5. Cast the Net Wide

Ray doubts Silver’s integrity, Cass wrestles with her guilt about Rosario and Bernice revels in a successful stakeout. 

Written & Directed by Lucy Gibb-Smith

Starring:

Shondar McKinney as The Narrator

Marc Rico Ludwig as Detective Nathaniel Silver & Dillon

Gianni Sallese as Officer Ray Marshall & Radio Host

Keisha Wong as Bernice 

Jackie Jorgenson as Cass Marshall, Eleanor Willard & Radio Host

Christina Castañeda as Rosario Bardina

Bradford Loomis as Sheriff Ike

Micah Heemstra as Kirk Willard

Clarice Lafayette as Mayor Agnes Harker

Christopher Van as Ang the Werewolf

Lucy Gibb-Smith as Reverend Odessa

Sound effects from freesound.org

Sound design & audio editing by Lucy Gibb-Smith

Music & sound engineering by Mikey Hogan

Produced by Gibb Smith Productions

Leave us review:

Apple podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darkstead/id1588654103 

Podchaser https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/darkstead-1979367 

Follow us:

Instagram @darksteadpodcast

Twitter @darksteadpod

Podchaser https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/darkstead-1979367 

Official website: www.darkstead.com

Transcript

INT. NARRATOR'S WELCOME

A howling wind. Window blinds rattle. 

NARRATOR

Darkstead feels wilder than ever, doesn't it? After our last meeting, I've been worrying about Ray. That anonymous caller really shook him up. It'll be hard for him to trust Silver now.

The sound of a fire going out. The Narrator focuses in on the problem at hand. 

NARRATOR

There's only one way to put Ray's mind at ease. Proof beyond reasonable doubt that the Reverend's parishioners are missing. Let's find out what his next move will be...

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

Wind chimes flutter in the breeze. Rain patters outside. The sound of a coffee pot coming to boil. Shuffling of cards accompanies Ray's pacing in the kitchen.

CASS MARSHALL

Will you stop pacing. It'll be a miracle if you don't wear away the floor. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I could do with a miracle right now.  

CASS MARSHALL

We talked about this. That anonymous caller gave you a lead. You don't need a miracle, you need facts!

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I want to be sure. It's finding the time to check. Silver said we didn't have the resources to work on any case other than Dana's right now.

A flick of the card.

CASS MARSHALL

That's what you're fixated on? You found  two missing people's possessions in his desk after he convinced you they weren't missing.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

True.

Cass is on a roll.

CASS MARSHALL

And its not as if he's opened up to you when you've given him so many chances.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

He hasn't let me in. Not even a little bit. 

CASS MARSHALL

But most importantly of all if he's been lying then you have to investigate. You can't continue working together without knowing for sure.

A crack of thunder. The flick of another card. The rain outside falls harder.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It's been driving me crazy. Why would he lie? He searched for Timmy and Eleanor, but why ignore the disappearance of two parishioners? 

Ray lets out a groan of exasperation. He sits down.

CASS MARSHALL

How about this? We let the cards decide.

The shuffle of the deck. The flick of another card. A glass is moved across a wooden table. A card is placed down.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Who's the guy with the weighing scales and the sword?

CASS MARSHALL

The Justice card, and he's reversed. How interesting.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What does it mean?

CASS MARSHALL

When reversed, it implies that there are higher powers at work pulling the strings. Their decision-making defies logic or rationale. Hmm. I'd say you're being kept in the dark on purpose.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Heck!

CASS MARSHALL

The truth will be revealed when the time is right.

A pause as Ray thinks. His resolve hardens. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I don't want to do that. I don't want to wait, or be lied to, or follow orders blindly.

CASS MARSHALL

What are you saying?

The chair scrapes back. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I've taken a back seat for too long. It's time to find out the truth for myself. 

INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE - MORNING

The squidge of carpeted floors. The gentle tick of the clock. Rain patters against the window. The tapping of Agnes's nails on the wooden desk indicate her impatience.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

We didn't end on the best of terms the last time you were in this office.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It's a stressful job.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

You never share what you truly feel.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I don't need to. Or have to. 

A pause as the rain from outside roars on. Agnes turns her attention to business.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

What a clam you are, Nathaniel. OK. We won't talk about it. Updates ?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You'll be happy to hear we've got a strong suspect for Dana's murder.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

By 'we', you're including Ray?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yes. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Good to hear you're sharing.

