8. Who's Afraid of Nathaniel Silver

Ray and Silver review Dana’s murder, Silver makes a decision about his future and the bones become a bigger problem than anyone ever anticipated. 

Written & Directed by Lucy Gibb-Smith

Starring:

Shondar McKinney as The Narrator & Unicorn Sue

Marc Rico Ludwig as Detective Nathaniel Silver 

Gianni Sallese as Officer Ray Marshall 

Keisha Wong as Bernice, Ida the Farmhand & Percival the Organist

Jackie Jorgenson as Cass Marshall 

Bradford Loomis as Sheriff Ike

Micah Heemstra as Johan the Farmhand

Clarice Lafayette as Mayor Agnes Harker

Christopher Van as Ang the Werewolf

Elena Lamanna, Arin Klein and Robert Smith as the Townsfolk/Angry mob 

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. NARRATOR'S WELCOME

A gust slams a window shut. Floorboards creak. 

NARRATOR

Welcome back. How are you faring? Better than our friends in Darkstead I hope. 

A match is struck and the fire ignites with a roar.

NARRATOR

You'll remember the horrors from our last visit. Dillon was responsible for the killings and met a nasty end at the hands of... the Creature. 

A gentle tapping from the window.

NARRATOR

Silver interviewed a possessed Eleanor Willard who had an interesting message; and Cass came clean about what really happened the night Rosario's parents died. 

A teacup is placed back down. 

NARRATOR

At least the townsfolk now know that Dillon was behind the disappearances. Maybe they can turn over a new leaf and start trusting in Silver... right? 

INT. POLICE STATION - STOREROOM - MORNING

A small enclosed space. We clear the clink of bones being moved around. Bernice's gasp of exertion. A heavy tread approaches.

SHERIFF IKE

Bernice, what are you still doing in the basement? Dispatch line's been ringing off the hook. I've had to answer calls myself!

BERNICE

I'm not exactly partying down here.

SHERIFF IKE

What's with all the bags? 

BERNICE

Last night's haul. Twenty piles of bones.

SHERIFF IKE

No foolin!

A bag is dragged across the floor.

BERNICE

Mayor wants us to start using lye.

SHERIFF IKE

Destroying them won't stop the flow.

BERNICE

That's what I said.

SHERIFF IKE

They been here long enough. Don't know why she can't let things lie.

Ang's howl interrupts them.

SHERIFF IKE

That werewolf sure makes a racket.

BERNICE

Ang's hungry. I'll go feed him.

SHERIFF IKE

Don't take too long. I need you back on dispatch. We don't want to keep townsfolk waiting . They're riled up enough.

BERNICE

I'm surprised we haven't got a line out the door. Dillon gone. Eleanor in hospital. Ray on bedrest.

SHERIFF IKE

Yeah, it ain't looking too good. 

The clonk of bones.

BERNICE

We got this under control. Crimes solved. Perps dead or under arrest. I think this is as much action as we're gonna see for a while.

SHERIFF IKE

I hope you're right. 

INT. RAY & CASS MARSHALL'S HOUSE - MORNING

Windchimes. The sound of a plates being washed in the kitchen sink. 

CASS MARSHALL

Ray, why are you dressed for work!?

Ray's familiar tread walks across the room. Cutlery clinks together.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I can't stay inside doing nothing. Not after what I saw last night.

CASS MARSHALL

But the doctor said --

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The doctor can't do anything. I've got work to do.

CASS MARSHALL

You're exhausted. There's a chance the effects from the Creature --

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Have worn off. I feel fine. What about Ash? Are they Ash alright? 

CASS MARSHALL

Ash is fine. Just a bump on the head. Look Ray, you need to rest.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I don't. I need to get out of here.  

The clash of cutlery. 

CASS MARSHALL

You don't want to be here. I get it. I'm sorry I lied. I'm sorry we're stuck here. If I could go back in time --

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Have you seen my work notebooks? 

Noises as Ray moves around the room, grabbing his stuff for the day.

CASS MARSHALL

What? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Help me look. All my interviews notes are in them. 

CASS MARSHALL

Listen. Sit. Rest. I'll make a double waffle bacon breakfast. Your favourite.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I swear I left them somewhere. Aha, here they are!

A shuffle of papers. 

CASS MARSHALL

I can't stand you being mad. Please forgive me. 

Ray stops and finally focuses in on what Cass is saying.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I do.

