Stigmata Page #3

If there is a church in Belo Quinto,

it is not one of ours.

And no record of a priest there, either.

This was sent by a Father Durning in

Pittsburgh, from the train security camera.

What are we supposed to be looking for?

Watch.

Stop.

Obviously it is some sort of attack.

Maybe possession.

The wrists are bandaged.

According to Father Durning,

she was whipped repeatedly

by an unseen force.

- How important is this really, Daniel?

- We don't know yet.

Then why are you sending me?

Because of this clipping

from the Pittsburgh Globe.

"Twenty terrified witnesses...

unexplained wounds...

.. Catholic priest."

The publicity is unfortunate,

but by the time I get there

it will have blown over.

We're investigating this one.

You know what I heard?

Catholic priest in the paper said

that it was something like...

- Frankie.

- Hey, Frankie.

- Hey, Frankie.

- Hey, Frankie.

Hey, I feel like I should do a monologue.

Hey, Cheryl. Come on over here

and have a seat. I'll just be a second.

You know what?

I think I'm just gonna wait for Donna.

Oh. OK.

- What's going on with her?

- She wants to get a second opinion.

- They think she might have epilepsy.

- Epilepsy?

She doesn't look too good.

- Why is she even at work?

- Hey! Would you guys stop whispering

like this was a goddamn church!

- Hi.

- Hello.

Do you have an appointment, or...

No, I don't.

Would you like a haircut, a manicure,

or maybe you'd like your nipples pierced?

Well, maybe if we just start with a trim,

we could go from there.

- Thank you.

- Come on. Have a seat.

Here we go. I'll put this cape on

so you don't get a scratchy neck.

Thank you.

So, where are you from?

I live in Rome, actually.

- Cool.

- And you?

- I'm from Naples.

- Naples.

Naples, la citta piu bella del mondo.

Naples, Florida.

I moved here to go to school.

Which school?

Claudia's University of Cosmetology.

See, I'm accredited.

Oh. Cool.

Am I going crazy,

or is Frankie hitting on a priest?

What do I call you? I feel weird

calling a guy I could date "Father".

I mean, I couldn't date you,

but... you know.

Oh, no, you just made my day.

Thank you. You can call me Andrew.

Andrew Kiernan, that's my name.

Donna.

I know this is gonna sound

kinda strange, but

I've sorta been expecting you.

- So, you live in Rome?

- Yes, but I travel a lot, so I'm rarely there.

- Thank you.

- Coffee, honey?

No, thanks.

So what brings you to Pennsylvania?

Father Durning asked us

to speak to you, Miss Paige.

Us? Who's us?

I thought you were a priest.

I am, but I'm also an investigator.

I work for a division in the Vatican

called the Congregation for

the Causes of the Saints.

- Do you mind if I switch this on?

- No, go ahead.

What is... What is your full name?

Frankie Paige.

- And your age?

- 23.

- And... which church do you attend?

- I don't attend church.

But you are Catholic?

No, I don't go to church

because I don't believe in God.

Well... that's gonna be it for me.

That's all I need to know, Miss Paige.

That's it?

Yes.

You see, stigmatics are

deeply religious people.

And there's no exceptions?

- No.

- Well, why do they get stigmata?

When Christ died on the cross

he... he died with

five wounds.

His back was scourged by whips.

There were gashes in his forehead

from a crown of thorns.

There were nails driven through

his hands and feet.

And finally a spear

driven through his side.

Throughout history

only deeply devout people have been

afflicted with these wounds.

Why?

There is no scientific explanation.

All stigmatics are haunted

by such intense spiritual pain.

In some ways it affects them physically.

They're assaulted by visions of evil,

and they manifest this battle

in their bodies.

The Church, on the other hand,

regards it as a gift.

A gift from God.

A gift? Can I give it back?

Listen, Father, can I show you these

and you could tell me what you think?

Yes. Yes, of course.

Coffee, honey?

Well, what do you think?

- It doesn't really matter what I think.

- What does that mean?

It means officially

this is not a case for the Church.

To say that a self-confessed atheist

exhibits the wounds of Christ

- is a contradiction in terms.

- Here.

Read that. I found that on my kitchen

table the other morning.

Now, I don't know what that says,

but that handwriting is mine.

It's Italian.

It says, "Split a piece of wood

and I'm there."

"Lift a stone and you will find me."

- It's quite beautiful, actually.

- This isn't beautiful!

This is a warning!

It means no matter what I do,...

- Miss Paige...

- .. I can't escape it.

- Miss Paige, I would really like to help...

- You know what?

This is not going anywhere.

You don't know what this is.

You can't give me an answer.

Coffee's on me. Here.

There is no scientific explanation.

Stigmatics are deeply religious people.

We're gonna do whatever we can

to find out, but, all things considered,

I think it might explain a lot.

Throughout history,

only people who believe deeply in God

have been afflicted with these wounds.

The nearer they come to God,

the more open they are

to the torment of their demons.

The Church regards it as a gift.

A gift from God.

- Here's to Friday night.

- Yeah. To Friday night, honey.

Frankie!

Don't worry. Order another drink.

I'll be right back. I'm gonna check it out.

But you just can't tell

Don't hold your breath

But the pretty things are going to hell

- Hey, girlfriend.

- Hey.

- What's up? I thought you were resting.

- Have you seen Steven?

Forget about Steven.

What's up with that priest?

Believe me, he's all business.

Hey, can we get two doubles each?

Hey, you know what's scarier

than not believing in God?

Believing in him.

I mean really believing in him

is a f***ing terrifying thought.

It's Friday night.

You're taking things too seriously.

If there is a God, he hates me.

He's ruining my life.

Frankie, it's gonna be all right. Man, relax.

You don't get it, do you?

I have f***ing holes through my wrists!

I have slashes across my back!

If it isn't God that's doing this to me,

then who is?

I think you're losing it, man.

Where you goin'?

Frankie!

Frankie!

Frankie, get up!

Get up! Frankie!

Don't just f***in' stand there!

Call an ambulance!

Damn.

Frankie, where are you?!

Get out of there!

Miss Paige?

Frankie!

- Let's get you outta here.

- Frankie.

- We need to get her to a safe place.

- Here, I got you. I got you.

- Welcome back.

- Where am I?

You're in Father Durning's church.

Here.

I think she should get some rest.

You all right?

You look like sh*t.

It smells like...

flowers.

You've got stuff all in your hair.

Pronto.

- Gianni, come stai?

- Andrew, how are you?

Gianni, listen...

- Could you translate something?

- Si. Do you have it there?

Yes, I have it here. I'll play it.

Thama...

- Well, what is it? Is it gibberish?

- No, it's not gibberish at all.

Who is speaking?

- Morning, Miss Paige. You're up early.

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