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Fic: The Nursery Mystery (3/3)
Title: The Nursery Mystery (3/3)
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
bigtitch
Word Count: lots
Rating: PG 13
Characters/Pairing: Lester/Lyle, OCs
Author notes: Secret Santa forfredbassett, she wanted a ghost story for Xmas. Lester and Lyle decided to oblige. Mega thanks to fififolle for going above and beyond the call of duty with the betaing.
Lester and Lyle spend the Xmas break with one of Lester's old friends in her country house. However, the old secrets the house contains are going to come to light this Xmas.
SC70.
INT. HALL - DAY - DAY6
LESTER runs into the hall and looks around.
LESTER
Katy! Andrew!
LYLE comes in through the front door as ANDREW and then KATY arrive from different doors into the hallway.
ANDREW
What's up?
KATY
James! Have you left something behind?
LYLE
Something's wrong. I know it sounds stupid, but my thumbs are telling me something is wrong.
KATY and ANDREW exchange a puzzled glance.
KATY
What?
LESTER
I know it sounds like we have both lost our minds, but if Jon says his thumbs are prickling trouble is definitely coming.
ANDREW
Okay. But we're fine. As you can see.
LESTER
What about Colin?
KATY goes to the foot of the staircase.
KATY
Colin!
(beat)
Colin!
ANDREW
(shouting)
COLIN!
Now the glance ANDREW and KATY exchange is worried.
CUT TO:
SC71.
INT. COLIN'S BEDROOM - DAY - DAY6
COLIN's bedroom is a typical boy's bedroom. Avengers movie posters on the wall. Action figures and Daleks on the shelves. A crumpled duvet on the bed. COLIN is not in it.
KATY and ANDREW dash in and then stop. They both look around as though that would make their son appear.
ANDREW spots something on the bedside table and picks it up. It's COLIN's iPhone still attached to its charging cable.
ANDREW
No point trying to phone him then.
KATY is looking afraid.
CUT TO:
SC72.
INT. SECOND FLOOR CORRIDOR - DAY - DAY6
LESTER walks down the corridor, carefully not stepping on the robots or the maze. He sticks his head into the rooms.
LESTER
Colin!
There is no answer.
CUT TO:
SC73.
INT. NURSERY - DAY - DAY6
LYLE walks purposefully into the nursery. It's empty, as usual. LYLE opens the shelved cupboard door. It's empty. He opens one door of the other cupboard. As he does so he points a threatening finger into the room.
LYLE
Don't even think about it.
The cupboard is empty. Nothing tries to push LYLE into it.
LYLE stalks out of the room. His face set. This is serious.
CUT TO:
SC74.
INT. HALL - DAY - DAY6
KATY and ANDREW are waiting in the hall as LESTER and LYLE come down the stairs. There's no need to say anything about COLIN, they know he is missing.
ANDREW
What next.
KATY
We search the grounds.
(beat)
Jon. I think you're best qualified to lead this.
LYLE
Okay. Two teams. Lester and Katy. Andrew, you're with me. We'll take the gardens to the back of the house. You two do the front.
LYLE holds up his mobile phone.
LYLE (CONT'D)
We call when we find something.
ANDREW
Sounds simple.
KATY walks up to ANDREW and hugs him. He hugs her back.
KATY
I can't help thinking that this has happened before in this house.
ANDREW
No. No it hasn't. Because we're going to find our son. Remember that. We're going to find him.
CUT TO:
SC75.
EXT. COURTYARD - DAY - DAY6
ANDREW and LYLE quickly walk across the courtyard towards the gate.
ANDREW
Can I ask you something?
LYLE
Sure.
ANDREW
Why pick me and not LESTER or KATY?
LYLE
Because I think I know where to look. And I think we might find him.
ANDREW
The summer house.
LYLE nods, sombrely.
ANDREW
Best get on with it.
CUT TO:
SC76.
EXT. GROUNDS - DAY - DAY6
LYLE and ANDERW walk across the grass. LYLE keeps his eyes on the ground - looking for tracks.
ANDREW
COLIN! COLIN!
LYLE stops and bends down. He touches the grass.
LYLE
Someone was here recently. They're heading to the summer house.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW approach the summer house mound. LYLE is still keeping on eye on the ground. He spots something.
LYLE
There!
They walk up to it. It's the drone controller.
LYLE
It's got to be the summer house. There's nowhere else.
They walk up to the summer house door.
CUT TO:
SC77.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW force themselves into the summer house. They clamber over roots and brambles. ANDREW looks up and sees the drone hanging from one of the tree branches.
ANDREW
(pointing)
Look!
LYLE
Yeah.
LYLE moves forward to the base of the tree. He sees the hole in the floor.
LYLE
Here.
ANDREW comes over and LYLE shines his iPhone light into the hole.
CUT TO:
INT. ICE HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
COLIN is lying on the floor. He has bruises and grazes on his face and hands. His clothes are dirtied and a little torn. His left leg is bent at a bad angle. It's clearly broken. His eyes are shut, but his chest moves. He is breathing.
