Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Road Less Traveled (2018) Movie Script
Becca! Strike a pose.
How many left?
Plenty!
Let's get one together!
Hey! Love this song!
Excuse me.
Have you seen a little boy?
He's seven.
He has a backpack.
Sorry. Kid-free zone tonight.
What did I say
about running off?
I want bertie!
My daddy gave him to me.
I want my daddy.
Now, you run off one more time,
and you and I
are going to have a problem.
Sit right here and wait for me.
Do not move.
I was told you might
have a room available.
Okay.
Perhaps a little more
sodium metabisulfite?
We need something to sustain
the reaction indefinitely.
Oh! Uh, potassium iodate?
I tried that.
Oh! Wait.
Mm-hmm.
Ahh...
Hazel says that, uh,
terminal annex
just dropped off
a new shipment of...
Fire in the hole!
We're fine! Everything's okay.
Again.
Good to know!
Again.
You know, maybe this
is a good time to go
see Hazel.
Yeah.
Eww!
This one has a hole it in!
A million postcards in Hawaii,
and people mail those.
Oh! Hold on.
Oh, that reminds me,
where are you and Norman
going on your honeymoon?
Oh, well, my parents gave us
their star cruiser,
so we'll probably take that
somewhere fun,
but there's just so much more
to do first.
What's a star cruiser?
It's sorta like a winnebago.
How far
have you gotten on the list?
"The list"?
What list?
There's a hundred things to do?
Of course not.
There are thousands.
Those are just
the first hundred.
Thank you, Hazel.
As usual,
you've been nothing but helpful.
Have a great day! Rita?
It's okay. This way.
This way.
I can't believe this!
There's even
a list of wedding lists.
And according to this,
I'm already five weeks behind.
You just got engaged
four weeks ago.
Good morning, ladies.
Morning.
What happened now?
Uh, well, we experienced
a minor chemical misfortune.
A little too much
potassium chlorate
in Norman's
"rapid recovery" mixture.
What's that?
A new and improved
"revelation solution
for the particularly illegible
and indecipherable."
I see we've begun
our wedding plans already, hmm?
Oliver! Uh...
Why don't you take
a look at this old camera?
Well.
Is that...
Coconut?
Ignore that.
Uh, well, the housing
is cardboard
and not plastic,
suggesting an earlier model.
Uh...
The coconut damage
has erased the expiration date,
but there is a partial address.
Uh, j-a...
"M" -something...
"K"... next word is illegible.
What are you doing back there?
Nothing.
Last word ending in "...I-t-y."
Uh..."city"?
Oh, there are
seven towns in Colorado
with the word "city" in it.
Unfortunately,
the remaining information
has been washed off
by the, uh, coconut milk.
Hmm.
What is an old camera
doing in last week's
"unattached items" box?
Norman?
It's time to come in now.
Roger that!
Perhaps I can lift
a remnant of ink
with our new solution.
I had no idea you were
such a chemistry buff.
Oh, yes!
In fact, when I was 10,
I begged my father
for a chemistry set
but he felt
I was spending too much time
on indoor pursuits already,
so he signed me up
for little league instead.
How long did that last?
Three days.
Too much dirt?
Here I am!
What do ya got for me?
Whoa...
I haven't seen a camera
like this
since my cousin Bartholomew's
bar mitzvah,
when I was 12.
You know, Rita,
providing these cameras
to your wedding guests
might be a wonderful way for you
to capture moments
you might not
otherwise get to see.
I guess, but everybody
has cell phones nowadays.
Well... not everybody.
Ahem. Ms. Mcinerney,
in our world of
instant gratification
and countless re-dos,
there is something
truly satisfying
about not being able
to hit "delete"
in favor of another photo
with better lighting
or a more perfect smile.
And sometimes...
It's the imperfections in life
that make something... perfect.
Hmm.
Well...
You
still have something
on your face.
Now, shall I wipe it off,
or shall I just
leave you "perfect"?
Trust me.
Looks like a soluble felt tip
blue marker.
Handwriting is shaky...
Indicating possible
hand tremors.
The penmanship suggests
we're looking at someone
either really old
or really young.
Well, maybe they were
really young when they took it,
but now they're really old?
Whoever it was
used the whole roll.
Can film that old
still be developed?
The picture quality
won't be very good,
but there's a chance
we'll get something.
Then you must
at least try, Norman.
Ms. Mcinerney,
you and Rita try and track down
the make and model
of the camera.
Let's find out how old
these photographs really are.
So, the roll
was seriously coconut-ized,
and the first 15 or so
are fried,
but I've got this one.
Oh, yes!
The 35-millimeter "fun shoot".
From the sling? Really?
Yes! Thank you.
That's very helpful.
So the disposable "sling"
was changed to the "fun shoot"
in 1989.
Mm! Well, according to this,
they stopped using
cardboard housing
on disposable cameras
around 2003,
which makes this at least...
What have you got?
Uh, big hair...
And big hair.
I'll say!
Please, take a look.
Maybe you'll be able
to find something
other than hair.
And take your time.
Norman is going to be a while.
Okay.
Uh, in that case,
is it okay if I take
Rita for coffee?
She's pretty stressed out
about the wedding plans.
Didn't they just choose a date?
Yes, and now she's way behind.
Anything new to go on, Norman?
Oh. Uh, well...
I tried developing these
a few times,
but that's the best I could do.
The first one looks like
it was taken from a moving car,
and the next one does, too.
Well, that's a... A road sign.
But what is this?
Uh, it looks like, um...
Melons?
In the sky?
Well, sometimes,
an image can get
superimposed on another
if the camera
isn't wound properly.
Ahh. Huh!
Do you see what I mean?
"Order the flowers."
I can do that.
"Hire the minister."
What about Norman's grandmother?
She's very spiritual.
"Order the invitations
and hire a calligrapher"?
Have you seen
Oliver's penmanship?
"Secure a venue."
I don't have a venue!
I have your venue!
What?
Ramon's new restaurant.
Think about it!
Uh, the cake, the catering,
the band... he can take
care of all of that.
- It's perfect!
- Huh.
Now all you need
is the perfect man,
which of course,
you already have.
Well, it seems as if
our photographer
went from taking portraits
to landscapes to...
Food.
Yeah, but nothing to identify
a specific location or person,
except for this woman.
The lower angle
is consistent
with the other images.
Taken by someone shorter?
A child, perhaps?
Except that the first ones,
of all the hair,
were taken by a tall person.
Then we have at least
two photographers.
An adult, and then,
later, maybe...
Oliver.
Mm?
Look.
I just can't get over that hair.
And those clothes!
Oh! Oliver!
We think we know
where these were taken.
There's a banner that reads...
Something "...the '80s."
We're thinking "end of the '80s"
or "farewell to the '80s."
And probably at a hotel,
because there's a podium
way in the back
and you can just
make out the letters
"u-e-b-I-o."
"Pueblo."
So we think
it's a new year's party
in pueblo, Colorado in 1989.
"Find me, daddy.
"We're in gray car.
I want to go...
Home."
Oh...
"I want to go home."
This is so sad!
Look at that little backpack.
Looks like
he's propped his little notebook
up against something blue.
Post office blue!
Like my wedding colors.
Or like a mailbox!
Could be, and that looks
like some kind of log?
This feels so urgent,
even though it happened
30 years ago.
Well, there is
no expiration date
on the truth.
Someone might still be
looking for their father,
or a father for his son.
I'm gonna filter for
parental abductions
using "j-a-".
Jack or James "m"?
Oh, Rita, what were the names
of the towns ending in "city"?
Canon, central,
commerce, garden, lake,
orchard, and sugar city.
Norman, Rita,
will you check
for places in pueblo
that have banquet rooms?
And if so, how many of them
have records dating
back to the '80s, hmm?
I'm gonna call Dale
at the state division
of investigations.
Perhaps the old child abduction
resources
are better at the state level.
Yes? Uh, thank you.
Yeah.
Without sufficient
descriptive information
of the child or captor,
and confirmation
of when an abduction took place,
their hands are tied.
Amber alerts didn't
begin until 1996,
so I'm trying to access
earlier records
from the national center
for missing
and exploited children.
Oh, so just
small conference rooms,
and no ballroom.
Well, thank you for your time.
Oh, hi, Sylvia.
We're trying to locate
the organizers of a party
that may have happened
at your hotel back in the '80s.
We're wondering how far back
your records go?
No, it was a party in the '80s,
not an
'80s party.
Wait! When did you say that was?
And was everybody dressed up,
like, like, Madonna
and "flash dance"?
Oh, yes. All the big hair.
Yes! And was there
'80s stuff everywhere?
Like, uh, rubik's cubes
and, well, disposable cameras?
Oh, yes. Leg warmers...
Was there a sign that read...
"Memories of the '80s"?
"Memories of the '80s"?
Great! Thank you, Sylvia!
You're welcome.
You guys...
I think our child went missing
three weeks ago.
Three weeks ago?
Yeah, so, the banquet room at
the hotel mesa pueblo
was booked a month ago
by the pueblo north high school
class reunion, 1988.
That explains
the vintage camera.
So our child is still a child.
And this camera
is now our top priority.
I'm gonna change
the search parameters
for a recent abduction.
We need to identify these women.
Rita, take a photo of the photo,
email it to Sylvia.
Maybe she'll recognize
one of them.
Okay.
All I see is hair
and more big hair.
This is about
more than one photograph,
and it's certainly
about more than just...
Hair.
We...
Are going to pueblo.
And...
We'll need
some sort of a... uh...
Mobile command unit, hmm?
Uh, Norman, Rita!
May we engage
your recreational vehicle?
Hmm?
Well, uh...
We haven't exactly...
What a great idea!
It'll be like
a practice honeymoon,
only better,
because we'll all be together.
Oh, Rita...
I do love you.
Aww!
Norman?
You are marrying
a wonderful woman.
Thank you.
Have I mentioned
that I don't know
how to drive that thing?
It's quite striking.
Extraordinary, really.
And big.
Just think of all the places
this venerable vehicle
has traveled.
Do I have to?
My parents put
200,000 miles on it!
Well, then, let's make sure
the next 200 miles
count, shall we?
Mm-hmm!
Well...
Despite the gravity
of our mission,
it will be fun to get her
out on the open road
and see what she can do.
Ooh, well, hey, why
don't you go first?
My treat.
Ah.
You see, Norman,
it's really not that difficult.
You just have to make friends
with every little noise
and rattle in the chassis,
if you want to learn what
she likes and what she doesn't.
Okay.
The thing to remember
is always pay attention...
How's it coming?
Oh! Well, for the cake,
we both like chocolate,
so that should be easy,
and Ramon can pick the music.
What about the invitations?
Well, it says here,
"always leave room
for a bit of whimsy
in your wedding."
So I'm thinking invitations
in the shape of owls
that say "guess who's
getting married"?
Very whimsical, very you.
And then, for our colors,
we'll just stay postal.
Red, white, blue?
Right!
Okay.
Just have to keep a good balance
between looking behind
and looking forward.
Got it.
And most importantly,
you have to treat her
with respect...
Don't push her too hard,
or she might, uh,
she might break down.
Well, we don't want that.
No. Before too long,
with Patience and determination,
you start...
You start to become one.
Excuse me.
We have been talking about
the star cruiser, right?
I just thought
you'd like to know,
that once we get to pueblo,
the hotel exit is 43.
Then you turn right,
go 4.2 miles,
and, well, that
should be coming up
in about 10 minutes.
Oh, thank you, Ms. Mcinerney.
Mm. My pleasure, Mr. O'Toole.
I know you like to keep things
professional,
but we're out of the office now,
so it's okay to call me Shane.
