Original subtitles

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(TAP-DANCING TO MUSIC)

Come on, then. Come on!

I think you're with Mr Gould today, Mary.

It's been changed, and not so much of the "Mary".

So you'd like me to collect you next week, would you, Mrs Haynes?

You don't listen, do you? You're all the same, you do-gooders.

So busy imitating the angels, you just don't listen!

"Good night, Angela, thank you for your help."

(ANGRY) "My pleasure, Mrs Haynes. My pleasure!"

You've been in here again! You've been in here again!

You break my front door and you are paying for it!

Yeah, you're living in the past!

You're living in the past! You take care of him!

(CAT MIAOWS) Here you are.

There's some milk.

They think because you get old, you get stupid.

Well, they're not having what's mine.

They're not having it.

Mr Frost, I wondered if I might have a word.

Yes, certainly, Mr erm..?

Bright. Mr Bright.

Bright. Right...Bright.

Yes, Mr Bright?

This is very embarrassing and I hope you won't take it amiss.

Oh, yes, what's that, Mr Bright?

Not to put too fine a point on it - it's your back garden.

(ENGINE FAILS TO START) I mean,

I know we're newcomers to the neighbourhood

and I appreciate that you're a busy man, you would be in your business.

It really isn't very nice to look out of a bedroom window and -

I know, absolutely. You're quite right.

I'll get something done about it, Mr Bright.

That's very civil of you.

Oh, just a minute, I was wanting to have a word with you, anyway.

Oh yes, why's that? Could you give me a push?

Someone breaks in and takes the only money she's got

and what do you people do about it, eh? Nothing!

All she gets is a follow-up visit from some stupid cow

Who says, "Is she all right?" and "Would she like a cup of tea?"

Just look at the state of her! She's terrified to go to bed at night!

Do something, all right? Do something!

Don't waste your time - they're useless!

How about this pornography business?

We're very near. By the end of the week, I'll be giving 'em a pull.

JACK! Have you got a minute?

Yes. Morning, gentlemen. What can I do for you?

About these Old Aged Pensioners getting turned over -

No, "senior citizens", please.

I see there was another one two nights ago.

Yes, sir, little old lady living on her own.

Someone broke in, took £80 in used fivers.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's the 16th break-in in three weeks.

I haven't kept count, but you're probably right.

As it happens, I'm exactly right.

16 elderly ladies robbed of their life savings.

What are we doing about it? What the hell can we do about it?

He doesn't leave any forensic and no-one's ever seen him.

I mean, it wasn't so bad if he was taking jewellery and flogging it.

I might get a whisper, but he doesn't, he takes bits and pieces.

He concentrates on cash. What about the blue van?

Yes, yes, that's right - the famous blue van.

It's something for you to go on? Yes, sir.

In 16 burglaries, two people - two, mark you

- said they thought they saw a blue van parked nearby.

The first one said it was definitely a small blue van.

The other one said it was a big van, probably blue,

but couldn't be certain! Well, it's a lead, Jack, of a sort.

Which presumably you're following up.

Yes, sir, but do you realise how many blue vans there are

in the Denton area alone? It doesn't matter how many -

the computer can churn out information in seconds.

Yes, sir, we have - and it's already done that.

But what it can't do - it can't go knocking on doors

asking stupid questions!

That comes down to PC Plod and that takes time

and that comes out of your budget... "Sir"!

Now, if there's nothing else, my sausage sandwich is congealing.

No? Good. Thank you.

Are you happy with that sort of negative attitude, Jim?

What time did you get in? Oh, don't start. Just don't start.

Why didn't you come to bed?

Because I fell asleep down here, all right?

Look at the state of you.

Yeah, well.

Bit of an 'eadcase, aren't I?

Her milk's still out.

Hm? Next door.

Her milk's still out.

And I could hear her cat, behind the door, like it's trying to get out.

Think I'll see if she's all right. Oh, just leave it.

Don't be silly, she's an old lady. I said leave it.

You don't give a toss about anyone, do you?

No, not about that old cow, I don't, no.

(KNOCKING)

(CAT MIAOWS) Mrs Haynes?

Dean! Dean!

Dean! Dean!

All I'm saying is take it easy.

Come on, Jim, he gets right up my nose.

Make the effort, please. Yes, all right, I'll try.

Oh, and Jack...he's a little concerned about the way you dress.

The way I what?!

You know, your shirts and stuff.

Oh, that's great, that is!

So far today - my garden, my attitude and now my shirts. Anything else?

Jack! I know, don't tell me,

you don't like the way I park my car?

Another old girl's been turned over, this time he beat her up.

Pretty badly by all accounts.

Oh no...

Anyone home? In here, guv.

This is where it happened, is it?

They found her in this chair. They? Who are they?

The couple next door. WPC Wallace is with them now.

Yes, yes, I know, I saw.

How do you mean, chair? She was sitting in this chair.

Someone comes in, beats her to pulp and she just sits there, does she?

No, I'm saying that's how they found her.

I don't suppose she put up much of a fight.

She's 76-years-old and crippled with arthritis.

Is that her stick there? Presumably, guv.

That's how you found it? Against the chair like that?

That's her handbag? Unopened? That's how we found it.

There must've been blood everywhere. But the place is immaculate.

No blood, no mess, everything in its place -

He must have tidied up after him.

I wish he'd come and tidy my place.

(TUTS)

Do we know what's missing? If anything.

Her pension book shows she drew her money yesterday,

but her purse was empty.

Maybe she spent it. She must live well -

there's nearly a quid's worth of food in there (!)

Find out how much she drew out.

Some of them leave it a week or two. Could be quite a bundle.

It's already in hand.

Thought it might be. Just trying to impress you with my laser-like mind.

What about jewellery?

Nothing seems to have been disturbed.

It's whether anybody knows. She's a widow. No family.

Apart from the cat.

Well, what do you reckon? The same bloke?

I don't see it, guv. No?

The way she was attacked, the way the place was left, no forced entry.

No, this is a one-off. Well, hopefully it's a one-off.

If next door came in, the chain must have been off.

Maybe she hadn't put it on.

That's more like it, I suppose.

Jack! Tell me something good.

A lady across the road wants to speak to the man in charge.

Will I do? Number 37, Mrs Barrett.

See what you can find out next door.

