Mountain Top (2017) Movie Script
0
Vanessa, put the Matthew
Township files on my desk.
I'm behind and I have to file
motions for summary judgment
in every one of them
by the end of the week.
Oh, and please, please
reschedule my appointment
with Mr. Gunn and apologize
for the last two
times that I missed.
Also, notify Mr. McCraw
that his depositions
he's getting on Tuesday...
Vanessa, I need the Ayres file.
Prepare motion for
summary judgment.
I need it no later than...
Oh be kind
To the beggar
that's inside of you
And the fiend that
you are hiding too
Oh be kind
Feed the poor
And lonesome man
in your own soul
Love until he's
been made whole
Feed the poor
Be at peace
With the enemy
in your own home
Neither you nor he
could throw a stone
So be at peace
Oh be good
To the criminal
you locked away
That sinful man
you learned to hate
Oh be good
When I'm broken to pieces
The president,
Tony,
Matthew.
Papa, bless this food to
the nourishment of our body.
Amen.
Amen.
Ah!
Just one biscuit?
I don't wanna pass out
while I'm working over
that Barry Porter's.
I will pack you two
biscuits at lunch.
One for you and one for Barry.
You're getting a little tubby.
Tubby, huh?
Cheers.
Howdy, Lamar!
Sam.
Who's your running buddy here?
This is Vic Morris who
grow up in Hendersonville
and just joined the force.
Hello, Vic.
I'm sorry I can't offer
you fellas any biscuits.
Muriel won't make any extra;
she knows where they'd end up.
That's all right.
We're not here for
biscuits this morning.
I'm sorry, Sam.
Sorry for what?
This is a
warrant for your arrest.
What?!
You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say can and
will be used against you
in a court of law.
What's going on here?!
Lamar, I don't understand!
Well, Sam, folks said
you stole some money.
Hello.
Hello, can I help you?
Are you Reverend Andrews?
I am; you are?
I am Mrs. Muriel Miller.
Pleasure to meet you.
Thank you.
What can I do for you?
I know we don't
belong to your church,
but my husband sent
me here to get you.
Okay?
Come on in.
- Thank you.
- Absolutely.
My husband is in county jail
and he told me you
were a good lawyer.
Well, technically...
yes, I'm still licensed
to practice law,
but I haven't done
so in six years.
You see, I'm a pastor now.
I found a new calling.
I know about callings.
Sam had a dream last night
and he saw you coming
to see him in jail.
So, your husband
saw me in a dream?
Yes sir!
And he told me that I
would find you here.
Sam has dreams.
The Lord shows him
what is gonna happen
and then he shows him things
about the people he's
supposed to pray for.
It isn't any different than
what happens in the Bible.
Jacob had a dream.
He saw angels on a ladder.
Joseph had a dream about himself
and he interpreted
dreams for others.
I'm, I'm, I've,
I've had many a dream myself,
Mrs. Miller, and I'm very,
very familiar with the Bible.
Of course you are.
I just didn't want you to think
that Sam was nuts.
So, why's your
husband in jail?
They say that he took
money from the church.
Mmn-mmm.
Embezzlement.
That was the
word that they used.
Okay, what church?
Craig Valley.
Sam was filling in
as preacher for them
for a few months while they
found a new man to take the job.
Look, Mrs. Miller, I'm very
sympathetic to your plight,
but I'm not the man
that you need to see.
No, what you need is
a defense attorney,
a criminal defense
attorney, okay?
Delores?
Yes?
Do you have a Bible?
I have one right
here, actually.
Here you go.
Matthew 25:39-40.
They are in red.
When we see you sick or
imprisoned and go to visit you,
the King will reply,
"Truly I tell you,
"whatever you did
for one of the least"
"of these brothers and sisters
of mine, you did for me."
Don't forget about the dream.
Thank you.
Here you go, right this way.
Thank you.
I won't.
Is that where you're gonna go
with this conversation?
Then why don't tell
him what you did
to the flowerpots on
the deck last summer?
Oh, I'd be happy to tell him!
'Cause I would
love for you to share.
I had batting practice
with her flowerpots last summer.
Okay, okay!
I think, I think
that we should just,
we should just, we
should just calm down.
Look, there are
proven techniques
to jumpstart marital communication
in times like this, okay?
I know that you're
both feeling frustrated
and I know that you
both have every right.
I know that there are certain...
Wait, are you taking his side?
I knew talking to another man
was gonna be a
complete waste of time.
Yeah.
Madeline told me I need
to just kick you out.
Who's Madeline?
Wait, Madeline Frick,
the divorce attorney?
Oh!
- Oh wait, you don't...
- No, no, no, no, no!
No, no, no, this is great.
This is perfect because
if it's a war you want,
that's what you're gonna get.
Zip, zero alimony, and I'm
getting custody of the kids,
because there's no
way, there's no way
that your crazy mother
is gonna watch over them
when you have to
go back to work.
Tell Madeline you can have
the pots in the settlement!
Don't worry about it.
Maybe it'll knock
some sense into her.
I would really try
to dissuade you guys
from going down that path.
I think that you should
come and talk to me
just a couple more times.
I really think that I can help.
You know what?
Kristen doesn't know this,
but I've got a secret stash
just for this type of emergency,
because her father's
loaded and there's no way
that I'm gonna let him steamroll
me with his money, no way.
You're not gonna say anything
to Kristen about
the cash, are you?
Oh, no.
It's covered under the
clergy confidentiality rules.
Oh, good.
So, preachers are like
lawyers in that way?
Yeah.
Yeah, we're no different at all.
Sweet, thanks.
Sure.
How did it go?
You tell me.
Whatcha got?
Peg called.
She wanted to make
sure the appointment
with the fertility doctor in
Atlanta is on your schedule.
And Bobby needs
to meet with you.
Okay.
Something
about the Elders Board.
Great, thank you.
Oh, and Deacon Milton
is in the sanctuary.
He wants to discuss your color
choice for the carpet again.
He says this will put us
over the quarterly budget.
I think he also
wants to talk about
your sermon last
week and attendance.
Deacon Milton, how's it going?
You wanna talk about the carpet?
Yeah.
Hello?
Peg?
You didn't answer your phone.
I'm sorry, I was busy.
What's for dinner?
Check the fridge.
I fixed myself a sandwich.
Alone in the dark
All eyes on me
Can't see it now
But my heart's fled the scene
I'm running from their words
And I melt to their tears
Just tell me how it is
'Cause I've been
feeling this for years
I'll tear down
You restore
You turn the page
But I lock down the door
I know I'm not
Who I was before
I went searching around
- Hey, preacher!
- Good morning.
You wouldn't have any of
your flock in there, would you?
Huh?
You can tell me or went
and got a bulletin for me,
something maybe sell a
few of these newspapers.
Do people still
read newspapers?
In this county, they do.
They do, thank goodness.
I'll see you later, brother.
All right, have a good one.
Uh-huh, yes sir.
And just so you know,
I'm here as a
minister, not a lawyer.
I've known Sam and
Muriel since I was a kid.
He's a bit odd, but I always
thought he was harmless.
Have a seat, I'll get Sam.
Great, thanks Lamar.
I'll be just outside.
Hello, son.
Mike Andrews.
Sam Miller.
Thanks for coming.
So, how does it feel to
be back where you belong?
Why'd you wanna see me?
Well, Papa told me that
you were a spiritual man
and that we need
to help each other.
Help each other?
Mm-hmm.
Well, you're the one in jail.
Well, there's
all kinds of jails.
One of the worst is the
prison of wrong thoughts.
I was locked up
there for many years
until I found the key
and opened the door.
But you can ask me
anything you want to.
I don't wanna rush
into anything.
Okay.
Did the detective ask you
anything about the embezzlement?
Yes, many times.
Okay.
What did he ask you?
He asked me about
me and the church
and who took up the collection,
who counted the money,
how all that money got
into my checking account.
Okay, about how much money?
About $100,000.
I told him it had
to be a mistake
because we've never had that
kinda money in my whole life!
Magistrate set bail?
Yes, that was $100,000 too.
That figures keeps popping up.
I'm praying about it, but
I don't know what it means.
Well, what it means is
that it's a felony charge.
Okay, look, I need you to just
simply and clearly tell me
why you sent your wife
to find me at church.
Papa told me to.
Papa...
Your father is still alive?
My Papa will never die.
He's the Ancient of Days,
he's the Jehovah-Jireh,
he's the Alpha and Omega,
he's Prince of Peace,
he's the Lord or Lords
and the King of Kings.
So, you're telling me that
God sent you to contact me?
Yes, so you
could be my lawyer.
So I could be your lawyer.
Okay, Mr. Miller,
I haven't set foot in a
courtroom in six years.
But you could if you
wanted to, couldn't you?
Well, yeah, I suppose I could,
but just as a matter
of principle, no.
I gave up my law
practice to obey God.
Oh, well I wouldn't
wanna be represented
by anybody who
didn't believe that.
Look, Mr. Miller, I
really do feel for you.
I really am sorry about the
predicament that you're in.
But just like I told your
wife, I'm not your guy.
I can't help you, I'm sorry.
Then...
Then why'd you come see me?
Matthew 25.
I figured that it couldn't hurt
that I came and visited you.
Why don't you pray on it?
Pray on helping me and
see what Papa tells you.
I will, indeed.
I'll also make a telephone
call to the courthouse
and have you appointed counsel
so you can get outta jail, okay?
All right, well,
good luck to you.
Oh, tell your wife that
baby Isaac is on the way.
I like him.
Mike, come look at
my newest painting.
Hey.
Hey.
Do you know what that
filled-in circle means?
No?
No, I have no idea.
I'm pregnant!
How do you know?
What does this tell you?
Did you go see a doctor?
I mean, have you...
I will, of course.
But I know I am; I can feel it.
After all these years of doctors
and exams and procedures
and giving up.
Oh, I love you.
Well, look who's here.
Have a seat.
So, how are you and your
wife this fine morning?
She's pregnant.
I told you Isaac
was on the way.
You think we're
gonna have a son?
Yes.
But there's a 50/50 chance
that I could've
guessed right anyway.
How'd you know
she was pregnant?
Oh, Papa told me.
It's a sign and a wonder.
Okay, you didn't
answer my question.
How did you know?
Well, it was in the dream,
the same one that sent
Muriel to fetch you.
I can tell you about
it if you wanna listen.
Please.
Well, it was like this.
In my dream, my truck broke
down at the side of the road
in front of your church
and a lawyer I know came
outta the sanctuary to help
and his wife was with him.
And she was laughing and she
was pointing at her stomach,
and it was obvious she
was pregnant.
Anyway, the lawyer went
to work on my truck
and he got whatever wrong
was fixed and then I went on.
That's it.
Who's the attorney?
Bryce Thomas.
Bryce has been
dead for almost a decade.
I mean, his wife's
gotta be like 90.
That's how I
knew that you and your wife
had had a long wait,
like Abraham and Sarah.
Those are hard seasons.
Anyhow, the lawyer
fixing my truck
told me that you were the
one supposed to help me
fix the mess that
I'm in right now
and get on down
the road of life.
Okay, but why?
Why Bryce Thomas?
I don't understand.
Bryce wasn't a
member of our church.
Because I knew him.
I used to cut his grass.
And that's what Papa uses
when he wants to talk to me.
He shows me somebody I know
to tell me about
somebody I don't know.
Okay, look, you know what?
I mean, dream or not,
I don't know if I'm
the right man for this.
I mean, maybe my job was
to help you find a lawyer.
Just keep praying.
Just keep praying.
Okay, well, what are you gonna
do while I just keep praying?
What, are you just gonna,
you just gonna sit in jail?
You're not giving
me much choice, are you?
Sign this.
'Cause I think he's gonna...
Hello.
Oh, hey honey, I think you
already know Mrs. Miller.
She was waiting to see
you when I stopped by.
- Hello again.
- Hello.
We were talking about you.
How'd your appointment go?
It was good.
Everything's fine.
I'm in perfect condition
for someone who's about
to have their first baby.
I thought we were gonna
wait to tell people.
Muriel already knew.
Her husband had
a dream about it.
It's an amazing thing.
Most amazing thing.
Yeah, I know, I just left the
jail; I heard all about it.
