Dark Night Of The Scarecrow 2 (2022) Movie Script
1
(insects chirp)
(crow caws)
(weather vane creaks)
(crow caws)
(cornstalks rustle softly)
(cornstalks rustle)
(crow caws)
(cornstalks rustle)
(crow caws)
(boots thud)
(soft rock music)
Kickin' Bobby Joe
(beer cans clang)
(button clicks)
(man grunts)
(back thuds)
(man groans)
- You little snake.
I ought a skin ya.
- Why, I didn't do nothin'.
- Damn right, you ain't.
You been sittin' on your dead buttock.
- No sir, Mr. Spoole.
I been work in", honestly.
- How come the rest of
that field ain't cut?
- I was just needing a
little break, that's all.
- A little break?
- Yes, sir.
- And you stretching it
out a little, ain't ya?
Ain't ya?
- No, sir.
No, sir.
- Don't you rile me, boy.
I'll eat your liver.
(crow caws)
You hear that?
Them crows ain't takin' no break.
- I know, Mr. Spoole,
but I didn't think they was no problem.
"Cause you got a scarecrow.
- What scarecrow?
(suspenseful music)
(tires rumble)
(tires screech softly)
(horn honks)
(sneakers thud)
(car door bangs)
(motor hums)
(birds chirp)
- Hey pumpkin, you wanna give Mom a kiss?
How was school?
- Ech.
- Ech, why ech?
- Kids here suck.
- And Mrs. Corvus?
- Aunt Hildie?
- You don't mind staying
with her after school?
- No, she's cool.
- So what did you and Mrs. Corvus,
Aunt Hildie, do?
- Made cookies.
Did some homework.
Played a game.
- A game, what game?
What game, Jeremy?
- Oh, just a game.
(tractor motor hums)
(boots thump)
(water splashes)
(soft rock music)
(button clicks)
Kickin' Bobby Joe
Country love is in the air
with some sweat between
Kickin' Bobby Joe
(button clicks)
(fist bangs)
(stereo thuds)
(barn doors slide)
(hands pat)
(loft floor creaks)
- Who's there?
(animal hoots softly)
Who's there?
(scythe scrapes)
Shrevie!
Listen boy, you can have your radio.
I got no need of it.
(loft floor creaks)
Okay, I'll pay ya what I owe ya!
I got it right here!
Shrevie?
(footsteps patter)
(foot bangs)
(man groans)
(back thuds)
(scythe rattles)
Country love is in the air
with some sweat between
Kickin' Bobby Joe
I kill it like a dream
instead until the final scream
Kickin' Bobby Joe
Country love is in the air
with some sweat between
The bridge collapsed tonight
(chains rattle)
I said they both exist
- Help!
Help!
Help!
(radio cuts)
(birds chirp softly)
(head thumps)
(scythe point squelches)
(dramatic music)
(crow caws)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
- Jeremy, get that please!
- Okay, just a minute!
- Who is it?
Jeremy?
- I don't know.
- Well, ask!
- I can't, they hung up!
(Chris gasps)
- I'm so sorry, I didn't
mean to scare you.
I heard someone calling.
Is anyone else here?
- I'm sorry, and you are?
- Scott Terry, Sheriff's
Department investigator.
Looking around your place, out back here.
- For what?
- A farmhand, 30-ish, skinny, shaved head.
Little chin beard.
Goes by Shrevie Nick son.
- He's here?
- I guess not.
But we wanna talk to
him, about your neighbor.
- Why?
- Most likely, he was the
last person to see him alive.
(phone rings)
- Don't you wanna get that?
(suspenseful music)
(phone rings)
(birds chirp)
(door creaks)
(computer keys click)
(Layton sighs)
(object bangs)
How'd it go?
- Well, I got the mess cleaned up.
Hold damn thing's down in cold storage.
- Where?
- Tanner's beer cave.
- Anything on Shrevie?
- Hell no.
How 'bout you?
- No, nothin...
- Son of a bitch has gotta
be hunkered down somewhere.
You check on the neighbor?
What's her name?
- Chris Rhymer.
- Yeah, Rhymer.
- She doesn't know anything.
- Well, where is she from anyway?
- I don't know.
- Well, maybe somebody ought to find out.
- I wouldn't advise it.
- Why not?
- The boss says so.
- Old devil, give him credit.
He's getting a little behind in his work.
You get it, Scotty Boy?
Getting a little be-hind in his work?
- You know, Layton,
if you were just half
as smart as you think,
you'd be twice as smart as you are.
(suspenseful music)
(insects chirp)
(brush rubs)
(soft chatter)
(switch clicks)
(footsteps patter)
- Bubba, here, don't do that one, Bubba.
Let me show you this one.
- You always call me Bubba, don't you?
(doorknob rattles)
- Jeremy?
(doorknob rattles)
Jeremy, are you all right?
(hand bangs)
(door creaks)
What are you doing?
- Nothing.
(door creaks)
- Who was in here with you?
- Nobody.
- No, I heard someone, who was it?
- I told you.
- Listen to me, there's a man out there.
Was he in here?
- I told you no.
- Jeremy, don't lie to me.
The police are looking
for him, he is dangerous.
- Leave me alone.
(soft music)
- Honey, I know it's been hard for you.
- I hate it here.
- I know.
I know, I'm not exactly
crazy about any either,
but we're here,
and we're gonna have to make
the best of it, for a while.
'Kay?
(switch clicks)
(dog barks)
(dog barks)
(window clatters)
(dogs bark)
(cornstalks rustle)
(school bus motor hums)
(school bus motor hums)
(dogs bark)
(footsteps patter)
- Aunt Hildie?
Aunt Hildie, I'm home!
Aunt Hildie?
(footsteps patter softly)
Aunt Hildie, what's wrong?
- Problems.
- What kind?
- Just grown up problems.
Nothing for you to worry about.
- Aunt Hildie, please tell me.
- Well, this morning I
went out to the cemetery.
Like I always do.
It's so peaceful out there.
(frogs croak)
Then I heard a voice, said
the flowers I brung was nice.
Was they for my son?
"No," I said.
"A cousin on my Mama's side."
Told me most folks he
knew wasn't so remindful
of their departed.
"Some things don't die," I said.
His name's Burkett, a lawyer.
Been getting Mr. Spoole's
affairs in order for probate.
Then he showed me a little book he found
and said I was heavy in arrears
on my mortgage to Mr. Spoole.
And now with him suddenly murdered,
well, it was sure likely
to raise some eyebrows
if it was to turn up in court.
"And you're thinking to maybe
pick up where he left off?"
"Well," he said.
"Better me than a judge,
wouldn't you say?"
Aunt Hildie's gonna lose her house.
- What?
Where will you go?
- I don't know.
Away.
- No.
Don't go, Aunt Hildie, please.
Don't leave me.
I'll go with you.
- What about your Mama?
She'd be worried sick.
- No, she won't.
She doesn't care about me.
I love you, Aunt Hildie, more than anyone.
- I know, baby, I know.
We'll think of something.
Jeremy, why don't you go tell your friend?
(suspenseful music)
(tires rumble)
(door creaks)
(door bangs)
(light clicks)
(distant rattling)
(floor creaks)
(distant banging)
(bottles rattle)
(bottle cap pops)
(objects bang)
(utensil clangs)
- Hey!
(can rattles)
(insects chirp)
(shoes thud)
(insects chirp)
(footsteps patter)
(insects chirp)
(footsteps patter)
(straw rustles)
(fingers creak)
(weapon thuds)
(man groans loudly)
No, ah!
(man screams)
(spikes squelch)
(cap pops)
(Layton exhales)
- Just this?
- Yeah.
(buttons beep)
- That'll be 4.78.
(cash register dings)
- Mystery lady, from back East somewhere?
You kinda talk like it.
- Here's your change.
(coins jangle)
- Most folks never come to this dump.
They leave.
(doorbell chimes)
Why in hell did you?
- Hey, Layton.
