CASTLE BLOODSHED

An Original Screenplay By Holly Copella

FIRST DRAFT

CASTLE BLOODSHED By H. Copella FADE IN:

EXT. WESLEY CASTLE - EVENING We see a mystic castle in the light fog of the early evening. Pan back. We see the moat and lowered drawbridge. There's a courtyard, garden, and family crypt beyond the small cemetery. Pan back. We see the harbor and the distant city lights. INT. LOUNGE An older man, DUKE ALDEN WESLEY, sits in his plush antique chair before the elegant fireplace. The room is set in old, Victorian style. He sips his brandy. The butler, HARRINGTON, enters the room and approaches the duke. Harrington's hands are clasped behind his back and he stands proudly. HARRINGTON Shall I have the upstairs maid draw your bath, Sir? ALDEN I suppose you will anyway. Harrington-HARRINGTON Yes, Sir? ALDEN You've been like a son to me. Have I told you that? HARRINGTON That's kind of you, Sir. ALDEN At least the son I should've had. Perhaps we'll holiday in England this summer. Find you a nice English girl. HARRINGTON Yes, Sir. ALDEN Were the others dismissed for the evening?

HARRINGTON All but Diane, Sir. She's preparing your night clothing. ALDEN Very good. I'd prefer not being disturbed by them anymore tonight. It's not that I don't trust them, it's just-(hesitates) well--I don't trust them. HARRINGTON We'd discussed dismissing some of them. If you're unhappy with their performance-ALDEN Their performance isn't the problem. I just don't care for them. They aren't anything like the old staff. Things were swift like clockwork around here back then. The only one I even partially like is Jake, and he's been in prison before. Though Joanne and Diane are a pleasant sight. HARRINGTON If you say so, Sir. ALDEN I do. That'll be all, Harrington. HARRINGTON About that bath-ALDEN (waves him off) Yes, yes, yes. I'm going to take a quick tour of the castle first, so tell her to give me a few minutes. HARRINGTON As you wish, Sir. ALDEN Go on--get out of here. HARRINGTON I'll be up with your nightly pills before you turn in. ALDEN Damned pills--

Harrington leaves the room. Duke Alden stands and approaches the painting of a beautiful woman, the duchess. ALDEN My darling duchess, I'm so sad these days. There's not enough money to support the castle anymore. The original staff have all retired or passed on. Harrington's the only one I trust. (pause) I'm so tired. I long for the day when I'm finally able to join you, but each morning I wake. (pause) I don't mean to bore you. Sleep well, my love. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Duke Alden passes through the virtual maze of hallways. He passes many suits of armor. He pauses to study countless paintings and antiques. INT. DUNGEON The dungeon is a maze of corridors and cells. There are suits of armor lined along the main dungeon corridor as well. Duke Alden picks up a livelier gate and pats several knights as he passes. ALDEN Carry on, my fine men. The lights flicker and go out. Duke Alden pauses in the darkness just before the doorway to the workshop and lights a torch. He attempts to remove it from the wall. It turns to reveal a secret compartment. A small chest is inside the compartment. A smile crosses his face. ALDEN Well, I'll be-He returns the cover to the compartment, lights another torch, and hurries through the corridor in a cheerful mood. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY Duke Alden storms through the hallway with a look of anger and rage. The power has been restored, and he no longer carries his torch. Something has changed his mood. We see an American maid, DIANE, approach. She's young, blonde, and beautiful. Duke Alden stops her.

ALDEN Diane, please tell Harrington I wish to see him immediately. DIANE Yes, Sir. I'll tell him right away. Duke Alden hurries to his master chamber and enters. INT. MASTER CHAMBER Duke Alden closes the door to the large, elegant room. He approaches the king-sized, hard top canopy bed with a suit of armor on either side of it. He removes a journal from a secret compartment in the old, wooden headboard. He writes down the location of the chest in the dungeon then replaces the book. Duke Alden stands. We hear the door open without its usual knock. He turns with some confusion. INT. STAIRWAY Harrington hurries up the old, spiral stone steps to the outside of the castle. We hear a splash. Harrington looks out of a small beveled glass window to the moat below. He continues up the stairs a little faster. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY Harrington briskly walks to the duke's master chamber door, straightens his jacket, and promptly knocks. There's no response. HARRINGTON Sir, it's Harrington. There's still no response. Harrington opens the door and enters. INT. MASTER CHAMBER Duke Alden lay on his bed with a dagger through his mid section. Harrington is horrified. He runs to the bed. Blood covers the duke's mid-section around the elegant, gold dagger. A framed photo of the duchess lay on the bed beside him. We see there's a missing suit of armor to the right side of the bed. INT. KITCHEN Harrington sits at the kitchen table with his head in his hands. An officer, STEVENS, continues to ask questions. STEVENS Was there anything missing from the duke's room or anywhere else in the castle?

HARRINGTON His gold pocket watch, a gold crescent ring, and a suit of armor. STEVENS A suit of armor? Are you sure? HARRINGTON There are knights in every room on either side of the beds. One is missing. STEVENS We're searching the estate for the killer. It's a large area to cover, so it may take awhile. We're still not ruling out suicide. HARRINGTON He didn't kill himself. It was made to look that way, but he wouldn't. The stolen watch and ring should tell you that. STEVENS We have to investigate all possibilities, Mr. Harrington. Who was the last person to see him alive? HARRINGTON Diane, the upstairs maid. She'd told me he'd wanted to see me immediately. STEVENS Did he usually send for you so late? HARRINGTON No. I always bring him his nightly pills after he turns in. He knew I'd be there shortly. Diane said he seemed upset. We've had some recent staff problems. STEVENS Oh? HARRINGTON He was displeased with their attitudes. STEVENS So there's a possibility that he had a confrontation with someone.

HARRINGTON Possibly, but the others had retired to the servant's quarters for the evening--with the exception of Diane and myself. A detective, ADDAMS, enters the kitchen. Harrington looks at him with eagerness. HARRINGTON Have you found anything, Inspector? ADDAMS The chain on the back gate to the cemetery had been cut. We'd also found marks from a small motor boat on shore. It would appear someone broke into the cemetery and found their way into the castle with the intent to steal. Duke Alden must've surprised them. They panicked and killed him. HARRINGTON Whoever came here tonight came for the sole purpose to murder the duke. ADDAMS For what reason? HARRINGTON Revenge. The dagger used to kill the duke was the same one that killed the duchess twenty years ago. ADDAMS Thank you for your help, Mr. Harrington. We'll be in touch. EXT. HARBOR - DAY -- SIX MONTHS LATER A motor boat approaches the island with six tourists and the boat guide, MARK. The boat stops near the dock. The castle is an impressive sight. The six guests are NAOMI REMUS, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE, LYDIA BELLER, RYON CHRISTMAN, BRADLY STUART, and DONNA LITTLE. EXT. CASTLE DAY Mark leads the group to the drawbridge, which crosses the moat.

MARK The castle had been taken down stone by stone and shipped across the ocean to this island. The move took two years to complete. Everything you see is from the original Wesley Castle. The walls are eight feet thick with block stone, and they stand thirty feet high. The area beyond the wall, including the courtyard, is six acres. They pause before the drawbridge and moat. There is an iron gate raised just on the other side. MARK The iron gate you see, called a portcullis, is about two tons of oak covered with iron. The spikes at the bottom embed into the stone about six inches when it's lowered. Back in the fourteenth century, two men could raise and lower the gate with the use of a winch. Today our gate is opened by the push of a button. Naomi stares at the castle walls as they walk. MARK The drawbridge is about six inches thick. It's the only way over the moat and is closed every night. They walk across the drawbridge. MARK The moat you see beneath you is thirty feet deep and twenty feet wide. Back in the days of its origin, the moat had sharp, wooden spikes embedded in its floor. Any intruder attempting so swim the moat would be shredded. Then, of course, there's the moat monster. A myth started to prevent intruders from crossing. Some believe it's more than a myth. The others continue across. Naomi pauses to take a picture. We see something move through the water just below the surface. Naomi stares a moment then follows the others. EXT. COURTYARD DAY

The group passes beneath the portcullis into the courtyard. Naomi is a couple of feet behind. She passes under the gate fifteen feet from the ground and looks up to the broad spikes. She enters the courtyard. We hear a loud, metallic crack. The iron gate grinds and crashes to the ground just behind her. The parting gust of wind is enough to send her face first into the ground. Naomi flips onto her backside with a gasp and stares at the lowered gate. Everyone runs to her side. Mark and George help her to her feet. MARK Are you alright? NAOMI I'm okay. George attempts a smile and hands her the broken camera. Naomi moans softly and accepts it. MARK (to others) She's okay. Everything's under control. Why don't you have a look around the courtyard garden and wait for your castle guide. I need to have a talk with our gatekeeper. GEORGE You could've been killed. Are you sure you're okay? NAOMI Yes, I'm fine. INT. WINCH ROOM Mark enters the enclosed room. There's a long, wooden wheel with old chain wrapped around it. This is the old winch--no longer in use. Mark approaches a button on the wall and pushes it. Nothing happens. He looks toward a small shaft in the floor with an iron ladder ascending through it. He approaches the ladder and looks down the shaft.

MARK Jake? There's no response. Mark frowns and looks around the room with confusion. He approaches the small workbench and removes a flashlight from the wall holder. He looks to the counter top. We see a cutting torch. He sets down the flashlight and hurries across the room to the door. He opens the door and jumps with surprise. MARK You'd startled me--what are you doing here?

We see a sword appear through the open doorway and pierce Marks mid-section. He clutches his bleeding abdomen. EXT. COURTYARD DAY Naomi and George walk around the courtyard along with the others. There are several steps leading up to the walkway along the top of the castle walls. There are two towers to the castle, which tower above the three existing floors of the castle. The double doors to the castle keep open. Harrington stands in the doorway. HARRINGTON Good morning and welcome to Wesley Castle. If you'd be kind enough to walk this way, we'll start the tour. The six guests approach the castle doors. INT. FOYER All six enter the castle foyer. The floors are marble. The ceilings are twenty feet high. Harrington closes the old, wooden door. It creaks like a casket closing. HARRINGTON My name is Harrington. I've been the butler here at Wesley Castle for ten years. Despite the age of this castle, you will find everything has been completely restored and, in most cases, is authentic. LYDIA Are you really the butler or just a tour guide dressed the part? HARRINGTON My family has served this castle for over six generations. Please, follow me and feel free to ask any questions you may have during the tour. They follow the butler down the foyer steps and into the long, broad hallway. NAOMI (to George) Six generations--you don't get more authentic than that. GEORGE A servant with an attitude--I like him already.

INT. LOUNGE The lounge is elegant with tapestries hanging on the walls. There are old paintings in every room and antique vases and heirlooms. BRADLY What about the stolen jewels? I've heard they were hidden in the castle many years ago. They continue back toward the hallway. HARRINGTON The jewels were supposedly stolen by a servant many centuries ago--under the reign of King Chasity, just prior to the overthrow. Had there actually been any such jewels, they would have been found decades ago. The castle is filled with secret passages. The passageways were used during battle as a safe haven for royalty. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY They follow Harrington into the hallway and toward the study. RYON Where's the duke? I thought we'd be meeting him on the tour. HARRINGTON Duke Alden Wesley was killed in his chamber six months ago. I've been left in charge of keeping the castle operational until the estate is settled. The duke, however, is on the premises. You'll meet him later in the family crypt.

GEORGE Are you telling us the duke was murdered? By whom? I don't remember seeing that in the paper. HARRINGTON The case remains unsolved. The story remained low profile to keep it from the papers. I've no further information about his death.

RYON So who inherits the estate? HARRINGTON The duke has a son. He ran away many years ago. If he's alive, he'll undoubtedly inherit the estate. Duke Alden's will was never recovered. Harrington turns and continues to walk along the hallway. He talks about the paintings as they pass, possibly avoiding the current subject. Naomi glances at the suit of armor standing two feet away from her. She slowly runs her fingers over the armored chest in fascination. She reaches for the helmet and raises the face shield. It makes a terrible squeak. We see a skeleton staring back at her. Naomi gasps and allows the lid to drop with a clank. She jumps back and holds her chest with surprise. HARRINGTON (voice) Don't let that frighten you, Madam. Naomi nervously spins around and backs into the armor. Harrington has a tiny smirk on his face.

HARRINGTON Some were found intact--a sick belief of immortality prevented generations from removing them. NAOMI It doesn't frighten me. I just wasn't expecting it. HARRINGTON Shall we continue with the tour? Naomi is forced to walk ahead of Harrington. He follows behind her as if he's keeping her in line. INT. DINING ROOM The antique wood table is surrounded by twenty chairs. The flowers and candles create and elegant dining atmosphere. There are more paintings and antiques. The china is in the most expensive taste, the glasses are crystal, and the silverware is actual silver. The six guests are sitting around the lower portion of the dining room table after their meal, which is provided. Harrington has left them during their meal and still hasn't returned. Diane clears away their plates onto a glass top, serving cart. She pours them coffee. Several men in the group take in her beauty. Diane pushes her cart into the connecting kitchen.

