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The two kids from the council estate scrambled through the hedgerow. It was a dare, trying to bag pheasants from the local farms. Everyone did it. So now it was Ken and Frank's turn. They walked down the field towards the stream at the bottom, always on the lookout for the keeper or his you apprentice. Suddenly, there was a rustling noise from within the hedgerow. Ken and Frank turned to see what it was. They didn't even have time to scream.

* * *

The tall man with the lined face and shock of white hair looked up as a small and very pretty young girl came in, carrying a tray of coffee,

"Doctor, are you still working away at that thing?" "Jo, I have to get the TARDIS operational. I'm not prepared to be stranded here just because the Time Lords say so." "Okay, but you've been fiddling with it non-stop for three weeks now. You know what I think?" "No, but I'm sure you're going to tell me." "You need a holiday." "Quite so. If I get the TARDIS working I was planning on a trip to Metebelis Three. It's the famed blue planet of the Actaeon galaxy." "I know, you told me. But you need a holiday now. Everyone thinks so." "Everyone? Jo, did Lethbridge-Stewart put you up to this? I've a good mind to –" "He's worried about you. We all are."

Before the Doctor could respond, Jo carried on. "Look, there's this great village I read about in the travel section of the paper. It's very quiet, pretty untouched by the modern world, and it's full of history. They say the church dates back to Saxon times." "Really? And what's this place called, then?"

"Ambridge."Eddie Grundy was sneaking across what had once been his own land, looking for pheasants. He knew Clarrie didn't like his poaching, but the way he saw it, those beggars at the Estate owed him for the way they'd turfed his family out on the street. He felt a sharp jab of pain in his foot, as he stubbed his toe against something. He got down onto the ground, scraped away some dirt, and found he was holding a round sphere about twelve inches in diameter. It was translucent, and glowing. "That'll be worth a bob or two," he said to himself, as he shoved the object in his sack.

* * *

George Barford enjoyed his morning constitutionals. They gave him a chance to be alone and think. He loved being married to Chris, of course, wouldn't swap it for the world, but there was still a strong solitary streak in his character. He indulged it by walking the fields of the Grey Gables shoot, where he'd been a gamekeeper for so many years. He was walking across the Country Park, thinking his own thoughts, when he spotted a trainer sticking out from one of the hedgerows. Kids, he thought. Probably got caught by Greg or William, and ran off so fast they left a shoe behind. Having a tidy mind, he walked over to pick it up.

* * *

Greg Turner saw his old mentor George Barford pulling at something under a hedgerow. "What's up, George?" "Got your mobile on you, Greg?" George said, without turning round. "Yes. Why?" "Better call Mr Woolley, and tell him there's been some sort of accident. Best call an ambulance and the police while you're at it." While Greg did this, George turned over the second body. Like the first, there was a strange blue substance around the lips.

* * *

Siobhan Hathaway shut the door of Honeysuckle Cottage behind her, and looked across the village green. It was going to be a beautiful day. That was good, as Brian had suggested that they should meet up on one of the roads out towards Penny Hasset, and look for a quiet secluded spot. Privately, Siobhan thought she was probably too old for such alfresco antics, and Brian definitely was, but with both Tim and Jennifer around their respective houses all week, there didn't seem to be much other choice.

The village green looked the same as ever. Except, over by the village shop someone had parked a bright yellow Edwardian roadster.

* * *

"Well, here we are, Jo."

Jo Grant stretched her legs over the side of Bessie's bodywork, and climbed down to the ground. It had been a pleasant journey. For once the Doctor had not been in a hurry, so had seen no reason to employ any of the super-speed devices he had installed in Bessie over the years. Instead, he had taken the time to enjoy the scenery as they had driven through the English countryside.

"It seems lovely. Just like something out of a '50s picture book." "Yes. Perhaps a little too like that." The Doctor sounded concerned. Jo turned to look at him, and found him leaning forward, arms folded over the steering wheel, and staring out into space. "Oh come on, Doctor, there's nothing wrong here, surely? It's just a quiet English village." "Yes, Jo. I'm sure that's what the brochures said about Devil's End." He rubbed his chin speculatively. "No, you're right, I've probably just been working too hard. I expect trouble wherever I go. Where did you say this hotel was?" "Grey Gables. It's just up that road out of the green, and then down a side road on the left." "Well then, let's go."

The Doctor started Bessie up again, and Jo climbed back into the passenger seat. As they drove off, the Doctor had a worried expression on his face. Despite what he had said to Jo, he knew he wasn't imagining things. There was a definite miasma of evil about this place.

* * *

He watched the little yellow car go up the hill, and then dropped the curtain back into place. The Doctor! Here, now! Just as their plans were coming to fruition. Well, it didn't matter. This time he wouldn't frustrate them. This time they would succeed. The phone started to ring, and he went to answer it.

* * *

Part Two>>