All language subtitles for The Gentle Touch s02e09 Shame

Thank you.

Why don't you make him do it?

Oh, not worth it. I would.

Not worth the trouble.

Jo, where's the iron? What number does
it go on? It's quicker to do it myself.

Relax.

You know what kids are.

You've told the police.

What more can you do? It doesn't stop me
worrying, does it? Of course it

doesn't. I know that.

Where's Den?

Den? Oh, he's out working.

Well, this time of night.

Moonlighting. Him and some of his mates
doing up a flat. Work all night, every

night.

Half past seven he left.

Half seven?

See you at nine, Mum. He said nine.

You call the club?

No, they're not on the phone.

Oh, the police would have gone round
there.

Isn't that the club?

Oh, yeah.

Football and judo, you know.

Girls? A bit young for going off with
one of them, isn't he?

Got that to look forward to.

Want another cup of tea?

Oh, don't mind if I do. Let me do it.
Oh, OK.

How is Den?

Haven't seen him for months.

He's all right.

I don't understand men.

Running about, playing kids' games at
his age.

Yeah, in the summer as I'm trying to get
the green out of his cricket trousers,

I think about the winter. And in the
winter as I'm scraping off the mud.

You think your lucky stars, they don't
overlap.

They do.

Oh, God, Fran, what's happened to Peter?
What's happened to him?

Nothing, love.

Nothing's happened.

If something hadn't happened, he'd be
here, wouldn't he? Gone home with a

of other kids.

Forgot the time.

What, all of them? Parents and all?

Empty house.

Mum and Dad gone out.

Bingoing, pub crawling, ballroom
dancing.

What is it? I don't know.

It's coming from out there.

If you turn off the light, we'll be able
to see better.

Over there by the steps.

Where?

Oh, my God, it's Peter!

Peter?

Peter!

Oh, Peter, what's happened?

Come inside, love, and tell me all about
it. What's the matter with this face?

I don't know, Peter. Oh, my God, Peter,
what's happened?

Fairly hefty bruising round the left
eye.

Nasty cut on the forehead, two -inch
gash on the chin.

Had to stitch those last night.

Laceration of the lower lip
corresponding to an irregularity in the

teeth. Could have been somebody trying
to force his mouth shut.

Stop him from shouting?

Yes, could be.

Upper arm badly swollen and bruised.

At a guess, I'd say a boot.

Had to give him a tetanus jab for that,
just as a precaution.

Fairly hefty stripe marks across his
buttocks.

Is it a tick of some kind?

Yes, yes, I'd have thought so.

No indication of sexual molestation.

By the way, Inspector, there's no need
to whisper. He'll be out for some time.

You sedated him? Yes.

As I told the uniform boys last night,
he was hysterical.

Shock? Possibly.

Will we be able to talk to him later on?
We'll see why not.

One boy or more, or was it a man? Oh,
that's your department, Inspector.

I've no idea, honestly.

It would have been a waste of time to
ask.

Is this what he was wearing?

I think so.

Yes, well, we'll need these for
forensics.

It's a tough area.

You don't say.

Right, now, Mrs Reynolds, you call the
station at 9 .54 p .m.

Did I? Yes, so it says.

The calls and times are all logged in a
book.

Oh, well, must be right, then. Yes, it
must.

So, at that time, he was what? Fifty
-five minutes late?

Yes. Quick off the mark, weren't you?

What's that supposed to mean? Well,
boys, they're not the greatest

They're not known for their promptness,
are they? Pete is.

Really? Yes, really.

So, fifty -five minutes after his
scheduled return, you were on the blower

to report him missing.

You make it sound... What?

Unusual.

Yes, it is unusual.

Well, it is almost as if you were
expected something to go wrong.

I was out, wasn't I?

Were you? I said so, didn't I?

Why do you answer every question with
another question? I don't.

Do I?

Well, you make me nervous.

What, me?

Yes, you.

Water. It might be a hair of the dog. No
such luck.

Why are you nervous?

Because you're the old Bill.

Crossed paths before, have we?

No. You said no. It sounded like you
meant to say yes. No!

So you were telling me where you were
last night.

I'm not happy when he's out alone at
night.

I mean, this isn't the greatest place to
bring up a kid.

How long has he been going to that youth
club?

This will be his second year.

Does he go with a special friend?

No. Does he have a special friend?

No, not one particular one.

Had you any reason to expect trouble?

