Original subtitles

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PHONE RINGS

Yes?

All right. Quickly, then.

Dr Patten.

I'm doing a whip-round for Dennis's party. Fiver a head.

I'm on duty.

You'll pop in? He's got to have a decent send-off.

Will Mr Mullett be making a speech? He's bound to, isn't he?

He ought to be paying us, then.

All right, all right.

There you go. What about him?

He's only been here five minutes. I haven't been asked.

You've saved yourself a fiver, eh?

Cheers, Jack.

He's right, though. You hardly know the man.

Is that why I haven't been asked, guv'nor?

Costello, you've had a problem settling in.

But don't shake your beads at me, because I'm inclined to get ever so irritable.

Bastard.

Little bastard!

Anne!

Anne!

He's been here again, hasn't he? Hasn't he?

Right. That's it. No more excuses.

Ray!

Ray!

Ray, please!

'Police. Which area?' Denton.

'One moment, please.'

I'll sort it out, I promise!

I've had enough, Annie. I mean it. Enough!

'Denton Police.'

'Denton Police. Hello? Hello?'

Excuse me, sir. Mm. What's happened?

We wondering if you're going to be much longer.

I'm having my meal break. Yes, I know, sir.

The thing is we need to get the place ready for the party.

Are you telling me to hop it? Oh, no, sir.

All I mean is... Well, if you don't mind.

No, go on. Get on with it. Yes, sir.

Just do it quietly, will you? Quietly. Yes, sir.

TRADITIONAL JAZZ

Hello. Evening. Evening!

Dennis! Good evening, sir. My wife Audrey.

It's been long time. Can I get you a drink, sir?

Very civil of you, Arthur. A vodka and tonic, if I may. Just a small one.

Give me a vodka and tonic for Hornrimmed Harry.

He's arrived, has he? Yeah, over there.

Right. One vodka.

A small one, he said! It'll liven him up a bit.

You wanted these overtime returns.

Good, you checked them. Post them, will you?

There isn't a collection until tomorrow.

Oh, yeah?

If they're late, they'll miss the salary cheques and you'll have a mutiny here.

Right. You'd better drive them over there.

It's nearly an hour each way!

Got something better to do, have you?

(LAUGHTER)

Argh!

It's a big step, sir, a lot of studying. I'm not sure I'm ready.

There you go, sir.

Right. Thank you...erm... Keith.

Keith! Of course! Thank you. Another fizzy water, Hazel?

No, I'm fine, thank you.

I'll leave you to it, then.

Where were we?

You asked about the sergeant's exam, and I said I wasn't ready.

Like to hear what I think? Of course, sir.

Women have a valuable part to play...

I said, that's enough of that, I said.

My brother was in the Salvation Army, so don't mention British Home Stores! I'm up to here with them!

Benny! Benny!

All right, Jack? Yes, sir. Very nice. And yourself?

Very enjoyable. Ought to do this more often. Let our hair down.

Quite right, sir. Mention it to your finance committee.

How's Costello shaping up?

OK. He hasn't hit anyone yet. Any problems, let me know.

I will, sir, thank you. Excuse me...

Look, Jack...

We've had our differences. You're a street copper and I'm a boring fart of a book-keeper.

Don't deny it! I know what you think.

Perhaps it's true. I've spent more time in college than on the streets.

And I - Sir.

And with practical policing, I can be out of my depth. You take my point?

Absolutely, sir.

Oi, stop, you little sod!

I said 'How's the golf going, Dennis?' He said 'It's a bit dodgy, sir.'

'When my woods are working, my irons are no good.'

'When my irons are working, my woods are no good.'

'And when they both work, my wife won't let me play.'

I suspect she'll be letting him play more in future to get him out from under her feet.

A word of warning, Dennis. Your handicap is being investigated by the Fraud Squad.

I can see you're getting thirsty, so I won't detain you...

..except to say that we'll miss you, Dennis.

And I know you'll miss us. If not us exactly, then the job.

But cos we all know that policing is more than just a job,

it's like family.

One way another, you might say that er...despite rank

or erm...experience,

we're all brothers under the surge.

Goal. Down here, sir.

There's no rush. If he's dead, he'll wait.

If not, you're in trouble. I was listening to Mr Mullett.

Did you find him? Yes, me.

That'll teach you to go up-market.

Pardon? Next time you go for a Jimmy Riddle.

It wasn't a call of nature. It's my rounds.

After cutbacks there's no full-time attendant.

So we lock up. I see.

Quite right. We can't have people using it as a public convenience.

There's valuable lead and copper piping.

If we're not alert, we lose the contract.

It's a very cut-throat business. Quite right, son.

I know when to keep my big mouth shut. Carry on.

No, that's it, really.

I went down and he was sprawled on the floor.

I immediately contacted you lot. Called the doctor?

On his way, sir.

Oh, well. Can't put it off any longer. Down we go.

The thing is...I'm behind with my rounds.

So unless you need me...

No, it's all right, son.

You go off. If we want you, we'll get in touch.

RUNNING WATER

Flaming hell, Austin, it's awash down here.

Why didn't you warn me? It wasn't this bad before, sir.

Cistern's overflowing. Body must be blocking the drain.

This gets better and better (!) Where is he?

To the right, sir. We'll have to get our feet wet, I'm afraid.

Just what I fancied - a nice paddle (!)

All right, let's have a look at you.

Oh, no.

It's Ben Cornish.

You know him, sir? Yes. Since he was a kid.

Been in trouble ever since he was born.

Druggie, by the look of him.

Yes. Drugs, booze... You name it.

Isn't there any way we can stop this water? It's that one, sir.

