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The Brokenwood Mysteries S12E03 (2026)
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00:00:01We light you by my side and lift the stars to be my guide
00:00:06In the dark, a voice that calls, you're stronger on your own
00:00:12And I watch the clouds go by and I think about the time
00:00:18We didn't get the chance for us to have just one more dance
00:00:25To dance with you is all I wanna do
00:00:30And I know that's so good, I'll just miss you like I should
00:00:36I wanna take your hand and dance just like we did
00:00:42The night that we met, I'll just miss you instead
00:01:01Help! Somebody! Please!
00:01:11Help! Somebody! Help! Somebody help!
00:01:18Please!
00:01:40Hey there you, you okay?
00:01:43No!
00:01:44No!
00:01:46No!
00:01:47No!
00:01:48No!
00:01:48No!
00:01:49No!
00:01:49No!
00:02:04Good morning
00:02:05Hey boss, nice day for it
00:02:08How's it?
00:02:09Uh, Gina's already started
00:02:11Considering the location, I might actually forgive you for calling us out today
00:02:15Right, uh, happy new year
00:02:17Let's go
00:02:26You good there?
00:02:27Just a mow
00:02:35The property is known as Whitecliff Manor
00:02:37And its owner, Maxwell Cornelius
00:02:39Is our deceased
00:02:4179 years old
00:02:42He was found just after 7am by Frodo
00:02:47And the young woman he's with, Frances Martin
00:02:50She's a guest of Mr. Cornelius
00:02:53I'll take Frodo
00:02:57Morning, Gina
00:02:58Daniel, happy new year
00:03:01Christy, how are you?
00:03:02Box of birds, thanks, Gina
00:03:04You should not keep the birds in a box
00:03:06It's cruel
00:03:12Must have been a hell of a party last night
00:03:14What do you think he tied one on and blew a gasket?
00:03:17Toxicology will tell us more
00:03:18A few who attended the party are still in the manor
00:03:23On it
00:03:32What happened to you, Maxwell?
00:03:34Was it just your time, or did you get some help?
00:03:38The victim has no obvious signs of injury
00:03:40Of course this arouses great interest in me
00:03:43Um, sure
00:03:48Anything else to add?
00:03:49To die in this position
00:03:51It's very unusual
00:03:53I have a deep suspicion
00:03:54His death is unnatural
00:03:57I feel it in
00:03:58In your lagoon where the devils dwell
00:04:00You know me so well
00:04:01Plus
00:04:03I found this in his pocket
00:04:06Meet me in the garden
00:04:07Come alone
00:04:11Last night, Mr. Cornelius
00:04:13The dead guy
00:04:15He hosted a masquerade ball for
00:04:17Like New Year's Eve
00:04:18That explains the pants
00:04:20Take it you've been here all night
00:04:23Yeah
00:04:24I might have overdone it a bit
00:05:07You're a friend of Mr. Cornelius?
00:05:11Yeah
00:05:12Nah
00:05:13He's always been pretty private
00:05:15But he was a regular at the coffee cart
00:05:17Good morning, Franklin
00:05:19Hey, Mr. Cornelius
00:05:20Your usual?
00:05:21Yeah
00:05:22Always
00:05:22A magic morning
00:05:24Begs for a little magic
00:05:26A magic what?
00:05:28It's a double shot wrist to read
00:05:30A three quarters flat white
00:05:32They're pretty hard to make
00:05:33I think that's why I got an invite
00:05:36A private bash to see in the new year
00:05:38Hush, hush
00:05:39Keep it close
00:05:40Blue slips
00:05:41Sink ships
00:05:44So it was supposed to be a secret party
00:05:46I don't know
00:05:48Man, I just
00:05:49Went for the free booze
00:05:52Mildred Hawkins
00:05:53I'm the live-in housekeeper
00:05:55And how long have you been working for Mr. Cornelius?
00:05:59Close to 40 years
00:06:02You must be upset by his death
00:06:04Maxwell was a good employer
00:06:08And over time
00:06:09He became a dear friend
00:06:12But at his age
00:06:16People die
00:06:20He likes extravagant parties
00:06:22No, not really
00:06:23He mostly kept to himself
00:06:24With the exception of a few close friends
00:06:27Then why hold a New Year's Eve event?
00:06:30Today would have been Maxwell's 80th birthday
00:06:33He wanted to celebrate
00:06:34And with New Year's Eve
00:06:36He could kill two birds with one stone
00:06:39He wasn't sure
00:06:40How many big milestones he had left
00:06:42Why a masquerade party?
00:06:45Maxwell had a love of the theatrical
00:06:48Stems from his art history background
00:06:51Before he retired
00:06:52He was an art valuer
00:06:53Oh
00:06:56What kind of art?
00:06:58Historical paintings, mostly
00:06:59He was incredibly well-known
00:07:02In the fine arts world
00:07:04Some of the big nag galleries
00:07:05Hired him on a regular basis
00:07:08They must have kept him busy
00:07:10Why are the police interested
00:07:12In the death of an elderly gentleman?
00:07:15It's routine
00:07:18So when was the last time you saw him?
00:07:21I tried to find him at midnight
00:07:22To wish him a happy birthday
00:07:24Well, I assumed he'd be on the balcony
00:07:26To watch the fireworks
00:07:28Attention everyone
00:07:30It's almost but not everyone
00:07:32Needs to come out on the balcony
00:07:33To see the fireworks
00:07:44Ten
00:07:45Nine
00:07:46Eight
00:07:47Seven
00:07:48Six
00:07:50Five
00:07:50Four
00:07:52Three
00:07:53Three
00:07:53Two
00:07:54One
00:07:55He wasn't there?
00:08:03No
00:08:05It was strange
00:08:06When did you see him last?
00:08:09Honestly, I can't remember
00:08:11I was flat out all night
00:08:12Approximation will do
00:08:14I guess sometime around
00:08:16Eleven p.m.
00:08:18I saw him chatting with Hattie
00:08:21And Hattie is?
00:08:23Hattie Anderson
00:08:26Maxwell's one-time fiancé
00:08:28Although he called the engagement off
00:08:30I think she still holds a candle
00:08:35Oh, Muldred
00:08:37Didn't you get the memo?
00:08:39It's a masquerade ball
00:08:41Someone needs to serve
00:08:43And I'm ever grateful to you, Millie
00:08:46Or what I do without you
00:08:48Yes, I'm sure it would be hard
00:08:50To find another waitress at short notice
00:08:52Hattie
00:08:54That must have been humiliating
00:08:59I've always known my place
00:09:04Come through
00:09:07Sorry
00:09:08I'm still, uh
00:09:09Oh, please
00:09:10Take your time
00:09:11Finding a body can be a very confronting thing
00:09:13What a way to start the year
00:09:16How did you know Mr Cornelius?
00:09:19He's a recent acquaintance
00:09:21And I didn't have any plans for New Year's
00:09:23So I thought, why not?
00:09:25Please
00:09:26It appears Whitecliffe Manor was the place to be last night
00:09:30Yes, it was a fun party
00:09:51Then you were up early this morning
00:09:54Yes
00:09:57Going somewhere
00:09:58I was about to get a taxi
00:10:01You're not from Brokewood?
00:10:02No
00:10:06I heard that Mr Cornelius was a bachelor
00:10:09Does that mean he's got no next of kin?
00:10:12Uh, we don't know that detail yet
00:10:14It will be part of our inquiry
00:10:16Why do you ask?
00:10:18Just curious
00:10:20We'd appreciate if you stayed in the district a little longer
00:10:23Because?
00:10:26Just in case we get curious about things
00:10:28Of course
00:10:39Oh!
00:10:42Mrs Baker
00:10:42Mrs Baker
00:10:43Yes, gracious Daisy Charles
00:10:44You almost gave me a heart attack
00:10:47But I didn't know that I think you might have spent the night here
00:10:49Well, just between you and me
00:10:51I think that someone spiked the champagne
00:10:53Because I barely had anything to drink
00:10:55Next thing you know, I'm waking up fast down in the breakfast room
00:10:58Are you a friend of Mr Cornelius?