You gonna take all day?
- Just being friendly.
(soft country music)
Oh, by the way, you need anything,
you just call Layton Turney.
Any friend of the
sheriff's a friend of mine.
(doorbell chimes)
(tires rumble)
(motor hums)
(loon calls)
(hand knocks)
- Come on in!
(door creaks)
- Is he all right?
- Oh, he's fine.
Just a little tuckered out, that's all.
I just made fresh coffee, want a cup?
- Yeah, sure.
Has Jeremy ever said anything
to you about a friend?
- No one special, why?
- Last night when he was in
his room, I heard him talking.
- Oh, it's nothing.
He was probably talking in his sleep.
Young'uns do that, you know.
- I know, but there was another voice too.
- And did you see anyone?
- No, he was on the floor playing alone,
but I'm sure I heard someone.
- You never raised a
young'un before, did ya?
- No.
- When young'uns are
lonely, they make friends,
friends that you and I can't see.
Didn't you?
- Yeah, I guess I did,
but the other voice sounded different.
Like a man's, but...
I don't know, childish.
- And no one was there?
- No.
- You see?
(dogs bark)
(siren wails)
(men chatter)
(doors bang)
(men chatter)
(door clicks)
(door bangs)
(men chatter)
(pen scratches)
- Jeremy!
Jeremy?
(grass crunches)
Jeremy, it's time to come in!
(crow caws)
(grass crunches)
You haven't seen a little
boy out here, have you?
Guess you couldn't tell me if you did.
You know what?
You look like I feel.
What?
Yeah, I know what you're doing out here.
What am I doing out here?
Oh, well that's a...
that's a secret.
Tell you?
No, I couldn't, no way.
Yes, of course I wanna talk about it.
It's hard keeping it all to myself.
Oh really?
And how do I know I can trust you?
Anybody in there?
(crow caws)
(straw rustles)
Okay, Mr. Straw Eyes,
but you have to swear
on your word of honor
that you're not gonna
tell a living soul.
(suspenseful music)
(insects chirp)
(chain rattles)
(door clicks)
(door creaks)
(footsteps patter softly)
(footsteps patter softly)
(door creaks)
(footsteps patter)
(straw rustles)
(suspenseful music)
(straw rustles)
(dramatic music)
(Chris gasps)
(suspenseful music)
(crows caw)
(dogs panting)
(dog barks)
(thunder rumbles)
(knuckles rap)
- Sheriff's department.
(hand bangs)
Sheriff's department, open up!
- Hell, kick it in!
(hand bangs)
(hand bangs)
- What's all this ruckus?
(boots clack)
What's the matter, can't you talk?
I asked what y'all are doing here.
- Looking for a killer.
- We're looking for a suspect, Ms. Corvus.
- And you think he's here, in my house?
- The dogs think so.
- Which dogs, them or you?
- We can get a warrant.
- You ain't gonna do
nothin', Layton Turkey,
but stand there and shut up.
(thunder rumbles)
You all must be crazy.
You really think a widow woman like me
would let some lowlife like
Shrevie Nick son in her house?
- How'd you know it was Shrevie Nick son?
- Everybody in Stubblefield
County knows, you fool.
Now go on.
Get outta here and take this
foolishness somewheres else.
Go on, get!
- We'll get you.
- Ms. Corvus, if you need
any help, call me, all right?
- Don't you worry?
I got all the help I need.
(suspenseful music)
- Fine.
(tires rumble)
Thanks.
- Where's your friend?
- Off nursing his pride.
Ms. Corvus took him apart this afternoon.
We thought we had our man
cornered over at her place.
- Is she all right?
- Oh, she's fine, believe me.
- You don't really think
she would hide him?
- Her?
No, but the dogs sure were interested.
- Maybe he just passed by.
- Hey, who's Alison?
- What?
- Your charm there, it says Alison.
- Oh, that.
It's just someone I used to know.
You really think he did it?
- Shrevie Nick son?
Most likely.
- You don't seem sure.
- No, but everyone else is.
- Seems hard to believe.
- Why, did you know him?
- He comes in here from time to time.
Buys beer.
Seems a little scattered, but harmless.
What is it?
- It's odd.
The old folks around here,
they used to tell stories
of a series of deaths
that happened a long time ago.
- Murders?
- No one seems to know.
(horn honks)
- Jeremy!
Your mama's here.
- Oh, Aunt Hildie, I don't wanna go.
- I know baby, but you'll
be back here tomorrow.
- You won't move away, will you?
- Course not.
Aunt Hildie is not
going anywhere, not now.
Now go on, get, before
your Ma comes and gets ya!
(door bangs)
(Hilda sighs)
(floor creaks)
(floor creaks)
(floor creaks)
(floor creaks)
(floor creaks)
(suspenseful music)
(ladder clangs)
(broom bangs)
Well, look at what the cat dragged in.
All right, get your skinny butt down here.
Okay, maybe I'll let them
laws know where you're at.
Let them dogs eat ya.
- No, you ain't.
- Why wouldn't I?
- 'Cause you know.
- Know what?
- I didn't do it.
- They thought ya did.
Why shouldn't I?
- 'Cause you know who did.
- Sure do.
A little no account weasel
named Shrevie Nick son.
Then who?
- It ain't a who, it's a what.
- (laughs) Whatever you've been smoking
just eat up your pea brain?
- Not hardly.
I seen it.
- Seen what?
- Mr. Burkett hanged up on that rake.
- And why you telling me?
Why didn't you tell them
laws who was just here?
'Cause they wouldn't believe it.
Especially coming from a
no count trash like you.
- Yep, maybe so.
But they might believe a boy.
Yeah, that's right.
I heard it all.
I heard y'all down there,
right through the ceiling.
Clear as a bell.
Little peckerwood knows
everything, don't he?
(birds warble)
(insects chirp)
- Olly, olly, oxen free!
(cornstalks rustle)
Olly, olly, oxen free!
If you're out there, come to me!
(footsteps patter)
(post creaks)
(Jeremy gasps)
(suspenseful music)
- Bleh!
Hey, wait!
(suspenseful music)
(sleeve rips)
(suspenseful music)
(grass crunches)
(boy laughs)
(shoes thud)
Huh.
Hey, boy!
Where you at?
(switch clicks)
Here, kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty!
I know you're in here.
(floor creaks)
(knuckles rap)
Listen, boy, I don't wanna hurt you, okay?
I just need you to tell 'em the truth.
I didn't kill nobody and you know, okay?
Okay?
(door creaks)
(door creaks)
(suspenseful music)
(lighter clicks)
(straw rustles)
(liquid sloshes)
(nose sniffs)
No, no, don't!
Please, please don't, no!
(liquid splashes)
(flame whooshes)
(Shrevie screams)
(flames crackle)
(radio beeps)
- Attention, all units.
Keep tech channel one open
for emergency traffic.
- Good God, that smell.
- Yeah, he ain't no petunia.
- Here, give me that stick.
(radio beeps)
You sure that's Shrevie?
- Kinda looks like a roast hog, don't he?
- That's disgusting.
- Hurry up, pumpkin, the bus
is gonna be here any minute.
- I'm hurrying!
(paper bag rustles)
- Thanks for the flowers, pumpkin.
They're lovely.
- What flowers?
(suspenseful music)
(siren wails)
(horns honk)
(footsteps patter)
- There are 9,520 bricks on
the side of that building.
100 bricks across, 96 high,
not counting the windows.
- Well, you won't have
to count bricks anymore.
The court's granted your appeal.
You'll be out as soon as bail is set.
- Well, we still have the same problem.
- The witness?
Well, we know where she is.
You want me to send somebody?
- No, not from here.
It'll stand out.
Find someone down there, a local.
(man chuckles)
- You should've been a lawyer.
(motor hums)
(car door bangs)
- Hi.
Can I help you, young lady?
- Oh, hi.
Yes, are these vine ripened?
- Yes, Ma'am.
Picked 'em myself.
