(In lobby: Murdoch with a pie in hand. Sherry on sitting writing in a book)

Sherry – What’s that?

Dr. Murdoch - Just having a little snack. Friday night and this is all you have to do?

Sherry – What about you?

Dr. Murdoch – What would I be doing?

Sherry – Go out, go dancing. I’m sure you could still turn the ladies heads.

Dr. Murdoch – Ha! I’ll take that as a compliment. (Goes into Office) But sometimes, the temptation to indulge is hard to resist. (Sits down and Essie shows up)

Essie – What is it with you? I’ve been using my powers of suggestion on you for weeks now, and still, nothing. It’s like you’re a brick wall!

Dr. Murdoch – Essie, if you want something why don’t you try getting it the old fashioned way! Ask.

Essie – Okay. (She sits and puts her feet up) I need shoes. I mean, it’s one thing to be confined in a musty wine cellar and put on a limited diet. But it is quite another to be deprived of fashion.

Dr. Murdoch – I’ll think about it.

Essie – (stands up) Are you actually going to eat that?

Dr. Murdoch – I spend a total of 18 hours a day with you people, surely you don’t expect me to share my meals too?

Essie – you know, I just realized something. I have never seen you eat. Ever. (Leaves)

Dr. Murdoch – (sighs. He pushes the pie away from him)

(In Cellar: Drew witting and thinks about sherry)

Sherry – I see you!

(Merrill walks over to him)

Merrill – What’s on your mind?

Drew – Why don’t you tell me?

Merrill – Oh I stopped reading your mind a long time ago. (Sits down) Way too boring.

Marty – (behind Drew) Finally a little sass-I-tude from the feral Merrill.

Drew – Why are you here then? (She gets up and grabs a pen)

Merrill – To borrow a pen. Do you mind? (Leaves)

Essie – (she enters from steps) It doesn’t add up. When does Dr. Murdoch eat? All humans have to get their nourishment from food. (Karl at table)

Karl – Maybe he’s carbo-loading in private. (Laughs)

Essie – And how old is he? Has he ever been married? What about friends? Family? Where was he born?

Marty – Look everybody! It’s Essie Rachimova! Vampire P.I.

Essie – How come he isn’t susceptible to any of our powers? Huh? Even Merrill can’t seem to figure him out.

Merrill – True, but some humans can be hard to read.

Essie – Then tell me, how come the vampire Elders feel they can trust him so much? I think it’s time we took a closer look at Dr. Murdoch.

(Morning: Murdoch in sandals watering plants. Day students at table working)

Dr. Murdoch – (whistling)

Mimi – No shoes today, Doc?

Dr. Murdoch – Sometimes I like to air out my feet. (Leaves)

Mimi – Hey Sher. Do you think Murdoch ever…does it?

Sherry – Does what? (Drawing a picture of Drew)

Malcolm – Personally, I think that Dr. Murdoch is too eccentric to have a relationship.

Mimi – Do tell Malcolm!

Sherry – Come on you guy’s he’s probably just lonely. I mean does he even have any family?

Malcolm – If you want I could look him up on the Internet. Check out the Murdoch database.

Mimi – Now that sounds way more interesting than doing homework. Let’s go. (Packs up stuff and leaves)

(Sherry looking at drawing she did of Drew and Drew in cellar looking at Sherry on TV. Then the TV goes fuzzy and Marty show his face.)

Marty – Hard to thirst for forbidden love without drinking, isn’t it, D-man. (Drew shuts the TV off)

(In library: Malcolm and Mimi on computer looking up Murdoch)

Malcolm – No birth records. No credit information. Just the web site to the Mansbridge School.

Mimi – Weird. May be he’s on the witness relocation program.

Malcolm – Or maybe he’s an alien. No wonder the man talks to himself. It’s like he has no life! Mimi – Never has a single visitor!

