Original subtitles

My name is Thomas Vail, or at least it was.

I'm a photographer. I had it all.

A wife, Allison, friends, a career.

And in one moment, it was all taken away.

All because of a single photograph.

I have it.

They want it. And they will do anything to get the negative.

I am keeping this diary as proof that these events are real.

I know they are.

They have to be.

The days are growing shorter.

I begin to feel as if I'm living in perpetual darkness.

The holiday lights, the families rushing to finish their last -minute shopping,

the sound of music in the streets all seem to be taking place in a world that

am no longer part of.

A world that, having grown so dark, is no longer part of me.

Merry Christmas.

God bless you.

This is Allison.

And this is Tom. I thought I was doing this. We only have 30 seconds.

All I have to say is that we're not home right now, so leave a message. When

else?

My name's Alex Hilliard, Tom.

We've waited a long time for this.

Feel free to smoke, Tom.

No thanks.

Or have some water.

Anybody going to tell me what this is all about?

Just waiting for the boss.

I'm sorry I'm late.

I'm sorry, Tom.

Sandra Wilson, U .S. Attorney's Office.

Was this really necessary?

We didn't know how you wanted to handle it.

The man is not a prisoner, Alex.

Kill the spots, please.

Truth is, you may turn out to be the man of the hour.

Hmm.

So what is this place?

The old federal building.

I'm not sure you know everyone here.

Alex Hilliard, Assistant U .S. Attorney.

Sam Cates, Senator from Illinois.

Paul Hillman, Senator of Wisconsin.

Mary Justice, U .S. District Court Judge.

Paula French, Chairman of the Senate Investigations Committee.

I want to apologize for all of the cloak and dagger pyrotechnics.

But once we found you, we wanted to make sure we didn't lose you again.

You're the people that have been looking for me.

Everywhere we could think of.

You do a pretty neat disappearing act.

And you have my photograph?

Of course.

Why do you think we were looking for you?

Wait, wait, wait.

You're telling me that you took my photograph from my studio, and

that's happened to me, Allison, Larry, my mother... Whoa, whoa, Tom. Tom, slow

down. Now you're getting me confused.

Our copies of your photograph came directly from your lab.

We didn't have to steal it from you. We had it before you did.

If you're talking about the print that was stolen from your gallery, we assume

that you knew that was stolen by the organization.

The organization.

We thought they were the reason you went into hiding.

Hiding? Listen, I don't know what you're talking about.

I've been in living hell for the last six months, and then suddenly you appear

and everything's normal.

Tom, we have a house set up for you about 20 minutes from here. Why don't we

you over there, get you settled in? I'll be glad to answer your questions on the

way.

I've got a couple of my own, too.

Is that okay with everyone?

The rest can wait until the hearing.

What hearing?

I don't know anything about any of this.

Haven't you seen the papers, Tom?

Or watched the news?

You're our missing link.

Once we get your deposition, we're ready to move in and make our arrests.

We just need you to authenticate that photograph.

What does that mean?

It means you go before a federal judge and swear that you took the photograph.

You testify that it's not been doctored and that it's authentic.

It's that simple.

Yes, it's that simple.

Of course, we will need proof to confirm the statements that you make in the

deposition are accurate.

What kind of proof?

We need the negatives, Tom.

Here we are. We're supposed to be protecting this guy, and you can't even

angel on a Christmas tree.

It's too much to the right. What are you talking about? It's fine.

Come down here and say that.

It's leaning to the right.

You need to get your eyes checked, old man.

It's perfect.

Sure.

Or a crooked angel.

You know, you've really got me in the dark here.

You know, you keep telling me that I'm the one who disappeared.

I'm the one who couldn't be found.

You know, from where I'm standing it looks a hell of a lot like the other way

around.

They must have made things pretty rough for you.

More than you know.

Just who is this organization?

They're a well -funded group of political fanatics.