Look, Mrs. Miller, your
husband seems to be incapable
of understanding
that I am a minister.
I'm not a lawyer, all right?
The charges that have
been leveled against him
are very serious and he
needs a practicing attorney.
I'm really sorry, Mrs.
Miller, but I can't help you.
Excuse me.
Bobby Lambert
of Forrest and Lambert,
attorney at law,
leave me a message.
Hey Bobby, it's Mike.
Listen, I need you to
call Milton and everyone
and meet me at the church
tomorrow for a meeting.
If you have any questions,
just give me a call, all right?
I'll be up for a few more hours.
Bye.
Hey, Mike.
Gentlemen.
Hey counselor, good to see you
- Pastor.
- How are you?
So, Mike, why don't
you fill Milton in
on what you called
me about last night?
Well, there's
a fellow minister
that is in need of
legal assistance.
It has to do with a misunderstanding
of the church funds.
I'd like to represent
him pro bono.
How serious a
misunderstanding?
Well, it did result
in a criminal charge,
but the results just may
be a misunderstanding
about the bank.
Don't sugarcoat it, Mike.
It's a felony charge.
Felony?
Yeah, it was a felony charge.
$100,000 wound up in
the wrong bank account.
What's his name?
Sam Miller.
Miller?!
He's no
minister, he's a crackpot.
He's a lay preacher.
Mike, what's really going on?
Why do you wanna do this?
Look...
I believe that God
wants me to do this.
All I'm asking is
that you let me
try and help a fellow
man in need, that's it.
Okay, but only temporarily.
You have to find another
lawyer to take over.
And don't let this take away
from your duties here
at the church though.
If you don't have
enough to keep you busy,
we can discuss a modification
to your job
description and salary.
Thank you, Milton.
Bobby, I want you to
inform the other deacons.
Hey, thanks for
your help with Milton.
No problem.
You had my back in
court a time or two.
So, what's new with you?
Not much.
There it is.
Although Mr. Forrest,
he's been impossible to deal
with the last couple weeks.
Oh yeah?
Yeah.
I don't suppose I
can convince you
to put your name
back on the door?
Oh buddy,
the statute of limitations
has run its course on
that one, I'm afraid.
So, what's up with Mr. Forrest?
I don't know.
He's been huddled in meetings
and he dumped a bunch
of files on my desk.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
What kinda files?
Stuff he could do in
his sleep, you know?
You know, that's what
makes it so strange.
Hmm.
Nice.
Hey.
Hey.
What are you working on?
I'm just, I'm typing up a
motion to reduce Sam's bond
and get him outta jail.
That's good.
Muriel needs him.
Yeah, she does.
There was a house
Where all the people gathered
And for a day
They'd be together
then scatter
It was my home
And in the shadows
I was watching
As my friends and family
Sang their songs
throughout the morning
Hey bud.
Hey, how are you doing?
I'm good, I'm good.
Oh, I see there's a few
repeat customers here.
That's Vann Turner,
represented him a few times.
There's David.
Hi, David.
Mike, is that you?
Mr. Forrest, morning.
How you doin', kiddo?
I'm good, thank you.
You remember Jack
Hatcher from the bank?
- Mr. Hatcher.
- Hi.
So, what are you doing here?
Are you testifying as
a character witness?
No, actually...
I'm sorry, sir, I
forgot to tell you
that Mike is representing
Sam Miller pro bono.
Miller?
Why would you do that?
All rise!
The Honorable Judge
Coburg presiding.
Please be seated.
We'll take up criminal
matters first this morning.
Glad that you could
join us today, Ms. Hall.
My apologies, your honor.
When I am presiding, court
begins promptly at 9:00.
Is that a problem for you?
No, your honor.
Are you ready to proceed?
Yes, your honor.
State vs. Miller,
motion to reduce bond.
Mr. Andrews, will you be
representing Mr. Miller?
Yes, your honor.
Mr. Miller, please.
Papa and I say good morning.
Good morning.
Do me a favor: Leave
Papa outta this, okay?
Have a seat.
Proceed.
Your honor, this is
an embezzlement charge
with the bond set at $100,000.
Mr. Miller and his
wife own property
free and clear of $65,000.
We'd like to have the bond
amount reduced to that amount,
as Mr. Miller is
not a flight risk,
nor does he have any priors.
Are you going to present
evidence from the defendant?
Yes we will, your honor.
We call Sam Miller
to the witness stand.
Sam, just go on up to
this chair over here.
Yeah, right over here.
Do you swear to
tell the truth,
the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth?
Yep.
So help you God?
Amen.
I'm ready when you are.
Proceed.
What is your name?
Sam Miller.
Mr. Miller, can
you tell the court
a little bit about
your background?
What part?
Your work, sir.
Oh, I mow lawns and do
all kinds of landscaping.
As a matter of fact, I've cut
the judge's grass a few times
when she was out of town and
wasn't able to do it herself.
Mr. Miller, do you
have a criminal record?
No!
Your honor, permission
to approach the witness?
Granted.
Mr. Miller, do you and
your wife own this property?
Yes, free and clear.
Bible says carry no debt except
the continuing debt of love.
Mr. Miller, if you post bond,
will you stay in Barlow County
until the charges against
you have been resolved?
Unless Papa sends
me somewhere else.
Mr. Miller, will you be able
to make all of your
court appearances?
Yeah, if I know about 'em.
No further
questions, your honor.
Ms. Hall, do you
have any questions?
No, your honor.
I have a few questions.
Mr. Miller, when
was the last time
you traveled outta the county?
Well, I went fishing
up at Lake James
about a month before
they locked me up.
And if you do get out on bond,
will you have time
to plant your garden?
Well, Muriel's already
started the cold frame,
but I do need to transplant
my broccoli and my lettuce
and that cauliflower
you love so well.
What happened to your face?
Oh, this kid in jail,
he lost his temper
and went to swinging
and I didn't see it coming.
I think that's enough.
Motion granted.
I find that the
defendant's property
is sufficient collateral.
Thank you, your honor.
However, I would like
to see both attorneys
involved in this case
in my chambers at 4:30.
That's 4:25 for you.
Mike!
Hey, Mr. Forrest.
How are you, kid?
Good.
Mike...
You know, I don't
think it's wise for you
to be representing Mr. Miller.
No, it's just temporary
until he finds himself
another attorney.
Oh good, good.
Jack Hatcher is concerned
about this situation.
There's a lotta money involved.
I've seen the documentation;
it's embezzlement.
Well, if that's the case,
we'll just work
on a plea bargain.
Good, good.
You know, kid, we're all
very proud of your decision.
Just remember, as a minister,
your position in this community
is above the unpleasantness
of a criminal case.
Trust me, I'm just
looking out for you.
I appreciate your concern.
Oh, how's Peg?
Oh, she's wonderful.
Good.
We'll see ya, kid.
See ya.
On three separate occasions,
Mr. Miller has contacted me
with information about a case.
In each instance, he had
had some sort of dream.
What he had to pass along was
sometimes hard to interpret,
but in every instance
proved reliable.
Has he been in touch with you
about the charges against him?
No.
If that had happened, I would
already have recused myself.
If either of you think that
you would like to file a motion
removing me from this case, I
will give you time to do it.
Sam.
Come on, let's get you
home in time for supper.
Here you go.
Thank you ma'am.
- Honey.
- Thank you, sweetheart.
You're welcome.
Mmmm, oh that's delicious.
Do you think they'll
have sweet tea in Heaven?
Only in the Southern part.
Honey, you shoulda
seen him in court today.
He was as smooth as
your egg custard.
Thank you so much for
taking good care of him.
I was just too nervous to go.
Well, Judge Coburg
thinks very highly of him.
And she thinks very
highly of you too.
Oh, I wish everyone
felt the same way.
You know, my old boss, he
doesn't want me representing you.
- No?
- Mn-mm.
He was telling me that the
bank president, Jack Hatcher,
wants to see you go away
for quite some time.
Jack Hatcher.
Oh, is that the man
you wrote that letter to?
Letter?
What letter?
- Oh, Sam.
- What letter?
You have got to
tell your lawyer
everything he needs to know
so that he can represent you!
Well, it slipped my mind!
Oh, Sam.
I don't keep copies
of my letters now,
but I do probably have
some notes back there
that'll jog my memory.
I'll go look around and dig
and see if I can find it.
Excuse me.
About how long's it been
since Sam wrote that letter,
do you know?
It's about three, four months.
Does Sam know Jack Hatcher?
I don't think so,
but he writes a lotta letters
to people he don't know.
Really?
He writes to the president
several times a year.
- Really?
- Mm-hmm.
The president
ever write him back?
No, but the FBI did!
Here, I think this is
what you're looking for.
I think this'll, does that
make any sense to you at all?
No, not at all.
Does it make sense to you?
Well, yeah.
Let me see here.
I'll jot down some words
at night that'll remind me.
Now, let me see here.
Oh yeah, yeah I remember that.
Yeah, the dream took
place at nighttime.
There was a hatchet and
a box of finishing nails
and a baseball bat and a tree.
They were all standing
up, talking like men.
Behind 'em, I could
see Cahula Creek,
and the baseball bat man was
handing the man that I know
by the name of Larry Paisley
a string of glass beads.
They were pretty but worthless.
Now, in the margin here,
I wrote the verse that
I sent to Mr. Hatcher.
It's Ephesians 5:11-14.
What does that passage say?
That is deeds of darkness.
Yeah, read it for us.
I know my Bible.
Ephesians.
Ah, here we go.
"Have nothing to do with the
fruitless deeds of darkness,
"but rather expose them.
"It is shameful even to mention
"what the disobedient
do in secret."
"But everything exposed by
the light becomes visible."
That's it.
Hatcher was the hatchet.
That's right.
Okay, well, what else did
you write in the letter?
Something along the
lines of warning him
not to take advantage of Larry
because Larry was on the
wrong end of a land deal.
And how could you tell that?
Well, they were
meeting at night
and they were giving
him worthless beads
and it all fit in with
the deeds of darkness.
You understand what I mean?
Land deeds.
That's right.
You're gonna catch on quick.
Mmmm!
Hey.
Hey, Brax.
I saw you at the
courthouse this morning.
Oh, is that news?
Well, in this town it is.
You're not thinking about
giving up the pulpit, are you?
No, just trying
to help somebody
who's in a jam, that's all.
Thank you.
Ah, look at that.
Don't that smell good?
That's a livermush
sandwich with mustard.
Don't you wish you'd
ordered you one?
You wanna write a
compelling article,
you should write what that
does to your digestive tract.
Oh, no, no.
Sounds like you're
asking me to volunteer
for a colonoscopy or something.
I ain't gonna do that, no.
It's coming.
Now, let me ask you, have
you heard any dreams lately
that might be newsworthy?
No, I had no idea Mr. Miller
was so popular around here.
Yeah, he's been
writing those letters
to the newspapers now for years.
Most of those end up in the
little round file cabinet
I keep on the floor
over there, you know?
Why'd you throw 'em all away?
Well, I've thrown
'em all away but one.
Oh yeah?
Why'd that one make the cut?
Well, he wrote it to me.
I don't know how he did it.
That son of a gun found some way
to find out some
information about me
that nobody else knows.
Yeah, since then, I've had
kind of a soft spot for him.
I'm sorry to hear
he got in trouble
and I've been trying
to keep his name
off of the crime
blotter on the paper,
and now my editor wants me
to write a investigative
story about it.
And I'll be honest
with you, preacher,
my heart ain't in it;
I don't wanna do it.
You know what?
What's that?
You should write that piece.
Why?
Then you can investigate
what really happened.
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, I like that.
You want a bite?
Tastes good.
I'm okay, thank you though.
That's good, y'all.
All three deacons are
waiting for us at the church.
Larry Fletchall's one of my
sons, so we should be okay.
I didn't know you had
family at that church.
I have 10 sons, including you.
Spiritual sons.
What's more
important about being a papa?
Had a dream about your
church last month.
Oh yeah?
Uh-huh, a dream
where you and I
were sitting in the sanctuary
and Bud Putnam came running in.
Bud, the fire chief?
Mm-hmm.
Building was on fire.