I want a team knocking on the doors,

Forensic giving us priority, someone sitting by the old girl's bed.

If I've forgotten anything, I want that done too.

Oh, yes. And by the way, in order to keep Mr Mullett happy,

see if anyone's seen a blue van about, will you?

Blue van? Yeah. 37, did you say? Yeah, number 37.

Oh you've checked that? Let's have a look.

And then, when I opened the door...

..and I saw her just sitting there, with her face all...

Anyway... I ran out and I got Dean...

..and he came in and stayed with her

while I went across the road to phone the ambulance.

Ours had been cut off. They don't think about emergencies, do they?

That's all I know.

And the chain wasn't on the door? I didn't know she had one.

Well, that's all I need to know for now.

Is she gonna be all right?

About a 50-50 chance, they reckon.

How can someone do that?

Yeah.

I hate poking my nose in, but I thought it might be useful.

I mean, the state of her...

They were having a row, Mrs Haynes and that couple from next door.

Well? Neighbours row all the time.

It was about her key. Eh?

She keeps a spare key hidden in the garden.

Daft, if you ask me. Everyone knows where it is.

As far as I could tell,

she'd found it moved and accused him of taking it.

If everyone knows, why pick on him? They'd argued before.

She'd accused him of poking about while she was at the hospital.

I see. Is that likely? Dunno. He's a bit of a layabout.

That girlfriend of his looked worried out of her mind.

Still, I suppose he must've done something right

or she wouldn't have stuck with him, would she? No.

So, that was about five o'clock last night?

About that.

You didn't see anything after that?

No. Not until I saw her go in the house today.

But not last night?

No, I was out. My fancy man picked me up and we went for a drive.

Your fancy man, eh?

He only wants us to get engaged.

Mark you, I couldn't marry him, even if I wanted to.

Oh. Why's that?

I lied to him. If we got married he'd find out.

Find out about what?

I told him I was 67 and I'm really...

..68.

(TUTS) Now, that IS naughty.

I know what they all think -

silly old cow with her blonde wig, painted fingernails...

..still running after a pair of trousers.

But getting older doesn't mean you stop having feelings.

It doesn't mean to say that you...

Well, you don't want to reach out...

and feel a warm body lying next to you

when you wake up in the morning.

IF you wake up in the morning.

Yeah.

Excuse me, can you tell me where Ward Five is?

Through the doors and up the stairs.

How is she?

She opened her eyes but she's still not with us.

Mrs Haynes?

If I'm to get the hero that did this,

I'm gonna need your help.

I need a description.

Anything.

If you understand me, just squeeze my hand.

Why would he do this to her?

I dunno, sir. Perhaps she caught him at it and he panicked.

She was half crippled. She couldn't move.

No.

Thump her a bit, yeah, but...

..but not this.

No, Constable.

I just don't understand it.

Neither do I, sir.

But I don't understand a lot of things in this job.

Ain't that a fact, Constable? Ain't that a fact?

Turn right when you get to the gate.

On second thoughts, turn left.

I've got something urgent to do up the high street.

Hello, love.

She was a misery by all accounts. No-one's got a good word for her.

Mind you, she was in a lot of pain with arthritis.

She's in more bloody pain now.

Tell me something. When was her birthday?

Er, October 26th, 1917.

Well, somebody liked her. Gave her a present.

There was wrapping paper in the bin.

Well, that's useful, guv.

Are you trying to be funny? Me, guv? No, wouldn't dare.

She collected her pension from the post office.

She was in there yesterday for the first time in three weeks.

How much is three weeks'? £165, near enough. In new notes.

The bank'll have a record.

Urgent message from fingerprints - they've got an identification.

Dean Ronald Hoskins, aged 24.

Three previous. Burglary, breaking and entering, assault -

Hoskins. That's the bloke next door.

D'you want him brought in?

No! We know he was in there cos he found her.

He SAID he found her. If he's in it, so's his girlfriend.

Let me finish. All right. Carry on.

His fingerprints were all over the old girl's handbag.

Good afternoon.

Oi! Where d'you think you're going? You've got no right!

Just cos he's got a record. When was the last time he did anything?

Oi! Get out! Going to search the cornflakes, are you?

Get out! Bloody fascist bastards!

Bit behind with your payments, aren't you, love?

So bloody what? We owe a few bob,

does that mean he'll beat up some old lady?

You are sick. That's what you are, you're sick.

No, you're just like me. Never pay till I get the red one.

Keep 'em waiting, eh?

And for your information, Miss Reynolds,

it's not because the light of your life here has got a record,

it's because his fingerprints were found

all over the old lady's handbag.

Yeah, so I was in there. You know I was.

Yes, but I didn't know you were poncing about with her bag, did I?

It was on the floor, all right? I picked it up.

Why were you touching her handbag in the first place? 'Ey?

You heard, son. I said, what were you doing touching her handbag?

Jack.

So, you have a row, then you go in to see if she's OK.

How do you account for that?

Because she's a human being, you smug cow!

We're not standing for this. This is victimisation.

Can you tell me what this is doing in your airing cupboard?

It's my giro money. So what?

Oh. You put it in there in case an old lady breaks in and nicks it?

Dean?

I'll tell you so what, Mr Hoskins.

When she drew her pension, they recorded the numbers

because they were new notes.

Just like these, Mr Hoskins.

So, if those numbers and these numbers are the same...

That's so what, Mr Hoskins.

I swear to you, I never touched her.

Then what's this all about?

Gospel truth, all right.

I never laid a finger on her.

Kathy goes over the road and I'm standing there.

And I see her handbag, and it's like...

It's open with her purse and everything.

I was gonna pay her back. It's not as if she's gonna need it, is she?

Well, is she?

You bastard! You lousy rotten...

Oh, dear. We've got a domestic. Sort it out, Constable.

No, don't worry. I don't know what time I'll be back myself.

No.

Don't do that. Why don't I get a takeaway?

What d'you fancy? A Chinese?

No, don't tell me now. I'll ring you from there and you can tell me then.

OK? Yeah. Look, I've got to go.

I'll give you a ring.

Sorry, guv. Eh? Oh, yeah.

I don't know. Look at this lot here. Every day it's the same.

Well, is Hoskins in the frame or not?

Only as a sneak thief. I don't see him as a granny basher.

No, neither do I. Still, he's the only one we've got.

