Murdoch Mysteries - Son of the Devil

MURDOCH MYSTERIES

"Son of the Devil"

(Based on a true story of North America's first serial killer)

Written by

Alexander Galant

Copyright © 2010 [email protected]

416-829-5244 AlexanderGalant.com

TEASER

(Note: † = a historical fact or quote)

INT. CHURCH -- DAY

Murdoch sits in the Confessional, looking down at his hand. The PRIEST, in the adjoining compartment, slides open thesmall door of the grid.

MURDOCH(looks up)

Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been three months since mylast confession...

Murdoch hesitates.

PRIESTYou many speak freely of your sins.

MURDOCHThis has been weighing on me for along time. A very long time. I...I... I can't do this. I'm sorryfather.

Murdoch rises to leave.

PRIESTMy son! I am here for you. God ishere for you.

Murdoch pauses and sinks back down.

MURDOCHI have always striven to be a man ofhonesty and integrity... yet myactions have... have cost so much.

PRIESTYou bear a heavy burden. Close youreyes. Think of the sin you want toconfide...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MOYAMENSING PRISON, PHILADELPHIA

FLASHBACK MEMORY

Establishing still of the Gothic Egyptian-style prison inPhiladelphia.

We DISSOLVE to a GRAPHIC which reads: "Moyamensing Prison,Philadelphia"

2.

INT. MOYAMENSING PRISON, PHILADELPHIA

PRIEST (V.O.)And speak freely from the heart.

The prison is dark. A dirty lantern suspended down the halloffers little light.

From inside the cell, a Pentagram made of bones, isilluminated by the narrow band of light. Just under it achess table with the board in play.

INMATE (O.S.)(whispers)

The guards like me. They believeI'm innocent and allow me to decoratemy cell as I see fit. †

Murdoch addresses the unseen INMATE through the bars.

MURDOCHYou wanted to see me?

INMATE(from within the cell)

I need your help.

MURDOCHYou wish to confess to your crimes?

INMATENo, I need you to get me out of here. Take me back to Toronto.

The inmate move a black pawn on the board.

MURDOCHAside from the obvious predicamentthat prevents me from granting yourrequest, why would you want to goback to Toronto?

INMATEIf you take me back to Toronto, Ican prove my innocence.

MURDOCHAnd I can prove your guilt...

INMATENo, you're afraid I'll expose thetruth.

Inmate moves a white piece.

MURDOCHWhat 'truth' would that be?

3.

INMATEWho was truly responsible for thedeath of those poor innocent...

MURDOCH(getting annoyed)

I'm looking at the... man...responsible.

INMATEI concur. The culprit is, indeed,here. Correct! But you know verywell it isn't I.

Inmate moves another black piece. Murdoch looks around. There is no one else but the inmate and himself.

MURDOCHAre you referring to some invisibledemon that you've conjured up inyour mind?

Murdoch starts to leave.

INMATEIt's no laughing matter. I haveevidence.

MURDOCHWhat evidence?

Inmate rises and walks to the bars as:

INMATEIf it weren't for you they wouldstill be alive...

We still don't see the inmate's face as he extends his handthrough the bars and holds something for Murdoch to see, butwe don't. Murdoch is visibly upset for a moment.

INMATE (CONT'D)You see, Detective. As you can seefrom the evidence, it was you. Youare the guilty one not I.

END OF TEASER

4.

ACT ONE

FADE IN: to a GRAPHIC which reads: "SEVERAL MONTHS EARLIER"

INT. BRACKENREID'S OFFICE -- AFTERNOON

MURDOCH (V.O.)It all began last October.

INSPECTOR THOMAS BRACKENREID, dressed in his tuxedo, struggleswith his tie. Off-screen we hear a knock.

BRACKENREIDI'm not here.

Murdoch enters.

BRACKENREID (CONT'D)(tying his bow tie)

What is it Murdoch? I don't recallany case on your desk.

MURDOCHYou look very nice, Sir. A littleearly in the day for formal attire?

BRACKENREIDTaking the missus out to see a matinéepreview of 'Faust' at the Grand. Sir Henry Irving as Lucifer. Firstactor to be knighted...

MURDOCHMephistopheles.

BRACKENREIDWhat?

MURDOCHThe Faust play has the character ofMephistopheles, not Lucifer.

BRACKENREIDWhat the hell is the difference?

MURDOCHMephistopheles is only arepresentative of Satan. Like aconstable compared to a commissioner.

BRACKENREIDWas there some bloody reason youcame in here?

5.

MURDOCHAs you pointed out, there is no caseon my desk. So, I thought I'd takethe opportunity to see the newexhibit...

INT. BULLPEN -- CONTINUOUS

Murdoch and Brackenreid continue the conversation into thebullpen.

BRACKENREIDWell, considering the business oflate, a quiet evening would be awelcomed change. Even for you, meold mucker.

CONSTABLE HODGE calls to them.

HODGEDetective Murdoch? There's anemergency.

BRACKENREIDBullocks, I spoke to soon!

MURDOCHWhat is it, Henry?

HODGEA woman called from the Union Houselodgings. Her children have gonemissing.

Murdoch looks to Brackenreid, who still remembers the anguishof a missing child.

BRACKENREIDGo on, Murdoch. Every second counts. Take all the men you need.

INT. UNION LODGING HOUSE -- LATER

CLOSE ON: An empty bassinet, a solitary rattle sits abandonedon the floor nearby.

REVEAL as CONSTABLE GEORGE CRABTREE makes detailed notes. Murdoch enters the modest rooming house and pauses to examinethe door lock. Crabtree approaches him.

MURDOCHWhat have you, George?

6.

CRABTREE(reading from hisnote pad)

Mrs. Carrie Adams, the mother of themissing children, says she woke upthis morning and both of the childrenwere gone. Dessie, the girl andHorton, a baby boy.

MURDOCHAny sign of forced entry?

CRABTREENone that I've been able to ascertainof yet. There was frost last night,so the windows were all fastenedshut.

MRS. ADAMS (O.S.)Here's a photo.

Mrs. CARRIE ADAMS (36), tries to tuck in a a piece of herdark hair as she emerges from an adjoining room, holding aphotograph which she offers to Crabtree.

MRS. ADAMS (CONT'D)It's the only one I could find. Horton was just born at the time buthis face hasn't changed...

She struggles to compose herself. Murdoch takes the photo.

CRABTREEMrs. Adams, this is Detective Murdoch.

CLOSE ON: The photo shows Mrs. Adams holding a baby in herarms. A teenaged girl stands next to her. The photo has aripped edge as if another person(s) were torn from the image. Murdoch's finger traces along the tear.

MURDOCHHow old are the children now?

MRS. ADAMSDeressa... we call her Dessie is 17and Horton will be turning one nextmonth...

MURDOCHHas Dessie ever wandered off withHorton before? To go to market,perhaps? Or to visit friends?

MRS. ADAMSNot without telling me first. Dessiehas always been very reliable.

(MORE)

7.

MRS. ADAMS (CONT'D)We're new to town so she hasn't hada chance to make friends yet.

MURDOCHCould Mr. Adams have taken...

Mrs. Adams starts to wail. Murdoch looks to Crabtree as hereaches into his pocket.

CRABTREEMr. Adams passed away, sir. Rightafter the baby was born.

MURDOCH(offering hishandkerchief)

My apologies.

MRS. ADAMSForgive me. I've been a wretch sincediscovering they're gone.