CUT TO:
SC78.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW
INTERCUT with
INT. ICE HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
COLIN
ANDREW
Colin! Colin! Are you all right?
COLIN stirs and opens his eyes.
COLIN
Dad? Dad? I fell. My leg hurts.
ANDREW
That's OK. Don't try to move. We'll come and get you.
COLIN
(trying to be brave)
Okay.
CUT TO:
SC79.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE bends down and checks the edges of the hole. Then he stands up.
LYLE
Right. I'll go down and look after Colin while you get the ambulance. Lester has a head torch with him ...
ANDREW
No! He's my son. I should be the one down there with him.
LYLE puts a comforting hand on ANDREW's arm.
LYLE
(sympathetic but in command)
I know. I know! But I'm the one with first aid experience and you're the one who can guide the ambulance here the quickest.
ANDREW looks like he's going to rebel, but then he accepts the sense of it.
ANDREW
Okay.
ANDREW kneels down at the hole.
ANDREW
(to COLIN)
Colin! Jon is coming down to look after you while I get the ambulance. Okay?
COLIN (O.S.)
Okay, Dad. I'll be fine.
ANDREW
(proud)
You're being very brave.
LYLE kneels at the hole.
LYLE
Close your eyes, Colin. I'll be bringing dirt and dust down with me.
LYLE puts his hands on either side of the hole and lowers himself into it until only his hands remain. Then he lets go and disappears.
LYLE (O.S.)
Okay. We're good.
ANDREW
See you soon!
ANDREW stands up and leaves the summerhouse putting his phone to his ear as he does so.
CUT TO:
SC80.
INT. ICE HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE lands beside COLIN and kneels down. He shines his torch around the area. It's a circular building, a brick dome made with old-fashioned, thin, dark bricks. There's a pile of something at the far side. The door is a little further round the wall from COLIN. Roots from the tree above them hang down like organic stalactites.
LYLE starts a quick assessment of COLIN's injuries.
LYLE
Don't move, but tell me if any of this hurts.
LYLE starts gently gripping or pressing COLIN's limbs and body.
COLIN
It's all okay. It's just my leg and my wrist where I landed.
LYLE's assessment reaches COLIN's left leg.
LYLE
No need to check that one. We'll leave that to the ambulance.
LYLE shines his light in COLIN's face and moves his finger from side to side in front of his eyes.
LYLE
Were you unconscious after you landed.
COLIN
I don't know. Maybe a bit.
COLIN tries to sit up, but LYLE puts a hand on his chest.
LYLE
You stay still there. Just because it doesn't hurt, doesn't mean you haven't broken it. But you look okay to me.
LYLE takes his coat off and covers COLIN with it.
COLIN
Are they going to be able to get me out? Can they get a stretcher through the hole?
LYLE
There's a door over there, so we'll try that first. But worst case scenario we'll call out South East Cave Rescue. Your Uncle James has their number in his phone. And, yes, we can get a stretcher through that hole if we need to.
COLIN
Oh.
(brightening)
Really?
LYLE
Don't build your hopes up. All they have to do is give your mum a crowbar and a sledgehammer and that door is going to be firewood!
COLIN giggles.
There's the sound of voices outside.
CUT TO:
SC81.
EXT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
ANDREW, KATY and LESTER run up to the summer house. ANDREW and LESTER are carrying crowbars. KATY has the head torch. She goes into the summerhouse. ANDREW and LESTER go round the side of the mound.
CUT TO:
SC82.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
KATY
INTERCUT with
INT. ICEHOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE, COLIN
KATY kneels by the hole and peers in.
KATY
Colin!
COLIN
Mum! I'm sorry. I fell.
KATY
Don't be silly. I'm just glad you're alive.
(beat)
Jon! I've got the torch!
KATY drops the torch through the hole.
LYLE catches it. Switches it on and puts it on his head.
LYLE
That's better! Thanks!
KATY
The ambulance is on its way! Andrew and James are going to try and get the door open.
There is the sound of hammering at the door.
COLIN
Are you going to have a go at the door, Mum?
KATY
(puzzled)
No.
LYLE
(whispering)
Probably just as well. Lives could be lost.
COLIN giggles.
CUT TO:
SC83.
EXT. ICE HOUSE DOOR - DAY - DAY6
The ice house door is covered with ivy. ANDREW and LESTER pull it back. The door beneath is a bit rotten but still solid. The rusting hasp is fastened with a big brass padlock.
LESTER raises the crowbar to hack at it. ANDREW puts his hand on his arm to stop him.
ANDREW
Excuse me, but this is my house.
ANDREW takes the crowbar from LESTER's hands and gives a mighty heave at the padlock. A couple of blows later the padlock gives up and falls to the ground.
ANDREW and LESTER put their shoulders to the door and push hard. It takes a lot of effort, but they start to push it open.
CUT TO:
SC84.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
KATY is kneeling by the hole in the floor in the summer house. We hear the sound of a distant siren.
KATY
That's the ambulance. I'll go an direct them. They're quick!
She stands up and hurries out of the summer house.