RYON I could get use to this lifestyle. BRADLY I could get used to that maid. Harrington enters the dining room. He appears distracted. HARRINGTON I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I can't seem to locate your boat guide. BRADLY He said he was going to see the gatekeeper. The gate fell down when we'd arrived-nearly crushed Naomi. HARRINGTON I'd better find him. Please, feel free to help yourselves to drinks in the lounge. Harrington leaves the dining room. GEORGE (to Naomi) May as well get some free drinks. NAOMI (stands) I think I'd like to explore on my own a little. GEORGE Hoping to get some inspiration for that new novel? NAOMI You know me all too well, George. INT. STUDY Naomi looks around the huge, tastefully decorated room. The room is detailed with carved wood trim. The large desk itself is a carved showpiece. The entire room is Victorian in appearance with the exception of the computer on the desk. We hear thunder rumbling in the distance. Naomi approaches the large, stained glass windows and looks outside. EXT. CASTLE GROUNDS - LATE AFTERNOON

Naomi's POV. We see the rear of the castle. There is a well-maintained garden with shrubs, trees, and various plants. There's a stone walkway leading to the cemetery and the family crypt--just to the back edge before the back wall and old, iron gate. We see a flash of lightening followed by another clash of thunder. We see someone ascending from the family crypt. INT. STUDY Naomi squints while staring out the window. She turns from the window and leaves the room. INT. LIBRARY Naomi enters the monstrous room filled with shelves and shelves of books extending to the ceiling. There is a small walkway halfway up the bookcase to the second level. A large ladder on rollers extends up each level and runs along a railing. There are sculpted tables and furnishings around the floor. A massive, stone fireplace accents the room perfectly. There's a desk near the fireplace. We see a long, narrow object of gold standing straight up on the desk. It's at least twelve inches high. Naomi stares a moment then approaches the desk. As she approaches, we can clearly see it's an antique dagger embedded in the cover of a book on top of the desk. Naomi approaches. We see the dagger is through her picture on the back of one of her books! Naomi is horrified. She nervously turns and walks back for the library door. We see it's only open a crack. As she approaches, the door shuts completely. Naomi hurries for the door and pulls on the knob. It won't open! Naomi takes a step back from the door. She looks nervously around the room. The suit of armor near the desk by the fireplace appears to have its helmet angled in her direction. When she looks back at the door, it's opened a couple of inches. Naomi hurries out. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Naomi hurries through the lower corridor toward the lounge at the opposite end of the castle. There are suits of armor every twenty feet. She glares at every one as she passes. We hear a metallic squeak. Naomi looks back. Every knight's helmet is turned in her direction. Naomi gasps and runs the rest of the way. We hear a squeak. Naomi turns her head to the side while running. When she looks in the direction she's going, a silver arm appears just before her. She runs into the arm, falls to the floor, and takes the suit of armor with her. There's a tremendous crash. The knight's sword hits the floor only inches from her head and becomes embedded in the wood. Naomi struggles to remove the armor that seems to wrap around her. She screams and beats the armor with her hands. The armor is pulled off of her. She continues to punch at the air with bleeding knuckles. HARRINGTON Miss Remus--what's the meaning of this?

Naomi pulls herself into a sitting position and scrambles backwards. She glares at Harrington then to the discarded armor, now detached, lying in a heap. Naomi springs to her feet and kicks the armor that lies on the floor. Harrington stares in disbelief. She breathes heavily and backs away from the armor. HARRINGTON Do you feel better now? Naomi stares at him without a word. He looks down at the dented pile of armor. Harrington frowns and shakes his head. Lydia, Ryon, and Bradly are standing nearby with surprised expressions.

LYDIA What happened? HARRINGTON Would you care to explain yourself? NAOMI Self defense-Harrington isnt humored. George approaches the small group and pushes past the others. He looks at Naomi's bleeding knuckles and her drained expression. GEORGE What the hell's going on? (to Naomi) Are you alright? NAOMI I had--a little accident. HARRINGTON Accident? That pile of metal on the floor was once an antique. GEORGE I'll pay for the damages. HARRINGTON That would be most appropriate. I'll get some bandages for those cuts. Harrington turns and walks down the hallway in his same, calm demeanor. NAOMI I have to show you what I found in the library!

INT. LIBRARY Naomi rushes across the library to the desk by the fireplace. The book and dagger are missing. She searches the area. GEORGE What are you looking for? NAOMI I swear to you, George, there was a book on this table. It was my book--with a dagger through my picture on the back! GEORGE Why would someone do that? RYON Was the book that bad? NAOMI I have a bad feeling about this place. I want to leave. GEORGE Okay. I'll call the mainland and get us passage to shore. George picks up the phone on the desk and taps in several numbers. He appears confused and lowers the phone. GEORGE The phone's dead. DONNA What's going on around here? RYON Everything's fine, Darling. She's just being dramatic. The approaching storm's probably knocked the phones out. HARRINGTON (voice) The phones are out often. All six turn with some surprise. Harrington stands in the doorway to the library.

HARRINGTON It's nothing to cause worry. If everyone would kindly adjourn to the lounge, you'll find drinks available. (to Naomi) If you'll come with me, Miss Remus, I'll tend to your cuts. The others approach the butler and the library door. Naomi turns toward George. NAOMI George, I think this castle is haunted. That knight downstairs attacked me. I couldn't get it off of me. I swear, it's true. I don't believe in ghosts, but I know what I saw. George stares at her a moment then glances at the butler, waiting impatiently in the doorway. GEORGE I'm not certain I buy into this ghost theory, but I'll check into the dagger in your book. Go with Harrington. Keep him busy awhile. I'll talk to the others. INT. KITCHEN Harrington cleans the scraps and cuts on Naomi's hands while she watches. HARRINGTON That should do it. Perhaps you'll think twice before challenging a knight. NAOMI It attacked me. HARRINGTON Who did? NAOMI The suit of armor in the hallway--it grabbed me and wouldn't let go. HARRINGTON (stands) Madam--dead knights have little use for live maidens. NAOMI I want to leave this island.

HARRINGTON That's not possible. I've no way to contact the mainland. The phones aren't working due to the storm. NAOMI You're saying I'm stuck here until tonight? I realize it's only a few hours, but under the circumstances-HARRINGTON You're going to be completely irrational no matter what I say. You can either continue the tour or remain here. The choice is yours. Harrington turns and leaves the kitchen. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Naomi hurries after Harrington, who maintains his usual pace. She steps in front of him and forces him to stop. NAOMI Why wouldn't I be rational? What aren't you telling me? HARRINGTON The portcullis has snapped its chain. NAOMI Yes, I know. I was under it. HARRINGTON In order to fix the gate, we need our gatekeeper, Jake. I'm unable to find him--or your boat guide. NAOMI How many places could they really be? HARRINGTON That would depend on whether or not they want to be found. NAOMI Are you saying they went somewhere to get drunk? HARRINGTON It's a possibility.

NAOMI I'm sure they're looking for a way to fix the gate. Mark knew about the problem when we'd arrived. HARRINGTON Everyone will probably have to spend the night. NAOMI I'll swim first. HARRINGTON The only other way out of the castle is through the dungeon. That takes you to the cemetery. The gate was welded shut six months ago. INT. FAMILY CRYPT EVENING The six enter the crypt lit by torches. There are two marble tombs within the crypt. Duke Alden Wesley is carved on the lid of the tomb to the right and Duchess Catherine Wesley is carved on the other. HARRINGTON As you may already know, both the duke and the duchess were murdered. Duke Alden was killed six months ago, and the duchess--ten years ago. LYDIA What happened to the duchess? HARRINGTON A servant fell in love with her. When she refused his affections, he killed her. BRADLY Was the servant sent to jail? HARRINGTON No. He was slain by my predecessor with Duke Alden's sword hanging in his chamber. RYON Must've been related to you--if you're family's been with the Wesley's for six generations.

HARRINGTON Yes. He was my father. Silence. HARRINGTON Allow me to show you the dungeon torture chamber. INT. TORTURE CHAMBER Torture devices line the walls of the torture chamber. There's a stretching rack, spiked chair, and old devices used to sever, saw, and maim. Shackles hang from the walls and a collection of knives is displayed. In the middle of the room is a wood chopping block with a large ax stuck in it. On the other side of the block is a basket. Harrington removes the ax from the block. All six jump. HARRINGTON A skilled headsman always kept a sharp ax. I'm told beheading is virtually painless-providing they beheaded the criminal first. Most medieval punishment involved a lot of pain before death. They were very careful to keep the prisoner alive and conscious throughout most of the torture. Treason was taken very seriously. If a prisoner was found guilty, he was hung, drawn, and quartered--a most unpleasant way to die. RYON I'd prefer to be hung. HARRINGTON You think so? It's not as merciful as it sounds. Their method of hanging didn't usually kill instantly. It was more of a strangulation. When the prisoner was just about dead, they'd cut him open and remove his insides. He was cut into quarters, then his head was removed and mounted on a stick for display. If you'll follow me-Naomi strays behind to look over the assortment of knives in the case along the wall. One of the daggers appears similar to the one she'd seen in the cover of her book. Something metal strikes the floor. Naomi looks around. We see spiked balls, whips, and axes around the room. She walks toward the door across the room to follow the others. There's a suit of armor to the left of the door. The spear held by the knight seems to extend across the doorway. NAOMI Not this time--

She removes a sword from the wall and casually approaches the knight. The spear moves forward. Naomi swings at the knight and severs it hand holding the spear. The metal hand flies across the room and bounces off of a nearby wall. Naomi coils back for another blow. NAOMI Didn't think I could defend myself, huh? She attempts a second swing but her hand is caught by the left, metal hand. Her arm is bent backward, and she's forced to drop the sword. The handless arm wraps around her waist and lifts her from the floor. Naomi kicks and screams while struggling against the armor. NAOMI Let me go! You're not even real! She pounds on its tin head. It makes a metallic echo. We see the knight is carrying her toward the chopping block. Naomi looks over her shoulder at the chopping block and ax and screams hysterically. We see the severed hand inching its way toward the knight. NAOMI George! As the knight lowers her to the chopping block, Naomi pulls away and dives for her discarded sword. She spins and begins hacking at the knight with all her strength. The suit of armor falls to a pile on the floor. Naomi is grabbed around the waist from behind. HARRINGTON (voice) Stop it! Naomi stops struggling and gasps for her breath. Harrington releases her. She spins to face him. NAOMI Where were you when that thing tried to kill me? HARRINGTON I'm very tempted to toss you in the moat. You should be ashamed--attacking poor, defenseless inanimate objects! NAOMI Defenseless? Inanimate? You don't even care that those tin cans are trying to kill me every time your back is turned?

HARRINGTON They're only metal cases. They can't possibly hurt you. Now, can you behave yourself, or must I take you by the hand for the remainder of the tour? Naomi stares at him with disbelief. INT. LOUNGE EVENING The caretaker, FRANK, and the cook, BARNEY enter the lounge where Harrington is pouring drinks for the guests. Harrington looks to the doorway along with the six guests. HARRINGTON If you'll excuse me a moment-Harrington approaches the two men and they talk quietly. The six guests appear uncomfortable. BRADLY I'd love to know what's going on. NAOMI By the looks on their faces, they couldn't fix the gate. DONNA You mean we're stuck here all night? RYON Sounds like fun to me. BRADLY As long as they don't charge us extra for the rooms. GEORGE I hope we won't have to stay all weekend. I have a Sunday brunch date. NAOMI The entire weekend? I'll be lucky if I make it through the night. Frank and Barney leave the lounge. Harrington returns to the group.

HARRINGTON Due to the storm and the absence of your boat guide, it's best if everyone remain here for the night. Our caretaker will attempt to fix the gate in the morning. Until then, we'll see that everyone is made as comfortable as possible. INT. NAOMIS BEDROOM Naomi enters the bedroom behind Harrington. The others have been shown to their rooms already. It's obvious he wants to keep an eye on her. The room is also elegantly decorated--as all the rooms. There's a suit of armor on either side of the hard-top, canopy bed. Harrington walks across the room and picks up the first suit of armor. He carries it out of the room and places it along side the door. Naomi folds her arms across her chest and watches as he returns for the second. Once the second one is placed outside the room, he stands in the doorway with a smirk. HARRINGTON Sleep well, Madam. Harrington closes the heavy, chamber door. She nervously looks around the room. INT. RYON AND DONNA'S BEDROOM Donna lay on the large bed in a seductive position and marvels at the underside of the canopy bed. DONNA Isn't this romantic? We get to make love on satin sheets in a medieval castle. Ryon is searching the walls and bookcases. He appears distracted. DONNA I could be the fair maiden awaiting her knight in shining armor. What are you looking for? RYON Wouldn't it be fascinating if we could find those stolen jewels? DONNA Be serious, Ryon. You heard what the butler had said. Those jewels were a myth.