Usually in my dreams,
Papa uses fire for good,
but in this, I kept
looking at the fire
and I realized it
was not a good fire.
It was a fire from Hell.
What does that mean?
Fussin' and fightin'
in the church.
It didn't work for Cain and
Abel, it won't work today.
Jesus said that we
should love one another.
Yeah, well Sam,
we've got a unified
and growing congregation, so...
Just telling you what I saw.
All right.
Lord, we ask you
to come by here.
We know that you are Lord
and we know that you are the
one who makes judgements.
Yes.
So we won't judge anybody.
I ask you to put your arms
around Sam and his family.
We ask these things
in your name, amen.
Amen.
Larry Fletchall.
Hey, Mike Andrews, pleasure.
Glad to meet you.
Jesse, Bob, John,
it's good to see you.
Don't do that, Sam.
Now, we can't pretend
that nothing happened.
But I didn't do
anything wrong.
Hey everybody, why don't
we get started, okay?
Sam, please.
No notes.
We don't want you trying to
twist our words in court.
Okay.
We'll just get right into it.
What do you say?
So, how many accounts
does the church have?
Two.
We have a general account
and we have a building fund.
Is Sam authorized
to sign those checks?
No.
But when went to the bank,
the man showed us the
checks that Sam filled out
and put in his account.
Who'd you speak
with at the bank?
Curtis Dressler, bank manager.
Dressler.
How many checks were there?
What were the amounts?
Two, two checks.
One for $10,000 and
another for $90,000,
and these are all the
paperwork and receipts.
I can keep these?
Yeah.
Who's Jesse?
I am.
Hey Jesse, did
you sign the checks?
No, and don't you come
in here accusing me.
No ma'am, no.
I'm sorry, I just mean
do you sign checks
for another purpose?
No.
No.
And there were no bills to pay.
He forged my signature!
Oh, so Sam knew about
the building account?
Yes.
- He did?
- Yes.
Sam said he had a
dream five years ago
that there will
be a great harvest
and that we should build a
bigger barn to hold it all.
That's what Sam said.
Did your congregation grow?
No.
He did this to
get his hands on it.
He came in here like a
fortuneteller, fooled everybody.
I warned them, but nobody
wanted to listen to me.
And now he's trying
to make it look
like I did something wrong.
Listen, the truth'll come out.
It sure will.
God will see to that.
The truth'll come out, Sam.
Their testimonies
won't help us.
Larry was right.
Truth will come out in the end.
Yeah, well did he
mean here or in Heaven?
Very hard to
answer that question.
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Hey.
Hey.
I've been working on the
article about your client.
What'd you find out?
Well, that when I left
a message this morning
for Jack Hatcher, he
didn't call me back.
But...
Maxwell did.
- Forrest?
- Yeah, yep.
Called about 10 minutes
after I left a message
saying I wanted to
ask a few questions
about the Miller
embezzlement case.
Well, how'd he respond?
You wanna hear it?
You recorded it?
Yeah, buddy, it's
all right there.
Did you tell him
you recorded it.
I told somebody.
Well, I think you're doing
the community a service.
Oh, let's hope so.
I appreciate that.
Let me ask you, did
anyone at the bank
receive any
correspondence from Miller
prior to the filing of
the embezzlement charges?
I'd have to check
with Mr. Hatcher about that.
Uh-huh, could
you do that and let me know?
Mr. Hatcher gets
a lot of correspondence.
Well, folks who get a letter
from Sam Miller
usually remember it.
Mr. Forrest, are you there?
Yes.
Does Mr. Miller claim that he
wrote a letter to Mr. Hatcher?
I haven't talked to him.
Mr. Forrest, you still there?
Yes.
You know, embezzling
money from a local church
is a serious charge.
When should I expect
to hear back from you?
In due time.
Goodbye.
Let me know when he
calls you back, okay?
Okie-doke, I'll
record every word.
Thanks.
Hey, how's it going?
Good, how you doin', man?
All right.
Listen, you found somebody else
to represent Sam Miller yet?
Not yet, no.
Well, you should know
that it's getting harder
to hold Milton back.
Hmm.
All right, well, thanks for
the heads-up; I appreciate it.
- Yeah man.
- All right.
Wow.
Wow.
I love mountaintops.
They're places of perspective.
You know, this is
where I was standing
when I decided to
become a pastor.
I heard it clear as a bell:
"For God so loved the world..."
And then I knew.
Then I knew I had to help
all those people down there.
I've put you through a
lot the past six years.
A few of those times I
kicked and screamed out loud
and I did it a lot
more on the inside.
I was gonna leave
you last November.
I talked to Madeline
Frick about a divorce.
I even signed the
divorce papers.
Was there someone else?
No.
Well, then why'd you stay?
The morning that I was
supposed to meet with Madeline,
this came in the mail.
It said exactly
what I was feeling
and why I was making a mistake.
It wasn't signed and I never
knew who it was from until...
Sam Miller.
I asked him if he
wrote it and he said yes,
but only Papa knew
if we'd ever meet.
I'm sorry.
Yeah, me too.
I'm glad you stayed.
I know you
don't under the choices
your husband's making and how
that makes you feel alone,
but Papa says these
storms will pass
and he'll be your
shelter from the rain.
Trust him and don't lose heart.
In the end, Papa's gonna
use all this for His good.
He always does.
Preacher!
Hey, good morning.
Hop in if you would, I got
a couple questions for you.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Let me ask you,
how much do you know
about the Cahula
Creek Watershed?
I know that it's a great
place to go trout fishing
on Thursdays when Game and
State stock it on Wednesdays.
Yeah, I know that too,
but I mean like who owns it?
I don't know.
It's state, private,
utility companies; why?
Well, all that's
fixing to change.
State Legislature's
about to open up
that whole area down there
to private companies.
They wanna create a
big deep water lake
and build a big residential
development up there.
- Really?
- Mmm.
Well, that'd be
the biggest thing
to hit this county in decades.
Yes it would, and there would
be a lotta money to be made
if you were in the right
place at the right time,
if you know what I mean.
Yeah.
Who are the local contacts?
Have you seen the house
Jack Hatcher's building?
You think Hatcher's
getting a cut?
Mmm.
How do you know this?
Through the help of
a former bank employee
that now works with us down
at the paper in accounting.
What, he told you?
Well no, not exactly.
He brought his own
personal laptop in
to get him started up there
until we could get
him up and running
and I may or may not have copied
some information off of it
this morning when he
went to the bathroom.
Braxton, that's not nice.
It's all on there for you.
So, who is this new employee?
It's Curtis Dressler.
Dressler.
Wait, Dressler's the bank rep
that spoke to the
deacons at Craig Valley.
Why'd he leave the bank?
Not real sure on that,
but I do know it wasn't
a friendly departure.
He needed a job very quickly
with health insurance.
His wife has got
cancer very badly.
Take a look at this memo
here from Dressler to Hatcher
on the deacons meeting.
What do you see down
there at the bottom?
"This will take care
of the Miller problem
"once and for all."
Evidently, Sam wrote one of
his crazy letters to Hatcher
and made him think he thought
something was a little shady
with that acquisition at Cahula.
And Hatcher got
Dressler to frame Sam
with the embezzlement charges
so anything the old
man would ever say,
especially about the bank,
would be totally discredited.
It looks like I need to have
a conversation
with Mr. Dressler.
Well, you can find
him every evening
at the hospital with his wife.
All right.
Great, good work,
thanks Braxton.
All right, stay in touch.
Will do.
Horseshoe Bottoms.
Craig Valley?
Hello?
Hello?
Hi.
Hi!
Apples from our orchard.
Thank you.
Sam says Mike is pregnant too.
What he means is
that God has planted
something new and
exciting inside Mike too,
and I am here to help
you deal with it.
Now, eat up.
Now, just let me
do the talking, okay?
He's not in there.
I think we should wait
until he gets back.
No, wait.
Wait, wait, where
you goin', Sam?
Sam.
Marie.
Papa sent me to visit you.
Hey, Sam, what are you doing?
What are you doing?
I'm sorry, I'm
Reverend Mike Andrews.
Oh, thanks.
We haven't been going to church.
We don't have a pastor.
This is the first time
she's been at peace in days.
Mr. Dressler, I need to
ask you a few questions.
No!
We just came here to pray.
Sir, if you need anything,
don't hesitate to call.
Hey, where we goin'?
We came to see her.
Now Papa says it's time to go.
And when he says it's
time to go, we go.
Okay.
Sam.
Hey, Sam.
Look, we're not gonna get
another chance to talk to this...
Nope, time to go.
And love is love
When will I know
If the battle's won
Take it easy, Bobby.
If winter did come
Would I be left in the cold
Though my heart's on fire
Can it warm my body and soul
Through passing time
I tried to fill in the cracks
If winter did come
Would I be left in the cold
Mike Andrews.
So, I've been
going over the case
and you and I both know
that the bank records alone
are enough to convict Mr. Miller
of the embezzlement statute.
I'm willing to make an offer.
All right, I'm listening.
Since the bank
recovered the money
and put it all back in
the church's account,
I can offer six months probation
on the lesser included
misdemeanor, no fine.
Really, no fine?
No fine.
All right,
well I'll run it by him.
You have 10 days.
After that, we're
going to trial.
Do people do that?
Do what?
Plead guilty even though they
haven't done anything wrong.
Well, sometimes it's
easier to take a plea
than to risk a harsh sentence.
Sam, you have to
think of Muriel.
I just can't see the Apostles
telling lies to get outta jail.
Okay.
Well, why don't
you pray about it?
See what Papa has to say.
Gentlemen, this is it.
Like I was telling you, it's
a beautiful piece of land.
The only addition we would
have to make is the day spa,
and the great thing
is we have a walkway
right over here
to the first tee.
Forrest!
Whoa, you've come a long
way to find me.
Hello, Mike.
Hey, Mr. Hatcher, how are you?
Hi.
So, what brings you gentlemen
this far out in the woods?
Well, these gentlemen
are friends of ours.
Oh.
Are you real estate developers?
Mike, could we have a chat?
Excuse us.
Sure.
So, where are you going
with this cross-examination?
Oh, I don't know,
you stopped me.
Don't play that game.
Why do you care if they're
looking at this land?
Well, sir, I happen
to like this land.
I think it'd be a shame if they
knocked down all these trees
and they put up condos.
You're not gonna leave
this alone, are you?
No.
Good day.
Braxton.
Yeah, yeah okay.
Yeah sure, I'm leaving now.
Hey, thanks for the call.
I'm sorry to hear
about his wife.
Yeah, I know.
That's tough; he's
hurtin', I'm sure.
Look, if you wanna talk to him,
this is gonna be probably
your last chance.
He resigned his position
and is moving back
to North Alabama.
Does he know why I'm here?
No, no.
All right, that's
it right there.
See that room?
I don't envy you
buddy, but good luck.
So, it's good
to see you again.
Thanks for coming
to the hospital.
It meant a lot.
I'm glad we could be there.
I am truly sorry
about your wife.
Your prayers helped.
Please tell the man
who came with you
how much I appreciated him too.
Well, that man is Sam Miller.
The man who embezzled
from the church?
Did he?
I'm representing Sam against
the criminal charges.
So you're a lawyer.
That's why you really
came to see me.
Originally, yes.
Until Sam realized that
God had other plans.
All I have are suspicions.
But if you're looking
for hard evidence
of improper activity
at the bank,
I'm not the person
to give it to you.
So there is evidence?
But like I said,
I'm not the person.
That's a subpoena.
You don't wanna do that.
Yes I do.
Hearing God's voice
is the birthright
of every true believer.
In Samuel 1, the Bible said
that the Lord was with Samuel.
As Samuel grew up,
Lord was with him
and he let none of his
words fall to the ground.
And all of Israel
from Dan to Beersheba
knew that Samuel was a
trustworthy prophet of the Lord
and the Lord continued
to appear at Shiloh,
for the Lord revealed
himself to Samuel at Shiloh
by the word of the Lord.
Let us all be a little
bit more like Samuel.
Oh, I was just
gonna come see you.
Tell the judge I'll be
there in five minutes.
So, my client
turned down the deal.
Here's a motion requiring you
to file your
investigative report.
