Slasher

Jesus, Mary and...

It's like crawling up an old pig's arse.

The body's nearly eight days old.

I was told the state would be otherwise. Naught I can do now.

I'll make it work, but I may not accept delivery next time.

Ah...

Keep beating, damn you. Come on.

Dammit!

- Why's this door even locked? - Same reason why the room is soundproof: privacy.

If someone's in the middle of a session and we just burst in...

Right, right.

I still don't think this is right.

You can either unlock that door...

or I can arrest you for obstruction and I'll just unlock it myself.

Stay back.

- Oh, my God. Oh, my God. - Not a step further.

Good morning.

I trust you slept well.

I slept like I hadn't a care in the world.

A benefit, no doubt, of having a refined young woman such as yourself in the house.

Did you notice the gown on the chair?

I bought it for you.

No.

It's a gift, my dear.

A token of my esteem.

Please don't deny me this happiness.

It's... lovely. Thank you.

You will look exquisite.

Gladys can do any necessary alterations

if there's something not to your liking, but there won't be.

I have an eye for figures.

Yours especially.

When will I be going home?

Are you not happy here?

Is there... something you lack?

I want for nothing, truly.

I draw such comfort from my father's Bible.

It helps me strengthen my resolve...

To remain a good... honourable girl.

Breakfast is in exactly 10 minutes. Don't be late.

Wear the dress.

Surely the Devil's Elbow can be reformed.

There are many facets to the problem.

Everything we might consider essential - education,

cleanliness, even their health - is an afterthought.

Because it must be. They are perpetually working.

Then how do we help them to secure better work to allow for balance?

It's difficult in this class system in the absence of education.

Then we teach them to read.

I must speak to her! Please...

I'm sorry, ma'am. I tried.

Forgive this boorish intrusion, my dear Mrs. Simcoe,

but you're the only person who can aid me.

I've just lost my beloved friend Terrence and I am not myself.

No.

Oh, Monsieur Rondeau.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Let God be your refuge and your strength.

Please have a seat, Monsieur Rondeau.

Thank you.

I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your friend.

Thank you. There has been so much death.

Too much.

I come to you, dearest lady,

because you are my one chance to make things right

with his spirit before I leave town.

I would be forever in your debt if you would use your formidable talents

to reach Terrence beyond the veil of death.

That's a preposterous request.

- I'm aware of how it sounds, but if only... - But nothing.

I apologize. I don't mean to interfere with your affairs, but...

I believe you must refuse.

I haven't had a restful night's sleep since the seance.

And I would not burden you with this.

You made yourself very clear, but I have tried to make contact with him numerous times.

I do not have the strength of your gift.

- My curse, you mean. - This is against God.

Mrs. Simcoe, you know the pain of losing someone...

Someone you love!

With my heart!

I would not ask if there were any other way.

An unnatural request borne of unnatural feelings...

Pastor, that is enough.

The connection I made to Alistair was entirely unexpected.

I'm not even sure I'll be able to reach the spirit world again.

I will be here to guide you.

Mrs. Simcoe, please.

I fear for your soul.

I will do it.

I feel I must.

On the condition that Pastor may attend the seance to protect my soul from damnation.

Of course.

I'm at your disposal.

We can pay what's owed on the house.

And we may even have enough to buy back a piece of furniture!

- The Chippendale! - I want a phonograph for my room.

Tsk. Sister.

You assured me my sacrifice would bring me comforts.

but we mustn't lose control.

Your pain is nearly extinguished.

This... really is the best solution.

Basil will soon cast aside his pitted cherry and return to your loving arms.

Mm-hmm! Pitted.

You wicked creature.

Oh!

Oh!

Hide that in case it's a collector.

I am in no mood for a conversation by the door today, sister.

Yes, yes.

Mr. Garvey.

Ms. Botticelli.

Where's Verdi? Is... something wrong?

Not at all. I've come for her things.

- But Verdi's on loan to you. - The arrangement has changed.

Well, that's not proper...

...or acceptable.

And as her beloved family, we do not consent.

It's a humble room, but anyone would be glad for that bed, that desk.

You wouldn't. Nor would your sister.

Verdi came to us with nothing.

Well, those days have changed for her.

And by the looks of things, just beginning for you.

I must say, Mr. Garvey,

had I known our sister would provide so much joy and pleasure,

I would've asked for more.

Goodbye, Miss Botticelli.

If you're changing the terms of the deal, if you're going to keep Verdi,

then we require a new financial arrangement.

I will arrange her head clear off her neck if I ever lay eyes on our sister again!

Oof.

Detective.

That was rather energetic knocking.

My apologies.

I became rather concerned when I couldn't find you at your home.

Have you been here all night?

- Mm-hmm. - Can anyone confirm that?

If necessary. Why?

The Widow. She's struck again.

She certainly isn't wasting any time.

No, she's not. I was hoping you could come with me to examine the victim's body.

Now, if possible.

Of course.

I should warn you. It's... it's a lot to take in.

I've performed autopsies on hundreds of brutalized bodies, Detective. I'll be fine.

Isn't time of the essence?

I brought this to help you make contact with Terrence.

It had great meaning for him.

His energy still resides within it.

I assure you, madam, you are entirely up to the task.

Shall we begin?

I'm here to protect you.

Breathe deeply.

Release doubt and sink deep within.

Find the place that keeps the living from the spirit world.

I call upon the spirits, Isis,

the winged Ahura Mazda,

all beneficent immortals and peaceful deities of the terma...

...allow Terrence Crenshaw to come and speak with us now.

What is it?

What are your senses telling you?

So much pain.

- This... this should stop now... - No... What else?

Where am I?

I don't know where I am.

You're here, Regina. You're here.

Oh. She's not Mrs. Simcoe any longer.

O spirit,

speed through eternal darkness beyond the gates of the sun

and reveal yourself in this humble vessel.

I am here...

Terrence?

My one... my all!

Why... do you... raise me?

I am gone.

To tell you...

I wish we had time to discover what might've been.

I wanted to say a proper goodbye,

before you ford the bitter waters of the River Styx.

Before I flee.

Where will you... flee to?

Anywhere but here.

I am a hunted man.

Darkness... will follow.

- Darkness? - She... will follow.

No matter where you go!

She...

Now, this... this unholy insanity stops now!

Do not... run!

God's light shines upon us! God's love...

I'll stay. Terrence, do you hear me?

I call upon you, God, to watch over us!

I'd rather face her here...

...cocooned in the warm remembrance of our embraces!

Terrence!

You wouldn't mind if I...?

Please.

So the wounds...

they were done by an assailant who was left-handed,

which is consistent with all of the previous Widow attacks.

But the brutality of the amputations and...