Original subtitles

Can I ask a question, please, miss? Me, too, miss.

Can I ask a question, please, miss? Me, too, miss. Only if it's about Stranger Danger.

Only if it's about Stranger Danger.

Oh, you can ask anyway.

Can we have a look at your gun? Have you shot anyone?

My gun isn't all that interesting.

And, no, I haven't shot anyone.

If your gun shot someone, would it make a big hole?

It makes a big hole when it comes out.

Now, that's not why the constable is here.

If there aren't any more questions, you can go and have lunch.

I've got a sensible question, miss. Make sure it is.

Can you use an AK-47? Mr Shields can, can't you?

Guns aren't clever, children, guns are bad.

Now that's it. Off you go.

It's the cartoons and movies, we can't compete.

Like their red-neck families.

Oh, this is my husband, Brian.

This is Constable Maggie... Doyle.

Same thing happened last year - duck hunting season.

Kids start talking like infantry regulars.

They quite shocked us, but we got used to it.

What was that about an AK-47? Brian was in Vietnam.

When you're on the receiving end, it changes things.

When you're on the receiving end, it changes things. I find that in my job, too.

I find that in my job, too.

Their fathers only need five minutes under fire.

Their fathers only need five minutes under fire. Along with the city thrill seekers.

Along with the city thrill seekers.

Along with the city thrill seekers. Brian's not a fan of duck hunting.

Brian's not a fan of duck hunting.

I think they should be locked up and the key thrown away.

I wouldn't go that far.

Police shouldn't have guns. Can you go that far?

Police shouldn't have guns. Can you go that far? Well, no, I can't.

Well, no, I can't.

We've got some shopping to do.

Maggie, I'm sure we'll meet again.

Maggie, I'm sure we'll meet again. No doubt.

No doubt.

I'm not really an ogre. Of course you're not.

Just bitter and twisted.

See you. Bye bye.

Where are you camping?

Two ks upstream from the bridge.

Good shooting there? It was last year.

You be gettin' into it? Maybe.

Ducks won't know what hit 'em, eh?

There you go, Mr Purvis. Ah, name's Mel.

There you go, Mr Purvis. Ah, name's Mel. That's nice.

That's nice.

I'm a big fan of paperwork.

I'm a big fan of paperwork. If paperwork's right you can't get pinched, eh?

If paperwork's right you can't get pinched, eh?

Want to try us?

See you later, fellas.

Whoa! Wouldn't mind getting that on the nest, eh?

Was there something there, boys?

No, not a thing, Officer.

GROUP LAUGHS

Run into any dangerous strangers?

Yeah, out the front.

They look like mates of yours.

If you can't handle them, give me a call.

Brian Shields.

What about him? Just curious.

He's a bit of a radical, but a good teacher so people put up with it.

He's a bit of a radical, but a good teacher so people put up with it. On his hobbyhorse -

On his hobbyhorse - guns and shooters?

Yeah, he was a bit.

Bet you were backing him up, Maggie.

I won't knock someone for backing their beliefs.

How about you, boss?

I couldn't agree more.

PHONE RINGS

Mt Thomas Police.

Righto.

Righto. There's been a prang by the school.

There's been a prang by the school.

Well, off you go. And Maggie.

You had heaps of room.

Why not just admit it?!

You're in the wrong. Why not just admit it?!

Brian! Great! Here's the cops!

We could've sorted this out if you weren't so gutless!

We could've sorted this out if you weren't so gutless! Gutless?! Yeah, gutless. We could

Gutless?! Yeah, gutless. We could have...

Gutless?! Yeah, gutless. We could have... I'll show you what gutless is!

I'll show you what gutless is!

Come on, Mr Big Mouth, let's see how tough you really are!

Calm down. What's the story?

Ask him. He's the crazy one.

Bloody shooters!

This isn't a toy, it should be broken!

It's loaded!

GUNSHOT

You stupid bastards!

Having a loaded weapon in the car!

Well, we took a couple of shots on the way up in the car.

Didn't hit nothing.

Then you won't mind showing us in the back of your vehicle, will you?

You'll be charged with shooting a protected species.

You'll be charged with shooting a protected species. How was I to know they're protected? Paperwork, Mel.

How was I to know they're protected? Paperwork, Mel.

Speckled ducks are in there.

I'll cop it sweet, fellas.

There's a charge of dangerous driving.

There's a charge of dangerous driving. Oh, come on! Fair's fair.

Oh, come on! Fair's fair.

You did rear-end the other vehicle. What about the lunatic?

I'm not the one who fired on innocent people.

Discharged a firearm with reckless indifference.

I wasn't the one being reckless.

Weren't you? Alright, it was stupid.

