Script for a TV show

Legacy

Episode 1

“The Ordeal of Uncle Thomas”

2005 Regional Convention of The Community Of Faith religious group.

As titles music fades (Idioteque by Radiohead) A convention platform shot on home video (In this scene the responsive noises of the person holding the camera and the people sat around them can be clearly heard). An interviewer is sat with a family of Six. The father is sat furthest from the interviewer, then the mother, the two oldest boys(non identical twins 11), the daughter(9) and the youngest boy(7) is sat closest. The Interviewer is a middle aged man with dark greying hair wearing a tweed jacket with navy pullover and tie. He has a confident relaxed manner. He wears glasses that he removes occasionally for emphasis.

Interviewer: In harmony with our theme this weekend of self-sacrifice, we would like to introduce to you all, the Benwell family of the Warwickshire north company. Here we have Member John Benwell and his wife Angela and their four children, Jacob, Ezra, Ruth and the young fella here Caleb. John can I ask you first, what special plans does your family have for the future?

John: Well David. We have decided as a family to set a future goal of an extended over-seas mission to the African continent.

Interviewer: That’s a truly commendable goal John. When are you planning to make this trip?

John: Well, all the children are having a conventional education. So when Caleb has finished his final year of secular school we will need to be ready for mission.

Interviewer: A trip like that is going to be expensive. How are you planning to fund it John?

John: We are going to be totally self-funded David. I plan to work hard over the next ten years. That will mean less time with the kids, which is a big sacrifice for me, (the three older children turn their heads to look at John) but we will have a lot of time together on the mission to make up for that. Also we will all have to live very simply in the meantime but we have carefully counted the cost and we are confident that, if we’re careful we can stay on mission for, at least, another ten years.

( appreciative noise from the audience)

Interviewer: It sounds like you’ve got everything worked out! That’s truly commendable John. But how do the rest of the family feel about these plans? Lets ask Angela. Angela what sacrifices will be necessary for you and the children to make this mission possible?

Angela: I don’t think John Mentioned (touches Johns knee) but we made the whole project a matter of earnest prayer because obviously, without the support of our God it would be pointless to even attempt something like this (more responsive noises from audience). Yes, David, it’s going to mean austerity at home. We won’t be having expensive holidays or other unnecessary luxuries. This is going to be a challenge for the children, but I’m proud to say that they have wholeheartedly embraced the idea of making sacrifices for the benefit of others.

Interviewer: That is amazing Angela! I think (looks at the audience) we are all very impressed. You really must have taken the time to instill Godly values into your children’s hearts. Now children, what’s going to be the hardest thing to give up? Jacob?

Jacob: I will miss having holidays but the mission will be like a long holiday so I don't mind so much.

Interviewer: (laughs) Ezra?

Ezra: Dad won’t be getting a new car for a long time. I loved it when he got a new car every year. On the mission we will have a big Four by four which will be awesome.

Interviewer: And Ruth how about you?

Ruth: (Long pause, Angela leans forward and slightly towards her) Helping other people is more important than anything.

Interviewer: That’s true. And finally, Caleb, what are you giving up to help your family achieve their goal?

Caleb: Sweets and toys. (laughter followed by spontaneous applause)

Interviewer: Well, as you can tell from the applause, everyone here will be wishing you well. I’m sure God will bless your spirit of self-sacrifice…

scene fades to black.

October 2015

At the two bed terrace home of Kath Connolly in Evesham.

(Kath Connolly is an Irish 53 yr old. She has a soft Dublin accent and she is a lapsed Catholic working as a live-in palliative care nurse in the Midlands. She has one son, Adam 24, who lives at home when not traveling.)

Kath: When you’re here love, can you please mow the lawn. I’m on a job out in one of the villages, don’t know how long it’ll run for and I’ll only be home every other weekend so there’ll be no food in.

All right darling?...Adam are you even in the house love?

Adam(from upstairs): Right you are mum. Can you text me when you’re going to be home?

Kath: Well now that’s interesting you should ask that.

Adam(arrives on the stairs): Hows that?

Kath: This family I’m nursing for, they’re..that is the husband is paying me extra not to bring my mobile or a laptop or any kind of device connecting to the internet.

Adam: That’s weird.

Kath: Some kind of religious thing I think (shudders slightly). But the man seemed nice enough otherwise. Wife with an inoperable tumour. Four grown kids. Just tragic really.

Adam: What if you need to contact anyone else while you’re there?

Kath: O they have a landline. They’ve no problem with that apparently. O and there’s to be no cursing while I’m there not even “o my God”. So I’m going to be watching my step the whole time.

Adam: So they’re quite...full on then? You going to be alright Mum?

Kath(quietly, looking down): …o I think so.

Adam: Really? Can’t the agency send someone else?

Kath: They asked for me personally. Word of mouth recommendation. See, it doesn’t pay to be too good at your job.

Adam(sits down on the stairs): Well I hope this job doesn’t make you miserable. You know what a pain in the arse “Good” people can be (pulls his shoes on) especially if they think you’re a little lost sheep.

Kath: Don’t you worry my darling! There’s a little wicked part of me’s looking forward to a ringside view of someone elses crisis of faith.

Adam(stands up kisses her head): Well you’d better give me the number of this place in case I have a crisis of my own.

Kath(hands him an envelope): It’s in there along with a bit more spendy cash.

Adam(kisses her again): You are an angel.

Adam picks up a rucksack and walks to the front door.

Kath (following him): I’m an angel? No no! You’re an angel. Take care sweetheart.

Adam leaves. Kath looks after him affectionately and then looks down again thoughtfully.

At “Leaning Pines” the Benhall family home.

An ambulance arrives at a substantial Cotswold farmhouse. It is a meticulously maintained property with converted out buildings. There are several cars on the driveway all older than ten years. A VW Passat, a Golf Tdi and a BMW 3 series estate.

In the boys room, which is a large simply furnished room with plenty of room for each of the three beds, Caleb is lying on the bed nearest the door reading. Jacob is stood watching the arrival of the ambulance Ezra is sat on the bed nearest to Jacob.

Jacob: She’s back. (looks at Ezra) Is that good news or bad do you think?

Ezra: It’s very soon which could mean it was not as bad as it looked. Or…

Jacob: Or what?

Ezra: Or it’s inoperable and...she’s come home to die.

Jacob: To die. If it’s that then what happens to us?

Ezra: Everyone attends her bedside mournfully till the end and then… I suppose dad will make some sort of decision about the future.

Jacob: Will he still want...Africa? Do you think?

Ezra: Unlikely. He was doing all that because of her.. for her. I have no idea what he’ll want to do now. If that’s what’s happening.

Caleb(without looking up): No Africa is right but we won’t be staying here in the meantime. She won’t want any of us around if she’s dying.

Ezra(looks at Caleb): Too sad for us?

Caleb: Not sad enough bro.

In Ruth’s room, which is small and furnished for a younger girl, there is a desk with a large open study bible and quantities of notes. Ruth is sat on the edge of her bed wearing a white t shirt and black jeans. At the sound of doors opening and closing below stairs Ruth closes her eyes and leans back on her elbows and sighs resignedly.

Back in the Boy’s room.

Caleb: One thing is certain. Dad will be quitting work, perhaps permanently. That’s another reason she won’t want us around.

Jacob: Okay, so dad packs up work and comes home to look after mum. And we...what? We get sent off to some obscure Community school to study.. what? Latvian or something worse? Meanwhile Dad uses up all the money he’s made giving mum The Best Possible care. And, let’s be honest, she’ll drag it out. She bloody will. Till all the moneys gone.

Caleb: B word. I think you’ll find Dad’s made a lot more than he planned to. There’s gonna be plenty for everyone. The real question is...well, whether you want to live a blameless Community life, you know using all your resources for the good of mankind etc.. or go prodigal. If you want to go prodigal you’ll have to play the Community game until the resources are under your control. Then...well then you can do what the hell you like.

