- 4 hours ago
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:28I'll see you next time
00:33Morning Selwyn
00:36There's no hot water
00:38Okay, come and take a look
01:09And the carpet's all wet in here
01:12I think we've sprung a leak or...
01:24Right
01:25I think the most important thing
01:28Is to not
01:30Panic
01:31Need to think
01:32Logically
01:38Does the engine work?
01:41Engine, brilliant
01:49Humphrey?
01:50Are you all right?
01:51Fine
02:10What's that?
02:12I'm not entirely sure
02:13It's dripping oil
02:21Have we got life jackets?
02:23Well, I didn't think we'd need them
02:24You know, being parked up
02:28Wood
02:30We could make a raft
02:35Humphrey?
02:35I need two pencils and a pair of underpants, please
03:01Morning!
03:03Morning!
03:13Dad?
03:21Dad?
03:30Dad?
03:31Dad?
03:31Dad?
03:41One morning in the month of June, down by a rolling river
03:45There where he tried, no chance to stay, and he beheld his lover
03:50Her cheeks were red, her eyes were brown, her hair in ringlets hanging down
03:55She had a lovely face without a frown, just as the tide was flowing
04:20If you get out on the ocean, if you sail out on the sea
04:25If you get up in the mountains, if you go climbing on the trees
04:29Oh, through every emotion, when you know that they don't care
04:34Darling, that's when I want to flee, oh, I'll go with you, yeah
04:39Oh, come on
04:48If you get up in the airplane
04:50What happened? We were really worried
04:53Yes, the mooring rope snapped and the current dragged us out to sea, Carby
04:58Thank heavens for the RNLI
05:00Yes
05:00Oh, Anne said to phone her the second you get back
05:07Uh, you all right, sir?
05:10Yes
05:12Oh, yeah, it's, uh, it's, uh, just a bump
05:15Um, I, only, you're needed
05:19Esther's gone on ahead
05:20Where?
05:20Kenneth Linder's house
05:27Oh, sir, sir
05:28Oh, yes, I'm so sorry
05:29Yes, there we go
05:30I do apologise
05:32Yes
05:43Up here, sir
05:50Are you okay?
05:52How's Martha?
05:53We're both fine
05:54Thank you
05:57Oh, Kenneth
05:59You know I only spoke to him last night
06:01Oh, of course
06:02You went to the book signing
06:09Yes, here we are
06:14I'm still not sure this qualifies as a date
06:18In my defence, I was coerced into your Mamma Mia karaoke night
06:21Coerced?
06:22Well, maybe not coerced, but if those photos ever get into the wrong hands
06:27Here we are
06:30So consider this payback
06:45This week sees the launch of the new Kenneth Linder novel
06:50The Final Breath
06:52Now, since he's moved to Shipton Abbot
06:55We are brazenly claiming him as one of our own
06:58So, as your new local counsellor and treasurer of the Devon Literary Group
07:02I would like you all to give a huge welcome to our guest
07:05Kenneth Linder
07:11His daughter Helen found him in the bath
07:14The electric fan in the water at his feet
07:17It looks like he's been here all night
07:19Looks like the power tripped eventually
07:21But not quick enough to save him
07:25Well, this is something of a conundrum
07:28Why?
07:29Because in his latest novel
07:31Serial killer Jeremy Cook is walking to the electric chair
07:34Which is where the last book left him
07:36But it turns out he bribed the guard to short-circuit the prison power
07:40Therefore delaying his execution until the next day
07:43But that night he murdered the guard that helped him
07:47And stole his uniform to escape
07:49Nice
07:50Then he found the judge that sentenced him
07:53And like his nine previous victims
07:57Killed him
07:57By dropping an electrical appliance
08:00Into his bath
08:06Killed him
08:08F behaving
08:19He!
08:20FHем
08:21F behaving
08:21F behaving
08:23He!
08:26kil川
08:27He!
08:31Kindly
08:36Thank you, sergeant.
08:46Ah, yes.
09:04We've got something outside, too.
09:11Trampled flowerbed by an open rear door.
09:14We did a quick check, and the footprints are probably male,
09:18judging by size and weight,
09:20but they're not an obvious match for any of the footwear found in the house.
09:24We've taken moulds, but there's a difference in indent depth,
09:28so we're pretty sure whoever made them had a distinct limp.
09:32Limp?
09:33Yeah.
09:34Much less weight put on his left leg.
09:37The main road runs across the back of the garden,
09:39so someone could have got over the fence and along this path.
09:42Cameras?
09:43Er, nothing this side.
09:44Doorbell camera at the front.
09:46We've got him being dropped off last night by his daughter, Helen,
09:49and then her coming back this morning.
09:53I know you, don't I?
09:55From the, er, book signing last night.
09:58You were with your father?
09:59That's right, D.I. Goodman.
10:04Ah, Humphrey Goodman.
10:06A huge fan.
10:10This is my fianc...
10:11My wife, Martha.
10:13Hi.
10:15So, Humphrey, do you have a favourite case?
10:18Oh, yes.
10:18The first of the bathtub trilogy, Death by Design.