CASS MARSHALL

You do?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I understand why you came back. As for being stuck here, I wish you'd been honest from the start. I went up to the fence because I was tired of being kept out of things. Being lied to.

CASS MARSHALL

I won't lie again. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But you wanted to put things right with Rosario and you told her the truth. That's what's important.

CASS MARSHALL

You heard? I thought you were out cold last night.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Your voice carries. And Rosario's. 

A pause. As a spoon clinks against a tea cup.

CASS MARSHALL

She was so mad. She hates me.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Give it time. Her feelings might change.

CASS MARSHALL

I don't think they will. Everyone should hate me for what I've done. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I don't.

CASS MARSHALL

Why? 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Because I love you. 

Cass lets this wash over. Ray really is great. 

CASS MARSHALL

I don't deserve you.

Rustle of clothing as they hug. Cass's need to make things right surfaces.

CASS MARSHALL

I'll get us out of Darkstead. I'll find a way.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Even if you don't, at least we're stuck here together. Now. I gotta go. I've got work to do.

A kiss on the cheek. The slam of the door. And Ray's gone.

INT. MAYOR AGNES'S OFFICE - MORNING

The tick of a clock. The tap of Agnes's fingers against the desk. Silver's tread against the soft, squishy carpet. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

I'd be lying if I said this felt like a regular week.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Last night's events sure opened some eyes.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

How did the creature look?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Like it did two hundred years ago.

Agnes takes a moment.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

And you're sure it was the Creature who communicated through Eleanor?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Positive. Couldn't be anything else.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

And It wants to meet you in the forest?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yes, I have to decide if I go in by midnight tonight.

Agnes takes a deep breath. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

What are you going to do?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(mocking)

What's this? You're giving me a choice and not an order?

Agnes is not amused.

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Do not underestimate evil, Nathaniel. This is your future. Your decision.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm surprised. I thought you'd want to call the shots on something as big as this. Giving me an choice... almost feels like you care.

The sound of leather as Agnes leans back in her seat. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

I do care about what happens to you. I don't want to see you walk into that forest out of duty.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Duty! If I don't then the Creature will keep finding ways to get to me and the people I care about. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

And the ones you don't. It influenced Dillon and possessed Eleanor, who knows what else it'll do.

Silver let's out his exasperated exhale.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What does it want? 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

You have until midnight to figure that out. As for the townsfolk, don't worry about them. They won't do anything while I'm in charge.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Now who's underestimating evil. 

MAYOR AGNES HARKER

Whatever you decide, I'll respect your decision. You just have --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

To let you know. Don't worry. I will.

INT. POLICE STATION - KITCHEN

Liquid is poured into a mug. A toaster pings. A pair of footsteps enter at a leisurely pace. Ang's howl reverberates from below ground.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ray. Good to have you back. I was wondering when you'd show.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So you're happy to see me?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'd say I'm OK with you being alive.

An awkward pause. The sound of a teaspoon tapping against a mug.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Thanks for turning up at the right time  last night.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No problem. Although I'm a little surprised you went up to the perimeter by yourself. Given everything you've learnt about this town.

Ray shifts uncomfortably. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I wanted to do something... Because...

Ray gears himself up for a confrontation. He's a tad nervous.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Because... heck! No more Mr Nice Guy.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I've never been nice to you.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Me. I was talking about me. I'm not Mr Nice Guy. It's time to start trusting me, Nathaniel...

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I do.

Ray dives in.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You don't! You lied to me about the parishioners. Hid key evidence in their missing persons cases. Didn't tell me about the Creature. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I hear --

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You're difficult and hard to work with. I'm tired of fighting for respect. I want to be the best cop I can be and that means standing up to you.

The 'you' dies in his throat. A second of silence as Silver reflects. It's tense. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You're right.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I didn't trust you when I should have. I took the advice of a politician when I should have gone with my gut and done the right thing. I'm....

The kitchen is suddenly very quiet. Ray can't fathom what he's hearing.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(like he's never said it before)

Sorry. 

(pause)

You're one of the good guys and its time I realised that. Things are gonna get ugly with Ang's trial coming up. There's no way the case can close without you. So will you... help me?

Ray can't believe his ears.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Really!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Really.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Heck yeah! Oh and since you brought up Ang...

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yes.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The reason I came in today was to review Dana's case. I've looked over my notes again and I'm convinced we've arrested the wrong man. 

Silver lets out an exasperated sigh.

INT. POLICE STATION - OFFICE

Office noises reverberate. Typewriters click. Two bodies lower themselves into chairs. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Hand it over.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

My notebook?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yes, I want to look through your notes.