A shuffle on the couch. Silver's tone cools.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

But only so much. On your orders. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

The missing people business. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Their belongings are in my desk. It doesn't feel right to--

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

To keep the town safe? People sane? The focus on Dana? Attention away from the fence?

Silver regains control. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

This isn't like Timmy or Eleanor. These people don't have families. If we don't act and more folk disappear... 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

They won't. 

Silver searches for the logic.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why would two sane people who've lived here all their lives suddenly drop everything and break through the perimeter into the forest? They know the rules. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

They probably wandered too close. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I don't buy it. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

I've spoken on this topic enough. Now. My request from last time. I know you've done nothing. 

Silver pushes his seat back with a creak. Disgruntled. He walks over to the exit. Opens the door.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Find someone else. I can't do it. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Oh I think you will.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

But --

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

No ifs, ands or buts. Get to work. And Nathaniel? Remember to take a shovel. 

INT. CHURCH - NOON

Organ music plays by Bach. The slam of a door. An echo permeates the air.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Do you recognise these items, Reverend?

The twang of the tuning fork and the flicker of the lighter.

REVEREND ODESSA

Why yes! The tuning fork belongs to Mrs Miggins. She used to tune up before choir and that is Mr Bull's lighter. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And it was you who dropped these off at the Sheriff's Office? 

REVEREND ODESSA

Yes, a concerned neighbour found them. Why are you and Silver investigating now?

The spark of someone lighting a candle.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Actually, this is something I'm following up on my own. I'd appreciate you not mentioning it to anyone.

REVEREND ODESSA

Of course, of course!

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Tell me about Mr Bull and Mrs Miggins. Did they act out of character before they disappeared?

REVEREND ODESSA

No. Normal as ever. They were neighbours actually, lived out right by the north-east fence. One of my helpers would take them home after service. They were older people with no family. 

Pen on paper as Ray takes notes. He pauses to think. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Can I ask why you're talking about them in the past tense?

REVEREND ODESSA

Oh my! Was I? Oh dear me. Sorry but I tend to fear the worst these days.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why? We might find them. 

The Reverend chooses her words carefully. Holding back. 

REVEREND ODESSA

Ye-es, you might

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So... why are you convinced they're gone for good?

A pause. The Reverend makes up her mind about something.

REVEREND ODESSA

What do you know about the forest? About what lies beyond the perimeter fence? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I've heard the rumours about Silver going in --

REVEREND ODESSA

Not Detective Silver. Something else.

A sudden gust of wind slams a distant door shut. Ray and the Reverend let out a gasp.

REVEREND ODESSA

Must sort out that draft.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You were saying?

REVEREND ODESSA

When I arrived here, many years ago and via the river I may add, I'd heard about that forest. About something living in there. Something very dangerous.

A thunder crack from outside. 

REVEREND ODESSA

Of course, like everything else, I took the rumours with a grain of salt. Then, one evening, walking home from a service, I saw It for myself. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What did you see?

Eerie music starts to play.

REVEREND ODESSA

I heard it before I saw it. Strange laboured breathing. The gasps, raw and dry.

The Creature's theme along with a deep breathing pulses in the background. 

REVEREND ODESSA

Then, when I looked over I saw grey, mottled eyes, staring at me through a gap in the fence. Hypnotic. Beckoning me over. I walked on for I had the strength of the Lord on my side.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Holy... heck. What was it?

REVEREND ODESSA

Years have passed and I'm still not sure. Some locals refer to It as The Creature. 

Ray tries to wrap his head around what he's being told. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So this Creature... Did it follow you on its side of the fence?

REVEREND ODESSA

Yes, but it couldn't get through. I could tell it wanted to cross over, but something held it back.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I wonder why it couldn't... or hasn't all these years?

REVEREND ODESSA

It would be easy enough. And with all the missing fence panels, it's had plenty of opportunity.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You think something else stopped It from crossing?

REVEREND ODESSA

Perhaps.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Did you tell anyone?

REVEREND ODESSA

Of course. I told Detective Silver what had happened. He asked me to keep it to myself. Said he and the Mayor would deal with it.

This news hits Ray like a ton of bricks. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Silver and the Mayor know about this?

REVEREND ODESSA

Yes and it's clear they haven't kept their promise. They never have. So you see, Officer Marshall, I don't hold out much hope seeing my parishioners again. 

