Original subtitles

I just moved here. First day jitters, eh?

I honestly think I'm more nervous than my son is!

The going theory is that

you came to Flinstead to escape a bad relationship.

You can't make these decisions without me, Jo.

That's my boy, too.

It's me and Alfie on our own most of the time,

and this is where I want us to be.

You're really... special, Joanna.

I hope you know that.

Who's Sally McGowan? Not the one who butchered that little boy?

When the bad ones are released, they give them a new identity.

Sonia Martins. That's my bet.

Sonia's my neighbour.

You're the monsters, the lot of you!

You have no idea what you've done.

I got my photos taken at the post office.

Was it a passport photo? What's that?

This your place, then?

I'm Zac Cooper from The Post.

I got a call that Sally McGowan was living here.

No, it's the wrong house.

Graffiti's on your garage.

What, and you think that's directed at Sally?

Yeah.

Sort of, er, "We heard the rumour, now we've come to kill you,"

sort of thing.

Sonia lives next door.

Sonia, was it?

Got a last name?

I'll ask around.

I don't suppose you happen to know who it might be -

any other possibilities?

I think you should go.

Are you sure? Last chance.

Picture in the paper, quote?

No, thank you.

OK.

Excuse me? Yeah.

Who told you Sally McGowan was living here?

I don't know, she didn't leave a name.

I told you all this would lead to no good.

Oh, yeah, thanks, Mum. That's exactly what I wanna hear

I'm on your side always. Oh!

But I just really can't believe

Sonia would graffiti your garage, let alone...

I can't go back to that house. Not with Alfie.

SIGHS

Well, you're welcome to stay here again tonight.

Stay as long as you want. Hm.

Right.

Here's some cleaning fluid.

Keep it away from Alfie. Hm.

And I'll get some more rags.

Yeah, I'll give you a hand. No, it's all right.

Don't mind her. She's a bit funny about her studio.

She doesn't really like anyone else setting foot in there.

Ruins the energy or something.

Yeah. Is it safe to have that in the house?

Yeah, it's perfectly fine.

As long as you don't store it next to an open flame.

Liz is very careful. Don't worry.

Now...

I must get back, or I'm not gonna get it done in time.

Can we have a look at it yet? No, it's not ready.

DOOR CLOSES

SIGHS

I hate to see you stressed out like this.

And it can't be good for Alfie after all this disruption.

I know. Everything I'm doing is to protect him, Mum.

SIGHS

Michael's back in town, by the way.

I thought he still had a few more weeks out on the rig?

Yeah, well, he came back early. I thought I should let you know.

Well, you know me.

Keep my own counsel on that front.

That is literally the opposite of you, Mum.

Fine, well, I'll just say this, then.

You chose a man who wasn't ever gonna be around.

Oh... Why do you think that is?

Please stop with the TV therapy stuff.

He's not Dad. Isn't he?

You get to act out being left over and over with him.

Oh, so it's my fault? I'm not saying that.

It takes two.

He's playing his part just as much as you are.

Right.

Well, if he shows up here, just let me know.

Why would he come here? What's going on?

I don't know. Maybe nothing.

SIGHS

BELL RINGS

Joanna? Oh, hi. Sorry I'm late.

Where's Alfie? Oh, you just missed them.

Them? Oh, did my mum...? I thought you knew.

His father took him.

Michael, where are you? Call me when you get this.

Anita, have you seen Alfie?

You've lost your son?

No, his dad's taken him. RINGING

Sorry, no. Are you...? Thanks.

Mum?

'Have you found him yet?' No. I called Michael's hotel.

They've not seen him since this morning.

'I don't understand, Joanna.'

Look, he took Alfie to get his passport taken yesterday

behind my back.

'I knew something was going on with Michael.'

God knows what he's planning.

Is there anywhere else he might have taken him?

Yeah. Look, I've gotta go. You keep looking.

MICHAEL LAUGHS

That was a good one!

Come on. Alfie. We're going.

Please, not yet. No, come on, darling.

You just wait by the car, darling.

You must think I'm stupid.

What?

You want a fight, I'll give you a fight.

What are you talking about?

Pick him up from school, take him to have a photo behind my back -

I know what you're doing. Yeah, so what?

You're not taking him from me. I won't let you.

What the...?

Is that what you think of me?

Come on.

Oh...! It's you who took him away from me!

Sorry I'm late. It's been a busy morning.

