4. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Silver has an awkward dinner with the Marshalls, strange happenings plague the town and key evidence goes missing.

Written & Directed by Lucy Gibb-Smith

Starring:

Shondar McKinney as The Narrator

Marc Rico Ludwig as Detective Nathaniel Silver 

Gianni Sallese as Officer Ray Marshall 

Keisha Wong as Bernice 

Jackie Jorgenson as Cass Marshall

Christina Castañeda as Rosario Bardina

Bradford Loomis as Sheriff Ike

Clarice Lafayette as Mayor Agnes Harker

Sound effects from freesound.org

Sound design & audio editing by Lucy Gibb-Smith

Music & sound engineering by Mikey Hogan

Produced by Gibb Smith Productions

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Official website: www.darkstead.com

Transcript

INT. THE NARRATOR'S WELCOME

The familiar sound of pages turned. A fire crackles. 

NARRATOR

Welcome back to Darkstead! I hope you've recovered after the drama last week. As you'll recall, Ray was deeply disturbed by the accusations made against Silver. And let's be honest, there were a lot of them. 

Pages from a book flicker through hands.

NARRATOR

But instead of quitting or siding with the townsfolk, Ray invited him over to dinner. Generous considering Silver still won't tell if he's been in the forest!

The roar of the wind howls outside. 

NARRATOR

You never know, Silver might open up outside of work. Let's drop by for dinner and hear how they're getting on. I'm feeling a little hungry myself... 

INT. RAY & CASS MARSHALL'S HOUSE - EVENING

Wind chimes flutter in the breeze. Cutlery on plates. The glug of liquid being poured. Eating sounds. The distant sounds of crickets and wolf howls.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I can't believe we're the first people who've had you over for dinner.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Believe it.

CASS MARSHALL

It's nice to see you again, Nathaniel. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Brave of you to invite me inside.

Ray is still incredulous. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Were you serious before? About how no-one lets you in. Not even for a single bite?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Not that they know of.

An awkward silence. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

That's a joke.

Ray and Cass force laughter. Cass attempts to salvage the evening.

CASS MARSHALL

Why don't we get started on dessert.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Don't get up. I'll go. 

Ray gets up and walks out the room. The door closes. Cass drops the pleasantness. 

CASS MARSHALL

Ray's trying hard. It would be nice if you made an effort. Be... open. Tell him something about yourself. Anything.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I keep to myself. There's not much to know.

Cass snorts in disbelief. 

CASS MARSHALL

I think there is.

Silver sits back and reconsiders. Pretends to think. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I guess Ray and I should talk about something.

CASS MARSHALL

That's the spirit, like --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Like the real reason you're back. 

The atmosphere changes. Cass feigns innocence. 

CASS MARSHALL

You know why. We relocated for Ray's job. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Don't insult my intelligence, Cass.

CASS MARSHALL

You really don't socialise much, do you?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Rosario's under the impression you've got something on your mind.

CASS MARSHALL

Since when are you and Rosario friends?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You've been gone ten years. She and I have had a lot to talk about in that time. 

CASS MARSHALL

What I'm dealing with has nothing to do with Rosario.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Oh, I disagree. I think its the reason you left town, why you stopped practising magic and why you're so eager to spend every waking moment in the diner.

We hear Cass place her cutlery down with a metallic thud. She drops all pretence. 

CASS MARSHALL

What do you know?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Enough to guess why you're back.  

CASS MARSHALL

And what do you want?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I've no intention of dredging up the past and you shouldn't either. 

CASS MARSHALL

I have to be honest with her. It's time. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No, it's not. You tell Rosario the truth about what happened, she'll never forgive you. And this time you won't be able to fly away.

The door flies open and ricochets off the wall. Ray has returned with dessert.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Whoops. Loud. Hope you're excited for blood pud... hey. Where's Silver? And why's the window open?

We hear the sound of curtains flapping in the gentle breeze.

CASS MARSHALL

He left.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Aww, he disappeared just like that?

CASS MARSHALL

Yeah, just like that.

INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE - MORNING

It's an early start. The familiar sounds of the mayor's office. The gentle tick of a clock. Feet on soft carpet. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Good of you to come so early.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

That's OK, Agnes. I was already up. What's the problem?

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Bernice called in with some updates.  

Silver shifts in his seat. Unnerved. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm listening. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

There's no easy way to say this...

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

But...

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

But the number of bones at the perimeter have increased dramatically.

Silver takes this in. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What do you mean by 'dramatically'? How much more are we seeing?

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

A lot more. Bernice is getting around five reports a day on dispatch. She reported six extra piles on her stakeout last night.

Silver is shaken. This is not the news he wanted to hear.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

And she's sure?

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Positive. I don't know how, why or when. But I need you to deal with it.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

On top of everything else? 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

You're the only one I can count on to figure this out.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You're asking the impossible. We can't stop the bones. They've been appearing for years. 

Agnes gets up and paces around the room. Ignores him. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Bernice will go with you to the perimeter.  

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You're not listening. I can't run around digging up remains. I have to solve Dana's murder.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Ray can help with that.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No, he can't. He's inexperienced. He has no idea what's out there.

The atmosphere runs cold. Agnes stops pacing. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

You underestimate Ray. He's far smarter than you realise. And right now, you need him.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Can't imagine what's given you that impression.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

I've seen the way he observes people. Heard the questions he asks. Every cop needs a partner and it's only a matter of time until he figures you out.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

He won't. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

He will. You can't hold the cards close to your chest forever, Nathaniel. A time will come when you'll need help. No man is an island and you're no exception. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

But --

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Deal with the bones. No arguments.

INT. ROSARIO'S DINER - MORNING

The chaotic sounds of a busy diner. Loud chatter. Sizzling from the fryer. Plates being dumped on tables. Cutlery clattering together. Cups clink against saucers. Coffee is poured. Rosario's light tread approaches. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

The cards not in my favour this morning?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(mouth full of food)

Huh?

ROSARIO BARDINA

Cass. Normally I see her at her usual table reading by now.

Ray gulps.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

She's not feeling so good. Started to feel sick after Silver left last night.

Rosario stops pouring coffee. Stunned.

ROSARIO BARDINA

You had Nathaniel over?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Detective Nathaniel Silver?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yeah, we gave him blood! Not our own though.

Rosario's day has been brightened.

ROSARIO BARDINA

That's awesome. He never gets invited into people's homes. You and Cass really are my kind of people. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Aw heck, really?

ROSARIO BARDINA

For sure. And I hope she gets better soon. Lot of illness going round.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

There is?

ROSARIO BARDINA

I'll say. The Sheriff must've lost forty pounds. Never drops by for french toast anymore, and then there's Mrs Willard...

Ray's interest peaks. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

She sick too?

ROSARIO BARDINA

I think so. Folk keep seeing her by the perimeter just... staring. Won't eat or sleep. Doesn't go to church anymore. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Maybe she's still in shock. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Maybe. You ever find out where she went?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(apologetic)

No. Her case has taken a back seat for now. We're focusing on Dana's murder.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Hey, I get it. You're a department of four. People tend to care more about a murder than missing folk.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(thoughtful)

Yeah, right...

ROSARIO BARDINA

Hey, wasn’t that Nathaniel that just walked past?

Clattering and thumping as Ray gets up. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Aw heck. I'm late for work!

EXT. DARKSTEAD STREET - CONTINUOUS

A leisurely stride is accompanied by Ray's energetic foosteps. Sounds of town-life reverberate around them. A church bell rings. Silver's thunderous mood seeps from every pore.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What time do you call this?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sorry. Time ran away from me. Where've you been?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(sourly)

The Mayor's office. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(out of breath)

Can you slow down. I've just eaten.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No, you need to speed up. Dana's murder is priority. As in, it's above breakfast. Take it seriously.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I am. What's going on with you?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What's going on is I have a lot resting on my shoulders and not enough resources. We need to prioritise. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You have me --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

This murder is at the top of the list. We have to find the killer.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I understand --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Meaning you can't traipse into work at whatever time you like.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Excuse me. I don't 'traipse' anywhere. You need help, you should ask. Start treating me like a partner. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Then act like one.