Ezra: Caleb. We want a community life. Of course we do (looks at Jacob). It’s just we want to choose our mission and be self-funded. No one’s going prodigal okay. Don’t even think that. Anyway how do you know what Dad’s made? How much has he made?

Caleb: He’s saved steadily and if he decides to sell the business that could mean considerably more in the pot. But that’s just me guessing. I don’t know anything for certain.

At this moment there is a knock on the door and John Benwell puts his head round the door.

John: Boys can you come down to the dining room. We need to have a family discussion.

He closes the door and the boys exchange looks.

At the family dining table Ruth Is sat on one side, Caleb at the end the two older boys opposite Ruth. Ruth is looking down almost determinedly.

John Benwell walks in and stands at the other end of the table then hesitates and decides to sit next to Ruth.

John: Well, you’re all probably very concerned and worried about your Mother’s condition. I only wish I had some hopeful news for you. I do not. It is as we suspected a cancer...cancer of very serious kind. (in an almost didactic tone) Because of the location and size of the tumor there is really nothing the doctors can do. In short your Mother has been given only a few months to live...six at most I am informed.

The children look anxious but otherwise uncertain how to react.

John: At such times displays of emotion are understandable perhaps even appropriate.

The children shuffle uncomfortably. John clears his throat nervously.

John: Jacob please take the Bible from the shelf there and read to the family John 3:16.

Jacob does as instructed.

Jacob(in a strangely affected voice): “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

John: Does anyone have a...that is to say..does anyone wish to share a thought on this scripture.

Caleb: You’re saying mum “believed on him” so she’ll get a resurrection.

John: Yes. Yes Caleb. But because of what?

Ezra:”God so loved”

John: Very good Ezra. (Turning to Ruth) Ruth?

Ruth(Not looking at her Father): I prefer John 3:19 can Jacob read that one too?

John: By all means. Any scriptures you think will help us will be welcome. Jacob read for us please.

Jacob: “And this is the Judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil.”

John(Unsettled): Erm..I’m not sure how you would find that...she was certainly a light to those around her but um well.

Perhaps we should discuss the situation we find ourselves in? Yes. As you will no doubt have realized all our cherished plans are now impossible and a complete overhaul is now necessary. Can I take it as read that each of you intends to remain in the faith as practiced by the Community and therefore under my direction.

Jacob, Ezra: Yes father.

Caleb: Yes.

Ruth(after a pause, looks directly at him): Yes father.

John: Good! That’s very good. Boys I have a house in Exeter 5 minutes drive from the School Of Christ’s Love. You will be removing from here and going to Exeter. You will each have a small but adequate allowance and you will attend the school. There is a Community project under way to produce our own translation of the Bible. I have enrolled Jacob and Ezra on a course of intense study in the ancient languages of scripture. This is, I hope you comprehend, a significant privilege of service and I expect you to dedicate your energies unreservedly to your task. Do you have any questions?

Jacob: Will it just be the three of us living at Exeter?

John: Yes. Your Uncle Thomas will drop in twice a week to make sure you have everything you need and that all is well. But other than that I expect you to function independently and take care of yourselves and each other.

You will gather with the Exeter North company.

Now. Caleb you will be studying a range of construction skills to prepare you for Community building projects around the world, so in the future you will have plenty of travel after all.

Ruth, you will be going to live with the Blake family in Bristol and you will study Spanish at the secular university there. I believe I can trust you not to drop your guard in that non Community environment.

Spanish will make you invaluable to the missions in South America where the Community has struggled to establish presence.

Ruth: Did you know Mum was going to get ill?

John: I’m sorry?

Ruth: This all seems to have been well planned considering you only found out she was dying yesterday.

John: There were...there have been warning signs over the years. We thought it best to make alternative arrangements just in case.

Ruth: I see...warning signs.

John: As for myself I will be selling the business. Your mother and I will be spending her remaining time together here.

I want each of you to go and welcome your mother home. Go in by twos. She has an important matter to discuss with you.

All four children leave the table.

Upstairs. Jacob and Ezra enter their parents bedroom Ruth and Caleb are left on the landing outside.

Caleb(to Ruth who looks surprised to be addressed): I am crazy, I know, but I’m finding this all really exciting.

Ruth: Oh?

Caleb: Like when you know a storm is coming and the neat little world is bracing for chaos and...and suddenly you can feel the blood rushing through your veins. Did you know Ollie Parsons died?

Ruth: No I didn’t.

Caleb: Suicide.

Ruth: Oh no! That’s so sad!

Caleb: Really really sad.

Jacob opens the bedroom door.

Jacob: Come in. She wants to see all of us.

Caleb and Ruth follow Jacob into the room. Ezra is stood next to the bed where Angela is lying propped up on pillows. Angela is holding Ezra’s hand stroking it absently. The others stand by the bed. Ruth maneuvers to be furthest from her.

Angela: There you all are. My beautiful children. Dark times have come to our family my loves and we must all be brave. Your father is sending you away, which is for the best, I know, you mustn’t be distracted from your chosen path of life by what I am having to endure, but oh! How deeply I will miss you all. To be parted after we have been such a close and loving family!

You must, all of you, remain strong in the faith. I could not endure arriving in paradise only to discover that one of you had strayed. I want each of you to be there to welcome me when God restores me to life. Do you promise?

Caleb: I promise not to stray mother.

Jacob and Ezra: I promise.

Angela: And my Ruth?

Ruth: I won’t stray.

Angela(suddenly businesslike): Now your Father’s business has, with God’s blessing, prospered beyond expectation. When my life is coming to a close and our plans for a family mission overseas are no longer possible, why would God bless us this way? What do you think? Anyone?

Caleb: So that your children can have a chance to praise God through good works.

Angela: Very good Caleb. Recall the parable of the slaves whose master gives them each an amount

of money. What did the good slaves do?

Jacob: They increased the amount through doing business.

Angela: When their master returned they gave back more than they had received. And they were rewarded with still more. What about the wicked slave? Ruth?

Ruth: “I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth.”

Angela: He is then called “wicked and slothful servant” and he is cast outside. None of my children is wicked or slothful. When I return from my sleep of death you will each show me the great things you have achieved with the talents I shall trust you with.

The amount your Father and I are going to distribute will be divided this way. There are twenty four parts, twelve will go to the Community of Faith for God’s glory, six parts will go to Ruth who carries the greater burden of being a woman and two each will go to you boys, a chance to prove your worth. You will receive your portion on your 24^th birthday as long as certain conditions are met by each of you.

Jacob(with suppressed anger): Conditions?

Angela: Ruth, you must keep yourself chaste until you are married. Boys, in view of the inherent weaknesses of men and having the lesser portion, your restriction is lesser, you must not conceive a child with any woman outside of marriage. If these conditions are not met your share will be forfeited and divided among the other children.

Caleb: So we can have lots of sex as long as we don’t get anyone pregnant?

Angela(stares at him): You will strive to be chaste. A concession is made to weakness but if you interpret that as an inducement to sin no amount of money will save you from the wrath of God.

Now. I am exhausted. If you have any concerns discuss them with your Father. Each of you, kiss me and go.

Each of them kisses Angela’s cheek before leaving the room. Ruth is last, as she bends down to kiss Angela, Angela grabs her arm and whispers in her ear.

Angela: I have complete confidence in you my darling darling girl. You will make a great name for us before the end.

Ruth looks alarmed and furious. She pulls away from Angela and leaves the room. Angela leans back on the bed with a strange expression of triumph on her face.

John enters the room.

John: Have you told them?

Angela: Yes.

John: All together? I thought you were going to talk to Ruth separately.

