Echoes

Echoes

Written by

P.J. Roscoe

Based on the award-winning novel, Echoes

Address 1 High Park, Gwernaffield, Flintshire, North Wales, UK CH7 5EE

Phone Number 07752049941

FADE IN:

EXT. ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

TAXI is seen bustling through an English town, SHREWSBURY then heads out onto a MAIN ROAD before turning down narrow lanes that leads to the village DERWEN

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TAXI CONTINUOUS

BRONWEN MORTIMER, 24 year old female, nervous with long hair slicked back in a ponytail, clutches THREE SUITCASES and a battered, old HANDBAG. She is nervous, on-edge.

BRONWEN (V.O.) (slight Welsh lilt)

I’m here. I’ve finally made it

She stares out of the window, fighting back tears

BRONWEN (V.O.)

I never thought it could be so beautiful ... and so quiet

She glares at the driver

BRONWEN (V.O.)

And if he calls me love just once more ...

Bronwen blinks back tears whilst fingering a small SCREWDRIVER hidden in her handbag

The Taxi DRIVER watches Bronwen through his rear view mirror

TAXI DRIVER

Where coming into the village now love, which way do we go?

Flustered, Bronwen frantically searches for the directions in her handbag and retrieves a crumpled piece of paper

BRONWEN

We come into the centre of the village, passing a playground on the right. At a junction with a shop we turn left and it’s a mile down that road ... It’s not far past Kenward Hall.

2.

The Taxi driver is seen smiling at Bronwen in the rearview mirror. Bronwen’s anxiety is increasing.

TAXI DRIVER

Okay Miss, won’t be long now.

CUT TO:

EXT. DERWEN VILLAGE - MOMENTS LATER

We see Bronwen peering through the taxi window as they enter the village and drive slowly past the empty playground opposite a row of cottages, each with a different coloured door. On the brow of a hill can be seen a small inn opposite a dilapidated looking chapel. Not one person is seen.

As they stop at the junction a DARK FIGURE is seen watching the Taxi from within the corner shop. As the taxi turns, Bronwen fumbles in her bag for her purse and pulls out a twenty pound note.

BRONWEN

There. That’s my cottage. Can you stop here please.

The taxi pulls up outside a small cottage nestled into a sharp left hand bend. Bronwen hands the driver the money and yanks out her suitcases impatiently, slamming the door behind her.

The taxi driver looks startled at her behaviour, but takes the money and leaves.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TAXI - CONTINUOUS

DRIVER’S POV: Bronwen is seen standing perfectly still, staring up at her home. He watches her fade into the distance through his rear view mirror.

RAIN begins to fall heavily. He switches on his RADIO and hums a tune. As he drives back through the village he becomes aware of being watched.

TAXI DRIVER

Fuckin’ hate this place! Gives me the willies

CUT TO:

3.

EXT. OUTSIDE OF COTTAGE - CONTINUOUS

Bronwen stands in the rain unmoving, tears blend with the rain fall as she stares ahead.

BRONWEN

I’m here, truly here ...

A slight breeze stirs the ivy draping over half of the two storey cottage. The windows seems to stare back at Bronwen from beneath a slate roof. The rain intensifies and is the only sound until a blackbird flies down and lands inside a hedge near-by.

BRONWEN (CONT’D) (To the bird)

And where might I find the well established blackberry bushes advertised within this jungle? Not that I’d have any idea when they actually appear, but as a bird you might be able to help me ...?

Bronwen shrugs receiving no answer and turns her attention back to the cottage.

BRONWEN (CONT’D)

As for you, you’re more beautiful than any photograph in some estate agents. It didn’t do you justice. And now you’re mine, for a year anyway ...

Soaked to the skin, Bronwen begins pulling her heavy suitcases towards the garden gate that is BROKEN. Sighing loudly, she yanks them up the narrow CONCRETE PATH to the small porch and fumbles inside her handbag again, producing a large key.

The PORCH DOOR is unlocked and she stops before the old oak door, tracing the hard grain of the 19th century door and feels the numbers carved into it: 1875.

