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(tense music)

(clock ticking)

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(gentle music)

- Let the sunshine in.

Makes everything better, makes everything easier to see.

- It doesn't matter, I'm about done anyway.

Listen, I'm gonna be studying

the rest of the morning for tomorrow.

Are you really gonna go shopping this early on Saturday?

- Yeah, I should finish today.

I sure don't wanna be out when the weather turns bad.

When will you be studying?

I thought you said some guy was coming over.

- He is.

He'll be here soon, but he won't be here long.

Oh, you gonna get supplies for Stephanie's party?

You know, 'cause having one after the fact

would be definitely be a surprise.

- Probably not.

She didn't want a big deal made.

She's been really unhappy,

you know, lately. (phone ringing)

- Here, yeah, I gotta.

Pastor Thompkins.

Yes, we're still good.

Yes, address is 711 Glen.

No, I'm just makin' sure.

Right.

No, it's okay.

If you attend my church,

you're definitely on the visitor's list.

Yes.

Okay.

(gentle music)

(Jim sighs)

He'll be here soon,

and you know, he said he's been goin' to our church,

but I honestly can't place who he is.

- Well, I need to get out of here and get this done.

Thanks to someone right here in this room,

I've got a lot on my to-do list.

Give your guy good counsel,

whatever he's coming to talk about.

- Please, what else could possible come from me?

(Ginger chuckles)

- You know, I won't be here to help you,

so if you'll just stick with the Word,

you'll be a lot safer that way.

(Ginger laughs)

Okay, obviously that wasn't as funny

as I thought it would be.

But seriously, don't forget, if you wanna take care of them,

I do need gift ideas for the department heads,

so I will call you before I leave the mall, so think quick.

- Well, don't be gone long.

I'm gonna need you later.

(gentle music)

- You need me?

Since when?

(gentle music)

(Jim sighs)

- (sighs) Wish me luck, Dad.

I was hoping you'd go out with Mom,

so I could just sneak away.

- Steph, how can you afford this?

Wouldn't it make more sense to stay home

and save your money or--

- Relax Dad, it's not like I'm moving to another country

or even another city.

I'm sharing an apartment with another girl.

She's got a job too.

She's a day shift dispatcher for the police department.

All of her friends are cops,

so we should be safe enough, right?

- Yes, but does she share your beliefs?

- What beliefs, Dad?

I've never been shy about that.

I don't buy that stuff, and I don't even think that you do.

With everything that's happened,

I'm sorry Dad, but I'm 18 now.

The going to church, the God stuff,

you know as well as I do that that should be my own choice,

and it's time that I made my own way in the world.

- But what am I gonna tell your mom when she gets back?

- She knew I was planning to leave.

She just didn't wanna believe either.

I love you both, but the religion thing and all the rules,

it's smothering me.

I'll call ya later, I promise, once I get settled.

(doorbell rings)

I heard you tell Mom about your meeting.

You never have before,

so don't let me keep you from your duties as a pastor now.

Good morning.

I'm Stephanie Thompkins, Pastor's daughter.

I'm on my way out, but I wanted to stop and say hello first.

Hope Dad can help you.

- It's a pleasure to actually meet you

since I've never seen you in church.

It amazes me how beautiful you really are.

(tense music)

(Mr. Johnson sighs)

That's embarrassing.

(Mr. Johnson chuckles)

Please accept my apologies.

The curse of old men is that they just blurt out

whatever's comes into their mind.

I didn't mean anything by it.

- That's, that's okay, you just took me a bit by surprise.

I'll be leaving now.

- I'm off to a bad start.

Let me apologize again.

I meant no harm.

I was just making an observation.

You don't know me, do you?

- I do now.

You sit on the left of the church,

right, correct, when I?

- You preachin', that's right, that's correct.

Do you know how long I've been coming to your church?

- If you'd like, I'll take your hat and scarf.

Thank you.

I would say, you've probably been attending

for about a month now.

Do you like the church.

- I've enjoyed all six weeks of it.

- Oh, I shouldn't even have guessed.

Excuse the mess, but Ginger hasn't had time to clean up

and well, normally, I counsel at the church.

- I noticed your daughter seemed to be leaving on a trip.

Is your wife going to be gone for quite a while?

- She just stepped out to get a few gifts,

but I really don't know how long she'll be gone.

Would you like to sit here?

Or we could go to the dining room

and maybe grab a cup of coffee

and then you can tell me what's on your mind.

- I have a few questions about God.

Fundamental ones, I'm afraid I'll take some time.

(tense music)

- Okay.

- I think the best place for us to talk about it

would be the basement.

The setup's better down there.

- What?

- In the basement.

It's better because there's only one exit.

- I hardly think so.

We can talk about God just fine up here.

Besides, I'm not gonna do that in a cold basement.

- Please, I must insist.

(door slams)

(tense music)

- What's with my lights?

Why are my dining room chairs down here?

- Surprised you didn't notice the chairs were missing.

This is not the first time I've been in your house, Pastor.

I must say, you have cheap locks on your home.

I saw you changed the front deadbolt,

but trust me, it's still a cheap lock.

- What do you want?

What is this about?

Is this about my wife or daughter?

Do you know what kinda prison, you--

- What an incredibly insulting,

terribly coarse concept.

Now please, just take a seat

and I will tell you why we're down here once you sit down.

(tense music)

Are ya comfortable?

Good.

(controller beeps)

Now we have 60 minutes to get to where we're going to.

It may not even take that long.

(phone ringing)

♪ Behind ♪

♪ Only pieces of my mind ♪

♪ Oh baby ♪

♪ Oh memories ♪

- Kathy, yeah, I'm on my way.

I guess about 10 minutes, but I got a problem.

I think I left my store coupons on my counter.

I'm not far from the house.

I'll run back, I'll just a little late,

but you can start.

♪ Can't forget ♪

♪ The words you ♪

- I'll head back anyway.

I doubt they'll do that, but you can ask.

Let me know what they say.

They might apply yours to me,

and then I'd need you to pay for my stuff,

but I could just write you a check.

