Opening theme begins

Leon:

Wasting Company Time presents Tell No Tales, season two. Episode Twenty: That’s the Spirit.

Opening theme ends

[SFX: Final segment of Whitley’s recording plays, then laptop mouse clicks and playback ends]

Riley

Why isn’t Leo’s side of the conversation playing?

Julia

They didn’t record it.

Riley

Right. As if leaving it to the imagination’s any fucking better. Jesus christ. Have you seen them about today?

Julia

No. Not since early this morning. They came in to check on you and gave me this. But I have no idea where they’ve gone.

Riley

(LONG PAUSE) They know, right? They know I didn’t mean any of what [I]-

Julia

What Nathaniel said. Yeah, they know. But I think they know it’s true. Some of it, at least. The part about them becoming like Frank. The Leo I knew a few months ago would never have done… whatever that just was.

Riley

Yeah. I don’t know. You’re right. But they’d do a lot for the people they care about.

Julia

Not sure that’s a good enough excuse.

Riley

Me neither. But that’s something we figure out as we go, isn’t it?

Julia

I suppose.

Riley

How long before the next full moon?

Julia

Three weeks. Just missed the last one.

Riley

No that’s good, it gives us time to, y’know, sort everything out. I’m going to start researching Nathaniel.

Julia

You should be resting, Ri.

Riley

I’m in bed, aren’t I? That’s resting. I’m going to research the evil fuck living in my head, and you find out what you can about the ritual components. See what we can find about why the things Whitley mentioned even work. If we can crack the theory behind it, we might be able to use newer technology. I don’t like Whitley’s use of phrases like “should” and “often.” I want certainties.

Frank

May I help?

Julia

You just love creeping up on people don’t you? Do you practice that move at home?

Frank

Mm.

Riley

Let him help. He got us into this mess, let him get us out of it.

Frank

Thank you, Mx. Matkins.

Riley

You haven’t heard from Leo at all have you Frank?

Frank

Ah. No. I was hoping you might have.

Riley

Great. They’re ignoring Devil Daddy too. That can’t be a good sign.

Frank

I am concerned. Last time they had a… moral crisis regarding their association with me, they behaved recklessly. There are only so many times I can bail them out of jail.

Riley

You mean to say there have been previous times you’ve [bailed]-

Julia

We don’t have time to unpack all of that. And we don’t have time for their moral crisis either. Leo gave us what we need. Research is our priority right now.

[SFX: Music fades out, brief pause, then recording begins. Leo is trudging through debris, pigeons and ocassional rat scurrying can be heard]

Leo

Hello? Eveline? Er, Miss Weaver? Are you here?

Eveline

Yes, I’m here. I thought I had frightened you. I am glad you came back.

Leo

I’m sorry about that. I… haven’t had the best experience with spirits who are capable of harm. But I shouldn’t have assumed you’d hurt me, just because you could. I’m sorry.

Eveline

Oh, that’s alright. I forget, sometimes, how frightening I can be. I was so powerless, for so long.

Leo

Yeah, I… I can see why you might not be aware of your effect on people. But you trusted me, and I ran. That’s not okay.

Eveline

Why did you return, if I frightened you so much?

Leo

To apologise, mostly. And to… to let you show me again. What you can do, I mean. But erm, not right now. If that’s okay. I sort of need to psych myself up for a bit first.

Eveline

I quite understand. Would you like to talk for a while?

Leo

Yes please. I uh, I actually wanted to ask you about your time speaking with the directors of Mortui Non Morden. Directors Pickering and Edgecomb.

Eveline

Yes, I liked them both very much.

Leo

I know you said they didn’t tell you anything about how they would move you on, but… weird question, but did either of them ever talk about the full moon?

Eveline

Oh, Mrs Clara did! That was when I could write in the dust, so I asked her about it.

Leo

Huh. Why did you ask?

Eveline

I always feel a little strange, when the moon is full. Nothing too noticeable, especially when I first returned, but the longer I was here the more I began to notice it. So I asked.

Leo

Did she say why?

Eveline

No, she said she wasn’t sure. She only knew that it was a common experience. Many spirits feel more… in between, when the moon is full.

Leo

Okay, so, still a mystery, but at least we know Whitley wasn’t lying.

Eveline

Whitley? That was the man. The cruel man.

Leo

You met him?

Eveline

No. Mrs Clara did not like him. She told me a lot about him. And when she left, she told me he would be taking over. That was when she offered to hide my case file. Because he would not be understanding.

Leo

Oh. Right, yeah, you did mention that last time I think. I know a bit more about him now, and yeah, you dodged a bullet there if I’m being honest.

Eveline

I would not have minded. I have scared away worse men.

Leo

(SMALL LAUGH) I don’t doubt it. (BEAT) I’m really glad you’ve got your own kind of power here, by the way. I know I said it scared me, and it does, but… yeah, from what you told me about your life, if anyone deserves to spend an eternity with terrifying powers, I mean, you do, I think.

