3. Fences & Rumours

INT. THE NARRATOR'S WELCOME

The creak of a chair. The rhythmic tap of a fingernail on wood. A roar of a fireplace coming to life.

NARRATOR

Good evening to you! Well, well, well. You have returned to Darkstead at a dangerous time. The townsfolk are shaken over the sudden death of local blackmailer and criminal, Dana the Troll. 

The Narrator takes a moment to reflect. A cup clinks against a saucer.

NARRATOR 

And if that wasn't enough, Darkstead was rocked by the reappearance of our missing woman, Eleanor Willard. I wonder where she went? Surely not into the forest...

There's a rustle outside. Light rain starts up on the roof. 

NARRATOR

I'm sure you're wondering: What's in that forest? And why can't the locals go in? Seems a little extreme in my opinion.

The Narrator's good humour deadens slightly. Time to get serious. 

NARRATOR

Most importantly of all, what does it have to do with all this business in town? Let's settle down and listen in. Maybe we'll find out why...

INT. POLICE STATION - SHERIFF'S OFFICE - MORNING

Gentle tap of a typewriter. No echo. We're in a smaller room. The buzz of a fan. The crack of Ike's asthma inhaler against Bernice's squeaky desk chair. She rolls in and we hear a thud as she chucks a heavy object to one side. 

BERNICE

This office is filthy. Who leaves old food out? Smells like someone died in here.

SHERIFF IKE

I didn't come into work to be judged, Bernice. What's the latest?

Bernice rifles through her paperwork. 

BERNICE

Hospital called. Confirmed that Dana's death was deliberate. It was murder.

SHERIFF IKE

Jeez, a murder. We gotta keep calm. Dana was no charmer, but this news will have people shook.  

BERNICE

You're telling me. I've had eight calls already this morning. Folk are worried. 

SHERIFF IKE

Can't blame them. Lot of activity lately. 

BERNICE

And then there's the ongoing issue with the perimeter. Resident found another massive gap in the fence.

Ike becomes stern.   

SHERIFF IKE

We found out who's responsible for taking the fence panels yet? 

BERNICE

(exasperated)

No. It's crazy, Ike. Who would do this? That fence keeps us safe. 

SHERIFF IKE

I know, I know. What about the night-watch person we hired?

BERNICE

No use. They haven't seen anything.

SHERIFF IKE

That's cos they aint got your eyes.

The Sheriff fidgets with items on his desk. He thinks 

SHERIFF IKE

We need to reassure people. A secure perimeter is one way to do it.

That's why you need to do a stakeout. Find out whose removing the panels.

BERNICE

But I'm busy with dispatch.

SHERIFF IKE

Don't you worry 'bout that. 

BERNICE

Can't Silver and Ray deal with it?

SHERIFF IKE

They're busy with a murder case. Come on, Bernice. This is a special mission. Just for you. 

A pause as Bernice regards Ike. Weighing up her options. 

BERNICE

Fine. I'll do it. 

Ike lets out an almighty wheeze and goes into a coughing fit.

BERNICE

You ok? You're sounding bad.

SHERIFF IKE

Not feelin' quite myself. Stress.

BERNICE

It's this room. Can't be good for your health. 

SHERIFF IKE

(out of breath)

Nothin' serious. You get out of here. Find out who's putting Darkstead in danger.

INT. CASS & RAY MARSHALL'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - MORNING

Shuffling of cards. The familiar tinkle of wind chimes. A pair of feet lumbers across a floor. Coffee is poured. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I can't believe I'm part of a murder investigation, Cass! Dana was strangled! 

Cass flips a card over.

CASS MARSHALL

Me neither, my love.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Have there been many murders here?

CASS MARSHALL

There've been a few accidents... 

Ray heaves himself into a chair. His awe dissolving into concern. Cass senses his discontent.

CASS MARSHALL

What's wrong?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I still don't get how Silver's working for the police. People don't seem to like him. 

CASS MARSHALL

Some folk are on his side. He wouldn't be a detective if everyone hated him.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes, but when we were out yesterday, Kirk Willard said something funny.

CASS MARSHALL

Kirk's never been funny. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

He accused Silver of going into the forest... again.