CUT TO:
EXT. ICE HOUSE DOOR - DAY DAY6
ANDREW, LESTER and LYLE are standing outside the ice house door. KATY comes through the door, followed by two paramedics and COLIN on a wheeled stretcher.
While the PARAMEDICS tidy away the kit they have used. KATY stands beside COLIN and holds his hand.
COLIN
It's all right Mum. I wasn't frightened. There was a boy with me and he said help was coming.
KATY looks surprised and worried.
One of the PARAMEDICS sees her worried face and misinterprets the cause.
PARAMEDIC
It's okay. He's on gas and air for the pain. It takes some people that way.
(Mouthing)
High as a kite.
The PARAMEDICS finish packing up and take hold of the stretcher.
PARAMEDIC
Right young man. Let's get you to hospital.
(To KATY)
Is Mum coming in the ambulance and Dad following in the car?
(To ANDREW)
We're going to the Royal Surrey County. Just off the A3. Follow the signs to A&E.
They start to move off.
LYLE grabs ANDREW's arm.
LYLE
You might want to let Lester follow the ambulance.
ANDREW
(Annoyed)
Why?
CUT TO:
INT. ICEHOUSE - DAY - DAY6
The icehouse is empty apart from a bundle of cloth by the far wall. We start to move towards it.
LYLE (V.O.)
Because there's a dead body in it.
The bundle of clothing is revealed to be cloths around a small skeleton.
CUT TO:
SC85.
EXT. ICE HOUSE DOOR - LATE AFTERNOON - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW stand amidst a pile of open boxes and bits of police equipment. A couple of uniformed officers are standing nearby with cups of tea in their hands.
A tall, sandy-haired DETECTIVE comes out of the door wearing a white, scene of crime 'noddy suit'.
DETECTIVE
Well that's deader than I usually have to deal with.
(To ANDREW)
You were saying there was a missing child case here?
ANDREW
Yes. David Stanton, a ten or eleven year old. About 120 years ago now.
DETECTIVE
Well, that would fit with the body we have there. The case file will be in the archives somewhere. We can root it out and update it.
ANDREW
Poor boy. He must have hidden in there and no one thought to look.
DETECTIVE
(Very serious)
Oh no, sir. He didn't wander in. He's bound hand and foot. He was put there. He was murdered.
A SCENE OF CRIME officer appears at the doorway.
SOCO
Guv! There's something you need to see.
The DETECTIVE follows them into the ice house.
CUT TO:
SC86.
EXT. ICE HOUSE DOOR - LATER - DAY6
ANDREW and LYLE are standing by the door.
ANDREW
That explains why he was always seen here.
LYLE
He never left. Poor lad. Murdered, but who by?
(To himself)
I wonder.
The DETECTIVE comes out holding a small, plastic evidence bag.
DETECTIVE
I wouldn't normally do this, but I don't think I'm jeopardising the case this time.
He holds out the bag. There's an oval gold locket in it.
DETECTIVE
The boy was holding this in his hands. I don't suppose either of you recognise it?
ANDREW shakes his head, but LYLE looks closer and frowns.
LYLE
I don't know.
DETECTIVE
Don't tell me you do?
LYLE
I can't place it, but I think I've seen it before.
(Beat)
Can I take a picture? It might come to me.
DETECTIVE
Be my guest. My super would have my guts for garters if I did this in a real case, but this one nearly needs an archaeologist rather than a detective.
LYLE takes a picture on his iPhone.
DETECTIVE
(To ANDREW)
We'll be out of here in about an hour, sir. We'll take the body with us. We'll have to track down next of kin. But if we can't...?
ANDREW
Even if you can. I think it would be good if he came back here with the rest of his family. Where he belongs.
CUT TO:
SC87.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW are sitting at the kitchen table with a half empty cafetière on the table in front of them. LYLE is drinking from his cup of coffee. ANDREW is staring into his.
There's a quick knock at the back door and the VICAR comes in.
MERCY
I heard there's been an accident. I thought I'd pop round to see if there was anything I could do?
ANDREW stands up and pulls out a chair.
ANDREW
Have a seat. It was Colin. He fell out of a tree and through the floor of the summer house. Broken leg but that's it. Katy's bringing him home.
ANDREW checks his watch.
ANDREW (CONT'D.)
Shouldn't be long now.
MERCY sits down.
MERCY
As long as he's going to be okay. But you must have been really worried.
ANDREW
Yes. Now I just want him home.
MERCY
(Delicately)
What about the police being here?
LYLE
Wow! Slow day for the village jungle drums?
(Off MERCY's raised eyebrow)
No offence.
MERCY
None taken. And yes, slow news day.
ANDREW
I think we've found David Stanton's body.
MERCY
Oh. You mean...
There's the sound of a car outside and everyone gets up as COLIN, KATY and LESTER come into the kitchen. COLIN is on crutches and his left leg is in a cast with a plastic frame and boot.
ANDREW hugs COLIN and then KATY.
LESTER comes close to LYLE
LESTER
(Quietly)
So it's true. You've found David?
LYLE
Yes. For once it's worse than the legend?
LESTER
Why?
LYLE
He was murdered and his body dumped in the ice house. He had this in his hands when he was found.
