- I, uh` I saw you and Sam. - Oh. - And I'll meet you at the festival. - 8 o'clock? - Count on it. - Sam, be careful tonight. (PEOPLE MURMUR) (MYSTERIOUS FOLK MUSIC) - WOMAN: It was the day before All Hallows' Eve, as it was perpetually in the town of Tarynsville, because of a curse that had been cast so many years ago. The people of Tarynsville had grown accustomed to this anticipation in the same way that the young woman had been waiting for a love that she felt would never fulfil her heart. But on that day, the magic in the air was of a different spirit. Tarynsville breathes as if it were alive, and no one who lived in that magical place could imagine the change that was about to come, all of it set in motion by the efforts of... (MUSIC SWELLS) ...the Enchantress. (MYSTERIOUS MUSIC) - GEORGE: Cassie? (MUSIC FADES) It's awfully late at night to light a fire. - (SIGHS) Yeah, I needed something to do while I was waiting to hear from Sam. - (SIGHS) No word, huh? - No. He was supposed to meet me at the festival, but he never showed up. - You want me to wait up with you? - (SIGHS) No. That's OK. I have something to stare into now while I wait to hear his car. - (SIGHS) All right. Goodnight. - Goodnight. (PENSIVE MUSIC) (BIRDS CHIRP) - (SIGHS) - Sam? - Oh, Cassie. - Sam, where have you been? - Well, mostly driving around until I found a place to kind of sit. - All night? - Yeah, all night. - Why? - I had to do an emergency surgery, and, uh, I planned to meet you when I got finished, like I said I would, but there were complications with the patient, and... I had him open on the table. Thought he was gonna make it, but... (SIGHS) - Sam. - Yeah. I couldn't save him. - Well, I'm sure you did everything you could. - (SIGHS) Hmm. It's, um, the first time that's happened since New York, and I just had forgotten how it rips you up from the inside out. So I just left the hospital and turned off my phone and... - I'm so sorry. - Thanks. Me too. - You wanna come inside? No one else is up. I could make some tea. - (SIGHS) Yeah, um, I don't really wanna talk about it. - We don't have to talk. - I, um... I gotta sleep. (PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES) - (SIGHS) (MUSIC SWELLS) (MYSTERIOUS MUSIC) Captions by Able. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2022 (JAUNTY MUSIC) (BIRDS CHIRP) (GENTLE MUSIC) Welcome to Grey House. - Oh. We're so lucky to have found it. Sean had another B & B picked out, but when our phones stopped working, we couldn't figure out where it was. - Well, I'm glad you ended up here. - (CELL PHONE VIBRATES) - Hey, my phone's working again. - Oh, you must have really good reception. - George, we've got some unexpected guests. - And we have a room waiting for them. - Oh, no, we're not together. I mean, we're here together, but we're not... - We're 'she and I', uh, not 'us'. - Right. (CHUCKLES) - Hmm, I see. Well, what names should I put your rooms under? - Sean Coyle and Jessica Carrington. - Jessica Carrington the author? - Mm-hm. - My daughter and I love your books. - Thank you. I love writing them. - What kind of books do you write? - Oh. - Have you ever heard of the Tarynsville Trilogy? - Uh, no. I mostly read biographies or fix-it manuals. - (GUESTS CHUCKLE) - Tarynsville is the magical town where Jessica's books take place. - And the final book in the trilogy is coming out next week. - The Enchantress Unites. Oh, Grace and I are debating what it means and how it all ends. Could you give me a little hint? No, no. No, no. No, never mind. I` I don't wanna know. - (CHUCKLES) Nobody can know. Not until the book comes out, which is why my editor thought it'd be a good idea to get away before the onslaught of attention happens when it does. - She calls me 'my editor' even though I'm standing right here. - My editor likes to correct things if I'm a little unclear. (CHUCKLES) - Well, why don't I show you to your rooms? - Oh. - Thank you. - Have you started working on your next book yet? - I'm sort of thinking of some things, but I haven't figured out the right idea. - Oh, maybe Grey House will inspire you to come up with a story that inspires us all. (MAGICAL MUSIC) - I don't think I've seen that one. - Oh, it's really good. He made it right between the two Godfather films. - Oh. Cassie, this is Brian. Brian, this is my cousin Cassie. - It's really nice to meet you. - Ah, you too. - We met at the Lights Festival and bonded over our mutual obsession with movies. - (CHUCKLES) - Oh, I didn't know you were a movie lover. - I have always loved movies. So, when