardt, you must sleep.
What? Now.
Where are they? Bernhardt.
I passed out? Come on, we haven't much time.
Let's go.
We are going? Yeah.
My father, my sister? They're waiting for us.
Come on.
Bernhardt Thank God, you made it.
Your face Shh! The police? How the hell Lacroix.
Go ahead, go on.
Don't stop and don't look back.
Go on.
I'll look after the police.
Please, be careful, Nick.
[SPEAKING GERMAN.]
[GUNFIRE.]
Come, Papa.
Lily! [SNARLING.]
[GASPS.]
This is what you are? This is why you want the cure from The Abarat? It's my curse.
Come on.
It's blocked.
Nein.
Wait.
Go on.
Lily, now you know why I have to go back for the book.
It's my only hope.
If it contains a cure, I will help you find it.
And if not The secret of what you are will always be safe with me.
You have given us new life.
We will repay you in kind.
Look, it's over.
Give it up! No, you give it up.
See, I'm going to do this.
I'm going to pull this off.
I'll do it.
I'll kill everybody here, everybody, because I don't care, man.
I'm going out in a blaze of glory.
Is this what you want, Nicholas? I must say, it's quite an interesting read.
Give me the book, Lacroix.
No.
Did you really think I would let you get your hands on this? I'm taking the book with me, Lacroix.
I'll kill you if I have to.
I'm afraid not, Nicholas.
[PULLS PIN.]
Gotcha.
You say goodbye to her.
You say goodbye, time to go.
Do it now, Schanke! Do it! [GUNSHOTS.]
No, Nick! Yes! [CLICKING.]
That sort of Vegas period? The white suit.
The whole white suit, the whole thing, for 49 years.
My sideburns are not to be ridiculed.
Hey, Cap.
Hang on a second.
Good to see you.
Welcome back, Captain.
How's your arm? Doctor says I'll probably never even remember it.
Lucky for me, he got me in the meat.
You're a lucky guy, Captain, I guess, uh, being overweight sometimes can be a lifesaver.
What I mean is being, you know, stocky and well-built.
What I mean is being muscular and well-constructed.
Detective, how long has it been since you've had to got out and bring in parking tickets? [WHISTLES.]
Coffee's brewing.
For your information, the report on the grenades came in.
The boys downstairs said it's probably a dud.
Well, then I guess we're all very lucky.
Yeah, uh But listen, Nick, next time you want to play John Wayne, please, don't invite me.
I owe you one, anyway.
Did real good, Knight.
You hung in there.
It was a good thing you did there.
That family's very grateful.
You got them all out and none of them got hurt.
Nick, you there? I'm sorry, Captain.
I was thinking about something else.
Another family that I know.
ANSWERING MACHINE: Nicholas, it's Lily Toffler.
I was so happy to get your letter today, I had to call.
We are all well after so many years.
Father is still with us, thankfully, and Bernard is an engineer now with BMW.
You'll be happy to hear that I have been awarded tenure finally, at the university.
My oldest boy, named Nicholas, of course, is now almost 16 years old.
I can't believe it.
I'm sorry we've lost touch for so many years.
Time just goes by so quickly.
Nick, I haven't given up, and I know that you never will.
I think that other copies of the Abarat, or at least the information contained in the book, still exist, and I continue to track them down.
You might say that it's an obsession of mine.
Father says to tell you that we think of you often, and very fondly, especially as we watched that dreadful wall come down two years ago.
I saved a piece of it for you.
I'll send it now that I know where to reach you.
Nick, I know it's never enough to repay you for what you did for us, but thank you, from all of us, forever.
[MACHINE CLICKS OFF.]
It's enough.
Nobody's listening to me here, are they? Is anybody going to listen to me? I'm the one that's Don't wave your finger at me, mister.
Let me.
Let me.
[SPEAKS KOREAN.]
[DROPS KEYS.]
Rats.
[GASPS.]
Excuse me, ma'am.