So fresh, gotta slap 'em.
- (laughs) Okay, I'll
take three nice ones.
A couple of cucumbers and
a couple of bell peppers.
- Yes, Ma'am.
- Looks like you've been here a long time.
- All my life, and then some.
- Do you remember a series of deaths?
It was some years back.
- Where'd you hear that?
- A friend.
- What are you asking me for?
- He said the older folks knew.
- Well, I don't.
- But you were here, surely
you remember something.
- Hilda Mae Corvus.
- What?
- Hilda Corvus.
Ask her.
- But wait!
Your money!
(hand bangs)
- I'm in the kitchen!
Come on back!
- Hi.
- You're early.
- I know.
- I was just getting a
bite together for Jeremy.
He's so hungry when he gets here.
Can I get you anything?
- Oh, no, thank you.
- Might as well.
The bus ain't due do for a while yet.
- I found a great little vegetable stand.
- Really?
- Yeah, Mr. Maples.
- Maples.
Oh Lord, I bet he talked your ear off.
- He started to, but he stopped.
- Oh, why?
- I asked him about the unexplained deaths
from some years back.
- And did he say anything?
- No.
- Nothin'?
- Just your name.
- Me?
- Yeah.
- Whatever for?
- Maybe he thought you'd know.
- Let me tell you something
folks around here know.
Mr. Maples, sweet as he is,
he has a drinking problem.
- Maybe that's it but...
I don't know.
I almost feel like he
wanted to tell me something,
but he was afraid.
- Oh, I doubt it.
Just people around here old enough
to remember don't speak of it.
It was all so terrible,
but it was nothing but
a bunch of accidents.
That's all it was.
- Aunt Hildie!
- There's my boy!
Oh, I'm so proud of you.
You see, I knew you could!
- Yeah, but it was only cause of Paul.
I love you, Aunt Hildie.
- I know, sweet boy, I know.
Aunt Hildie loves you too.
(tires rumble)
(birds chirp)
- So after we talked, I
went back to the courthouse
and go through some of the old case files.
- These are all farm accidents.
- Yeah.
Except one.
Mentally-handicapped guy thought
to have killed a young girl.
- What happened to him?
- He was chased down and
shot by some of the locals.
- Justifiable homicide.
- Mm, the claim was actually self-defense.
- Was he guilty?
- I don't know.
I can't find any of the inquest records.
And did find out though
the girl's still alive.
- Sounds like a terrible mistake.
- Maybe.
You know, every one of those
men though died within a week.
- How do you know?
- You're holding their files.
Why are you so interested in all of this?
- I wanna be sure we're safe
as long as we have to stay here.
- Have to, why do you have to?
Hey look, if you're in
trouble, maybe I can help.
If you're worried about
Shrevie Nick son, don't.
He's dead.
- What?
- We found him this morning.
- Is it all happening again?
- The policemen in me
asks where are the facts.
- And the gut?
- How could it?
(door bangs)
(shoes thud)
- Hey, where you been?
- Out.
- Investigatin'?
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah, I bet.
- What's this?
- Coroner's report on Mr. Shrevie Nick son.
Self illumination.
- Immolation.
- Yeah, it means when a person--
- I know what it means, thanks.
- It means he cheated on sparky.
And I'm going home to have a beer.
(tires rumble)
(footsteps patter)
- Good morning.
I'm surprised to see you out here.
This isn't a social call, is it?
- No.
I got a call from your
handlers last night.
Van's got an appeal.
You're gonna have to go
back and testify again.
- When?
- I don't know.
Fairly soon, I'd guess.
Is there anything I can do?
- No.
(tires rumble)
(crow caws)
(footsteps patter)
(crow caws)
Well, Mr. Straw Eyes,
you're the only one I
can trust to talk to,
and you've run out on me too.
(suspenseful music)
(insects chirp)
- Look at the moon, Aunt Hildie.
What's wrong with it?
- Ain't nothing wrong with it, honey.
It's a blood moon.
- What's a blood moon?
- It's a warnin'...
Means death somewhere, close.
- Not for you, Aunt Hildie.
- Course not, honey.
You ought a know that.
- Just the bad people?
- Just the bad ones.
Don't you fret none.
(hand pats)
It'll go back like it was.
When it's done.
(hard rock music)
(radio scratches)
(signal crackles)
(suspenseful music)
(liquid splashes)
(suspenseful music)
(engine rattles)
(keys jangle)
(engine sputters)
(foot taps)
(crow caws)
(soft banging)
(loud banging)
(dramatic music)
(horn honks)
(tires screech)
(body thuds)
(birds chirp)
(hand knocks)
- Come.
What?
- Accident report from the state police.
Found an open container in
the back of Michael's truck.
About empty.
Been doing a little thinking, boss.
- Amazing.
- No, boss, really.
Four dead.
Bam, bam, bam!
Maybe New York or Los Angeles, but here?
And if you look real close,
there's something common in all of 'em.
The new resident.
Yeah, uh huh.
Ms. Rhymer.
- Off limits.
- But, boss.
- Off limits.
- None of this happened till she got here.
- What part of off limits
do you not understand?
Go do something useful.
(doorknob rattles)
(tires rumble)
(knuckles rap)
- Jeremy?
Ms. Corvus?
(knuckles rap)
(cicadas sawing)
(Hilda laughs)
- Good, yes.
Now put the string around the neck.
- Like that?
- Yes, just like that.
(door creaks)
Oh, hi there.
I didn't hear you come up.
We got a big Halloween project going on.
Show your mama what you're doin'.
- Did you make this?
- Well, Aunt Hildie showed
me, but I did most of it.
- What do you think?
- Well, it's.
It's unusual.
- I told you she wouldn't like it.
- No, it's just, I've not seen one before.
What is it?
- This guy.
- What kinda guy?
- Just a guy, made of corn husks.
His name is Bubba.
- Bubba, where'd you come up with that?
- He told me. (giggles)
- Okay, all right, come on.
It's time to go.
- Oh, Mom.
- Come on, Jeremy.
I'm tired and I'm hungry.
- He can stay, it's all right.
- No, it's not.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you,
but we do have to go.
- I understand.
Jeremy, go get your things
and run along with your Mama.
I'll see you later.
(door creaks)
(shoes clack)
(car door bangs)
- I think we've got a
good shot at it this time.
We've got a lot of challenges
to the evidence we didn't have before.
- Except the government witness.
- Witness, what witness?
(tires screech)
(door bell chimes)
(soft country music)
- Get your things.
- What?
- Boss wants to see you.
- Now?
- Right now.
- I've gotta let the owners know.
- There's no time, he's waiting.
(tires rumble)
(soft country music)
(tires rumble)
(birds chirp)
(car door bangs)
- What's this?
- The meeting place.
- Hey, wait!
Where's the sheriff?
Sheriff Tutt?
Sheriff Tutt?
Sheriff Tutt.
(Chris screams)
(birds chirp)
- I lied.
Boss didn't send me.
Well, actually he did send me.
Huh?
Oh no, not my boss, your boss.
You know, he's very concerned about you.
(muffled speaking)
Well, maybe not concerned.
More like, pissed.
I thought there's something
funny when you showed up here.
I was right.
(loft floor creaks)
(muffled speaking)
Shh.
Don't you move.
(distant footsteps pattering)
(birds chirping)
(footsteps patter)
(distant rattling)
(rope whooshes)
(Layton chokes)
(dramatic music)
(Layton screams)
(Layton groans)
(Chris gasps)
(suspenseful music)
(boot thumps)
(siren wails)
(tires rumble)
(door bangs)
(footsteps patter)
(phone rings)
(footsteps patter)
- I am so sorry.
I know I let you down.
If I had known,
I would have hung that
son of a bitch myself.
(suspenseful music)
- So you thought Layton was alone.
You didn't see anyone else?
- No, but I could hear.
There was someone moving above us.
They must've been waiting for him.
- Or looking out for you.