LYLE shows LESTER the locket picture on his iPhone. MERCY comes over to have a look.
Suddenly LYLE slams the phone down on the table.
LYLE
Shit!
Everyone turns to look at him.
LYLE (CONT'D.)
I've been an idiot!
LESTER
How?
LYLE
We've always assumed there was one ghost here. David. But he's only ever been seen outside by the summer house right?
KATY
Yes.
LYLE
Because that's where his body has been all this time.
LESTER
So?
LYLE
So who's upstairs banging around in the nursery?
ANDREW
Why do I think you're about to tell us?
LYLE picks up his phone.
LYLE
Why don't you come upstairs and I'll show you!
LYLE moves towards the door.
CUT TO:
SC88.
INT. NURSERY - DAY - DAY6
LYLE, LESTER, ANDREW, KATY and MERCY come into the nursery. LYLE switches on the light. He goes up to the photo on the mantelpiece and brings up the locket picture on his phone. He puts them side by side. The locket on his phone is the same as the one worn by the governess in the photo.
LYLE
I knew it!
Everyone else crowds round to have a look.
KATY
Oh my God. It's the same.
LYLE and LESTER lock gazes.
LYLE
It was never David up here. It was her, the governess.
The light flickers.
LYLE
Yes! We know. We know who you are.
The light flickers some more.
LYLE (CONT'D)
We know what you did.
The light goes out. MERCY gives a quick scream of shock.
LYLE switches his phone to torch mode. LESTER pulls out his head torch. Their lights swing around the room lighting up themselves and no one else.
GHOST (O.S.)
(whispering)
Nasty boys. Bad boys. Punish them. Punish. Hate. Punish.
KATY
That's enough of that!
KATY strides forward and takes the photo from the mantelpiece.
KATY
We're getting rid of this.
KATY turns to the room.
KATY
Mercy, I'm going to need your help and I don't care what the bishop says.
GHOST (O.S.)
(whispering)
Naughty boys. Bad.
KATY
Oh, shut up you evil bitch. I'm dealing with you.
KATY walks towards the door.
KATY
Lester and Mercy, we're going to have a little ceremony in the courtyard. Andrew and Jon, sort the electrics to this floor please. I'm not giving her the chance to burn the house down.
They walk from the room.
CUT TO:
SC89.
INT. STAIRCASE - NIGHT - DAY6
ANDREW and LYLE run down the stairs past KATY, LESTER and MERCY.
KATY
Lester, you'll need to get the barbecue out. It's in the garage. There should be some kindling next to it.
MERCY
We'll need some salt as well.
LESTER
Careful. What will the bishop say?
MERCY
I shall tell him. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might." Ecclesiastes Chapter 9, verse 10.
MERCY nods at KATY.
MERCY (CONT'D)
I'll get the holy water from the car.
They run down the stairs.
CUT TO:
SC90.
INT. UTILITY ROOM - NIGHT - DAY6
ANDREW and LYLE are standing beside the fuse box in the utility.
LYLE
Bit old fashioned isn't it?
ANDREW
Well, we had problems getting the place rewired. But at least we got them accurately labelled.
ANDREW starts pulling out all the fuses marked 'Top Floor'. He pulls out the last one.
ANDREW
Unless she's an electrical generator in her spare time, let's see her get round that!
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT - DAY6
COLIN is standing in the kitchen as LESTER and MERCY run through and out of the door.
KATY is close behind them and she starts rummaging in a low cupboard.
COLIN
Mum?
KATY
Be a darling and the get carton of salt out please?
COLIN obeys.
COLIN
What's happening Mum?
KATY stands up with the box of firelighters and matches she's retrieved from the back of the cupboard.
KATY
Pest control.
CUT TO:
SC91.
EXT. COURTYARD - NIGHT - DAY6
The barbecue is open and LESTER lights the firelighters and starts to put on kindling.
ANDREW, KATY, LYLE, LESTER and COLIN stand close to it.
MERCY circles them. She is reading from a prayer book and sprinkling them with holy water from a bottle.
MERCY
May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan...
The flames catch hold of the wood and start to burn.
MERCY (CONT'D)
... Abide with you in your going out and in your coming in. By day and by night, at morning and at evening ...
LESTER carefully adds more kindling to the fire, building it up.
MERCY (CONT'D)
... May it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the the assaults of evil spirits, from the snares of the devil...
The fire is bright now. KATY puts the photo in the centre of the flame and sprinkles salt on it. She passes the salt to everyone and they all sprinkle a little salt on the flame as the photo burns.
MERCY
... May it guard, protect and deliver you. AMEN!
The flames flare up and the photo burns away in the pinkish flames.
They all stare at the fire for a while.
LYLE looks up and sees GHOST DAVID standing at the edge of the light. DAVID is smiling. LYLE nods at him in acknowledgement and DAVID fades away.
LYLE smiles and puts his arm around LESTER.
LESTER
How are your thumbs doing now.
LYLE
My thumbs are in serious need of a drink.
MERCY
Amen to that!
