7. Ray, Interrupted

It’s a race against time as the gang try to find Ray, Silver links up with an unlikely ally and Cass finally comes clean to Rosario. 

Episode 7 - Ray, Interrupted

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 

Keisha Wong as Bernice 

Jackie Jorgenson as Cass Marshall & Eleanor Willard

Christina Castañeda as Rosario Bardina

Micah Heemstra as Kirk Willard

Clarice Lafayette as Mayor Agnes Harker

Corbeau Sandoval as Ash

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

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Transcript

INT. NARRATOR'S WELCOME

The light patter of rain hits the windows. The familiar sigh of a body being lowered into an armchair.

NARRATOR

Ah, back again! I'm relieved. It was action stations last time you were here. Ang was charged. Cattle were killed. And Dillon became the top suspect in the missing parishioner investigation.  

Rustling from papers.

NARRATOR

Despite all this, the biggest shock came from the good Reverend. How will Ray cope now he knows he can never leave Darkstead? 

The Narrator takes a moment to contemplate.

NARRATOR

We've got a meaty chapter on our hands, and our detectives have a lot on their plates. Let's see how much they can stomach.

INT. ROSARIO'S DINER - NIGHT

Cups and saucers clink together. The fryer sizzles. Soft padded footsteps pace back and forth. Sounds of shutting down for the night. The door swings open and footsteps run in

CASS MARSHALL

(out of breath)

Rosario. Have you seen Ray?

ROSARIO BARDINA

No, why? Is everything --

CASS MARSHALL

He's not come home.

A coffee pot is put down.

ROSARIO BARDINA

What time was he due back?

CASS MARSHALL

Four hours ago.

ROSARIO BARDINA

He might be working late --

CASS MARSHALL

He's not. He was planning on coming straight home. He was going to pick up dinner.

ROSARIO BARDINA

That's weird. Have you tried --

CASS MARSHALL

I've tried the walkie talkies, called the station, stopped by all the stores. I've looked everywhere but there's no sign of him. He's gone

Rosario and Cass take a moment to realise what this means. Rosario asks the dreaded question.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Have you checked the perimeter?

CASS MARSHALL

Not yet.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Then that's where we'll look. I'll lock up. Let's go find him together.

INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE

Sounds of a soft carpet. The Mayor's fingers tapping against a desk. The tick of a clock.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Good job on solving Dana's murder. News of Ang's arrest is spreading like wildfire. 

An exasperated exhale from Silver.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

What?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Nothing, it's...

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Something's on your mind.

Silver gets up. Paces. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I've been going over the past few weeks. Every weird thing that's happened lately: Eleanor's disappearance. The missing parishioners. The cattle deaths.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

You think they're all connected?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I do after reading Ray's interview notes. He spoke to a farmhand who works for the Willards. Said she saw Eleanor 'hugging' the cattle. It got me worried. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

I'll admit it's a little strange.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It's more than that. When I was Sheriff all those years ago. Before people started going missing, there were attacks on livestock. A woman was found doing the same thing.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

That's what you're saying? That Eleanor's responsible.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yes... no... I'd say she's no longer capable of making her own decisions. If I'm right...

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Right about what?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

The Creature's behind this. 

He stops pacing. A rip of paper.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

This is a map of Darkstead. The cattle field is located near the North East fence by the Willard's land. The parishioners lived within a half a mile radius of this same North-East fence. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

And we know that the Creature loiters anywhere there's a living being.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It does but if I look over the files. The notes. Witness statements. Everything comes back to the North-East fence. To get home from Dana's place, Eleanor Willard would have had to walk past this part of the fence.

Silver takes a moment to think. Agnes continues.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

We know that the Creature can't pass over the fence. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

But it can communicate with people through it.

A pause.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Old folklore tale. We don't know for sure. Our ancestors suspected it but there's no conclusive proof.   

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

But if it could then...What if it has a different strategy this time. What if it's getting help from someone who lives here. 

Agnes becomes stern. Frightened.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

My god. Who would do that? And what purpose would it serve? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I have an idea as to 'who'. But 'why?' That's what I'm going to find out.

INT. CAR

Interior car noise. Rain on the window. The sounds of wipers scraping back and forth. Cass lets out a shaky exhale.

ROSARIO BARDINA

It'll be OK, Cass. Ray knows not to get too close to the fence.

CASS MARSHALL

He knows the Creature exists.

ROSARIO BARDINA

You finally told him?