Cass stops. Deals the cards slower. Bracing herself for the inevitable question to follow. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Has Silver been in the forest before?

Cass answers carefully. 

CASS MARSHALL

You should ask him.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I can't. You must know something. 

CASS MARSHALL

It's all hearsay but from what I've heard...

Ray's on the edge of his seat.

CASS MARSHALL

Silver's sacrificed a lot for this town. He hasn't always been this way. Rumour is he went into the forest and came out a different person.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What, no way!

CASS MARSHALL

It's only a rumour. Like I said, you'll have to ask him.

A loud buzz of static from the walkie talkie interrupts them. Ray lets out a yelp of surprise. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But what about --

BUZZZZZ. The walkie talkie screams for attention. The sound decompresses when Ray answers.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Officer Ray Marshall. Over.

BERNICE

(distorted)

Honey, you don't have to announce its you every time. We got a situation at the station. Get down here quick. 

INT. DARKSTEAD POLICE STATION - OFFICE

The low chatter of a large group of voices. The dispatch line buzzes. Office sounds and footsteps reverberate throughout. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What in the heck are all these townsfolk doing here?

BERNICE

Right on time. Take a seat.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But I'm meant to meet Silver at the Mayor's office in fifteen minutes.

BERNICE

We'd better get to it then. We got a lot of work to do.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What do they all want?

BERNICE

Sit down at that desk and you'll find out. 

A loud bell rings out. Bernice raises her voice to the crowd.

BERNICE

Attention! I want you to form two orderly line-ups. I will take complaints from humans and Officer Marshall will deal with the magic folk. You each have a maximum of five minutes. No more than that. Understood?

A murmur of assent. Bernice returns to regular volume.

BERNICE

Alright then. Let's get started.

INT. POLICE STATION COMPLAINTS - MUSICAL MONTAGE

Montage sound tags dart back and forth between interviews. The low mumble of a busy crowd seeps into the background. 

GNOME TONY

The name's Tony. Gnome Tony. I don't think we've met. I give the criminally low discounts. I specialise in pixie extermination.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How can I help you, Mr Tony?

GNOME TONY

Dana's murder means I'm low on supplies. I rely on her imports. How am I gonna keep my customers happy without the proper equipment? Pixies will run amok. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

With all due respect, sir, a troll's been murdered.

GNOME TONY

Magic folk. Human. Don't make no difference to me. Business is business. Got to make a living somehow. I like it here but I can't stay with no job. 

Ray's voice fades. It's replaced by Bernice's assertive tone. 

BERNICE

Remind me how Mrs Willard's case affects your cattle, Bob? This isn't a farmer's market.

FARMER BOB

Might as well be from the shenanigans that go on round here! What happened to Eleanor?

BERNICE

I can't comment on an ongoing investigation.

FARMER BOB

Ongoing my foot. I'm a proud Darkstead citizen! I have a right to know what's going on. Mrs Willard's returned and pale as death. She's not right and no questions asked of the vampire. 

BERNICE

Detective Silver isn't suspected of anything.

FARMER BOB

But where was he when she went missing? The 'Darkstead Christians for Humans Alliance' is going to have a field day with this. 

Back to Ray. A squeak from a smaller individual.

ORGANIST PERCIVAL

People hate magic folk for existing but we're all trying to get by. We're the same as Detective Silver. This is our home too. Something has to be done about the rudeness. These humans are too much.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So you're here to report harassment?

Percival emits a sound of disgust.

ORGANIST PERCIVAL

I'm an elf. When am I not harassed.

Back over to Bernice who rubs her eyes in frustration.

CARPENTER KAI

That bloody fence needs a good paint job. And don't get me started on the magic folk!

BERNICE

We all have to respect each others differences. And the perimeter fence is here for your protection. 

CARPENTER KAI

That fence is an eye sore. This is the Bloodsucker's fault. He put it up. Nothing's right in this town. If it isn't a problem with the fence, then it's some mythical creature taking a dump on my front lawn!  

BERNICE

I'm not getting into this with you again, Kai. We are not taking the fence down. And we've already spoken to Unicorn Sue about your lawn.  

CARPENTER KAI

I saw that old horse clopping around the station like she owns the place.

BERNICE

Well, she doesn't. She was visiting. 