If you'd do me a favor
and do this quickly,
I wanna have this
resolved as soon as...
The indictment's
been dismissed.
Really?
Wait, they're
dropping all charges?
I still believe we
could get a conviction,
but the bank doesn't
wanna prosecute.
Well that's great news.
Tell Mr. Miller to stick
to growing vegetables
and cutting grass.
I'll do that.
That's good advice.
Peg, good news!
Yeah, what is it?
It was over before it began.
It was strange, all
charges were dropped.
Sam is in the clear.
Are those good tears?
I'm just so relieved for
the Millers and for you.
Me too.
I love pie.
And look, everybody
almost ate all their greens.
But you gotta share it with her.
- Yes.
- You're gonna eat it all?
Eaten so
much chocolate syrup...
Sam, you didn't
eat your collards.
I made it for you.
My stomach hurts
like the very devil.
Oh, Sam.
I'll get you some
apple cider vinegar.
I feel like there's
a python snake
wrapped around my middle.
Sam, maybe you should
just go lay down.
Mike, you should
take him to the ER.
No, no, no!
This is spiritual.
They're trying to kill me.
He doesn't like the doctor.
You'll be all right.
Excuse me.
Hey Bobby, what's up?
Mike, Mike,
the church is on fire!
What?
Get there as fast
as you can, I'm on my way.
Yeah, I'm going now.
Church is on fire.
That's it!
I'm going with you!
No, Sam.
Sam!
Sam, be careful!
Hi, can I help you?
We'd like to speak
with Reverend Andrews.
We identified an
accelerant pattern
that ran from the front door
partway down the main aisle.
The burn patterns
were very distinct.
We also found a empty
gas can in the bushes
behind the sanctuary with the
name Miller Lawn Care on it.
Do you know where Mr.
Miller was last night
before the fire began?
He was with me.
For the whole evening?
Yeah.
What were you doing?
Where did you go?
We were at Sam's for dinner
until Mike got the
call about the fire.
Are you accusing my husband
of having something
to do with this?
Our job is to conduct
a thorough investigation.
What can you tell me
about that gas can?
I think it's time for
you gentlemen to go.
Thank you for coming,
appreciate it.
We'll show ourselves out.
Please.
If you decide it's in your
best interest to cooperate,
my number's on the
back of that card.
Great.
Ma'am.
Thank you.
I gotta call Sam and warn him.
Hey Muriel, where's Sam?
It's too late.
They already took him!
What'd they take him to jail?
Yes.
Okay, I'm on my way.
Please hurry, Mike.
They took Sam to jail.
Did you talk to the police?
What'd you tell 'em?
Told 'em everything
they wanted to know.
They really perked
up when I told 'em
about the dream of the
church burning down.
Look, Sam...
these people are gonna take
everything that you say,
everything that you say,
they're gonna take it and
they are gonna twist it around
and they're gonna
make it sound like
you wanted to burn
the church down.
But I didn't do
anything wrong!
I know, I know.
Look, they also found a gas can
with your company name on it
near the scene of the fire.
What do you know about this?
I've been missing a
can for a couple of days.
I thought I left it
on a job in town.
Reverend Andrews.
What?
I need to see you when
you're finished here.
Really, I mean, can this wait?
I have a warrant for your
arrest for first degree arson.
What?
There were fingerprints
on the gas can
that belonged to Sam.
Detective Perkins told the chief
that the person who
called in the fire
said they saw you and Sam
leaving the church
parking lot together.
What?
Well, who made the call?
It was a 9-1-1 call.
I see.
Thank you.
Why'd you have to send
Jack Hatcher that letter?
I told you, you're
here for a reason.
Look, Mike, if you want
to be a spiritual man,
you've got to obey
no matter what.
Papa put you right
here for a reason.
Papa, thank you for
this food and
please, use us for
good in this place.
Amen.
I think you're supposed to pray
after you eat in here, Sam.
Hey, Mr. Andrews.
Hey, David.
Me and the boys were over here
and we couldn't help but
notice that you were praying
and was kinda wondering
if y'all wouldn't mind
praying for us too maybe.
He can.
Yeah?
Yeah, actually.
Yeah, of course, of course.
Please come join us.
Fellas, please.
Thanks.
Wow, that was great.
Most of the lost sheep are
still in the field.
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on
that beautiful shore
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on
that beautiful shore
I had a dream, don't
wanna forget it.
Did it have anything to do
with us getting
out of jail, hmm?
No.
I saw Cal Nichols'
grandson riding in a jeep
headed for a steep dropoff.
Somebody's gotta warn...
Sam!
Not now.
I just had a dream.
Well, write it down quick
before it disappears like
the fog on a summer morning!
No, no, no, no, I'll
remember this one.
You know Carrington's One Stop?
It's that little store right
down the road from my church?
Oh yeah, that place that's got
that great big jar of
pickled eggs on the counter.
Muriel won't let me eat anymore.
In my dream, I saw an eagle
sitting on top of the One Stop
and the eagle saw wisps of smoke
coming from the
direction of the church,
and then it just took off.
I love an eagle in my dreams.
That's a very high
level of revelation.
Revelation of what?
Well, I don't know.
If I were you, I'd go out to
that store and try to find out.
I know that
inside these walls,
everything can feel
hopeless, all right?
Everything can feel dark.
But I'm gonna make
you guys a promise.
I promise you that
all of you guys
can turn your life around.
All you gotta do is
let Jesus do the work.
It is that simple.
Your bail has been posted.
And Sam's too?
No, just yours.
I'll get you outta here, okay?
Be sure and go by that store.
I'll see you guys again.
Y'all can believe him.
Everything he says is true.
Hey man.
Hey.
You holding up?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Does Mr. Forrest know
that you bailed me out?
No, and he'll
fire me if he ever finds out.
Look, you may be
hardheaded, Mike,
but you love that church;
you'd never burn it down.
However...
The church has terminated
you, effective immediately.
And the truth is, when
you took the Miller case,
your days were numbered.
I'm sorry, man.
Evening.
Evening.
So, how'd you hear about
me getting outta jail?
There's a deputy that
loves donuts with white icing
and colored sprinkles and
I keep him well-supplied.
Well, if you're
looking to write a story
about how I got arrested,
you've come to the wrong place.
No, no, no, I've been
investigating the fire, son.
I come to tell you
what I found out.
Ms. Andrews, I'm serious.
No notebook, no tape
recorder; I'm clean, nothing.
Invite him in.
You ain't gonna believe this.
I can't wait.
An anonymous 9-1-1 phone
call came in about 6:54
about four nights
ago about the fire
and the caller said
that they saw two men
leaving the property there
in a truck marked
Miller's Lawn Care.
No, that's a lie.
I know it, I know it is.
Muriel told me y'all was
over to her house there.
And I when I knew that, I heard
that, I knew it was a setup.
I guess when the embezzlement
charges on Sam were dropped,
then they had to come
up with a plan B,
and unfortunately
it includes you.
Why would somebody
be out to get Mike?
Well, he did too good a job
of representing Sam, I guess,
and they think that he
knows what Sam knows.
Did Sam send him a letter?
Yeah.
I spoke with the girl down
there at 9-1-1 switchboard
and she said that
the call came in
from a payphone about
a mile from the church.
I didn't even think we had
any payphones left
in this county.
Yeah, there's a couple,
and I just happen to know
where one of those is.
Is Mr. Carrington in?
Thanks.
Aha.
The eagle.
Excuse me, do you know
if these cameras work?
Thank you.
Hey, Mike!
Bob, how are you?
I'm doing great, man.
I sure was sorry to
hear about your church.
Yeah, thank you,
I appreciate that.
Hey listen, I got
a question for you.
Yeah, sure.
How long do you
keep the information
recorded in these cameras?
Surveillance cameras?
Yeah.
They run, every week it's
a loop and then it erases.
Why?
Well, they charged
me with arson.
You're kidding!
No, I wish I was.
And the person who made the
phone call reporting the fire
made it from your payphone.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Hey Bob, I have to
see those tapes.
That's Vann Turner.
You know, you're right.
That rascal comes in here every
now and then, buys a beer,
takes the bottle out to the
parking lot and breaks it.
I've had to toss him
out a couple times.
5:53.
That's too early.
Maybe not.
This doesn't adjust for
Daylight Savings Time.
It's off an hour.
Can you save this recording?
That's beyond me.
I don't know how to do it,
but I could probably
call the security company
and see if they could.
But you know this is set
to erase automatically
tonight at midnight.
Bob, do me a favor,
can you find that number?
You got it.
Thanks.
Hello?
Hello?
Oh, hey, Vann.
Vann.
It ain't loaded.
Convicted felon like
me can't carry a gun.
It's more for show.
Look, I know you're the one
that made that 9-1-1
call that night.
Have a seat.
And about that call,
that weren't me.
So?
Ain't nothin' wrong with
calling to report a fire.
Besides, I saw that crazy
ol' man who cuts grass
drive off in his truck.
Oh now, you see, that's a lie,
'cause he was with
me the entire evening
and I got two credible
witnesses to back that up.
Get.
I said get!
Look, I know you
burned down that church
and I'm trying to help you.
Ain't nobody
got nothin' on me.
How much'd they give you, huh?
How much you sell your soul for?
$5,000?
$10,000?
You burned down my church?
You know the truth's
gonna come out, don't you?
And if you're not the
first one talking,
you're gonna go down
all by yourself.
Who do you think they
wanna go after, huh?
A bank president or you?
I...
I ain't talkin'
unless I get a deal.
I can make a call.
Jack Hatcher on line one.
He says it's urgent.
- Jack.
- We need to talk, now.
I can't represent you.
What are you
talking about, Forrest?
I got people asking
me questions about...
I gotta hire outside
counsel myself.
Counsel?
Wait, what are
you talking about?
Mr. Hatcher, we have a
warrant for your arrest.
You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say can...
Papa, please take care of
Muriel while I'm in here.
If it be your will, please
let me out as soon as you can.
I've got other
things I have to do.
Thank you, Papa.
Amen.
Papa.
Who says prayer doesn't work?
Thank you.
You're a good lawyer,
Mike, and a good man.
Come on, let's get outta here.
Yeah.
Papa sure knew what he was doing
when he told me to
ask you for help.
What's next for you?
That's a good question.
I don't know.
I mean, I love this town,
I love this community
and I wanna help the people
in it, but I have no idea.
Well, you don't have to be
a preacher to do that.
I guess not.
No human heart can
contain Papa's love.
It always spills out.
Are you ready?
To start over?
Yeah.
Absolutely.
So, I've been
thinking about names.
Oh yeah?
What do you think
about the name Isaac?
Uh...
Do you not like it?
No, no, I love it.
Me too.
Yeah, hold on, I just gotta
grab something off my desk.
I'll be just a second.
Hi, Bobby.
- Good morning.
- Morning.
It's time.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, yeah, okay.
Hey, it's time!
Time, it's time?!
Yep, it's happening, gotta go.
Good luck!
Hi.
Hi, which one is he?
He's right there.
Oh Mike, he is beautiful.
He looks just like you.
How's Peg?
She's doing great,
she's doing great.
She's resting.
I'll be quiet, but
I'm gonna go see her.
Okay.
So, what do you
think we named him?
Isaac.
Well, you'd be half right.
Samuel Isaac Andrews.
Yep.
That'll work.
I wrote something
about the little fella
in my notebook last night.
I'll show it to you later.
For God so loved the world
that He gave His
one and only son
that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish
but shall have eternal life,
for God did not send
His son into the world
to condemn the world but to
save the world through Him.
Amen.
Oh be kind
To the beggar
that's inside of you
And the fiend that
you are hiding too
Oh be kind
Feed the poor
And lonesome man
in your own soul
Love until he's
been made whole
Feed the poor
Be at peace
With the enemy
in your own home
Neither you nor
he can throw a stone
So be at peace
Oh be good
To the criminal
you locked away
That sinful man
you learned to hate
Oh be good
When I'm broken to pieces
You make me whole
Through every season
You're mending my soul
When I'm broken to pieces
You make me whole
Through every season
You're mending my soul
Suffer long
When you are your own prodigal
For where your home is
there your heart is full
So suffer long
And be gentle
With the splinters
in your mind
Vanessa, put the Matthew
Township files on my desk.
