Original subtitles

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[train horn blowing]

[person narrating] Everyone'’s life in Southwestern Virginia

has something to do with coal mining.

Takes a special kind of man

to go miles underground every day

and risk his life to do his job.

Our whole community is bound together in this.

"My lamp is my sun, and all my days are night."

That'’s from a poem my grandfather used to quote when I was growing up.

Got it.

[miners chattering]

When I look back on the big events, the things that really changed my life,

everything goes back to Grandpa.

[miners chattering]

Yeah, I'’m all right. Well...

Hey, Clay, maybe over there at D.Yeah.

Well, now I reckon we know what'’s been plugging up all these ventilation shafts.

[miners laugh]All right, let'’s get it shored it up.

[metal creaking]

All right, got it.

[miners chattering]

Seems pretty good so far.

Yeah. How far you reckon it goes back?

I don'’t know. Can'’t tell.

Go a little far if you can. Take it easy.Okay.

Here.

Everything'’s wet.

How y'’all doing there? Wow, look at that.

-What? -[miner] She'’s gonna blow!

[rumbling]She'’s gonna blow. Let'’s go!

Gary! Gary! Come on! Come on! Gary!

[rumbling continues][miners clamoring]

[metallic creaking]Argh!

[Gary] Argh! Help me!

[miner] Pull back! Pull back! Let'’s go! Come on!

[alarm blaring]

[miners coughing]

[chattering]

Ventilation shaft'’s flooding. Must'’ve dug too close to the old Red Ash seam.

[miner 2] How many guys still down there?[miner 1] Two.

It'’s Clayton Hayes...

and Gary.

Let me go! That is my son down there. Let me go!

It'’ll do no good.

[miner] Hey, it'’s Clayton and Gary!

[Clayton] Hang in there, Gary. Hang in there.

-[miners chattering] -[siren wailing]

Gary! Gary!

[Gary groaning]

Clayton. Clayton... I got no words.

Clayton.

Anything, anytime.

Forget it.

[miner] Good job!Come on, boy.

[person narrating] My grandpa is the strongest man I'’ve ever known.

To understand him, you have to know that he worked

in the Thin Fork coal mine from the time he was 16.

[train horn blowing]

Dear God. You could have been killed.

[chuckling] Well, now, now.

It'’s-- It's all over. How about a little supper?

Oh. You'’re a tough old bird.

[laughs]Clayton, there'’s one more thing.

Angie'’s back.

[person narrating] His strength is what my mama ran from.

[cooing] His strength is what kept me alive.

Can you put that damn thing out?

Great to see you too, Dad.

I breathe coal dust every day.

I can at least have a little clean air in my own home.

Sorry. I forgot.

You were right.

Gene and me aren'’t getting along. We'’re splitting up.

I could never figure out what the hell you was doing with him in the first place.

Well, excuse me for being 17 and making a mistake.

[baby crying]

You just never have any sympathy for anybody, do you?

I don'’t think that's true.

Guess it'’s just me then.

[sighs]

I'’m just-- I'’m just finding things hard now.

Course it'’s hard. Having a baby is not a game.

I just-- I need to get my life together. I need to get a job.

I got to find a place to live.

You'’re gonna leave your child, huh?

You make it sound like I'’m a criminal.

No, I don'’t want to abandon her. It'’s only for a little while.

That'’s all right, honey. We'’ll be happy to keep her for you.

[Angie] Bye-bye, Emma. Grandma'’s gonna take care of you.

[Emma crying]

You could'’ve been kinder.

I didn'’t say half of what I wanted to.

[Emma] Mama could never get her life together, and she never did come back.

So I was raised by my grandparents.

When I was ten, Grandma died.

And then, it was just Grandpa and me.

[train horn blowing]

Our community remained just about the same one Mama had left behind,

and Grandpa continued to work the mines,

and I grew up pretty much like all the other kids in the county.

Bye. See you guys tomorrow.

Bye.Bye.

See ya.See ya.

What'’s that?

[chuckles]

Grandpa, thank you.

Wait'’ll you see what it is.

You never forget.[chuckles]

Grandpa, thank you. It'’s beautiful.

I'’m finally 15.

Something you been wishing for, huh?

Forever. It'’s like, when you'’re 14, you'’re still a kid,

but when you'’re 15, it'’s for real.

[chuckles] Well, when you get to be 50,

you'’ll wish you were 14 again.

[clock chimes]

You know, um, Mama hasn'’t called yet.

You think she forgot, or...

I just still don'’t understand why she left me.

Honey, I'’ve been telling you for years,

that woman is a mystery to me.

Stop thinking about her. I have.

Besides, don'’t you like the way I'’ve raised you?

Yes. I just-- I still wonder, you know, was there something wrong with me?

There'’s nothing wrong with you. It'’s not about you. It'’s about her.

Well, what about her?[sighs]

Why can'’t you two just get along?

Emma, I don'’t know.

It-- Your mom and me, we'’re like oil and water.

We never saw eye to eye on one damn thing.

Maybe now, boys will notice me.

Uh, not that what?

That I'’m 15.[chuckles]

[door opens, closes]

Hi, honey.Hi.

A little early in the season for hunting, isn'’t it?

[chuckles] It won'’t be by the time I finish this thing.

I called my mama today.

She was real nice.

Grandpa, I'’d like to go stay with her for about a week.

If that'’s okay with you.

Please. It'’s just over the state line.

Why?

Because it'’s not like I don'’t have a mama. I do.

I just want to know her better.