Of course not. I told you that.

Well, don't look at me like that.

Like what?

Like you was measuring me up for a
coffin.

Get on with your story. It isn't a
story. It's the truth.

On with it.

You won't have to tell Her Royal
Highness, will you?

Well, we go to a pub where they have
amateur striptease, that's all. It's all

giggle. I'll bet.

No, honest, really. I mean, some of them
live in Hopemore and everything else.

You know, I've seen bigger bristles on
men.

So you'll be able to give me some names,
then?

Who of? The birds?

No, the fellas, your mates.

Oh, yeah, of course.

You must have some theories.

What? About who did it.

No, not really.

Denny, my, you know, the man I live
with.

Yes? Well, I know he's not over keen on
Pete.

There's no love lost on either side.

Where was he last night?

Out. Out where?

Drinking with his mates.

I had to stay here because one of us has
to be here on account of me being the

caretaker in case of fire or someone
forgetting their keys.

What time did he get back?

Not till one o 'clock.

Did you lose your way? No.

I stopped off somewhere.

Oh, I see. Does she have a name and
address?

On the QT.

So when you got back, what?

Doctor gone?

Panic over, eh?

Can't you believe it? It was all my
fault, wasn't it?

Was it?

Yeah. Going out like that, leaving me to
face all this.

I've got a mouth like a birdcage.

Zookeeper's heel.

Eh?

Cheers.

It's a scratch.

A nail job.

Hers was it.

Well, I hope it was worth it.

I've had worse.

Cheers.

Is there any question in your mind that
Dennis could have done this?

No. Well, no, I'm sure he didn't. You're
not sure, are you?

Not 101 % sure?

Well, no, I suppose I'm not. But why?

Why would he have done it?

Funny way to talk about your own son.

He's not my son.

No? No, Joe's old man left her. I'm just
a temp in from the agency.

A what?

I came to mend a burst and I stayed.

Are you kidding?

No, honest, that's how it was.

Two years ago.

Do you remember the bad winter?

Denny the plumber. That's me.

Wipe your joint.

Mend your boiler.

I'll do all the maintenance in the
block.

Oh, yeah.

Tell me some more about you and the boy.

Live and let live. I don't say much to
him and he don't say much to me. You

kids. Not very much, do you?

No. Leave me.

Please. Go away.

Leave me alone.

You ever hit him? Not really. What does
that mean? You wallop him but he can

still walk? Oh, you don't know how to
put words into my mouth, do you? All

right, you tell me. All right. Maybe I
clipped him round the ear a couple of

times. Kicked him up the jacksie.

It's nothing serious.

Why should I rail with him? I don't
hardly talk to him unless I have to.

Jimbo, let's have a couple of nights.

Can you change?

Give me a shout when he wakes up, will
you?

It won't be for some time yet, I'm
afraid.

He's so cold.

Put an extra blanket on him.

Would you? Why not?

So, you and the lad are not exactly
bosom pals. No.

Any reason? I'm not his dad. Not a
reason? Yes.

Don't get that, do you? Not quite.

Explain it to us.

Well... Well, go on.

I'm an outsider, aren't I? Outsider?
You've been here some time. Two years,

isn't it? That don't change nothing.
Ever tried to get close to him? Yes.

I've taken him out, shown him round.

Regularly? A few times. Not regularly.

He don't enjoy it. He say that?

Yes. Doesn't enjoy it or doesn't enjoy
being with you? A bit of both.

You like it here?

Of course I like it here. I wouldn't
stay if I didn't like it, would I? Where

did you meet Mrs Reynolds?

I came to the block, didn't I, to do a
job. And now you work here? That's

Enough here to keep you busy?

Oh, you must be joking, lady. Have you
had a look round? The landlord's name

ought to be Rackman.

Wouldn't look too good on the
stationery.

What? You're, uh, quite only what the
old dukes, they tell me.

Who, me? Mm, you. Who told you that?

True or not true? Nah.

Scrapping a lad like you will never take
up the poker, Simon. No.

Have you been pulled by the police? Got
some form of you? No. Well, let's hear

about it. As a juvenile, that's all.
Tell us.

I put a bother with the police when I
was a kid. What sort of bother?

Screwing and TDA.

Very technical.

Like them big shiny murder cars, do you?
Yeah, I used to.

Three and a half jag, two thirds away at
the south end. Postal?