MURDOCHQuite understandable. I don't meanto alarm you but do you recall seeinganyone unusual lurking about?

MRS. ADAMS(shaking her head)

Can't say I have... wait... I washaving tea in the frunchroom and Isaw an extremely tall, yet welldressed man...

Crabtree stops writing and looks up with a puzzled expressionas he mouths the word "Frunchroom?"

MURDOCH(whispers)

Front room.

Crabtree is still confused.

MRS. ADAMSHe wandered about as if looking forsomething. He looked straight atme. His eyes were like gray steel. They seemed to stare into my soul.

MURDOCHMrs. Adams, do you still have anyfamily in Chicago? Someone thatDessie knew there?

8.

MRS. ADAMS(surprised)

No, not anymore. How did you know?

MURDOCH'Frunchroom'. Your pronunciationfor front room is an idiom indigenousto Illinois. Chicago mostly.

MRS. ADAMSI left after my husband died. Toomany memories. There was nothingleft for us so we left to get a freshstart. Please find them Detective. They're all I have left.

MURDOCHI'll do my...

Murdoch is suddenly distracted by something. He reachesunder the bassinet where he finds a few strands of rope.

EXT. UNION HOUSE -- LATER

A lower class area of town. Murdoch counts the windows asCrabtree follows.

CRABTREESir, did you happen to notice therather large age difference betweenthe two children?

MURDOCHYes, George. It didn't escape myattention. What of it?

CRABTREEPerhaps, the child is not Mrs. Adams'but instead the child of the younglady. Born out of wedlock.

MURDOCHPossible, but our job isn't to judgebut to bring them back safely.

CRABTREEI meant no disrespect. I was justwondering if there might be a youngfather somewhere that they're tryingto reconnect with.

MURDOCHA plausible theory, George. We shouldcontact the Chicago police to see...

Murdoch sees a bloody red inverted pentagram (an upside down5-pointed star inside a circle) beneath the window.

9.

Instinctively, Murdoch crosses himself.

CRABTREEIs that blood?

MURDOCH(examining it closer)

No, it's not blood. George, can you...

Anticipating his request Crabtree holds out an evidenceenvelope, as Murdoch unfolds his knife.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)...hand me a... oh, very good.

Murdoch scrapes some of the red into the envelope.

CRABTREE(copying it in hisnote pad)

Is that the sign of the devil?

MURDOCHYes, when the pentagram is upsidedown to resemble a goat's head.

CRABTREEDownright unnerving if you ask me. Will I be cursed if I draw it?

MURDOCHI think your soul is safe.

(looks up)It's directly under the Adams' window. Get Constable Higgins and the othersto go door to door see if anyoneelse saw the children or thismysterious gray-eyed stranger.

CRABTREEYes, sir.

MURDOCHLet's also explore your theory bycalling the Chicago police, see ifthere are any missing personsreported.

INT. MURDOCH'S OFFICE -- DAY

Murdoch is examining the red sample under a microscope asCrabtree enters.

CRABTREEI called Chicago police and when Iasked them if they had any reports

(MORE)

10.

CRABTREE (CONT'D)of missing persons... they hung upon me.

MURDOCH(looking up)

They hung up on you? You calledthem back, I assume.

CRABTREESeveral times. I finally spoke to aconstable... err... officer, whotold me that they have had over ahundred reports of missing persons.

MURDOCHOver a hundred?

CRABTREEThey seemed rather indifferent tothe idea. Glad I'm not working there.

(pointing to microscope)Is that the blood?

MURDOCHPaint. Greasepaint to be exact.

CRABTREESir? What is greasepaint?

MURDOCHUsed by actors in theater for make-up.

Crabtree looks uneasy as he flips through his notebook.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)I've also identified the rope asbeing made from hemp. Which iscommonly used by sailors,balloonists...and theaters.

CRABTREEUh-oh!

MURDOCHWhat is it, George?

CRABTREE(reading his note pad)

Higgins and I talked to many of theneighbours and some recognized thechildren but said they kept tothemselves. However, several peoplerecall seeing a mysterious, well-dressed and very tall man last night.

(MORE)

11.

CRABTREE (CONT'D)One neighbour... a Mr. Miller...said he recognized the mysteriousman.

MURDOCHWho?

INT. GRAND OPERA HOUSE THEATER -- DAY

CLOSE ON: Poster of Sir Henry Irving dressed asMephistopheles.

CRABTREE (V.O.)Sir Henry Irving

BRACKENREIDHave you both gone bonkers? You'reaccusing the greatest actor of ourtime... knighted by Queen Victoriaherself...

REVEAL Murdoch and Crabtree in the lobby of the Grand OperaHouse with Brackenreid still dressed in his best.

MURDOCHWe're not accusing him of anything. But several eyewitness saw him nearthe Union Lodging House. Ratherseedy area for a man of his stature...

CRABTREEAnd one witness a saw him carrying alarge trunk.

BRACKENREIDHe's an actor! Actors carry theircostumes and props in a trunk.

MURDOCHBefore dawn?

CRABTREEAside from Chicago, I took the libertyof calling the police in New York,Philadelphia and Boston.

BRACKENREIDWhatever for?

CRABTREEThey were all stops on Mr.... SirHenry Irving's tour of Miffy-top...um...

BRACKENREIDMephistopheles, you uncultured arse.

12.

MURDOCHAll those cities reported severalmissing people... and the policealso confirmed the sign of the devil.

Crabtree holds up the sketch for Brackenreid who quicklypushes it away before it draws attention from other patrons.

CRABTREEMaybe Sir Irving got so into therole that he continued to be thedevil off stage...

BRACKENREIDBullocks! They said the same ofRichard Mansfield, ten-odd yearsago, when he played Jekyll and Hydein London during the Ripper murders. And we know he wasn't the Ripper. †

MURDOCHWe also know of actors who have becomecorrupted. At the very least, wecan ascertain what he was doing therein the early morning hours. Perhapshe saw something.

BRACKENREIDTread carefully Murdoch. I have tomake sure the missus gets home safely.

INT. BACKSTAGE -- LATER

CLOSE ON: Photo of the missing children.

REVEAL backstage of the theater. SIR HENRY IRVING, a tallelderly but distinguished British actor, still in hisMephistopheles make-up and costume, his gray eyes narrow ashe looks at the picture. Murdoch watches his expression.

MURDOCHHave you seen either of them?

BRAM STOKER, a stocky, bearded Irishman, extends a pair ofspectacles to Irving. He glares at Stoker, which does notescape Murdoch's attention.

IRVINGLet's step inside, Detective.

INT. IRVING'S DRESSING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Murdoch follows Irving. Once the door is closed, Irvingputs on the spectacles and examines the photo as his personalDRESSER, a no-nonsense man, begins to remove parts of Irving'scostume.

13.

IRVINGNo, I have never seen either child. Missing you say? What a terribleordeal.

Just as quickly as he put them on, Irving takes off hisglasses and hands them to the Dresser who places them infront of Irving's make-up mirror.

MURDOCHWhere were you this morning betweenthe hours of six and eight o'clock?

IRVINGAt half-past six, I left the RossinHouse Hotel to visit a physicianhere... a Dr. Larson, I see himwhenever I perform in Toronto.

During the conversation, the Dresser removes the cloak toreveal a brace on Irving's back holding him upright. Aseach strap is unfastened, Irving's posture collapses.

MURDOCHCould I speak with Dr. Larson toverify?