Don't give me a commentary. See if you can fix it!

What about lights? Not another cutback!

There's some switches in the corner, but they're all locked up.

Not any more they're not.

I think that's fixed it.

I think it was more romantic with the lights off.

Anybody home? Yes, come on, Doc. We're down here.

Inspector Frost! I should have expected you in a place like this.

Doc, you shouldn't have got tarted up (!)

I was at a function.

You and me both (!)

This is him, is it?

No, this is one we had left over from yesterday (!)

Do we know who he is?

His name's Ben Cornish.

He's a dropout. He's been living rough. He's on drugs and booze

and whatever else he can lay his hands on.

Or could. Ah, well...

That's it, then, isn't it?

Ten a penny!

Hey! Wait a minute, wait a minute!

Are you going to examine him? None of us want to be here.

You expect me to slop through that?

What can we do? The body is blocking the drain.

Well, move the damn thing!

All right. I want a photographer.

Don't be ridiculous! You said he's an addict.

Get a photographer, SOCO and forensic down here, and seal this place off.

Ridiculous!

Now!

Well, Doctor. I'm waiting.

PARTY MUSIC

Where's Frost? Where's who?

Mr Frost. Detective Inspector Frost

is out on a call, all right?

That's all I needed to know. Thank you (!)

I haven't finished!

Next time address me by name and wait till I'm ready to respond. Understood, Constable?

Yes, Sergeant. Understood. Right.

Make some tea.

What? There's a kettle over there.

Or is putting a kettle on beneath the dignity of an ex-inspector?

Cos if it is, hard bloody luck.

There's some bleeding from the head, resulting from colliding with the stone floor.

However, it was not the cause of death.

Something you missed, Inspector. Rum and industrial alcohol by the smell of it.

He drank himself senseless, fell and choked on his own vomit.

It's a lesson to us all, eh, Doc?

I'll arrange a postmortem for tomorrow. However, it will only confirm my diagnosis.

That's everything, is it? Yeah.

Fine. Well, I'll let you get on with your detection (!)

While I remember, I shall need some more claim forms for my expenses. I've run out.

Have them sent over, there's a good chap.

Drive carefully (!)

Austin! Sir?

Come down here and guard the body.

Good morning, sir. Morning!

Morning! Morning, sir.

Everything...all right, is it?

Yes, sir. Very quiet. Nothing to report?

We had a dead body last night, but no suspicious circumstances.

Who's on it? DI Frost, sir.

Make sure I'm kept informed.

Very good do, last night. Very good indeed! Excellent.

Yes, it was. Very good, very well organised. Well done!

Good to see you enjoying yourself, sir.

Yes...yes.

Thank you.

You were on very good form, sir. Very lively, sir.

Ray?

Ray!

I don't suppose you know where he is, do you?

We found a stiff last night.

He's informing the next of kin.

There, now. That wasn't so difficult now, was it, Inspector?

Sorry, Constable.

Just knock it off, all right?

Knock it off. Or what?

Thump me as well, will you?

Just make sure he sees these as soon as he comes in.

How can I pretend? If it wasn't today, it would have been tomorrow.

We knew that. Course we knew that.

The hours we spent with him, me and his father...

..trying to reason with him, trying to help him, trying to understand.

And what does he do? He lies, he cheats,

he steals anything to get his drugs and his drink.

What could we expect? He's always been trouble.

And don't give me that nonsense about an unhappy home!

Was his sister unhappy? Was he treated any different?

It's nothing to do with family.

We gave that boy everything, everything!

And what's he given us in return? Nothing but heartache.

When did you last see him?

Not for months. Then he turns up last Saturday fortnight.

We were going out for the first time in ages.

I said to my husband I'm not changing my plans, not for him.

Breezing in here just when he thinks he will. What does he think we are?

Bigger fool me, though, eh?

We come back and he's taken my little French clock.

The only thing left from my mother.

No, we didn't report it. What was the point?

He'd only have it sold for something to stick into his arm.

Did you see the state of his arms? My God.

I'll have to ask you to identify -

No, I don't want to see him!

Not the way he is now.

You could ask his father, but I'd rather you didn't.

It'd just about finish him.

Ask Anne.

Ask his sister.

She's a good girl, my Anne. She'll understand. She'll do it.

Thank you very much indeed, sir.

Very good do, last night, sir.

Yes, excellent.

And a very good speech. Very appropriate.

Thank you.

Did you get home all right last night, sir?

Yes. Thank you.

Oh, well. Better safe than sorry, eh, sir?

Good night, last night, Hazel? Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

That's one way of getting a swift promotion. Mum's the word!

DOORBELL

What is it? What's happened this time?

Can I come in, love? I need to talk.

I was going out. Can't it wait?

Better if I come in.

I supplied the goods and I want the money.

BUZZER I won't keep you a second!

No, I can't give you till the end of the month.

I need the money, and I need it now!

Right. Right.

Thank you!

Sorry about that. I'm... Hello, love.

What is it? What's happened?

That's what I said,

'What is it? What's happened this time?'

He's dead.

Benjy.

They want me to identify the body. Mum won't do it.

I can't blame her. She's had enough one way and another.

Two o'clock I've got to be there. I was hoping you'd come with me.

He's finally done it, Ray. He's killed himself.

It's about attitude. What's that supposed to mean?

You've been moody since you were posted to us.

It's not our fault you hit a DCI and got demoted.

You don't know the circumstances. I don't want to.

I know that you're a pain and I'm lumbered with you.

You realise, of course, Hornrimmed Harry's teaching us both a lesson?

What's with Sergeant Wells?

