The Fire in the Sky Father Brown

OWL HOOTS

Charlotte?

WHITE NOISE

Charlotte!

Argh!

WHITE NOISE INTENSIFIES

BELL CHIMES

-Ow!

-Home. Now.

Perhaps they've gone away.

No. Ever since Joan passed away,

William goes nowhere except church and work.

-Something must be wrong.

-He's probably ill.

Well, maybe.

Anyway, I'll call round and I could bring him some of that soup

that's left over.

VEHICLE APPROACHES

What do you think?

Yes, it suits you -

unreliable, noisy, and good at getting people into trouble!

Actually, it's not mine. It's a present.

For Father Brown.

What would Father Brown want with a deathtrap like that?

Well, you said that your knees were hurting you.

I thought you should trade your rusty old bicycle in.

Bucephalus is NOT rusty!

Well, wouldn't you like to keep up with the fast-paced, modern times?

We can discuss this later. We have soup to deliver.

Sorry. I'm not expecting visitors.

William, I don't think you're very well.

But I have just the thing,

so I'll come in and heat it up for you, shall I?

It's really not necessary. I overslept, that's all.

Well, I'm not going anywhere

until I know that you're being properly looked after.

And where is that daughter of yours?

I'm not sure.

Well, when did you last see her?

Last night.

In the woods.

There was a light... over the wheat field...

A light?

(I think someone's trying to take her away.)

Aliens?!

He did not say "aliens".

That's a relief, cos I'd send Goodfellow to patrol

the outer cosmos, but his rocket boots are at the cobblers.

At least pretend to take this seriously!

Mr Bayley's a solicitor. He is a respected member of the community.

What would you have me do? Call Buck Rogers?

The girl's only been missing since last night,

and during that time I don't think we've had a report

of a flying saucer!

Help me!

Miss Bayley? What's happened?

It's trying to get out!

What is?

We need to call for an ambulance.

Now, will you take this seriously?!

Let's do a Galli Mainini test, please, nurse.

Yes, doctor.

We've sedated her. When she woke, she was very disorientated.

Did she say what happened?

Something about being held captive. She wasn't making much sense.

It appears she's had a fall,

but there's no sign of head injury or internal bleeding.

Don't fret. I'll keep a very close eye on her.

Get her through this, and I'll gladly waive my fee.

That won't be necessary.

"Fee"?

Oh, Mr Bayley's helping me resolve a legal misunderstanding

with a previous employer - all very tiresome.

If you'll excuse me.

I'm afraid you'll have to wait outside.

Surely you can make an exception for her father.

Sorry. Hospital rules.

I'm not letting Charlotte out of my sight.

I heard what happened. I wanted...

-How dare you?!

-I just...

Get out!

Excuse me!

Please, wait.

Are you a friend of the family?

I'm their gardener.

Well, used to be.

Have you any idea how Charlotte got those injuries?

You think I did this?

No! No.

Just make sure Charlotte's looked after, yeah?

Yes.

Don't suppose he could shed any light on all this?

-No.

-Pity.

A fall would explain the external symptoms,

but the abdominal cramps, disorientation, tachycardia...

It's like she's ingested some kind of toxin.

Can you treat her here?

In theory.

We're not the best-equipped hospital

but I was an army surgeon. I've made do with less.

The problem is not knowing what she's taken.

And you think she's pregnant?

The Galli Mainini test.

Abdominal issues, woman her age, makes sense to check.

The results will be with us in a few hours.

Until then, we watch and wait.

And pray.

Indeed. Poor girl. She doesn't deserve this.

Do you know Charlotte, erm, through Mr Bayley?

No, no. Actually, I treated her mother, Joan.

Charlotte used to come every day. She would comfort her, read to her.

She's got a good heart. I just hope it's a strong one.

I'll do everything I can to discover what happened.

If you do, let me know straight away.

Time is of the essence.

Yes. Fear not - my winged chariot awaits.