IRVINGHis home and office are on Duke Streetbut I didn't keep my appointment. Igot lost.

MURDOCHSeveral eyewitnesses place you nearthe Union House, which is the completeopposite direction of Jarvis andKing.

IRVINGI can never find my way in thisblasted city. In London, I can lookto the horizon and navigate from theposition of the high dome of St.Paul's or the face Big Ben. Here inToronto, there are no tall landmarksand your streets are a dull grid. Ican't for the sake of me tell if I'mgoing east, west or north, south.

The Dresser hands Irving his walking stick, which he thenuses for support to sit in front of the make up mirror toremove his make-up with trembling hands.

MURDOCHIt would be especially difficult ifyou don't wear your spectacles inpublic.

14.

IRVINGI try to deny it but I'm constantlyreminded that I'm no longer young. I'm still going to visit Dr. Larsonlater if you wish to accompany me,and perhaps navigate.

MURDOCH(smiles)

For future reference: Here inToronto, the streets going east/westare signed in yellow signifying thesun's path. And north/south streetsigns are blue - going down to theharbour. †

IRVINGWell, why the devil didn't someonetell me this when I first arrived?

INT. BACKSTAGE -- LATER

Bram Stoker is autographing a yellow covered book with redlettering: Dracula by Bram Stoker. †

CRABTREEThank you Mr. Stoker. You know I'vealso written my own novel.

BRACKENREIDCrabtree!

CRABTREESorry, sir!

BRACKENREID(quietly handing Stokerhis copy)

Could you sign this for the Missus?

STOKEROf course.

Murdoch and Irving, supported by his cane, emerge from thedressing room. Irving sees the Dracula novel.

IRVINGI still say it's 'Dreadful'! †

Stoker glares at Irving. Murdoch notices this exchange.

STOKERIrving, this is Inspector Brackenreid. He was telling me about how the firstshow he ever saw was you and Ellenin Romeo and Juliet. Tell him aboutthe prank you played on Ellen.

15.

IRVINGPleasure to meet you, Inspector.

BRACKENREIDI've been a fan since I was a weelad...

IRVING(looks at Murdoch)

Precisely what I mean. (to Brackenreid)

Ellen Terry would be livid if sheknew I was telling this story butsince she quit, to hell with her. Join me for a scotch.

BRACKENREIDA drink with Sir Henry Irving, howcould I refuse?

Brackenreid, taking his copy of Dracula, follows Irving backinto his dressing room. Murdoch looks at Crabtree, who isreading the inscription in the Dracula novel.

MURDOCHForgive, me Mr. Stoker. But isn't'Dracula' Romanian for 'Son of theDevil'?

STOKERSo, you must be Detective Murdoch. Arthur Conan Doyle told me of you. He speaks highly of you.

MURDOCHYou two are acquainted?

STOKERWe're friends and distantly related. He's also producing a play at myLyceum Theatre in London. †

MURDOCHGive him my regards. Mr. Stoker,during your American tour do yourecall any individual showing up inmore than one city?

STOKERYes, there was one charlatan, calledhimself Dr. Gordon. Talked aboutinvesting in the show.

MURDOCHHow did you know he was a charlatan?

16.

STOKERMy brother is one of the mostrespected physicians in England †so I know a real doctor from an actor.

HIGGINS(enters)

Detective Murdoch? There's been asighting of the girl.

EXT. TERAULEY STREET -- DAY

CLOSE ON: The words 'Terauley Street' on a blue sign and'Queen Street' on a yellow sign next to the gaslamps.

Murdoch cycles up the street. As he passes a lane way hesees ALICE (15) a girl that bears a strong resemblance toDessie.

MURDOCHDessie?!

Murdoch then notices another girl NELLIE (13) who also looksjust like her. The two start to run away from him. Theyoungest limps and cannot run very fast. The older tries toassist. Murdoch catches up with ease.

ALICEKeep away from us!

MURDOCH(showing his badge)

Toronto Constabulary. Why did yourun?

ALICEYou're a stranger... I don't liketalkin' to strangers...

MURDOCHI didn't mean to frighten you, Imerely want to ask you a question.

Murdoch shows them the photo of Dessie and baby Horton.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)Have either of you seen these two?

There's a momentary flash of recognition or fear in the girls'eyes but they compose themselves and shake their heads.

NELLIENo, we don't know 'em.

MURDOCHWhere are you from?

17.

ALICEWhy do you ask?

MURDOCHYou both have a distinct accent...from Chicago, perhaps?

Both girls shake their heads. They're not speaking anymore. Sensing their fear, Murdoch reaches into his pocket and handsthem his calling card.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)I have to find these two people. Ifyou see anything or need anything... Call me. Any time.

Alice nods takes the card and the two turn to walk away. Murdoch is about to follow, when he hears something clatterin the nearby alley.

He cautiously moves to investigate He edges carefully arounda corner to find... no one. He's about to walk away whensomething stops him in his tracks:

CLOSE ON: Wall with a red Pentagram. In a panic Murdochruns back out to the street but the girls are gone.


Map of Toronto. The Union House on Queen near Bay is marked. As is the Grand Theatre at Adelaide & Yonge and the sightingsof the two girls off Terauley Street & Agnes Street (Bay &Dundas). Murdoch crosses out the Grand as Brakenreid watches.

MURDOCHIt's safe to say that Irving doesnot have the strength to carry a 17year old girl.

BRACKENREIDI'm inclined to agree.

He is interrupted by a knock on the door.

CRABTREESir? They've found the children.

INT. UNION HOUSE -- LATER

DOCTOR COOK, a distinguished moustached man, is there withboth Dessie and baby Horton. Both are alive and well. Murdoch and Brackenreid are present.

18.

DR. COOK(slight French accent)

I had made arrangements that I wouldtake the children to Riverdale Zoo. This would allow Mrs. Adams somerest. She's been under a great strainsince the passing of her husband.

MRS. ADAMSMy apologies. It completely slippedmy mind.

BRACKENREIDThere were a lot of my men working...

MURDOCHThe important thing is that everyoneis safe. Mrs. Adams, do you haveany other relatives in Toronto?

MRS. ADAMSNo. I'm afraid not.

MURDOCHI saw a pair of young girls thatbore more than a passingresemblance...

DR. COOKThe only relative she has is a sisterin Vermont, where she's going tostay. Really Detective, I fail tosee this line of questioning. Thechildren are safe and Mrs. Adamsneeds her rest before the journey.

MRS. ADAMSMy sister has offered to help withthe children. Thank you again,Detective.

INT. MURDOCH'S OFFICE -- LATER

Something isn't sitting right with Murdoch as he stares atthe board. He draws pentagrams where he had seen them.

BRACKENREIDThe case is closed, me old Mucker.

MURDOCHThat second pentagram has me worriedabout the two other girls.

BRACKENREIDMaybe it's unrelated. It'll be AllHallow's Eve in a couple of weeks.

(MORE)

19.

BRACKENREID (CONT'D)Perhaps some young lads having fun. You've searched the area every nightthis week and given them your card. If they need you, they'll call.

MURDOCHPerhaps you're right.

BRACKENREIDThis case had a happy ending. Enjoyit while it lasts. You know bloodywell that the next one won't.

Murdoch smiles meekly.

MURDOCH (V.O.)The Inspector had no idea how righthe was.