Uh, we are out of the office,
but we are in the mobile unit.
A, uh... fine
distinction, perhaps,
but...
I knew you'd say that.
Oh.
You did?
Uh-huh.
I just like hearing you say it,
because I know you, Mr. O'Toole.
Oh, look! Exit 41.
So close.
Oh.
Oh.
Oh, your phone dinged.
Oh. Thank you.
Who's Alex Brighton?
Oh, I'm sorry,
I didn't mean to read it.
I just looked down and...
It's okay. It's not important.
It seems like he really
wants to talk to you.
I've been getting a lot
of wrong numbers recently.
Oh.
Well, everyone,
welcome to mesa pueblo.
Good afternoon.
Hi. Checking in?
Do you have a reservation?
Uh, no. And no.
Bless you.
Thanks.
We're all sold out tonight,
unfortunately.
Wildflower convention,
happens every year.
Oh, I understand.
We just have a question.
Bless you.
We're here from the united
states postal service.
We're here to see
Sylvia pellson.
She's in catering,
and she's expecting us.
Hey, Sylvia? Hi.
I have a bunch of people here
saying they're from
the post office?
Says you're expecting them?
Sure. Okay.
She'll be right with you.
Thank you.
Bless you.
Flower allergy?
Hang in there.
Rita? What about some of
these flowers for your wedding?
Ooh, those are beautiful!
Oh! And prickly!
Mm.
Are you the folks
from the post office?
Yes, we are.
Hi. I'm Sylvia.
How can I help you?
Uh, we were hoping
that you might recognize
the women in these photos.
Oh, ho! Wow.
Joanne and Becca
are gonna love these!
They sure went all out.
You know them?
Sure do.
They're our accountants
down on fourth street.
They do our audits.
Do either of them have a child?
How old?
Uh, we're estimating
anywhere between
5 and 10 years old.
Well, they have kids,
but they're all in high school.
Well, if joanne and Becca
took pictures
with the same camera
as our child,
then they must've crossed paths
somehow, right?
How might we find them?
There weren't
any children there.
Not that I saw, anyway.
I didn't see any.
Wow, my hair was big.
Were there a lot of disposable
cameras or just the one?
Just one. It was part of
a display of a bunch
of '80s stuff.
I mean, we just
started playing with it.
Those things are fun to click.
I miss clicking.
I see.
I mean, nowadays,
you've got to press,
and slide and press,
and if you want video...
Wait a minute.
My husband was recording
that night!
Jeremy!
I haven't watched this yet,
so I'm not really
sure what's on it.
Hopefully nothing
too embarrassing.
Yeah. It was quite a night.
Yo! Class of '88!
'88! '88!
Eighty-eighty-eighty-eight!
I'll just fast-forward a bit.
Jeremy carr!
Look at you, my man.
Oh, man, I see
you're rockin' the zebra print!
Classics never go
out of style, am I right?
And...
Can you back that up, please?
Sure, but it's just
me and Eric being stupid.
All right!
Let's get this party started!
Yo, Eric! Hey, man!
Jeremy carr!
Stop!
Oliver...
The backpack.
That looks like the one with
the letter in the last photo.
Well, that's him!
That's gotta be him!
Why can't we go to the police?
We have a video.
Of a woman and a little boy,
but no faces, no names.
Nothing to represent
any illegal activity.
But we can connect
the dinosaur backpack
in the photograph
to the one in the video.
Well, and if they stayed here,
they probably have
a record of her credit card.
But it looks like
she was paying cash
when she was talking to Doug.
Oh! Doug!
I thought you could use these.
They're the extra-soft
ones with lotion.
Thanks.
I think Sylvia
just went on her break.
Actually, we're here to see you.
We need your help.
Uh, do you recognize this woman?
She may have checked in here
about three weeks ago?
It was the night
of the '80s reunion party.
Who could forget?
I'm sorry, guys.
I can't give out guests'
personal information.
Oh, well, do you
know who we are?
The mail people.
We're special agents
from the d.L.O. Task force
on a top-priority mission.
It's like the f.B.I.,
only postal.
I believe what my colleague
is trying to say is that,
uh, like you,
we are unable to divulge
certain details.
However, uh...
I can tell you
that there is a little boy
who may be missing,
and we're doing
everything in our power
to find him.
Let me see that.
Okay. Yeah! The...
The kid with the dinosaur!
And the lady.
She was a bit
freaked out, though.
Her credit card didn't work
and then the kid ran off.
I'm sorry,
but this card declined.
There must be a mistake.
Do you have another card
you want me to try?
No.
No.
That's okay.
How much did you say
the room way?
With tax, it'll be $115.85.
Let me get your change.
Did you see a little boy?
Are you sure it was her child?
I just assumed.
Oh! And the first name
on the credit card was Rachel.
I remember that
because that was
my ex-girlfriend's name.
Did she fill out a registration
card, by any chance?
Oh, it was such a crazy night,
with all these weird '80s people
running around.
I forgot to ask her
to fill one out.
I blew it, didn't I?
- Bless you!
- Thank you.
Are you sure you can't remember
anything else about her?
Anything at all?
Well...
When she checked out
the next morning,
she seemed a bit confused.
I asked her if she needed
directions somewhere,
but she said...
- I'm okay.
- You sure?
Okay. Bye.
But the weird thing is,
a couple minutes later,
she was still standing outside.
Her kid was pulling on her,
and it was as if she was
stuck in some other world.
She was looking down the road
as if...
She couldn't make up her mind
which way to go.
And next time I looked up,
she was gone.
I'm sorry, that's all
I can tell you guys.
Well, if you remember
anything else,
this is my cell number.
I hope he's okay.
He was a cute kid,
with that backpack and that...
Wait!
Someone in catering
found this in the ballroom
a while ago.
Now, I believe
it belongs to the kid.
Normally, we're supposed
to dispose of these
after three weeks
if no one claims it,
so I don't see why
you can't take it.
Uh, in our line of work,
this is what we refer to as
an "unattached item"...
And we never give up.
I hope you don't.
Well, we know
that her name is Rachel,
and that the little boy
likes dinosaurs,
which gets us further
down the road...
Figuratively, of course.
What about the "...I-t-y"
written on
the back of the camera?
I mean we think it
stands for "city," right?
Well, there are
only two towns nearby
that end with "city".
There's sugar city,
which is 60 miles east,
and then there's canon city,
which is 39 miles
west of the U.S. 50.
Wait.
What photo comes next, Norman?
The one that's after
the '80s party?
Uh, well, there's
the one that looks like
it was taken from a moving car,
and then the one
after that does, too,
except that one's double-exposed
with some cantaloupes and...
Wait!
A sign that read "U.S. 50 west"!
Mm-hmm!
On to canon city!
Poor little guy.
It must've broken his heart
to lose that.
What are you thinking about,
Oliver?
Hmm? What's bothering you?
Oh, um...
Well...
Doug at the hotel assumed
the woman at the counter
was our little dinosaur boy's
mother, but
in the words
of the great Oliver O'Toole...
Norman?
"Any mistake can be
traced to an assumption."
He seemed like
a sensitive fellow, though.
Perhaps I'm...
Oh, look. The last exit.
We're almost past canon city.
No! We... we haven't passed
a roadside stand yet.
No food shacks,
no cantaloupe stands,
no beef jerky.
Mm. You're making me hungry.
Me too!
Why don't we stop
and plan our next move?
Oh! Ahh.
So...
Two ham and cheese, one Turkey,
and your usual?
Uh, I try not to eat tuna
from the same place
I buy motor oil.
Ooh. Yeah, maybe we should
just buy sandwich stuff
and make our own.
Great! As long as
they have rye bread.
Oh, and dill pickles for Norman.
Shoot.
I forgot to ask Rita
to get pickles.
Rita knows you love pickles.
Did you remember to tell Shane
that you like
your ham and cheese on rye?
Oh, I like to think
we know each other
well enough by now to...
Oh, looks like
she forgot to take her...
Ahem.
Okay, one more time... big hair,
then Madonna,
then blurry
speeding car picture,
then U.S. 50,
and if she was coming here
to canon city,
we should've seen
this roadside stand by now.
Do you think we should
go back, Oliver?
Oliver?
I'm sorry, hmm?
Oh.
You're tired.
You did a lot of driving today.
Well, so have you.
I didn't realize you were
such an excellent driver.
Well, stick with me, kid.
I'm full of surprises.
Yes, you are.
You know, a year ago,
I would've said that we were
on a wild-goose chase.
I would look at these pictures
and that stuffed dinosaur
and the video,
and I would know
that none of this
is gonna get us any closer
to finding that little boy.
Mm.
But...
I believe
what you've taught me, Oliver...
That that child didn't just
drop a camera into a mailbox,
he mailed a piece of hope,
and somehow
it found its way to us,
and here we are,
in a star cruiser.
We have no idea
where we're going,
but I know that...
That we're on our way,
and I'm trusting
that we'll get there.
Uh... do you believe that?
Yes.
"Trust the timing."
Right?
Wow... oh, wow!
What?
Oh, well, did you know
the Colorado red-tailed hawk
can fly at speeds of
up to 120 miles per hour?
No.
Neither did that mouse.
Norman, I need you
to pay attention for a second.
- Run! Run!
- Norman.
What? I'm sorry.
We need to take this test...
"Seven questions to ask
before getting engaged."
But we're already engaged.
I know, but I need to catch up.
Well, can Oliver help?
Question number four...
How important
is religion to you?
Very.
Very.
Religion or faith?
Because faith and religion
are two very...
Question number five...
Oh! How do you plan
to handle your finances?
What finances?
We work for the post office.
We'll figure it out later.
Next question.
Question number six...
Do you plan to have a family,
and, if so,
how many children will you have?
Oh. Well, I mean, I think
that we'll probably just...
Oh, wow, hey!
Did you see that?
That baby must've been going,
why, at 120, 125 miles per hour!
Huh! Hawks! Wow, huh?
Ho.
Excuse me.
I believe that's your phone.
You, uh, left it when
you went to get lunch.
It's been, um...
Dinging... a lot.
You know, sometimes, I envy you.
You don't have a cellphone.
No annoying
buzzing or dinging...
No GPS to tell you
exactly how to get somewhere
and how long it should take.
There is something to be said
about being out
on the open road without a...
Oliver.
What?
The guy at the hotel...
He said that Rachel
was headed somewhere,
but she seemed
reluctant,
as if she were
not sure where she should go.
We know
she headed west on U.S. 50,
and she was going
to canon city, but...
What if she got there,
and she decided
to just keep going?
We've been thinking
that all the photos that were...
They were all taken before
canon city, but what if
all the places in the photos
aren't behind us,
they're ahead of us.
Yes!
Oh, my goodness.
Oh, for heaven's sake.
If you pump it too much,
you'll flood it.
I am familiar
with the concept of
fuel injection, Ms. Mcinerney,
but thank you for your concern.
Sorry, it's just that I...
Is there anything else
you would like to tell me
before we proceed?
I don't know.
It's just I've been through
something like this before.
A breakdown?
A temporary failure to restart.
It just takes some Patience.
- "Patience."
- mm-hmm.
Huh. So I shouldn't check
for cracks in the manifold
or the water levels.
I don't know
what I was thinking.
All I need is Patience.
I'm sure that's in
the owner's manual somewhere.
I'm sorry. Who are you?
And what have you done
with Oliver?
Excuse me.
Did Norman just completely
avoid the topic of children?
Did Oliver just overheat?
I guess you never
really know somebody
until you put down
some serious miles.
I'll say.
I should've known
I couldn't push her like that.
Ah, she just needs
to cool down a bit.
You seem to be getting
the hang of things.
Think you might be ready
to take the next leg
of the drive?
