The Doctor walked up to the door of the chapel, which stood open. He went inside, peering around in the dim light, not sure himself, just what he was hoping to find. “Hello? Anyone home?” Like his footsteps, his voice also echoed off the stone walls. But the Doctor received no answer. He shrugged. “Bit damp and musty in here,” he muttered to himself, “what this place needs in some good central heating. No wonder it’s empty.”

The Doctor spied a prayer book lying open on one of the benches and picked it up. Slipping on his glasses, he opened the cover and read the inscription. “To my wife on her 30th birthday, with love from your husband, Tom.” The Doctor set the book back down. “What?” he chuckled, “No flowers or chocolate? A real romantic chap you were, Tom.” “The late Mr. Patterson loved his wife very much. I gave him that book to give to her, ten years ago.” said a gentle voice behind him.

The Doctor whirled round, and saw the vicar standing there. The Doctor was a bit taken aback. He took off his glasses and peered into the gloom at the newcomer. “Hello!” He tilted his head, “Erm–Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.” The vicar smiled and said softly, “That’s quite alright, my son. Is there something I might do for you?” The Doctor returned the smile, albeit warily. He wasn’t sure about this man. Something didn’t feel quite right.

Shoving his hands into his jacket pockets, he said, “Yes. As a matter of fact, I was wondering if you’d been experiencing any unusual activity around these parts lately.” The vicar tilted his head and appeared deep in thought. “Unusual, you say?” He seemed to have an idea. “Ah? You mean like spirits walking, that sort of thing? Are you one of those spiritualists, then?” He gave what seemed to be an exaggerated sigh. “We’re getting quite a few of you lot around here lately.” The vicar gestured to the curtained off alcove. “Come with me, then. I’ve something to show you that might be of interest to you.” He lead the way to the alcove, the Doctor following curiously.

Meanwhile, Martha had recovered sufficiently to begin exploring on her own. Carrying the Doctor’s coat in her arms, she wandered down the road and was looking at inscriptions on the headstones. She noticed a diminutive figure in black, kneeling beside a freshly dug grave. Martha drew back next to a tree and watched as the person laid a bouquet of flowers upon the grave.

Above her, the harsh booming call of a raven startled Martha. She looked up, annoyed. When she returned her gaze to the person, she saw the tall man, standing directly behind the mourner. Before she could call out a warning, the skeletal man pointed his finger at the person’s back. A glowing green mist slowly formed around the mourner. The person stood upright, stiffened and screamed horribly as the body slowly disintegrated into the earth. As Martha slunk further behind the tree, she heard a ghastly laugh issue forth from the tall man. But he wasn’t finished. He raised his arm and lowered it towards the mound of fresh earth. Slowly, the earth moved, and a coffin appeared from beneath the dirt.