We switch back to an exhausted Ray. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm sorry, Mrs Mahoney but this is the magical line-up.

MRS MAHONEY

So being human's a crime is it? What are you doing about the missing people?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What missing people?

MRS MAHONEY

Don't act innocent with me. I've lived here all my life and I know what's what! Timmy Falecki, Eleanor Willard, the Reverend's parishioners...

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

We found Eleanor --

MRS MAHONEY

She found you. Forget the troll and focus on the humans.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Look. I know about the little boy and Eleanor, but you're wrong about the parishioners. Silver said there was nothing to worry about. The Reverend's confused. 

MRS MAHONEY

No, she's not. The vampire's lying. Those parishioners are missing and when word spreads, the community will take matters into their own hands. 

Mrs Mahoney stops ranting and regains composure. 

MRS MAHONEY 

You don't have time to ignore this, Officer Marshall. It's all connected and the sooner you work that out, the better. 

INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE - NOON

The gentle tick-tock of a clock. Mayor Agnes taps her nails against a wooden table. Bodies heave into leather chairs. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Autopsy says Dana died by strangulation.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Any signs of magical involvement?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

None. Agnes, the method of death seems very... human.

Agnes takes a deep breath. Her fingers tap against the table. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

As Mayor, I'm going to ask you outright: Do you think the killer is human or magical?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I can't say. I need to take a closer look at the crime scene. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Whoever has done this, the fallout will be huge. 

A pause. The clock ticks by, louder. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

And what about our other problem?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Solved. Eleanor's back. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

That's not the problem I was referring to. We need to keep the missing people under the radar. Have you said anything to Ray?

Silver feels the pressure. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No. I lied. Said the Reverend was confused. Jeez, Agnes...

(pause)

Timmy Falecki, Eleanor Willard, those two parishioners. What if... what if its the --?

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Don't say it! Don't even think it. You're here and we haven't had an attack since the fence went up.

They think. The situation grave. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

But it can't be the perimeter fence alone that's keeping the town safe. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

I have my own ideas as to why that is. The important thing is keeping this town calm and under control. It doesn't help that the rumours about you are getting worse. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I can handle gossip. If Eleanor's back at it then --

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

It's not her behind the rumours this time. Ill will is a disease and its  spreading. With the current hostile climate, interviewing suspects will be difficult.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What are you saying?

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

I want you to take a step back.

The door bangs open. We hear Ray stumble over the threshold with a yelp. He breathes hard.  

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

(to Ray)

Ah, Officer Marshall, here at last. I have a task for you. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(still a little light of breath)

Your honour?

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

It's Mayor Agnes, Ray. Detective Silver and I have agreed that given the current feeling in Darkstead, you should conduct the interviews. Here's a list of the people you should speak to first.

A rustle of paper as Ray takes the list.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Really? By myself?

Silver lets out an exasperated exhale.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

We have to do what's best for the investigation. Show the townsfolk that we're taking the case seriously.

A moment for Ray to realise what this means. He's been entrusted with an actual police task.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Heck yeah!

INT. DARKSTEAD CHURCH - LATER

Stone flooring. Gentle footsteps. A light echo. The opening chords to BACH'S TOCCATA AND FUGUE IN D MINOR plays on the organ. Ray clears his throat. Chords falter.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Excuse me? sir? Can you practice later? I'm almost done here.

The disgruntled organist stops and shuffles off. Pen on paper.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Thanks for your statement, Mary. Can I speak to the Reverend?  

PARISHIONER MARY

Not here. She's gone out for holy water.

Ray's confused.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But this isn't a catholic church.

PARISHIONER MARY

Reverend says we need all the help we can get these days. People seem less and less interested in coming to church.

Ray has a brainwave. He changes tack. Treads carefully.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Hmm. That's a shame. I've heard that a couple of parishioners haven't shown up to service in a while?

Mary pauses to think.

PARISHIONER MARY

You mean Mr Bull and Mrs Miggins?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Right. But you've seen them around town?

PARISHIONER MARY

Actually, no. Mrs Miggins hasn't been to choir practice in some time. Can't comment on Mr Bull. We barely speak. He's always outside smoking his pipe.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I see.