You know, I gotta tell ya.
I'm gonna be sad to see you go.
I never really got to know you.
- I know.
- So why are you leaving?
What's this all about?
- It's not a secret anymore.
I'm in the witness protection program.
Sheriff Tutt's the only one that knew.
- Witness protection?
Why?
- It's a long story.
I wanted to tell you.
I almost did, you were so easy to talk to.
- Well, you seemed interested in my work.
Not many people around here are.
Speaking of which,
I pulled this out of the archives.
- Who's this?
- That's Bubba Ritter.
- Bubba Ritter?
- Yeah, the guy I told you about.
The one who was shot by the vigilantes.
They found him in a scarecrow.
- In a what?
- A scarecrow, it's where he was hiding.
Does that mean something?
- I gotta go.
- Wait.
Is everything all right.
(car door slams)
- I've gotta go get Jeremy.
(hands knocks)
- I'm coming.
(hand knocks)
I'm coming!
Oh my God.
- Where's Jeremy?
- What's happened?
Who did this to you?
- It was Layton Turney.
- Turney, why?
- He was hired.
- What, I don't understand.
What's this?
- It's what I owe you.
- But that's not due ill
the end of the month.
- I know, we're leaving.
- What?
- Relocating.
- No!
I mean, I'm surprised.
It's just so sudden.
- Jeremy!
Jeremy?
- You in some kind of trouble?
Any way I can help?
- Where is he?
- He's not here, the bus is late.
I don't understand any of this,
but if you are in trouble,
why don't you let Jeremy stay here?
- I can't.
- Just for a little while,
until you get packed.
Then you can come back by.
I'll pack up Jeremy and all his things.
Just till you're ready to go.
After what's happened, don't
you think he'd be safer here?
(motor hums)
(birds chirp)
(crow caws)
(footsteps patter)
You were right.
Everything you told me was true.
- Where did she go?
- Home.
To pack.
You're leaving.
- No!
No, Aunt Hildie, not again.
- I'm afraid you don't have any choice.
- What if I hide?
Yeah, I'll hide.
And then you could tell her I ran away.
- You really think
she'll leave without you?
- Aunt Hildie, please.
I want to be here with you.
I love you, Aunt Hildie.
You're the only one I got.
- I know, baby, I know.
You know, maybe there is a way.
- Really?
- Maybe.
Jeremy, what would you be
willing to do to fix this?
- Anything, Aunt Hildie.
Anything.
(suspenseful music)
(tires rumble)
(door creaks)
(lock clicks)
(clock ticks softly)
(footsteps patter)
(switch clicks)
- I see you made it.
Why am I not surprised?
I had a strong gut feeling that hayseed
would screw things up.
It looks like you had
quite a tussle with him.
What's the matter?
You're so quiet.
Don't be unsocial.
You talked to the Feds.
Well, talk to me.
- What do you want me to say?
- Whatever comes into
your little old head.
Mm, maybe start with "I'm sorry."
Or, "It was just a big mistake."
Or maybe, "They made me do it."
No, that wouldn't be the truth, would it?
- No.
- And you always tell the truth.
- Harold, try to understand.
- Nothing when it makes you a Judas.
- I did what I thought was right.
- Oh, spare me.
- I couldn't go on with it.
You were destroying people's lives.
Scamming every penny they had.
- That's so noble, Alison.
Or whatever your name is now.
Was it worth it?
Look what it cost.
Your marriage, your independence.
Even your looks.
You look so very seedy.
Washed out.
Just out of curiosity,
what does your kid think?
I can imagine.
He hates your guts.
Well, when this is all over,
I'm sure they'll find a
comfortable home for him.
Something stable, grounded.
Maybe you can take
consolation in that, hmm?
We're not having much of a conversation.
- Would it do any good?
- Probably not.
It's getting late, Alison.
(suspenseful music)
We've got business to take care of.
(crows caw)
(cornstalks rustle)
(Alison gasps)
I'm sorry.
I wasn't able to finish
it, not enough time.
I'm gonna need your help.
Don't look so surprised.
You've been digging this
grave since you turned on me.
- Harold, please.
If you want me to beg, I am begging.
- Dig.
- For once, can't you have feelings
for someone other than yourself?
If not for me, at least Jeremy.
- Dig.
(pickax thuds)
(mysterious creaking)
Stop!
(pickax thuds)
- What is it?
- Shh!
I thought I heard something.
(soil crashes)
(Harold groans)
(suspenseful music)
(cornstalks rustle)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(cornstalks rustle)
(cornstalks rustle)
(suspenseful music)
(mysterious creaking)
(corn husks crunch)
(crow caws)
(gunshots blast)
(crows caw)
(Harold groans)
(suspenseful music)
(hand thumps)
(Harold groans)
(pickax squelches)
(crows caw)
(hat thumps)
(suspenseful music)
(tires rumble)
- Jeremy!
(hand bangs)
Jeremy!
(hand bangs)
Ms. Corvus, open up, please!
We have to go!
(hand bangs)
(frogs croak)
- Olly, Olly, oxen free!
Olly, Olly, oxen free!
If you're out there, come to me!
(grass crunches)
- Jeremy?
What is all this?
What are you doing out here?
- Waiting.
- Waiting?
Waiting for what?
Waiting for what, Jeremy?
(grass crunches)
- Well, look who's here.
You're late, we expected you earlier.
Get into another fracas, did ya?
- Yes, how did you know that?
- A little bird.
I guess you came for Jeremy.
- Jeremy, say goodbye to Ms. Corvus.
No, not again!
- Please, don't make this difficult.
- You hear what your
mother's saying, Jeremy?
She wants you to leave.
I don't think he's in a hurry to leave.
- What is this?
What have you done to him?
- What have I done?
You should look in your
own hog pen, honey.
I didn't bring no trouble down on him.
I didn't drag him all
over Hell's half acre.
I didn't leave him with a
stranger to look after him,
to love him.
Now the chickens are coming
home to roost, honey.
Your chickens.
- You can believe whatever you want.
I've done the best that I could.
He's my son.
I love him, I'm not
leaving here without him.
- Remember what I told you before?
Now's the time.
Go find your friend and
tell him what to do.
Then we can be together for good.
- Jeremy, wait!
She doesn't care anything about you.
She's just using you to
control that tortured soul.
- But he's my friend.
- He's a child, Jeremy.
A child, just like you.
- Go on, do like I told ya!
- You have a choice to
make, son, just like I did.
To do what you think is right.
If he's really your friend, let him go.
Let him go, Jeremy.
So he can find peace.
(somber music)
(lips smack)
- Wait, come back!
Where are you goin'?
You can't take him!
I need him!
He's mine!
He's mine!
It ain't over yet, not by a long shot.
You hear me?
You hear me!
(mysterious creaking)
Don't you worry.
I'm gonna find you another
friend to play with,
someone to guide ya.
And then there'll be hell to pay.
(straw rustles)
(suspenseful music)
No, stop it!
(lamp thuds)
What are you doing, no!
No, let me go!
Ah, no!
(mysterious creaking)
(dramatic music)
(birds chirp)
(phone rings)
- Scott, wait.
How's Ms. Rhymer?
- She's okay, they're leaving today.
Got her statement for you right here.
- You believe this?
- Do you?
- I'm asking you.
- I don't know, I'd like to.
- What do you figure folks around here
are gonna think about this?
- Kind of depends on what
they want to think, I guess.
- Look, why don't you
take another look at it.
Think about it a little.
Then maybe, you know, readjust it.
- Readjust it?
- Just a little.
- Why?
- Why?
Because I want to be
reelected, that's why.
Oh yeah.
(suspenseful music)
Going home, going
home, we are going home
Never more shall we
roam, we are going home
- I love you, Mom
(tires screech)
- Oh!