CASS MARSHALL

He worked it out for himself.

ROSARIO BARDINA

When?

CASS MARSHALL

This morning.

Rosario makes a disapproving 'tut'. The wind and rain get louder.

CASS MARSHALL

What?

ROSARIO BARDINA

That's a pretty big thing to find out.  How'd you know he isn't taking time to deal with it. He might be mad at you for not telling him sooner. 

Cass is defensive. 

CASS MARSHALL

We're fine. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Not everyone processes a shock like that straight away.

Awkward pause. 

CASS MARSHALL

Maybe.

ROSARIO BARDINA

And he can't leave. I mean how did he react when you talked about that?

No response.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Cass?

Nothing. They hit a bump in the road.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Cass? He does know, right?

CASS MARSHALL

I kind of left out that part.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Oh my god. 

CASS MARSHALL

I was going to tell him but he was so upset when he found out about the Creature that --

ROSARIO BARDINA

I bet he's worked it out. Ray's not stupid. No wonder he's disappeared. 

CASS MARSHALL

That's not fair. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Why can't you be honest, Cass? 

CASS MARSHALL

I don't... I'm sorry.

A furious moment of silence.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Here I was thinking you'd changed. That you weren't making excuses anymore. Let's just find Ray and hope he hasn't done anything desperate.

EXT. PERIMETER FENCE - NIGHT

Nightime has fallen. Crickets sing. A low wind roars in our ears. Footsteps walk through mud. A distinct tread joins them. Low muttering.

ASH

Stop! Who goes there? Oh, it's you.

The clunk of Ash's firearm. Primed to fire. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm busy, Ash. What do you want?

We hear Ray continue to walk. Mood dark. Patience low.  

ASH

You on a stakeout?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You could say that.

ASH

By yourself? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes. 

ASH

Shouldn't be up here by yourself. It's not safe. Especially at this time of night. What are you looking for?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Not what. Who.

Ash shuffles. Ill at ease with Ray's behaviour. Tries to warm him up.

ASH

You know the guy who took Mrs M and Mr Bull? I remembered what was odd about him. Liked to whistle. Annoying habit. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It is. I think he likes to hang out here.

ASH

He can't be sane if he's hanging out by the fence. North-East perimeter isn't somewhere you want to be at any time of day.

Ray abruptly changes topic. Interrogates Ash. It starts to rain.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Were you born here?

ASH

Er, yes.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How do you cope being trapped in this place?

ASH

Don't really think about it.

A rumble of thunder in the distance. Ash is a little nervous now.

ASH

You got back-up on the way?

Ray laughs. It's unnatural. On edge.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Can't rely on anyone anymore. 

ASH

That part of the fence is dangerous. You need to be careful. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm not here for the fence, I'm here for the person who's been leading people beyond it.

ASH

Oh... you're here about the... the... what's living in the...

(pause)

I really don't think you should hang around.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

All I need to know is if I'm in the right place.

ASH

You're not. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Can you show me where I should go?

ASH

No.

A frustrated Ray attempts to reason with Ash.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Point me in the right direction and I'll be out of your way. 

ASH

I don't want to.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Look, Ash. I'm not leaving. 

Ash sighs. Resignation.

ASH

It's suicide. Just... Fine. I have a hunch as to where we need to go.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

We?

ASH

Oh yes. If you want my help then we go together. Follow me

EXT. NORTH-EAST PERIMETER FENCE - LATER

Nighttime has fallen. Crickets sing. A low wind roars in our ears. Footsteps walk along a path through mud. A distinct tread follows behind. Rain pours. The wind howls. 

ASH

Here we are. The North-East fence. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Thanks. 

Unnatural bird song. The mood deadens. It's quiet. Too quiet. 

ASH

Watch out for that panel over there. It's broken.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Noted.

ASH

You really gonna stay here? Waiting around.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes.

ASH

This is a bad idea.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Anything else?

ASH

I shouldn't leave you.

A pause. Ash waits for more questions. None come. Ray sighs. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Get out of here, Ash. 

ASH

Not giving me much of a choice, are you? Guess it's your funeral. 

We hear Ash walk away. Three seconds later, a few metres from Ray, the sound of a bushes rustle sharply. A drone rumbles. Two seconds later, Ash yelps. The harsh sounds of a struggle. Ray runs forward.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Who's there!

The struggle continues. Ray tentatively steps nearer. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Hello? Ash! Are you OK?