She glances around again before inserting the key into the lock, pushes the door open and begins heaving her bags inside the hallway. Then sees a large covered cardboard box in the far corner of the porch.

BRONWEN (CONT’D)

My groceries! Already delivered. That’s brilliant!

A shadow moves across the window panes of the porch.

4.

BRONWEN (CONT’D) (Jumps)

Who’s there? I have a screwdriver and I’m not afraid to use it ...

She gingerly moves back outside and scans the surroundings.

BRONWEN (CONT’D) (Berates self)

Stupid girl! Who the hell would be out in this weather?

She glances up at the rain that has become heavier has a quick look around before walking inside her cottage and closing the door behind her.

We hear a CLICK in the lock as the large old key is turned.

NEW SCENE

EXT. A DARK LAY-BY IN THE POURING RAIN. A HORSE VAN IS PARKED. TRAFFIC SPEEDS PAST. A MAN GETS OUT. HE HEARS A LOUD HORN AS A CAR OVERTAKES ANOTHER ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT

ADAM (mumbles to self)

Stupid fuckin’ idiot, hope you die horribly ...

Adam continues to walk to the side of van and opens a small door, steps inside.

INT. WARM HORSE-VAN WITH STRAW ON FLOOR AND A BROWN MARE WATCHING HIS ARRIVAL

ADAM (Talks gently)

Hello my darling Scarlet, how are you doing beautiful?

ADAM carefully edges closer and inspects her legs and strokes her back.

ADAM (CONT’D)

You feeling okay my beauty? I know it’s been a long ride, but this rain has made travelling harder than I expected. Plus that accident

held us up a while eh ... (MORE)

5.

ADAM (CONT’D) We’ll rest a bit, and let the

traffic and the rain die down then we’ll get going, okay my lovely?

Adam spends time with the horse, sharing a few mints.Before leaving her in the warmth with a final pat of reassurance.

EXT. OUTSIDE IN LAY-BY

ADAM runs to the near-by hedge to relieve himself before running back to the dryness of the van. Wiping his face with his sleeve, he opens a flask of coffee and pours himself a cup. He relives the day in his mind. He lights a cigarette and stares into the darkness punctuated by red lights of the cars going past. Holding the hot cup between his hands he smiles as he reflects of how he was forced to take the thermos.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. BUSY STABLES -DAY

ADAM drives up in the empty horsebox and parks. Three young girls run out of the nearest stable and confront him.

FIRST GIRL Why you here mister?

SECOND GIRL Have you come for a ride?

THIRD GIRL

Do you wanna’ play with my dolly? Look she’s dressed as a rider ..

FIRST GIRL

You buying Scarlet? I like Scarlet but she’s too big for me.

ADAM

Hold on there ladies, I’m here to see Mr Atkins, is he around?

The three girls yell at the top of their voices and a large man appears from one of the stables. A giant with his sleeves rolled up, wearing an apron and carrying a shovel.

He quickly leaves the shovel propped up against the stable door, removes his apron and walks purposefully towards Adam and the girls.

6.

ADAM (CONT’D) Mr Atkins, I ...

JOSEPH ATKINS

That’s right and you must be Adam Kenward ...

He looks down at the three upturned faces

JOSEPH ATKINS (CONT’D) (smiles broadly)

And you three young ladies had better get on with your work ... or else ...

Joesph roars like a lion and the girls run back towards the stables happily. He holds out his huge hand. Adam takes it and they shake.

JOSEPH ATKINS (CONT’D) No formalities here Adam. You want one of my horses, I like to get to know the buyer. Come inside and meet the wife.

Large farmhouse kitchen where the wife, Brenda is baking scones.

JOSEPH ATKINS (CONT’D) Brenda, meet Adam, he’s here to look at Scarlet and he’s going to stay over. Is the guest room ready?

BRENDA

(smiles warmly and hugs Adam)

Of course it is, dear.

To Adam she indicates the chair nearest the roaring fire

BRENDA (CONT’D)

Now then, you look all done in and skinny as a bone. We’ll soon have you warmed up, fed and then you can go and see the horses... And no arguments ...