Then you'd just be getting the cash coupon bonuses,

the ones I'd be paying for.

Yeah, I'm sure that would break your heart.

I hope it doesn't happen too.

♪ Yesterday I ♪

- Okay, you go ask quick.

Then call me back and let me know what they say.

I'll head for the house.

Either way, I can be there in 10 minutes or so.

♪ I had to catch my breath ♪

♪ And then I saw your name engraved ♪

(tense music)

- What, what's in the box, Mr., is Johnson even your name?

- No, it isn't.

But you'll know before this over.

I have my reasons.

- What, what do you even want?

What is that thing?

- A detonator.

It's connected to all the bombs I placed around your house.

There's two upstairs and there's two down here.

- What are you talkin'!

- Sit down, Pastor, now.

If I have the slightest concern,

all I have to do is press this little button,

this little red button.

I'm quite sure I can do that

before you have any hope of getting close to me.

- You gotta be bluffing.

If that's true and you did that,

then that would mean you'd blow up with me.

- Hm.

I know, I (sighs)

have very little interest in life anymore.

My only hope

is that you have enough interest for both of us.

- I might, but what are you even doing here?

I don't even know you.

I don't have much money saved, but I could--

- Answers, Pastor Thompkins, I want answers

from a man who claims to have them,

from a man who's paid to have them.

'Cause I'm a man who's not sure of anything anymore.

I said I need counsel.

So, let me tell you what kind of counsel I need

while we still have time.

(clock ticking)

In your service last Sunday,

you assured us that God loves us all,

that he wants to give us the desires of our heart.

Were those just words?

I want to know the truth.

- Nothing from the Bible is just words,

but blowing us up, is that the desire of your heart?

Or committing suicide?

I mean, really, do you seriously think that--

- Please Pastor, let me finish.

(tense music)

My second wife recently died.

I, too, once believed what you said about God was true,

but God has been taking everyone I love away from me,

and I have to know why.

Because God is supposed to be a God of love.

What was it you said in your last sermon?

- And I tell you, with complete assurance,

God's plans for you are for good,

a God who knows all things, who has all power

still lets bad things happen to us,

his people who who claims to love.

Why?

What does he know that we don't?

(light organ music)

- Excuse me, sir.

- Yes?

- I was listening to the same sermon

that you were listening to.

Was there something the pastor said that upset you?

'Cause if he did, I sure didn't hear it.

- It's not so much what the pastor said.

It's what he said God says.

Are you qualified to speak for God too?

- Uh.

Not really.

- I didn't think so.

I'm not so sure that pastor is anymore either.

Have a good day.

- That seriously bothered you?

Does everything from the Word of God disturb you?

If so, then why do you bother attending?

It's a pretty sure bet

you're gonna hear about God in a Christian church?

- No kidding.

I just with the preacher would stick to the Word,

to what the scripture says,

not, not try to interpret things.

- Well hey, I've made no bones about it.

Everything that I read from the scripture is the truth,

and I've warned my church about that.

The sermons that I preach, well those are my opinions,

and I can't answer questions about the scriptures

without rendering my opinion.

- Hm.

Well, good for you, I'm glad you're so sure of yourself.

Opinion or not, you speak for him

and that's what you're paid to do.

So, you're going to speak for him now,

and together, maybe we can find the truth.

♪ When you think you're through with love ♪

♪ It's never enough ♪

♪ It's always too much ♪

(phone ringing)

- What did they say?

Ooh, that's even better.

I'll be headed your way again in a few.

I'm at the house, thought I'd see if my husband

wants a little snack before I'm gone for a while.

Some guy from the church is here for counseling.

No, I guess it couldn't wait till tomorrow.

(Ginger laughs)

True that.

If Jim feeds him,

he'll think twice before coming to the house again.

They're both big boys, maybe they'll get lucky.

Steph is still there.

Maybe she'll take pity on them.

Besides, tell you the truth, I think I remember who he is.

Always seems angry.

If he's the right guy, I'll let Jim deal with him.

Be there in five.

(tense music)

(phone buzzes)

♪ It's a beautiful sound ♪

♪ When somebody says in a word ♪

♪ That comes through and breaks down the walls ♪

♪ A thousand questions ♪

- Come on, Pastor, this isn't complicated.

I just need you to do one of three things.

Number one, prove to me that God exists

and he cares about me.

Number two,

admit that God does not exist.

Number three, you die

(tense music)

when our time runs out or I press this button.

How long did you say

your wife and daughter were going to be gone?

- What?

Why?

- Because if you noticed,

I press this switch and the bombs in the house

are gonna go off in a little less than an hour.

I don't want your wife and daughter

to be punished with the guilty because they're innocent,

and they're not the ones that are professing a (chuckles)

potentially blasphemous gospel.

- Guilty?

Guilty of what?

Offering people hope?

♪ He's comin' after me ♪

♪ 'Cause he heard me call his name ♪

♪ He's comin' after ♪

♪ And I'll never be the same ♪

♪ And he still won't ♪

- What to go, Steph.

You really might need your makeup.

You're doing a bad job at cutting apron strings.

♪ He tells that wind and the water ♪

♪ To bring my ships right to me ♪

♪ Though the winds are wild ♪

♪ I am not afraid ♪

♪ Through my troubles, I see Jesus ♪

♪ And he's a-walkin' on the waves ♪

♪ He's walkin' on sickness ♪

♪ He's walkin' on pain ♪

♪ He's walkin' on bondage ♪

♪ And the lies from the grave ♪

(clock ticking)

(tense music)

- Come on, Preacher, it's time to start preaching.

We've only got about 50 minutes left.

(Mr. Johnson sighs)

You only have a few choices.

You could prove to me there is a God,

in which case you live.

You could try to jump me, in which case we both die.

If you wait for the time to run out

or I have to push this button, we die.

Or if you admit

to myself and my tape recorder

that there is no God and there never was a God

and you've been lying all these years,

I will record it for your church

and then we'll both walk out of here alive.

Are you ready to admit that yet?

- Never.

- Hey, you outside or did you go in?

