High Ground (2025) Movie Script

1
God awakes us all
at some point of our lives.
You don't know when it's gonna hit
you, but it hit me.
After looking into our little
girl's eyes for the first time,
I knew there had to be a God.
Nothing could be so perfect
if there wasn't one.
It's too late
for my salvation,
but if I don't
do the right thing now,
then she'll never have
the chance she deserves.
I testify against him
on Thursday.
The FBI are sending a security detail
here tomorrow to look after me.
And after that,
we go into protective custody.
No, they left me alone
tonight.
I don't even have a car.
[vehicle approaching]
Who the hell is that?
Honey,
I'm gonna
have to let you go.
[choking]
[groaning]
Thanks for the ride.
[engine starts]
Fuck him and his God.
I want that
son of a bitch dead.
[beeps]
They're dead,
and he's alive.
That rat fears God.
[sighs]
He should've feared me more.
[thunder rumbling]
[country music playing]
Girl, listen up
I'm gonna tell ya
[music continues playing]
Okay, here we go.
I've got some, uh--
I've got some bacon here,
and it's good bacon.
Okay. Bacon and sausage, guys.
Bacon and sausage for you?
Yeah, there we go.
I want to thank everybody
for being here.
Helen started this
a long time ago,
and I've tried to keep it going
the best I can
because I think it's great
that we come together,
you know, as a community
and celebrate each other.
And isn't it great
that tonight
we have our big game
with our boys!
It's a big game,
so go, Mountain Lions!
Go, Mountain Lions!
That's it. Okay, great.
And I appreciate the support
you've given me
over the past 35 years now.
And now, my son, Jake.
And I know he... he can depend
on that support from you as well.
He's gonna be a great sheriff,
much better than me.
-Hey, Joe.
-Morning, Sheriff.
-Otis.
-Morning, Sheriff.
-I towed that car.
-What car?
Billy called it in.
-It was off of 67.
-All right.
Anyway, I gotta
get back to work.
Just came in
for your pop's grub.
-Damn good bacon!
-Hey.
He's right.
Brother Jay
is cooking it up.
Feeding the masses.
Here. Come have
some breakfast, son.
-Here.
-I'm all right, Pop.
-Sit down.
-I'm okay.
Shaking off the cobwebs?
Sheriff?
Sheriff, that Jennings boy
was drunk as a skunk
again last night.
He ran over my mailbox.
That's a shame, Clyde.
But you know I've retired.
You have to take it
to the sheriff here.
Come down to the station, Clyde.
We'll have Billy
fill out a report for ya.
You had Billy deal with that boy
when he egged my house
and nothing happened.
I'll just deal with it
myself.
Again.
Hold it,
I'll tell you what I'll do.
I'll call you after this is over
and I'll get the details,
and we'll take care of it.
Okay, Sheriff.
I'll just wait for your call.
I honestly don't think
he knows I'm the sheriff.
Don't take it too seriously.
Clyde and I go back
to when we were five.
You know, I've been the sheriff
for 35 years for him.
He's used to me.
I'm not meant
for this work, Pop.
It's no good for me.
There's nobody better when
you're in your right thinking.
Yeah, but I'm not, am I?
I'm not sleeping.
I'm agitated.
I'm just not myself.
Eventually, this work will
help you put away the past.
Look, you worked hard
to get this,
and the people voted for you
because they can see
that you got
leadership ability
and all the ingredients
of a great sheriff.
They know
they can trust you.
And what if
I can't trust myself?
You've only taken on the full
load for a month and a half.
Take it easy
on yourself.
You got this PTSD
or whatever it is,
and you've gotta
work through it.
I don't have PTSD, Pop.
I got regrets.
Hey, take some of
my special coffee
back to the station
for Billy and Sharon.
Here, take mine.
Take my thermos. It's full.
-See you, Pop.
-Okay, kid.
We raised a good man, Helen.
Mostly you.
He's hurting.
I'm doing the best I can.
Now, the most important thing.
You always treat a gun like it's loaded.
Never point it
at anybody else.
Never point it at any part of
yourself, all right?
-Okay.
-Okay.
Now, nestle this
right on your shoulder,
keep your finger off the trigger
till you're ready.
You ready?
Now you're gonna aim.
Aim at the target.
Take a deep breath.