Yeah, I don't know about that.
Remember when I said
I can't drive?
Oh, well, you were nervous
to operate
such a large motor vehicle.
Very understandable concern.
No.
I mean, I really can't drive.
When Norman asked me
to marry him,
he specifically said
he wanted a family.
And now...
Now he's more interested
in the average airspeed
of a red-tail hawk?
Norman loves you, Rita.
Maybe he just felt
a little weird
about taking a test
to see if he's compatible
with a woman that
he's already engaged to.
Maybe he realized he wasn't?
And you never...
Talked about this with Rita?
I was...
Afraid
she wouldn't want to marry me.
Oh. Well...
My friend, take it
from someone who knows.
You can't start a marriage
holding back
a piece of your heart.
You're better off giving her
all of it from the beginning.
Then you just pray
she wants to keep it.
Rita, I don't know
two more compatible people.
As far as you know.
Maybe you don't know Norman
as well as you thought you did.
I mean...
Maybe I don't, either.
You never really know someone
as well as you think you do.
Do you even know how many
cousins he actually has?
Well, I don't even think
he knows.
Ladies?
Uh, Norman believes we may be
ready to resume our journey.
We'll be right there.
You ready?
Hey, I'm a little tired.
Um, Oliver, would you mind
taking the wheel again?
Oh. Uh, yes. Happy to.
Uh, Ms. Mcinerney,
would you care
to be my co-pilot?
I need to talk to you
about something,
and I don't know how.
Or when.
Definitely not
in the star cruiser.
Maybe tonight.
Or not.
Soon.
Maybe.
Norman, are we okay?
All I know
is that I love you.
Then that should be enough.
Huh.
No.
Nothing in here
about Patience
in case of a breakdown.
Guess I was, uh,
completely wrong about that.
I'm very sorry.
I was out of line.
The rv overheated
and so did I.
I forgive you.
But why?
Well...
Oh, my gosh.
It can't be!
The roadside store!
That was it. That was it!
Melvin's melons. Huh!
Yes, well, being
from the east coast,
I'm not sure if you're aware
that Colorado is famous
for its cantaloupe and honeydew.
Yep. Somehow, I missed that.
Uh, I guess Norman
is on to something.
Right, uh... here.
Yeah, they were probably
parked right here
when the picture was taken.
Do you want something to eat?
I'm not hungry. I want daddy.
Stay in the car.
- Hi there.
- Hi.
That gonna be all for ya?
That'll do it.
That's $15.75.
You know what?
I'm, uh... Not gonna get these.
Okay.
$10.25.
I have a quarter
here, somewhere.
Mommy! Let's go!
Looks like you got
a tired little boy over there.
Yep. Long trip.
Well... tell you what.
Sometimes gummies
make the ride go faster.
You're very kind. Thank you.
Where're you headed?
You know...
I'm not really sure anymore.
Thank you.
Yeah, that looks like
it could be her.
Did you notice
anything about her?
Uh, she had a little boy
who was tired
of being in the car
and he was giving his mom
a pretty hard time.
Did she tell you
that he was her son?
No, but he called her "mommy."
Did she mention
where she was going?
No, but it seemed like
they'd been traveling
for a while, and, uh...
You know, it's just a guess,
but I think she was
running low on cash.
Do you recognize this place?
I sure do. That's minnie's cafe.
I stop there every Friday
to go to the bank in montrose.
Minnie's, you said?
Oh. My cell phone died.
I think I left
my charger in the d.L.O.
I don't understand
why people use those things.
I like my words on paper.
Precisely my sentiment.
Excuse me, sir?
Uh, could you tell us
where we might be able
to find minnie's, please?
Sure can. Yeah.
You stay west on U.S. 50.
It's about 15 miles
past poncha Springs.
Make sure you try
minnie's apple pan pie.
Best in the state.
Norman loves pie!
Yes. I do.
Pleasure meeting a man
after my own heart.
Thank you so much for your time.
Well, at least we know
she's his mother.
And yet we can't be sure
that makes him safe.
What do you mean?
Well, we're assuming
that the boy has been taken,
but what if he's been rescued?
Oh, so we know
Rachel is his mom,
but maybe she's...
Running away
from a bad situation.
Yeah.
Sorry!
I just had to buy something.
A map.
Shocking, I know.
You have your laptop.
Well, I lost my hotspot.
Excuse me?
No mobile Internet,
so no laptop connection,
so no GPS.
Hence, the map.
Who are you?
And what have you done
with Shane mcinerney?
Oh, don't worry.
She's not going anywhere.
Have you spoken with Rita yet?
I believe you need
a distraction.
You said you have
a learner's permit, yes?
Uh, yeah. I renew it every year.
I just don't use it, but...
Hmm.
You've got this, Norman.
Just take your time.
Nice and easy.
You're okay!
We're here!
I've always wanted to say that.
Oh, good! I am so hungry. Again!
Me too.
Well, except for that
minor hiccup with the sign,
and the mattress in the road,
which no one could've predicted,
I think you did
an excellent job, Norman.
Well, thank you.
It felt pretty good.
Scary...
But good.
Well, as your wise grandmother
once told me...
"You have to face the scary."
Like with Rita.
Like with Rita.
This is definitely the place.
We should find the exact table.
Mm-hmm.
Third table's a charm.
That's gonna be $4.38.
I'm sorry.
I can't seem to find my wallet.
I'm in no rush, honey.
Take your time.
I had it with me on the road...
I think it fell out of my bag.
I don't have any money.
Honest. My-my wallet...
Everything's gone.
I've lost everything,
have you been drivin'
for a long while now?
About 10 miles up the road,
there is a little lodge.
Summits point.
They have nice, clean rooms.
But I don't have any money.
When you get there,
you tell Carl
that minnie sent you.
He'll take good care of you.
I can't.
You will.
I don't know how to thank you.
You just stay strong
for that little man of yours.
There.
For tonight.
Won't solve
any of your troubles,
but...
Maybe, for a moment,
you can set them aside.
And sometimes a moment
is all that we need
to know where
we need to go to next.
Well, the waitress
doesn't recognize anything,
but she's new.
Ohh. Here you go, folks.
Thank you.
Uh, we were hoping
you might be able
to help us out.
We're looking for
a woman and her son.
I know it's not much to go on...
And we think he's
5 to 10 years old...
And they sat in this very booth
three weeks ago.
We were hoping
you might remember them.
We get a lot of
families stoppin' by.
We're the only restaurant
in a hundred miles, so.
He was wearing
a dinosaur backpack.
Oh, and they were
driving a gray car.
Do you know what
they looked like?
That's all we have, I'm afraid.
Are they in
some kind of trouble?
Sorry. It's government business.
We're not at Liberty
to divulge any further details,
but I can tell you...
Yes, I know. I remember them.
Really?
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Nice lady.
Little boy. Loved dinosaurs.
Did they mention
where they were going?
Uh, yes.
Um...
Dinosaur national monument
in, uh, in grand junction.
I-I even gave 'em one of
those brochures by the door.
Oh, my goodness.
Can you remember
anything else at all?
Uh, no, not really.
Just that they were
very happy and hungry.
Like you folks, right?
What can I get ya?
Well, it makes sense.
Rachel's little boy
loves dinosaurs,
and the dinosaur
national monument
is essentially one right turn
at the end of U.S. 50,
but it's at least
four hours away.
Norman... that's
your third piece of pie.
How can you still be hungry?
Norman loves pie!
All that driving
really took it out of me.
You drove 13 miles.
I think we're all tired.
Why don't we find a motel
and get some rest?
We'll drive back
to Denver in the morning
and decide where
to go from there.
Wait. We're not gonna
go see the dinosaurs?
Well, let's be honest.
Rachel and her boy came through
three weeks ago,
and they could be
anywhere by now.
All we have
is a photograph of the letter,
I don't know what else to do
without a solid lead
as to their next stop.
Then we'll just
have to pray for one.
What's in the bag?
The last piece of pie.
You actually left one?
I saved it for Rita.
That's sweet.
We were fortunate.
There was still
one room available.
You and Rita may take the room.
Norman and I will, uh,
sleep in
the recreational vehicle.
Oliver O'Toole, man of courage.
Oh, courage takes many forms,
Ms. Mcinerney.
Wanna take a walk?
Yes. Okay.
How do they do it?
What do you mean?
Well, something's
going on between those two
that they haven't
worked out yet, but...
They still hold hands and...
They don't let whatever it is
pull them apart.
Do you know what it is?
No. Do you?
Yes.
So?
Oh, I'm not telling.
Good.
I'd be disappointed
in you if you did.
Was that a test, Ms. Mcinerney?
No. I hate tests.
You know, that's how
a lot of relationships end.
You fail someone else's test
that you didn't even
know you were taking.
We are in a relationship,
aren't we?
Uh, I'm gonna go with...
"Yes".
Then I need to ask a question.
Okay.
Who is Alex Brighton?
You saw my phone.
Yes.
If I...
Tell you that I'm not ready
to talk about it yet...
Will you trust me?
Yes.
Can we still hold hands
while I'm working things out?
Shane...
I'm not letting go.
You wanna talk...?
No, I... you go first.
No. You.
Do you not want
to marry me anymore?
Of course, I want to marry you.
But you don't want a family now?
You don't want children?
I do. More than anything.
I just think that
they shouldn't be, um...
My children.
What? But
whose else would they be?
I never knew my father,
and I barely knew my mother,
and the only living
relative that I know of
is my grandmother,
and she's really smart.
Like you.
And funny.
Like you.
And kinda weird.
Oh. She just sees the world
from a different perspective.
Usually on the top
of machu picchu,
wearing an aluminum crown
that translates
the rays of the sun
into haiku brainwaves.
She really is one of a kind.
Yeah, but what if she isn't?
You know, what if
I'm like her, too?
She told me that my mom
did some pretty odd stuff.
And all through school,
the kids made fun
of me for being odd.
Yeah, but those were
bullies, Norman.
They could only
see the different,
they couldn't see the amazing.
I'm not amazing.
I'm not even normal.
It's like something's missing.
Like, I can tell you
all about cars,
I can even fix cars,
but actually driving throws me,
and I can't pass
the driver's exam.
There's all those lanes,
and I never know
which one to choose,
and then there's
merging and yielding.
What does it say about a man
if he can't parallel park?
Norman, I don't care about that.
You can invent
mail recovery protocols
that nobody has even imagined.
You can develop old camera film,
and you can invent
new chemical solutions.
You can analyze the handwriting
on a hopelessly ripped
and mangled envelope
with your eyes closed.
You have special gifts.
And not everyone will see that,
but Oliver sure did.
That's why he asked you
to be a part of his team.
That's why I love you,
because you're special.
I'm different.
And I've paid a price for that,
and I don't want
our children to have to.
So...
I think we should adopt.
Oh.
Norman...
I have always thought
that we were going to adopt.
I plan on having
a whole rainbow
of babies with you,
and I don't care
how they come to us.
But whether you like it or not,
they will be like you...
Because the most important thing
that they will inherit from you
will come from your heart,
not your d.N.A.
You are the sweetest,
kindest,
most loyal person
I have ever met.
And that's the man that I want
for the father of my children.
The man who saves
the last piece of the best pie
for someone else.
And the one whose heart
can break for a little lost boy,
and he won't give up
until he knows he's safe.
Thank you.
And we're going to find
our dinosaur boy.
I know.
But I was also
talking about you.
You're safe now, Norman.
You're not that boy
you were in high school.
I mean, you never really were.
It just took a little bit longer
for you to be appreciated.
You...
Were born the boy
who would grow up and marry me.
The Norman that
I was meant to love,
and the man
that all sorts of children
will love
and call their daddy,
the smartest man
they will ever know.