INT. BULLPEN -- DAY

We DISSOLVE to a GRAPHIC which reads: "Nine months later"

MURDOCH (V.O.) *Other cases came and I soon buriedthis case in the back of my mind.

FRANK GEYER, a large man with a walrus moustache approachesthe desk sergeant.

GEYERI'm looking for a Detective Murdoch.

MURDOCH (O.S.)I'm Detective Murdoch. How can Ihelp you?

Geyer turns to see Murdoch approaching. Geyer reaches intoa saddle bag and produces a photo during:

GEYERDetective Frank Geyer, PinkertonAgency. I'm looking for some missingchildren. Here's a photo. †

CLOSE ON: Photo is the same one Mrs. Adams gave him butuntorn. Aside from herself, Dessie and baby Horton, isanother older boy holding a toy and the other two girls:Nellie and Alice.

END OF ACT ONE

20.

ACT TWO


CLOSE ON: Photo of man we know as Dr. Cook.

REVEAL Murdoch, Brackenreid, Crabtree and Higgins watchingas Geyer points to the photo in the center of other photos. (Note: the details presented are based on the historic FrankGeyer's case. I'll save using † on every line)

BRACKENREIDThat's Dr. Cook

CRABTREE(overlapping)

That's Mr. Miller...

HIGGINS(unison)

Dr. Holmes.

They look at each other for a moment.

CRABTREEHe's Mr. Miller, the one who saidSir Henry Irving was carrying thetrunk... but didn't know his name.

HIGGINSHe's Dr. Holmes, the one who gave me Sir Henry Irving's name...

MURDOCHThe Inspector and I met him as Mrs.Adams' physician... Dr. Cook.

BRACKENREIDThe bloody bastard had the Torontoconstabulary running in circles likecircus clowns. I want him behindbars before the days is out.

GEYERHe's already behind bars.

BRACKENREIDThat's efficiency for you. What theblazes are you doing here then?

GEYERHe's only in prison for suspectedinsurance fraud. I was hired by theinsurance company, but as I startedto investigate I suspect it's muchworse. It's very complicated butI'll simplify as best as I can.

21.

He points to the photo again.

GEYER (CONT'D)Your Dr. Cook has more aliases thanI have hair. His real name is HermanMudgett but mostly uses the monikerDr. H.H. Holmes.

CRABTREEIs he even really a doctor?

GEYERTen years ago he went to medicalschool at the University of Michiganbut was expelled for stealing a halfdozen corpses.

BRACKENREIDI don't like where this is going.

GEYERMy investigation discovered that heinherited a lot of money when a halfdozen relatives named him beneficiaryin their life insurance.

MURDOCHAfter ten years, that would bedifficult to prove.

GEYERExactly, which brings us to theinsurance scam he was arrested for...

Geyer points to a photo of BENJAMIN PITEZEL, a dashinglyhandsome young man.

GEYER (CONT'D)This is Benjamin Pitezel, married toCarrie Adams. Adams being her maidenname. They had five childrentogether. I apprehended Mrs. Pitezel,Dr. Holmes and two of the childrenin Boston. And judging from thechemicals he was carrying on hisperson, I believe he was planning ondoing away with her.

MURDOCHSo what did you learn from Mrs.Adams... I means Mrs. Pitezel?

He points to the completed photo image of who we knew asMrs. Adams.

22.

GEYERI learned that Mr. Pitezel was analcoholic and constantly out of work. He therefore became Holmes' assistantor accomplice in some shady deals. According to his wife he was terrifiedof Holmes and wanted to get away andmove back to his home town ofPhiladelphia.

A constable pops in and hands Murdoch a piece of paper.

GEYER (CONT'D)So Holmes asked him to do one lastscam.

BRACKENREIDAnother dead relative?

GEYERSomething like that. Benjamin hadto find a corpse who would apparently"die" in fire.

MURDOCHBurned to obscure the real identity.

GEYERPrecisely. Mrs. Pitezel, posing asthe widow, would identify the body,as would his physician Dr. Holmes. Then they would collect the $10,000insurance and they would split it.

BRACKENREIDI take it something went wrong.

GEYERThen for reasons I can't understand,Holmes split everyone up, claimingfive children traveling togetherwould draw to much attention, andstarted moving them about the countrylike chess pieces.

MURDOCHAre the missing children with Mr.Pitezel?

GEYERThat's what troubles me. ThoughI've been able to track the children'smovements over the last year, thereis no trace of Benjamin Pitezelhimself after the corpse was produced.

23.

MURDOCHYou think the corpse was Mr. Pitezel?

GEYERI'm almost certain. But theauthorities won't let me exhume thebody without evidence of foul play.

BRACKENREIDNice to know bureaucracy gets in theway of justice everywhere.

MURDOCHWhat of the children?

GEYERDessie and baby Horton are in Buffaloin protective custody as is Mrs.Pitezel.

(pointing to photo)But I don't know where Nellie, Aliceor little Howard are.

FLASHBACK:


From the earlier scene of Murdoch with Alice and Nellie.

MURDOCHHave either of you seen these two?

There's a momentary flash of recognition or fear in the girls'eyes but they compose themselves and shake their heads.

NELLIENo, we don't know 'em.


Murdoch looks away from the photo and reads the note thatwas handed to him.

MURDOCHI saw them here in Toronto.

Brackenreid shoots Murdoch a cautionary glare. Can he betrusted?

MURDOCH (CONT'D)(to Brackenreid)

Our contact at Pinkerton Agencyconfirmed Mr. Geyer's case andidentification.

(MORE)

24.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)(to Geyer)

We mean no disrespect but we wereonce fooled by a man claiming to befrom Scotland Yard.

GEYERNo need to apologize for beingthorough, Detective. I would havedone the same. Now, you said yousaw them?

MURDOCHIt was months ago... and they liedto me.

GEYERI'll take any lead. If I don't findevidence soon, he'll only be triedfor insurance fraud and I have nophysical evidence there either.

MURDOCH(pointing to the photo)

I didn't see the 10 year oldboy...Howard, but I did see Aliceand Nellie here in Toronto.

Murdoch goes to the map of where he saw them.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)(pointing)

We can start our search there. Maybeget the press to spread the word. Perhaps someone...

Murdoch pauses as he notices something on Geyer's file.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)Dr. Gordon

GEYEROne of his many aliases.

FLASHBACK:

INT. BACKSTAGE -- NIGHT

From the earlier scene between Murdoch and Stoker.

STOKERYes, there was one charlatan, calledhimself Dr. Gordon. Talked aboutinvesting in the show.

25.

INT. BACKSTAGE -- DAY

Murdoch and Geyer with Bram Stoker.

STOKER(looking at the photo)

That's him. Dr. Gordon.

MURDOCH(showing other photo)

Do you recall if he ever had any ofthese children with him?

STOKERNo. No, children. In one city hehad a young lady. Not this one butshe was short with sandy blonde hair.

GEYERGeorgiana Yoke. One of his wives.

STOKEROne of his wives? Glutton forpunishment.

MURDOCHDo you remember anything else abouthim?

STOKERYes, when we were in Chicago, triedto sell me a skeleton to use as aprop. Made my skin crawl.

MURDOCHWhy exactly?

STOKERIt was six feet tall and he keptreferring to it as "her"...

GEYER(suddenly excited)

Did you buy it? *

STOKERGood heavens, no. I could stillsmell the chemicals that cleaned theflesh off the bones. And it had agold tooth that made me uneasy.

GEYERWhich tooth?