10:21The bottle-top MacGuffin.
10:23Genius.
10:24Oh.
10:28Wait.
10:30You're not detective, Humphrey Goodman?
10:34Yes.
10:36How'd you know that?
10:37Well, I'm something of a fan of yours, too.
10:41I read the newspaper report about the case you solved.
10:44The poor chap murdered by his partner.
10:46Made to look like a car crash.
10:49Brilliant.
10:57Well, a pleasure to meet you, Humphrey.
10:59And you're welcome.
11:04This must be difficult for you.
11:06Is the family we can call?
11:07No.
11:08It's just me and Dad.
11:11Are you up to a few questions, Helen?
11:14I'll try.
11:15When was the last time you saw your father before this morning?
11:20Last night.
11:21I dropped him home after the book signing.
11:34Promise me you'll have an early night.
11:36Oh.
11:37A nightcap first, I think.
11:39One.
11:39At least.
11:42Love you.
11:44Love you, too.
11:52And how did he seem himself?
11:56Quiet.
11:58But I know he was tired.
12:00Can I ask, was your dad a particularly tidy man?
12:03Tidy?
12:04God, no.
12:06He was bloody-minded, intelligent, playful,
12:11and a rather wonderful father.
12:14But tidy.
12:16No.
12:20There's something else you need to know.
12:24He was dying.
12:26He had end-stage amyloidosis.
12:29An abnormal buildup of proteins.
12:32Stops his organs working properly.
12:34Said he refused to die until he'd finished his damn book.
12:39But...
12:39He'd been going downhill pretty rapidly these past few weeks.
12:44We knew it wouldn't be long.
12:47But this...
12:50Do you think he took his own life?
12:52Do you?
12:56I know he was in a lot of pain.
12:58But he refused the palliative care he was offered.
13:08People are coming in?
13:14Are you sure you're up to this, Dad?
13:17Stop farting.
13:18I'm strong as an ox.
13:25We need to take care of your dad.
13:28So you might be better at home.
13:31They'll take him to the chapel of rest and I promise I'll call and let you know when he's there.
13:44Do you think that's it?
13:46He did this himself?
13:48There was a towel.
13:50Neatly folded by the side of the bath.
13:52Dressing gown and slippers ready.
13:53So why go to all that trouble if you know you'll never be getting out of the bath?
13:58Exactly.
13:58So it has to be an accident?
14:00Possibly.
14:02Wait.
14:04You're thinking it's murder?
14:05We should consider it.
14:07Why?
14:08Because the victim wrote murder mystery novels?
14:10No, Sergeant.
14:11Because there are some things that don't make sense.
14:13Such as?
14:14Well, it's all rather neat, don't you think?
14:15Too neat, perhaps, for a man not known for his tidiness.
14:19That's it.
14:20It was too neat.
14:22So what if someone put those things in place to make it look like an accident?
14:27And what about the fact that he died in exactly the way described in his own book?
14:32Can we really accept that's just a coincidence?
14:37No.
14:38So, if we can rule out suicide, accident and coincidence, which we can because there's no such thing, then what
14:45happened to Kenneth Linder must be by design.
14:50Let's confirm cause of death, let forensics finish up, and I want an electrical report. Why didn't the power trip
14:56out immediately? Oh, and have his clothes checked too. See if this belongs to any of them. Please.
15:04Okay.
15:05Okay.
15:07And we should talk to his agent.
15:09Yes.
15:13Huh.
15:30P.M.
15:45Pothole Pete was on the RNLI boat. He said if they overslept, they could have ended up in Guernsey.
15:54Pothole Pete?
15:55Oh, they call him that because people try to avoid him.
15:59He goes on a bit.
16:01PHONE RINGS
16:02Ship the nabbit.
16:04No, that's not here. The press office is at the hub, darling. Do you need the number? No problem. Bye.
16:13Okay. I got a criminal damage and also an assault on a shopkeeper in town. I'll be a couple hours.
16:23Okay.
16:25PHONE RINGS
16:27Ship the nabbit.
16:28As his agent, you knew he was ill.
16:30Of course.
16:32But it wasn't public knowledge.
16:34It's the way Kenny wanted it. He's a very... He was a very proud man. He didn't want people fawning
16:42over him.
16:43I, um, I saw you at the book signing last night. How did he seem to you?
16:49Oh, sweetheart.
16:51You were wonderful.
16:52Calm. Considering this was his last roll of the dice.
16:57Why do you say that?
16:59His last book was a decade ago and that did appallingly.
17:06Obviously, he couldn't get a publishing deal, so started borrowing against the house.
17:11So that he could write this one.
17:13He was in financial difficulty.
17:15This book was his last chance of avoiding bankruptcy.
17:20He kept his money problems from Helen, of course.
17:24He didn't want her to worry about that on top of everything else.
17:27They seem very close.
17:28They lost Helen's mum when she was seven.
17:32So it's only ever really been the two of them.
17:35Everything Kenny ever did, he did for her.
17:38But Mr. Linda confided in you about his financial difficulty.
17:43I'm his agent. Goes with the territory.
17:47Uh, can I ask?
17:55Uh...