You just tryin' to get a headstart on me?

(chuckles) I'll be there in a few minutes

and we'll go straight into the mouth

of the credit-devouring beast.

I think that's why God tried to warn us against shopping.

(Ginger laughs)

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

but the Lord delivereth us from the mall.

See there, my husband's not the only preacher in the family.

(Ginger laughs)

I know how old it is, but like they say,

if you've heard this before, don't stop me,

I'd like to hear it again.

This seemed like a good change to sneak it in again.

(car beeping)

(tense music)

- Excellent, that sure of your faith, are you?

Well, we'll just see how long that lasts.

I think we should start with, hm, wait,

are you hungry because I could sure eat something?

- You gotta be joking.

- No, not at all.

- You told me we had less than hour left.

What possible difference does it make if we eat?

- Well, I may have to kill you at some point,

but I don't think I need to starve you in the meantime.

Would you like a ham and Swiss on a wheat bagel with chips?

- Sure, considering you just mentioned

all the ingredients that I have.

(Mr. Johnson laughs)

- Yes, I know, cheap locks, remember?

But would you mind making the sandwich for us

so that I can hold the gun on you?

- Yeah, I do mind, but what I don't mind

is entering eternity hungry.

What about you?

(tense music)

- Oh, that's a pity.

I would really like to have a sandwich right now.

I never knew pastors were so vindictive.

- Yeah, we tend to get that way when we're held at gunpoint

and people try to blow us up.

- It's too bad your daughter had to leave earlier.

She could've made us some lunch.

What did she say her name was again, Stephanie?

- That's none of your business.

If she were here, I'd take my chances and tackle you by now.

If you want you say about the bombs is true,

then you and I'll blow up together,

and then neither her or wife have to worry about you.

(Mr. Johnson chuckles)

- And what if I lied about the bombs?

- Well, I guess I'll find out soon, won't I?

And if nothin' happens, I'm gonna take my chances.

I doubt that a bullet of that caliber

is gonna stop me at least while I'm moving.

Nobody threatens my wife or daughter, no one!

- How heroic.

Well, I guess that means

I'll have to make the sandwiches myself.

So, I'll go up to the kitchen, and I want you to stay here.

If I see you on those stairs, I'll just shoot you,

and that'll make an end to this whole thing.

So, just play nice while I'm gone.

How's it goin' down there?

You take mayo on your sandwich?

All right then, you don't get it.

Maybe some food'll help lighten the atmosphere.

Help yourself, go ahead, make yourself at home.

What's with all the lights, did you do that?

- Yeah, I turned the rest of 'em on.

It was a tough job.

(tense music)

- You make a lousy hostage.

- Yeah?

But you feeding me makes you a lousy kidnapper.

I guess we'll have to deal with

one another's imperfections, won't we?

- Come on, Steph, I don't wanna believe it either,

but what if it's not a joke?

What else can we do?

Let me see what the chief says, and I'll call ya back.

Right, no, wrong.

You stay outside, Steph, you hear me?

- Let's get back to business.

You claim God must not love you.

What happened in your life to make you feel that way?

- I didn't start out by going to college.

I worked myself up to a part ownership of a hardware store.

I was trained, I did all the locksmith work.

Did I mention you have cheap locks?

Yeah.

Sorry, um,

after two years, I met my morning sun.

Every morning, I woke up to beauty.

After I met her, I couldn't think of anything else.

I couldn't imagine that my life would ever get any better.

And then Yvonne was born

and I discovered the doctors were wrong,

that enlarged heart is just from having more to love.

(phone buzzes)

(tense music)

(Ginger sighs)

- Before I can help you, you need to talk to me.

Was being in love with your family so bad?

- I wasn't the only one who noticed how pretty my wife was.

She was raped one morning,

jogging on our city's greenway.

The guy who did it stabbed her when he was done.

When they found her body, she had his blood and skin

under her fingernails.

She marked him.

And I marked him more, (chuckles) at the trial,

I slashed his face with a knife.

I was going for his throat, but I missed.

I still regret that.

Missing.

(tense music)

- But how did you, I mean,

didn't they search before letting you in?

- Of course, but the knife was,

was just sitting up there on the evidence table,

and it seemed fitting,

almost like God was giving the tool to do his vengeance.

- But what did they do to you?

- The bailiff tackled me, big guy.

He pinned me down.

I tried to get away, but I don't remember much after that.

I didn't come back to my

rational mind for two years.

I spent that two years in a state mental hospital.

And it was two years since was put in foster care,

and they wouldn't tell me where they had sent her.

Had something to do with the rights of her foster parents.

I, I looked for a long time.

- Did she have grandparents?

Well then, you can't blame the courts.

I mean, what else could they have done?

- My Tricia loved your God with all her heart,

and her angels allowed that creep her down by the riverside.

So, I need to ask you, Pastor, and I,

I need a real good answer,

where was your God, her God when that happened?

Or are you ready to admit that God does not exist

or that he's so exceptionally cruel that he'd allow this?

You make the call.

- Yes.

I got your number off the internet.

I'm calling from the Event in Chicago.

We're a church, please, just listen.

(tense music)

I hated to call, but I'm afraid not to.

Something really bad

might be happening in your town right now.

I suppose it would be whoever deals with hostage situations.

I assure you, I'm serious.

You already know?

How in the world?

- Your question is an old one,

asked every time someone suffers a loss.

God is where he always is,

watching over the affairs of men

and grieving over the evil that we allow in the world.

(Mr. Johnson chuckles)

- Is that just a pad answer from some manual somewhere?

Is that the answer of a husband?

Tell me, would you give me the same answer

if it was your Ginger that was raped and killed?

- You dare threaten my wife because you feel dumped on?

How much you wanna bet I'll get to you with a bullet in me?

You don't threaten my wife!

- Good Lord, Pastor, sit down.

Please, I wouldn't hurt your wife for anything in the world.

It was just an allegory, a parable, an example.

- My comprehension of vocabulary is just fine.

(tense music)

(doorbell rings)

- Hey, anyone there!

Come on, lady, I saw you go in.