We'll keep him, make him sweat, teach him a lesson.

I didn't think...

You didn't think what?

I didn't think we were in the business of teaching lessons.

They reckon she was beaten about the head with her walking stick.

'Wiped clean of all prints', etc.

'Traces of blood in the kitchen waste trap.'

So, he cleans it off, leaves it against the chair

as if nothing had happened.

Apart from changing the shape of her face.

What's this?

'A piece of a jigsaw puzzle found down the side of the chair.'

'No jigsaw puzzle found in the house.'

So, he beats her up, but he doesn't take anything.

As far as we know, he didn't. As far as we know.

Which means what?

He was either disturbed or he panicked, couldn't find anything.

Perhaps he didn't want anything in the first place.

Right, come on. Home time.

That's it. Good night, Sergeant. Good night, guv.

You don't fancy a drink, do you?

(BOTTLES CLINKING)

There you go.

Oh, God! I forgot to pick up my stuff from the launderette.

What's the time now? I can just make it.

I have to. I haven't got a clean shirt.

Cheers. Cheers.

Well, how am I doing? Guv?

How am I treating you?

Well, you've just bought me a large G and T.

I had a lecture from Horn-rimmed Harry about how to treat a woman

unfortunate enough to be posted as my bagman. Bagperson.

You know - equality, harassment. Ah.

Actually, I think he hoped you'd be the sort of woman that,

when I bought her a G and T...

..would think I was trying to get into her knickers.

You bought George a Campari and soda the other night.

I'd hate to think you were trying to get into his.

How d'you mean, hoping? Mr Mullett?

I was being indiscreet. You, guv? I can't believe that.

Mr Mullett and I share what's known as a lack of understanding.

Yes. I've heard about it.

It's only my medal that keeps me afloat.

Yes, I've heard about that, too.

If I do find there's a problem, and it does happen, you know,

then I'll tell you - not him.

I'll drink to that.

Is there a Mr Frost here? Yes, here.

Telephone.

Frost.

(BURST OF LAUGHTER)

You'll have to speak up.

10 Jubilee Street.

Upstairs bedroom. The old girl's dead.

(HAMMERING ON DOOR)

Right, Sergeant, up you go.

There you are, you see, Sergeant. If you'd been a bloke...

You keep your eyes open, go on.

If you don't mind my saying, guv,

don't you think breaking into someone's house

on the say-so of an anonymous phonecall is a bit of a liberty?

Yes, you're quite right, Sergeant.

I'm getting too BLOODY old for this sort of thing.

Next time, you wear a pair of trousers.

(MUTTERING DOWNSTAIRS)

(MUTTERING CONTINUES)

Oh, my God...

What do you mean, "It's for his own good"?

She's been dead four weeks and he's still trying to feed her.

He needs help. That is precisely my point!

Why are you arresting him? We're not arresting him.

We're taking him into care because if we don't do that,

he's going to be in an even worse state, isn't he?

So er, what's all this, then?

You ain't gonna believe this. No?

I called in to pick my stuff up from the launderette.

Some bugger's gone and nicked it.

YOUR stuff?

Yes. All of it.

That's what I call a desperate criminal.

I had to call in to the market.

Ah, you shop in style, then?

Look at this. Look, look.

Two shirts for a tenner. That can't be bad, can it?

Quality gear, that. Yeah. I can feel.

Look, if you -

Where are they all off to then? Brighton.

Lunch theatre matinee, fish and chip tea - Not bad, eh?

Oh, I'd rather be 18 and off to the Palais.

Right. While you're here, you wouldn't help me move this piano?

Yes, course. Where would you like it?

Just up the back here, please. Right, OK.

(STRUGGLING) Here we go.

What can you tell me about Mrs Haynes?

Ah, yes, poor Mrs Haynes.

I called in at the hospital yesterday evening.

They don't seem very hopeful.

What do you want to know? Well, anything you know about her.

Not a lot, really.

She's been a club member for two years.

No relatives, as far as I know.

She the sort of woman who would open her door to a stranger?

No, definitely not.

She's got rather a suspicious nature, I'm afraid.

Well, let's face it, she can actually be very difficult.

A lot of the old people here are very friendly with each other,

popping in to each other's houses and so on.

But I don't think Mrs Haynes ever invited anyone back to her place.

How did she get here to the club? We have a team of volunteer drivers,

someone would have collected her then taken her back.

Do you know who took her home this week?

Angela. Mrs Newcombe.

"Mrs Newcombe." Right, thank you.

Anything else I can help you with while I'm here?

Well, there's the chairs.

By the way, how are you making out with our Maureen?

Hm? Maureen?

Two teas and a bacon sarnie.

Maureen Lawson, Detective Sergeant Lawson,

the one with the long hair and the you-knows. Oh, Maureen!

That's her name, is it? She's good news, as it happens.

Mm, she's a good-looker. I hope you don't find yourself tempted.

What? Playing footsie with a junior officer? Cor, dear.

Mullett would love that, wouldn't he?

No, actually, Jim, I've lost the urge.

You know, women.

What's that, growing up or growing old, do you reckon?

Yeah, well, you've had a rough old year. That's true.

Oh, Christ, is that the time? I'm off to court.

See you. See you.

Hello. Hello.

Hope I didn't get you intro trouble last night with your boyfriend.

Sorry? Getting you in late.

Oh, yeah. No, everything was fine.

You know, all the time we were together, my wife never realised that

she wasn't just married to me, she was married to the job.

Not that I didn't take advantage of it, used it as an excuse.

Just like all the blokes in the pub last night.

Pub last night... Elliott!

I knew it would come to me! Bernard Elliott! Come on.

# RADIO: Brahms' 3rd Symphony

Hello, Bernard. Haven't you got anything a bit more cheerful?

Hello, Mr Frost, nice to see you.

Liar. Is that your van over there? The blue one? Yes, yes, it is.

Yes, the blue one.

You haven't told Swansea you've painted it, have you, little tinker?

They've got it down as a white one. So have we.

Oh, yes. Sorry.

What were you doing in that house last night?

What house?

Come on, Bernard, I know that it was you that phoned me,

because I recognised your voice.

Not at first, I must admit, but then I'm not as bright as I once was.

Neither are you.

Come on, you were turning it over, weren't you, Bernard?

Certainly not. Oh, come on!

