T.R.R.M. A Sleeping Life. (1989) Part 1 of 2.

deaddogsdam

First broadcast 12th/19th/26th November 1989.  Tired of dealing with his older daughter's domestic problems, Reg Wexford is not really unhappy when a sudden death calls him away from home.  George Baker - Det. Chief Insp. Wexford Christopher Ravenscroft - Det. Insp. Burden Imelda Staunton - Polly Flinders Louie Ramsay - Dora Wexford Dave Hill - Dep. Chief Constable Freeborn Mamta Kaash - Malina Patel Patrick Drury - Chief Supt. Howard Fortune William Simons - Det. Insp. Michael Baker Olivier Pierre - Commissaire Pierre Laquin Charon Bourke - Sylvia Fairfax Niall Buggy - Victor Vivian Ken Kitson - Sgt. Martin John Burgess - Dr. Len Crocker Iain Mitchell - Hetherington Deborah Poplett - Sheila Wexford Neil McCaul - Charles Wood Su Douglas - Rhoda Comfrey Liz Kettle - Transvestite Josie Kidd - Hospital secretary Peter Harri - Clerk of the court Gordon Kane - Sgt. Clements Matthew Grundy - Robin Fairfax Sylvia Syms - Lilian Crown Caroline Berry - Stella Parker Mark Aspinall - Brian Parker Richard Dixon - Shop Assistant James Fleet - Neil Fairfax Lesley Joseph - Rose Farriner's neighbour Linda Marlowe - Rose Farriner George Rossi - Pathologist Steve Bridgen - Dr. Lomond Caroline Holdaway - Mrs. Moss Gwen Nelson - Grandma Parker Vincent Pickering - Bernard Charon Bourke - Sylvia Wexford

Transcript

00:00:30Well, I'm glad we've brought you somewhere you've never been before.

00:00:57What's the verdict? How'd you like the food?

00:00:59It was very good, although I must say I was expecting something different.

00:01:03It's just like spicy Chinese and...

00:01:06Oh, we love Thai food, don't we, Dora?

00:01:09We certainly do. We've been coming here off and on ever since it first opened.

00:01:14What's your verdict, Sylvia?

00:01:19Sylvia!

00:01:21Sorry, Dad. It was lovely. And thanks for getting us out of the house.

00:01:26I needed to get away from the domestic scene for a while.

00:01:35One of my German clients, Dieter Mauer, belongs to a group that play war games every weekend.

00:02:02They run round the woods in combat fatigue, shooting pen pellets at each other.

00:02:07Splat!

00:02:08You're dead.

00:02:10I mean, it just seems a rather childish way for adults to behave.

00:02:15Childish?

00:02:15Say nothing of the laundry bill every week.

00:02:17God, Neil, you're the end.

00:02:20Look, Sylvia, it wasn't my fault Dieter turned up.

00:02:23It was our wedding anniversary.

00:02:25I didn't know. He was coming.

00:02:26You could have told him.

00:02:27Well, I couldn't. He was here by then.

00:02:28When he got here.

00:02:29I couldn't. That's not the way to do business.

00:02:31Oh, God!

00:02:32Sylvia!

00:02:45Didn't get married to become a domestic servant, come childminder, come cook.

00:02:49Well, then why did you marry me?

00:02:50To share my life with you, as an equal partner in all things, not just to procreate and keep house.

00:02:56So, you don't love the children? You're not interested in them?

00:02:58Oh, God, Neil, that's pathetic and stupid.

00:03:01Of course, I love the children. I just want other things as well.

00:03:04Come on, then. Like what?

00:03:05I'd like to be stimulating people.

00:03:08I want to pick my wits against the next person.

00:03:10I'd like to earn my corn.

00:03:12I'd like to be treated as an intelligent, thinking human being.

00:03:16When have I ever treated you as anything else?

00:03:17All I've ever said is...

00:03:18Oh, I know what you've said.

00:03:19And so often, it's like a boring, broken record.

00:03:22You...

00:03:33What are you doing here?

00:03:37Didn't you realize?

00:03:58Smells good.

00:04:00Are you ready, Bernie?

00:04:04Cakes for the boys. Sylvia's bringing them round about three.

00:04:09You still have the same opinion as you were last night?

00:04:12It's just a phase.

00:04:14Oh, my God, you and you are just a phase.

00:04:16The amount of times I've heard that.

00:04:19And that.

00:04:24Waxford?

00:04:26Yes?

00:04:27It's just what they want from forthcoming legislation...

00:04:30Here. I'm on my way.

00:04:32What is it?

00:04:33Sudden death.

00:04:35Body on the path.

00:04:57I believe you found the body, sir.

00:05:04Well, it was my little boy, actually.

00:05:06Oh, how old?

00:05:07Six.

00:05:09Well, in your own time, sir.

00:05:11Well, I was just taking him to school.

00:05:13We missed the bus, so we took the shortcut.

00:05:16Saw the dog sniffing at something.

00:05:18Next thing I knew, it was saying,

00:05:19It's a lady, Dad.

00:05:20Come and look.

00:05:22You didn't move anything?

00:05:23No, no.

00:05:24We've just covered her face.

00:05:26She looked cold.

00:05:28As soon as we got in, I called the station.

00:05:31Well, thanks for your cooperation.

00:05:32I know she is.

00:05:33Do you?

00:05:34Her name's Comfrey.

00:05:36C-O-M-F-R-E-Y.

00:05:39She lives in Carlisle Villas.

00:05:41At least her dad does.

00:05:43Well, we'll, er...

00:05:45get a full report from you later, sir.

00:05:47Inspector?

00:05:48Yeah?

00:05:48Nick, my son, he...

00:05:50he thinks she's...

00:05:52ill.

00:05:54Sick.

00:05:55Well, I told him that...

00:05:58I didn't want to tell him.

00:05:59Yeah.

00:06:00I did on the side.

00:06:05All right to go?

00:06:06We'll contact you later, Mr. Parker.

00:06:08The boy?

00:06:09He won't have to go to court.

00:06:11No, no, of course not.

00:06:12Don't worry, Mr. Wetsford will fix that.

00:06:17Stabbed.

00:06:24Two wounds that I can see.

00:06:28Extraordinary expression.

00:06:30Hmm.

00:06:31You'd expect her to look scared.

00:06:34She hadn't been moved.

00:06:37Last night?

00:06:38Could be.

00:06:39Thin, stiletto-type knife, would you guess?

00:06:45A guess?

00:06:46An educated one.

00:06:48Oh, no, hands bagged.

00:06:49Sir?

00:06:50Well, there might be scrapings on her nails.

00:06:52Oh, the Met report for the last 24 hours for the region.

00:06:55Any sort of a weapon?

00:06:56No, not yet, sir.

00:06:57Well, start a search.

00:06:58When you don't find it, then do a house to house.

00:07:01You know, any dogs have barked, anybody heard anything.

00:07:04You know the routine.

00:07:05Sir.

00:07:05Any bread on the killer?

00:07:07Possibly.

00:07:08Bus stop, bypass, dry cleaners, lawn, rat, oh, and the railway station, etc.

00:07:14Airport, sir.

00:07:15Get on with it, Sergeant.

00:07:16Come on.

00:07:25No checkbook.

00:07:27No cards.

00:07:29Just get your wallet.

00:07:30Okay.

00:07:34Forty-five pounds.

00:07:37Well, she wasn't killed for her money, was she?

00:08:04Just a couple more questions, Mr. Parker.

00:08:26How is the lady, sir?

00:08:32Oh, she'll be fine.

00:08:34Fine.

00:08:42Stella, these gentlemen are...

00:08:44The police.

00:08:44I know.

00:08:46Afternoon.

00:08:49There wasn't anybody at the confioes.

00:08:51I'm sorry, I forgot.

00:08:52He's in hospital.

00:08:54Oh, is that the cottage hospital?

00:08:55No.

00:08:57It's the infirmary at Stowarton.

00:08:58He broke his hip.

00:09:01Was he close to his daughter?

00:09:03Not that close.

00:09:05What was her name?

