Episode 5
Father Oswald
Scene 1 - The Boat
EXT. - FORT AUGUSTUS STREET - DAY
FADE IN.
The sounds of a few cars PASSING, people TALKING, birds CHIRPING and wind BLOWING.
A door opens with the RINGING of a small bell. Charlie WALKS on the wooden floor as the door CLOSES behind him. Sophie Rodriguez is standing behind the till TYPING.
​
CHARLIE
(Cheerful)
Good morning.
​
SOPHIE
(Surprised)
Oh, good morning. How can I help you?
​
CHARLIE
(Cheerful)
I’m Charlie Pembroke. I’m investigating a missing boy, Jamie Sinclair.
​
SOPHIE
(Shocked)
I’ve seen the posters around town. I didn’t know the boy, but his parents must be distraught. It’s awful. Surprising in this town as well. Fort Augustus is so peaceful. It’s awful.
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CHARLIE
(Professional)
It is awful. His family are distraught and were just worried about him.
​
SOPHIE
(Cheerful)
Okay, What can I do to help? Do you think he hired a boat? I could check for you?
​
CHARLIE
(Professional)
As far as i know he didn’t but I had an ...
(Pause)
experience last night over at Urquhart Castle. Someone had some information about Jamie and they left in a motorboat. I was hoping to track them down.
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SOPHIE
(Surprised)
What! Wow, that sounds crazy.
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CHARLIE
(Smiling)
It was quite a night. Anyway, did anyone rent a boat last night?
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SOPHIE
(Cheerful)
You’re lucky it’s quiet, we have twelve boats that are usually rented flat out over summer but this time of year we hardly have any business and only one boat has been rented this week.
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CHARLIE
(Professional)
Lucky me, that’s the first piece of luck i’ve had so far.
​
SOPHIE
(Cheerful)
Okay, give me a minute to check.
(Pause)
​
TYPING on keyboard.
Right, one boat rented yesterday. Pre-booked. A Mr Noah Thompson. He’s over at the
​
CHARLIE
(Surprised)
Tuath na marbh inn.
​
SOPHIE
(Surprised)
Do you know him?
​
CHARLIE
(Professional)
I’m staying at the inn. He’s the owner.
​
FADE OUT
​
Scene 2 - The Inn
​
INT. - THE INN - DAY
FADE IN.
Charlie ENTERS the inn. Ambient sound of the STREET changes to SILENCE as the door OPENS and CLOSES. Charlie RINGS the service bell on the desk.
MORA
(Cheerful, polite but with a subtle edge)
Hello, Charlie. We haven’t met. I’m Mora, Noah’s wife. He’s mentioned you. I hope you’re enjoying your stay.
CHARLIE
(Polite, a little distracted)
Nice to meet you. I’m enjoying my stay very much. Your inn is beautiful, great breakfast too. I was hoping to speak to Noah - is he in?
MARA
(Cheerful, but her smile falters for a moment)
Thank you, Charlie. Always good to hear my cooking is appreciated. I’m sure he’s in the back. Let me fetch him for you.
​
Mara disappears into the back as Charlie LEAFS through some brochures on the desk. The faint TICKING of a nearby clock fills the room.
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NOAH
(Entering, cheerful but slightly hurried)
Good morning, mate. What can I do for you?
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CHARLIE
(Professional, but there's an edge to his tone)
Did you have a good night, Noah?
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NOAH
(Caught off guard, nervous chuckle)
Yeah, fine. What’s this about, mate?
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CHARLIE
(Annoyed, raising his voice slightly)
Don’t try my patience Noah, it’s been a hell of a night and there’s a missing boy and a terrified family. What the hell were you doing last night?
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NOAH
(Growing defensive, voice trembling)
Mate, i’ve done nothing wrong.
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CHARLIE
(Shouting)
Dammit, Noah. I’ve had enough. You were at Urquhart castle last night, you have Jamie and I’ve had enough. Tell me where he is?
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NOAH
(Terrified, stumbling over his words)
Mate, mate. I was here all night. I swear. I was in the inn all night.
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CHARLIE
(Furious, leaning in)
You hired the boat and then used it to get away. Don’t lie to me, Noah. What do you take me for?
NOAH
(Confused)
A boat.
(Pause, trying to recall)
I—I did hire a boat... what are you talking about?
CHARLIE
(Shouting)
What about it? Where is he, Noah?