The only way you'd know about Mrs Tutankhamen

was if you'd been in the house.

And you didn't go in through the door, you went in through the window.

Come on, don't mess me about, you know how irritable I get.

All right, I was in there seeing what I could find

and I found her - Frightened the life out of me!

Yeah, well, didn't do my laundry much good, I can tell you.

Bernard, what is this?

Where did that come from?

I'll tell you where it came from, it came from a Mrs Redgrave

who was burgled three weeks ago.

Listen, we've had quite a run on these burglaries.

And what I want to know is - are they down to you?

Now, a simple yes or no will suffice.

And this is Police Brutality Week, so think carefully.

How long have you been in the burglary business?

Just this lot, really.

Oh, that's why I haven't given you a tug before.

I had you down as a 9 to 5 man.

Well, things haven't been good.

My daughter's getting married in a couple of months.

Oh dear, you've buggered that up, haven't you?

Should have thought of that before you robbed little old ladies.

There's always a chance of bail, I suppose.

There's always a chance that England will beat Germany 6-0.

Well, he's put his hand up for 16 burglaries and one attempted,

if we include last night's date with Sleeping Beauty.

Excellent, excellent. Yes, Sir,

I thought you'd be pleased. Well, let's face it,

That improves this month's clear-up rate by about... 0.5%.

And you're quite sure he wasn't involved in the assault on Mrs...

Whatever-her-name-was? Haynes? No, sir. Not his style.

By the way, sir, you were absolutely right.

He did have a blue van.

(ANSWERING MACHINE BEEPS)

Desmond, it's your mother!

You said you were going to phone me. Fat chance of that, I don't think!

Where are you?

Off on one of your fancy business trips, I suppose.

Oh, I don't know. If your father were -

(DOORBELL) Hold on, you'll have to wait.

There's someone at the door.

Might even be you!

(LAUGHS) My lucky night.

Jack?

Shirley. Shirley Fisher.

Yes, of course. Sorry, I was miles away. How are you?

I'm fine. And you? Yes, yes, yes, fine.

How's the smoking? Oh, it's OK.

Still got no confidence in it, though.

Which way are you going? Oh, same as me.

Well, did you ever get that new car?

Oh, I decided against it, I didn't really need it.

How about you? Did you get a new washing machine?

No. Same thing, really.

I got a season ticket to the late-night launderette.

You're looking after yourself then? Yes.

Yes, I take baths and everything. You'd be amazed.

No, it's OK. It still feels a bit strange - living on my own.

You get used to it. Eventually.

Erm... I go this way. Oh... Oh, right.

It was really nice seeing you. Yes, yes, yes. You too.

Bye, then, Jack, I'm glad you're all right.

Yes, thanks.

Erm...

Maybe we could have a meal or something some time if you're not...

You know... That'd be very nice.

Good. Well, I'll... I'll give you a ring.

OK.

Well? Not good, sir.

Did she say anything? Nothing I can make sense of.

Who's that in there with her? Someone from the church.

A Mrs Newcombe.

Look, there's no point in both of us staying here. Good night.

Night, sir.

Hang on a minute - Newcombe?

Did you say Newcombe?

Yes... Angela Newcombe.

She drove her home.

Mrs Newcombe?

That's OK.

She's old and she's lonely.

Sometimes loneliness turns to bitterness.

It becomes like a cancer, really. It takes over.

She'd be even lonelier if it wasn't for people like you.

I don't do much, just fetching and carrying, really.

Not like some of them. Some of the helpers are wonderful.

Really wonderful. They do so much.

I don't mean people like me, people who don't have children or a family,

I mean people who... Do you know what time it is?

Do you know what time it is!? I'm sorry, John.

The Medwins. We're supposed to be at the Medwins'!

(GASPS) Oh, my God, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry.

I'm sick of playing second fiddle to these lame dogs, do you understand?

Do you understand me?

Excuse me, sir, it was my fault. I was asking -

Who are you? John -

I asked him. Det Insp Frost, Denton CID, sir.

Oh, I see. About Angela's old lady.

Yes, that's right, sir.

Do you need to ask my wife any more questions?

No, sir, as a matter of fact, I don't.

Then we needn't detain you, need we?

No.

Good night, Mrs Newcombe.

Good night... sir.

You do know, don't you? You know exactly what you're doing!

Because every time it happens like this! With anything important!

Every single... (MUTED SPEECH)

Yes. Done that.

Er...done that.

Not doing that.

Oh yes, Newcombe, John Newcombe.

See what you can find out about John Newcombe for me, will you?

Who is he? He's the husband of a helper

down at St Whatsit, where the old lady went.

Anything in particular?

No. Other than I don't like him.

Oh, well, in that case, I'm sure we can find something to put him away for a year or two.

Just find out about him for me, will you? (YAWNS)

I'm having some terrible nights, lately.

Three hours and that's my lot.

And last night I thought I'd have a nice early night,

a nice drop of Scotch, get myself eight hours.

What happens? Two o'clock this morning I'm wide awake again.

I suppose you were out on the town with your fella?

Yeah, we did erm... We did go out for a meal, yeah.

I think that's what I need, really. A bit of company.

I've had an offer.

Well, I made an offer.

Hmm.

Thing is, though...

Hey, listen to me.

Now, this is your fault, Sergeant. (PHONE RINGS)

If you'd been a bloke I wouldn't be going on like this.

Frost.

Through there, sir.

Morning, Jack. Morning.

Did it properly this time. Must be getting his hand in.

Oh, dear.

Mrs Alice Ryder. 76.

She's a widow. Got a son living in Denton.

Name of Desmond.

We're trying to contact him.

'I borrowed her Daily Mirror yesterday afternoon

just before she went off to bingo.'

Thursday's her bingo afternoon. She gets back at seven.

About half nine, I knock on her door to give it back

but there's no answer.

So I stick it in the letter box.

Well, I'm going for my walk this morning and it's still in there.

That's funny, I think.

So I knock on her door, and I still don't get no answer.

So I let myself in -

I got a spare to her flat, and she's got one to mine, just in case.

And...

there she is.

So...

I...I phone you lot.

Look...

would you fancy a cup of tea?

No thanks, I've had one, but you go ahead.

So she didn't have her security chain on the front door?

She didn't have no chain.