00:11:01No
00:11:01Oh, he's a client
00:11:03But I'd never say no to a dress-up
00:11:05I've always loved making an effort when it comes to haute couture
00:11:10As it turns out, my father was a cross-dresser back in the day
00:11:13When you could still call it that
00:11:15Now, of course, that got him into all sorts of trouble
00:11:17But also, I did wonder if the rumours were true
00:11:20About Maxwell, not my father
00:11:22There were no rumours there
00:11:23Everyone knew that he was a cross-dresser
00:11:25What rumours would they be?
00:11:29Drinking on the job, Mrs B
00:11:30Well, nothing like a bit of stress relief when you're under pressure
00:11:35I've been tasked with organising an extravagant birthday party in eight years
00:11:39And it happens to fall on December 31st
00:11:41So, as you can imagine, a lot going on
00:11:44Anyone we know?
00:11:45Mr Maxwell Cornelius
00:11:47He owns Whitecliffe Manor
00:11:48That rich art guy
00:11:49He is very wealthy
00:11:51The invitation list is a who's who of the Brokenwood elite
00:11:57Frodo
00:11:58I don't know how he got on there, but everyone out
00:12:00Bunch of snobs by the looks
00:12:01That's a bit harsh
00:12:02Or perhaps
00:12:05Spies
00:12:08Spies
00:12:08Trudy has it on good authority
00:12:10That Mr Cornelius himself
00:12:13Used to be a spy
00:12:14Good authority
00:12:16Clientel of the Croc and Panda
00:12:17But the rumours are
00:12:18Kind of one head and two grow in its place
00:12:21So did you find any spies?
00:12:23Sadly, no
00:12:24The evening was a bit of a bust in that respect
00:12:27But all the costumes were lovely
00:12:28And I had a very uplifting reading with Morgana
00:12:32So it wasn't a complete waste
00:12:36Morgana Marinkovic
00:12:37Yes, she had a table set up for palm readings
00:12:39With her sister-in-law Svetlana
00:12:40Well, ex-sister-in-law
00:12:42They still have the same last name
00:12:44So that's a bit confusing
00:12:45I'm going to need that guest list
00:12:48Mrs Baker
00:12:58You're all right?
00:13:05Silverton
00:13:05Silverton
00:13:07Lovely, aren't they?
00:13:09And expensive
00:13:10Oh, yeah?
00:13:12What sort of money are we talking?
00:13:14Well, Maxwell reckons close to a million
00:13:16Each
00:13:18With a pair
00:13:18Three million
00:13:23Detective Chris
00:13:24Second Lieutenant Philip Craddock of the Third Brigade
00:13:29Oh
00:13:30Is there something wrong?
00:13:33Apology, you remind me of someone
00:13:37You're not Russian, are you?
00:13:40Not that I know of
00:13:42Very good
00:13:46Are you lost?
00:13:47What?
00:13:48Well, you don't live here, do you?
00:13:50Or do you?
00:13:51Do you?
00:13:53No, I'm here because
00:13:57What is your relationship to Mr Cornelius?
00:14:00Well, Maxwell and I are the best of friends
00:14:01We fought in the war together
00:14:04Right
00:14:05Are you aware
00:14:10That Mr Cornelius was found dead this morning?
00:14:14Oh, my God
00:14:17What a wonderful adventure the old boy must be on
00:14:19Adventure?
00:14:21Yeah, working his skills
00:14:25Party's not started yet
00:14:29Oh, trap
00:14:30These salted peanuts remind me of the ones we got behind enemy lives
00:14:33Do you remember?
00:14:33In the tins
00:14:36Tonight is a bit off, Philip
00:14:38I've just had the strangest encounter
00:14:40Was it the Ruskies?
00:14:44My dear friend
00:14:45It's good of you to remind me of a time when the world was more complicated
00:14:51But I may have to utilize some of my old skills to get to the bottom of this enigma
00:14:58What kind of skills?
00:15:00Skills that we garnered whilst on Her Majesty's service
00:15:03He must affect his own death in order to solve the riddle
00:15:09What, uh, war did you say you fought in?
00:15:11The only one that mattered
00:15:12The Great War
00:15:13The Great War meaning World War I?
00:15:16Yes, that's right
00:15:18The Kaiser's boys, they had us in their crosshairs
00:15:20You know, you know
00:15:25We, um, we defeated them
00:15:27Mint
00:15:29But not the blue ones
00:15:31They're my favorite
00:15:32No, I'm fine, thank you
00:15:34Oh
00:15:39What, uh, uh, uh
00:15:46I don't know.
00:16:33Thanks.
00:16:36Okay.
00:16:37That coffee was actually...
00:16:39God, that is good.
00:16:40What did you put in there?
00:16:42Coffee.
00:16:43Okay.
00:16:46Uh, this was found in the victim's pocket.
00:16:49Meet me in the garden.
00:16:51Come alone.
00:16:52So he was lured to the folly.
00:16:55Wealthy guy.
00:16:56Easy motive.
00:16:57Yeah, uh, believed to be a bachelor.
00:16:59Uh, no next of kin that I can find.
00:17:01Well, he was once engaged to Patty Anderson,
00:17:03but Maxwell called off the engagement.
00:17:06Uh, we need to trick down the world
00:17:08and find out who inherits.
00:17:09Perhaps a close friend.
00:17:10Philip Craddock.
00:17:12He's known Mr Cornelius for years.
00:17:16But, uh, I don't think he's quite playing with a full deck.
00:17:21Dementia?
00:17:21Something like that.
00:17:23He said I reminded him of some Russian woman he used to know.
00:17:27Gina.
00:17:28Thanks.
00:17:29No.
00:17:30He also claimed that he and Maxwell fought in World War I together,
00:17:33which would make them around 130 years old.
00:17:36Well, for what it's worth,
00:17:37Mrs Baker has heard rumours that Mr Cornelius was involved in espionage.
00:17:43Maybe that's not that far-fetched.
00:17:45Because I found this at the crime scene.
00:17:51Is that a hammer and sickle?
00:17:53Yeah, it is.
00:17:54They're a Russian brand of cigarettes, comrades.
00:17:56Were any of the guests Russian?
00:17:58No, according to this.
00:17:59Mrs Baker provided me with a full guest list.
00:18:03There were only 39 people in attendance.
00:18:06The party was invitation only?
00:18:08Mm, Mrs Baker was the event planner.
00:18:11Mr Cornelius was very particular about who could attend.
00:18:16Frodo.
00:18:17The victim had a soft spot for his favourite barista.
00:18:20More curious, Francis Martin claimed she only just met Mr Cornelius,
00:18:24yet she was staying with him.
00:18:26And she's not on the guest list.
00:18:44Mmm.
00:18:47How can I help you?
00:18:51Svetlana, you and Morgana attended the masquerade ball at Whitecliffe Meta last night?
00:19:00Morgana, wake up.
00:19:03We have a visitor.
00:19:10Morena, Morgana.
00:19:12Daniel!
00:19:13How lovely.
00:19:14I knew I would be seeing you today.
00:19:18Is that right?
00:19:20It's Maxwell Cornelius.
00:19:22He's dead, isn't he?
00:19:25Uh, as it happens, Mr Cornelius was found dead this morning.
00:19:29The woman who was with him last night?
00:19:31She told me it was his time.
00:19:36My thanks again, you two, for coming this evening.
00:19:39I think your store will provide some intrigue to this evening's events.
00:19:43You're very welcome, Mr Cornelius.
00:19:45And we're expecting payment up front.
00:19:56No need for theatrics just yet, Miss Maringovic.
00:19:59Guests haven't started arriving yet.
00:20:02I don't want to alarm you, but you should watch your back tonight.
00:20:06Someone has a score to settle.
00:20:15This woman, was she a ghost?
00:20:19A visitor from the spirit world, yes.