He doesn't lose one opportunity to make me look small.

Let me tell you about Billy Wells.

Everybody's got him down as the typical Sergeant Plod.

There was a time he wanted to be an inspector so bad it hurt.

He's a bloody good copper, passed the exams,

but they kept turning him down, so he gave up.

So when he comes across you,

who was an inspector and who chucked it away...

And I'm the one with the attitude problem? Terrific (!)

When can we bury him?

As soon as we've had the results from the postmortem.

I'm sorry. I can't say more than that at this moment.

Why do they need a postmortem? I thought you said...

In cases like this. In cases like this?

He choked himself, they said.

What do they need to know? Haven't his family suffered enough?

I'm sorry, there's nothing more I can do.

I'm sorry.

We're all a bit...

Well, obviously...you know.

That's quite all right, sir. I understand.

Wait a minute. Stop the car here! Just stop here!

Don't wait. I'll see you later.

BOTH: Good afternoon.

He looked shifty. Even for a superintendent.

What are you after? Oh, yes. Very, very shifty!

You didn't go in for a coffee? She did! She let him invite her in!

You did know his wife's away?

He didn't tell you? Oh, dear!

She's went and fell for it!

We were both leaving. It was on my way, so I offered him a lift.

And the rest! If I was going to get pulled,

rather him than any of you lot. Oooooh (!)

Was that Mr Mullett in your car last night?

Don't you start! Eh?

Sorry, sir. Yes, yes, it was. I gave him a lift home.

He put on his dress uniform and we had it away six times.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd just like to go and throw up.

Afternoon, gents. Nice day for it.

Ah, Geoff. Postmortem on Ben Cornish.

You're a bit late.

Has it started? I hate coming in halfway.

It's over and done with. Dr Bond don't hang about.

He's still here? I told you, he's gone.

The other one's still here, though. Dr McKenzie.

He's waiting to see you. Pathology One.

KNOCK AT DOOR Come in!

Afternoon, Doctor. Charley Rainbow said you wanted to see me.

Erm...who's this?

That's Detective Constable Costello. He's new.

I'd rather talk to you alone.

Is this police business? Of course it is!

Then he stays.

Thank you.

We've got a bit of a problem. 'We'?

No-one could examine a body properly in those conditions.

He was covered in filth, you saw that.

So, if we missed anything, it wasn't our fault.

No. All right. What did the postmortem show?

You are agreed? Yes, yes! What did it show?

He was beaten up just before he died. In fact...

In fact, he was punched and kicked so badly

that his liver virtually exploded.

Are you saying the poor sod was beaten to death?

He wouldn't have recovered.

But the actual cause of death was that he choked on his vomit.

So to my credit, my diagnosis was correct.

To your credit (!) You didn't even want to touch him.

The conditions were awful!

Yes, you had your best suit on. I know that. Where's the report?

It's being typed up.

Look, Jack.

If questions are asked, you will emphasise that we did all we could?

So that's what the 'We's' are for?

Don't worry, I'll carry the can.

I'd hate to see a dedicated medic lose some of his perks.

That reminds me. Here are the expense forms you wanted.

See if you can fill THEM in properly (!)

Dump him! What?

He didn't do the job. Get him dumped! You'd have done that?

Straight in, no sweat!

And what if you didn't do any better?

That would be for me to know and them to find out.

Inspector! Yes?

I bet he didn't give you that number.

What number?

I knew he'd forget to tell you. I noticed it when I washed him down.

See? I knew he'd put his Black and Decker through it, so I made a note.

That's a three or a five.

That's a one or a seven. I put them in brackets.

I reckon it's a phone number.

I reckon you could be right! Thank you.

It's people like you that make my job a real pleasure.

Who'd be a copper, eh?

Yeah.

Not where you'd come for your holidays, is it?

You should've come last night Swan Lake wasn't in it.

His prints are all over this door,

like he was trying to hold it shut, stop it being pushed in.

But whoever it was out here kicked the door in...

..drags him out and then...

..wallop!

What do you reckon? He comes for a fix,

someone takes offence and kicks the crap out of him?

Possible. But no gear found on him.

Could have been nicked. Hence the kicking.

Or he's doing a deal and it turns nasty.

They were pretty upset.

You don't hit someone like that cos they forgot your birthday.

In my experience, the scum he'd be mixing with would have cut his throat for a dog-end.

Yeah, you're right.

I don't know...

22 years old, and you finish up down here.

You've had dealings with him before?

Ben? Oh, yes. Ever since he was a nipper.

By the time he was 14, he was put in a home. 'Beyond Parental Control'.

It's funny. Decent people leading ordinary lives have two kids...

one straight as a die

and the other born out of step, and walks out of step ever since.

So there's some sort of file on him.

Yes. Talk to George Toonan. He knows as much about him as anyone.

What about Drug Squad? I take it you do have a list of local pushers.

We may not be West End Central,

but we do have some backup. We're not totally inefficient.

I'd better tell Hornrimmed Harry we've got a murder on our hands.

That'll give him something to do with his calculator.

And what do you want me to do, guv?

You can make the usual enquiries

or stay here and get some ideas for your living room. It's up to you.

Why were none of these facts known last night?

The body blocked the drain.

When you're standing in cold pee, you're less fastidious.

But I should have made sure the doctor was more thorough.

So it's down to me.

Just so long as the trail isn't completely cold.

My sentiments entirely, sir.

Thank you for telling me.

Oh, Jack! I enjoyed our chat last night.

Cleared the air somewhat, I felt. Me too, sir.

Good. Good.

In fact, it was a very enjoyable evening all round, I thought.