INT. CAR - AFTERNOON

The familiar hum of interior car noise. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Can't believe we have to go all the way out to interview Ang again.

Silence.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It's been a hell of a morning. Let's just hope he's in.

No response from Ray. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What's up with you? You haven't said anything in the last thirty seconds.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Thinking. 

Ray turns his attention to the radio. A dial is turned.

RADIO HOST #1

(fuzzy vox)

Afternoon folks. Hope you're keeping safe out there. More stormy weather is on the horizon. But before all that, just a friendly notice that no magical beings are to leave the area, as per orders of Darkstead's Sheriff's Office...

RADIO HOST #2

(fuzzy vox)

That's right. And as we say every week, keep away from the forest perimeter. It's here for our protection and for yours! 

The radio cuts out.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why did the Radio Announcer say magical beings can't leave the area?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Sheriff made the call last night. Ban is already in place. Said he didn't want our perp to flee. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And is it true what they said?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

About what?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

About the perimeter? That it protects us?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yes. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

From what?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Danger.

Ray regards Silver with suspicion.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What do you and Mayor Agnes talk about?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Excuse me?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

At your meetings? What do you talk about?

Silver is thrown off by Ray's attitude. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

We discuss a lot of things. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You like her?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What difference does it make if I do or not?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Just wondered if you two were close.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

She's my boss.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I thought the Sheriff was our boss. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

He is and so is she. What's with the twenty questions?

Ray phrases his question carefully. Irritation creeping into his voice.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

If there's anything you want to tell me, now is the time.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What? No. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So there's nothing. No information you're holding back from me? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why would you ask that?

Ray lets out a sigh. Silver lies again. How disappointing. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Forget it. Forget I asked. 

The engine dies. We hear a folder opening and closing.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Alright we're here. So. This is Ang's file. It's thick. He's been arrested for disturbing the peace, assault and running free on a full moon. None of these come close to the amount of times he's been arrested for theft.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Really.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

And word on the street is he's been flashing money and all sorts of fine wears lately. Stuff he didn't have a few weeks ago. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Huh, right. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

And he's the only werewolf without an alibi on the night of the murder.

Silence from Ray. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Our purpose is to get a swab from him but he won't give up his DNA easily. I'm betting it'll match the tooth we found at the crime scene.

No answer from Ray. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ray, what's going on? You sick? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Like I said, I'm thinking.

EXT. ANG'S BURROW

The knock of a fist on wood. Hollow. A distant barking from deep within the ground. A door opens. Heaving breathing greets them.

ANG THE WEREWOLF

The hell do you want? I'm busy.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It's good to see you too, Ang. We're here to talk.

ANG THE WEREWOLF

If this is to do with Dana --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You're so perceptive. It is to do with her.

Ang lets out a bark-like laugh.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Great you find it so funny. Laugh too hard, your teeth might fall out.

A pause as Ang digests this "joke".

ANG THE WEREWOLF

What, eh? What'd you mean?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Your teeth. You're missing one.

ANG THE WEREWOLF

I got a lot of missing teeth. All of us do. Hazard of being a werewolf.

A pause. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You see Dana on Saturday?

ANG THE WEREWOLF

Yes... No.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Which is it?

ANG THE WEREWOLF

I saw her when she was alive.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

So you did meet her the day she was killed?

Ang gets angry.

ANG THE WEREWOLF

You're trying to confuse me. I can't remember the day I was there.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What time did you leave?

A moment of reflection. Ray can't take it any longer.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(raised voice)

We want to know what time you left Dana's.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ok, Ray. Take it easy.   

ANG THE WEREWOLF

Eight pm.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But she was dead by seven thirty. 

Ang takes this in. 

ANG THE WEREWOLF

I can't remember. I don't keep track of time. That's a human thing. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Talking of time, that's a nice watch. 

ANG THE WEREWOLF

(nervous)

Oh thanks.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You're looking good, Ang. I'd say you've got new clothes, new shoes... but the same bad attitude.

A pause as we wait to see who speaks next.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Gotta say, that watch looks familiar. Dana had one just like it.

ANG THE WEREWOLF

It was... a gift. From her.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

There's just one problem. Dana never gave gifts. Especially to beings she saw as inferior. 

Ang lets out a snarl of anger.

ANG THE WEREWOLF

What did you say!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You heard me.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Er, Nathaniel. I'd back off. 

