INT. NARRATOR'S WELCOME

Birds tweet. All is calm. Pages of a book flutter in the breeze.

NARRATOR

All the drama from last time had me feeling anxious. With Silver off the case and Ray leading on it, where do we go from here?

The chair creaks.

NARRATOR

Then there was the interview with Ang where Ang lost his temper and a tooth. Silver seems pretty convinced that Ang's the killer but Ray on the other hand...

The Narrator ponders this.

NARRATOR

There's just so much going on. The focus may be Dana's murder but that doesn't mean Ray's forgotten about our other problem: The missing townsfolk...

EXT. MRS MIGGINS' HOUSE - VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING

The sound of a gate creaking open. A heavy tread stomps up the path. A tap on the front door. No answer. We hear crickets and a low breeze. The echos of the night. Another gentle tap, this time against a window.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(hushed tones)

Mrs Miggins? Mrs Miggins?

The tap evolves into a rhythmic knocking. The opening and closing of a letterbox. Ray moves around. He sighs. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Place is deserted. 

Ray walks into an overturned bucket. We hear him shriek and fall over.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Aww heck!

Footsteps fast approach. The sound of the gate swings open. The click of a flashlight. A heavy crack of a firearm ready to fire.

ASH

Who goes there?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Put your gun down. I'm a police officer.

ASH

You don't look like one with your foot in that bucket. You look like a thief! 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm incognito.

ASH

What?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

In disguise. I'm trying to... trying to...

Ray pulls himself off the floor. Drops all pretence.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm looking for Mrs Miggins.

Ash's demeanour changes significantly. 

ASH

You won't find her at this hour. Or any hour actually. I've not seen Mrs M in weeks. Hmm... 

Ash shuffles closer to Ray to get a better look at him. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What are you staring at?

ASH

You sure you're a cop?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes. 

ASH

Lot of suspicious people hanging around here lately. 

Ash lowers their gun. 

ASH

If you're looking for Bull and Mrs M, you won't find them. Houses deserted. Mail piling up. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How do you know all this? 

ASH

I'm the cleaner. Scrubbed Mr Bull's toilet til my nails bled. 

Ash remembers grimly. Shudders. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So you've been inside their homes recently?

ASH

Brushed away a few cobwebs the other day. They owe me my wages! But they've disappeared into thin air.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Did you make a report down at the station?

ASH

I think so... or did I? I can't remember. I found some stuff of theirs and passed it to the Reverend.

Something clicks in Ray's brain. The tuning fork and pipe! abandons this line of questioning and turns his attention to their earlier comment.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So it was you who gave the tuning fork and pipe to the Reverend. Why didn't you hand it in at the station? 

ASH

Cos at that point, I didn't think they were missing. Just thought they'd dropped their stuff. Don't know's lurking around here these days!

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sorry, someone's been lurking?

ASH

Course there has! Why'd you think I'm patrolling this early in the morning? But you look older than him. Haggard.

Ash is a real charmer. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What makes you so sure it was a man?

ASH

Something about him. 

Ray's unconvinced.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And what was he doing that was suspicious?

ASH

Loitering. Watching the houses. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Can you describe this man?

ASH

Average build, around five foot seven, familiar. He was...

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes...?

Ash thinks for a long time. About six seconds pass. Ray taps his foot in anticipation.

ASH

He did this thing...

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes...

ASH

No, it's gone. There was something weird about him but I can't remember what it was.

Resolute. We hear the scribble of a pen on paper.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Please ring through on the dispatch line when you do. Ask for Officer Ray Marshall.

ASH

I'll try to remember to remember. Last time I saw him, he was headed off along the path with Mrs M.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Interesting. So this person was the last individual to see the missing parishioners. Which way did they go?

ASH

North of here. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I don't get it. Why would two people go off with a stranger.

ASH

Unless they weren't strangers. Guess you'll have to find out.  

A rooster cries in the distance. Dawn has arrived.