Two seconds of quiet. A gunshot is fired into the sky. Ray gasps. A pair of footsteps walk through foliage, towards him. Dillon's tuneless whistle rings out. The footsteps stop suddenly. The sound of a gun being loaded. Dillon chuckles.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Officer Marshall. I knew you'd come.

EXT. WILLARD FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

A fist bangs on a wooden door. The wind and rain howl. The Reverend sneezes. 

REVEREND ODESSA

Of all the people to call, I never thought it would be you.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You and me both, Reverend. But I need you. This won't be one of your standard house calls. 

The sound of footsteps from within the house coming closer. The door handle twists. It creaks open. 

KIRK WILLARD

Reverend I --

Kirk stops dead. Taking in the scene before him.

KIRK WILLARD

What's the Bloodsucker doing here!?

REVEREND ODESSA

Now Kirk, I appreciate this is a surprise, especially at this time of night. 

KIRK WILLARD

It's an attack! An invasion! An assault on my freedom and rights as a Darkstead citizen!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No, it's not.

The Reverend intervenes.

REVEREND ODESSA

It's important. We've come to see Eleanor. 

KIRK WILLARD

Well, you can't see her.

REVEREND ODESSA

Why? Is she sleeping?

KIRK WILLARD

No.

REVEREND ODESSA

Has she gotten worse?

KIRK WILLARD

She... You... go! Just go! You can't see her. I forbid it.

REVEREND ODESSA

What's happened Kirk?

A pause. Kirk sighs. The weight of the world on his shoulders. 

KIRK WILLARD

I've had to... put her in the barn.

REVEREND ODESSA

In the barn. 

KIRK WILLARD

You know why. She's...

Kirk searches for the words. He doesn't want to say it out loud. Desperate. Bewildered at his misfortune.

KIRK WILLARD

She's a demon. 

REVEREND ODESSA

I'm sure that's not true.

KIRK WILLARD

She's hanging upside down from the rafters.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

OK, Ray was right. We should have spoken to Eleanor sooner.

Kirk lets out a sob.

KIRK WILLARD

You've had your way with her, vampire. Now leave us be!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No can do, Kirk. We have reason to believe that Eleanor is not acting of her own free will.

KIRK WILLARD

You don't know anything.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Take us to the barn. 

KIRK WILLARD

No.

REVEREND ODESSA

If we want Eleanor to return to normal, you must allow myself and Detective Silver inside.

A pause as Kirk thinks.

REVEREND ODESSA

Please Kirk.

EXT. NORTH EAST PERIMETER FENCE

The wind howls. The trees rustle. The sinister echos of the forest loom large.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why'd you do it, Dillon?

Dillon saunters over. He clicks the gun barrel into place. Reminding us that he's the one in charge.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

You'll have to be specific.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why'd you lure the parishioners to their deaths? Fed them to that.. Thing over the fence. 

Dillon laughs.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

We all gotta eat sometime. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Did you take Eleanor too?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

She wanted to meet the Creature. She got what she deserved. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So you kidnapped her. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Is it really kidnap if the person comes along willingly. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Didn't you threaten her?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Threats, promises, misunderstandings. So many ways to take my calls. 

Ray finally cracks.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Here's what's going to happen. You're going to come with me quietly to the police station. You'll confess to your crimes and spend the rest of your life in a cell.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

My my, it is true what they've been saying about the new cop in town. So naive. No wonder the Vampire doesn't respect you.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm not leaving here without taking you into custody. 

The crack of a gun barrel.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

I don't think you're in any position to be taking charge. Start walking.

A distant shuffle of leaves in the distance. Far away. Beyond the fence and in the forest.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Where are we going. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Over there. Nearer to the fence. 

Two sets of footsteps walk begrudgingly over crisp leaves. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Have to say, you're a lot less enthusiastic than Mrs Willard was. But then she was like everyone else. Tired of this place. Wanted out. And the only way to get out as a human, is through the forest.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That's crazy. She could have flown or taken the river.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Didn't want to. Instead, she made the mistake of underestimating another magical being.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I don't buy it. Dana said she enjoyed 'lording it up' over everyone.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

All talk. She hated it here. 

Dillon laughs.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

She had no sense of humour. Me and Timmy used to prank call her all the time way back when. 

They stop walking. Rain begins to fall. Lightly at first. Ray  desperately tries to evoke a shred of mercy from Dillon. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why would you do this to her... to other people after what happened to Timmy? 