Oh.

Do you need to... I don't know, test the paint or anything?

Well, we don't usually get the forensics out for bits of graffiti.

It's clearly a threat. And I've got a little boy.

Most likely some kids making trouble.

I wouldn't get too worked up about it.

There's only one person that would have reason to do this.

Please don't tell me you believe the rumour about Sally McGowan.

Isn't this proof that she's here?

What do you mean?

Everybody's saying that it's Sonia, and she's my neighbour.

She lives right next door.

You think Sonia did this?

Well, who else? And she thinks I started it.

Did you?

No! No.

Anyway... All right.

Why don't I just ask her?

KNOCKING

Looks like she's not in.

The way I see it, there's a lot of reasons

why someone might not want people digging around in their past.

Sally McGowan or no.

I'll ask around.

Thank you.

CAR DOOR OPENS, CLOSES

Alfie's still not invited to the Halloween party.

Don't worry about it. He'll have a great night anyway.

What if something happens to him?

EXHALES

Like what?

Well, like happened to that little Robbie Harris.

SCOFFS Don't even say such a thing!

You really do work yourself up.

Oh, I can't stop thinking about it. His poor mum!

Like, not being able to protect your little...

Joanna, you have to stop this.

Please. You're frightening me.

Sorry. I didn't mean to.

No more of this, OK?

Promise?

Promise.

What do you think?

CHUCKLES

You didn't have to, Mum. I could have bought something.

Hm.

Plastic tat that'll fall apart

before he gets to the end of the street.

Now, all we need are some fangs...

..and a little bit of fake blood.

Yeah, well, stay away from the blood if it's all the same.

Nonsense.

What sort of vampire doesn't have blood on his chin?

PHONE VIBRATING

Someone called Seth calling you?

Anyone I should know about?

Nah.

It's just a work thing.

Tiffany's saying she wants to come as a little devil.

Girl's this big!

Sexy little devil horns, it's horrendous.

Is her name Debbie? LAUGHTER

Touche!

Oh, and I had to get bandages for Liam's mummy costume.

Anyone else? Oh, no.

We are 100% princesses at ours.

Oh, Alfie's set on being a vampire.

Just for general trick-or-treating.

Hm.

I heard about the graffiti. Hm.

Didn't it say, "I'm going to kill you," or something?

"Rumours kill." I mean, it had to be Sonia, right?

After the shop window.

I don't know. The police are dealing with it now.

Hm. I wouldn't hold my breath. Sorry. No offence, Fatima.

I told you, we're not. Look, all I'm saying is,

if you want something done round here, you gotta do it yourself, OK?

Well, if you ask me, I feel really sorry for Sally McGowan.

She had a really terrible childhood.

No father, no money, and her mum was a drunk.

Can I see that? Well, we've all got problems.

Doesn't mean we go round killing people!

Killing children. She must have changed a lot since then.

And you're willing to put your children's lives on that, are you?

Didn't think so.

It says Sally loved to sing and had a beautiful voice.

Well, you're her neighbour.

Have you ever heard her singing?

No. No? Do us a favour. Listen out.

Stick a glass to the wall, whatever.

What?

Sorry.

Could I ask a question about Sonia Martins' rental agreement?

There's no previous addresses, no references.

No? That's odd.

Er... Might be a data entry mix-up.

Is there a hard copy anywhere?

Hm. There might be one in storage.

You're welcome to go and have a look.

Right. You ready to do this walkthrough at Kay's house?

Yep. I'll just grab my coat.

Some nice shots. Really try and emphasise the garden.

I think that's the best selling point.

Yeah. That's fine. I can do that.

Yeah. And just try and get that skylight open as well.

I think that'll make a big difference.

Yeah. I'll open that for you. Thanks.

It's a bit stiff.

Be good if you could keep quiet about the whole graffiti thing.

Viewings are down as it is. Because of Sally McGowan?

We know what people are like.

They think once a killer, always a killer.

Who's gonna wanna take that risk?

The caterers have messed up.

They got the wrong day for the party.

Oh, hiya, babe.

Can't we just put out some cheese and crackers?

Don't be so ridiculous.

This is a really special day for the kids.

You know Liam's looking forward to this. I'm sure...

Alfie'd love to come. Oh...

Er... Actually, we're just keeping it to family

and Liam's close friends, so...

Oh, yeah. No, that's fine.