00:20:22She had blonde hair, blue eyes, and a Russian accent, I think.
00:20:26If the Russians are involved, you best believe that death was not a natural one.
00:20:31They cannot be trusted.
00:20:33Uh, any Russian in particular?
00:20:35Duh.
00:20:36Steve Fenshaw.
00:20:38Has anyone ever told you that you look Russian?
00:20:42With this big, bold head of yours and this Baltic chin?
00:20:46Okay, I didn't come here to be insulted.
00:20:47Rana, being an attractive is the least of his problems.
00:20:50Excuse me?
00:20:50Sooty!
00:20:51This Gubitnik couldn't build a scent castle if he tried.
00:20:54Maybe not, but you didn't read that in his palm.
00:20:57I didn't know you could read palms as well.
00:20:59She can't.
00:21:01That's not nice.
00:21:02I wouldn't be surprised if it's all a cover-up story.
00:21:06How so?
00:21:07Everyone knows that Steve is an English version for Stepan, a Russian name.
00:21:14Steve did make a strange exit last night.
00:21:17Steve, come back.
00:21:18I'll give you a proper reading.
00:21:28Only KGB can go.
00:21:34Thank you for meeting with me, Ms. Anderson.
00:21:37Oh, Hattie, please.
00:21:38I understand that you and Mr. Cornelius were once engaged to be married.
00:21:44Well, yes, but we didn't go through with it, and it was a long, long time ago.
00:21:50How long ago was that?
00:21:52Oh, close to forty years.
00:21:55We were but babes.
00:21:57We were but babes.
00:21:57And are you still unmarried?
00:22:01Not that it's any of your business.
00:22:03But I received a large inheritance when my father died, and never had the need for a husband, financially.
00:22:10What about for love?
00:22:12I was once in love with Maxwell, but he was married to his work.
00:22:19His work as an art valuer, or his work as a spy?
00:22:24Well, that's just simply small-town gossip.
00:22:28Maxwell's career took him all over the world.
00:22:31It afforded him Whitecliffe and all these incredible works of art.
00:22:37Do you know who stands to inherit?
00:22:39Why are you asking me?
00:22:40Well, you're close ones.
00:22:42We understand that Mr. Cornelius has no living relatives.
00:22:46Well, that much is true.
00:22:48For what it's worth, a young woman turned up a few days ago claiming to be a distant cousin.
00:22:57Hattie, my dear.
00:22:59Delighted you were able to meet me.
00:23:0180 years young Maxwell.
00:23:02How could I miss it?
00:23:04Although it feels like only yesterday.
00:23:06We were all in our thirties.
00:23:16Hello?
00:23:17Maxwell, I'm Frances Martin, your second cousin, twice removed.
00:23:23Not that I believe it, but if she is Maxwell's closest living heir, she would inherit Whitecliffe, wouldn't she?
00:23:47Great.
00:23:47Oh, my God, you read my mind.
00:23:53What did you get up to last night?
00:23:56Must have been fun.
00:23:58It's kind of personal, don't you think?
00:24:00That's it?
00:24:02I don't want to talk about it.
00:24:04We have a time of death.
00:24:10What's that?
00:24:11A pacemaker?
00:24:13Yes, Mike.
00:24:14It recorded his time of death as midnight.
00:24:17Exactly.
00:24:18Beyond that, Gina is yet to determine a cause.
00:24:21Hopefully, toxicology results will shed some light.
00:24:25Steve Fanshawe was seen entering the library by the Marinkovitches around 11.45pm, after which he completely disappeared.
00:24:37As in vanished?
00:24:39Which gave him the opportunity to go from the manor to the folly.
00:24:42Uh, Svetlana also suggested that Mr. Fanshawe could be a Russian operative, although her motives seem personal, at best.
00:24:53And Morgana?
00:24:54She claims a Russian ghost predicted Maxwell's death.
00:25:00We need to determine where everyone living was at midnight.
00:25:04I'll talk to Mrs. Baker. She may have filmed the event.
00:25:09Ah, good idea.
00:25:12Sims?
00:25:13Yes?
00:25:15Um, indeed.
00:25:17Uh, and according to Hattie Anderson, Francis Martin claimed to be a distant cousin of Mr. Cornelius.
00:25:24Yet she's only recently met him.
00:25:27Well, I don't know many of my distant cousins.
00:25:28She knew him well enough to get a last-minute invite.
00:25:32Track her down.
00:25:45Hey, usual?
00:25:45Thanks, Fredo.
00:25:50Miss Anderson.
00:25:51Good morning.
00:25:52Oh, Detective Sims.
00:25:54Sorry to interrupt.
00:25:55Are you?
00:25:57Do you recall where you were at midnight on New Year's Eve?
00:26:00Why?
00:26:01Well, we have reason to believe that's when Mr. Cornelius passed away, so we're trying to piece together a timeline
00:26:06of the evening.
00:26:07I don't remember.
00:26:09I hope you can wind things up soon.
00:26:10I need to be getting home.
00:26:13How long ago did you receive your invite?
00:26:16Oh, I received an email from a, um, Becky Baker while I was travelling.
00:26:23Oh, travelling where?
00:26:23Gosh, you do ask a lot of questions.
00:26:26Well, as you know, I'm a detective.
00:26:29South America.
00:26:31It's always been on my bucket list.
00:26:33That you, Pete, you was breathtaking.
00:26:36Long black, no sugar.
00:26:38Well, I really must get going.
00:26:40Oh, who's the lucky person?
00:26:41Well, your ring, I take it you're engaged.
00:26:45That's really none of your business.
00:26:47Okay.
00:26:49Um, by the way, Frances Martin, you don't happen to know where she's staying, do you?
00:26:54I don't.
00:26:55She's hardly welcome at Whitecliff.
00:26:58Why's that?
00:26:59Because.
00:27:00Where does she come from?
00:27:01What does she want?
00:27:03So many questions.
00:27:06Have you tried the motels?
00:27:12Rude, right?
00:27:17Real rude.
00:27:19Yeah.
00:27:21Thanks, Frodo.
00:27:23I heard you had a big one for New Year's too.
00:27:28It's a private matter.
00:27:30Yeah.
00:27:39Thanks for agreeing to meet.
00:27:41Well, I'd rather be at the beach, but what can you do?
00:27:44You attended the Masquerade Ball at Whitecliff Manor?
00:27:47Yeah.
00:27:48Why?
00:27:49Mr. Cornelius was found deceased yesterday.
00:27:53I heard.
00:27:54Nothing to do with me.
00:27:56You were seen on the night in question, entering the library before disappearing.
00:28:02I'm a builder, mate.
00:28:04I'm a magician.
00:28:05Where did you go?
00:28:07Look, I just needed to get away from those Marinkovic women.
00:28:10This could be it.
00:28:11You couldn't build a sandcastle if you wanted to.
00:28:13Maybe not, but you didn't read that in his palm.
00:28:18Steve, come back.
00:28:21I'll give you a proper reading.
00:28:28Climbing out a window must have been some palm reading.
00:28:31Well, it wasn't the reading, it was the abuse.
00:28:33With this big, bold head of yours and this Baltic chin?
00:28:37For the record, my mother is a Norwegian extraction.
00:28:40My father's family's finished.
00:28:42No love lost with the Russians.
00:28:44Well, that doesn't answer my question.
00:28:48Which was?
00:28:49Where did you go?
00:28:51Outside, obviously.
00:28:53Then I went home.
00:28:55How did you get into the party?
00:28:56You weren't on the guest list.
00:28:58I did a bit of work for Mr. Cornelius a few months back.
00:29:00What type of work?
00:29:02Doesn't matter.
00:29:02This was months ago.
00:29:04You should be looking at the people who were close to the old man.
00:29:07Like his son.
00:29:09My understanding is that Mr. Cornelius doesn't have any children.
00:29:12That's what I thought, too.
00:29:14It's good to see you, Badger.
00:29:17Try and enjoy your evening.
00:29:21Badger, in your real name?
00:29:23For my sins.