I'm behind and I have to file
motions for summary judgment
in every one of them
by the end of the week.
Oh, and please, please
reschedule my appointment
with Mr. Gunn and apologize
for the last two
times that I missed.
Also, notify Mr. McCraw
that his depositions
he's getting on Tuesday...
Vanessa, I need the Ayres file.
Prepare motion for
summary judgment.
I need it no later than...
Oh be kind
To the beggar
that's inside of you
And the fiend that
you are hiding too
Oh be kind
Feed the poor
And lonesome man
in your own soul
Love until he's
been made whole
Feed the poor
Be at peace
With the enemy
in your own home
Neither you nor he
could throw a stone
So be at peace
Oh be good
To the criminal
you locked away
That sinful man
you learned to hate
Oh be good
When I'm broken to pieces
The president,
Tony,
Matthew.
Papa, bless this food to
the nourishment of our body.
Amen.
Amen.
Ah!
Just one biscuit?
I don't wanna pass out
while I'm working over
that Barry Porter's.
I will pack you two
biscuits at lunch.
One for you and one for Barry.
You're getting a little tubby.
Tubby, huh?
Cheers.
Howdy, Lamar!
Sam.
Who's your running buddy here?
This is Vic Morris who
grow up in Hendersonville
and just joined the force.
Hello, Vic.
I'm sorry I can't offer
you fellas any biscuits.
Muriel won't make any extra;
she knows where they'd end up.
That's all right.
We're not here for
biscuits this morning.
I'm sorry, Sam.
Sorry for what?
This is a
warrant for your arrest.
What?!
You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say can and
will be used against you
in a court of law.
What's going on here?!
Lamar, I don't understand!
Well, Sam, folks said
you stole some money.
Hello.
Hello, can I help you?
Are you Reverend Andrews?
I am; you are?
I am Mrs. Muriel Miller.
Pleasure to meet you.
Thank you.
What can I do for you?
I know we don't
belong to your church,
but my husband sent
me here to get you.
Okay?
Come on in.
- Thank you.
- Absolutely.
My husband is in county jail
and he told me you
were a good lawyer.
Well, technically...
yes, I'm still licensed
to practice law,
but I haven't done
so in six years.
You see, I'm a pastor now.
I found a new calling.
I know about callings.
Sam had a dream last night
and he saw you coming
to see him in jail.
So, your husband
saw me in a dream?
Yes sir!
And he told me that I
would find you here.
Sam has dreams.
The Lord shows him
what is gonna happen
and then he shows him things
about the people he's
supposed to pray for.
It isn't any different than
what happens in the Bible.
Jacob had a dream.
He saw angels on a ladder.
Joseph had a dream about himself
and he interpreted
dreams for others.
I'm, I'm, I've,
I've had many a dream myself,
Mrs. Miller, and I'm very,
very familiar with the Bible.
Of course you are.
I just didn't want you to think
that Sam was nuts.
So, why's your
husband in jail?
They say that he took
money from the church.
Mmn-mmm.
Embezzlement.
That was the
word that they used.
Okay, what church?
Craig Valley.
Sam was filling in
as preacher for them
for a few months while they
found a new man to take the job.
Look, Mrs. Miller, I'm very
sympathetic to your plight,
but I'm not the man
that you need to see.
No, what you need is
a defense attorney,
a criminal defense
attorney, okay?
Delores?
Yes?
Do you have a Bible?
I have one right
here, actually.
Here you go.
Matthew 25:39-40.
They are in red.
When we see you sick or
imprisoned and go to visit you,
the King will reply,
"Truly I tell you,
"whatever you did
for one of the least"
"of these brothers and sisters
of mine, you did for me."
Don't forget about the dream.
Thank you.
Here you go, right this way.
Thank you.
I won't.
Is that where you're gonna go
with this conversation?
Then why don't tell
him what you did
to the flowerpots on
the deck last summer?
Oh, I'd be happy to tell him!
'Cause I would
love for you to share.
I had batting practice
with her flowerpots last summer.
Okay, okay!
I think, I think
that we should just,
we should just, we
should just calm down.
Look, there are
proven techniques
to jumpstart marital communication
in times like this, okay?
I know that you're
both feeling frustrated
and I know that you
both have every right.
I know that there are certain...
Wait, are you taking his side?
I knew talking to another man
was gonna be a
complete waste of time.
Yeah.
Madeline told me I need
to just kick you out.
Who's Madeline?
Wait, Madeline Frick,
the divorce attorney?
Oh!
- Oh wait, you don't...
- No, no, no, no, no!
No, no, no, this is great.
This is perfect because
if it's a war you want,
that's what you're gonna get.
Zip, zero alimony, and I'm
getting custody of the kids,
because there's no
way, there's no way
that your crazy mother
is gonna watch over them
when you have to
go back to work.
Tell Madeline you can have
the pots in the settlement!
Don't worry about it.
Maybe it'll knock
some sense into her.
I would really try
to dissuade you guys
from going down that path.
I think that you should
come and talk to me
just a couple more times.
I really think that I can help.
You know what?
Kristen doesn't know this,
but I've got a secret stash
just for this type of emergency,
because her father's
loaded and there's no way
that I'm gonna let him steamroll
me with his money, no way.
You're not gonna say anything
to Kristen about
the cash, are you?
Oh, no.
It's covered under the
clergy confidentiality rules.
Oh, good.
So, preachers are like
lawyers in that way?
Yeah.
Yeah, we're no different at all.
Sweet, thanks.
Sure.
How did it go?
You tell me.
Whatcha got?
Peg called.
She wanted to make
sure the appointment
with the fertility doctor in
Atlanta is on your schedule.
And Bobby needs
to meet with you.
Okay.
Something
about the Elders Board.
Great, thank you.
Oh, and Deacon Milton
is in the sanctuary.
He wants to discuss your color
choice for the carpet again.
He says this will put us
over the quarterly budget.
I think he also
wants to talk about
your sermon last
week and attendance.
Deacon Milton, how's it going?
You wanna talk about the carpet?
Yeah.
Hello?
Peg?
You didn't answer your phone.
I'm sorry, I was busy.
What's for dinner?
Check the fridge.
I fixed myself a sandwich.
Alone in the dark
All eyes on me
Can't see it now
But my heart's fled the scene
I'm running from their words
And I melt to their tears
Just tell me how it is
'Cause I've been
feeling this for years
I'll tear down
You restore
You turn the page
But I lock down the door
I know I'm not
Who I was before
I went searching around
- Hey, preacher!
- Good morning.
You wouldn't have any of
your flock in there, would you?
Huh?
You can tell me or went
and got a bulletin for me,
something maybe sell a
few of these newspapers.
Do people still
read newspapers?
In this county, they do.
They do, thank goodness.
I'll see you later, brother.
All right, have a good one.
Uh-huh, yes sir.
And just so you know,
I'm here as a
minister, not a lawyer.
I've known Sam and
Muriel since I was a kid.
He's a bit odd, but I always
thought he was harmless.
Have a seat, I'll get Sam.
Great, thanks Lamar.
I'll be just outside.
Hello, son.
Mike Andrews.
Sam Miller.
Thanks for coming.
So, how does it feel to
be back where you belong?
Why'd you wanna see me?
Well, Papa told me that
you were a spiritual man
and that we need
to help each other.
Help each other?
Mm-hmm.
Well, you're the one in jail.
Well, there's
all kinds of jails.
One of the worst is the
prison of wrong thoughts.
I was locked up
there for many years
until I found the key
and opened the door.
But you can ask me
anything you want to.
I don't wanna rush
into anything.
Okay.
Did the detective ask you
anything about the embezzlement?
Yes, many times.
Okay.
What did he ask you?
He asked me about
me and the church
and who took up the collection,
who counted the money,
how all that money got
into my checking account.
Okay, about how much money?
About $100,000.
I told him it had
to be a mistake
because we've never had that
kinda money in my whole life!
Magistrate set bail?
Yes, that was $100,000 too.
That figures keeps popping up.
I'm praying about it, but
I don't know what it means.
Well, what it means is
that it's a felony charge.
Okay, look, I need you to just
simply and clearly tell me
why you sent your wife
to find me at church.
Papa told me to.
Papa...
Your father is still alive?
My Papa will never die.
He's the Ancient of Days,
he's the Jehovah-Jireh,
he's the Alpha and Omega,
he's Prince of Peace,
he's the Lord or Lords
and the King of Kings.
So, you're telling me that
God sent you to contact me?
Yes, so you
could be my lawyer.
So I could be your lawyer.
Okay, Mr. Miller,
I haven't set foot in a
courtroom in six years.
But you could if you
wanted to, couldn't you?
Well, yeah, I suppose I could,
but just as a matter
of principle, no.
I gave up my law
practice to obey God.
Oh, well I wouldn't
wanna be represented
by anybody who
didn't believe that.
Look, Mr. Miller, I
really do feel for you.
I really am sorry about the
predicament that you're in.
But just like I told your
wife, I'm not your guy.
I can't help you, I'm sorry.
Then...
Then why'd you come see me?
Matthew 25.
I figured that it couldn't hurt
that I came and visited you.
Why don't you pray on it?
Pray on helping me and
see what Papa tells you.
I will, indeed.
I'll also make a telephone
call to the courthouse
and have you appointed counsel
so you can get outta jail, okay?
All right, well,
good luck to you.
Oh, tell your wife that
baby Isaac is on the way.
I like him.
Mike, come look at
my newest painting.
Hey.
Hey.
Do you know what that
filled-in circle means?
No?
No, I have no idea.
I'm pregnant!
How do you know?
What does this tell you?
Did you go see a doctor?
I mean, have you...
I will, of course.
But I know I am; I can feel it.
After all these years of doctors
and exams and procedures
and giving up.
Oh, I love you.
Well, look who's here.
Have a seat.
So, how are you and your
wife this fine morning?
She's pregnant.
I told you Isaac
was on the way.
You think we're
gonna have a son?
Yes.
But there's a 50/50 chance
that I could've
guessed right anyway.
How'd you know
she was pregnant?
Oh, Papa told me.
It's a sign and a wonder.
Okay, you didn't
answer my question.
How did you know?
Well, it was in the dream,
the same one that sent
Muriel to fetch you.
I can tell you about
it if you wanna listen.
Please.
Well, it was like this.
In my dream, my truck broke
down at the side of the road
in front of your church
and a lawyer I know came
outta the sanctuary to help
and his wife was with him.
And she was laughing and she
was pointing at her stomach,
and it was obvious she
was pregnant.
Anyway, the lawyer went
to work on my truck
and he got whatever wrong
was fixed and then I went on.
That's it.
Who's the attorney?
Bryce Thomas.
Bryce has been
dead for almost a decade.
I mean, his wife's
gotta be like 90.
That's how I
knew that you and your wife
had had a long wait,
like Abraham and Sarah.
Those are hard seasons.
Anyhow, the lawyer
fixing my truck
told me that you were the
one supposed to help me
fix the mess that
I'm in right now
and get on down
the road of life.
Okay, but why?
Why Bryce Thomas?
I don't understand.
Bryce wasn't a
member of our church.
Because I knew him.
I used to cut his grass.
And that's what Papa uses
when he wants to talk to me.
He shows me somebody I know
to tell me about
somebody I don't know.
Okay, look, you know what?
I mean, dream or not,
I don't know if I'm
the right man for this.
I mean, maybe my job was
to help you find a lawyer.
Just keep praying.
Just keep praying.
Okay, well, what are you gonna
do while I just keep praying?
What, are you just gonna,
you just gonna sit in jail?
You're not giving
me much choice, are you?
Sign this.
'Cause I think he's gonna...
Hello.
Oh, hey honey, I think you
already know Mrs. Miller.
She was waiting to see
you when I stopped by.
- Hello again.
- Hello.
We were talking about you.
How'd your appointment go?
It was good.
Everything's fine.
I'm in perfect condition
for someone who's about
to have their first baby.
I thought we were gonna
wait to tell people.
Muriel already knew.
Her husband had
a dream about it.
It's an amazing thing.
Most amazing thing.
Yeah, I know, I just left the
jail; I heard all about it.