(Marian Hackett shows up in doorway)

Marian – Hello. I’m…

Malcolm – Agent Marian Hackett. Of the BioMorphic Predatory Disease Agency.

Marian – Is Dr. Murdoch around?

(In Lobby: Marian looking at mantle. Murdoch comes in with a tray of pies on it)

Dr. Murdoch - Rhubarb. Made it myself.

Marian – A renaissance man.

Dr. Murdoch – Ha!

Marian – And rhubarb just happens to be my favourite.

Dr. Murdoch – Then you’ll have some?

Marian – Actually I would prefer to have a few quick questions answered. (Sits) Last week, there was an incident at a local establishment. The Thunder Roadhouse. It involved some local residents and 2 unidentified teenagers

Dr. Murdoch – What kind of incident?

Marian – Well the uninformed might call it a violent altercation, an aggravated assault, or and incident of gang violence

Dr. Murdoch – And what might you call it? (Sits)

Marian – A vampiric encounter.

Dr. Murdoch – Ah.

Marian – The 2 teenagers who caused the altercation trashed the place, sending terrified patrons out. Those who remained were left with no memory of the incident.

Dr. Murdoch – Was anyone seriously hurt?

Marian – We can be thankful that no innocent victim was sucked dry of their lifeblood.

Dr. Murdoch – Ha!

Marian – Furthermore (puts pie down and opens case) …we do have a lead. Those who fled the scene were able to provide me with physical descriptions (takes out pictures) of the 2 assailants that I was able to render.

(In cellar: Merrill, Karl, Marty and Essie looking at TV seeing Marty and Essie’ pictures on it)

Marty – I say we drain her until her legs stop twitching.

Merrill – Let Dr. Murdoch handle this.

(In lobby)

Dr. Murdoch – These are very good. (TV) Did you draw these?

Marian – Take a closer look. (Gives pictures to Murdoch)

Dr. Murdoch – I can assure you neither of these pictures are of Mansbridge Academy students. (Gives pictures back)

Marian – Deception is a vampire’s stock-and-trade. This is the 2^nd vampire sighting in your area in as many months. (Puts pictures back in case) I’ll begin my interviews tomorrow morning with Nick McAllister, who is a Mansbridge Academy student, correct?

(In library: Nick sitting across from Marian)

Marian – You don’t remember anything about that night?

Nick – No, I got a gap. In here. In here somewhere.

Marian – (holds pictures up) And you didn’t recognize either one of these 2.

Nick – No. What they were there?

Marian – Others said they were. They say these 2 went berserk. That everyone fled, except you. That you were the only one left with them.

Nick – And that’s my gap. (Puts pictures down) Did they do something to me? Is that what this is about? Cause if they did, I’m gonna get dad’s lawyer.

Marian – Thank you for your assistance. You can go now.

(Nick gets up and leaves passed Murdoch in door way) Dr. Murdoch – Thank you, Nick. You still want to see the rest of the students?

Marian – Yes, I most certainly will.

(Marian showing each student the pictures and asking questions. Finally she gets to Sherry. Sherry sitting across for Marian.)

Marian – Ms. Woods, do you recognize either of these 2? (Show pictures)

Sherry – Nope.

Marian – Are they strangers to you? (Puts pictures down) Have you had any encounters with strangers recently? (Sherry thinks about Drew) Have you? (Flashes back to Drew) Was it a he or she? Any information you provide me is vital to my ongoing investigation, and might very well save someone’s life.

Sherry – I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Marian – Ms. Woods, I’m gonna have to ask you again. (Sherry thinks about Drew) Ms. Woods, I’m gonna need an answer. (Looks up at Murdoch) Have you had any unexpected encounters with strangers recently?

Sherry – No!

Marian – Okay. You can go now. (Sherry leaves) Dr. Murdoch… do you mind having a seat please? (He comes downstairs) Do you have something against sitting?

Dr. Murdoch – Oh! (Laughs and sits)

Marian – What can you tell me about Sherry Woods?