INT. CASS & RAY'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING

Wind chimes. The pouring of coffee. Thunder cracks in the distance. We hear Cass pick up a cup. Ray lets out a loud yawn. The sound of shuffling cards. Cass yawns in agreement.

CASS MARSHALL

Can I ask you something?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sure.

CASS MARSHALL

Say you'd done something terrible to someone and they didn't know it. Years pass and finally, you decide to tell the truth. Except the truth could devastate them all over again. Would you come clean?

Ray thinks. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes.

CASS MARSHALL

Really? Even if it was ages ago. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

For sure. You can't be a real friend if you're holding something back. As I've learned...

Ray mulls over the situation with Silver. Cass sighs. This is not the advice she wanted to hear.

CASS MARSHALL

Silver still not giving you anything.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Barely. Guess I have to figure things out on my own. And I think I have.  

CASS MARSHALL

Now I'm intrigued.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It's a real humdinger. My theory is kind of out there but I've spoken to so many locals and... I think this must be the answer.  

Ray takes a deep breath. Braces himself and lets it all out. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I think there's a monster living in the forest who's luring folk through gaps in the perimeter fence so it can... it can...

Ray takes a moment. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Feed.

CASS MARSHALL

(forced)

Oh.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What's that?

CASS MARSHALL

What do you mean?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Your reaction. You're not surprised. 

He slows. The penny drops.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You know.

CASS MARSHALL

Yes. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You knew all this time but you didn't say anything? And with people missing!

A pause.

CASS MARSHALL

I'm sorry. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How long have you... has it always been here? There's a monster living in the forest!

CASS MARSHALL

I didn't want to scare you. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It's too late for that. And everybody knows? 

Cass slumps miserably in her seat.

CASS MARSHALL

There's a lot of confusion over what the Creature actually is and who it is.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What do you mean by 'who'?

CASS MARSHALL

Darkstead lives off rumour.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes and?

CASS MARSHALL

Some of the townsfolk believe that Silver and the Creature are the same person --

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What!

CASS MARSHALL

And some of them think he's working with the Creature.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That doesn't make sense.

CASS MARSHALL

Prejudice doesn't make sense. 

Ray digests this shocking, yet illuminating information. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I can't believe everyone's been lying to me.

CASS MARSHALL

They've not been lying, they've just not been openly talking about it.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why? And if it's been here forever why would you come back and bring me with you!

CASS MARSHALL

It was a mistake ok! I made a mistake. I thought things might have changed.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Seems a little naive.

CASS MARSHALL

Look. I feel so bad not telling you. It's no excuse. I'm so sorry.

Ray calms down. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

We need to move. It's not safe. Once Dana's murderer has been caught, we go. I mean it, Cass. We have to leave. 

INT. CAR - DAY

The hum of car noise. Sounds of the car stereo flicker on. 

RADIO HOST #1

(distorted/low energy)

Good day Darkstead, we apologise for interrupting your normal programming. We have an important announcement. The Mayor and Sheriff's Office asks all townsfolk to stay indoors. There's been unexpected events overnight... 

RADIO HOST #2

(distorted/less upbeat)

Any emergencies should be radio'd in to Miss Bernice. Lock your doors, keep each other close and have a great day!

The stereo cuts out. We hear Silver's exasperated exhale.

EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY

A number of people hover outside the st. Footsteps and scuffles reverberate across stone.

IDA THE FARMHAND

Come outta that fancy office of yours, Sheriff and face us like a man!

KIRK WILLARD

All the cattle slaughtered.

ASH

Carnage everywhere! 

IDA THE FARMHAND

And we know who done it.

KIRK WILLARD

Satan's own!

ASH

Drains those animals dry.

IDA THE FARMHAND

Bring him out! We want answers!

Chants. Angry stamping of feet. A door bangs open and closes.

BERNICE

That's enough! You heard the bulletin. Go home.

ASH

We want the Sheriff.