Ray's walkie talkie buzzes. Dillon's response is scarily robotic. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

I do what my Master asks of me. And don't even think about answering that. 

We hear Cass’s distant voice roar through the walkie talkie {Ray! Ray?}

INT. CAR

Rosario puts her foot down on the gas. It starts up then dies. A gentle whine from the engine. She tries again. The sound of a car on its last legs. The wind roars outside. The weather is getting worse. The dead buzz of static from Cass's walkie talkie.

CASS MARSHALL

Hello. Hello? Ray! He's not answering. It's too late. We're running out of time.

ROSARIO BARDINA

I knew we should have gone around that stream instead of through it! Especially in this weather.

Wind whistles viciously. We hear the spatter of heavy rain hit the hood. The car lurches back and forth, creaking with age. 

CASS MARSHALL

Forget the car. Let's walk.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Are you crazy? It's like a hurricane out there.

CASS MARSHALL

I have to get to Ray.

ROSARIO BARDINA

And we will. You don't need to kill yourself in the process. 

CASS MARSHALL

I know how he gets if he's reached his limit. I'm responsible for this.

Rosario thinks.

ROSARIO BARDINA

There is one way to restart the car.

CASS MARSHALL

Yes?

Rosario waits for Cass to get the hint.

ROSARIO BARDINA

it would involve you doing something.... you've not done in a while.... you know" 

Cass realises what she's asking.

CASS MARSHALL

No, I can't.

ROSARIO BARDINA

You can. 

CASS MARSHALL

I haven't practised magic in years!

ROSARIO BARDINA

Ok. Guess we're stuck here for the rest of the night. 

Rosario continues to keep trying the engine. Cass takes a moment. Nervous.

CASS MARSHALL

What if I lose control?

ROSARIO BARDINA

You won't. It's just a little water.

Cass takes a deep breath. Magical sounds. Water rushing forth.

INT. WILLARD BARN

Rain pours. Thunder strikes. Mushy footsteps heave through mud. Barn doors open and close.

REVEREND ODESSA

Good grief, I'm soaked! 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You have candles in here?

KIRK WILLARD

I got lanterns.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

That'll do. This is a big barn.

They walk across the floor. The distant sounds of the storm echoes outside. A light but steady drip in the darkness.

REVEREND ODESSA

Yes, and rather dark. Eleanor? Eleanor are you here?

Scratching comes from above.

REVEREND ODESSA

What's that sound?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It's coming from above.

More scratching. Louder now. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

She up on the beams?

KIRK WILLARD

She was when I left. Had to move all my sheep and chickens out! Couldn't be sure she'd have them too.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Have what now?

REVEREND ODESSA

Eleanor's been favouring a raw meat diet of late.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

And you didn't think to report it?

REVEREND ODESSA

I've reported strange things to you before, Detective. You haven't exactly been the most proactive.

Silver is silent. She has a point.

A huge THWACK breaks the quiet. A wooden beam crashes to the floor followed by the thud of a heavy body. Kirk shouts out in fear. We're treated to Eleanor's snarling and hissing. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ah, Mrs Willard. Good of you to join us.

Get her into that chair. 

The sound of two people dragging a third across the floor. A table is scraped across the floor. A chair is placed down. Eleanor snarls. 

REVEREND ODESSA

Don’t fight us, Eleanor. We’re trying to help.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You look... different.

Eleanor hisses in response.

REVEREND ODESSA

Oh dear, she's gotten worse. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Nice hair. Not a fan of the smell though. You've not been quite yourself lately, Eleanor. Can you tell me what happened?

Eleanor's groans and hissing continues.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

In English please. 

ELEANOR WILLARD

(husky/growl)

Away. Get away.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Did the Creature do this to you? Did it make you attack the cattle? 

ELEANOR WILLARD

(husky/gravelly)

Hungry.

KIRK WILLARD

Leave her be! She's not herself. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Someone saw you --

ELEANOR WILLARD

(husky/gravelly)

No.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You killed the cattle --

ELEANOR WILLARD

(husky/gravelly)

No!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

and drank their blood. 

A table is slammed over. A gust of wind hits out ears. Two fists crash down on the table.

REVEREND ODESSA

It's a bad sign that she's airborne.

KIRK WILLARD

What've you done, Vampire! What have you done to my Eleanor!?

A strange gravelly rasp akin to years of decay rises up from within Eleanor.