We've got a place
to stay, sweetheart.
I thought we lost our money.
We did.
But there are some very
nice people in this world.
Like the man who
gave you the gummies,
and the lady with the pie.
And the man at this motel.
We've got a place to stay, baby.
At least we're okay for tonight.
Don't cry, mommy.
I'm so sorry, Danny.
I know how tired you are,
and I know how much
you miss daddy.
I wish I knew how
to fix everything,
but I don't know how.
I'm sorry.
I won't ask about daddy anymore.
I promise.
No. No, it's not
your fault, honey.
And I promise, as soon as I can,
we're gonna do
something special.
I'm gonna take you
to see the dinosaurs.
Would you like that?
I know it's not
as good as daddy,
but we're gonna have to wait
a little bit for that, okay?
Okay.
I love you, Danny.
I love you too, mommy.
Who do you belong to?
Hmm?
So I'll take the first leg
back to Denver,
and then, Norman,
do you want to drive?
Oh, can we stop
at minnie's for pie?
I need one for the road.
And I mean I need one pie.
One whole pie.
Well...
We didn't end up accomplishing
what we wanted to on this trip,
but it was worth it
just to see those two happy.
It was worth it
just to see you survive 12 hours
without Internet access.
Very funny.
Oliver?
Hmm?
Look.
Oh, my goodness.
See? It's the same log.
They were here!
It would seem so.
Maybe this time
she filled out
a registration card.
- Checking out?
- Yes.
And we have a question.
Shoot.
About three weeks ago,
a lady named Rachel
and her little boy
stayed here, we think.
They had a gray car.
Huh. Nobody like that.
Are you sure?
Because we have a photo
that proves they were here.
Oh, yes, uh...
I do remember. Uh...
Pretty lady, about 35, maybe?
Gray car.
- Oh.
- Let me see.
She said she was going
to mesa verde.
Yep, down to durango,
because the little boy
wanted to see
the native American ruins.
Duran go?
Mm-hmm. Yep.
You take the 50 west
and the 550 south.
But that was three weeks ago,
at least.
They're probably
long gone by now?
Thank you.
Thanks.
Duran go?
There's no dinosaurs in durango.
And it's completely
in the opposite direction.
But he seemed so sure.
But so was minnie at the diner.
Everyone seems awfully "sure".
Can we take a look
at that picture
from the diner again?
Rachel, presumably
paying for her bill,
menu board...
"Help wanted," some plaque...
What does that say?
Oh, here. Uh...
Oh.
"Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Mm. Words to live by.
"Help wanted..."
Hmm.
What?
Well, the man at the road stand
said that Rachel seemed as if
she were running out of cash.
If that were true,
she couldn't afford a cabin
here at the lodge.
Let alone a trip
to go see the dinosaurs,
or to go to durango.
Wait. So, if she couldn't
afford to leave,
and she couldn't afford to stay,
then she would have...
Are we back in
the Rachel business?
It would seem so.
Does this mean more pie?
Well, look who's back.
Find your lady yet?
No. But we couldn't leave
without another slice
of your apple pan pie.
Oh, that pie brings everybody
back, sooner or later.
Sit wherever you like.
Thank you.
Thank you.
So, uh... Oh, pie? Coffee?
Ice cream?
All of the above.
Coming right up.
Weren't there,
uh, four of you last time?
Good memory!
She'll be right in.
You got it.
All right. Photo, please.
Did we remember
our little friend?
Safely tucked in here.
Oliver, you were right.
There's a gray car
parked in the back.
"Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Now, I believe
that minnie's probably
a very good samaritan.
Her motto's
still up on the wall,
but the "help wanted" sign
is not.
I'm guessing Rachel
ran out of money,
she couldn't keep
staying at the lodge,
so minnie decided...
The pie is coming right up...
And we are putting
extra ice cream on.
That'll hold you
until you get to mesa verde.
Uh, don't you mean
dinosaur national monument?
Yes. That's what I meant.
Probably confused,
because Carl
from the summits point lodge
called to tell you
he sent us
in the opposite direction.
Isn't that right?
I'm sorry.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
I think you do.
And so does... Rachel.
Don't you, Rachel?
We're not here
to upset you, Rachel.
We...
We just wanted
to return this
to your little boy
and make sure that he's okay.
Bertie!
Mommy! You found him!
Bertie!
So, your mom seems
pretty cool, huh?
Yeah. She's gonna
take me to see dinosaurs!
But just their bones,
they're not alive or anything.
Oh.
She sounds real super-cool.
Yeah. My mommy loves me.
My daddy does, too.
Everybody's
good folks around here.
They look out for each other.
Carl didn't realize you were
just from the post office.
I didn't mean "just".
That's all right.
I can't believe you all
went to so much trouble
just to return a toy.
Uh, well, actually,
we were attempting
to deliver a lost camera.
When we developed
the film inside,
we found, uh, this...
Oh, Danny.
I was trying to do
the right thing.
I was just trying
to protect him.
Protect him...
From your husband?
From the truth about my husband.
What is the truth
about your husband?
Well, first of all,
Jack would never hurt us.
He wouldn't mean to.
He didn't mean to...
He was a wonderful father.
"It's bright blue
and you play with it, too."
"Solve the case
in your happy place."
I found you, daddy!
You sure did, kiddo!
You sure did.
Hey. Do you like it?
And guess what?
One of these days,
mommy and I are gonna take you
to see where
some of them used to live.
Promise?
Promise.
How 'bout a smile from my boys?
Say, "I love you, mommy."
I love you, mommy!
"Jack."
We had a "j" and an "a,"
and an "m" and a "k".
My husband
is Jack marashak.
I see.
That's why minnie lied to you
when you came in last night.
You said you were
from the government,
and she just knew
I couldn't handle any more.
Uh, Mr. Marashak was mayor
of a town in northern Colorado
up until about
six months ago or so.
Now he's in canon city,
at the correctional facility.
Jack
got caught up
in some sketchy plan
to invest
the city employment pension fund
with a financial group
that turned out to be a scam.
The guys he trusted
took off with the money
and Jack was left
holding the bag.
He didn't steal anything,
but he lost everything.
He should have known better.
It was too good to be true
and he didn't want to look
closer than that.
He did the wrong thing
for the right reasons,
and he paid for it.
And so did you.
So did everybody else.
It's a small town.
There isn't any place to go
to avoid the stares
and the whispers.
And school is starting soon
and I couldn't
send Danny back to that.
You know kids.
So, I... I packed up my car,
I took what was left
in the bank,
and I told Danny
we were going to a new home.
I thought I'd find something
near the prison, but
the closer I got,
the harder it got.
How do you take your little boy
who worships his father
to see him like that?
I kept going back and forth,
trying to make up my mind,
and when I finally
got to canon city, I...
Just kept driving.
I thought I'd take him
to the dinosaur monument,
but I lost my wallet.
And if it hadn't been for minnie
taking us in
and giving me a job, and...
And Danny doesn't
know about his father?
I still haven't been able
to tell him the truth.
He
thinks daddy is away
somewhere at a new job.
Based upon the clues
Danny left behind
with his camera,
he's, um, incredibly bright.
He'll figure it out,
sooner or later,
I'm afraid.
I know.
I'm just putting it off
as long as I can
just to protect him.
And yourself.
Maybe.
Good people do stupid things.
I know that.
But...
You lost your home
and all your friends
and your reputation
because of what Jack did.
You know, maybe
you'll forgive him,
maybe you won't, but, uh...
Until you can face him,
Rachel...
Believe me,
it...
You'll always be
sort of in prison yourself.
I know, because...
My sister
has a gambling problem.
A... a... big one.
Like, she gambled
her whole life away,
and, uh...
Tore apart our family
in the process.
We haven't, um...
We haven't talked
for a long time, so...
I know a little bit
about how you feel.
And we can tell ourselves
that we're moving on,
but, uh...
We don't really get very far
when we're dragging
so much behind us.
So...
Maybe...
Maybe...
There's a reason
that we found ourselves
together on this road today.
To help each other and...
Danny.
So, I will make you a deal.
If you reach out
to your husband,
I will...
I will reach out to my sister.
You've...
You've never mentioned
your sister before.
Hurt too much.
Still does.
But now you know.
Thought you knew me, right?
Uh, I still do.
I just don't know your sister.
You're two different people.
You're Shane mcinerney
and she's, uh...
She's...
Alex.
Alex Brighton.
All those texts on my phone,
those are hers.
She's been in recovery
since last year,
and every once in awhile,
she calls and tries
to reconnect.
But you never call back.
Not after what she did
to our mother.
All the sleepless nights,
the ruined holidays.
My mom even sold our house
to pay for the debt
and to...
And to put her through rehab.
Maybe...
Maybe my sister has
got her act together now.
I'm just so...
I'm still so...
Angry?
So angry!
I... I am so angry
that I am... I'm afraid
to return her calls,
'cause I don't know
what I'm gonna say.
So I just don't.
But now I have to.
What was I thinking,
making that deal with Rachel?
It seemed like a good idea
at the time,
but now I actually
have to do it.
Yes.
But...
You won't
have to do it alone, Shane.
I thought the sun Rose
and set with her.
There is only one person I know
who's in charge of that.
Everyone else we just have
to forgive for being human.
Okay, here we go.
You can go see him.
I found you, daddy.
You sure did, kiddo.
You sure did.
Thank you.
He missed you.
How about you?
I don't know.
It's gonna take some time, Jack.
But I got this far...
And I already know one thing...
I love you.
Ready?
Ahem.
Alex?
It's me.
Hi.
Really?
Well, that's, um...
That's good, right?
Uh, have you seen mom?
Oh.
Yeah, maybe at Christmas.
Still in, um, Denver.
No, I, uh...
I love it, actually.
Tell her...
You have a boyfriend.
I, uh...
I have a boyfriend.
Yeah, uh...
He's, uh
everything
I never knew I wanted.
"Oliver."
I know.
So, this is the traditional
white wedding cake
with a ganache glaze.
This one has
a delightful lemon curd.
Oliver loves lemon.
And that's the chocolate one
with a caramel filling.
Mm. Nope.
Can't have any caramel.
I didn't know
you were allergic to caramel.
I'm not.
I just don't like caramel.
Uh, but what about this?
Does anybody have a problem
with an apple pan wedding pie
from minnie's?
Ooh!
May I?
Please, be our guest.
Mm.
Uh, so, what was so important?
Well, uh, we still have
76 things to do
on our "100 things to do
before our wedding list,"
and we need your help.
Well, we will do what we can.
Number 43
"choose your best man."
Number 44...
"choose your maid of honor."
You're the first
friend I ever had
that truly believed in me.
You taught me how to stamp
and sort and forward
and deliver all sorts
of impossible things.
You made me
believe
that being loved
by somebody incredible,
like Rita,
was not an impossible thing.
You're the best man
that I know, Oliver,
and I'd like you
to be my best man.
I can think
of no place I'd rather be
than by your side
when you marry Rita.
And you...
Well, you know...
You're like a sister to me,
like the sister I never had.
But even if I had a sister,
I would still want you
to be my maid of honor.
Not that I have anything
against my real sister,
that I don't even have...
I just...
I can't imagine getting married,
or-or being married,
or raising children...
I can't imagine
any of that without you.
And Norman, of course!
Of course! Of course, Norman!
Of course! Norman!
So, uh, what is question 45?
Um, "decide whether or not"
"you're going to fly,
take a train,
or drive on your honeymoon."
Oh! Let's go to Fiji!
Ooh! Yes!
Do not mail me a coconut.
What? I love sending
coconuts in the mail!
No coconuts.
Are you serious?
But that's, like...
