2. The Plot Thickens

Silver and Ray interview key suspects in Eleanor’s disappearance, Ray gets to grips with his new home and a violent crime shocks the town.

Starring:

Shondar McKinney as The Narrator & Unicorn Sue

Marc Rico Ludwig as Detective Nathaniel Silver

Gianni Sallese as Officer Ray Marshall & Radio Host 1

Keisha Wong as Bernice

Jackie Jorgenson as Cass Marshall, Eleanor Willard & Radio Host 2

Christina Castañeda as Rosario Bardina

Bradford Loomis as Sheriff Ike

Micah Heemstra as Kirk Willard

Aiden Cumming-Teicher as Dr Whitely

Lucy Gibb-Smith as Reverend Odessa

Elena Lamanna, Arin Klein and Robert Smith as the Townsfolk 

Sound effects from freesound.org

Written & Directed by Lucy Gibb-Smith

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 wind whistles. Sounds of branches scratch windows. Rain spatters against glass panes. Creaking, as a body is lowered into a chair. 

NARRATOR

Quite the storm this evening. I wouldn't want to loiter outside on a night like this. Just as well, since things have become rather grim lately.

Deeper in the house, a window slams shut.

NARRATOR

As you'll recall, Detective Nathaniel Silver and Officer Ray Marshall were investigating the odd disappearance of Eleanor Willard. 

Trees rustle aggressively outside the window. 

NARRATOR

The farmhouse was searched, evidence was found and threats against Eleanor were made. It seems like she's gone missing.

The flicker of pages. 

NARRATOR

Her husband, Kirk, has no idea where she is. No, it's not looking too good. But let's keep calm. No reason to get a bee in our bonnet just yet. 

She reflects.

NARRATOR

What we really need to do is ask the right questions like Ray. So let's catch up with him now and return to Darkstead.

INT. CASS & RAY'S HOUSE - MORNING

The gentle tinkle of windchimes. The slush of coffee poured into a cup. Ray's tread lumbers over to his wife, Cass, as she sits shuffling cards. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Here's your coffee. Oh that card looks fun, Cass! What's it mean? 

The flick of a card being turned over.

CASS MARSHALL

It's 'The Fool', my sweet. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why is he upside down?

CASS MARSHALL

Because he's a pessimist today. 

(sigh)

I hope my new customers are feeling more optimistic. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Are you kidding! I bet they can't wait to hear their fortunes.

CASS MARSHALL

I hope so. Cass's Tarot-to-go needs to do better here than in the city. What about you? Ready for day two of the investigation?

We hear Ray place his coffee cup down.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Kinda. Fingers crossed Silver's in a better mood. He's so grumpy. He wants to discuss the case at Rosario's.

Cass abruptly stops shuffling. Anxiety creeps into her voice.

CASS MARSHALL

Rosario's diner? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yep.

CASS MARSHALL

Why there?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why not? Isn't it written in the cards?

CASS MARSHALL

No reason. Rosario's great. I... I thought you were eating here. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm having a double breakfast. I've heard the french toast is legendary. You should join us!

CASS MARSHALL

I would. But... I've got stuff to do. 

Ray finally notices her tone.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You're going to have to see Rosario eventually. Town's not that big. 

CASS MARSHALL

It's been a long time. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So make up for it. Go in. Make an effort.

(pause)

Don't know how I can put any more effort in with Silver.

Cass thinks this over. She relents. Slightly more optimistic. 

CASS MARSHALL

I guess it wouldn't hurt to say hello.

(to Ray)

Go easy on Silver. He's been through a lot. Put up with the townsfolk since forever. In fact... invite him over for dinner.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh that's a great idea. You're so smart --

The sound of a clock striking the hour.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Aw heck. Gotta go. Duty calls. 

We hear Ray peck Cass on the cheek. The door slams behind him.

INT. ROSARIO'S DINER

We're in a busy diner. Cups and saucers clink together. Clattering of cutlery. Sizzling from the 

fryer. Loud chatter and laughter. A thunk of a heavy plate. The trickle of coffee being poured into a cup.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Ray. How's it going?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(belches)

Rosario! Great. Actually, not so great. Eleanor Willard's still missing.

ROSARIO BARDINA

That is... a shame. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Did you know her?

ROSARIO BARDINA

Mrs Willard was a customer. I didn't know her very well. She made sure of that... Can I get you anything else?

Ray peruses the menu. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm full but i'll be back. Got to try those empanadas. I did have one question though...