00:29:25Daddy and I'm next one.
00:29:27Haven't you heard?
00:29:29I'm his long-lost son.
00:29:31How's that?
00:29:32Next one doesn't have any kids.
00:29:34Yeah.
00:29:36Sounds like bullshit to me, too.
00:29:40What did you mean by that?
00:29:41No idea.
00:29:43But what kind of name is Badger, anyway?
00:29:46Sounds made up.
00:29:50It's through here.
00:29:55Thanks for coming in.
00:29:56Sure.
00:29:57Whatever I can do to help.
00:29:59For the record,
00:30:02you were at Mr. Cornelius' masquerade party on New Year's Eve.
00:30:07Yes.
00:30:08That's for a lot of people.
00:30:10Well, they all had invites,
00:30:12but you weren't on the list.
00:30:16I was invited by Mr. Cornelius directly.
00:30:20Good night?
00:30:21Yeah, it was.
00:30:23Do you recall where you were at midnight?
00:30:26I believe I was on the balcony.
00:30:29You believe you were?
00:30:31Well, I didn't look at the clock or anything,
00:30:33but I was on the balcony when the fireworks went off,
00:30:35so that must have been midnight.
00:30:37You told DSS Shepard that you'd only recently met Mr. Cornelius.
00:30:42I did.
00:30:45Maxwell, I'm Francis Martin,
00:30:48your second cousin, twice removed.
00:30:52Well, well.
00:30:55Your cousin Francis Maxwell.
00:30:58How wonderful.
00:31:00Oh, you absolutely must stay.
00:31:04Indeed, you must.
00:31:07That's when I met him.
00:31:08So, are you Mr. Cornelius' cousin or not?
00:31:12My mother died several months ago,
00:31:14and I found a connection to Maxwell
00:31:16when I was sorting through her paperwork.
00:31:19How did you know he was holding a masquerade party?
00:31:22I didn't.
00:31:23But when Mr. Craddock asked me to stay,
00:31:25I guess I was invited by default.
00:31:28And he just happened to have a costume?
00:31:31I got it from the hire place in town.
00:31:33They have a great renaissance section.
00:31:36Then the next morning, you got up and left.
00:31:39Well, after Maxwell died,
00:31:41it didn't feel right for me to stay at the manor,
00:31:42so I got a room at the motel.
00:31:44Was my understanding that you were already leaving
00:31:47before you found out he'd died?
00:31:50Well, yes, but I didn't want to be a burden,
00:31:52so I thought I would slip away.
00:31:54And while you were slipping away,
00:31:56you discovered Maxwell deceased in the folly?
00:32:00Yes.
00:32:01And now I'm here talking to you.
00:32:25Good morning.
00:32:27I'm D.S. Shepard.
00:32:28I know who you are, Mr. Shepard.
00:32:31And unless you have a warrant,
00:32:33I'm afraid I can't show you inside.
00:32:36And you are?
00:32:38Arthur Girdler, K.C.
00:32:40Retired.
00:32:42As Maxwell's closest friend,
00:32:44I've taken it upon myself to protect his legacy.
00:32:47I have no intention of disrespecting that legacy.
00:32:50Well, I find myself in the unenviable position
00:32:54of being Maxwell's executor,
00:32:56and all this confusion about his death is unsettling.
00:33:00Yeah, and I'm here to find out how he died.
00:33:02Well, then it's true he was murdered.
00:33:05Well, if you will allow me inside,
00:33:07I'll tell you what I know.
00:33:10We haven't confirmed Mr. Cornelius's cause of death yet.
00:33:14But you have a pretty good idea, I'm sure.
00:33:17We have reason to believe that foul claim may be involved.
00:33:20I see.
00:33:21Any persons of interest?
00:33:23We are pursuing certain lines of inquiry.
00:33:25Like the spy rumors?
00:33:27That's one line of inquiry.
00:33:29No matter how ridiculous it sounds.
00:33:31Well, I don't think it sounds ridiculous at all.
00:33:33In fact, I'd say it was quite plausible.
00:33:36Do you know something that we don't?
00:33:39I suppose you want to see the will.
00:33:45Maxwell updated his will two months ago.
00:33:51Who is Sam Parker?
00:33:53Your guess is as good as mine.
00:33:55I asked.
00:33:56But Maxwell was very secretive about it.
00:33:59Did anyone else know about this?
00:34:01Whoever Sam Parker is, he or she is about to become exceedingly rich.
00:34:09Come on, Andy.
00:34:10I'm leading my fingers through the walking here.
00:34:12I'm looking for a badger.
00:34:15No, not a badger.
00:34:17We don't have badgers in Aotearoa.
00:34:19Someone called badger?
00:34:21Badger someone or someone badger.
00:34:26Hang five, another call.
00:34:28I'm going to ring you back.
00:34:30Mike.
00:34:31We have a beneficiary for the will.
00:34:34We need to locate a Sam Parker.
00:34:36Usual spelling?
00:34:37P-A-R-K-E-R.
00:34:40That's all I've got.
00:34:41Copy that.
00:35:18Andy, any guests under the name Parker?
00:35:26Sam Parker.
00:35:28That depends who's asking.
00:35:30Do you see Chalmers, Brokewood CIB?
00:35:33I don't like talking to cops.
00:35:35Technically speaking, I'm a detective.
00:35:37I know.
00:35:38Bad suit gives it away.
00:35:45Most people call me badger.
00:35:48It's from my boarding school days.
00:35:52Is it true you're the son of Maxwell Cornelius?
00:35:54Does it matter?
00:35:56The old man's dead.
00:35:58Are you aware you're in his will?
00:36:01No.
00:36:01You're the sole beneficiary of Mr. Cornelius' estate.
00:36:05He's left you Wycliffe Manor and everything in it.
00:36:14This cigarette is Russian.
00:36:16Hmm, I know.
00:36:17Where did you find it?
00:36:18Uh, at the crime scene.
00:36:21The prints couldn't lift anything.
00:36:22I will send for the DNA.
00:36:24Anyway, that brand of cigarettes used to be very popular with the KGB.
00:36:29I, uh, don't think the KGB are operational anymore.
00:36:33Officially not.
00:36:34But the KGB continues as the FSB.
00:36:37And they are not to be trifled with.
00:36:39If Russian spies are involved, Mike, you must be very careful.
00:36:44Trust me.
00:36:45I know.
00:36:47When you say you know, do you mean you know?
00:36:50Or do you know?
00:36:53Let's just say, Mike, there is a very good reason why I left the motherland.
00:37:27Let's just say, Mike, there is a very good reason why I left the motherland.
00:37:54Let's just say, Mike, there is a very good reason why I left the motherland.
00:38:02Mrs. Baker.
00:38:05It's not what it looks like.
00:38:06It looks like you're drinking wine.
00:38:08Okay, well, um, it is what it looks like, but it's non-alcoholic.
00:38:12No, it isn't.
00:38:13All right.
00:38:14With the stress of everything going on, I figured I deserved a treat to, you know, absorb the situation.
00:38:21Okay.
00:38:22All I wanted to know is, do you have any footage from the masquerade ball?
00:38:25Oh, yes.
00:38:26I haven't put it on my socials yet because it seemed a bit inappropriate under the circumstances.
00:38:33Oh, great.
00:38:35So was he?
00:38:36Was he what?
00:38:38A spy.
00:38:39I can neither confirm nor deny.
00:38:41Told you.
00:38:43Can you send this to me?
00:38:44Of course.
00:38:46Do you need it encrypted?
00:38:48It's fine, Nazareth.
00:38:57Seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.
00:39:09It reminds me of the Battle of the Storm.
00:39:12We're going over the top, boys.
00:39:15So Francis was there?
00:39:17The only people not on the balcony at midnight were Hattie Anderson, Artie Girdler, Steve Fanshaw and Badger, aka Sam
00:39:26Parker.
00:39:27So where were they?
00:39:29Let's pin these people down.