(Chris laughs)
Going home, going
home, we are going home
Never more shall we
roam, we are going home
(straw rustles)
(straw rustles)
(flower thumps)
(straw rustles)
(crow caws)
(suspenseful music)
(somber music)
(insects chirp)
(crow caws)
(weather vane creaks)
(crow caws)
(cornstalks rustle softly)
(cornstalks rustle)
(crow caws)
(cornstalks rustle)
(crow caws)
(boots thud)
(soft rock music)
Kickin' Bobby Joe
(beer cans clang)
(button clicks)
(man grunts)
(back thuds)
(man groans)
- You little snake.
I ought a skin ya.
- Why, I didn't do nothin'.
- Damn right, you ain't.
You been sittin' on your dead buttock.
- No sir, Mr. Spoole.
I been work in", honestly.
- How come the rest of
that field ain't cut?
- I was just needing a
little break, that's all.
- A little break?
- Yes, sir.
- And you stretching it
out a little, ain't ya?
Ain't ya?
- No, sir.
No, sir.
- Don't you rile me, boy.
I'll eat your liver.
(crow caws)
You hear that?
Them crows ain't takin' no break.
- I know, Mr. Spoole,
but I didn't think they was no problem.
"Cause you got a scarecrow.
- What scarecrow?
(suspenseful music)
(tires rumble)
(tires screech softly)
(horn honks)
(sneakers thud)
(car door bangs)
(motor hums)
(birds chirp)
- Hey pumpkin, you wanna give Mom a kiss?
How was school?
- Ech.
- Ech, why ech?
- Kids here suck.
- And Mrs. Corvus?
- Aunt Hildie?
- You don't mind staying
with her after school?
- No, she's cool.
- So what did you and Mrs. Corvus,
Aunt Hildie, do?
- Made cookies.
Did some homework.
Played a game.
- A game, what game?
What game, Jeremy?
- Oh, just a game.
(tractor motor hums)
(boots thump)
(water splashes)
(soft rock music)
(button clicks)
Kickin' Bobby Joe
Country love is in the air
with some sweat between
Kickin' Bobby Joe
(button clicks)
(fist bangs)
(stereo thuds)
(barn doors slide)
(hands pat)
(loft floor creaks)
- Who's there?
(animal hoots softly)
Who's there?
(scythe scrapes)
Shrevie!
Listen boy, you can have your radio.
I got no need of it.
(loft floor creaks)
Okay, I'll pay ya what I owe ya!
I got it right here!
Shrevie?
(footsteps patter)
(foot bangs)
(man groans)
(back thuds)
(scythe rattles)
Country love is in the air
with some sweat between
Kickin' Bobby Joe
I kill it like a dream
instead until the final scream
Kickin' Bobby Joe
Country love is in the air
with some sweat between
The bridge collapsed tonight
(chains rattle)
I said they both exist
- Help!
Help!
Help!
(radio cuts)
(birds chirp softly)
(head thumps)
(scythe point squelches)
(dramatic music)
(crow caws)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
- Jeremy, get that please!
- Okay, just a minute!
- Who is it?
Jeremy?
- I don't know.
- Well, ask!
- I can't, they hung up!
(Chris gasps)
- I'm so sorry, I didn't
mean to scare you.
I heard someone calling.
Is anyone else here?
- I'm sorry, and you are?
- Scott Terry, Sheriff's
Department investigator.
Looking around your place, out back here.
- For what?
- A farmhand, 30-ish, skinny, shaved head.
Little chin beard.
Goes by Shrevie Nick son.
- He's here?
- I guess not.
But we wanna talk to
him, about your neighbor.
- Why?
- Most likely, he was the
last person to see him alive.
(phone rings)
- Don't you wanna get that?
(suspenseful music)
(phone rings)
(birds chirp)
(door creaks)
(computer keys click)
(Layton sighs)
(object bangs)
How'd it go?
- Well, I got the mess cleaned up.
Hold damn thing's down in cold storage.
- Where?
- Tanner's beer cave.
- Anything on Shrevie?
- Hell no.
How 'bout you?
- No, nothin...
- Son of a bitch has gotta
be hunkered down somewhere.
You check on the neighbor?
What's her name?
- Chris Rhymer.
- Yeah, Rhymer.
- She doesn't know anything.
- Well, where is she from anyway?
- I don't know.
- Well, maybe somebody ought to find out.
- I wouldn't advise it.
- Why not?
- The boss says so.
- Old devil, give him credit.
He's getting a little behind in his work.
You get it, Scotty Boy?
Getting a little be-hind in his work?
- You know, Layton,
if you were just half
as smart as you think,
you'd be twice as smart as you are.
(suspenseful music)
(insects chirp)
(brush rubs)
(soft chatter)
(switch clicks)
(footsteps patter)
- Bubba, here, don't do that one, Bubba.
Let me show you this one.
- You always call me Bubba, don't you?
(doorknob rattles)
- Jeremy?
(doorknob rattles)
Jeremy, are you all right?
(hand bangs)
(door creaks)
What are you doing?
- Nothing.
(door creaks)
- Who was in here with you?
- Nobody.
- No, I heard someone, who was it?
- I told you.
- Listen to me, there's a man out there.
Was he in here?
- I told you no.
- Jeremy, don't lie to me.
The police are looking
for him, he is dangerous.
- Leave me alone.
(soft music)
- Honey, I know it's been hard for you.
- I hate it here.
- I know.
I know, I'm not exactly
crazy about any either,
but we're here,
and we're gonna have to make
the best of it, for a while.
'Kay?
(switch clicks)
(dog barks)
(dog barks)
(window clatters)
(dogs bark)
(cornstalks rustle)
(school bus motor hums)
(school bus motor hums)
(dogs bark)
(footsteps patter)
- Aunt Hildie?
Aunt Hildie, I'm home!
Aunt Hildie?
(footsteps patter softly)
Aunt Hildie, what's wrong?
- Problems.
- What kind?
- Just grown up problems.
Nothing for you to worry about.
- Aunt Hildie, please tell me.
- Well, this morning I
went out to the cemetery.
Like I always do.
It's so peaceful out there.
(frogs croak)
Then I heard a voice, said
the flowers I brung was nice.
Was they for my son?
"No," I said.
"A cousin on my Mama's side."
Told me most folks he
knew wasn't so remindful
of their departed.
"Some things don't die," I said.
His name's Burkett, a lawyer.
Been getting Mr. Spoole's
affairs in order for probate.
Then he showed me a little book he found
and said I was heavy in arrears
on my mortgage to Mr. Spoole.
And now with him suddenly murdered,
well, it was sure likely
to raise some eyebrows
if it was to turn up in court.
"And you're thinking to maybe
pick up where he left off?"
"Well," he said.
"Better me than a judge,
wouldn't you say?"
Aunt Hildie's gonna lose her house.
- What?
Where will you go?
- I don't know.
Away.
- No.
Don't go, Aunt Hildie, please.
Don't leave me.
I'll go with you.
- What about your Mama?
She'd be worried sick.
- No, she won't.
She doesn't care about me.
I love you, Aunt Hildie, more than anyone.
- I know, baby, I know.
We'll think of something.
Jeremy, why don't you go tell your friend?
(suspenseful music)
(tires rumble)
(door creaks)
(door bangs)
(light clicks)
(distant rattling)
(floor creaks)
(distant banging)
(bottles rattle)
(bottle cap pops)
(objects bang)
(utensil clangs)
- Hey!
(can rattles)
(insects chirp)
(shoes thud)
(insects chirp)
(footsteps patter)
(insects chirp)
(footsteps patter)
(straw rustles)
(fingers creak)
(weapon thuds)
(man groans loudly)
No, ah!
(man screams)
(spikes squelch)
(cap pops)
(Layton exhales)
- Just this?
- Yeah.
(buttons beep)
- That'll be 4.78.
(cash register dings)
- Mystery lady, from back East somewhere?
You kinda talk like it.
- Here's your change.
(coins jangle)
- Most folks never come to this dump.
They leave.
(doorbell chimes)
Why in hell did you?
- Hey, Layton.
You gonna take all day?