(peers at menu)

Did you know that you've got dirt souffle and blood pudding on the menu? 

ROSARIO BARDINA

I cater to all diets. It doesn't matter if you're magical or human. Everyone is welcome in my diner. 

A door loudly swings open and shut. Chattering abruptly dips in volume. Rosario becomes authoritative. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Look who it is. Wait a minute, I'll be right back. 

Footsteps cut through the quiet. The pace leisurely. Whispers echo through the room. 

WHISPERS #1

People missing... Mrs Willard... she said

WHISPERS #2

Guilty. Bloodsucker. Unwelcome... forest

Multiple chairs scrape against linoleum. A stampede of feet. Several slams of the door and then quiet. We hear a body being heaved onto squeaky fabric.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Whoa, you cleared the place out! Why'd people leave? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I wasn't what they ordered. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How you've lasted this long as a detective here, I'll never know. Wild.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Isn't it.

Light footsteps return. A heavy thud on the table. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Is that what I think it is?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(in awe)

Blood.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Warmed up. Just how you like it. How're you keeping, Nathaniel? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Still dead. Still solving crime.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Don't worry about the townsfolk. They'll come round eventually. 

Rosario and Silver don't think so. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Hmm, right. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

It's good to see you. Holler if you need anything else.

Her light footsteps fade away. Ray drops the positivity and attempts to act the confidante. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why do the townsfolk hate you?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Because I'm so charismatic. 

Silver clears his throat. All business. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Talking of charisma or lack of it, Kirk's alibi checks out. The farmhands say he was on the farm all day. Kirk also confirms the necklace you found belongs to Eleanor.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh! And I got the report back on the white hair at the scene. No match to Eleanor or Kirk.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No surprises there. Makes our plan for the day easier. We need to follow up on Dana's tip and 

track down Sue.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But what about the threats Reverend Odessa told us about? The ones promising to make Eleanor disappear? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

We'll deal with them later. Interviewing our next suspect is the priority.  

INT. POLICE CAR

Car doors slam shut. The engine roars to life. The

RADIO HOST #1

Morning folks. Hope you're keeping safe out there. Big news on the weather front. We're having a month of full moons!

RADIO HOST #2

That's right. Unusual lunar activity is expected. A reminder to all resident werewolves to stay inside. You'll safe lives!

The hosts sign off with a buzz. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yikes. More full moons. You think Ang will be able to stay out of trouble.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

He won't mind. Three meals a day. Warm cell. If anything, it's too good for him.

A moment of contemplative quiet as Silver drives. Ray attempts to make conversation.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So this Sue we're looking for. Is she a criminal too?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Sure is.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sheesh. This place is crime ridden.

Silver lets out a chuckle.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

She magical?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why do you ask?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

This is our second suspect and they're magical again. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Doesn't mean anything. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And she's a unicorn.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Was the last time I checked.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And unicorns go in the forest?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Nobody goes in the forest. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Funny how we keep coming back to that.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Is it.

The car hits a bump in the road. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You gonna tell me why nobody can go in?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Like I said -- 

The car abruptly screeches to a halt. A car door opens. Ray gasps.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What the heck's happening? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Sue. Over there in that field. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But -- Wait. Wait. Oh heck!

The door slams behind Silver. Sounds of a frantic scrabbling as Ray follows. 

EXT. DARKSTEAD PADDOCK

A clap of thunder in the distance. Wind blows. Leaves crunch. Two bodies jog across grass. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Sue. Didn't expect to see you out so soon.

UNICORN SUE

Doing what? Out to graze or out of jail?

Ray's huffing and puffing gets louder as he catches up.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(gasping for breath)

It's a talking horse!

UNICORN SUE

What did you say to me? A horse! Does this pure white horn come with the average donkey? You see the wings?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sorry. Unicorn.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

He's new here.

UNICORN SUE

You don't say. Just remember you can't spell Unicorn without 'icon'. 

A whinny. Sounds of pawing the ground. Sue turns her attention to more pressing matters. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I was hoping you could help us with something.

UNICORN SUE

I'll talk to you on one condition. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Smoking's bad for you.

UNICORN SUE

So's drinking blood and working for humans. What else you got?

We hear the flick of a lighter. Sue sighs with delight.

UNICORN SUE

Man, it's good to finally smoke a cigarette.

 Hooves: a blessing and a curse, am I right. Tell me, Silver. How's life? Townsfolk still treating you like trash?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No comment.

Sue snorts. Ray can't contain his excitement over this new mythical suspect. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How'd you get here?