00:39:32Gina advises that the Comrades brand of cigarette is popular with the Russian Secret Service.
00:39:39So we're back to spies again?
00:39:41Ah, we are, because it turns out that there was a lot of KGB activity in New Zealand in the
00:39:49mid-1970s.
00:39:51Maxwell Cornelius would have been in his late 20s.
00:39:55A Wellington man, William Such, was charged with treason under the Official Secrets Act.
00:40:01The New Zealand government suspected that he was acting as a spy for the KGB.
00:40:06Mr. Girdler was evasive as to whether Cornelius worked for the Secret Service or not.
00:40:11Meaning he could know more than he's letting on.
00:40:13We might actually have a dead spy in our midst.
00:40:17Well, whether his past life is relevant or not remains to be seen.
00:40:21But Gina is yet to confirm the exact cause of death.
00:40:24Ah, the birth certificate came through for Sam Parker.
00:40:28His mother is confirmed as Mildred Hawkins.
00:40:30Why the different surnames?
00:40:33She married a James Hawkins, but they divorced a year before he was born.
00:40:38She gave her maiden name to Badger, but kept her married name.
00:40:42Was she trying to conceal the relationship?
00:40:45Well, maybe, but she's on the birth certificate and the father's name is blank.
00:40:49Seems more likely that she's trying to conceal that.
00:40:52Too high that Badger's father was Maxwell.
00:40:56Did Badger confirm that he was Cornelius' son?
00:40:59Well, not exactly.
00:41:01And he claims he didn't know he was in the will.
00:41:03Well, yeah, he would say that.
00:41:05If Badger did know that he was Maxwell's sole heir, that's a strong motive.
00:41:10And he was smoking from a pack of Comrades brand cigarettes today.
00:41:13As found at the crime scene.
00:41:16Could Mildred have lied to Maxwell in order for Badger to inherit the entire estate?
00:41:21And it's tempting, right?
00:41:23Because, despite Philip Craddock having a delusional view of the world,
00:41:28he was right about one thing.
00:41:30A single silver tin recently sold for $1.73 million.
00:41:35So those two paintings at Whitecliffe must be worth stupid amounts of money.
00:41:48Thanks.
00:41:50I'm curious, do you smoke?
00:41:52Absolutely not.
00:41:54The only smoke around here is Philip.
00:41:56And Badger.
00:41:57What?
00:41:58Well, I understand Badger smokes and he comes and goes, right?
00:42:02Does he?
00:42:03Well, awful him.
00:42:05But Philip is always sneaking off into the garden for a smoke.
00:42:08To the garden?
00:42:09Well, he's not allowed to smoke inside.
00:42:13How long has Mr. Craddock lived here at Whitecliffe?
00:42:16Several years now.
00:42:18I notice he has an unusual relationship to reality.
00:42:25It's sad.
00:42:27He used to be one of Maxwell's closest friends.
00:42:29They met in the army in the 1960s.
00:42:31But in recent years, he's developed cognitive issues.
00:42:40Some years ago, he came to visit.
00:42:43Maxwell realized he was in decline, so he moved him into Whitecliffe.
00:42:47Maxwell was a good man to those he cared about.
00:42:50If someone had told me 30 years ago you'd still be working as Maxwell's housekeeper, I would have laughed.
00:43:02If you've got something to say, Hattie, just say it.
00:43:05You're surprised you never tried to get your hooks into a pencil?
00:43:08Not everyone is like you, Hattie.
00:43:11Thank goodness.
00:43:11Well, at least I didn't raise a son without a father.
00:43:14Badger deserves better.
00:43:17Save your sympathy.
00:43:18Badger's going to be very well taken care of.
00:43:21What do you mean?
00:43:22What have you made Maxwell do?
00:43:24He's done what any father would do for his son.
00:43:27He's made sure that Badger will be provided for when the time comes.
00:43:31I don't know what lies you've told Maxwell, but we both know he's not Badger's father.
00:43:38Do we?
00:43:48Mr. Craddock, what are you up to?
00:43:52Well, just keep in my eye on things.
00:43:53You know, there are goons around.
00:43:58Um, you might want to...
00:44:02I can take that for you if you like.
00:44:03Oh, thank you.
00:44:08Comrades.
00:44:10What?
00:44:11I notice it's a comrade's cigarette.
00:44:14Oh, well, you take what you can get, you know.
00:44:18Um, are you sure you're not Russian?
00:44:21No.
00:44:21Oh, don't worry.
00:44:22I'm not sure about a lot of things these days.
00:44:25No.
00:44:25I mean, no, I'm not.
00:44:28Hmm.
00:44:30Mr. Craddock, you were seen here on the balcony at midnight on New Year's Eve?
00:44:35Was I?
00:44:36Yes.
00:44:37Someone was filming the festivities.
00:44:40Ah, keeping their eye on things, were they?
00:44:44Can you recall where you were just prior to that?
00:44:52Could you give me a clue?
00:44:55As I was saying, my old memory banks are a lot slower than they used to be.
00:44:58Uh, were you inside or perhaps outside?
00:45:10Oh, the fireworks!
00:45:12Yes, they were wonderful.
00:45:14That reminded me of the Japanese bombing Pearl Harbor.
00:45:20Right.
00:45:22Well, thank you.
00:45:23I will leave you to it.
00:45:34Sorry about that.
00:45:36Bird watching, was he?
00:45:39Yep, in a manner of speaking, I guess he was.
00:45:41He's harmless.
00:45:42Bit of an old fool.
00:45:45Miss Hawkins, why didn't you tell us Badger is your son?
00:45:50No one asked.
00:45:51Well, sure.
00:45:53But he's listed in Mr. Cornelius as well.
00:45:55In fact, he's the sole beneficiary.
00:45:59He already knew.
00:46:00It has nothing to do with Maxwell's death.
00:46:02Well, it does if it's a motive.
00:46:05Badger's not involved.
00:46:07You're looking in the wrong direction.
00:46:13Thanks for coming in, Mr. Girdman.
00:46:15Not at all.
00:46:19Did you know that Badger was Mr. Cornelius' son?
00:46:23The housekeeper's boy.
00:46:25What makes you say that?
00:46:33Badger is Sam Parker.
00:46:36I always knew the boy as a badger.
00:46:39But he grew up at Whitecliffe.
00:46:41He was away at boarding school most of the time.
00:46:44Maxwell was kind enough to foot the bill.
00:46:46I always thought he was being too generous.
00:46:49Is there any way that Mr. Cornelius could have been Badger's father?
00:46:53I don't see how it's possible.
00:46:55Mildred was already pregnant when she first arrived at Whitecliffe.
00:46:59Okay, let's say he's not Mr. Cornelius' son.
00:47:02Would that be enough to negate the will?
00:47:04Unfortunately not.
00:47:05Maxwell's will is airtight.
00:47:08If Badger really is Sam Parker, he'll inherit everything.
00:47:14Excuse me.
00:47:18Gina?
00:47:19Mike, I figured out where the dog is buried.
00:47:22What dog?
00:47:23No, Mike.
00:47:24Where I come from, to dig up a dog is to find the truth.
00:47:27Because by digging up the dog, you know it's actually dead.
00:47:29Thanks.
00:47:30I'll be there shortly.
00:47:36I have to ask, the spy thing.
00:47:39Look, you didn't hear this from me, but I'm sure the statute of limitations has passed by now.
00:47:46Mr. Cornelius did work for the New Zealand Intelligence Service.
00:47:49Briefly, after he left the army in 1972.
00:47:52He was recruited by the SIS, but he resigned in 74 after an incident.
00:47:59What kind of incident?
00:48:01A young woman died.
00:48:04Maxwell felt responsible.
00:48:07That's when he realized he wasn't cut out for the espionage business.
00:48:23What time did you see Mr. Cornelius last?
00:48:25Um, maybe 11 or 11.30.
00:48:29We got into an argument.
00:48:33About what?
00:48:34I don't like being lied to.
00:48:36Your mother is pleased you could make it back for New Year's.