Yep. In the Academy of Crime? No way.
I've been straight ever since I learned

lesson. You were out in the town last
night. Oh, look, we'd just done that

the other bloke. Yeah, we're going to
check it out. You've got no objection,

have you? Do you have any idea who did
this to Peter? No. Were you surprised?

course I was surprised.

But you're sure you didn't do it? Are
you serious?

Deadly. Are you accusing me? I'm asking
you. Of course I didn't do it. Why

should I? A hundred different reasons.
Such as what? Perhaps he was coming

between you and Mrs. Reynolds.

Bad -mouthing you, cutting down on your
trips through the nest, telling tales

out of school? There'd be no reason to
take a stick to him. Stick? Who said

anything about a stick?

What do you mean? Who mentioned a stick?
I don't know.

Well, think.

Is it important?

Could be vital. You're bloody well
trying to trap me. If we wanted to trap

we would. Now, the stick. Who mentioned
a stick?

The doc did. You weren't here when the
doc was here, were you?

She told me. You just said it was the
doc. No, she told me that's what you

Let's do that again.

Joe said the doc said it was a stick.

You've got to be careful, Denny.

With people like you around, you're not
bloody joking. Go on, on with your

story. Um...

I forget where I was now.

Bloody hell, I could hear the cell door
slamming then.

Let that be a warning to you.

The doc said something about welts on
his bum.

Stick marks.

Did that cow say I did it?

No.

Well, something must have put you under
me.

It's called a process of elimination.

What's that?

You work your way through the immediate
family, neighbours, people who knew.

Look, why don't you ask the little...

Ask him, why don't you? Yes, we will.
And if he says it was a total

Yeah? Well, then we'll have to ask
ourselves why a total stranger would

pick on an unknown kid.

Perhaps somebody hired him, got him to
do it in favour.

That's possible.

Hey, have you finished?

Nearly. Why? Well, I've got work to do.

Well, you'd better get off and do it,
then, wouldn't you, while you can?

Do you mean that?

Why not?

Well?

I'd better get back to the factory, huh?

Get our notes for what they were. No,
and you'll talk to the boy and then

what to do, yes?

What's that for?

A quick dash out of the office, show him
how it's done and get it all tied up by

lunchtime. Well, we can dream, can't we?

Give us a bell later, yes?

Will do, sir.

No.

No. I promise.

I won't tell.

I won't tell.

Don't. Please.

Peter, it's all right, love. I'm here.

Shh.

Shh, baby.

This is the lady from the police, Pete.

Inspector Forbes. She wants to ask you a
few questions.

Hello, Peter.

How are you feeling?

Very sleepy.

Do you want to tell me about it?

You know, the sooner we talk, Peter, the
sooner we can do something about

catching whoever did it.

Why not?

Oh, come on, Pete. Help a bit.

I can't.

What do you want to do?

Sleep.

It's the drugs, you see.

Wakey, wakey, rise and shine.

Only tarts make money in bed. Good
morning.

Is it?

It's a beauty.

I know you.

No.

Other day, another face.

Who are you?

Old Bill.

Old Bill who?

No, no, no.

Buzz. Lily Law.

The police.

You what?

You heard.

Lucy.

A bit more of the same.

What do you want?

A little chat.

What about?

Let's wake up first, shall we?

Oh, no more.

I've got no clothes on.

You're quite safe. I'm an agnostic.

What time is it?

11 .46.

Thursday? No, Friday.

What happened to Thursday?

I don't know. The rain stopped playing.

Black or white?

That coffee.

Sorry, not a fancy intended.

Oh, none taken.

Strong white.

One very strong white.

Right, you having one?

A bit short of cups.

Must be one around somewhere.

Don't bother, I've had mine.

Eggs, bacon, double sausage.

Oh, don't mind.

Sorry.

Oh, Grandma, what big claws you've got.

All the better to scratch you with.

So you're Charlie.

Bloody funny name for a flat -chested
woman.

Well, moderately flat -chested.

You wake me up for this. What do you
want?

How'd you get in?

Unlocked.

Careless. Very.

What do you remember about last night?

Oh, everything.

Don't happen to have a sticky, do you?

Sorry, not one of my vices.

Bet you're a treasure round the house.

Nah, it's not my scene.

So last night, where were you?

Drinking. What, pub, club?

Lazy cow.

The amateur strip joint? That's right.

You performing?

Ah, you're kidding. Charlie's my name,
not my nature.

My God.

More cuffs than West End Central.