Are you going in to the police station? Uh, yes, I am.
Good.
We'll go together, huh? SCHANKE: Three more.
Three more shifts, and I'm off this night gig.
Yeah.
I am never covering for another night detective on vacation.
Never.
Besides, it gets weird around here after midnight.
It's the witching hour, Schanke.
You'll learn to love it when you don't have a choice.
What's with the family? Oh, the old man over there plugged a gangbanger who beat up his son and tried to rob his store.
All the homeboys are freaking out, and we've got to protect the family.
How's the gang member? Laid him out.
D.
O.
A.
You know, I cannot find anything here in Wilson's desk.
It is an absolute [CRASHING.]
Would you look at that? I should just leave it there, huh? He'll be back in three days.
I should just leave it there.
Pick it up.
Okay, I'll pick it up.
Gun! Gun! Gun! Stay there, Schanke.
No! They stay.
Back away! [ .]
He was brought across in 1228 Preyed on humans for their blood.
Now he wants to be mortal again To repay society for his sins To emerge from his world of darkness From his endless forever night.
All right, listen up.
Everybody keep their heads and do exactly what I say, and no one has to get hurt.
I want my brother released.
I want Jimmy Lee.
What is he talking about? Bank robbery this afternoon.
The guy killed a guard.
He's downstairs in the lockup.
This guy's crazier than his brother.
Schanke, hang tight.
He doesn't know that you're down there.
Wait for your shot.
You might have to take him out.
All right.
Who in the hell Are you in charge here? I'm Captain Stonetree.
You talk to me.
Hey, don't move.
What are you doing? I said nobody move.
I'll kill her, I swear.
Stop! Stop! You drop the gun, and you get on your knees.
Do it, you son of a bitch, or I'll take her head off right now.
That's good.
Very good.
Now, you put your hands behind your head.
Do it! Let her go.
Let them all go.
Take me instead.
Shut up.
You haven't got a hope in hell-- I said shut up! You haven't got one hope of getting out.
I said shut up, and stay where you are! Stay where you are.
I was just browsing.
The library closed hours ago.
Look, is that thing loaded? I could run you through with it.
Well, that could be a problem.
You are an American.
What are you, C.
I.
A.
? You'd better hope not.
What are you doing in East Berlin? Actually, I just came for the scenery.
The authorities should find that very funny especially without your papers.
I brought my library card.
I'm looking for a book.
Now, who here can help me find it? My father.
He is the night custodian.
[FOOTSTEPS.]
[SPEAKING GERMAN.]
He was upstairs, snooping around.
And you brought him here? Actually, I brought him here.
Amerikaner.
Why are you here? Your hospitality to strangers is heartwarming.
I'm looking for a book.
It's an ancient manuscript called The Abarat.
Do you know it? Nein.
Well, I know it's here somewhere.
I've been tracking it for years.
That leads me to this place.
Now I want you to help me to find it.
Go back to America.
You will get no help from us.
I might not give you the choice.
WOMAN: The book won't do you any good Unless you read archaic Sanskrit, that is.
Well, I've got time to learn.
Why are you interested in the ancient book of miracles? What's in it for you? A cure.
According to legend, The Abarat contains cures For curses.
Maybe the internal security will assist you.
They are very accommodating to American spies.
And to enemies of the state? A little after-hours research? We are helping our father with his job.
You're looking to get out.
You're looking for the old catacombs.
And you're looking in the wrong place.
Mind your own business.
What do you know about the catacombs? I know they were constructed to accommodate the dead during the plague.
Everybody has heard that legend.
Under the old Bergen church.
They're closer to the wall than you think, nowhere near the Deissen Strasse where you're looking.
These maps are 200 years old.
And I've done my homework.
Is that how you got in to East Berlin? The tunnels? No, the tunnels have been sealed for centuries.
I Had my own way across.
I didn't use the tunnels.
However it was you came, you're going back.
Oh, yeah, with The Abarat.
With us.
I will help you find the book.