Put your finger
on the trigger and fire.
Nice job!
Pretty good.
-How do you feel?
-Good.
Good. All right, see you next time.
[chuckles]
Hey there, Sheriff.
Good morning, Cassie.
Morning.
You want to, uh,
show me what you got?
Show-off.
Hmm.
See you later.
Yeah, sure.
Great barbecue, Ezra.
I'll catch you later.
Okay, hon.
-See you, Cass.
-Bye.
Thanks, Ezra.
I'm gonna put this away
and head off to the diner.
-Oh, I'll take that for you.
-No, it's fine.
Dan will kill me
if I'm late again.
Yeah, you're right.
He will.
Oh, Dan's gonna have a cow.
[printer whirring]
[game beeping]
[dog barking]
Four-letter word
for nautical greeting.
Ahoy.
Ahoy. Thanks, Sheriff.
How were the pancakes?
Good.
You were missed.
Compliments of Ezra.
[Sharon] Ooh.
Just in time.
Who's he?
No license, no ID.
Refuses to give his name.
-Some kind of preacher?
-Yeah, if he is, he's a fallen one.
-What'd he do?
-I clocked him going over 100 on 67.
Vehicle is registered
to a Kimberly Sinclair.
-Doesn't look much like a Kimberly to me.
-[Billy] Uh-uh.
Turns out Sinclair was carjacked at a
gas station outside Chicago two days ago.
She was knocked unconscious.
Assault, speeding,
driving across state lines
with a stolen car.
No identification.
And resisting arrest.
He thought it was a cute idea
to try running from me, huh?
Running from you
or someone else.
[phone ringing]
High Ground Sheriff Station.
Sharon Doyle speaking.
Mm-hmm.
You run his prints?
Mm-hmm.
Waiting to get 'em back.
Until then,
maybe don't engage.
Otis said
he picked up a car.
I'm assuming
it's the one he was driving.
Yeah, yeah, I had him
tow it to his shop.
Oh, which reminds me, I need to give
him a call. My car's been acting up.
Nothing more to do
for now. Good job.
-Enjoy.
-Thanks.
[Sharon] And, um,
what's the make of the car?
Okay. And the location?
-Oh, God. That's good.
-Yeah, it is.
[Sharon] Yep,
I will have someone...
-Those new?
-Yeah, yeah.
Real, genuine rattlesnake.
What do you think?
Nice, Billy.
They suit you.
-Thanks.
-They're on they're way.
[phone vibrating,
baby crying]
Sorry, sorry.
[chuckles] Sorry.
Angela's way of being funny.
And what was your name,
sir?
Hello?
What was that about?
Broken-down SUV
was spotted by the old quarry.
-Who called it in?
-Unknown caller, no ID.
-Where'd they say the SUV was, exactly?
-Below the bluff.
-They say it was abandoned?
-Didn't mention people, just an SUV.
I'll head that way
on my way home.
You know, if I'm lucky, Angela will be
in a good mood by the time I get there.
-[chuckles] Doubt it.
-Yeah, no shit.
God knows this pregnancy
is killing me.
God knows you should go home
to your wife.
Fuck off, asshole.
[scoffs]
Don't engage.
Sorry. All right.
[chuckles]
I warned him.
God only helps
those who help themselves.
I know, I know.
Sorry, Dan.
Ezra would do all the cleanup
on his own if I didn't help.
Yeah, well, the work
would probably be good for him.
And everyone would change.
-He's in a mood today.
-Hmm.
No, no.
The baby thing was funny.
Yeah, it went off
at the station.
Everybody laughed.
[chuckling] Oh, really?
How embarrassing.
Oh, my God.
The baby just kicked.
-Oh, I wish I could be there.
-Me too. So does he.
Sorry about last night.
My hormones...
So you're sure you're okay
with my mom coming to stay?
Yeah, yeah.
Baby, it's okay.
That was always okay from the start.
I love your mom.
And I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have said that about her.
-I didn't mean it.
-The room looks great, by the way.
The color's amazing.
I love, love, love it.
Yeah? Good.
I'm so glad, honey.
[distorted dialogue]
Billy?
Hello? Angela?
[beeping]
Damn it.
[phone chimes, beeps]
I'll get y'all that pie.
It's for Sharon at the station.
Maybe you'd like to
take it over.