I'm very into discipline.

Yeah, I believe you.

So, you were telling me last night.

Who was here?

Quiz games.

I love games.

No, not games. Not business.

Well, let's try you out for size.

Ray Bright, how's he grab you?

Pass. Obviously not.

Bolton? Don't know his Christian name.
They call him Tug.

Uh, Denny ring any bells?

Oh, so it was Denny, eh? So you been up
to?

Nothing as far as I know. You might be
able to prove it.

Met him about, what, 8 .30?

9? And what time did you say goodbye?

Oh, he left here, I don't know, about,
what, 12 .30?

Some evening.

Tells me he lives in an old boiler. No
reason he shouldn't get a change of oil

occasionally.

Well, there's no reason at all.

He never left you in all that time, eh?

Right. You sure?

Quite sure.

You'd be prepared to swear to that on
oath.

Could even drum up another witness.

Well, if somebody else was here.

Right. All the time.

All the time. Do you want me to show you
how we... No, don't bother.

Chicken.

I'll have the scampi. What?

Scampi.

Lunch. Oh, I forgot.

Why didn't you tell me you'd mended the
radiator?

What radiator?

Mrs Wadham's. Oh, that.

Yes, that. Does it matter?

Of course it bloody matters. You made me
look a right burk.

Put the key in, open the lock, let out a
bit of steam, shut it again. It's not

brain surgery.

You could have told me, that's all.

I could have. I didn't. I apologise.

OK?

Oh, God, you stink.

I've been working, haven't I? On that
bloody boiler.

I told him a thousand times... Do you
want spaghetti or beans?

What, is that it? Well, what do you
expect after bloody police force

through it? All right, beans.

Keep your voice down. Why?

There's a police lady in with Pete.

Oh, yeah?

Well, the one that was here the other
day?

No, another one. That one's coming back
later. Why, don't you fancy her?

I've seen worse.

When, last night?

Pissed out of your skull, reeking of
cheap scent.

It's better than sweat.

Not much.

28 -year -old adolescent.

Oh, jealous, are we? Oh, that'll be the
day.

I think he feels a bit better this
morning.

You don't know even what I'm on about,
do you, pig?

Here, open this.

Listen.

I think someone's told the fuzz that it
was me that done it. You know?

Me carving lumps off Boychick.

Well? Well, I think that someone was
you.

I don't know what you're talking about.
I thought so. What? You always say that

when you're guilty. My God, we're sharp
today.

You made me look the right Burke.

That's twice. Doesn't take much doing,
does it? Checking on my goings and

comings. Yeah, especially the comings.
Oh, very funny.

There.

Listen.

Misleading the police.

That's an offence, you know.

Obstructing their precious little
enquiries. They don't like it. Yeah,

tail. That'll cut down on your love
life. Listen, if you want me to go, why

don't you say so?

Five minutes. That's all it'll take me.
There's the door.

I'll go.

When? Eh? I need to know for the milk.

Well, when the law had gone.

You're one of their little suspects,
aren't you?

Leave me an address. I'm sure they'll
find you. For the record, I wouldn't

your precious son. Not a hair of his
precious head. Not with a barge pole.

well, it's not me you have to convince,
is it? You cow.

What? Stump me. A really big one, just
there. I mean, that's about all they

need.

None. None.

Mr Gupta?

Yes? I'm Detective Inspector Ford. I
think you may be able to help me.

Doubt it.

Why is that?

One of those feelings.

You run a youth club?

That's correct.

You had a meeting last night?

Correct.

You have a boy named Peter Renz who
comes to the club?

Correct.

But can he leave?

No idea.

It's important.

Somewhere between half past eight and
half past nine?

Can you be more specific?

What? Accurate.

He was supposed to be home at nine.

He didn't come home until half eleven.

Late.

Mr. Gupta, do you think you could be a
little more cooperative?

Doubt it.

This doesn't seem that good.

There's a recession.

Perhaps word hasn't reached the police
force.

I put a pan to car with two officers
outside that door for a couple of days.

It'd be like a morgue in here within a
week. Do you know what I mean?

The younger ones are 15.

They left at half a state.

Thank you.

It was way home last night. Peter was
beaten up very badly.

Any idea at all how it could have
happened?

No.

Would he be popular?

Not popular. Not unpopular.

Does he get involved in any fights?

They want to fight, I tell them, fight
on the judo mat, in the boxing ring. We

cater for both.