ANG THE WEREWOLF

You're no better than me.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Look out!

It's a repeat from episode one. The sound of a punch connecting with flesh. Silver groans in pain. A scuffle ensues. The door opens and slams. Yells from Ang beyond the wooden door. A heavy body throws itself against the frame. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sheesh, he's fast. He just went for you!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Help me keep the door shut. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I hope it was worth it. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It was. 

We hear the tinkle of enamel. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Another tooth!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Tooth equals a possible match to our tooth back at the station.

INT. CAR - AFTERNOON

The car door closes. Sound of a seat belt being clicked. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Lets get going.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

A few days ago you said if a magical being was responsible then Darkstead would be impossible to live in.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I don't know what kind of cop you want to be, Ray. But we don't get to pick and choose who our criminals are. You think I want the magic folk to experience the amount of hate I get? Do you? 

A pause.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

No. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Then follow the evidence. It's not like this is the worse I've faced. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Really. What else?

Static from the walkie talkie interrupts them.

BERNICE

(distorted)

About time.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What's up? 

BERNICE

(distorted)

Guess who got our fence perp! Me! Caught him red-handed. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Nice work.

BERNICE

(distorted)

Uh-huh and it's a familiar face. You ready to interview another unreasonable local?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You kidding? That's all I do. We'll be right there. 

INT. ROSARIO'S DINER

Familiar hum of diner noise. Grills sizzle, people talk and coffee is poured. A shuffle of cards cuts through the room.

ROSARIO BARDINA

You mind if I sit? It's been non-stop all day. 

CASS MARSHALL

Sure. What's going on?

Rosario slumps into a seat and puts down the coffee pot. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

I've heard too much gossip. 

CASS MARSHALL

Juicy?

ROSARIO BARDINA

Scary. You know the latest about Eleanor Willard?

CASS MARSHALL

I thought she was keeping a low profile and staying home.

ROSARIO BARDINA

No. Kirk found her by the fence again. That's five nights in a row.

A shuffle of cards.

CASS MARSHALL

What's she doing out by the perimeter? 

ROSARIO BARDINA

No idea but her behaviour has Kirk spooked. Won't talk about where she went. Won't talk at all actually. Something's not right.

A pause. Rosario is shaky. Cass picks up on her mood. 

CASS MARSHALL

But stuff like this has happened before. It's not like she's jumped --

Cass catches herself but its too late. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

It's OK.

CASS MARSHALL

No, it's not. I misspoke. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Cass, it's been a long time. I don't expect you to remember every detail of what happened. 

CASS MARSHALL

You want to talk about it? 

Chairs scrape. The sound of a few more customers leaving.

ROSARIO BARDINA

What is there to say?

CASS MARSHALL

Come on, you never unload on anyone.  

Rosario takes a moment to compose her thoughts. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

They were my world, and to replay the same day over and over in my head...

CASS MARSHALL

That must be hard.

Exterior sounds. Musical atmosphere. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

It was. It still is. The day they died... I remember the hollow knock on the classroom door. The look on Silver's face when he told me.  {Silver: I’m sorry Rosario, please come with me} The walk to our house to collect my things. The walk back to my new foster home. 

The diner sounds far away. A few voices call out 'goodbye' to Rosario but she's lost in thought. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

It's weird how I have trouble picturing my mother's face, but I've never forgotten her scent. Soap and carnations. 

CASS MARSHALL

She was lovely.

Rosario smiles. Reminisces on happier times. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Remember the parties we used to throw? And my Quinceanera that June?

CASS MARSHALL

Now that was one hell of a birthday party. People talked about it for weeks afterwards.  

ROSARIO BARDINA

My Mom made such an effort. Sometimes I think she was under too much pressure. She changed so much before it happened. 

CASS MARSHALL

Maybe she was going through some stuff.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Maybe. It's the same with my Dad. His face fades but his music lives on. He was so talented.

Music plays softly as Rosario remembers. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

I'd always know when I was halfway home because his music would ring out from the porch. Following me all the way to the front door.

CASS MARSHALL

I'm so sorry. 

Rosario sniffs. Pushes her chair back. Picks up her coffee. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Nothing to be sorry about. It's not your fault. 

Cass says nothing. Rosario stands. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

It's kind of ironic.

CASS MARSHALL

What is?

ROSARIO BARDINA

That fate took my parents but didn't take Eleanor. She was given back to us. Like a bad penny.