Costello! Incident Room, guv! And, guv?

Cornish was squatting with Wally Peters and some other bloke.

Where is this squat? Couldn't get an address.

That's handy (!) What do you mean, some other bloke?

Nobody knows him. He's not local.

Ask the DSS if any new faces are signing on. And bring in Peters!

Control have got a call out. Lucky them, Wally Peters in the car (!)

Costello. Yes, guv.

I had something I wanted you to do.

What was it? I've had a word with Drug Squad.

Yeah, go on. There are two new pushers

operating in the area, but they can't give us any details.

They're checking addicts with a history of violence,

but - and hold onto your hat - they would like to point out

that all addicts can be driven to extreme violence when desperate.

Well, who'd have guessed it (?)

I want you to write that in big letters on the blackboard

in case we forget it (!) Oh, yeah. That's it.

Look. Check that out. See if it's a phone number.

I think it is. Find out who it belongs to

and if it has any connection with the deceased. That's either a three or a five.

And that's either a one or a seven. All right?

I'm er...I'm going to go over and a have a word

with Ben Cornish's sister.

Not much of a one for system, is he?

When was the last time you saw him?

I don't know.

Weeks.

I don't know.

And you've not had any sort of contact with him?

No. We never saw him.

He never came round to the house?

No.

So you've no idea where he was living?

No.

We understand he was living in a squat.

Was he?

So you've no idea where? No.

So you don't know who he was living with or who he associated with?

Like I said. We never saw him.

Well, I think that will be all, Mr Butler, Mrs Butler.

I'm very sorry to tell you about him like this.

He wasn't an easy kid, Benjy, but he didn't deserve -

Why do you say you're sorry? You're glad to see the back of him.

We all are. Isn't that the truth?

Yes, all right, sir. I'll see myself out.

No-one wanted him dead, Annie.

No-one wanted him dead.

'Hello. What do you want?'

Yes, I'm sorry. I'm looking for a Miss Eileen Grant.

'She's not here. She went months ago.'

Oh, I see.

Thank you.

DOOR OPENS

You struck dumb or something?

Sorry, guv?

Well, go on. Astound me.

That telephone number.

With these alternatives we get four combinations.

341489 and 541489 which are unobtainable.

547489, which is a cinema...

..and 347489 which is a doctor's surgery. A Dr Royce Patten.

And? No Benjamin Cornish registered as a patient now or at any time.

So why make a note of that particular doctor's number?

Doctors supply drugs. Officially, or otherwise.

If anybody wants me, I'm in my other office.

Who's guarding the fort? Costello.

Oh, we can all rest easy (!)

Who's nicked my crime prevention stickers?

(SCREAMS)

Ahem!

I hate machines!

I had this lawn mower with a life of its own. Tried to attack me once.

This thing's getting a bit saucy, an' all.

It might be better if you took some out.

If I do what? If you took some out.

Bit of an expert, are you, or what?

Got a degree in it.

What are you doing here, anyway?

That bloke Wally Peters. They've found him.

Good.

You used to be with the Serious Crime Squad, didn't you?

For a bit, yeah.

Good. Keep your eye on that lot, then, will you?

He was looking in the nurses' windows.

All right, come on. Where is he?

He's in here, sir.

All right! Knock it off, Walter! Knock it off, will you?

Hello, Mr Frost. You haven't got a fag, have you?

Constable, give the man a cigarette.

Cor blimey, Walter, you smell terrible!

I deny everything!

You were clocking the nurses, you dirty devil!

No, I wasn't! Oh, no, I wasn't! I was looking for a bit of shelter.

What about the squat you've been in?

Can't use it, they've stopped us. Who has? They have.

Who are they? Them! I don't want to talk about it.

All right. Come out here and sit down on this bench.

Why?

Because I'm fed up talking to you in a broom cupboard, that's why!

Now, come on, get out!

I'm not admitting anything.

Go and sit down.

Tell 'em it's been a mistake and I'm dealing with it.

He's a Peeping Tom. He's an old man

who's had too much to drink and has got nowhere to kip.

Go and sort it out.

When did you last see Ben Cornish? We had an arrangement.

Walter, he's dead. Ben Cornish.

Drugs, was it? I told him it would kill him in the end.

No, it wasn't drugs. Someone kicked him to death.

Did you know that more people die

at four o'clock in the morning than any other time?

Except in China. Or when there's an earthquake. Or something.

My sister died at four o'clock on a Sunday.

Sunday October 22nd. Haven't got a drink?

No. When did you last see him?

We had an arrangement. Don't keep asking me questions!

I'm tired. I need my rest!

I'm not entitled to much, I know,

but I am entitled to a decent night's sleep!

You what? Come on, Bill. Lock him up.

If you want to give him a bed, take him to your place.

Doesn't like the wallpaper. I was lying.

I WAS looking at that nurse! I lusted after her. Carnal thoughts.

Shut up!

Stringer, lock him up!

My loins are still restless. Be this on your head.

Release me now and you're jeopardising all females.

On what charge?

Diamond smuggling and peeing on a double yellow line.

Oh, Sarge! Do it!

Evening, all.

I need to talk to him about Ben Cornish.

Why can't you do it in the car park?

Because I'm tired and he's tired.

He's been putting a lot away and I'm not getting any sense out of him.

I want him banged up nice and tight,

so I can speak to him in the morning. You do know the last time

we had him in a cell, we had to hose it down afterwards. Yes, I know.

But you have to remember he's just a human being, like you are.

Bollocks. I knew you'd understand.

I'll give you a lift. It's OK. I'll get the bus.

Don't be daft. I'll drop you off. Where are you living?