do you think you'll be back in Middleton? - As soon as anyone orders a pallet of flour and 800 pounds of sugar. - (LAUGHS) Because Brian owns a bakery-supply company. - Oh. - But the next time he's in Middleton... - I'll see you at the multiplex. - Oh, isn't he fantastic? It's like he Purple Rose of Cairo'd right off the screen and into my life. (SIGHS) That's one of the many movies I've seen, by the way. Hey, guys. - Hey, um, was that Jessica Carrington I saw going upstairs? - Yes. She's staying here. - Oh, see? I told you that was her. - (LAUGHS) - Grace got mad at me for not knowing who she was. Then she got even madder when I told her I haven't read any of the books. - It's crazy. - Me neither. I'm waiting for the movie. - (CHUCKLES) - You know, I sometimes wish I could be as strong and brave as the characters in Jessica's books. They don't seem to be afraid of anything. - Being brave doesn't mean not being afraid. It means being afraid and doing it anyway. - Hmm. - You know, why don't you grab an extra plate for Nick at the table? Well, it's almost dinnertime. - Yeah. Dad's been eating most of his meals in the hospital. - Oh, just prep the patient. I'll, uh, be there in 20 minutes. I'll scrub in when I get there. What? No. I, uh... I thought she was released last night. Oh, thank you. Well, uh... OK, fine. Just make sure there's somebody at the house when she gets there, OK? I'll` I'll take another look when I get in. Bye. - Bye. - Thank you. Sorry. Yeah. Yeah, I'm on the way. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) (SIREN WAILS) Give me a call if you have any post-op pain or if you just want me to explain one more time how you didn't even need your appendix to begin with. Could you, uh, book an OR for me for tomorrow afternoon? I've got two procedures I've gotta get done before my consult at 6. - Dr Radford. - Mm-hm. - I didn't think I saw you on the schedule today. - Yeah, well, I thought I should be on it. - (PHONE RINGS) - You know, you've been here an awful lot lately. I mean, you're entitled to take some time away from this place. Yeah, well, as soon as people stop needing a doctor, maybe I will. - Here's Mrs Jones' file. - Oh, I know you guys are pretty backed up in the ER. Let me help you, uh, thin the lines out a little bit. (INDISTINCT ANNOUNCEMENT) (GENTLE MUSIC) - Oh. Sorry, I can't stay for breakfast. I have a date. - Oh. With your movie man? - No. That was Brian. Today is Carl. He's on his way to a tennis tournament and is taking a 100-mile detour just to see me. - Well, he must really like you. Good morning. - Morning. - I didn't realise this house had such a beautiful courtyard. - Hmm, yeah. I love being able to stand in the shadow of the house beneath the trees that stretched their boughs overhead. - Trees that protected her heart. - Thought you might recognise your writing. - Because that's how I described things in my book. It was a courtyard just like this, with the same kinds of trees, where the young woman learns about her heritage, and it's the place where she finally kisses the man who... - Jessica! - Oh. Spoiler alert. (CHUCKLES) That's something that maybe happens in The Enchantress Unites. - Well, I can't wait to find out what happens with the relationship. I'll probably curl up right here with a copy of the book, eager to read every word. - Actually, this would be the perfect place to read it ` the first reading, at midnight on the night the book is released. - That's already happening in New York, Jess. The publisher is throwing a big party. - So? Why can't we throw it in Middleton instead? I could read the first chapter right here in... (CHUCKLES) I didn't even ask you. Could we use your backyard? - Of course. - And then we can have a big party after that, which is when it'll be Halloween, which means... (GASPS) Oh my gosh, that'd be perfect. - I guess, maybe, I might be able to convince the publisher to let us do it here. - Sean, you can convince anybody to do anything, which is why they'll let us do it. (GENTLE MUSIC) - A book release like this, it has to be done right. So is there anyone in Middleton who might be able to make a special event like this happen? - I can think of only one person. - I'll do it. - You understand that this is gonna take a lot of work, and Halloween is in seven days? - Cassie, I just completed an enormously successful fundraiser for Ford Warriors in Pink. - I was meaning to compliment you on your scarf. - Yes! We sold them all over town, and 100% of the net proceeds are being donated to breast-cancer charities. - A