PARISHIONER MARY

(suspicious)

Why?... What's happened to them?

Ray scribbles in his notebook. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Nothing. Welfare check. Want to make sure they're doing OK. 

PARISHIONER MARY

I'm pleased to hear it! I can't tell you how relieved I am that we have a competent police officer in town.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why'd you say that?

PARISHIONER MARY

Surely you know how the locals feel about Detective Silver. I mean, if anyone had reason to murder Dana, it was him. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That's a big accusation to make.

PARISHIONER MARY

And I wouldn't make it if I hadn't heard from an aunt of a neighbour of a friend, that Dana was the one who started the rumours about Silver. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Even so. Seems like a long shot. To kill someone over a rumour... What did Dana say?

PARISHIONER MARY

That he kidnapped Eleanor. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

There's absolutely no proof that Silver was involved in Mrs Willard's disappearance. 

PARISHIONER MARY

And I agree with you! It's why I don't take sides and don't repeat secondhand information. But you have to admit, it doesn't help that Detective Silver's so evasive...

Ray doesn't buy it. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Evasive doesn't equal guilt. Now if you don't have any concrete information to go on, I have other folk to interview.

INT. OTIS SUPPLIES GROCERY STORE

The jingle of a bell. Milk bottles clink together. The sound of a vintage cash register closes with a bang.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Where were you on the night of the murder, Otis?

GROCER OTIS

At the hospital. My wife gave birth to our son.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh, congratulations. 

GROCER OTIS

Yeah, it's been great but we're a little nervous these days. If it's not a murderer on the loose then it's the fence. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

We're doing our best to locate the perpetrator.

GROCER OTIS

Still. Gotta keep the kids close these days. What with the last young'un.

Ray's interest switches to the fence. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Are you talking about Timmy Falecki? The boy who went missing.

GROCER OTIS

That's the one. There's only so much you can do when a child disappears. One minute Timmy was walking along the perimeter, the next, gone. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Silver said they never found him.

GROCER OTIS

Right. Poor guy. People got real nasty with him when he refused to search the forest.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why?

GROCER OTIS

Well there's talk he's been in before and...

Otis is uncomfortable. Leans in. Afraid. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And?

GROCER OTIS

Folk believe the reason Silver didn't want to go in the forest was because he was the one who took Timmy.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Whoa.

GROCER OTIS

All kinds of gossip flew around. Saying Silver killed the boy and his body's somewhere out there. But I don't believe it for a second... 

A bell rings out. A new pair of footsteps enters the store. Otis is all business again.

GROCER OTIS

(calls out/all cheer)

Morning Jo!

(to Ray/serious)

No matter what you hear around here, Silver's not the bad guy. Sure, he's a vampire but that doesn't mean he's a killer. 

INT. FIREHOUSE

A hose of water splashes against the wall. Boots walk about on concrete. The squeak of someone sliding down a pole. Low murmur of voices. 

FIRE OFFICER EM

What brings you to the firehouse? It better not be about the troll.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm afraid it is, Em.

Em exhales. Attempting to control the anger.

FIRE OFFICER EM

Dana spent all her time stirring things up. She had no backbone. Absolute Scum.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So you didn't like her?

FIRE OFFICER EM

Find someone in this town who did.

Scribbling of a pen on paper. 

FIRE OFFICER EM

It's interesting to me that you're the one interviewing the townsfolk and not Silver. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

He's busy with other things. 

Em chuckles.

FIRE OFFICER EM

Sure he is. Lot of reasons why people would talk to you over him. And its got a lot to do with that forest.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I thought it was because he's a vampire.

FIRE OFFICER EM

Oh sure, that too. But things got worse for him when that kiddo went missing. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But that wasn't his fault. 

FIRE OFFICER EM

Oh sure! Folk have died and disappeared on his watch yet he does nothing. 

Ray lets out his own exasperated exhale.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Let's stick to Dana.

FIRE OFFICER EM

I am and I see you need convincing. So let me drop a few facts on you, Officer. Only one person has ever gone into that forest and emerged alive. Can you guess who that person is?

Ray takes a moment. Dreading the obvious answer. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Silver?

FIRE OFFICER EM

Correct. And who do you think told us never to go in the forest because according to him, its 'dangerous'?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Silver.