Dr. Murdoch – It’s getting late. Stay for dinner.

Marian – She’s hiding something, and I want to know what it is.

Dr. Murdoch – I’m a very good cook.

Marian – Dr. Murdoch please stay focused on the subject at hand.

Dr. Murdoch – I am focused.

Marian – Are you…offering something more than pie?

Dr. Murdoch – Well, a gourmet meal and some pleasant company.

Marian – Tempting.

Dr. Murdoch – Perfect for what ails you.

Marian – I don’t know I was ailing.

Dr. Murdoch – Just in need of a little relaxation. You appear to be under a great deal of stress.

Marian – What I am is under contract to the government to search and destroy vampires.

Dr. Murdoch – I’m clear on your profession.

Marian – Good, because there’s one more thing…there was another person noted at the Thunder Roadhouse. Eyewitness’s accounts were not as detailed. (Takes out picture) However…I’ve noticed, an interesting likeness. Look familiar?

Dr. Murdoch – Does this mean that dinner’s off?

Marian – On the contrary…I accept your invitation.

(Night in Sherry’s room: Sherry sitting on bed reading)

Sherry – Who’s that woman think she is? (Gets up) She was trying to scare me.

Mimi – (enters) What do you think?

Sherry – About what?

Mimi – About my serving outfit? Malcolm and I volunteered to serve Murdoch and his Maid Marian dinner tonight.

Sherry – You look fine. You definitely have career possibilities in catering.

Mimi – Hey. I just want to find out if Dr. Murdoch ever takes his uh, sex drive out for a little spin. Especially with that woman.

Sherry – If it’s with that woman, I couldn’t care less. (Knock on door)

Malcolm – (enters) Wooh! You’ve got legs! Nice ones too, I might add.

Mimi – So you’re clear on our approach?

Malcolm – Yeah. We tag-team. And…when I’m not present to hear. You’re gonna hear. And then we merge our data.

Sherry – Why don’t you guys just tape-record their conversation?

Malcolm – Legal ramifications. I’m a stickler on the right to privacy issues.

Sherry – Yeah tag-team eavesdropping is okay. (Sighs and gets up) I love your guy’s scruples. I’m gonna go to the library. (Takes her books and leaves)

(In cellar; Drew sitting on coffin and mind travels to sherry. He follows her to library. Then He jumps off coffin and heads for library. Marty in coffin)

Marty – Lover girl beaming you up again?

Drew – None of you business.

Marty – Hey, if you bump into Marian the Hatchet feel free to take her down a few quarts for me? Huh?

Essie – You look like a man on a romantic mission. This thing about falling for mortals… I have been-there-done-that.

Drew – Hmhm!

Essie – but this one, you got it bad. She’s in your head, Drew, and if I were you, I’d get her out.

Drew – I’m not you.

Essie – Yes. You are. We’re both vampires. Remember?

Drew – (looks at Karl) If you’re handing out advice, I really don’t want to hear it. (Starts to go up steps)

Karl – I ever tell you about Wanda Wesler?

Drew – (stops) Not as I recall.

Karl – She had a great laugh, an even better body, and she drove a re Mustang. Now, she used to tag along after me. But uh, I never so much as gave her a nod.

Drew – Because?

Karl – Because she was too good to be true, which meant, she wasn’t. (Drew gone and Karl goes over to Essie) Well, I think he’s headed for crash-and-burn.

Merrill – That’s what I read in his mind.

(Marian waiting for Murdoch. She sees Sherry in library. Drew goes fast passed Marian and Murdoch comes in)

Dr. Murdoch – I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. We’re going to eat in my study. We’ll have a bit more privacy. (They go to study)

(In library: Drew in doorway. Sherry looking at books. In Study: Malcolm brings in soup)

Marian – Smells delicious.

Malcolm – Carrot and leek, agent Hackett. Um, I made the garnish myself.