She's got one, all right. Brand new too by the looks of things.

Stone me. I am getting old. I never noticed it.

I knew she was having one fitted,

because she said her son was worried about

all these burglaries that have been going on.

Not worried enough to spend a bit of time with her. Do any of 'em?

Where's the pathologist?

Been and gone. He'll phone you this afternoon

with the time for the autopsy.

Well, nothing missing.

Everything clean and tidy, just like the other one.

Oh, dear. Look at that.

Fifty quid in her purse and nothing in the fridge.

My mother was the same after the old man went.

Always putting something by for a rainy day.

Rather die of cold than spend money on a decent sweater.

Getting old and frightened and ignored.

Something to look forward to, isn't it, Sergeant?

What you're saying is there's every possibility

we have a serial killer here in Denton.

Well, if the first victim dies, and there's every chance she will,

that's what we're saying.

We're got to tread very carefully on this one.

The last thing we want is panic.

Panic is what you'll get unless you can keep the press in check.

I've been holding them off all morning.

We need to give the public our side of things.

Reduce the panic syndrome.

I'll get in touch with Social Services,

arrange to have some liaison work,

have the usual notices and warnings put out, and so on.

What we need, sir, is one of your television appearances.

Yes, I'll get on to that.

I need to be kept PROPERLY informed on this one, Jack.

No scribbled notes. Up to the minute information.

Best of all, of course, a quick result.

This is our number one priority.

He's got to be caught before he kills again.

Right, what have we got?

Right, quiet, please, everyone! Listen!

Let's have your concentration up here on this board.

I want you to take a look at these pictures.

Mrs Mary Haynes, aged 77.

Mrs Alice Ryder, aged 76.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I want to show you the sort of man that we are dealing with.

He's done this twice.

If we don't find him quick, he's going to do it again.

Because a man who's capable of this sort of thing is a mental case.

And he's not going to stop until someone stops him, right?

Now, why these?

Why these two old ladies in particular?

Hmm?

Does he attack at random or is there a link?

Is there a common denominator?

Well, let's think about it.

What do we know about them?

They're both women, right?

They're both old ladies,

they're both widowed and they both live alone.

And they both opened the door to someone they knew and trusted.

Apart from family and friends -

there weren't too many of them about, by all accounts -

who else would they open the door to that they knew and trusted?

That's what we want to know. Think!

The doctor, home visitor.

Social Services, Meals on Wheels.

Gas man, electricity.

Someone from the church. Vicar or priest?

Good, good. Anybody else?

Any other ideas?

No? Is that it?

There's a sign of the times for you.

You gave me all the people they might trust

and no-one mentioned a bloody policeman! (LAUGHTER)

Let's get on with it. Chase them all, anyone you can think of.

George, what about dry cleaners, that sort of thing?

Nothing yet, guv. Keep at it. Something might turn up.

Any joy with the neighbours? No, guv. Deaf and dumb as usual.

Oh. Some kid reckons he saw a car, a dark blue saloon.

Pretty sure it was a Vauxhall.

Didn't we have a Vauxhall with the other old lady?

A Vauxhall or a Ford. I checked on Newcombe.

Sorry? Who?

The husband of the woman who works at the Old People's club.

Yes. And? He's an architect. No record. Nothing known.

Bet you a pound to a penny he knocks her about a bit.

Anything else? There is one thing, guv.

We keep saying 'he' - the killer.

Why couldn't it be a woman?

(ENGINE REVS)

That's wonderful. Thank you.

A hose had perished and come loose.

Is that bad? No, not at all. I've tightened the clip for now

but you should take it to a garage and ask them to fit a new one.

Are you all right, Mrs Newcombe?

Of course. Why do you ask that?

You look like something's bothering you.

I'm just running a bit late.

I wanted to get home before my husband. He worries about me.

Off you go, then.

Thanks again.

Apart from my mother, there were two other messages on the machine.

One at 8:15...

The other at nine o'clock.

It's all right. Take your time, Mr Ryder.

I'm all right now, thank you.

Please.

So there were two other calls on the machine,

one at 8:15, the other at nine o'clock.

That means your mother must have phoned you

between the intervening 45 minutes.

Yes.

They put the time of her death

somewhere between nine and 11 o'clock.

You're saying whoever she answered the door to

is the one who attacked her.

I'm not saying that definitely.

But it is a distinct possibility.

She wouldn't answer the door

to someone she didn't know. I was always...

I was always very firm with her about that. I always...

You didn't bring the tape with you, sir?

No. I'm sorry.

I'd like to borrow it.

The Sergeant will go back with you.

Thank you very much. That's all, sir.

One more thing, Mr Ryder.

Where were you last night?

Me? You suspect me?

I'd be happy if I had anyone to suspect.

It's just a question of elimination.

I was in Newcastle.

The Queensway Hotel. Here's the receipt.

Thank you, sir.

I'd like it back.

I need it for my expenses claim.

Right, let's try it again.

(STARTS TAPE RECORDER)

"I don't know. If your poor dear father was alive... (DOORBELL)"

First doorbell.

"Hold on, you'll have to wait. There's someone at the door."

"Might even be you."

Puts down the receiver, goes to the hall.

Slow down. She's an old lady.

"(DOORBELL)"

There's the second doorbell.

(TAPE VERY INDISTINCT)

She gets to the door.

She looks through the spy hole, cos she says something.

She says something again there.

She's saying something else.

She draws the first bolt.

She draws the second bolt.

She takes off the chain.

Opens the lock. Opens the door.

She says something to him. He says something to her.

She invites him in, because she closes the door.

(DOOR CLOSES ON TAPE)

There it is.

Comes along the hall.

She leaves him in the hall.

"Don't touch anything."

Picks up the receiver.

(BEEPING)

And the tape runs out.

Well, definitely someone she knew.

And someone she wasn't afraid of.

Pity we can't hear what she said at the door.

(TAPE CRACKLY BUT CLEARER)

"Hold on."

"(BOLT DRAWN BACK)"

"(DOOR OPENS)"

Play it again. This time, just the sounds of her doing the door.

And as loud as you can, please.

(TAPE LOUD AND DISTORTED)

"Good, you've brought it. Hold on."

"(BOLT DRAWN BACK)"

"Hold on."

"(BOLT DRAWN BACK)"

"(DOOR OPENS)"

"(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)"

The chain! Sorry?