17:55Um, do the initials PM mean anything to you?
18:01No, should they?
18:03No.
18:07Look, there was another man at the book signing last night.
18:11Uh, he didn't look like a fan, but I saw you speaking to him.
18:14That would be Ken's publisher.
18:17Anthony Westley.
18:20Nice to see you pushed the boat out, Anthony.
18:24I think your client's Oxford Street soirees were over a long time ago.
18:29Don't you?
18:30He's made you a lot of money.
18:32He's made us all a lot of money, dear heart.
18:34But I'm slightly surprised that as a literary agent you don't understand the use of the past tense.
18:41Your loyalty is staggering.
18:44Jump off your high horse, will you?
18:46He's washed up.
18:47We're both just hovering, waiting for him to die, so we can revive his back catalogue.
18:55Not the nicest man.
18:57You know, his time was over.
19:00Metaphorically speaking, people are just not buying his books anymore.
19:04And yet you still publish this latest novel.
19:07True, but on very, very different terms.
19:10No advance, and on the condition that he brought back the Bathtub Murders trilogy.
19:15They were his most successful books, so I thought they will guarantee our best chance of a return.
19:21But with no advance, would that mean that he was writing for free, essentially?
19:25Yes, but he would get the lion's share if the book sold well.
19:31But you don't expect it to?
19:34No.
19:36So, a much better deal for you than him, then?
19:40What can I say? Business is business.
19:45Plus, I tend to come out in a rash when I lose money.
19:53Do you know how Mr. Linder died?
19:56He was electrocuted in his bath.
20:00Who?
20:01Exactly the same way as the first murder in his new book.
20:05To be honest, I haven't read it.
20:07But it does sound a tad ironic.
20:10You haven't read a book you've just published?
20:12I have people.
20:15Do the initials PM mean anything to you?
20:21No, I don't...
20:23No, I don't think they do.
20:24If it is murder, can we make him a suspect, please?
20:28I'm not sure that's quite how it works, Sergeant.
20:31Pity.
20:33This PM thing, could it be something else rather than initials?
20:39Such as?
20:40I don't know.
20:41Afternoon?
20:43No, PM only really works as a suffix, doesn't it?
20:46And why have it in your hand unless you're trying to tell us something?
20:52The name of his killer?
20:54Why not?
20:55We don't believe it was an accident.
20:57Agreed.
20:58And why take your own life if you're dying?
21:00Life insurance.
21:02His daughter would benefit.
21:04But she'd get that when he died anyway.
21:07If the prognosis was right, he may have only had weeks left, a day's perhaps.
21:12Which brings us right back to the question.
21:14Who could possibly benefit from the death of a dying man on the verge of bankruptcy?
21:38They threw this.
21:41But you didn't see anyone?
21:42Nothing.
21:43Just a bang and the whole window caved in.
21:46Lucky no one was hurt.
21:47And this was what time?
21:49Er, nine.
21:49Yeah.
21:50Just after we opened.
21:59Financials are on your desk.
22:01Makes for pretty grim reading.
22:03And he had no life insurance.
22:06Canceled his policy two years ago and never renewed.
22:09And the phone's been ringing off the hook.
22:12Journalists all wanting to know how Kenneth Linda died.
22:15And if it's true, he was in the bath.
22:17I didn't think we'd released anything yet.
22:19No, we haven't.
22:20Well, I passed them all on to the Hub's press office.
22:23Well done, Margot.
22:24No.
22:24Was there anything on Kenneth Linda's social media?
22:27That was easy.
22:29He's on my Facebook friends.
22:31You knew him?
22:32Well, back in the day, when he was an angry young writer and I was a redcoat of Perton Sands.
22:38What?
22:39What?
22:40You were a redcoat.
22:41Well, only for eight months.
22:43I got sacked.
22:45Why?
22:45They said I rigged the over-70s fancy dress competition just because Grandad won.
22:52And Kenneth Linda?
22:53Oh, we met at a Mary Hopkin concert.
22:58Turned into a weekend of debauchery in Norwich.
23:01We mostly lost touch after that.
23:04Although people do say he based one of his characters on me.
23:08Oh, which one?
23:10Melody Alcott?
23:12She was the waitress in the first bathtub murders.
23:15Yes, she was, yes.
23:17She was the killer's ex-girlfriend.
23:18She was the one who helped unlock the whole case.
23:21She was the one who eventually led Horace Bishop to Jeremy Cook at the third book.
23:25Yeah.
23:26And that was you?
23:27Supposedly.
23:28But I never saw it myself.
23:30She was a bit...
23:33strange.
23:35Can you give me a description of the man who hit you, Mr Bevin?
23:39He was a lot taller than me, like.
23:41He had on a tracksuit.
23:43One of them with a hood.
23:44Did you see his face?
23:46No.
23:47He had a scarf over his face.
23:49I came out on my way to the bank.
23:51I only took three steps.
23:53He stood right in front of me, just like you are now.
23:56And he hit me with a rolled-up newspaper.
23:59So he just came up to you and hit you on the head with a rolled-up newspaper?
24:02I'm telling you, Kelly.