00:09:06Rhoda.

00:09:08Rhoda.

00:09:08That's great for us.

00:09:10She only came down here once or twice a year.

00:09:12Once or twice?

00:09:14Not more.

00:09:15When you say came down here, where from?

00:09:18London, I think.

00:09:19I assumed it was London.

00:09:20London.

00:09:21Your best bet's Mrs. Crown.

00:09:23Oh, who's she?

00:09:24The aunt.

00:09:25Lives next door.

00:09:26Nobody there either at the moment.

00:09:28So that's two relatives.

00:09:29A father and an aunt.

00:09:31Something to be going on with.

00:09:32Then there's Brian's gran.

00:09:34Upstairs.

00:09:35She knows all about the confioes.

00:09:37What she doesn't know, she'll invent.

00:09:392020 vision and an imagination to match.

00:09:42Have you any idea, sir, when Mrs. Crown will be back?

00:09:45When they chuck her out?

00:09:46Well, it's like that, is it?

00:09:47Likes a drop.

00:09:48More than a drop.

00:09:52You all right, Mrs. Parker?

00:09:54When your six-year-old son finds a murdered victim, Inspector,

00:09:56how do you expect me to see him?

00:09:58Nothing from the house to house.

00:10:19People aren't as nosy as they used to be.

00:10:22Where have you been?

00:10:23I've been talking to a Mrs. Moore.

00:10:24She came back on the bus from the infirmary with Rhoda last night.

00:10:27And?

00:10:27Nothing.

00:10:28Just past the time of day.

00:10:30Let's go and see Comfrey.

00:10:31All right.

00:10:34Murdered.

00:10:36Jeez.

00:10:38Not a soul safe anymore.

00:10:40She'd only come to visit her da.

00:10:42That's why we have to see him.

00:10:44Not tonight, Chief Inspector.

00:10:45I couldn't allow that.

00:10:47But a word like murder got around the ward.

00:10:51God bless us, sir, there's none of them in sleep.

00:10:53Nor would any of us.

00:10:55He wouldn't want to obstruct our inquiries, would you, sister?

00:10:57Oh, I'll tell him myself first thing in the morning, and that's a promise.

00:11:01Whether it'll mean anything or not, heaven knows.

00:11:04Is he senile?

00:11:06He's an 85-year-old man.

00:11:08He's had major surgery and then a stroke.

00:11:11If that's to be senile, yes, he's senile.

00:11:15How about Miss Comfrey's home address?

00:11:17There, I can help you.

00:11:18Here we are.

00:11:23Carlisle Villas, Forest Road, Kingsmarkham.

00:11:27That's his address, not hers.

00:11:30She's the only one we have.

00:11:31We think she may have lived in London.

00:11:33Well, then I can't help you.

00:11:34Didn't wake you up, did I?

00:12:03No, I couldn't sleep.

00:12:06Missing my bed warmer.

00:12:09What did you think of that?

00:12:11You remember.

00:12:12When Bobbin was Bobbin.

00:12:15635 pounds a year, excluding boot and bike allowance.

00:12:19This isn't chocolate, is it?

00:12:21It is not.

00:12:21It's cocoa, just like it always was.

00:12:24Yeah, it smells the same, too.

00:12:27You have some.

00:12:27You look tired.

00:12:34I'm whacked.

00:12:36Is it a tough one?

00:12:38That's all the makings.

00:12:40Man or woman?

00:12:41Woman.

00:12:42Woman.

00:12:44People talk a lot of rubbish about death, Dora.

00:12:48Isn't beautiful.

00:12:52It's downright ugly.

00:12:53It doesn't look like sleep at all.

00:12:58How old?

00:12:59About 45.

00:13:02She looked, I don't know, defiant.

00:13:09Must have she cocked a snook at us.

00:13:12Getting quite fanciful in your old age.

00:13:15No.

00:13:17This one's going to lead us a hell of a dance.

00:13:19Or know the reason why.

00:13:37Mrs. Crone.

00:13:39You must be Mr. Wexford.

00:13:42Sit down.

00:13:42Which whistle?

00:13:43Oh, thanks.

00:13:44It's a bit early for me.

00:13:46You didn't get that colour from tomato juice.

00:13:49No, you're right.

00:13:50East wind.

00:13:51Very raw.

00:13:53So, RIP road, eh?

00:13:56That's a turn up.

00:13:57Was it?

00:13:59It was to me.

00:14:00I'll tell you something.

00:14:02You won't get me down that footpath again, isn't it?

00:14:05It was a sex crime, I take it.

00:14:08I wouldn't have thought so.

00:14:11But the only thing she had in her drawers was...

00:14:14was God would have said.

00:14:15You don't seem heartbroken.

00:14:20Perceptive man.

00:14:21I'll tell you something.

00:14:22She phoned me Friday.

00:14:23Said she was coming.

00:14:25That usual?

00:14:26That's unusual for her to go.

00:14:28Hello, Lillian.

00:14:30Guess who?

00:14:31I don't speak of anybody else.

00:14:33For us, like vintage port.

00:14:36I'll just pop in to see her tell you how Jimbo's getting on.

00:14:40Were you surprised when she didn't?

00:14:42No.

00:14:44She took the train set back to London.

00:14:46She hated it, Tanya.

00:14:47What was that?

00:14:48Turnips and Swedes, that's what she called us.

00:14:51Said so often, you know.

00:14:53Well, what I need now is her exact London address.

00:14:59Well, phone number.

00:15:02Oh, dear.

00:15:03Well, what do you do if you want to get in touch or call?

00:15:06I wouldn't.

00:15:06Well, what if it was an emergency?

00:15:09Mr. Waxford.

00:15:11I've seen her a dozen times in 20 years.

00:15:14Oh.

00:15:15Well.

00:15:18What does she do for a living?

00:15:20Business.

00:15:21What sort of business?

00:15:22Dunno.

00:15:24But she'd be good at it.

00:15:26Eyes like cash registers.

00:15:29None of the money go my way.

00:15:31Or is, poor sod.

00:15:32I wonder how you get along without her.

00:15:37Well, it will be a struggle.

00:15:42Mr. Comfrey?

00:15:46Mr. Comfrey?

00:15:48Save your breath, Inspector.

00:15:53I'd like to take a peep in his locker.

00:15:55I'm not sure about that.

00:15:56We do have a warrant to search his house.

00:15:59It should cover this.

00:16:00Oh, I'm not so sure.

00:16:01Maybe the arm and...

00:16:02I'll tell you what.

00:16:02You stand and watch, okay?

00:16:04Fair enough.

00:16:05What were you expecting?

00:16:29The Shroud of Turin?

00:16:30The Shroud of Turin?

00:17:00All right.

00:17:01Has Nort finished the PM yet?

00:17:03No, I'll go over to see him later.

00:17:05Ah.

00:17:06Hey.

00:17:07Sniff this.

00:17:12Can't smell a thing.

00:17:13How can I?

00:17:14Don't follow.

00:17:16Len, how many women do you know

00:17:17who don't use a drop of perfume

00:17:18or a splash in toilet water?

00:17:21Don't know many women, Reg.

00:17:22Story of my life.

00:17:23Oh, my heart bleeds for you.

00:17:26Lot of paper.

00:17:30Doesn't amount of much.

00:17:31Murder weapon?

00:17:32Took it with him.

00:17:34Oh, did I tell you?

00:17:36Old man Comfrey was on my list.

00:17:38Used to pop into the surgery for a natter.

00:17:41Fit as a flea till the stroke.

00:17:42What I want to know is,

00:17:43where does she live?

00:17:45London.

00:17:45Next person that says that to me,

00:17:46I'll chin them.

00:17:471970.

00:18:01What was?

00:18:01When he last chucked something out.

00:18:03Pins, screws, keys, nails.

00:18:07Some old stuff for a bit.

00:18:08Oh.

00:18:10Some cigarette cards.

00:18:12Of who?

00:18:13Cricketers.

00:18:14Who?

00:18:15Sutcliffe.

00:18:17Ames.

00:18:19Wright.