ELEANOR WILLARD/THE NARRATOR

(vocal effect)

Silver.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Finally. It speaks. 

ELEANOR WILLARD/THE NARRATOR

(vocal effect)

Come to the forest.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why?

ELEANOR WILLARD/THE NARRATOR

(vocal effect)

I demand an audience.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You're not going to get one. Leave Darkstead alone. Retreat into the forest.

A evil chuckle from Eleanor.

ELEANOR WILLARD/THE NARRATOR

(vocal effect)

If you do not enter the forest by tomorrow at midnight, Darkstead will be faced with more than just bones. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You have nothing.

ELEANOR WILLARD/THE NARRATOR

(vocal effect)

Consider my request, Silver. I may even spare your human, but know I make no guarantees. I see him now and he smells... delicious.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What?

A wind ceases. A crash as Eleanor falls to the floor.

INT. POLICE STATION - DISPATCH LINE

Radio music plays. Electric lines buzz. A typewriter clicks away. Office noise reverberates. A loud beep is compressed.

BERNICE

Dispatch. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(distorted)

Bernice, is Ray there?

BERNICE

Course not, honey. He clocked off hours ago.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(distorted)

Did he say where he was going?

BERNICE

Home. I got a call from Cass looking for him.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Jeez, where'd he go?

REVEREND ODESSA

(distorted/on the same line)

Actually, he came to see me. 

BERNICE

What's the Reverend doing on the line?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(distorted)

I'm with her up at the Willard farm. We've had an unusual interview with Mrs Willard. Kirk's taken her to hospital. 

BERNICE

Woman can't catch a break. Speaking of, I need to take one. All I've had is reports of more bones. No word from Ray.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(distorted)

Call me if Ray shows. 

BERNICE

Sure thing. 

INT. FARMHOUSE BARN

Interior noise. The distortion dies. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I've got a bad feeling about this.

REVEREND ODESSA

Me too, Detective. When I spoke to Ray, he was interested in tracking Dillon down I have a strong suspicion that he’s followed him to the perimeter…

EXT. PERIMETER FENCE

Sinister music. The fence starts to rattle. Wooden boards are pulled away. The wind fades into the background. Rain drops slow down.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

This fence sure is unstable. Not that I'm complaining. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I don't feel so good. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Oh you won't. We're nice and close now. It's only a matter of time until It arrives. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What's happening... everything's... dizzy.

Ray's voice feels far away.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

All part of the experience. But don't worry, it'll be all over soon. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

No, no! Get away from me.

We hear two bodies wrestle against each other. One of them staggers and falls. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

There's no use fighting. The Creature's power is immense. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Then why are you, OK?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

That's different. We have a special relationship... And look, Ray! Look who's joined us! 

Ray lets out a gasp of pure fear.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(hypnotic)

Why are It's eyes like that? 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

It's old. The Creature's seen a lot. Come now. Let's get you closer. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Heck... no...

Voices reach through the forest.

CASS MARSHALL

(distant vox effect)

Ray!

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Cass?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Keep going. Little closer. 

The fence creaks in anticipation. The Creature's theme gets louder. Cass and Rosario's voices become nearer. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Ray! Can you hear us?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Ros...Rosario?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

I'll move this panel out of the way.

The creak of wood. Deep breathing. Musical theme echos through the forest. Then from the distance, Silver lets out a primal yell. His fast steps, no longer leisurely...

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What are you doing, Dillon?

DILLON THE FARMHAND

Huh?

A rip of fabric. The sounds of panels slammed shut. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Let go of him.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

No! No... It's....

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Watch out!

A claw scratches the ground. We hear a body being dragged across the ground. Kicking out. Cass and Rosario come running.

ROSARIO BARDINA

There they are. Silver's holding Ray. 

CASS MARSHALL

Oh my god. Who's that with them?

Cass and Rosario approach quickly. Dillon yells in fright.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Be careful. He's heavy. The wood panel knocked Ray out cold. I've got to get to Dillon before It drags him over.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Look out!

Dillon shrieks in pain. 

DILLON THE FARMHAND

My leg. It's got my leg.

A rip of bodily parts. Dillon screams. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Take my hand.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

No!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I said take my hand.

DILLON THE FARMHAND

No. Never.

The sound of a body being dragged over leaves. A final scream from Dillon then silence. The panel slots back into place with a thud. 

INT. RAY & CASS MARSHALL'S HOUSE

Windchimes. A kettle boils. Cass shuffles her cards. A snore from Ray. A gentle tread puts a coffee cup down.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Ray's gonna be ok.