Sefton Avenue. I'm in digs.

Digs? I thought you were a family man.

So did I.

I...er...

I behaved pretty badly after all the trouble.

She took the brunt of it and then one day she'd had enough.

Took the kid and off she went.

It'll sort itself out one way or another.

Are you hungry?

Bit late for that now, isn't it?

I can always make up bacon and egg.

Come on, yes or no? I'm not after your body.

Yeah. Thanks.

I couldn't sleep.

Anything you want to talk about?

No, I just...can't sleep. Something I ate probably.

It's not happening again, Royce? Tell me it's not happening again.

For God's sake, Linda!

Wake up in the morning, first thing I'd think about...

..Peter Rubens and how I could nail him.

I was obsessed, I admit it.

Obsessed.

Come the day, I've got it all set.

I'm half an hour away from feeling his collar

and saying, 'Right, gotcha!'...

..and the Chief steps in.

The smarmy bastard's taking over.

I'm gobsmacked.

I've done all the work, he's going to get all the glory.

'It needs rank,' he says.

'Besides, you're too personally involved.'

He's got this stupid grin on his face.

This really stupid grin.

'Is that right, sir?' I said.

And I hit him right in the mouth.

Wallop!

Wallop.

So...here I am.

Bottom of the pile again.

But I'll be back.

I'll show the bastards. I will.

I'll show the bastards.

Him...

You...

All of 'em.

Morning, sir. Morning. Hazel...

Come here a minute. I want you to do something for me.

I want you to run a PNC check on this motor vehicle.

It's a black Mini Metro. I want the name and address. Right.

And I want it done on the QT.

Yes, sir. Good. Thank you.

Any toast and marmalade?

No, there bloody isn't!

Morning, sir.

Gawd! Get me another cup of tea, will you?

I'm feeling rough this morning,

so I just want you to listen to me, Walter.

Do you remember what I told you last night about Benny?

He's dead, Walter. Somebody killed him.

That's right. You told me. Someone killed him.

That's right. You were living in a squat with him.

He wasn't a bad little fella. A bit lippy, I suppose.

That's kids nowadays, isn't it?

Tell me about the squat.

There was me, him and this other fella.

I want to have a look round.

Won't do you no good!

What's the address? I don't know.

I could take you there.

Right, then. When did this happen?

Must've been the afternoon.

It weren't like it when I came out for my lunch!

I told you that's why I was looking for somewhere to kip.

We need to find the owner.

You won't find anything in there.

I told you they threw all our stuff out.

We'd have been all right, if Benny hadn't given them lip.

Given who lip?

Them gorillas he sends round. Whoever he is - fella who owns it.

Did you see what they did to his hand?

What happened?

Them gorillas came round about ten days ago

and said this bloke had bought the place, so out!

Benny gets a bit clever

all that 'know my rights' stuff. Says he'll write to his MP.

Chief gorilla grabs his hand, puts it in the door,

bangs it shut and says 'Write to him now, Mr Know-all'

Broke the lot, he did. We had to take him to hospital.

You'd think Benny would have learned his lesson.

I mean, them blokes are trained.

Not him. Not a bit of it.

'I'm going to find out where they are from

and I'm going to have them,' he says.

Too late for that now, Benny my son.

You said you had an arrangement with him. What was that about?

My throat's gone all dry. Any chance of a cup of tea?

You had an arrangement with him.

I was supposed to meet him last night, only he didn't turn up.

Mind you, he said he might be late because he had another bloke

he had to see, but I think he was mouthing off.

What other bloke? I don't know. He said I'd mess it up.

Mess what up?

I don't know!

All I know is he came home, grinning all over his face one day..

..said that he was on to something that would make him rich.

Any idea what it was?

I'm not a recording machine.

Who was this other bloke that you shared the squat with?

A friend of Benny's. They were at school together.

School? That's what he said.

So he's local? He's Scotch, I know that.

Any idea where he is?

He said he was moving on.

He got scared when they did that to Benny's hand.

Can you give us a description -

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Hello?

No, I'm afraid she's not available at the moment,

and I'll have to go cos I'm in conference.

It was Benny's. They threw it out with the rest.

Who did? Them blokes! They threw all our stuff out.

What do you mean, it was Benny's?

He found it.

Found it (!)

Right. Thanks.

The property's just been taken over by G and C Holdings.

It's due to come down at the end of the month.

Who does their clearing-out? Hine Securities.

That lot! Right bunch of lunatics.

You know him, guv - Trevor Hine.

He used to run that club off the Old Square.

Oh, yes, him! Mad Trevor. Let's get him there, at that squat.

What about the doctor?

Blimey, I knew there was something. Yeah, I'll go and see him.

It might be an idea to drop in a bit of salt - let him stew for a while.

Trying to tell me my job, Constable?

I wouldn't be trying to tell you anything, guvnor.

Give him a ring and make an appointment.

Bit of luck, he'll look at my piles at the same time.

Likes you to let you know he's been around, doesn't he?

That's because he has, Constable.

Come!

That name and address you wanted, sir.

Oh, right. Thank you.

KNOCK AT DOOR

I'm sorry to disturb you, Doctor,

but there's a policeman on the phone.

A Detective Constable Costello.

What does he want? He wants to make an appointment

for a Detective Inspector...Frost to see you.

He wouldn't say what it was about. Would you like to speak to him?

No. Just a minute.

This afternoon, before surgery.

Who'll pay for all this?

If you'd like to send me the bill, sir,

I'll make sure it goes through the proper channels.

Tell me what you're looking for. I may be able to help.

If I knew what I was looking for, I wouldn't be looking for it.