How long have you been running this
club?

About six years.

That's very public -spirited, are you?

My way of repaying the British for all
the wonderful things they have done for

my people.

Thank you very much for your help.

My pleasure.

Are you all right, Doctor?

Yes. I was wondering about concussion,
but he's OK.

Oh, he's got a hard head.

Just as well.

Take it easy, just for the present.

I'll drop in again tomorrow.

Right. Thank you, Doctor.

Want anything to eat?

No, thanks.

I wouldn't push it too hard if I were
you.

No, I won't. But obviously I need some
answers.

No problem.

Yeah, one can happen.

No, never lost one yet.

Thank you, Doctor.

Peter? Do you want me to stay?

Just for a few minutes. Would you mind
if I go and get a prescription from the

doc? Quick as you can, OK?

How's it going now? A bit better,
thanks.

Do you like that youth club?

Nothing more.

I've got a son.

A few years older than you now. He used
to join everything.

Youth club, scout, skateboard.

It usually lasted long enough for me to
buy the uniform.

Do you mind if I sit down?

Sure.

Where do you usually sleep?

Up at the back.

Ah, one of the perks of being ill, isn't
it? Being in Mum's bed.

Right, let's have another little chat
about yesterday, shall we?

Just see if you can remember exactly
what happened.

Did you leave the club on your own?

With somebody?

Oh, come on, Peter, it must have been
one or the other.

No need to be frightened.

A car.

What about a car? Did somebody give you
a lift?

What sort of car? Do you recognise it?

Bet you did.

Yeah, he's good at spotting cars.

That true?

English car, wasn't it?

It was a Maxi. You sure?

A Maxi.

Right. How many people were there in it?
One. Just the one.

A man?

Good boy.

Now you tell me what happened.

He hit me. Why?

Don't know.

Did he say something? You're cheeky.

Didn't say anything.

Where did he take you to hit you?

Building site.

Said he had something to show me.

Then he started to punch me.

He punched you? Thump me, kick me.

Had you seen this man before?

Where?

Where'd you seen him?

He lives in the flats.

Are you sure?

Do you know his name?

Who is it, Peter?

Now, come on. He won't touch you again.
You've got my word on that.

He won't be here.

His name.

Come on.

Then we can do something about it.

Mr. King.

Mr. King.

Are you sure?

Now, this is very serious, Peter. Do you
understand that? This is very serious

indeed.

It was Mr. King.

But why?

Why did the 50 -year -old bookshop owner
suddenly pick on an unknown kid?

Do you think it could be sexual?

It's possible.

Now, you say there's no doubt in the
boy's mind as regards King's identity.

at all, Mr. King. He couldn't be more
sure.

Now, the boy, Peter, what's he like as a
witness?

He's pretty damn scared.

What about the motorcar? They're maxi,
like he said.

He'd see it about, though, wouldn't he?
Nothing too conclusive in that, true?

Yes, but he is scared of him. There's no
doubt about that.

Anything known about King?

Still checking.

He hasn't gone around beating up old
ladies or anything like that.

The boy's on the beat, going past his
shop. Might be worth a try.

It's an idea.

Yeah, I'll give the governor over there
a buzz.

Meantime, you go check out Mr. King.
Suss him out.

Want to know why?

We'll tell him some of it and get his
reaction.

I've got to be careful. Very.

Keep gloves all the time, right?

Right. Russell.

How can I help?

Well, actually, it's Mr King we'd like
to speak to if he's in.

Yes, I'll fetch him. Thank you.

Hey. Hello. Someone to see you.

Coming.

Lovely flat.

Yes, we like it.

You have a garage?

Yes, round the back.

Why?

Oh, Rafe.

Two police officers to see you.

Oh, dear.

That sounds bad.

Mrs. King, do you think I could be a
nuisance? Do you think I could possibly

have a glass of water? Oh, of course.

Are you sure you wouldn't rather have
some tea?

Well, wouldn't that be too much trouble?

I was going to make some in a minute. It
would be marvellous.

Jimmy, see if you can give Mrs. King a
hand, OK?

My pleasure.

I don't really need it, you know. I'll
count the spoons.

Fair enough.

Neatly done, I have to say that. Not the
first time.

Didn't look like it.

I didn't want your wife to hear. So I
gather.

How can I help you?

Well, Mr King, I'd like to ask you a few
questions.

Name, Rafe Arthur King, born April 5th,
1926.