Yes, it was. I agree. I'm sorry.

Brian, you know about firearms.

Anything could've happened. Panic, ricochets, police return fire.

I agree.

I let him get to me and I shouldn't have.

I let him get to me and I shouldn't have. I suppose... What will the Department think?

I suppose... What will the Department think?

This could affect your job. Possibly.

No more warnings, Brian.

Another incident like this and I'll lock you up.

And you won't get bail until after the charge is heard.

Even if it takes months. I understand.

If your blood starts to boil, write a letter to the Gazette.

If your blood starts to boil, write a letter to the Gazette. Always good for a laugh.

Always good for a laugh.

Just to be on the safe side, stay home this weekend.

If I bail you, will you do that?

Fair enough.

See that he does, Mrs Shields. I will.

You're a bloody whacko! And you're a moron.

That's enough.

That's enough. Organise Mr Shield's bail.

Organise Mr Shield's bail.

He should be in the slammer.

Let me tell you something, Mr Purvis. I'm a shooter.

You're the type that gives us all a bad name.

Stay out of trouble this weekend. You with me?

Or I'll put you in the lock-up.

Or I'll put you in the lock-up. Fair enough. No offence.

Fair enough. No offence.

Nice work, I hear, Nick.

Nice work, I hear, Nick. Quick thinking, mate. Maggie did the work.

Quick thinking, mate. Maggie did the work.

I just went and changed me underwear.

I just went and changed me underwear. Shields must've gone crazy.

Shields must've gone crazy.

He seems quite rational to me.

The boss said he's a caring professional.

He's a wanker, Maggie.

He's a wanker, Maggie. He thinks guns are a menace.

He thinks guns are a menace.

Guns don't kill, people do.

Guns don't kill, people do. He's got a right to an opinion.

He's got a right to an opinion.

He's got a right to an opinion. Why give them rights? They only abuse them.

Why give them rights? They only abuse them.

If we didn't, you'd string up half the population.

Oh. You'll learn.

Nick, now that you're a hero,

you'll be offered lots of beer and a few warm, soft bodies.

Don't forget your mates, eh? You can't be that desperate, PJ.

I'm not. I'll vet the applications.

Afternoon, everyone. Hi, Roz.

Can I show you something sensational?

Ah, what's going on?

I've just bought a new car.

What?! It's not new, it's an old one.

You said you were just looking.

Well, it's my savings. I can spend it how I like.

How much?

It's in really good nick.

I'll pay it off from the business.

Don't be so negative.

Ta-da!

It's totally, absolutely perfect.

See?

It's got room for all my bits and pieces.

My beauty business is now mobile.

And under the bonnet it may be a heap of junk.

No, it's not, I made sure of that.

How did you make sure of that?

What do you know about engines? Nothing.

I told them my husband's a cop.

I hear you made a name for yourself today.

I hear you made a name for yourself today. Oh, not really.

Oh, not really.

Oh, not really. Don't be shy. Everyone's talking about it.

Don't be shy. Everyone's talking about it.

Don't be shy. Everyone's talking about it. So is it drinks on the house?

So is it drinks on the house?

I wasn't that impressed.

Don't you think things got out of hand far too quickly there today?

Stand aside, Maggie's on a case.

Stand aside, Maggie's on a case. What have you got, Sherlock? It's a gut feeling.

What have you got, Sherlock? It's a gut feeling.

What have you got, Sherlock? It's a gut feeling. Brian's response was out of control.

Brian's response was out of control.

You have suspicions? Start checking.

I wouldn't want to tread on your toes, PJ.

There's nothing territorial here. Oh, yeah?

Why should there be?

Why should there be? A mad teacher goes berserk with some hoons, end of story.

A mad teacher goes berserk with some hoons, end of story.

A mad teacher goes berserk with some hoons, end of story. I'll keep you informed, as a cou

I'll keep you informed, as a courtesy.

I'll keep you informed, as a courtesy. You know what courtesy is? Sure.

You know what courtesy is? Sure.

Something you try on a girl when you're in with a chance.

Something you try on a girl when you're in with a chance. PJ, relax. We're just having a beer.

PJ, relax. We're just having a beer.

PJ, relax. We're just having a beer. I'm relaxed, promise. I'm limp.

I'm relaxed, promise. I'm limp.

Sorry, Maggie. Some other time.

In your dreams, PJ.

I've just got to check these price lists.

What price lists? My business. What else?

Will it take long? Hardly any time at all.

Good.

Oh, talking about your business... Wayne, I'm keeping the car.

That's okay, that's cool, but who's going to clean up the lock-up?

That's okay, that's cool, but who's going to clean up the lock-up? Feed the customers?

Feed the customers?

I'm superwoman, I'll do it all. Promise.