Clues - is that it?

It's all grist to the mill. You need squatters, we need clues.

I told you, we threw it all out.

Why do you bother with these people? They're filth.

Give you much aggravation, did they?

Are you serious?

We heard the one who's dead gave you aggravation.

It was him, was it? The one with the mouth?

The one with the busted knuckles.

He was distracting us from our legitimate business.

So you taught him the error of his ways.

He had a big mouth and he was out of order.

He was nine stone, dripping wet and out of his mind.

Take him on yourself or did you send the dogs in?

I don't think I like your attitude.

I don't give a toss!

You've got a hyperactive tongue.

And the desire to punch you!

Oi! Go downstairs and wait in the car, go on!

Sorry, sir. Not that he would. Just a figure of speech.

Neither me nor my executives laid a finger on that kid.

He tripped over the carpet.

Course he did. When did you last see him?

About a week ago. Maybe, ten days.

One of his mates said he was going to pay you back for busting his hand.

Pay me back? Pay me back?

You didn't teach him another lesson?

I said he tripped over the carpet.

Course you did.

Where were you the night before last between 8 and 11?

Tuesday?

Down the club, working out, then in the bar drinking carrot juice.

Sorry to keep you, Inspector. It is Inspector, isn't it?

Yes. Frost, Detective Inspector Frost.

I know your Chief Inspector Allen -

well, we've played golf a couple of times. Sit down.

Thank you. Popular game, this golf.

If you're thinking of taking it up - don't!

That's how Jim Allen got his ulcer.

It's how we all did. How is he, by the way?

Still rolling his eyes and chewing lumps of chalk.

I must give him a ring, fix up another game.

He's away at the moment, sir. On a course.

Not a golf course? No, sir. He's away being educated.

They educate policemen nowadays, so that we can quote the relevant

section as we bash them on the head with a sock full of wet sand (!)

So, then. What can I do for you?

You know a young man by the name of Benjamin Cornish.

No, I don't think so.

He's not a patient? I said I don't know him.

You didn't think you did. I was jogging your memory.

No, Inspector, he's not a patient

and to the best of my knowledge I don't know him.

That's all I need to know, sir.

Couldn't you have done this by telephone?

Yes. Sorry if I've wasted your time.

Both our times I would have thought.

It's not really wasted, though, is it?

How long have you been here - 18 months?

Our paths would have crossed sooner or later.

It's always nice to put a face to a name.

I do have a rather full surgery this afternoon, Inspector.

Yes, of course you have. They can put a man on the moon,

but they can't stop your nose running.

I haven't told you why! Why what?

Why I wanted to know about Benjamin Cornish.

I'm surprised you didn't ask me, sir. Well?

He's dead. Someone killed him.

BABY CRIES

I don't see what that has to do with me.

Someone told me he was your patient. I thought you might be able

to tell us us something about him. Obviously, they got it wrong.

Mind you, people like that usually get it wrong.

People like what?

Well, he was a drug addict. Didn't I mention it?

I think they've gone over to see her mother.

Sorry?

I think they've gone over to see her mother.

Well, I know they have. Thank you.

That poor boy!

Just think, he was here only two days ago.

Yeah.

Excuse me?

What did you make of Dr Patten?

The doctor's got something on his mind. Don't know what.

We'll soon find out. Any messages for me?

No. Good. I'll be in the canteen.

Guv! You know that mobile phone Cornish nicked?

He probably made a few calls.

Something for nothing - he probably couldn't resist it.

If he did, the company will have it on record.

It might give us something.

Good idea!

I'll get on to it.

Don't bother. Toolan's already doing it for me. 30 all - your serve!

Give him a break, will you? Give who a break?

You know perfectly well I'm talking about Costello.

He's an arrogant bastard. He's a good copper too.

Maybe they're one in the same thing. He's lucky to be in the job.

He knows that. But if he's got enough bottle

to front it out, the least we can do is give him a break. Bollocks.

There you are, you see, you're all heart, aren't you (?)

I'm a good copper too, Inspector.

And whoever gave me a break, eh?

Eh?

I came home...

..and he'd broken in.

It wasn't the first time.

He'd done it before.

He did it when he was desperate

and needed money or something to sell.

We didn't call the police because...

because he was family, I suppose.

But he'd been killed! You knew I was trying to do my job.

Why did you lie and say you hadn't seen him?

I didn't...I didn't want to get him into any more trouble.

Yes, all right.

What time did he call?

About three o'clock, you said.

And he didn't contact you again? No.

Yes. What?

I didn't tell you. He phoned when you were out.

We'd had a row about Benny, about what he'd done.

That's what next door must have heard - us rowing.

So... What? You went out to cool down, is that it?

We were both, you know, pretty upset.

It was all getting out of hand.

I had some stock to pick up from a mate in Chelmsford, so I went over.

What time did Benjy call?

Be about half eight.

What did he say?

He said he was sorry, but he'd pay us back.

When? He didn't have two ha'pennies for a penny.

I mean, come on, love, how could he?

Did he say where he'd get the money?

No. Only he was definitely going to pay us back.

Definitely!

There are some personal bits that need collecting from the station.

I thought you'd prefer to do it. Your wife's very upset.

We should have told you the first time what happened.

We should have said something then.

Thing is, once you start with a lie,

there's somehow no going back, is there?

Hello, Eileen.

How did you find out where I was living?

I called at the old flat.

She gave me your new address.

Just like that?

No, no. It wasn't just like that.

Why? Sorry?

Why are you here?

It's usually me that asks the questions.

Don't roll out the funnies, Jack. I'm not impressed any more.