00:48:39Is she?
00:48:40Well, I hope one day you two will be closer.
00:48:44Sir, she, uh, she did the best she could.
00:48:52Anyway, I didn't come back for her.
00:48:55I came for your birthday.
00:48:58It's a big one, this year.
00:48:59Oh, the prospect of turning 80 has certainly put things into perspective for me.
00:49:04Yeah.
00:49:04Like what?
00:49:07Like you.
00:49:09Me?
00:49:10Badger, my boy, you know I've always looked at you like a son.
00:49:17I've discussed this with Mildred and she agrees.
00:49:20You need to know the truth.
00:49:22What truth?
00:49:27About your father.
00:49:29I know everything I need to know about that loser.
00:49:31He took off before I was born.
00:49:33End of story.
00:49:36The truth is a lot more complicated than that.
00:49:42Well, that's the only truth I've ever known.
00:49:45And I prefer to keep it that way.
00:49:49Check, mate.
00:49:53You left before he told you.
00:49:56Well, I wasn't ready to hear it.
00:49:58But I found out anyway.
00:50:00I should have told you sooner.
00:50:03So he is my father.
00:50:11I tried to avoid him all night, but after a few drinks, I confronted him.
00:50:17You can't be my father.
00:50:19Mum was already pregnant when she arrived at Whitecliffe.
00:50:23I'm sorry, Sam.
00:50:24I wanted to tell you myself.
00:50:25Your mother had just left her husband when she arrived all those years ago.
00:50:29That's true.
00:50:31But she wasn't pregnant.
00:50:34What?
00:50:34So you knocked her up?
00:50:36And decided it was better to lie to me about it?
00:50:38For my whole life?
00:50:39Let me explain.
00:50:40Why?
00:50:41So you can lie some more?
00:50:43Well, I despise you, old man.
00:50:49Where were you at midnight?
00:50:53I didn't feel like celebrating, so I took off for a smoke.
00:50:57Where'd you go?
00:51:00To the car park.
00:51:02I didn't want to see anyone.
00:51:04So when Mr. Cornelius died, you're in the car park?
00:51:08Alone?
00:51:09Yeah.
00:51:14Comrades is a Russian brand.
00:51:16Oh, yeah?
00:51:18Well, they taste like crap.
00:51:21Mike, I knew something is up.
00:51:24I checked again, and I found it.
00:51:26The victim has a tiny prick.
00:51:28At first, I thought it must be a mosquito bite.
00:51:32But no.
00:51:33This is a needle mark.
00:51:36What did the toxicology report say?
00:51:38Oh.
00:51:42Curary.
00:51:44Poison?
00:51:45Not exactly.
00:51:46A strong muscle relaxant.
00:51:48Once in the bloodstream, all the muscles of your body begin to relax.
00:51:52Why would that be fatal?
00:51:53A small dose wouldn't.
00:51:55But with the dose Mr. Cornelius received, he could have died in as little as 15 minutes.
00:52:00How?
00:52:00His lungs, too relaxed, would have stopped drawing breath.
00:52:05He effectively suffocated to death.
00:52:08And yet, most fascinating, his heart would have continued to pump blood for some minutes after.
00:52:15That explains why he was found in the kneeling position.
00:52:17Imagine, in the last moments of your life, your brain is still active, but your body is a virtual slab
00:52:24of meat.
00:52:25For a time, he was both dead and alive.
00:52:29Quite a unique death, don't you think?
00:52:32Hmm.
00:52:35Mr. Cornelius' jugular was the injection site.
00:52:38Whatever introduced the drug into his body, it was very small.
00:52:43A needle.
00:52:4425, maybe 27 gauge.
00:52:48Thanks, Jim.
00:52:50Mike,
00:52:51Curary, it feels like the work of the KGB.
00:52:54We're looking into that.
00:52:56Of course.
00:52:57But these are serious people.
00:52:59You must keep your eyes open on the back of your head.
00:53:03I'll do my best with that.
00:53:28Good morning.
00:53:31Yes.
00:53:32No.
00:53:33Yours is over there.
00:53:41You're the best.
00:53:47Mr. Cornelius died of asphyxia.
00:53:51It was caused by a concentrated dose of curare.
00:53:55It's extracted from the chondrodendron tomentosin vine, which is only known to grow in Central and South America.
00:54:02Where Patty Anderson just returned from.
00:54:06It may have taken as little as 15 minutes for Mr. Cornelius' system to shut down.
00:54:11Well, that means the curare would have been administered at approximately 11.45pm.
00:54:16It was hard to stop at midnight.
00:54:18Of note, the offender used a blow dart to administer the poison.
00:54:26Likely projected from a simple tube such as this.
00:54:29Very covert.
00:54:31Mr. Girdler confirmed that Mr. Cornelius worked for the SAS up until 1974.
00:54:38Was he suggesting our victim was involved in all that KGB activity?
00:55:00I figured it out.
00:55:01What?
00:55:02What's that?
00:55:03You're with the resistance, aren't you?
00:55:05Did they parachute you in?
00:55:07I'm a detective trying to understand who might have killed your friend, Maxwell Cornelius.
00:55:17Um...
00:55:17Mint?
00:55:18Oh, no. Thank you.
00:55:23Have you found him yet?
00:55:25How would you feel if Maxwell didn't fake his death?
00:55:31You mean if he's actually dead?
00:55:36Maxwell was a dear friend, but he made mistakes in his life.
00:55:39Everyone does, you know, but...
00:55:42Maybe one of those mistakes led to his death.
00:55:46Any mistake in particular?
00:55:48I did see something strange the night before the party.
00:55:54Mr. Craddock, you scared me.
00:55:58Lovely, aren't they?
00:56:00They were painted in 1904.
00:56:04Yes.
00:56:05Well, I was just getting a glass of water.
00:56:07Must get back to bed.
00:56:11Pretty strange, don't you think?
00:56:13That she didn't have a glass.
00:56:16Very good.
00:56:18Detective indeed.
00:56:20Do you think she did something to the paintings?
00:56:22I think it's worse than that.
00:56:24See, I have it on good authority that she works for Stalin.
00:56:31Well, I think that's very unlikely because Stalin's been dead for over 70 years.
00:56:38The Cold War's not over yet.
00:56:49Come in.
00:56:51Go through there.
00:56:55Was Maxwell Cornelius really Badger's father?
00:57:01I had only been working for him a few weeks when it happened. It was a mistake.
00:57:06You fell pregnant.
00:57:09I'd just left my husband.
00:57:10It was an abusive marriage, and I'd finally found the courage to leave, so I wasn't looking for another relationship.
00:57:18Besides, Maxwell was already engaged.
00:57:21To Hattie?
00:57:23It was just easier to pretend I was already pregnant.
00:57:27For his part, Maxwell promised to always be there for Badger, financially at least.
00:57:32Hmm.
00:57:33Well, those Silverstons alone must be worth as much as Whitecliffe itself.
00:57:38Maxwell may not always have procured his artwork in the most honest of ways, but he was a good man.
00:57:46What do you mean by that?
00:57:51That's Sir Robert Knowles, worth about $350,000.
00:57:57And as far as anyone knows, it currently resides in a small gallery in the south of France.
00:58:04Are you suggesting it stole them?
00:58:06Or, perhaps, displaced.
00:58:09It's easier to show you.
00:58:15This way.
00:58:21This was the piece Max was working on before he died.
00:58:24He was an artist in his own right.
00:58:27You could say that.
00:58:31Oh, that one's coming along nicely.
00:58:33Getting there, Millie.
00:58:35I believe I finally perfected the Knowles quirk.
00:58:39A curious, ever-so-delicate little flick at the end of each brushstroke.
00:58:42Oh.
00:58:46Maxwell was a forger.
00:58:48I understood him to be a conservationist.
00:58:52Maxwell was an incredible artist, but he sometimes appraised pieces that were not respected by the legal owners.
00:59:01He'd create a replica and then swap them out.