You don'’t need to know her any better.

People need more than food and shelter, Grandpa.

[Emma] "Dear Grandpa, Please don'’t be too mad at me.

I'’ve gone to Tennessee to stay with my mama for a little while.

I can'’t just wonder all my life. I have to find out about her for myself.

Please, try to understand.

It'’ll be just for a few days, and it'’s winter break now,

so I won'’t be missing any school.

Don'’t worry. I'm sure everything'’s gonna work out just fine.

There'’s lots of food in the fridge. Much love, Emma."

[chattering]

[Emma] Deep down, I knew Grandpa would understand.

But I was real nervous as I walked up to Mama'’s house.

She lived at the back of a commercial lot that sold mobile homes.

[knocking continues][person] Hang on, I'’m coming. Hang on.

Keep your pants on--

Hi there.

I'’m sorry. I must have the wrong place.

Who are you looking for?

Angie Baker. She'’s my mother.

Really? Well, come on in.

She lives here?

Yes, ma'’am. She sure does.

She'’s at work right now, but you can still come on in.

It'’s okay. Come on.

There you go.

Here, this beer'’s for you.

I'’m only 15.

Fifteen? I guess girls are pretty much grown up at 15, aren'’t they?

I don'’t know.

In this trailer, you'’re old enough

to do anything you want to do, angel face.

[laughs]

So, what do you do?

Well, I run my own business. I repair air conditioning and heating systems.

Do you like it?

Well, I set my own hours and I work when I want.

That'’s great.Yeah.

So, is this your first time away from home?

And your boyfriends let you go? A beautiful thing like you?

I don'’t have any boyfriends.

You don'’t?

Well, the men around there must be blind.

Or maybe they'’re just not men, huh? [clicks tongue]

You know where my mama is?

Your mama. Uh...

Well, she got off work about a half hour ago.

I'’d say she's probably at Bobby'’s by now.

[chattering][country music playing]

In case anybody asks, you'’re 21, all right?

There'’s your mama right there.

Hey, guys.

Angie, look what I found.

What'’d you bring her here for?

Well, now, she said she wanted to see her mama.

So you bring her to a bar?

Come on.

Hey, you leaving, Angie?

[Angie] What'’s it look like?

You said you were coming tomorrow.

Tuesday. I had said Tuesday.

Whatever. You should'’ve called first.

She did call. That'’s when she told you she was corning Tuesday.

Ray, can you just go do something useful

like make her up a bed on the couch on something?

I guess, I--

I didn'’t think you were really gonna come.

But I'’m glad you're here.

I'’m really glad.

-[glass shatters] -Oh, hell!

Let me help you--I got it! I got it.

You must be tired now.

So why don'’t you just go on to bed, and...

and we can do all our-- our catching up later.

[Angie sighs] Good night.

All right.

There you go, princess.Thank you.

Ray, would you give her some privacy?

[rock music playing on stereo]

Keep it to a roar, Angie.

[mumbles]

Kids. You know, kids will sleep through anything.

Yeah, well, I guess you didn'’t notice, but that ain'’t no kid.

[Angie] Let'’s dance.

[Angie chuckles][Ray grunts]

[both laughing]

[Ray] Come here, girl.[Angie] Oh, Ray!

[Angie laughing]

[loud music continues][Angie] Come on, sweetheart.

Is that you?[Ray] Face the wall!

[Angie, Ray continue chattering, laughing]

[music stops]

[car door closes][Emma groans softly]

[car engine starts]

[phone ringing]

Hello?[Clayton] Em?

Grandpa?

I got your note.

You got there okay?

Yeah, just fine.

Well, I wish you'’d told me.

I'’m sorry. I wanted to.

And, uh, you all right, huh?

Yeah, just fine.

So, uh, you'’re happy there?

[Emma] Mama and I really haven'’t had a chance to talk yet.

Well, you wanna come home, you just let me know

and I'’ll come pick you up anytime.

Okay.

I got to go now, Grandpa.

Bye.Bye.

Hey.

Morning.

So, he wants you to come home, huh?

Afraid I'’ve already ruined you with my bad influence?

He just wanted to make sure I got in all right.

You want some breakfast?

Sure. That'’d be great.

You know, Bobby'’s...

isn'’t a real bar.

It'’s more a place where people get together and talk.

Sure.

[sighs]

Ray shouldn'’t have brought you there.

He oughta think sometimes.

He was just trying to help. He seems really nice.

Yeah, he'’s a nice guy. He got me this place.

He knows the owner.

Does all the appliance work on all the trailer sales.

That'’s nice.

So, how'’d you sleep?

Like a baby.

Um, I gotta gotta go out and see some friends. So, um, I'’ll be back later.

Okay.

Look, I know you came all the way out here and everything,

but I can'’t just not show up when I'’d told somebody I'’d be there.

So, um, the place is yours. Do whatever you want.

We'’ll talk later.

Cinderella, what'’re you doing?

I thought Mama could use the help.

Where is your mama?

She went to visit some friends.

Are you kidding me?

It'’s okay. I know she'’s busy.

Well, get up off the floor now. You don'’t belong on no floor. There you go.

You'’re just perfect, aren't you?

What'’s wrong?

Ah, some guy undercut me on that bank contract.

I'’m sorry.

Yeah, me too.

Oh, what the hell. Who cares?

Let'’s go out. I wanna take you to the best restaurant in Tennessee.

Make Cinderella the princess she ought to be.

What if Mama comes home?

Well, you can leave her a note.