UNICORN SUE

Flew in. No way in hell am I trotting through that forest. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You happen to know an Eleanor Willard?

UNICORN SUE

Well, I'll be. 

(thoughtful pause)

Yeah, I know her. We go back. Way back. No-one could run a scam like Eleanor. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What kind?

UNICORN SUE

Fraud. We ran a few bad cheques. She was ambitious. Had bigger plans. We parted ways over creative differences.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Does Eleanor have any reason to be afraid of you?

Sue explodes laughing.

UNICORN SUE

We talking about the same Eleanor? She's not afraid of anyone let alone me.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Well, she's missing and we understand she received threats from an unknown person. 

UNICORN SUE

So? Maybe she scammed someone locally and was kidnapped. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Darkstead's not known for kidnapping and we've had no reports of scams. On paper, Eleanor's 

a model citizen.

UNICORN SUE

She's still a piece of work. What's that?

Plastic bag sounds. Shuffling. 

UNICORN SUE

Looks like white hair. Definitely unicorn. Could be anyone's. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Not many unicorns around and this hair was found in the Willard's farmhouse.

UNICORN SUE

Don't know what to tell ya. Wasn't there.

Silver tries a different tack. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why are you back, Sue? Eleanor owe you money? 

UNICORN SUE

Please. Don't insult me. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Where were you yesterday between six and seven fifteen pm. 

UNICORN SUE

Roaming. I was by the graveyard, then headed on over to a neighbouring farm. Heard they had some hay. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Can anyone confirm this?

UNICORN SUE

It's only my word. You want more? Talk to my lawyer. And for the record, I had no desire to see Eleanor. Dead or alive.

INT. ROSARIO'S DINER - AFTERNOON

We're back in the diner. The echo of plates. The sizzling of the fryer. A low murmur of voices at lunchtime. A soft tread approaches. The familiar rustling of a deck of cards.   

ROSARIO BARDINA

Never thought I'd live to see you walk back into my diner, Cass. 

CASS MARSHALL

Well, here I am.

ROSARIO BARDINA

And you brought your business with you. 

A deck of cards is scooped up. Cass is contrite. 

CASS MARSHALL

Sorry, Rosario. I should have asked. I can read tarot somewhere else if its a problem.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Don't be silly. 

(pause)

It's good to see you.

The ice breaks. 

CASS MARSHALL

It's good to see you too. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

Only been ten years. 

CASS MARSHALL

Ten years and three weeks. 

Rosario places her coffee pot down. Pulls up a chair. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

It would've been nice to hear how you were doing. Although, I'm not sure how since we can't get mail.

CASS MARSHALL

I could have sent a message through Dana.

Cass fiddles with the cutlery. 

CASS MARSHALL

You've done an amazing job with the diner. I didn't recognise it. It was a shack when I left and now...

ROSARIO BARDINA

Thanks. I feel lucky to have such good custom. Why'd you come back? 

Cass takes her time to answer. Something weighing on her mind.

CASS MARSHALL

City wasn't for me. Business wasn't doing well, Ray wanted a change and I was homesick so --

ROSARIO BARDINA

(alarm)

Wait. You risked your lives to come back because you felt homesick? 

CASS MARSHALL

He wanted to come and there's... something I need to do. It was an easy flight on the broom.

Cass takes a swig of her coffee. The cup shakes in her hand as she puts it back on the saucer. 

ROSARIO BARDINA

(disbelief)

You told him not to look down as you passed over the forest, right?

CASS MARSHALL

Of course I did.  

ROSARIO BARDINA

So he knows then?

CASS MARSHALLhopi

I can't tell him what's in there.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Can't or won't? I met Ray this morning and he's oblivious. How's he gonna take living here seriously, if you're not honest with him.

CASS MARSHALL

It's not that simple. 

The chair scrapes back. Rosario picks up her coffee pot.

ROSARIO BARDINA

What do you need to do here? 

CASS MARSHALL

What?

ROSARIO BARDINA

You said you came back to do something. Must be pretty important to risk flying over that forest. 

CASS MARSHALL

It's... complicated. 

A pause.

ROSARIO BARDINA

Well, I hope you figure it out because when Ray finds out he can't leave, he'll see Darkstead in a different light. And I'm betting he won't thank you for it.

EXT. DARKSTEAD TOWN SQUARE - LATE AFTERNOON

The dull thrum of small town life. A car door opens and closes. Two pairs of footsteps emerge. A church bell is heard in the distance. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

 Ah lovely. Reading material.