BERNICE

And I want to sit on a throne all day and be brought coffee and cookies but that ain't happening either.

The door swings open and closes again. Murmurs from the crowd.

SHERIFF IKE

That's it. Get out of here or I'll arrest you for disturbing the peace.

KIRK WILLARD

Arrest the vampire. He's the one who killed my cattle. Probably killed that troll too.

BERNICE

That's as likely as me growing wings and flying. And for the last time, Silver did not kill Dana. 

SHERIFF IKE

That's right. Enough of this business about Silver. He ain't guilty of anything. Now get! Don't make me call on the Mayor. She won't be happy.

Less enthusiasm for justice now. The townsfolk grumble and begin to walk away

INT. POLICE STATION - NOON

The sounds of buzzing. An uneven and heavy tread trudges down a hallway. Wheezing. Sounds of an asthma inhaler. Ike goes into a coughing fit.

BERNICE

You OK? You're not sounding so good.

SHERIFF IKE

(awkwardly)

It's the diet. Coughing's a side effect. 

BERNICE

You've lost enough weight. Get back on the carbs.

SHERIFF IKE

It's nothing. This morning's thrown me off kilter. Towns' in an uproar. All the cattle with their blood drained. Food prices will skyrocket. Nope, it don't look good.

BERNICE

It doesn't look good for Silver either.

SHERIFF IKE

(ignores comment)

Gotta couple of boys up near the perimeter patrolling. I'll radio Silver about the case while Ray interviews farmhands about the cattle killings...

He pauses.

BERNICE

What? I thought Ray was in charge and Silver was officially off the case.

SHERIFF IKE

I can't throw him outta here. He's the best detective we've got.

BERNICE

If you think that, why's he off the case? What's this all about, Ike? We have to stick together.

SHERIFF IKE

It's hard. Ray's got to look like he's the one in charge. No-one trusts Silver. We've got to be seen doing something otherwise the townsfolk will get jumpy. 

BERNICE

You shouldn't mislead Ray in the process. Folk are wrong about Silver. We need to start taking a stand. We can't let them bully us into firing him.

The dispatch line starts to buzz. It's a cacophony of sound. 

BERNICE

Great. Sounds like I have more complaints to take. Silver's at home if we need him?

SHERIFF IKE

Better be. He'd be crazy to be seen out in public after that business with the townfolk just now. 

INT. ROSARIO'S DINER - NOON

It's empty in the diner. A slight echo as lightly padded feet move across linoleum floor. We hear blinds being pulled open and closed again. A mug is put down on the table. Followed by the thunk of a coffee pot. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Didn't think you'd be open.

ROSARIO BARDINA

I closed because of you. You're crazy coming into town. It's not safe.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It's Darkstead. No-where's safe. 

Rosario slides into a seat opposite him. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

What's going on?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Just drinking this warmed blood you kindly made. It's as good as --

ROSARIO BARDINA

Not the food. You. You're a mess. You look like you've not slept for a week --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

In my condition, I rarely get a full eight hours --

ROSARIO BARDINA

The circles under your eyes are purple.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Again, I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that I am a vampire.

Rosario lets out an exasperated exhale. Silver's put out. Being exasperated is his thing. Rosario isn't in the mood. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

We've not spoken in weeks, Nathaniel. You've become more of a recluse than usual. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I enjoy my own company. And work's kept me busy.

Rosario makes a noise of disdain. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Drop the bravado and listen to me. The townsfolk are going to kill you! You need friends. I've had enough of this  'I am alone' trash when you're not! You are not alone! I can't lose another person I care about --

Rosario breaks off. It's too upsetting. Silver drops the attitude. Contrite. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm sorry. You're right. Things are bad. All these years, I'd gotten used to... doing things my way, but we've never had riots. Never had folk this riled up. Never had Ike kick me off a case. Even Ray's given up.

ROSARIO BARDINA

No, he hasn't. And neither have I. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Your parents would be proud of you. 