worthy cause. - Well, and a visual testament to the fact that I am a woman who knows how to get things done. - Well, then you should have no trouble organising a book reading and a big celebration in the town square right after. - None whatsoever. In fact, I already know everything about Jessica Carrington's Tarynsville books, because I've read them all cover to cover. In fact, you gave me the first one as a birthday gift, so maybe you were 'thinking ahead' all along. Hmm? Well, lots to do. Ta-ta! (GENTLE MUSIC) Oh, caution ` painter at work. - Should I go? - Ah, you're OK. Just don't walk on the ceiling, cos that's what's getting a fresh coat. - I'll be sure to watch where I step. - (BOTH CHUCKLE) (GASPS) Uh, Miss Carrington? - Oh, please. Call me Jessica. - I love your books. - Oh, you must be Grace. - You know who I am? - (CHUCKLES) Your mother was telling me about how the two of you used to read my books together. - Yes, we did, and then we would spend hours talking about who we thought was going to find the Tarynsville Amulet. - What's the Tarynsville Amulet? - Oh, it's this magical necklace that everyone in Jessica's book is looking for, because whoever finds it is guaranteed happiness for the rest of their lives. (CHUCKLES) How did you even come up with an idea like that, anyway? - Can I tell you a secret? I stole pretty much everything about Tarynsville from the stories my grandmother used to tell me. Really? Yeah. Nana used to work in this great old house, and she got married to a man whose family didn't approve, so they had to keep it a secret. She couldn't wear her wedding ring or the ruby necklace that he gave her. She had to keep the ruby necklace hidden in a box, and I started wondering what would happen if somebody found it. - The way everyone's looking for the Tarynsville Amulet. - All came from Nana. - Wow. - (CHUCKLES) - (KNOCK AT DOOR) - Uh, Jessica, we're supposed to meet the mayor for a tour of the town. - Oh. (CHUCKLES) We can be a minute late. - Uh, no, we really, really should go now. - Here's another secret ` I based the grumpy goblin character on him. - (BOTH LAUGH) (QUIRKY MUSIC) - (CHUCKLES) - Oh my gosh! (CHUCKLES) (MUSIC CONTINUES) - I just love this time of year. It's as if Middleton comes alive with the spirit of Halloween. So keep your eyes out for ghosts and witches and... Cassie! - Martha. I see you're already at work, showing our couple of honour around town. - Yes, we were just starting a tour. - Oh. Would you like me to take over as their guide? - Oh, Cassie, it's as if you read my mind. I have so much work to do and less than a week to do it. - Well, I'll be sure to show them all Middleton has to offer. - You're in good hands with this one. She can tell you stories as if she's lived here forever. - Wow! What a beautiful old building. - Middleton has a rich history. - Hmm. I like to think of the people who stood here before, the artist who worked with that stone. - Does it give you ideas for your next book? - I'm still waiting for inspiration. Sometimes I wish I was like the fireplace builder in Tarynsville, always finishing one project and moving on to the next. - Leaving his mark when he was done. - The heart and infinity sign, yeah. - (ALL CHUCKLE) I was telling your daughter how I got ideas for my books, but I never mentioned that was from real life too. The man my grandmother married carved that symbol somewhere on every fireplace he built. - And we're using that image on the cover of The Enchantress Unites. - A wonderful symbol of perpetual love. - Hey, I put a fountain like this in Tarynsville. It sprung from the ground near where the first fire started itself. - It was one of the first signs of magic. - (CHUCKLES) You know, my nana actually used to believe in that stuff. - Oh. - When I was little, she used to tell me stories of the town where she lived and all the magic and romance that happened there. I thought it was true. - But you don't any more? - I guess maybe I believe in romance, but it's a lot more common in my books than it's ever been in my real life. - Maybe life can imitate art someday. - Yeah, maybe. (GENTLE MUSIC) My editor never lets me stop believing in happy endings. - Well, I think we all could use an editor like that. - Yeah. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) (BIRDS CHIRP) (PEOPLE CHATTER) - So, Cassie said you wanted to pick out some flower arrangements, together? - Uh, Jessica's doing the picking. I'm just here to stay out of the way. - Sean gets some say in how things are going to go. - But it's Jessica's big day. - Oh, how did you know? - Know what? - Chrysanthemums are her favourite flower. - You knew that? - Yeah, I heard you mention it once. I guess I must have just remembered. - Hmm. - Well, I didn't set these up for you. Cassie ordered them for all the guest rooms at Grey House. - (DRILL WHIRRS) - (SIGHS) But if you want, I could order some more. - That would be kind of perfect, actually. We could mix them with those... (DRILL WHIRRS) - Sorry, you were saying we could mix them with...? - (DRILL WHIRRS) - (CHUCKLES) - (SIGHS) Would you excuse me for a minute? - Mm-hm. - Sure. - OK. (DRILL WHIRRS) Excuse me? Excuse me? My flower shop is on the other side of that very thin wall. - And yet for some reason, you're all the way over here. - This has been going on for two days, and I'm with some really important customers right now. Can't you do whatever it is you're doing some other time? - I wanna take on bigger orders, and I need to upgrade my appliances in case they start to come in. Come on, Ben. Break time's over. - (SIGHS) She's the boss. (METAL CLATTERS, DRILL WHIRRS) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Which way is the children's wing? - Right down there. You just have to be careful when you show them what's in that box, because you're gonna get swarmed. - (CHUCKLES) Jessica was so nice to sign these copies of her first two books. And I cannot believe that I am calling Jessica Carrington 'Jessica' because I know her and she knows who I am. (GASPS) - (CHUCKLES) (PEOPLE CHATTER, PHONE RINGS) (GENTLE MUSIC) - So, um, what have I got next? - A pre-op exam. You told Dr Zemek you'd fill in for her while she was out of town. - Um, put the patient in Exam Room Three, and I'll be right there. - You are not here to see a doctor, are you? Because I didn't think you believed in those things. - Well, I don't mind running into one occasionally. - Well, I just had a minute to say hello. - Hello. - Hi. - Looks like you've been working hard. - Yeah, more than ever. I, uh` I've got two surgeries lined up for tonight and a few more bodies to patch up tomorrow afternoon. - They're more than just bodies, you know. - That is true. - Dr Radford, your patient's ready for you. - Oh, tell him I'll be right there. - Uh, he's a she. - Right. Uh, sorry. I've got to go, but, uh, I guess I'll, uh, see you... - Soon. (PENSIVE MUSIC) - Yeah. (MUSIC CONTINUES) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Something up there? - Yeah, the wrong colour. I tried three different shades. I can't seem to get it right. - Ugh, I can relate. I can't tell you how many times I sat down to write my next book, but I can't come up with the perfect idea. - Except I've never heard you have a bad one. - Thanks. But I need to know for sure that I'm heading down the right path before I make a decision that could take up a big chunk of the rest of my life. - Maybe you should take another walk through Middleton. - It's not a bad idea. - Yeah. - Might help me think of something to write about. - No, I mean I'm gonna throw another coat of paint up there, and I don't wanna get the stuff all over you. - Oh. (CHUCKLES) We'll get out of your way. (JAUNTY MUSIC) - MARTHA: I've been consulting my Tarynsville list, and there's still one big item on it I think you can help me with. I need you to get me a cauldron. - Why would you think I'd be the right person to get you that? - Oh, please. Don't play games. I need the largest one you have so I can give the book reading a Halloween flair. Oh! Now, next stop is the hardware store. I'm hoping that if I look my best, they'll give me a discount on broomsticks. Oh! (SIGHS) - Here, use this. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) It was used in the early days of Middleton by coachmen to see things they had just passed by. - Oh, sort of a rear-view mirror. - Yeah, perfect to see what's behind you. - (CHUCKLES) - Hey, can I help you? - I hope so. Uh, I went to City Hall looking for the mayor, and they said she came here. - Oh, Meredith? Meredith Mitchell? - Martha Endicott. - Oh, well, it's Martha Tinsdale now. - Oh, yes, that's right. Somebody said you got married. I just thought they were making it up. - (BOTH LAUGH) - Meredith and I went to college together. - And, of course, you do know what I've been up to since then. - Oh, uh, I think maybe I've seen you on` on TV a couple of times. - Now, it's practically every night, reporting live from somewhere, which is why the network sent me here to this out-of-the-way little town. They want me to do a story on the book launch. - Our local event is gonna be national news? - You are gonna get so much attention. Oh, I hope you can live up to it. (CHUCKLES) You have a lovely shop. - Thank you. - I mean, there` there isn't anything here I'd actually wanna buy, but, still, it is a lovely, lovely shop. - Oh, great. Thanks. - Yes. - Mm-hm. - Well... - (CHUCKLES) Oh. - Well, I take it you weren't exactly college besties. - I'm sure she came here hoping to see me fail. - Mm. Well, then this is your chance to prove her wrong. - If I can pull everything off. Oh, if only we had an actual enchantress living amongst us. Imagine what we could accomplish in Middleton then. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) Cassie. Look at you sitting here all alone. (SIGHS) I'm about to go on a date with Dennis. - Your tennis player? - No. Tennis is Carl. This is Dennis. Not to be confused with my out-of-town bakery supplier, Brian. - So you've decided to start dating three men at the same time? - Not at the same time. Only when the others aren't here. - Cassie, your timing is perfect. Martha just asked me to bake a thousand Mupcakes for the party after the book reading. (CHUCKLES) - What's a Mupcake? - It's the magical cupcakes that are eaten in Tarynsville. - Yeah, so it's a good thing that you encouraged me to upgrade my appliances at my catering shop when you did. Otherwise, I'd never have been ready for a party this size. - So this was your idea? - Well, I might have suggested a while ago that, uh, it was time Stephanie make some changes. - Mm. Next time, could you suggest quieter ones? - OK, well, I have no idea what a Mupcake is supposed to taste like, but I was thinking of making them cherry to represent the fires that light themselves in the book. - Orange frosting for Halloween? - A cherry cupcake with orange frosting? (INHALES) Yeah, I don't really think that goes together. - Well, sometimes, things that don't seem to match end up going together perfectly. (CHUCKLES) - Well, I have some important duties of my own. Martha's asked me to make themed flower arrangements for the event. - Ah. Well, then I hope you can keep it down on your side of the wall. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Thanks for, uh, coming here with me. - Sure. I wanted to read to the kids I gave books to yesterday. - Do you ever do anything that involves something other than reading or studying or being inside? - Well, sometimes I read or study outside. Does that count? - No, not at all. - Oh. - (CHUCKLES) - Oh, it doesn't look like you have any more. - Uh...? - Books. I saw you passing them out yesterday. - Yeah, I know. I'm book-less. - (CLICKS TONGUE) All right. - I hope that's not why you came back to the hospital, to get another one. - Oh, no, no, no. I had to come back here for some tests. I had a brain tumour when I was 7, and, according to some chart, I'm always at risk for another one, so... - Sounds kind of serious. - I don't know. I mean, it'll either happen or it won't. - So, what do you do while you're waiting to see if it does happen? - Uh, let's see. I went skydiving last week. - What? - Mm-hm. And I'm going whitewater kayaking. You know, once you've had brain surgery, all the other stuff seems not so scary. - (CHUCKLES) Well, hey, I'm gonna go read to the kids if you wanted to come? - Uh, yeah, sure. - I, uh, had Jessica sign the books before I brought them here yesterday. She's staying at my house! - Jessica Carrington is staying at your house? - Mm-hm. - Well, you just became someone I like even more. - Oh. (CHUCKLES) - My dad said he's stuck here for the night, so I guess I have to spend the rest of my fast-food money. - Oh, well, hey, Nick, this is... - Courtney. - Courtney. - Hey. Uh, so, I guess I'll see you later. - Yeah. - Have fun reading Tarynsburg to the kids. - (SIGHS) It's Tarynsville. - I know. I just wanted to see how long it'd take you to correct me. - (SIGHS) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) Thought I might find you here. This old tree has a way of drawing people in. Its roots run deep. - I put a tree just like it in my books because Nana told me about one in her town. She'd walk there from the house that she worked, dream about life with the man that she loved. - I love walking here from Grey House, down the winding path. - There was a lot to see, yeah. - Working on your next book? - I am. (SIGHS) It's not going so well. - Well, I'm sure you'll come up with the right story eventually. It may end up being your most romantic one yet. (GENTLE MUSIC) (MACHINE