There's no sound of the chain being taken off.

Well done, Sergeant.

Good of you to spare me the time.

It's nice to be useful for a change.

So, what's it all about?

You said you knew Mrs Ryder was having a chain fitted

because her son was worried about her.

Something like that.

When did she tell you this?

Be about last Tuesday. No, Wednesday.

I was taking her paper back and he rung up to see

if she'd done something about it. I overheard, like.

So he was getting it fixed for her?

No. That's it, you see.

That's what? That's what she was going on about

and that's how I know.

She said 'No, I'll get it done myself. Fat lot you care.'

That sort of thing. The usual argy-bargy.

I said to her 'If you want a chain fitted, I'll do it.'

'No, thank you.' she said, 'the bloke from the bingo has offered.'

So I think, 'Right, suit yourself.'

Bloke from the bingo? She meant one of the drivers.

What drivers?

They lay on a coach for the OAPs.

Picks 'em up and brings 'em home.

Did she have a regular driver?

Dunno. Never seen him. I say 'him', but they have women drivers.

You don't go yourself?

No, don't believe in gambling. Mug's game.

Besides, I never bloody win anything.

Why did you ask her?

I dunno. Just one of those things you say, innit?

D'you like her? Yeah. Very nice.

Has she got any ties? Divorced.

Well, then.

Well, the thing is...

What I'm trying to say, I suppose, is that...

Say I took her out for a meal or something.

I don't want her to get the wrong idea, you know?

Chip? No.

I mean... What do you think?

Look, what's the worst thing that can happen?

You take her out, you have a bad couple of hours,

you say goodbye and you never see her again.

Go on. Risk it.

Do you want to ring your fella, tell him you'll be late?

No.

No, it's all right.

And by the way, it isn't 'my fella'.

I live with someone, but it isn't a fella.

Oh. Oh, I see.

I didn't want you to get the wrong idea.

All right, guv?

Oh, yeah. Yeah. All right, yeah.

Right. I'll be there. Thanks. Bye.

Sorry about that. Where were we?

Come on, George. Off you go.

The main bingo-run contract is with Super Swift Coaches,

but they subcontract the work out to other firms on a day-to-day basis.

These are they.

Each firm has a rota of drivers for its various runs.

So you mightn't get the same driver each time.

Not only that, most drivers are self-employed -

so the same driver could work for different firms.

Skip the horses d'ooves. Get down to the meat and veg.

We've run the names and duty rotas through the computer

so we could eliminate all those who couldn't have done it. Yeah.

We've come down to four possibilities.

David Allen Hardwick, 38, married, two children.

Thomas Riley, 41, married, no children.

Patrick Robert O'Connell, 33, married, one teenage daughter.

And Ronald William Gould, 35, single.

We've got a lot more checking to do.

Apart from anything else, most drivers swap with each other

and don't tell the guv'nor.

But the only one who was off duty

at the time of both attacks is Mr Gould.

But he's a cheery bloke, by all accounts.

The old dears love him.

Right, I'll be off now, Gran.

How are you getting on with your new puzzle?

You've got eyes, haven't you?

Don't forget to change my book.

'Course I won't.

Don't you think you should hedge your bets a bit?

No, I don't, Jim. I really fancy this one.

You've got nothing on him.

Then I'll find something.

This is our boy. I know it is.

This your famous gut reaction, is it?

Yeah, well, that's guts, innit, Jim?

You get ulcers, I get reactions.

Yeah, well, let's hope you get a result as well.

Look, if you really fancy him, don't blow it, eh, Jack?

Don't pull him in until you've got good, solid evidence.

I want every available man on him.

I want him watched 24 hours a day.

I want to know everything about him.

I want his photograph shown to all his neighbours.

Excuse me, guv. Only if it's good news.

It's the connection - Gould knowing the ladies cos he does a bingo run.

So?

Only one of them was in the club.

What are you talking about?

They both had membership cards - Mecca Bingo Club.

But one of the membership cards ran out two years ago.

Mrs Haynes. She stopped going because of her arthritis.

All right, Jack? Yeah. Hold on.

Hold on. What happened to her bits and pieces?

There you go.

So she went to the hospital.

Yes.

But how did she get there, a woman in her condition?

They'd send an ambulance. No, not necessarily, my son.

They have a team of volunteer drivers who help the ambulances out

when they're too busy to pick up patients.

I know cos I had a volunteer driver pick up my wife.

Well? They don't record individual pick-ups.

But one of the drivers who was on duty when Mrs Haynes

last attended for treatment was a Mr RW Gould.

(CAMERA CLICKING)

# RADIO

# I chalk on pavements tender words when we're apart

# It's my favourite game

# My bathroom window says, I'll hope you'll see

# The words 'I love you, darling', so you'll see...

(INTERCOM ON)

# I breathe on windows and while I've the breath...

(CAMERA CLICKING)

(INTERCOM ON)

# There'll be a welcome waiting for you #

Excuse me, sir. Can I have a word?

Yeah, go on. Sit down.

I fed some details into the national computer.

Constable, you know how I hate computers.

The only way to catch criminals is with old-fashioned police work.

That means beating the hell out of some poor sod

until he signs a fake confession.

Get on with it, then.

I looked for similarities - age of victim, method of assault -

I know all that!

Two years ago in Plymouth, there were three identical killings -

old ladies living on their own, beaten to death.

The first killing was on 26th March.

Hm?

Same date as the attack on Mrs Haynes.

The third killing, the last, took place a month later.

No-one was ever arrested. Books are still open.

They're sending the details down to us.

There's an 'and' attached to this.

And Gould used to live in Ivybridge,

which is ten miles outside Plymouth.

He moved here about 18 months ago.

She's a lovely old lady, that one. Right, sir, where to?

How about the police station?

Detective Inspector Frost.

I wonder if you could spare me

five minutes of your time, please, sir.

Oh! Thank you very much, sir.

She does love her milk and biscuits.

Well, we all have our funny little ways. Yeah, that's true.

That's why I asked you to come here.

She gets very upset if I'm not back when I say I'll be.

Silly old girl she is, my gran.

I just want to find out as much as I can about Mrs Haynes and Mrs Ryder.

I understand they were fond of you. They trusted you a great deal.

I wonder if they might have said something that might -

just might help me with my enquiries.