Now, come on.

Have dinner with me, please.

Say yes. Come on.

Let me be Prince Charming.

Okay.

-Okay? -Okay.

-All right. That'’s great! That'’s my girl. -[Emma chuckles]

All right, wait, wait, wait.

Here you go. Here, you can wear this.

I have dresses.

[chuckles] Oh, not for where we'’re going, you don'’t.

Wow.

You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

[chattering][soft piano music playing]

You were born to be in places like this.

Oh, I can'’t. I can'’t, I can't--

Honey, this is liquid gold.

This isn'’t booze. This comes right out of the faucets in heaven.

Champagne can'’t make you drunk.

[laughing]Where you going? Careful. I got you.

[both laughing]

All right?

[Emma laughing]

[Ray laughs] You'’re feeling good, ain't you?

All right, come on now. I got you. Come on.

Come here.

Okay.

[Emma groans softly]

[Ray] God, you are so beautiful.

Let me help you with this coat.

[Emma groans softly]

[Ray] Here you go.

I got it. I got it.

[groans]

[trucks passing in the distance]

[Emma groans]

[gasps] What are you doing?

I love you.

You'’re meant to be mine.

[Emma] Ray?

Ray?[Ray] I'’m here, baby.

[groans]

[Emma] Ray?

Ray, what'’re you doing? You sure this is okay?

[Ray] Oh, it'’s okay, angel face. Don'’t you worry.

Are we home yet?

[Ray] Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah, we'’re home.

[truck horn blowing]

[rock music playing]

[music fades]

[groaning]

[truck horn blowing in the distance]

-Hey. Look who'’s up. -[gasps]

Good morning, gorgeous. I brought you some coffee.

There you go.

What'’s the matter?

Come on. I wanna take you in before your mama wakes up.

Don'’t touch me.

It'’s all right. It'’s all right.

What'’s the matter with my baby?

What did you do to me?

Argh! [groans]

Emma! Emma!

[Angie] Ray, is Emma with you?

[chattering]

Oh, damn. Forgot my wallet again.

[chuckles] Isn'’t that what they call driving without a license, Stu?

Here, give Stu anything he wants.

Thanks, Clayton. I'’ll pay you.

I must'’ve seen you do that 20 times, Hayes. Anybody ever pay you back?

Sometimes. [chuckles]

Clayton, you got a phone call! It'’s important!

Hello?

Grandpa?

Grandpa, it'’s me, Emma.

What'’s the matter? You all right?

[crying]

Something, um--

S-Something happened.

You-- You have to come help me.

All right. I'’m on my way.

[Clayton] What happened, honey?

[Emma] I just wanna go home.

[Clayton] I want you to tell me what happened, Emma.

Em, what happened?

Can you hear me?

[Emma] I can hear you.Well, I need to know.

I don'’t know.

What do you mean you don'’t know?

I had something to drink.

I passed out, I guess.

[sniffles] I really don'’t remember very much, but...

I remember he was on top of me.

And then what?

You know, Grandpa.

Who is he?

It was Ray. Ray Wilcox. The man living with Mama.

Do you need a doctor?

[door slams]

Grandpa! Grandpa, please don'’t do this. Please don'’t go.

I'’m gonna blow his head off.

Grandpa, please, you can'’t. You'’re all I have left.

Don'’t you see?

All right.

What'’re you doing?

Well, I'’m sending it back.

I'’ll take it to her.

She'’s gone back to Virginia.

No kidding.That'’s mine.

I'’ll take it. That'’s hers.

What'’d you expect, the way you treated her?

[doorbell rings]

-Hi, baby. I brought you something. -Get away from me.

-Now, now, wait a second-- What'’re you afraid of? -Get away from me!

Please, just get away.All right.

Grandpa!I'’m sorry if you weren'’t ready for what happened.

I thought you felt the way I did.

Grandpa!Just let me come in and talk to you.

Well... you must be Ray Wilcox.

That'’s right.

Get off my property.

And don'’t ever come back here. You understand me?

Now, wait a second, old man. Who do you think you'’re talking--

If he ever comes back here, you tell me.

You'’re all right now.

I gonna call the police. I want him to pay.

No. Grandpa, please.

I don'’t wanna go and talk about it in court. I just want to forget it.

Please?

All right.

Oh, there you are.

I thought you was down at the pond skating with your friends.

Nope, I guess not.

Well, why don'’t you go on down there?

I'’m tired. I just don'’t feel like it.

[sighs]

Hi, sweetheart. I wanna talk to you.

You know how much I love you.

I do. Come on, come sit down, talk to me.[car honking]

Come on now. Don'’t run off. Don'’t run off!Hey.

Can I get a ride?

Can I get a ride?

[door opens, closes]

[Clayton] Em?

[clattering]

[knocking on door]

Not right now.

Are you pregnant?

Leave me alone.

[Clayton] I can'’t.

It'’ll be all right. It'’s gonna be all right.

Don'’t you see? It'’s not gonna be all right.

It'’s never gonna be all right again.

I should'’ve listened to you.

I never should'’ve gone.

Do you still love me?

Love you? [scoffs]

You'’re the only reason I breathe.

You'’re the reason I get up in the morning.

What am I gonna do, Grandpa?

He ripped my life in two. It'’s never gonna be the same again.

No, it'’s not.

But that'’s what life treats you.

It rips you off one road,

and throws you down on another one. [scoffs]

It'’s either a test or a hell of an education.

But I don'’t want to have a baby.

I don'’t want to have his baby!