Now you just start her up.

I can't believe you're even considering it!

Here's your book. And now, thanks to you,

the librarian thinks I'm a homicidal horticulturalist!

Well, at least they'll never dare charge you overdue fees.

Did you find out anything about the gardener?

Yes. His name's Sean Crimp.

The neighbours heard them arguing a few days ago,

and Mr Crimp was told to leave the property and never to return.

Do you know what the argument was about?

The young rogue was probably trying to lead Charlotte astray,

and William found out.

Well, maybe this was his revenge.

Why take it out on Charlotte?

I think we need to hear Mr Crimp's side of the story.

I'm sorry, I promised William I'd go straight back to the hospital.

Well, I'll go with you, Father.

You did say "young rogue", didn't you?

CHATTER

He is head-over-heels in love with Charlotte.

Is he?

Well, he didn't even offer to buy me a drink.

His eyes lit up when I mentioned her.

After that, I could barely get a word out of him.

Maybe he kidnapped Charlotte, and then she escaped.

Why poison her?

And why didn't William Bayley call the police?

So, what now?

I think we need to examine his garden.

Anything?

Erm, nothing that fits Charlotte's symptoms.

Well, what's to say it's a plant?

You can find all manner of things in people's bathroom cabinets.

Father?

What is it?

I need to go to the hospital.

Ergot is a fungus,

and its effects might explain the uterine contractions.

You think she was trying to abort an unwanted pregnancy?

Well, it's possible. The fungus grows on wheat,

and the last time she was seen,

she was heading towards the field by her house.

Ergot's used for treating migraines.

Charlotte's mother suffered from them.

Perhaps she found some around the house and took it by mistake.

Either way, let's keep this to ourselves until we've spoken to her.

Doctor...

..will she survive?

Yes.

We'll flush out her system, give her some calcium chloride.

Her heart rate's already stabilising.

I've been trying to persuade William to go home and get some rest.

-I'd prefer to stay.

-I'll telephone you the moment she wakes.

She couldn't be in better hands.

Dr Ashley's a war hero - saved more men than penicillin!

Nurse, what have I said?

Prone to exaggeration.

I'll prepare Charlotte's treatment.

He's won medals for it and everything.

Speaking of the doctor, here.

I asked him to prescribe you this. It'll help you sleep.

As you're so keen to get rid of me...

The moment she wakes.

She's all I have left.

Alisha.

What're you doing here?

Can I have sixpence? They're showing Monsters From Mars

at the village hall.

We can't afford to throw money away on silly films. Now go home!

Just a minute, young man.

I think I might just have a sixpence in here...

Thank you!

You didn't need to do that.

Oh, it was entirely my pleasure.

Is that your brother?

Yes. It's just the two of us since mother passed away.

Not easy on my wages.

We're always here to help if you need it.

Well, in that case, would you mind going along

and keeping an eye on Nikhil? In case he gets scared.

I'd go, but I'm on the late shift.

-I was thinking more...

-We'd be glad to!

DRAMATIC MUSIC

HEAVY BREATHING

HE SCREAMS

HE PANTS

OWL HOOTS

EERIE ROARING

Who's there?

WHISPERING

Who is it?

Answer me!

Go away...

Leave me alone!

SCREECHING

Police...

It's aliens!

KNOCK AT DOOR

Perhaps he overslept again.

He was exhausted yesterday.

Holy Mother...

Door was locked from the inside, windows bolted.

No other way into the room.

Looks like natural causes.

Heart attack, probably.

Report from the station, sir.

A telephone operator reported a 999 call from here last night.

"The gentleman said something about aliens coming for him,

"then the line went dead."

-"Aliens?"

-That's what she said, sir.

Did you notice the dilated pupils?

He's right, sir.

Looks like the man's died of fright!

What're you still doing here, Padre?

Er, we thought you might want us to give a statement.

I don't.

Inspector, may I be the one to inform Mr Bayley's daughter?