Murdoch studies Geyer. He's on to something.

26.

STOKERTop row at the front. Couldn't sayexactly which. He did something toher didn't he? I suspected as much.

MURDOCHDid you contact the authorities withyour suspicions?

STOKERYes, I called the Chicago police. They knew my reputation as a horrorwriter and accused my "writer's mindof running amok." Very uncooperativebunch.

MURDOCHSo I've been told.


Geyer and Murdoch study the map of the Toronto.

MURDOCHSo we now know that Alice and Nelliewere originally checked in at theAlbion but checked out the day beforeI saw them on Terauley Street.

GEYERHe had Mrs. Pitezel at Union House,and Miss Yoke near the theatre atWalker House Hotel.

MURDOCHWhat happened to his other wives?

GEYERVanished without a trace. Claimedthey moved away or went back home.

MURDOCHBut no divorce papers or annulments?

GEYERNone. And their families have hiredprivate investigators who have turnedup nothing.

MURDOCHWhat of that six-foot skeleton?

GEYER(opens a file)

Likely Julia Connor. She left herhusband and moved in with Holmes. She was six feet tall. †

27.

He shows Murdoch a photo of Julia Connor. Even in B&W wesee she has a gold tooth.

Higgins pops his head in.

HIGGINSSirs. They found something.

INT. ST. VINCENT ST. -- DAY

A row of quaint houses on a quiet street. Like the onesused in 'Dead End Street' (Episode #406). Crabtree approachesMurdoch and Geyer.

MURDOCHWhat have you, George?

CRABTREEA Mr. Ryves from number 16 recognizedthe photo of Mr. Holmes and pickedout Alice and Nellie from the familyphoto. He said that Holmes rentednumber 15 for a couple of weeks inOctober. He remembered him becausehe borrowed a shovel to dig potatoesin his garden. †

MURDOCHIn October?

CRABTREEThat's why he remembered him. Herehe comes now.

RYVES, a robust Scotsman, approaches carrying a shovel.

RYVESHere you go, Constable. This be thevery spade that he borrowed.

MURDOCHMay I?

Murdoch examines the blade. Mostly rusted. He moves up andsees a red stain on the handle.

GEYERThat looks like blood.

MURDOCHMost certainly.

RYVESBlood?

28.

CRABTREEConstable Cubby went to get theRealtor of the property, to let usin.

MURDOCHGood thinking, George. Where wouldhe dig?... cellar.

GEYER(in unison)

Cellar.

INT. 15 ST. VINCENT ST. -- LATER

Murdoch, Geyer and Crabtree. They look about the modestkitchen.

CRABTREEI don't see a door to the cellar.

Murdoch begins poking the floor with the end of the shovelhandle, as does Geyer with his shoe. Crabtree follows suit. Murdoch taps on a rug and hears an odd squeak.

MURDOCHHere!

He pulls back the rug to reveal a trap door, they open it. It's very dark.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)George, we'll need some lanterns.

INT. 15 ST. VINCENT ST. - CELLAR -- LATER

Geyer and Murdoch lower themselves into the dark cellarbeneath the house. The entire floor is dirt. Geyer takesthe shovel and starts poking for a soft spot.

Crabtree hands Murdoch a lantern, who holds it up and seessomething:

MURDOCHThere!

Geyer looks over to see a circled pentagram drawn in thedirt. Murdoch crouches down and begins to dig. Geyer joinsin the task.

GEYERHold!

He gingerly brushes out the dirt to reveal a human hand. Murdoch crosses himself.

END OF ACT TWO

29.

ACT THREE

INT. 15 ST. VINCENT ST. -- DAY

DR. EMILY GRACE is examining the decomposed remains of twogirls, now carefully laid out on a white sheet on the floor. She gently brushes back the long black hair of one girl toexamine her face. GEYER takes a hard swig from a flask,which does not go unnoticed by MURDOCH.

DR. GRACEThe discoloration of their skinindicates cause of death as a resultof cyanosis... death by carbonmonoxide poisoning.

MURDOCHAny sign of a struggle or... injury...

DR. GRACENone that I can be certain of...however, I'm curious to know why oneof these corpses has no feet? † Itlooks they were amputatedpostmortem... It's very odd...

FLASHBACK:


From the earlier scene of Murdoch seeing the girls.

The two start to run away from him. The youngest limps andcannot run very fast. The older tries to assist. Murdochcatches up with ease.


Murdoch looks at the amputated limbs of the smaller corpse.

MURDOCHThe one girl... the youngest... shehad a distinct limp.

GEYER(not looking)

Alice Pitezel had a club foot. Thebastard cut her feet off to preventus from identifying the bodies. †

DR. GRACEWhen I have them back at the morguefor a full autopsy, I might be ableto get a dental imprint. We shouldalso bring the mother in to identifythe bodies.

30.

Geyer storms out.

MURDOCHDo what you can doctor... try tomake them presentable before we bringthe mother in.

Murdoch exits following Geyer.

EXT. 15 ST. VINCENT ST. -- DAY

Geyer is slumped against the wall, drinking from the flaskas if trying to drown the truth.

MURDOCH (O.S.)You were a police officer with thePhiladelphia Police before joiningPinkerton. I can hardly believethis is your first glimpse at ahomicide victim.

GEYEROver 200 murder investigations in 22years of policing. I've seen everykind of depravity that man is capableof committing. Murder by spouses,jilted lovers, ex-business partnersmotivated by greed, passion,revenge... but mostly greed.

MURDOCHInspector Brackenreid always says,'Follow the money.'

GEYERI'll have to remember that. Butthis case, I don't understand. Whykill those children? Why move themaround the country? He could havetaken his portion of the insurancemoney and disappeared. Why thismorbid game?

MURDOCHPerhaps that is his motive. A twistedgame that makes him feel powerful,to control other people's lives...and the power to kill.

GEYERDeep down, I knew they were dead...but I clung to a hope that I waswrong... that they would be alive...hidden...

31.

MURDOCHThere's something else that affectedyou in there. Not just finding themdead.

GEYER(reaching into hispocket)

Do you have children?

MURDOCHNo... unfortunately.

Geyer takes a photo from his billfold and shows it to Murdoch.

GEYERMy wife Martha and my daughter...Esther. She would have been thesame age as Alice in there. †

MURDOCH"Would have been"?

GEYERThey died in a house fire. † I wasaway on a case... I had to identifytheir bodies... I was afraid to touchthem but wanted to hold them onelast time... because I knew I wouldnever hold them or kiss them goodnightagain.

MURDOCHSeeing Nellie and Alice like thatbrought that memory back for you.

GEYER(nods)

I was hoping if I could find thePitezel's children alive it wouldsomehow make up for me not beingthere to protect my own family. Ridiculous I know.

Crabtree pops out.

CRABTREEDetectives, we found something youmay want to look at.


Dr. Grace covers the bodies with sheets. Crabtree and Higginsstand over a trunk in the middle of the kitchen.

HIGGINSWe found it in the attic. †

32.

Murdoch notices there is no lock on it.

MURDOCHIs there anything... one... inside?

CRABTREEIt's empty, sir. But we found this.

Crabtree points to a hole drilled into the side of the trunkand a hose sticking out. There is something stuck on theend of the loose end.†

MURDOCH(examining it)

It's sticky.

DR. GRACEThat looks like surgical adhesivetape.

Murdoch looks over at the stove.

MURDOCHGas stove.