Well, it would be
my pleasure.
"He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures."
-Here you go.
-"He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul."
Sheriff.
So you're a religious man,
are you?
Everyone is.
Some just find God
sooner than others.
I'm guessing
you've found him sooner.
No.
I can't say that.
But I did
before it was too late.
If I don't walk out of here
before tonight,
there'll be no building left
for me to walk out of
and there'll be no town left
for you to watch over.
Is that right?
You must be
real important.
No, I'm not.
To one person, I am.
Seems for a man of faith,
you're a man of bad decisions.
Threatening an officer
being one of them.
It's not a threat,
it's the truth.
You don't want me here.
The only way you're walking
out of here is in handcuffs.
All right, Sharon.
Take it down a notch.
Best not to engage.
Don't take what I say
lightly.
I take nothing lightly.
-I come bearing gifts.
-Bless you, Cassie.
Of course, darling.
-Hey.
-Hey, Sheriff.
-Can I, uh, steal you for a sec?
-Of course.
-Hold down the fort.
-[Sharon] You got it.
How's your day?
-It's interesting.
-Mmm.
-Park?
-Sure.
All right.
Good to see ya.
Hey, thanks for letting me
show you up this morning.
[chuckles]
There's no letting about it.
You're a better shot than me
and you know it.
Well, I demand a rematch.
Any day you'll do it.
[chuckles]
Hey, Earth to Jake.
Sorry. Yeah, I'm here.
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
You know,
you can talk to me.
I know this job puts a lot
on your shoulders,
and as much as you want to,
it is not healthy
to bottle it all up inside.
I appreciate it, Cassie.
You're the kindest person
I ever met, but--
Yes, I do.
It's kind of my job.
Just don't tell Dan.
He's a real jealous boss.
[both chuckling]
Yes, ma'am.
Message received
loud and clear.
Good. I mean it.
In case you haven't
gotten it through
that beautifully thick
skull of yours,
I kind of like you.
And I'm here, always.
You're not the only one
who's been through some shit.
Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
Listen, Sheriff,
I gotta get going.
I have this real hot date that
I gotta get ready for tonight.
-Oh, really? Who with?
-Mm-hmm.
Well, wouldn't you
like to know?
Hello?
Deputy Giles with the High
Ground Sheriff's Department.
Illinois?
[gunshot]
[screams]
Fuck! Fuck!
Fuck! [gasping]
[gunshot]
[Billy groaning]
[gasping, groaning]
[whimpering]
Oh, no, no, no!
[screaming]
There's nowhere
for you to crawl to.
Oh, please, please, please!
Please,
I'm going to be a dad!
Oh, I've killed
many daddies.
What do you want?
You're holding a man in your jail
by the name of Nathaniel Matheson.
-I don't know who that is.
-I know who he is.
What I don't know is how many
of you deputies there are.
I'm not gonna tell you.
Go fuck yourself.
[screaming]
-Is "go fuck yourself" a number, Albert?
-I don't think so.
"Go fuck yourself"
is not a number.
One, two, three, four.
Those are numbers.
-How many?
-I don't know, I don't know!
Yeah, you do.
[stammering] Twelve.
There's 12! There's 12 of us.
Me, um, and Sharon--
That's for
the "go fuck yourself."
-Let's go!
-We're going to need more muscle.
[sighs] Call Cyrus.
Tell him we need some more men.
No signal.
-[Billy groaning]
-Nice boots.
Get in. We're taking this young man's car.
Griff, you drive.
Feel familiar?
[engine starts]
[phone ringing]
High Ground Sheriff Station,
Sharon Doyle speaking.
Hang on a sec.
State records.
[phone rings]
Sheriff Wilcott.
Yeah, my deputy sent them in.
Got it. Thank you.
So who is he?
Nathaniel Matheson.
I know that name.
Why not just give up who you are?
You knew we'd ID you sooner or later.
Later seemed
the better option.
Oh, my God.
Now you know
why you gotta let me go.
Billy should've checked in
by now. Could you call him?
This isn't right.
He's some kind of witness.
He shouldn't be here.
Sharon,
please call Billy.
Told you.
I shouldn't be here.
Why'd you steal that car?
I didn't.
But I took it
from the men who did.
That's not what I'm asking.
Why are you running?