Ramon? What do you think?
I love anything tropical.
How many left?
Plenty!
Let's get one together!
Hey! Love this song!
Excuse me.
Have you seen a little boy?
He's seven.
He has a backpack.
Sorry. Kid-free zone tonight.
What did I say
about running off?
I want bertie!
My daddy gave him to me.
I want my daddy.
Now, you run off one more time,
and you and I
are going to have a problem.
Sit right here and wait for me.
Do not move.
I was told you might
have a room available.
Okay.
Perhaps a little more
sodium metabisulfite?
We need something to sustain
the reaction indefinitely.
Oh! Uh, potassium iodate?
I tried that.
Oh! Wait.
Mm-hmm.
Ahh...
Hazel says that, uh,
terminal annex
just dropped off
a new shipment of...
Fire in the hole!
We're fine! Everything's okay.
Again.
Good to know!
Again.
You know, maybe this
is a good time to go
see Hazel.
Yeah.
Eww!
This one has a hole it in!
A million postcards in Hawaii,
and people mail those.
Oh! Hold on.
Oh, that reminds me,
where are you and Norman
going on your honeymoon?
Oh, well, my parents gave us
their star cruiser,
so we'll probably take that
somewhere fun,
but there's just so much more
to do first.
What's a star cruiser?
It's sorta like a winnebago.
How far
have you gotten on the list?
"The list"?
What list?
There's a hundred things to do?
Of course not.
There are thousands.
Those are just
the first hundred.
Thank you, Hazel.
As usual,
you've been nothing but helpful.
Have a great day! Rita?
It's okay. This way.
This way.
I can't believe this!
There's even
a list of wedding lists.
And according to this,
I'm already five weeks behind.
You just got engaged
four weeks ago.
Good morning, ladies.
Morning.
What happened now?
Uh, well, we experienced
a minor chemical misfortune.
A little too much
potassium chlorate
in Norman's
"rapid recovery" mixture.
What's that?
A new and improved
"revelation solution
for the particularly illegible
and indecipherable."
I see we've begun
our wedding plans already, hmm?
Oliver! Uh...
Why don't you take
a look at this old camera?
Well.
Is that...
Coconut?
Ignore that.
Uh, well, the housing
is cardboard
and not plastic,
suggesting an earlier model.
Uh...
The coconut damage
has erased the expiration date,
but there is a partial address.
Uh, j-a...
"M" -something...
"K"... next word is illegible.
What are you doing back there?
Nothing.
Last word ending in "...I-t-y."
Uh..."city"?
Oh, there are
seven towns in Colorado
with the word "city" in it.
Unfortunately,
the remaining information
has been washed off
by the, uh, coconut milk.
Hmm.
What is an old camera
doing in last week's
"unattached items" box?
Norman?
It's time to come in now.
Roger that!
Perhaps I can lift
a remnant of ink
with our new solution.
I had no idea you were
such a chemistry buff.
Oh, yes!
In fact, when I was 10,
I begged my father
for a chemistry set
but he felt
I was spending too much time
on indoor pursuits already,
so he signed me up
for little league instead.
How long did that last?
Three days.
Too much dirt?
Here I am!
What do ya got for me?
Whoa...
I haven't seen a camera
like this
since my cousin Bartholomew's
bar mitzvah,
when I was 12.
You know, Rita,
providing these cameras
to your wedding guests
might be a wonderful way for you
to capture moments
you might not
otherwise get to see.
I guess, but everybody
has cell phones nowadays.
Well... not everybody.
Ahem. Ms. Mcinerney,
in our world of
instant gratification
and countless re-dos,
there is something
truly satisfying
about not being able
to hit "delete"
in favor of another photo
with better lighting
or a more perfect smile.
And sometimes...
It's the imperfections in life
that make something... perfect.
Hmm.
Well...
You
still have something
on your face.
Now, shall I wipe it off,
or shall I just
leave you "perfect"?
Trust me.
Looks like a soluble felt tip
blue marker.
Handwriting is shaky...
Indicating possible
hand tremors.
The penmanship suggests
we're looking at someone
either really old
or really young.
Well, maybe they were
really young when they took it,
but now they're really old?
Whoever it was
used the whole roll.
Can film that old
still be developed?
The picture quality
won't be very good,
but there's a chance
we'll get something.
Then you must
at least try, Norman.
Ms. Mcinerney,
you and Rita try and track down
the make and model
of the camera.
Let's find out how old
these photographs really are.
So, the roll
was seriously coconut-ized,
and the first 15 or so
are fried,
but I've got this one.
Oh, yes!
The 35-millimeter "fun shoot".
From the sling? Really?
Yes! Thank you.
That's very helpful.
So the disposable "sling"
was changed to the "fun shoot"
in 1989.
Mm! Well, according to this,
they stopped using
cardboard housing
on disposable cameras
around 2003,
which makes this at least...
What have you got?
Uh, big hair...
And big hair.
I'll say!
Please, take a look.
Maybe you'll be able
to find something
other than hair.
And take your time.
Norman is going to be a while.
Okay.
Uh, in that case,
is it okay if I take
Rita for coffee?
She's pretty stressed out
about the wedding plans.
Didn't they just choose a date?
Yes, and now she's way behind.
Anything new to go on, Norman?
Oh. Uh, well...
I tried developing these
a few times,
but that's the best I could do.
The first one looks like
it was taken from a moving car,
and the next one does, too.
Well, that's a... A road sign.
But what is this?
Uh, it looks like, um...
Melons?
In the sky?
Well, sometimes,
an image can get
superimposed on another
if the camera
isn't wound properly.
Ahh. Huh!
Do you see what I mean?
"Order the flowers."
I can do that.
"Hire the minister."
What about Norman's grandmother?
She's very spiritual.
"Order the invitations
and hire a calligrapher"?
Have you seen
Oliver's penmanship?
"Secure a venue."
I don't have a venue!
I have your venue!
What?
Ramon's new restaurant.
Think about it!
Uh, the cake, the catering,
the band... he can take
care of all of that.
- It's perfect!
- Huh.
Now all you need
is the perfect man,
which of course,
you already have.
Well, it seems as if
our photographer
went from taking portraits
to landscapes to...
Food.
Yeah, but nothing to identify
a specific location or person,
except for this woman.
The lower angle
is consistent
with the other images.
Taken by someone shorter?
A child, perhaps?
Except that the first ones,
of all the hair,
were taken by a tall person.
Then we have at least
two photographers.
An adult, and then,
later, maybe...
Oliver.
Mm?
Look.
I just can't get over that hair.
And those clothes!
Oh! Oliver!
We think we know
where these were taken.
There's a banner that reads...
Something "...the '80s."
We're thinking "end of the '80s"
or "farewell to the '80s."
And probably at a hotel,
because there's a podium
way in the back
and you can just
make out the letters
"u-e-b-I-o."
"Pueblo."
So we think
it's a new year's party
in pueblo, Colorado in 1989.
"Find me, daddy.
"We're in gray car.
I want to go...
Home."
Oh...
"I want to go home."
This is so sad!
Look at that little backpack.
Looks like
he's propped his little notebook
up against something blue.
Post office blue!
Like my wedding colors.
Or like a mailbox!
Could be, and that looks
like some kind of log?
This feels so urgent,
even though it happened
30 years ago.
Well, there is
no expiration date
on the truth.
Someone might still be
looking for their father,
or a father for his son.
I'm gonna filter for
parental abductions
using "j-a-".
Jack or James "m"?
Oh, Rita, what were the names
of the towns ending in "city"?
Canon, central,
commerce, garden, lake,
orchard, and sugar city.
Norman, Rita,
will you check
for places in pueblo
that have banquet rooms?
And if so, how many of them
have records dating
back to the '80s, hmm?
I'm gonna call Dale
at the state division
of investigations.
Perhaps the old child abduction
resources
are better at the state level.
Yes? Uh, thank you.
Yeah.
Without sufficient
descriptive information
of the child or captor,
and confirmation
of when an abduction took place,
their hands are tied.
Amber alerts didn't
begin until 1996,
so I'm trying to access
earlier records
from the national center
for missing
and exploited children.
Oh, so just
small conference rooms,
and no ballroom.
Well, thank you for your time.
Oh, hi, Sylvia.
We're trying to locate
the organizers of a party
that may have happened
at your hotel back in the '80s.
We're wondering how far back
your records go?
No, it was a party in the '80s,
not an
'80s party.
Wait! When did you say that was?
And was everybody dressed up,
like, like, Madonna
and "flash dance"?
Oh, yes. All the big hair.
Yes! And was there
'80s stuff everywhere?
Like, uh, rubik's cubes
and, well, disposable cameras?
Oh, yes. Leg warmers...
Was there a sign that read...
"Memories of the '80s"?
"Memories of the '80s"?
Great! Thank you, Sylvia!
You're welcome.
You guys...
I think our child went missing
three weeks ago.
Three weeks ago?
Yeah, so, the banquet room at
the hotel mesa pueblo
was booked a month ago
by the pueblo north high school
class reunion, 1988.
That explains
the vintage camera.
So our child is still a child.
And this camera
is now our top priority.
I'm gonna change
the search parameters
for a recent abduction.
We need to identify these women.
Rita, take a photo of the photo,
email it to Sylvia.
Maybe she'll recognize
one of them.
Okay.
All I see is hair
and more big hair.
This is about
more than one photograph,
and it's certainly
about more than just...
Hair.
We...
Are going to pueblo.
And...
We'll need
some sort of a... uh...
Mobile command unit, hmm?
Uh, Norman, Rita!
May we engage
your recreational vehicle?
Hmm?
Well, uh...
We haven't exactly...
What a great idea!
It'll be like
a practice honeymoon,
only better,
because we'll all be together.
Oh, Rita...
I do love you.
Aww!
Norman?
You are marrying
a wonderful woman.
Thank you.
Have I mentioned
that I don't know
how to drive that thing?
It's quite striking.
Extraordinary, really.
And big.
Just think of all the places
this venerable vehicle
has traveled.
Do I have to?
My parents put
200,000 miles on it!
Well, then, let's make sure
the next 200 miles
count, shall we?
Mm-hmm!
Well...
Despite the gravity
of our mission,
it will be fun to get her
out on the open road
and see what she can do.
Ooh, well, hey, why
don't you go first?
My treat.
Ah.
You see, Norman,
it's really not that difficult.
You just have to make friends
with every little noise
and rattle in the chassis,
if you want to learn what
she likes and what she doesn't.
Okay.
The thing to remember
is always pay attention...
How's it coming?
Oh! Well, for the cake,
we both like chocolate,
so that should be easy,
and Ramon can pick the music.
What about the invitations?
Well, it says here,
"always leave room
for a bit of whimsy
in your wedding."
So I'm thinking invitations
in the shape of owls
that say "guess who's
getting married"?
Very whimsical, very you.
And then, for our colors,
we'll just stay postal.
Red, white, blue?
Right!
Okay.
Just have to keep a good balance
between looking behind
and looking forward.
Got it.
And most importantly,
you have to treat her
with respect...
Don't push her too hard,
or she might, uh,
she might break down.
Well, we don't want that.
No. Before too long,
with Patience and determination,
you start...
You start to become one.
Excuse me.
We have been talking about
the star cruiser, right?
I just thought
you'd like to know,
that once we get to pueblo,
the hotel exit is 43.
Then you turn right,
go 4.2 miles,
and, well, that
should be coming up
in about 10 minutes.
Oh, thank you, Ms. Mcinerney.
Mm. My pleasure, Mr. O'Toole.
I know you like to keep things
professional,
but we're out of the office now,
so it's okay to call me Shane.
Uh, we are out of the office,
but we are in the mobile unit.