I'm with the Scouts.

Can I at least give you a sample of what I'm selling?

(scout sighs)

- I hope that's not one of your parishioners.

- Never mind who it was.

I do live in a neighborhood, coulda been anyone.

Anyway, so did you get your little girl back?

- That was a long time ago.

What does it matter whether I ever saw her again.

- If I'm supposed to counsel you, it does matter.

- Well, then no.

By the time I found out where she'd gone,

Yvonne was already grown.

She was married, wouldn't possibly know me.

So, I didn't even bother to try to introduce myself.

(tense music)

What would it have mattered?

All those years are forever lost.

(shoes tapping)

- My dad always likes coffee with his dessert.

I thought you might like some too.

Where should I sit this down,

I mean, so you don't get paranoid and shoot me

or blow us all up?

- You've been listening?

- For a little while,

and boy, are you one screwed up sociopath?

- Stephanie, please, just--

- Shut up?

So, he doesn't get mad and kill us?

Too late, Dad, he's already nuts.

- Why didn't you leave?

Why didn't you call the police and just get out of here?

- A couple a reasons.

I was stupid to leave before,

and if you'd die for me,

I guess, I love you enough

to take a chance on doing that for you too.

Besides, I did call the police,

and a SWAT team's on its way here.

- That complicates things.

- For one of us, anyway.

(Ginger sighs)

(phone buzzing)

- Who was that?

- It doesn't matter.

- I think I better have that cell phone.

I don't know how fast you can text,

so please put it on the floor and slide it over to me.

- Wow, a bit paranoid.

But I'm curious, since we have a few minutes

before the lead starts flying,

you never finished your story.

Why didn't you let your daughter know who you were?

I mean, if you made the effort to find her,

then that just sounds dumb.

- Well honey, that might've been his decision.

I mean, you never really thought about

what she might've wanted,

and you said it was a long time ago.

Exactly how long ago when you lost your wife and daughter?

- 20 years ago, Pastor, 20 long years.

It took a very long time, but I finally got over it.

While I was in the institution,

they wouldn't let me read anything but a Bible,

so I read that Bible over and over again.

(tense music)

After a while, I started to believe it.

So when I was released, I went to Bible college,

and I graduated, and I started a small church.

And the small church grew into a bigger church.

But I guess I just didn't grow along with it.

- So you became a pastor

and you came here for biblical answers?

That's just ridiculous.

What are you really doing here, Mr., whatever your name is.

- I told you, I wanted counsel.

You're a pastor too, you know the answer to these things.

You ought to be able to give a reason for your faith,

instant and in season, does that ring a bell?

(phone buzzing and ringing)

- Like it matters since the cops already know,

and just warning you, if you even sort of relax,

I'll take that gun away from you and shove it where--

- Oh, oh tough, are we? (chuckles)

Yeah, I, you must study karate or something.

- One class, but it's all I should need.

- Well, Miss Lee, I guess you weren't here

when I told your father what would happen

when I push this red button.

- Yeah, yeah, it'll blow us all up.

I didn't say I'd jump you

while you're finger was on the button.

I'm not stupid.

(tense music) (phone ringing)

- Well, well, well.

Calling the pastor on his day off,

it must be something very important for them to call.

- It's more like my wife's calling me.

She went out to buy presents for the department head,

and she was calling to find out exactly what to get.

- Well, it hardly matters because in 35 minutes,

if you don't give up and admit

your entire ministry is a sham,

maybe she can buy them a new pastor.

Your daughter, she can leave before then if she wants to.

- You got any idea what a SWAT team does, mister?

What makes you think that I need to go anywhere?

(clock ticking)

- You want answers, buddy?

Then shut up and listen,

I'll give you one from the scripture.

You ever wonder what God meant by

we overcome by the word of testimony?

Why God put such diverse people in one church body?

- You've got my interest.

Go ahead.

Tell me, why?

- I hesitate to render an opinion that you'll detest.

I can't tell anyone in my congregation

how to deal with the pain of losing a spouse.

I've never lost one, but you have.

And I can't tell someone that God will give them peace

in that particular storm, but you could've,

instead of implementing your own lousy solution.

- What did you say?

- Because evil was done to you,

God gave you the opportunity to minister others

when you were hurt,

but you obviously chose self-pity

over taking the opportunity of growing in your ministry.

- Wow, Dad, that's tellin' it.

- Are you outta your mind?

- God gives everyone a chance to testify in his power,

and some won't accept the burden,

but some do, and with that,

the whole church benefits.

- So, I was supposed to suffer

so that I could get better?

I had to lose my wife and my daughter

so that I could make other people feel better

about their own problems?

Is that the best you can offer me?

You're wasting our time.

(phone ringing and buzzing)

- Let's put the shoe on the other foot.

You claim that you're a pastor,

that might be about as true as your name.

But we'll see, and let me ask you this.

How did you answer your own question

when your people asked you,

why do bad things happen to good people?

Because I'm sure it came up.

- Would love to hear your answer,

Mr. Pastor, ex-pastor, whatever

because I've had the same question,

and I've never really been impressed

with Dad's answers either.

Well, not until today.

- You should be, he's a good, um,

(tense music)

what I always tell my parishioners

is that God loves them regardless of whatever happens.

In other words, I just fake it, just like you do.

- (gasps) Speak for yourself.

You claim that you're a pastor,

and you never figured it out?

That God would eventually work things out

for those that love him?

- I'm pretty sure you left part of that verse off.

But no, I never believe it,

and I'm pretty sure you don't believe it either.

- Shut up, you don't know what I believe or don't believe.

(Ginger sighs)

- I can't talk right now, but I do need to.

Same place?

That's really bothering me,

hiding our friendship from my husband.

It feels a little dirty.

Gotta go, meet you in 30 minutes.

- Hi, tell Pastor Thompkins I said hi.

He's such a great man.

(Ginger laughs nervously)

- Where have you been?

I've been looking for you.

- Your words don't mean anything, Pastor.

What you do shows me what's in your heart.