FIRE OFFICER EM

Right again. Let's go three for three. Who do you think put up the perimeter fence to keep us 'safe'?  

Ray doesn't answer.

FIRE OFFICER EM

You know the answer. If the townsfolk have it in for Silver, it's because everything leads back to him. I wouldn't be surprised if Dana ticked him off and that's the reason she's dead. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But --

FIRE OFFICER EM

But nothing. If I were you, I'd make a choice about who's side you're on. Cause from where I stand, it's us versus the vampire. 

INT. ROSARIO'S DINER - NOON

Sounds of the diner return. Low chatter. Fryers sizzle. Cutlery scrapes across plates. Crashes from the washer. Coffee is poured. A familiar sound of cards being shuffled cut through the soundscape. Rosario's light tread approaches. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

If it isn't my best customer. Third time this week. 

CASS MARSHALL

I've got another booking. Meeting her here for the reading. 

Coffee trickles into a cup. Cass continues to shuffle. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Business is going well?

CASS MARSHALL

I think so.  

We hear Rosario pull out a chair.

ROSARIO BARDINA

What's your secret?

CASS MARSHALL

The magic of tarot, I guess.

Cass continues to shuffle. Rosario becomes reflective. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

It's so weird to me that you're a fully qualified witch but you don't practice magic. 

CASS MARSHALL

Tarot is magic. Just less dramatic.

ROSARIO BARDINA

But why did you stop with the spells?

CASS MARSHALL

Felt like a change.

A nervous Cass knocks against her cutlery. They clatter.

ROSARIO BARDINA

But you were the best of the best. I'm surprised you stopped out of the blue. You ever think of picking it up again?

CASS MARSHALL

Never.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Why?

CASS MARSHALL

I can trust myself with the cards. But spells? Not so much. 

Rosario digests this strange response.

ROSARIO BARDINA

I don't know what happened but --

CASS MARSHALL

(fake brightness)

Let me read for you! 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Huh? But --

The shuffling of cards. Rosario can't hide her interest. 

CASS MARSHALL

No, really. I want to. 

One is turned over slowly.

CASS MARSHALL

Let's see what we have...Oh.

ROSARIO BARDINA

The nine of swords? What's that mean?

CASS MARSHALL

(unnerved)

Treachery. It can also mean... guilt. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Treachery? That doesn't sound good. Maybe you're picking up on someone else's signals?

CASS MARSHALL

Yeah... Maybe...

EXT. THE BRIDGE - AFTERNOON

Rushing water. Whistling. Tree leaves rustle against the wind. A pair of footsteps approach. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What are you doing here? Thought you'd be gone all day taking statements.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yeah, me too. I had to take a break. 

Ray pauses. Thoughtful. Silver picks up on it.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You alright?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Some wild theories flying around this town.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Hard to work out who's speaking the truth.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Nathaniel, I need to ask you something...  

Silver's not interested. He walks through mud. Ray follows. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Unless its about Dana, we talk about it later. Priority is searching her residence. Let's get inside. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I know but this is important --

An almighty crack stops Ray short. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What the heck was that?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Strange. It's...

Patting on the ground. He picks an object up.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Just a bit of green plastic. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Odd shape. Is it meant to fit on to something? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Kinda looks like a cap or a lid. Sure looks familiar... It's not... yours is it?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Are you kidding? Do I seem like the type to hoard useless junk?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

No.

Sounds of a plastic evidence bag.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Bag it anyway. Could be important.

INT. UNDER DARKSTEAD BRIDGE - DANA'S ENCLAVE - AFTERNOON

The voices have a slight echo. The sound of dripping. Two pairs of footsteps walk across stone. Ray stops worrying about Silver to register what he's seeing. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What's different here? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Some of Dana's things went missing after her body was discovered. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Whoa. How much?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Large number of high-value items. Illegal and imported goods. She was also found without her watch. Expensive piece.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So the motive was theft.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Looks like it. Darkstead is small. When her stuff shows up, it won't take long to identify the perp. Now, you search over there. I'll take this corner. Make sure nothing else has been taken.  

We hear them walk around. Items are moved around as they search. Three seconds later, Ray yelps.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What is it?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Aww, I snagged my hand on a huge nail... 