Adam looks uncomfortable, tries to argue he has a hotel booked, but eventually gives in. Accepting a tea and scone he allows himself to relax a little.

7.

EXT. STABLES

Joseph and Adam are walking around the stables. Adam is peering into each one and notices the large amount of young children running around and working.

ADAM

Are all of these yours?

JOSEPH ATKINS Goodness me no! They’re from the

local villages. They come to help us at weekends and holidays so long as they do well in school; that’s my rule. In return we teach them about horses, grooming, riding which helps with confidence and gives them skills.

ADAM

Good idea I suppose...Cheap labour...(seeing Joseph’s look) Sorry, Are any of them yours...?

JOSEPH ATKINS

No, we were never blessed. Brenda loves children and this is the best we could do which gives everyone something they love. Brenda gets to ‘mother’ everyone and the kids get to ride.

ADAM You take them out?

JOSEPH ATKINS

Yes, every Saturday for a couple of hours but only if I’ve had a good report from their parents. We’re going out tomorrow in fact if you’d care to join us?

Adam shakes head and changes subject on seeing a brown mare looking out of the stable.

ADAM

And this must be Scarlet? She truly is beautiful.

He inspects her gently. Joseph watches him, before handing him a carrot.

JOSEPH ATKINS

She likes these a bit too much so keep them to a minimum.

8.

Joseph unlocks the stable door, and brings out the horse.

ADAM

What a beauty. She’ll make a fine mate for my DULUS. I think she can handle him. How does she ride?

JOSEPH ATKINS

(nods towards the bridle room next door)

Go and get yourself kitted out while I saddle her and we’ll go for a quick ride before dinner.

EXT. JOSEPH AND ADAM RIDING IN A MEADOW

ADAM

Bloody hell, she is smooth!

The two riders gallop around.

CUT TO:

EXT. STABLES - DUSK

Adam and Joseph are seen walking the horses back into the stable yard. The children have gone home. It is quiet besides a couple of dogs.

JOSEPH ATKINS

I’ll sort the horses, you go and clean up for dinner.

Adam reluctantly goes into the house with a tired nod.

CUT TO:

EXT. INSIDE KITCHEN - DUSK

Washed and changed Adam enters the warm kitchen and is met by Brenda who is just placing the food on the large wooden table.

BRENDA

Come in, come in, don’t stand on ceremony here my lad. Sit down and I’ll get you a drink, what’s your poison?

Adam is shown to a chair.

ADAM

I wouldn’t say no to a beer ...

9.

BRENDA

Beer it is. We have a local brewery here, try their pale ale, Joseph likes it.

Adam sips the ale and smiles.

ADAM

This is pretty good. Thanks.

Joseph enters, washes his hands, kisses Brenda on the cheek and sits opposite Adam. Brenda hands him a bottle of ale. Brenda sits down and spoons out food. All three converse happily. ADAM finally retires to bed.

EXT. STABLES - EARLY MORNING

ADAM and JOSEPH are walking towards SCARLET’S stable whilst talking about the day.

ADAM

I need to prepare Scarlet for the long journey back to mine.

JOSEPH

Why don’t you stay awhile?

ADAM

You’ve been so kind Joseph but I’d like to get Scarlet back to mine and settled in, the journey will be long enough.

JOSEPH ATKINS

I am concerned about the journey Adam, I won’t lie to you and you look way too tired to be driving all the way back to Shrewsbury. I’d prefer it if you stayed, I’d like to get to know you. Why don’t you relax today, enjoy the stables, take Scarlet out for a ride perhaps? We’re taking the girls out, you can come along ...?

ADAM (looks uncomfortable)

Am I on probation? If you don’t like me, I take it you won’t sell Scarlet?

(seeing Joseph’s response)Okay, I could do that I suppose ... I haven’t had a holiday for some time...

JOSEPH ATKINS (laughs) That’s settled then. Brenda will be pleased, she loves having new people to entertain. You stay as long as you like.