Thank you.

And where were you last night?

What time? Between nine and half eleven.

Nine and half eleven.

I was here some of the time. I went for
a walk.

11 o 'clock I went to bed and read a
book. Why?

Can your wife substantiate this?

Not for all of that time, no.

She went to the theatre with her sister.
I drove them there in the car. Which

theatre? Adelphi in the Strand. What
time did you get back?

Half past eight, something like that.

I'd driven around, looked at the river.

Can anyone confirm this?

I don't think so.

May I ask what all this is about?

Well, Mr King, certain accusations have
been made.

Against me?

Yes.

I think you'd better hang around for a
bit, my dear.

I believe I'm about to be accused.

Accused? Our lady policeman seems to
think I've done something. What? I'm not

quite sure.

Is this to do with the Reynolds boy?

What do you know about that?

Nothing.

Except everyone's talking about it. What
happened to him?

Someone beat him up, apparently.

I hope you're not suggesting it was me.

You are.

But why?

At the moment, we don't know why.

But I don't even know him.

What exactly am I supposed to have done?

Picked him up in your car, driven him
somewhere.

Where? To a building site, and then
beaten him up.

Any particular weapon?

Fist and a stick.

Ah.

My old hunting crop.

Do these look like fighter's hands?

Hello, Peter.

It's me again.

This is Jimmy. He's a sergeant and he
works with me.

Peter.

I'd like to ask you a couple more
questions, all right?

Mr King's car.

It's Max's. That's right, she told me.

Last night, did you sit in the front or
the back?

Front. What can you remember about the
inside of the car?

Like what?

Well, imagine I'd never seen it. You
describe it to me.

It's like all cars, two feet to the
front.

Underneath the dashboard, is it like an
open shelf?

Yes, under the steering wheel.

Was there anything on it?

Only the sweets.

What sweets?

He keeps peppermints in there.

Peppermints? Yes, he gave me one as soon
as I got in the car.

What sort of peppermints? Great big
round ones.

I'll go and have a look.

Anything else?

Torch? A spray can of some kind?

A A .A. map?

Book? Duster?

Only the peppermints.

Where did you go?

After you left us.

For a drive.

I didn't stop.

I didn't speak to a soul.

You said it was finished.

All over. It is.

I gave you my word.

For what it's worth.

You'd sooner believe that, boy. Is that
what you're saying?

Why didn't you tell them? Tell them
what?

About the books, about your theory.

They're not interested in my theories. I
might explain it. Explain why they said

it was you.

You think?

Yes.

Perhaps I'll tell them.

Too late now.

Why?

They'll think you invented it, made it
up.

They've taken the car.

That proves they don't believe you.

The police, you know.

And not like other people.

Once you're in their hands... I'm only
repeating what I hear.

What I know.

Once your name's on their books, up it
pops every time something happens.

You're never free of it.

Never get a chance to wipe the slate.
Start again.

Never see a policeman without feeling
fear.

Wanted to turn away.

Turn your back.

Well, it was seven years ago. One
afternoon, early November.

I was on the beat. A woman came up to me
with her daughter.

Eight? The daughter?

Oh, about 15.

The mother said that a man in the shop
had made improper advances to the

daughter. What sort of advances?

Oh, I think it was a bit of touching up,
actually, sir, something like that.

Go on.

Well, the incident, or the alleged
incident, had happened some time

Then the mother and daughter met up.

The CID went round to the shop, but by
this time it was closed.

Well, you know, these second -hand
bookshops are like a floor under

You haven't told us the shop owner's
name? No, he doesn't have to.

It was King.

Well,

next day they went back round there,
talked to Mr King. Very pleasant man, by

all accounts.

And he denied everything?

Absolutely. And his wife supported him.

Said she'd been in the shop at the time.

Well, was that unusual?

According to neighbours, never went near
the place.

So, what was she doing there? Said she'd
gone in to help him out with the

bookkeeping.

So what happened? Nothing.

By the back down, no charges laid.
General feeling was the girl had

Emotional adolescent.

Something like. Who did you believe?

Well, I believed the girl's story.

I think he told his wife he was in
shtook and it was all hands to the pump.

Funny she didn't supply the alibi this
time.

True. Is there anything else?

Nothing concrete.

I've watched the shop of Mr King over
the years, seen him on a couple of

occasions chatting up brasses, looking
in strip club windows.

Who hasn't?