- Just being friendly.
(soft country music)
Oh, by the way, you need anything,
you just call Layton Turney.
Any friend of the
sheriff's a friend of mine.
(doorbell chimes)
(tires rumble)
(motor hums)
(loon calls)
(hand knocks)
- Come on in!
(door creaks)
- Is he all right?
- Oh, he's fine.
Just a little tuckered out, that's all.
I just made fresh coffee, want a cup?
- Yeah, sure.
Has Jeremy ever said anything
to you about a friend?
- No one special, why?
- Last night when he was in
his room, I heard him talking.
- Oh, it's nothing.
He was probably talking in his sleep.
Young'uns do that, you know.
- I know, but there was another voice too.
- And did you see anyone?
- No, he was on the floor playing alone,
but I'm sure I heard someone.
- You never raised a
young'un before, did ya?
- No.
- When young'uns are
lonely, they make friends,
friends that you and I can't see.
Didn't you?
- Yeah, I guess I did,
but the other voice sounded different.
Like a man's, but...
I don't know, childish.
- And no one was there?
- No.
- You see?
(dogs bark)
(siren wails)
(men chatter)
(doors bang)
(men chatter)
(door clicks)
(door bangs)
(men chatter)
(pen scratches)
- Jeremy!
Jeremy?
(grass crunches)
Jeremy, it's time to come in!
(crow caws)
(grass crunches)
You haven't seen a little
boy out here, have you?
Guess you couldn't tell me if you did.
You know what?
You look like I feel.
What?
Yeah, I know what you're doing out here.
What am I doing out here?
Oh, well that's a...
that's a secret.
Tell you?
No, I couldn't, no way.
Yes, of course I wanna talk about it.
It's hard keeping it all to myself.
Oh really?
And how do I know I can trust you?
Anybody in there?
(crow caws)
(straw rustles)
Okay, Mr. Straw Eyes,
but you have to swear
on your word of honor
that you're not gonna
tell a living soul.
(suspenseful music)
(insects chirp)
(chain rattles)
(door clicks)
(door creaks)
(footsteps patter softly)
(footsteps patter softly)
(door creaks)
(footsteps patter)
(straw rustles)
(suspenseful music)
(straw rustles)
(dramatic music)
(Chris gasps)
(suspenseful music)
(crows caw)
(dogs panting)
(dog barks)
(thunder rumbles)
(knuckles rap)
- Sheriff's department.
(hand bangs)
Sheriff's department, open up!
- Hell, kick it in!
(hand bangs)
(hand bangs)
- What's all this ruckus?
(boots clack)
What's the matter, can't you talk?
I asked what y'all are doing here.
- Looking for a killer.
- We're looking for a suspect, Ms. Corvus.
- And you think he's here, in my house?
- The dogs think so.
- Which dogs, them or you?
- We can get a warrant.
- You ain't gonna do
nothin', Layton Turkey,
but stand there and shut up.
(thunder rumbles)
You all must be crazy.
You really think a widow woman like me
would let some lowlife like
Shrevie Nick son in her house?
- How'd you know it was Shrevie Nick son?
- Everybody in Stubblefield
County knows, you fool.
Now go on.
Get outta here and take this
foolishness somewheres else.
Go on, get!
- We'll get you.
- Ms. Corvus, if you need
any help, call me, all right?
- Don't you worry?
I got all the help I need.
(suspenseful music)
- Fine.
(tires rumble)
Thanks.
- Where's your friend?
- Off nursing his pride.
Ms. Corvus took him apart this afternoon.
We thought we had our man
cornered over at her place.
- Is she all right?
- Oh, she's fine, believe me.
- You don't really think
she would hide him?
- Her?
No, but the dogs sure were interested.
- Maybe he just passed by.
- Hey, who's Alison?
- What?
- Your charm there, it says Alison.
- Oh, that.
It's just someone I used to know.
You really think he did it?
- Shrevie Nick son?
Most likely.
- You don't seem sure.
- No, but everyone else is.
- Seems hard to believe.
- Why, did you know him?
- He comes in here from time to time.
Buys beer.
Seems a little scattered, but harmless.
What is it?
- It's odd.
The old folks around here,
they used to tell stories
of a series of deaths
that happened a long time ago.
- Murders?
- No one seems to know.
(horn honks)
- Jeremy!
Your mama's here.
- Oh, Aunt Hildie, I don't wanna go.
- I know baby, but you'll
be back here tomorrow.
- You won't move away, will you?
- Course not.
Aunt Hildie is not
going anywhere, not now.
Now go on, get, before
your Ma comes and gets ya!
(door bangs)
(Hilda sighs)
(floor creaks)
(floor creaks)
(floor creaks)
(floor creaks)
(floor creaks)
(suspenseful music)
(ladder clangs)
(broom bangs)
Well, look at what the cat dragged in.
All right, get your skinny butt down here.
Okay, maybe I'll let them
laws know where you're at.
Let them dogs eat ya.
- No, you ain't.
- Why wouldn't I?
- 'Cause you know.
- Know what?
- I didn't do it.
- They thought ya did.
Why shouldn't I?
- 'Cause you know who did.
- Sure do.
A little no account weasel
named Shrevie Nick son.
Then who?
- It ain't a who, it's a what.
- (laughs) Whatever you've been smoking
just eat up your pea brain?
- Not hardly.
I seen it.
- Seen what?
- Mr. Burkett hanged up on that rake.
- And why you telling me?
Why didn't you tell them
laws who was just here?
'Cause they wouldn't believe it.
Especially coming from a
no count trash like you.
- Yep, maybe so.
But they might believe a boy.
Yeah, that's right.
I heard it all.
I heard y'all down there,
right through the ceiling.
Clear as a bell.
Little peckerwood knows
everything, don't he?
(birds warble)
(insects chirp)
- Olly, olly, oxen free!
(cornstalks rustle)
Olly, olly, oxen free!
If you're out there, come to me!
(footsteps patter)
(post creaks)
(Jeremy gasps)
(suspenseful music)
- Bleh!
Hey, wait!
(suspenseful music)
(sleeve rips)
(suspenseful music)
(grass crunches)
(boy laughs)
(shoes thud)
Huh.
Hey, boy!
Where you at?
(switch clicks)
Here, kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty!
I know you're in here.
(floor creaks)
(knuckles rap)
Listen, boy, I don't wanna hurt you, okay?
I just need you to tell 'em the truth.
I didn't kill nobody and you know, okay?
Okay?
(door creaks)
(door creaks)
(suspenseful music)
(lighter clicks)
(straw rustles)
(liquid sloshes)
(nose sniffs)
No, no, don't!
Please, please don't, no!
(liquid splashes)
(flame whooshes)
(Shrevie screams)
(flames crackle)
(radio beeps)
- Attention, all units.
Keep tech channel one open
for emergency traffic.
- Good God, that smell.
- Yeah, he ain't no petunia.
- Here, give me that stick.
(radio beeps)
You sure that's Shrevie?
- Kinda looks like a roast hog, don't he?
- That's disgusting.
- Hurry up, pumpkin, the bus
is gonna be here any minute.
- I'm hurrying!
(paper bag rustles)
- Thanks for the flowers, pumpkin.
They're lovely.
- What flowers?
(suspenseful music)
(siren wails)
(horns honk)
(footsteps patter)
- There are 9,520 bricks on
the side of that building.
100 bricks across, 96 high,
not counting the windows.
- Well, you won't have
to count bricks anymore.
The court's granted your appeal.
You'll be out as soon as bail is set.
- Well, we still have the same problem.
- The witness?
Well, we know where she is.
You want me to send somebody?
- No, not from here.
It'll stand out.
Find someone down there, a local.
(man chuckles)
- You should've been a lawyer.
(motor hums)
(car door bangs)
- Hi.
Can I help you, young lady?
- Oh, hi.
Yes, are these vine ripened?
- Yes, Ma'am.
Picked 'em myself.
So fresh, gotta slap 'em.
