What the hell?
Hey, Tonya, Donny, you guys got power over there?
Nope. Power's out here, too.
Sweet, sweet Jolene.
Time, I see, has not been kind.
How tragic.
You had such potential.
But I'm not here to pick apart the past.
I'm far more interested in the present.
Has someone been on their feet, my dear?
Have you been building your inscape without me, Jo?
Have you found a Shorter Way?
No?
But that's the thing about whores.
They lie.
Luckily...
...we have a way to learn the truth.
Must feel like heaven to have the old things on again.
I recall how fast you could move in them.
You could out-dance the wind.
I wonder if you've still got it.
I felt the presence of a powerful strong creative in the area.
So I thought I'd better find out if their...
interests are a threat to mine...
as yours have been.
I can't say whether I'm relieved
or disappointed...
that I know it isn't you.
Let's not wait another 50 years before we see each other, Jo.
Oh, there she is. The Brat has emerged from her cave.
I thought I heard you coming in late last night. You good?
Chrissy, tell her the joke. Start from the beginning.
- Alright. - I peed myself, Vic.
- I swear you're gonna love it. - Check it out.
- Alright. - OK.
All the horses drowned!
Are you kidding me?
So... I'm applying to RISD.
I knew you would.
I'm making headway,
but I could use your help with the financial aid stuff.
- Yeah. You got it. - I need a copy of your tax return.
I'm not the one going.
I'm your dependent. It's required.
I thought she was 18. Aren't you, Vic?
They consider you a dependent until you're 24.
- Doesn't seem fair. - OK, here's the thing.
I haven't paid any taxes since, like, '05, you know?
All my work's under the table.
A check stub would work. A direct deposit statement. Anything.
If any earnings go on paper and the government sniffs me out,
we're all screwed.
- I thought you wanted me to go. - Of course.
But people go to jail for tax evasion, Brat.
You know what you should do? Ask your mom.
She's a lot better about this stuff.
- Ask her. - Yeah. OK.
Alright.
Wow, Ma.
The yard looks really... It looks really nice.
Cost me everything I made this week,
from the Gorsey house and Mrs Supkins,
but it was money well spent if you ask me.
Even the mailman said so. Sean.
That man's got a nice face for a redhead.
That's great.
Ma, I--
Last night I behaved like a stupid ass. I'm sorry.
It's fine. It's alright.
OK.
Well, I didn't expect to see you this morning.
There are fresh sheets on your bed.
I need a copy of your tax return. For college.
Financial aid.
Of course. Your father can't give you his.
I clean houses for a living, Vicky.
It's all under the table, same as your dad.
It's a drag, but you've got to start learning about this stuff.
- What stuff? - What stuff?
We're not the kind of people who go to college. OK?
This is why. Start thinking about getting a real job.
Like scrubbing toilets?
Sorry. I didn't mean that.
I know.
You know, there are other options.
You could go to trade school.
Julianne's daughter, she's going to hairdressing school.
Beauty school's not for me, Ma.
OK. Well...
I still need help cleaning the Gates' and the Brewsters' on Friday
if you want to make a little cash.
You can do the floors. I'll scrub the toilets.
- Thanks, Mom. I'll let you know. - Yep.
Howdy, Sheriff.
Any word from our lady in Nebraska?
You missed taco night.
I know. I'm sorry.
- That's alright. - Did our junkyard lady call?
No, Maggie, and she's not going to because her story's crazy.
She's just some lonely old lady.
Look, I need you to let this go... OK?
You're... the closest thing I've got to a daughter
and...
I don't need to find you...
half-frozen on a park bench ever again.
Closest thing to a daughter, huh?
Beggars can't be choosers, right?
Look, I'm serious.
You need stability, and you've worked so hard to get it.
So just step away from the Scrabble bag, alright?
I'm fine, Joe.
I promise.
OK? Go catch some bad guys or something.
Alright. Talk to you later.
Goodbye.
Hi.
I need a book of Romantic poetry.
"The rain... fell like daggers...
...beating against the nape of her neck.
She covered her head. She ran.
But the rain was relentless..."
- Shit. - Sorry. Did I hurt you?
No. I think I have to rain-check.
You're not serious.
I'm so sorry.
Are you going to help me find that book?
Yeah. Later.
I...
Mr Manx?
It's me.
Have you done as I asked?
Yep. The Shorter Way, it was an old bridge.
But it's gone now.
It's there.
And its proprietor can't be far.
Excellent work, Bing.
Get in.
People stopped using it when they put the paved road in.
And then the town tore it down.
A demolished bridge from a bygone time.
Our strong creative has an old soul,
and a sentimental attachment to broken things.
Something out there, Mr Manx?
We are the sum of our parts, Mr Partridge.
Any small piece is helpful in identifying the whole,
but you've spent more time here than I have, so...
This bridge also tells us
we're looking for someone who likes to traverse geographical locations.
Who perhaps longs to escape their circumstances.
Do you know anyone like that, Bing?
Mr Manx...
...how can a person use a bridge that isn't even there?
There are many things in this world
that don't require sight, but rather intuition.
Mittens!