Look, Mrs. Miller, your
husband seems to be incapable
of understanding
that I am a minister.
I'm not a lawyer, all right?
The charges that have
been leveled against him
are very serious and he
needs a practicing attorney.
I'm really sorry, Mrs.
Miller, but I can't help you.
Excuse me.
Bobby Lambert
of Forrest and Lambert,
attorney at law,
leave me a message.
Hey Bobby, it's Mike.
Listen, I need you to
call Milton and everyone
and meet me at the church
tomorrow for a meeting.
If you have any questions,
just give me a call, all right?
I'll be up for a few more hours.
Bye.
Hey, Mike.
Gentlemen.
Hey counselor, good to see you
- Pastor.
- How are you?
So, Mike, why don't
you fill Milton in
on what you called
me about last night?
Well, there's
a fellow minister
that is in need of
legal assistance.
It has to do with a misunderstanding
of the church funds.
I'd like to represent
him pro bono.
How serious a
misunderstanding?
Well, it did result
in a criminal charge,
but the results just may
be a misunderstanding
about the bank.
Don't sugarcoat it, Mike.
It's a felony charge.
Felony?
Yeah, it was a felony charge.
$100,000 wound up in
the wrong bank account.
What's his name?
Sam Miller.
Miller?!
He's no
minister, he's a crackpot.
He's a lay preacher.
Mike, what's really going on?
Why do you wanna do this?
Look...
I believe that God
wants me to do this.
All I'm asking is
that you let me
try and help a fellow
man in need, that's it.
Okay, but only temporarily.
You have to find another
lawyer to take over.
And don't let this take away
from your duties here
at the church though.
If you don't have
enough to keep you busy,
we can discuss a modification
to your job
description and salary.
Thank you, Milton.
Bobby, I want you to
inform the other deacons.
Hey, thanks for
your help with Milton.
No problem.
You had my back in
court a time or two.
So, what's new with you?
Not much.
There it is.
Although Mr. Forrest,
he's been impossible to deal
with the last couple weeks.
Oh yeah?
Yeah.
I don't suppose I
can convince you
to put your name
back on the door?
Oh buddy,
the statute of limitations
has run its course on
that one, I'm afraid.
So, what's up with Mr. Forrest?
I don't know.
He's been huddled in meetings
and he dumped a bunch
of files on my desk.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
What kinda files?
Stuff he could do in
his sleep, you know?
You know, that's what
makes it so strange.
Hmm.
Nice.
Hey.
Hey.
What are you working on?
I'm just, I'm typing up a
motion to reduce Sam's bond
and get him outta jail.
That's good.
Muriel needs him.
Yeah, she does.
There was a house
Where all the people gathered
And for a day
They'd be together
then scatter
It was my home
And in the shadows
I was watching
As my friends and family
Sang their songs
throughout the morning
Hey bud.
Hey, how are you doing?
I'm good, I'm good.
Oh, I see there's a few
repeat customers here.
That's Vann Turner,
represented him a few times.
There's David.
Hi, David.
Mike, is that you?
Mr. Forrest, morning.
How you doin', kiddo?
I'm good, thank you.
You remember Jack
Hatcher from the bank?
- Mr. Hatcher.
- Hi.
So, what are you doing here?
Are you testifying as
a character witness?
No, actually...
I'm sorry, sir, I
forgot to tell you
that Mike is representing
Sam Miller pro bono.
Miller?
Why would you do that?
All rise!
The Honorable Judge
Coburg presiding.
Please be seated.
We'll take up criminal
matters first this morning.
Glad that you could
join us today, Ms. Hall.
My apologies, your honor.
When I am presiding, court
begins promptly at 9:00.
Is that a problem for you?
No, your honor.
Are you ready to proceed?
Yes, your honor.
State vs. Miller,
motion to reduce bond.
Mr. Andrews, will you be
representing Mr. Miller?
Yes, your honor.
Mr. Miller, please.
Papa and I say good morning.
Good morning.
Do me a favor: Leave
Papa outta this, okay?
Have a seat.
Proceed.
Your honor, this is
an embezzlement charge
with the bond set at $100,000.
Mr. Miller and his
wife own property
free and clear of $65,000.
We'd like to have the bond
amount reduced to that amount,
as Mr. Miller is
not a flight risk,
nor does he have any priors.
Are you going to present
evidence from the defendant?
Yes we will, your honor.
We call Sam Miller
to the witness stand.
Sam, just go on up to
this chair over here.
Yeah, right over here.
Do you swear to
tell the truth,
the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth?
Yep.
So help you God?
Amen.
I'm ready when you are.
Proceed.
What is your name?
Sam Miller.
Mr. Miller, can
you tell the court
a little bit about
your background?
What part?
Your work, sir.
Oh, I mow lawns and do
all kinds of landscaping.
As a matter of fact, I've cut
the judge's grass a few times
when she was out of town and
wasn't able to do it herself.
Mr. Miller, do you
have a criminal record?
No!
Your honor, permission
to approach the witness?
Granted.
Mr. Miller, do you and
your wife own this property?
Yes, free and clear.
Bible says carry no debt except
the continuing debt of love.
Mr. Miller, if you post bond,
will you stay in Barlow County
until the charges against
you have been resolved?
Unless Papa sends
me somewhere else.
Mr. Miller, will you be able
to make all of your
court appearances?
Yeah, if I know about 'em.
No further
questions, your honor.
Ms. Hall, do you
have any questions?
No, your honor.
I have a few questions.
Mr. Miller, when
was the last time
you traveled outta the county?
Well, I went fishing
up at Lake James
about a month before
they locked me up.
And if you do get out on bond,
will you have time
to plant your garden?
Well, Muriel's already
started the cold frame,
but I do need to transplant
my broccoli and my lettuce
and that cauliflower
you love so well.
What happened to your face?
Oh, this kid in jail,
he lost his temper
and went to swinging
and I didn't see it coming.
I think that's enough.
Motion granted.
I find that the
defendant's property
is sufficient collateral.
Thank you, your honor.
However, I would like
to see both attorneys
involved in this case
in my chambers at 4:30.
That's 4:25 for you.
Mike!
Hey, Mr. Forrest.
How are you, kid?
Good.
Mike...
You know, I don't
think it's wise for you
to be representing Mr. Miller.
No, it's just temporary
until he finds himself
another attorney.
Oh good, good.
Jack Hatcher is concerned
about this situation.
There's a lotta money involved.
I've seen the documentation;
it's embezzlement.
Well, if that's the case,
we'll just work
on a plea bargain.
Good, good.
You know, kid, we're all
very proud of your decision.
Just remember, as a minister,
your position in this community
is above the unpleasantness
of a criminal case.
Trust me, I'm just
looking out for you.
I appreciate your concern.
Oh, how's Peg?
Oh, she's wonderful.
Good.
We'll see ya, kid.
See ya.
On three separate occasions,
Mr. Miller has contacted me
with information about a case.
In each instance, he had
had some sort of dream.
What he had to pass along was
sometimes hard to interpret,
but in every instance
proved reliable.
Has he been in touch with you
about the charges against him?
No.
If that had happened, I would
already have recused myself.
If either of you think that
you would like to file a motion
removing me from this case, I
will give you time to do it.
Sam.
Come on, let's get you
home in time for supper.
Here you go.
Thank you ma'am.
- Honey.
- Thank you, sweetheart.
You're welcome.
Mmmm, oh that's delicious.
Do you think they'll
have sweet tea in Heaven?
Only in the Southern part.
Honey, you shoulda
seen him in court today.
He was as smooth as
your egg custard.
Thank you so much for
taking good care of him.
I was just too nervous to go.
Well, Judge Coburg
thinks very highly of him.
And she thinks very
highly of you too.
Oh, I wish everyone
felt the same way.
You know, my old boss, he
doesn't want me representing you.
- No?
- Mn-mm.
He was telling me that the
bank president, Jack Hatcher,
wants to see you go away
for quite some time.
Jack Hatcher.
Oh, is that the man
you wrote that letter to?
Letter?
What letter?
- Oh, Sam.
- What letter?
You have got to
tell your lawyer
everything he needs to know
so that he can represent you!
Well, it slipped my mind!
Oh, Sam.
I don't keep copies
of my letters now,
but I do probably have
some notes back there
that'll jog my memory.
I'll go look around and dig
and see if I can find it.
Excuse me.
About how long's it been
since Sam wrote that letter,
do you know?
It's about three, four months.
Does Sam know Jack Hatcher?
I don't think so,
but he writes a lotta letters
to people he don't know.
Really?
He writes to the president
several times a year.
- Really?
- Mm-hmm.
The president
ever write him back?
No, but the FBI did!
Here, I think this is
what you're looking for.
I think this'll, does that
make any sense to you at all?
No, not at all.
Does it make sense to you?
Well, yeah.
Let me see here.
I'll jot down some words
at night that'll remind me.
Now, let me see here.
Oh yeah, yeah I remember that.
Yeah, the dream took
place at nighttime.
There was a hatchet and
a box of finishing nails
and a baseball bat and a tree.
They were all standing
up, talking like men.
Behind 'em, I could
see Cahula Creek,
and the baseball bat man was
handing the man that I know
by the name of Larry Paisley
a string of glass beads.
They were pretty but worthless.
Now, in the margin here,
I wrote the verse that
I sent to Mr. Hatcher.
It's Ephesians 5:11-14.
What does that passage say?
That is deeds of darkness.
Yeah, read it for us.
I know my Bible.
Ephesians.
Ah, here we go.
"Have nothing to do with the
fruitless deeds of darkness,
"but rather expose them.
"It is shameful even to mention
"what the disobedient
do in secret."
"But everything exposed by
the light becomes visible."
That's it.
Hatcher was the hatchet.
That's right.
Okay, well, what else did
you write in the letter?
Something along the
lines of warning him
not to take advantage of Larry
because Larry was on the
wrong end of a land deal.
And how could you tell that?
Well, they were
meeting at night
and they were giving
him worthless beads
and it all fit in with
the deeds of darkness.
You understand what I mean?
Land deeds.
That's right.
You're gonna catch on quick.
Mmmm!
Hey.
Hey, Brax.
I saw you at the
courthouse this morning.
Oh, is that news?
Well, in this town it is.
You're not thinking about
giving up the pulpit, are you?
No, just trying
to help somebody
who's in a jam, that's all.
Thank you.
Ah, look at that.
Don't that smell good?
That's a livermush
sandwich with mustard.
Don't you wish you'd
ordered you one?
You wanna write a
compelling article,
you should write what that
does to your digestive tract.
Oh, no, no.
Sounds like you're
asking me to volunteer
for a colonoscopy or something.
I ain't gonna do that, no.
It's coming.
Now, let me ask you, have
you heard any dreams lately
that might be newsworthy?
No, I had no idea Mr. Miller
was so popular around here.
Yeah, he's been
writing those letters
to the newspapers now for years.
Most of those end up in the
little round file cabinet
I keep on the floor
over there, you know?
Why'd you throw 'em all away?
Well, I've thrown
'em all away but one.
Oh yeah?
Why'd that one make the cut?
Well, he wrote it to me.
I don't know how he did it.
That son of a gun found some way
to find out some
information about me
that nobody else knows.
Yeah, since then, I've had
kind of a soft spot for him.
I'm sorry to hear
he got in trouble
and I've been trying
to keep his name
off of the crime
blotter on the paper,
and now my editor wants me
to write a investigative
story about it.
And I'll be honest
with you, preacher,
my heart ain't in it;
I don't wanna do it.
You know what?
What's that?
You should write that piece.
Why?
Then you can investigate
what really happened.
Yeah.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, I like that.
You want a bite?
Tastes good.
I'm okay, thank you though.
That's good, y'all.
All three deacons are
waiting for us at the church.
Larry Fletchall's one of my
sons, so we should be okay.
I didn't know you had
family at that church.
I have 10 sons, including you.
Spiritual sons.
What's more
important about being a papa?
Had a dream about your
church last month.
Oh yeah?
Uh-huh, a dream
where you and I
were sitting in the sanctuary
and Bud Putnam came running in.
Bud, the fire chief?
Mm-hmm.
Building was on fire.