You sure you can manage? It's only overnighters.

I'm not sure I can.

What? Manage.

Manage what? Manage to keep my hands off you.

Six more summonses.

Mate, is your name such and such?

This is for you.

This is for you. How'd you go with Jimmy Perkins? He took it like a lamb.

How'd you go with Jimmy Perkins? He took it like a lamb.

Couldn't happen to a nicer dickhead.

Couldn't happen to a nicer dickhead. Any progress with the mad teacher? Not yet.

Any progress with the mad teacher? Not yet.

Keep at it. Hate to miss any developments, Mag.

What's that all about?

Don't ask.

Got a minute?

What's doin', boss?

What time is it? Sorry?

Ah, 9.25, boss.

And the waste bins?

I'm not with you.

They aren't empty. The place hasn't been cleaned.

Is there a good reason for that?

Gee, I'm sure there would be.

Maybe Roz...

Maybe Roz... The station has not been cleaned.

The station has not been cleaned.

I want it done - properly in future.

I want it done - properly in future. It's your responsibility. Yes, boss.

It's your responsibility. Yes, boss.

It's your responsibility. Yes, boss. ROZ: Excuse me, everyone.

ROZ: Excuse me, everyone.

I'll leave you to attend to it.

This should've been done hours ago. A customer rang in a panic.

A job interview came up. I couldn't say no.

A job interview came up. I couldn't say no. I just caught a rocket from the boss, love.

I just caught a rocket from the boss, love.

Can't he just wait for five minutes?

He's not the only person in the universe.

Is he dead?

Ta, mate.

Boss, we got a problem.

Brian Shields has been found dead.

Keep your eyes open. Don't trample any evidence.

Keep your eyes open. Don't trample any evidence. Anything special we should look for? No,

Anything special we should look for? No, just anything.

PJ?

There's no sign of a weapon in the immediate area.

We'll make a detailed search later.

Could be I was right.

This job's become territorial, Mag.

A Melbourne D is coming up, but I'll be running it from here.

A Melbourne D is coming up, but I'll be running it from here. So you'll be working for me, okay

So you'll be working for me, okay?

That's the kid that found the body, take his statement.

It's Brian Shields alright.

Head injuries, been bashed.

Does his wife know? Thought I'd send Maggie.

Good idea.

We'll need a search.

We'll need a search. I organised some uniforms from St David's.

I organised some uniforms from St David's.

I organised some uniforms from St David's. What about Scientific and Homicide?

What about Scientific and Homicide?

There's Rob Cole from Homicide. I know him. He's okay.

There's Rob Cole from Homicide. I know him. He's okay. Knows the value of local knowledge? Got it in one.

Knows the value of local knowledge? Got it in one.

Glad somebody's getting something out of this.

You couldn't have known, boss.

No, but if I'd locked him up, he'd still be alive, wouldn't he?

Take a seat, Liz. Thank you.

Are you sure you're okay? Oh, it's got to be done, hasn't it?

Mrs Shields?

Mrs Shields? I'm Detective Senior Constable Hasham.

I'm Detective Senior Constable Hasham.

I'm Detective Senior Constable Hasham. Thanks for your co-operation.

Thanks for your co-operation.

Can I get you coffee, tea? No, I just want to get this over.

There's just one or two things.

Can you tell us the last time you saw your husband?

Ah, he went out this morning, before dawn.

What for?

What for? He knew what time the ducks flew in to feed.

He knew what time the ducks flew in to feed.

He wanted to scare them away from the hunters.

He wanted to scare them away from the hunters. The hunters from yesterday? Any hunters at a

The hunters from yesterday? Any hunters at all.

I tried to talk him out of it.

It's okay.

Take your time.

He left at 4.30 to walk along the river.

He said he'd be three hours.

When he wasn't back by 11, I started phoning the neighbours.

No-one had seen him.

I was about to go looking when Maggie knocked.

Give us a minute, PJ.

There's not much more.

Ah, can I see you for a moment, Sergeant?

If you must.

If you must. I'm sorry about before, but I do have an idea.

I'm sorry about before, but I do have an idea.

Am I being charged or not?!

Am I being charged or not?! You're helping with our enquiries.

You're helping with our enquiries.

What enquiries? You'll find out in due course.

If you two gentlemen could come through here.

How can I help you when I don't know what you're enquiring about?

All in good time.

If I'm being locked up, I want to see a lawyer.

Through here.

Sit down, please.

What gives? I want to know. Sit.

We searched the camp. No bloodstains or obvious murder weapons.

A dart gun turned up. Ah.

We want to know your activities today, that's why you're here.

You're charged with possessing a prescribed weapon.

Detective Hasham will take statements from you and your mates.