I was given no choice.
[Sharon] Hey, Billy?
Do you respond? It's Sharon.
Billy, respond.
Billy, do you copy?
He's not responding.
Try his cell.
[beeping]
[line ringing]
-[beeps]
-Hey, this is Billy. Leave a message after the beep.
[beeps]
Hey, Billy, it's Sharon.
Can you please check in?
What happened
to that disabled vehicle?
It went straight to voicemail.
We should call the Feds.
That's a good idea.
Call the FBI field office
in Chicago,
tell them
we're holding Mr. Matheson.
Let them handle this.
I'm sure they're aware.
Call Angela.
See if Billy's there.
She might have his head all twisted
and he forgot to check back.
I'm going to take a ride
down to the bluffs.
Best you sit there
and read your book.
Don't talk to her.
I'm hungry.
He said don't talk to me.
What part of that
you didn't understand?
[keypad beeping]
Yes, I need to talk to the agent
in charge of Nathaniel Matheson.
Yes, I'll hold.
[Marcus] That's his car up ahead.
Pull over.
[station bell dings]
-Hey, Billy.
-Hey, mister. [chuckles]
You got beef jerky?
You're welcome to take a look inside.
I'll be with you in a minute.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. What about lottery
tickets? Do you sell lottery in there?
You might want to
move that hand, son.
Hey, Billy! That car I towed for you
off 67 this morning, it's over there.
Who the hell are you?
He should've got me
a beef jerky, man.
Fill the tanks.
I don't like this car.
Cyrus is sending some guys
out of Denver.
Give me a hand.
Let's move him inside.
[engine starts]
[country music playing]
Girl, listen up
I'm gonna tell ya
What a cowboy
Really likes
[music continues playing]
Nick's a good man, Mary Anne.
Good man. Him, I don't know about.
Hey.
-How did it go?
-Nice turnout. We missed you.
-You look nice.
-I was going to say you look nice.
Well, that's good.
We both look nice.
-Rosie, my posy.
-Here you go, Sheriff.
What would happen
if I wanted a burger and a Coke?
She'd pass out.
[chuckles]
-Is that what you want?
-No.
No.
-No, coffee and pie, that's me.
-Yeah.
How's it going
with you and Jake?
He is a tough one
to crack, your son,
but he's got a heart of gold.
I figure he's worth the effort.
God bless you, Cassie.
You know,
there's evil in this world.
And a police officer
contends with it every day
and their families
often pay the price.
You think
you're ready for that?
I am.
I'm tougher than I look,
Ezra.
Can I ask you something?
Sure.
The scars on Jake's back...
I want to ask, but I don't...
Just wish he'd trust me enough
to open up.
There's a lot that he's carrying
that he doesn't talk about.
It's not my place
to speak for Jake.
When he was a Ranger, he was in
charge of his team and he saved lives.
But he made decisions
that lost some, too.
I saw the medals in the barn
and figured there was
a story there.
Medals can't replace
those men's lives.
And that's a lot what's going on
with him, I think.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Just so you know,
I got plans for him and me.
-Oh, you do?
-Mm-hmm.
Well...
Cassie, if that young man doesn't
get down on one knee pretty soon...
I might have to
ask you myself.
Well, I might just
have to say yes.
Good luck to you, honey.
When you two have
finished dreaming,
they could
use a hand over there.
Yes, ma'am.
Sharon.
Sheriff.
-You hear from Billy?
-Not a peep. I spoke to Angela.
She said he called her but lost reception.
She's real worried.
This ain't like him.
You think I should call Ben
and tell him to meet you
out that way just in case?
Yeah, that's good thinking.
What's the word on Chicago?
Feds said
they know we got him.
His prints were flagged
when they were ran.
I'm waiting on a call
with the US marshal right now.
-They're supposed to collect him.
-Okay.
Thanks for making the calls.
I'm almost at the location.
I'll let you know, all right?
-Sheriff?
-[distorted] Sharon? You there? Sharon.
Sharon, you there?
Are you going to eat that?
This?
-You're a murderer.
-Some don't deserve to live.
You and this Novak imported drugs
that killed countless innocent people.
And I've done a lot worse.
-I own that.
-That's pretty big of you.
He'll be coming for me.
No one knows you're here.
Don't be naive.