RYON He never said they were a myth. (feels the walls) I think they're in this castle somewhere. May as well make the best of the time we're stuck here. DONNA I agree. Come to bed. RYON We haven't got time for that, Donna. DONNA Is that why you brought me here? All that talk about touring History? You knew about those jewels the entire time, didn't you? RYON If we could find those jewels, we'd be rich. DONNA Once we're married, my father hands over my trust fund. We'll have more than enough money. RYON And live under your father's thumb for the rest of my life? I think I'd rather make my own fortune. I'm just thinking of your happiness. DONNA (seductive) Then come to bed. Ryon watches as Donna strokes the bed seductively while looking at him. RYON I'll bet Harrington has an idea where those jewels are. DONNA You're pathetic. RYON I need to find one of those secret passages. Ryon is hit in the back with a pillow. He jumps and spins around. Donna is sitting on the tall bed.

DONNA Get out! RYON What? Donna stands on the bed and throws another pillow in anger. Ryon dodges the pillow and stares at her a moment. RYON You're right. I'll have more success downstairs. Ryon leaves the room. Donna snorts and sits on the bed a moment. DONNA Bastard. INT. NAOMI'S BEDROOM Naomi lay asleep beneath her covers. We hear a soft, shuffling sound as a shadow passes through her room. Naomi tosses under the covers and slowly wakes. She looks around the dark room. There's no one there. We hear the thunder and the rain as it pours down outside. There's some movement in the hallway. It appears as if someone else is unable to sleep as well. We hear a door open and close. Naomi sighs and climbs out of the bed. INT. BATHROOM Darkness. Naomi turns on the bathroom light. We see the dead duke lying in her empty tub. Naomi screams and runs from the bathroom. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY Naomi pounds on the doors near her room. NAOMI George! Someone! Doors begin to open to the noise. Harrington is the first to approach her. He's in a robe and sweat pants. Naomi grabs his arm and pulls him to her room. NAOMI This time I have proof I'm not crazy! INT. BATHROOM Naomi pulls Harrington into her bathroom. The others are directly behind them now. Naomi stops in the bathroom and stares. The bathtub is empty. The duke is gone. She looks around the bathroom with confusion.

HARRINGTON What am I supposed to be looking for? A spider? NAOMI There was a dead man in my bathtub. I'm positive it was Duke Alden. Harrington appears stunned by her words then becomes angry. He turns toward the others. HARRINGTON I'm terribly sorry for the interruption. Please, return to your rooms. Everyone leaves the room. They appear tired and are muttering softly among themselves. Harrington turns abruptly toward Naomi. HARRINGTON This time you've gone too far, Miss Remus. I can tolerate your bashing the armor, and I can deal with you abusing me--but I won't tolerate any comments concerning my late employer. NAOMI I know what I saw, Harrington. And further more, I can prove it. HARRINGTON How? NAOMI Open the duke's casket. HARRINGTON You're absolutely insane! I'm going to get you a good, strong drink and then it's back to bed. Harrington turns and leaves the bathroom. Naomi follows him. INT. NAOMIS BEDROOM Naomi storms after Harrington. He pauses by the small liquor cart and pours scotch into a glass. NAOMI You know damned well what's going on around here. You're probably on first name basis with every spook in this place!

Harrington turns and extends the glass to her. She accepts it. HARRINGTON If this castle was haunted, why would they pick you to torment? NAOMI Who cares why--you're going to see that I'm not crazy. (drains the glass) We're going out to the crypt. Naomi spins and hurries toward the bedroom door. Harrington hurries after her. HARRINGTON There's no way I'm allowing you to-INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY Naomi hurries along the corridor. Harrington jogs behind her. HARRINGTON Hold it right there! Naomi stops and spins to face him. NAOMI Something to hide? HARRINGTON I'm going with you. Give me a minute to change. Naomi frowns and casts her back against the hall wall. Harrington enters his room just down the hall. Naomi stares in the direction of his room. NAOMI Like I'm going give them the chance to put him back-Naomi straightens and hurries along the corridor and toward the steps. EXT. CEMETARY - NIGHT The cemetery is dim and the rain continues to pour down. The heavy door from the dungeon is opened. Naomi runs along the path through the cemetery in the pouring rain. HARRINGTON (faint voice) I'm warning you--don't touch anything!

Lightening flashes in the near distance as the storm passes. Naomi reaches the crypt. She feels her head and catches her balance. Naomi opens the crypt door and enters. INT. FAMILY CRYPT Naomi approaches the duke's tomb and clings to the side. Her eyes shut a moment. Harrington enters the crypt. HARRINGTON Have you no respect? NAOMI Respect for what? An empty tomb? Do you want to open it, or should I? HARRINGTON Step aside. Naomi moves away from the tomb. Harrington pauses before the tomb, hesitates, and pushes the marble slab aside to expose the duke's casket. Harrington fumbles with the casket edge and opens it. Naomi's knees buckle. She clutches the side of the tomb for support. She clutches her head and sways slightly. She watches as the lid is opened. Both peer into the casket. We see Mark, the boat guide, in place of the duke in the casket. There is blood surrounding his mid-section. Harrington gasps, drops the lid, and jumps back. Naomi begins to sink to the floor as her eyes roll shut. Harrington dives for her and catches her. INT. LOUNGE Darkness. We hear voices. The voices become louder and the conversation can be heard. Naomi lies on the sofa and looks around the lounge at the others. Donna is sitting on the edge of the sofa. DONNA Are you alright? Naomi slowly nods. We see George and Harrington in a stand-off. GEORGE If you would've believed her, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. HARRINGTON We were trapped from the moment the gate dropped. No one could've known it was on purpose. Naomi slowly sits up. George hurries to her side.

GEORGE Are you alright? NAOMI I'm fine. HARRINGTON It was only a sedative. Did you really think I'd knocked her out? GEORGE That's what I'd like to find out! Who knows what you'd done before we'd arrived. HARRINGTON Id never harm a woman. GEORGE What happened, Naomi? Was Mark already dead when you found him? NAOMI Is that what all this is about? Yes, he was dead long before we got there. LYDIA Why did Harrington knock you out? NAOMI He thought I was becoming hysterical. I assure you, George--if Harrington wanted me dead, he would've killed me when he had the chance. BRADLY The two of you were still in the crypt when we found you. How do we know he wasn't planning on throwing you into the coffin as well. HARRINGTON Oh, please! NAOMI Harrington was just as surprised as I was to find Mark. He'd be the last person to put a body into the duke's coffin.

DONNA What about the gatekeeper? Where is he? Isn't it logical that he'd be the prime suspect? Mark went to see him shortly after we'd arrived. NAOMI How do we know he isn't dead too? Silence. RYON If Jake was dead, don't you think we'd have found him by now? NAOMI If Jake were alive, don't you think we'd have found him by now. GEORGE Maybe he's in the duchess' coffin. HARRINGTON The duke's missing already. I suppose it won't matter if we disturb the duchess. Barney and Frank enter the lounge. Both are soaking wet and out of breath. FRANK We've put Mark's body in the meat locker-as you'd asked. HARRINGTON We're going back to the crypt. BARNEY The crypt? Why? HARRINGTON We need to check the duchess' coffin. INT. CRYPT Everyone stands around the crypt and watches as Frank and Harrington slide open the marble slab over the duchess tomb. We see the exposed casket. Harrington opens the lid with some effort. There's a cloud of fumes from the casket with a foul smell. Everyone coughs and gasps. We see the sunken, decaying remains of the duchess. HARRINGTON Forgive me, duchess.

Harrington closes the coffin lid. Frank and Barney return the slab over the tomb. HARRINGTON The staff is requested to locate the body of Duke Alden. (to guests) I suggest the rest of you return to your rooms and get some sleep. The staff moans with displeasure to his request of them. HARRINGTON Is there a problem? Both Joanne and Diane shake their heads slowly. FRANK I don't see the point, Harrington. The duke isn't going anywhere. Why can't this wait until morning? HARRINGTON Our respect and loyalty shall not end just because the Duke has passed on. If you disrespect the duke and duchess, then you've no business being employed at Wesley Castle. FRANK I just asked a question, that's all. No need to get huffy. Frank and Barney walk toward the crypt door. Naomi watches them pass. FRANK Who died and left you boss-RYON If you don't mind, I'd like to help look for your duke. I don't think I could sleep any way. Donna eyes Ryon. NAOMI I think I've slept enough. I may as well help too. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY

Naomi walks alongside Harrington. She watches him as he walks with his hands clasped behind his back. He appears docile, though hes far more commanding then appears. NAOMI Pairing up with you wasn't exactly what I had in mind. HARRINGTON I'd prefer to have you close by to keep an eye on you. NAOMI Are you always this much fun? There's no response. NAOMI Where are we going anyway? HARRINGTON I want to check the towers. NAOMI You're looking for the duke in the towers? Quite a few steps to carry someone, don't you think? HARRINGTON We're not going there to look for the duke. NAOMI Why then? You intend to lock me in there? HARRINGTON Tempting, but I doubt I'd get away with it. Your boyfriend has a problem with me already. If you'd disappear, he'd have my head. NAOMI George has a bit of a temper, I'll admit. But he's not my boyfriend. So why are we going to the tower? HARRINGTON I just want to have a look around outside-make certain we haven't any unannounced visitors. I'll be able to see if there are any boats pulled onto shore.

Harrington pauses before a tapestry on the stone wall at the end of the hall. He pulls it back to reveal an old door. NAOMI Interesting way to hide a door. HARRINGTON Keeps the draft out. He unlocks the door with a key from his pocket. INT. TOWER The tower had been omitted from the tour. The room is large and round. It resembles a wizard's laboratory. There are old books, tattered furniture, and strange objects, which are beyond description. Everything is covered with dust and cobwebs. Harrington approaches a window toward the front of the castle. NAOMI Now this is interesting. (fingers through dust) Needs a good doodle dusting though. Naomi approaches the old wooden window facing the back of the castle. There are cobwebs and spiders over it. She carefully unlatches it and pushes it open. EXT. CEMETARY - NIGHT Naomi's POV. Darkness. The view is spectacular. There's the cemetery, crypt, harbor, and the city lights in the distance. Cool, damp air blows in through the window. INT. TOWER Naomi stares out the window and smiles contentedly. NAOMI From a distance, the city actually appears peaceful. Harrington approaches and stands behind her. HARRINGTON This window faced the ocean in England. The guards could watch for an invasion from every side. I'd spent a lot of time in this tower as a boy. I'd stare out the window and watch for pirate ships. NAOMI Pretty serious environment for a child.

HARRINGTON Not at all. Duke Alden was like a grandfather to me. He'd tell me stories about the castle and battles passed on through the generations. I was never forbidden to touch the antiques. He missed his own son. I suppose I filled that void in his life. A cool breeze chills Naomi. She looks back at him. NAOMI You really cared for him. HARRINGTON He was an endless narrator. His entire family history was stored in his memory. I know everything about this castle, the Wesley's, and King Chasity. NAOMI Why do you leave the tower out of the tour? HARRINGTON Out of respect for the princess. Sometimes I hear her cry. NAOMI What happened to the princess? HARRINGTON Over four hundred years ago, she was locked in this tower by her father, the king. He wanted to protect her when intruders attacked the castle. The invaders killed nearly everyone. A few knights rushed the queen to safety. The king attempted to rescue his daughter, but he was killed before he ever reached her. (pause) A young knight found the fourteen-year-old princess a couple of days after the invasion. He fell in love with her and kept her hidden in the tower. He feared his king might kill her. Naomi sits on the stone window ledge and watches him.

HARRINGTON For nearly an entire year, the young knight managed to keep the princess hidden from his king. The princess had fallen in love with him. Meanwhile, the queen had gained the strength of another army. They returned to the castle through the passageway in the dungeon and attacked from within. The young knight was slain. (pause) The queen was overjoyed to discover her daughter was alive, but when it was revealed she was pregnant by the young knight, the queen said the baby would be killed when it was born. The princess ran away. She was captured a couple of months later--without her baby. Her mother banished her to the tower in fear that she'd run away to her child. She stabbed herself and died in this very tower. NAOMI And the baby? HARRINGTON No one ever knows what happened to the baby. NAOMI Someone out there is of royal descendant and doesn't even know it. That's fascinating. HARRINGTON I'm glad I was able to entertain you. The princess was the last of the Chasity generation. The next generation to the throne was the queen's nephew, Gerald Wesley, thus bringing about the duke and duchess. Naomi smiles warmly while staring into Harrington's eyes. He hides his smile and looks past her--out the window. His smile fades. HARRINGTON Someone's in the crypt. Harrington turns and hurries from the room. Naomi spins on the ledge and looks out the window. Naomi slowly stands while looking out of the window then turns and looks around the room. The room is dingy but almost soothing. She walks past the old table and looks at the medieval tools of a wizard.