Angela: Well I didn’t.

John: I have a reservation about handing such a large sum of money over to the Community.

Angela: O you have a reservation all of a sudden. Imagine what such a large gift would count for in heaven. Imagine how God will bless us and our children in the paradise to come.

John sits down next to her on the bed.

John: Do you really think it works that way Angela?

Angela: “Keep storing up treasures in heaven” John “where neither moth nor rust consume”.

John: You make the community leadership synonymous with God, that was Moses sin at Meribah. We are placing conditions on the children. There is a condition I would like met by the leadership before I make the gift.

Angela: That sounds dangerously like presumptuous arrogance to me. This temporal wealth that you have laboured so hard to acquire can be used for the praise of God or to further the interests of man, namely you. But (in fainting tones) I can only advise you. It’s your money you can do whatever you want with it.

John: There is a Crown Commission In Australia investigating how different organizations handle cases of child abuse. The Community is way down the list but documents have already been submitted and in a year or so the findings will be published.

Angela(in a bored voice): Why are you telling me all this? Only God who is the Judge of all men has the right to hold the community to account. (Suddenly more animated) O john! We have so little time left together. Let’s talk about something nice.

John: How they cooperate and respond to this will determine whether I give them my money.

In the fifties and sixties we openly condemned the Catholic Church for allowing criminals the sanctity of confession.

“Christ”, we said, “made his congregation subject to the secular law not superior to it. The Catholic Church has exalted it’s authority over the law of the land and exceeded the limitations that Christ himself, in his exalted wisdom, has set on his church.”

Angela: What is the point of all this?

John: There were, over the last forty years, three hundred reported cases of abuse within the Community. Not a single one was reported to the police. Not a single one! If we are guilty of doing what we condemned the Catholic Church for doing then absolutely we should be held to account.

And if restitution needs to be made we should make it. Even if that means bankrupting the C of F and selling all its assets.

Angela: That is so extreme John!

John: If it really is the true congregation of the Christ then it doesn’t need money or property.

Angela: I think you’re saying things to me me that you should be discussing with the regional Councilors. I’m feeling very tired John and you are talking quite aggressively. I advise you to pray long and hard before you sit in judgment on the Leadership.

John: I will pray. I’m sorry my love. Now I will let you get some rest. Do you need anything?

Angela: And what about talking with the Councilors?

John: Yes...yes at some point I’ll see if I can arrange a meeting.

John leaves the room. Angela looks out the window.

As John leaves the room Ruth meets him on the landing outside.

Ruth: Can I ask you a question?

John: Of course Ruth.

Ruth: Can we talk privately?

John: If you like. Come into the office.

He opens a door off the landing and they go into a large office.

Ruth: This arrangement about the money, whose idea was it?

John: Your mother and I are of one mind.

Ruth: Really! You want to pay me to stay a virgin?! And I don’t want more than the boys. They already hate me.

John: They do not hate you and it’s not your place to question how we divide up the gift.

Don’t you want to remain chaste before marriage?

Ruth: Yes but..

John: Then why should you worry if your parents add an incentive of their own. Think of it as a reward if you like.

Ruth: And what if I break the condition how will you prove that? Will I have to be examined by some doctor?

John: Not at all. You can tell me if you break it or you can conceal the fact. It’s up to you.

Ruth: So I can have sex and then just lie to you and still get the money?

John: If that is who you are.

Ruth: Are you real?!

John: If you want to obtain six million pounds by lying to your father then the money will have achieved it’s purpose of testing what is really in your heart. Because every privelege is also a responsibility and every opportunity is also a test, like in the parable of the talents. I don’t think for a minute that you would do that but I can’t stop it if you do.

Ruth: Six million pounds?!

John: Ah..yes. I wasn’t going to..Well there it is. Your share would be six million. Just think what someone like you could achieve with that money Ruth. Please try and view this as something positive. Don’t be offended but can you come downstairs now, I have written up agreements for you all to sign before you go tomorrow.

Ruth(in shock): Okay.

Back in the dining room. John gives each of them a document to read and sign. There is a brooding silence as they are reading and then;

Kath arrives at “Leaning Pines” farmhouse.

After doorknock etc.. Kath introduces herself to the family sat at the dining table.

Kath: Hello. I’m Kath. I’m an experienced palliative carer and I’d like to reassure you all that I will be taking the best care of your mother. In addition to that I’m also available if any of you have any questions or concerns. These kind of heartbreaking situations are familiar to me in my line of work and I am more than ready to provide support for the whole family if I can.

John: That is doubtless very kind of you, Mrs Connolly, but the children will be leaving tomorrow morning. Ruth, would you show Mrs Connolly to the guest room please.

Ruth gets up (leaving her document unsigned on the table) and leads Kath up the stairs. She takes her to a guest bedroom opens the door for her and then makes to leave.

Kath:Thank you love. What was your name?

Ruth: Ruth.

Kath: Well, Ruth, I don’t know very much about you’re family but I’d say you were a young woman...not a child.

Ruth: I’m sorry?

Kath(unpacking a small suitcase): Your father said “the children will be leaving tomorrow” only I didn’t see any children down there only four young adults. I don’t think he’d be sending you away if you were actually children now would he?

Ruth: No. I suppose he wouldn’t.

Kath: And are you keen to go love?

Ruth: Yes...yes I am. But…

Kath (looking at her): Want to be spared the pain of seeing your beloved mother slipping from this life?

Ruth: No..well.. not that so much as..is this any of your business?!

Kath (looking at Ruth intently): O my God...you hate her don’t you love?

Ruth (furious): What if I do?! You can’t….you can’t just come in here..

Kath: I can now. A family pays me to look after it’s dying mother, you don’t think I have a right to know who they are?

Ruth: My Father is paying you. Not me, I wouldn’t… I would have just…

Kath(very quietly): You’d have just let her die?

Ruth (sits on the bed white and shaking): O my goodness! Who are you?

Kath: I’m a professional carer. I’m also the last person who’d judge a person for what they feel.

What I will say to you Ruth, if I may, is whatever you have to say, be it good, bad or just plain terrible, say it before it can’t be said at all. Because living with that kind of unfinished business is ten times worse than dying without ever knowing the truth.

Ruth (quietly and slowly as if it is causing her pain): My...mother...hates (Looks up at Kath) hates truth.

Kath (sits next to her): I see, I see love. But my advice is still good. Even more so.

Ruth stands wipes her eyes.

Ruth (suddenly more formal): Thank you for being honest with me, I appreciate it. I will think carefully about what you’ve said. We have lunch at 12:30 it’s a kind of self-serve arrangement, I’ll explain it to you when you come down. (she hesitates, looks awkward and then offers her hand to Kath) welcome.

Kath smiles looks at Ruth’s hand and a flash of concern crosses her face as she sees how thin Ruth’s wrist is. She smiles again.

Kath: Thank you.

Downstairs in the dining room. Ruth returns John and the boys are still sat at the table. Ruths unsigned agreement is lying on the table. It is as if everything has frozen waiting for her return.

John: Ah Ruth. Your agreement is yet to be signed.

Ruth looks around at the others and then sits down. After holding the paper for a few moments in front of her face she signs it.

Later that day in the kitchen at Leaning Pines. Ruth is assembling her lunch as the three boys eat their lunch sat at the kitchen table. Each of them has a sandwich, an apple, a packet of supermarket brand crisps and a glass of apple juice. Kath walks in.

Kath: Well your mother is sleeping peacefully you’ll be glad to hear.

The boys ignore her. Ruth goes over to her.

Ruth: Let me show you how we eat. Take a plate from here. It’s always the same for lunch and dinner. Breakfast bowls and cereals are stored here. Tea and coffee in this cupboard.

Kath: I’m sorry. You have sandwiches for lunch an dinner?