You don't want any part
of the shitstorm that's coming.
[engine off]
[baby crying]
Billy?
Billy!
[crying continues]
Th-Th-They're coming
for the prisoner.
There's a bunch of them.
Please, tell Angela
that I'm sorry
I won't be able to be there
for her and our son.
Please look after them.
You're the only man I trust.
[coughing, sobbing]
Tell them I...
[sniffling]
Hi there.
Sit wherever you like.
Menu's on the table.
Be with you in a minute.
-Certainly nice to see new faces around here once in a while.
-[Rosie] Mm-hmm.
Depends on the faces,
I would think.
I'm just saying, it reminds me
there's a whole world out there.
There's a lot of bad
in that world, Cassie.
Yeah, maybe.
-There's a lot of good too, if you choose to see it.
-You're a good person.
Don't mind him, Cassie.
He was born suspicious. It's in his blood.
Welcome to Dan's.
What can I get you?
[Marcus] Can you
give us two minutes?
Sharon. Sharon, do you read?
Sharon, do you read?
Sharon, respond!
Sharon, do you read?
Sharon!
[siren wailing]
[sighs]
I gotta take a piss.
Be a good boy, Ezra.
-You got a restroom?
-Around the corner, to the left.
Just jiggle the handle
if it gives you the fits.
[chuckles]
I couldn't help, but...
I saw you looking at us.
Have we met before?
I don't believe so.
Look, I get it.
Strangers are probably none
too common around here, huh?
We're just hungry
and thirsty.
We'll be out of your hair
and on our way soon enough.
Sound good?
Sounds jim-dandy.
We'll get, uh...
burgers, fries and Cokes.
How y'all want the burgers?
Well, how do you like 'em,
Cassie?
Medium well.
Sounds jim-dandy.
Ezra.
-We good?
-Yeah.
Thanks. Thanks, Dan.
Boys will be boys.
Once a sheriff,
always a sheriff.
[phone ringing]
High Ground Sheriff Station.
This is Sharon Doyle speaking.
Mrs. Doyle,
US Marshal Eliot here.
St. Louis FBI field office
says you have a prisoner
needs transporting?
One Nathaniel Matheson?
That's right.
I've been waiting for your call.
Yeah, sorry about that.
Things can get
a little hectic around here.
But I'm on my way now,
so I should be there in a few hours.
Looking forward to you
taking him off our hands.
Thank you, Mrs. Doyle.
See you soon.
-[Marcus] Talk to me.
-He's still at the sheriff station.
[phone beeps]
-Need me to stick around?
-Uh, I think you put the fear of God in 'em.
You can call Jake or me, if you
like, if there's any trouble.
No, there won't be
any trouble.
Hey, Mary Anne.
Pie for you and your guy.
I don't know about the game.
Maybe we can, you know,
make a plan of some sort.
Maybe a movie or something.
-Sounds nice.
-Yeah.
See you soon.
-This your car?
-[Albert] Hey.
This thing?
[chuckles]
That's right.
What are you boys doing
so far from home,
if you don't mind my asking?
[imitates rifle firing]
Hunting trip. [chuckles]
Nice car for a hunting trip.
-What are you hunting?
-Women.
[laughs]
It's a joke.
We're on our way to Vegas.
You know,
bachelor party.
You ask a lot of questions.
What, are you a cop
or something?
No.
Have a good day.
You too.
[sirens wailing]
[Sharon] Sheriff.
Come in, Sheriff. You read me?
Yeah. Sharon, I'm here.
Heard from the US marshal.
Should be here in a few hours.
Did you find Billy?
Yeah.
Where was he?
Jake, can you hear me?
Jake.
I hear you.
I'll tell you everything
when I get there.
Jake?
Jake!
-Bye, Rosie.
-[Rosie] Bye now.
Y'all have fun tonight.
Oh, we will.
Go, Mountain Lions!
[Rosie] The whole town
is gonna be at the game tonight.
Honey, you better skedaddle.
Get a good seat at the game.
It's gonna be packed.
Gentlemen, my shift is done.
Rosie'll finish taking care of y'all.
Word to the wise,
Dan here has the best-ever pecan pie.
-We'll take the check.
-All right.
Here you go.
Not interested.
So unless you intend
on losing a couple of fingers--
You better get going.
Say hi to Jake.