BUZZES) - (GRUNTS) All right, you're all set. All you have to do is turn your new oven on, and you're ready to go. - Oh, good, because, unlike in those Tarynsville books, these Mupcakes aren't gonna bake themselves. (ELECTRICITY BUZZES) OK, well, that wasn't supposed to happen. - No. I checked the schematics of this building. We should have more than enough electricity flowing to this room. Unless somebody's draining all our power. - (MACHINE WHIRRS) (TOASTER POPS) (QUIRKY MUSIC) - Let me explain to you what the word 'share' means. - And I'll explain to you what the words 'I don't care' mean. - Ladies, ladies, ladies, please! Please! We can't have you on opposite sides, arguing, when we need everyone working together in order to pull off what is going to be national news. - Oh dear, trouble in small-town paradise? - Trouble? Oh! No, no, no, no, no. No trouble. We were just discussing, uh, some new ideas that I've come up with for the book launch. - Oh, new ideas like what? Like what? - Hmm. - Like how, uh, in addition to the book reading and, of course, the party afterwards, that the entire town of Middleton is going to... is going to be turned into Tarynsville itself! (GASPS) - The entire town? - (GASPS) Stephanie, you can make your bistro into Dendall's Dining Hall. Oh, and, Abigail, your store will become the Garden of Perpetual Joy. Of course, we only have a few days to do it, but the people of this town are known to get things done. - (CHUCKLES) Well, maybe you can share those old-fashioned values when I interview you the night of the event. - (GASPS) You're going to interview me on national TV? - Oh, yes. - Oh my! Well, in that case, I need to go and buy a new outfit. - Oh, and the camera adds years to your appearance. You may wanna get a facial too. (SIGHS) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) (PEOPLE CHATTER) - Sam. - Cassie. - They let you out of the hospital? - (CHUCKLES) Yeah, for a bit. I, uh, need to stop by and check in with Eve, so I thought I would just pick up something to go. - Oh. Well, maybe we could actually sit down sometime, eat a meal together? - Oh, yeah, I'd love that, but I've got my schedule so packed, I don't even know when my next meal is. - Well, maybe something will open up. - If it does, I'll let you know, OK? - (CELL PHONE RINGS) - OK. - (SIGHS) It's the hospital. I'm sorry. Dr Radford. Yeah. Well, is it being rescheduled? Well, maybe we should take tomorrow's and... No, no, no. No, just leave it open. Thanks. Well, something opened up. - Well, I just happen to be free for dinner. - Hmm. Pick you up at 7? - You remember where I live, right? - (LAUGHS) Yeah. I think it's still on my GPS. See ya. (GENTLE MUSIC) - (PEOPLE CHATTER) - Oh, hey. - Hi. - What do you think? It's supposed to look like Dendall's Dining Hall from Jessica's books. - I like it. Martha wants me to turn Bell, Book and Candle into the Apothecary's Shoppe. - (CHUCKLES) (PEOPLE CHATTER) (ABIGAIL LAUGHS) (MAN SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) - I like Nadal on clay. He's the best. - Oh. - Hi. You must be Carl. Abigail told me about her tennis player. I'm Cassie. - My cousin. - Nice to meet you. - Me too. - Carl's just in town for the day. - Yeah, a tournament got rained out, which gave me just enough time to stop off and see her. - (CHUCKLES) Isn't that just so lucky? But I don't wanna keep you so long that you miss your next one. - Actually, I've got plenty of time. The drive from here to there isn't very far and... - (CAR ALARM BLARES) - Carl, I think that's your car. You should go see. And, um, I'm going to check that tournament schedule so I know the next time you're nearby. - I hope that's soon. - Me too. Bye. - Hmm, it's too bad he had to leave so soon. - Actually, I think I got him out the door just in time, because... - Abigail. Hi. (QUIRKY MUSIC) (PEOPLE CHATTER) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - You think Jessica will like it? - Uh, it's her words come to life. She'll love it. - (SIGHS) Everyone's working to make this Tarynsville as possible before the big night. - Yeah, actually, uh, that's kind of why I'm here. Um, I wanna get something for Jessica to give her when her book comes out, and, uh, I was wondering if you could give me some advice. - Hmm. Advice is free with every purchase. - Thank you. (DOOR BELL CHIMES) - (SIGHS) - I was hoping you might have an idea about what to get for her. - Oh, well, why don't we start with what ideas you have? - I don't have any. - (BOTH CHUCKLE) - I've known her for years, but sometimes I feel