24:04This area's gone to the dogs.
24:06Yesterday, similar thing happened.
24:08A man came up to me, tried to punch me in the face.
24:12A different man?
24:13Yeah.
24:14Dressed the same, like.
24:16He was taller than me, too.
24:17And he tried to punch you?
24:19Yeah.
24:19But he missed.
24:20Then he started crying and ran off.
24:24Crying?
24:25It's these kids, Kelly.
24:26They're all sniffing glue and smoking something.
24:30Day before, one of them stole my dog poo.
24:35Dog poo?
24:36Honey Butcher, my dog, got into the shop from upstairs.
24:40Left a little present, see.
24:42So I bagged it up, went outside to the bin.
24:45And this lunatic ran up, snatched it and ran off.
24:51Can you describe him?
24:52He's a border terrier.
24:53No, no, no.
24:54The man who stole your poo.
24:56Oh, dressed the same like.
24:58Track suit and face covered.
25:00And was he taller than you?
25:02What do you mean?
25:03You said the others were...
25:06I'm just trying to get a description.
25:08Oh.
25:09Well, yeah.
25:11Now you mention it, Kelly.
25:12Kelby.
25:12And he was wearing a track suit.
25:15With his backside hanging out.
25:17That's kids for you these days, though, isn't it?
25:19I know you've got all these face recognition cameras these days.
25:23You'd be better off with arse recognition.
25:27Okay.
25:30Well, leave it with me, Mr Bevan.
25:32I'll talk to the other shopkeepers, see if anyone's seen anything,
25:36but I'll be in touch.
25:38Right-o, Kelly.
25:40Hey, Kelly!
25:42Bloody good, Aiden!
25:43That's what they need!
25:46Stop calling me Kelly.
25:49Hello, boy.
25:50Seen anything happen down there at the box?
25:52No.
25:54Silver?
26:01Hello.
26:07That was the boatyard.
26:09The lily bond might be out of the water for months.
26:11It needs a complete overhaul.
26:14I can't say I'm surprised.
26:16It had bits falling off when I was staying on it.
26:19Well, you know you're always welcome at mine.
26:21Humphrey will be mortified.
26:23Thanks very much.
26:24No, not about us staying with you, about the boat.
26:27Really loves that boat, doesn't he?
26:29Yeah, but...
26:30It's only ever supposed to be a stopgap until we found somewhere more permanent.
26:33So...
26:35Maybe it's time we did just that.
26:38Find a house.
26:40Good for you, Morty.
26:43Won't be easy.
26:45There's always loads of places up for sale.
26:47No, I don't mean finding a house.
26:49I mean telling Humphrey.
26:52I mean telling Humphrey.
27:07So you've heard then...
27:09Heard what?
27:10About Archie.
27:12What about him?
27:13I heard he was dating.
27:16Good for him.
27:17Don't you want to know who it is?
27:18No.
27:23Who?
27:25No idea.
27:26But very pretty by all accounts.
27:29They were seen coming out of Kitty J's arm in arm.
27:34Hi Nick.
27:36Okay, thank you.
27:38The button doesn't match any of the clothes found in the wardrobe.
27:42Right.
27:43And the RCD switch was disabled, which meant the power didn't cut off instantly.
27:48So, if it was murder, then it was premeditated.
27:53What were those initials you found?
27:55PM. Why?
27:57I might have something.
27:58On Kenneth Linda's page.
28:01Someone's posted a death threat.
28:03Saying he's a fraud.
28:04That he's sold out doing a new book.
28:06That he's ruined the trilogy by having a force book.
28:09Some of the messages are pretty vile.
28:12But the last one.
28:13Look.
28:14Be careful you don't end up like one of your own victims.
28:18That fits, doesn't it?
28:19A deranged fan?
28:21Who better to copy a murder from the book?
28:23Paul Mecker. M-E-C-A.
28:25Right, so what do we know about him?
28:27Nothing. Just the name.
28:28Not much history.
28:29Looks like the account's only been open a few weeks.
28:32I can put in a request for some more information,
28:35but you know what these social media companies are like?
28:37Yeah.
28:38I wouldn't hold your breath.
28:39Okay.
28:40If he's a fan, then maybe he was at the book signing last night.
28:43And if he's not local, then he must have stayed somewhere.
28:46So let's check local hotels, guest houses, all of that.
28:50Right.
28:53PHONE RINGS
28:55Ship the nabbit.
28:59Psst.
29:00You're wanted.
29:02What?
29:03I'm not up.
29:05They'll just have to wait, okay?
29:08I need to speak to Helen and Linda first.
29:10Sergeant?
29:15I can't ever remember Dad mentioning a Paul Mecker.
29:19It seems he disapproved of the new book, accusing your dad of selling out.
29:24Oh.
29:25We had lots of that.
29:27The thing is, Dad didn't necessarily disagree with him either.
29:31But going back to the bathtub murders was the only way he could get published.
29:35I think he needed the money.
29:39Oh.
29:40He never said anything.
29:41But he hated Anthony Wesley.
29:44I know he'd never have gone back there unless he had to.
29:48PHONE RINGS
29:50Sorry, excuse me.