Have fun!
-Go, Lions!
-[Cassie] Bye, Dan. See you tomorrow.
[Dan] Bright and early, right?
-[Cassie] Yeah, bright and early.
-[Dan] All right.
[phone chimes]
-Well, I see you have the check.
-We've changed our minds.
I think we'll have some
of that best-ever pecan pie
we so famously heard about.
Ticktock says the clock.
The clock, she is a-ticking.
Let's move.
What's the damage?
There you go.
The sheriff...
what kind of man is he?
I don't understand.
You don't understand words?
Or what I'm asking?
Hey, buddy.
There's no need
to be rude.
Just trying to clarify,
buddy.
It's okay, Dan.
Not afraid of much.
-That a fact?
-Like most around here.
Why are you asking
about the sheriff, anyway?
Well, I ran into his deputy
earlier today.
Nice guy, from what I could tell.
Gonna be a daddy.
Just wondered if the sheriff
was anything like him.
What do you care?
You're just passing through,
right?
[chuckling]
For small-town folks,
you sure ain't hospitable, are you? Hmm?
I think it's time
you leave.
I mean,
I haven't paid my bill yet.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
You heard the man.
Get walking.
This one's on me.
Well, are you gonna
shoot that gun?
I guess
that depends on you.
Your friends
are waiting for you outside.
Okay.
Go, Mountain Lions.
That call you got this morning,
about the abandoned vehicle?
That was a setup.
Your friend is dead.
You gotta let me out of here,
or they're gonna make this town
look like hell.
These guys that are after me?
They're evil.
They'll stop at nothing.
They're the devil.
They'll turn
this whole town upside down.
You're all dead
unless you get me out of here.
You gotta let me out of here!
You kill me
and the guy who killed your friend,
he gets away with everything.
Sharon.
You wanna tell me
what's going on here?
-Billy's dead.
-I warned you.
Shut up.
Jake called.
And he told you
Billy was dead?
It's what he didn't say.
He didn't say he was all right.
Which means he's not.
Sharon, listen to me.
You can't do this.
-Where's Jake now?
-He's on his way.
Okay.
Then let's wait for him
and let him tell us
what's going on.
Okay?
Who's this guy?
Billy called him "asshole."
-What's his name?
-Nathaniel Matheson.
Billy arrested him this morning.
The US marshals are coming!
Okay, then let them
handle this.
I know that name, Matheson.
Just take a deep breath.
We'll wait for Jake,
and we'll see what's going on.
Oh, my God.
What is it?
He's here for you.
[Nathaniel] My God, my God,
why have you forsaken me?
Why art thou
so far from helping me?
Be not far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is none to help.
Many bulls have encompassed me.
Strong bulls
have beset me round.
They gaped upon me with their mouths
like a ravening and roaring lion.
O, my God!
I cry in the daytime,
but thou heareth not.
And in the night...
I am not silent.
I am poured out
like water,
and all my bones
are out of joint.
My heart has melted like wax.
For the dogs
have encompassed me around.
The assembly of the wicked
has enclosed me.
They pierced my hands
and my feet.
Amen.
[groans]
All I did was ask
a friendly question.
I was going to leave.
It was going to be
your lucky day.
Hmm?
I am going to kill
the man
the sheriff is holding.
Then I am going to kill the
sheriff and whoever is with him.
And I am going to do that
because of you.
You know, one thing
that is worse than being dead...
is wishing you were.
Jake.
Billy?
Dead. Murdered.
[sobs]
Billy's cruiser was taken.
His walkie is missing too.
I believe
the men who killed him
are heading here
for this man.
I've seen what monsters
like this are capable of.
Scorched earth.
Kill everything in their path.
Jake, son, you know,
I can handle this for you.
No, Pop. I'll handle it.
It's my job,
it's my responsibility.
What are you thinking?
It's not safe here
for us or the town.
We go to the ranch, even if they find
us, we control the terrain.
-What about this guy?
-We're taking him.
Since they have Billy's walkie,
from this moment on we go dark.
-No radio communication.
-You're making a mistake.
Put this on, turn around.
Put your hands behind your back.
Just let me walk out
through that front door.
Put your hands
behind your back.
Cassie.
What's going on?
-You can't be here.
-What do you mean, I can't?
Is that blood?