The flicker of paper as Silver peruses the pages. He's impressed.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Great. You kept to the facts. Let's start back at the beginning. Eleanor met at Dana's place on a Thursday. They catch up, drink tea and part ways at six forty-five pm.  

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Then Eleanor disappears. She returned home to cook dinner but when Kirk comes in, she's gone. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Less than forty eight hours later, Eleanor is found in a weakened state and Dana is found dead in the river. 

They pause to rustle through paperwork. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Over the course of the investigation, we learn that Dana was a blackmailer and "businessperson" who specialised in illegal goods. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

She had a lot of enemies, but we discounted Eleanor as a suspect because of the timeline.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

She was in a bad way at the hospital. Whereas Ang...

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Unicorn Sue's certain Ang was passed out in a bale of hay at the same time Dana was killed. 

We hear one of them lean back in a chair. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Sue's a criminal. Her giving Ang an alibi isn't worth much. He was desperate for money, disliked Dana and sold her stolen belongings to locals. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But why would Sue lie?

Items are moved around Silver's desk.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

She might be hiding something. Covering her own tracks. Remember how we found unicorn hair at the Willards' farmhouse? She never told us how it got there and she's the only unicorn around for miles. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

OK, let's put a pin in the alibi Sue gave us. Let's talk motive. If Ang murdered Dana out of greed, he's had plenty of opportunity over the years. Why now?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why not? He was desperate. In financial decline. Got the witness statements right here.

A rip of paper as it's snatched from Silver's hand. He reads. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Witnesses like Gnome Tony? Who also happens to be a criminal!

Silver changes tack.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Then there's the physical evidence: Ang's tooth.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That you thought was a claw.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It matched the one we found outside the scene. 

Ray's getting desperate. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The one we found could have been lost at any time. Ang was so out of it when we interviewed him, he couldn't even keep track of time. Humour me. Who else wanted Dana dead?

Silver thinks. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Most of the townsfolk.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I think we're forgetting someone else. 

A pause.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Who?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The person who broke into your car. Remember the plastic green lid? Even after Ang was arrested and we had his place searched, it never showed up. Remember how you thought it all connected.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Maybe I was wrong. I'm having trouble reasoning why anyone would break into my car for an old bit of plastic.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That's what I'm saying. The real murderer would! The lid IS important somehow. So important that the real killer broke into your car to steal it back. It's so distinctive. I wish I could remember where I saw  --

SMASH. A window breaks and halts conversation.

INT. POLICE STATION - HALLWAY

Two bodies run. Their gasps echo down the hallway. The sound of a gun loading. The clatter of a shutter being forced open and closed. Muted yells from outside.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What the heck is going on!?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

The angry villagers. Looks like they brought torches.

A distant chant is heard through the walls

ANGRY MOB (O.S)

(chant)

Bloodsucker. Give us the Bloodsucker. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

They're not here to lodge an official complaint then.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Why would they do this? Dillon was caught. Ang is in custody. Eleanor is at the hospital.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Rosario did say that Kirk was rounding up a few locals. Maybe this is his work.

Bernice takes off the latch.

BERNICE

We need some authority. I'm gonna call Agnes.

Wheezing. An asthma inhaler expunges. A heavy tread joins our party. 

SHERIFF IKE

No, we're not. I'm the Sheriff in this town and I'll be the one to talk to them. Bernice, you keep the door closed and Silver --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm coming with you.

SHERIFF IKE

You're staying here. Folk not thinking clearly. Capable of anything so don't put youself in danger. Let me do the talkin'. 

INT. POLICE STATION - OFFICE

Silver and Ray jog in. The sound of drawers open and close. A gun is loaded up. The familiar click of a barrel. Silver marches across the room.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Put the gun back. Sheriff said to stay inside.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ike says a lot of things. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But you can't go out there. They'll kill you.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

So? They've been wanting to do it for years. Might as well give them a show. 

Silver starts to walk off. Ray calls after him.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You can't walk out of here. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Give me one good reason why not.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Because... because...

Ray searches wildly for an answer. Finds it.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You never told me what happened to you.

Silver stops. Doubles back. Surprised. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why do you want to know that?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It's important to me. I want to hear your side of things. In your words. 

A moment passes. A chair is pulled up. Silver sits. Defences down. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It's been a long time since someone listened to me without judging who I am. 

Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for. Silver unravels. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Two hundred years ago I was the Sheriff here in the newly discovered township of Darkstead.

Muted sounds of days long past. A church bell. Wooden cart wheels roll down the street. Muted baby cries. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I had moved to Darkstead with my family.It was a happy time. The sun shone. Green fields reached out in all directions. Folk could come and go as they pleased with no worries.

Cheerful laughs and chatter permeate the air. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

But then strange things started to happen. Folk started going missing, animals died and sure enough, word spread. Less people began to visit...

A distant sound of thunder.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Then one day, Darkstead woke up to low light. Where before sunbeams broke the forest canopy, now there were only shadows. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

A good question. The entire time we were focused on what was in front of us. Not on what was above. The trees had leaned in, blocking out all natural light. It was at that point, I realised someone or something evil was lurking in the forest.

The tick of a clock.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

One afternoon, a woman came running into the station. Her daughter had been snatched and dragged into the forest.

The tick of the clock begins to slow.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

So I went in. And sure enough I found  the Creature. The same one you saw last night. It was waiting for me. The girl was with it. Alive.

Ray lets out a gasp. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You get a sense of the forest when you enter. It's evil from root to tip. The Creature was hungry. I bargained for the little girl. Me in exchange for her.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

And... then you escaped?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

The little girl did. 

Ray realises what Silver is saying.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You didn't... you weren't... Silver? When you entered the forest... were you human?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I was. After the attack, I survived somehow and became... this. When I returned, no-one wanted to know me. My friends, family, the townsfolk. No-one trusted me anymore. I was dangerous.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But what about the little girl? She must of told everyone what a hero you were.

Silver lets out a bitter laugh.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

How? The experience traumatized her. She never spoke again. Her family blamed me. They still do. You've met them enough times...

Ray takes a moment. Puts it together

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Not... she wasn't a relative of... Kirk Willard?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

She's his great, great, great-something grandmother. And as you've heard, he's not my biggest fan. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No matter what happened to me in there, I'm no monster --

A SMASH of a window breaking. The thud of a brick as it hits the floor. A screech from outside.

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

He's in there! I can see him.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Looks like I'll have to run after all. Because if I don't, the townsfolk really will kill me.

EXT. STREET - EVENING

Street noises. We hear Silver breathing deeply. Crickets compete for attention. Loud and aggressive. A hoard of footsteps charge. Silver runs for his life.

A familiar clip clopping of hooves. Nearer and nearer until it feels like they're on top of us. 

UNICORN SUE

Enjoying your run? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm a little busy here, Sue.

UNICORN SUE

Talk later when we're flying. Get on.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why would you help me?

UNICORN SUE

Cos I'm a sucker for a charity case. 

The angry villagers get closer. Large wings start to flap. 

UNICORN SUE

You gonna jump on or not?

Screams of rage followed by a series of muted gunshots. 

JOHAN THE FARMHAND

He's on that goddamn smoking unicorn!

The sound of flapping gets louder. Three seconds pass.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(nervous)

Wow, it is high up here. 

UNICORN SUE

The only way to fly. 

A high pitched whistling that only comes with sound of high altitude, roars in our ears.

UNICORN SUE

Nice up here, huh? Big old floofy clouds. I never get tired of it. 

No response.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(in awe)

Wow

UNICORN SUE

I'll land soon.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

No! No... I... let's not rush.

UNICORN SUE

If you say so. 

INT. POLICE STATION - EVENING

Sweeping of glass. The buzz of office activity has resumed as the team reel from recent events. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I hope Sue and Silver are alright.

A wheezing Sheriff takes a pull on his inhaler.

SHERIFF IKE

They will be. 

(pause)

Bernice close the blinds.

BERNICE

Why can't you do it?

SHERIFF IKE

You're closer.

The clatter of blinds falls shut.

BERNICE

My, my. Looks like its gonna be another full moon tonight. 

Bernice is cut off by a howl from Ang.

SHERIFF IKE

Ray, go down there and check on our prisoner.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.

The Sheriff sighs.

SHERIFF IKE

You'd better come into my office then. Bernice?

BERNICE

Yeah, yeah. Leave Ang to me. 

INT. POLICE STATION - SHERIFF'S OFFICE - EVENING

A door opens and close. The Sheriff huffs and puffs. Ray takes a seat.

SHERIFF IKE

So other than a town uprising and losing my best detective, what can I do for you?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What will happen to Ang if he's found guilty?

SHERIFF IKE

For murder? Cast out into the forest.