29:51PHONE RINGS
29:54Hello?
29:57PHONE RINGS
30:05D.I. Goodman, I presume.
30:09James Smith.
30:10Please.
30:24Sorry.
30:26I was expecting Chief Superintendent Woods.
30:30No longer withers, I'm afraid.
30:32Oh.
30:33Oh, not deceased.
30:34In Dartmouth.
30:36Though some might argue they're much the same thing.
30:40Yeah, but I digress.
30:42Look, there's been a small restructure.
30:46Not trying to boil the ocean, just a realignment.
30:50Bringing all the remaining substations under our control.
30:53Ah.
30:54Administrative planning.
30:56Which in turn reports to the local police and crime panel.
30:58In your case, that would be Shipton Abbott, of course.
31:02Non-invasive.
31:04Just building a loop.
31:06Everyone's in it and we all open our kimono.
31:10Kimono?
31:11Share what we have.
31:12Get all our ducks in a row.
31:15That's how we move the needle.
31:17You follow?
31:17Yes.
31:18No, not really.
31:20Now, the first carriage on the train to Efficiency Harbour is streamlining.
31:27Trimming the fat.
31:28Cutbacks.
31:30Well...
31:31Unclogging the pipes.
31:32There's only four of us.
31:34Which is rather the point.
31:36In what way?
31:37There should only be three.
31:38There should only be three.
31:40Your staff to square footage ratio is...
31:43Off message.
31:46Oh, but it's not all bad news.
31:49No, the decision about who to lose...
31:52All yours.
31:59Hey Sam, it's Martha Goodman.
32:03There's one of your properties, I'd like to see if it's still available.
32:07On Polkett Hill?
32:10Cheer up.
32:11It might never happen.
32:12That's the point.
32:14What?
32:15Everyone seems to have things going on.
32:17Martha's looking to buy a new house.
32:19Anne's been made a new counsellor, going off on fancy lunches all the time.
32:23Archie's dating again.
32:25And here's me.
32:26Exactly the same as I was last week, last month, pretty much the whole of last year.
32:33Literally nothing is happening in my life right now.
32:36One morning I'm just going to wake up and find out I'm old.
32:41Still on my own.
32:42And still living in Shipton Abbot.
32:45Can't think of anything worse.
32:47I know, right?
32:49So who's actually dating then?
32:51Not that I'm bothered, just interested.
32:54No idea.
32:56Supposed to be really pretty though.
33:00Tributes are pouring in following the death of renowned author Kenneth Linder.
33:04Who was found dead in his home and shipped in Abbott this morning.
33:08It comes in the week he launched his latest novel, The Final Breath.
33:16No one seems to have seen anything.
33:18If it's the town centre, the CCTV should have picked them up.
33:22Hi, sir.
33:23So, the name Mecca, I ran a quick trace.
33:28We have 34 families with that last name in Devon and Cornwall.
33:31But, with nothing to cross-check it with, it's tough to narrow down.
33:35Right.
33:37So what do we know about him?
33:39Er, he's a Kenneth Linder fan, he's got a limp, and he's got a button missing.
33:45Not much.
33:46All right.
33:47Er, see if there's a Kenneth Linder fan club or a book reading group.
33:52Er, they'll have a list of members.
33:54Why didn't I think of that?
33:55Yes, and, er, maybe we could take a punt on the limp too?
33:58Check for local hospital admissions in the last six months.
34:01Injuries to his left, er...
34:02Left leg? I'm on it.
34:03Yes.
34:05So, the hub.
34:08Anything to report?
34:10Er, yes.
34:12Yes, seems we're under new management, everyone.
34:15The chief super's moved on, and we are now being overseen by the planning team
34:21and the local police and crime panel.
34:25So, where's Charlie Woods gone?
34:27Dartmouth, I think he said.
34:29Oh, no.
34:30She was lovely.
34:31I really liked her.
34:32Yeah.
34:33She was definitely one of the better ones.
34:35Is that it, though?
34:36Now Charlie's gone?
34:37No new directives or anything?
34:40Er, er, no.
34:42I don't know what that was.
34:44I don't know what that was.
34:47I don't know what that was.
34:51I don't know if she's ever been except for her.
34:52No.
34:57I don't know, I feel like I'm gonna get it.
35:02I don't know if I'm gonna get it.
35:03It's like a new guy for yourself.
35:03Oh, no.
35:04I didn't know what that was.
35:05I don't know.
35:05I know, oh, no.
35:10Come on.
35:23Lab have confirmed Kenneth Linder as death by electrocution,
35:28although they have listed his amyloidosis as a secondary cause.
35:32His body was so weak, he was unlikely to survive the initial shock.
35:36Mm-hm.
35:37This is madness.
35:39What's that, Kelby?
35:40The local bookmaker, David Bevan, assaulted three times in three days.
35:46Got the town centre CCTV footage, but not one of them makes any sense.
35:51Look, here, this is the first one.
35:54His dog makes a mess in his shop.
35:56He bagged it up and was taking it to an outside bin.
36:00Then someone snatches it off him.
36:02That's weird.