- (laughs) Okay, I'll
take three nice ones.
A couple of cucumbers and
a couple of bell peppers.
- Yes, Ma'am.
- Looks like you've been here a long time.
- All my life, and then some.
- Do you remember a series of deaths?
It was some years back.
- Where'd you hear that?
- A friend.
- What are you asking me for?
- He said the older folks knew.
- Well, I don't.
- But you were here, surely
you remember something.
- Hilda Mae Corvus.
- What?
- Hilda Corvus.
Ask her.
- But wait!
Your money!
(hand bangs)
- I'm in the kitchen!
Come on back!
- Hi.
- You're early.
- I know.
- I was just getting a
bite together for Jeremy.
He's so hungry when he gets here.
Can I get you anything?
- Oh, no, thank you.
- Might as well.
The bus ain't due do for a while yet.
- I found a great little vegetable stand.
- Really?
- Yeah, Mr. Maples.
- Maples.
Oh Lord, I bet he talked your ear off.
- He started to, but he stopped.
- Oh, why?
- I asked him about the unexplained deaths
from some years back.
- And did he say anything?
- No.
- Nothin'?
- Just your name.
- Me?
- Yeah.
- Whatever for?
- Maybe he thought you'd know.
- Let me tell you something
folks around here know.
Mr. Maples, sweet as he is,
he has a drinking problem.
- Maybe that's it but...
I don't know.
I almost feel like he
wanted to tell me something,
but he was afraid.
- Oh, I doubt it.
Just people around here old enough
to remember don't speak of it.
It was all so terrible,
but it was nothing but
a bunch of accidents.
That's all it was.
- Aunt Hildie!
- There's my boy!
Oh, I'm so proud of you.
You see, I knew you could!
- Yeah, but it was only cause of Paul.
I love you, Aunt Hildie.
- I know, sweet boy, I know.
Aunt Hildie loves you too.
(tires rumble)
(birds chirp)
- So after we talked, I
went back to the courthouse
and go through some of the old case files.
- These are all farm accidents.
- Yeah.
Except one.
Mentally-handicapped guy thought
to have killed a young girl.
- What happened to him?
- He was chased down and
shot by some of the locals.
- Justifiable homicide.
- Mm, the claim was actually self-defense.
- Was he guilty?
- I don't know.
I can't find any of the inquest records.
And did find out though
the girl's still alive.
- Sounds like a terrible mistake.
- Maybe.
You know, every one of those
men though died within a week.
- How do you know?
- You're holding their files.
Why are you so interested in all of this?
- I wanna be sure we're safe
as long as we have to stay here.
- Have to, why do you have to?
Hey look, if you're in
trouble, maybe I can help.
If you're worried about
Shrevie Nick son, don't.
He's dead.
- What?
- We found him this morning.
- Is it all happening again?
- The policemen in me
asks where are the facts.
- And the gut?
- How could it?
(door bangs)
(shoes thud)
- Hey, where you been?
- Out.
- Investigatin'?
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah, I bet.
- What's this?
- Coroner's report on Mr. Shrevie Nick son.
Self illumination.
- Immolation.
- Yeah, it means when a person--
- I know what it means, thanks.
- It means he cheated on sparky.
And I'm going home to have a beer.
(tires rumble)
(footsteps patter)
- Good morning.
I'm surprised to see you out here.
This isn't a social call, is it?
- No.
I got a call from your
handlers last night.
Van's got an appeal.
You're gonna have to go
back and testify again.
- When?
- I don't know.
Fairly soon, I'd guess.
Is there anything I can do?
- No.
(tires rumble)
(crow caws)
(footsteps patter)
(crow caws)
Well, Mr. Straw Eyes,
you're the only one I
can trust to talk to,
and you've run out on me too.
(suspenseful music)
(insects chirp)
- Look at the moon, Aunt Hildie.
What's wrong with it?
- Ain't nothing wrong with it, honey.
It's a blood moon.
- What's a blood moon?
- It's a warnin'...
Means death somewhere, close.
- Not for you, Aunt Hildie.
- Course not, honey.
You ought a know that.
- Just the bad people?
- Just the bad ones.
Don't you fret none.
(hand pats)
It'll go back like it was.
When it's done.
(hard rock music)
(radio scratches)
(signal crackles)
(suspenseful music)
(liquid splashes)
(suspenseful music)
(engine rattles)
(keys jangle)
(engine sputters)
(foot taps)
(crow caws)
(soft banging)
(loud banging)
(dramatic music)
(horn honks)
(tires screech)
(body thuds)
(birds chirp)
(hand knocks)
- Come.
What?
- Accident report from the state police.
Found an open container in
the back of Michael's truck.
About empty.
Been doing a little thinking, boss.
- Amazing.
- No, boss, really.
Four dead.
Bam, bam, bam!
Maybe New York or Los Angeles, but here?
And if you look real close,
there's something common in all of 'em.
The new resident.
Yeah, uh huh.
Ms. Rhymer.
- Off limits.
- But, boss.
- Off limits.
- None of this happened till she got here.
- What part of off limits
do you not understand?
Go do something useful.
(doorknob rattles)
(tires rumble)
(knuckles rap)
- Jeremy?
Ms. Corvus?
(knuckles rap)
(cicadas sawing)
(Hilda laughs)
- Good, yes.
Now put the string around the neck.
- Like that?
- Yes, just like that.
(door creaks)
Oh, hi there.
I didn't hear you come up.
We got a big Halloween project going on.
Show your mama what you're doin'.
- Did you make this?
- Well, Aunt Hildie showed
me, but I did most of it.
- What do you think?
- Well, it's.
It's unusual.
- I told you she wouldn't like it.
- No, it's just, I've not seen one before.
What is it?
- This guy.
- What kinda guy?
- Just a guy, made of corn husks.
His name is Bubba.
- Bubba, where'd you come up with that?
- He told me. (giggles)
- Okay, all right, come on.
It's time to go.
- Oh, Mom.
- Come on, Jeremy.
I'm tired and I'm hungry.
- He can stay, it's all right.
- No, it's not.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you,
but we do have to go.
- I understand.
Jeremy, go get your things
and run along with your Mama.
I'll see you later.
(door creaks)
(shoes clack)
(car door bangs)
- I think we've got a
good shot at it this time.
We've got a lot of challenges
to the evidence we didn't have before.
- Except the government witness.
- Witness, what witness?
(tires screech)
(door bell chimes)
(soft country music)
- Get your things.
- What?
- Boss wants to see you.
- Now?
- Right now.
- I've gotta let the owners know.
- There's no time, he's waiting.
(tires rumble)
(soft country music)
(tires rumble)
(birds chirp)
(car door bangs)
- What's this?
- The meeting place.
- Hey, wait!
Where's the sheriff?
Sheriff Tutt?
Sheriff Tutt?
Sheriff Tutt.
(Chris screams)
(birds chirp)
- I lied.
Boss didn't send me.
Well, actually he did send me.
Huh?
Oh no, not my boss, your boss.
You know, he's very concerned about you.
(muffled speaking)
Well, maybe not concerned.
More like, pissed.
I thought there's something
funny when you showed up here.
I was right.
(loft floor creaks)
(muffled speaking)
Shh.
Don't you move.
(distant footsteps pattering)
(birds chirping)
(footsteps patter)
(distant rattling)
(rope whooshes)
(Layton chokes)
(dramatic music)
(Layton screams)
(Layton groans)
(Chris gasps)
(suspenseful music)
(boot thumps)
(siren wails)
(tires rumble)
(door bangs)
(footsteps patter)
(phone rings)
(footsteps patter)
- I am so sorry.
I know I let you down.
If I had known,
I would have hung that
son of a bitch myself.
(suspenseful music)
- So you thought Layton was alone.
You didn't see anyone else?
- No, but I could hear.
There was someone moving above us.
They must've been waiting for him.
- Or looking out for you.
You know, I gotta tell ya.