I'll be of any help I can, but I can't think -

When I said 'were', Mrs Haynes is still alive, of course.

Yes. I've been in to see her a couple of times.

Really? The officer didn't mention anything.

I've got an officer there 24 hours a day, just in case.

I didn't actually go in. I just wanted to see her.

I saw through the door that she was unconscious.

Oh, right.

I'm hoping that she might be able to tell us something.

But between you and me, I'm not holding my breath about it.

It's very unlikely that she'll make a recovery.

Yes. So I understand.

Well, to be frank with you, Mr Gould,

if I can't get a positive identification on this one

I'm right up the creek.

Oh. Mm.

Mm!

Well, very nice. Thank you very much, sir.

It's surprising how hard it is to get a decent cup of tea in this job.

I believe you were one of the last people to see Mrs Haynes alive, sir.

I don't think so. Oh, yes.

You drove her back from the senior citizens' club.

No, not me, Inspector.

Yes. I was told it was always you.

Usually, yes, but this week it was Mrs Newcombe.

They said Mr Gould is the only one that'll put up with her.

She wasn't that bad. She was quite a dear old lady.

Is.

Sorry?

She IS a dear old lady.

She isn't dead yet, sir.

Not clinically, anyway.

I'll just take this up to Gran. Yes.

Yes, all right, sir.

All right?

Yes. She was...er, in the loo.

How long have you lived with her?

Oh, forever.

Never thought of getting married?

When the right person comes along.

Do they ever? Do they ever?

Your parents still alive, are they?

No, no, they died in a motoring accident.

Oh, I am sorry.

It's a long time ago. I don't really remember them.

I see your gran's a bit of a jigsaw puzzler.

It's amazing really, what she can do by touch.

These are not like normal pieces though, are they? A bit thicker?

I make them specially for her.

Oh, yes?

It's a hobby of mine. I've got a workshop out the back.

Well, I say 'workshop'. It's at the end of the garage, really.

But it's very well equipped. Everything I need, really.

Would you like to have a look?

As I said, everything I need.

Hm. Just lock the door and forget your troubles, eh?

Yes.

Yes, well, it's very impressive.

Yes. Very.

What's this?

That's an intercom I rigged up so I can hear Gran if she needs me.

Oh. Oh, good.

I'm afraid I have to ask you.

Can you tell me where you were on the two nights in question?

Here. Well, outside in the garage.

My grandmother can confirm that, of course.

Yes, of course.

I don't need waste any more of your time.

If you do think of anything... Yes, of course.

Oh, yes. There is one thing that occurs.

Did you give one of your jigsaw puzzles to Mrs Haynes?

Yes. I did actually. I gave them to several of my old ladies.

They don't get many presents, some of these...

Why do you ask?

It's just that I found a piece of jigsaw down the side of her chair.

It registered because it was unusual. It was a thick one.

Well, that's cleared up another little mystery.

In my job you get suspicious of your own shadow.

Oh, I see you've got a chain fitted. Did you do that?

Yes. Months ago. I see.

That reminds me. When you delivered your present to Mrs Ryder,

did she have the chain on the door?

It was Mrs Haynes, not Mrs Ryder.

Yes, of course. I'm sorry. Ronald! Ronald!

Yes, here I am, Gran.

I said digestives. Digestives!

Sorry. I thought you said -

You're useless! You are useless!

You always have been and you always will be!

Can't do anything right, can you?

There's only one word for you - useless!

You've just missed him, actually.

He was delivering for our bring-and-buy on Saturday.

There's a bit of bad luck.

Anything I can do?

No. I just wanted a quick word,

to piece together what happened the day Mrs Haynes was attacked.

Helps out a lot, does he, Mr Gould?

Oh, yes. Today he must have made

three or four trips, loading and unloading.

And he does decorating, helps out with the boiler,

keeping it well stocked and so on. Sounds quite a little treasure.

(PHONE RINGS)

What people used to call a Christian before it became politically -

Sorry, I've just got to get that phone.

OK, bye.

Sorry about that.

There's always something that has to be done yesterday.

I'm sure you find the same.

It's that sort of world, isn't it?

Some of the clothes you get must be too old or dirty or stained to sell.

Verminous sometimes. We shove them into the boiler.

Useful, the coke-burning boiler.

Consumed by flames. Gets rid of most things.

Be it old clothes, verminous clothes, blood-stained clothes.

Even a body, should the occasion arise.

I'm sorry? I tell you what, vicar...

How much is this jacket?

(PHONE RINGS)

Alright, what have you got?

You've got this opportunity...

I've collated all known intelligence, which includes a physiatric report

and it makes very interesting reading.

Well in that in case he might be stupid he is not.

He'll have an answer for everything, you can bet your life on it,

Read it, it's all in those reports.

Look, I'm tired and I want to go home.

I'll read it first thing tomorrow.

He's our man Jim, I know he is.

Go home, the pair of you!

Yeah, alright.

Oh, by the way, what do you think of my new jacket?

Very nice. Mmm, made in Czechoslovakia.

I'm not surprised. £4.50!

They drive a hard bargain these Czech's!

No, no, no. Got it off the vicar

Ahh, it's nice to see Mr. Mullett having some effect upon you.

Mullett? Mullet nothing. I have a date.

Thank you.

Now I know why they call it happy hour.

Anyway, cheers. It's good to see you again.

Anyway, I've booked a table at...

What's the name of it? Lorenzo's.

Lorenzo's.

Another recommendation.

Oh, it's very good.

You've been there? Once or twice.

It's good, is it? It's very good.

It's Italian. The owner's Spanish.

Oh, I didn't know that.

Are you living in the same place?

In the hou-

In the house, yes.

I had thought about moving, but...

I couldn't get my mind to it.

I suppose I'm avoiding it, you know - the hassle.

It's OK. It's... It's OK.

What happened about...

No, sorry.

No, go on. No, honestly.

No, you said. Go on.

Wasn't there was someone else? What happened about her?

The way you talked about her... You didn't say her name.

Eileen.

I got the impression that you two...

No, no.

No, I haven't spoken to Eileen since Mary died. Before, even.

I suppose I should have done.

That's what it's all about.

I mean, if Mary hadn't been as ill as she was,

I would have gone.

I would have left her.

But...then when we found out she was as ill as that,

that she was dying...