If you really believed

that God wanted you to be a pastor up in Chicago,

you would've already informed your church down here

that you were planning to leave.

- Dad?

What's he talking about?

- You mean you haven't told your daughter yet?

(tense music)

Hm.

Are you waiting to hear back from the search committee.

You told the Event that you thought

they were the next step in God's plan for you.

Either you don't believe that

or you don't trust in God's will to provide for you.

Otherwise, you would've already quit your job

and relied on God to take care of you

like you say you do.

- How did you know about that?

And who else knows?

- Nobody else knows, to my knowledge,

but I know a lotta things about you, Pastor.

For instance, I know that the search committee

has you as the front runner on their list for that position.

One thing I'm curious about though

is why did you leave Grace Unplugged Church

after only five years there?

It's curious.

They won't answer any of my questions.

Huh.

Maybe she can tell me.

- That'll be a cold day in hell.

Something I doubt you will ever experience.

My problems with my dad don't include

venting private family matters to thugs.

- Thank you, honey.

And join the club, mister.

They never told me why they needed to hire

a new executive pastor for the Event, and that's just life.

Sometimes you just have to live

with the incomplete information.

And why would I wanna get anybody upset

if I wasn't the right choice for the Event.

I've been known to miss the will of God.

- Hm, now, you know what I think?

I think it's just you don't trust God.

You're just hedging your bets.

You have no idea if God is going to take care of you

like he says he does.

You know, the search committee

is planning to give you a call next week,

if you're still alive,

and right now, you're doing a terrible job of convincing me

that God cares about me

or that he cares about you for that matter.

(tense music)

Are you sure that you don't just want to

deny now that God exists?

- Dad, forget him for a minute,

why haven't you ever talked this straight to me before?

- Honey, every time I've tried,

it's just pushed your further away.

- Maybe you shoulda pulled a gun on him, kid.

Makes him mad enough to talk.

- God is real, and I really don't care

what you think about me or what you think

I think about God, (phone ringing)

but I will tell you this,

if I know my Ginger, and you meant what you said,

that you don't want her here, you'll let me get that.

- Chicago, really?

- Let me hoist you out the window.

- I can't fit through one of those any more than you could.

You may have left Mom and me when you took this job,

but I'm not leaving you, not alone with that nut.

- Left you?

I've been right here.

- There's more than one way to leave and you know it.

- Having a nice chat, I see.

- [Jim And Stephanie] Shut up.

- [Mr. Johnson] Pastor, here's your phone.

If you wife calls, best be careful what you say.

- Well, everybody looks so comfortable.

Can I at least have that chair?

- Oh, be my guest.

- Thanks, I'm sure I can get off this chair

much faster than from the floor.

- Hm.

(tense music)

In a way, you're kinda refreshing, child.

- Right, glad ya like me.

- [Kathy] I like this one.

- [Ginger] That's cute.

- I'm gonna go in here, okay?

(phone rings and buzzes)

- Hello.

- Geez Jim, I don't like it when I can't get ahold of you.

Why didn't you answer the phone?

Where were you?

I was getting worried,

I was just about to come home and check on you.

- Stay at the mall.

- What, what did you say?

Is that old guy still there?

- Yes, he is, and so is, listen,

I just, I just don't want you to get back right away,

not until you get the presents

that we need for the department head.

- Well, how could I?

If you remember, I was looking for answers from the pastor.

- Yeah.

You and everyone else.

How 'bout you just get some tool sets for the men

and manicure sets for the women.

That'll be fine.

- Oh yeah, that sounds familiar.

That's what we got last year.

How 'bout if I just pick out some other things.

Never mind, I'll just take care of it.

- Good idea.

I love you too.

Where were we when we were interrupted.

(Jim sighs)

God allowed someone evil to take away your wife

but managed to find a home for your daughter,

even after you let her down and lost your mind

and did something incredibly stupid.

And then when she was safe, you, you just--

- You wanted your version of the truth,

then you shoulda given Dad a script.

Go ahead and pull the trigger.

You'll only get one of us before we take you down.

- Shut up and sit down!

- No, you shut up and you listen!

You come into our house and hold us at gunpoint

and threaten to blow us up

because you had tragedy in your life,

and then you want sympathy?

Drop dead.

You want answers, I'll give you answers.

God didn't make any problems for you.

One evil man and you supplied the rest of 'em.

You claim you read the Bible.

Well, do you remember what God says

when he said vengeance belongs to him?

- So, everything that happened was my fault?

Was what happened next my fault too?

Or did God send a drunk driver?

He killed my second wife.

You, you self-righteous!

(Mr. Johnson crying)

- When?

(upbeat music)

(staticky buzzing)

- Come on, girl, it's my day off.

Remember, I'm on my way to my tree stand.

- [Miranda] Sorry Aaron, we've got a situation.

♪ For the end ♪

(laughing)

- So close.

- [Miranda] Pardon?

- Nothin', what's goin' on?

- We're pretty sure some guy

has Pastor Thompkins held hostage,

maybe his daughter too, in his house.

711 Glendora, do you mind, are you armed?

- I'm goin' huntin', what do you think?

I've got my gun, but that's all I've got.

You got anybody else comin'?

- Chief's on his way there too.

He has to stop first to get weapons.

- On my way to Glendora.

Tell the chief, when he gets there,

bring my good rifle with him.

Ooh. (laughs)

♪ Getting closer ♪

♪ Until we're done and touch your chest ♪

(Mr. Johnson sobbing)

- She died eight months ago,

driving back to the city late at night.

(tense music)

- So, that's the real reason why you're here?

Did you get hurt as well?

- I had plenty of time to recuperate while I was in jail.

By the time the cops got to me,

I almost strangled the guy to death.

Another minute, and I would've finished the job.

I've got some anger issues.

I'm glad they didn't put me back in the institution.

During my hearing,

I thought they would send me back to prison,

but I said to myself, bring it on up.

Well, I've always wanted to have a prison ministry.

Those people in prison, they really need some help,

but then I thought, no (chuckles).

Who am I foolin'?

Not like I'd have any credibility there either.

- How did you get out of jail so fast?