Over the last four years, they've been wreaking havoc on internal politics and

foreign policy.

It seems they want things the way they want them.

And they're good.

Are you telling me that the men in my photograph are not U .S. military

personnel?

That's what I'm telling you.

The organization wanted it to look that way, though.

Why?

If you remember what was going on at the time, we were trying to negotiate a

peace treaty with the revolutionary government.

Yeah, I remember. It never happened.

Right. That's just what they wanted.

The men in that photograph, the victims, were four of the revolutionary

government's highest ranking officers.

The moment the U .S. military was suspected of committing those

of our work went to hell in a handbasket.

They do what they do very well.

I may still be doing it.

My apartment's in Georgetown.

This is my personal number.

If you need anything or if you have any questions that can't wait... Where's my

wife?

We've been in contact with her.

We just thought it would be best to wait until after the deposition.

We?

We're on your side, Tom.

I can't imagine what they must have put you through, but we're not them.

I'll be right back.

Okay.

You going to be all right?

Probably not.

Well, do your best.

The law will be over soon.

Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything.

So long.

See you tomorrow.

there and watch there's more hi this is allison and this is tom i i thought i

was doing this we only have 30 seconds we have to speak fast all i have to say

is that we're not home right now hey

everything

all right yeah what do you got holiday food

Hope you guys like turkey.

There's a ton of leftovers.

He's kind of a Christmas head case.

Other than that, he's really a pretty normal guy.

Holidays. Yeah.

The holidays.

I don't think that's such a good idea.

Especially after all that fruitcake, but hell, it's only once a year, right?

Hey, I've had plenty. Thanks.

I'm just going to go out front and get some air.

Keep to the front porch.

If you need to go any farther than that, we'll come with you.

Yeah, I'll just be out front.

Merry Christmas.

You shouldn't have done it, Tom. You shouldn't have left the house. It was

stupid.

You told me you lived in Georgetown.

Why did you lie to me?

I didn't lie to you. I work in Georgetown. I keep an apartment there.

is in Richmond.

I go there on the weekends to see my family.

But considering all of the work you made for us, I thought that an early

Christmas dinner might be in order, so I went home.

So what happened? Someone followed me after I left the house.

And Rick and Roy?

I took their car. They don't even know I left.

Tom, you've got to work with us. There is a reason they were put there. There's

a reason we have you under guard.

We're trying to protect you.

It's only another few hours.

I promise you, after tomorrow, you can go home and put this nightmare behind

you.

They're waiting for us inside.

Five minutes, Mr. Vail.

Tom.

This isn't right. This is not... What?

It's just, it's too fast.

It's just... What? No, it's okay. No, it's not okay.

My... Oh,

Tom.

Whatever they did to you, whatever happened, you know what they're like.

You know how terrifying it can be. What are you talking about?

Talking about what they put me through, what they did to me.

Oh, that's why you handed me over to the police and pretended not to know me.

Yeah, that explains why I saw you with Dr. Bell. Don't, don't, just stay there,

stay there.

You won't even give me a chance?

Is it really too late for us?

You have to do this for me.

Now, listen, if there's going to be any chance at all, you have to do this.

You have to go over it.

Everything.

Everything that happened after we left my studio.

All right.

We went to the bullpen for some steak.

We talked.

I said something about your mother being there.

And you got a little upset with me.

You got up from the table and went to the men's room. I actually worried for a

while that I'd ruin the moment by talking about your mother.

After a few minutes, a man came up to me and told me that you'd been taken ill

in the men's room.

Who is this man?

I don't know.

I thought he worked for the restaurant.

Then what?

We started towards the men's room, but then he said that you'd been taken

outside for some fresh air.

The moment I went through the door, somebody grabbed me from behind.

The next thing I knew, they shoved me into a van and took me someplace to an

interrogation room.

And you don't know where they took you?

No. They put something over my head so I couldn't see.

After that, I was just...