A, uh... fine
distinction, perhaps,
but...
I knew you'd say that.
Oh.
You did?
Uh-huh.
I just like hearing you say it,
because I know you, Mr. O'Toole.
Oh, look! Exit 41.
So close.
Oh.
Oh.
Oh, your phone dinged.
Oh. Thank you.
Who's Alex Brighton?
Oh, I'm sorry,
I didn't mean to read it.
I just looked down and...
It's okay. It's not important.
It seems like he really
wants to talk to you.
I've been getting a lot
of wrong numbers recently.
Oh.
Well, everyone,
welcome to mesa pueblo.
Good afternoon.
Hi. Checking in?
Do you have a reservation?
Uh, no. And no.
Bless you.
Thanks.
We're all sold out tonight,
unfortunately.
Wildflower convention,
happens every year.
Oh, I understand.
We just have a question.
Bless you.
We're here from the united
states postal service.
We're here to see
Sylvia pellson.
She's in catering,
and she's expecting us.
Hey, Sylvia? Hi.
I have a bunch of people here
saying they're from
the post office?
Says you're expecting them?
Sure. Okay.
She'll be right with you.
Thank you.
Bless you.
Flower allergy?
Hang in there.
Rita? What about some of
these flowers for your wedding?
Ooh, those are beautiful!
Oh! And prickly!
Mm.
Are you the folks
from the post office?
Yes, we are.
Hi. I'm Sylvia.
How can I help you?
Uh, we were hoping
that you might recognize
the women in these photos.
Oh, ho! Wow.
Joanne and Becca
are gonna love these!
They sure went all out.
You know them?
Sure do.
They're our accountants
down on fourth street.
They do our audits.
Do either of them have a child?
How old?
Uh, we're estimating
anywhere between
5 and 10 years old.
Well, they have kids,
but they're all in high school.
Well, if joanne and Becca
took pictures
with the same camera
as our child,
then they must've crossed paths
somehow, right?
How might we find them?
There weren't
any children there.
Not that I saw, anyway.
I didn't see any.
Wow, my hair was big.
Were there a lot of disposable
cameras or just the one?
Just one. It was part of
a display of a bunch
of '80s stuff.
I mean, we just
started playing with it.
Those things are fun to click.
I miss clicking.
I see.
I mean, nowadays,
you've got to press,
and slide and press,
and if you want video...
Wait a minute.
My husband was recording
that night!
Jeremy!
I haven't watched this yet,
so I'm not really
sure what's on it.
Hopefully nothing
too embarrassing.
Yeah. It was quite a night.
Yo! Class of '88!
'88! '88!
Eighty-eighty-eighty-eight!
I'll just fast-forward a bit.
Jeremy carr!
Look at you, my man.
Oh, man, I see
you're rockin' the zebra print!
Classics never go
out of style, am I right?
And...
Can you back that up, please?
Sure, but it's just
me and Eric being stupid.
All right!
Let's get this party started!
Yo, Eric! Hey, man!
Jeremy carr!
Stop!
Oliver...
The backpack.
That looks like the one with
the letter in the last photo.
Well, that's him!
That's gotta be him!
Why can't we go to the police?
We have a video.
Of a woman and a little boy,
but no faces, no names.
Nothing to represent
any illegal activity.
But we can connect
the dinosaur backpack
in the photograph
to the one in the video.
Well, and if they stayed here,
they probably have
a record of her credit card.
But it looks like
she was paying cash
when she was talking to Doug.
Oh! Doug!
I thought you could use these.
They're the extra-soft
ones with lotion.
Thanks.
I think Sylvia
just went on her break.
Actually, we're here to see you.
We need your help.
Uh, do you recognize this woman?
She may have checked in here
about three weeks ago?
It was the night
of the '80s reunion party.
Who could forget?
I'm sorry, guys.
I can't give out guests'
personal information.
Oh, well, do you
know who we are?
The mail people.
We're special agents
from the d.L.O. Task force
on a top-priority mission.
It's like the f.B.I.,
only postal.
I believe what my colleague
is trying to say is that,
uh, like you,
we are unable to divulge
certain details.
However, uh...
I can tell you
that there is a little boy
who may be missing,
and we're doing
everything in our power
to find him.
Let me see that.
Okay. Yeah! The...
The kid with the dinosaur!
And the lady.
She was a bit
freaked out, though.
Her credit card didn't work
and then the kid ran off.
I'm sorry,
but this card declined.
There must be a mistake.
Do you have another card
you want me to try?
No.
No.
That's okay.
How much did you say
the room way?
With tax, it'll be $115.85.
Let me get your change.
Did you see a little boy?
Are you sure it was her child?
I just assumed.
Oh! And the first name
on the credit card was Rachel.
I remember that
because that was
my ex-girlfriend's name.
Did she fill out a registration
card, by any chance?
Oh, it was such a crazy night,
with all these weird '80s people
running around.
I forgot to ask her
to fill one out.
I blew it, didn't I?
- Bless you!
- Thank you.
Are you sure you can't remember
anything else about her?
Anything at all?
Well...
When she checked out
the next morning,
she seemed a bit confused.
I asked her if she needed
directions somewhere,
but she said...
- I'm okay.
- You sure?
Okay. Bye.
But the weird thing is,
a couple minutes later,
she was still standing outside.
Her kid was pulling on her,
and it was as if she was
stuck in some other world.
She was looking down the road
as if...
She couldn't make up her mind
which way to go.
And next time I looked up,
she was gone.
I'm sorry, that's all
I can tell you guys.
Well, if you remember
anything else,
this is my cell number.
I hope he's okay.
He was a cute kid,
with that backpack and that...
Wait!
Someone in catering
found this in the ballroom
a while ago.
Now, I believe
it belongs to the kid.
Normally, we're supposed
to dispose of these
after three weeks
if no one claims it,
so I don't see why
you can't take it.
Uh, in our line of work,
this is what we refer to as
an "unattached item"...
And we never give up.
I hope you don't.
Well, we know
that her name is Rachel,
and that the little boy
likes dinosaurs,
which gets us further
down the road...
Figuratively, of course.
What about the "...I-t-y"
written on
the back of the camera?
I mean we think it
stands for "city," right?
Well, there are
only two towns nearby
that end with "city".
There's sugar city,
which is 60 miles east,
and then there's canon city,
which is 39 miles
west of the U.S. 50.
Wait.
What photo comes next, Norman?
The one that's after
the '80s party?
Uh, well, there's
the one that looks like
it was taken from a moving car,
and then the one
after that does, too,
except that one's double-exposed
with some cantaloupes and...
Wait!
A sign that read "U.S. 50 west"!
Mm-hmm!
On to canon city!
Poor little guy.
It must've broken his heart
to lose that.
What are you thinking about,
Oliver?
Hmm? What's bothering you?
Oh, um...
Well...
Doug at the hotel assumed
the woman at the counter
was our little dinosaur boy's
mother, but
in the words
of the great Oliver O'Toole...
Norman?
"Any mistake can be
traced to an assumption."
He seemed like
a sensitive fellow, though.
Perhaps I'm...
Oh, look. The last exit.
We're almost past canon city.
No! We... we haven't passed
a roadside stand yet.
No food shacks,
no cantaloupe stands,
no beef jerky.
Mm. You're making me hungry.
Me too!
Why don't we stop
and plan our next move?
Oh! Ahh.
So...
Two ham and cheese, one Turkey,
and your usual?
Uh, I try not to eat tuna
from the same place
I buy motor oil.
Ooh. Yeah, maybe we should
just buy sandwich stuff
and make our own.
Great! As long as
they have rye bread.
Oh, and dill pickles for Norman.
Shoot.
I forgot to ask Rita
to get pickles.
Rita knows you love pickles.
Did you remember to tell Shane
that you like
your ham and cheese on rye?
Oh, I like to think
we know each other
well enough by now to...
Oh, looks like
she forgot to take her...
Ahem.
Okay, one more time... big hair,
then Madonna,
then blurry
speeding car picture,
then U.S. 50,
and if she was coming here
to canon city,
we should've seen
this roadside stand by now.
Do you think we should
go back, Oliver?
Oliver?
I'm sorry, hmm?
Oh.
You're tired.
You did a lot of driving today.
Well, so have you.
I didn't realize you were
such an excellent driver.
Well, stick with me, kid.
I'm full of surprises.
Yes, you are.
You know, a year ago,
I would've said that we were
on a wild-goose chase.
I would look at these pictures
and that stuffed dinosaur
and the video,
and I would know
that none of this
is gonna get us any closer
to finding that little boy.
Mm.
But...
I believe
what you've taught me, Oliver...
That that child didn't just
drop a camera into a mailbox,
he mailed a piece of hope,
and somehow
it found its way to us,
and here we are,
in a star cruiser.
We have no idea
where we're going,
but I know that...
That we're on our way,
and I'm trusting
that we'll get there.
Uh... do you believe that?
Yes.
"Trust the timing."
Right?
Wow... oh, wow!
What?
Oh, well, did you know
the Colorado red-tailed hawk
can fly at speeds of
up to 120 miles per hour?
No.
Neither did that mouse.
Norman, I need you
to pay attention for a second.
- Run! Run!
- Norman.
What? I'm sorry.
We need to take this test...
"Seven questions to ask
before getting engaged."
But we're already engaged.
I know, but I need to catch up.
Well, can Oliver help?
Question number four...
How important
is religion to you?
Very.
Very.
Religion or faith?
Because faith and religion
are two very...
Question number five...
Oh! How do you plan
to handle your finances?
What finances?
We work for the post office.
We'll figure it out later.
Next question.
Question number six...
Do you plan to have a family,
and, if so,
how many children will you have?
Oh. Well, I mean, I think
that we'll probably just...
Oh, wow, hey!
Did you see that?
That baby must've been going,
why, at 120, 125 miles per hour!
Huh! Hawks! Wow, huh?
Ho.
Excuse me.
I believe that's your phone.
You, uh, left it when
you went to get lunch.
It's been, um...
Dinging... a lot.
You know, sometimes, I envy you.
You don't have a cellphone.
No annoying
buzzing or dinging...
No GPS to tell you
exactly how to get somewhere
and how long it should take.
There is something to be said
about being out
on the open road without a...
Oliver.
What?
The guy at the hotel...
He said that Rachel
was headed somewhere,
but she seemed
reluctant,
as if she were
not sure where she should go.
We know
she headed west on U.S. 50,
and she was going
to canon city, but...
What if she got there,
and she decided
to just keep going?
We've been thinking
that all the photos that were...
They were all taken before
canon city, but what if
all the places in the photos
aren't behind us,
they're ahead of us.
Yes!
Oh, my goodness.
Oh, for heaven's sake.
If you pump it too much,
you'll flood it.
I am familiar
with the concept of
fuel injection, Ms. Mcinerney,
but thank you for your concern.
Sorry, it's just that I...
Is there anything else
you would like to tell me
before we proceed?
I don't know.
It's just I've been through
something like this before.
A breakdown?
A temporary failure to restart.
It just takes some Patience.
- "Patience."
- mm-hmm.
Huh. So I shouldn't check
for cracks in the manifold
or the water levels.
I don't know
what I was thinking.
All I need is Patience.
I'm sure that's in
the owner's manual somewhere.
I'm sorry. Who are you?
And what have you done
with Oliver?
Excuse me.
Did Norman just completely
avoid the topic of children?
Did Oliver just overheat?
I guess you never
really know somebody
until you put down
some serious miles.
I'll say.
I should've known
I couldn't push her like that.
Ah, she just needs
to cool down a bit.
You seem to be getting
the hang of things.
Think you might be ready
to take the next leg
of the drive?
Yeah, I don't know about that.