I am a friend of the family.

Be my guest, so long as you take this nosy parker with you!

Yes. With pleasure.

Beware the Devil's Trumpet.

What does that mean? Get out!

As soon as you're feeling better,

we can discuss the funeral arrangements.

Thank you.

I can't even think straight right now.

That's hardly surprising. And there is no rush.

Charlotte, what happened to you?

How did you get your injuries?

I...

I can't remember.

Miss Bayley needs rest.

Yes. I'll come back and see you later.

Father, a word? In private.

Yes. Of course.

I shouldn't be telling you this.

The pregnancy test was positive.

If she took ergot in an attempt to abort the pregnancy,

it's a criminal offence and I should report her.

However...

..there's no sign of a miscarriage,

and I'm not willing to cause further distress to a scared, young woman

who's already lost her father.

Are you?

No.

Perhaps a vow of silence is in order.

If we don't ask, she won't tell.

We're done here.

"Beware the Devil's Trumpet"!

Have you lost your marbles, Sergeant?

That plant, sir. Devil's Trumpet is a nickname for thorn apple.

Poisonous. Sends you mad, apparently.

You've got hidden depth, Sergeant.

Mad enough to believe you're being attacked by aliens.

Maybe not "natural causes", then, sir?

Will you be OK if I go on my break?

I'll pop by as soon as I'm back.

I forgot to ask - is there anyone you would like me to contact?

Mr Crimp, for example.

He came to see you the other day. He seemed very concerned.

You must think I'm very wicked.

For falling in love?

Sean's probably still angry at me.

We were supposed to elope.

I changed my mind.

The baby?

Oh, don't blame Dr Ashley.

I made my own deduction.

Sean doesn't even know I'm pregnant.

The argument between your father and Mr Crimp - was that about you?

Father caught us kissing.

He fired Sean on the spot.

The police think your father died of a heart attack

but I think he was poisoned.

Poisoned?

Yes. His pupils were very dilated.

There is a plant in your garden - a thorn apple -

which contains atropine, and...

Well, the symptoms fit.

-Could Sean have...?

-No!

No. It must have been someone else.

Not in the mood for company, Father.

Not even Charlotte's?

She's awake?

And asking after you, but she's afraid you might be angry with her.

Me, angry with HER?

I thought she didn't want anything more to do with me.

Let's get you some coffee and we'll go and see her.

Sean Crimp, I'm arresting you

on suspicion of the murder of William Bayley.

You're not obliged to say anything,

but whatever you say may be taken down and given in evidence.

Murder?! I haven't done anything!

Right, son, up you get.

-Tell Charlotte it's not true!

-Come on, this way.

The thorn apple. Grow it yourself, did you?

-No.

-Neighbours heard you and Mr Bayley arguing. What about?

-No comment.

-He fires you. You want revenge.

-You poison him.

-No!

So you didn't go anywhere near the Bayleys' house?

Cos we've got witnesses who saw you leave the village hall

not long before Mr Bayley's death.

We also found a footprint in the flowerbed outside his study -

matches your shoe size!

My footprints are probably all over the garden!

But he fired you days ago.

This one... was fresh.

HE SIGHS

All right. I went there.

Why?

HE SIGHS

To convince him to let me and Charlotte marry.

And I'm guessing he said no.

I never got the chance.

Mr Bayley wouldn't open the door.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Who's there?!

'He started yelling, like I was this wild beast.'

Who is it?!

Answer me!

I gave up and I went home.

Admit it - you poisoned him!

KNOCK AT DOOR

Not now!

With respect, sir, you really need to see this.

HE SIGHS

Just up here, sir.

-Don't you ever give up?

-Erm...

Hoping to have a chat with you about Sean Crimp.

I was afraid you'd say that.

Charlotte Bayley wants to know if you're going to charge him.

So it's true, those two are an item?

Yes, well, if it was, erm,

Sean would hardly choose a murder weapon from the garden.