Well, that'’s your choice. You got a right.

But it'’s my baby, too.

It'’s part of all the people I love. Like you and Grandma.

What do you think, Grandpa?

It'’s not my decision.Tell me what you think!

I think...

I would be happy to give her a home.

[sniffles] Like you did for me.

It'’s an easy thing.

[train horn blowing]

[birds chirping]

[Emma breathes heavily] Grandpa. Grandpa!

What is it?

He'’s outside! He'’s outside the window!

Why don'’t you leave me alone!

[Ray grunts]

[Clayton] If you come back here again, if you speak to her,

if you even look at her, I'’m gonna blow your damn brains all over the highway!

[Emma breathing shakily]

[continues breathing shakily]

[Emma] Who is it? Hey, Mr. Matthew.

Mr. Matthew Baker. [chuckles][baby cooing]

Oh, aren'’t you precious. Oh, aren'’t you precious.

Where'’s your grandpa? Where'’s he at?

Grandpa?

[wind chimes jingling][Clayton] Come on.

What in the world...[chuckles]

[all] Surprise!

[laughs]

What'’re you all doing here?

[chattering]

Clayton, tell him about that exercise program you got on.

[laughing]

[chattering continues]

-Hey. -Hey.

Your boy sure is cute.Yeah.

Course, it figures. His mama'’s so pretty.

[cooing]Thank you.

Son of a bitch still bothering you?Only through the mail.

Grandpa convinced him not to come around anymore.

How'’d he do that?

Bout took his head off with the carbine.

[chuckles] That'’s good.

[chattering]Thank you so much for coming.

Bye!

Bye.Yeah. You take care of yourself and you take care of your girl.

[Matthew coughing][Emma groaning softly]

-[Emma] Matthew? Matthew. Matthew! -[gasping, crying]

Matthew. Grandpa!

Grandpa! He can hardly breathe!

Matthew.

We need a doctor. Now.

[monitor beeping][doctor] Get an Ambu bag out, start assisting ventilation.

I need a pulse ox. Get some epinephrine and Solu-Medrol now.

[nurse] Pulse ox is only 70%.[doctor] Let'’s prepare for intubation.

Let'’s get some Pavulon...[nurse] Got a line inside.

[doctor] How'’s the pulse ox?[nurse] 70%.

[doctor] Intubating now. Increase the oxygen.

[nurse] We'’re doing fine.

I just don'’t see why I can'’t be with him.

The doctors, they need a free hand.

To do what?

[sighs] What they have to.

Ms. Baker?Yes.

Your baby'’s doing a lot better.

Was it something I did?

No, no, not at all. Matthew has severe asthma.

Asthma'’s not that bad.

Well, actually, it can be very bad. It can be fatal.

The trouble with this severe form of asthma in infants

is that it can easily lead to complications.

You see, the baby'’s trachea-- windpipe--

-is so tiny that it can tighten right up. -[Matthew crying]

And he might not be able to breathe at all.

You were very lucky tonight, actually, that it didn'’t close up entirely.

He could easily have died.

What can I do?

We'’re going to give you a home ventilator,

but they don'’t always work.

You have to watch him very closely,

and you have to get him to the hospital immediately when he has an acute attack.

If you don'’t, you could lose him.

Well, how often is he gonna have one of these attacks?

Well, that'’s impossible to say, but I wouldn'’t be surprised

to see five or six acute episodes a year--

hospitalized episodes.

Now, we'’re gonna have to keep him for a few days. Maybe even a week.

But if everything goes fine, you'’ll be able to take him home.

You don'’t understand. He'’s never spent the night without me.

When he wakes up and I'’m not here-- You don'’t understand.

The nurses will take good care of him.

He'’s gonna be fine, Emma.

She'’s right. They can take care of him here. Thank you, Doctor.

What do you mean great-grandchildren aren'’t covered?

He'’s my dependent. Dependents are covered.

He is my immediate family! Lives under my roof!

Listen, I'’ve been paying into this damned health insurance plan for 43 years.

This is the first time I'’ve asked for anything.

Oh, it'’s the law, is it? Well, the law stinks!

Look, Grandpa, I can get a job.

It won'’t pay it off right away, but we can try--

Do you know how much it costs,

how expensive it is to stay in the hospital?

[chuckling] Well! Reverend. My goodness.

What a pleasant surprise. Won'’t you come on in.

Oh, I don'’t have time. I heard about Matthew'’s trouble.

Took up a collection. Don'’t know how much you need, but there'’s a start.

-Oh, I can'’t-- -Not for you, you old sinner!

-[chuckles] -For the baby.

Maybe someday I'’ll see you in church?

[laughs]

I can'’t believe they did this.

How much you got there?

284.

That'’s 318.

It looked like so much.

It was to the people who gave it.

Wait a minute.

Immediate family.

[chuckles softly] I'’ll adopt him.

-My baby? -Well, for Pete'’s sake, honey, it'’s only in name.

I mean, this will save his life. It'’s not like you'’re giving him up.

It'’s just on paper.

Then he wouldn'’t be mine anymore.

Believe me, it'’s the best thing.

I'’m surprised you'’re not jumping up and down.

It'’s just--

All right. Clayton, you'’ll need to fill this out.

Emma, you'’ll need to sign this. This is your consent.

And we also need a signed consent from the father.

Is that a problem?

No reason why it should be.

I don'’t see why we need his permission.

Well, the law requires it.

Well, then reckon we'’re gonna have to.