Rosario lets out a watery laugh. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Don't suck up to me. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm not. I'm grateful I've got somebody on my side. I've made some bad decisions lately. I've been a lousy friend.

ROSARIO BARDINA

At least you're admitting it.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'll do better. Feels like I've got more on my plate than I can handle. Ike's kicked me off the case, Ray's checked out. I'm pretty certain he's looking into business he shouldn't be.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Then why don't you talk to him about it.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I will. After I catch Dana's killer. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Which will be when exactly?

We hear a wolf howl in the far distance. Silver gets up. We hear him shuffle the blinds as he looks out.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Soon. Very soon.

ROSARIO BARDINA

I wouldn't wait too long. You never know what drama's brewing in this town. 

EXT. WILLARD FARM - AFTERNOON

Sheep bleat and horses neigh as several sets of footsteps shuffle across gravel. 

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

Vampire in hiding after what he did to our cattle, Officer Marshall? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Detective Silver doesn't attack livestock, Johan.

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

He could've done it and we wouldn't have know. None of us keep watch over the fields twenty-four-seven. We're run off our feet lately what with Dillon still down at the station.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Just answer my question. Where were you last night?

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

I was in bed by 9pm. Didn't see anyone near them cows. 

IDA THE FARMHAND

That's not true. There was someone else out that night. 

Pages of a notebook are turned. A third person joins them. 

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

Don't start trouble, Ida. The Officer doesn't need to hear your crazy ramblings.

IDA THE FARMHAND

Yes, he does! 

Johan lets out a dismissive snort. 

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

Imagining things. Take retirement!

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Tell me what you saw, Ida.

IDA THE FARMHAND

He's just jealous because I saw the talking horse when he was off shift a few weeks back.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh really.

Scribbles down his notes. 

IDA THE FARMHAND

Yeah, pretty thing. Strange growth on the head though. It was around here before to see Mrs Willard.

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

(mutters)

Delusional.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'll make a note of it. Are you sure it was a horse?

IDA THE FARMHAND

I'm not sure of anything, dear. But one thing I am sure of is the person I saw last night with the cows. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Which was?

A pause has Ida relishes her delivery.

IDA THE FARMHAND

It was Mrs Willard.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What?

Whatever Ray was expecting, it wasn't this.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You saw Mrs Willard with the cattle? 

IDA THE FARMHAND

She was in the field hugging them. 

Ray's less sure now. Ida really does seem gah-gah. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Does Mrs Willard often 'hug' the livestock?

IDA THE FARMHAND

Never seen her do it before. But she does a lot of things now she never did before she disappeared.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(putting two and two together)

And you saw this was after you'd finished with cattle? You didn't put them away in the barn?

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

She forgot.

Ida is defiant. 

IDA THE FARMHAND

I had to head home. I've got a rubber chicken collection to organise.

Ray reflects

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So Mrs Willard was the last person to see the cattle alive...

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

Officer, lets talk over there.

We hear them walk away. The wind picks up.

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

Ida's gah-gah. You can't take what she says seriously. Does it for attention.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why would she lie about Mrs Willard? And the...

Ray checks his notes. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Horse?

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

That's Ida. She's not satisfied unless she's making trouble. Even if Mrs Willard was with them, she's allowed to be. She and Mr Willard own them cows. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Are the Willard's in to corroborate any of this?

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

Nope.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Do you know where they've gone? 

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

Nope.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Any idea when they'll be back?

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

Nope.

Ray sighs.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(not meaning it)

Thank you for your time. Guess I'll track them down myself.

EXT. FIELD - AFTERNOON

Hooves trot along. The wind pitch is high. Leaves rustle. A neigh of welcome from the esteemed, Unicorn Sue.

UNICORN SUE

If it isn't Mr Cheery! Whatcha doing squatting by this hedge? You realise there are plenty of human lawns to defile in town, right?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Go away, Sue.

UNICORN SUE

You want some privacy? Can't go with me watching?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm not doing that. I'm contemplating. 

