The Man Without a Face Page #7

Whatever you feel is relevant?

Nothing.

Please, humour me.

Patrick was an outstanding student. He could have done anything.

He was also very troubled.

He was from a broken home, full of guilt and violent fantasies.

Not unlike the profile of Charles.

No, not unlike it. He too had a hard time with authority.

I was one of the few, if not the only one, that he connected with.

He developed a fixation with me that I didn't know how to deal with.

I was 26. I didn't know a thing.

When I did confront him with it, on the way back from Boston, I was too frank, too hard.

- He became enraged, tried to step from the vehicle into the highway.

- That's not what the jury found.

- You asked me what I knew of Patrick Scott, not what the jury thought it found.

- But you lost your job?

Yes, I lost my position.

Then why, ten years later, would you pick a strange boy as a pupil?

Second chance.

Charles needed my help. I guess I needed his too.

How would you define "needed"?

I'm a teacher, Dr Talbot. I make my living otherwise, but I'm a teacher.

Afraid I don't follow. You were expelled from the profession.

I'm not talking about a piece of paper.

I'm talking about a moment of grace.

A moment to prove that I could do it well and true.

And did you?

Yes. Charles is a good student.

You're very fond of him.

Yes, I'm very fond of him.

- As fond of you were of Patrick Scott?

- No, much closer. Is that my crime?

- Is that what I'm accused of?

- We're simply interested in finding out the truth.

- I wish you were!

- I beg your pardon?

You're interested in the appearance of the truth.

You haven't the slightest comprehension what bond of friendship I have with Charles.

- Perhaps you could enlighten us?

- I don't think I can.

The tragedy of that is, I don't know why I can't.

Is it this? Is this what you see?

I assure you, it is human.

If that's all you see, then you don't see me. You can't see me.

- Perhaps we all need a short recess.

- When you charge me, what will happen to Charles?

Mr McLeod, no-one has....

Will he have to testify?

This panel....

Will he be examined, probed?

That's enough!

Obviously the boy will be involved. That goes without saying.

Your implication that this is some sort of violation is offensive in the extreme! Do I make myself clear?

I apologise.

And I will cooperate with any course you feel necessary to resolve the problem with fairness, discretion.

Thank you.

Walker...

Yes, sir?

I think it's from your mother.

Mr Smith-Baker.

Sir.

Mr Gablon.

Thank you, sir.

Mr Norstadt.

Check the address on that.

Mr Libby.

Hop in!

'Hello, Norstadt. I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to see you.

'I'm not allowed to talk to you, I'm not allowed to write this letter.

'These are my concessions and their conditions...

'..or, what I hope any good teacher would call "a lesson in the tender mercies of injustice".

'But, strangely, this is nothing to grieve over...

'..because you know the truth, and I now know that you can outgrow a part, even a sad one.

'You taught me that.

'You gave me what I never expected to find again - a gift of your trust and love.

'And nothing can take that grace away.

'The best is yet to be, Norstadt, so do it well.

'I remain, as ever, your tutor, Justin McLeod.'

..Those who persevere in faith.

Once again,

congratulations on achieving the goals set out before you four years ago.

Class of 1972...dismiss!

'Everything was perfect.'

Charles!

- Darling, I am so proud of you.

- Thank you, Mother.

Charles, your mother and I are pleased.

Thank you, sir.

We'll see you at dinner, honey!

See you at eight!

I'll see you guys later.

'But there's always a face before me now...

..somewhere beyond the edge of the crowd.'

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