NOAH
(Genuinely bewildered)
Where is who? Mate, you’re not making any sense.
MARA
(Suddenly entering, voice sharp, annoyed)
What is going on here?
(Pause)
NOAH
(Quietly, shaken)
Charlie?
CHARLIE
(Still heated)
Last night, I got a note to meet someone at Urquhart Castle. Noah gave me his car to get there.
MORA
(Confused but annoyed)
What happened to the car?
CHARLIE
(Confused, defensive)
Nothing happened to the car. I met someone there and they said they knew where Jamie was. I chased them and they were picked up in a motorboat.
(Pause)
The motorboat was hired out by Noah.
MORA
(Turning sharply to Noah, shocked)
Noah.
​
NOAH
(Stammering, confused)
What? Wait—what?
CHARLIE
(Furious, pointing an accusing finger)
You hired the the only motorboat on that loch last night.
NOAH
(Stuttering, caught off guard)
I—I hired the boat, yeah... but I didn’t even use it.
MORA
(Shocked, quietly)
Why did you hire the boat, Noah?
NOAH
(Sadly)
I hired it for you.
MORA
(Stunned)
For me? Why?
NOAH
(Softly)
I thought it would be a nice surprise. You used to love going out on the loch at night. Our first date was out there, having a picnic in your dad’s rowboat.
(pause)
I thought it would be nice. But
(Sighing heavily.)
CHARLIE
(Softly, but pressing)
But?
MORA
(Quietly, regretful)
We had a fight last night... a big one. We spent the night apart.
CHARLIE
(Calming down slightly, professional)
So you never used the boat.
NOAH
(Calmly, resigned)
I never even took it out from Sophie’s.
CHARLIE
(Professional, collecting himself)
So you were both here last night? For the whole night.
NOAH
(Quietly)
Till this morning, you can check the CCTV if you like. We went nowhere. We were up in the flat the whole night.
MORA
(Suddenly interjecting, with hesitation)
Well, most of it.
(Pause)
I had to get pillows for a guest. That would have been around 8pm and then I was upstairs for the whole night.
CHARLIE
(Professional, apologetic)
Right, apologies for the outburst. Yesterday was.
(Pause)
Disturbing.
NOAH
(Softly, understanding)
It’s alright, mate. I get it.
CHARLIE
(Calm, but determined)
I’d still like to take a look at the CCTV, just to eliminate any suspicion.
NOAH
(Cheerful, trying to ease the tension)
I completely understand, mate. Not a problem. Come on through.
Noah lets Charlie behind the counter and into the office.
FADE OUT
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Scene 3 - The Abbey
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EXT. - ABBEY EXTERIOR - DAY
Shoes CRUNCHING on stones. Change to FLAGSTONES. Ambient BIRDS, WIND and TREES.
RINGING doorbell of a large house. Doorbell is DEEP and within the building. Door OPENS with a CREAK.
MONK
(Quietly)
Good morning, Brother Charlie, how may I help?
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Good morning, I was hoping to speak with Brother Ambrose.
MONK
(Quietly, sighing)
Wait here.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Will do.
Silence, the door closes. Footsteps from inside going away from the door. Footsteps return. The door opens.
MONK
(Quietly)
Come in, the Abbot would like to speak with you.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Certainly.
​
They both WALK through the stone floored abbey. The Abbot’s door is OPENED and Charlie ENTERS the carpeted office. The door CLOSES behind him.
​
ABBOT ALARIC
(Reserved)
Good morning, Mr Pembroke. How may we help you?
​
CHARLIE
(Professional)
I was hoping to speak with brother Ambrose and Father Oswald.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Reserved)
You may speak with Brother Ambrose but our brother, Father Oswald is away for a few days. What do you need from Brother Ambrose?
CHARLIE
(Professional)
I was searching Boleskine House and I found some books and paper matching the journal that was in Jamie’s room. I wanted to see if the books were from your library, Abbot. Where has Father Oswald gone?
ABBOT ALARIC
(Reserved)
He has a habit of going walking for several days at a time. Sometime he is away for a week or more. He finds the solitude of walking through the highlands helps him to get closer to God.
CHARLIE
(Professional, surprised)
You aren’t concerned? You now have two missing people from your Abbey.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Surprised)
Father Oswald is not missing, Mr Pembroke.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Do you know her he is at present?