Mittens, where are you, boy?
Come here. I've got some treats.
You two weirdos seen a black and white cat around here?
No, but we'll keep a lookout.
OK, thanks.
You know, it's funny. My friend and I are also lost.
Like your cat.
Salem's south on 95 if you're looking for the Witch Museum.
Actually, dear...
...we're looking for a bridge called the Shorter Way.
Do you know who rides it?
Nope.
You wouldn't tell me a fib, now, would you, Haley Smith?
How do you know my name?
I know a great many things.
For instance, I know Mittens is a lucky kitty indeed
to have a responsible caretaker... like you.
- He's my friend. - Of course he is.
You look after each other.
But while you're out here looking after Mittens...
...who's looking after you?
Would you like a candy cane?
Nice try, but my mom taught me not to take candy from strangers.
Especially the ugly ones.
Unhand her!
We must never mishandle children, Mr Partridge.
Hell isn't hot enough for those who do.
Let this be my first and final warning.
I'm sorry. Yeah.
- Hey. - Hey.
What's up with your eye?
Oh, just allergies. Is your mom home?
She's probably getting a wax. She grows hair like a water buffalo.
You need her?
I need her help with RISD.
Oh. You don't need Angela.
For where there is a Willa, there is always a way.
They're like, fugitives from the IRS or some shit,
so I can't even apply for financial aid.
They sound out of their minds.
Yeah, a recurring theme with them.
My dad moved in with his girlfriend.
- You're shitting me. - I'm living with them.
Jesus.
She does jewelry.
Like, earrings made from bottle caps. She calls them "beer-rings."
- That's kind of genius. - No!
But no offense, your dad's being a dick.
No, he wants to help me. He just can't.
Forge that shit and sign his name. It's not complicated.
I've been signing Angela's John Hancock
since the Sixth Grade.
These are government loans, a federal document. I can't--
- You really can. - No, I can't do that to my dad.
Your mom says she knows someone from RISD's registrar's office.
Yes. Say no more.
I'll talk to Angela, organize a trip to Providence. I'm coming.
Did you lock up? I left my portfolio in Mrs Simonson's classroom.
Bing, my entire future rests on you letting me inside.
But you know, no pressure either way.
Anyone else, I'd have left you in the dust.
Oh. Good thing you owe me for that Doctor Incubus comic.
Yeah. Maybe.
You OK, Bing?
Yeah. I'm kind of nervous.
I started a new job. I already messed up.
My boss just gave me another chance tomorrow to do better, but...
...I don't know if I can.
Sure you can. You just be yourself.
But, what if...
What if I can't?
You sound like my mother!
That's what she says about me and college.
- You know what I say? - No.
I say, screw it, this is America.
Work hard and you can do anything you damn well please.
Remember what Doctor Incubus said to the Blue Heron?
"If you don't believe in your greatness,
no one else will."
Exactly.
Thank you, college girl!
I'll just be a minute, Bing.
Yeah.
Maggie?
- Brat, I need to talk to you. - Wait, how did you find me?
I'm a librarian and a medium. I can find anybody.
How did you get here?
I flew on a plane. I came here to tell you that you're not safe.
My tiles are never wrong.
OK, you think I can help you find that missing kid?
I'm sorry, but I can't.
No. I mean, yes. Yes, Vic.
I want you to help me find Danny but I didn't fly out here for him.
The Wraith is here and he's hunting you.
That doesn't make any sense, Maggie.
Sometimes strong creatives can sense things. Each other.
I think he senses you or your bridge.
- Well, I don't sense him. - Don't you?
You said you saw my library. What else have you seen?
This stuff is dangerous, Maggie.
One day I find you in your library, the next day your dog is dead.
Well, that's fine. Because I don't have a dog.
We shouldn't be messing with it. I'm...
I'm not going over my bridge again for anything or anyone.
Vic, my tiles called me. They never do that.
I can't help you. I'm going to college.
You want to be normal. OK, I get it. But we... we are not normal.
I have a chance to get out of here, Maggie.
I can't pass that up.
You're the only person that can help me stop this guy.
The only person.
Then I'm sorry you came all this way.
My God. Looks like you banged it up pretty good, there.
- Yeah. - What the hell were you doing?
Stupid shit, I guess, so...
I'll give you a ride to the job site and mend this later.
- Alright. - There she is. Ready for your trip?
- Providence, huh? - RISD.
My kid, at college. Who'd have thunk it?
Alright.
Have fun, OK?
- I will. Thanks, Dad. - Yeah.
Bye.
Hey, are you sure you want to leave town?
Your eye was bleeding a few days ago.
Yeah, from that damn bridge, but...
I'm never going out there again, so just forget it happened.
Hey, Vic. Craig.
Nice wrench.
- She's funny. - She ditched you in Eighth Grade.
No, she went to a different school.
What about Tea and Crumpets over there?
What? You gonna miss me?
Yeah, like a rash.
Come on, bitch. Academia awaits.
Have fun blowing stuff up with my dad.
- Forgot to mention something? - They decided to tag along.
Me and Simon will tour Brown and you and Drew can check out RISD.