Silver joins him more interested in the evidence than Ray's pain. Ray sucks on his finger. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Get your thumb out of your mouth.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm injured on the job. Who the heck leaves something like this lying around.

We hear Silver stoop down. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'd say this 'nail' is a dragon claw. Typical Dana. Dragons are endangered. Not that she would have cared. I'm surprised this wasn't taken too. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(suspicious)

You seem to know a lot about it.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Hmm. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Should we take it with us?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yeah. Let's drop it off at the lab. Maybe they can work out who it belonged to.

INT. CAR - AFTERNOON

The hum of the engine. Ray clears his throat. Preparing for a healthy debate. Worry about Silver playing on his mind.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Who do you think did it?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

My gut says a human.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Really? With the magical evidence we found?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Dana was strangled and strangulation is a very human crime. Or it was made to look like a human did it. Murder committed by magic folk tends to be more imaginative. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The people I interviewed today had their own ideas as to who was guilty...

Silver carries on his train of thought as if he hasn't heard Ray.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Logic dictates that Eleanor is our best suspect, but the times don't add up. She was in the hospital at the same time Dana was killed. Medical Examiner confirmed it.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So definitely not Eleanor.

A bump in the road. The car makes a heaving sound. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It'll be someone who knows Dana well with possible criminal connections. Low level. They won't be too bright... I'm thinking farmhands, loan sharks...

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Or a unicorn or someone... something else...

A moment of silence.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm not saying it's impossible, but if a magical being is responsible for the murder... Darkstead's going to be impossible to live in for the rest of us.

INT. DARKSTEAD POLICE STATION - OFFICE

We're back in the office. Familiar typing and distance buzzing from the dispatch line. An uncertain pause. A door slams followed by Ike's wheeze. The crack of his asthma inhaler (no lid) echoes through the room. He approaches the desk.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You OK, Sheriff? You're looking as pale as me.

SHERIFF IKE

Fine. Something I ate. Heard you boys found more evidence.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yep, a claw and a green plastic lid. 

SHERIFF IKE

You book it? I didn't see nothin in the evidence locker.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

We dropped off the claw at the lab. Everything else is still in the car.

SHERIFF IKE

It's still in the... What's up with you two! This is a murder case. Book it now.

We hear Ike stomp off. A chair scrapes back.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Not so fast, Ray. You can book the evidence after we review what we've learnt. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Ok, I guess --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Don't guess. You're a cop now. I need  you to think about our day, think about what we found and where we should go next. Think independently. I won't always be here to answer your questions.

Ray thinks.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Then, we need to book in the evidence.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Right.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Go through the notes from my interviews.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Good.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Check for fingerprints.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Already been done. There were none.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And I had one last question.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Shoot.

Ray pauses. A tad frightened by the magnitude of what he's about to ask.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Have you been in the forest before?

A pause.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

So you got more than just statements from the townsfolk. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I need an answer.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No, you want reassurance that I'm not what the townsfolk say I am. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

They as good as accused you of murder and kidnap!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Good to know that you took them at their word.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I didn't and that's why I'm asking. You never give me a straight answer.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I do when we're talking about the case. Which, by the way, we can't work on together if you don't trust me. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I do trust you! You're so... You're twisting my words... I...

Words fail him. Suddenly, Ray has an idea. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'll prove how much I trust you.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Please don't do that --

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

By inviting you over to dinner with me and Cass.

An incredulous moment as Silver processes this.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

We've been through this before. Inviting a vampire into your home is a bad idea.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You're going to ask me about my childhood aren't you.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sure am, along with a bunch of other questions. We need to have each others backs. That means learning to trust me too. 

Silver groans.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'll take that as a 'yes'. Grab your coat. I can't wait to call Cass and tell her who's coming to dinner! 

INT. NARRATOR'S FINAL WORD

A book snaps shut.

NARRATOR

I don't understand why Silver won't be honest with Ray. They are working together to catch a murderer after all, unless he is hiding something... 

A creak from a floorboard.

NARRATOR

I wonder what they'll have for dinner? What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall for that conversation... Oh! I guess we will. See you next time and remember to come hungry!

END OF EPISODE 3