FADE OUT
THE END
Author:
bigtitchWord Count: lots
Rating: PG 13
Characters/Pairing: Lester/Lyle, OCs
Author notes: Secret Santa for
fredbassett, she wanted a ghost story for Xmas. Lester and Lyle decided to oblige. Mega thanks to fififolle for going above and beyond the call of duty with the betaing. Lester and Lyle spend the Xmas break with one of Lester's old friends in her country house. However, the old secrets the house contains are going to come to light this Xmas.
SC70.
INT. HALL - DAY - DAY6
LESTER runs into the hall and looks around.
LESTER
Katy! Andrew!
LYLE comes in through the front door as ANDREW and then KATY arrive from different doors into the hallway.
ANDREW
What's up?
KATY
James! Have you left something behind?
LYLE
Something's wrong. I know it sounds stupid, but my thumbs are telling me something is wrong.
KATY and ANDREW exchange a puzzled glance.
KATY
What?
LESTER
I know it sounds like we have both lost our minds, but if Jon says his thumbs are prickling trouble is definitely coming.
ANDREW
Okay. But we're fine. As you can see.
LESTER
What about Colin?
KATY goes to the foot of the staircase.
KATY
Colin!
(beat)
Colin!
ANDREW
(shouting)
COLIN!
Now the glance ANDREW and KATY exchange is worried.
CUT TO:
SC71.
INT. COLIN'S BEDROOM - DAY - DAY6
COLIN's bedroom is a typical boy's bedroom. Avengers movie posters on the wall. Action figures and Daleks on the shelves. A crumpled duvet on the bed. COLIN is not in it.
KATY and ANDREW dash in and then stop. They both look around as though that would make their son appear.
ANDREW spots something on the bedside table and picks it up. It's COLIN's iPhone still attached to its charging cable.
ANDREW
No point trying to phone him then.
KATY is looking afraid.
CUT TO:
SC72.
INT. SECOND FLOOR CORRIDOR - DAY - DAY6
LESTER walks down the corridor, carefully not stepping on the robots or the maze. He sticks his head into the rooms.
LESTER
Colin!
There is no answer.
CUT TO:
SC73.
INT. NURSERY - DAY - DAY6
LYLE walks purposefully into the nursery. It's empty, as usual. LYLE opens the shelved cupboard door. It's empty. He opens one door of the other cupboard. As he does so he points a threatening finger into the room.
LYLE
Don't even think about it.
The cupboard is empty. Nothing tries to push LYLE into it.
LYLE stalks out of the room. His face set. This is serious.
CUT TO:
SC74.
INT. HALL - DAY - DAY6
KATY and ANDREW are waiting in the hall as LESTER and LYLE come down the stairs. There's no need to say anything about COLIN, they know he is missing.
ANDREW
What next.
KATY
We search the grounds.
(beat)
Jon. I think you're best qualified to lead this.
LYLE
Okay. Two teams. Lester and Katy. Andrew, you're with me. We'll take the gardens to the back of the house. You two do the front.
LYLE holds up his mobile phone.
LYLE (CONT'D)
We call when we find something.
ANDREW
Sounds simple.
KATY walks up to ANDREW and hugs him. He hugs her back.
KATY
I can't help thinking that this has happened before in this house.
ANDREW
No. No it hasn't. Because we're going to find our son. Remember that. We're going to find him.
CUT TO:
SC75.
EXT. COURTYARD - DAY - DAY6
ANDREW and LYLE quickly walk across the courtyard towards the gate.
ANDREW
Can I ask you something?
LYLE
Sure.
ANDREW
Why pick me and not LESTER or KATY?
LYLE
Because I think I know where to look. And I think we might find him.
ANDREW
The summer house.
LYLE nods, sombrely.
ANDREW
Best get on with it.
CUT TO:
SC76.
EXT. GROUNDS - DAY - DAY6
LYLE and ANDERW walk across the grass. LYLE keeps his eyes on the ground - looking for tracks.
ANDREW
COLIN! COLIN!
LYLE stops and bends down. He touches the grass.
LYLE
Someone was here recently. They're heading to the summer house.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW approach the summer house mound. LYLE is still keeping on eye on the ground. He spots something.
LYLE
There!
They walk up to it. It's the drone controller.
LYLE
It's got to be the summer house. There's nowhere else.
They walk up to the summer house door.
CUT TO:
SC77.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW force themselves into the summer house. They clamber over roots and brambles. ANDREW looks up and sees the drone hanging from one of the tree branches.
ANDREW
(pointing)
Look!
LYLE
Yeah.
LYLE moves forward to the base of the tree. He sees the hole in the floor.
LYLE
Here.
ANDREW comes over and LYLE shines his iPhone light into the hole.
CUT TO:
INT. ICE HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
COLIN is lying on the floor. He has bruises and grazes on his face and hands. His clothes are dirtied and a little torn. His left leg is bent at a bad angle. It's clearly broken. His eyes are shut, but his chest moves. He is breathing.
CUT TO:
SC78.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW
INTERCUT with
INT. ICE HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
COLIN
ANDREW
Colin! Colin! Are you all right?
COLIN stirs and opens his eyes.
COLIN
Dad? Dad? I fell. My leg hurts.