CASS MARSHALL

That's one way of looking at it.

ROSARIO BARDINA

I wish she'd never come back. 

CASS MARSHALL

I'm sorry you have to deal with all this on your own.

Rosario smiles.

ROSARIO BARDINA

But I'm not on my own. I've got you. 

INT. POLICE STATION - INTERVIEW ROOM

A small, enclosed room. A tape button is pressed down. Reams of paper are thrown on a metal surface. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Romeo had Juliet, Bonnie had Clyde and the perimeter fence has you, Dillon.

Dillon whistles in response. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You gonna start answering questions or do I need to throw you in a cell?

Dillon continues to whistle. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why is he whistling instead of talking?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ask him. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

There's no law against spending time with the fence, Officer Marshall and I'd prefer it if the vampire didn't make threats. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why are you answering to -- ?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Oh he won't talk directly to me. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

If he's scared of you...

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

He's not. Just belligerent. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

I'm afraid, Officer Marshall.

A pause.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I want to finish up the interview alone. 

Silver was not expecting that.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Excuse me.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

He won't cooperate with you here. I'll take over. 

Silver reevaluates Ray. Takes a tactical step back. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Alright. Dillon's a waste of space. Hope you can get more out of him. 

Silver gets up and exits. The door closes. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why are you messing with the fence?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

I treat the perimeter with the respect it deserves.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That's not what I asked. Why are you removing the panels?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Because I was asked.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

By who?

Dillon chuckles.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Wouldn't you like to know. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

People have gone missing. Died. If you're working with someone then --

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Dana's death. Now that's a kicker.

Ray momentarily taken aback.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You have information on Dana's murder?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

The focus has shifted... I know this won't be happy news... bad for the plan. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What plan? You're not making sense.

In fact...

Ray evaluates Dillon. Something's amiss. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Have we met before?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Oh this is the first time we've met.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Are you sure? 

Dillon laughs and resumes his whistling. Frustrating Ray. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm not going to play these games with you, Dillon. I'm charging you with vandalism. 

Ray scrapes his chair back. Gets up. Dillon calls after him. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Won't make a blind bit of difference. Good luck, Officer. You're gonna need it  the next few days.  

INT. POLICE STATION - OFFICE

A slam of a heavy manual on a desk. Office noises reverberate in the background.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Is Dillon insane?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

He's removing panels for no reason and putting the town in danger, what do you think?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But there must be a reason. Who could he be working for?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Probably the voice that lives rent-free in his head. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But he hinted that something bigger is coming our way. Mentioned a plan.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Listen to me. Dillon's crazy. He has no plan. No big ideas. Just free time. Way too much free time.

Ray lets out a sound of frustration. Muffled voices permeate the air followed by the urgent squeak of Bernice's chair. 

BERNICE

Better make yourself scarce, honey. Kirk Willard's here about Eleanor.

A door opens from the Sheriff's office. Raised voices emerge.

SHERIFF IKE

Kirk, we've known each other a long time.

KIRK WILLARD

She's changed. I'm tellin' you. This woman aint the same one I married. She don't even like to cook no more.

SHERIFF IKE

We can help.

KIRK WILLARD

How!? She don't sleep, don't eat, won't go to church! How do you think this makes me look. People are talkin'. You think the Lord is going to accept me inta heaven with a wife like that?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

If Mrs Willard's sick, you should take her to a doctor.

KIRK WILLARD

She's cursed! I bet you have something to do with it, don't you vampire. Kidnapped her and drank her blood in your lair like the heathen you are!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

The stories you tell, the theories you have... You're a real raconteur, Kirk.

KIRK WILLARD

What did you say to me! A raconteur! What is that? I won't have this... this disrespect. 

Ike attempts to calm the situation. 

SHERIFF IKE

Let's talk this through.

KIRK WILLARD

I'm done talkin. You're on the devil's side. I'm disappointed, Ike. I expected some loyalty from you over these heathens. 

Kirk stomps to the door. Stops.

KIRK WILLARD

You oughta be careful, Detective. I got friends in this town. You won't be around here for much longer.

Kirk lets the door slam on his way out. Ike sighs. 

SHERIFF IKE

Boys. Come into my office. 

INT. POLICE STATION - SHERIFF'S OFFICE - EVENING

Ike huffs and puffs. Silver's leisurely footsteps are followed by Ray's heavier tread. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You feeling alright, Sheriff?