Ray digests this.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Do you remember the plastic lid that was stolen?

Ike takes another pull on his inhaler. Wheezing. 

SHERIFF IKE

Are you still on that? Listen boy, Silver may be gone. But I'm still the one in charge. We got our murderer. Leave it be. 

A plastic object is placed on the table. A loud compressed hiss escapes from the asthma inhaler. The Sheriff wheezes.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sheriff --

SHERIFF IKE

No, I'm tired of this. Silver's judgement was right from the start. You're still learning. You don't --

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Can I see your inhaler?

This throws Ike off.

SHERIFF IKE

What did you jus' say

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The one in front of us. Right there. 

Ray grabs the inhaler off the table. Examines it. Becomes nervous.

SHERIFF IKE

You alright?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Um yeah. I need... I need step out. Got to use the bathroom

INT. POLICE STATION - LOCK UP

Ang howls. Clanging of jail bars. Sounds of food being prepared.

ANG THE WEREWOLF

Let me ouuuuutttt.

BERNICE

Quiet down. Quieten down now!

Ang snarls. The doggy bowl clashes to the floor. The jingle of jail keys.

ANG THE WEREWOLF

Listen lady, I'm innocent. Ask the Unicorn. She'll tell you.

BERNICE

Don't you take that tone with me. I'm the one feeding you, remember!

Transformation sounds. Three seconds pass. Ang barks. Ray's footsteps rush into the room. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(lowers voice)

Bernice. Something weird is happening.

BERNICE

I'll say. I just witnessed a grown man transform into a werewolf.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

No, no. Look at this.

BERNICE

Hmm. Looks like Ike's inhaler. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But look at the lid.

BERNICE

Odd shape. Nasty shade of green. Dirty. So?

Ray steals himself for the magnitude of his reply.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

This is the lid from Dana's crime scene. The one that was stolen from Silver's car. 

BERNICE

You found it again? Good job.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I didn't. I think Ike. I think he's...

BERNICE

Yeah?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(whispers)

He has something to do with Dana's murder.

A snort of derision from Bernice.

BERNICE

No way. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

He's the only person who knew we had that evidence. He's been acting weird for weeks. 

BERNICE

Ike's been sick. Illness weakens a person. His judgement's been off.

Ray contemplates.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Have you noticed anything different about him lately?

BERNICE

Not much. I mean he's lost about fifty pounds. Eats way too much raw steak and locks himself in his office on full moons. But other than that, I've not noticed any big changes. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What?

BERNICE

But accusing him of murder! That's a huge leap from breaking into a car. 

Ray phrases his next question carefully. Wondering how best to break it to Bernice.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Have you thought that... maybe... he might be a werewolf?

BERNICE

Excuse me.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The symptoms you're describing sound like he's a werewolf. It would explain his behaviour. There's been an influx of full moons this month.

BERNICE

No.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But Bernice --

BERNICE

All you have is an old lid and a bunch of circumstantial evidence. Ike is human. You'd have to be crazy to think he was anything else. 

EXT. FIELD - EVENING

Sounds of nature. A light breeze. Hooves on grass. Sue lets out a light whinney of satisfaction.

UNICORN SUE

Am I crazy or is that another full moon on the horizon?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yep, it's been a strange month. Full moons, bad weather, murder.

UNICORN SUE

You think mercury is in retrograde?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What?

UNICORN SUE

It's a phrase a human said to me once. It's to explain a change in behaviour.

The flicker of pages as Silver reads notes.

UNICORN SUE

Whatcha reading?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ray's notebook. You remember a few weeks ago when we interviewed you about Eleanor's disappearance?

Sue paws the ground. Uneasy.

UNICORN SUE

It's a little fuzzy...

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

You said that you had no bad feelings towards her and hadn't seen her since you'd been released from jail.

UNICORN SUE

You got a lighter on you? Cravings coming on strong. 

Silver continues. Unconcerned. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

And recently, you told Ray that Ang was with you on the night of Dana's murder. Says so right here.

UNICORN SUE

I thought it would be best to be honest.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

So why did you lie?

Silver gets up. Begins to pace.

UNICORN SUE

Don't know what you're talking about.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I think you do. Maybe there's something you want to get off your chest. I read in your file of a testimony that sent you to prison. Was Eleanor responsible? 

UNICORN SUE

Doesn't matter if she did. And like I told you, I had no bad blood. Couldn't care less.

Silver changes tack.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ray's pretty good at taking notes.  Way better than me. Here. This is a statement we took from a farmhand.