ABBOT ALARIC
(Firmly)
I do not.
(Pause)
What are you suggesting, Mr Pembroke. I know my Brothers and I know that they have nothing to do with poor Jamie.
(Pause)
Father Oswald leaving is not something to be concerned about. He often leaves for periods and will return forthwith. I will take you to Brother Ambrose, Mr Pembroke.
CHARLIE
(Professional, sympathetic)
I understand. I was only concerned for the father’s safety. What with Jamie also missing. That’s two people from the abbey that have gone.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Sympathetic)
Of course we care for the wellbeing of all who stay in our care, but they are two very different cases, Mr Pembroke and not at all unusual in the case of Father Oswald. Let us see Brother Ambrose.
FADE OUT
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Scene 4 - The Library
​
INT. - LIBRARY - DAY
FADE IN.
Large door OPENING and CLOSING as Charlie and the Abbot WALK along the carpet towards the main desk.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Cheerful)
Brother Ambrose, might we have a word.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Sternly)
Can I help you, Abbot?
ABBOT ALARIC
(Cheerful)
Mr Pembroke has a few questions about some books.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Sternly)
What do you want mr Pembroke?
CHARLIE
(Professional)
I found some of your books, Brother.
Puts the bag of books onto the desk with a thump.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Sternly)
My books?
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Your orders books, at least, Brother.
Brother Ambrose opens the bag and starts to take out the books, one by one.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Sternly)
The Konx om Pax ... Magick in theory and practice ... The Blue Equinox ... The Book of Thoth ... The Book of the Law: Liber al vel Legis.
(Pause)
These are not ours.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Quite sure, brother? You wouldn’t mind if I checked the shelves would you?
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Annoyed)
The occult section is restricted, mr Pembroke. You cannot enter.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Cheerful)
Actually, I can give you access, mr Pembroke. Wouldn’t want any accusations that we aren’t trying to help.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Sighing)
Very well, come with me.
They walk through the library to a large door. The door is unlocked with an old key and creaks open.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Annoyed)
Do not touch anything, mr Pembroke. The books in this collection are delicate.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Of course, Brother. Lead the way.
​
They WALK down a long corridor. Their shoes ECHO on the stone.
​
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Sternly)
The Blue Equinox is missing.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
One down, Brother.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Angry)
Don’t be flippant with me, Mr Pembroke. This library is my life and a missing book is not a frivolous thing. Stay silent or leave.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Placid)
Brother, Mr Pembroke is our guest. Please extend him every courtesy.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Angry)
Abbot, books do not go missing here. They are not lost, miscategorised, misplaced or stolen. In my time here I have never misplaced any book. It must be here.
CHARLIE
(Sympathetic)
I understand, this has no bearing on you, brother. No one is questioning your competence. You are clearly a dedicated librarian and you care deeply. I am here to help you.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Angry)
We shall see.
Walking along the corridor.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Angry)
The Book of Thoth, the Book of the Law. Both missing.
​
WALKING along the corridor.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Angry)
The Konx om Pax and Magick in theory and practice, also missing.
(Shouting)
Abbot, this is an outrage. I have a key and you have a key. What have you done? Why are these books missing?
(Pause, angry)
Mr Pembroke, where did you find those books?
CHARLIE
(Professional)
I found them in that bag inside Boleskine House. Under two painted markings of occult symbols. There were also candles, matches and paper matching the paper I found in Jamie’s room with a diagram of the mort house at the Boleskine Cemetery. I had a look at the mort house but found nothing.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Annoyed)
I need to see the books again. This must be a coincidence.
​
WALKING along the corridor, the door to the occult section is CLOSED and LOCKED. Brother Ambrose PICKS UP each book.
​
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Annoyed)
I can’t explain this.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Be glad you have them back. I need to speak with the Abbot, Brother Ambrose. I need to take those books and i’m sorry.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Annoyed)
Abbot.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Pleasantly)
Give him the books, brother.
​
Charlie PLACES the books back into the bag.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Can we have a moment, Brother Ambrose.
BROTHER AMBROSE
(Grunts)
Brother Ambrose walks away.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Abbot, this is serious. I have to take these books to the police. I’ll also have to report the Father missing.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Panicked)
But ...