The rip of paper. Ray reads it steadily.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

"Darkstead Christians for Humans Alliance Needs You! Protect humans. Keep the magical out of town and out of our police force". Yikes. Is this a big alliance?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Hardly. Just a bunch of cranks. 

A rushed pair of footsteps approach.

REVEREND ODESSA

Detectives! 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Reverend. What can I do for you?

REVEREND ODESSA

Any word on Eleanor? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

We're making enquiries. 

A heavy tread joins the fray. Kirk expresses his disgust.

KIRK WILLARD

Don't bother, Reverend. These heathens have no interest in finding my Eleanor.

REVEREND ODESSA

Tch now, Kirk. They seem very dedicated. 

KIRK WILLARD

My father's father's father's father's father knew what that vampire was capable of. He's hiding her!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Fascinating theory, Kirk, but as you can see, we've got work to do. 

Ray seizes his chance to impress the locals. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

We've just interviewed another suspect.

KIRK WILLARD

Unless it's got fangs, you talkin to the wrong sinner. The vampire's been in the forest again. He's taken my wife back to his lair!

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Again? --

Nervous laughter from the Reverend.

REVEREND ODESSA

Come now. As Mayor Agnes says: we must unite in these troubled times.

KIRK WILLARD

We'd do better without that Mayor. She's part of the problem. Tolerating all this magic business. Allowing Them in places like the Sheriff's office. This is what happens when you put a woman in charge. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What about the Reverend? She's in charge of the church. 

KIRK WILLARD

That's different! The Reverend is a ma-- woman of God. Without her. It's us against People. Like. Him.

Silver lets out an exasperated exhale. Kirk staggers off. 

REVEREND ODESSA

Don't worry about Kirk. I'm sure he's missing Eleanor. I am too truth be told.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Really? But didn't it bother you about her past?

REVEREND ODESSA

That was years ago and from what I heard, all a misunderstanding. Redemption is a powerful thing! Yes, Eleanor is a dedicated parishioner. Never missed a service until now...

A rustle from the poster Ray pulled down earlier.

REVEREND ODESSA

Unlike two of my other "devoted" flock. I've not seen them for weeks. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Maybe they're taking some time off.

REVEREND ODESSA

From church?! One doesn't take time off from the Lord. Mind you, Mrs Miggins and Mr Bull are elderly... Good luck on your search for Eleanor and God be with you.

The patter of feet as the Reverend retreats. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You think we should be worried about the Reverend's parishioners?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

She isn't sure they're missing. They're probably turning up and she forgot. The Reverend isn't exactly known for her great memory. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I guess...

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Don't guess. Focus. We have bigger things to worry about.    

INT. POLICE STATION - EVENING

The familiar hum of office noise and shuffling of paperwork. Bernice rolls in on her office chair.

BERNICE

I hope you both had a nice time today because I am swamped.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Updates?

BERNICE

More damage to the perimeter fence. We had to tighten another panel. North-east side. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Jeez, again?

BERNICE

I questioned Dillon but he had an alibi.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Whose Dillon?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

One of the Willard farmhands. Loves to walk too close to the perimeter. Where's Ike, Bernice?

BERNICE

Sheriff's holed up in his office. His asthma's bad today. Said its a reaction to his new diet.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Go on your break. We'll cover dispatch.

BERNICE

Be back in five. 

Bernice wheels off. The sound of papers rustle. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Found a statement issued against Sue's character. Used in a fraud trial and provided by an anonymous witness.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Hand it over. I'll read it. 

Paper is moved across a desk. Pages flick through Silver's fingers. He reads steadily from the statement. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

"Sue's terrifying. She's capable of anything but then all magic folk are.

I recommend locking her up for a long time. It's important the community is kept safe". Yeah, this is Eleanor's work.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Is Eleanor really that nasty?

Silver's anger finally breaks through. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Spite is Eleanor's main characteristic. Her driving force. A person like her poisons a small town. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sounds personal.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Look around, Ray. You think the townsfolk came to the conclusion that I'm evil on their own? 

Ray is unable to answer. His chair squeaks.  

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Because I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, they would rather see a stake through my heart than see me be Sheriff again.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Wait, you were once the Sheriff?

A slam of the door. Ike's laboured breathing interrupts them.

SHERIFF IKE

Boys. What's the status on the Willard case?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No sign of her yet, Sheriff.

SHERIFF IKE

No foolin. I got townsfolk breathing down my neck. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But it's only been a couple of days!