Talk about bad karma. I must've run over a Chinaman's dog.

When I turn the tape recorder on there'll be a few questions.

Liz, was there something about those people yesterday?

Did Brian know any of them before?

They weren't his kind of people. Why?

Firing a gun after a minor car accident was...

Firing a gun after a minor car accident was... Brian knew about guns. It was safe.

Brian knew about guns. It was safe.

Mum! He just wanted to scare them.

How were they, Tina? As good as gold.

What would I have done without you, Tina?

Mum? Yes, love?

Where's Daddy?

I'll tell you later. A big hug, quick.

So, no sign of a struggle and wallet's still on the body.

What about the duck shooters?

What about the duck shooters? Definitely hiding something.

Definitely hiding something.

Definitely hiding something. Could he have known them? No, they reckon not.

Could he have known them? No, they reckon not.

Could he have known them? No, they reckon not. I'm not ruling them out.

I'm not ruling them out.

I'm not ruling them out. What about the wife? Maybe it was a domestic.

What about the wife? Maybe it was a domestic.

What about the wife? Maybe it was a domestic. Is there a boyfriend? Small town. We'd have h

Is there a boyfriend? Small town. We'd have heard.

Is there a boyfriend? Small town. We'd have heard. But I'm not ruling her out.

But I'm not ruling her out.

How did she seem? Pretty plausible.

They always seem plausible.

PHONE RINGS

Thanks, Nick.

Forensic's on the way.

Who have we got? The Crow.

Oh, Jean Crowhurst. I hear she's okay.

You know Forensic.

You know Forensic. Gods who hand it down on stone tablets.

Gods who hand it down on stone tablets.

Gods who hand it down on stone tablets. For a nitrate head, she's not bad.

For a nitrate head, she's not bad.

Jean. Detective Sergeant.

Jean. Detective Sergeant. This is Detective Senior Constable Hasham.

This is Detective Senior Constable Hasham.

This is Detective Senior Constable Hasham. The genius in charge of stuffing up the crime sce

The genius in charge of stuffing up the crime scene.

Ah, the one who picked it as a bashing.

The government medical officer did an x-ray pending the autopsy.

Apparently the victim was shot.

What? Don't pack the job in yet.

It's very hard to pick.

It's very hard to pick. The GMO happens to have seen two similar cases.

The GMO happens to have seen two similar cases.

The GMO happens to have seen two similar cases. Entry wound was covered by the swelling.

Entry wound was covered by the swelling.

Entry wound was covered by the swelling. No, I checked. There was no exit wound.

No, I checked. There was no exit wound.

No, I checked. There was no exit wound. That's right, the projectile's still inside.

That's right, the projectile's still inside.

What about powder burns? Concealed by the swelling.

So, a 22? Probably, but don't quote me.

We need that autopsy.

First thing tomorrow.

Any other ideas?

No, no.

A chat with the school principal, I guess.

Let's do it.

Mum said she'd stay with Liz tonight.

I'll wait until she gets here. Thanks, Tina.

Liz, the doctor's wife said he'd come out later with a sedative.

You've been very kind, Maggie.

Why don't you have a lie down? I'll be alright.

Tina's a real treasure, aren't you?

She's like you, Maggie, a good person.

I'm happy to help.

Good people always are.

Brian was the same.

He needed to feel there could still be some good in the world.

He lived in a kind of despair.

That's why we put off having kids for so long.

I'm sorry, I'm holding you up.

I actually should be getting back. PHONE RINGS

Shields residence.

Hang on, will you?

Liz, it's a reporter.

Liz, it's a reporter. I'll say you're resting. No, I'll talk to him.

I'll say you're resting. No, I'll talk to him.

What are you going to say?

I know Brian was killed because he spoke out against guns.

I won't walk away from that.

Hello.

I know he died because of this blood sport.

It's still causing pain and misery to defenceless creatures.

We all miss him.

(sobbing) So if anyone saw anything, anything at all...

..could you please come forward?

I guess it helps having a drum to beat.

I guess it helps having a drum to beat. Get off her back, Nick.

Get off her back, Nick.

What's happening? Get anything off the school principal?

What's happening? Get anything off the school principal? Did I what!

Did I what!

Did I what! Last year he took a home-made gun from one of the kids.

Last year he took a home-made gun from one of the kids.

Last year he took a home-made gun from one of the kids. It was a cut down 22 rifle.

It was a cut down 22 rifle.

It was a cut down 22 rifle. He locked it away in the stockroom.

He locked it away in the stockroom.

Who has access to that?

Two people. The principal and Brian Shields' wife.

What are you saying, PJ?

What I'm saying, Maggie, is for my money, Liz Shields is our man.

I reckon she killed him.