CHARLIE
(Professional)
I know this is difficult, abbot. But we have to consider the idea that the Father may be caught up in this. I hope he is away on a short pilgrimage, as he has done before, but we cannot ignore the evidence.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Sad)
I just cannot
(Pause)
Jamie and now the father, the books of the occult. What are they doing? I have known these men for years, Mr Pembroke. I cannot believe that they are involved in
(Pause)
Anything to do with this.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
They may not be, Abbot. We have to be cautious. Find out what is going on and find these two men. I can help you. I respect what you do here Abbot. I can help you.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Tired)
I know, Mr Pembroke. It’s just too much. We are a quiet order, this is beyond me.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
That’s where I can help. Let me help you, abbot.
ABBOT ALARIC
(Resigned)
Yes,
(Pause)
Do what you must, Mr Pembroke.
​
Charlie WALKS away.
FADE OUT
Scene 5 - The Police
INT. - POLICE STATION - EVENING
FADE IN.
Charlie ENTERS the police station and RINGS the bell on the desk. Grace, already expecting him, STEPS in from a side door
GRACE
(Dryly)
Charlie, always a pleasure. Thanks for calling ahead. Come on in—let’s make this quick before you uncover mysteries in our sleepy town.
A bell RINGS again as they move down a narrow hallway. Footsteps ECHOING lightly on the floor. They enter an interview room and both take a seat.
CHARLIE
(Serious, but polite)
Thanks for seeing me PC Bennett.
GRACE
(Politely correcting, with a wry smile)
Grace, please. Let’s drop the formalities. I think we’re past that now.
CHARLIE
(Slightly embarrassed)
Grace, of course, sorry.
GRACE
(Teasing)
I’ll get you trained eventually. So, what can I do you for this evening?
​
Charlie SHIFTS in his seat, clearly weighed down by the seriousness of what he's about to share.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
As you know, i’ve been investigating the robbery at the museum but it’s becoming more serious.
GRACE
(Leaning in, intrigued but dry)
Serious? A missing person, an attempted murder, a ransacked room and robbery. How much more serious can it get, Charlie?
CHARLIE
(Flatly)
Jamie Sinclair is missing.
GRACE
(Businesslike, but with a slight sigh)
We’ve got an open missing persons case on Jamie. No leads yet, but family says it’s not unusual for him to disappear for a while. We’re on it, though.
CHARLIE
(Seriously)
He’s not the only missing person.
GRACE
(Surprised)
We haven’t had any missing persons report filed. Who is it?
CHARLIE
(Coolly)
Father Oswald, from the abbey. He went missing a few days ago. The Abbot claims that he goes away for days, sometimes a week at a time. He walks into the highlands and takes a “spiritual journey”.
GRACE
(Skeptical, but with a bite of humor)
A “spiritual journey” very on point for a Father. Not exactly the best idea with people missing, though. You’d think the Abbot might be a touch concerned.
CHARLIE
(Persisting, calm)
He doesn’t see a connection and since the Father has done this before he isn’t at all concerned. I think he should be.
(Pause)
​
Grace LEANS back slightly, FOLDING her arms.
GRACE
(Serious)
And why should he be?
CHARLIE
There’s more.
(Pause)
In the abbey I searched jamie’s room. Found a journal with some occult writing and drawings. That led me to Boleskine house. I wanted to check it out. I went into the building ...
GRACE
(Cutting in, dryly suspicious)
Do I want to know how you got in?
CHARLIE
(Innocently)
There’s a board loose, whoever owns the property might want to fix that.
GRACE
(Sarcastic)
Was it loose when you arrived?
CHARLIE
(With a faint smirk)
Anyway, I found more occult symbols on the walls—same style as Jamie’s journal. Underneath, a bag with books, candles, and a map of Boleskine Cemetery, pointing straight to the mort house. After that, I heard someone in the building. I chased them, but—
GRACE
(Chuckling)
Didn’t manage to catch them, huh? You know, Charlie, I’m starting to think this is all one big fitness test for you.
CHARLIE
(Slightly sheepish)
Yeah, my glory days are behind me. Anyway, I went to the mort house the next day—nothing. And back at the Abbey, I found out that certain books are missing from the library. Only Brother Ambrose and the Abbot have keys.
GRACE
(Deadpan)
That’s a lot of coincidences. Two missing people, missing books, and a creepy mansion. I’m almost impressed.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
It doesn’t end there.