We're going trick-or-treating anyway.

Mm. So, can you help me with the wine delivery

whilst I sort some food?

Yeah, as soon as I'm done here.

Oh, no, I can do Kay's by myself.

Ah, there we go.

You sure? Yeah, course.

I also need you to help me set up on the day.

Deb... it's a work day.

Sorry, wasn't the whole point of replacing this other woman

so that you can come home and spend time with your family?

Absolutely. Good.

Then we don't need to discuss it again.

I need a lift. It's freezing.

So, I'll start in here and then work my way through.

I don't need to be in it, do I? No, of course not.

OK. I'll make myself scarce.

CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

'That wasn't you, was it?

'Posting about Sally McGowan on the homeowners forum?'

'I don't know what you're talking about.'

Sorry for what?

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Alfie! No!

What have I told you about playing with matches?

They're dangerous!

Sorry. I'm sorry, darling. I didn't mean to yell.

Come on.

I'm sorry.

You know there was a fire when I was little, don't you?

Your whole house burnt down. Yeah. that's right.

We were lucky no-one got hurt.

What about Grandad?

No, no, he was fine.

He'd just moved away, that's all.

Will I ever meet him?

No, darling.

EXHALES

I love you so, so much.

You know that?

How much?

Lots and lots and lots

and lots and lots and lots... And lots and lots and lots and lots.

Come on, let's get some sleep now.

'There's Sally leading him up Holton Steps as recorded.

'A passer-by walking his dog found Robbie's body.

'He had been stabbed multiple times in the chest and stomach,

'whilst the trail of blood revealed that he was still alive

'for some minutes following the attack

'and had crawled in search of help.

'Where do you see yourself

'when you're finally released back into the community?'

'Living a normal life somewhere, a small town,

'not too many people.

'Lots of trees and sky, where no-one knows about me or my past.

'Maybe I'd open a shop or join the church choir.

'That's what I dream about.'

'That's Sally McGowan's dream.

'Living a normal life, her past unknown.'

Now's not a good time.

SCOFFS

Good seeing you, too, Bea. Been too long.

Joanna's busy. She's putting Alfie to bed.

I just need a minute.

Why don't you come back tomorrow?

I'm not here to fight. Joanna's got the wrong idea.

Does she, now?

Yes!

I'm not trying to take Alfie away. I wouldn't do that.

So, why are you here, then?

Because I'm worried. About Alfie?

No. About Joanna.

She's just fine.

Yeah. Is she, really?

She still hasn't explained why she left London.

She's left her job. She left all of her friends.

She's taken Alfie out of his school on a whim.

There has to be more to this than bullying.

I am sure she had her reasons.

OK. And has she told you any of them?

Cos she hasn't told me.

I'm gonna call the school. I need some answers.

I don't wanna get in the middle of this.

OK.

Maybe you can't see this because you two are so similar.

What does that mean?

You think that because you've been hurt before,

that's all anyone's out to do to you.

I think you should go now.

HE SIGHS

EXHALES DEEPLY

DOOR CREAKS

I prefer to paint at night.

There's less distractions.

It's very good.

Well, that's a rather meaningless statement.

I'd rather you told me what it made you feel.

Like something bad's about to happen.

I've never been to a grandparents' day before.

It's grandparents and special friends.

Aw! See, you should definitely be here.

She does look at death's door, poor thing.

Who is that? Rachel's mum.

Terminal cancer. Last weeks with the family.

Oh.

Can we go in now?

Well, lead on, my boy.

Hm.

Crikey, it's bedlam in there.

CHUCKLES

Ooh, maybe this is our culprit.

Sorry? Hm.

We were just wondering who the secret Photoshop wizard is.

I mean, it's probably fairly easy to do.

Maybe one of the kids did it.

I really have no idea.

It was already on the pinboard when I came in.

And you just left it there.

It's just a bit of Halloween fun, no real harm done.

But Alfie's the only kid with a dagger going through his chest!

I'm sure none of the mums would have meant to upset you.

Sally McGowan killed a little boy with a knife, just like Alfie.

Don't you understand what this is? Jo.

Yesterday, you were frantic about Michael, and today, it's this.

You can't go around accusing people with no proof.

You don't want to end up...

End up what?

It's fine, Mum. I'll deal with it.

Deal with it how?

Look, just go back to the class. Alfie'll be waiting.

SIGHS

Hiya.