I'm sorry.

I...

I don't know really. I just...

You didn't even tell me she was dead.

I had to read about it in the local paper. I know, I know.

Why didn't you come and tell me she was dead?

That was the idea. That's what we agreed, wasn't it?

Yes, I know it...

I don't know, it somehow... it just seemed wrong.

All right to share my bed when she was alive,

but not when she was dead.

Yes, that sounds reasonable enough, Jack.

She was my wife.

Pity you didn't think about that at the time, you selfish bastard.

I think this was a mistake.

I'm sorry, I think I'll leave.

Why did you come here?

I don't know. I just...

You wanted to see how I'm surviving without you.

I'm fine, and now you know I am, you can clear off.

Carry on playing the big detective. It's the one thing you're good at.

You know why? Because you don't have to feel anything.

You slice up people's lives and you don't have to feel anything.

And you're not that good a detective cos you had me worked out all wrong.

You misunderstood me entirely, Jack.

I was relieved when you didn't come back,

because you made too much of it.

It was an affair that's all. A bit on the side. Sex.

And not particularly good sex either.

Let's face it - you're not exactly Warren Beatty. No.

If you don't mind, I've got to get on. I've people coming for dinner.

Mr Hicks? Costello, Denton CID.

I'd like to have a word. What am I supposed to...?

There's nothing to worry about. Just a quick word, eh?

Morning, guv. Morning. They got him?

In the interview room. Good. Who are they?

George and whatshisname - the new bloke.

What do you mean, whatshisname?

You know what his name is! So say it.

DC Costello. Thank you.

George wants to know if you want to sit in.

No, I don't. Tell him to start. What are you grinning at?

Sorry, sir.

Oh, sir? Yes.

Cornish made four calls on the mobile. One to Dr Patten's surgery,

one to his sister's house, and 340217 twice. It's -

Don't tell me. Let me guess.

When was this? About a month ago.

You just bumped into him?

No, I knew he was here. I came looking for him. Why?

He was a mate. I needed somewhere to stay.

Tell us about the night he was killed. Like what?

Like, where were you?

I was with friends of mine. Ask them.

Did he say anything about some deal he was trying to fix? Some what?

There's talk about him being into something to make him money.

Oh, yeah? Drugs, was it?

Starting to push, was he? No idea.

Where do you get your drugs, Gordon?

I'm registered.

And that's enough for you? You don't need to go elsewhere?

Does the name Patten mean anything to you? Dr Royce Patten?

Is that who Benny was dealing with? Who he was getting his stuff from?

I've no idea. Is that where you were getting it?

Get stuffed! OK, Gordon.

If that's what you want, fair enough. Book him! For what?

All those little packets of Class-A substances

we found hidden about your person. You bastards!

Tell us about Dr Patten.

I had nothing to do with it! It was Benny, all right?

Tell us about it.

MEN'S VOICES

Do you remember a young man by the name of Gordon Hicks?

No.

What's this? What's happening?

Linda, there's nothing for you to worry about. Who are you?

Detective Inspector Frost, Denton CID.

CID? What do you mean - CID? Linda, please!

Well?

Mrs Patten, it'd be better -

Is this why you didn't want to come with me?

For God's sake, don't be so...

I had no idea. They phoned after you left.

Your husband is helping us with our enquiries.

There's nothing to worry about. It would be better if you left.

Anything you have to ask my husband can be asked in my presence.

We have nothing to hide.

Of course.

Doctor, I asked if you remembered a young man called Gordon Hicks.

And I said no. Are you sure?

To the best of my knowledge.

He's a friend of Ben Cornish - the young man who was murdered.

What young man?

Three days ago, we had reason to believe

that the young man was a patient of your husband.

That's why we interviewed him yesterday.

Did you not mention it, sir?

Obviously not.

These two young lads went to school together.

When I say 'school', I suppose it was to them in a way.

Though what they learnt wasn't beneficial to society,

because it was a local authority hostel...

Each one being a naughty boy and out of control.

Is this beginning to ring any bells, sir?

The hostel was in Northamptonshire. A place called Rushden.

According to the records, the name of the visiting doctor was Patten -

Dr Royce Patten MB DCH MRCGP.

Would that be you, sir?

It was eight years ago!

There were 100 boys in that place. I can't remember all their names.

You'd remember the name of Ben Cornish, though,

especially as he rang this house twice on the evening he died

and that was only three days ago.

He used a mobile telephone.

The calls are logged. One at 6:30 lasting about half a minute.

One at 7:45 lasting 3 minutes, 25 seconds.

Perhaps the calls were for you, Mrs Patten.

No. They were for my husband.

With a bit of luck, maybe she's gone to put the kettle on.

For God's sake!

Quite right, sir. In very bad taste.

Tell the doctor what else we know about him.

When Cornish and Hicks were at the hostel,

allegations were made of indecent assault

on some of the younger boys by members of staff.

The allegations were never substantiated.

But the hostel was closed down a year later.

No smoke without mire, eh, sir?

One of the members of staff interviewed was a Dr Royce Patten.

You, sir.

There was nothing, nothing shown against me.

The whole thing was a complete and malicious fabrication.

Quite right. Each time you were with your wife -

as she told the then investigating officers.

You were completely in the clear.

What is it you're saying? What is it that you want from me?

It's not what I want from you.

It's what they wanted. Or at least one of them did.

Two weeks ago, Cornish and Hicks saw you at the hospital.

You didn't see them, but you wouldn't have recognised them,

but they recognised you.

Young Benjamin saw you as a way of supplementing his income.

He was blackmailing you, sir. He was trying to.