GEYERDr. Grace, you did say carbon monoxidepoisoning, correct?

She nods as Murdoch opens the lid of the trunk.

MURDOCHTwo bodies could have fit in here...

Murdoch notices the inside of the lid has scratch marks...and blood. He aligns his fingers with the marks. Realization: They struggled in the end.

INT. MORGUE -- DAY

Dr. Grace is gently brushing the long dark hair.

MURDOCH(enters)

She's here.

DR. GRACEI'm almost ready.

Murdoch notices the faces are covered with paper.

DR. GRACE (CONT'D)It's best that she doesn't see thedecomposition of the faces rightaway. I'll uncover the mouths astheir teeth are very distinctive. †

33.

MURDOCHVery good doctor.

Murdoch looks up and sees Geyer escorting MRS. PITEZEL, whomwe recognize as Mrs. Adams from earlier.

Murdoch crosses over to them and meets them in the hallway.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)Are you sure you're ready for this?

MRS. ADAMS/MRS PITEZEL(swallows hard)

Yes.

MURDOCH(to Geyer)

I'll take her in.

Geyer looks at him for a moment, then nods appreciatively.

GEYERVery well.

Murdoch takes her arm and supports her as she slowly descendsinto the main room of the morgue, toward the two gurneys. She stops when she sees the long hair cascading down.

MRS. PITEZEL(almost a whisper)

Alice? Nellie?... no... no...

CUT TO:

INT. MORGUE HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS

Geyer who had been watching from the hallway window turnsaway.

MRS. PITEZEL(screams)

NO! Why?!!

Her words become too enveloped by anguish. Geyer obviouslyremembers the pain. He looks at the photo of his lost family.

INT. MURDOCH'S OFFICE -- LATER

Mrs. Pitezel tries to hold herself together as Dr. Gracegives her a glass of water.

MRS. PITEZELWhy? How could he do this? He toldme they were safe with Minnie Williamsin her hometown in Texas. †

She looks up at Murdoch's map of Toronto.

34.

MRS. PITEZEL (CONT'D)If I had only known they were soclose. How could he do this? Theywere just blocks away...

MURDOCH(comforting)

He is a convincing, devious con-man. I saw Alice and Nellie alive... Icould have saved them if I had beentold the truth.

MRS. PITEZEL(sobs)

I know. I know... Holmes insistedthat we be wary of the police. Hesaid they would lie to trick us.

(realization)Howard? What about my baby boy? Did you see him?

MURDOCHNo, he's still missing.

MRS. PITEZELSurely he couldn't have hurt him. Howard is so sweet and a laugh thatwould bring a smile to anyone's face.

She points to the family photo.

MRS. PITEZEL (CONT'D)Look at that sweet face. See there'sthe toy his father bought for him atthe Chicago World's Fair.

CLOSE ON PHOTO: the smiling little boy holding a metal toy,a tin soldier mounted on a spinning-top.

Murdoch looks up and sees Crabtree gesturing to him.

DR. GRACE(to Murdoch)

I'll stay with her until we can gether accommodations sorted.

MRS. PITEZEL(sobs)

What am I going to do? I can't affordto take my children home or even payfor a burial... Oh, my babies!

Murdoch exits into:

INT. BULLPEN -- CONTINUOUS

Crabtree waiting for him as Geyer follows Murdoch.

35.

MURDOCHWhat is it, George?

CRABTREEOne of the neighbours on VincentStreet recalls seeing the two sisters. They asked them if they had family. One of the girls apparently said,

(reading from his pad)"We have a brother in Indianapolis."

GEYERHolmes had been there last summer.

MURDOCHWell done, George.

(to Geyer)You don't seem to hopeful by thisnews. You've given up hope in findinghim alive?

GEYERI have my suspicions.

MURDOCHBased on what happened here inToronto?

GEYERWhen we arrested Holmes we found atin box with some letters that Aliceand Nellie wrote to their mother buthe never passed them on to her.

MURDOCHYou should give them to her. It'sall she has left.

GEYERI will, once I know we won't needthem for evidence... all except thisone.

Geyer reaches into his saddle bag and pulls out a small foldedletter and hands it to Murdoch.

GEYER (CONT'D)This is one Alice wrote in Cincinnati. I can't give her this one.

MURDOCH(reading)

"Dearest Mom, Why don't you write tome. I have not got a letter fromyou since I've been away..." †

36.

GEYERJump to the end.

Murdoch's eyes drift down to the end of the page. He looksup at Geyer.

MURDOCH(quoting)

"Howard is not with us now." †

INT. BRACKENREID'S OFFICE -- DAY

Murdoch enters Brackenreid's office.

MURDOCHSir, I respectfully request a leaveof absence.

BRACKENREIDAre you ill?

MURDOCHYes... no... I would like to accompanyDetective Geyer to Indianapolis.

BRACKENREIDReally?

MURDOCHI know I don't have any jurisdictionthere. But it's important we findthe evidence to keep Holmes behindbars.

BRACKENREIDWell...

MURDOCHI know what you're going to say. But for some reason that escapes alllogic the authorities won't recognizea murder in a "foreign country" asevidence of foul play in theirs.

BRACKENREIDOh, I know.

MURDOCHSir, I need to see this through. Ineed to make sure that monster neverharms another... You know?

BRACKENREIDDetective Geyer already fumed aboutit.

37.

Brackenreid takes an envelope from his desk and hands it toMurdoch.

MURDOCHWhat's this?

BRACKENREIDA letter from the Toronto Grand Jury. Basically saying, if for some reasonthose damn Yankees fail to convictthat bastard, you are herebyauthorized to place him in manaclesand drag his arse back to Torontowhere he will be tried for the murderof those two girls. †

MURDOCHThank you, sir.

EXT. IRVINGTON INDIANAPOLIS HOUSE -- DAY

Establishing shot of a quaint blue cottage with steep gables,white shutters and trim. A white picket fence surrounds thehouse and the American flag (44 star version) flutters inthe wind. †

INT. IRVINGTON INDIANAPOLIS HOME -- DAY

Murdoch ascends from the cellar as Geyer descends from theupstairs holding a glass bottle.

GEYERI've found a bottle of chloroformjust like in Toronto.

MURDOCHWell done. I, on the other hand,have found nothing downstairs. Nota single pentagram.

Through the window, Murdoch sees a man, ELVIN MOORMAN, nextdoor weeding his garden.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)When did you say they were in thishouse?

GEYEREnd of summer.

EXT. IRVINGTON INDIANAPOLIS HOUSE -- LATER

Murdoch approaches Elvin who's continuing to pull weeds duringthe conversation.

38.

MURDOCHExcuse me. My name is DetectiveMurdoch of... investigating somemissing children.

(showing photo)Did you see any of these childrenlast summer?

He looks at the photo and points to Nellie, Alice and Howard.

ELVINActually, yes. These three. Iremember them because they alwayslooked so sad. Every youngster Iknow loves to frolic and play in thesummer. Not these ones. They alwayslooked like they were going to afuneral.

MURDOCHHow long were they here?

ELVINNot long at all. Only a couple ofweeks. Which didn't make sense.

MURDOCHWhat didn't make sense?

ELVINWhy their father insisted on haulingin a wood stove for the winter. Itold him everyone 'round here gots agas stove but he insisted on havingthat monstrous wood burning thing. Said that 'gas was bad for thechildren's health.' †

INT. IRVINGTON INDIANAPOLIS HOME -- LATER

Murdoch and Geyer open the woodstove. Nothing.