00:18:20Heard of any of them.

00:18:21Yeah.

00:18:23Worship them all.

00:18:25Look at this.

00:18:27Rhoda Comfrey.

00:18:28Has to be.

00:18:29Couldn't prove it by me.

00:18:30Why, you didn't see her until she was dead 20 years later?

00:18:33Looks more like her dad, yeah?

00:18:35Any, uh, diaries or address books?

00:18:38No, nothing like that, I'm afraid.

00:18:40Right.

00:18:41Well, I'll go and have another look downstairs.

00:18:43All right.

00:18:47It's very strange, isn't it?

00:18:50Her address isn't written down here anywhere,

00:18:52and she hasn't given it to her aunt or any of the neighbors,

00:18:55or her dad's doctor, or the infirmary,

00:18:58and her old man hasn't got it with him.

00:19:01Well, he's probably got it in his mind.

00:19:02Oh, the only thing that's in his mind is where the fruit guns are.

00:19:05Maybe she did it deliberately.

00:19:08Maybe she didn't want anybody to know where she lived.

00:19:11Why not, though?

00:19:13I don't know.

00:19:14You finish up here, bring these with you,

00:19:17and then get Lillian Crown to do the formal ID.

00:19:20All right.

00:19:21By the way, you'll like her.

00:19:24She's just up your street.

00:19:25Mrs. Parker.

00:19:53Can I see your grandma?

00:19:58Nana, this is Mr. Wexford.

00:20:01He's the one that wants...

00:20:02I know who he is.

00:20:06Sit down, do.

00:20:08Mrs. Parker.

00:20:09You make me giddy looking up at you.

00:20:12Speak up, though she won't hear.

00:20:15There's nothing wrong with my hearing,

00:20:17or my marbles.

00:20:20Apple pie.

00:20:21Earning me keep.

00:20:23How well did you know Rhoda Comfrey?

00:20:25As well as I know my own kids.

00:20:28Rather see me than her own dad.

00:20:30She said so often enough.

00:20:32Well, what I need at the moment is her address in London.

00:20:34You don't happen to have one...

00:20:36No, why should I need it?

00:20:37Well, I just thought...

00:20:39You met the aunt yet?

00:20:41Lillian Crown.

00:20:43Aunt and niece must have been about the same age.

00:20:45Scandal, that woman.

00:20:47Oh, to be fair, though.

00:20:48She had this illegitimate baby.

00:20:51By some serviceman or other.

00:20:54John.

00:20:55Poor little Mike was mental.

00:20:57Rhoda used to love him.

00:20:59Truddled him round in the pram.

00:21:01And you know what Lillian did?

00:21:03Put him in a gnome.

00:21:07Rhoda would have been about 16 then.

00:21:09I remember when she was at the county I.

00:21:11Always reading.

00:21:13Always learning.

00:21:14French, Latin, typing lessons.

00:21:17Mrs. Parker...

00:21:18Nothing much to look at, mind you.

00:21:20None of the comforters were.

00:21:22Never had a boyfriend.

00:21:23Or anything like that.

00:21:25Still will be with us today.

00:21:28If it wasn't for the money.

00:21:30Money?

00:21:32Well, the money I'm telling you about.

00:21:34The money she won.

00:21:36How?

00:21:36If you listen, I'll tell you.

00:21:39Oh, sorry.

00:21:41Was at the office.

00:21:42There was a group of them.

00:21:44And they had this win on the pools.

00:21:46Very much.

00:21:47Oh, thousands.

00:21:49She never said exactly.

00:21:51And I didn't ask.

00:21:53Jim Comfrey thought it was an easy street.

00:21:56Ha, ha.

00:21:57But not with our Rhoda.

00:21:59Ha, ha, ha.

00:22:00She just up and left.

00:22:03Oh, that would be, oh, about 20 years ago.

00:22:07I'm off to London on divide to seek me fortune.

00:22:10How?

00:22:11How do you mean?

00:22:13Well, how was she going to earn this fortune?

00:22:15Well, as a reporter, of course.

00:22:18Didn't I say she worked on a newspaper?

00:22:21I don't believe you did.

00:22:23Oh, I don't think you're listening.

00:22:24Oh, I'm hanging on your every word.

00:22:26She was working as a secretary in Pumphrey.

00:22:29To the editor of the Gazette.

00:22:31Wrote the odd article now and then.

00:22:35So she told me.

00:22:37Mrs. Crown said that she was a business.

00:22:39Oh, you listen to her and you'll never solve buttons.

00:22:44Perhaps you're right.

00:22:45Well, thank you very much indeed, Mrs. Park.

00:22:47Oh, do you want to hear any more?

00:22:49Well, not just at the moment.

00:22:52Oh.

00:22:53Alex?

00:23:08Tell me.

00:23:10Why is it you folk can never wait till it's typed up neat and tidy?

00:23:15Is that a serious question?

00:23:16Aye.

00:23:17Pies me off.

00:23:18Have you ever heard of the 34-24 rule?

00:23:23Never.

00:23:24The most important hours of the murder inquiry are the last 34 hours of a victim's life

00:23:29and the first 34 hours after the body's been discovered.

00:23:32And I figure in both.

00:23:34Aye.

00:23:35So, are you interested in the osteoarthritic condition of a right hip?

00:23:39Did it kill her?

00:23:40Nope.

00:23:40Well, I'm not interested.

00:23:41Or that a right kidney weighed nine grams?

00:23:43No.

00:23:43Well, or maybe the fact that there were two stab wounds, both entering into two centimetre

00:23:49vertical slits into the lower chest, travelling in an upward direction for 14.5 centimetres,

00:23:57one of which penetrated a heart, thus causing death.

00:24:01The knife had a long, narrow blade with a sharp point.

00:24:05Flick now.

00:24:06Very lightly.

00:24:07The wounds were made cleanly and without hesitation.

00:24:10I'd say the blows were forcefully struck by someone standing directly facing her.

00:24:15Right-handed?

00:24:16Oh, right.

00:24:17What time?

00:24:19Between 7 and 9pm.

00:24:21That's more of a style.

00:24:23I think maybe I'm getting the hang of it, eh?

00:24:25Tommy, what were those little red marks on the inside of the left wrist?

00:24:30Nothing wrong with your eyesight, is there?

00:24:32What were they?

00:24:33Rat bites.

00:24:34Rats?

00:24:35After death.

00:24:37You will live in the country.

00:24:39That's not surprising.

00:24:40What is?

00:24:42Surprising.

00:24:44Well, her generative organs were in a healthy condition, and her hymen was intact.

00:24:49A virgin.

00:24:51Straight from the horse's mouth.

00:24:52What?

00:24:54What's so extraordinary about that?

00:24:56She was an unmarried woman.

00:24:57I don't believe it.

00:24:59Unusual in a woman of 45, don't you think?

00:25:02Unusual today, and one of 15.

00:25:05Yes, all right.

00:25:06Maybe one love affair.

00:25:07Forget love.

00:25:09No romance.

00:25:10No adventure.

00:25:10No experiment.

00:25:11It is remarkable.

00:25:14Sad.

00:25:15Still, it's less interesting to us than where she lived, how she lived, and who her friends were.

00:25:19There must have been a milkman or a newspaper boy.

00:25:22Someone.

00:25:24Never mind.

00:25:25Tomorrow's papers.

00:25:26That'll open the floodgates.

00:25:27What about motive, Mr. Wexford?

00:25:31Not yet.

00:25:32How about theft?

00:25:33Well, she had a sum of money in her handbag, but he wasn't touched.

00:25:35The sum of money, is it enough to be suspicious?

00:25:38It was 45 pounds, to be precise.

00:25:40It didn't sound like a pain master for the mafia.

00:25:43Mr. Burden has a picture of the victim.

00:25:46I'd like you all to take one with you.

00:25:48I must stress that it's not a good likeness.

00:25:50It's 20 years old.

00:25:52They do say that every picture's worth a thousand words.

00:25:55Not true.

00:25:56It was a rumour put around by a photographer.

