FATHER'S DAY

*****

Don Constantine: There is no prouder day in a father's life than the day he can pass on to his child the things that matter most to him. Today is that day.

Karin Constantine: David? Johnny L's here. (At which David freezes)

Don Constantine: I'm a very old man. I've lived longer than I should have. I've buried two sons, and two grandsons. (Coughs, making his nurse concerned) I've waited, and at last that day has come when my great-grandson can step in and take my place.

David Constantine: It's today?
Johnny: They're sending Carry(?) in a car to get you. They'll be here any minute.

Don Constantine: You think he's too young? (Someone at the table shrugs) I was less than twenty when my father, God rest his soul, put all this in my hands. Now it's David's turn. He may be young, but don't think he's weak. No, he's strong--as strong as I was then. He's a Constantine. The last.

David: (Picking up his son) Get his coat.
Johnny: Leave him here. It'll be safer--
David: My great-grandfather will send people.
Johnny: (Gestures towards David's wife and son) David, they want you, not them. (To Karin) You don't know where we're going, you don't know anything.
Karin: David, this is--
Johnny: You can send for them later, okay? The back. Go out the back. Go!

Don Constantine: There is no harder day in a father's life than the day he must discipline a child. But love demands sacrifices from us all. The family must be protected.

Schanke: No, no, no, you wait, you..you owe me, Carter!
Carter: I can't, Schanke. Family stuff, man.
Schanke: Wha..whaddaya mean, 'family stuff?' I covered you on your birthday, remember?
Carter: All right, all right. I'm sorry. Maybe next time. All right?
Schanke: Yeah. Well, maybe not. Hey, hey, Rozzen, Rozzen, whattaya doing Sunday? Do ya wanna talk trade? (Rozzen shakes his head) Yeah, well, see if I lend you my electric lumbar pillow again. Creep. (Sees Nick) Oh, man. Do I look like a soft touch? I help these guys out all the time. I spotted Carter on his birthday, for crying out loud. Now when I ask him to do me a favour, it's like I don't even exist. I just wanna go up to the cottage, spend a little bit of time, you know, up at the lake, Father's Day with my wife and kid, but no.
Nick: We're off Sunday.
Schanke: No, no. You're off Sunday. Correction. Cohen saw my time card? Said I was six hours late in the last three months. So she added an extra shift. I miss enough of my daughter's life as it is, you know, working nights? Now I'm gonna miss her special chocolate pudding cake.
Nick: I'll cover for you. I'll cover for you.
Schanke: You...you'd do that?
Nick: Yeah.
Schanke: Oh, man. No strings?
Nick: No strings. Why not? Go on. Be with your family.
Schanke: I owe you big time, Nick.
Nick: Yeah...just not the electric lumbar pillow, okay?

Cohen: Are you expecting a call from Johnny Larnar, Detective?
Schanke: Uh, no.
Cohen: Well, he called. He said he's bringing in David Constantine tonight.
Nick: David Constantine's turning in the family? You mean he's talking?
Cohen: Apparently, your partner set it up.
Schanke: Let's not get too excited here, Captain, because you know Johnny Larnar talks a good game but he doesn't always deliver.
Cohen: Yeah? Well, he says he's gonna deliver him into protective custody if you meet him at Bleaker and Bridge in half an hour.
Nick: Look, David Constantine's next in line for the throne. If this is for real....
Cohen: His testimony could put his family's business out of business. The old man'll be spending his few remaining days in a prison hospital, which would make me very happy. I suggest you go meet the man.
Schanke: Anything to keep a smile on your face, Captain.
Cohen: Just try to be on time.

Schanke: What is that word, it-it-it-it means 'generous,' but it starts with an 'A'?
Nick: Altruistic?
Schanke: Altruistic. Good word.
Nick: What is that?
Schanke: Ah, it's some kinda questionnaire, it's for Jenny's school project. 'What Is A Father.'
Nick: Well, that sounds really--
Schanke: Silly? Well, it is silly, but you know, it's Jenny's....
Nick: And? What is a father?
Schanke: A sucker for doing this silly form.

Nick: I don't think this is going to put that smile on the Captain's face.