Were you able to bond out?

- Well, because of my past record,

they were willing to cut me a deal,

especially since the idiot who hit us

agreed not to press charges

so long as I promised not to try to kill him anymore.

So, I came here

looking to get away from those memories.

I started attending your church,

trying to find answers,

listening to your nonsense.

(Mr. Johnson laughs)

You spreading false hope.

I couldn't take it anymore.

I'm done listening.

(Mr. Johnson panting)

Come on now, it's time to pastor.

Help me understand this.

We only got about 15 minutes left.

- I can't help you anymore.

I'm not gonna play your sick game.

I'm done.

Just push the button, but let her go first.

- What's the matter with you two?

- That was fun.

Hey, are you headed home

or would you like to grab a cup of coffee?

- Headed home, I've got a couple stops to make first.

- Are you sure you're okay?

- Yeah, I just gotta get home.

- Okay, well I'll you later.

- Okay. - All right, bye honey.

- Bye.

(sullen music)

(door slams)

I'm sorry I'm late.

I had to go back in the store.

- You look (chuckles) great, but kinda upset.

What's goin' on?

- I can't get Jim to tell me anything.

Steph won't answer her phone.

I guess it's just a stressful time, but I feel lonely.

- What's it gonna take for him to cherish you again?

I mean, I can see how special ya are.

Why can't he?

Let's go someplace warm.

(phone ringing)

- Why didn't you call me back sooner, Steph?

I.

What, who?

The Event, who is?

Oh yes, now I know who.

(tense music)

What?

What are you saying?

- What is it, what's going on?

And whatever it is, we can, we can talk about it.

- I need to go, my family's in trouble.

- (groans) Why are you always so worried about them?

Why don't you take time for you, for us?

- I appreciate your friendship,

but like I said, my family needs me now.

- Easy come, easy go.

- What are you talking about?

Why would I hit the red button?

We still have time left.

Pastor, don't give up on his now.

What about your little girl?

- You said you'd let her go, so do it.

Acting like you don't know about your stupid game.

Like I told you,

(tense music)

I'm done.

(Stephanie whimpers)

- I'm not leaving you, Daddy.

I think I finally just found you.

This jerk's just gonna have to kill me too.

- Are we all crazy now?

- You don't know why I left Grace Unplugged.

Three letters, DUI,

but I didn't back across the road.

I veered up on a sidewalk and hit a little boy on a bike.

And he didn't die, but he wish he had.

(Jim sobbing)

He was paralyzed.

- I, (crying) I was in the car with him,

and I was yelling at him,

and he was looking at me when he hit the little boy.

(Stephanie sobbing)

- Stop talking!

10 minutes ago, your station got a call

about a hostage situation at 711 Glendora.

Right, Pastor Thompkins, this is his wife.

I'm on my way there.

No, I won't stay away!

If your guys aren't they when I get home, I'm goin' in.

(tense music)

No ma'am, that's my husband, I need him.

You heard me, I'll be goin' in,

I'll be pickin' up a stick

or whatever if your men don't get there first.

- Steph, I love you, but don't disobey me now.

I need you to leave.

Considering what's happened in his life,

he doesn't care if he lives,

and I doubt he cares if I do as well.

Just go, so he can push the button

and we can both go to hell.

- No, I mean it, Daddy, I love you.

I'm not going anywhere.

- So Pastor, how is it that you're still here after that?

Didn't they try to prosecute you?

(Jim sighing)

- It wasn't the first time that I drove in that condition.

It's the first time that I got caught.

Yeah, I got off pretty easy.

I did two years in jail.

And Ginger and Steph and I,

well we moved here to start over.

I sent money, as much as I could, to the family.

It didn't help, nothin' did.

(sullen music)

You know,

it's pretty nice to be able to finally someone.

Just push the button.

- Hm, stop tellin' me what to do.

Does your church know about this?

- No.

And in 10 minutes, it's not gonna matter.

(tense music)

- Are you still drinking?

- Not a drop, not since that night.

I've repented over and over

and it didn't help, nothin' did.

And that God that was supposed to heal him and protect him,

let him suffer for five years, let him die.

- Wow Pastor, you're still repenting?

Don't you know that you only have to do that once?

- I know that in my head, but my heart won't listen,

and what's with you?

Who's counseling who?

Just push the button, that way we could both be at peace.

Just get it over with.

I doubt you even care, given what you already know.

- But didn't you counsel me,

vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord?

- I can't believe this.

Now, you're trying to minister to my dad.

Some habits are hard to break, aren't they?

Even if you don't totally believe everything you say.

- Who says I don't believe?

Do you know what happens when we judge ourselves?

We just hurt everyone we could've ministered to,

except that we felt unworthy, we punish ourself,

while God stands by helplessly still offering us grace.

- Now, that may be the saddest thing you've said so far.

How one loses out because of our guilt.

Is that like the prisoners you felt you couldn't face?

The ones that sit around all day with no hope?

Isn't that depressing?

(tense music)

- I'm Pastor Thompkins' wife, I'm glad to see you,

but I thought she said the word team.

- All right, others are on the way.

We're all off duty, I was the closest one.

- Well, that old guy's car is still in the driveway.

There's lights on in the basement.

They weren't on when I left for shopping.

There's no reason for anyone to be down there.

Maybe that's where the bombs--

- Uh, chief, how close are you?

All I've got's my gun.

I'll try to get in position,

see if I can get some eyes on in the basement.

Lights are on downstairs.

I'll meet you at the van to get my rifle.

Now when you get here,

I need you to set up some ears in the van.

Ma'am, he told me what you told the dispatcher.

He'll be here in five minutes or less.

I need you stay put.

The last thing we need is this guy to take another hostage.

- So, that's it?

You have no real answers for either of us?

Just push this red button and blow all three of us up?

- I have answers for you, just none for me.

- So, you're saying there's no grace for you,

but God still cares about me?

- Answer this.

Did God love you when he was giving you happiness

with your first wife?

Or was God's love present when your daughter was born?

(sullen music)

- I guess so.

- Interesting.