36:04Then the next one, same time, next day, near enough.
36:08A different bloke runs up and tries to punch him, misses,
36:13and then Mr Bevan said that he started crying and then ran off.
36:17Right.
36:17And then, this morning, a third bloke came out of nowhere,
36:22whacks him on the head with a rolled-up newspaper for no reason,
36:26and then just runs off as well.
36:27It's all very odd.
36:29It's just kids messing about.
36:31I think I found your poor mecca.
36:37Yeah, he arrived two nights ago.
36:40I said he was here on business.
36:42Kept himself to himself.
36:49Would you know him if you saw him again?
36:52No doubt it.
36:54Don't pay much attention to overnighters.
36:57Can I ask how he paid?
37:00Er, cash.
37:01Cash.
37:04Has anyone else stayed in this room?
37:06No.
37:08Er, the cleaner's supposed to check for things like this.
37:12Er, did he give any personal details when he checked in?
37:15Address, phone number?
37:16He filled a registration card out.
37:19Can we see it?
37:20It's downstairs, in the office.
37:22Esther.
37:28Do you have any security cameras?
37:30We have a doorbell camera.
37:32Excellent.
37:33Hmm.
37:34Can't see him arriving.
37:36Oh, but he might have come in through the side door.
37:40Let's look at when he left.
37:42OK.
37:43Thanks, Margot.
37:45Address and phone number are false.
37:48There he is.
37:50He's got a limp.
37:57That's him.
38:03Come on.
38:05You should have gone an hour ago.
38:06Nearly done.
38:08Boy, your age should be rushing home, getting ready to go out.
38:12Haven't you got a date or anything?
38:14Nah.
38:14I've given up on all them dating apps.
38:16Oh.
38:17Last one I met up with.
38:19Must have used a photo that was older than me.
38:22Oh.
38:23She...
38:24She keeps sending me photos of her...
38:28lasagna.
38:31Well.
38:33Don't be long.
38:34I won't.
38:36I won't.
38:48Hi.
38:50Hi.
38:56Bad day.
38:58You're not as bad as Selwyn.
39:00Look, he's homeless.
39:02Oh, your author's been all over the news.
39:05Saying it was murder.
39:06I think so, yeah.
39:08Any idea who it was?
39:09Well, we've got a good suspect.
39:12A disgruntled fan who's sending threatening messages and we can place them at the seams, so...
39:17I'm sorry.
39:18I know you liked him.
39:20I did, yeah.
39:23But it's not that.
39:27I got called into the hub.
39:29Oh.
39:31You've been told off again?
39:32Not this time.
39:36They're saying I've got to lose someone at the station.
39:40What?
39:41Yeah.
39:43Apparently there should only be three of us at the station, so I need to lose one of either
39:46Esther, Kelby or Margot.
39:51That's awful.
39:52Yeah.
39:53What will you do?
39:54I have no idea.
40:01So, I've got something that might cheer you up or make you feel ten times worse.
40:08Right.
40:10If it's bad timing and you don't want to talk about it, then just say so.
40:14It's bad timing.
40:18But the Lily Bond will be out of the water for weeks.
40:21Maybe months.
40:24And although we can stay at Mum's again, I was thinking that maybe it was time to move
40:31on and went back to our original plan when we first moved down.
40:40Or to house.
40:45Are you serious?
40:47Look.
41:03Hello, Peter.
41:03Where have you been?
41:05Oh, Arthur.
41:06Still not bare that leg.
41:08Aw.
41:08Hello, lovey.
41:09See you Friday.
41:11Ha!
41:21You're in early.
41:22What's up with you?
41:23Weren't you, Ben?
41:24No.
41:25So, I had a brainwave.
41:28Oh.
41:29I was sitting in the bath, listening to Billie Eilish, when I realised that all those things
41:36that happened to Mr Bevan, outside the bookmakers, all happened at the same time.
41:41Between five to nine and ten past nine.
41:45Three days in a row.
41:47So, what if they're there again today?
41:49I can get there first and wait for them to show up.
41:54So, what's Billie Eilish got to do with it?
41:56Oh, nothing.
41:57I just like her.
42:16The fan club hasn't got a Paul Mecca listed.
42:20I'm still waiting on hospital reports.
42:22Okay.
42:24That's sad.
42:25What is?
42:26It's an interview with Kenneth Linder.
42:28They asked him where the title of his book came from.
42:31When his wife was dying, she made him promise to look after their daughter, Helen.
42:36He said to her that he would.
42:38To his final breath.
42:41I think he kept his promise.
42:43They were very close.
42:44Yes.
42:45I only wish we had more answers for her.
42:51Right.
42:53Let's run through what we've got again.
43:05Hi.
43:07Stop.
43:10Oi.
43:11Stop.
43:18Go get him, Kelly.
43:35Hey, let's go.
43:46Let's go.
43:49She's the best girl that I've ever had.
43:52I fought the law, Helen.
43:54You're the one.
43:55I fought the law, Helen.
43:57Go get him.
44:13Let's go.
44:13Go get him.
44:13If we see, keep the time.
44:17Let's go.
44:17Go get him.