I'’m gonna talk to the judge, and because of the special circumstances,

I think we can get a hearing within the week.

I still don'’t see why we can't leave Ray out of this.

He had nothing to do with this.

Afraid not. We have to have the signatures of both parents.

[crying]

[judge] Our next matter is a petition for adoption.

Clayton Hayes seeks to adopt Matthew Baker.

However, I have a petition from the child'’s father.

The father declines the request to grant permission for the adoption

and further petitions the court for sole custody of the child.

-Are you crazy? -[judge] Counsel, please keep your client quiet.

He thinks he can take my baby?

Young lady, if you can'’t maintain the decorum--

Your Honor, the child in question

is the result of statutory rape by this man.

I'’m not aware of any rape charges pending before this court, Counsel.

-Nevertheless, Your Honor-- -[judge] Custody is what you have petitioned me to decide.

Custody is the matter we will deal with.

He has no right to my baby.

Bailiff, please remove the young lady.

What is your problem?Your Honor, please.

What are you trying? Think this is a joke?Counsel may remain.

Haven'’t you done enough? Haven'’t you done enough?

What are you trying to do?[officer] Come on, lady.

[Emma] What are you trying to do to me?

What happened? They threw him out, didn'’t they?

We have to come back tomorrow for his decision.

Decision? What kind of decision is there? He'’s not gonna take my baby.

I'’m sorry, I will not let that happen.

We'’ll drop the adoption proceedings. We'’ll find some other way.

The problem is we can'’t rescind Emma's consent to give up the baby.

Take it. Take it. It'’s a check.

My first child support payment.I don'’t want your money.

Are you refusing it?No, she'’s not.

She'’s interested in anything

that'’s good for Matthew'’s welfare.

Go on to the car.

Let'’s go.What--

Do you-- What is the matter with you?

The matter with me? You'’re the one trying to take a kid that ain'’t yours.

That is my son. Get out of my way.

[Matthew cooing]

[Emma humming]

[judge] In evaluating this case, the court has taken note that

Mr. Wilcox is better educated than the child'’s mother,

has employment, and is better capable of providing for the child,

and has, in fact, been making weekly child support payments.

The court finds the mother'’s willingness

to give up the child for adoption

is poor indication of her fitness as a mother.

Therefore, the decision of this court

is that it is in the best interest of the child

to grant custody to his natural father, Ray Wilcox.

Ms. Baker, the court orders you to surrender the child within 24 hours.

[gallery murmuring]

[lawyer] While we'’re waiting for our appeal,

Mr. Wilcox takes custody of Matthew.

And where does he live? Tennessee?

The problem is...

states favor their own residents in custody disputes.

You have almost no hope of winning.

Now, your only chance is to keep Matthew in Virginia.

-I won'’t let him go. He'’ll die without me. -How soon can we appeal?

Because of the health situation, I can ask for expedition.

I can talk to the judge tomorrow, and we can file tomorrow.

Then it'’s up to the court to give us a date.

In the meantime, the judge'’s order stands.

Matthew will have to be surrendered tomorrow.

[phone rings]

Hey.[Clayton] Hello, Angie.

Who is this?

It'’s me. It's your dad.

Angie? Angie?

[dial tone]

What do you want?

I'’d like to talk to you.

What if I don'’t want to talk to you?

It'’s about Emma.

He'’s trying to take the baby away from her.

Well, it'’s his baby.

[laughing] His ba--

Angie, will you forget for a minute that you hate me

and just think about your daughter?

You always blame me. It'’s always my fault.

Get out of my house!

Listen to me. Please.

This friend of yours-- or whatever the hell he is--

ask him not to do this.

He'’s ripping her apart.

Well, she just shouldn'’t have gotten pregnant in the first place,

should she?

[Clayton coughs]

Where did you go?

[Clayton] Nowhere.

Grandpa, I need you to help me.

I don'’t know what to do, Emma.

I do.

All right, now his medication'’s in here.

You know what to do if he has an attack.

I'’ll keep in touch. Let you know how he'’s doing.

It'’s not just him I'’m worried about.

The police are gonna be after you. You know that.

That can'’t be helped.

Maybe I'’m wrong.

Maybe this isn'’t the right thing to do.

Maybe it isn'’t right,

but maybe it'’s just that we do the best we can.

Tell that lawyer to work as fast as possible.

-Bye, sweetheart. -Okay.

[engine starts]

[knocking on door]

Clayton?

What the hell--I'’m awful sorry to wake you.

I need help bad.

You got it, my friend.[Matthew whimpers]

[Clayton] All right, son. It'’s all right.

[music playing]

[music continues playing]

[switch clicks, music stops]

[sighs]

You got a problem?

Having a baby'’s not like owning a toy.

You got to build your life around it.

How the hell would you know?

I knew I couldn'’t do it. I knew that much.

You got no rights to her baby.

I'’m his daddy.

You'’re nothing.

Let'’s keep it to a roar, Angie.

Get out!

Get out!

Angie...

you almost messed my good...

suit.

Don'’t ever come back.

[chuckles]

Now, why would I want to?

[sobbing]

[bottle clatters]

[train horn blowing]

Miss Baker? You'’ve been ordered by the court

to relinquish custody of your son to Mr. Wilcox.

I'’m sorry. He's not here.

Oh, that'’s bull-- Come on. Hey.

[sheriff] Your son'’s not at the house?

When I woke up this morning, he wasn'’t here.

The old man took him, didn'’t he?

I'’m sorry. I don'’t know where he is.