There are old books on a shelf. Naomi runs her fingers along the spines of the books. None have any writing on them. We see a droplet of blood run down the spine of the one book. Naomi pulls her hand back with a look of surprise. We hear the faint crying of a young woman. Naomi gasps and looks around the room. The crying ceases with the gentle breeze. Naomi looks back to the book on the shelf. The blood is gone. She slowly removes the book and opens it. It's all handwritten and almost incomprehensible. It's the princess's diary. Naomi gently turns the old, discolored pages and attempts to read the entries. She turns to the last page of writing. The entry reads--My child shall forever carry the name of his father, Timothy Harrington. He is the last of the Harrington's. Naomi lowers the book with a look of disbelief. George enters the tower. He's out of breath. GEORGE Harrington said you were here. Damn there are a lot of steps to the tower. NAOMI What'd you do--run them? GEORGE Bradly thinks we might be able to fix the gate. He nabbed Harrington downstairs. EXT. GATEHOUSE/COURTYARD Near the gate is a narrow opening in the stone with a vertical ladder in a shaft. The shaft leads up to the crank wheel. Bradly appears from the shaft and straightens. The others stare at him. Harrington looks into the shaft and up the ladder. HARRINGTON What do you expect me to do? BRADLY Frank made a clip for the chain. All we have to do is clip it onto the broken end of the chain, and we can raise the gate manually with the old winch. RYON Frank's up there with the broken end of the chain. He's going to feed it down from the catwalk.

HARRINGTON It could work. (to Bradly) Who's going up there? RYON You are. Time lapse. Everyone stands outside the small shaft while Harrington climbs the iron rung ladder. Bradly kneels before the opening and stares up the shaft, but it's dark. Diane holds Harrington's jacket just outside the shaft. BRADLY (up shaft) How's it going, Harry? HARRINGTON (voice) One more Harry out of you, and I'm dropping this chain on your head. I found the wheel. The chain's not here. Naomi walks closer to the shaft to listen. HARRINGTON (voice) It must be stuck on the other side. The catch seems to be stuck in the locked position. I need a crowbar. I think I can pry it open. Naomi sees the crowbar near her. She picks it up and crawls through the opening in the shaft. Harrington comes down the ladder just far enough to take the crowbar. HARRINGTON Thank you, Miss Remus. He climbs back up the old ladder. Naomi watches a moment as he climbs back up the ladder then crawls from the opening. Diane glares at her. DIANE I know what you're up too, but it won't work. Avery and I have been together a long time, and I won't allow you to come in-between us. NAOMI Don't get yourself overheated. I'm not interested in Harrington. He's too--straight.

DIANE I'm sorry. I didn't mean to accuse you. It's just that I've worked hard to get our relationship where it is today. We hear a loud clank from the shaft. A squeak follows. We hear the wheel grind. Harrington lets out a startled cry. The crowbar and thick chain fall to the floor of the crawl space with a thunderous crash. Blood drips down the shaft and to the floor at an incredible rate. Everyone stares at the blood quickly collecting at the bottom. Diane screams. BRADLY (up the shaft) Harry! There's no response. Naomi darts past him, crawls through the opening, and over the small pool of blood. She stands and looks up the ladder. It's dark. Blood drips down the rungs of the ladder. Naomi begins to climb the ladder. She slips on the bloody rungs several times. She reaches Harrington's feet. There's no movement. Naomi moves to the opposite side of the ladder. The space is much smaller. She climbs the last couple of rungs before him. NAOMI Harrington? Harrington's head rests against the ladder. His eyes are shut and blood covers his head and body. At first, he appears dead. He then looks up. Blood drips from above them. Naomi looks up. A man is wedged in the opening just above them. His head is crushed between the wheel and the wall. His eyes are open as if staring at them. NAOMI Oh, my GodFrank? HARRINGTON No, it's Jake, the gatekeeper. INT. NAOMI'S BEDROOM Naomi sits on the large bed in a borrowed bathrobe. She hugs her knees to her chest and stares blankly at the wall across the room. George gently rubs her shoulder. GEORGE It would appear he'd slipped in the shaft while climbing down the ladder. I'm going to see what I can find out about his death. George leaves the room. Naomi continues to stare at the wall across the room. There's a faint knock on the door. NAOMI Come in.

Harrington enters the room. He's showered and changed into a fresh uniform. Naomi looks at him then immediately looks back at the wall. Harrington sets the clothing on the bed near her. HARRINGTON Mr. Westinghouse told me it appeared as if I'd been injured. I appreciate your coming to my rescue--so to speak. NAOMI I can't get that horrible image out of my head. I see his face every time I close my eyes. There was so much blood. I had his blood on my hands. Naomi rubs her hands together. Harrington sits on the bed beside her. He gently places his hands over hers and stops her from rubbing them further. Harrington stares at her hands while stroking them. HARRINGTON Let it go-NAOMI I guess I'm not as strong as I lead on. Harrington releases her hands and forces a tiny smile. HARRINGTON My ancestors may have been servants, but we've always been fighters. NAOMI So I've noticed. Perhaps a descendent of a knight--once upon a time. HARRINGTON Interesting topic. NAOMI I stumbled upon the diary of the princess in the tower. That knight you'd mentioned was also a Harrington. Harrington looks at the ring on his left pinkie and removes it. He extends it to her. Naomi accepts it. It's a gold shield ring. HARRINGTON That ring belonged to Princess Elizabeth Chasity, daughter to King Chasity.

NAOMI Why keep it a secret? HARRINGTON Do you think I want the world to know I come from a long line of bastards? I'd stumbled upon it by accident myself. I found the diary in the tower and left it there, hoping it would remain hidden. NAOMI I think you'd be proud. If history had been different, you could have been king. HARRINGTON Had the princess remained in the castle, my entire family would never have been. NAOMI So how did your family come to serve the castle? HARRINGTON The princess had left the baby with his grandparents. They took the child with them to England and became servants to the Wesley's. They believed the child belonged in the castle. We've been here ever since. (pause) It's getting late. You should try to get some sleep. NAOMI Yeah, sure. I don't think I'll be getting any sleep tonight. Someone managed to get the duke into my room without my knowledge. There's no telling what could happen if I close my eyes. HARRINGTON You could stay in my old room downstairs. I could stay right next door--if it'd make you feel better. NAOMI You'd do that? HARRINGTON Certainly. It's my job to see that our guests are comfortable. Lord knows I've failed miserably so far.

INT. THRID FLOOR HALLWAY George approaches Naomi's bedroom and knocks gently on the door. There's no response. He knocks a little harder. Lydia's bedroom door opens. She looks into the hallway and smiles gently. LYDIA Were you looking for Naomi? GEORGE Yes, have you seen her? LYDIA I think Harrington moved her to another room. I guess the duke really was in her bathroom. Did you discover anything about the gatekeeper's death? GEORGE When we removed the body, we'd found he'd been strangled. There were marks around his neck. LYDIA You're kidding? GEORGE That's not the worst part. The chain didn't break, it was cut. Whoever killed him, threw his body into the shaft over the wheel. I wouldn't doubt that Mark witnessed something. The bedroom door across from Naomi's opens. Ryon backs into the hallway. RYON Come on, Joanne. I was just kidding. Joanne steps into the hallway and points a warning finger at him. JOANNE You just stay the hell away from me, you little pervert! I don't like your kind-understand! RYON Okay, okay. Relax--I'm leaving. Joanne glares at Lydia and George then enters her room and slams the door. Ryon forces an embarrassed smile.

RYON Women--they turn you on then turn you down. I need a drink. Anyone care to join me? GEORGE Gladly. LYDIA You men all stick together, don't you? INT. BEDROOM - SERVANT'S WING Naomi buttons one of Harrington's shirts and looks at herself in the full-length mirror inside the closet door. She sits on the bed with a tiny sigh. Naomi glances at the nightstand. She opens the drawer and sees a copy of her most recent book. She picks it up and turns it over. There's a dagger hole through the back cover. Naomi springs to her feet. NAOMI Why you son-of-a-bitch! Naomi clutches the book and hurries from the room. INT. HARRINGTONS BEDROOM - SERVANT'S WING We hear pounding on the bedroom door. Harrington approaches the bedroom door and opens it. Naomi brushes past him and into the room with an angry expression. HARRINGTON Is that my shirt? (pause) Is something wrong? Naomi spins around and slams her book on the dresser top. NAOMI I'll say! Explain this! Harrington approaches the dresser and examines the book and her picture on the back cover. HARRINGTON I can't. Where did you find this? NAOMI In your night stand drawer.

HARRINGTON I honestly don't know how it got there. I haven't used that room, except to store extra clothing. There's a faint knock on the door. Harrington groans and turns toward the door. He opens it. We see Diane in the doorway. DIANE Avery, I just had to-NAOMI Great-Diane stares at the shirt Naomi's wearing. DIANE Is she wearing your shirt? HARRINGTON This really isn't a good time, Diane. Harrington attempts to close the door. DIANE Harrington-Naomi rolls her eyes and approaches the door. NAOMI I think I'd better leave. Naomi darts past Harrington and Diane and enters the hallway. INT. HALLWAY - SERVANT'S WING Naomi walks in the direction of her room next door. HARRINGTON (voice/angry) Diane! Naomi looks behind her. We see Diane directly behind her. She shoves Naomi against the wall. Naomi is jarred, but she instinctively pushes Diane backward. Diane lunges forward and tackles Naomi to the hall floor. Naomi punches at the woman on top of her, though her shots aren't clean. Diane attempts to slap Naomi while screaming profanities.

Harrington grabs Diane's arm and pulls her to her feet. Naomi scrambles to her feet and tackles Diane, taking both her and Harrington to the hall floor. They roll off of him and punch one another. Naomi gets in a clean shot and punches Diane in the mouth. Diane falls against the wall in a sitting position. Harrington springs to his feet and grabs Naomi around the waist from behind. HARRINGTON That's enough! Diane jumps to her feet and kicks at Naomi while she's held defenseless against Harrington. Naomi breaks free. Diane's foot connects with his groin. He drops to his knees. DIANE Harrington! I'm so sorry! Harrington glares at her. Diane stops in mid-stride, turns, and hurries back toward the kitchen. Harrington slowly moves into a sitting position and rests his head against the wall behind him. Naomi slowly sits beside him and glances at him. HARRINGTON All the times I've broken up fights between her and Joanne, you'd think I'd have learned. NAOMI At least you took it with dignity. Harrington glares at her. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY - EARLY MORNING Diane approaches Joanne's bedroom and pauses in the hallway. She knocks softly on the door. DIANE Joanne, time to get up. There's no response. Diane groans and opens the door. INT. JOANNE'S BEDROOM The room is dark. Joanne lie on her bed with a sheet draped over her naked body. Diane enters the room, approaches the window, and opens the curtains. The room brightens. DIANE I'm not going to do all of the work by myself. Diane turns toward the bed. We see Joanne's eyes are open and blood saturates the sheets surrounding her neck.

INT. JOANNE'S BEDROOM - LATER Harrington stares at the body and frowns. He shuts his eyes and looks away. Naomi stands several feet within the room and looks around without touching anything. George, Bradly, and Ryon remain in the doorway. GEORGE We should seal off the room until the police arrive. Nothing should be disturbed. HARRINGTON I agree. I just want to have a quick look around. We might find something that'll tell us who the killer is. Naomi looks to the floor. We see a tiny blood droplet near the bathroom. Harrington appears to notice her interest in something. Naomi approaches the bathroom. INT. BATHROOM Naomi enters the bathroom and looks around. There are two towels on the towel rack. One appears dry. The second towel has a brown tint to it. Naomi gently touches the towel. HARRINGTON (voice) Did you find something? NAOMI Huh? Oh-(looks back to the towel) This towel is damp. There's a stain to it. HARRINGTON What is that? Dirt? NAOMI Possibly. It's not blood. Naomi peers into the tub. We see a faint, brown stain in the bottom of the tub. NAOMI This could indicate that our killer washed after the attack. He, or she, may have had mud on them from somewhere. HARRINGTON The crypt--perhaps?