That would make him the most likely suspect.

You're suggesting someone PLANTED the evidence?

Good one, Inspector.

You give the average criminal too much credit, Padre.

In my experience, they're mostly half-wits.

Right, here we are, sir.

What am I looking at?

Right there, sir.

Flaming Nora.

It's very kind of you.

I've been tinkering with my dumplings,

and I would very much value your opinion...

-I see you've eaten already... Hello again.

-Hello.

Well, this will keep.

Cooking helps take my mind off things.

It's so horrible what happened to Charlotte.

I didn't know you knew her.

We're old friends.

My mother worked as a cleaner for Mr Bayley.

Sometimes I'd tag along.

But then mother got sick,

and Mr Bayley dismissed her without a second thought.

Oh, thank you.

Did you hear about the symbol in the field?

-What symbol?

-Burnt into the ground,

but no-one seems to know what it means.

I bet it was the aliens! What does it look like?

Nikhil, aliens don't exist anywhere but in your foolish imagination.

-But...

-If you've finished, go do your homework.

HE SIGHS

Sorry. He's a good boy, but...

Nikhil believes there's alien technology out there,

which could help bring our mother back.

Oh. And your father?

He returned to India a few years ago.

If it ever gets too much for you,

you know there's always a warm welcome for you both at St Mary's.

We're not Catholic, I'm afraid.

That doesn't mean you can't join me for a cup of tea

or a slice of cake, now, does it?

They'll see.

-Good morning.

-Morning.

More sightings of the symbol, sir.

Mrs Bagshot says someone's even painted it on her outhouse.

Then find out who's doing it and lock them up!

-I'm off.

-Yeah.

The thing is, sir, people are getting nervous.

You know, they're saying it's from outer space.

I thought, seeing as it's a celestial matter,

we should speak to Father Brown, and maybe...

Catch the vandal!

And don't mention aliens again, unless you personally see

little green men walking along Kembleford High Street!

Yes, sir.

FIREWORKS

Alisha! Come look!

Yes, all right. If you could just please speak one at a time!

Please!

Your attention, please!

I can assure you there is nothing to worry about.

But, to allay your concerns, I will dispatch all the men

at my disposal to investigate the flying...thingamajig.

In the meantime, for your own safety, please return home.

-Immediately!

-Come along, ladies and gentlemen.

Stay here. And keep calm.

And if I'm not back by midnight, call the army!

Well...

whatever it is, it's gone.

Oh... I'm really sorry I woke you, Father.

I only wanted to make sure that you were all right.

That's very kind of you. DOOR OPENS

Only me! Saw your light on.

Oh, I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

I beg your pardon?!

I just wanted to make sure you were OK, Father.

Cos you don't think it really was a...?

Do you?

Of course not!

The whole thing was probably just a silly hoax.

Yes, or maybe it was some sort of rare weather phenomenon.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Inspector. Cocoa?

No, thank you. Here on business.

We've found no sign of the spaceship, or whatever it was,

and I wondered if...

-Well...

-So now you want Father Brown's help?

I'll happily listen to any hypotheses that you have to offer.

After all, visitations from the heavens are your department.

Oh, I'm certain it wasn't "from the heavens".

What was it, then?

Cos I've had every copper for miles out looking for it.

A distraction.

Typical.

Sergeant! Wake up!

Goodfellow!

Goodfellow?

You! I should write you up! Asleep on the job!

-Keys!

-What?

Where's my keys?

SHE CLEARS THROAT

I went to see it. I recognised it straight away.

It's a warning.

-Who from?

-The Intergalactic Alliance.

Different planets working together to protect the galaxy.

It means there's going to be an invasion!

What, the Intergalactic Alliance are about to invade?

No, the Droxidians are.

I am completely lost.

The Droxidians are crossing the galaxy

destroying everything in their path. In this story,

the humans find the symbol and arm themselves, ready to defend Earth.

We need to do the same!