You speak for yourself.

I don't think he's a punter. I think
he's a talker, a looker.

Is that it?

Yes, sir.

Well, that's been most useful. Thank
you, Sergeant.

Glad to have been of help, sir.

Thank you.

Well, interesting?

Most.

Those old -time coppers worth their
weight.

People have been saying that since
Robert Peel. Probably.

Anyway, we know a little bit more about
Mr. Wraith King.

What do we?

Fifteen -year -old girls to ten -year
-old boys?

Bit of a switch, isn't it?

Tell you what, go see Mrs King. As you
say, she hasn't come up with an alibi

this time. Maybe there's a reason.

Right. Some people coming to see the
Johnson flat this afternoon.

Oh, yeah? What time?

Appointments for Paul.

How much are they asking? I'm not sure.

Will you be around?

I might be. I have a great engagement
permitting. Oh, yeah?

What other engagements are those?

I don't know, do I? Not till I look in
my diary.

You haven't said any more about your
move?

No, I haven't, have I?

You will be a twit. Big head.

Well, who else will put up with what I
put up with? No, it hasn't all been like

that. There's been some smooth with the
rough. I haven't noticed.

Here,

listen. Do you know what the bull said
to the lady zebra? Mm -mm. You take your

pyjamas off and I'll show you a thing or
two.

I'll, er...

I'll move Pete back to his own bed
tonight.

That's more like it.

Fancy you trying to drop me in it with
the fuzz.

Why, I thought I'd teach you a lesson. I
don't want no ring through my nose,

I've told you that. Yeah, you had
mentioned it. You'll get yourself into a

of trouble one day, my girl. Going on
like that.

Hey, listen, that hurts.

You've got to bruise him a bit. Who
said?

It's a well -known thing. Not with me,
it isn't. Get off you randy bastards.

I've got things to do.

Ed, listen.

You had a phone call.

Oh, yeah, who's from?

Uh, Charlie somebody or other.

Oh, yeah? What do you want?

Oh, you bastard.

Yes.

But lovable with it.

More coffee, Inspector.

Oh, no, thank you. I think I'd be awash.

Maybe we ought to talk shop.

Why not?

Well, as I said, my husband's out. No,
that's not why I'm here.

One thing's puzzling us, Mrs King.

Assuming that the boy's story is not
true... It isn't. Why have all people in

the world to pick on your husband?

I have a theory about that.

Well, let's hear it. Any theory's better
than no theory at all.

Well, some time ago, Mr Tilly...
Dennis... was up here doing some

work. A leak in the system.

The place was open.

The boy got in.

He stole two books.

Quite valuable ones.

Very valuable ones.

What happened?

Oh, we got them back.

Did you call in the police?

No. Why not?

Well, I wanted to, but Rafe wouldn't.

Some strange reason.

He had a thing about the police, sort of
phobia.

Well, if that's so very strange.

How do you mean?

Well, all that business with the girl in
the shop.

You must remember.

I didn't realise you knew.

Yes, but I'm afraid when trouble rears
up, these things have a way of floating

to the surface.

More or less what Ralph said.

It was your alibi that scotched it. Why
didn't you do the same this time?

You make it sound positively criminal.

It was.

Assuming the worst.

How furious could it have been?

Indian assault.

Something of that nature.

How old was the girl?

Fifteen, wasn't she?

Fifteen.

Mrs. King, you seem to have forgotten
rather easily, don't you?

The publicity might have been ruinous.

Inspector...

I have a confession to make.

I've been playing games with you.

I'm the second Mrs. King.

Oh. Your alibi provider was the first
Mrs. King. And you didn't know?

Not one word.

Very clever.

Not at all.

What you've just told me...

All honesty, I would have paid a fortune
not to know.

You're clever by half, isn't that what
they call it?

Look, Mrs King, if you feel up to it,
I'd still like to talk some more about

young Peter.

If you told me that Rafe had beaten up a
girl, or had hired one to beat him up,

publicly I'd deny it.

Privately I'd wonder.

Wonder and worry.

But there's no way I could believe that
he ever hit this boy.

No way.

It's unthinkable.

And believe me, I know every kink in
that man's makeup.

Every single one.

Oh, it's not you again.

Pray so.

Brought your handcuffs, have you? No,
not this time. I'll say one thing for

You don't give up easy, do you?

Actually, it's Peter I've come to talk
to.

He's in there.

Joe's out. Yes, I've just seen him.