ANDREW
That's OK. Don't try to move. We'll come and get you.
COLIN
(trying to be brave)
Okay.
CUT TO:
SC79.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE bends down and checks the edges of the hole. Then he stands up.
LYLE
Right. I'll go down and look after Colin while you get the ambulance. Lester has a head torch with him ...
ANDREW
No! He's my son. I should be the one down there with him.
LYLE puts a comforting hand on ANDREW's arm.
LYLE
(sympathetic but in command)
I know. I know! But I'm the one with first aid experience and you're the one who can guide the ambulance here the quickest.
ANDREW looks like he's going to rebel, but then he accepts the sense of it.
ANDREW
Okay.
ANDREW kneels down at the hole.
ANDREW
(to COLIN)
Colin! Jon is coming down to look after you while I get the ambulance. Okay?
COLIN (O.S.)
Okay, Dad. I'll be fine.
ANDREW
(proud)
You're being very brave.
LYLE kneels at the hole.
LYLE
Close your eyes, Colin. I'll be bringing dirt and dust down with me.
LYLE puts his hands on either side of the hole and lowers himself into it until only his hands remain. Then he lets go and disappears.
LYLE (O.S.)
Okay. We're good.
ANDREW
See you soon!
ANDREW stands up and leaves the summerhouse putting his phone to his ear as he does so.
CUT TO:
SC80.
INT. ICE HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE lands beside COLIN and kneels down. He shines his torch around the area. It's a circular building, a brick dome made with old-fashioned, thin, dark bricks. There's a pile of something at the far side. The door is a little further round the wall from COLIN. Roots from the tree above them hang down like organic stalactites.
LYLE starts a quick assessment of COLIN's injuries.
LYLE
Don't move, but tell me if any of this hurts.
LYLE starts gently gripping or pressing COLIN's limbs and body.
COLIN
It's all okay. It's just my leg and my wrist where I landed.
LYLE's assessment reaches COLIN's left leg.
LYLE
No need to check that one. We'll leave that to the ambulance.
LYLE shines his light in COLIN's face and moves his finger from side to side in front of his eyes.
LYLE
Were you unconscious after you landed.
COLIN
I don't know. Maybe a bit.
COLIN tries to sit up, but LYLE puts a hand on his chest.
LYLE
You stay still there. Just because it doesn't hurt, doesn't mean you haven't broken it. But you look okay to me.
LYLE takes his coat off and covers COLIN with it.
COLIN
Are they going to be able to get me out? Can they get a stretcher through the hole?
LYLE
There's a door over there, so we'll try that first. But worst case scenario we'll call out South East Cave Rescue. Your Uncle James has their number in his phone. And, yes, we can get a stretcher through that hole if we need to.
COLIN
Oh.
(brightening)
Really?
LYLE
Don't build your hopes up. All they have to do is give your mum a crowbar and a sledgehammer and that door is going to be firewood!
COLIN giggles.
There's the sound of voices outside.
CUT TO:
SC81.
EXT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
ANDREW, KATY and LESTER run up to the summer house. ANDREW and LESTER are carrying crowbars. KATY has the head torch. She goes into the summerhouse. ANDREW and LESTER go round the side of the mound.
CUT TO:
SC82.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
KATY
INTERCUT with
INT. ICEHOUSE - DAY - DAY6
LYLE, COLIN
KATY kneels by the hole and peers in.
KATY
Colin!
COLIN
Mum! I'm sorry. I fell.
KATY
Don't be silly. I'm just glad you're alive.
(beat)
Jon! I've got the torch!
KATY drops the torch through the hole.
LYLE catches it. Switches it on and puts it on his head.
LYLE
That's better! Thanks!
KATY
The ambulance is on its way! Andrew and James are going to try and get the door open.
There is the sound of hammering at the door.
COLIN
Are you going to have a go at the door, Mum?
KATY
(puzzled)
No.
LYLE
(whispering)
Probably just as well. Lives could be lost.
COLIN giggles.
CUT TO:
SC83.
EXT. ICE HOUSE DOOR - DAY - DAY6
The ice house door is covered with ivy. ANDREW and LESTER pull it back. The door beneath is a bit rotten but still solid. The rusting hasp is fastened with a big brass padlock.
LESTER raises the crowbar to hack at it. ANDREW puts his hand on his arm to stop him.
ANDREW
Excuse me, but this is my house.
ANDREW takes the crowbar from LESTER's hands and gives a mighty heave at the padlock. A couple of blows later the padlock gives up and falls to the ground.
ANDREW and LESTER put their shoulders to the door and push hard. It takes a lot of effort, but they start to push it open.
CUT TO:
SC84.
INT. SUMMER HOUSE - DAY - DAY6
KATY is kneeling by the hole in the floor in the summer house. We hear the sound of a distant siren.
KATY
That's the ambulance. I'll go an direct them. They're quick!
She stands up and hurries out of the summer house.
CUT TO:
EXT. ICE HOUSE DOOR - DAY DAY6
ANDREW, LESTER and LYLE are standing outside the ice house door. KATY comes through the door, followed by two paramedics and COLIN on a wheeled stretcher.