Natalie: Two in the back, one in the head. From about twenty-five or thirty feet away. Nice marksmanship. I'd say they were professionals.
Nick: Any sign of a passenger?
Natalie: Well, if he was here, he got away clean.
Cohen: (Walking up to them) He was here. It's all over town now. David Constantine ran out on the family, and the old man has every available soldier out looking for him.
Schanke: Well, maybe they took him. Just because he isn't lying here clammy doesn't mean he got away.
Cohen: All I know is David Constantine was supposed to be a witness for the crown, and instead he's a missing person. If he's still alive, we have to find him. Fast. (She leaves.)
Schanke: If little David gave him the slip, I don't like the odds. I mean, where the hell would he go? The Constantines aren't exactly the type of family you just...leave.
Natalie: Not alive, anyway.

Toronto: 1920's

Customs officer: (About a crate) Hey! That hasn't been inspected. (Constantine steps into view) Mr. Constantine! I-I-I'm sorry sir, I didn't realize you were a...go right ahead, sir.
Don Constantine: I appreciate the kindness.

Don Constantine: (As Nick gets out of crate) Welcome to the new world.
Nick: Don Constantine? (Offering his hand, which the other takes)
Don Constantine: At your humble service. (Constantine puts a cut glass container of blood on the table, which Nick takes) I have an 'arrangement' at the hospital.
Nick: I had to leave Paris in a hurry. I didn't get the chance to bring much. (He hands the other several pieces of jewelry, including a pocket watch)
Don Constantine: This will be enough. Will you be followed? The West coast, I think, will be safest. Do you have a preference? (Nick shakes his head, taking another drink) Los Angeles, then. And a new name. No?
Nick: Los Angeles will be fine. You're not what I expected.
Don Constantine: You thought I'd be older. I could say the same of you, sir. My father died last year. I run this family now. I assure you whatever you need will be taken care of. Whatever you need.

Karin: Is there a.... Has something happened?
Schanke: We're trying to locate your husband, ma'am. Do you have any idea where he might have gone?
Karin: Uh, he's in New York. On business. Is there a problem?
Schanke: Oh, you could say that.
Nick: When was the last time you saw Johnny Larnar, Mrs. Constantine?
Karin: Uh, it must be two weeks ago.
Schanke: He wasn't here earlier tonight?
Karin: What's this all about? What's happened?
Schanke: Johnny Larnar's dead, Mrs. Constantine. Now, your husband could be next, if we don't find him before his great-grandfather does.
Karin: Don't be ridiculous. David's great-grandfather? He's family. He looks out for us. Why on earth would he want to hurt David?
Schanke: To keep him from talking to us.
Karin: My husband would have no reason to talk to you, Detective. And I don't think I do, either.
Nick: David could be in real danger. I think you know that. You all could be in danger.
Karin: We'll be fine. Thank you very much. Good night.

Schanke: (They leave, but Schanke turns back to her) Listen, if you, um, if you change your mind, you know who to call. If you hear from your husband--
Karin: Good night, Detective. (She goes back inside)
Schanke: What do you have to say to get through to some people? What?
Nick: Nothing.

Schanke: Cohen is going to become a little drill sergeant after this development. Hello...? You coming?
Nick: Uh, you go ahead. There's something I need to check out.
Schanke: Wait, wait, wait, wait. There's something you've gotta check out? And you want me to go in there and tell the Captain we've got nothing? No way! No, no, no. I'm not letting you off this one. You're coming with me.
Nick: You owe me one, remember? For Sunday?
Schanke: (Giving in) Yeah.

Nightcrawler: So. It's question time on Nightwatch, Gentle Listeners. I see by the old clock on the wall that it's very nearly Father's Day. So. Tonight's question is...what is a father? Ring! We have a caller, and the caller says that a father is...altruistic. Bzzzzt! Too bad. Thanks for playing, though. Every parent wants something in return. Love. Loyalty. Nothing is free. So, boys and girls, the Nightcrawler wants to know...what did your father promise you? Did he promise to take care of you? Did he keep his promise?

