(Cut back and forth from Angel reading the letter to Connor running through the streets to get back to Holtz. We hear Holtz' voice reading the letter)

HOLTZ: (voice over) Dearest Steven, this is a most difficult letter for me to write. You mean more to me than anything in this world or any other. But your best interests must come first, which is why by the time you receive this, I will be gone. I hope one day you will be able to forgive an old man's weakness, which compels him to say these things in a letter. But to attempt a good-bye in your presence would be impossible for me. I fear I would never let you go. And I must let you go. I know that if I didn't you would only end up hating me. And that I could not bear.

(Justine slams Holtz up against the side wall of the motel)

JUSTINE: (teary) Don't make me do it. I can't.

(Holtz has his hand wrapped around Justine's right hand and the awl she is holding up between them.)

HOLTZ: We already know you can. You promised. You said you'd do anything for me. Come on, Justine. I'm not asking you to follow me into hell. Just help send me there. (Shakes her) Do it!

(Crying, Justine, her hand still covered by Holtz', stabs him in the side of the neck with the awl.)

HOLTZ: (voice over) Your destiny lies with Angel. I know that now.

(Holtz slides down the wall, still holding on to Justine)

HOLTZ: (voice over) You will have a better life with him.

HOLTZ: (to Justine) Again. Again!

(Crying, Justine stabs Holtz neck a second time just below the first puncture.)

HOLTZ: (voice over) I'm comforted by that certainty and the knowledge that with him you will discover your true purpose and come to know who it is you are meant to be.

(Angel folds up the letter and returns it to the envelope. Connor runs.)

HOLTZ; (dying, whispers) Steven.

ANGEL: (smiling quietly) Connor.

(Connor bursts into the motel room)

CONNOR: Dad!

(Looks around the empty room)

CONNOR: Dad?

HOLTZ: (voice over) My only prayer is that I have prepared you well enough for whatever lies ahead. I trust that I have. Be brave. Lovingly, your father.

(Connor leaves the room, spots Justine, cradling Holtz in her lap, runs towards them. He drops down. Sees the two puncture wounds on Holtz' neck)

CONNOR: Angelus.

• Holtz
• Holtz & Connor
• Holtz & Justine

written by: Tim Minear; Original transcript anonymous. Edited and formatted for this site by me.. Full transcript at:
http://www.buffyworld.com/angel/season3/transcripts/65_tran.shtml