This isn'’t your first mistake,

but it might be your biggest one.

Ma'’am, the child is now legally in the custody of Mr. Wilcox.

If anyone'’s in possession of the child without his permission,

that individual is guilty of kidnapping.

You hear that? That'’s kidnapping.

Yes, sir. Thank you.

Kidnapping.

[police radio chatter]

-Hey, Daddy. -Hey.

[cooing]

I hid your truck good. But they might come here anyway,

'’cause folks know we'’re friends.Yeah.

Hey, can I hold it?

Sure. Be careful of his head now.

Oh! Oh!Oh. Oh, got him.

Hey. Hey.

[dispatcher on radio] Attention, all units. We have a warrant

for the arrest of one Clayton Hayes,

Caucasian male, 62 years of age,

believed to have abducted one Matthew Baker, an infant.

Please notify immediately if you sight suspect.

Infant is in need of medical care.[knocking on door]

[Ray] Sheriff'’s department. Open up!Damn it!

This is the sheriff'’s department.

Anyone inside?[whimpering]

Hey, it'’s okay. It'’s okay.

It'’s all right.

Stay in touch.I'’ll call you, all right?

Stay in touch.Okay, we will.

Thanks for everything.

[knocking on door]

I'’m coming.

Oh, hey. Well, it looks like you boys brought the sun with you.

Come on in.

Thank you. Sir, do you know the whereabouts of Clayton Hayes?

I have relatives in Kentucky. They'’ll put us up.

Get the hell outta Virginia.

[Bryan on radio] Blue Ridge Base to Road Runner.Road Runner here, come back.

I don'’t think they bought it. Coyote'’s on your tail.

They started asking about your location.

I think we need a switch.

Yeah, I know. I'’m on it.

This is Blue Ridge Base to Road Killer.

Where are you right now?

[Road Killer] I'’m at 460 north.

[Bryan] Okay, could you take a little detour to the south?

Roger that, Bryan. Road Killer out.

[dispatcher] Peterbilt diesel with a blue cab.

Truck is registered to one Bryan O'’Leary.

License is Virginia, 3, Lincoln, Sam, 3, 9, Robert.

This is Road Runner to Blue Ridge Base.

They got us tagged.

[Bryan] Yeah, you gotta rendezvous. Now listen up.

Here, hand him up.Easy now, easy.

Easy.

I can'’t thank you enough.

Don'’t even say it. You know what I owe you.

How you doing these days, Jimmy? Not running coal anymore?

Nah. Not since I had that disagreement with the supe.

Hitting a man with a shovel is not a disagreement, Jim. It'’s assault.

Man touched my truck.

[siren wailing]

[police radio chatter]

Hello, Officer. Did I forget to signal?

Step out of the truck, please.

If you'’re looking for a place to sleep,

I generally recommend the Cyclone Inn,

about four and a half miles

down on the right side--Don'’t smart-mouth me, mister.

Back of the truck.

I didn'’t mean to offend you.

I just don'’t know what you want.

A little less talking, a little more moving.

Well, sure. I don'’t have to talk. Nobody likes talking.

All I'’m trying to do is help out.

Officer, you, uh-- you sure you want to open this?

You'’re suspected of harboring a fugitive.

Fugitive?Fugitive. Open her up.

Well, all right.

Course, I can'’t imagine harboring a fugitive.

Scares me just to think about it.

What'’d you say he was, psycho killer on a rampage?

Officer, have a nice day.

[cooing]Let me see your little hand.

Let me see that little hand. Ooh, it'’s little!

Ooh!

You gonna give me a smile?

Hey, goo-goo-ga-ga, you gonna smile for me?

Yeah.

[babbles, blows raspberry]

Cootchie-cootchie-coo!

All right, Pappy. Put him back in the carrier.

When we stop for lunch, can I hold him again?

I reckon. [chuckles]There you go.

-You wanna drive? -Yeah, he'’s big enough to drive.

[police radio chatter][horns honking]

How about you, Road Killer? This is the Highway Hawk. You got your ears on?

This is the Killer. Go on.

Uh, just want to let you know I crossed the Kentucky border.

They got cops down here searching anything bigger than a coal bucket.

I just thought you might wanna know.

Appreciate it. Out.

This is the Hawk. I'’m gone.

I don'’t think you'’re going to Kentucky.

[phone ringing]

Tony! Could you get that?

Sure, babe.

Hello?

Tony? Clayton.

Hey, Clayton!

Yeah, we talked to Reverend Collins.

He told us what'’s going on.

How did he know?

I think Bryan O'’Leary called him.

Are you still riding with Jimmy?

Yeah, but we need a place to stay.

Well, get on over. Why didn'’t you call me first?

Well, you can get into a lot of trouble helping us, you know.

For God'’s sake, Clayton. I work two miles into a mountain.

You think I'’m afraid of the cops?

[chuckles]

[banging on door][Ray] It'’s me!

Open the door, baby. I know you'’re in there.

[banging continues]You'’re meant for me.

I know you feel it too.

I saw the way you looked at me that night.

It felt so good when we were together.

God, it was perfect.

Let me in, damn it!

I love you! Do you hear me?

Everything I'’ve done, it'’s just because I love you.

I love you.

You in there, Emma?

My baby in there with you? Why won'’t you let me in?

[gun cocks]

Your baby-- Your baby belongs to me.

Remember that!

[Jeannie] Uh-huh. I understand.

That was Reverend Collins on the phone.

He says they'’re searching the houses of the people that know you

and they'’ll probably be here soon.