Nick: David Constantine, I presume.
David: Are you a real cop?
Nick: Nick Knight, Metro homicide. A lot of people are looking for you.
David: I didn't kill Johnny.
Nick: I didn't say you did. Why don't I just take you downtown and you can give your statement to the prosecutor--
David: No! (He tries to walk away, but Nick stops him) Look, Detective, I know you're doing your job. But I've gotta ask you--walk away like you never saw me.
Nick: I know what you're used to, Mr. Constantine. I'm not for sale.
David: I'm not offering, I'm begging. I'm putting my life in your hands. My family.... If they think that I've betrayed them, I'm a dead man. Anywhere you take me, I'm a dead man.
Nick: Once you testify against your great-grandfather, he'll be in jail and he can't hurt you anymore. He can never hurt you again.
David: I can't testify against him. He's my family. It was never about taking him down.
Nick: Johnny Larnar thought it was.
David: He thought that was the way for me to get out. But that's not who I want to be. I don't want to turn against my family. I just want to...start over again. Somewhere. Far away. I grew up with killing, but I don't want to be a killer.

Paris:
LaCroix: Où été avez-vous? [Where have you been?]
Nick: Je marche. [Walking.]
LaCroix: Ne se pas mentir, Nicolas. Vous n'êtes pas capable. [You know you can't lie to me, Nicholas. You are not capable.] Where have you been? What is that? I will not ask you again. Ancient medicinal herbs. Rare Chinese elixirs. Nicholas still searches for a cure. Why didn't you just tell me that you'd been to the apothecary? There's no need for secrets between us. (hits Nick) This is how you thank me? This is how you repay me?!
Nick: This has nothing to do with you.
LaCroix: (holds Nick up against the wall/building) Of course it's to do with me! I gave you life. I gave you power. I gave you my eternal protection. And you want to go back? Can you imagine how that makes me feel? You will stop this pathetic search for a cure. You make a fool of yourself and a fool of me. You're *my* creature, Nicholas. Made in *my* image.
Nick: Then I am a monster.
LaCroix: (releases Nick) Why are you doing this to me?
Nick: I've done nothing to you, LaCroix. You did this. Perhaps there is no cure. But that won't stop me from leaving you. Kill me if you wish. Either way, I will leave you.

David: I got to get away. The police can't protect me. You must know that. I should never have come back here. I just...wanted to make sure that they were all right. I wanted to give them a different kind of life. I don't want my son to grow up the way I did.

Cohen: You had him and you didn't bring him in.
Nick: He didn't want to come. He just wants to walk away.
Cohen: Do I look like I care what he wants? He could be the key to bringing down the Constantine family once and for all.
Nick: He could be dead before we even get him to a courtroom. Captain, we can't absolutely guarantee his safety here. The Constantines have got to people on Death Row, let alone people in a police precinct. He's not going to testify. He's not wanted for anything. There are no warrants.
Cohen: Thanks for the legal briefing, Detective. He won't last the day without our protection.
(Nick leaves Cohen's office, Schanke looks up from his survey)
Schanke: Oh, she took that well I thought. You still have your gun and your badge, don't you? You know, she is right. He's not safe out there.
Nick: He wouldn't be any safer in here. Are you still doing that questionnaire on fatherhood?
Schanke: Sssh! Yeah, why?
Nick: A father is someone who will sacrifice everything to give his child a better life than he had.
Schanke: That is great. 'A father is someone who w....' Now what's the rest of it? 'Sacrifice anything....' Nick! What's....

Natalie: Oh, come on, Nick, what did you expect? You knew she wasn't going to like it. She's been trying to salt Thomas Constantine's tail ever since I was an intern.
Nick: Well, getting David killed isn't going to help.
Natalie: No, and you did what you thought was right. You cut him loose.
Nick: Well, not exactly.
Natalie: What do you mean, not exa-- Where is he?
Nick: My place.
Natalie: Nick! You're a cop. You can't get involved in-- Okay. All right, all right. Why?
Nick: Because I know how powerful his family is. The captain's right. He's not going to get away without some help. It's dangerous. It's not that easy. Even when they're trying to kill you, they're still your family.
Natalie: Youch. That sounds like an epitaph. Was it really that hard for you? Leaving them?
Nick: Parts of it.

