Enjoying the view?
Sylvia!
Gosh! What's happened?
I was attacked! It... it was some kind of beast.
Like a white tiger - but bigger!
Interesting. What is it?
Coffee.
My first go at brewing some.
Have I boiled it all right?
Looks...
delicious.
Well, try it.
Fascinating.
That stray cat's been hanging round for days.
Go on, shoo!
It's just looking for a home.
Speaking of felines, have you read about the big cat attack?
Apparently there's loads of wildcats round here.
The Nazis parachuted them in so they'd eat all our livestock.
I don't think they did.
According to local socialite, Sylvia Garcia,
it resembled a white tiger or snow leopard.
Where was this?
The village of Wedlock.
I remember reading an article a few years ago
about a mythical white beast that haunted the village.
What?
So it's not just a big cat,
but some sort of a ghost or phantom?
Gabriel?
Gabriel!
Try not to worry, Sam.
I'm sure he'll turn up.
He said he was just coming out for a swim.
What's that?
They're Gabriel's.
It's ripped.
Looks like animal fur.
So does that mean Gabriel was attacked as well?
So, what did the police say about your feline encounter?
Well, it was clear they didn't take it that seriously.
Suggested it might have been a big dog.
Typical flatfoots - no imagination.
And they weren't impressed that we'd gone to the press before them.
So, how much longer will you be staying?
I'm almost done,
so I should be gone by next week.
Next week?
I thought you said it would only be a couple of days.
Don't be like that.
Surely you like having your husband around?
Ex-husband.
Just like old times.
Duchess, how are you?
More to the point, how are you?
You're lucky you weren't killed.
Well, whatever it was seemed startled.
It clawed at me, then it ran back into the woods.
Apparently, my grandfather was killed
while being chased by such a beast.
He fell to his death down a well.
Really?
Although his fall was probably more to do with him being drunk!
Of course, that was in the days when my family owned the manor house.
So, you think this place is cursed?
I don't think, I know.
I'm very happy to cycle there.
I wouldn't hear of it, Father.
So we've got a big cat on the loose, an ancient legend,
a missing person.
Talk about a triple-edged mystery!
Where are you two off to?
Wedlock, where the white beast was seen.
What? You're going hunting for it?
Not exactly.
The local vicar, the Reverend Duncan, is an old friend of mine.
He's asked me to help.
Well, I don't mind lending a hand.
Six eyes are better than four.
Let's go to the butchers and get some big cat bait.
What do you think - pork or beef?
Ignoring me now, are you?
Coward!
It's all your fault - spreading your, your vicious rumours about me.
That's not true.
Do-gooders like you make me sick.
Everything was fine until you arrived.
I just told him what people were saying.
That he was spending too much time with...
Go on - spit it out.
...with a divorcee who has...
...well...
...a reputation.
A reputation!
He had a right to know.
Ever since you moved into the vicarage, you have been
poisoning him against me.
I'm not listening to this.
You've ruined everything!
You'd better watch your back.
Honk, honk to you!
What's her problem?
I think she's half-cut.
Plenty of places in them woods for a big cat to hide.
Father Brown...
Reverend Duncan, good to see you.
May I introduce you to my parish secretary, Mrs Devine.
Hello.
And...
Thank you so much for agreeing to help, Father.
I really am grateful.
Do you have any news of your church warden's son?
No.
The police are slow to respond as he's only been missing a day.
But with white fur near his ripped clothes
and a sighting of a snow leopard or tiger...
You're worried?
Sam.
Please meet Father Brown.
I've got you, Corporal. OK, OK.
Corporal Sam Wadey.
It's been a long time.
I thought you were killed.
I was captured by the Germans.
Spent the end of the war as a prisoner.
How long have you been in the village of Wedlock?
Just a few months.
After my wife died, I needed a new start.
I rejoice to see you.
I take it you two were close?
The trenches were hell on Earth.
All we had was each other.
Sam was the bravest man I ever saw.
What are you doing?
Um...
I think, um...
I think I've found something.
That is way too big to have been done by a dog.
That's because it's horse dung.
Now, over there is where we discovered Gabriel's clothes.
They'd been ripped.
You mean clawed?
Possibly.
Are you familiar with the local legend?
Yeah. About the big cat being a ghost?
They say that a Buddhist monk gave a white cat to the Duchess' ancestors.
The Duchess?
A local aristocrat.
Her family used to own the village.
The cat was a huge beast called the Byakko.
It died... through neglect.
As revenge, it returns every hundred years to attack the sinful.
Spooky. Sounds like a story to scare children.
Absolutely.
As an amateur zoologist, I've travelled throughout Asia
and Africa and there is no such thing as a Byakko beast.
Where was the cat seen?
Mrs Garcia said it jumped out at her just over there.