Remember when I said
I can't drive?
Oh, well, you were nervous
to operate
such a large motor vehicle.
Very understandable concern.
No.
I mean, I really can't drive.
When Norman asked me
to marry him,
he specifically said
he wanted a family.
And now...
Now he's more interested
in the average airspeed
of a red-tail hawk?
Norman loves you, Rita.
Maybe he just felt
a little weird
about taking a test
to see if he's compatible
with a woman that
he's already engaged to.
Maybe he realized he wasn't?
And you never...
Talked about this with Rita?
I was...
Afraid
she wouldn't want to marry me.
Oh. Well...
My friend, take it
from someone who knows.
You can't start a marriage
holding back
a piece of your heart.
You're better off giving her
all of it from the beginning.
Then you just pray
she wants to keep it.
Rita, I don't know
two more compatible people.
As far as you know.
Maybe you don't know Norman
as well as you thought you did.
I mean...
Maybe I don't, either.
You never really know someone
as well as you think you do.
Do you even know how many
cousins he actually has?
Well, I don't even think
he knows.
Ladies?
Uh, Norman believes we may be
ready to resume our journey.
We'll be right there.
You ready?
Hey, I'm a little tired.
Um, Oliver, would you mind
taking the wheel again?
Oh. Uh, yes. Happy to.
Uh, Ms. Mcinerney,
would you care
to be my co-pilot?
I need to talk to you
about something,
and I don't know how.
Or when.
Definitely not
in the star cruiser.
Maybe tonight.
Or not.
Soon.
Maybe.
Norman, are we okay?
All I know
is that I love you.
Then that should be enough.
Huh.
No.
Nothing in here
about Patience
in case of a breakdown.
Guess I was, uh,
completely wrong about that.
I'm very sorry.
I was out of line.
The rv overheated
and so did I.
I forgive you.
But why?
Well...
Oh, my gosh.
It can't be!
The roadside store!
That was it. That was it!
Melvin's melons. Huh!
Yes, well, being
from the east coast,
I'm not sure if you're aware
that Colorado is famous
for its cantaloupe and honeydew.
Yep. Somehow, I missed that.
Uh, I guess Norman
is on to something.
Right, uh... here.
Yeah, they were probably
parked right here
when the picture was taken.
Do you want something to eat?
I'm not hungry. I want daddy.
Stay in the car.
- Hi there.
- Hi.
That gonna be all for ya?
That'll do it.
That's $15.75.
You know what?
I'm, uh... Not gonna get these.
Okay.
$10.25.
I have a quarter
here, somewhere.
Mommy! Let's go!
Looks like you got
a tired little boy over there.
Yep. Long trip.
Well... tell you what.
Sometimes gummies
make the ride go faster.
You're very kind. Thank you.
Where're you headed?
You know...
I'm not really sure anymore.
Thank you.
Yeah, that looks like
it could be her.
Did you notice
anything about her?
Uh, she had a little boy
who was tired
of being in the car
and he was giving his mom
a pretty hard time.
Did she tell you
that he was her son?
No, but he called her "mommy."
Did she mention
where she was going?
No, but it seemed like
they'd been traveling
for a while, and, uh...
You know, it's just a guess,
but I think she was
running low on cash.
Do you recognize this place?
I sure do. That's minnie's cafe.
I stop there every Friday
to go to the bank in montrose.
Minnie's, you said?
Oh. My cell phone died.
I think I left
my charger in the d.L.O.
I don't understand
why people use those things.
I like my words on paper.
Precisely my sentiment.
Excuse me, sir?
Uh, could you tell us
where we might be able
to find minnie's, please?
Sure can. Yeah.
You stay west on U.S. 50.
It's about 15 miles
past poncha Springs.
Make sure you try
minnie's apple pan pie.
Best in the state.
Norman loves pie!
Yes. I do.
Pleasure meeting a man
after my own heart.
Thank you so much for your time.
Well, at least we know
she's his mother.
And yet we can't be sure
that makes him safe.
What do you mean?
Well, we're assuming
that the boy has been taken,
but what if he's been rescued?
Oh, so we know
Rachel is his mom,
but maybe she's...
Running away
from a bad situation.
Yeah.
Sorry!
I just had to buy something.
A map.
Shocking, I know.
You have your laptop.
Well, I lost my hotspot.
Excuse me?
No mobile Internet,
so no laptop connection,
so no GPS.
Hence, the map.
Who are you?
And what have you done
with Shane mcinerney?
Oh, don't worry.
She's not going anywhere.
Have you spoken with Rita yet?
I believe you need
a distraction.
You said you have
a learner's permit, yes?
Uh, yeah. I renew it every year.
I just don't use it, but...
Hmm.
You've got this, Norman.
Just take your time.
Nice and easy.
You're okay!
We're here!
I've always wanted to say that.
Oh, good! I am so hungry. Again!
Me too.
Well, except for that
minor hiccup with the sign,
and the mattress in the road,
which no one could've predicted,
I think you did
an excellent job, Norman.
Well, thank you.
It felt pretty good.
Scary...
But good.
Well, as your wise grandmother
once told me...
"You have to face the scary."
Like with Rita.
Like with Rita.
This is definitely the place.
We should find the exact table.
Mm-hmm.
Third table's a charm.
That's gonna be $4.38.
I'm sorry.
I can't seem to find my wallet.
I'm in no rush, honey.
Take your time.
I had it with me on the road...
I think it fell out of my bag.
I don't have any money.
Honest. My-my wallet...
Everything's gone.
I've lost everything,
have you been drivin'
for a long while now?
About 10 miles up the road,
there is a little lodge.
Summits point.
They have nice, clean rooms.
But I don't have any money.
When you get there,
you tell Carl
that minnie sent you.
He'll take good care of you.
I can't.
You will.
I don't know how to thank you.
You just stay strong
for that little man of yours.
There.
For tonight.
Won't solve
any of your troubles,
but...
Maybe, for a moment,
you can set them aside.
And sometimes a moment
is all that we need
to know where
we need to go to next.
Well, the waitress
doesn't recognize anything,
but she's new.
Ohh. Here you go, folks.
Thank you.
Uh, we were hoping
you might be able
to help us out.
We're looking for
a woman and her son.
I know it's not much to go on...
And we think he's
5 to 10 years old...
And they sat in this very booth
three weeks ago.
We were hoping
you might remember them.
We get a lot of
families stoppin' by.
We're the only restaurant
in a hundred miles, so.
He was wearing
a dinosaur backpack.
Oh, and they were
driving a gray car.
Do you know what
they looked like?
That's all we have, I'm afraid.
Are they in
some kind of trouble?
Sorry. It's government business.
We're not at Liberty
to divulge any further details,
but I can tell you...
Yes, I know. I remember them.
Really?
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Nice lady.
Little boy. Loved dinosaurs.
Did they mention
where they were going?
Uh, yes.
Um...
Dinosaur national monument
in, uh, in grand junction.
I-I even gave 'em one of
those brochures by the door.
Oh, my goodness.
Can you remember
anything else at all?
Uh, no, not really.
Just that they were
very happy and hungry.
Like you folks, right?
What can I get ya?
Well, it makes sense.
Rachel's little boy
loves dinosaurs,
and the dinosaur
national monument
is essentially one right turn
at the end of U.S. 50,
but it's at least
four hours away.
Norman... that's
your third piece of pie.
How can you still be hungry?
Norman loves pie!
All that driving
really took it out of me.
You drove 13 miles.
I think we're all tired.
Why don't we find a motel
and get some rest?
We'll drive back
to Denver in the morning
and decide where
to go from there.
Wait. We're not gonna
go see the dinosaurs?
Well, let's be honest.
Rachel and her boy came through
three weeks ago,
and they could be
anywhere by now.
All we have
is a photograph of the letter,
I don't know what else to do
without a solid lead
as to their next stop.
Then we'll just
have to pray for one.
What's in the bag?
The last piece of pie.
You actually left one?
I saved it for Rita.
That's sweet.
We were fortunate.
There was still
one room available.
You and Rita may take the room.
Norman and I will, uh,
sleep in
the recreational vehicle.
Oliver O'Toole, man of courage.
Oh, courage takes many forms,
Ms. Mcinerney.
Wanna take a walk?
Yes. Okay.
How do they do it?
What do you mean?
Well, something's
going on between those two
that they haven't
worked out yet, but...
They still hold hands and...
They don't let whatever it is
pull them apart.
Do you know what it is?
No. Do you?
Yes.
So?
Oh, I'm not telling.
Good.
I'd be disappointed
in you if you did.
Was that a test, Ms. Mcinerney?
No. I hate tests.
You know, that's how
a lot of relationships end.
You fail someone else's test
that you didn't even
know you were taking.
We are in a relationship,
aren't we?
Uh, I'm gonna go with...
"Yes".
Then I need to ask a question.
Okay.
Who is Alex Brighton?
You saw my phone.
Yes.
If I...
Tell you that I'm not ready
to talk about it yet...
Will you trust me?
Yes.
Can we still hold hands
while I'm working things out?
Shane...
I'm not letting go.
You wanna talk...?
No, I... you go first.
No. You.
Do you not want
to marry me anymore?
Of course, I want to marry you.
But you don't want a family now?
You don't want children?
I do. More than anything.
I just think that
they shouldn't be, um...
My children.
What? But
whose else would they be?
I never knew my father,
and I barely knew my mother,
and the only living
relative that I know of
is my grandmother,
and she's really smart.
Like you.
And funny.
Like you.
And kinda weird.
Oh. She just sees the world
from a different perspective.
Usually on the top
of machu picchu,
wearing an aluminum crown
that translates
the rays of the sun
into haiku brainwaves.
She really is one of a kind.
Yeah, but what if she isn't?
You know, what if
I'm like her, too?
She told me that my mom
did some pretty odd stuff.
And all through school,
the kids made fun
of me for being odd.
Yeah, but those were
bullies, Norman.
They could only
see the different,
they couldn't see the amazing.
I'm not amazing.
I'm not even normal.
It's like something's missing.
Like, I can tell you
all about cars,
I can even fix cars,
but actually driving throws me,
and I can't pass
the driver's exam.
There's all those lanes,
and I never know
which one to choose,
and then there's
merging and yielding.
What does it say about a man
if he can't parallel park?
Norman, I don't care about that.
You can invent
mail recovery protocols
that nobody has even imagined.
You can develop old camera film,
and you can invent
new chemical solutions.
You can analyze the handwriting
on a hopelessly ripped
and mangled envelope
with your eyes closed.
You have special gifts.
And not everyone will see that,
but Oliver sure did.
That's why he asked you
to be a part of his team.
That's why I love you,
because you're special.
I'm different.
And I've paid a price for that,
and I don't want
our children to have to.
So...
I think we should adopt.
Oh.
Norman...
I have always thought
that we were going to adopt.
I plan on having
a whole rainbow
of babies with you,
and I don't care
how they come to us.
But whether you like it or not,
they will be like you...
Because the most important thing
that they will inherit from you
will come from your heart,
not your d.N.A.
You are the sweetest,
kindest,
most loyal person
I have ever met.
And that's the man that I want
for the father of my children.
The man who saves
the last piece of the best pie
for someone else.
And the one whose heart
can break for a little lost boy,
and he won't give up
until he knows he's safe.
Thank you.
And we're going to find
our dinosaur boy.
I know.
But I was also
talking about you.
You're safe now, Norman.
You're not that boy
you were in high school.
I mean, you never really were.
It just took a little bit longer
for you to be appreciated.
You...
Were born the boy
who would grow up and marry me.
The Norman that
I was meant to love,
and the man
that all sorts of children
will love
and call their daddy,
the smartest man
they will ever know.