(muffled) What's going on?

Morning, Tom. Still having brekkie, are we?

She just emptied that.

Where is she? Brings mice, you know.

Not if it's emptied.

Oh, good morning. You're early.

Um, I believe you know Sheila O'Shaughnessy.

Been mates for years, haven't we, Tom?

Mates and sparring partners.

Gives me a hard time, but when he wants gossip, guess where he comes?

Um, Sheila cleans a few places around town.

I was just getting a quote.

That won't be necessary.

It's Mrs Patterson's job.

Lined it up with her old man. Am I right?

Absolutely correct.

You're cactus, sweetheart. The boys have worked it all out.

You're cactus, sweetheart. The boys have worked it all out. If you don't mind, Sheila.

If you don't mind, Sheila.

I meant to ask you, how's the big enquiry going?

Found out who done it yet?

It'll all be in the Gazette.

Hands and knees, love, that's where they want to keep you.

Time warp, this place.

Bye for now. Bye.

And, thank you.

That woman is the biggest gossip this side of the western plains.

Look, I tried to ask, but you were busy.

Can we talk now? There's nothing to talk about.

You're the cleaner.

You're the cleaner. But I don't have time... not to do it the way you like it.

But I don't have time... not to do it the way you like it.

I'll take it up with Wayne. I beg your pardon?

I'm the one who's involved.

I want you to talk to me, please!

I want you to talk to me, please! PJ and Maggie will be back soon with a guest.

PJ and Maggie will be back soon with a guest.

You'll want to be done before they arrive.

And don't forget that bin, we don't want mice.

Early morning, catch them off guard. Works every time.

Early morning, catch them off guard. Works every time. You'd be right at home with the KGB. Nice little outfit.

You'd be right at home with the KGB. Nice little outfit.

You'd be right at home with the KGB. Nice little outfit. Gone to the dogs a bit now though.

Gone to the dogs a bit now though.

By the way, we'll take the kids in, too.

By the way, we'll take the kids in, too. Why?! A bit of pressure.

Why?! A bit of pressure.

Why?! A bit of pressure. That's totally unfair pressure!

That's totally unfair pressure!

That's totally unfair pressure! I need all the unfair pressure I can get.

I need all the unfair pressure I can get.

I need all the unfair pressure I can get. Who's going to mind the kids? Didn't I mention

Who's going to mind the kids? Didn't I mention that?

PJ, don't you... Sshh!

Mrs Shields?

My information is that Mrs Shields in being brought back in.

Can you at least confirm that? Sorry.

Well, is she going to be charged?

Off the record, Sergeant.

Just between us, so I can let them know in the city.

Come on, my boss is pushing me.

I'm afraid that's all I can tell you.

Thanks for your co-operation.

We all want to sort this out.

Some new matters have been raised.

What new matters? We'll get to that.

First, we want to go over the events in detail.

Oh, of course.

Where's Mum?

Talking to some people for a while.

What do you think we should do?

Can I look at your gun? Uh-uh.

That's everything I can remember.

That's everything I can remember. Will you tell me what this is in aid of?

Will you tell me what this is in aid of?

Like a break? A cup of coffee?

I'd like to get this finished.

You mentioned some new matters. That's right.

I'd like to know what they are. Of course.

Your husband wasn't bashed as we thought.

It appears he was shot.

With a home-made gun from the school.

Do you know anything about that gun? Yes.

It was kept in the principal's stockroom cupboard.

He confiscated it from a student. Who has a key?

He confiscated it from a student. Who has a key? I have one and the principal has another

I have one and the principal has another.

Anyone else? Not officially.

But teachers borrow them all the time.

It would only take two minutes to have one cut.

I couldn't say how many there were in existence.

Faster, faster! Sssh, keep it down.

Could we keep it down to a dull roar?

Oh, boss... here you go.

Oh, boss... here you go. Here you go.

Here you go.

It's no use complaining to me.

It's not that.

How's it going in PJ's office? I haven't looked in there yet.

What?

What? I wasn't going to say anything...

I wasn't going to say anything...

I wonder if we're coming on a bit too strong.

I wonder if we're coming on a bit too strong. PJ and Sergeant Cole know what they're doing

PJ and Sergeant Cole know what they're doing.

(sarcastic) Sorry I mentioned it. Don't get so involved.

I know it's easy to say, but it's also smart.

Could you at least keep me posted?

Better than having you eavesdrop.

Thank you.

Hey, boss.

Call, line three. Autopsy.

Could you keep them quiet, please?

And tell Patterson I want to talk to him.

What's going on?

We just received a report from the autopsy, Mrs Shields.

It's been confirmed your husband was killed with a small calibre firearm.

The body has no bruises or abrasions.