And...when she died...

..somehow the thought of getting in touch with Eileen was wrong.

And... I don't know...

I thought maybe she wouldn't want to know any more, anyway.

Hey, what is this?

The last time I took you out, I bent your ear for three hours then.

You don't need it all again!

No. But I think you might.

It's that obvious, is it?

It wasn't meant as a criticism.

Well...

Let's have another one, and then we'll...

Same again, please.

Thanks.

Cheers. Cheers.

Excuse me.

Is there a problem?

No, no. It's all right.

It's the old lady that was in hospital.

She's just died.

I thought you had a date.

So did I.

So did she.

Let's face it, guv'nor.

He's not gonna come out of there.

Like you say, he might be mad

but he's certainly not stupid.

I'll just have to give him a nudge, then, won't I?

Yes?

Hello, Mrs Archer, it's Detective Inspector Frost.

I was here a couple of days ago.

What do you want?

I'd like a quick word with Ronald.

Oh. Suppose you'd better come in.

Won't take a minute.

He's in the garage.

You've had a chain fitted. Get someone in, did you?

He did it last week.

You haven't had it fitted long, then?

I just said, didn't I?

Ronald.

ELECTRIC SAW

Perhaps he's gone out.

He's there. He's got his machine on.

Does that mean that he can't hear?

Yes, that's what it means.

Does he often have the machine on? Course he has it on.

Why else do you think he goes out there to his bloomin' workshop?

Spends a lot of time out there, does he?

He'd live out there, given half a chance.

Maybe he's got a young lady out there. Him? Huh!

It's not very nice for you, is it?

Old lady in on her own.

You could have an accident.

He wouldn't know anything about it.

Strange, really. He doesn't strike me as that sort.

What do you mean, that sort?

People speak highly of him. Say he's caring.

SWITCHES SAW OFF

"Why does he spend all his time out there, then?"

"He uses that machine as an excuse."

"I think he can hear me, but he just wants me to suffer."

"Why would he want that?"

"I know what I'm talking about."

Ronald! Come in here. I want you.

His vicar and his old ladies and his bingo club.

He can't do enough for them.

But who has to sit here twiddling her thumbs night after night?

Oh, you're here, are you?

What's happening?

Why are you bothering Gran? She's ill. She's an old lady.

It was you I came to see. Why? What do you want?

I came to tell you she's going to be all right - Mrs Haynes.

How do you mean, all right?

She recovered consciousness.

I'll be able to talk to her first thing tomorrow.

And as I know you've been very worried about her,

I thought I'd drop by and let you know.

Yes. Sorry if I've butted in.

It's all right. I'll find my own way out.

Oh. There was just one thing.

Do you remember that I told you I found a piece of a jigsaw

down the side of Mrs Haynes' chair,

and you told me you'd given her a jigsaw puzzle as a present?

Do you remember? Yes, of course I do.

When you gave that little present to Mrs Haynes,

would that have been on the Thursday?

What's he talking about? It's all right, Gran.

You see, there was wrapping paper in the bin.

Yes. When I called to collect her.

Oh.

That's odd.

I didn't find any trace of a jigsaw puzzle, except this piece.

You wouldn't have. I took it back.

You took it back? Why would you do that?

Well, to tell you the truth, we had a little tiff.

A tiff? You mean you had a row?

No, not a row. We just...

Well, to be honest with you, she turned on me.

Turned on you? How's that?

I don't want to talk about it.

We just had a disagreement.

Lost your temper, did you?

That's right. I lost my temper.

Always did have a temper.

Careful. You'll get me into trouble.

There's no fear of that.

Don't you worry, Mr Gould.

After what your gran's told me it's a good job you're not on my list.

How do you mean? What has she told you tonight?

Well, you told me that you were in your workshop

on both nights in question.

And you said your grandmother could confirm it.

I realise now we've only got your word on that.

You could have popped out for half an hour, couldn't you?

As I say, as you're not on my list, it's all right.

Didn't you tell me that both your parents had died in a car crash?

Is that... Is that what he told you?

Were they not, then, Mrs Archer?

She wasn't married.

She gave him his father's name

and then she dumped him on me when he was three months old.

Why would you tell me they were killed in a car, sir?

He's ashamed of it, so he lies.

He always has lied. Come on now, Gran.

Couldn't have been easy for you -

widowed, middle-aged woman on her own, bringing up a baby.

For all the thanks you get.

Firm with him, were you? He was nothing but trouble.

Didn't spare the rod? He needed it!

Oh!

Didn't you try to set fire to your school?

Why did you do that?

Why would he do that, Mrs Archer?

His favourite teacher bawled him out in front of the class

and made him look small and it upset him.

It was them that said that.

Who's 'them'?

What does he mean, Mrs Archer?

That report that woman did on him.

Gran!

The psychiatrist that said,

'constantly seeking the approbation of his elders'?

I wonder what she meant by that, Ronald.

When's your mother's birthday?

I don't know. I don't remember.

Oh, yes, you do. Don't lie!

Gran!

March 26th, right?

That's right.

Yes, March, March 26th.

On March 26th, Mrs Haynes was attacked.

Two years ago in Plymouth,

an old lady was murdered on March 26th.

What do you make of that, Ronald?

I don't know, I don't know. Do I?

Do you miss her, do you?

Your mum?

I must say she looks very nice.

She was a tart!

No. Don't say that, Gran.

Don't say that.

Well, what else was she?

(WEEPS) Don't say that...

A dirty little tart who only had one thing on her mind!

(YELLS)

This interview is now concluded at 10:15am.

Thank you, Mr Gould.

If you go with the sergeant here, she'll look after you.

You can keep the change.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Good afternoon.

Mr and Mrs Bright. What a coincidence!

Doing your weekly shop, then?

Yes, I'm doing my shopping.

How do you mean, coincidence?

I was thinking you're right

about my garden. It's too much for me.

I've decided to sell up and move.

Oh! We'd hate to think we were instrumental in your selling the car

just because the ashtray was full, wouldn't we?

We would. Yes, we would.

Well, there are other considerations as well.

The house being full of memories, you mean?

Yes. There is that.

But I was thinking more about the subsidence.

What subsidence?

The road is sinking.

Didn't your surveyor tell you?

Well, I won't keep you good people. I'll be off. Good afternoon.

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