CASS MARSHALL

God, I hope so. Not sure if he'll ever forgive me. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

He will. Eventually. 

Shuffling from the deck.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Pretty nasty what happened to Dillon.

CASS MARSHALL

Yeah. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Some might say he got what he deserved.

CASS MARSHALL

But --

ROSARIO BARDINA

But I'm not one of those people. It's crazy to me that he could've saved himself by taking Silver's hand but he didn't. 

CASS MARSHALL

Maybe he was scared.

Cass breathes. Reliving a painful memory. The crisp flip of a card is placed on the table. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Can’t be afraid forever.

Rosario finishes the last of her coffee. Gets up and deposits it in the sink.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Better get going. It's way too early and I need to get back to the diner before the first customers turn up. 

CASS MARSHALL

Sure. Thanks... for everything.

ROSARIO BARDINA

It was cool to hang out tonight. Witness you practice magic again. It's like having the old Cass back. See you around.

We hear Rosario get up to leave. A pause. Cass stops shuffling the deck. The time to be honest is now.

CASS MARSHALL

(to herself)

Like the old Cass...

EXT. RAY & CASS MARSHALL'S HOUSE

The weather is calm. Only the distant sounds of nature and a breeze can be heard. We hear a car start up. It begins to pull away. Gravel crunches underfoot. Then running. A banging of a fist on metal. The engine dies.

ROSARIO BARDINA

What are you doing! I almost ran you over.

CASS MARSHALL

I have to tell you something.

Rosario gets out of the car.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Must be serious.

Cass braces herself.

CASS MARSHALL

I... it's my fault.

ROSARIO BARDINA

It really isn't. Dillon was crazy. 

CASS MARSHALL(talking over her)

Stop stop….

I'm not talking about Dillon, I’m talking about your parents. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

What? 

CASS MARSHALL

The night they died. I... I saw it. I was there. 

Rosario is completely blindsided. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

What are you saying?

CASS MARSHALL

The night it happened, I was walking home along the path by the fence and I heard noises. Instead of turning away, I decided to get closer. It was your Mom and Dad. They were fighting.

A pause. 

CASS MARSHALL

You remember how you said your Mom was acting strange just before she disappeared. It was because the Creature was controlling her.

ROSARIO BARDINA

(complete denial)

No, no way.

CASS MARSHALL

I'm sorry but it's true. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

How could you possibly know?

Cass braces herself for the worst part.

CASS MARSHALL

Because I saw it in her face. Saw her backing nearer to the edge... so close the Creature... and I

The breeze picks up. A distant clap of thunder.

CASS MARSHALL

I was trying to help.

ROSARIO BARDINA

How?

CASS MARSHALL

I cast a spell on her. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

You did what?

CASS MARSHALL

It went wrong. Instead of calming down, she ran at the fence. Your Dad tried to stop her but he was pulled over too... trying to get her back.

A pause. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Like Dillon.

Cass's voice is barely audible.

CASS MARSHALL

It wasn't like that. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

And then what? What did you do to "help" next. You know, other than push my parents into the jaws of the thing that's terrorised our town for years.

CASS MARSHALL

I froze. And then I ran. I couldn't live with the shame so I left.

Rosario goes silent. Her anger palpable. We hear her walk back to the car. Then stop. She returns to Cass. Punches the bonnet with her fists. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

I can't believe you didn't tell me. All these years you've lied. Hidden away. Left me to deal with that night on my own when you had the answers. 

CASS MARSHALL

I'm a terrible person. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

All the times I had you in my diner. Listened to you. Consoled you. Confided in you. All this time, you've been laughing at me. Stupid Rosario.

CASS MARSHALL

No, no! I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry. I'm going to make this up to you. Put things right.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Stay away from me.

Rosario stomps towards the car. The door slams shut. The engine revs. We hear a sobbing Cass jump out of the way as Rosario speeds off into the early morning light. 

INT. NARRATOR'S FINAL WORD

A clock ticks loudly. A rocking chair creaks. We hear a person tending a fire.

NARRATOR

A sombre end, don't you think. Poor Rosario. I can't imagine how upset she must be to experience a betrayal like that. 

A teacup is placed on a saucer.

NARRATOR

It's been a privilege to share this story with you, dear listener. I hope you will do me the honour of coming back one last time... 

END OF EPISODE 7