No skin or hair under the fingernails.

Nothing to show a struggle.

Does this suggest anything to you? Should it?

It suggests Brian knew the killer, wouldn't you say?

I don't know.

I don't know. Did any teacher have a grudge against him?

Did any teacher have a grudge against him?

Did any teacher have a grudge against him? No.

No.

No. Can you think of anyone else? The duck shooters.

Can you think of anyone else? The duck shooters.

Can you think of anyone else? The duck shooters. Anyone else? No.

Anyone else? No.

Anyone else? No. The shooters are your only suspects? That's right.

The shooters are your only suspects? That's right.

And they didn't know Brian before? No.

And they didn't know Brian before? No. So they didn't come here planning to kill him.

So they didn't come here planning to kill him.

So they didn't come here planning to kill him. That doesn't mean anything.

That doesn't mean anything.

Their car was loaded with guns, I saw it.

Things haven't been good at home, have they, Mrs Shields?

Between you and your husband.

Between you and your husband. They've been fine.

They've been fine.

I believe you keep to yourselves. Yes, pretty much. Why?

So you don't have witnesses to that.

So you don't have witnesses to that. And you don't have witnesses to the contrary.

And you don't have witnesses to the contrary.

You wanted to see me, boss.

Your wife let the biggest busybody in town in here today.

I caught her reading the occurrence pads.

I'm sorry, boss, I had no idea.

Then you'd better sort it out.

PHONE RINGS

Mt Thomas Police.

Let me put a scenario to you, Mrs Shields.

It was early, 4.30, kids asleep, Brian left to scare the ducks.

It was early, 4.30, kids asleep, Brian left to scare the ducks. But he didn't go on his own. You went, too.

But he didn't go on his own. You went, too.

You took the gun, walked with him by the river and you shot him.

No. Why did you do it?

Tell us what happened then we can sort it out.

You ran back home, threw the gun in the river.

You were only gone half an hour.

You got back into bed.

(whimpering) No.

It won't be long till we find the gun.

We'll have divers in there today.

We'll have divers in there today. You couldn't go far in case the kids woke.

You couldn't go far in case the kids woke.

You can make this easy or hard.

The kids are why you did it, right?

Why, Liz? What was the problem? There wasn't one.

Where's the gun? Shall we ask the children?

Where's the gun? Shall we ask the children? You leave my children out of this.

You leave my children out of this.

They were the reason, weren't they? They don't know anything!

You expect me to believe this? Where's the gun?

Alright, I'll tell you.

Cancer?!

The autopsy just finished. He was riddled with it.

How's it going? Not good.

He was diagnosed again two weeks ago.

He'd had it three years back.

He had chemotherapy and they said they'd got it in time.

He knew it would come back.

Agent Orange.

The treatment affected him badly.

He was in so much pain he could hardly move.

He was in so much pain he could hardly move. His hair fell out, he said he would never h

His hair fell out, he said he would never have it again.

He said he'd rather go quickly.

Then at least the decision would be his.

But he wanted it to mean something.

He wanted to make people think about Vietnam.

About what we did there, about the guns and the killing.

Just make people think.

And it has.

Television's here, people are seeing what happens.

Take your time.

He said in the end the police would work it out.

But the longer I could hold out, the better it would be.

So I tried.

And what about the gun?

He took my key, I didn't even know.

I saw the gun Friday night.

I tried to talk him out of it, but he'd made up his mind.

What was your part in it? What did you do?

I waited half an hour and then I went after him.

It was getting light.

The body was lying there.

I touched him, just in case.

He wasn't breathing.

He was cold.

I said, "I love you".

Then I picked up the gun and ran along the river and threw it in.

I then went home and got into bed with my children.

You boys were a bit fast out of the barrier.

Well, it's not what we were expecting, that's for sure.

I'm still not convinced. We'll be making sure.

And we'll be being bloody careful.

Okay, so what's our next move?

We walk her through the crime scene, see if the details check out.

Go easy this time. They've been through enough.

I'm investigating a possible homicide and it's been by the book.

What more do you want?

Nothing, assuming that "by the book" means a fair go.

Nothing, assuming that "by the book" means a fair go. If he hadn't been out on the street, we wouldn't be here, eh?

If he hadn't been out on the street, we wouldn't be here, eh?

Yes, he could've hung himself in a cell and you could be in the city.

Are we on the same side here?

What was that, Constable Hasham?

What was that, Constable Hasham? We can manage without the junior ranks.

We can manage without the junior ranks.

Sorry I spoke.

You can do green. That one's better.

How's it going? How would you expect?

Drop the kids home. A neighbour will watch them.