Ruth: Yes. In the fridge you have a choice of sliced meat or cheese. The bread, apples and crisps are here.

Kath goes through the motions of assembling lunch in shock.

Kath: And it saves a lot of money does it? This...this arrangement.

Caleb(brightly): Oh yes. We all hated it at first but over the years we’ve got used to it.

Kath: “Over the years” by God!

Caleb(under his breath): G word.

Kath very carefully puts down her plate on the table. She takes Ezra’s face in one hand and looks into it. Then she puts both hands flat on the table and hunches her shoulders with repressed anger.

Kath: I may just have to have a conversation with Mr..with your father.

Kath leaves the room.

Caleb(excitedly): Clash of wills.

Jacob: Not an outsiders business how we run our family.

Ruth(the boys are surprised at her addressing them directly): Well I’m glad an outsider has seen the way we’ve been treated before we all get sent off elsewhere.

Jacob(with a touch of menace):“The way we’ve been treated”? Can you hear yourself Ruth.

Ruth and Jacobs gaze locks briefly. Ruth turns away in anger and frustration.

In John’s study. The middle of an already heated conversation.

John: Our family cherishes a simple life, Mrs Conolly. Many families in the world have far less than we do. It would be an insult to our fellowman to indulge in the excesses so common in western society. Surely you can appreciate the sentiment if not the virtue of such a system.

Kath: All I know is that there are four young people out there who are borderline undernourished.

John: Their diet is precisely adjusted to their needs.

Kath: Really!? What a young lad needs is two soul destroying sandwiches and a bowl of cereal in order to thrive is it?

John: We have learned to content ourselves with the necessities of life. That way of life brings a spiritual satisfaction that I do not expect you to understand. I do, however, expect you to respect our right to live as we see fit before God.

Kath: I see. And is it you has worked out exactly the right amount of food that they need?

John(a flash of uncertainty crosses his face): I ..my wife has always…

Kath(softly): Because, speaking professionally and not wishing to offend at all, they are just a little below what you’d normally like to see in children their age.

John(Embarassed); Right...well...well I’m grateful to you for bringing it to my attention. I suppose with my wife’s illness and my busy work shedule..

Kath: Very understandable. Very.

John looks directly at her with a strange panic in his expression.

Kath: What I’d like to do, with your permission, is to lay on a nice cooked meal before they all head off tomorrow.

John(sits down abruptly, speaks almost faintly): Yes. Thank you, yes.

Kath: Good then. I’ll just pop to Budgens in Moreton and pick up some ingredients.

She starts to leave.

John(Still in a daze): Wait. I should give you some money.

Kath: Don’t worry love. It’ll be my treat.

Kath leaves. John remains seated and staring.

The next morning.

In the car (2005 VW Passat very clean) on the M5 heading south. Ezra is driving, Jacob is in the passenger seat, Caleb is sat in the back. Nirvana Nevermind is playing over the car stereo.

Jacob: None of this is bad okay. Christ’s love has a four day week. I mean it’s not going to be study 24 7 we can finally start having a life. What I really cannot have is that fat git uncle Thomas popping in twice a bloody week.

Caleb: B word.

Ezra: You’re unbelievable, mum’s dying and you’re just glad to be out of the bloody kennel.

Caleb: B word.

Jacob: You know you are too. You’re probably trying to figure who in Exeter might be in the network, how to find the cash to set the house up as a venue.

Ezra: Damn straight bro. You’re right tho, Thomas is the fly in the fricking ointment.

Caleb: Fricking is a euphemism for the f word and therefore just as bad.

Jacob(to Caleb): Would you shut the hell up?

Caleb: I can fix Uncle Thomas.

Jacob and Ezra exchange glances.

Jacob: Dad can’t know Caleb.

Caleb: I know.

Ezra(quietly to Caleb): Do it then.

Caleb puts earphones in and Mayonnaise by The Smashing Pumpkins starts playing when the big guitar kicks off he shuts his eyes and puts his head back against the rest.

Ruth Benwell’s Journey to Bristol.

Ruth is driving her green VW Golf Tdi down the M5 listening to The Cure on her Cd player.

She pulls onto the slip road to the services at Gloucester and sees a small girl(7) in a pink dress picking flowers on the grass verge.

Ruth parks her car lifts her bag off the passenger seat and gets out. As she walks towards the cafe she hears a mum freaking out. She walks over to where the mum and her two other children (a boy of 11 and a girl 4)are frantically searching.

Ruth: Excuse me. Have you lost a little girl?

Cally(very heightened): Yes. O my God my God.

Ruth: Wearing a pink dress?

Cally(dawning hope): Yes yes. Coral Pink, princess dress.

Ruth: She’s out by the slip road. Follow me I’ll show you.

Ruth leads Cally to where her daughter is playing by the side of the road.

Cally: Shar are you crazy!? (grabbing and hugging her) You mustn’t do this my love.

Charlotte: There was all these flowers that no-one wanted.

Cally: Darling you can’t go off by yourself without telling your mum. Specially not next to the M5.

Charlotte: There was no strangers mum, I checked first.

They all start walking back towards the cafe.

Cally(to Ruth): Thank you so much for finding her.

Ruth: I’m really glad I could help.

Cally: Well I appreciate it. Why don’t you let me get you breakfast?

Ruth: Really? That’s very kind.

Cally: Least I can do love. My name’s Cally this is Charlotte and Jasmine and my big boy there is Stirling.

Ruth: I’m Ruth. It’s lovely to meet you all.

Cally(to the kids): Say hello to Ruth.

Girls (brightly) Stirling (shy and quiet): Hello.

They enter the services and go to the Cafe. Ruth looks at the menu.

Ruth: This is quite expensive. I don’t mind paying for myself. I mean i’d love to still sit with you all but I’m quite happy to pay for myself.

Cally: Don’t be silly. I want to treat you after you saved Shar. Wouldn’t we kids. Besides we happen to be flush just at the minute.

The boys are having lunch at Taunton services. Jacob and Ezra are eating sandwiches at a table in the cafe, Caleb is in the shop.

Jacob: So, Ez, how are we feeling about the split?

Ezra: Split? What Split?

Jacob: The money from mum and dad. Are you okay about Ruth getting so much more than us?

Ezra: I don’t feel there is any point in questioning Mum and Dad’s decicions. You know what they’re like. I mean there’s been loads of things I haven’t been happy about. Making a fuss only ever made things worse.

Jacob: That’s right. Questioning their decisions has always made things worse. But this isn’t just about unfairness... it’s a breach of Biblical precedent.

Ezra: Huh..you mean rights of the firstborn, the double portion?

Jacob: Exactly. We are the firstborn the split should have been 4 parts for you and me, 2 for the other two that would have been more..fitting, more scriptural.

Ezra: They will have had biblical reasons for their decision. If you go to them with that you won’t change their minds and you’ll look grabby. What they want from us is humble acquiesence. You know that bloody silent testament to our Godly ubringing. Do you remember any alternative to that that worked on them?

Jacob: What if she forfeited?

Ezra: She won’t.

Jacob: What if we found a way to...make her?

Ezra: What like pay some guy to seduce her? Are you listening to yourself?

Jacob: Not that so much as..well throw opportunities in her path.

Ezra: You’re losing me on this. She’s our sister.

Jacob: If, like Caleb thinks, that 24 is millions. Ezra, your parents are giving your younger sister three times as much as they’re giving you. Three times as much! That’s more than just contempt for the proper order of things it’s contempt for you. (lowers his voice) They are showing how much less you mean to them than she does. Think about that.

Caleb returns to the table laden with snacks and chocolate. The conversation ends.

Ruth is sat with Cally and the children at a table in the services cafe. The remains of a cooked breakfast is on the table.