NAOMI Or the dungeon. HARRINGTON Can we assume the killer is male? NAOMI I don't think we should assume anything. By the looks of the scene, I'd say she was asleep when she was attacked. Weather or not she'd been alone before that, I couldn't say. HARRINGTON I think we should speak to the staff. Someone should know something. INT. LOUNGE Everyone is gathered in the lounge. Diane is sobbing on Harrington's shoulder. Lydia smokes one cigarette after another, and Barney continues to drink despite the early hour. BARNEY Give it a rest, Diane. DIANE My sister is dead. Show a little respect! BARNEY You hated your sister. I wouldn't doubt you killed her yourself. So spare us the grieving sister act. DIANE How dare you accuse me of killing her! HARRINGTON Leave her alone. BARNEY You aren't falling for her dry weeping, are you? You know if there's anyone guilty of killing Joanne, it's Diane. Harrington releases Diane and stands. HARRINGTON If anyone is going to start pointing fingers-it'll be me. Barney returns to the bar without comment.

HARRINGTON I'd like to know where everyone was between three-thirty and four-thirty. LYDIA George and I saw Ryon and Joanne fighting in the hallway outside of her room. It was about three-thirty. She went back into her room. Ryon and George went downstairs for a drink. HARRINGTON What time did she take a shower? LYDIA What's that got to do with anything? HARRINGTON It could help place the exact time of the murder. LYDIA I'm not sure. It must've been shortly after she returned to her room. HARRINGTON And you didn't hear anything after that? LYDIA No, I went to bed shortly after. GEORGE Ryon and I were playing pool right up until Joanne was discovered. RYON That's the truth. HARRINGTON (to Frank) Where were you? FRANK I was with Diane. She'd been upset about something personal and needed to talk to someone.

DIANE Frank and I talked from the time I'd left your quarters until I went to wake Joanne for her morning duties at four-thirty. DONNA I'm afraid I was the only one actually sleeping during that time. BRADLY Me too. I didn't wake until I'd heard Diane screaming. BARNEY I was asleep as well. What about you, Harrington? Where were you? HARRINGTON I was alone in the servant's wing off of the kitchen. FRANK Not entirely alone. HARRINGTON What's that supposed to mean? FRANK Just that I heard you were hiding out in the servant's wing with Miss Remus. HARRINGTON Watch it, Frank. Frank takes a step toward Harrington with a mocking smile on his face. FRANK Why? In a couple of hours the police are going to be here. And who do you think will be their prime suspect? That's right--you. The police suspected you of murdering Duke Alden. HARRINGTON Is there anything else you'd care to add? It may be your last chance. FRANK Is that a threat, Harrington?

HARRINGTON As a matter-of-fact, it is. I suspect we'll be finding a new grounds keeper very shortly. BARNEY We're all under a lot of stress. Let's not make any hostile decisions right now. DIANE Harrington, would you take me back to my room? HARRINGTON Yeah, sure. Harrington and Diane leave the room. Frank laughs lowly. FRANK What an actress! DONNA How can you be so cruel? She's just lost her sister. Don't you think she could be genuinely upset over it? BARNEY Doubtful. FRANK She turns on the tears for Harrington's sake. She'd like for everyone to believe she's a saint. The woman's evil to the core. NAOMI Some friend you are. She comes to you for comfort, and you stab her in the back the moment she leaves the room. FRANK Don't give me more credit than I deserve, Naomi. I only wanted to take advantage of her. DONNA You're sick. Frank removes his gold pocket watch and looks at the time. Barney looks at the time as well.

FRANK Well, I don't suppose we'll be getting any sleep now. (to Barney) Wanna play a few rounds of pool? BARNEY You rack 'em, and I'll pour the drinks. INT. KITCHEN Naomi enters the kitchen and fills the teakettle. We hear someone coming down the back stairs into the kitchen. Naomi looks to the back. Harrington walks across the large kitchen. HARRINGTON You shouldn't be down here on your own. It's not safe. NAOMI It's not exactly safe in the lounge either. Bradly and Ryon are fighting over poker. HARRINGTON As long as they don't get Frank and Barney involved. Whenever they fight, they destroy entire rooms at a time. NAOMI How's Diane? HARRINGTON She's resting now. I think the pill finally took affect. I suppose despite all the catfights, they still cared for each other. NAOMI Were their fights violent? HARRINGTON You mean enough for Diane to want Joanne dead? Diane isn't like that. She couldn't possibly murder her own sister. NAOMI But yours is a bias opinion. HARRINGTON What do you mean?

NAOMI You and Diane. You wouldn't side against her. HARRINGTON Are you insinuating Diane and I are lovers? NAOMI Aren't you? HARRINGTON No--and I certainly hope she didn't imply that we were. NAOMI Maybe a little--I mean, she's an attractive woman. It wouldn't be completely inconceivable. HARRINGTON Diane has a very unattractive personality. If I had a type, she'd be the farthest from it. NAOMI Sounds like you don't get out enough. HARRINGTON I don't have time for relationships. The idea of chasing women sounds--all too tiring. NAOMI How sad-They stare at one another in silence. We hear a faint crash from beyond the kitchen. It's coming from the billiard room. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY We see a chair fly from the billiard room and crash into a hall table. Harrington runs for the billiard room. Naomi stops before the doorway and watches. We hear women screaming and punches being thrown. Naomi cringes and turns her head. Harrington is thrown from the room and collides into the opposing hall wall. He straightens and proceeds back inside. There are more punches and groans. Frank flies from the room and crashes into the hall table. He narrowly misses a suit of armor. Barney tumbles from the room and dives into the armor. It crashes to the floor with a metallic clang. Both men straighten and return to the billiard room. Naomi looks to the pile of armor near the table. Most of the pieces are still connected. We see something gold lying on the floor just near the armor.

Naomi picks up the gold pocket watch and stares at it. We see a large blur of black as Harrington collides into her. Both slam into the wall and fall to the floor. Naomi is slightly dazed. Harrington moves to his knees and dabs the blood on the corner of his mouth. He looks at her. HARRINGTON Are you alright, Madam?

NAOMI Yeah. Are you going to let them get away with that? Harrington stands and helps her to her feet. He removes his jacket, hands it to her, and returns to the billiard room. We hear more punches, crashes, groans, and screams. Naomi cringes once more. Frank and Barney drag Harrington from the room and toss him into a nearby broom closet. They lock the door with a key and return to the billiard room. Naomi hurries to the closet. Harrington is pounding on the door while yelling British profanities. Naomi unlocks the door and opens it. BARNEY (voice) Acth, that'd be cheating. Naomi is pushed into the closet. INT. CLOSET She collides with Harrington. Both hit the back wall of the rather large closet. We hear the door lock. Harrington pushes past Naomi and throws himself against the door. He cries out painfully and curses softly. NAOMI Anymore brilliant ideas? HARRINGTON Just the one where I throw you into the moat. We'll just wait until someone comes along. Naomi sighs and sits on the floor of the closet. She attempts to examine the pocket watch. Harrington leans against the closet door and rubs his sore jaw. NAOMI Isn't there a light in here? HARRINGTON No--some incompetent fool never replaced the burnt bulb.

NAOMI You? HARRINGTON Yeah, that would be me. NAOMI Isn't there a candle or flashlight in here? HARRINGTON There might be one on the shelf in the back. Harrington moves across the closet and almost steps on her while rummaging through the upper shelf. NAOMI Sit down, before you hurt me. Harrington continues to rustle through the shelf. A small light appears and lights the entire closet. Harrington sits beside her with his flashlight. Naomi examines the gold pocket watch. HARRINGTON Where'd you get that? NAOMI I found it in the hallway. I thought it was yours. HARRINGTON (examines it) This belonged to Duke Alden. (opens it) It's inscribed by the duchess. Naomi grabs the flashlight from Harrington and shines it around the closet. NAOMI That proves the duke was down here. HARRINGTON (takes the flashlight) No--this watch disappeared the night Duke Alden was murdered. I thought it had been stolen. NAOMI That would mean one of the staff murdered the duke.

HARRINGTON Yes. More bad publicity. NAOMI People have been slain in this castle for centuries. HARRINGTON That's different. I can see the headlines now--Castle Bloodshed--a dead time for all. NAOMI You're over reacting a little. HARRINGTON I just don't want it to end like this. The castle can't support itself. Even the tours don't really help. Without the duke's will, there's no telling what will happen. This is all I know. Time lapse. Naomi wakes. She slowly looks around the dark closet then to Harrington alongside her. She's resting against him while he sleeps. His arm is securely around her. Naomi studies him a moment and gently touches his face. She lowers her hand as he wakes. Harrington looks around with some disorientation. HARRINGTON Bloody hell--I thought it was just a bad dream-Harrington removes his arm from her shoulder and smiles with embarrassment. HARRINGTON Sorry-Harrington fidgets. The flashlight comes on. He shines it at his wrist watch then groans. Naomi stares at the door then grabs the light from him. We see a pool of blood collecting just underneath the door. Naomi's expression becomes horrified. Both spring to their feet and back away from the door. NAOMI Harrington-Harrington steps to the side of the blood and pounds on the door. HARRINGTON Someone unlock this bloody door! We hear movement in the hallway.

NAOMI Someone's coming. Harrington grabs her around the waist and pulls her to the back of the closet. He stands before her as if protecting her from whoever approaches. We hear the key being turned in the lock. Silence. Harrington slowly pushes it open. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY We see Barney lying dead in the hallway near the closet door. His throat has been slit and there is blood everywhere surrounding the body. There's no one else around. The suit of armor that was earlier disassembled now stands along side the closet door. NAOMI I think I know who did it! HARRINGTON Who? NAOMI Frank had the duke's watch. Barney saw him with it. I bet he recognized it as the duke's and attempted to blackmail him. HARRINGTON Then Frank killed Duke Alden. NAOMI He did have the watch, which was last seen the night he was murdered. HARRINGTON We need to find him. NAOMI If he's the killer, we can't catch him ourselves. He's a dangerous man. Harrington appears distant. He looks at Naomi and nods. HARRINGTON You're right. Why don't you wait in the study. Lock the door behind you. I'll find the others and meet you back here. NAOMI I don't think we should separate.

HARRINGTON You'll be safe in the study. I'll be right back. Harrington turns and walks down the hallway. Naomi watches him head into the kitchen. INT. MASTER CHAMBER Naomi enters the duke's bedroom and studies the sword mounted on the wall near the king-sized bed. She removes it from the wall and approaches the writing desk near the large window. Naomi leans against the desk and props the sword beside her. Moments pass. The door to the bedroom opens. Harrington enters and immediately darts for the wall where the sword had been mounted. Harrington stops when he sees the blank space on the wall. Naomi picks up the sword. NAOMI I had hoped I was wrong with my suspicion. HARRINGTON This doesn't concern you. NAOMI You're not thinking about defending yourself, Harrington. All you want is revenge. You intend to kill Frank. HARRINGTON You think destroying a man who's murdered five people isn't justified? NAOMI We don't have any real proof he killed anyone. It's just my theory. I won't allow you to execute him. HARRINGTON I have always been a gentleman, but not today. Give me the sword, go back to your room, and don't come out until I say so. Naomi stares at him and raises the sword. NAOMI No, I won't. Avenging the duke won't bring him back. Harrington stares at her, casually turns, and approaches the door. Naomi shifts uncomfortably. Harrington locks the door. Naomi's expression shatters. Her hands begin to tremble while clutching the sword. He turns and walks toward her with a psychotic look on his face.

NAOMI You just stay back! HARRINGTON I suggest you put down the sword. Don't make me take it from you. NAOMI I won't allow you to do it, Harrington. HARRINGTON I've asked nicely-Harrington lunges for her. Naomi darts out of his path and faces him. He lunges for her again. She bolts across the room, but he catches her around the waist. Naomi drops the sword and flips him over her. Harrington is dazed a moment. Naomi leaps for the discarded sword. Harrington jumps to his feet and grabs the long handle as well. They struggle for possession of the sword. Naomi clings to the sword despite Harrington's strength. She's tossed around the room several times but doesn't let go. Harrington yanks harshly, tearing the sword from her hands. The blade scratches her forearm as it's pulled back. Naomi cries out in surprise and pain. Harrington remains motionless a moment. Naomi clutches her bleeding arm and backs up a step. We see the blood seeping between her fingers. We hear the metallic clang as the sword falls to the floor. HARRINGTON I--I didn't mean to hurt you. (approaches) Let me see how bad-Naomi glares at him with hatred and anguish in her eyes. NAOMI Just stay the hell away from me, you sonof-a-bitch! Naomi enters the master bath. INT. MASTER BATHROOM Naomi runs cold water over the cut on her forearm. The cut is two inches long, but it's not very deep. Naomi looks in the mirror. Harrington is standing behind her. HARRINGTON Are you alright, Miss Remus? NAOMI I'll live.