I can do the translation, and you will take us back with you to the other side of the wall.
It's a deal.
Come on.
You might want to take off your jacket.
It's very warm down there.
The Abarat was supposed to have been among the artifacts that were recovered in an Afghanistan dig in the early part of the century.
All kept here in the uncatalogued collection.
Well, this doesn't look so bad.
I don't think it'll take us that long.
Just wait.
You have not yet seen.
Oh, yeah.
I see what you mean.
We've got our work cut out for us.
Would you recognize the book if you saw it? I think so.
I can read the covers.
Languages are my specialty.
Toward the end of the war, the Luftwaffe searched for the book.
They believed it contained a magic formula that would enable them to Um Defy gravity? To make man fly.
They were very desperate in the end.
You are also desperate.
I need to find the book quickly.
Before someone else does? Yeah, well, there are others who want the book as badly as I do.
To take the cure? Or to prevent me from taking it.
Oh.
Then the book is very important to you.
The book is my freedom.
Then you know what it is like to be trapped in a life you do not want? Yeah.
I have an idea.
Yes, I believe you do.
I'm sorry, I did not catch your name.
It's Nick.
Nick Thomas.
Before we go any further here, don't you think you should go and show Bernhardt and Father where the catacombs are? That's my part of the bargain.
You're right.
Assuming that you really do know how to find them.
And you'll keep looking for the book? I will stay here a few more hours.
We cannot resume together until tomorrow evening.
We are only permitted access to these areas thanks to my father.
Well, that suits me fine.
I only work nights anyway.
Tomorrow evening, then.
Bernhardt and Father, they are waiting for you.
So they are.
[LACROIX WHISPERING.]
Nicholas Was? Quiet.
It's nothing.
Let me see the map again.
This is the oldest map I could find.
Well, see, the old Bergen Church had a subterranean mausoleum.
Perhaps we could access the catacombs from there.
The old Bergen Church was destroyed in the war.
The government would not allow it to be rebuilt.
I know where the ruins are.
Come.
[LACROIX WHISPERING.]
Nicholas.
Toffler, Bernhardt, over here.
Give me some light.
I think this is it.
Go ahead.
Let's go.
Wait, wait, wait.
Not yet.
You wait.
I'm going through.
Hey, I said, not yet.
We don't go until I find out it's safe, and until I have The Abarat.
Then we all go together.
We are not leaving without Lily.
Okay, we'll wait, but the longer we delay, the greater chance we have of being caught.
All right.
We'll return tomorrow.
Just go home, go home.
Gather up a few things you want to take.
We meet tomorrow night at the library.
Bernhardt, we go.
We make an agreement.
Ja? Herr Toffler! Herr Toffler! We meet tomorrow night.
Midnight, at the library.
Midnight.
Bernhardt, come on.
Your loyalty to your brother is admirable.
Yeah, he's always there for me, so I am here for him.
That's not going to get you anywhere.
STONETREE: Can you imagine what it's like outside this building right now? I'm going to get out of here, all right.
See, they are going to get me out of here, and she is going to get me out of here.
I'll get out.
I'll get out.
Go ahead.
Take a look for yourself.
See what you're up against.
There's at least a dozen heavily armed officers out there right now.
You and brother will step outside.
They'll take you out so fast, you won't know what hit you.
Nice and clean Like surgery.
You're in the same position we are.
You're under the gun.
You'll die here tonight.
Are you ready for that? No.
No, I am not going to die here.
You're all going to put your weapons down.
Put them down where I can see them.
All of you! Now! That's it.
See, that's it.
The captain's right, you know.
You're a hostage too.
We're all in this together now.
All together? We are all hostages here.
LILY: We are all hostages here, Mr.
Thomas, hostages in our own country.
We're all hostages to something.
This is the land of broken spirits, like living dead for some of us.
Well, I can certainly relate to that.
Except for the party members, of course.
There is a lot of promise for the people who sell their soul, so-called "socialists".