Cally(looking at Ruth thoughtfully as if she has already picked up on something strange about her): So where are you staying in Bristol Ruth?

Ruth: Oh. In Blackheath. With a family I know through our...our church.

Cally: Blackheath! That’s near us. You should visit, the kids love visitors.

Ruth(surprised): Oh. That would be nice. Thank you.

At this moment Stirling, who has been sitting abnormally still and quiet, chuckles quietly to himself. Ruth looks at him curiously and smiles responsively.

Cally: I know what you’re thinking. (Mouths “Ritalin”). But he isn’t. I wouldn’t put my babies on anything. Not for that anyway. He’s just gone into his shell since his (mouths “dad”) left. The girl’s see theirs every month. That’s where we been, Birmingham, his mum is amazing. She makes him do all that stuff. Arranges nice days out, keeps his money coming to us. And she always includes Stirling bless her heart. Really tho, come and see us. Have dinner. I’ll give you my number, then you can text me when.

Ruth: I don’t have a mobile phone.

Cally; Okay. (writes on a napkin) That’s it. And our address. You’re welcome anytime.

Ruth(a bit emotional): Thankyou. (getting up) I’d better be heading on. It was so nice meeting you all.

Stirling(looking straight ahead): Thank you for rescuing my sister.

Ruth(leaning down to eye level): It was my pleasure.

Stirling(looking directly at her): Come and see us.

Ruth: I will.

Ruth gets up to leave. As she is walking away Cally catches up with her.

Cally: O my God! He never does that, never. Thank you, thank you.

Cally has tears in her eyes. She looks searchingly into Ruth’s face and then returns to her children. Ruth walks out to the carpark.

The Boys have arrived in Exeter. Their Passat is parked on the driveway of a detached four bed roomed house at the end of a cull-d-sac. Jacob, Ezra and Caleb are in the large sparsely furnished living room. It has an old but clean three piece suite and a large table with four chairs at which Jacob and Ezra are sat studying ancient language textbooks, behind them large patio-doors look out onto a good sized but unplanted garden. Caleb is sat on the sofa reading a commercially produced bible occasionally making notes in the margins.

The doorbell rings.

Caleb gets up and goes to the door. Caleb puts his hand on the door handle and pauses seeming to count under his breath for about five seconds. He opens the door. Uncle Thomas walks in puts a hand on Caleb’s shoulder and looks “meaningfully” into his face before walking into the living room. Caleb follows him.

Uncle Thomas: My dear boys! I am so very glad you’ve all arrived safely and are settling in. Now I won’t stay long, you don’t want a boring old chap like me around. But I would like to share a brief scriptural thought to offer a little comfort at this sad time.

Jacob and Ezra look at each other across the table but otherwise ignore Uncle Thomas.

Caleb puts his hand on Uncle Thomas’s shoulder.

Caleb: My brothers are both exhausted and feeling very emotional about the news we heard only yesterday. How about you come into the kitchen. I’ll make you a cup of coffee and you can tell your comforting thought to me and I’ll pass it on when they are feeling a little stronger.

Uncle Thomas: Yes of course, of course. Sad times for everyone. Your sweet mother of all people…

He looks tearful and allows Caleb to guide him into the kitchen. Caleb follows him and turns before closing the kitchen door to gesture to his brothers not to disturb them.

The kitchen is very simple, functional and clean. Uncle Thomas sits at the table and takes a small Bible from his coat pocket places it on the table and begins turning to a scripture.

Caleb walks to the sink puts the plug in and starts running the cold tap. He then gets the kettle fills it from the tap, places it on its stand and turns it on. He then takes a mug out of a cupboard and a tea spoon out of a draw. From another cupboard he takes coffee, sugar and whitener sachets opens them and empties the contents into the mug. At this point he turns the cold tap off leaving the sink mostly full of cold water.

Caleb sits opposite uncle Thomas at the kitchen table.

Caleb: When you’re ready.

Uncle Thomas: Ah yes. At times likes this erm..Caleb. At times like this when the shadow of death looms over a family, as it does now over ours, it can cause us to question whether the Lord really cares about the lives of his servants here on the earth. At such times this verse in the gospel of Matthew has given me much comfort over the years. May I read?

Caleb: Please.

Uncle Thomas: (From Matthew 10:29-31 American Standard) “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father: but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

Uncle Thomas looks up from his bible his eyes glistening with emotion.

Uncle Thomas: The comfort here Caleb is twofold you see. Firstly; our dear father takes close notice of what happens to us here on the earth and secondly: he has such detailed knowledge of each of his faithful servants (even numbering all their hairs can you believe?) that he can, and will, restore life to them in the resurrection. You may be well assured that your mother, who is so very dear to all of us, is worth more than a great many sparrows (chortles nervously) to the Lord. And with his great power and wisdom he will surely restore her to us in the future paradise.

Caleb: You do know she’s not actually dead yet?

Uncle Thomas: Yes of course. I just..

Caleb: Because to be honest, I don’t really find any of that comforting. I don’t feel happy or sad about mum dying.

Uncle Thomas(nods wisely): Ah. The shock.

Caleb: No. I’m just not that interested.

Uncle Thomas (shocked): I’m sorry, what?

Caleb: A kid I knew from school killed himself two weeks ago. His name was Ollie Parsons. Have you heard of him?

Uncle Thomas is visibly shocked but recovers himself.

Uncle Thomas: I , I had heard the news. Friends from Bicester told me. A great tragedy for the family no doubt.

Caleb: No Doubt. The thing is I am way too angry and upset about Ollie to care what’s happening in our family right now. So I’m curious Uncle Thomas, just how many sparrows was Ollie worth to the Lord?

Uncle Thomas: Well. It’s very natural I suppose that you should be shocked and distressed at loss of your friend.

Caleb: I never said he was my friend.

Uncle Thomas: I just assumed..

Caleb: Don’t assume. How many sparrows? 50? 100? This is important to me. I really want to know what you think.

Uncle Thomas: I don’t want to distress you Caleb. But suicide is very wrong in the eyes of God. Remember the wife of Job who urged her husband “renounce God and die!” Suicide, you see, is to turn your back on the greatest gift God has given us. Also, and I don’t say this in a spirit of judgment, but it is well known that the Parsons are confirmed atheists and were raising their children to believe in evolution.

Caleb: So...how many sparrows?

Uncle Thomas: There was, now I think of it, quite a credible rumour that the youngest Parsons boy was a practicing homosexual…

Caleb: I see...how many sparrows Uncle Thomas?

Uncle Thomas: Very few I’m sure.

Caleb: So really then I’m probably wasting my distress on Ollie when something much more tragic is happening in my own family.

Uncle Thomas: That is quite a fair assessment Caleb. But its very natural to suffer confusion at such difficult times. There is another Scripture that springs to mind that may help you clarify things if I may.

Caleb: O but I haven’t made your Coffee. Just hang on a sec.

Caleb gets up switches the Kettle on again. He picks up the mug puts the spoon in it and hands it to Uncle Thomas who clasps it, chalice like, in both hands.

Caleb: Just hold that a minute while the kettle reboils.

Caleb waits until the kettle is at full boil, picks it up before it switches off automatically. He walks over to Uncle Thomas and pours the boiling water all over his hands, missing the mug completely. Uncle Thomas screams and drops the mug which shatters on the floor.

Uncle Thomas: My God what have you done?!

Caleb: O I’m so sorry. Quick you need to put your hands in the cold water and leave them there as long as you can.

Uncle Thomas puts his scalded hands into the sink. He realizes that the sink full of cold water means that Caleb’s actions were premeditated.

Uncle Thomas (In choking voice): Caleb, you..you did this deliberately?

Caleb: Yes. You see Ollie Parsons was my friend. He confided in me why he felt suicidal and he also told me who was principally responsible.