00:26:00There is one angle that I would like you to plug for me.

00:26:03Rhoda the reporter.

00:26:05Did she ever succeed in journalism, Freed Street, the provinces, or even the local Tesco broadsheet?

00:26:11I'd like to know about it.

00:26:12Sooner rather than later.

00:26:14Oh, and thank you all for coming.

00:26:16Oh, pleasure.

00:26:17Right.

00:26:20Right.

00:26:22Harry?

00:26:23Yes?

00:26:25You used to be with the old Gazette.

00:26:27Yes.

00:26:29Plain-featured, dark-haired girl.

00:26:31Secretary to the George Rowlands, the editor.

00:26:34In the mid-60s.

00:26:35Do you remember her?

00:26:36And that was Rhoda?

00:26:37Could have been.

00:26:38The name of the game those days was to stay out of the editor's hair.

00:26:42Couldn't fire you if you didn't know your name.

00:26:45Yet, Rowlands is still in Pomfret.

00:26:47Is he?

00:26:47Yeah.

00:26:48Shall I send a bell you?

00:26:49Well, the sooner the better.

00:26:50Okay.

00:26:55Thanks.

00:27:21That's most interesting.

00:27:25Yes, I'll tell the chief inspector as soon as he comes in.

00:27:31Yes, I have your number. Thank you for calling, madam.

00:27:36I see her. All she has to do is sniff...

00:27:38I don't want to know. What else?

00:27:42Oh, I have a spiritualist in Lewisham.

00:27:44No.

00:27:46How about a medium in Rottingdean?

00:27:47No.

00:27:48A son whose mother abandoned him on the church?

00:27:50No.

00:27:51Anything from the newspapers?

00:27:54No.

00:27:57Oh, Mr. Rowland's run.

00:27:59Used to be the editor of the Gazette.

00:28:01And what did he say?

00:28:02He doesn't know anything. No address. Nothing.

00:28:05If anybody wants me, I'm going to the inquest.

00:28:10Any feedback on the story?

00:28:12Well, it's early days yet.

00:28:13You must have a theory.

00:28:15Yes, I have a theory.

00:28:17She's like a hermit. Lives alone under her assumed name.

00:28:20In a tent in Hyde Park.

00:28:22Can I quote you on that?

00:28:23Any time.

00:28:24I can't stand snotty coroners.

00:28:30Oh, come on, Reg. She's always like that. Always ready with a scalpel.

00:28:33Spade more like.

00:28:34I think I was personally to blame that we haven't got an address.

00:28:37No bank manager to say she had an account. No landlord.

00:28:40Or nothing.

00:28:41She could be a spy.

00:28:43Oh, come on. You'll be asking me to believe she's a call girl next.

00:28:46Well, I had wondered about that.

00:28:49The only virgin dad in London.

00:28:54She came out in London.

00:28:56He probably followed her down.

00:28:57She was intending to go back to London.

00:29:01He did go back.

00:29:03I see what you're thinking.

00:29:04I think you'd better get up there.

00:29:11Sylvia here.

00:29:13She's left.

00:29:14Neil.

00:29:14What?

00:29:15Just walked out after lunch and came here.

00:29:18Well, just like that.

00:29:18Left her husband and came back to mother.

00:29:20I can't believe it.

00:29:21I mean, it's true.

00:29:22Apparently, they've been having a continuous quarrel

00:29:25since last Wednesday evening.

00:29:27Well, where is she now?

00:29:28She's in the living room.

00:29:29Robin and Ben are in the garden.

00:29:31I don't know how much they realize.

00:29:33Darling, don't be harsh on her.

00:29:36When have I ever been harsh on my children?

00:29:38I haven't been harsh enough.

00:29:39I've always let them do exactly as they like.

00:29:41I should have put my foot down when she wanted to get married at 18.

00:29:48Hello, Dad.

00:29:52Well, it's a bad business, Sylvia.

00:29:57I don't suppose you want me here.

00:29:59I've nowhere else to go.

00:30:01I'll find a job and somewhere for me and the boys to live.

00:30:03Don't speak to me like that, Sylvia.

00:30:07This is your home.

00:30:09What have I ever said to you to make you speak to me like that?

00:30:13I didn't.

00:30:14I didn't.

00:30:22Good afternoon, sir.

00:30:49Can I help?

00:30:50Yes, I'm a police officer.

00:30:54The commissioner himself shops here, so why shouldn't you?

00:30:58Well, I'm not shopping, unfortunately.

00:30:59I'd just like to ask your help.

00:31:01So, what can I tell you?

00:31:02This wallet.

00:31:06It's one of ours.

00:31:08Best English calf.

00:31:09End of a range.

00:31:10We finished them quite recently.

00:31:11But you happen to know who bought it?

00:31:13I can about try.

00:31:15If you wait just a moment.

00:31:16Well, that didn't take long.

00:31:34Wasn't difficult.

00:31:35In fact, it was the last of the line.

00:31:37He's a regular customer.

00:31:38He?

00:31:39Yes.

00:31:39Mr Grenville West.

00:31:40One of our most esteemed clients.

00:31:42What does that mean?

00:31:43He buys a lot of your things?

00:31:44Yes.

00:31:46Do you have his address?

00:31:47Of course.

00:31:49Oh.

00:31:49Are you interested in the tie, sir?

00:31:52Oh, no.

00:31:54Not today, thank you.

00:31:55Reg.

00:32:07Howard.

00:32:09So, it's true you are applying to join the Met.

00:32:11A bit old in the tooth for that, are you?

00:32:13Some of those inspired Wexford guesses.

00:32:16Theories, Howard.

00:32:16Theories.

00:32:18Theories.

00:32:19So, how can I help?

00:32:21Gladwell West.

00:32:22Do you not mean anything to you?

00:32:24Of course.

00:32:24The Finsbury Park Poisoner.

00:32:28How are you going for a moment?

00:32:29Being a little frivolous this morning, aren't we?

00:32:31Leave.

00:32:31Got a week's leave coming up.

00:32:33How are you going?

00:32:34Badera.

00:32:35Oh, I'd settle for that.

00:32:36Yes, uh, Grenville West.

00:32:38Successful novelist.

00:32:39Writes what's described in the trade as bodice poppers.

00:32:42Historical romances.

00:32:44Covers usually a rather large lady popping out a rather small dress.

00:32:48That's a gentleman.

00:32:49Might be worth chatting to.

00:32:50The road of Comfrey murder.

00:32:53A family interest, Uncle Reg.

00:32:56I've got his address.

00:32:57I'll go around and see him.

00:32:58All right for transport?

00:32:59Oh, thanks, Bobby.

00:33:03Anything else I can do to help?

00:33:04Well, there is one that's a small favourite.

00:33:06Isn't there always?

00:33:07Could you get somebody to look up in the electoral register or the telephone book?

00:33:11See if they can turn up a road of Comfrey.

00:33:14I'll put Inspector Baker onto it.

00:33:15Do you remember, Michael?

00:33:17Gloomy sod.

00:33:18Oh, not anymore.

00:33:19He's remarried.

00:33:21Anyway, I'll tell him we're on our patch.

00:33:23Yeah, that'll stop him laughing in church.

00:33:25Hmm.

00:33:30I'll tell you.

00:33:34Come on.

00:33:43Yep.

00:33:43Hmm.

00:33:44Hmm.

00:33:45Hmm.

00:33:46Hmm.

00:33:47Hmm.

00:33:48Good morning.

00:34:17Oh, good morning.

00:34:20You look like a red wine man.

00:34:22A robust red.

00:34:23Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you.

00:34:25I'm at dry white.

00:34:26Can't win them all.

00:34:29That's 120.

00:34:31Oh?

00:34:32I don't think I remember you.

00:34:35I don't think you've seen me.

00:34:40It's your boss in.

00:34:42You mean Vic?

00:34:43Well, if Vic's your boss.

00:34:44He's doing the delivery.

00:34:46Tell him it's the law.

00:35:06Victor Vivian.

00:35:08No trouble, is there?

00:35:10Oh, there's a...

00:35:11a bit of cork in my wine.