Ah, there is no Abarat in this one.
Father should be on his dinner break now.
We should go and join him.
If it's all the same to you, I'll just stay down here and keep looking, all right? You don't even know what you're looking for.
No.
Come on.
We'll How you say in America? Take five minutes.
LACROIX: Are you from the ministry? Are you the one who called? About a matter of great importance for your agency.
Who are you? Let's just say I'm a friend of the state and I would like to register a complaint.
Good meat we cannot get, but Russian vodka, we have a surplus.
My daughter here is very intelligent.
Many months of conscientious study.
Oh, Papa.
She cannot get a job worthy of her intelligence.
She mops floors at the university.
She is a janitor like me.
Why? No party member.
They keep a lid on us.
No jobs, but plenty of Russian vodka to keep the population happy.
Hah! [SPEAKING GERMAN.]
Here's looking at you, kid.
[SPEAKING GERMAN.]
Mm What have you managed tonight, father? I do not know what it is but it not stink Some kind of meat.
Uh, no thanks.
You just go ahead.
We have to celebrate our agreement.
[COUGHING.]
[GAGS.]
It's delicious.
Your American food has spoiled your palate.
Here we eat what we can get, and we get very little.
So have you found the book? Uh, there's no luck yet.
But I think we are close.
Only a few more crates to search.
Is there a chance that we might leave tonight after Bernhardt arrives? I have sent him home to pack to pack for a holiday.
He'll want to take his tools.
Bernhardt is a mechanic, a very good one.
He has daydreams about American muscle cars.
Well, all I need is the book, The Abarat.
Look, I'll go through the tunnels first just to make sure that they're passable.
You'll go through the tunnels? And we'll wait behind For the police, maybe? You're not setting us up, are you, Herr Thomas? The police do that here regularly.
You're going to have to trust me, aren't you? Like I have to trust you to give me the book.
Are you to be trusted, Mr.
Thomas? Yes.
Are you? "Show him the way.
" What the hell are we waiting for? [SPEAKING GERMAN.]
I'm not going to wait.
I will find my own way.
Toffler! Bernhardt Toffler, stay where you are! Don't move.
Look here, we must be getting close.
Here is a document that actually makes reference to The Abarat.
So we know it actually exists.
At least, I think it's a reference, but perhaps it's part of the same set that contains The Abarat.
See here.
This is a formula for medicine.
Prescription.
Yes.
Yes.
There are many of them, but this is not The Abarat.
I mean This is more of, um a cookbook or something.
See, there's nothing in here about magic or curses.
Tell me what it is like where you come from.
America? Well, the streets aren't lined with gold, if that's what you think.
At least they are not lined with Russian tanks.
I don't want to go to America.
I would be very happy to live in West Germany.
This is my country.
We all just want to live free.
Well, then you will.
That's good.
I hope you are not trying to deceive us, Mr.
Thomas.
The same applies to you, Lily.
But then you'll just have to trust me.
I hope that you're telling us the truth, because if you are not, if you are a member of the secret police, if you do betray our trust I will kill you myself.
Trust me Or you'll never get out alive.
Freeze or die, punk.
[WHISPERING.]
One shot Just give me one shot.
GUNMAN: Okay, so we're all hostages, are we? I'm a hostage too, am I? Well, I'll show you hostage.
I will show you.
You like that, huh? You see that? You see it? You give me my brother right now or we all go to hell together, all of us, together, one big happy, dead family.
KNIGHT: I've got to get you to a hospital.
Nick, you've got to remember what's important here, the family.
Get him out.
I want all these cops out of here now! All of them.
All of them! Get the family out of here.
GUNMAN: The more people you get out of here I'll get you and the family out.
KNIGHT: I will get you and your family out of here.
And I'm depending on you to hold to our agreement and help me with the translation, right? We'll take The Abarat with us.
It may take some time to decipher.
Weeks, perhaps.
I've been searching for this book for years, went through hell trying to find the thing.
Gone all over the world trying to track down different leads.