We've got a place
to stay, sweetheart.
I thought we lost our money.
We did.
But there are some very
nice people in this world.
Like the man who
gave you the gummies,
and the lady with the pie.
And the man at this motel.
We've got a place to stay, baby.
At least we're okay for tonight.
Don't cry, mommy.
I'm so sorry, Danny.
I know how tired you are,
and I know how much
you miss daddy.
I wish I knew how
to fix everything,
but I don't know how.
I'm sorry.
I won't ask about daddy anymore.
I promise.
No. No, it's not
your fault, honey.
And I promise, as soon as I can,
we're gonna do
something special.
I'm gonna take you
to see the dinosaurs.
Would you like that?
I know it's not
as good as daddy,
but we're gonna have to wait
a little bit for that, okay?
Okay.
I love you, Danny.
I love you too, mommy.
Who do you belong to?
Hmm?
So I'll take the first leg
back to Denver,
and then, Norman,
do you want to drive?
Oh, can we stop
at minnie's for pie?
I need one for the road.
And I mean I need one pie.
One whole pie.
Well...
We didn't end up accomplishing
what we wanted to on this trip,
but it was worth it
just to see those two happy.
It was worth it
just to see you survive 12 hours
without Internet access.
Very funny.
Oliver?
Hmm?
Look.
Oh, my goodness.
See? It's the same log.
They were here!
It would seem so.
Maybe this time
she filled out
a registration card.
- Checking out?
- Yes.
And we have a question.
Shoot.
About three weeks ago,
a lady named Rachel
and her little boy
stayed here, we think.
They had a gray car.
Huh. Nobody like that.
Are you sure?
Because we have a photo
that proves they were here.
Oh, yes, uh...
I do remember. Uh...
Pretty lady, about 35, maybe?
Gray car.
- Oh.
- Let me see.
She said she was going
to mesa verde.
Yep, down to durango,
because the little boy
wanted to see
the native American ruins.
Duran go?
Mm-hmm. Yep.
You take the 50 west
and the 550 south.
But that was three weeks ago,
at least.
They're probably
long gone by now?
Thank you.
Thanks.
Duran go?
There's no dinosaurs in durango.
And it's completely
in the opposite direction.
But he seemed so sure.
But so was minnie at the diner.
Everyone seems awfully "sure".
Can we take a look
at that picture
from the diner again?
Rachel, presumably
paying for her bill,
menu board...
"Help wanted," some plaque...
What does that say?
Oh, here. Uh...
Oh.
"Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Mm. Words to live by.
"Help wanted..."
Hmm.
What?
Well, the man at the road stand
said that Rachel seemed as if
she were running out of cash.
If that were true,
she couldn't afford a cabin
here at the lodge.
Let alone a trip
to go see the dinosaurs,
or to go to durango.
Wait. So, if she couldn't
afford to leave,
and she couldn't afford to stay,
then she would have...
Are we back in
the Rachel business?
It would seem so.
Does this mean more pie?
Well, look who's back.
Find your lady yet?
No. But we couldn't leave
without another slice
of your apple pan pie.
Oh, that pie brings everybody
back, sooner or later.
Sit wherever you like.
Thank you.
Thank you.
So, uh... Oh, pie? Coffee?
Ice cream?
All of the above.
Coming right up.
Weren't there,
uh, four of you last time?
Good memory!
She'll be right in.
You got it.
All right. Photo, please.
Did we remember
our little friend?
Safely tucked in here.
Oliver, you were right.
There's a gray car
parked in the back.
"Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Now, I believe
that minnie's probably
a very good samaritan.
Her motto's
still up on the wall,
but the "help wanted" sign
is not.
I'm guessing Rachel
ran out of money,
she couldn't keep
staying at the lodge,
so minnie decided...
The pie is coming right up...
And we are putting
extra ice cream on.
That'll hold you
until you get to mesa verde.
Uh, don't you mean
dinosaur national monument?
Yes. That's what I meant.
Probably confused,
because Carl
from the summits point lodge
called to tell you
he sent us
in the opposite direction.
Isn't that right?
I'm sorry.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
I think you do.
And so does... Rachel.
Don't you, Rachel?
We're not here
to upset you, Rachel.
We...
We just wanted
to return this
to your little boy
and make sure that he's okay.
Bertie!
Mommy! You found him!
Bertie!
So, your mom seems
pretty cool, huh?
Yeah. She's gonna
take me to see dinosaurs!
But just their bones,
they're not alive or anything.
Oh.
She sounds real super-cool.
Yeah. My mommy loves me.
My daddy does, too.
Everybody's
good folks around here.
They look out for each other.
Carl didn't realize you were
just from the post office.
I didn't mean "just".
That's all right.
I can't believe you all
went to so much trouble
just to return a toy.
Uh, well, actually,
we were attempting
to deliver a lost camera.
When we developed
the film inside,
we found, uh, this...
Oh, Danny.
I was trying to do
the right thing.
I was just trying
to protect him.
Protect him...
From your husband?
From the truth about my husband.
What is the truth
about your husband?
Well, first of all,
Jack would never hurt us.
He wouldn't mean to.
He didn't mean to...
He was a wonderful father.
"It's bright blue
and you play with it, too."
"Solve the case
in your happy place."
I found you, daddy!
You sure did, kiddo!
You sure did.
Hey. Do you like it?
And guess what?
One of these days,
mommy and I are gonna take you
to see where
some of them used to live.
Promise?
Promise.
How 'bout a smile from my boys?
Say, "I love you, mommy."
I love you, mommy!
"Jack."
We had a "j" and an "a,"
and an "m" and a "k".
My husband
is Jack marashak.
I see.
That's why minnie lied to you
when you came in last night.
You said you were
from the government,
and she just knew
I couldn't handle any more.
Uh, Mr. Marashak was mayor
of a town in northern Colorado
up until about
six months ago or so.
Now he's in canon city,
at the correctional facility.
Jack
got caught up
in some sketchy plan
to invest
the city employment pension fund
with a financial group
that turned out to be a scam.
The guys he trusted
took off with the money
and Jack was left
holding the bag.
He didn't steal anything,
but he lost everything.
He should have known better.
It was too good to be true
and he didn't want to look
closer than that.
He did the wrong thing
for the right reasons,
and he paid for it.
And so did you.
So did everybody else.
It's a small town.
There isn't any place to go
to avoid the stares
and the whispers.
And school is starting soon
and I couldn't
send Danny back to that.
You know kids.
So, I... I packed up my car,
I took what was left
in the bank,
and I told Danny
we were going to a new home.
I thought I'd find something
near the prison, but
the closer I got,
the harder it got.
How do you take your little boy
who worships his father
to see him like that?
I kept going back and forth,
trying to make up my mind,
and when I finally
got to canon city, I...
Just kept driving.
I thought I'd take him
to the dinosaur monument,
but I lost my wallet.
And if it hadn't been for minnie
taking us in
and giving me a job, and...
And Danny doesn't
know about his father?
I still haven't been able
to tell him the truth.
He
thinks daddy is away
somewhere at a new job.
Based upon the clues
Danny left behind
with his camera,
he's, um, incredibly bright.
He'll figure it out,
sooner or later,
I'm afraid.
I know.
I'm just putting it off
as long as I can
just to protect him.
And yourself.
Maybe.
Good people do stupid things.
I know that.
But...
You lost your home
and all your friends
and your reputation
because of what Jack did.
You know, maybe
you'll forgive him,
maybe you won't, but, uh...
Until you can face him,
Rachel...
Believe me,
it...
You'll always be
sort of in prison yourself.
I know, because...
My sister
has a gambling problem.
A... a... big one.
Like, she gambled
her whole life away,
and, uh...
Tore apart our family
in the process.
We haven't, um...
We haven't talked
for a long time, so...
I know a little bit
about how you feel.
And we can tell ourselves
that we're moving on,
but, uh...
We don't really get very far
when we're dragging
so much behind us.
So...
Maybe...
Maybe...
There's a reason
that we found ourselves
together on this road today.
To help each other and...
Danny.
So, I will make you a deal.
If you reach out
to your husband,
I will...
I will reach out to my sister.
You've...
You've never mentioned
your sister before.
Hurt too much.
Still does.
But now you know.
Thought you knew me, right?
Uh, I still do.
I just don't know your sister.
You're two different people.
You're Shane mcinerney
and she's, uh...
She's...
Alex.
Alex Brighton.
All those texts on my phone,
those are hers.
She's been in recovery
since last year,
and every once in awhile,
she calls and tries
to reconnect.
But you never call back.
Not after what she did
to our mother.
All the sleepless nights,
the ruined holidays.
My mom even sold our house
to pay for the debt
and to...
And to put her through rehab.
Maybe...
Maybe my sister has
got her act together now.
I'm just so...
I'm still so...
Angry?
So angry!
I... I am so angry
that I am... I'm afraid
to return her calls,
'cause I don't know
what I'm gonna say.
So I just don't.
But now I have to.
What was I thinking,
making that deal with Rachel?
It seemed like a good idea
at the time,
but now I actually
have to do it.
Yes.
But...
You won't
have to do it alone, Shane.
I thought the sun Rose
and set with her.
There is only one person I know
who's in charge of that.
Everyone else we just have
to forgive for being human.
Okay, here we go.
You can go see him.
I found you, daddy.
You sure did, kiddo.
You sure did.
Thank you.
He missed you.
How about you?
I don't know.
It's gonna take some time, Jack.
But I got this far...
And I already know one thing...
I love you.
Ready?
Ahem.
Alex?
It's me.
Hi.
Really?
Well, that's, um...
That's good, right?
Uh, have you seen mom?
Oh.
Yeah, maybe at Christmas.
Still in, um, Denver.
No, I, uh...
I love it, actually.
Tell her...
You have a boyfriend.
I, uh...
I have a boyfriend.
Yeah, uh...
He's, uh
everything
I never knew I wanted.
"Oliver."
I know.
So, this is the traditional
white wedding cake
with a ganache glaze.
This one has
a delightful lemon curd.
Oliver loves lemon.
And that's the chocolate one
with a caramel filling.
Mm. Nope.
Can't have any caramel.
I didn't know
you were allergic to caramel.
I'm not.
I just don't like caramel.
Uh, but what about this?
Does anybody have a problem
with an apple pan wedding pie
from minnie's?
Ooh!
May I?
Please, be our guest.
Mm.
Uh, so, what was so important?
Well, uh, we still have
76 things to do
on our "100 things to do
before our wedding list,"
and we need your help.
Well, we will do what we can.
Number 43
"choose your best man."
Number 44...
"choose your maid of honor."
You're the first
friend I ever had
that truly believed in me.
You taught me how to stamp
and sort and forward
and deliver all sorts
of impossible things.
You made me
believe
that being loved
by somebody incredible,
like Rita,
was not an impossible thing.
You're the best man
that I know, Oliver,
and I'd like you
to be my best man.
I can think
of no place I'd rather be
than by your side
when you marry Rita.
And you...
Well, you know...
You're like a sister to me,
like the sister I never had.
But even if I had a sister,
I would still want you
to be my maid of honor.
Not that I have anything
against my real sister,
that I don't even have...
I just...
I can't imagine getting married,
or-or being married,
or raising children...
I can't imagine
any of that without you.
And Norman, of course!
Of course! Of course, Norman!
Of course! Norman!
So, uh, what is question 45?
Um, "decide whether or not"
"you're going to fly,
take a train,
or drive on your honeymoon."
Oh! Let's go to Fiji!
Ooh! Yes!
Do not mail me a coconut.
What? I love sending
coconuts in the mail!
No coconuts.
Are you serious?
But that's, like...
Ramon? What do you think?
I love anything tropical.