UNICORN SUE

So that's why you look so strained. You thinking about the case?

Ray lets out an exasperated exhale.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Which one? Dana's, Eleanor's, the missing folk, the cattle...

UNICORN SUE

You're beginning to sound like our friend, grump-master-flex, Silver.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

No, I'm not. 

Sue paws the ground. Reflects. 

UNICORN SUE

You know what would convince me you're still chill? Lighting me up a candy cane of the nicotine variety.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That's the real reason you came over, isn't it? 

The sound of a match being struck.

UNICORN SUE

Yup.  

An exhale of pleasure from Sue. Ah, such release.

UNICORN SUE

But it's not all 'take, take, take with me' so how can I help you this fine day? 

Ray sighs. Sits down. He can't hack being mean and grumpy. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Were you over at the Willards a while back?

UNICORN SUE

I gave you my statement about Eleanor's disappearance. No further comment.

Ray feels the weight of defeat. Frustration

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm never gonna solve these cases.

UNICORN SUE

Come on, now! Don't be so down on yourself. You're closer to the truth than you think.

Ray doesn't answer. Sue feels a jolt of pity. 

UNICORN SUE

Look, you guys interviewed me about Eleanor's disappearance, but you never asked about Dana's murder.

Ray digests this information. Gets the gist. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You want me to question you?

UNICORN SUE

I'm no snitch, Ray. You gotta interrogate a pro like myself. 

Ray pulls himself together. Gets in the zone. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Unicorn Sue, where were you the night of Dana's murder?

UNICORN SUE

Chowing down on a bale of hay a few farms away.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh.

UNICORN SUE

But that might not be all I saw.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I need to know what you saw. 

UNICORN SUE

Under the bale, I found a guy passed out and in no fit shape for anything.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Describe him.

Sue chooses her words wisely. 

UNICORN SUE

I'd say he was kinda stupid. Drooling. Half his teeth gone. Fur around his chin.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Ang?

UNICORN SUE

I'd say so. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And what time was this?

UNICORN SUE

Seven thirty-ish?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But if that's true then there's no way Ang would have killed Dana. 

Ray gets excited. The puzzle pieces are falling into place.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But Silver said he's the only werewolf without an alibi... Unless...heck! The Darkstead Magical Creature Registry!

UNICORN SUE

Ah yes, the tracking book for the humans. Disgusting practice.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And every magical creature living in Darkstead has to be registered?

UNICORN SUE

Anyone who's anyone is in there, including yours truly. I suppose its the price I must pay for being such a fascinating mythical being.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And that includes everyone? Gnomes, elves --

UNICORN SUE

Yes, everyone. And as the registry says "if they ain't on the list, they ain't coming in". Those are the rules.

INT. POLICE STATION - IKE'S OFFICE

The Sheriff puts his feet up on the table. A wheezing gasp. A coffee mug placed on a wooden surface. The sound of his inhaler.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Surprised you wanted me to come back in.

SHERIFF IKE

I never meant to throw you --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No need to explain, Ike. You're doing what's best for the investigation. 

SHERIFF IKE

Thanks boy. So. You want to arrest Ang? Again?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

He's the natural choice. The evidence points to him and he had opportunity. Who else would you suggest?

SHERIFF IKE

No, no. You're right. All seems to add up.

A pause as Silver inhales. Sniffing the air.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You cut yourself in here?

SHERIFF IKE

(alarmed)

What?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I can smell blood.

SHERIFF IKE

Oh, that's... that was my lunch. Steak. I like it rare.

Satisfied, Silver returns to the matter at hand. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Moving on. Reports of stolen goods were linked to Ang. Three townsfolk confirmed that he'd sold them items that belonged to Dana.

SHERIFF IKE

Not a smart cookie. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Then there's her watch. Ang was wearing it when we visited him. I'm sure he took it after he killed her. 