Believe me, if we find it-- when we find it-- we'll have all the time we need.
When we cross over, where will you go? We have family there, distant relatives.
Hopefully, they will take us in until we can get established.
A new life for all of us.
I am going to collect Bernhardt.
He should have been back by now.
Sometimes he is distracted.
We are almost through here, only a few more crates to search.
I hope you find the book so we can leave tonight.
Herr Thomas What if the book is not in this collection? Well, if I don't find the book here, I'll just have to look for it somewhere else But I still have to go home, and you'll just have to come with me, won't you? Good, good.
I will tell Bernhardt the good news.
You have made him very happy.
And you? Well Yes, I will be very glad to get out of this awful place.
Now all we have to do is Get Bernhardt to cheer up.
One more time, please.
Where is the American agent? What American? Gerhardt, jog his memory, please.
The American who was helping to plan your escape.
What is his name? I do not know any Americans.
Maybe I'll let some air into your thick skull, ja? Clear your head.
[OFFICERS TALKING.]
Sir? So, your father works at the central library.
Is he there now? Is your sister with him? Go to hell.
Put him in a car.
We'll go to the central library and gather up the others.
The American is there.
I want him alive.
The American is mine.
After we interrogate him, you can do whatever you please with him.
You will not be able to arrest him.
Ah, you know him? Perhaps we should interrogate you.
Try.
So, you want us to go to the library to arrest them? You've got to get them out of here.
Let them take the captain out of here.
Oh, no.
No, I am in charge here, and I call the shots.
You will do what I say, and I say I want to see my brother.
You get him up here.
Oh, no.
You don't get something for nothing.
There's no negotiation here.
I'm not negotiating nothing.
No deals, nothing.
Now, you listen to me.
You don't give me anything, you don't get anything.
Let them go And I'll tell the officers here to stand down.
I let them go, you'll bring me my brother? Okay.
All except the old man.
He stays until you deliver my brother.
It's a deal.
Good.
Then we'll talk about getting us out of here, hmm? You got it.
Let's go.
[WHISPERING.]
Okay, wait for it, Schanke.
Wait for it, Donny boy.
Come on.
Okay, now the woman.
Cut her free.
Hey, no way.
No, no, no.
You bring my brother.
That was the plan.
No.
Listen, it's over.
What? There's only one more deal.
You cut her free, surrender, and you won't die.
That's it.
Big mistake, cop.
That's a huge mistake.
This is the last of them.
If your book is here, it's got to be in this one.
Well, we'll find out soon enough.
Lily.
[SPEAKING GERMAN.]
Police are in the house.
You told them.
LILY: You talked to the police? You set up my son.
I will cut your heart out, you bastard.
We trusted you.
[OFFICERS YELLING.]
I had nothing to do with Bernhardt's arrest.
Liar! I'll prove it to you.
Let me prove it to you.
[BANGING.]
Listen.
We haven't got much time.
[BANGING.]
MAN: Check this door! You have no choice but to trust me.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
I'm your only way out of here now.
You're not giving me anything to live for, cop.
Move.
You see, I don't mind dying today.
Especially not with such pretty company.
Natalie, listen to me.
Nothing's going to happen to you.
Ah, so it's Natalie, is it? You see, we were never properly introduced.
Is she your girlfriend, officer? Okay, I'm going to give you one last chance.
Give it up.
Forget it, cop.
You see, we are all leaving here together, all of us.
We're going to take a nice little stroll In the sunshine.
Get up.
We either all leave here together, or they carry us out in parts, in little plastic bags.
You got that? Is that what you want? Is it? Is there a back way out? Ja, but the door is locked.
I do not have a key.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of that.
Once we get out, go straight to the Bergen Church.
I'll pick up Bernhardt and meet you there.
All right, stand back.
Come on, let's go.
How How did you Never mind.
Let's go.
Go on, quickly.
I'll catch up.
Yeah.
[WHOOSH.]
[GROWLING.]