Oh! You OK?

Yeah... I guess I made a bit of a scene.

As you should have. That's not on.

Thank you. Yeah, everyone's looking at me like I've lost my mind.

Not me. If somebody had done that to Hayley's picture,

there'd be hell to pay.

Right. I wish I knew who it was. Hm.

Listen, I'm on a night shift later.

How do you fancy a little tour of Flinstead's underbelly?

Er... I've got a house viewing later, but, yeah, I've got time.

I mean, all I seem to do is work and the school run.

Oh, wow! Ah-ha.

What did this used to be? Erm...

I think it was supposed to be some sort of luxury retreat,

and then the developer went bust.

So, now all the teenagers hang out here.

Oh, we've got that to look forward to, haven't we?

It could be stunning.

Hm-mm. I thought the estate agent in you might like it.

How long have you lived in Flinstead?

About six months. We, erm...

We wanted to get out of the city

and, you know, be part of a real community.

But now I just dream about a crowded tube

and nobody looking at me in the eye.

Oh, a crowded pavement would make me so happy.

LAUGHS

Queuing up for a restaurant.

Oh, booking everything two weeks in advance.

No, not for me, but carry on.

Mm. Oh.

So good.

Hm.

Listen, I wouldn't dream of doing anything so disgusting

around the Flinstead mums, so I'm trusting that you'll keep my secret.

Aside from all the graffiti and terrible Photoshop...

..how are you finding it here?

It's a bit more eventful than I'd imagined.

Yeah.

A killer amongst us. Who would have thought it, eh?

Do you still think it's Sonia?

I don't know.

But I do know her last address was in rehab.

RINGING

'Ellis House. Clare speaking.'

Oh, hi there. My name's Joanna.

I'm calling for some information about one of your residents.

It's from about ten years ago.

'I'm sorry. We don't give out personal information.'

It's just they've put you down as a reference for a rental agreement.

Name's Sonia Martins.

'Yes?'

Could you tell me if she was in there for alcohol-related issues,

or if she's been previously released from prison?

'There's no Sonia Martins listed around that time.'

Are...? Are you sure? Sorry. Do you mind checking again?

'The only Sonia we have that year is a Sonia Bertram.'

So she changed her name.

'I'm sorry. Look, I don't have any more information.'

OK. Thank you very much.

It was meant to be a surprise.

I wanted to take you and Alfie on a holiday.

Somewhere warm with a nice beach.

For which Alfie would need a passport.

Did you really think we were gonna go on holiday together?

Do you really think I would try and take him away from you?

You can't blame me. That's what it looked like.

Yeah, because you wanted a reason to be mad at me!

You still haven't explained whatever it is you're doing here.

Or why you left London.

I don't need to justify anything.

Do you really think it's a coincidence

that you were Alfie's age when the fire happened and your dad left you?

Ah, it's got nothing to do with it.

Look, all I'm saying....

Yeah, I know exactly what you're saying.

You and my mum both.

HE SIGHS

So, me and your mum finally agree on something.

Is that your way of apologising?

Is it working?

Look, I'm not trying to take Alfie away from you.

Of course I'm not.

Come on, just talk to me, Jo.

This was hanging up in Alfie's school.

I don't understand.

Sally McGowan killed a little boy with a knife.

She's now living in Flinstead,

and Alfie is the only one with a knife photoshopped onto him.

What, you think Sally did this?

I don't know.

I don't know.

But first the graffiti and now this.

I'm not imagining it.

All right.

All right. Well, I'm here now, OK?

We'll figure this out.

Morning.

Has something happened?

"Local estate agent Joanna Critchley

"has already felt the impact of a town on edge.

"Her garage was graffitied,

"and she believes the culprit must be Sally McGowan.

"And it seems one of her neighbours is the likely suspect."

What? I never said that.

"As locals worry about their children's safety,

"Joanna is proof that the threat is very real."

SIGHS

Joanna... I warned you.

You promised me you'd leave it alone.

CROWDS SHOUTING

Jesus.

Oh.

All right, guys, you need to go home. Thanks, Kate.

CROWD CHANTING

You need to go home.

Off you go. Come on, please.

All right, you will be arrested.

I hope you're proud of yourself.

Off you go.

Go back, please.

Step back now. You.

CHANTING DROWNS OUT SPEECH

CLATTERING

Sonia, are you there?

It's Joanna from next door.

Sonia?