Murdoch notices the access panel on the brick chimney forthe flue. He opens it and as he holds the panel, Geyer startsto reach into the opening.

MURDOCH(seeing something)

Stop!

Geyer instantly obeys. Murdoch grabs the nearby poker andcarefully extends the tip of it into the opening.

A loud SNAP startles Geyer as debris falls out onto the floor. Murdoch draws back the poker revealing a steel animal trapwith its sharp jaws clenching the poker.

39.

GEYERThat would have severed my hand! How did you...?

MURDOCHI used to be a lumberjack beforejoining the police force. Workingin a forest, you learn to recognizethem buried under leaves.

Geyer holds up a lantern to the opening and they see thecharred remains of clothing and bone. Murdoch crosseshimself.

Murdoch looks down at what had fallen out onto the floor. It' a partially melted toy. It's the tin soldier spinning-top from the Chicago World's Fair. †

INT. MOYAMENSING PRISON, PHILADELPHIA -- DAY

Pick-up from Scene 2 with Murdoch and Inmate. We can nowsee his face and recognize Dr. Cook aka H.H. HOLMES.

MURDOCHWhat evidence?

Inmate rises and walks to the bars as:

INMATE/HOLMESIf it weren't for you they wouldstill be alive...

The inmate extends his hand through the bars and holdssomething for Murdoch. This time we see. Murdoch's callingcard - bloodstained.

FLASHBACK:


From earlier scene Murdoch giving his card to Alice.

MURDOCHIf you see anything or needanything... Call me. Any time.

INT. MOYAMENSING PRISON, PHILADELPHIA -- CONTINUOUS

HOLMESYou see, Detective. As you can seefrom the evidence, it was you. Youare the guilty one not I.

Murdoch stares at his bloodied card, his fists tighten.

END OF ACT THREE

40.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. MOYAMENSING PRISON, PHILADELPHIA -- MOMENTS LATER

Holmes holds the bloodied card, watching Murdoch's face fora reaction. Beyond the clenched fists, there is none. Murdoch appears very calm.

MURDOCHI fail to see how that is evidenceagainst me. On the contrary, itonly serves to incriminate youfurther.

Without warning, Murchoch suddenly strikes the bottom of hishand, causing the card to fly upward. Murdoch catches it,steps back from the bars and examines it.

HOLMESThat belongs to me.

MURDOCHYou presented it to me as evidence. And this looks like a bloody fingermark on the back. I suspect it willmatch the finger mark we found onthe chloroform bottle... Which placesyou at the scene of the crime.

HOLMESThat could be Minnie Williams' fingermark. You don't have my finger marksto compare.

MURDOCHThat can be arranged.

HOLMESSince I'm representing myself incourt I'm privy to the the Judges'rulings. The Philadelphia courtdoesn't recognize your finger marktheory. So the Judge shall refuseto allow you to take my finger marks. You have nothing to compare it to.

MURDOCHTell me, what motive did MinnieWilliams have to kill in cold blood?

HOLMESWhen she found out you gave thatcard to the girls, she knew it wasonly a matter of time.

(MORE)

41.

HOLMES (CONT'D)She panicked and killed the girls...because of you.

MURDOCHInteresting how you place the blameon me. Yet if you hadn't lied tothe entire Pitezel family and didn'tplace them in danger, then no one,including Minnie Williams, couldhave had the opportunity to harmthem. And I can hardly believe awoman would be capable of themonstrosity that was committed.

HOLMESYou don't know women as well as Ido. Minnie was a violent, jealoustype. She was not one to cross. Imade the mistake of being friendlyto her sister when she came to visitus in Chicago. Shortly thereafterher sister disappeared.

MURDOCHCan you tell me where I can findMinnie Williams?

HOLMESWe were supposed to meet in New York,but my sudden incarceration forcedme to miss that meeting. She's likelyin Texas or Mexico by now.

MURDOCHIsn't that where you said BenjaminPitezel ran to? Why has he not comeforth with the news of his children'sdemise?

HOLMESI suspect he's afraid of being chargedwith murder and fraud.

MURDOCHYou should know, with the discoveryof his son's body stuffed in thechimney, we were granted permissionto exhume the body of your insurancevictim.

The smile vanishes from Holmes' face.

HOLMESWhat?

42.

MURDOCHA new dental impression was made andhis real doctor confirmed that hehad a wart on the back of his neck. Just like the one you showed FidelityInsurance when you identified him asthe fictitious Mr. Barry. Youmurdered Benjamin Pitezel and thenfor your own twisted pleasure madehis family fugitives, then startedkilling them off one by one.

HOLMES(getting annoyed)

No. Okay, I'll admit that body wasBen Pitezel. He was supposed tofind a corpse for me. Just like hedid with some other insurance scams. But he was an alcoholic. I tried tohelp him by hiding his liquor but hefound my chloroform and drank it,thinking it'll make him drunk. Ifound him dead the next morning. Itwas accidental suicide.

MURDOCHSo then it was you who set the bodyon fire to disfigure his features?

HOLMESEverything had been prepared for theinsurance job by Edward Hatch. BenPitezel inadvertently supplied mewith a corpse - his own. If I hadn'tcompleted the job, Hatch would havekilled me. But I'm not a murderer.

MURDOCHEven if you convinced the Philadelphiajury that it was an accident, andthe Toronto jury that it was MinnieWilliams, you will have to explainto Chicago about the bodies we foundin your castle.

HOLMESMy castle?

MURDOCHYou know the structure you built onWallace and 63rd. It's in your nameand you advertised rooms for rentduring the Chicago Fair. I've beenthere. I've seen what you did.

43.

HOLMESYou're bluffing. You couldn't haveentered the building.

Murdoch opens the folder he had tucked under his arm. Andstarts to pull out photos during:

MURDOCHAfter the animal trap you left inIndianapolis we were prepared thistime. The trip lines, the trap doors,bedrooms that were actually gaschambers, the explosive devices youleft...

HOLMESThat's trespassing!

MURDOCH(showing photo evidence)

Oh, the Chicago police were theretoo. We found the dissecting tablesstill stained with blood, the largevault you suffocated people in, thevat of acid, several skulls andvertebrae still... †

HOLMESGuard! I'm done with the visitor! Guard!

MURDOCHYou may sweet talk one jury but notthree. I guarantee you Dr. Holmes...Mr. Mudgett. By the end of the yearyour neck will be swinging on theend of a hang man's noose.

HOLMESGuard!

Two guards appear.

MURDOCHTruth, like the sun, submits to beobscured but like the sun, only fora time.

(points in cell)Oh, and in thirteen moves, your blackking is in check.

Holmes in a fit of outrage picks up the black king and hurlsit at Murdoch.

44.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)(to the guards)

Gentlemen, you are a witness that hehas assaulted an officer of the law. I'll have to confiscate this asevidence.

Murdoch uses his handkerchief and picks it up by the base,then leans toward the bars.

MURDOCH (CONT'D)(holing up the chesspiece)

And now I have your finger marks.

INT. AMERICAN MORGUE -- DAY

Murdoch lifts the print off the chess piece and places itcarefully on a white piece of paper. Geyer has entered atthe end to witness this.

MURDOCHIt's a match. Holmes' finger markon the chess piece matches thechloroform bottle you found inIndianapolis and bloody print on theback of my card that I had given toAlice Pitezel.