Drop the kids home. A neighbour will watch them. Give me a break, PJ. Be nice to your mates

Give me a break, PJ. Be nice to your mates.

I am to my mates, but I'm not a taxi service.

You'll be making yourself useful.

Now we know why Brian Shields went off in the street.

He'd been told he was dying.

I guess you're wanting to transfer to CO now, eh?

Constable Doyle will drop the kids home, Mrs Shields.

Constable Doyle will drop the kids home, Mrs Shields. We'll take a walk through the crime sc

We'll take a walk through the crime scene.

Ah, where the events took place, it's a term we use.

Do we have to go home, Mum? Just a bit longer.

That depends on Maggie, darling.

Thank you, you're a wonderful babysitter.

I couldn't agree more.

He can't treat civilians like that.

If I tell the Ombudsman, he could be in trouble.

If I tell the Ombudsman, he could be in trouble. Oh, come on, Roz. The man's a complete cha

Oh, come on, Roz. The man's a complete chauvinist pig!

Oh, come on, Roz. The man's a complete chauvinist pig! Yes, but station security is impor

Yes, but station security is important.

Are you supporting him? I didn't say that.

He treated me like dirt!

I tried to use some initiative and he treated me like dirt!

Who does he think he is? He's my boss, love.

Who does he think he is? He's my boss, love. Then he's your problem, LOVE.

Then he's your problem, LOVE.

If I want to run a business, I'll bloody well do it!

These aren't the Middle Ages.

I came from that direction.

I almost didn't see him.

He was lying there, quite still.

Where was the gun?

Um, the gun was there, by his hand.

What did you do then?

Ah, I picked the gun up.

The handle was cold.

I ran along the river. I was shaking.

I threw the gun in.

Well, let's go there then.

Damn tv crews.

You had to run the gauntlet? Yeah.

It's fine if you don't want to talk to them.

It's fine if you don't want to talk to them. I do want to talk to them. I'll take care o

I do want to talk to them. I'll take care of it then.

I want to thank you for your assistance, Mrs Shields.

I know it's been an ordeal.

Everything seems to check out.

Tv people are looking for a statement.

If you'd like to freshen up for the media, you can use my office.

If you'd like to freshen up for the media, you can use my office. Oh, thank you, Sergeant Croyd

Oh, thank you, Sergeant Croydon.

I'll outline to them what our enquiries have found.

I'd be grateful for that.

I don't know. There's still something about this.

Maggie, please. Neale, I won't show you my gun.

How are you, Tina? Real good, thanks.

There's chocolate crackles inside, kids.

I can see you like kids. You look after them well.

Well, that's a sensitive subject right now.

Well, that's a sensitive subject right now. What happened? Did he do it himself?

What happened? Did he do it himself?

That's right.

It's what I thought. Same here.

She can move back now.

She hates this place - so do I.

Who'd want to live here when they can live in the city - except Brian?

Brian had his reasons, I suppose.

Not to be mean, I know he's dead and everything and Mum says I shouldn't,

but sometimes he treated her so bad.

They were both under pressure.

They were both under pressure. But she was always crying and he didn't care.

But she was always crying and he didn't care.

But she was always crying and he didn't care. Once he was screaming at her because she w

Once he was screaming at her because she wanted to move back to the city.

Garbage one minute, pay dirt the next.

You know the shooters? No...

You know the shooters? No... The duck hunters.

The duck hunters.

The duck hunters. Fitzroy coppers got them.

Fitzroy coppers got them.

Fitzroy coppers got them. Two of their rifles came from a gun shop bust.

Two of their rifles came from a gun shop bust.

Two of their rifles came from a gun shop bust. I knew they were sweating, I had to suss out

I knew they were sweating, I had to suss out why.

I knew they were sweating, I had to suss out why. Nice work, mate.

Nice work, mate.

Nice work, mate. Hey, boss, Fitzroy coppers... Yeah, I know.

Hey, boss, Fitzroy coppers... Yeah, I know.

I suggested they check out unsolved gun shop robberies and it paid off.

Excuse me, boss.

Times are changing, boss. Not in this station.

Well, women, they think different now.

Would you get to the point?

If Roz wants a job, I can't stop her.

You mean you don't exercise leadership at home?

Sure I do, but different homes work differently.

You're a large disappointment to me, Patterson.

White with two.

Thanks for sticking up for me. No problem.

You'll do good business out in the red centre.

A bit of sweat, bit of dust, instant mud pack.

Come on, it's not that bad.

Cheer up. You don't know him.

Creased pants, two sugars, nothing changes in that particular world.

Yeah, well, I'm proud of you.

Well, are you going to make it worth my while?

DOOR KNOCK

Oh, great.

Hi, boss.

I've got news for you and Mrs Patterson.