I'm gonna be sad to see you go.
I never really got to know you.
- I know.
- So why are you leaving?
What's this all about?
- It's not a secret anymore.
I'm in the witness protection program.
Sheriff Tutt's the only one that knew.
- Witness protection?
Why?
- It's a long story.
I wanted to tell you.
I almost did, you were so easy to talk to.
- Well, you seemed interested in my work.
Not many people around here are.
Speaking of which,
I pulled this out of the archives.
- Who's this?
- That's Bubba Ritter.
- Bubba Ritter?
- Yeah, the guy I told you about.
The one who was shot by the vigilantes.
They found him in a scarecrow.
- In a what?
- A scarecrow, it's where he was hiding.
Does that mean something?
- I gotta go.
- Wait.
Is everything all right.
(car door slams)
- I've gotta go get Jeremy.
(hands knocks)
- I'm coming.
(hand knocks)
I'm coming!
Oh my God.
- Where's Jeremy?
- What's happened?
Who did this to you?
- It was Layton Turney.
- Turney, why?
- He was hired.
- What, I don't understand.
What's this?
- It's what I owe you.
- But that's not due ill
the end of the month.
- I know, we're leaving.
- What?
- Relocating.
- No!
I mean, I'm surprised.
It's just so sudden.
- Jeremy!
Jeremy?
- You in some kind of trouble?
Any way I can help?
- Where is he?
- He's not here, the bus is late.
I don't understand any of this,
but if you are in trouble,
why don't you let Jeremy stay here?
- I can't.
- Just for a little while,
until you get packed.
Then you can come back by.
I'll pack up Jeremy and all his things.
Just till you're ready to go.
After what's happened, don't
you think he'd be safer here?
(motor hums)
(birds chirp)
(crow caws)
(footsteps patter)
You were right.
Everything you told me was true.
- Where did she go?
- Home.
To pack.
You're leaving.
- No!
No, Aunt Hildie, not again.
- I'm afraid you don't have any choice.
- What if I hide?
Yeah, I'll hide.
And then you could tell her I ran away.
- You really think
she'll leave without you?
- Aunt Hildie, please.
I want to be here with you.
I love you, Aunt Hildie.
You're the only one I got.
- I know, baby, I know.
You know, maybe there is a way.
- Really?
- Maybe.
Jeremy, what would you be
willing to do to fix this?
- Anything, Aunt Hildie.
Anything.
(suspenseful music)
(tires rumble)
(door creaks)
(lock clicks)
(clock ticks softly)
(footsteps patter)
(switch clicks)
- I see you made it.
Why am I not surprised?
I had a strong gut feeling that hayseed
would screw things up.
It looks like you had
quite a tussle with him.
What's the matter?
You're so quiet.
Don't be unsocial.
You talked to the Feds.
Well, talk to me.
- What do you want me to say?
- Whatever comes into
your little old head.
Mm, maybe start with "I'm sorry."
Or, "It was just a big mistake."
Or maybe, "They made me do it."
No, that wouldn't be the truth, would it?
- No.
- And you always tell the truth.
- Harold, try to understand.
- Nothing when it makes you a Judas.
- I did what I thought was right.
- Oh, spare me.
- I couldn't go on with it.
You were destroying people's lives.
Scamming every penny they had.
- That's so noble, Alison.
Or whatever your name is now.
Was it worth it?
Look what it cost.
Your marriage, your independence.
Even your looks.
You look so very seedy.
Washed out.
Just out of curiosity,
what does your kid think?
I can imagine.
He hates your guts.
Well, when this is all over,
I'm sure they'll find a
comfortable home for him.
Something stable, grounded.
Maybe you can take
consolation in that, hmm?
We're not having much of a conversation.
- Would it do any good?
- Probably not.
It's getting late, Alison.
(suspenseful music)
We've got business to take care of.
(crows caw)
(cornstalks rustle)
(Alison gasps)
I'm sorry.
I wasn't able to finish
it, not enough time.
I'm gonna need your help.
Don't look so surprised.
You've been digging this
grave since you turned on me.
- Harold, please.
If you want me to beg, I am begging.
- Dig.
- For once, can't you have feelings
for someone other than yourself?
If not for me, at least Jeremy.
- Dig.
(pickax thuds)
(mysterious creaking)
Stop!
(pickax thuds)
- What is it?
- Shh!
I thought I heard something.
(soil crashes)
(Harold groans)
(suspenseful music)
(cornstalks rustle)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(cornstalks rustle)
(cornstalks rustle)
(suspenseful music)
(mysterious creaking)
(corn husks crunch)
(crow caws)
(gunshots blast)
(crows caw)
(Harold groans)
(suspenseful music)
(hand thumps)
(Harold groans)
(pickax squelches)
(crows caw)
(hat thumps)
(suspenseful music)
(tires rumble)
- Jeremy!
(hand bangs)
Jeremy!
(hand bangs)
Ms. Corvus, open up, please!
We have to go!
(hand bangs)
(frogs croak)
- Olly, Olly, oxen free!
Olly, Olly, oxen free!
If you're out there, come to me!
(grass crunches)
- Jeremy?
What is all this?
What are you doing out here?
- Waiting.
- Waiting?
Waiting for what?
Waiting for what, Jeremy?
(grass crunches)
- Well, look who's here.
You're late, we expected you earlier.
Get into another fracas, did ya?
- Yes, how did you know that?
- A little bird.
I guess you came for Jeremy.
- Jeremy, say goodbye to Ms. Corvus.
No, not again!
- Please, don't make this difficult.
- You hear what your
mother's saying, Jeremy?
She wants you to leave.
I don't think he's in a hurry to leave.
- What is this?
What have you done to him?
- What have I done?
You should look in your
own hog pen, honey.
I didn't bring no trouble down on him.
I didn't drag him all
over Hell's half acre.
I didn't leave him with a
stranger to look after him,
to love him.
Now the chickens are coming
home to roost, honey.
Your chickens.
- You can believe whatever you want.
I've done the best that I could.
He's my son.
I love him, I'm not
leaving here without him.
- Remember what I told you before?
Now's the time.
Go find your friend and
tell him what to do.
Then we can be together for good.
- Jeremy, wait!
She doesn't care anything about you.
She's just using you to
control that tortured soul.
- But he's my friend.
- He's a child, Jeremy.
A child, just like you.
- Go on, do like I told ya!
- You have a choice to
make, son, just like I did.
To do what you think is right.
If he's really your friend, let him go.
Let him go, Jeremy.
So he can find peace.
(somber music)
(lips smack)
- Wait, come back!
Where are you goin'?
You can't take him!
I need him!
He's mine!
He's mine!
It ain't over yet, not by a long shot.
You hear me?
You hear me!
(mysterious creaking)
Don't you worry.
I'm gonna find you another
friend to play with,
someone to guide ya.
And then there'll be hell to pay.
(straw rustles)
(suspenseful music)
No, stop it!
(lamp thuds)
What are you doing, no!
No, let me go!
Ah, no!
(mysterious creaking)
(dramatic music)
(birds chirp)
(phone rings)
- Scott, wait.
How's Ms. Rhymer?
- She's okay, they're leaving today.
Got her statement for you right here.
- You believe this?
- Do you?
- I'm asking you.
- I don't know, I'd like to.
- What do you figure folks around here
are gonna think about this?
- Kind of depends on what
they want to think, I guess.
- Look, why don't you
take another look at it.
Think about it a little.
Then maybe, you know, readjust it.
- Readjust it?
- Just a little.
- Why?
- Why?
Because I want to be
reelected, that's why.
Oh yeah.
(suspenseful music)
Going home, going
home, we are going home
Never more shall we
roam, we are going home
- I love you, Mom
(tires screech)
- Oh!
(Chris laughs)
Going home, going
home, we are going home
Never more shall we
roam, we are going home
(straw rustles)
(straw rustles)
(flower thumps)
(straw rustles)
(crow caws)
(suspenseful music)
(somber music)