Uncle Thomas (spluttering): You mustn’t believe..you couldn’t.. I..I..

Caleb: There’s no point confirming or denying anything Uncle Thomas. What we need to work out now is how to get you home. I don’t think you’ll be able to drive with your hands so badly scalded. That’s OK, I’ll drive you, I just recently passed my test.

Uncle Thomas is now visibly shaking and tears are rolling down his cheeks.

Ruth arrives in Bristol.

Jenny Blake is showing Ruth the room she will be sharing with Jenny’s two daughters Lydia and Priscilla. A large comfortably furnished bedroom (similar to the boys room at the Benhall’s house but more comfortable). Ruth’s bed has plenty of space around it and a small desk and chair. On the desk, within reach of the bed is a small basket filled with snacks (crisps, nuts and chocolates) also two small bottles of evian.

Jenny: You make yourself at home my love. These are your snacks which I will top up every evening. I’ve given you what the girls usually have. But if you want something different you just let me know.

Ruth (a little emotional): That’s so lovely. Thank you Jenny.

Jenny: We thought you might like to be in with the girls. Like having sisters, and to be honest they could do with a more mature influence around.

Ruth: I’m not really that mature. I just don’t say a lot and people mistake it for maturity.

Jenny: Well that’s very becomingly modest of you. But my Theo was at triple S with you last year and told us lot about you.

Ruth: Really? I don’t remember talking to him much at all.

Jenny: Well you made quite an impression. Now you probably want to unpack and make yourself comfortable. Dinner is at six.

Ruth: Um Jenny?

Jenny: Yes love.

Ruth: This room is perfect for studying when no one’s here but is there somewhere more private I could study when everyone’s around?

Jenny: O yes I meant to say. Alec is at Christ’s Love for the next two years and he only comes home one weekend in the month. His room is right at the end of the hall.

Jenny takes hold of Ruth’s hand and leads her to Alec’s room. It is a comfortably furnished young man’s bedroom. There is a large desk with a comfortable chair and shelves of Biblical reference books.

Jenny: When you need a bit of quiet you can use this room.

Ruth: That’s wonderful. Will you let me know when Alec is coming so I can make sure I don’t disturb him.

Jenny: You’re very thoughtful, yes I will.

Ruth unpacking in the girls room. Arranges her clothes in a small chest of drawers. She hears the noise of people arriving home downstairs. She picks up a stack of books off her bed and goes quickly to Alec’s room and shuts the door behind her. A short time later there is a knock on the door and a boys voice says “can I come in?”

Ruth(After a few seconds hesitation): Yes.

Theo walks in. He is a tall handsome boy of 19 he has dark hair and wears glasses. He leaves the door open and sits on the bed.

Theo: O my goodness! Ruth Benwell.

Ruth (slightly defensively): How are you?

Theo: I am well, really good actually. I am so glad you’re staying with us. “The girl who asked too many questions” from triple S. There is a lot of stuff I want to talk to you about but I don’t want to “bombard” you. Mum is always telling me not to “bombard”. She says it’s off putting. But I like to cut to the chase, talk straight. That kind of thing.

Ruth: I like to talk straight too.

Theo: Then we are going to get on amazingly. But first things first, are you sure you’ll be OK sharing with my sisters? Because I can talk Mum into letting you have this room and make Alec sleep on the sofa when he comes home, which would be good for him by the way.

Ruth: No I'm fine with sharing. It’s a new experience but I think it will be good for me.

Theo: Really!? Okay. How are you feeling about the whole situation with your mum?

Ruth(after a pause): Theo, I don’t mind whatever you want to talk about, but I really don’t want to talk about that.

Theo: No worries. I’ll never mention it again. What I would like to ask is why you didn’t stand for baptism at triple S? Why you just sat there looking like black thunder for the whole ceremony?

Ruth: What?!

Theo: I thought you might have been protesting the councilors threatening to send you home half way through the course?

Ruth: I didn’t know they did.

Theo: Yeah. Apparently your Dad made an extra donation to the school to keep you there.

Ruth: How?!

Theo: My Dad is on the advisory board for triple S and he’s unbelievably indiscreet. Like just shockingly indiscreet. He talks about membership reviews at dinner, mentions names and everything. My mum is constantly telling him off about it, but he’ll never change. It means we hear a lot of confidential, procedural stuff so...he said you were a problem at triple S last year. That wasn’t why you didn’t stand then?

Ruth: No! The instructors kept telling me how thoughtful and insightful my comments and questions were!

Theo: Yes. But you kept throwing up speculative alternative understandings of key scriptures. Can’t you see how threatening that was to them? This is why I want to talk with you so much.

(Return to Caleb and Uncle Thomas)

Caleb is, inexpertly driving Thomas’s black Range Rover Evoque. Thomas is sat in the passenger seat his face a mask of anxiety.

Uncle Thomas: I realise you have passed your test Caleb, but you aren’t on my insurance so..

Caleb: I won’t tell if you don’t. I’ve had six lessons so I know what I’m doing.

Uncle Thomas: I, I thought you’d passed your test. You said just now..

Caleb: Well, four lessons, but I am a quick learner.

Uncle Thomas: Listen, about what you mentioned earlier. It’s only fair that you allow me to defend myself.

Caleb remains silent.

Uncle Thomas: At the after school centre where I worked in Evesham, a number of the boys took against me. I have no idea why, perhaps they had unhappy home lives and wanted to hurt someone to make themselves feel better. Either way they made some cruel and baseless claims about me to the administrator. No evidence of wrongdoing was found and the matter was closed without any further action being taken. I mentioned the incident to the councilors at Warwick North and they advised me that the Community considered that I was completely innocent of any sin.

Caleb: Did anyone mention this to the parents?

Uncle Thomas: There was no evidence to warrant any further action.

Caleb: Did the centre or the Councilors inform the Police?

Uncle Thomas (agitated): There was no evidence of wrongdoing!

Caleb:..to warrant further action. I see. So you are completely innocent in this matter.

Uncle Thomas: Caleb I know you are grieved for your friend and you want someone to blame, but really it has nothing to do with me. You must believe.

Caleb: And I poured boiling water all over your hands. I’m so sorry.

Uncle Thomas: That was very regrettable, but I think in view of your anger and distress at recent events it is understandable. I am ready to forgive you and then I think we can leave this whole matter in the past.

Caleb: Yes that would be for the Best. I just hate child abuse Uncle Thomas. It’s like pulling the wings off a fly. You know, swatting a fly is just killing it, but pulling it’s wings off that’s cruel because...because it can’t fly anymore but it is a fly only it’s not a fly anymore cos you took it’s wings off..so you took it’s identity but you left it alive. You see?

Uncle Thomas: It is truly an abhorrent and vile sin. Deeply offensive to our Lord who took such a kindly interest in the little ones. So I hope you can understand how deeply hurtful and...and insulting it is to be accused of such a thing.

Caleb: I can. I really can. I am so sorry Uncle Thomas. Please forgive me and let’s never talk of this again.

(Cut to continuing conversation between Ruth and Theo)

Theo: You proposed a new approach to studying Daniel. Do you remember?

Ruth: That two hour module was ridiculous! It was like Lion’s den, Shadrach Meshach and Abednego done! None of the prophecy! None! I was so looking forward to scripture school. It was going to answer all my questions but they didn’t even scratch the surface.

Theo: Yes but taking out chapter and verse numbers. Viewing the text in a more unbroken form. That was genius. I was gutted they didn’t let you share your findings. Would you share them with me now? I’ve been studying hard myself. We could compare notes.

Ruth: Theo. I have to ask you something first.

Theo: Okay.

Ruth: Do you have a romantic interest in me?

Theo(embarrassed): No...i hadn’t really thought. I mean I think you’re pretty but..