They walk further down the street. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What's the big deal? Did you not enjoy dinner last night? You left before dessert!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Look. Ray. So much is happening in this town and I'm responsible for all of it. That means I don't have time for a dinner party recap. 

Silver walks a distance. Ray takes the plunge. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Hey I get it. We're short-staffed. But my mind is on the job and I want to help. I've been thinking... why don't I take on missing person cases?

Silver stops walking. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Did you not hear me? We have no resources for you to go off and work on another case.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I can do it on my own time. Look into Timmy, Eleanor, maybe even the Reverend's parishioners...

Silver rubs his temples. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Timmy is gone, ok! Nothing will bring him back. The parishioners are fine and Eleanor --

DING DING DING DING. A vintage car alarm pierces the air.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What in the heck is that?

A moment passes. Running footsteps towards the noise...

EXT. POLICE STATION - STREET - CONTINUOUS

... Silver's car has been trashed. The alarm is painfully loud. Movement. We hear a click. Quiet. The crunch of boots on glass. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Your car's a mess! 

Silver's exasperated exhale.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Great. Another problem.

Sounds of Silver rummaging through the car. Broken objects crackle. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Let me see... Anything stolen...

We hear the sounds of someone rummaging through glass and debris. Silver's voice is muffled as he searches through his car.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Has this happened before?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No, no this is new... torn seat... jeez that will cost and... wait... 

The shuffling of feet as people pass them by. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Everything there?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You took the stuff we collected from Dana's inside last night?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Did what now?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You booked the evidence. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh.

A moment for the penny to drop.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

That dirty green lid from the crime scene AND the notes. They're in the evidence locker, right?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Um.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Right?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm really sorry. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Oh my god. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(panic)

You said to do it after we finished reviewing the case. I was gonna go out to the car but then you agreed to come for dinner and I thought you'd say no and... and...

Ray steps on some glass. It cracks beneath his feet. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(fury)

You forgot.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How can I fix this?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Go inside.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Get in the station. Bring me some tape for the windows.

A chastened Ray heads inside. Moments pass. We hear glass, debris and the sound of car doors opening and closing.

The sound of a bike and bell. The scuff of shoes halting on stone. It's Rosario.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Woah! What happened here?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Just a joke between me and the locals.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Not very funny.

We hear liquid slosh around.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm not laughing. 

(interest)

That blood you carrying?

ROSARIO BARDINA

It's soup for Cass. Heard she's sick. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Interesting. So she's not been in the diner to see you?

ROSARIO BARDINA

No, but Ray has. He helping?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(sourly)

Not today he isn't.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Sheesh, what's up with you?

Silver lets out an exasperated exhale.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Lot on my mind.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Probably not a great idea to take it out on the people closest to you. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I suppose.

ROSARIO BARDINA

You 'suppose'. Get it together.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What did you say to me?

ROSARIO BARDINA

Let it go. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I can't let it go. Someone broke into my car and stole key evidence because Ray left it in the back seat...

Silver trails off. A moment of realisation.

ROSARIO BARDINA

And?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

We're being watched.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Nothing new there. 

Silver continues searching. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

You can't make this all Ray's fault. Not if someone's been watching you this whole time. They were probably waiting for you to make a mistake.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yes, but Ray -- 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Had you over for dinner? Tried to get to know you? Forgot because he's a human being who makes mistakes. 

Silver breathes deeply. Regaining control. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I hate your pep talks. They make me feel like I'm wrong.

ROSARIO BARDINA

You're never gonna grow if you keep pushing people away. Be nice to Ray. He's one of the good ones.  

INT. POLICE STATION

The click of typing and wheeling of chairs. Coffee is poured slowly.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That's a lot of coffee, Bernice.

BERNICE

Honey, it's night two of my perimeter stakeout. I gotta keep these eyes open.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(morosely)

Course you do. You're good at your job.

BERNICE

Why the long face?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I lost key evidence in Dana's murder.