Rustling of paper. Sue goes quiet.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

This farmhand saw a 'talking horse' up at the Willard farm the night Eleanor went missing.

UNICORN SUE

I ain't no horse, chum.

Silver continues. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Said that it was surrounded by smoke and looked 'kinda grubby'. 

UNICORN SUE

Grubby! Those barbarians. There's no rule out there that says unicorns have to be white as snow. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

So you were there?

Sue sighs.

UNICORN SUE

Light me a cigarette and I'll tell you all about it. 

INT. POLICE STATION - SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Things are eerily quiet in the Sheriff's office. The door creaks open. Ray enters.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Hello?

SHERIFF IKE

Where you been, boy? Been in that bathroom an age. 

The door softly closes behind him. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Something I ate.

SHERIFF IKE

What's that?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Huh... what! Oh, this.

The inhaler lid. Ray forgot to conceal it.

SHERIFF IKE

(deep suspicion)

Why do you have my inhaler lid?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I must've picked it up by accident. 

SHERIFF IKE

(unconvinced)

Did you.

A deadly pause. Ray's anxiety betrays him. The Sheriff isn't buying it. He's figured it out. We hear him slowly get up from his creaky chair. 

SHERIFF IKE

What's up, Ray? You seem a little jumpy.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh! Nothing.

Ike starts to walk around the desk. Ray's footsteps speed up. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Can you... can you stop following me around the desk.

He doesn't. Ike breathes deeply. Time to come clean.

SHERIFF IKE

You went to see Bernice.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What? No, no. I was in the bathroom.

SHERIFF IKE

You weren't, boy. I heard you.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

You misheard me down there. I'm seeing you as you. A man. A human. A -- 

SHERIFF IKE

All this business with my asthma inhaler. I knew I should have left it alone but it was too big a risk. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So... so... sorry. What are you admitting?

Ike continues. Cool as a cucumber. 

SHERIFF IKE

Drop the act. Breaking into that car was the point of no return...

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Uh-huh.

Ike trails off. Resignation. He becomes reflective.

SHERIFF IKE

Do you know how long I've been sheriff in this town?

Ray doesn't answer.

SHERIFF IKE

Twenty-five years.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That's a long time. 

Furniture shifts aggressively.

SHERIFF IKE

It is! The respect. The life I've built. My family. I can't end up like Silver. No way. I can't lose it all.

Ray desperately tries to buy time. 

 OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

How did Ang's tooth end up at Dana's?

SHERIFF IKE

Werewolves are always losing teeth. Ang lost it in his jail cell your first week. Thought I'd drop it off at Dana's place after I killed her. Two birds. One stone.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So that's why you put a ban on all magical beings from leaving the area.

The footsteps speed up ever so slightly.

SHERIFF IKE

Had to cast the net wide.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But why? Sheriff, how could you do this!

A sob escapes the Sheriff's lips. A pause.

SHERIFF IKE 

Dana threatened to tell everyone what I was if I arrested her for anything. Illegal goods, drugs, it never would have stopped. I couldn't let her ruin this town. Ruin me.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

When did you become a werewolf?

SHERIFF IKE

Happened jus' before you showed up.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

I'm sorry.

SHERIFF IKE

Me too. For what's about to happen.

The click of a lock. The sound of the window shutter blinds going up.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sheriff? Why are you locking the door?

SHERIFF IKE

Believe me. This will hurt me more than it'll hurt you.

A groan from Ike. Sounds of contortion. Chairs tip over. Nails strike across a chalkboard. Another chair tips over. Transformative sounds. Squelching. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Help! Help!

A BANG as the door is wrenched open. Torn from its hinges. Barking. It's Ang. We hear growling. 

ANG THE WEREWOLF

I got a bone to pick, Sheriff.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Ang? Bernice! 

BERNICE

Get out of there. 

We hear Ray scurry out past the sounds of a dog fight.

EXT. FIELD - EVENING

Crickets chirp. A low breeze picks up. The flick of a lighter. Sue lets out an exhale of delight.

UNICORN SUE

Nicotine is the only relief I get these days.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Come now. You forgot lying.

UNICORN SUE

I wouldn’t call that relief

UNICORN SUE

I gave Ang a false alibi because he saw me. Threatened to tell you that I was the last person who saw Eleanor alive. Dana isn't the only one capable of blackmail.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Why did you feel you had to keep the truth to yourself?

Sue lets out an irritated noise.