00:35:14Oh, Susie, could you...

00:35:17Good, thanks.

00:35:18Are you from the local shop?

00:35:19No.

00:35:20Oh, I didn't think so.

00:35:22They know I'm here.

00:35:23DCS Fortune and DI Baker.

00:35:25Oh, I know Michael Baker.

00:35:27I'm looking for Mr. Greville West.

00:35:29So I'm not about to lose my licence.

00:35:32Well, not before lunch.

00:35:34You're out of luck.

00:35:36You miss Granny.

00:35:37I know.

00:35:38I tried his flat.

00:35:40He's in France.

00:35:42Francophile.

00:35:43Pop's over there as often as he can.

00:35:45Research.

00:35:47Tax-free holiday is what I call it.

00:35:50Is your name well?

00:35:51Oh.

00:35:52I should.

00:35:5314 years has been my tenant.

00:35:54I owned the flat.

00:35:55Oh, well, I'll throw another name at you.

00:35:57Roll the conflit.

00:35:57The one who was murdered.

00:36:01Newspaper reader.

00:36:03We think there might be a connection between her and Mr. West.

00:36:07You're joking.

00:36:09She was, well, what age?

00:36:10Well, 45.

00:36:11Well, Gwen's our day of a 35.

00:36:13Well, 38, top weight.

00:36:15Well, we won't suggest you a relationship, just that they might know one another.

00:36:18Gwen's got a girl.

00:36:20Always hanging around.

00:36:22Not that he seems that interested.

00:36:24Plays the field, that's what I reckon.

00:36:26What's the girl's name?

00:36:28Polly.

00:36:29Polly what?

00:36:29No idea.

00:36:31Brunette.

00:36:3225.

00:36:34Not my sort.

00:36:38What about, er...

00:36:40What about this?

00:36:42Christ.

00:36:43It's familiar.

00:36:45You might have seen her in here or outside in the street with West or up in his flat.

00:36:50Ah.

00:36:52Oh.

00:36:53No, it's...

00:36:54It's not good.

00:36:55Maybe it'll come to me.

00:36:57The wallet, though.

00:36:59That I do recognise.

00:37:00Are you?

00:37:00It's Gren's.

00:37:02Is it?

00:37:03Well, hold on a sec.

00:37:04May I...

00:37:04Oh, this is new, isn't it?

00:37:07Pretty new.

00:37:08Gren's got one like I put worn, you know, knackered out.

00:37:11A lot of fivers come out of it.

00:37:13A few tenors as well.

00:37:15Do you have an address for him in France?

00:37:17No.

00:37:17Oh, he doesn't stay put.

00:37:19He tours in his car.

00:37:22Normandy, I think that's where he's gone.

00:37:28The photo.

00:37:29I just realised.

00:37:31Oh, it's Doug Gold.

00:37:32I am a berk.

00:37:34It's right in the newspapers.

00:37:35Yeah, that's right.

00:37:36I was looking at it only last night.

00:37:38I'm sorry.

00:37:38I was looking at it only last night.

00:38:08Oh, Raj.

00:38:14What are you doing?

00:38:17Oh, stop it.

00:38:20Stop it.

00:38:23Why, you didn't object 30 years ago?

00:38:25Well, I don't object now.

00:38:27It's just that I'd like a little warning.

00:38:32You can take that disapproving look off your face.

00:38:35I only came up here to have a bit of a thing and a bit of peace and quiet.

00:38:39I've seen enough kids' televisions.

00:38:41Howard rang.

00:38:42And?

00:38:43No record of any Rhoda Comfrey in Kenbourne.

00:38:46Oh.

00:38:47I didn't think that would be.

00:38:49That'd be too good, wouldn't it?

00:38:51Oh, why, why?

00:38:55I brought you a present.

00:38:57Oh, thank you.

00:39:00Oh.

00:39:01That was a little bit blurry, don't they?

00:39:04Oh, they say it's good, though.

00:39:06Who's they?

00:39:07Oh, Howard and them up in London.

00:39:09Oh, they knows a thing or two in London, they do.

00:39:11Oh, did you remember to get the tickets for Sheila's preview when you were up there?

00:39:14Uh, no.

00:39:16I'll see to it later.

00:39:18Are you coming down, Reg?

00:39:20As soon as this, uh, migraine's gone.

00:39:23Reg, you have never had a migraine in your life.

00:39:27But nobody else knows how.

00:39:29Sylvia knows.

00:39:31Sylvia knows.

00:39:32It was that prawn I had at lunch.

00:39:35Oh, Reg.

00:39:38Well, it was right off.

00:39:40Smelt the pneumonia.

00:39:42Hmph.

00:39:43Reg, that is not good enough.

00:39:44Well, it's news.

00:39:56Good news?

00:40:09Well, it's news.

00:40:10I don't know how good it is.

00:40:12I started off with West's publisher.

00:40:14Helpful?

00:40:15I've known brick walls more responsive.

00:40:18Power for the course.

00:40:19Ah.

00:40:20Well, anyway, they put me on to his agent.

00:40:23Brick wall number two.

00:40:24Well, no.

00:40:25To be fair, she did at least try to be helpful.

00:40:27But she doesn't have an address for him in France.

00:40:29Apparently, he doesn't like to be pinned down.

00:40:31Well, man after my own heart.

00:40:34Now, he may ring.

00:40:36But then again, he may not.

00:40:38And she's never heard of Rhoda Comfrey.

00:40:40Well, she doesn't know how lucky she is.

00:40:44However.

00:40:46Ah.

00:40:47Polly.

00:40:48Remember Polly?

00:40:49How could I forget?

00:40:51Polly.

00:40:52It's the only name we've got.

00:40:53Her real name's Pauline.

00:40:55Pauline Flinders.

00:40:56And she's West's secretary.

00:40:58No address or phone number, I'm afraid.

00:41:01No, of course not.

00:41:09Get me T.I. Baker at Kenborn Vale, will you please?

00:41:14Well done, Mike.

00:41:15Good.

00:41:16Not much to be getting on with, is it?

00:41:17A girl who knows a man who might conceivably know Rhoda Comfrey.

00:41:20Hardly Eureka time.

00:41:22Well, it wouldn't make me run naked down the street.

00:41:24What are West's books like?

00:41:27The way his publisher was going on.

00:41:28You'd think he was some kind of genius.

00:41:29Oh, they're just reworkings of old Jacobean plays.

00:41:32You know, Ford, Webster.

00:41:34Oh, don't know them.

00:41:35Cover her face.

00:41:36Mine eyes dazzle.

00:41:37She died young.

00:41:38Oh, poetry.

00:41:41Well, as Rossini said of Wagner, he has his moments,

00:41:44but he's also got his quarter of an hour's.

00:41:48Hello?

00:41:49Oh, Michael.

00:41:50Reg Waxford.

00:41:52Yeah.

00:41:52Yes, it's a lovely day, yeah.

00:41:54Michael, I'd like another of those little favours.

00:41:59Yes.

00:42:04Yes, but surely this Polly, or whoever she is,

00:42:06would have recognised Rhoda.

00:42:08Assuming she'd seen the photograph.

00:42:10Hmm.

00:42:11Maybe she didn't see it.

00:42:13Maybe she'd never met Rhoda.

00:42:14It seems very few people have.

00:42:17Maybe she has something to hide.

00:42:19Hasn't everyone?

00:42:21Oh, Mike.

00:42:22What was it?

00:42:24Was it the moussaka or the hotpot?

00:42:28Moussaka.

00:42:29I thought so.

00:42:31I was as sick as a dog.

00:42:34It's the Greeks.

00:42:35Still peeved about the Elgian marbles.

00:42:38Morning, gents.

00:42:39Mr. Waxford.

00:42:40Doreen.

00:42:41Cox says the moussaka's good.

00:42:43Does she?

00:42:44One hotpot.

00:42:45Two hotpots.

00:42:46Better make it three.

00:42:48She will be upset.

00:42:49Oh, rather her than us.

00:42:51We were just trying to fit Rhoda Confrey and Grenville West together.