[Ezra] He's right, Cassie.
That's blood.
I-I'm not going anywhere
till somebody tells me
what the hell is going on here.
There are very bad people
coming to get this man.
There's going to be
a lot of trouble, Cass.
You gotta go home, please.
Oh, you gotta be kidding me.
-There's no running and hiding from them.
-I'm doing neither.
I'm not the only one making
bad decisions around here.
-[Jake] Let's go.
-Should I come to the ranch too?
[Jake] Sharon, you go home.
Call the marshals.
Tell 'em to meet us at the ranch.
Okay.
Jake, here.
I'll be right behind you.
This doesn't make any sense,
but please do what I'm asking. Go home.
You can't just
shut me out of this.
I'll call you later
and explain everything.
Please, go home.
Jake!
This is Sharon Doyle from
High Ground Sheriff Station.
I'm trying to reach
US Marshal Eliot.
Please have him call me.
It's urgent.
Yes, he has my number.
I'm going to the ranch.
No, you're not. You're gonna do
what Jake told you to do.
Unless you intend on tying me to a
tree tonight, I'm going to that ranch.
Damn it, Cassie!
You're as stubborn as Jake's mom.
Get in my truck.
I'll take
that compliment.
[engine starts]
[engine cranking]
Come on.
Damn it!
[ringing]
High Ground Sheriff Station.
Sharon Doyle speaking.
-Hello?
-Sharon, it's Rosie.
I'm in my car
outside the diner.
They're dead.
They killed them all.
They killed who?
Are you hurt?
I need the sheriff.
He went to the ranch.
They're going to kill him.
Okay, Rosie.
I'm going to get you some help, okay?
Just stay put.
[phone beeping]
[loud banging]
Oh, Nathaniel.
[sighs]
[screams]
[Nathaniel grunts]
[Jake] Come on.
Sit down.
[gunshot]
[grunting]
Don't blame your dad.
I wasn't taking no for an answer.
Cassie, if those men come here,
people are going to die.
And I'm not about to sit at home and wait
for a call like Billy's wife is gonna get.
-Cassie...
-I can help, and you know it.
Close up all the blinds.
Turn off all the lights.
I can do more
than blinds, Jake.
Look, Jake.
What the hell is she doing here?
You heard what I told her!
She's crazy about you and
she sees you're in trouble.
To stop her,
I would've had to stop her physically.
-Is that what you want?
-Get in the house.
Jake, be safe.
Better make your peace,
old man.
Death is coming.
Comes to all,
eventually.
It didn't have to come
tonight.
Here.
You must really love him.
Or you're crazy.
Or both.
Could you not have
just done what you said?
I was never going to see a courtroom.
Marcus was making sure of that.
Didn't have to be like this.
The sheriff could've just let me go.
He couldn't have done that.
It's not who he is.
-He's foolish.
-He's no fool.
He's the kind of man
with the integrity to
put his life on the line
for what's right.
He's putting
all your lives on the line.
I'm here by choice.
So is his father.
Unlike some,
folks around here
stand by their convictions.
-They're on their way.
-He's the devil.
The three of you
can't stop it.
-Give me a gun.
-I'm not giving you a gun.
Marcus wants me dead.
Even if I wanted
to bargain your lives for mine,
he'd put a bullet in my head
and yours.
We're here
'cause I'm a threat to him.
We're here because you were
speeding through my town.
I was testifying against him
for my daughter.
I made a promise to God
when she was born
that I would do one good thing in my
life so she could be proud of her father.
Give me this chance
at redemption.
Let me help.
Give me a gun.
Jake...
there's no telling what's going
to happen out there tonight,
how it will end.
I just want to say,
I'm so damn proud
of you, son.
I know, Pop. I know.
-I'm damn proud of you too.
-One more thing.
Cassie is a good woman,
the best.
You won't find
another like her.
That's it.
That's all I got.
The Lord is my shepherd.
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures.
He leadeth me
beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul.
He leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name's sake.
Though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil:
for thou art with me.
Thy staff and thy rod,
they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies...
-[Cassie] Ezra?
-[Ezra] What?
-What's he doing out there?
-[Ezra] He's not with us now, Cassie.
He's in the past,
fighting another battle.
Thou anointest my head with oil.
My cup runneth over.