Ruth: That’s okay. It’s just I take study really seriously and if you’re using it as a way to get close to me that would be the end of any friendship we might have had.

Theo: Really, genuinely that’s not why I’m here.

Ruth: Good. Who do you think the King of the North is right now?

Theo: Has to be Russia. Corrupt regime. Personality cult, inhumane towards it’s opponents. Exerting it’s influence overseas.

Ruth: Great.. me too! Now, the small horn with the eyes and the mouth which King does he appear in the realm of?

Theo: Errm...beast with ten horns..nations derived from the greco-roman political heritage. King of the south?

Ruth: I think so too. But what are the horn’s characteristics? Arrogant, oppressive demagogue. So approaching the final judgment, that kicks off with the small horn, the King of the south shifts from a tolerant liberal disposition to a more King of the North style posture.

Theo: Hmm.. I don’t think anything is going to shift progressive liberalism out of western government. Not in the US at any rate….no...you can’t be thinking. Trump beats Hillary 2016! Are you for real?!

Ruth: At home we were only ever allowed to watch the news. I’ve seen him maybe three times. He’s the small horn! Read the description again.

Theo: Okay..okay. Lets just assume you’re right for a minute. What would that mean?

Ruth: Well first it means he wins next year. But in the account he’s given a period um..times and law are placed in his hands for times, time and half a time.

Theo: Three and a half years. Not much shorter than a presidential term. Interesting.

Ruth: The election is won in November. But I think that detail, times and law placed in his hands means the period starts from the inauguration January 20 2017 so that takes us to July 20 2020.

Theo: Twenty twenty, like hindsight.

Ruth: Funny.

Theo: So that’s the day the stone cut not by hands strikes the foot of the image with the head of gold.

Ruth: Yes. In the days of those kings. It fits Theo.

Theo: I can’t see America electing Trump. It’s too out there. Do you have any clue as to how it might happen.

Ruth: Well, the small horn uproots three already established horns in order to take their place. I think an underlying discontent with the established order drives his election. The discontent of the ordinary people is the traditional opportunity of the demagogue.

Theo: That’s kind of plausible. Didn’t Jesus say no one knew the day or the hour only the Father. Doesn’t this prophecy disclose the day?

Ruth: The judgment is on the small horn and the beast it’s on. Not all the other nations of the world. It would be like a test case. To demonstrate humanities inability to effectively rule themselves. A final humiliating concession to that reality.

Theo: Well that sounds like a Donald Trump presidency.

Ruth: The final judgment on the whole world happens shortly after I think. But now based on the response to the Judgement on the horn. Don’t you see? It’s less arbitrary more people will have a chance to reconcile with God.

Theo: And that’s important to you, is it?

Ruth: Yes.

Theo: Me too.

This is awesome stuff Ruth! That’s why i’m so glad you’re here hardly any one wants to talk this deeply about scriptures. And as for applying prophecy..somehow the Community just doesn’t do it anymore. Remember the harlot and the dragon and all that great stuff in Revelation I loved all that when I was a kid.

Ruth: Me too. I don’t know what happened either. Theo...I’m glad I’m here too it’s amazing to be able to talk to someone about everything that’s rattling round in my head.

(Back to Caleb and Thomas)

Caleb and Uncle Thomas have arrived at Uncle Thomas’s four bedroomed detached home in Exmouth.

Caleb walks into the kitchen Uncle Thomas follows hims tenderly holding his scalded hands in front of himself.

Caleb: You have a nice home Uncle Thomas. Very clean and comfortable.

Uncle Thomas: Thank you Caleb. It is my quiet haven in a turbulent world.

Caleb starts opening the cupboards. He selects a glass bottle of balsamic vinegar and drops it on the floor. It smashes.

Uncle Thomas (shocked and alarmed): What! What are you doing now!?

Caleb continues throwing items from the cupboards onto the floor making a considerable mess.

Uncle Thomas: Caleb stop! You must stop. Are you mad?!

Caleb: The thing is Uncle Thomas, I want money. I’m sure you have a little stash of cash for emergencies somewhere in your cozy little house. Where is it? Give me some money and I'll go away and leave you in peace.

Uncle Thomas (exasperated and alarmed): O my God! Are you really going to rob me now?!

In my office through there (indicates a doorway at the end of the kitchen) the bottom draw of the desk. There’s 1000 pounds in cash. The key to the drawer is on the chain with my car keys. Just take the bloody money and get out!

Caleb: B word.

Caleb goes through the door into Thomas’s office. There is a desk and bookshelves containing works of Biblical commentary and similar. There is no computer or other technology visible. Thomas follows Caleb into the office. Caleb locates the bottom drawer of the desk unlocks it and lifts out a cash box puts it on the desk and then continues to search the drawer.

Uncle Thomas (panicky): There’s nothing else of any value in there I assure you.

Caleb (places items on the desk as he mentions them):Phone, laptop, memory sticks, a portable hard drive. What’s all this uncle Thomas? Do the Exmouth councilors know about all the satanic technology you have in your possession?

Uncle Thomas (angry and frightened): None of that concerns you. Take the money and for God’s sake get out. I never want to see you again as long as I live.

Caleb takes the roll of cash and puts it in his shoulder bag. He then starts to put all the other item s in the bag as well.

Uncle Thomas (really freaking out): No! You can’t take those things! You wanted money take the money! Just take the bloody money! (stumbles towards Caleb in distress)

Caleb: Hmmm. I’m sensing you really don’t want me taking this stuff. (pushes him into the office chair) I might consider giving it all back if you had some more cash handy, a lot more. Do you? Any more little secret caches around this place.

Uncle Thomas: O my God! This isn’t happening. I I do have more money upstairs, I’ll go and get it but I want your solemn promise that you will return all those items.

Caleb: How much are we talking?

Uncle Thomas: 10,000 pounds. Will that satisfy you?

Caleb: That seems fair. Ok I solemnly promise you can have all this back in exchange for your 10 grand emergency flee the country money. How’s that?

Uncle Thomas (in tears): You’re a monster, an absolute monster.

Uncle Thomas stumbles up the stairs to his bedroom. Caleb follows.

Uncle Thomas: Just wait there on the landing.

He opens a wardrobe pushes a number of boxes out of the way and locates a small safe. With his injured hands he lifts it onto the bed and enters the combination. As soon as he has it opened Caleb walks in and pushes him onto the floor where he lies prone and whimpering. Caleb lifts a large amount of money out of the safe along with a sealed unmarked yellow envelope. He puts it all in his shoulder bag.

Uncle Thomas (feeble): You mustn’t take that, you just mustn’t.

Caleb: Right, I’ve got everything I came to get. There’s just one small piece of business left to take care of (he takes a four inch Gerber clasp knife out of his pocket folds out the blade and steps towards Thomas who whimpers pathetically. He holds the point of the blade against the flesh where neck and jaw meet). What I want to do is quietly spill your rotten blood all over your deep pile cream carpet. But I need you alive for one reason, my brothers want you to keep Dad informed that all is well down here so as long as you can perform that simple function you can keep your life. Deal?

Uncle Thomas ( In a barely audible whisper): whatever you say.

Caleb: Good.

Caleb leaves the room to the sound of Thomas sobbing.

(Back to Ruth and Theo)

Theo: So, why didn’t you stand for Baptism Ruth? Or is that too a no go subject.

Ruth: No…..it’s not but. But, well I’d like it to remain confidential. Between us if you don’t mind.

Theo: Unlike my incontinent Pater, I can keep a confidence. I promise you faithfully.

Ruth: Well, it’s too prescribed. Scripture school in your 18^th year concludes with the baptism of you and your peers. What if you’re not personally ready? What if you don’t know enough or..or feel enough to make a decision?