Bernice places her mug down.

BERNICE

Was it the stuff Ike told you to book?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Uh-huh. 

BERNICE

And you forgot?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Uh-huh. Silver's so mad. 

Bernice lets out a snort.

BERNICE

Takes two to tango. His fault too. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You think?

BERNICE

For sure. He's senior to you. Always talking about how long he's been doing this job. Don't beat yourself up. It's not like you wanted to lose evidence. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Thanks Bernice... You won't tell the Sheriff, will you?

BERNICE

I'm not going to tell on you to Ike! He's always holed up in his office these days while I'm out on my stakeouts.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh yeah! How did last night go?

BERNICE

Badly. Thought I saw a perp but it turned out to be an old raccoon.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yikes.

BERNICE

Yeah, you don't wanna get too close. But I'm feeling luckier this evening. Like fate is in my favour.

The slam of a door. Silver's back. He strides into the room.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sorry, Silver. I couldn't find any tape.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ray, I've been thinking and...

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It wasn't your fault about the car... Entirely... Someone must have been watching us... waiting and...

Bernice clears her throat dramatically.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Be more careful next time. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(relieved)

I will.  

BERNICE

Jeez, you guys. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What's that envelope on your desk?

Silver walks across the room. Shuffling. Paperwork is cast aside. An envelope torn open.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Its results from the lab... Wow. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

That claw we found at Dana's? The lab said it's a werewolf tooth.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But you said it was from a dragon.

Silver's mystified.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I was... wrong. And Dana never bought or sold werewolf teeth. This comes from whoever saw her last.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Which can only mean one thing.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Our murderer is likely magical after all. 

EXT. RAY & CASS'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

A knock on the door. It opens up with a creak. The sound of wind chimes tinkle. A wind picks up. The rustle from nearby trees roars as Cass steps out. A bike bell rings in greeting. 

CASS MARSHALL

Rosario! What a surprise.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Heard you weren't feeling well so I made a batch of my famous house soup.

We hear the slosh of liquid as Cass takes the soup.

CASS MARSHALL

(awkwardly)

That's so thoughtful... thank you.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Everything alright?

CASS MARSHALL

Lot on my mind.

Rosario isn't buying it. Somethings off. She studies Cass. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

You're the second person who's said that to me today.

CASS MARSHALL

Who was the first?

ROSARIO BARDINA

Nathaniel. Ran into him on the way here. He wasn't having the best day. 

Cass's stomach drops. Her interest intensifies.

CASS MARSHALL

He didn't mention last night did he? 

ROSARIO BARDINA

No. Why? Was he a bad dinner guest?

CASS MARSHALL

We... disagreed on something. 

Rosario groans. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Silver has a habit of giving orders. 

CASS MARSHALL

You guys hang out a lot?

ROSARIO BARDINA

No, but we're sort-of friends. I've never forgotten how nice he was. Especially after what happened to my folks. 

A pause as Cass digests this. 

CASS MARSHALL

I'm sorry.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Don't be. You've got nothing to be sorry about. 

A beat passes. Cass's heart is in her throat.

CASS MARSHALL

I wasn't around after... and...do you think about them a lot?

ROSARIO BARDINA

Depends on how I'm feeling. It's been a long time.

I've been thinking about them a lot more recently. Time of year, I guess. 

She pauses.

ROSARIO BARDINA

(off Cass)

Don't look at me like that. I'm fine and don't worry about Nathaniel or his advice. He's new to the whole 'dinner party' thing. 

CASS MARSHALL

Thanks. Maybe it was a mistake to invite him in.

Rosario laughs. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

No, you were being nice. He'll apologise. He may be a vampire but it's human nature to mess up. People make mistakes. That's life. It's how we make up for them that matters. 

CASS MARSHALL

Yeah... it is. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Sure you don't need to lie down? You look like you're about to faint.

CASS MARSHALL

You know what, I'm actually feeling a little better. 

Rosario's pleased.

ROSARIO BARDINA

That's the power of my soup. The smell alone will cure you. See you at the diner soon?