(Pause)
I was left a note in the hotel to meet someone at Urquhart castle at 7pm last night. I went and a man met me who talked about Jamie. Said he was in the “nether” and was reaching his “enlightenment”. Mentioned something about a new age. The same thing Jamie was writing about in his journals and the topic of the books he was researching. I chased the man but he escaped in a motorboat.
GRACE
(Baffled, dryly)
A motorboat? Of course. This all makes perfect sense.
CHARLIE
(Quietly)
Turns out it was rented by Noah Thompson. Supposed to be a surprise for his wife, but he claims they never used it after an argument
GRACE
(Smirking)
You’re life is very
(Pause)
low-budget James Bond.
CHARLIE
(Softly)
It’s starting to feel that way.
GRACE
(Turning serious, but with a trace of sarcasm)
Okay, i’m going to talk to the Abbot and Noah. Find out what they tell me. See if it matches your events. Not that I don’t trust you Charlie but ... You know.
CHARLIE
(Understanding)
I get it. You’ve got to be thorough. I’d do the same.
GRACE
(Sincerely)
Thanks, charlie. Okay, is there anything else? No masked cults in the woods, right?
CHARLIE
(Relaxed)
That’s pretty much it, so far.
GRACE
(Sighing with a small smile)
Okay, i’ll catch up with you once i’ve found out more from the Abbot and Noah.
Charlie gets up, moves his chair and starts to leave.
CHARLIE
(Sincerely)
Thanks, PC Benn ... Grace. I appreciate it.
GRACE
(Teasing slightly)
We need to solve this mystery fast, or I swear, this sleepy little village is going to turn into a full-blown Poirot case. You’ve been here what, a week? And suddenly we’re knee-deep in conspiracies. Why’s that, Charlie?
CHARLIE
(Professional)
I wish i knew. I’ll be at the inn. You have my number. I would appreciate an update. If you can.
GRACE
(Dryly)
Will do, Charlie. Try not to get chased by another motorboat, okay?
CHARLIE
(Professional)
I’ll stick to the land, Grace. Keep safe.
​
He leaves, CLOSING the door softly behind him. Grace watches for a moment longer before shaking her head with a quiet chuckle.
GRACE
(To herself, sarcastically)
James Bond. Not even low budget.
​
FADE OUT
​
Scene 6 - The Inn
​
INT. CHARLIE’S ROOM - NIGHT
FADE IN.
Charlie is watching TELEVISION. Loud KNOCKING on Charlie’s door.
​
CHARLIE
(Politely)
Hello.
NOAH
(Cheerful)
It’s Noah.
​
Charlie GETS UP from the bed and OPENS the door.
NOAH
(Cheerful)
Evening, Charlie. An envelope was delivered for you this morning.
CHARLIE
(Confused)
An envelope.
NOAH
(Cheerful)
Yeah, mate. Here you go.
​
Noah takes the envelope out of his pocket and gives it to Charlie.
CHARLIE
(Polite)
Thanks, Noah.
NOAH
(Curious)
Any luck with the boat?
CHARLIE
(Polite)
Nothing yet. Still trying to find out what happened.
NOAH
(Polite)
Of course, of course. Any update on the lad, Jamie?
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Nothing yet, hopefully he is with friends and he’ll be back soon. Look, Noah. I’m pretty tired. I appreciate your help this morning. I really appreciate it.
NOAH
(Polite)
Not a problem, mate. Anytime. Have a good night, mate.
CHARLIE
(Professional)
Good night, Noah. See you tomorrow.
Charlie closes the door and Noah walks off down the hall. Charlie opens the envelope and tips it onto the desk.
CHARLIE
(Curious)
A USB.
​
Charlie looks into the envelope and FEELS AROUND for any other items. He finds nothing.
CHARLIE
(Curious)
Just the usb. Let’s see what’s on it.
​
Charlie get’s a laptop OUT of his bag and STARTS it up. He KEYS in his passcode, INSERTS the usb and loads it up.
CHARLIE
(Surprised)
One video. Let’s see.
​
Charlie DOUBLE CLICKS on the video. It PLAYS a video of the night of the robbery at the museum. Someone ENTERS the room and OPENS the case with the amulet.
​
CHARLIE
(Shocked)
Who is that?
​
The person TAKES the amulet and locks the case.
CHARLIE
(shocked)
Oh no, I need to speak to Anna.
​
FADE OUT