00:42:57Writing for a newspaper, writing novels, not that far apart.

00:43:00Well, how did she get the wallet?

00:43:01Presumably he gave it to her.

00:43:04Reason?

00:43:05Services rendered.

00:43:07For instance?

00:43:08An invaluable piece of research.

00:43:09Good twist in the plot.

00:43:12Maybe she helped him out of a creative block.

00:43:14Three hotpots.

00:43:17Thank you, Doreen.

00:43:18At least it hasn't put you off your ground.

00:43:23I think we're closer then than any of us realises.

00:43:26Sorry to disturb you once, sir.

00:43:28Don't apologise.

00:43:29The I-Baker's called up from...

00:43:31Canberra, yeah.

00:43:32Well, they come up with an address on...

00:43:34Yeah.

00:43:36It's Pauline Flinders.

00:43:40Sir.

00:43:44Didn't I tell you?

00:43:45Do you want me to check it out?

00:43:46No.

00:43:48We'll check it out.

00:43:49I fancy an afternoon in London.

00:43:51I fancy an afternoon in London.

00:44:23You made good time, Mike. Ten minutes over the hour.

00:44:38He's actually.

00:44:40Ah, Miss Patel. Good afternoon.

00:44:44We'd, uh, like to speak to Miss Pauline Flinders.

00:44:49Pauline.

00:44:50Can we come in?

00:44:53Oh, thank you.

00:45:01Miss Flinders?

00:45:03Yes?

00:45:04Inspector Wexford, King's Markham CID.

00:45:07Now, this is Mr. Burden.

00:45:09May we ask you some questions?

00:45:11Yes.

00:45:13Do you, uh, read the papers?

00:45:15Sometimes.

00:45:16Did you read about, uh, the death of, uh, the murder of a Miss Rhoda Comfrey on the evening of the 8th?

00:45:24Might have done.

00:45:25Well, this is the, uh, picture in the papers, if you could imagine it 20 years on.

00:45:31Perhaps you might have seen her in the company of Mr. Granville West.

00:45:39No.

00:45:39Well, you are Mr. West's, uh, secretary?

00:45:43Part-time, yes.

00:45:45How long have you been doing it?

00:45:46Uh, two years.

00:45:48When you were working for him, uh, in his flat?

00:45:53Perhaps you, uh, presumably answer the phone.

00:45:56Sometimes.

00:45:57Let in his visitors.

00:46:00Amongst his, uh, friends, acquaintances, business associates.

00:46:05Could there be anybody who could be conceivably this woman?

00:46:08No, think carefully.

00:46:12Rather a deep voice.

00:46:17No.

00:46:20He's supposed to be in France, isn't he?

00:46:22Yes, he is in France.

00:46:23He sent me a card.

00:46:25Oh.

00:46:26May I see it?

00:46:37Oh.

00:46:38Hey, uh, tapestry town.

00:46:43May I read it?

00:46:49Seems to be having a nice time.

00:46:53Have you, uh, ever seen this before?

00:46:58Looks like Granville's the one he lost.

00:47:00Lost?

00:47:01He thought he'd dropped it on a bus.

00:47:05We found this in Miss Roder-Confrey's handbag.

00:47:08Sorry, I don't know what to say.

00:47:12Did he report the loss?

00:47:14He asked me to, but I didn't.

00:47:17I didn't exactly forget, but someone told me that the police don't really like you reporting things you've lost or found.

00:47:22A woman my mother knows says it just makes too much paperwork.

00:47:24So, um, you can't help us, Miss Linders?

00:47:28No.

00:47:30Well, thanks very much for your time.

00:47:33Hello?

00:47:34Yes?

00:47:35You are detectives?

00:47:39Yes?

00:47:51You are detectives?

00:47:53Yes.

00:47:55There is something I want you to know, something important.

00:47:58Go on.

00:48:00On the night of the 8th, Folly was here with me.

00:48:02We were together all evening, cutting out a dress.

00:48:06On the night of the 8th?

00:48:08You're sure?

00:48:08Yes.

00:48:10I get it.

00:48:38Shh.

00:48:39You'll scare him.

00:48:40Grandpa?

00:48:41Yeah?

00:48:42Did you see him?

00:48:44No.

00:48:45I think he's gone home to tea.

00:48:47Come on.

00:48:50That's it.

00:48:51Oh, there we go.

00:48:52Now.

00:48:53Grandpa?

00:48:53Yes?

00:48:54So, how do we know it's a heat?

00:49:02I think I'd better get your mother to tell you that.

00:49:07Left, right, left, right, left, right.

00:49:09Swing it on.

00:49:11Left, right, left, right.

00:49:12Oh, why?

00:49:14Why should I?

00:49:14To save our marriage for one thing.

00:49:17Oh, that would be so dramatic.

00:49:18I am not.

00:49:19Other people have a...

00:49:20What about a nice hot bath, eh?

00:49:22Yeah?

00:49:23Yeah?

00:49:24Would you like some of Nana's bubbles?

00:49:26Yeah.

00:49:27Would you?

00:49:27Come on, then.

00:49:28Let's go and get them.

00:49:29You're impossible.

00:49:30Oh, the grand old Duke of York.

00:49:37The up and thousand men.

00:49:39Where are you off to?

00:49:41Truth.

00:49:41Bath night.

00:49:42Lots and lots of bubbles.

00:49:43Sounds good.

00:49:44Did you see the rat?

00:49:45Later, that's tea.

00:49:47Oh.

00:49:47Do you need me?

00:49:48Oh, I think we can manage.

00:49:50I'm going to cut some pyjamas.

00:49:51March them up to the top of the hill, then he march them down again.

00:49:58Good morning, Mrs. Parker.

00:50:00Oh, I knew you'd be back.

00:50:02Oh, did you?

00:50:03Like everyone else, you don't listen.

00:50:06I've got news for you.

00:50:07I know.

00:50:08Jim Comfort's dead.

00:50:11Lydian told Stella.

00:50:13It's not right to know.

00:50:15Everyone's death should mean something to someone.

00:50:18Yeah, I agree.

00:50:20What'll happen to the money?

00:50:22Ruder's money?

00:50:24I don't know.

00:50:25I don't know if she had any.

00:50:26Oh, there'll be some.

00:50:27It'll all go pouring down Lydian's throat.

00:50:32We were thinking that Rhoda lived in London under a pseudonym.

00:50:38A false name.

00:50:39I know what a pseudonym is.

00:50:41Well, when people do that, they usually take a name that's familiar, like their mother's maiden name.

00:50:47What was that?

00:50:49Crawford.

00:50:49Well, that's something to go on.

00:50:51What about Crown?

00:50:53Oh, no.

00:50:54Rhoda had no time for Lydian.

00:50:57But why should she want to call herself by anything but her own name?

00:51:03Well, that's what we've got to find out.

00:51:07Sir?

00:51:07The DCC wants to see you at his house.

00:51:12Urgent.

00:51:16Okay.

00:51:21Oh, hello.

00:51:23Where's your boss, then?

00:51:25He's working at the station.

00:51:27Oh, that strides is allowed you out on your own.

00:51:30Oh, thank you, George.

00:51:31Oh, that's the best sound of the world.

00:51:33Eyes clinking at last.

00:51:35First a minute.

00:51:36Is he married, your Mr. Wexford?

00:51:42Yes, he is.

00:51:44Children?

00:51:45Two daughters.

00:51:46Both grown up.

00:51:47Must have been an attractive man, Miss Day.

00:51:49Well, I wouldn't know.

00:51:50I wasn't around, was I?

00:51:52Oh, cheeky.

00:51:53I'll tell him.

00:51:54I wish I'd met him a few years ago.

00:51:57Could have had some fun.

00:51:59So, how's it going?

00:52:01Any leads?

00:52:02You don't really expect me to answer that, do you?

00:52:05Don't I?

00:52:06I heard somewhere that if nobody talks, the police are impotent.

00:52:13Is that true?

00:52:16There's a grain of truth in it, yes.

00:52:18I can't imagine Mr. Wexford impotent.