POLICE SIREN BLARES

What do you want?

Look, the newspaper article. I never said that.

I'm sure you thought it. But the journalist twisted my words.

What reason have you got to be talking about me at all?

We just wanna know the truth.

I've had people spit at me on the street because of this.

So I'm leaving bloody Flinstead. I'm sorry.

What difference does the truth make, anyway?

You'll all just believe whatever you want.

But if you're not Sally McGowan...

And if I am, do you think I deserve all this?

No, but...

Do you think when I leave town, your life will be safe forever?

Of course not.

If I were you, I'd keep to your own side of the fence.

You've got a little boy to look after.

Leave Alfie out of this.

Leave me alone. That's all I'm asking for.

It was about 40, 50 people.

It was scary, honestly.

Ooh! They're like a mob out for blood.

And this Sonia woman, did she threaten you?

It's all just got so much bigger than I ever imagined.

Where's Alfie?

Well, he must be here somewhere.

I'll look down here. You check the house.

Alfie?

Hi. Is Alfie here? Yes, inside, yes.

Thank you.

Alfie.

You should know better than to walk into strangers' houses.

I'm hardly a stranger. Yeah, sorry.

I think I'm just a bit on edge with all this Sally McGowan stuff.

These things, once they start, hard to put a stop to them.

Yeah, I guess I'm new to how quickly things spread in a small town.

Flinstead's not as bad as some.

I've lived in places

where you can't change your pants without everyone knowing.

You moved around a lot, then?

My job was in the Army.

Never stayed in one place for very long.

Right. Come on, then. Shall we go?

Alfie? Could you do me a favour?

Put the bowl outside for me.

Thank you.

If you ever want me to look after him, I would be delighted to.

Thank you.

Come on, Alfie. Here we go.

Let's find your dad.

Can you put 'em there?

Thank you. Thank you.

HALLOWEEN TOYS CACKLE

This is Debbie's house.

I think we should skip this one.

Alfie! Why? It looks great.

It looks like we're going in.

Let's just grab him and go.

It's just close friends and family.

I don't really think we're that welcome here.

Well, it looks like it's all comers to me.

Oh, I know them.

Joanna!

Oh, we're not staying. Still, glad you came.

Hiya. Hey.

I'm Rachel. You must be Alfie's dad. Michael.

Yeah, that's me. And I'm Fatima.

We've heard frustratingly very little about you.

Oh! Joanna being her usual oversharing self.

OK, kids. Time for the chocolate hunt.

Off you go. Outside.

CHUCKLING

She does this little chocolate hunt outside.

Aw. Aw.

Erm... I'm gonna go over there and make a pig of myself.

Excuse me. I'm starving.

He's lovely.

Yeah, we're not really together at the moment.

Well, I'd keep him around while Sonia's next door.

Oh, I think she's moving.

Really? Hm.

Oh, I'll go and spread the good news.

Ooh! Oh!

GIGGLING

INAUDIBLE

Eyeball?

Sorry. No, thanks.

It's gonna be fun getting the kids to bed tonight after all that sugar.

I'm not even gonna bother. I'm just gonna let him go all night.

Debbie, I'm so sorry, Alfie...

Oh, no, no. Erm... What's this about Sonia leaving?

Oh. Yeah.

Huh! Looks like that petition worked.

Erm...

Stephen, can you come and help me in the kitchen, please?

Yeah. Coming.

Now!

Don't worry. It's not you.

Er...

Stephen had an affair

with the girl who had your job before you at Pegton's.

Oh. I mean, they got back together,

obviously, but, you know,

Debbie's paranoid he's gonna do it again.

I didn't know.

Oh, what you got? Oh!

They need filling up.

Go on, then.

Now, remember, you only go into the houses with the pumpkins outside.

EXCITED CHATTERING

Over here! FIREWORKS BANG

Where are they? Check inside.

Where are the sweets?

Maybe upstairs.

I dare you. You go first.

I can see a light on.

This is a nightmare. You targeted that poor woman.

Now she's dead. You need to leave this to the police.

What if it's my fault she's dead? What if it wasn't a suicide?

It looks like there was foul play. So it was murder?

Would you say you were friendly with Miss Martins? No, but...

You did believe she was Sally McGowan.

'Everyone blames me for the rumour.' This isn't a game, Jo.

The killer's still out there!

Who are you?

Really?

Are you Sally McGowan?