No.Stu Griffith'’s on his way to pick you up.

[police radio chatter]

Better go. They'’ll be here next.

Take care, Clayton.

[Matthew fussing]

Good luck. Be careful.

Okay, boy, here we go.All right.

I sure appreciate this, Stu.

Would you mind putting that cigarette out?

It'’s not good for the baby.Oh, yeah. Sorry.

All right.

Shiftless, this is Flat Tire. Come on back.

This is Shiftless. Go ahead.

[Flat Tire] Got an address for your cargo.

[Stu] Come on.

Wait a minute. That'’s one of 'em.

[Flat Tire] Take Route 19

to intersection of 460.

Be a white house with black shutters and a green porch.

Be on your right.

Copy that?

[Stu] We do. Thank you much.

[Flat Tire] Pleasure, my friend.

You got that?I do. Thank you much.

It must be up here just a bit.

In position. Have a view of the residence.

Oh, shoot. Shiftless...

There it is. Just up there.

[Flat Tire] Shiftless, don'’t stop. Do not stop.

Put the hammer down, son. There'’s bears in the woods. You copy that?

[siren wailing]Go!

Flat Tire, this is Shiftless. What do I do?

[Clayton] Let me talk to him.

Frank, this is Clayton.

Call the mine. Tell them we'’re coming in.

[siren wailing]

They'’re going to the mine.

Hang on.

[Clayton] Kind of an unusual way to unload your coal, Stu. [laughs]

[tires screeching]

Don'’t worry about us! Get that son of a gun.

Here they come! They'’re coming!

Get out of the truck!

Hey, Deputy, what'’s up?

Get out of the truck and get your hands in the air.

Step out of the truck with your hands up.

Just step out of the truck.

Come on! They'’re going in the mine!

-Yo! -Let'’s go!

How many tunnels you got in a mine like that?

About 60.

[laughing]

Hey, Clayton. Want some help?Hey.

Be careful with the baby.All right.

-Which end'’s the baby? -Let'’s go.

Let'’s roll.

[Emma] Can'’t I have my lawyer present for this?

No, no. What we came to ask you about

has nothing to do with your court case.

What we want to talk to you about is kidnapping.

Are you aware that kidnapping is a felony offense?

The only thing that carries any greater penalty is murder.

And under certain circumstances,

kidnapping can even incur the death penalty.

Or at the very least, it means serious prison time.

Ten years, maybe 20 years.

How much time do you think your grandfather has to live?

Listen, I appreciate you gentlemen coming here to tell me about the law.

Violating a federal law is not a game.

Neither is deciding whether or not my child will live or die,

although the court seems to think it is.

-Is that all? -Yeah, that'’s all.

We'’ll show ourselves out.

[phone rings]

Hello? Bryan, hi. It'’s me. It'’s Emma.

Um, do you know where my grandpa is?

Uh, I think I can get a message to the last person that saw him.

I gotta see him.

Okay, I'’ll work on it. I'’ll be right back to you.

She'’s a little late for the service, isn'’t she?

The peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love...

Baby'’s fine....and the blessing of God Almighty...

Grandpa, we'’ve got to give it up.

What are you talking about?

The police came to see me. They'’re calling it kidnapping.

Don'’t you see? It'’s a federal offense. They will take you to prison.

[organ playing]

[congregants chattering]

I knew I'’d get you in church one of these days, Clayton.

Thank you, Reverend. Appreciate it.

Maybe if we bring him back now, they won'’t pursue it.

No.

No? You'’ll spend the rest of your life in prison?

We'’re gonna lose anyway.

[reverend] How'’s school, girls?[girls] Fine.

Thanks for coming out today, you hear?

We appreciate it. We really do.

You be careful on your way home.

[person] Bye!

Well, she didn'’t come for the service.

No.[reverend] Thank you so much.

[Clayton] It'’s a different judge now.

Different court.

There'’s no such thing as justice.

I won'’t believe that.

Then how do we know what to do?

Hmm.

Follow our hearts, I reckon.

I can fight for myself. He can'’t. Without us, he has nothing.

If he has to go to Ray Wilcox,

he may not live long enough for us to win him back.

May be right, maybe not, but that'’s what we gotta do.

Let'’s check it out.

[chattering]

[baby fusses]How are you doing?

Hello, Clayton.Hello, Tony.

[reverend] I welcome your demonstration of faith, gentlemen.

Wish you'’d been here while the service was still being held.

Excuse us, Reverend. We need to go in the church.Good to see you.

Police are coming.

They'’re going to see Matthew.

Give him to me.

How good of you to come out on a day like today.

Officer, could you tell me how long that construction on Route 49 is gonna last?

[baby crying]I went to see my mother--

We don'’t handle traffic problems.

Well, who does?Is that your baby?

Yes, of course it is.We need to go.

If you gentlemen are looking for the truth, you'’ll find it here.

Good day to you both.

Can I be of assistance?

Assistance to whom, Reverend?

To anyone in need.

Please, search it if it'’ll make you feel better.

It'’s okay. They're gone.

Hi.

If you'’re looking for Ray, he'’s inside.No.

I came to see you.

I heard you were alone.

I left you alone a long time ago.

I shouldn'’t have.

I made so many mistakes.

But I always wanted to tell you...

that I'’m sorry.

I'’m sorry that I'’m not strong like you.

Like Dad.

I thought about you so many times.

Anyway, I guess it'’s too late now.

[chuckles][door opens]

Ma'’am, court's about to go into session, if you'’re coming in.