44:19Go get him.
44:28There's no way to go, silly girl.
44:30I said, come here.
44:37I got you now.
44:39No, no, no.
44:40Stop it!
44:49You lived here as a teenager, didn't you?
44:51Yes, I did.
44:52Didn't you find it weird seeing the same people every day and them always looking the same?
45:00Kelby!
45:02Hello.
45:04Can I use your bathroom, please?
45:11Neither can we all have time.
45:13Kelby?
45:14Kelby?
45:15Mum's washing my uniform.
45:17I was chasing one of the kids that assaulted Mr Bevan.
45:21Caught one of them and he dobbed the other two in.
45:24They're in the hub at the moment being questioned.
45:26Well done, Kelby.
45:27Yes, indeed. Well done, Kelby.
45:29So, what was it all about?
45:31OK, so, Mr Bevan keeps the cash from the tills and the slot machines in a safe overnight,
45:38then banks at the same time every morning.
45:42They obviously found out about it and decided to rob him.
45:47But they weren't very bright.
45:51The first one thought Mr Bevan was on his way to bank his takings, but he wasn't.
45:56He was disposing a bag of dog poo.
46:02The next day, they had a different plan.
46:05The second one was going to throw Pepper into Mr Bevan's face and steal the bag of money.
46:10But he didn't account for the window issue.
46:20The third one had another plan.
46:22He had put a big chisel in a rolled up newspaper to caution,
46:26but he hadn't wrapped it tightly enough.
46:29So, when he pulled his arm back...
46:41So, that's what happened to the barber's window.
46:44And lucky it did, because it could have killed someone.
46:49Oh, what have you done?
46:51I turned my ankle when I was getting pulled out of the mud.
47:00Esther, have we got the doorbell footage of Paul Mecca?
47:04Uh, yes. Hang on.
47:07Ooh, they're talking about us.
47:09Shifton Abbott police have no comment on the theories
47:11that the author was murdered in the same way as the victims in his latest thriller.
47:16The new book is flying off the shelves,
47:18with fans saying his death is something he could have written himself.
47:22Yes, it could!
47:34Oh, that's exactly what it is.
47:39The final bread.
47:44But why Paul Mecca?
47:47Who is he?
47:49Oh, an accomplice part.
48:04Oh, that's very clever.
48:06Do you know what happened?
48:10I think I do.
48:13So, was it murder?
48:15Not exactly.
48:17He took his own life?
48:19Strictly speaking, both.
48:23The button, the memo pad, the footprints in the garden,
48:27the mysterious Paul Mecca,
48:29the jacket he just happened to leave behind.
48:32All very convenient and easy to find.
48:35All ultimately leading nowhere.
48:39Because they weren't clues at all.
48:44They were simply the pen strokes of a master storyteller.
48:49Kenneth Ender's books were no longer attracting the following they once did.
48:54And, facing financial ruin,
48:59he was then very literally dealt a killer blow.
49:05No, he was dying.
49:08But his thoughts were not for himself.
49:10They were for his daughter, Helen.
49:12Having kept his financial woes from her,
49:14he knew that when he was gone,
49:16she'd be left with nothing.
49:18So I think,
49:19when he was told he was dying,
49:21he concocted a plan.
49:23First,
49:24he had to get a publishing deal.
49:25He did so by agreeing to return to his most successful trilogy,
49:30The Bathtub Murders.
49:33But,
49:33more importantly,
49:35I think he's the one who suggested he write it without an advance.
49:38Instead,
49:39taking the lion's share of profits from book sales.
49:45But,
49:46why would he do that
49:47if he was broke?
49:49Because,
49:50he intended to make sure the book was a runaway success.
49:54and I think he did so
49:55by murdering himself.
49:58Knowing he only had weeks,
50:00perhaps days left to live,
50:02Kenneth Linda said goodbye to his daughter.
50:05But,
50:05as he wasn't insured,
50:06he knew he had to find a way to secure her future.
50:10Promise you'll have an early night.
50:12A nightcap first, Dorothy.
50:15One.
50:15At least.
50:17I love you.
50:19Love you too.
50:20To fulfill the promise he made to her mother,
50:23all those years ago.
50:27I doubt that any right-minded person would consider such a thing.
50:31But once he made his plan,
50:32his course was set.
50:34First thing he did was plant his clues.
50:37First, the footprint.
50:38Adding a limp for dramatic effect.
50:41Then,
50:42the mysterious note.
50:51And the button.
50:58And then,
50:59with everything in place,
51:03he carried out his plan.
51:08A few days before,
51:10he booked into Sandal's guesthouse
51:12in the name of the character he created,
51:14making sure that he left the jacket
51:16with a missing button behind
51:18and to get caught on the doorbell camera,
51:21allowing us to see the supposed limp
51:24he'd orchestrated in the flower bed
51:26to confirm his identity.
51:29I also think he sent himself the death threats.
51:32The account used by Paul Mecker,
51:34it had only been operating a few weeks.
51:36So he did it all himself?
51:39Yes, Calmy.
51:41I think he did.