That's why I wanted everyone to see it.

Why didn't you tell the police?

I tried. Inspector Mallory called me a "guttersnipe".

I hesitate to ask this, but do we win,

in the story?

I don't know.

What do you mean, you don't know?!

My sister confiscated the latest edition before I could finish it.

I think we know what we saw in the sky last night.

Nikhil? You up there?

Something wrong?

I'm presuming Charlotte asked you for your help.

-Excuse me?

-To get Sean out of jail.

You needed everybody to be looking in the opposite direction,

and you certainly got OUR attention.

You knew that rumours of alien activity

were spreading around Kembleford.

So, using the instructions from Nikhil's comic book,

you created your very own spaceship.

A few fireworks to make sure everyone noticed, and you had

the panic and disorder you needed to sneak Sean out of the cell.

All that stood in your way was poor Sergeant Goodfellow.

You are mistaken, Father.

Perhaps we should call Inspector Mallory.

Breaking a suspect out of custody, causing mass panic!

Wait! All I did was make the lantern.

It was Charlotte who broke Sean out.

Can I help you, Miss?

Oh, let me help you with that.

Did you...? Did you...?

But Charlotte wouldn't have been able to leave the ward

without your help.

And I have no doubt you supplied the sedative stolen from the hospital...

Sorry!

..and as a nurse, you must have known how dangerous that was.

'She begged me to help her.'

She was terrified Sean would hang for killing her father.

Did Charlotte say where Sean had gone?

No.

Just that he was going to lie low until things calmed down,

then she'd join him.

We need to talk to Charlotte.

Sean needs to give himself up before things get any worse.

Well, if we're in a rush, I know an excellent means of transportation.

You take the scooter.

My bike's just outside.

And what about me?

No! No, no, no! Absolutely not!

See? I told you it'd be over in a flash.

That has been the longest journey of my life.

Is Charlotte with you?

Isn't she here?

Apparently she's discharged herself!

She really should be under observation.

Well, don't worry. We'll find her

What on earth do you think you're doing?

Ask around. See if anyone knows where she's gone.

He'll kill himself.

It's time to embrace the future.

Oh!

Oh, I can't look!

Ah!

I thought you I'd find you here.

Please, let us go before the police find us.

Oh, the police will catch up with you eventually. Stay.

And let me prove you did not kill Mr Bayley.

-How?

-By telling the truth.

The night your father died -

was that the night you were planning to go away together?

Yes. I slipped some of my mother's sleeping medicine into

father's night-cap, waited until he'd gone to bed, and then left.

Sean!

Charlotte!

He must've followed me.

We've got to go.

I can't leave him.

Please, let's just go.

Go back to your place - I'll come as soon as I can get away.

-Forget about him!

-He's my father!

Your injuries.

Was that your father?

It was the medicine.

He didn't know what he was doing!

Don't defend him.

I took Father home.

He was ranting and raving, and...

..when I said I loved Sean...

..he started hitting me.

He wouldn't stop, so I told him about my baby.

Then what did he do?

He went really quiet, and then said he'd make me something to eat.

When he walked into my room with a sandwich,

I thought everything was going to be all right...

but when he left, he locked the door behind him.

I knocked and shouted for him to let me out, but he wouldn't come.

Eventually, I just gave up and fell asleep.

So, when Mrs McCarthy and I came the following morning...

..you were still upstairs?

I had this pain in my stomach. I was scared I was losing the baby.

I knew I had to get help.

I couldn't open the door, so I climbed out of the window.

That's when I fell.

I think he fed you ergot.

He poisoned her?

Well, I don't think he wanted to poison CHARLOTTE.

It was the baby.

Who else had access to the thorn-apple?

I mean, anyone could've got in, but not many would recognise it,

let alone know what atropine could do to someone.

There were always clients coming and going,

though I don't recall any plant experts.

Maybe it was another sort of expert.

Where did your father keep his files?

-Have you found her?