Usually in my dreams,
Papa uses fire for good,
but in this, I kept
looking at the fire
and I realized it
was not a good fire.
It was a fire from Hell.
What does that mean?
Fussin' and fightin'
in the church.
It didn't work for Cain and
Abel, it won't work today.
Jesus said that we
should love one another.
Yeah, well Sam,
we've got a unified
and growing congregation, so...
Just telling you what I saw.
All right.
Lord, we ask you
to come by here.
We know that you are Lord
and we know that you are the
one who makes judgements.
Yes.
So we won't judge anybody.
I ask you to put your arms
around Sam and his family.
We ask these things
in your name, amen.
Amen.
Larry Fletchall.
Hey, Mike Andrews, pleasure.
Glad to meet you.
Jesse, Bob, John,
it's good to see you.
Don't do that, Sam.
Now, we can't pretend
that nothing happened.
But I didn't do
anything wrong.
Hey everybody, why don't
we get started, okay?
Sam, please.
No notes.
We don't want you trying to
twist our words in court.
Okay.
We'll just get right into it.
What do you say?
So, how many accounts
does the church have?
Two.
We have a general account
and we have a building fund.
Is Sam authorized
to sign those checks?
No.
But when went to the bank,
the man showed us the
checks that Sam filled out
and put in his account.
Who'd you speak
with at the bank?
Curtis Dressler, bank manager.
Dressler.
How many checks were there?
What were the amounts?
Two, two checks.
One for $10,000 and
another for $90,000,
and these are all the
paperwork and receipts.
I can keep these?
Yeah.
Who's Jesse?
I am.
Hey Jesse, did
you sign the checks?
No, and don't you come
in here accusing me.
No ma'am, no.
I'm sorry, I just mean
do you sign checks
for another purpose?
No.
No.
And there were no bills to pay.
He forged my signature!
Oh, so Sam knew about
the building account?
Yes.
- He did?
- Yes.
Sam said he had a
dream five years ago
that there will
be a great harvest
and that we should build a
bigger barn to hold it all.
That's what Sam said.
Did your congregation grow?
No.
He did this to
get his hands on it.
He came in here like a
fortuneteller, fooled everybody.
I warned them, but nobody
wanted to listen to me.
And now he's trying
to make it look
like I did something wrong.
Listen, the truth'll come out.
It sure will.
God will see to that.
The truth'll come out, Sam.
Their testimonies
won't help us.
Larry was right.
Truth will come out in the end.
Yeah, well did he
mean here or in Heaven?
Very hard to
answer that question.
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Hey.
Hey.
I've been working on the
article about your client.
What'd you find out?
Well, that when I left
a message this morning
for Jack Hatcher, he
didn't call me back.
But...
Maxwell did.
- Forrest?
- Yeah, yep.
Called about 10 minutes
after I left a message
saying I wanted to
ask a few questions
about the Miller
embezzlement case.
Well, how'd he respond?
You wanna hear it?
You recorded it?
Yeah, buddy, it's
all right there.
Did you tell him
you recorded it.
I told somebody.
Well, I think you're doing
the community a service.
Oh, let's hope so.
I appreciate that.
Let me ask you, did
anyone at the bank
receive any
correspondence from Miller
prior to the filing of
the embezzlement charges?
I'd have to check
with Mr. Hatcher about that.
Uh-huh, could
you do that and let me know?
Mr. Hatcher gets
a lot of correspondence.
Well, folks who get a letter
from Sam Miller
usually remember it.
Mr. Forrest, are you there?
Yes.
Does Mr. Miller claim that he
wrote a letter to Mr. Hatcher?
I haven't talked to him.
Mr. Forrest, you still there?
Yes.
You know, embezzling
money from a local church
is a serious charge.
When should I expect
to hear back from you?
In due time.
Goodbye.
Let me know when he
calls you back, okay?
Okie-doke, I'll
record every word.
Thanks.
Hey, how's it going?
Good, how you doin', man?
All right.
Listen, you found somebody else
to represent Sam Miller yet?
Not yet, no.
Well, you should know
that it's getting harder
to hold Milton back.
Hmm.
All right, well, thanks for
the heads-up; I appreciate it.
- Yeah man.
- All right.
Wow.
Wow.
I love mountaintops.
They're places of perspective.
You know, this is
where I was standing
when I decided to
become a pastor.
I heard it clear as a bell:
"For God so loved the world..."
And then I knew.
Then I knew I had to help
all those people down there.
I've put you through a
lot the past six years.
A few of those times I
kicked and screamed out loud
and I did it a lot
more on the inside.
I was gonna leave
you last November.
I talked to Madeline
Frick about a divorce.
I even signed the
divorce papers.
Was there someone else?
No.
Well, then why'd you stay?
The morning that I was
supposed to meet with Madeline,
this came in the mail.
It said exactly
what I was feeling
and why I was making a mistake.
It wasn't signed and I never
knew who it was from until...
Sam Miller.
I asked him if he
wrote it and he said yes,
but only Papa knew
if we'd ever meet.
I'm sorry.
Yeah, me too.
I'm glad you stayed.
I know you
don't under the choices
your husband's making and how
that makes you feel alone,
but Papa says these
storms will pass
and he'll be your
shelter from the rain.
Trust him and don't lose heart.
In the end, Papa's gonna
use all this for His good.
He always does.
Preacher!
Hey, good morning.
Hop in if you would, I got
a couple questions for you.
Good morning.
Good morning.
Let me ask you,
how much do you know
about the Cahula
Creek Watershed?
I know that it's a great
place to go trout fishing
on Thursdays when Game and
State stock it on Wednesdays.
Yeah, I know that too,
but I mean like who owns it?
I don't know.
It's state, private,
utility companies; why?
Well, all that's
fixing to change.
State Legislature's
about to open up
that whole area down there
to private companies.
They wanna create a
big deep water lake
and build a big residential
development up there.
- Really?
- Mmm.
Well, that'd be
the biggest thing
to hit this county in decades.
Yes it would, and there would
be a lotta money to be made
if you were in the right
place at the right time,
if you know what I mean.
Yeah.
Who are the local contacts?
Have you seen the house
Jack Hatcher's building?
You think Hatcher's
getting a cut?
Mmm.
How do you know this?
Through the help of
a former bank employee
that now works with us down
at the paper in accounting.
What, he told you?
Well no, not exactly.
He brought his own
personal laptop in
to get him started up there
until we could get
him up and running
and I may or may not have copied
some information off of it
this morning when he
went to the bathroom.
Braxton, that's not nice.
It's all on there for you.
So, who is this new employee?
It's Curtis Dressler.
Dressler.
Wait, Dressler's the bank rep
that spoke to the
deacons at Craig Valley.
Why'd he leave the bank?
Not real sure on that,
but I do know it wasn't
a friendly departure.
He needed a job very quickly
with health insurance.
His wife has got
cancer very badly.
Take a look at this memo
here from Dressler to Hatcher
on the deacons meeting.
What do you see down
there at the bottom?
"This will take care
of the Miller problem
"once and for all."
Evidently, Sam wrote one of
his crazy letters to Hatcher
and made him think he thought
something was a little shady
with that acquisition at Cahula.
And Hatcher got
Dressler to frame Sam
with the embezzlement charges
so anything the old
man would ever say,
especially about the bank,
would be totally discredited.
It looks like I need to have
a conversation
with Mr. Dressler.
Well, you can find
him every evening
at the hospital with his wife.
All right.
Great, good work,
thanks Braxton.
All right, stay in touch.
Will do.
Horseshoe Bottoms.
Craig Valley?
Hello?
Hello?
Hi.
Hi!
Apples from our orchard.
Thank you.
Sam says Mike is pregnant too.
What he means is
that God has planted
something new and
exciting inside Mike too,
and I am here to help
you deal with it.
Now, eat up.
Now, just let me
do the talking, okay?
He's not in there.
I think we should wait
until he gets back.
No, wait.
Wait, wait, where
you goin', Sam?
Sam.
Marie.
Papa sent me to visit you.
Hey, Sam, what are you doing?
What are you doing?
I'm sorry, I'm
Reverend Mike Andrews.
Oh, thanks.
We haven't been going to church.
We don't have a pastor.
This is the first time
she's been at peace in days.
Mr. Dressler, I need to
ask you a few questions.
No!
We just came here to pray.
Sir, if you need anything,
don't hesitate to call.
Hey, where we goin'?
We came to see her.
Now Papa says it's time to go.
And when he says it's
time to go, we go.
Okay.
Sam.
Hey, Sam.
Look, we're not gonna get
another chance to talk to this...
Nope, time to go.
And love is love
When will I know
If the battle's won
Take it easy, Bobby.
If winter did come
Would I be left in the cold
Though my heart's on fire
Can it warm my body and soul
Through passing time
I tried to fill in the cracks
If winter did come
Would I be left in the cold
Mike Andrews.
So, I've been
going over the case
and you and I both know
that the bank records alone
are enough to convict Mr. Miller
of the embezzlement statute.
I'm willing to make an offer.
All right, I'm listening.
Since the bank
recovered the money
and put it all back in
the church's account,
I can offer six months probation
on the lesser included
misdemeanor, no fine.
Really, no fine?
No fine.
All right,
well I'll run it by him.
You have 10 days.
After that, we're
going to trial.
Do people do that?
Do what?
Plead guilty even though they
haven't done anything wrong.
Well, sometimes it's
easier to take a plea
than to risk a harsh sentence.
Sam, you have to
think of Muriel.
I just can't see the Apostles
telling lies to get outta jail.
Okay.
Well, why don't
you pray about it?
See what Papa has to say.
Gentlemen, this is it.
Like I was telling you, it's
a beautiful piece of land.
The only addition we would
have to make is the day spa,
and the great thing
is we have a walkway
right over here
to the first tee.
Forrest!
Whoa, you've come a long
way to find me.
Hello, Mike.
Hey, Mr. Hatcher, how are you?
Hi.
So, what brings you gentlemen
this far out in the woods?
Well, these gentlemen
are friends of ours.
Oh.
Are you real estate developers?
Mike, could we have a chat?
Excuse us.
Sure.
So, where are you going
with this cross-examination?
Oh, I don't know,
you stopped me.
Don't play that game.
Why do you care if they're
looking at this land?
Well, sir, I happen
to like this land.
I think it'd be a shame if they
knocked down all these trees
and they put up condos.
You're not gonna leave
this alone, are you?
No.
Good day.
Braxton.
Yeah, yeah okay.
Yeah sure, I'm leaving now.
Hey, thanks for the call.
I'm sorry to hear
about his wife.
Yeah, I know.
That's tough; he's
hurtin', I'm sure.
Look, if you wanna talk to him,
this is gonna be probably
your last chance.
He resigned his position
and is moving back
to North Alabama.
Does he know why I'm here?
No, no.
All right, that's
it right there.
See that room?
I don't envy you
buddy, but good luck.
So, it's good
to see you again.
Thanks for coming
to the hospital.
It meant a lot.
I'm glad we could be there.
I am truly sorry
about your wife.
Your prayers helped.
Please tell the man
who came with you
how much I appreciated him too.
Well, that man is Sam Miller.
The man who embezzled
from the church?
Did he?
I'm representing Sam against
the criminal charges.
So you're a lawyer.
That's why you really
came to see me.
Originally, yes.
Until Sam realized that
God had other plans.
All I have are suspicions.
But if you're looking
for hard evidence
of improper activity
at the bank,
I'm not the person
to give it to you.
So there is evidence?
But like I said,
I'm not the person.
That's a subpoena.
You don't wanna do that.
Yes I do.
Hearing God's voice
is the birthright
of every true believer.
In Samuel 1, the Bible said
that the Lord was with Samuel.
As Samuel grew up,
Lord was with him
and he let none of his
words fall to the ground.
And all of Israel
from Dan to Beersheba
knew that Samuel was a
trustworthy prophet of the Lord
and the Lord continued
to appear at Shiloh,
for the Lord revealed
himself to Samuel at Shiloh
by the word of the Lord.
Let us all be a little
bit more like Samuel.
Oh, I was just
gonna come see you.
Tell the judge I'll be
there in five minutes.
So, my client
turned down the deal.
Here's a motion requiring you
to file your
investigative report.