51:43As news spread
51:45of the fictional matter
51:46that became real life,
51:47he ensured that his new book
51:49became a bestseller.
51:53Remember the words
51:54that he spoke to his dying wife
51:56all those years ago
51:57when she begged him
51:58to look after their daughter?
51:59That he'd look after her
52:01until his
52:03final breath.
52:05And that's exactly what he did.
52:08So what gave him away?
52:09But who's Paul Mecker?
52:11Why? Okay.
52:12Two things
52:13were his undoing.
52:15Footprint casts
52:17from the garden
52:18show that the weak leg
52:20was on the left.
52:21Yet,
52:23walking away
52:24from the guest house,
52:25the limp
52:26was clearly
52:27on his right leg.
52:29Any other thing?
52:30Or the hubris?
52:31Yeah.
52:32Ah.
52:49It's an anagram.
52:52Paul Mecker
52:53Mea
52:54Culpa.
52:56Latin?
52:58An admission of guilt.
53:00Quite literally,
53:01it was me
53:02who did it.
53:15Thank you for taking
53:16the time to stop by.
53:19We thought you'd
53:19want to know.
53:21Oh, I doubt
53:21it's much comfort.
53:23No.
53:24None at all,
53:25to be honest.
53:27The truth is,
53:28I'd swap every penny
53:29of the fortune
53:30he worked so hard
53:31to leave me
53:32for
53:33one more day
53:34with him.
53:44Yeah.
53:45Lots of, you know,
53:47like,
53:47filing and stuff.
53:48Here we go.
53:49Don't think
53:49I've forgot anything.
53:51Oh, take it.
53:52Well, don't kill me.
53:53Want some good news?
53:54Yes, always.
53:56Kenneth Linda's publisher,
53:58Anthony Westley,
53:59just got sacked.
54:01Why?
54:02For signing a contract
54:04that gives most of the money
54:05from the booksellers
54:05to the Linda estate.
54:07Yes, the book
54:08is bigger than ever.
54:09It's a bestseller.
54:10Losing all that money,
54:11you must have
54:12a nasty rash.
54:15Well, I think
54:17we shouldn't lose sight
54:17of the fact
54:18that our daughter
54:19lost her father,
54:20but, uh,
54:22well done, everyone.
54:23And well done, you.
54:24To our amazing inspector,
54:27Martha,
54:28who saved him
54:29from a watery grave,
54:30our brilliant Kelby,
54:32who cracked his own case
54:33and waded through mud
54:34to bring his prisoner in,
54:36and Margot,
54:37who is the font
54:38of all knowledge,
54:39and Esther,
54:40the voice of reason
54:42and the glue
54:42that holds us all together.
54:44Oh, and not forgetting
54:46our new counsellor.
54:47Oh!
54:48Cheers!
54:49Cheers!
54:49Cheers!
54:58OK.
54:59So the pictures I showed you
55:00are a bit old,
55:02and no-one's lived here
55:03for a while.
55:04Really?
55:05Close your eyes.
55:12Oh, God.
55:14I can't see anything.
55:16Oh!
55:16This way.
55:17And, uh,
55:18there's the step.
55:20OK.
55:21Yeah.
55:22Do we have a key?
55:23Don't need one.
55:24There's no front door.
55:27Up.
55:28Up.
55:28Up.
55:28Up.
55:28Yeah.
55:30Oh!
55:31Oh, sorry.
55:33Oh, seriously.
55:36Oh, what's that smell?
55:38Let's not ask.
55:40Right.
55:40Not so.
55:42OK.
55:45Are you ready?
55:47I am not sure.
55:49Open your eyes.
55:53I get two questions.
55:55One,
55:56are you sure
55:57we're in the right house?
55:57And two,
55:58if we are,
55:59what on earth possessed you?
56:01I'm glad you asked.
56:02I'm feeling with me
56:04with your eyes.
56:05Oh.
56:06Oh?
56:10Isn't it amazing?
56:19Oh, oh, oh.
56:21Oh, oh.
56:23Oh, oh.
56:26Oh, oh.
56:36Two crimes, two attempts to undo those crimes.
56:40I am not mad.
56:42You think someone trashed the place, then immediately put everything back.
56:46Mr. Smith is still pounding me for a decision on who I'm going to let go.
56:51Oh my God, ma'am, there's Archie in that woman.
56:54Pausing, fostering still feels like the right thing to do.
56:56Especially now we're back living with your mum.
56:58Remember, you are enough.
57:02I've definitely had enough. Know that much.
57:04It came this morning.
57:09A mythical beast lurking offshore next tonight on BBC One.
57:14The series finale of Death in Paradise coming up.
57:17And it was ahead of its time.
57:19The cult classic turns 30.
57:21Who can forget this life?
57:23Press red to watch on iPlayer.
57:26The cult classic turns 30.
57:29The cult classic turns 30.
57:29The cult classic turns 30.
57:32The cult classic turns 30.
57:34The cult classic turns 30.
57:34The cult classic turns 30.
57:36The cult classic turns 30.
57:36The cult classic turns 30.
57:37The cult classic turns 30.
57:37The cult classic turns 30.
57:37The cult classic turns 30.
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