Rosario returns to her bike. Rings the bell. 

CASS MARSHALL

Yeah, you'll see me there. In fact, you can count on it.

INT. POLICE STATION OFFICE - EVENING

Sounds of paper being scrunched up. Office noises reign throughout. The filing cabinet opens and closes. Ray is remarkably calm, unnerving Silver.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You got that list of local werewolves?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

On your desk.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Oh. That's very... helpful.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I do my best.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Watch the dispatch line. I was meant to cover for Bernice but I need to run the car over to the shop.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sure.

We hear Silver walk away then double back.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ray.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

About before. I am... I'm grateful you're here. To help.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Really?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(like he's swallowing razor blades)

Yes.

Ray is delighted. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Aww. Heck yeah, work buddy.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I am not your work buddy.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How about your friend?

A pause. Silver inhales. Considers Ray's request. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'll allow it.

Ray squeals.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

But you can only say it in the car.

A door opens and closes. He exits. Ray's on his own.

INT. POLICE STATION - DISPATCH LINE

Ray sits in Bernice's wheelie chair and rolls towards the desk. A dull hum from the walkie talkie switchboard. We hear the clicking of buttons and restless shuffling. Ray sighs. Suddenly, distortion roars through the speakers. 

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

Help... need help...

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Hello? This is Officer Marshall.

Loud interference.

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

He'll... 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Hello? I'm sorry but I can't hear you. 

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

The vampire.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Detective Silver has stepped out but I'm here. How can I help?

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

Missing people. Missing --

The line dips in and out of frequency. Ray twirls the dials to get a signal. The dial clicks into place. The line steadies. We can hear clearly now.

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

Vampire told you to stay away from the missing people. To ignore the Reverend.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Who is this? 

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

A concerned citizen.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'll need more than that. 

The unknown voice sighs. This won't be easy. 

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

Go over to his desk.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm not going through Silver's stuff.

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

If you want proof that people are missing and the vampire is lying then open his desk.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How do you --

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

Time is running out, Officer Marshall. You need to make a decision. Hang up or do as I say.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I...

Ray weighs out his options. It's too tempting. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What the heck am I looking for?

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

Pull on the top drawer.

We hear Ray get up. Walk across the room and slide open a desk drawer. Rummage around.

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

Take out the lighter and tuning fork.

Ray walks back and sits down. The flick of a lighter and the ping of the tuning fork pierces the air. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

This is weird. Silver doesn't smoke. 

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

He doesn't sing either.

Ray's getting nervous now.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why would he have these things in his desk?

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

Guess who liked to sing in the choir and smoke between services? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Wait.

Ray flicks through his notebooks. The flutter of paper.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The interview I took with Mary. She told me that the missing parishioners were either singing or smoking.

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

Well done. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But how can you be so sure these items belong to them?

The voice cackles. 

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

Who else are they gonna belong to? Check in with the Reverend. She'll know. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I don't understand why Silver would lie about this...

UNKNOWN VOICE (DILLON)

(distorted)

Only one way to find out.

A crackle. Distortion noise. Our caller has hung up. A door slams. Ray jolts from the desk. We hear Sheriff Ike's huffing and puffing as he approaches. 

SHERIFF IKE

Where's Silver?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(shaken)

He's taken his car to get fixed.

SHERIFF IKE

On work time?

(pause)

You alright, boy? You look like you've seen a ghost.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I need to go. 

SHERIFF IKE

You sure you're doing OK?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yeah, I need a lie down. I'm feeling kind of sick. 

INT. NARRATOR'S FINAL WORD

A book snaps shut. The weather outside is stormy. Rain pounds against the windows. 

NARRATOR

Can't say I blame Ray for reacting like that. Such a shame. Who was it on the other end of the line?

A crack of thunder from outside.

NARRATOR

Surely, there must be an explanation for those items in Silver's desk drawer... but what if there isn't. 

The Narrator shifts restlessly.

NARRATOR

I might go for walk myself and think over what we've just learnt. I advise you to do the same. Maybe we can work out what this all means next time.  

END OF EPISODE 4