Forgive me, Father, I need to go and prepare my service.
Of course.
I'll see you back at the church.
Sam will answer any questions you have.
I think I will talk to the Duchess and Mrs Garcia.
Good luck with the Duchess.
She can be very volatile.
What on earth are you doing?
You used to love me touching you.
Yes - when we were married.
Just because we're no longer together,
doesn't mean that we can't...
But you know I'm in love with Gabriel.
Can't see the appeal myself.
I mean, what's he got that I haven't?
Well, we both know where Gabriel is.
And he's not coming back!
Mrs Garcia? Yes?
Father Brown.
I wonder if I might ask you about the big cat you saw?
If you don't mind, I'd just like to forget about it.
Sylvia, I didn't mean to upset you.
That must be the big cat.
The Byakko Beast.
It's very striking.
Watch out, Father!
Don't touch it! It's still drying.
And that's got to be the Duchess.
Good morning, your grace.
Father Brown.
I wanted to ask you about your ancestors'
connection to the Byakko beast?
And whether there was a link with the church wardens son's
disappearance?
Sam Wadey can rot in hell for all I care.
What a delightful woman!
She's a right mardy bum.
Faster and faster it comes...
...tearing the land apart.
Reverend Duncan?
It's time for the service.
Is there a problem, Sam?
I'm not sure.
The doors are usually open by this time.
From past to present.
From dream to scream.
Turneth the claws of death.
Reverend Duncan?
I'll call the police.
So where did it go?
The door was open.
Inspector Sullivan,
I didn't realise Wedlock came under your jurisdiction.
It's the furthest point.
And the last place I'd expect to see Father Brown.
Sir, there's more over there by the door.
White fur?
Well, don't look at me!
Look at the scratches on his neck...
And a gash on the back of the head.
Maybe the cat attacked him and then he hit his head on the pulpit.
Excuse me, Madam. This is a crime scene.
Please stand back.
Is it true? Is he really...
...is he really dead?
They found white fur near the Reverend Duncan's body.
Just like with Gabriel.
So, do I have to accept that he's dead too?
A son shouldn't die before his father - it's not natural.
We don't yet know what's happened to him.
So you don't think he's dead?
There was no blood on Gabriel's clothes.
If there is a big cat loose,
perhaps it just found Gabriel's clothes and mauled them.
So where is he?
I don't know.
But I promise you, I'll do everything I can to find out.
So you were close with the Reverend?
We used to be.
In what way exactly?
Mutual interests.
We both loved animals.
I hear he was some kind of amateur zoologist.
Did he own any dangerous pets?
No.
It wasn't an animal that...
Yes?
I saw Sam Wadey attack him.
When?
Yesterday.
In the churchyard, they were arguing and he hit him in the face!
Thank you.
Terrible news about the Reverend Duncan.
Father Brown.
I was an old friend of his.
Yes, it's a real tragedy.
Such a lovely man.
There is talk of an exotic wild cat.
Do you think it could be the culprit?
I'm open to all possibilities.
Now, if you don't mind...
But I couldn't help noticing your reaction in the church.
You seemed surprised that white fur was found
by the Reverend Duncan's body.
You know, this is exactly why
I converted to the Church of England.
I'm sorry?
No more priests sticking their noses into other people's business.
Well, that went well.
He's obviously hiding something.
Yes.
My son and I moved in with the Reverend about five months ago.
He didn't know you before then? No.
I came here to be the new church warden.
I'm not from round here.
I've just found Gabriel's diary, Sir.
The last entry makes very interesting reading.
What do you mean?
"If Dad found out, he'd kill me."
Well?
Well, it's a figure of speech! I don't know.
Maybe he was talking about swimming naked in the lake.
Really? Well, let's look at the facts.
Reverend Duncan is dead, a witness says you attacked him yesterday.
Your son is missing, and he wrote that you'd kill him.
Now hang on a minute. Arrest him, Sergeant.
What - you think I killed my own boy?
Most victims are known to their killers.
Sam Wadey, I'm arresting you on suspicion of the murder
of Reverend Duncan.
You are not obliged to say anything
but anything you say may be given in evidence.
You don't look convinced, Father.
Yeah. Coppers never get it right.
I need to find out about Sam Wadey's alleged assault
with the Reverend Duncan.
What was that?
Something in the woods.
We should investigate.
He was my friend too.
That abrasion on his forehead,
is that where Sam hit him?
Yes.
The date on this painting is a few days ago.
And yet you said that Sam attacked him yesterday?
Well, maybe I got it wrong.
Maybe I painted it today.
I know you have a grudge against Sam Wadey.
But your lies could see him hanged.
If it wasn't for him, then we'd have been together!
The Reverend and I, we...
...we had something...
That is no reason...