If you'd do me a favor
and do this quickly,
I wanna have this
resolved as soon as...
The indictment's
been dismissed.
Really?
Wait, they're
dropping all charges?
I still believe we
could get a conviction,
but the bank doesn't
wanna prosecute.
Well that's great news.
Tell Mr. Miller to stick
to growing vegetables
and cutting grass.
I'll do that.
That's good advice.
Peg, good news!
Yeah, what is it?
It was over before it began.
It was strange, all
charges were dropped.
Sam is in the clear.
Are those good tears?
I'm just so relieved for
the Millers and for you.
Me too.
I love pie.
And look, everybody
almost ate all their greens.
But you gotta share it with her.
- Yes.
- You're gonna eat it all?
Eaten so
much chocolate syrup...
Sam, you didn't
eat your collards.
I made it for you.
My stomach hurts
like the very devil.
Oh, Sam.
I'll get you some
apple cider vinegar.
I feel like there's
a python snake
wrapped around my middle.
Sam, maybe you should
just go lay down.
Mike, you should
take him to the ER.
No, no, no!
This is spiritual.
They're trying to kill me.
He doesn't like the doctor.
You'll be all right.
Excuse me.
Hey Bobby, what's up?
Mike, Mike,
the church is on fire!
What?
Get there as fast
as you can, I'm on my way.
Yeah, I'm going now.
Church is on fire.
That's it!
I'm going with you!
No, Sam.
Sam!
Sam, be careful!
Hi, can I help you?
We'd like to speak
with Reverend Andrews.
We identified an
accelerant pattern
that ran from the front door
partway down the main aisle.
The burn patterns
were very distinct.
We also found a empty
gas can in the bushes
behind the sanctuary with the
name Miller Lawn Care on it.
Do you know where Mr.
Miller was last night
before the fire began?
He was with me.
For the whole evening?
Yeah.
What were you doing?
Where did you go?
We were at Sam's for dinner
until Mike got the
call about the fire.
Are you accusing my husband
of having something
to do with this?
Our job is to conduct
a thorough investigation.
What can you tell me
about that gas can?
I think it's time for
you gentlemen to go.
Thank you for coming,
appreciate it.
We'll show ourselves out.
Please.
If you decide it's in your
best interest to cooperate,
my number's on the
back of that card.
Great.
Ma'am.
Thank you.
I gotta call Sam and warn him.
Hey Muriel, where's Sam?
It's too late.
They already took him!
What'd they take him to jail?
Yes.
Okay, I'm on my way.
Please hurry, Mike.
They took Sam to jail.
Did you talk to the police?
What'd you tell 'em?
Told 'em everything
they wanted to know.
They really perked
up when I told 'em
about the dream of the
church burning down.
Look, Sam...
these people are gonna take
everything that you say,
everything that you say,
they're gonna take it and
they are gonna twist it around
and they're gonna
make it sound like
you wanted to burn
the church down.
But I didn't do
anything wrong!
I know, I know.
Look, they also found a gas can
with your company name on it
near the scene of the fire.
What do you know about this?
I've been missing a
can for a couple of days.
I thought I left it
on a job in town.
Reverend Andrews.
What?
I need to see you when
you're finished here.
Really, I mean, can this wait?
I have a warrant for your
arrest for first degree arson.
What?
There were fingerprints
on the gas can
that belonged to Sam.
Detective Perkins told the chief
that the person who
called in the fire
said they saw you and Sam
leaving the church
parking lot together.
What?
Well, who made the call?
It was a 9-1-1 call.
I see.
Thank you.
Why'd you have to send
Jack Hatcher that letter?
I told you, you're
here for a reason.
Look, Mike, if you want
to be a spiritual man,
you've got to obey
no matter what.
Papa put you right
here for a reason.
Papa, thank you for
this food and
please, use us for
good in this place.
Amen.
I think you're supposed to pray
after you eat in here, Sam.
Hey, Mr. Andrews.
Hey, David.
Me and the boys were over here
and we couldn't help but
notice that you were praying
and was kinda wondering
if y'all wouldn't mind
praying for us too maybe.
He can.
Yeah?
Yeah, actually.
Yeah, of course, of course.
Please come join us.
Fellas, please.
Thanks.
Wow, that was great.
Most of the lost sheep are
still in the field.
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on
that beautiful shore
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on
that beautiful shore
I had a dream, don't
wanna forget it.
Did it have anything to do
with us getting
out of jail, hmm?
No.
I saw Cal Nichols'
grandson riding in a jeep
headed for a steep dropoff.
Somebody's gotta warn...
Sam!
Not now.
I just had a dream.
Well, write it down quick
before it disappears like
the fog on a summer morning!
No, no, no, no, I'll
remember this one.
You know Carrington's One Stop?
It's that little store right
down the road from my church?
Oh yeah, that place that's got
that great big jar of
pickled eggs on the counter.
Muriel won't let me eat anymore.
In my dream, I saw an eagle
sitting on top of the One Stop
and the eagle saw wisps of smoke
coming from the
direction of the church,
and then it just took off.
I love an eagle in my dreams.
That's a very high
level of revelation.
Revelation of what?
Well, I don't know.
If I were you, I'd go out to
that store and try to find out.
I know that
inside these walls,
everything can feel
hopeless, all right?
Everything can feel dark.
But I'm gonna make
you guys a promise.
I promise you that
all of you guys
can turn your life around.
All you gotta do is
let Jesus do the work.
It is that simple.
Your bail has been posted.
And Sam's too?
No, just yours.
I'll get you outta here, okay?
Be sure and go by that store.
I'll see you guys again.
Y'all can believe him.
Everything he says is true.
Hey man.
Hey.
You holding up?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Does Mr. Forrest know
that you bailed me out?
No, and he'll
fire me if he ever finds out.
Look, you may be
hardheaded, Mike,
but you love that church;
you'd never burn it down.
However...
The church has terminated
you, effective immediately.
And the truth is, when
you took the Miller case,
your days were numbered.
I'm sorry, man.
Evening.
Evening.
So, how'd you hear about
me getting outta jail?
There's a deputy that
loves donuts with white icing
and colored sprinkles and
I keep him well-supplied.
Well, if you're
looking to write a story
about how I got arrested,
you've come to the wrong place.
No, no, no, I've been
investigating the fire, son.
I come to tell you
what I found out.
Ms. Andrews, I'm serious.
No notebook, no tape
recorder; I'm clean, nothing.
Invite him in.
You ain't gonna believe this.
I can't wait.
An anonymous 9-1-1 phone
call came in about 6:54
about four nights
ago about the fire
and the caller said
that they saw two men
leaving the property there
in a truck marked
Miller's Lawn Care.
No, that's a lie.
I know it, I know it is.
Muriel told me y'all was
over to her house there.
And I when I knew that, I heard
that, I knew it was a setup.
I guess when the embezzlement
charges on Sam were dropped,
then they had to come
up with a plan B,
and unfortunately
it includes you.
Why would somebody
be out to get Mike?
Well, he did too good a job
of representing Sam, I guess,
and they think that he
knows what Sam knows.
Did Sam send him a letter?
Yeah.
I spoke with the girl down
there at 9-1-1 switchboard
and she said that
the call came in
from a payphone about
a mile from the church.
I didn't even think we had
any payphones left
in this county.
Yeah, there's a couple,
and I just happen to know
where one of those is.
Is Mr. Carrington in?
Thanks.
Aha.
The eagle.
Excuse me, do you know
if these cameras work?
Thank you.
Hey, Mike!
Bob, how are you?
I'm doing great, man.
I sure was sorry to
hear about your church.
Yeah, thank you,
I appreciate that.
Hey listen, I got
a question for you.
Yeah, sure.
How long do you
keep the information
recorded in these cameras?
Surveillance cameras?
Yeah.
They run, every week it's
a loop and then it erases.
Why?
Well, they charged
me with arson.
You're kidding!
No, I wish I was.
And the person who made the
phone call reporting the fire
made it from your payphone.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Hey Bob, I have to
see those tapes.
That's Vann Turner.
You know, you're right.
That rascal comes in here every
now and then, buys a beer,
takes the bottle out to the
parking lot and breaks it.
I've had to toss him
out a couple times.
5:53.
That's too early.
Maybe not.
This doesn't adjust for
Daylight Savings Time.
It's off an hour.
Can you save this recording?
That's beyond me.
I don't know how to do it,
but I could probably
call the security company
and see if they could.
But you know this is set
to erase automatically
tonight at midnight.
Bob, do me a favor,
can you find that number?
You got it.
Thanks.
Hello?
Hello?
Oh, hey, Vann.
Vann.
It ain't loaded.
Convicted felon like
me can't carry a gun.
It's more for show.
Look, I know you're the one
that made that 9-1-1
call that night.
Have a seat.
And about that call,
that weren't me.
So?
Ain't nothin' wrong with
calling to report a fire.
Besides, I saw that crazy
ol' man who cuts grass
drive off in his truck.
Oh now, you see, that's a lie,
'cause he was with
me the entire evening
and I got two credible
witnesses to back that up.
Get.
I said get!
Look, I know you
burned down that church
and I'm trying to help you.
Ain't nobody
got nothin' on me.
How much'd they give you, huh?
How much you sell your soul for?
$5,000?
$10,000?
You burned down my church?
You know the truth's
gonna come out, don't you?
And if you're not the
first one talking,
you're gonna go down
all by yourself.
Who do you think they
wanna go after, huh?
A bank president or you?
I...
I ain't talkin'
unless I get a deal.
I can make a call.
Jack Hatcher on line one.
He says it's urgent.
- Jack.
- We need to talk, now.
I can't represent you.
What are you
talking about, Forrest?
I got people asking
me questions about...
I gotta hire outside
counsel myself.
Counsel?
Wait, what are
you talking about?
Mr. Hatcher, we have a
warrant for your arrest.
You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say can...
Papa, please take care of
Muriel while I'm in here.
If it be your will, please
let me out as soon as you can.
I've got other
things I have to do.
Thank you, Papa.
Amen.
Papa.
Who says prayer doesn't work?
Thank you.
You're a good lawyer,
Mike, and a good man.
Come on, let's get outta here.
Yeah.
Papa sure knew what he was doing
when he told me to
ask you for help.
What's next for you?
That's a good question.
I don't know.
I mean, I love this town,
I love this community
and I wanna help the people
in it, but I have no idea.
Well, you don't have to be
a preacher to do that.
I guess not.
No human heart can
contain Papa's love.
It always spills out.
Are you ready?
To start over?
Yeah.
Absolutely.
So, I've been
thinking about names.
Oh yeah?
What do you think
about the name Isaac?
Uh...
Do you not like it?
No, no, I love it.
Me too.
Yeah, hold on, I just gotta
grab something off my desk.
I'll be just a second.
Hi, Bobby.
- Good morning.
- Morning.
It's time.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, yeah, okay.
Hey, it's time!
Time, it's time?!
Yep, it's happening, gotta go.
Good luck!
Hi.
Hi, which one is he?
He's right there.
Oh Mike, he is beautiful.
He looks just like you.
How's Peg?
She's doing great,
she's doing great.
She's resting.
I'll be quiet, but
I'm gonna go see her.
Okay.
So, what do you
think we named him?
Isaac.
Well, you'd be half right.
Samuel Isaac Andrews.
Yep.
That'll work.
I wrote something
about the little fella
in my notebook last night.
I'll show it to you later.
For God so loved the world
that He gave His
one and only son
that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish
but shall have eternal life,
for God did not send
His son into the world
to condemn the world but to
save the world through Him.
Amen.
Oh be kind
To the beggar
that's inside of you
And the fiend that
you are hiding too
Oh be kind
Feed the poor
And lonesome man
in your own soul
Love until he's
been made whole
Feed the poor
Be at peace
With the enemy
in your own home
Neither you nor
he can throw a stone
So be at peace
Oh be good
To the criminal
you locked away
That sinful man
you learned to hate
Oh be good
When I'm broken to pieces
You make me whole
Through every season
You're mending my soul
When I'm broken to pieces
You make me whole
Through every season
You're mending my soul
Suffer long
When you are your own prodigal
For where your home is
there your heart is full
So suffer long
And be gentle
With the splinters
in your mind