Theo: You probably know your Bible better than most community kids our age.

Ruth: Perhaps. But I don’t always agree with Leadership interpretations of scripture. Does that disqualify me? I feel.. I think that my commitment to God, my baptism, is between me and Him. Not part of some arbitrary process. Do you understand?

Theo: I think so. You’re tired of being told what to think instead of being asked what you think. I belong to a small study group of members. We’re all around 19 or 20. We are agreed that the leadership of the community has reduced into a prescriptive, patriarchal regime.

Ruth: What!? Are you involved in a schism?

Theo: No! No, it’s more of a Beroean group. You know, examining the directives from head quarters through close analysis of the scriptures. Checking the prescription against the holy writings to be sure of it’s correctness. Are you alright with that?

Ruth: I don’t know. What do you do if you don’t agree with Leadership interpretations?

Theo: Well. It hasn’t really got that far yet. We have unanimously chosen a leader though.

Ruth: Who?

Theo: You.

At this moment Lydia and Priscilla come into the room to welcome Ruth. There is noise and the girls take Ruth down to dinner. Theo is left behind looking thoughtful.

(Back to Caleb)

Caleb walks up the now darkened street. He unzips a hidden pocket of his shoulder bag and takes out an i phone 5 in a clear plastic sealed bag. He switches the phone on.

Caleb(into the phone): Hi, can you send a taxi to the corner of Seameadow Close and The Exeter Rd….To Exeter. Warrendale Avenue. Thank you.

Cut to Caleb in the back of the Taxi. He takes the yellow envelope out his bag. He opens it and pulls out a single sheet of A4 with a list of names and corresponding phone numbers, some of the names have a capital D or C next to them. Caleb takes two different coloured highlighter pens out of his bag and carefully highlights some of the names in each of the colours. When he is finished he takes a photo of the list on his phone and sends it as a picture message to someone. A few seconds later his phone rings and he answers it.

Caleb: (listens) It was easy. (listening) Green I know by name, Blue are ones I actually Know know. (listens) There is no need for you to worry I’m going carry on as planned. (listens) he won’t say a word to anyone, he’s done. (listens) Yeah, I’ll see you then (laughs) I’m looking forward to it. OK bye.

Caleb hangs up and immediately makes another call.

Caleb: Hello, you can go ahead and make delivery tonight after 9. (listens) Just back your van up to the garage I’ll be there. O and can you include the extras? I’ll pay cash when I see you. (listens) All good, thanks see you then.

Caleb shuts the iPhone down and carefully replaces it in the plastic bag, seals it and put it back in the hidden pocket of his shoulder bag. He leans forward to talk to the driver.

Caleb: Do you know a good Chinese take away in Exeter?

Driver: The Dee Yi off Heavitree road. It’s kind of on your way. You could ring ahead, save yourself some time.

Caleb: That’s OK. I mean if you don’t mind waiting.

Driver: It’ll mean a big fare bud. You could just get another cab after.

Caleb: I don’t mind. I can afford it this evening.

Back at the house in Exeter. Ezra and Jacob are studying at the living room table.

Ezra: About what you said at lunch.

Jacob: Yes?

Ezra: You will need Caleb on board.

Jacob: I know.

Ezra: He won’t listen to you.

Jacob: I know.

Ezra: He might listen to me.

Jacob(more attentive): He might.

Ezra: If he does then… then I’m in. But Jacob.

Jacob: Yes.

Ezra: This is a long and subtle game. There can be no trail back to us. There cannot be a whiff of a glimmer of suscpicion. Our plans have to be perfect because if we get found out everything goes up in smoke. We’ve got five years before she turns 24 lets take our time and get it right.

Jacob: Agreed. We don’t make a move without a threeway agreement on everything. When will you talk to Caleb?

Ezra: At the right time.

They continue studying in silence.

Caleb arrives home and enters the living room carrying Chinese takeaway and a six pack of Stella Artois. He places them on the living room table where Jacob and Ezra are sat, they look on with wide eyes.

Caleb: This is Chinese and Beer. There’s two cans each. And….

He takes a wad of twenty pound notes out of his Jacket pocket.

Caleb: Here’s 3 grand. You can buy some cool stuff for the house.

Jacob(stunned): Did you get this money from Uncle Thomas?

Caleb: This, big bro, is the spoils of war. Enjoy it while it lasts. And don’t ask me any stupid questions because the less you know the less you can tell.

Caleb takes some of the food and beer and goes into the kitchen.

Cut to. Caleb in the kitchen finishing his meal. Jacob walks in.

Jacob: There’s a van reversing up the drive. Do you know anything about that?

Caleb: O yeah. That’s the plumber. He’s come to sort the washing machine in the garage. I’ll deal with it.

Caleb goes through a door from the kitchen to the garage, shuts and locks it behind him and then rolls up the garage door. A white van reverses right into the garage.

The van stops and the engine turns off. A man in his mid twenties gets out, he is Polish his name is Janus.

Janus: Hey. You’re Caleb?

Caleb: Yes. Janus?

Janus: Yeah.

Janus opens the rear doors of the van and lifts out a large metal case and places it on a work surface.

Janus: You check. (indicates the case)

Caleb unclips the case and opens it. Inside is a VSS Vintorez sniper rifle in its component parts. Caleb lifts out and examines some of the parts.

Janus places several boxes next to the case.

Janus: 500 regular rounds and an extra 200 armour piercing. What are you planning to shoot boy? Also night vision system is in there to. That is extra as well. 400 pounds on delivery.

Caleb: Here’s 400 and an extra 200 for your trouble. (hands over the money)

Janus(clearly pleased): 200 extra just for me? That’s great. I like you boy. Lets drink on the deal I have some good Polish vodka in the cab. Will you have a small drink with me?

Caleb: love to thanks.

They drink polish vodka from the bottle.

Janus: Your boss a good guy?

Caleb: Yes. Is yours?

Janus: He’s fair. But I couldn’t say good. Why your boss want you to have this big Russian gun?

Caleb: I can’t tell you that. I’m sorry.

Janus: No. I’m sorry. Stupid question.

Caleb: My boss said the Polish can handle cars, even new cars.

Janus: That’s true. (Writes something down on a piece of paper) here’s the address, horrible place to look at, come at night, take cash payment, forget all about it, done! Sleep well (laughs). Memorize that and then burn it OK. O I forgot! Gift from my boss for new customer.

Janus goes to the cab of the van and returns with black case and a small box of ammunition.

Janus: It’s a good Smith and Wesson with silencer. Very handy. American gun to go with your Russian gun.

Caleb: I don’t need a hand gun Janus but thank you.

Janus(looking almost tender): Take it Caleb, really, my gut tells me you will be glad of it one day.

Caleb: OK. Thank you.

Janus nods to Caleb and then climbs into the van and drives off (shot of Caleb stood next to the pile of weaponry alone in the garage as if from the back of the van as it leaves (?))

Cut to Caleb in his room(very sparse, just bed desk and chair). He assembles the rifle and lays it on his bed. He sits on a chair looking at the gun for several moments chewing the nail of his right forefinger. He then takes up a black marker pen and writes on the wall above his bed. (From Isaiah 63:5) “And I looked and there was none to help” and then underneath; I will help. He then takes the pillow case off his pillow and puts all the items from Uncle Thomas’s office (phone,laptop, flash drives and portable hard drive) into it. He is then in the garage again smashing the pillow case repeatedly with a hammer. Then he is in the garden making a fire in a cast iron fire pit when the fire is blazing he pours the contents of the pillow case onto the fire. As noxious fumes billow up from the fire Caleb coughs and stumbles backwards. He is then sat against the wall of the house drinking from a can of Stella and watching the fire. Music comes up under the scene (The National Anthem by Radiohead) continues as closing credits roll.