While the PARAMEDICS tidy away the kit they have used. KATY stands beside COLIN and holds his hand.
COLIN
It's all right Mum. I wasn't frightened. There was a boy with me and he said help was coming.
KATY looks surprised and worried.
One of the PARAMEDICS sees her worried face and misinterprets the cause.
PARAMEDIC
It's okay. He's on gas and air for the pain. It takes some people that way.
(Mouthing)
High as a kite.
The PARAMEDICS finish packing up and take hold of the stretcher.
PARAMEDIC
Right young man. Let's get you to hospital.
(To KATY)
Is Mum coming in the ambulance and Dad following in the car?
(To ANDREW)
We're going to the Royal Surrey County. Just off the A3. Follow the signs to A&E.
They start to move off.
LYLE grabs ANDREW's arm.
LYLE
You might want to let Lester follow the ambulance.
ANDREW
(Annoyed)
Why?
CUT TO:
INT. ICEHOUSE - DAY - DAY6
The icehouse is empty apart from a bundle of cloth by the far wall. We start to move towards it.
LYLE (V.O.)
Because there's a dead body in it.
The bundle of clothing is revealed to be cloths around a small skeleton.
CUT TO:
SC85.
EXT. ICE HOUSE DOOR - LATE AFTERNOON - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW stand amidst a pile of open boxes and bits of police equipment. A couple of uniformed officers are standing nearby with cups of tea in their hands.
A tall, sandy-haired DETECTIVE comes out of the door wearing a white, scene of crime 'noddy suit'.
DETECTIVE
Well that's deader than I usually have to deal with.
(To ANDREW)
You were saying there was a missing child case here?
ANDREW
Yes. David Stanton, a ten or eleven year old. About 120 years ago now.
DETECTIVE
Well, that would fit with the body we have there. The case file will be in the archives somewhere. We can root it out and update it.
ANDREW
Poor boy. He must have hidden in there and no one thought to look.
DETECTIVE
(Very serious)
Oh no, sir. He didn't wander in. He's bound hand and foot. He was put there. He was murdered.
A SCENE OF CRIME officer appears at the doorway.
SOCO
Guv! There's something you need to see.
The DETECTIVE follows them into the ice house.
CUT TO:
SC86.
EXT. ICE HOUSE DOOR - LATER - DAY6
ANDREW and LYLE are standing by the door.
ANDREW
That explains why he was always seen here.
LYLE
He never left. Poor lad. Murdered, but who by?
(To himself)
I wonder.
The DETECTIVE comes out holding a small, plastic evidence bag.
DETECTIVE
I wouldn't normally do this, but I don't think I'm jeopardising the case this time.
He holds out the bag. There's an oval gold locket in it.
DETECTIVE
The boy was holding this in his hands. I don't suppose either of you recognise it?
ANDREW shakes his head, but LYLE looks closer and frowns.
LYLE
I don't know.
DETECTIVE
Don't tell me you do?
LYLE
I can't place it, but I think I've seen it before.
(Beat)
Can I take a picture? It might come to me.
DETECTIVE
Be my guest. My super would have my guts for garters if I did this in a real case, but this one nearly needs an archaeologist rather than a detective.
LYLE takes a picture on his iPhone.
DETECTIVE
(To ANDREW)
We'll be out of here in about an hour, sir. We'll take the body with us. We'll have to track down next of kin. But if we can't...?
ANDREW
Even if you can. I think it would be good if he came back here with the rest of his family. Where he belongs.
CUT TO:
SC87.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT - DAY6
LYLE and ANDREW are sitting at the kitchen table with a half empty cafetière on the table in front of them. LYLE is drinking from his cup of coffee. ANDREW is staring into his.
There's a quick knock at the back door and the VICAR comes in.
MERCY
I heard there's been an accident. I thought I'd pop round to see if there was anything I could do?
ANDREW stands up and pulls out a chair.
ANDREW
Have a seat. It was Colin. He fell out of a tree and through the floor of the summer house. Broken leg but that's it. Katy's bringing him home.
ANDREW checks his watch.
ANDREW (CONT'D.)
Shouldn't be long now.
MERCY sits down.
MERCY
As long as he's going to be okay. But you must have been really worried.
ANDREW
Yes. Now I just want him home.
MERCY
(Delicately)
What about the police being here?
LYLE
Wow! Slow day for the village jungle drums?
(Off MERCY's raised eyebrow)
No offence.
MERCY
None taken. And yes, slow news day.
ANDREW
I think we've found David Stanton's body.
MERCY
Oh. You mean...
There's the sound of a car outside and everyone gets up as COLIN, KATY and LESTER come into the kitchen. COLIN is on crutches and his left leg is in a cast with a plastic frame and boot.
ANDREW hugs COLIN and then KATY.
LESTER comes close to LYLE
LESTER
(Quietly)
So it's true. You've found David?
LYLE
Yes. For once it's worse than the legend?
LESTER
Why?
LYLE
He was murdered and his body dumped in the ice house. He had this in his hands when he was found.