UNICORN SUE

Because technically I assaulted her. The moment she remembers that, I'm back in jail.  

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Go back to the beginning.

Sue regales us with her tale. 

UNICORN SUE

I returned to Darkstead to settle a score with Eleanor.

Crickets are loud. Gravel grates against our eardrums. Sounds of a muted radio. A knock at the door followed by clopping. The door opens. Eleanor laughs in disgust.

UNICORN SUE

I wanted to get even. She'd just got back to the farmhouse after meeting Dana. I invited myself inside.

A light tread followed by the clip clop of horseshoes. Warm sounds from an interior room.

UNICORN SUE

She owed me money for a previous job. I wanted compensation since I was the one who'd gone to jail. But Eleanor saw things differently.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I wouldn't expect anything less of her.

Sue chuckles.

UNICORN SUE

Yeah, you know that crucifix necklace she wears?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Yes.

UNICORN SUE

Belongs to a past mark. I was meant to get it when the dust settled. Worth ten thousand! But she betrayed me. Wanted all the cash and goods for herself. Turned me in to the police and the rest, as they say, is history.

Silver shuffles.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I take it she had no regrets.

UNICORN SUE

None. It got ugly. There was a... altercation. She refused to give me the necklace so I tore it from her. Gave her a nasty gash on her neck. She gave as good as she got. Grabbed my fabulous mane. Took a chunk out.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

That's how your hair got in the salon. But you didn't take the necklace back. Why?

Sue broods. 

UNICORN SUE

It was too much of a risk after she ran out. I'd already attacked. Knowing her, she'd have had me arrested for assault AND theft. 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm surprised you care.

UNICORN SUE

Hey man, I'm trying to turn over a new leaf.

They reflect.

UNICORN SUE

So. Am I gonna be charged?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It's unlikely. Eleanor's not filed a complaint. I could charge you for obstruction of justice, but its not worth my time. I've not got much of it left.

UNICORN SUE

Huh? What do you mean?

INT. POLICE STATION - MAIN OFFICE

The door slams behind them. Two bodies hold it tight. An almighty din is muted. We can hear Ang and Ike's barks, groans and squeals. Carnage reigns in the Sheriff's office. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(straining)

Push. 

BERNICE

I'm holding it. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Sounds like they're too busy fighting each other to worry about escaping.

They sink to the floor. Both breath hard. Bernice lets out a sob. 

BERNICE

I can't believe its true.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What made you change your mind?

BERNICE

I thought more about all the coincidences. All the evidence right in front of us. How he's changed.

A loud bark.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

So you brought Ang?

BERNICE

I didn't want to come up here alone if you were right! He is a werewolf after all. 

A quiet. Four seconds pass. The sounds behind the door have stopped. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

It's quiet.

BERNICE

Too quiet. Open the door.

INT. POLICE STATION - SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The door creaks open. A solemn yet steady drip of liquid welcomes our guests. Two pairs of feet walk over broken glass.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

What a mess. 

BERNICE

Where's Ang? And Ike?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The window's been smashed. They must've escaped through --

BERNICE

Oh my god. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh!

They gasp.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

That can't be the Sheriff.

BERNICE

(near tears)

Well, it's not Ang. He's... he's... 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Oh wow... 

BERNICE

I can't believe it. Ike's dead.

EXT. FIELD - NIGHT

It's eerily quiet. Sue lets out a whistle. Impressed.

UNICORN SUE

So you either face the Creature or stay and deal with the townsfolk.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

As you can see, neither option is ideal.

UNICORN SUE

Holy moley. You know what you're gonna do?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I do now. It's not safe for me to go back into town so I need two things from you.

UNICORN SUE

And they are?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Fly me to the north-east perimeter fence.

UNICORN SUE

Aww man. I hate it there.

Silver continues as if he hasn't heard her.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

And tell Agnes where I'm going.

UNICORN SUE

So I'm a pilot and a messenger. Great.

Buzzing comes through on the walkie talkie.

UNICORN SUE

You got a walkie talkie! How do I know you weren't recording me.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

(dripping sarcasm)

That's a pretty good idea. I hadn't thought of that. 

Silver decompresses the button. Ray comes in.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(distorted)

Nathaniel. Am I glad to hear you. You won't believe what's gone down at the station. Are you OK? Are you nearby? 

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm fine. Just hanging out in the middle of nowhere with a Unicorn convict. 