00:52:23So, who's talking?

00:52:25I think that's for us to find out, don't you?

00:52:36Nine days, Wexford.

00:52:57Nine whole days.

00:53:01Going for some sort of record?

00:53:02Looks like it, sir.

00:53:04Do you remember John Du Rose at the Met?

00:53:07Four-day Johnny.

00:53:08Hmm.

00:53:09How do you solve murders in four days?

00:53:12In 85% of murder cases, the killer is known as the victim.

00:53:15High on the list of suspects are the next of kin and the person that found the body.

00:53:19In this case, an 85-year-old man who's since died and a six-year-old boy.

00:53:24That's the sort of case it is, sir.

00:53:25Well, clear it up.

00:53:28They're on my back.

00:53:28You look as though you need that.

00:53:42Oh.

00:53:43I didn't spot you there.

00:53:44Bad day.

00:53:46Well, not vintage.

00:53:50What about you?

00:53:51No.

00:53:54Where's your mum?

00:53:56Children's teas.

00:53:56Ah, I'm sorry I've been a bit scarce on the ground.

00:54:01You always were.

00:54:03The pomfret poisoner, the stowarton sadist.

00:54:07Well, it's better than having a bank manager for a dad.

00:54:09Don't you believe it?

00:54:10I'd have given anything to have a nine-to-five dad.

00:54:12Really?

00:54:13Yes.

00:54:14Oh, I never thought about it.

00:54:15Your mum did.

00:54:16Oh, she never mentioned it.

00:54:18Oh, you never heard.

00:54:20Don't start on us.

00:54:21A woman doesn't expect to be listened to.

00:54:24We're a partnership.

00:54:25Two equals.

00:54:27Only one partner is less equal than the other.

00:54:30Not true.

00:54:32Remind me, what's his partnership called?

00:54:35I don't follow.

00:54:36Well, why is mum called Mrs. Reg Wexford?

00:54:40Oh, Sylvia.

00:54:43It's not worth the hassle.

00:54:45To you, it's not.

00:54:46Couldn't you just compromise?

00:54:49Hmm.

00:55:11Hello, Reg.

00:55:12I know what you want.

00:55:14Just let me have my say first, all right?

00:55:16Of course I want her back.

00:55:18And kids.

00:55:19I love her.

00:55:20You know that, Reg.

00:55:21But I can't meet her conditions.

00:55:23I won't.

00:55:24I'd have to have some wretched au pair living here, which will mean the boys moving in together.

00:55:28Pay her a salary we can afford, just so that Syl can go off and train for some profession that's already overcrowded.

00:55:35She's a good wife and mother.

00:55:37And I don't see any reason to employ someone to do the things she does so well while she goes off and trains for something she may not do well at all.

00:55:44Have a drink.

00:55:45No.

00:55:45No, thank you.

00:55:46Well, I will.

00:55:47And you needn't tell me I've had too much already.

00:55:49I know I have.

00:55:50The point is, why can't she do her job and let me do mine?

00:55:55I don't think hers is less important than mine.

00:55:57I don't think she's inferior.

00:55:59My God.

00:56:01There are times I wish I was a woman.

00:56:02No money worries, no real responsibility, no slogging off to an office day in, day out for 40 years.

00:56:11She wanted the family, Reg.

00:56:13Every bit as much as I did.

00:56:16We each have to do what our talents equip us for.

00:56:20Okay, I'll dry the dishes, okay.

00:56:22I'll see if she gets any labour-saving equipment she wants.

00:56:26Couldn't you compromise?

00:56:28Couldn't you get a woman in just for a year until Ben goes to school?

00:56:32Well, couldn't she wait for a year until Ben goes to school?

00:56:35Marriage is supposed to be about give and take.

00:56:37It seems to me, I do all the giving and she does all the taking.

00:56:41Yes.

00:56:42Well, that's what she says as well.

00:56:45But I'll go now.

00:56:48Don't drink too much, Neil.

00:56:50It's not the answer.

00:56:51Oh, isn't it?

00:56:51I'm sorry, Reg.

00:56:54I've every intention done now to getting smashed out of my mind.

00:56:57I don't know.

00:57:19temperatures

00:57:27they're both downstairs asleep on the sofa with the tally on

00:57:34i think robin may have bronchitis he's very chesty temperature slight one he didn't get

00:57:42wet did he when you were looking for the rat no he did not i'm asking how did it go uphill

00:57:50he's being unreasonable well both as bad as each other

00:57:56the region of calm winds around the equator washes the doldrums cheer up

00:58:05the worst is not so long as we can say this is the worst

00:58:08i've got freeborn on my back i never thought i'd miss grizzly what does he want oh just to gee me

00:58:17up nine days and no address reg trying to second record are you

00:58:26it is a mystery it's as though she'd stepped off the edge of a space module

00:58:30a 45 year old woman walks out of a life the life that she's been living oh for the 20 years

00:58:40odd in the smoke and nobody misses her why not

00:58:56i thought you were going to make

00:59:24I thought you were going to make it.

00:59:27Well, I'm...

00:59:28We're as fast as us as...

00:59:30England's won the World Cup.

00:59:34Whose idea was this, anyway?

00:59:35Mine.

00:59:37You're right.

00:59:38I will be when I know I'm not on a fool's errand.

00:59:41A London GP has told us the road at Comfrey is on his list of patients.

00:59:45Did you speak to him?

00:59:46I did.

00:59:47But he's not a nut?

00:59:48No.

00:59:48Checked him out and then phoned him back.

00:59:50Well, what took him so long?

00:59:51He was abroad on his honeymoon.

00:59:53Well, that's no excuse.

00:59:57What time did we see?

00:59:58Straight up the street.

01:00:02To be frank, I didn't recognise the photo.

01:00:06It was the name that registered.

01:00:08Do you have an address?

01:00:12Rhoda and Comfrey.

01:00:146 Princevale Road, Parrish Oak.

01:00:17Should be set to music.

01:00:19I gather you were somewhat desperate.

01:00:21Orden somewhat.

01:00:22Well, when was the last time you saw her?

01:00:24Now, that's a strange thing.

01:00:26I've only ever seen her once.

01:00:28Do you have a date?

01:00:28Last October, the 20th.

01:00:32What professional etiquette?

01:00:34No problem.

01:00:36She thought she had an appendicitis, pains, etc. around the McBurney Point.

01:00:40I examined her, told her to take it easy for a couple of days, no fats, no alcohol, and to come back if it persisted.

01:00:48It worked like the footballer's magic sponge.

01:00:51You never saw her again?

01:00:52No.

01:00:54Strange.

01:00:55What is?

01:00:56She was obviously known by a false name up here.

01:00:59By everyone except you.

01:01:02Can't lie to your doctor.

01:01:04It isn't done.

01:01:05Obviously not.

01:01:13Any joy?

01:01:146 Princevale Road.

01:01:16Current occupant, Mrs Rose Fariner.

01:01:19Rose?

01:01:20Greek for Rose?

01:01:21Rhoda.

01:01:22You're not saying they're the same person?

01:01:24Well, I'm not saying they're not.

01:01:25Well, we have her listed as a way at the present.

01:01:27She phoned us and asked us to keep an eye on the place.

01:01:29Could explain why she hasn't been missed.

01:01:31Well, possibly.

01:01:32Anybody know what she looks like?

01:01:34No, apparently not.

01:01:35Can we go up there?

01:01:39They even looked somebody, didn't they?

01:01:41That letterbox is a dead giveaway.

01:01:50I have a word with the home beat officer.

01:01:54What now?

01:01:55Talk to some of the neighbours.

01:01:56Why not?

01:01:57You take number four.

01:01:59We'll take number eight.

01:02:00She's a charmer.

01:02:02I divide people into two categories.

01:02:05Life enhancers and the others, the detractors.

01:02:08She's definitely an enhancer.

01:02:11Does this photo look anything like her?

01:02:16It's the dreaded bifocals next, but I'm fighting it.

01:02:21Uh, no, not a lot.