SHERIFF IKE

Motive?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Greed. Ang had been on Dana's payroll. He wanted more money, she'd said no. Gnome Tony confirmed that Dana had complained about Ang's demands. Rumour in town was he'd been struggling for a while. 

SHERIFF IKE

What else?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

There's the tooth from the crime scene. Veterinarian confirms its a match with the one we got from him the other day.

Sheriff mutters under his breath. Gets up. Paces.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You seem a little on edge.

SHERIFF IKE

It's a murder, Silver. This town. Folk screaming for your blood. Let's just make the arrest. Get it done.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I still have the authority to do that? You don't want Ray?

SHERIFF IKE

No, the boy's got his hands full. Let's get this case wrapped up and return to normal.

INT. POLICE STATION - HALLWAY

Silver's leisurely tread is overshadowed by running and gasping. Ray has arrived. All former animosity forgotten. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I've got a lead on Dana's murder.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

And I have the culprit. Ang. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Don't take it personally. The results came through while you were out. I spoke with Ike. We think it's best if I make the arrest.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It can't be him! 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It is. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Unicorn Sue saw him the same night Dana was killed. She said he was in no fit state for anything. Passed out. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Sue's a known criminal. She's hardly credible.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But she's got no reason to lie. Here. I've been doing some research.

We hear a book thudding down on a table. Pages turned.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why have you got the Darkstead Magical Creature Registry?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It has the names of every werewolf listed. Ang is in there. The registry states that all werewolves should be listed to live in Darkstead, which got me thinking.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You realise this book shouldn't be removed from the town hall. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Forget that. What if there's a werewolf attacking people who isn't in the Registry?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

That's a hell of a leap, Ray. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Do you remember what Dana said? The first time we met and told her about Ang being in lock up? She said "You assume he's the one I'm referring to". What if she was talking about someone else? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

There've been no attacks. No-one's been turned. A werewolf found biting anyone would be outcast into the forest. A fate worse than death. No Being would risk it. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But that's just it. Dana was strangled, which you said yourself was a 'human crime'. If Ang was guilty, wouldn't he have bitten her to death?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Who knows what went through his head during the attack. His DNA is at the crime scene.  We can't argue with evidence. 

Silver starts to walk away. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Can't you admit my theory is possible?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm sorry, Ray, but an alibi from an ex-con and theories about other werewolves aren't enough right now. We have to bring Ang in. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But, but --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Goodbye Ray. I have to make the arrest now before anyone else gets hurt. 

The slam of a door. Silver's gone. 

INT. POLICE STATION - DISPATCH

Lines buzz. Office noise reverberates. Coffee cups are placed on hard surfaces. Bernice sniffs. The delicate clip of scissors on paper. A dejected Ray slumps into a nearby chair.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You ever feel like this job is ...

Ray trails off.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Bernice, are you OK? 

BERNICE

(thick with emotion)

I'm fine. Busy. 

Sounds of paper being moved around. Scissors clipping. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You're crying.

BERNICE

No, I'm not. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Who's that? 

A pause.

BERNICE

Timmy Falecki.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The little boy who went missing.

BERNICE

Every year, I add clippings to a scrapbook for his mother. I hate sitting by and doing nothing. 

Sounds of Bernice pulling tissues out of a box.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm sorry.

Bernice sniffs loudly.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I need to ask you a question about Timmy...

(pause)

Did the thing in the forest take him?

BERNICE

I was wondering when you were going to work that out. Yes, as a matter of fact, I do think the Creature took him. 

Bernice blows her nose.

BERNICE

Silver poured his heart into the search. But it made no difference. We never found Timmy.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It must have been devastating, especially for his family.

BERNICE 

Got to say though. Finding out Dillon was the one removing the fence panels really blew my mind.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Huh? Why? What's Dillon got to do with anything?

BERNICE

Dillon was Timmy's cousin.

Ray's shocked.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

No way. 