HARRINGTON I'm sorry. NAOMI Leave me alone. Harrington leaves the bathroom. INT. MASTER CHAMBER Naomi leaves the bathroom and pauses just within the bedroom. The sword is in its rightful spot on the wall near the bed. Her blood remains on the blade. Naomi tilts her head with a look of confusion. INT. LOUNGE - LATE AFTERNOON Naomi, Donna, Lydia, and Diane wait in the lounge. The four men enter the lounge with disgusted looks upon their faces. Harrington approaches the window and stares outside. George collapses on the sofa beside Naomi. Bradly and Ryon pour coffee. LYDIA So--where's Frank? RYON We couldn't find him anywhere. He wasn't in his room--he wasn't in the dungeon--he wasn't in the cemetery--the guy's just disappeared. BRADLY Or he's dead. DONNA How long until someone comes out here to check on us? HARRINGTON The dock will wonder where Mark is about noon today. When they try to call and can't get through, they'll send someone out to investigate. RYON I suggest we hunt him down. HARRINGTON He knows this castle far better than you. He could hide anywhere. We should wait for the police.

BRADLY Screw that! I say we find him before he finds us. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't want him sneaking out when help arrives. RYON Come on, Bradly. Let's arm ourselves and find the bastard. Ryon and Bradly leave the room. George sighs. GEORGE (to Naomi) Someone needs to keep an eye on those two. Will you be okay here with the others? NAOMI Don't go with them, George. They're just being stupid. GEORGE Don't worry about me. I've had combat training. I'll be fine. NAOMI I think you should wait for the police. But I know you won't listen to me. GEORGE You're right. George stands and leaves the room. Harrington remains by the window. Diane approaches him, and they talk softly. LYDIA I need to freshen up. (to Donna) Will you come with me to the ladies' room down the hall? Donna nods and leaves the lounge with Lydia. Harrington turns away from Diane and approaches the small bar. He pours himself a drink. Diane joins him at the bar. DIANE Are you alright, Harrington? HARRINGTON I'm fine, Diane. Leave me alone.

DIANE What's wrong with you? Why are you acting like this toward me? (points at Naomi) It's because of her, isn't it? NAOMI (stands) I've had just about enough of you, Diane. DIANE That makes us about even. NAOMI There's nothing between us that could possibly concern you. Stick you nose in my business, and you're liable to get it punched. DIANE (to Harrington) Are you going to allow her to talk to me like that? HARRINGTON I'd like to know where you get off telling people we're lovers. DIANE I never-HARRINGTON Don't bother lying to me, Diane. There's never been anything between us, and there never will be. Diane slaps him across the face and storms from the room. Naomi and Harrington exchange looks. She turns and leaves the room. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY Naomi walks along the hallway and pauses by a suit of armor near her old bedroom. She inhales deeply, lowers her head, and sighs. She turns back toward the stairs. We see a blur as something strikes Naomi on the back of the head. She clutches her head and falls to her knees. Naomi turns on her knees toward the knight. Instead we see Diane standing behind her with a dagger pointed in her face. Naomi slowly pulls her hand from her head and looks at the small amount of blood on her fingers. DIANE Did you really think I'd just let you take Avery away from me?

NAOMI I don't know what you're talking about. There's nothing between Harrington and me. DIANE I know what you're up too, Naomi. I know why you want him. When those jewels are found, I'm going to see that Avery gets them. He's going to be mine, the jewels will be mine, and this castle--will be mine. NAOMI You're out of your mind. This castle will never be yours. It doesn't belong to you, and you have no claim to it. DIANE That's where you're wrong. I know where Duke Alden's will is. I hid it the night he was murdered. I had to withhold it, or everything would be ruined. NAOMI This is insane. Harrington isn't interested in me. Put the dagger down, and I'll forget about this. DIANE I'm not taking any chances. I've made too many deals to stop now. NAOMI You murdered the others? DIANE Not exactly-Naomi's vision blurs. She sinks against the wall. Diane raises the dagger and lunges for her. Naomi shields her face with a gasp. We hear a metallic clang. Naomi opens her eyes and sees a silver blur standing before her. Everything turns black. INT. DUNGEON CORRIDOR - EARLY EVENING Frank turns the unlit torch sideways to reveal the hidden compartment within the stone. The small treasure chest sits in the compartment. Frank removes it with some effort and almost drops it to the floor from the weight. He opens the chest to reveal many precious stones and gold. He closes the chest, shuts the compartment, and lights the torch. He removes an envelope from his pocket. It reads--Last Will and Testament. He extends the envelope to the flame. We hear footfalls echo in another corridor.

Frank appears concerned. He places the envelope down the helmet of a nearby knight with a dented shoulder. He grabs the wooden chest and carries it away as quickly as possible. Frank enters a room off to the right side. INT. DUNGEON TORTURE CHAMBER Frank carries the chest to a small opening in the stone floor. It's an oubliette. He opens the small chamber. It's only four foot by seven foot--often used as a place to put prisoners and forget about them. We see a jousting pole strike him across the back of his head. The pole splits in two. He gasps in agony and falls to the side of the oubliette. Frank is pushed into the small pit. EXT. CASTLE ROOF - EVENING There's a gentle breeze. We see a small burlap sack being stuffed into the barrel of an old cannon near the castle wall. We can see the distant city lights in the background. INT. MASTER CHAMBER Darkness. HARRINGTON (voice) Miss Remus? Naomi slowly wakes and looks at Harrington, who's sitting over her where she lie on the king-sized bed. She looks around the room. NAOMI What happened? Oh, my head-HARRINGTON I was hoping you could tell me. It was just blind luck I found you in here. NAOMI You found me in here? You didn't bring me here? HARRINGTON No, of course not. NAOMI Diane tried to kill me. I must've passed out. HARRINGTON Diane? Are you serious? NAOMI Quite sure. She talked some non-sense about the jewels and Duke Alden's will.

HARRINGTON His will? But that was never-I suppose there was more going on then I'll ever know. I'm really sorry about what happened earlier. I didn't mean to hurt you. NAOMI I know. I shouldn't have been so cold to you when you were trying to apologize. HARRINGTON No--I deserved it. I could've hurt you a lot worse. As much as I wanted to avenge Duke Alden, I couldn't live with myself if I'd hurt you to achieve it. NAOMI I think that's about the nicest thing you've said to me. HARRINGTON I've been a bit of a bastard to you. NAOMI Yeah, you have. HARRINGTON Get some rest. I'll check on you in a little while. Harrington leaves the room. Naomi looks to the headboard. We see a small opening in the wood. Naomi pushes on the opening. It reveals a secret compartment. She removes the duke's journal and pages through it. The last entry reads--I found the missing jewels in the dungeon. She turns to the opposite page, but it's been torn out. NAOMI Harrington! INT. DUNGEON HALLWAY Naomi walks alongside Harrington through the dim, eerie corridor. NAOMI Why do you suppose Frank trapped us here? Why not look for the jewels during the week when there are fewer witnesses?

HARRINGTON Perhaps the jewels aren't the prime motive. If the real intent had been murder, he would want to establish an alibi to protect himself. Harrington pauses outside the armor repair shop. NAOMI What's this place? HARRINGTON Just one of Frank's work areas. Also one of the few places we hadn't searched recently. INT. ARMOR REPAIR SHOP We see the piles of dented armor. Harrington and Naomi enter the room. HARRINGTON Frank's a poor worker. Look at this place. Naomi looks past the armor to the door near the back. It's almost completely obstructed by boxes. NAOMI Where does that go? HARRINGTON Just storage. INT. STORAGE The light comes on. Harrington and Naomi stare into the room at the crates. Some are open. We see several valuable castle objects partially packed into crates. NAOMI That can't be the missing treasure, can it? HARRINGTON No--apparently Frank's been stealing from the castle for months. This may not be a safe place to be right now. NAOMI Perhaps Duke Alden was aware that Frank was stealing and that's why he was killed.

HARRINGTON He called for me that night just before his death. He'd taken a walk. According to the journal, he'd been down here and found the jewels. It's very possible he intended to fire Frank. I think I need to have another look at that journal. INT. MASTER CHAMBER Harrington shuts the journal and sets it on the nightstand. Naomi sits on the bed and watches him where he sits. We see the duke's sword is not on the wall. HARRINGTON I'm positive he ran into Frank in the dungeon and confronted him. NAOMI I just can't understand why your ghosts would save me and not the duke. HARRINGTON What are you talking about? NAOMI That knight in the hall saved me from Diane. HARRINGTON I thought you'd said you'd passed out. NAOMI I did--I just skipped the part about the knight protecting me. HARRINGTON I think they enjoy playing with you. They must like you. NAOMI I thought you didn't believe in ghosts? HARRINGTON I lied. I know most of them by name. NAOMI I can't believe you allowed me to think I was crazy!

HARRINGTON I've learned a long time ago to never speak of the castle ghosts. I wasn't sure why they chose to torment you. They usually have their reasons. Perhaps they chose you because you write. Ghost knights have huge egos. NAOMI I can't believe you! HARRINGTON It's not easy for me to admit this to you. I've never mentioned the ghosts to anyone. NAOMI What about Frank? I don't know that any of us are safe-- particularly you. HARRINGTON I can't allow him to slip out when the police arrive. NAOMI You can't go after him, Harrington. He'll be expecting it. HARRINGTON You'd better rest. Harrington stands and walks toward the door. Naomi hurries after him. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY Naomi hurries into the hallway and stops Harrington. He's forced to face her. NAOMI I don't know what's running through that thick, British head of yours, Harrington, but you can't be serious. This is not a game. HARRINGTON I'm aware of the situation, Madam. If Frank wants to get out of this castle when help arrives, he's going to go through me to do it. He hates me anyway. I may as well face him, don't you agree? NAOMI So you're going to go looking for him? You can't do that!

HARRINGTON Why not? Naomi is at a loss for words. She moves toward him and kisses him passionately on the mouth. Harrington tenses with surprise. She pulls away just as quickly and hurries back down the hall. INT. TORTURE CHAMBER Frank hangs in shackles from the wall. He slowly wakes with a disoriented look upon his face. His hair near the back is matted with dried blood. A shadow moves past him. He watches and appears confused. FRANK What are you doing? (pulls on shackles) Get me out of these! We see the duke's sword clutched in a black, gloved hand. FRANK What are you doing?! The broad sword is carried toward Frank. Frank nervously jumps and jerks on his shackles. The sword is raised. In shadows, we see the sword swung forward and strike Frank in the throat. We hear the distinct sound of the sword cutting through flesh and bone. EXT. CASTLE ROOF - NIGHT We hear a loud explosion. Moments pass. We hear another loud explosion. Close-up on a stick lighter to a fuse. We hear another explosion. We see the cannon on the roof near the wall. Harrington stands behind the cannon. Everyone runs across the roof and slows as they see him. HARRINGTON Sorry, did I wake you? LYDIA What the hell's going on? What are you trying to do--kill someone? HARRINGTON No, that's already been done for me. I found Frank dead in the dungeon. He'd been murdered with the duke's sword.

RYON You expect us to believe that? If Frank was killed with the duke's sword, then you're the one who killed him. HARRINGTON Yes, that was the killer's intent. DONNA What's with the cannon? HARRINGTON A last chance to call for help. Someone from the mainland should hear it and report it to the police. GEORGE Are you saying someone's framing you? HARRINGTON Everyone knows I would avenge the duke. I know what's going on in this castle. While I've been searching for the killer, the rest of you have been searching for the missing jewels--jewels I'd have sworn never existed. It would appear I was wrong. Duke Alden discovered the jewels the night he was murdered. Frank discovered their location from the duke's journal. RYON You're insane. How can you accuse us? None of us knew about those jewels before we'd arrived--just a myth. DONNA That's a lie! You came here for the sole purpose of finding those jewels. I didn't know anything about his plan until after we'd arrived. RYON Donna! DONNA I'm not covering for you. I know exactly what your intentions were in Joanne's room. You wanted to extract information from her and seduce her.

BRADLY So he murdered her! HARRINGTON It would've been impossible for him to have murdered Joanne. He was seen by Ms. Beller and Mr. Westinghouse while Joanne was still alive. After that, he had an alibi. BRADLY What about Diane? You said she tried to kill Naomi? She's the logical suspect. HARRINGTON It would've been impossible for Diane to move a man of Frank's size. Someone here is her accomplice. (to Bradly) I saw you coming from the dungeon stairs just before I'd gone down them. Did you happen to run into Frank? BRADLY I didn't kill him! You want to know everything I know? I was in a bar room about two months ago off the docks. I overheard a conversation at the table behind my bar stool. There were three people at that table. Frank, Diane, and Joanne. I listened to them plan and plot to steal the jewels and came up with my own plan. I'm a wimp by nature. I wouldn't have gotten involved had I suspected anyone would die. NAOMI A bar near the docks? GEORGE I was bar tending earlier that night. I had just finished my shift and overheard their conversation as well. Who couldn't? They were loud enough. Nothing was mentioned about hurting anyone. I thought they intended to steal the jewels. I thought I might find them and take them myself. Naomi knew nothing about it.