SHERIFF IKE

Why do you keep askin' that! Course I am. I'm a little --

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You're sweating and --

SHERIFF IKE

Do me a favour and stop it, boy. I don't have time for your mothering. 

We hear the clatter of blinds as they're lowered. Ike continues.

SHERIFF IKE

I've come to a decision. With Kirk on the rampage, I think its best Silver keeps a low profile. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What about the case?

SHERIFF IKE

Ray will be the face of the investigation from now on. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Heck! Really?

SHERIFF IKE

I'm afraid so, boy. I'm afraid so.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You can't give Kirk what he wants. 

SHERIFF IKE

This isn't about what Kirk wants, it's about what I think's best for the case.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You expect me to lie back and relax at home while a killer walks around free?

SHERIFF IKE

Course not. I want you to work with Bernice on the business Agnes has set. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

This isn't --

SHERIFF IKE

You don't have a choice! You gotta do what's best for the town. That's your job. There's a spare shovel in the hall. 

Ike steadies his breathing. He's not well at all. 

SHERIFF IKE

Now. I might not be feelin my best these days but i'm still in charge here. Silver, get going. Ray, you bring me up to speed. No arguments!

INT. POLICE STATION - SILVER'S DESK

The sound of people getting ready to go. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Hurry up, Bernice. I want to get up there some time tonight.

BERNICE

Don't be so cranky. I gotta go get our shovels.

Static from Silver's walkie talkie. A click as he picks up.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Silver.

ROSARIO BARDINA

(distorted)

Hey, it's Rosario. Got a minute?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Sure, what's up?

ROSARIO BARDINA

(distorted)

Eleanor's gone missing again. Kirk was in the diner five minutes ago looking for her. He didn't want me to ring it in but...

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I get it. Where is he now?

ROSARIO BARDINA

(distorted)

Out looking for her. Be careful. He's rounding up --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Don't worry. Leave it with me.  

Silver signs off. Bernice appears. Shovels clanging.

BERNICE

Ready.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Let's go.

Silver grabs his car keys and heads for the door.

BERNICE

Gotta say. You're handling this demotion a little too well.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Not a demotion. It's a reassignment.

BERNICE

I heard the radio. We gonna go looking for Eleanor? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

She can wait. What we need to do can't.

EXT. DARKSTEAD PERIMETER - NIGHT

Crickets chirp. Leaves rustle in the breeze. The harsh sound of shovels hit earth. Silver and Bernice wheeze with exertion. 

BERNICE

So nice to finally bring you out here.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I've been to the perimeter plenty of times. Hand me that shovel. How many did you say there were?

BERNICE

We got two piles of bones here then a further three a mile further south. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Jeez, there weren't this many before.

Heavy objects are thrown into a bag. The shovelling stops. 

BERNICE

I'll say. I've never been so rushed off my feet. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

When did we start getting more?

BERNICE

Two weeks ago. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Around the time Eleanor went missing.

They pause. A CRACK breaks the quiet. A deep groan followed by laboured breathing.

BERNICE

What's that?

They walk tentatively towards the sound. The breathing stops. Threatening. Growling increases.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Come out! Darkstead Police.

No response.

BERNICE

Why did I leave my gun back at the station!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You have a shovel. You'll be fine.

BERNICE

The hell I will.

The wind picks up. They walk forward. Bernice gasps.

BERNICE

Eleanor.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Don't get too close. 

BERNICE

Why's she staring at the fence like that?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Can you hear me, Mrs Willard?

Groans and murmurs from Eleanor. Silver walks forward. Calls out.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Eleanor? Eleanor, can you turn around?

(drops volume to Bernice)

Bernice, radio Kirk and tell him we've found his wife.

We hear Bernice walk off. The distant buzz of a walkie talkie.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Mrs Willard, Can you speak?

Bernice returns.

BERNICE

Kirk will be here in five. She moved yet?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No, this isn't good.

BERNICE

Makes you wonder what she's staring at. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Or looking for...

INT. NARRATOR'S END

A book closes.

NARRATOR

Talk about creepy. There's nothing wrong with a late-night walk, but along the perimeter! Why would Eleanor do that? Makes you wonder if she's going there of her own free will...

The Narrator shakes her head. If only these townsfolk behaved themselves. 

NARRATOR

I can't help but feel things are going to get a lot worse before they get better. Don't you?

END OF EPISODE 5