Eveline

It is rather nice. I have not left this building in many years, but I have never felt so free. So in control of myself. I did not leave often before I died, either.

Leo

At least you’ve got the urban explorers to keep you entertained. Scared anyone fun, recently?

Eveline

(EXCITEDLY) Oh, yes. There was a man here, a few days ago. He was recording for something called a podcast. Silly, really. There were no cameras. I can only be seen. Except by you. You can hear me. But nobody else can. So they came with their useless microphones, this man and his friends. His friends teased him. I do not think they believed in me. Or, at least, they did not believe a ghost could be seen. They had their devices. Like yours.

Leo

Oh, er, EMF meters? Like these, the glowing lights on the recorder?

Eveline

Yes, exactly. That told them I was here. And they were all afraid, I think. But they still teased him for expecting to see me. So I waited. All evening, I waited. They set up chairs, got comfortable while they watched. And still, I waited. Until I saw them beginning to get bored. Their eyes began to close. And then I showed myself.

Leo

That… had to be hilarious. It’s incredibly hypocritical of me, because yes, it one hundred percent would have given me a panic attack of like, call-an-ambulance-level proportions. But still. Did he mention his name, or the name of the podcast at all?

Eveline

They called him Travis. He did say something… For today’s episode of… It was something about spirits.

[SFX: Phone unlocking, then typing]

Leo

Oh, I think I have, unfortunately, heard of them. If it’s the Travis I’m thinking of, it sounds like it could be a podcast called That’s the Spirit. Oh my god, I have it. Yeah, it’s them. The episode’s out.

Travis

(ON RECORDING) Welcome back ladies and gents, and do we have a spooky treat for you today. For today’s episode of That’s the Spirit, we’re at the empty husk of a building that used to be a Victorian poor-house.

Leo

We can skip past all of this.

Travis

(ON RECORDING) 3:17am. After a long night of no activity, our spirits were beginning to fall. But you won’t believe what happened next.

Friend 1

Mate. Mate wake up. I think I saw–

Friend 2

What the [BEEP] was that?

Travis

Holy [BEEP]. That was-

[SFX: mic fumbling]

Travis

(SCREAM) What the [BEEP] get out of here, jesus [BEEP] christ- (RECORDING CUTS OUT)

Eveline

(LAUGHING)

Leo

Yeah. That was, uh, not a great choice for an audio medium on their part.

Eveline

It was almost as funny the second time.

Leo

It does seem like a fun way to pass the time, I’ll give you that. You really enjoy scaring people, don’t you?

Eveline

Oh, yes. But it is not just for enjoyment. This place is my domain. I swore to protect it from our tormentors. When I first died, that meant the master and matron. But more recently, my duty has changed. Now, I prefer to keep people from soiling the memory of this place. Everyone I ever loved died here. It is not a salacious story for those who seek the thrill of encountering a ghost. I could choose to fade away, perhaps. Let the rumours of my existence fade with me. And yet that feels… powerless. I prefer to enjoy myself. To give those who seek a thrill a taste of real fear. (GLEEFULLY) Sometimes they soil themselves. (BEAT) It was not like that with you, though. I did not mean to scare you. You were kind to me, like Mr Pickering and Mrs Clara. I only wanted to help you.

Leo

Yeah. Yeah, that all makes sense. I’m sorry, again, for last time. If you’d like, I think (DEEP BREATH) I think I’m ready, if you want to show me again. I promise I’ll stay. I’ll look you in the eye.

Eveline

Are you quite sure?

Leo

Y-yes.

[SFX: Flickering lights on the EMF meter and a ghostly whooshing]

Leo

(FAINTLY) Hi.

Eveline

How do I look? (SMALL LAUGH)

Leo

You look… (VOICE TREMBLING) Very strange. I’m sorry if that’s.

Eveline

No, I like that. I looked strange before, too, I think. You are still so afraid. But you have not run yet.

Leo

No. No I haven’t.

Eveline

May I come closer again? I will move very slowly.

Leo

I- Yes. That’s- yeah.

Eveline

Thank you. I’m going to reach out. You can too, if you’d like. I can press my hand into yours. Very slowly, like this. I will not hurt you.

Leo

I know. I know you won’t. I just… Oh. You’re warm. I wasn’t expecting you to be.

Eveline

You are cold.

Leo

(NERVOUS LAUGH) It’s the anxiety.

Eveline

May I?

Leo

Yes.

Eveline

Thank you.

[SFX: Fabric rustle as Eveline hugs Leo, short pause, then another as Leo hugs her back]

Eveline

(MUFFLED INTO THE HUG) Thank you so much. I have not embraced another person in… many lifetimes.

Leo

(BREATHING RELAXES SLIGHTLY) I’m sorry.

[SFX: Another fabric rustle as Leo holds her tighter]

Leo

(MUFFLED INTO THE HUG) I’m sorry I ran.

[SFX: Long pause, then another fabric rustle as hug ends]

Eveline

(NO LONGER MUFFLED) You came back.