INT. DONNA'S BEDROOM Donna reads a book and casually sits on her bed with her back to the headboard. She turns the page with a soft sigh. We hear someone walking in the hallway. She lowers the book and stares at the door. We see the dead bolt across the door. We hear a faint creak from within the walls. Donna sits forward and looks around the room. We see a panel in the wall just near the bed slowly open. Donna's head turns toward the opening. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY We hear Donna's sharp, brief scream. Silence. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Naomi walks with George in the hallway. NAOMI What possessed you to even consider taking those jewels? GEORGE I owe people money, Naomi. I need to pay them. NAOMI You could've come to me. You know I'd give you the money. GEORGE I didn't want to be like your other so-called friends always asking for money. NAOMI When we get back, I'll give you the money you need to pay this guy. GEORGE Thank you. Bradly runs down the steps with excitement. He rushes past them and up the foyer steps to the door. BRADLY There are men at the gate! Naomi and George chase after him. EXT. COURTYARD Two men stand on the opposite side of the gate and study it. Harrington is on the inside of the gate watching them.

FIRST MAN This is pretty thick. It'll take awhile to cut through it. HARRINGTON There's an old gate to the cemetery. It was welded shut six months ago. You could cut through that one. It's much thinner. FIRST MAN If you could wait until morningHARRINGTON No--it can't wait. I'll pay you extra to get it done tonight. SECOND MAN How much? HARRINGTON Name your price. Just get the gate open. FIRST MAN Sure, we'll get her open. We have to go back for our cutting torches. It'll probably be about two hours until we can get you out. HARRINGTON Is that the soonest you can have it opened? FIRST MAN I'm afraid so. Is there a problem? HARRINGTON Just a domestic dispute. Kindly bring the police with you. I'd like their assistance when the gate is open. FIRST MAN Are you sure there isn't something we should know about? HARRINGTON No--nothing that would concern you. Just bring the police along. Harrington turns and walks past Naomi, George, and Bradly.

GEORGE Moody bastard, eh? BRADLY I'm going to tell the others about the workers. Bradly turns and hurries into the house. Naomi looks to George. NAOMI I need to talk to Harrington. GEORGE Must you? NAOMI Yes. INT. STUDY Harrington sits behind the desk staring at the computer. Naomi gently taps on the door and enters. HARRINGTON I'm very busy, Miss Remus. NAOMI Is everything okay? HARRINGTON No, everything is not okay. I'm about to be arrested for murder. I've lost control somewhere. I don't know how to deal with the situation. NAOMI You didn't kill Frank. They'll find out who the real killer is. HARRINGTON How do you know I didn't kill him? NAOMI You wouldn't have left the sword there if you'd wanted to get away with it--or you'd be proud of the fact and admit it openly. HARRINGTON I'm very tired. Please, just go back to your room. I'd prefer to be left alone.

NAOMI Does anything penetrate that concrete wall you've built around yourself? I'm trying to help you. Why do you keep pushing me away? Harrington stares at the computer without a word. Naomi frowns. NAOMI Fine--I've just about exhausted myself trying to figure you out. It's obvious I'll never get through. Naomi turns and walks toward the study door. Harrington stands and hurries after her. He slams the door closed before she reaches it. Naomi turns with surprise. Harrington stares into her eyes and touches her cheek. HARRINGTON You've gotten through. I thought I could resist you, but I'm not that strong. Naomi smiles, moves closer to him, and runs her hand along his tie with an innocent look. NAOMI Then don't resist. Harrington hesitates then lowers his mouth to hers and gently kisses her. Naomi sinks into his arms and returns the kiss. The kiss becomes more passionate. Harrington pulls away. HARRINGTON Would you consider staying after the others have gone? NAOMI I'd like that. Harrington smiles, pulls her against him, and kisses her passionately. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Bradly hurries along the hallway. BRADLY Harrington! Harrington! The study door opens. Harrington slips out of the study with a flustered look. His hair is slightly out of place and his tie is crooked. He attempts to straighten his tie without being noticed. Bradly hurries toward him.

BRADLY There you are. The men are here to fix the gate. George is giving them directions to the cemetery. You're to meet them by the cemetery gate. Why are you out of breath? HARRINGTON I was rearranging the study furniture. Excuse me. Harrington walks past Bradly, who continues to watch him. Bradly looks back to the study door and gently pushes it open. INT. STUDY Naomi sits in front of the computer. She looks up and smiles. NAOMI Care to play solitaire? BRADLY Uh, no--thanks. I can't find Donna anywhere. Have you seen her? NAOMI Have you checked Ryon's room? BRADLY No, Ryon said he hadn't seen her. NAOMI We have to find her. I hope nothing's happened. BRADLY I'll find George. You should wait in your room--where it's safe. NAOMI I hardly think-BRADLY The police will be here soon. There's no reason for all of us to put our necks on the line. Just wait in your room. Naomi frowns. Bradly leaves the room. Naomi stands and tucks in her shirt and slips into her shoes.

INT. DUNGEON HALLWAY Harrington hurries through the dungeon with the duke's sword in his hand. He passes the torture chamber. We hear the faint sound of chains rattling. Harrington pauses and returns to the torture chamber. He slowly enters the room. We hear a dull thump followed by a low groan. INT. BEDROOM - SERVANT'S WING Naomi paces the small room and stares at her watch. We hear a knock on the bedroom door. Naomi hurries to the door. NAOMI Who is it? GEORGE (voice) It's me. Please let me in. Something's happened. Naomi unlocks and opens the door. George stands in the doorway. GEORGE I'm sorry, Naomi. Naomi's expression drops. GEORGE We've found Harrington in the dungeon. He's been killed. NAOMI There has to be some mistake-GEORGE There's been no mistake. I saw him in the torture chamber. He'd been beheaded. NAOMI (sobs) No! George attempts to hold her. She gently pushes him away. NAOMI I want to be alone--please. George nods and leaves the room.

INT. DUNGEON Naomi walks through the dungeon carrying a sword. Her expression is hard and cold. We see knights lined along the dimly lit corridor. There are dark corners everywhere. Naomi stops just before the torture chamber door and peers inside. INT. TORTURE CHAMBER There's blood streaked along the back wall near the empty shackles. The trail leads to the chopping block. We see Harrington's limp body lying on the floor just before the block. The blood-covered ax remains embedded in the wood. Naomi sobs softly. She slowly approaches the slain man and kneels over him. NAOMI Oh, Harrington-Naomi touches his out stretched hand. She avoids looking at the area above the shoulders, despite all of the blood. She feels his left hand. Naomi looks at the pinkie. His ring is missing. Naomi looks to the basket beyond the chopping block. She moves to her feet and moves closer to peer into the bloody basket. We only see the severed neck. Naomi places her foot to the basket and topples it. We hear the distinct sound of a head rolling across the stone floor. Naomi looks at the head. It's Frank! NAOMI If everyone thinks he's faked his own death, they wouldn't look for the real killer. They need him! He's not dead yet! Naomi stares at Frank dressed in the butler uniform. NAOMI Brown stains in the tub (pause) Not dirt--dye. It wasn't Joanne arguing with Ryon, it was Diane with brown hair! She pretended to be her sister to give them an alibi. Joanne was already dead! Naomi runs from the torture chamber. INT. ARMOR REPAIR SHOP Harrington slowly wakes from where he lay on the floor. Diane stands over Harrington and holds the duke's sword. DIANE I'm glad you're alive. For a moment, I thought I'd killed you. HARRINGTON That wasn't your intention?

DIANE Not if you tell me where the jewels are. HARRINGTON I'm not that stupid. Either way I'm going to die. I may as well die leaving you bloody well pissed at me. DIANE Don't make me kill you, Avery. I don't want to do it. HARRINGTON Your partner won't allow me to live. DIANE I have plans of my own. If you cooperate, we could be rich together. HARRINGTON And your partner? DIANE How do you know I have a partner? HARRINGTON There isn't a brain between you and Frank. Harrington's expression is cold. DIANE There's not much time to decide. It's not too late to stop him from hurting Naomi. HARRINGTON What have you done with Naomi? DIANE Oh, now it's Naomi. I knew there was something between you two. Harrington grabs the sword blade with his right hand and slowly stands with anger in his eyes. Diane attempts to pull the sword from his clenched hand. Blood runs down his hand. Harrington grabs for her with his free hand. Diane gasps in horror and releases the sword. Harrington flips the sword through the air and catches the handle in his bloodied hand. Diane removes a gun from the back of her pants and aims it at him. Her look is horrified then stiffens. DIANE Poor choice.

HARRINGTON If Ryon so much as touches Naomi, I'll show you just how much I know about medieval torture. Harrington turns and walks toward the door. We hear the gun fire. Harrington clutches his left thigh. He turns and hits the wall with his back. He looks at the scratch to his. She aims the gun at his head. DIANE I didn't want to have to do it! But you gave me no choice! I suppose it wasn't all too hard to put together about Ryon. Frank killed Jake and Mark after cutting the chain to the gate. Joanne nearly ruined everything with her petty jealousies of Donna. I pretended to be Joanne to give us an alibi during her death. Frank was supposed to take the fall for the murders, and you would be convicted for his death. It was a perfect plan. I could've stopped him from harming you, but you just won't listen. HARRINGTON Was it really necessary to kill Duke Alden? DIANE Yes. He ran into Frank that night. Duke Alden fired him on the spot. Unfortunately for the duke, he wasn't aware that Frank hadn't been down here alone. So Ryon went up to the duke's chamber and killed him. HARRINGTON How does Ryon figure into all of this? DIANE He and Joanne were married. That's why Joanne was so upset about Donna. It's not too late to change your mind, Avery. Naomi doesn't have to die. We can kill Ryon and take the jewels for ourselves. I know you have the jewels. Harrington leans against the wall with less hostility.

HARRINGTON I'd assume hang myself then spend a moment with you. DIANE You give me no choice but to kill you. HARRINGTON That might be difficult. Especially considering you have a sword aimed at your back. DIANE You must think I'm stupid. NAOMI (voice) Extremely-Diane spins around. Naomi thrusts her sword into Diane. She cries out and drops the gun. Their eyes meet for a moment. Naomi pulls the sword free. Diane sinks to the floor. Harrington stands with some discomfort. Naomi rushes into his arms. Harrington holds her. HARRINGTON Thank God you're alive. NAOMI Me? You should see what length they went to make me think you were dead! HARRINGTON The police should be through any minute now. Let's go upstairs and wait with the others. I'm through avenging the deceased. RYON (voice) Wise decision. Both turn. We see Ryon standing in the doorway holding a gun on them. He picks up the duke's sword. RYON What do you say we go upstairs and have a look at those jewels. NAOMI He doesn't have them.

RYON Thats where youre wrong. They were hidden in the cannon. After his signal for help, they were gone. He purposely made himself a target to flush me out. Unfortunately for him, it worked. Naomi glares at Harrington. Ryon motions them from the room. INT. DUNGEON CORRIDOR The cemetery door to the castle has been braced shut from the inside. We hear pounding from the other side. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Naomi and Harrington walk quietly through the hallway with Ryon following behind. He has the sword and gun in his hands. Harrington stops just outside the study and turns to face Ryon. HARRINGTON This is where I stop, Ryon. The jewels are in the safe. Only I have the combination. You can have the jewels, but you have to let Naomi go. RYON As long as I have her, you'll do what I say. You'll retaliate the moment she's free. The staff had warned me about your reputation. HARRINGTON I could just allow you to kill me without giving you the jewels, but I'm willing to bargain for Naomi's life. If you don't set her free now, I know you'll kill her. RYON She'll be set free after the safe is opened. HARRINGTON You give me no choice. (exposes ring) This ring belonged to the daughter of King Chasity. It's a symbol of royalty. Many centuries ago, the knights in the castle vowed to protect their king--a vow they were unable to keep.

RYON Alright, history class is over. If you intend to resist, do it now, so I can shoot you and get it over with. HARRINGTON I have no intentions of fighting you. I was just explaining that I'm of royal descendent. See, the knights of Wesley Castle are under my command. RYON (laughs) If the knights could've protected anyone, they'd have saved Duke Alden. HARRINGTON What happened to the knight at Duke Alden's bedside? RYON That was my imagination--nothing more. HARRINGTON There's something you should know about the knights in this castle. They would protect the duke--certainly, but they were the king's knights. (to knights) Upon my royal command--I order every knight to come forth and seek vengeance upon this man for the murder of Duke Alden Wesley. Naomi looks around the hallway. Nothing moves. Harrington doesn't appear concerned. Ryon casually looks around as well. RYON Enough fun and games. Into the study. Harrington enters the study with Naomi. Ryon enters behind them and shuts the door. INT. STUDY Harrington eyes Naomi to the sofa. Naomi slowly sits and looks at Ryon. Harrington approaches the painting of the duchess and pulls it away from the wall to reveal a wall safe. We hear the sound of clanking steel. Naomi looks around. HARRINGTON It's gone!