Janette: Nicolas. Did LaCroix find you? He was so angry.
Nick: Yes, he found me. I have to leave. He'll never let me live as long as I'm searching for a cure.
Janette: But you can never find one. Forget about it. Stay.
Nick: No. I can't. I can't live as we do anymore! I'll leave Paris tonight. Before he can find me again. Come with me.
Janette: And do what? This is my home.
Nick: I'm sorry. (He turns away)
Janette: You will go to Don Constantine, in America. He knows about us, about our kind. He helps us when we need to travel. He can help you disappear. I'll make the arrangements immediately, and you'll sail within the hour. (She kisses him, and when they part, she gives him a handful of jewelry) You'll need this.

Karin: That can't be true. David would never want to leave. He loves his family. He's always taken good care of his family. That is how he was raised.
Nick: He wants what's best for you and your son, even if it means crossing Thomas Constantine.
Karin: Don't be silly. David's great-grandfather wants what's best for us, too. He has always taken good care of us.
Nick: Did you know that Constantine was planning on turning over the business to your husband?
Karin: Yeah. Everyone knew, from the day David was born.
Nick: Well, that's why he's doing this. Take a look at the old man. Take a look at the world he lives in. That's not the kind of life David wants for you.

David: Why doesn't she call? Why doesn't she come?
Nick: It's a big decision for her, David. Giving up everything she knows.
David: I'm her family, for God's sake. Doesn't she know I'm trying to help them? (Sounds of footsteps on the stares) There she is. I thought you said she's have to buzz to get up. (The door opens and two gunmen enter)
Nick: Get down!

David: (After the two leave after trying to kill Nick) What are you?
Nick: The only thing that can protect you.

David: My, uh, great-grandfather...told me that there were creatures in this world that...nobody knows about today.
Nick: Your great-grandfather's fortune was built on deals that can't face the light of day. Men with secrets will always pay men like Constantine to help them hide.
David: You know him.
Nick: I knew him. I know what it's like--not wanting to be what you are.

Gunman: I know it sounds hard to believe, sir, but he really was that strong. It's like the bullets didn't even faze him.
Don Constantine: Did he change?
Gunman: Change?
Don Constantine: His eyes.
Gunman: (His eyes widen) You know him.
Don Constantine: I know his kind.

Janette: Who's your friend? Oh, no. No, no. Get him out of here. You can't keep just dragging people in here every time you don't know what else to do with them.
Nick: (To David) Go get yourself a drink. (David leaves and Nick turns to Janette) Relax. It's just until I can set up his disappearance. He won't be staying long.
Janette: He's not staying at all. I have to do business in this town, Nicolas, with Constantine. Liquor license, health inspections...I cannot afford trouble.
Nick: I didn't realize you were afraid of Constantine. After all, he's just a man.
Janette: He's a fanatic. He would kill anyone, betray anyone to protect his family.
Nick: Wouldn't we all.

Janette: [French:] He's gone. Just forget him. [English:] We can get a new one.
LaCroix: [English:] I don't want a *new* one. I like *that* one. [French:] What did he tell you, Janette? That he doesn't belong with us? [English:] Nonsense. He will always be part of us. You know that. [French:] He needs us to survive.
Janette: [French:] Constantine. I sent him to Constantine.

Janette: That was different. You were confused, and you needed us.
Nick: I needed to get away, and you led him right to me.
Janette: You know I was trying to help you.
Nick: I'm sure you were. Stay out of it this time. And don't call his daddy to come and get him.
Janette: Fine. It's his funeral. (She walks away)
Nick: (walking over to David) Excuse me. David, you'll be all right here for a couple of hours. I'll go and arrange for you to, ah, get lost.

Don Constantine: You haven't changed a bit. Last I heard you were in Chicago.
Nick: I moved.
Don Constantine: So I see. And you're the man who has my grandson, hmm? A policeman. Vampire...homicide...cop. That's certainly one for the record books.... Well, I remember you, Nicholas, whatever you're calling yourself. The man who ran out on his family. Who put himself before the ones he owed his life to. Well, this is my family you're interfering with now. I don't allow interference.
Nick: Don't send your people after David again. You don't want the kind of trouble I can make for you.
Don Constantine: Oh, I'll go after him, all right. And I'll keep going until I find him. There's no way to hide in this world.
Nick: Oh, that's right. Someone will always...betray you. Yeah, you see, I remember you, too.
Don Constantine: You met me when I was a young man, remember that? I raised two sons, and two grandsons, and I lost them all. But you wouldn't understand. You'll be young forever. Huh. For me, family is all that's left. My version of immortality. David is like another son to me. It's my last chance to pass on what I built, what I am.
Nick: He doesn't want it. All right? He does not want it. If he really is like a son to you, why don't you be like a good father and let him do what he wants, not what you want.
Don Constantine: What he wants doesn't matter. He's a Constantine. A prince...can only be a prince...not a pauper.
Nick: I don't believe it.
Don Constantine: You never did.