Leo

(NO LONGER MUFFLED) Yeah. Yeah, I did.

Eveline

Thank you. I will keep my distance again now. You were very brave.

Leo

No, I- you just. You needed a hug. That’s all. I think I did too.

Eveline

Yes. we both did. And you look like you might also need to vomit. Shall I give you a moment?

Leo

Yes, actually. That’s… (BALKS) Yep. Just a sec. Sorry.

[SFX: Recording ends, short pause, then Leo’s footsteps, with Frank’s more frantic footsteps fading in shortly afterwards]

Frank

Leonardo! Where have you- I was… Do not forget that you are still under my employ. I may have been incredibly lax regarding official office hours since your promotion, but I have my limits. In future, I would [appreciate]-

Leo

Yeah, it’s a nice act, but I got your thirty-four missed calls, Frank. You can just say you were worried about me. I’m fine.

Frank

I am going to need more confirmation than that.

Leo

I went to speak to Eveline Weaver. The Category four. Just to, you know, find out some more about Mortui Non Morden and Clara Edgecombe. She just… she only wanted a hug. I’m fine. I might have vomited up a lung. But I’m fine.

Frank

That was… very courageous of you.

Leo

Mm. Is Riley still awake?

Frank

Yes. (WITH SOME DISCOMFORT) Julia left, not long ago, to access her university’s library. Riley is still researching Nathaniel Gilbert.

Leo

(A LITTLE AMUSED IN SPITE OF THEMSELF) First names?

Frank

Yes, I was… trying something. I did not enjoy it and I shan’t be doing it again.

Leo

(TIRED LAUGH) I appreciate the effort. Thanks, Frank. Sorry for going AWOL. Mind if I go speak to Riley?

Frank

Of course. They are still in bed, upon threat of death from Ms. Wilde.

Leo

Good. I’ll see you later, Frank.

Frank

Yes. Good night, Leonardo.

[SFX: Footsteps, muffled music growing louder, more audible when door opens]

Leo

Hi.

Riley

Hi. So, no handcuffs then?

Leo

Uh. Sorry?

Riley

Frank told us, about the ghost in the tip. And the arrest. Or he told me. Julia didn’t want to hear it so I made him tell me when she went to make tea.

Leo

Ah, right. Yeah, no arrest this time. Just a category four, and the scariest hug of my life.

Riley

Sure. You’ll be explaining that as soon as my head’s not fried.

Leo

How are you holding up?

Riley

Just tired. I’ll be, like, out of it tonight. I’ll need you restrain me again.

Leo

I’m sure you don’t-

Riley

I listened back to the recording and it was scary as hell. I’m sure it was scary for you and Julia, too, but I’m going out of my mind terrified that I’m going to hurt someone. So I’m going to restrain myself, Leo. With or without your help. Tonight and… well, every other night until the next full moon. But having help would make it a whole lot fucking easier.

Leo

Okay. Alright, yeah.

Riley

Found out more about him. Nathaniel Gilbert. He was a religious, like, zealot or something. Some niche, dark arm of Christianity that was established in response to all that free love going around in the sixties. Travelled around a lot, a mobile sinner-shaming service. Pretty big figure in whichever communities he set up in.

Leo

Great. Only thing better than being possessed is being possessed by someone who thinks it’s their godgiven right to pass judgement on us, I guess.

Riley

(BEAT) He was… he was twisting my thoughts, you know that, right?

Leo

Yeah.

Riley

Like, I’m not going to say he wasn’t drawing on some truth. I do sometimes forget you’re not that little kid who needed me to pick you up off the gravel. But I remind myself, regularly, that you’re not. And like, I am worried about what your relationship with Frank is doing to you-

Leo

I know, and you’re right to-

Riley

I’m not finished. Frank was helping us today. Really helping. And he was being weird and humble about it. Plus he was popping out to try calling you again every five minutes. That’s not the same piece of shit who found us in the warehouse all those months ago, you know?. Whatever he’s doing to you, Leo – and believe me, I’m not saying his effect on you is good – you seem to be changing him too. And that’s something, isn’t it?

Leo

Yeah. Yeah I suppose it is.

Closing theme begins

Leon:

This episode of Tell No Tales was written and produced by Leon Egan. In it, you heard the voices of Phil Thompson as Riley, Shannon Kelly as Julia, Asher Amor-Train as Frank, Leon Egan as Leo Quinn, LM Clohessy as Eveline, and with additional voices from Cameron Gergett, Liam Chessell, and Georgia McCall. If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love it if you let someone know. It doesn’t have to be us, but it would be a nice ego boost if it was. You can find us on Twitter or Tumblr @tellnotalespod and as always, links and information about transcripts can be found in the show notes. Tell No Tales is distributed by Wasting Company Time Productions, under a Creative Commons attribution non-commercial share-alike 4.0 international license. Thank you for listening, and remember: the dead don’t bite.

Closing theme ends