01:02:23Well, imagine it's an old photo, about 20 years old.

01:02:26I don't have that much imagination.

01:02:28Sorry, I can't see any resemblance.

01:02:30Do you know where she is now?

01:02:32Lake District, visiting her mother.

01:02:34I believe she's in a nursing home.

01:02:35How old is Mrs. Farrowman?

01:02:37Oh, 40s.

01:02:39I'm not good on ages.

01:02:41For mother, read father.

01:02:43For nursing home, read hospital.

01:02:45For Lake District, Kingsmarkham.

01:02:47Why?

01:02:49Why all this subterfuge?

01:02:50She's not a criminal.

01:02:52She's a bright, lively, successful woman.

01:02:54Successful?

01:02:55She runs a boutique.

01:02:57The one on Montfort Circus.

01:03:01Could Mrs. Farrowman leave any keys?

01:03:03Yes.

01:03:03No, Reg, no way.

01:03:06If we have to, we'll get a warrant.

01:03:09Just thought I saw signs of a break-in.

01:03:10No.

01:03:12Man at the window?

01:03:12No.

01:03:14Listen, Reg, he's your nephew, but he's my governor.

01:03:18So be it.

01:03:20Any luck?

01:03:21Tentative idea of the photo.

01:03:22How tentative?

01:03:23Well, first of all, she said she'd seen the papers,

01:03:25and it never occurred to her that it could have been Mrs. Farrowman.

01:03:27But then when I showed her the photo, she said, yes, it could be.

01:03:30Couldn't imagine why she hadn't seen it before.

01:03:31Well, one on the boutique.

01:03:34Right.

01:03:45We never discuss private matters.

01:03:48Do you know what part of the country she originates from?

01:03:50No idea.

01:03:51Does she have any accent?

01:03:53Not that I can detect.

01:03:56Is she a secretive sort of person?

01:03:59No.

01:03:59Well, there's a gulf of difference between being secretive and being a gossip.

01:04:04Do you know anything about Mr. Farrowman?

01:04:06I gather he's long gone.

01:04:08Which route?

01:04:10The divorce court or the cemetery?

01:04:12I don't know.

01:04:14An odd question.

01:04:16Do you know if Mrs. Farrowman's had her appendix out?

01:04:20Are you serious?

01:04:21Totally.

01:04:21It doesn't seem right, standing here, discussing her private, personal details.

01:04:30Oh, that does look lovely.

01:04:32Mrs. Moss, you know who we think Mrs. Farrowman is, or was.

01:04:37It can't be Mrs. Farrowman.

01:04:39She's in the Lake District.

01:04:41Have you had a postcard?

01:04:42No.

01:04:43Has she phoned?

01:04:44Look, she'll be back here next Monday.

01:04:46I can't wait until Monday.

01:04:49Now, you were telling me about her appendix.

01:04:50At first she thought it was food poisoning, then a grumbling appendix.

01:04:55It was about six months ago, the beginning of the autumn.

01:04:59It was about six months ago, Mrs. Farrowman.

01:05:29It was about six months ago, Mrs. Farrowman.

01:05:59What did you do in here?

01:06:01Catching burglars.

01:06:03Neighbourhood what?

01:06:04Do you heard of it?

01:06:06Without.

01:06:07Would have broke my heart.

01:06:12When was the last time you were in here?

01:06:17You can't.

01:06:18Yours was a filthy bugger.

01:06:22Name Farrowman doesn't mean anything to you.

01:06:25Isn't that something to do with shoeing horses?

01:06:27That's a farrier.

01:06:29Oh, you mean somebody who makes fur coats.

01:06:32Mrs. Crown, I'll get very tired if people will get cute with me.

01:06:37I like straight answers.

01:06:39Am I a suspect?

01:06:40You're one of the two people that knew the murdered woman.

01:06:44The other one's dead.

01:06:45I don't know anyone called farrier.

01:06:50Do you know if I would add a car?

01:06:51Didn't bring her down here if she did.

01:06:55Somebody actually take the job to blame that.

01:06:59And she would have done.

01:07:00She likes showing off.

01:07:02Nice big Cadillac dripping with chrome, filling off the street.

01:07:06That would have given her a charge.

01:07:07I was thinking more of a Citroën.

01:07:08Well, he's down here in car in London.

01:07:14Why?

01:07:15I don't know.

01:07:18I wonder if she'll get her money.

01:07:21Remember that phone call she made the evening before she came down?

01:07:25Mm-hmm.

01:07:25Did she say anything about going away?

01:07:30Yeah.

01:07:31That's why she was coming.

01:07:34Tell me.

01:07:35I wanted to see the old man before she left.

01:07:38Left for where?

01:07:40I don't know.

01:07:41I don't remember.

01:07:42Holidays?

01:07:43Business?

01:07:46I'll tell you something.

01:07:49She wasn't alone when she called.

01:07:52What?

01:07:53Did you hear somebody?

01:07:54No.

01:07:55Where did you know?

01:07:57It was her manner.

01:07:59Laying it on with a trowel.

01:08:02Even called me darling.

01:08:04Was that unusual?

01:08:05Unique.

01:08:07She wanted someone to think I was her fancy man.

01:08:11Oh, hang on a sec.

01:08:13You said she said hello, Lillian.

01:08:15I did, didn't I?

01:08:16Well, that doesn't tie in.

01:08:20Doesn't, does it?

01:08:23No.

01:08:24Her tone changed during the call.

01:08:29Well, you didn't say that before.

01:08:30I didn't remember it before.

01:08:33She got all mushy, darling, dear.

01:08:38As if someone had come into the room.

01:08:43Well, there's someone I'd like to meet.

01:08:48Any messages?

01:08:49Yes, call from Inspector Baker.

01:08:52Mrs. Farrener drives a Citroën.

01:08:54Ah.

01:08:56Coincidence?

01:08:58Not likely.

01:08:59No.

01:09:00Not likely.

01:09:01Oh, any news about the warrant?

01:09:04No, not yet.

01:09:05But you've got a visitor.

01:09:07Mr. Patel.

01:09:11I told you a lie.

01:09:15Well, you're not the first.

01:09:17And I don't suppose you'll be the last.

01:09:19It makes me ashamed.

01:09:20It's about Polly.

01:09:30She never goes out in the evenings alone.

01:09:32Never.

01:09:34If she works late, Mr. West drives her home and puts her in a taxi.

01:09:38She was attacked once, you see, years ago.

01:09:42She's been scared ever since.

01:09:44What is your lie, Ms. Patel?

01:09:50I told you Polly was at home with me that night.

01:09:53And she wasn't.

01:09:57She came back late.

01:09:59I was asleep.

01:10:01I asked her about her next day.

01:10:03I knew she hadn't been with Grenville because he was away.

01:10:06She said it was someone else.

01:10:10Do you believe her?

01:10:13Yes, I do.

01:10:15Why?

01:10:17Because I know she's unhappy with her friendship with Grenville.

01:10:22I think he's got a wife somewhere.

01:10:25It's creepy.

01:10:27Gives me the shit business.

01:10:30Shall we get back to your story, please, Ms. Patel?

01:10:36Well, Polly and this man had, he's married, had been to Martel and spent the night there.

01:10:42She said this man's wife might be suspicious and there might even be private detectives following.

01:10:47Eighty-unlikely.

01:10:48Is it?

01:10:49I don't know about these things.

01:10:51If anyone asked, I was to lie.

01:10:53And that's what you thought we were, private detectives?

01:10:55Yes.

01:10:56Didn't Polly tell you afterwards that we were the police?

01:10:58We had a row.

01:11:01Well, anyway, I had to go out and get sick of hearing about Grenville.

01:11:05So what you came to tell me was that Polly wasn't with you that evening after all?

01:11:09Yes, it was when I found out who you really were.

01:11:12I mean, the piece about you in the paper and everything.

01:11:15That poor confrey woman.

01:11:17Seemed terrible to have wasted your time.

01:11:20It's no good lying to the police, Ms. Patel.

01:11:22They have a nasty habit of finding out.

01:11:24I'm sorry.

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