00:59:05Some might see him as protecting our artistic heritage by ensuring that certain pieces were kept in the hands of
00:59:11someone who could appreciate and protect them.
00:59:14His own hands.
00:59:15I'm sure his intentions were good.
00:59:18And I'm sure it's still theft.
00:59:20Why are you telling me this?
00:59:23I want you to catch his killer.
00:59:25The way I see it, you were complicit in his forgery.
00:59:29How could that be?
00:59:31I'm just the housekeeper.
00:59:40Thanks for taking the time.
00:59:42I can think of better places to be, though.
00:59:44I'm sure.
00:59:46You didn't say what work you did for Mr. Cornelius.
00:59:49I renovated the roof of his shed.
00:59:55Alright.
00:59:56Two days of labour plus supplies.
00:59:58Let's call it 3800.
01:00:00Very well.
01:00:03Bit of an artist, aren't you?
01:00:10As I recall, my paintings were carefully covered with drop cloths.
01:00:14Yeah, well, I had a look.
01:00:16Seems you've replicated some pretty well-known New Zealand artists.
01:00:20I figured it might be worth double.
01:00:21Keep you a little secret.
01:00:23Why don't we call it an even 6K?
01:00:28Given you proposed this little job was under the table, a cashier as you called it.
01:00:32I'm sure it wasn't the first.
01:00:34No doubt the Inland Revenue would be very interested in that.
01:00:42He didn't pay you.
01:00:45Left me no choice but to take matters into my own hands.
01:00:47That's why you attended the party.
01:00:49It was a masquerade ball.
01:00:50I could get in, get out, without anyone even realising I was there.
01:00:54So you could kill him?
01:00:56For 3800 bucks.
01:00:59No.
01:01:00But the guy had a lot of expensive artwork.
01:01:04So you entered the parlour with the intention of stealing property.
01:01:09Becky, it is lovely to see you.
01:01:11Thank you, Morgana.
01:01:13I've got some burning questions I'm hoping you can help with.
01:01:15Of course, let me see.
01:01:18I see you're very in touch with the Lent.
01:01:22You feel droly connected to the party.
01:01:26You do.
01:01:27I even have green hats on them.
01:01:29You look delightful.
01:01:30I see a wedding on your horizon.
01:01:34Oh my goodness.
01:01:36Are you sure?
01:01:37After I step back the date, I really thought that was awful for me.
01:01:43I figured if I took something of equal value, it would kind of negate the debt.
01:01:48After that, I didn't see anyone.
01:01:50Just some couple racing off towards the garden.
01:01:54Then I went home.
01:01:55What'd they look like?
01:01:56The guy was in a white military jacket.
01:01:59And the woman was in a turquoise dress.
01:02:02What time was that?
01:02:03It must have been close to midnight, because I saw the fireworks go off as I was driving away.
01:02:07You may want to check with Beaver, though.
01:02:10He saw them too.
01:02:11Badger.
01:02:12That's the one.
01:02:13He pretty much crossed paths with them going in the other direction.
01:02:15He was leaving the garden.
01:02:18Thanks.
01:02:20It's been an absolute pleasure.
01:02:21And we're going to need that artifact back, by the way.
01:02:46Take a seat.
01:02:51I believe I speak for both of us.
01:02:53We have nothing more to say without a lawyer.
01:02:56If you're looking at myself and Artie for this, you're completely off track.
01:03:01Noted.
01:03:02I just have one question.
01:03:06Why did you both lie about your whereabouts at midnight?
01:03:09What makes you think we lied?
01:03:11We have a witness who saw you entering the garden at approximately 11.45pm.
01:03:19Do you deny it?
01:03:21I've seen enough innocent people get caught up just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
01:03:27I thought it best to distance ourselves from the crime scene.
01:03:31He was protecting me.
01:03:34We were in the garden at midnight.
01:03:37But not to murder Maxwell.
01:03:41But not to murder Maxwell.
01:04:07We were in the garden at midnight.
01:04:08We were in the garden.
01:04:08We still had enough time.
01:04:24We were in the garden at midnight.
01:04:32The next day we still had a squats.
01:04:36sometimes, but we can barely keep our hands off each other. Hattie and I are
01:04:41devastated that Maxwell lost his life. But we had nothing to do with his death.
01:04:50You said you're in the car park at midnight, but you failed to mention that
01:04:54you're in the garden around 11 45 p.m. I knew it would look bad. I was on the
01:05:01balcony, cooling off after my fight with Max. I saw Philip head inside and leave
01:05:07his smokes behind.
01:05:18You went to the folly. Did you see Maxwell? No. How long were you there? Long enough to
01:05:28finish the cigarette. I decided to head back to the motel. New Year's sucks if
01:05:35you don't have anyone you actually want to spend it with. Was anyone else at the
01:05:39folly? No, I didn't see anyone. Okay, got it. Thanks, James.
01:06:00Miss Munn. A quick word?
01:06:11It's a large suitcase for such a short stay. I have a lot of clothes.
01:06:16You're not really Mr. Cornelius' cousin, are you?
01:06:21After my mother died, I did find a connection to him and her paperwork, but
01:06:25not as a relative. He appraised the family portraits, didn't he? The Silvertons.
01:06:34Not long after my mother's death, I received a letter suggesting that I should have the paintings
01:06:39reappraised. Who was the letter from? It was anonymous. Do you still have it?
01:06:58I need to hold on to this for a while. Why? A line of inquiry. And that's when you
01:07:05discovered they were forgeries. Maxwell Cornelius stole my family's heritage.
01:07:10Hmm. Mayor?
01:07:28These would be the originals? Yes, so I didn't steal them. They're rightfully mine.
01:07:33We can talk more down at the station.
01:07:39You removed the paintings the night before New Year's Eve. I only needed a few minutes.
01:07:44Oh! Mr. Craddock...
01:07:46Oh! Mr. Craddock, you've been to the closet. I need to open the door.
01:07:51Huh!
01:07:56Oh! Mr. Craddock, I need to open the door!
01:08:00Oh! Mr. Craddock, do you have to do it to the floor.
01:08:02Well, let's get yourself to the floor...
01:08:10Oh!
01:08:11Oh, Mr. Craddock, you scared me.
01:08:15Lovely, aren't they?
01:08:17They were painted in 1904.
01:08:21Yes.
01:08:22Well, I was just getting a glass of water, so I must get back to bed.
01:08:57Those paintings are rightfully mine.
01:08:58When was the last time you spoke to Mr. Cornelius?
01:09:01Must have been about 11.15pm.
01:09:05You're very lucky to have those paintings, Maxwell.
01:09:07I'm sure they're worth a fortune.
01:09:09I've certainly made some lucrative deals in my time, Francis.
01:09:14And you didn't see him again after that?
01:09:16I mean, I saw him again, but I didn't speak to him.
01:09:18When was that?
01:09:19Right after my palm reading, about 11.30pm.
01:09:22Was he with anyone?
01:09:23Yes, he was talking to his friend.
01:09:25The one that invited me to stay, Philip Craddock.
01:09:32It's a natural life to walk down.
01:09:44Thank you for coming in, Ms. Martin.
01:09:46As soon as we can confirm that you are the rightful owner of the Sylvertons,
01:09:51they will be returned to you.
01:10:28Mr. Craddock, thanks for coming in at such late notice.
01:10:33Of course, my dear fellow. Anything to help.
01:10:40Do you recognize this note?
01:10:45I can't say I...
01:10:49Should I?
01:10:52Your memory banks are not what they used to be.
01:10:54You gave it to Mr. Cornelius on the night of the party.
01:10:59It's a natural light, what, yes.
01:11:07Oh, yes, I did, I did.
01:11:09Yes, I wanted Max's help.
01:11:10There were Ruskies everywhere that night.
01:11:13Or you gave him the note to lure him into the garden.
01:11:17My dear man, why would I do that?
01:11:20Because that's where you plan to kill him.
01:11:22I can't kill him.
01:11:25Maxwell is my closest friend.