Tell me, do you remember some time ago
when he was in the King's flat?

Oh, not them bloody books again.

Yes. Peter's mum know about it? No, we
kept it from her.

How's it worked out?

Well, they said to Pete, we'd give you
five minutes to find them, so he found

them. What was his excuse?

He borrowed them, hadn't he?

Who did you believe?

Oh, come on, lady, I'm not that thick.

He'd nicked them, hadn't he?

Never thought they'd be missed.

I see.

Where's all this fit in, then?

Not sure yet.

You don't?

What's the matter?

Nothing. Why should there be?

Why don't you tell me about those stolen
books?

What books? The one you took from Mr.
King's flat.

I only borrowed them. Really? Yeah.

What were they about?

Do you remember?

Of course I do. About the American Civil
War.

Big interest of yours, is it? Yeah.

Is that why you dreamt up this story
about Mr King? I didn't. Oh, come on,

Peter. It's the truth, every word of it.
Listen, he couldn't have been anywhere

near you. Why not? Because he was miles
away at the time and there are at least

six people who can prove it. Prove it?

Do you understand what I'm saying?

Now, listen.

You better start talking or you're going
to be in serious trouble.

Now, if you talk now, we may be able to
stop it before it goes too far.

Now, I'm going to ask you for the very
last time, what happened two nights ago?

And think before you answer.

I had a fight.

Who with?

Some blokes from the club.

Skinheads.

And they beat you up?

Yeah, big ones.

About six of them.

Well, at least five.

And how did you know all that about Mr
King's Carl and Maxie and Peppermint and

stuff like that?

I swear, Keith, the garages were on the
board in the kitchen.

I sometimes go and play in there.

And help yourself to his suite.

Why didn't you tell me the truth?

Why didn't you tell me those boys had
picked on you?

Because they said they'd beat me up
again if I did.

Couille.

You're early.

So, into Davenport's auction.

Any luck?

Yes, some rather interesting 18th
century ophthalmology textbooks.

Do you know they used to perform
cataract operations in the 1700s without

anaesthetic? Not better than it.

All right.

What was she like?

What? I said, what was she like?

What are you talking about?

The 15 -year -old girl you molested in
the shop.

Oh.

How long have you known?

The police lady told me.

How kind.

She thought I was your ever -loving
alibi providing spouse.

She doesn't know you very well, does
she? Why didn't you tell me? Why should

Dreaming I'd had a lesson with romantic
notions?

Is that what she was?

Yes.

I call it ironic in a thick sort of way.
What the hell's ironic about it? Well,

you groped this girl or whatever you
did. I did nothing. Nobody believes her

story, or if they do, they can't prove
it. And now this cretin downstairs comes

up with a story and nobody believes you.

What was she like?

One of your Rubens -type ladies?

Fifteen. What was she doing in the shop?

Looking for a reasonably priced second
-hand John Donne.

Probably needed it for her O -levels.
Oh, my God.

And you leapt out from behind the
Havelock Ellis's and the Craft Ebbing's.

Probably ruined the relationship between
that girl and her mother. You ever

think of that?

How many of us are there whose lives are
so blameless?

How many who've never made one mistake?

So it was true.

She was a pocket -sized Juno.

Short grey skirt.

White stockings up to her knees.

Long, dark hair, clean and shining and
smelling of shampoo.

Blouse. Breasts like melons. Oh, stop
it!

And eyes like an old whore.

Yes?

Speaking.

Yes, I remember.

Yes, I understand.

Well, thank you for calling, Inspector.

Your police lady friend.

Oh.

The Reynolds boy has admitted he made
the whole thing up. A load of lies.

Ironic.

You're not going to go on saying that,
are you?

Shall we have some tea?

Would you mind making it?

Indian or China?

I'll leave it to you.

Yeah, yeah.

What's the strength of your info?

Oh, I see.

Yeah.

And going into the premises when?

On the 12th. All right, George, look.

I think you'd better come around and
we'll have an eyeball to eyeball on

don't you?

Yeah, OK.

All right, bye.

Now then, your Gupta, the character who
runs the youth club, is he Indian?

He's been very cooperative.

Ah, good.

He's put four names in the frame, all
skinheads.

They're being picked up now, so I'll...

Leave them to you, yeah?

Haven't got anything special on, have
you?

No. I never gave you that, I do.

It's a great life if you don't weaken
it. Oh, great.