-Yes. And she filled in some blanks.

Why did you burn the symbol into the field?

I told you. To protect Charlotte.

But you could only have done that on your break,

and Sean Crimp hadn't been arrested yet.

I...

You must be mistaken.

I think you wanted the police to chase aliens,

and not the real culprit.

I'm so sorry!

What for?

Please don't tell anyone. If I'm arrested, who'll look after Nikhil?

Arrested? What are you talking about?

Mr Bayley's prescription. I must've got the proportions wrong.

Father Brown said it was atropine that killed him.

I remember that was one of the ingredients.

No, no. Don't be ridiculous. Why would I have prescribed atropine?

It's used for eye examinations.

You must have misread my handwriting.

Oh, I doubt it.

How else do you explain it?

I think Alicia gave Mr Bayley exactly what the doctor ordered.

Are you suggesting I deliberately poisoned my patient? Why?

Because he'd found out your secret.

Your demobilisation certificate, dated last month.

-Where did you...?

-Dr Ashley left the army years ago!

Yes.

But without permission.

Did you ever wonder why such a talented doctor ended up

in a cottage hospital in the middle of nowhere?

Because...

Were you really prepared to let her think that she'd killed a man?

The truth is...

..I deserted.

You told me you'd won medals!

I did.

Every man has his breaking point.

Mine was June 13th, 1944.

I won't bore you with the details.

So...what? You've been hiding here ever since?

Thanks to Mr Churchill...

..all deserters finally have an amnesty,

and so you employed Mr Bayley to prepare the papers.

You killed Mr Bayley to stop him telling people you're a deserter?!

I...

I killed him to stop him hurting Charlotte.

I don't understand.

He was a vile bully.

Bayley didn't know if the ergot had worked, so he tried to blackmail me

into performing an abortion,

threatening to tell the Board of Governors, my patients, everyone,

about my past if I refused.

So when Alisha asked you to prepare something to help him sleep,

you took your chance to silence him.

He had already put Charlotte through agony, and whether I agreed

to the abortion or not, he was determined to kill her unborn child!

Can't you see he deserved it?

Judgment is God's alone.

God?!

Where was He while I was sawing off men's limbs in Normandy?

-I suppose you'll tell the police.

-Well...

I rather hoped YOU would.

And hang? No, thank you.

Well, given the extenuating circumstances,

it would be a custodial sentence.

Still, I'd prefer to leave.

I've made a new life before. I can do it again.

And Sean Crimp...

..who may be punished for your crimes.

I'm sure you can convince a jury of his innocence.

I'd rather you would.

I'm a coward, Father. Thought you knew already.

I don't think that.

Stay.

Do the right thing.

I'm sorry I'm not the man you thought I was.

Are you prepared to go back to hiding in the shadows,

living in fear and guilt?

The deserter's lot, Father.

What was Dr Ashley doing on your scooter?

Going on the run.

Oh. Well, I could always buy you another one.

Well?

Inspector Mallory has decided not to press charges

about your unlawful escape from custody.

Or assaulting a police officer.

How did you manage that?

Well, Alisha bore witness to Dr Ashley's confession,

so Inspector Mallory, knowing the real culprit was still at large,

is happy to brush everything under the carpet.

Do you think they'll find the doctor?

Dr Ashley managed to stay under the radar for the best part

of a decade, so I wouldn't be too optimistic.

So he'll just get away with it, then?

Well, I wouldn't say that.

Constantly looking over his shoulder,

fearful of every knock on the door.

Running away was his crime AND his punishment.

Thank you, Father.

For everything.

I was wondering if we could ask you just one last favour.

It would be a pleasure.

But wedding plans will have to wait.

What you need is a good long rest,

and I'll come by this evening with some dinner.

I think I might... I might do a curry,

if I can get Alisha to lend me some of her ingredients.

Would you all excuse me, please?

Why can't she stick to strawberry scones?

The poor girl's been poisoned once already.

I like curry.