LYLE shows LESTER the locket picture on his iPhone. MERCY comes over to have a look.
Suddenly LYLE slams the phone down on the table.
LYLE
Shit!
Everyone turns to look at him.
LYLE (CONT'D.)
I've been an idiot!
LESTER
How?
LYLE
We've always assumed there was one ghost here. David. But he's only ever been seen outside by the summer house right?
KATY
Yes.
LYLE
Because that's where his body has been all this time.
LESTER
So?
LYLE
So who's upstairs banging around in the nursery?
ANDREW
Why do I think you're about to tell us?
LYLE picks up his phone.
LYLE
Why don't you come upstairs and I'll show you!
LYLE moves towards the door.
CUT TO:
SC88.
INT. NURSERY - DAY - DAY6
LYLE, LESTER, ANDREW, KATY and MERCY come into the nursery. LYLE switches on the light. He goes up to the photo on the mantelpiece and brings up the locket picture on his phone. He puts them side by side. The locket on his phone is the same as the one worn by the governess in the photo.
LYLE
I knew it!
Everyone else crowds round to have a look.
KATY
Oh my God. It's the same.
LYLE and LESTER lock gazes.
LYLE
It was never David up here. It was her, the governess.
The light flickers.
LYLE
Yes! We know. We know who you are.
The light flickers some more.
LYLE (CONT'D)
We know what you did.
The light goes out. MERCY gives a quick scream of shock.
LYLE switches his phone to torch mode. LESTER pulls out his head torch. Their lights swing around the room lighting up themselves and no one else.
GHOST (O.S.)
(whispering)
Nasty boys. Bad boys. Punish them. Punish. Hate. Punish.
KATY
That's enough of that!
KATY strides forward and takes the photo from the mantelpiece.
KATY
We're getting rid of this.
KATY turns to the room.
KATY
Mercy, I'm going to need your help and I don't care what the bishop says.
GHOST (O.S.)
(whispering)
Naughty boys. Bad.
KATY
Oh, shut up you evil bitch. I'm dealing with you.
KATY walks towards the door.
KATY
Lester and Mercy, we're going to have a little ceremony in the courtyard. Andrew and Jon, sort the electrics to this floor please. I'm not giving her the chance to burn the house down.
They walk from the room.
CUT TO:
SC89.
INT. STAIRCASE - NIGHT - DAY6
ANDREW and LYLE run down the stairs past KATY, LESTER and MERCY.
KATY
Lester, you'll need to get the barbecue out. It's in the garage. There should be some kindling next to it.
MERCY
We'll need some salt as well.
LESTER
Careful. What will the bishop say?
MERCY
I shall tell him. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might." Ecclesiastes Chapter 9, verse 10.
MERCY nods at KATY.
MERCY (CONT'D)
I'll get the holy water from the car.
They run down the stairs.
CUT TO:
SC90.
INT. UTILITY ROOM - NIGHT - DAY6
ANDREW and LYLE are standing beside the fuse box in the utility.
LYLE
Bit old fashioned isn't it?
ANDREW
Well, we had problems getting the place rewired. But at least we got them accurately labelled.
ANDREW starts pulling out all the fuses marked 'Top Floor'. He pulls out the last one.
ANDREW
Unless she's an electrical generator in her spare time, let's see her get round that!
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT - DAY6
COLIN is standing in the kitchen as LESTER and MERCY run through and out of the door.
KATY is close behind them and she starts rummaging in a low cupboard.
COLIN
Mum?
KATY
Be a darling and the get carton of salt out please?
COLIN obeys.
COLIN
What's happening Mum?
KATY stands up with the box of firelighters and matches she's retrieved from the back of the cupboard.
KATY
Pest control.
CUT TO:
SC91.
EXT. COURTYARD - NIGHT - DAY6
The barbecue is open and LESTER lights the firelighters and starts to put on kindling.
ANDREW, KATY, LYLE, LESTER and COLIN stand close to it.
MERCY circles them. She is reading from a prayer book and sprinkling them with holy water from a bottle.
MERCY
May the cross of the Son of God, which is mightier than all the hosts of Satan...
The flames catch hold of the wood and start to burn.
MERCY (CONT'D)
... Abide with you in your going out and in your coming in. By day and by night, at morning and at evening ...
LESTER carefully adds more kindling to the fire, building it up.
MERCY (CONT'D)
... May it protect and defend you. From the wrath of evildoers, from the the assaults of evil spirits, from the snares of the devil...
The fire is bright now. KATY puts the photo in the centre of the flame and sprinkles salt on it. She passes the salt to everyone and they all sprinkle a little salt on the flame as the photo burns.
MERCY
... May it guard, protect and deliver you. AMEN!
The flames flare up and the photo burns away in the pinkish flames.
They all stare at the fire for a while.
LYLE looks up and sees GHOST DAVID standing at the edge of the light. DAVID is smiling. LYLE nods at him in acknowledgement and DAVID fades away.
LYLE smiles and puts his arm around LESTER.
LESTER
How are your thumbs doing now.
LYLE
My thumbs are in serious need of a drink.
MERCY
Amen to that!
FADE OUT
THE END