Speedy rolling from a desk chair across the floor. 

BERNICE

(urgent)

I just got word from the hospital. Eleanor Willard's been found. 

Shocked gasps from Silver and Ray. A moment passes. 

SHERIFF IKE

What are you boys waiting for? Get down there. 

INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY

Trolleys are wheeled through doors. Murmur of hospital activity. Sombre music plays from the 

radio. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Hard to see through the glass but Mrs Willard does not look good.

DR WHITLEY

My team worked on her for thirty minutes. I'm amazed she's alive. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What can you tell us, Doctor?

DR WHITLEY

As soon as she got here, Mrs Willard tried to get off the gurney. She was totally out of it. Starved, dangerously dehydrated but strong. Fought my staff. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

She say where she'd been?

DR WHITLEY

Not a word. One of my interns examined her first. They reported something strange.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Go on.

DR WHITLEY

They said that there was a wound on Mrs Willard's neck.

Stunned silence.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What kind?

DR WHITLEY

She had a red mark around her throat. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Rope burn?

DR WHITLEY

Thinner. As if someone yanked an object from her neck with force. Like a necklace.

A gasp from Ray.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Like the one we found.

DR WHITLEY

Could well be. I'm pleased we found her. It's strange how she disappeared. Town isn't that big. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But we looked all over. The only place we didn't go was the forest. 

DR WHITLEY

It's highly unlikely she was in there. Wouldn't have lasted five minutes. 

Silver lets out a 'hmm'. This doesn't feel right. 

DR WHITLEY

Providing you don't cause her any distress, would you like to go in and see her?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Heck yeah. 

INT. HOSPITAL - ELEANOR WILLARD'S ROOM

The steady beep of a heart machine is drowned out by a loud snore from Kirk Willard.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Good to hear Kirk supporting his wife.

We hear walking. Movement around the room. A curtain swooshes to the side.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What are you doing? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Checking Eleanor's pulse. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But Dr Whitley told us --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

The doctor can't tell me what I need to know. Something's not right.

A moment passes. Followed by Eleanor hissing. A rip of fabric.

ELEANOR WILLARD

Bloodsucker!

A crash. The heart machine beeps frantically. Chaotic sounds of furniture toppling over. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Get away from her, Nathaniel!

KIRK WILLARD

(sleepy)

Wha.. wha! Get away from my wife, vampire! 

Sounds of a struggle. A door bangs open. Multiple footsteps rush in. Shrieks and yells.

ORDERLY #1

Sir, please leave. You’re upsetting the patient.

ORDERLY #2

Help me with her!

KIRK WILLARD

Keep away from her. We don't want you, Bloodsucker. Stay away!

EXT. HOSPITAL - BENCH - NIGHT

A body heaves itself down onto a seat. Crickets chirp. Distant sounds of nature at nighttime. Silver and Ray regroup.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

By rights, Eleanor should be dead. She's been in the forest. I sense it.

A pause. Ray tries to lighten the mood. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You know what might cheer you up?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Finding out what happened to Eleanor.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

A good meal. How about you come over for dinner this week? What d'you say?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(disbelieving)

You're inviting me into your home?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Yes.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

The place where you and your wife live?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Correct.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Do you understand what happens when you invite a vampire into your house?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

A good time is had by all?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I can come back. Unannounced. Whenever I want. Without asking. Walk straight in.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

We'd prefer it if you rang the doorbell or knocked but OK.

Silver lets out an exasperated exhale. Static from the walkie talkie.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sorry. Took it with me.  

(louder voice)

This is Ray. Over.

SHERIFF IKE

(distorted)

Boys. We got a problem. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Don't worry, Sheriff. Eleanor's fine. She'll survive.

SHERIFF IKE

(distorted)

Eleanor might be but we got a towns-person who aint. Body washed up on the riverbank. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No.

SHERIFF IKE

(distorted)

'Fraid so. Aint pretty. Victim's not human. Female. Green tinge to the skin. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Dana!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I knew there was more to this case. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why do I get the feeling that there's something you're not telling me.

INT. NARRATOR'S FINAL WORD

A book snaps shut.

NARRATOR

I have a feeling that Ray's on to something. At least Eleanor's returned. But is Silver right? Has she been in the forest? As for Dana, I did not see that coming...

The Narrator reflects. 

NARRATOR

I don't know about you but I need some time to digest all this. Maybe if you join me next week, I'll feel a bit better. Until then, farewell. 

END OF EPISODE 2