01:11:28That may have been true once.
01:11:31You've been planning this for a long time, haven't you, Mr. Craddock?
01:11:34And as it turns out, the rumors of Mr. Cornelius being a spy were grounded in truth.
01:11:41What a fantastical tale, dear Sir Shepard.
01:11:44Please go on, I'm enthralled.
01:11:47There was a lot of intelligence activity in New Zealand in the 1970s.
01:11:51Russian intelligence.
01:11:54Well, we were in the middle of the Cold War.
01:11:56There were spies everywhere.
01:11:58Reds under their beds and all that, you know.
01:12:00Yeah, but Maxwell left the SIS in 1974 after an incident.
01:12:08It was a young Russian woman who died, wasn't it?
01:12:16She was found in an alleyway in Wellington.
01:12:21A couple of months after our New Zealand intelligence agent was arrested for selling secrets to the KGB.
01:12:29All she had on her was a fake passport.
01:12:32Oh, and a pack of Russian cigarettes.
01:12:36I want to dance, to dance with you
01:12:39Is all I want to do
01:12:42And I know that's no good
01:12:45I'll just miss you like I should
01:12:48I want to take your hand
01:12:51And dance just like we did
01:12:54As it happens, you smoke this brand.
01:13:05It tastes like rubbish, but
01:13:08they were her favourites.
01:13:11You can't smoke in here, Mr. Credic
01:13:25Her name was Tatiana
01:13:33Both Max and I were recruited into the SIS in 1972.
01:13:37They wanted him to infiltrate the international art community.
01:13:42But all they managed to teach him was how to master the art of forgery
01:13:47And how to kill
01:13:57We were both there that night
01:13:59I had arranged to meet Tatiana
01:14:03Max got there first
01:14:29Initially, Tatiana was just my contact
01:14:32But she was smart as a whip
01:14:34And as funny as hell
01:14:36You fell for her
01:14:40Didn't mean to
01:14:41Lines got blurred
01:14:43Did Maxwell know?
01:14:45He may have suspected
01:14:46But after she died, he left the force
01:14:49And we never spoke of it again
01:14:53Tatiana was dead
01:14:56And you wanted revenge
01:15:01People say that revenge is a dish best served cold
01:15:09Is 52 years cold enough?
01:15:13Well, anyway, plenty of time to plan, at least
01:15:18Why all the subterfuse, Philip?
01:15:21What's going on?
01:15:23I have to show you something, Max
01:15:24It's a matter of life or death
01:15:26All right, my friend
01:15:28But make it quick
01:15:29I need to be back before midnight
01:15:32I can't miss my own party
01:15:39It's a beautiful night
01:15:40It is
01:15:42Reminds me of Tatiana Krylov
01:15:45The stars were bright that night, too
01:15:47Do you remember, Max?
01:15:51What is it you wanted to tell me?
01:15:53We don't have much time
01:15:54My time is like a book, Max
01:15:56When we first start, we think we have so much left to read
01:15:58And then one morning we wake up
01:16:00And we're on the last chapter
01:16:02I can see the end of the book now, Max
01:16:04But
01:16:04I have one or two things to tidy up
01:16:07Before the epilogue
01:16:08We have a few chapters left, my friend
01:16:15What the hell was that?
01:16:17I loved you like a brother once, Max
01:16:21But I loved Tatiana more
01:16:23That was a lifetime ago
01:16:33What have you done?
01:16:34You shouldn't have killed her
01:16:36I had no choice
01:16:37It was an order
01:16:46He was your closest friend
01:16:49You get used to it
01:16:53I always liked using Karare
01:16:55It's very difficult to detect
01:16:58Yet you left the dark behind
01:17:00Oh, well, these are not working as well as they used to
01:17:04It's a bit like the old memory banks
01:17:06Neither are these
01:17:07And it was dark
01:17:25Goodbye, old friend
01:17:28See you in hell
01:17:41And then by midnight
01:17:43You were back on the balcony
01:17:45Oh, it reminds me of the Battle of the Storm
01:17:47We're going over the top, boys
01:17:50Quite the crazy old man
01:17:53I've had many personas over the years
01:17:56I saved the best for last
01:17:59Where did you get the Karare?
01:18:02Oh, that information is above your pay grade, DSS Shepard
01:18:08Fair enough
01:18:10You've got nothing to lose now
01:18:15This old spy still has one or two tricks up his sleeve
01:18:45Standard issue
01:18:46Part of the kit
01:18:48I kept it for a rainy day
01:19:06Because I always knew the road might end here
01:19:10I made my peace with that a long time ago
01:19:13Then why did you try and frame Francis Martin?
01:19:16I received a letter suggesting that I should have the paintings reappraised
01:19:20Who was the letter from?
01:19:21It was anonymous
01:19:22Your cousin Francis Maxwell
01:19:24Oh, you absolutely must stay
01:19:30Old habits
01:19:31The writing in her letter matches the writing on Maxwell's note
01:19:38You win some
01:19:40You lose some
01:19:52Philip Craddock, you will be charged with the murder on Maxwell Cornelius
01:19:56Of course
01:19:58Mr. Craddock, we will need your personal effects
01:20:05Of course, I know the drill
01:20:08I must say, Detective, it's been a pleasure working with you
01:20:12I think you're probably wasted in this rather small town
01:20:18Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Craddock
01:20:21Blue one
01:20:23My favourite
01:20:28Flattery will get your personal effects
01:20:30Ah, yeah, man
01:20:41Whatever
01:21:03Oh, after that, it's my round of the crock.
01:21:09I'll find out eventually, who you spent New Year's with.
01:21:16You will never, ever, the blue ones.
01:21:27Hang on.
01:21:31Sims.
01:21:33And the stars make their way across the night like soldiers.
01:21:43Mr. Craddock?
01:21:48Philip?
01:21:52Philip?
01:21:56I'll call you, Menyx.
01:22:04Cyanide pill.
01:22:22I guess he preferred to go out on his own terms.
01:22:25Live by the sword, die by the sword.
01:22:27The spies are a different breed.
01:22:38Oh, God.
01:22:40The usual?
01:22:41Thanks, Trudy.
01:22:42Just a water for me.
01:22:42Thanks.
01:22:43Hello, Daniel.
01:22:45It's lovely to see you outside of work hours.
01:22:48Thanks.
01:22:49You're like dog on heat.
01:22:51Why don't you just ask him out?
01:22:54Why are we here again?
01:22:55A message from Gina.
01:22:57Something about toasting New Year's 48 hours after.
01:23:01Some Russian tradition.
01:23:02Oh, my God.
01:23:03Not again.
01:23:07Don't go too hard, will you?
01:23:08Thanks.
01:23:12Snow and Gordon.
01:23:14To celebrate the New Year, I have made a traditional Russian delicacy.
01:23:19Aladietz.
01:23:20Delicious with crackers.
01:23:22Gina, what do you have?
01:23:23Vodka.
01:23:24Neat.
01:23:25Unlike Christine, I can hold my liquor.
01:23:28Wait.
01:23:28What?
01:23:29Christine hasn't told you.
01:23:30We spend New Year's Eve together.
01:23:32But only one of us made it to midnight.
01:23:35The other hardly made it past nine.
01:23:38Nazrovia.
01:23:40Nazrovia.
01:23:46Again.
01:23:50Pathetic.
01:23:52Really?
01:23:53No one should be alone on New Year's Eve.
01:23:56Very generous of you, Gina.
01:23:59I dare either of you.
01:24:00To keep up with her, she could drink an elephant under the table.
01:24:03You're too kind.
01:24:04What is this?
01:24:06Holadietz?
01:24:06Yes.
01:24:07Please help yourself.
01:24:08Yum.
01:24:09Cheers, Daniel.
01:24:11Has anyone ever told you you have lovely eyes?
01:24:15Uh, so what exactly is...
01:24:17Holadietz?
01:24:18I thought you'd never ask.
01:24:20First, you have to boil a pig's head and a restaurant to extend the day for the day.
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