...and now he's dead!
I know you're grieving, Your Grace, but you need to tell the police.
No.
Then I'm afraid I will.
It won't make any difference.
Because it's just your words against mine.
What are we even supposed to be looking for?
You'll know when you find it.
Holy cow!
Not more horse dung?
Hello?
Anybody there?
There is no way I am going back into them woods.
There's definitely something in there.
Just listen to me.
Sam's been arrested.
If we don't say something, he could hang.
Just keep quiet for now.
I just need to keep the interest going a little longer.
Sounds like they know something.
We have to tell Father Brown.
I knew there was something dodgy about that professor.
Yeah.
You all right?
Erm... yeah, I just, I can't stop thinking about that carcass.
It was totally stripped of flesh.
Well, whatever attacked it certainly had a big appetite.
Father Brown!
Father? Is he breathing?
Can you hear me, Father? It's Mrs Devine.
He's waking up.
Are you all right, Father?
Never better.
Bunty! Bunty?
Great! Did you call them? No.
Inspector, what can I do for you?
Just following up on some information.
We've got Sam Wadey in custody.
We heard.
He said Gabriel spent a lot of time at the manor, doing odd jobs.
That's one way of putting it.
Inspector?
What's happened, Father?
He's been attacked at the vicarage.
It's just a bump.
They were behind the door, didn't see anything.
I don't mean to be rude but
I really should get back to my research.
I'm assuming you've told the Inspector what you know?
Yeah, we heard you gabbing earlier.
You're mistaken.
Michael, for the sake of Sam, we have to speak up.
I think I know what happened to Gabriel.
You know where he is?
He said he was moving to London to become a...
Gigolo.
Apparently women couldn't resist him.
God knows why.
He told me the night before last...
...after breaking up with me.
Why didn't you report this sooner?
Because my ex-husband begged me not to.
What exactly is going on?
Professor Garcia,
you were surprised when they found white fur in the church
because you didn't put it there, did you?
But you did plant the white fur in the woods? Why?
Well... Professor?
The thing is...
I think we should continue this down at the station.
What?
But I'm innocent!
Michael, don't be a fool!
Well, don't just stand there, Sergeant, get after him.
Right, you stay where you are, Sir.
Look - I'm not a killer!
He's telling the truth.
After finding Gabriel's clothes in a bush, I...
I ripped them and planted some fur taken from Sylvia's old coat.
The carcass - did you plant that as well?
It was all just a publicity stunt.
For what?
The Legend of the Byakko Beast.
I assume you're writing a book about it.
That's why he asked me to stage the attack - to generate more interest.
I never should have agreed.
And the Reverend's murder? Was that a publicity stunt too?
We had nothing to do with that.
There was white fur in the church.
You've missed a bit, yeah, on your nose.
All too much of a coincidence.
Sergeant, take them both in for questioning.
Me? But I thought if I told the truth I'd be in the clear.
Get your hands off me.
Will you be letting Sam Wadey go? No.
We still need to weigh up all the evidence.
But the Duchess was lying about his assault on the Reverend Duncan.
I assume you have evidence of that?
Thought not.
Why are you burning them?
There's only one I care about.
What do you want?
I was attacked.
Their breath smelt of bourbon.
Looks a little big for your finger.
Is that why you were at the vicarage,
to steal a keepsake of the Reverend's?
What's it matter if I did? What does anything matter?
You obviously cared a lot about the Reverend.
But you can't let it destroy you.
What do you know?
I know what it feels to lose someone you love.
My husband.
I'm sorry.
The Reverend Duncan...
he had feelings for you?
When I lost the manor...
...he was there for me.
He was the only one who gave a damn.
Did you scratch his face?
I didn't mean to.
He said people were talking about us
and asked me to stay away.
And I just lashed out.
You think I'm deluded?
You think that I'm lonely and I'm desperate.
What's not in doubt, is the kindness Reverend Duncan showed to you.
That's real.
And in return, he'd want you to show the same kindness now.
No!
Gabriel!
Are you OK?
Can I help you in any way?
I'd like to talk to someone
about Sam Wadey.
So, do you think a big cat really did cause the Reverend's death?
Possibly.
But where did it come from?
Maybe it escaped
from a private owner.
Or maybe the story about the Byakko Beast really is true.
Sam!
Thank you, Father.
Glad to be of help.
We'll give you a lift back to Wedlock.
Any news on Gabriel?
Sylvia Garcia thinks he may have gone to London.
The police think it's unlikely,
what with all his belongings still at the vicarage.
And his clothes in the woods.
I keep imagining what might have happened to him.
I can't make it stop.
Come on, let's get you home.
I saw men killed in the trenches, nursed my dying wife,
but the death of my boy, it's a different matter.