I thought your parents disapproved of art school.
Yeah, what can I say? You inspired me.
Ride shotgun, McQueen.
It's my car.
Hey. Thanks, Simon.
Any leads on what caused the power outage?
They're working on it.
It's strange the generators didn't come on, isn't it?
Folks online are saying this place is haunted.
Donny was on last night.
Swore he felt the presence of a ghost or something.
Maybe he just watches way too much TV.
You know, Michelle usually comes on Wednesdays.
We're switching up the schedule.
- Did she call up? - She probably talked to Donny.
Miss Callahan. Clinical depression.
Miss Callahan, we have a young lady here from New England Reads.
How about a little Toni Morrison?
She always manages to cheer me right up.
These are incredible.
Yeah.
You ever been to the Lakshmana Temple in India?
Aside from a wicked brave trip to Iowa,
the farthest I've been from Haverhill is New Hampshire.
The temple there is one of the most fascinating structures.
The facade has these detailed carvings.
I asked the tour guide what they were.
Some kind of ancient legend?
That's what I thought. The guide says, no.
Penises.
The domes on the Temple are phallic symbols
and the carvings all depict the act of making love.
You're a freak, huh, Butler?
Takes one to know one, McQueen.
Everyone here is.
I want to go here so bad.
Yeah. Me too.
Thank you for meeting with me.
No, I don't judge your work, sweetie. I'm sure it's wonderful.
I help facilitate getting you here once you've applied.
Now, there are a lot of students in your position.
What do they do?
Well, if your parents won't release their income information
you do have the option to declare yourself an independent.
I thought you had to be 24.
Yes, unless you meet certain criteria.
The government makes exceptions for students who are married
or in the military, orphans...
I'm none of those.
There's also an exception for those who can prove abuse in their home.
Angela told me a little bit about your situation.
There is no shame in it.
I don't...
It's a lengthy legal process...
Are you OK? What happened to your eye?
- I never should have come here. - What's wrong?
- I don't belong. - That's crazy.
My mother was right. McQueens don't go to college. We stay in Haverhill.
Your mother's wrong.
Every day, people do hard things because they want it bad enough.
You think you'll get out of going to your parents' alma mater?
No matter what we do or say, Exeter and Harvard is just your path,
and Haverhill for life is just mine.
You know, today is the most fun I've had in years.
So that would really suck.
It really would.
Good afternoon.
I'm with New England Reads. You want to hear a story?
It's freezing in here, right?
He's been here, hasn't he? The Wraith?
I'm a medium.
My Scrabble bag told me he's hunting a strong creative I know.
In Haverhill.
When I read about the unexplained power outage online, I thought...
Why did he visit you?
Did he mention Vic McQueen?
OK. It's OK.
This is you?
Are you a strong creative?
Yeah...
Are these skates your knife?
He did this to you. He put you here.
He's going to hurt my friend.
Steve?
Steve, is that you?
Steve?
Stop it. You're scaring me.
Haley? Call 911.
Are you Father Christmas?
Yes, child.
Rest now.
- The mother? - Yeah.
Hello.
Did you see the size of that food court?
Not bad for the Harvard of Rhode Island.
They let you create your own major,
and you can drop a class a week before finals.
I'm gonna abuse that system like a crackhead with food stamps.
What's up with the tortured artists? Didn't you freaks like RISD?
Yeah, I loved it.
Me too. I'm applying.
The Doctors Butler are never going to let that happen, brother.
It's my life. They don't get to live it for me.
McQueen's applying, too.
Of course you are. And you're gonna slay.
Wait. One second.
Maggie.
Vic, I've been calling you all day.
Yeah, no. I know. I'm in Providence, OK? I can't talk.
No, the Wraith is in Haverhill.
I got confirmation from another strong creative.
An old woman who he paralyzed.
Where did you find her?
Essex County Hospital. The psych ward.
- It's where the power outage was. - Maggie...
And I got another message from my tiles.
Does the word "smitten" mean anything to you?
No.
- "Wraith hunts smitten." - No, it doesn't mean anything.
I know you don't want to hear it but you can't run from this.
Thank you for your concern. Can you just go home?
- Vic. Vic? - Sorry. I've got to go.
Vic, let's go.
Ready to head home?
No. I'm not.
If I were to forge my father's tax return...
If...
How would I do it?
Ask your genius friend and I would help you.
You really think you could do it?
Bitch, have you ever heard of the internet?
It can forge literally anything.
We'll do it on my laptop the second we get home.
You don't owe your parents a damn thing.
They've done nothing but make you a pawn in their shitty marriage.
Don't lose out on all of this because they're being ignorant.
Break the cycle, McQueen.
What's up, Brat?
Hey.
How was your trip?
It was great. I figured everything out.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
I knew you would.
You're way smarter than your dumb-ass dad.
How did that happen?
Mom, I guess.
- Love you like a big dog. - Love you too, kiddo.
Hello?
Hey, Steve. No.
No, I haven't seen her. Have you checked out by the woods?
I'll be right there.
Come on, Maggie...
- Hello? - Maggie, it wasn't "smitten."
- What? - It wasn't "smitten."