I'’m sorry to keep you waiting.

Are you ready?

This is my mother.

I'’ll see you inside.

You go on.

You fight for your baby.

I will.

[gavel banging]

[judge] We have a few deferments.

So I'’d like to start with Wilcox vs. Baker.

Are the parties prepared to proceed?

We are, Your Honor.

Yes, Your Honor.

[judge] Counsel.

Your Honor, the case before us is very simple.

On one side, we have a 16-year-old unwed mother

who signed a consent to adopt,

and by doing so, waived all rights to the child.

Then, after my client evidences a sincere and sustained desire to have and raise the child,

attempts to change her mind.

Ms. Baker'’s grandfather abducted the child

after he was legally ordered into Mr. Wilcox'’s custody.

[fussing]

Uh-oh.

Should I pull over?

Matthew!

Matthew? Come on, son.

Not working.

Where'’s the nearest hospital?

[attorney] Can neither provide for the child financially

nor provide for him morally.

She was willing to give her baby up for adoption

rather than raise him herself.

She is not a fit mother and should not be given custody of this child.

My client is a responsible adult,

with a degree from Charlottesville Junior College.

He can provide for the child,

give him the guidance of a mature adult

and create a stable home.

It'’s the child's interests we must consider here.

And the child'’s interests are served

by custody being awarded to Mr. Wilcox.

That'’s all I have, Your Honor.

Counsel?

Your Honor, there'’s more at issue here

than how much education a person has achieved

or their current hourly wage.

Baby'’s not breathing.

Doctor. Please.

Get an intubation tray. Set up number four.

I'’m gonna call Dr....

We'’re talking about an infant child here,

and I have yet to hear the words "love" or "caring" mentioned.

Is not the ability to provide emotional support and care for a child

more important standards to determine parental fitness

than a degree from Charlottesville Junior College?

Now, Counsel has implied that by signing a consent form

allowing her grandfather to adopt her baby,

that my client has, in essence, left the child at the door of an orphanage.

When, in fact, she did the only thing at her disposal

to ensure the well-being of her baby.

[monitor beeping]We need a dose

of epinephrine IV push and Solu-Medrol now.

What'’s the reading on pulse ox?Doctor, the pulse ox is 70%.

All right, let'’s prepare for intubation.We'’re prepping.

[doctor] All right, you got the epinephrine?

[nurse] We got the line inside.

Ms. Baker has been the primary caretaker of Matthew since his birth.

She has developed a strong emotional bond with him.

Your Honor, she is a fit mother,

and she should be allowed to have custody of her son.

Thank you, Your Honor.

[officer] Are you Clayton Hayes?

Yes, I am.[officer] We need you to come with us.

That'’s fine, but can I wait and hear about the baby?

Your Honor, my client wishes to address the court.

This is a bit unusual, but...

All right. Go ahead, Ms. Baker.

Yes, I'’m 16.

I was 15 when Ray Wilcox forced himself on me...

or seduced me or raped me.

I'’m still not quite sure what it was.

No, I can'’t provide for Matthew just yet.

But after I graduate and get a job, I will,

and... my grandpa can.

No one'’s ever gone hungry who was relying on Clayton Hayes.

My grandpa'’s, he'’s the best, most moral man I have ever known.

I didn'’t plan on having a baby.

But I did, and I love him.

More than sunlight, more than my own life.

Don'’t you see? I wasn't giving him up for adoption.

I was trying to save his life.

How that got us here, I--

I just don'’t think I'’ll ever understand.

I guess that'’s all.

Thank you.

[whispering]

Your grandfather has been taken into custody at St. Theresa'’s Hospital.

Apparently, your son was admitted for emergency treatment.

-Oh, my God. -We'’ll get you there as soon as we can.

[clears throat] The objective in a case such as this

is to determine what'’s best for the child.

I-I see no evidence before me to indicate that Ms. Baker is an unfit parent.

No evidence? Come on, Judge. Look at her. She'’s just a kid for God'’s sakes!

That is all, Mr. Wilcox!

Ray...

Consequently, there is no justification

to remove custody from the primary caretaker

and vest it in someone-- natural parent or not--

who has no previous emotional interaction with the child.

The ruling of the lower court is hereby reversed.

[sighs][judge] Pending finalization of the adoption,

the child will remain in your grandfather'’s custody.

We'’re keeping him on a ventilator--

Grandpa!

He'’s gonna be fine.

Thank you, Doctor. For everything.

You'’re welcome.[officer] I got a release for Clayton Hayes.

Mr. Hayes, you'’re a free man.

Thank you.

Hey.

[Ray] Angie!

I don'’t believe you'’re welcome here anymore.

Angie, I wanna talk to you.

Yeah, but she don'’t wanna talk to you.

Nobody wants to talk to you!

[Emma] Ray didn'’t bother us after that.

And after a while, he just disappeared completely.

Mama and I get along pretty well.

Something about her changed--

I think she'’s found some kind of peace.

I think it might have something to do with her and me finally becoming friends.

Come on, old timer!

[Emma] I feel like I'’ve become a different person.

People say I'’m quieter, and I suppose so.

I have the people I love beside me,

and I'’ve learned that nothing else really matters.

I'’m finishing school, just like I told the judge I would.

Grandpa'’s the same. Maybe stronger. Maybe kinder.

But still the rock. For me. For Matthew.

Even for Mama sometimes.

A man that strong

was made for people to hold on to.

[bell clanging]

[train horn blowing]