BERNICE

Honey, I thought you knew. They were inseparable. Timmy looked up to Dillon. Would follow him round all the time. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That makes no sense. If the Creature took his own cousin, why risk the lives of everyone else?

BERNICE

Dillon doesn’t make sense

(pause)

Bad influence on the boy. Making prank calls and clogging up my dispatch line. 

Ray freezes. The anonymous calls. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

These calls. Were they made... anonymously?

BERNICE

Always. But I knew it was them. Thank god Dillon got a job. When he started up at the Willards, the calls stopped. 

Ray goes cold. This feels important. Bernice snorts dismissively.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Dillon doesn't happen to spend much time at church does he?

BERNICE

Oh yes. Sits with the older folk, used to drive Eleanor to and from services. So why he feels the need to endanger the town is beyond me.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Dillon has a connection with the Willards, the fence, the church and Timmy. Bernice, does Silver know any of this?

BERNICE

If he does, he hasn't talked about it. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Uh-huh.  

The scrape of a chair. Ray stands.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It's important I speak with Dillon. I'm going down to the cell to --

BERNICE

You can't.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What?

BERNICE

Mr Willard came by earlier to pay his bail. You can't interview him. Dillon's gone.

INT. CHURCH - EVENING

The echo of the church. The slow brushing of a broom against stone. A light draft catches at the flames of lit candles. Ray's heavy tread marches across the floor. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Reverend! Reverend! Where are you?

Footsteps echo through the church as the Reverend approaches.

REVEREND ODESSA

Officer! I wasn't expecting to see you for a -- 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I need to ask you about one of your congregation. 

REVEREND ODESSA

Certainly. Which one?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Dillon.

A high pitched wind whistles through the church.

REVEREND ODESSA

Oh yes?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Was he the one who used to take Mr Bull and Mrs Miggins home?

REVEREND ODESSA

Now how did you guess that! Twice a week. He's very helpful.

Ray nods to himself. He can imagine.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So the last service they both attended, did Dillon drive them home afterwards?

REVEREND ODESSA

I believe so. This business... it wouldn't have anything to do with him?

Ray writes in his notepad.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm afraid it might. 

REVEREND ODESSA

Heavens! And to think he left moments ago. I would have asked him to stay had you come sooner.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

He was just here? Did he say where he was going? 

REVEREND ODESSA

Up to the perimeter.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Then that's where I'll go next. 

An exhausted Ray attempts to walk away. The Reverend calls after him. 

REVEREND ODESSA

You're working so hard. I hope you're taking some time off? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Actually, my wife and I are leaving once this is all done.

REVEREND ODESSA

What do you mean?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

We're leaving Darkstead.

The Reverend fiddles with her regalia. This is awkward.

REVEREND ODESSA

But that's not possible.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes it is. We flew in. We'll fly out.

REVEREND ODESSA

I don't know how to tell you this, but you can't leave. The Creature won't allow you to. 

Ray's stomach drops. He doesn't like where this conversation is headed. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That doesn't make any sense. It's stuck behind the fence. It can't get at us from here.

REVEREND ODESSA

True but once you leave the safety of Darkstead, you're at its mercy. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But that doesn't explain how Cass left all those years ago.

REVEREND ODESSA

Your wife is magical, Ray. I've no idea why she left nor why she came back for that matter. But once you're here, you're here. I can't go home. None of us can.

Ray starts to freak out. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

No. No way. Cass wouldn't have kept something like that to herself. 

REVEREND ODESSA

I'm afraid you're stuck here. And I advise you to make the best of it. My apologies... I do so hate to give good people bad news... 

INT. NARRATOR'S FINAL WORD

A book slams shut. The crackle of a fire.

NARRATOR

What did I say. What did I tell you. It was always going to get worse before it got better. This is huge. What will Ray do now?

The creak of a floorboard. 

NARRATOR

Dillon's got his work cut out for him now Ray's suspicions have been confirmed. The question is: what will he do about it? We've got to get some answers. And soon. 

END OF EPISODE 6