Nightcrawler/LaCroix: It's a beautiful night out there, isn't it, boys and girls? I haven't seen a night quite like this in a hundred years. (The door opens and Constantine is wheeled in by a nurse.) In fact, this is no night to be inside. Let's turn off our radios, go out, and play. (Turns off his microphone) Oh...you don't look well, Don Constantine.
Don Constantine: I'm here for the favour that you owe me.

Toronto: Don Constantine: I'm sorry I can't help you. I haven't seen him.
LaCroix: No. (LaCroix picks up a the pocket watch on the desk.) I gave this to him. He was to keep it until the day he died. So...either you helped him, with this as payment, or...you killed him. I would be most unhappy if it were the latter.
Don Constantine: I assure you, he's fine. He's...travelling.
LaCroix: Ah. But where? He probably told you that his life was in danger. I can't imagine where he got that idea. I am simply trying to keep my family together, Don Constantine. Surely you can understand that? I would be eternally grateful for your help in this manner.

Don Constantine: I won't have David leaving the family. It can't be allowed. I did the favour you asked me one man to another. One father to another. Now I want that favour returned.
LaCroix: I have an excellent memory for old accounts. You would have brought me his head on a platter if I'd asked you to. Is that what you'd like me to do for you? Ah, ah now...be careful. I do tend to take things literally.

Karin: I don't know why you're here, Detective, this really has nothing to do with you. It's a family matter.
Nick: I just have one question to ask you. Did you think you were helping David when you told Constantine where he was?
Karin: I..I don't know what you're talking about.
Nick: You knew David was staying at my house. Did you know that Constantine sent two of his men to kill him?
Karin: No, they were supposed to bring him back. I just want to put everything back the way it was before.
Nick: Well, that's not going to happen. Constantine kills anyone who betrays his family, even David.
Karin: But I thought if..if he came back, he'd be safe.
Nick: If he came back. If he came back, he'd be just like his great-grandfather. Is that what you want for him? Is that what you want for your son?
Karin: All that I want for my son right now is his father, but I don't know where he is. I mean, is this how David takes care of us, by running out, by not being here on Father's Day?
Nick: I have to go. David wants you to go with him. That's what this is all about. You have to decide which is more important to you--Constantine's family, or your own.

Nick: Hi, Nat.
Natalie: Hey, you. Hey, have you seen Schanke? The captain wants to see him.
Nick: I'm him.
Natalie: Of course you are.
Nick: Actually, I'm subbing in so he could be with his family.
Natalie: Oh. Oh, please, you're making me feel all...warm and fuzzy inside. Speaking of which, I have a hungry cat at home, evidence to deliver, and, since no one volunteered to sub for me....
Nick: Next time.

Los Angelos: LaCroix: I must say, I commend your choice, Nicholas. Los Angeles has such possibilities, although rather too much sun for my liking. Let us not make a scene, shall we?
Nick: How did you find me?
LaCroix: I shall always find you, Nicholas. Let's just forget all about this little episode, shall we? I wouldn't like to...hold it against you.

Nick: What do you want?
LaCroix: Do I have to want anything? Let's talk about families, Nicholas. That seems to be what's on everyone's mind. What is a father? A father is the man you made you what you are. And like it or not, Nicholas, I'm the only father that you've got. And, as a father, I must say I'm very disappointed in you. Sticking your nose in where it's not wanted.
Nick: Constantine came to you.
LaCroix: It's a matter of an old debt. I want you to stay out of this. I think a child owes his father that much courtesy.
Nick: What about what a father owes his child? It works both ways, you know.
LaCroix: Let's see what your friend Schanke has to say about that, shall we? 'A father provides love, discipline, guidance, protection, and support.' That's not bad.
Nick: He left out 'freedom.'
LaCroix: So would I. Let's stop beating about the bush. If David Constantine does not return to his family, I will find him and kill him. You're not strong enough to stop me, Nicholas. Why do you care anyway?
Nick: I think you understand.
LaCroix: Maybe I do.
Nick: Well then, why don't you do for David what you would never do for me? Let him go.