So, you're tellin' me that God only exists

when something good is happening in your life?

But when bad things happen,

there is no God?

How arrogant are you?

God's existence doesn't depend on your happiness or mine.

- But God is supposed to be all-powerful.

He can prevent evil.

You'd think that,

that he would protect the people that serve him.

When my parishioners come to me and ask this question,

I never know what to tell them,

and I really don't know now

because I'm the one asking.

- You haven't cared for any of my answers so far,

but I do know this,

what if I ask God to stop everyone from committing sin

because of the choices that might hurt me?

What if he took me serious?

What if God could stop everyone from committing sin?

What if he stops you from committing sin

with whatever power needed?

- Would that be so bad?

(sirens wailing)

- This is probably gonna get bad.

I need you to stay back here behind my truck.

Now, you got your cell phone on you?

Okay, I need you to call your husband's number.

See if anybody picks up, verify we have a problem,

or else open up a line of communication.

(phone ringing) - Daddy,

do you think, could God really,

no, I guess that's stupid whether he could,

why doesn't God ever stop us from sinning?

- Well, you tell me, honey?

How would you like to be completely honest,

no matter what you were asked or how bad it would hurt?

Because

(tense music)

murder and rape is obviously sin,

just like in Proverbs, God hates lying.

It's one of the seven sins that are abomination to him.

So, let me ask you, sir,

what if God would have paralyzed you

before you get to those men?

Since that's obviously sin.

- Well, I don't think I'd want God

to take away my freedom of choice,

but I guess if God gives that to me,

then he also gives it to those other men.

But my Tricia,

Evelyn, Yvonne, all I,

all they ever wanted to do was serve God.

- But what about that boy?

He didn't do anything wrong, I did.

My only hope is scripture where God tells us

the death of his saints is precious to him.

Maybe he just wanted them to come home.

(phone ringing)

I don't know, I can't answer that.

I just can't.

(sullen music)

- No one's answering, what now?

- Yeah chief, it's confirmed,

man and woman in the basement in chairs.

The other guy partially obscured.

Windows are dirty, no chance for a clean shot.

Anderson's here too.

Given the setup, I'd say the pastor and his daughter

are the ones in the chairs.

The other guy's blocked.

But he definitely has a gun

and maybe some kind of detonator.

The way he's holding it, has some kind of button on it.

No, no chance for a clean shot.

Get lower, sir?

I was flat on my belly, Anderson is now.

No, there's no chance for a clean shot.

- Can you shoot him in the legs

and then shoot him again when he falls?

- The hostage's wife, sir.

No ma'am, we can't,

might shock him into triggering the bomb.

Anybody at your church know what is goin' on?

- You need us to prayer.

- No, I need to make sure there's no more bystanders.

- Pastor, I think you should tell your church

about your accident and your arrest, your DUI.

Believe me, you keep something like that inside yourself,

it will just fester away,

and it's gonna come out anyway sometime.

- (sighs) Good idea.

That way, he and Mom can move again.

They'll just be unemployed this time.

- You're not goin' with him?

- I,

I just walked out on my parents this morning.

I don't, I didn't believe in God either.

Your timing was perfect.

- I see.

- So, when should I make my confession?

Before or after you blow us up?

(Jim sighs)

While God is merciful,

I seriously doubt the church'll be so forgiving.

I can't even forgive myself.

- I think you'd find out that your church

is kinder and more forgiving than you give them credit for.

- Really?

Like the selection committee at the Event

that interviewed me to be the pastor?

He must've screwed up really bad

to not be able to tell me anything.

But you know something.

Care to share.

- I never speak about personal, uh,

the Event didn't fire their pastor,

even though they had cause.

He unexpectedly resigned.

- I don't understand.

- We've given up trying to figure out what's goin' on.

Chief's on the other side of the house

with a directional microphone and antenna.

Can't make out any distinct words.

Try your husband's phone again.

If he picks up, we may be able to negotiate.

If he doesn't, it may get noisy.

(phone ringing)

- Ginger.

(tense music)

So, how much time we got left?

Two minutes?

Ginger'll never be back from the mall before that.

(Jim sighs)

I don't even know what to tell her.

She knows I love her, I'll leave it at that.

- You're not gonna die, Pastor.

Neither are you, child.

- What are you talkin' about?

I thought you said the bombs were gonna go off.

- Well,

well, you know those things that God hates like lying,

I have to admit that I have told a few lies

since I've been here.

Sit down, Pastor.

I came here for answers,

it was just for a few more questions than I mentioned.

I told you that I searched Yvonne for years.

What I didn't tell you was

that her new foster parents changed her name to Ginger.

- You're, I have a grandpa?

One who's crazy?

- I wanted to find out if she had any children

and what kind of man she married.

A little while ago,

you were willing to take a bullet for her.

You did good, now I can rest a little easier.

- So, Ginger is your--

- Yes.

And like I said, I wouldn't hurt her for the world.

So, you make sure you don't hurt her either.

And please don't tell her that I'm her father.

I don't know how much she remembers,

but I don't want her to know that this was me.

(sullen music)

- What about me?

- I never wanted you to be here, baby.

I'm sorry about this.

You'll do.

The other thing I needed to know

was what kind of pastor

was gonna take over my church, the Event.

How do you think I knew about the search?

I had to see if you would hold strong

and never renounce your faith.

You did good.

- Really?

You seem to be forgetting those three little letters.

- Well, you listen to me now.

God told Peter something interesting

about what was clean and what wasn't.

You have repented over and over again.

Plus, you've changed and you've brought forth fruits

that are meat of repentance.

I'm not stupid enough to call something unclean

that God calls clean.

I think you need to wise up to.

- My grandpa's a preacher too.

Is this genetic?

- Are you going to talk to him?

- Well, yes, why?

- You need to know this may have something to do

with something that happened about five years ago.

- Pardon?

- That guy inside the house,

did he look old enough to be a grandpa

to a certain little boy?

- Ma'am, if I'd have made out his face,

I coulda got a drop on him.

Any more details you wanna tell us?

- Not that I can tell you.