Dr. Murdoch – Thank you, Malcolm. Thank you, Malcolm! (Laughs) Ah! Thank you, Mimi! (She leaves)

(In Library: Sherry sees Drew)

Sherry – I don’t think you should be here.

Drew – Probably not.

Sherry – Someone’s here looking for strangers.

Drew – And what…do you find me strange?

Sherry – No. I’m actually glad you’re here. Do you think we could sit and talk? Or are you gonna disappear again?

(In study: Murdoch pours drinks. Mimi watching.)

Dr. Murdoch – Go ahead, eat. Don’t wait for eat.

(On the TV vampires are watching them eat)

Essie – Looks like they might have each other for dessert.

Marian – (TV) Delicious.

(Marian and Murdoch giving each other the eye and Then Murdoch kicks Marian)

Dr. Murdoch – Oh, Mimi…you can go now.

Mimi – That’s just the soup course.

Dr. Murdoch – Mimi! Let’s you and I both go help Malcolm.

Mimi – No, no. You, you, need to stay here and…

Dr. Murdoch – Let’s go, Mimi. (Walking down hall) Stop snooping.

Mimi – I was doing no such thing, Dr. Murdoch.

Dr. Murdoch – Yes. You were. So stop. And I think you and Malcolm need some new serving orders.

(Marian gets up to snoop. She looks at stuffed animal head on wall. Vampires watching her. She takes her coat and looks at Murdoch’s desk. In library: Drew and Sherry sitting across from each other)

Sherry – You are quite the mystery man, aren’t you?

Drew – If you only knew.

Sherry – It doesn’t matter. I can look at you and I can see what’s inside of you.

Drew – No. You can’t.

Sherry – Yes. I can! I know I can trust you to do the right thing.

(Marian in Office looking at the secret entranceway door. Marty goes vamp)

Marty – (Growling) Let go of me! Let go of me!

(Murdoch enters and startles her)

Dr. Murdoch – And amazing piece, isn’t it?

Marian - …is there an entry way behind there?

Dr. Murdoch – Yes. Yes there is.

Marty – (growling)

Marian – Hidden? Why?

Dr. Murdoch – It leads to my wine cellar. And it’s a very expensive collection.

Marty – (Growling)

Dr. Murdoch – Would you care to sample something, I have a wonderful vintage Bordeaux that…

Marian – I’m not a wine drinker. It gets to my head.

Dr. Murdoch – And we wouldn’t want that, would we? Please. Sit back down.

Marian – No, I must excuse myself.

Dr. Murdoch – Well at least, stay for dessert.

Marian – No. I need to leave tomorrow before the sun gets up. I must get back to my motel.

Dr. Murdoch – You’re sure?

Marian – Some other time.

Marty – (growling) That woman is out to kill us. Get the picture?

Marian – Sherry woods, the girl has a secret.

Dr. Murdoch –  (laughs) What teenager doesn’t? (Marian looks back at cellar door) I wish you’d stay. I really do.

Marian – There will be another time. Rest assured on that. (Leaves. Murdoch looks back at door camera)

(In library: Sherry looking at book she goes over to drew with it)

Sherry – I know you like poetry, but have you read this one?

Drew – (stands) I gotta go.

Sherry – Oh no! He’s getting away again.

Drew – And um…you won’t be seeing me again.

Sherry – And why’s that? (Closes book)

Drew – You’re not my type. You belong here and I don’t.

Sherry – There’s nothing wrong with being at Mansbridge. And I’m not ashamed of needing Dr. Murdoch’s help.

Drew – It’s not that. I didn’t mean to…

Sherry – Then what did you mean?

Drew – I can’t be here with you, I just can’t. I don’t belong in your world and you don’t belong in mine. (She leaves)

(Murdoch at Desk)

Dr. Murdoch – There are sacrifices that must be made (Sherry tossing and turning) …for the sake of the greater justice, (Drew walking down cellar steps) the greater truth. And the greater good. (Closes book and eats pie)