Don Constantine: Is it done?
LaCroix: And if I said it was?
Don Constantine: What do you mean?
LaCroix: There's only one way that this can end. You know how stubborn children are. The boy wants to leave. That *isn't* going to change.
Don Constantine: He thinks there's some better life out there than what I can give him.
LaCroix: It's always about what they want, isn't it? They can be so thoughtless. Do you want him killed? Is that what you want?

Don Constantine: They were supposed to take my place! David's grandfather, Dimitri, my oldest. He looked just like me. He's the one who should be standing here today! Ah, but this isn't an easy business. You take some casualties. Dimitri was in the wrong place at the wrong time. We lost his brother Stefan in the big war. I remember thinking I'd never make it another twenty-five years, until Dimitri's boys were old enough to take over...and then another twenty-five 'till David was ready. David's uncle died in Vietnam. His father made it back. Well, he didn't really come back. He didn't last five years. I'm an old, tired man, just hanging on. Without David, it all ends. The family...the business...everything we are! He and his son are the last of the Constantines. When I die, everything I built will have disappeared. But that doesn't mean anything to you, does it? But it means everything to me. You owe me. (LaCroix hesitates, and then nods)

Nick: I don't know if she's coming, David. Why don't you get in the truck?
David: No. You don't understand. I can't leave without them. I didn't do this for me. There's no point in leaving if I have to leave them behind.
Nick: She's got to make her own decision. Otherwise you might as well stayed--
(David's wife and son come up to them)
David: Oh! Oh, thank God you're here.
Karin: Where are we going?
David: It's all right. Don't worry. The truck will take us to the Hamilton Airport. Nick took care of everything. (A car pulls up)
Nick: Go. Quickly. (Nick steps forward as Constantine and LaCroix get out of the car.)
LaCroix: We both know how that would end, Nicholas.
Nick: Take your family, David, and go. I'll try to hold them off.
David: What do you mean? You're stronger than-- (David realizes he's wrong) Oh. Karin and Adam are leaving. (Nick blocks him as he steps forward) No. I'll run the family if you want me to run the family. Or you can shoot me if you want to shoot me. But my son...is not going to be raised like this.
Don Constantine: That noble streak is endearing. You get it from your uncle Stefan. A wise old man once told me that love demands sacrifices from us all. Well...it's my turn to let go.
David: Are you telling me that--
Don Constantine: I've buried enough sons for a lifetime. That's not the legacy I want to leave. I hear that Los Angeles is a place to start over. They need persons like you with your energy to help them rebuild. (He and David embrace)
Nick: (To LaCroix) What did you say to him?
LaCroix: Oh, the old man was simply concerned to have someone to run the business after he died. Personally, I don't think he's ever looked fitter. He could live for another hundred years. I owed him a favour.

Nick: You're going to wind up with an extra shift, you know.
Schanke: Yeah, with any luck it'll be on my daughter's birthday. Listen, I..I wanna thank you for standing in for me. Before you say it was nothing, it was something. It was really important to me, and...well, it just meant a lot to me and I wanna thank you.
Nick: You're welcome.
Schanke: So, did I miss anything?
Nick: Not really.
Schanke: Where's my questionnaire?

Nightcrawler: Good evening, Toronto. As all the night creatures come out of their dens, the Nightcrawler is on the air. And whose little ears are listening tonight? It's a school night. So, how about a little education? 'I am thy father's spirit, doomed for a certain term to walk the night. And in the porches of mine ear, did pour the leprous dist....' (Sees Nick) What's this, gentle listeners? A visitor? (He takes the microphone off the air as Nick enters)
Nick: (Handing LaCroix the watch) Happy Father's Day. I'm not coming back to you. I just wanted to say thank you. (Nick leaves)
Nightcrawler: They say if you love someone, let them go. If they're really yours, they will learn their lessons and return. You will come back, Nicholas. I can wait. I have all the time in the world.

A bit of info: The engraving on the watch says simply 'Forever'.