Yeah, right. Come in.

Evening.

Evening, Sergeant.

I was thinking about what you were saying today.

In the circumstances, a new cleaner.

She'll pick up the key from you.

Thanks, boss. Thanks heaps.

She's a widow. Needs the money.

Roz is stoked, aren't you, love?

This is real kind of you, boss. Yes, Sergeant, it is.

She has kids so you'll have to help sometimes.

She has kids so you'll have to help sometimes. If it isn't too much trouble.

If it isn't too much trouble.

I'm sure it won't be, will it? Of course not.

I'm sure it won't be, will it? Of course not. Nell and I are on our way out so I'd better

Nell and I are on our way out so I'd better go.

Goodnight, Sergeant.

'Night, boss. 'Night.

See? All fixed.

Old hypocrite.

Well, I hope they enjoy the square dance.

Square dance?

Hold on.

You didn't go round there, did you? You didn't talk to Nell?

Of course not.

Come on - all that caveman stuff today and now he's a pussycat.

Leadership in the home's a wonderful thing, isn't it?

Food alright? Oh, it's fine, Chris.

Being a copper is the pits.

What are we talking about here?

Pay, conditions, low lifes? You got it in three.

And?

It's knowing what really happens.

The pressures that get on people.

And when they break, we march right on in and bust them.

I mean, not everyone is guilty just because something looks bad.

That doesn't mean they are guilty.

I suppose so.

You'd know more about that than I would.

It seems that there's the police and there's the judge and jury.

And the police can't do both, but we do it every day and it isn't right.

That's what I reckon, anyway.

I think it's better if a cop doesn't see or hear certain things.

Would you like to be more specific?

No, I can't.

What I hope, and believe, is that Brian's sacrifice wasn't in vain.

What I hope, and believe, is that Brian's sacrifice wasn't in vain. DOOR OPENS

DOOR OPENS

He felt so passionately about this, he gave his life for it.

She's been all over the newscasts.

She'll make a fortune from tv rights.

So, what can I do for you?

I wouldn't want to withhold evidence,

even if it doesn't mean anything.

What are you talking about?

I talked to the babysitter.

Liz and Brian were fighting.

She hates it here, but he wouldn't move to the city.

She hates it here, but he wouldn't move to the city. What did she say? Was she specific? It was all between the lines.

What did she say? Was she specific? It was all between the lines.

There were arguments.

There were arguments. Liz wanted to go to the city.

Liz wanted to go to the city.

Liz wanted to go to the city. It's nothing really.

It's nothing really.

I played the interview tapes we recorded.

She was waiting for us.

It was too pat.

And Brian, I mean, he hates firearms yet uses one to off himself.

And Brian, I mean, he hates firearms yet uses one to off himself. And, the gun in the river, right near the bank.

And, the gun in the river, right near the bank.

You can't book her without evidence. Relax, Maggie.

I'll chat with the sitter, but our Liz is a hero.

If we tried to nail her and didn't they'd crucify us.

There you go.

We let her stiff some poor jerk and she walks.

She helped him suicide because she loved him.

Maggie, she hated him.

How can you say that?

How can you say that? Okay, maybe she loved the kids - maybe.

Okay, maybe she loved the kids - maybe.

But the guy is a wanker. The love just died.

Oh, come on!

It happens a lot. You're full of it!

And you're a hopeless romantic.

Maggie.

Okay, that was out of line.

Look, you were onto this thing well before anyone else.

You saw the inconsistencies in Shields' behaviour

You saw the inconsistencies in Shields' behaviour while we wrote him off as a whacko.

While we wrote him off as a whacko.

While we wrote him off as a whacko. I never gave you credit for that and I should've.

I never gave you credit for that and I should've.

But Mags, don't get emotionally involved.

Oh, not you, too.

I am not a robot, PJ, but I'm not blind either.

One side of being a D is you always suspect the worst of people.

One side of being a D is you always suspect the worst of people. I think Liz Shields kil

I think Liz Shields killed her husband.

I think Liz Shields killed her husband. I went after her on that assumption. You're wron

I went after her on that assumption. You're wrong.

Maybe I am, and maybe you're right.

But we'll never get another chance to prove it one way or the other.

Let's just leave it at that, eh?

Sure.

DOOR KNOCK

So there you are.

Come on, Doyle, get your skates on.

Come on, Doyle, get your skates on. We've had our excitement for the week, now it's back to work.

We've had our excitement for the week, now it's back to work.

We've had our excitement for the week, now it's back to work. I want you and Patterson delivering those outstanding summonses...

I want you and Patterson delivering those outstanding summonses...

SUBTITLERS: Kerrie McKay, Tricia Moreno, Jill Zerbini, Megan Boaden