like I don't know her at all. Ever since I've met Jessica, she's had no time for anything other than writing, which is why I wanted to get away with her. Which is why I wanted her to get away and come here. - Hmm. - What's that? - I picked this up in Azerbaijan. The country's known as the land of fire, and, uh, this sparked my interest. - It seems like the kind of thing Jessica might like. - Do you wanna know what it does? - It doesn't matter. Just seems like the kind of thing that might exist in a world she created. It's, uh, decorative and mysterious and, I don't know, magical. - Why don't I wrap it up for you, and you can give it to her when the time is right? (BELL JANGLES) (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Sean? What are you doing here? - Oh, uh, I was, uh, window shopping. But I didn't find the right window, so... I'll see you later. - (BELL CHIMES) - I'd ask why Sean is acting so strange, but if I asked that every time, I'd always be asking. - (BOTH CHUCKLE) - How goes the writing? - I don't know. Something will come to me eventually, but I decided to stop thinking so hard about it. - Clearing your mind ` that's good advice. - Hmm. - What's that? - Oh, uh, I found that in the attic at Grey House. It's a map of old Middleton. - Oh, this is what the town looked like? - More than a hundred years ago, yeah. - I love this place. So much history here. - And an interesting future that's yet to be. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - Yes, I'm hiring you to dress up as the boy prince from Tarynsville. - Maybe I should have read the books before I said yes to the job. - Nick, please. I have to make this event much bigger than I'd planned, and I thought having a character greet the guests, it would give it that, you know, New York touch. - I could use the extra money. - Oh, and I'll also need you to speak in a British accent. - BRITISH ACCENT: Very well, then. What would you like me to say? - Well, I'd like you to say something in a British accent. - Why, I am speaking in an accent. - Oh. Yeah, still not hearing it. (GENTLE MUSIC) - (SIGHS) - Mmm, smells good! - Hey, how was your day? - It was amazing. You know, your daughter really knows how to tame a river. - Now, now. - Uh, what? - (CHUCKLES) Uh, we went whitewater kayaking. - Well, I am really proud of you for being so brave and adventurous. - You know, I was actually kind of afraid, but I decided to do it anyway. Grandpa, are you reading The Darkness of Tarynsville? - Well, I just picked it up to see what all the fuss was about. - And? - I agree with all the fuss. - OK, I think that Desiree knows where the amulet is, and she's gonna be the one that finally finds it. - Hmm. - How can she know that? She wasn't even born when it was hidden. - Well, because her sister left her all those clues before she died. - Yes. - Ah. I don't believe she's dead. She's gonna show up in The Enchantress Unites, probably disguised as a sorceress. - That could work. - Mm. Yeah, it could actually happen. - You've got to learn to read the words between the words. Hmm? - Wow. (QUIRKY MUSIC) (GENTLE MUSIC) - Wasn't expecting to see you midday. - I'm not even here. I had to pick up some fresh clothes for my date with Cassie. - You've got time off for the first time in, like, forever, and you're not spending it with your own son? - (BOTH CHUCKLE) - I'm kidding. No, I` I'm glad you two are getting together. You deserve a break. - You know what? I think I got time for a quick game. - Ah, we've gotta make it quick. First one to score wins. - This will be a snap. Oh! - Ooh! What a devastating loss. - I was never even in it. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) - I knew you'd be able to get one. - You found Martha a cauldron? - A slightly used cauldron. - OK, here's how things are going to go. Jessica, you'll proceed down that aisle, looking beautiful, and then up these stairs. - I can put flowers on both sides. - Oh! Make sure your new dress does not clash on camera with the colours. - I'll be standing here, waiting for you, then I'll` I'll take your hand. - Oh. (GENTLE MUSIC) (CHUCKLES) - We can, um` - We can practise that later, but I'll remind you when it happens. - (SIGHS) Is that enough? - Oh, no. I'll need three times that amount. The fire needs to rise and crackle and spark, just like in the book. - There's gonna be a fire? - Yes, a huge one, underneath the cauldron. - Oh, no, there` there can't be a fire out here. Grey House is fragile. These branches are too close to the ground. The trees have a spirit of