- Anderson, Smitty, you guys ready?

It's time to rock and roll and change the status quo.

(tense music)

- [Chief] In the Thompkins home,

you with the gun and the detonator, this is the police.

We should probably talk.

None of this is necessary.

- [Jim] What's so funny?

- Finally, the SWAT team is here.

Apparently, possibly,

that means they've already set up their positions.

You've done good kid.

- Well, by my watch, we're dead in.

(Stephanie screeches)

(detonator beeping)

- It's just a garage door opener.

I glued a switch to the side of it

and there, there aren't any bombs set in your house.

I lied about that.

And this, a real gun though.

- Are you crazy?

- I don't know, I don't think so.

A few doctors think I am.

And a court-appointed psychiatrist and,

well, the (sighs) board of the church up in Chicago.

See, I called up there to tell them what I planned to do

before I came down here

and because they knew I had troubles,

I assumed they'd call the police

and the police would come and check on you.

- Why did you even call them?

Why did you do all of this?

- I said I wanted answers.

In my case, they'll be final answers.

- Anderson, Smitty.

No dialogue yet.

Any change in anyone's position?

- Nothing, looks like he put the detonator down,

but he's still got the gun.

Target's blocked, can't do anything until he moves.

- First chance you get, take a clean shot.

- I'm all over it, boss.

Anybody know what this guy wants?

Chief, hear anything?

- No distinct words.

We may just have to wing this one.

Get our answers after.

Ma'am, if I send a team in,

what's the fastest way to the door,

the one leading downstairs to the basement?

- No team, that's my house, I'll go in.

They'll be expected me to come back.

Just give me a gun and tell me how to hide it

and where to shoot him.

- Our guy put the detonator down, but he still has it,

and the gun too.

- They have to be expecting me to come back.

I'll just call out when I come in the door,

let 'em know it's me,

and then I'll go downstairs looking for my husband.

Now, tell me where to aim.

He has my husband and my girl,

and I have no intentions of raising my children alone,

especially not a boy.

- Boy?

I thought it was your daughter down there.

- I'm pregnant.

- Excuse me, sir, Anderson, she's got a great idea.

Perp just mashed the button, nothin'.

Looks like all he really has is the gun.

- Final answers?

- What are you talking about?

Grandpa?

- Well, I told you the truth about one thing,

and that is I don't really wanna live anymore.

- I hardly think your life is over

or your usefulness to God.

He called you to preach.

I mean, what's the worst that could happen

If you just give up now?

- Hm, I certainly didn't plan all this and set this up

so I could spend the rest of my life in prison.

I just wanted some reassurance

that God cared about me before I leave this world.

- You mentioned that you wanted a chance

to minister in prison.

You have no idea how much you are needed,

how much your message is needed.

(Mr. Johnson chuckles)

- I'm a little flawed, don't you think?

I've been incarcerated enough to know that those men

won't tolerate a hypocrite.

- Not even the ones that know about the grace of God?

(Mr. Johnson laughs)

- Here we go again, Pastor.

We can't seem to remember our roles, can we?

- Dad, what is he talking about?

Leaving this world, what's, what's going on?

Grandpa?

- I assume that's Pastor Jimmerson in there.

Put down the gun, Pastor.

Would you at least talk to me

on Pastor Thompkins' cell phone?

(phone ringing)

- Can I please answer that?

- You think your life is over?

I'm telling you, you're still needed,

desperately in so many ways.

- Really?

- Absolutely.

You have no idea how much Ginger has talked about you,

wanted to find you,

as soon as she had legal right to access the records,

but she could find no trace of you.

(sullen music)

- I changed my name too.

When I applied at the Event,

I didn't want them to know about the hospital.

Wow, what a fool.

- She'd love you, flaws and all,

and I need you too.

- Anderson is our best shot.

Once he fires, the rest will move in.

I'll lead.

- Can't you just give me a gun and let me go in?

- Ma'am, once Anderson fires,

that guy will be down dead or dying.

There's no way I'm gonna let a pregnant lady down there.

You can either follow our orders or you can't help us.

We can't protect you and your husband at the same time.

- If I can't tell Ginger about you,

Stephanie already knows.

How will I be able to tell your grandson

how good of a man you were?

- My grandson?

You told the search committee

that you and your wife only had a daughter.

- Yeah, but in six months from now,

we'll have another little surprise.

(gentle music)

- Huh.

No, that won't work, I don't want them to know that I exist,

but, but I, I'm imprisoned because I'm crazy.

Please, please don't tell them it was me.

- The tree lies where it falls,

and you're still standing, my man.

- Barely.

I don't think I can stand a God

who keeps tearing the heart out of my chest.

Maybe he is a merciful God, I don't know,

but maybe I'll be able to ask him myself in a few minutes.

- What are you talkin' about?

(tense music)

- Stephanie knows, she almost said it a little while ago.

- [Jim] What's goin' on now?

- In a hostage situation, the police only negotiate

until they can get a clean head shot.

That's why my chair is here.

They can't see me from those windows,

yet.

- Anderson, tango, eyes on target.

I'm set.

- Team, he's movin'.

Anderson's got the shot.

On my mark, kill the lights.

- One last lie turns to truth.

My last name is Jimmerson,

and this gun is real but it's not loaded.

I wouldn't hurt my daughter's husband or my granddaughter

for anything in the world.

(thuds)

- Told ya I was faster than you.

- What have you done, child?

- Didn't you hear Dad?

He said we need you.

The men in prison need you, Mom does.

And Dad's gonna need a lot advice on how to run a big church

while guiding his stupid daughter back to God.

- You're gonna be just fine.

You won't be in long.

I'm not gonna press charges, and I know Steph won't either.

(gentle music)

See, desperation is a funny thing.

It can harden us like stone,

cold and with sharp edges,

or it can soften us like clay

so that God can mold us into something beautiful.

All we have to do is let him.

(Jim sighs)

So, if you ever wonder where God is,

just remember, once we ask,

he is always in the same place.

Right here, always.

(tense music)

(dramatic music)

(tense music)