We hear a distant whinny of irritation.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(distorted)

You won't believe what I have to tell you--

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Ironic. I've got news for you too--

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(distorted)

Ike killed Dana!

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm going back into the forest.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(distorted)

What!?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

What?!

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(distorted)

You're going in? Are you crazy.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I can't believe Ike was the killer. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(distorted)

He did it because Dana knew he was a werewolf. He's dead. 

Silver lets out an exhale with a heavy heart.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

I'm sorry. I liked Ike.

A pause as they dwell on this sad news. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(distorted)

But it doesn't mean you have to leave. We can protect you. The townsfolk will know you're innocent now.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

It won't matter to them. I've never been innocent in their eyes. No, it's time for me to face facts. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(distorted)

Think about this --

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

There's a new Sheriff in town and that's you. Take care of yourself, Ray.

He signs off. Static from walkie talkie.

INT. POLICE STATION - CONTINUOUS

The dead static following Silver's ring off. The office atmosphere edges back in. Typewriters ring. Desk chairs squeak.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Grab the car keys. We're going for a drive.

BERNICE

Already have them. Where to?

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

The perimeter.

EXT. DARKSTEAD PERIMETER - NIGHT

The clopping of hooves. A leisurely tread accompanies them. The gentle rustling of leaves from the forest.

UNICORN SUE

Didn't think we'd ever part here.  

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Remember the message for Agnes. Go directly to her office. Stop for no-one. I'm not sure what's going to happen when I cross over.

UNICORN SUE

You think It will be waiting for you?

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Can't see why not. It's worked this hard to see me. 

UNICORN SUE

Good luck. I hope it doesn't eat you.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Me too. Thanks for the ride.

We hear the giant flapping of wings as Sue takes off. A hushed sound. The forest leaves rustle. It sounds like it whispers 'Silver'. A drone rumbles. The impending sound of doom.

DETECTIVE NATHANIEL SILVER

Guess this is it. I'm going in.

Aggressive rustling of trees as the leaves part with a roar. A strange high pitched noise greets our ears.

Then the distant sound of a car getting closer. Wheels run over muddy ground until they're on top of us. The thrum of a heartbeat. Silver takes a deep breath and walk leisurely into the forest. The last we hear of him is the crunch of leaves underfoot.

Car doors fling open and two sets of feet tumble out. They pound across the earth towards the fence.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(shouting)

Nathaniel! Nathaniel, what the heck are you doing!? 

The creak of branches as they close behind Silver. 

BERNICE

The trees. They're closing behind him!

Loud sounds. A pause. A fist bangs on wood. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Silver! Silver! No. Come back.

Scuffling on dirt. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Enamel grinding together.

BERNICE

Do you hear that?

Scrape. Scrape. Scrape. Bone on bone. Eerie cracking. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Can we pry the wood apart, you think?

Bernice is perturbed. Something's not right. 

BERNICE

Ray. Get away from the fence.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

(out of breath)

But if we... if we... what's that.

A click. A snapping of joints. A gasp from Ray. Dirt is overturned like a shovel overturns soil.

BERNICE

The bones.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Is that... are those...

BERNICE

Back away. Back away slowly. 

The snapping of joints continues. It gets increasingly louder. Suddenly, it stops. The sound of bodies standing to attention. A march.

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

But Bernice, those are... they're...

BERNICE

Skeletons. 

OFFICER RAY MARSHALL

Hundreds of them!

BERNICE

Forget what I said! Start running. 

Two sets of feet run. A steady march follows them. 

INT. NARRATOR'S FINAL WORD

A book slams shut. We're back in the cosy living area we started in.

NARRATOR

Wow, skeletons. A nice touch.

A pause.

NARRATOR

And Silver made his decision. I'm relieved. After all we've been through together, I'm looking forward to meeting him again... 

Eerie music creeps in.

NARRATOR

Oh...I probably should have mentioned this earlier... Just a little thing I "forgot" to mention. You see, this place, this forest and Darkstead... It all belongs to yours truly. 

Rustling from the trees. 

NARRATOR

And I'll do just about anything to make sure Darkstead is returned to me. Even if it means hanging around the perimeter to catch the occasional meal, or better yet drawing out the one person that was keeping the town safe. 

The Narrator chuckles.

NARRATOR

I hope you've enjoyed my take on the inhabitants and their problems. I'm sure you'll agree they aren't worth saving. They don't taste all that good either. But no matter... I wonder what state the town will be in when we next visit? I suppose you'll have to wait until then...

END OF SEASON 1