Bright lights and voices.

And then they told you that if you didn't cooperate with them, they would

me? Yes. We've been here, Allison.

Don't you remember your car?

Before you handed me over to the police?

I know this story.

It wasn't the police, Tom.

It was them.

The police officer who took you in was the same man who led me out of the

restaurant.

Did you think I wanted to do this? I was terrified.

I knew that if I said anything else, they'd kill us both.

I saw you at Calloway.

And you and Bellamy were like that.

You really believe that? I didn't believe it. I saw it. Yes, you saw it.

I knew they took you to Calloway.

I was trying to figure out who the hell these people were and if there was

anyone there who could help us.

That hospital has been there for over 50 years.

How was I supposed to know that everyone I talked to there would be connected to

this thing? He reassured me.

He told me that he would review your case.

He told me to wait overnight.

He said that he'd talk to you, and if he found you in your right mind, that he'd

release you.

When I left that night, I really thought I was going to get you back.

Ever since you got up from the table that night, I've worried about you and

looked for you.

I thought I would die.

I didn't think I could make it without you.

I didn't want to make it without you.

They're ready for you, Mr. Vale.

I'm afraid to walk out on you again.

I'll be here.

I can't believe it's really over.

Tom, we're going to need the negatives to prove the statement in the

Then make your arrests.

Well, we will make our arrests. Make your arrests, Ms. Wilson.

When I know that the people who did this are behind bars, when I know Allison

and I are safe, then I'll give you the negatives.

That's the deal. You can take it or leave it.

You made us look pretty bad, Tom.

You should see your car.

You know I was going to make hot chocolate with peppermint sticks?

You should have stuck around.

Look, here's the deal. I promised Sandra that we would stay put, and in return,

you guys get to stay out of our way.

So, if you can hang around outside, do whatever it is you do, we'd like some

privacy.

You just, you can't imagine what it felt like.

You know, when I saw you standing there at the door with that other guy, I felt

like I was dead.

Like, you know, like I didn't exist.

I'm so sorry, babe.

I didn't know what else to do.

Promise me, next time this happens,

You'll remember I have only one man in my life?

Next time.

Okay, I'll try to remember that.

God.

I missed you.

Feel right?

Yeah, it feels better.

Everything check out?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

No.

In fact, I was thinking, in the interest of easing your mind, that

we should go upstairs and you could continue to check out

whatever you want.

Until you find what you're looking for.

You're supposed to say I thought you'd never get around to it.

I just need some time.

Just time.

Time. That's all.

We have all the time in the world.

Allison? Allison?

Damn it. Allison?

Allison?

Hey, Tom.

You woke the kids.

You can't. You can't.

You can't disappear on me like that, okay?

My heart can't take it. I just disappeared into the kitchen to make

Okay.

Now, I'm going to go back in there.

I can leave it on a trail of breadcrumbs or something.

No, it's okay.

I got it. Okay.

Good morning.

Yeah, it seems to be.

Honey?

Tom, you have got to learn to relax.

There's one more for the Gazette, Mr. Bale.

Hey!

Guys, he's doing my job here. Yeah, well, do it somewhere else.

Let's get out of here.

Tom, slow down.

What did they do to you?

I'm all right. I'm just not too comfortable with people sneaking up

You smell like a cheap cat house.

anti -U .S. conspiracy brought to light by Thomas Vail's photograph Hidden

Agenda. U .S. Attorney Sondra Wilson says that this is the culmination of an

intensive three -year investigation.

The arrests were made just hours after photographer Thomas Vail testified to

authenticity of the now famous photograph. It's been a long haul for

three years now.

It's a wonderful Christmas present for a lot of hard -working people to know

that it's finally over.

Will Ms. Wilson, with the holiday season, will there be any delay in the

jury handing down?

Go ahead. Open it.

Seems that some of our new inmates are more than willing to cooperate if it

means saving their hides.