It doesn't matter whether you were involved in that business or not.

A word in the right ear

and your life wouldn't have been worth living, would it, sir?

He...

He telephoned me at the surgery.

Then he started telephoning the house...

..standing outside,

trying to unnerve me, I suppose.

And did it, sir? Unnerve you?

Course it unnerved me! What do you think?

Did you pay him any money? No.

Would you have done, if he hadn't been killed? If he'd persisted?

I...

I don't know. He...

He said if I didn't pay him,

he would sell his story to the newspapers.

You said yourself - he could have ruined my life.

Unless he was stopped.

You don't really believe that I had anything to do with his death?

No, I don't, sir.

Say goodbye to your wife for me. Sorry if I've upset her.

Are you?

Inspector!

I'd be grateful if it were possible not to involved me in any of this.

Officially, I mean.

I can't see that it can have a direct bearing on your enquiries.

The young man is dead and...

There seems no point in blackening his name any further.

You do understand?

Yes. It would have been a lot easier

if you'd come clean when I first spoke to you.

After all, you've got nothing to hide, have you, sir?

'Blackening his name any further'.

What a very considerate man you are, Royce (!)

Linda...

You disgust me, do you know that?

You disgust me.

Nothing to hide?

We've all got something to hide, Dr Patten.

I wonder what yours is.

Wonder what mine is what?

Not you. The good doctor.

The good doctor what?

Got something to hide. I was saying - we all have.

For God's sake, Jack, what did you expect?

I mean, if you'd phoned or something.

Anything. But not like that.

It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair.

I don't know. I just... I just wanted to see you.

Not you, Jack. Me.

I'm talking about me, what it did to me.

I don't care about you, not any more.

And don't say 'so what are you doing here?'

I'm here because I want you to understand what you did to me.

I'm here because...

I didn't mean some of those things I said.

No. You had every right.

Really, I didn't mean it.

I was just...lashing out.

glad to have something to hit at last.

I'm glad you didn't do it with that saucepan in your hand.

You see...I really thought it meant more to you.

I really thought that you and I...

God knows I didn't want that to happen to her.

And maybe there is a God. Maybe that's his way of...

I really did think that you and I...

Or maybe I was just deluding myself.

BELLS

I really did love you, Jack.

I really did.

Is that it? Sorry?

Yes, I'm afraid that's it.

Not much to leave behind, is it?

And if you're wondering what the sparking plug is for,

it's very handy for breaking car windows.

Hello, sir. What have you been up to this time?

Probably didn't recognise me.

Not surprised - the state he was in. Got those keys, Sarge?

What are you talking about?

Chummy there. I picked him up the other night.

Smashed out of his head.

How do you mean you picked him up?

We got a call from the White Swan.

He was causing trouble. So I went round and sorted it.

Jack! Just a minute. Go on, tell me.

That's it. I wouldn't let him drive.

So I told him to take a taxi.

And did he take one?

I don't know. I had a call. When was this?

A couple of nights ago. Well, Tuesday, just before ten.

Oh, shit.

Last time I spoke to you, you told me that Tuesday evening

you drove over to see someone at Chelmsford.

Remember saying that, Mr Butler?

You said you telephoned this friend

and you drove over to pick up some stock.

So, could you tell me this man's name,

where we could contact him?

Just so that he can confirm what you've told us.

It isn't true, is it, Mr Butler?

You've been lying.

Why have you been lying, Mr Butler?

It was one of those days I just didn't want to start.

Business has been going down the pan for months.

I've been just...hanging on.

Tuesday I went to see the bank manager.

And that's it.

No more support. I'm finished.

We're going to lose everything -

the business, the house, everything.

What was I going to tell Annie?

She didn't know. I've been hiding it from her.

Lying to her.

She still doesn't know.

I got home, and he'd been there.

You work your guts out to make a nice home

and that's what the likes of him do to it!

I'd have turned him in the first time, but he's...

he's family. She loves him.

We can't have kids, and I'm glad, do you know that?

Because if that's the way they turn out...

We had this huge row, and I went out and I got well and truly drunk.

I started a row in the Swan and this copper took me outside.

He wouldn't let me drive but he dropped me off to get a cab.

Only there are no sodding cabs, so I start to walk. And then...

Then I saw him...

..sort of dancing along the street.

I called out to him

and he sees me and he starts to run, so I go after him.

He runs down this toilet, slams the door

and he's yelling this filth at me... And I hate him! I hate him.

I must have kicked the door in cos he's lying there.

I didn't know I'd killed him.

For God's sake, I didn't want to kill him.

I just wanted to...

I wouldn't have left him there like that if...

I mean, I knew I'd hurt him, but...

When you came and told us

he was dead...

I just...

I just panicked, I suppose.

I kept saying to myself - what good was he?

He wouldn't have lasted another year,

would he, the state he was in? I mean, would he?

Jesus Christ.

What am I going to tell his sister?

What am I going to tell Annie?

Fancy a pint?

Come on, I'll buy you a pint.

Yes. Yeah, all right. Why not?

What do you reckon to Dr Patten?

Nothing to reckon now, is there?

The Scotch kid said he was definitely involved.

Yeah, well, maybe.

I'll get the Northants boys to send the file over.

There's only his wife's word that he was with her

when those perverts were at it.

And I'd say I could persuade her to change her mind.

Come on, that was eight years ago.

Do you know what that DCH stands for after his name?

Diploma in Child Health.

He was in a position of trust. They all were. They probably still are.

Yes. Yes, you're right. Sure I'm right.

Besides, if you get a result, it'll look good

when it comes to the promotion board, eh, Constable?

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