their own. I wouldn't want that to be damaged by the flames or the heat. - But there has to be a fire. Fires are a big part of my books. - Well, then we'll have to find another place to do your reading. - We don't have time to find a new location. It's almost Halloween. - Sean. - We'll figure something out. We'll figure it out. - Do I need to call the network and tell them that this book reading may not happen? No! Uh... It's happening. It's just that none of us has any idea where. (CHUCKLES) - This is just like in The Darkness of Tarynsville, oh, when the royal council couldn't find a meeting ground for their autumn assemblage. - How'd that turn out? - Oh, it was horrible. I mean, wars started. Friendships were split. (TENSE MUSIC) This might be even worse. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) Cassie, I don't understand why you're still decorating your shop as though nothing's going wrong. Jessica and Sean are threatening to go back to New York if we don't find the perfect place for the reading, so the whole event might not happen after all. - I think everything will work out somehow. - Oh! That's if I solve everybody's problems. Thank goodness I have years of experience doing just that. (MYSTERIOUS MUSIC) - (DOOR BELL JANGLES) - Oh. (MUSIC CONTINUES) If you're looking for an interesting tea, you might enjoy this. - Mmm! I love rosemary on lamb. I've never tried it as a tea. - I'll make up a little canister for you. Oh, and if you like lamb, have you ever tried that little place Merletto's on the way out of town? - No, I don't think so. - It's worth a trip. - OK. Thank you. (GENTLE MUSIC) - How's Grace? I've seen her even less than I've seen you. - She's good. She's got this new friend that's bringing out a daring spirit that I never even knew my daughter had. They went kayaking, and Grace just told me she wants to give rock climbing a try. - (BOTH LAUGH) - I've never understood the appeal of hanging on the side of a rock. We have stairs. We have ladders. Lots of superior means of vertical perambulation. - You are very passionate about this. - Well, I've given it a lot of thought. - (CHUCKLES) Hey, how's Nick? - He's good. - Mm. Well, I heard Martha hired him to dress up as a character from Tarynsville at the book launch. - (CHUCKLES) My son is a working actor. Those are words that I never thought I'd hear myself say. - Oh, hi. - Hey. - You were right. The lamb here was fantastic. - I thought you might like it. - Mm-hm. - Dr Radford? - Yes? - You operated on me last week. - Oh! Yeah, of course. Hi. Good to see you. - Dr Radford was amazing. - Sam really cares about his work. - I can't thank you enough. - Oh, you're welcome. - Well, enjoy your meal. - Thank you. - OK, bye. - Bye. - Goodnight, goodnight. - Must feel nice to know that you helped people like that. - Yeah, it is. I just wish I could remember his name. (SIGHS) I'm running around so much, doing so many surgeries, I'm hardly getting to know the patients at all. - Hmm, you're still making a difference in their lives. Well, sure, patching them up, sending them home. But they're more than just bodies, you know? - (CHUCKLES) - Greg! That's his name. Greg. So, they say the lamb is good here, hmm? - Yeah, that's what people say. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) Thank you. - Uh-huh. Well... - (SIGHS) - I'm glad we were able to get together. - Yeah, it was nice to reconnect. - (CHUCKLES) I'd say, 'Let's do it again sometime,' but I can't make any promises when sometime would even be. - (CHUCKLES) Well, why don't we just make more of an effort to be in the same place at the same time? - Make more of an effort ` I think I can live up to that. - All right. Then it's a deal. - (CHUCKLES) Deal. (MUSIC CONTINUES) (SIGHS) OK. Well, I guess, that's... goodnight. - Goodnight. - You did everything you could, Sam. - I know. (JAUNTY MUSIC) Thanks for coming to ride home with me. - No problem. I kind of wanna hear about your day. - You wanna hear about my day? - (CHUCKLES) Yeah, that surprised me as soon as I said it. - (CHUCKLES) - Dr Radford, you're needed in the ER. - (SIREN WAILS IN DISTANCE) - All right, I should take a look. It, uh, might not be too long. - No problem. Go. (MONITOR BEEPS STEADILY, INDISTINCT ANNOUNCEMENT) - So, what have we got? - 16-year-old female. Head trauma, possible fractures. - Is she conscious? - In and out. We're waiting on transport to give us an ID. (TENSE MUSIC) - Grace. (MUSIC CONTINUES) (MYSTERIOUS MUSIC) Captions by Able. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air.