We found this in their central city's location.

I know this place. I've been here.

Oh.

This is really it. It's all here.

Merry Christmas.

I thought you might appreciate it.

than you know.

Thank you.

Thank you, Tom.

We couldn't have done it without you.

This is it.

There is still the matter of the negatives.

Yeah. Yeah, well, I can, uh...

I can do you a little bit later. They're not here.

Well, the sooner you get them to me, the sooner we can get the both of you back

home.

Looks like you might make it for the new year.

Not a bad way to get started.

That's my turkey.

You made a turkey?

You didn't think I'd forget Christmas dinner, did you?

I better go before it incinerates.

Thank you so much. I'll be in touch.

How's the readjustment?

Oh, um, it's good. It's good.

You know, it takes a little getting used to, but it's good.

Well, thanks again, Tom.

We really couldn't have done it without you.

No, no.

Good things come to those who wait. When did you even have time to do this? I

didn't. I cheated.

Roy helped.

But it was worth it.

What's Christmas Eve without Christmas Eve dinner?

And I have a surprise for you. No, no.

No more surprises. I'm just... I'm still in recovery.

I think you're going to like this one.

Well, as long as you're tied up with this turkey, I'm going to get out of

for a little while. No, where do you have to go?

To get our ticket out of here.

I'm going to get the negatives.

Okay.

As long as you're back to help with the cranberry sauce.

How do you help with cranberry sauce?

You open the cans.

Go. Go. The sooner you're gone, the sooner you'll be back.

Hey, good luck, Tom.

And congratulations.

And Merry Christmas.

So you guys are leaving?

Well, you're not the only one around here who wants to spend Christmas with

family. I got another tree to decorate.

You take care of yourself.

Okay. And Merry Christmas. Yeah, likewise.

Merry Christmas.

Yeah, Merry Christmas to you, man. Take it easy.

Wow.

Smells good enough to eat.

Where were you?

I didn't even get worried about you. You're not the only one who's in

around here, you know? Okay, well, it won't happen again.

Good. Everything's ready. Get washed up.

Go.

Go.

Hey!

Where's that big surprise you promised me?

Hello, Tom.

I'm so sorry, Tom.

Can you ever forgive me?

It took a stroke and ten years of loneliness to make me come to my senses

realize I've been wrong about a lot of things.

I love you.

No.

It's not okay, Tom.

I just hope it will be.

This was Allison's idea. I

hope you don't mind.

Between the tears and the reunion, all the food's going to get cold.

Everything's so...

Beautiful, Alice.

You're beautiful.

It's true, Tom.

I'm sorry to say.

Father Carney passed away sometime during the summer.

In June, I think.

He was a wonderful man. Everyone in town will miss him dearly.

It wasn't too long after he passed away that I had my stroke.

You look so good.

How's it been?

It was a fight.

But I guess I learned that I'm a fighter.

I suppose it's in the family genes.

And the nurse, and that police officer, and the other priest was just... Father

Thomas, let me tell you, you made quite an impression when you left.

It was the talk about town.

For months, they referred to you as the escaped lunatic.

No, not so far from the truth, really.

It just all seemed... It was just, I don't know.

It's hard to explain.

I can't say I helped the situation very much.

I heard the words coming out of my mouth.

Suddenly it felt wrong.

I hope you still have room in your heart for me.

Maybe this will just be...

A new start for all of us.

I'm going to start cleaning up.

Well, you want to see how Roy's fruitcake is? We'll give you a hand

old times.

I'll settle for new ones.

So what do you want to do when we get home?

Another show at the gallery?

Maybe in 20 years.

It's a big rush.

I'm going back home. That's tomorrow.

And we're here now.

It's still there.

I didn't doubt it.

So?

Everything else still there?

Last time I looked.

Do you mind if I have a look for myself?

Let's see who are.

All set.

41, take two. Mark.

Is

there

any photos here? Sir.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year