Surely,
goodness and mercy
shall follow me
for all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in
the House of the Lord forever.
Amen.
He needs a gun.
-What?
-You got to trust me, Pop.
-Give him a gun.
-Jake, are you sure about this?
"The enemy of my enemy is
my friend." The Art of War.
Okay.
Upstairs and to the right.
We'll cover the back.
Cassie, you're with me.
Go knock nicely
and tell them why we're here.
[groaning]
-Cass, you take this window.
-All right.
The ground is rigged!
Watch your step! Let's move!
Now I'm pissed.
Get these out of my face.
Shooters up top!
Light it up!
[screaming]
Go, go, go! This way!
Why did they stop shooting?
We should move.
-Cassie!
-Jake.
-Stay there.
-[Ezra] Jake.
-Are you hurt?
-No, we're okay.
-You okay?
-Yeah.
-[feedback squealing]
-[Marcus on loudspeaker] Sheriff Wilcott.
My name is Marcus Novak.
Nathaniel must've warned you
I was coming, hmm?
You didn't heed his warning.
Unless you hand Nathaniel
over to me,
all those with you,
all of you in there
will suffer your deputy's fate.
Oh, and he begged
for his life.
Like a frightened child.
As did the young woman
you left behind.
What was her name?
Oh, yeah...
Sharon.
Sharon Doyle.
They died painfully
and slowly
as will you all,
if that Judas is not out here
in three minutes.
The deaths of those in the house
will be on your head, Sheriff.
And I will kill you last.
Don't let him
get into your head.
We can only hold him off
for so long.
I know him.
He won't stop
until we're all dead.
[Marcus]
I'm done being charitable.
You got five seconds.
Cassie, there's a gas tank across
the road between the SUV's.
On it.
Five...
It's the only one out there.
Four...
Three...
When you see it, shoot it.
Two...
-[Jake] Cassie...
-I'm looking.
One.
[exhales]
They're going to do everything
they can to breach this place.
-I just want to say in case--
-Hey.
You and I still have a lot
of life to live together.
I don't intend on getting
robbed of that tonight.
I love you, Cassie.
I never say it, but I do.
I know.
And I love you too.
I'm sorry
I've been so...
I've been carrying
a lot of doubts, but...
I'm all done
with that now.
I'm here.
Take position.
They're on the move.
We got to spread out.
-Get upstairs.
-Me?
Both of you, go.
-Go, go!
-Okay.
Got it.
[Cassie screaming]
[gasps]
Fucking old man!
[screams]
No.
Fuck you.
[Ezra groans]
Ezra.
Hey, are you okay?
I'm gonna be okay.
[groaning]
Oh, Nathaniel!
The peasant
I turned into a king!
You were eating out of the
garbage when I met you.
I treated you
like a brother!
And this is the thanks
I get, huh?
Stabbing me
in the back!
Did you not assume
that I would use all of the
influence at my disposal
to make sure I smoked you out and
crushed you like a fucking bug?
You have no soul, Marcus!
It may be too late
for my salvation.
But, as God is my witness,
for my child,
though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil!
[Marcus chuckles]
God?
Souls?
There is no God!
And there are no souls.
Only the strong and the weak!
And I will walk
through your valley, Nathaniel,
and I will rip out
your fucking heart!
And I will nail it to the cross
of the God that you worship!
[both grunting]
[shouting]
-[groans]
-[gasping]
[groaning, gasps]
[groans]
Drop your weapon.
-What if I don't?
-I'll shoot you where you stand.
[Marcus chuckling]
Your deputy
had good taste.
Put your hands
behind your head.
[gunshot]
What is that?
-What is that?
-I don't know.
Sheriff?
You guys okay in there?
-Clyde!
-[Cassie chuckles]
I'll be right back.
Your dad...
-Pop, are you okay?
-Jakey.
Yeah. Yeah.
Is Nathaniel okay?
He saved my life.
[Ezra] Uh-huh.
Look who's here.
Rosie!
Hey.
-How you doing?
-Yeah, we're okay.
Oh, Rosie. Look at you.
Got a little chunk
out of my shoulder.
[chuckling] Otherwise...
Sheriff?
See?
He knows who you are now.
Let's help him up.
Everyone's
all right in there,
so let's move
all these trucks out of here
and make room
for the ambulance.