GEYERPerfect. That places him at bothscenes of the crime.

Holding up a file.

GEYER (CONT'D)I have the results from the coroner.

MURDOCHAnd...?

GEYERYou were right to recheck the stomachcontents.

(reading)Due to the absence of irritation in *the stomach, the chloroform foundthere must have been poured into itafter death. †

MURDOCHSo much for Holmes' claim thatBenjamin Pitezel killed himself. Anything else?

45.

GEYERThere is no trace of an Edward Hatch,and as you suspected, one of theskulls found in his Chicago 'castle'belonged to Minnie Williams andanother to her sister. How did youfigure it out?

MURDOCHHolmes said and I quote, "Minnie wasa violent, jealous type. She wasnot one to cross."

GEYER"Was violent"? Past tense. Healready knew she was dead.

MURDOCHSeveral months before he ever setfoot in Toronto.

GEYERWell, the Chicago police have egg ontheir face and are hoping to gettheir chance to hang him for theexcessive murders he committed there.

MURDOCHThey'll have to wait their turn.

GEYER(pause)

How did you do it Murdoch?

MURDOCHDo what?

GEYERKeep control of your emotions whenhe showed you this card? I'd haveshot him.

MURDOCHI saw through his game. He takesgreat pleasure in being in control. Control of life, death and peoplethemselves. When I didn't give himthe reaction he wanted, he lostcontrol. He stopped being careful.

GEYERWell, I'm glad you talked me intoletting you go in. I'm afraid if Ihad gone in I would have played intohis hand.

46.

MURDOCHIt was a combined effort. Betweenthe two of us we have accumulatedenough evidence to convict him atall three trials.

GEYERI'll sleep better when he's dead andburied.

They are interrupted by a knock at the door. A.M. CLARK, aretired police officer, enters.

CLARKI'm looking for a Detective Murdoch.

MURDOCHHow may I help you?

CLARKMy name is Clark. I'm a retiredpolice officer.

He hands Murdoch a letter.

CLARK (CONT'D)I'd like you to take this back toyour superiors in Canada.

MURDOCHWhat is this?

CLARKA requisition granting permission totransport the bodies of Alice andNellie Pitezel to Chicago.

MURDOCHFor a proper burial?

CLARK(laughs)

Hell, no! To put on display!

MURDOCHI beg your pardon?

GEYER(in unison with Murdoch)

What?

CLARKI just purchased Holmes 'HorrorCastle' in Chicago. I'm opening itup to the public. †

He hands them both one-page flyers.

47.

GEYER(reading)

Holmes Castle of Horror?

CLARKThe people have been coming to Chicagoby the train load just to glimpsewhere the bloody deeds took place. I'm gonna give them what they want. They get to walk through the murderousmaze, see trap doors, locked gasrooms, dissection tables and thehighlight...

MURDOCHYou're planning to display two ofhis victims?

CLARKWell all the others have been cutup, I'll have them scatteredthroughout. But the two that arethe most complete, what an attraction! I'm doing it for their poor mother.

MURDOCHFor their mother?

CLARKWell it spares the mother the funeralexpense and those two girls willgreet patrons as they go into thegift shop.

GEYERGift shop?

CLARKI'm charging two bits per person toenter. Hell, I'll double that ifHolmes is executed. Hope to get hisbody as the main attraction.

Clark looks at the evidence on the table.

CLARK (CONT'D)Good work, gentlemen. You two areinvited to be my guest of honor atthe grand opening. After all, itwould never have happened withoutyou two.

Murdoch looks at the evidence. Off his look.

INT. MOYAMENSING PRISON, PHILADELPHIA -- DAY

Murdoch walks down the hallway toward Holmes' cell.

48.

HOLMES (O.S.)Go to Hell, and take your Bible withyou.

A young priest runs past Murdoch.

MURDOCHRefusing last rights?

HOLMESI might have known you'd come togloat. What do you take more pridein? The trial lasted six days? Orthat the jury took 30 seconds tovote 'guilty'.

MURDOCHThey deliberated for more than twohours.

HOLMESI can read the papers, Murdoch! They took 30 seconds and then spenttwo hours playing cards to give theappearance of deliberation. They'llall pay.

Holmes lunges at the bars. He has a goatee and his hair iscombed in a two horns making himself look like the devil.†

HOLMES (CONT'D)You will all pay. I'll make sure ofthat.

MURDOCHGiven that you're about to be executedthat threat holds very little weight.

HOLMESMark my words. I'll come back fromthe dead and have my vengeance. †

MURDOCH(ignoring him)

I didn't come here to gloat or listento threats.

HOLMESSay what you want and get out ofhere.

MURDOCHWhy did you do it?

HOLMESWhat exactly are you referring to?

49.

MURDOCHIn every crime there is opportunityand motive. But many of your crimes,most especially the children... Icannot understand your motive.

HOLMESThere's nothing to understand. Iwas born with the devil in me. Icould not help the fact that I was amurderer, no more than the poet canhelp the inspiration to sing. †

Murdoch nods turns to leave. Holmes picks up the newspaper.

MURDOCHGood-bye.

HOLMES(waving the newspaper)

I know what you did.

Part of the headline is obscured but we see the illustrationof Holmes' Horror Castle. Murdoch stops but doesn't lookback.

HOLMES (CONT'D)You claim to be of high morals butthis time I know the truth. It wasyou.

Unlike last time, Murdoch is visibly annoyed but won't turnaround to give Holmes the satisfaction.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR

50.

TAG

EXT. ST. JAMES CEMETERY - TORONTO -- DAY

Murdoch stands in the beautiful landscaped cemetery. Brackenreid stands close by.

MURDOCHIt took him fifteen minutes to die. Geyer and I stood and watched as hiscoffin was filled with cement. †

BRACKENREIDDon't tell me you were taking hiscurse seriously?

MURDOCHI wasn't... Though perhaps Geyerwas... Regardless, he won't be ondisplay anywhere, or getting morenotoriety. He doesn't deserve thatattention.

BRACKENREIDFor the same reason, the City ofToronto voted unanimously to pay forthe burial plot for Alice and Nellie.

MURDOCHIs it to remain unmarked?

BRACKENREIDOut of respect for the dead, theydidn't want any bloody nosey sight-seers desecrating the graveyard.

MURDOCHLike Mr. Clark. At least the bodiesstay here and rest in peace.

Brackenreid unfolds a newspaper as:

BRACKENREIDI read in the papers that Holmes'Castle of Horrors mysteriouslyexploded, making the buildingstructurally unsafe.

We see the same illustation of Holmes' Horror Castle. Headline reads: Mysterious Fire Destroys Horror Castle.

MURDOCH(pause)

Yes, I heard about that.

51.

BRACKENREIDAny idea of how it could havehappened?

MURDOCHI had nothing to do with thatinvestigation.

BRACKENREIDI meant, you spent some time inChicago as well. Did you see anythingwhile you were there?

MURDOCHI saw more than I cared to see. AndI wish I could forget.

Murdoch stares at a nearby stone cross. Off Brackenreid'slook.

INT. CHURCH -- DAY

(From scene 1)

Murdoch is looking at the blood stained card that he hadgiven Alice. The one that Holmes killed her for.

MURDOCH(looks up)

Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been three months since mylast confession...

FADE OUT:

END OF SHOW

Murdoch Mysteries - Son of the Devil

Documents

Transcript of Murdoch Mysteries - Son of the Devil