[MAN SCREAMING.]
Hang on, Bernhardt.
You'll have to excuse my driving.
I'm really not used to traveling like this.
I thought you were I know, you thought I was with the police.
I guess we've dispelled that idea.
Come on, let's go.
Come on, let's not lose it now.
Let's go.
Bernhardt, you must sleep.
What? Now.
Where are they? Bernhardt.
I passed out? Come on, we haven't much time.
Let's go.
We are going? Yeah.
My father, my sister? They're waiting for us.
Come on.
Bernhardt Thank God, you made it.
Your face Shh! The police? How the hell Lacroix.
Go ahead, go on.
Don't stop and don't look back.
Go on.
I'll look after the police.
Please, be careful, Nick.
[SPEAKING GERMAN.]
[GUNFIRE.]
Come, Papa.
Lily! [SNARLING.]
[GASPS.]
This is what you are? This is why you want the cure from The Abarat? It's my curse.
Come on.
It's blocked.
Nein.
Wait.
Go on.
Lily, now you know why I have to go back for the book.
It's my only hope.
If it contains a cure, I will help you find it.
And if not The secret of what you are will always be safe with me.
You have given us new life.
We will repay you in kind.
Look, it's over.
Give it up! No, you give it up.
See, I'm going to do this.
I'm going to pull this off.
I'll do it.
I'll kill everybody here, everybody, because I don't care, man.
I'm going out in a blaze of glory.
Is this what you want, Nicholas? I must say, it's quite an interesting read.
Give me the book, Lacroix.
No.
Did you really think I would let you get your hands on this? I'm taking the book with me, Lacroix.
I'll kill you if I have to.
I'm afraid not, Nicholas.
[PULLS PIN.]
Gotcha.
You say goodbye to her.
You say goodbye, time to go.
Do it now, Schanke! Do it! [GUNSHOTS.]
No, Nick! Yes! [CLICKING.]
That sort of Vegas period? The white suit.
The whole white suit, the whole thing, for 49 years.
My sideburns are not to be ridiculed.
Hey, Cap.
Hang on a second.
Good to see you.
Welcome back, Captain.
How's your arm? Doctor says I'll probably never even remember it.
Lucky for me, he got me in the meat.
You're a lucky guy, Captain, I guess, uh, being overweight sometimes can be a lifesaver.
What I mean is being, you know, stocky and well-built.
What I mean is being muscular and well-constructed.
Detective, how long has it been since you've had to got out and bring in parking tickets? [WHISTLES.]
Coffee's brewing.
For your information, the report on the grenades came in.
The boys downstairs said it's probably a dud.
Well, then I guess we're all very lucky.
Yeah, uh But listen, Nick, next time you want to play John Wayne, please, don't invite me.
I owe you one, anyway.
Did real good, Knight.
You hung in there.
It was a good thing you did there.
That family's very grateful.
You got them all out and none of them got hurt.
Nick, you there? I'm sorry, Captain.
I was thinking about something else.
Another family that I know.
ANSWERING MACHINE: Nicholas, it's Lily Toffler.
I was so happy to get your letter today, I had to call.
We are all well after so many years.
Father is still with us, thankfully, and Bernard is an engineer now with BMW.
You'll be happy to hear that I have been awarded tenure finally, at the university.
My oldest boy, named Nicholas, of course, is now almost 16 years old.
I can't believe it.
I'm sorry we've lost touch for so many years.
Time just goes by so quickly.
Nick, I haven't given up, and I know that you never will.
I think that other copies of the Abarat, or at least the information contained in the book, still exist, and I continue to track them down.
You might say that it's an obsession of mine.
Father says to tell you that we think of you often, and very fondly, especially as we watched that dreadful wall come down two years ago.
I saved a piece of it for you.
I'll send it now that I know where to reach you.
Nick, I know it's never enough to repay you for what you did for us, but thank you, from all of us, forever.
[MACHINE CLICKS OFF.]
It's enough.