Ryon grabs Naomi, pulls her to her feet, and forces her to join Harrington. Harrington gathers Naomi in his arms and moves toward the bookcase just out of Ryon's way. Ryon looks into the safe. He removes a piece of paper and opens it. RYON The jewels belong to me. Leave my castle or die--Duke Alden Wesley. (drops note) Very funny. Where are they? HARRINGTON I'd never disrespect the duke by leaving that sort of note. It must be his ghost. We hear the sound of metal clanking in the hallway. It's getting louder. Ryon looks toward the hall door. RYON What's that sound? HARRINGTON It's the knights. They're coming for you. RYON Sure they are. Stay there. Ryon backs up to the door and opens it. A sword strikes the doorframe and becomes embedded in the wood. Ryon gasps and slams the door. RYON You're going to get me out of here! HARRINGTON There's a secret passageway behind the fireplace. Ryon turns his head. Harrington hits a book on the bookcase. It pops open, and he shoves Naomi through the opening. We hear a gunshot just as Harrington closes the bookcase, trapping Ryon in the study. INT. TROPHY ROOM Harrington and Naomi dive out of the way as knights mill about the room and gather swords and shields from the walls. Harrington guides Naomi to safety. They hurry to the door and look into the hallway. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Seventy ghost knights march in rows along the hallway. Ryon shoots at them until the gun is empty. He runs down the hall. Harrington slips into the hallway and enters the study. He returns with the duke's sword.

HARRINGTON Go to the dungeon and let the police in. NAOMI What about you? HARRINGTON I'll be fine. I have the army on my side. Harrington pushes past the knights and raises his sword. HARRINGTON After him! The ghost knights jog behind Harrington into battle. The metallic clanking is almost deafening. Naomi attempts to make her way to the kitchen. She's nearly crushed by the broad, metal shoulders. She runs around the corner in the hall and collides with George. Both fall to the floor. Naomi springs to her feet. George remains in a sitting position. GEORGE Did you see what I just saw? NAOMI I'm afraid I did. George, you have to go to the dungeon and let the police inside. I have to help Harrington. GEORGE Naomi, he's dead--remember. NAOMI No, he's alive. It's a long story. Naomi runs along the hallway after Harrington. INT. LOUNGE Ryon enters the lounge and slams the door behind him. He locks the door. We hear metal striking the door. A sword splinters through the door. Ryon cries out and backs away. He runs for the bookcase to the back of the room. He removes several books before triggering the secret passage. The bookcase springs open. He enters the passage and shuts it behind him. INT. MASTER CHAMBER The fireplace opens. Ryon hurries through the opening and looks around the room. The remaining suit of armor alongside Duke Alden's bed is no longer within the room. Ryon relaxes. We hear rumbling from the lower floors. We hear whispering voices. Ryon's looks around nervously. He hurries across the room and removes a sword from the wall. We see the faint outline of ghost knights crossing the room. Ryon stares at the ghostly

images approaching him. He backs across the room and runs into the bedpost. Ryon turns to run. Duke Alden stands before him. Ryon gasps and leaps backward. Duke Alden grabs Ryon by the throat with his left hand and slams him against the bedpost. The duke raises the gold dagger clutched in his right hand. Ryon pulls away just as the dagger is thrust downward. The dagger slices his left arm. Ryon drops the sword and clutches his arm. He grabs the discarded sword with his left hand and darts across the room. He spins and watches the duke in horror. Duke Alden turns with the bloody dagger still clutched in his clay colored hand. Ryon runs for the door. We hear metal pounding against the secret passage in the fireplace. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY Ryon enters the empty hallway and looks both directions. We hear the faint clanking of armor in the stairway. Ryon runs in the direction of the back kitchen stairs. He turns the corner in the corridor and almost collides with a transparent knight in full armor. The knight swings his sword for Ryon's head. Ryon cries out in terror. The sword passes through him. He looks at his body a moment and feels for any cuts. Ryon exhales and runs for the stairs. The ghost knight swings again and chases after him. INT. KITCHEN Naomi stands by the counter and stares at the ceiling. We hear vibrations coming from everywhere. We hear clanking from the direction of the dungeon steps. Naomi turns and attempts to follow all of the sounds. She backs up several steps and watches a transparent knight on horseback race through the kitchen. Naomi spins around and collides with Ryon. Her eyes widen. RYON You're getting me out of here! Naomi screams and kicks Ryon in the shin. He cries out and swings at her as she turns. Naomi comes face to face with the knight from the dungeon with the dented shoulder. The knight swings its sword at her. She cries out and ducks. There's a loud, metallic clash above her head. She looks upward. The knight blocked Ryon's sword from cutting her in half. Naomi rolls out of their path. The knight swings at Ryon several times. Ryon blocks several blows then turns and runs from the kitchen. Naomi stares at the knight from where she sits on the kitchen floor. The knight extends its metal hand to her. She slowly accepts it. INT. LIBRARY Harrington opens a passage in the bookcase and jumps back, aiming his sword. There's no one there. He groans. We can still hear the marching knights. Harrington approaches the doorway. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Harrington steps into the hallway. He cautiously walks toward the foyer. Ryon springs out from the dinning room while swinging his heavy sword for Harrington's head. Harrington blocks the sword with his own sword. The force of the blow nearly drives

Harrington to his knees. Harrington forces Ryon backward. Ryon backs up and swings again. Harrington swings also. Their swords collide with a loud clash. Sparks fly. Harrington strikes again. Ryon blocks the blow but is thrown backward against the wall. Ryon straightens and runs for the front door. Harrington runs after him. Several knights fall in behind him. EXT. COURTYARD - MORNING Harrington chases Ryon up the steps to the ledge on the wall overlooking the moat on one side and the courtyard on the other. Several knights follow Harrington up the side. There's a huge block missing along the walkway. Ryon can't run any further. Ryon grips his sword. HARRINGTON Give it up, Ryon. There's no way off except down. RYON Or throw you. What happens if I kill you? Do you suppose the ghosts just fade away? I think it's worth finding out. HARRINGTON You don't want to fight me. RYON I'm skilled in fencing. I can take you. Harrington stands his ground and lifts his sword. Ryon swings the heavy sword. Harrington blocks the blow. Ryon makes several more attempts, but Harrington skillfully stops each swing without much exertion. HARRINGTON You seem to forget--I was raised in this castle. (twirls the heavy sword) Antique swords make wonderful toys for a bored young boy. Slightly heavier than your fencing foils, wouldn't you say? Ryon swings at Harrington. They battle one another. Naomi runs from the house with her knight following her. Naomi sees the two men sword fight on the high wall. Ryon blocks Harrington's sword and kicks him in the abdomen. Ryon comes back at him with the tip of the sword. Harrington manages to block the deadly blow and nearly loses his balance. He falls against the two-foot wall overlooking the moat. Almost all the knights are gathering in the courtyard. Naomi runs past the knights watching the fight and hurries up the steps to the walkway. She's directly behind the two knights nearest Harrington.

Harrington recovers quickly. Ryon grunts with each swing. The weight of the sword is wearing him down. We hear the clashing of steel. Naomi looks down to the courtyard. Naomi's POV. We see Bradly, George, Lydia, and the two officers run across the courtyard below. She looks at the two-foot wall along side her then to the moat below. Naomi's POV. We see something surface then sink below the murky waters. Harrington nearly loses his footing on the ledge by the aggressive swings of the tiring Ryon. Naomi looks to the castle and sees a woman in the tower window, watching the battle. Is it the ghost of the princess? Ryon continues to swing hard. He swings high and nearly decapitates Harrington. Harrington strikes back with his own series of swings. Ryon is almost out of energy. He makes a hasty swing. Harrington levels his sword, lunges forward, and drives the sword into Ryon. Ryon gasps with agony and freezes. He stares into Harrington's eyes. Harrington pulls the blade back and straightens. Ryon drops his sword, clutches his bleeding stomach, and falls from the wall to the courtyard below. Naomi relaxes with a relieved sigh. The knight in front of her turns. Its broad shoulder strikes her, and she topples off of the ledge. Naomi screams as she plummets into the moat below. We hear a loud splash as she enters the water. HARRINGTON Naomi! Harrington tosses the duke's sword aside, removes his jacket, and jumps the wall into the moat. The knights on the castle wall peer over the half wall. EXT. MOAT - MORNING Naomi struggles to swim to the surface after having touched the bottom. She's tangled in plant life and can't break free. Something big, brown and green pulls her free and pushes her to the surface. Naomi rises above the water and gasps for air. She looks around the dirty moat. Harrington surfaces after her. HARRINGTON Are you okay? NAOMI There's something down there! Harrington gives her a puzzled look then dives under the water. He surfaces moments later. HARRINGTON I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it for myself. NAOMI What is it?

HARRINGTON It's the missing knight from the duke's chamber. It was missing the night he died. Ryon must've cast it out the window. INT. LOUNGE An emergency technician finishes wrapping Harrington's arm. We see the knight with the dented shoulder within the lounge, guarding the doorway. The detective, Addams, enters the lounge. ADDAMS Everything seems to check out with the stories you've given. I may have trouble explaining the ghosts to my superiors though. HARRINGTON The duke's body is still missing. We don't know what became of him. ADDAMS We've checked into that for you. I assure you, he's in his coffin where he belongs. HARRINGTON But he wasn't there, I swear. ADDAMS Well, he's there now. Two officers swear they saw seventy ghost knights return to their posts. I'm willing to believe the duke took himself back to his coffin. HARRINGTON I suppose it was a bit crowded for him earlier. NAOMI Donna's still missing. Has anyone seen her? ADDAMS We're looking for her. It'll take some time to cover the entire castle. An officer enters the lounge with Donna. She appears worn and dirty. Harrington and Naomi spring to their feet. HARRINGTON You're alive!

DONNA Of course I am. (to Naomi) What took you so long to send help? You saw me in the tower window. NAOMI That was you? I thought-Never mind. HARRINGTON How did you get locked in the tower? DONNA Ryon locked me in there when I realized what he was up too. I don't know why he didn't just kill me. NAOMI Maybe he really did care about you. DONNA I don't really think he was ever capable of feelings. Donna's escorted from the room. HARRINGTON We should probably join the others on the boat. NAOMI You want to return to the mainland? HARRINGTON Don't you? NAOMI I don't mind staying here. I can deal with the ghosts. Though I am curious about something-HARRINGTON What's that? NAOMI Who left the note in the safe? And what happened to the jewels?

HARRINGTON I knew the safe would be the first place someone would assume they'd be, so I wrote the note and hid the jewels in a very safe place. NAOMI You had the jewels the entire time? HARRINGTON I had to make sure there weren't any balls in the cannon before I fired it--wouldn't want to sink any boats. Just pure luck, I assure you. NAOMI So where did you hide the jewels? HARRINGTON The one place no one would ever think to look for them--the vacuum sweeper. Naomi hides her smile and laughs softly. HARRINGTON (nods at the knight) It would seem your guardian knight has failed to return to his post. I guess he'll only listen to you. Naomi smiles warmly and stands. She turns toward the knight. NAOMI That will be all--gallant knight. The knight remains standing by the door. They look at one another. Naomi looks back at the knight. He removes an envelope from his metal plated chest. Naomi slowly approaches and accepts the envelope. The knight turns and leaves the room. Harrington approaches and looks over her shoulder. It says Last Will and Testament. They look at one another with surprise. HARRINGTON It's the duke's will. How did it get there? NAOMI Diane said she knew where it was. Perhaps she hid it there for safe keeping. Should we open it?

HARRINGTON I don't know. I may be out of a job. NAOMI You'll find something else--something you'll enjoy better. HARRINGTON Where will I stay? NAOMI I have plenty of room. HARRINGTON Do you mean that? You'd make that sort of commitment? NAOMI Yes. I'm in love with you--Avery. HARRINGTON I'd never believe a woman like you could ever want someone like me. NAOMI It's not often a girl finds a genuine butler of royal descendent. I think you'd be quite an inspiration to my writing. HARRINGTON (removes the will) It's not necessary to read it. NAOMI Why not? HARRINGTON He's left the entire estate to me. He showed it to me a couple of months before he died. Diane must've removed it after his death. NAOMI But for what reason? HARRINGTON It would've ruined her plans to sweep me off of my feet. She didn't know I already knew what was in the will. The police had some suspicions about my involvement in the murder. When the will turned up missing, I thought it was in my best interest.

NAOMI So what now? HARRINGTON I think it's time I retired. Maybe find a nice, young writer and settle down. Naomi hides her smile. EXT. CASTLE - EVENING The sun is setting in the distant harbor. Castle Wesley remains picturesque in the sunset. The portcullis is lowered and the drawbridge is raised. INT. THIRD FLOOR HALLWAY Two suits of armor stand guard outside the master chamber. We hear a cork pop from a bottle within the room. Naomi is heard giggling. The giggling ceases and is replaced with soft moans. Both knights lean toward the door and listen. FADE OUT