Sam, I meant what I said,
I will find Gabriel.
Do you want me to come inside with you?
If you don't mind, I need to be on my own.
We'll speak tomorrow.
I've been thinking, yeah.
Has anyone actually seen this white cat, Byakko Beast or whatever it is?
No, just heard it.
Be quite ironic if the Reverend did get killed by a big cat,
what with him being an amateur zoologist.
Of course.
He's a zoologist.
And that would explain...
...and that would mean...
What is he on about?
Zoology?
Need to hide it somewhere nearby.
Courtesy of Sid Carter.
You'd make a great thief, Father.
Wait here.
Don't want to get shut inside.
What's down there?
Dead people.
Found anything, Father?
What was that?
Father Brown!
Father, get out of there!
A tape recorder?
Won't be long.
Father?
The Third Duke of Wedlock.
1846 to 1892.
Everything all right, Father?
As I feared.
It's Gabriel.
He's dead.
I'll call the police.
Hi, can we use your telephone?
Of course.
What's happened? Is it Gabriel?
I'm so sorry.
No.
Father Brown is with him near the mausoleum.
Where's Gabriel?
Father?
He's where you left him.
You killed your son
and the Reverend Duncan.
That's absurd.
With all the furore about the Byakko,
you made the Reverend's death look like a big cat attack.
How could you ever think that?
As an amateur zoologist, it wouldn't be unusual for Reverend Duncan
to have tape recordings of exotic animals.
Living in the vicarage, you'd know that.
You left the scene of the crime after we discovered the body.
I'll call the police.
You must have turned on the tape recorder
prior to joining the congregation.
And then you needed somewhere to hide it.
As church warden, you'd have keys to the mausoleum.
And Gabriel?
You think I'm capable of killing my own son?
He was going to London - to become a gigolo.
Did you confront him?
Did you snap, Sam?
This has to stop!
Coming home half-naked, up to God knows what.
Well, it's not for much longer.
I'm moving to London.
And how are you going to survive?
You haven't done a day's work in your life.
I've got hidden talents.
Really?
The only thing you're good at is sleeping around.
Exactly.
Is that meant to be a joke?
No big deal.
If people are willing to cough up...
You're disgusting.
Do you have any morals?
You can talk.
Mum told me about the affairs.
Don't. Don't you dare.
You're no different to me.
I just do it for the money.
Shut your dirty mouth!
I am not finished...
I loved him.
He was my boy.
I never meant to hurt him.
Well, yes.
I believe you.
Yes.
Yes, Mrs Devine. We'll be right there.
I assume the Reverend Duncan told you he was going to the police.
Well, after Gabriel's death, I was sick with guilt.
I needed to tell someone.
Did you think he would condone it?
I hoped he'd understand, help me find peace.
Peace?
I don't know, a way to somehow live with it.
I was desperate.
It was an accident.
They'll take that into account.
That's not how it works.
Sam, you're not thinking clearly.
I killed my son.
They'll lock me away or worse.
Well, if you won't tell them, then I will.
No. Listen.
It's the right thing to do.
Trust me, Sam.
You panicked.
You put fur around the body,
ripped his shirt and scratched his neck.
It just escalated.
I never meant for any of it to happen.
Sam, you need to seek forgiveness.
After what we went through in the trenches, I'm not a believer.
No God would allow that to happen.
You know me, I'm not a bad person.
So, please,
just stay quiet about what you know.
Quiet?
Sam,
you killed your own son.
And you killed a priest because he refused to absolve you.
You must turn to God and repent.
Repent! Won't stop them putting a rope around my neck!
Please, look, I'm begging you.
They'll hang me.
Think about that for a second.
But you can save my life,
like I saved yours.
So, what's it going to be?
Are you going to condemn me to death?
I'm sorry, Corporal.
Chief Inspector, Sergeant.
Now, you watch your head, sir.
It's good you telephoned when you did.
Father Brown has a habit of putting himself in danger.
I know.
But I don't think Sam would have hurt him.
I'm sure Reverend Duncan thought that too.
Yes.
Well...
...thank you for coming so quickly.
Well.
Good day.
Must have been hard, snitching on an old mate.
Yes.
But he's done the right thing.
Father, I've just been speaking to Inspector Sullivan.
What is it with you two?
Why you always gabbing with him?
I'm not.
Anyway, he said that the Professor had been cleared.
Father?
He's hardly said a word all morning.
Hasn't even drank his coffee.
Are you still upset about Sam?
The truth is,
I never knew the real Sam Wadey.
I only knew a war hero.
A myth.
A legend.
Like the Byakko Beast.
Shoo!
Faster and faster it goes, tearing the land apart
from past to present,
present to past.
Returneth from whence it came.
Hello, there.
Where did you come from?
Come inside, and have some milk.