Original subtitles

Think you are, don't you?

That jump is like a girl's, isn't it?

Gone, isn't it?

Isn't it?

Yeah, yeah.

Can you hold on, please?

A child's gone missing.

How old? Five.

Okay, put it through to my office.

Oh, and get hold of Mr. Burden. He's not in.

Should be.

Well, phone Wexford. He's off today.

Look, anything like this and he wants to know straight away.

He doesn't want another Stella River.

So, Bravo 2-4, how do you hear me? Over.

Nine in the bed and the little one said, roll over.

There were eight in the bed and the little one said, roll over.

I wish they could see you at the station. They'd pension you off. Well,

they could, wouldn't they?

We'd just go out and play all the time, wouldn't we?

Don't shake him about. He'll be sick.

He likes it.

Dad, he's just had his tea.

Get the phone, love.

You wouldn't thank me if you dropped it over the carpet, would you? Your dad

didn't think. Wow.

I was only playing with the little fella. Reg, he's had enough.

He enjoys it. Reg, leave it.

Dad, it's work.

Yes?

Afternoon.

Evening, sir.

Any messages for me?

We tried to call you home, sir. What do you mean? Why there?

We couldn't raise you in the car, sir. At what time? Oh, it must have been...

What's happened?

A child's been reported missing from Fontaine Road.

When? Three hours ago.

Well, why the hell didn't you keep trying my car?

We got Mr Wexford, sir. He's down there now.

Naturally.

Is there money, sir?

I'll go out and pick a shoe.

I shan't help at all if you go on, shall I?

Look, I only said to don't say anything.

We need all the help we can get.

He mentioned it. Shoot me a loud hailer from one of the patrolmen.

Yes, sir.

I apologise for being late, sir.

They called you in the car. Where were you?

I was down a rivet thing all over again. That's right.

He's five years old, I believe, sir.

What?

Yes, John Lawrence.

Nice town, Chiltern Avenue, sir.

Yes, and take Loring with you, sir.

I've spoken to the mother yet?

No, you do that.

WPC Johnson's with her.

Hail her, sir.

Oh.

Thank you.

When she called the station, she said that he was not paying in the street.

She looked out every half hour just to check on him. Every half hour? What kind

of checking is that?

All right, mate.

Don't let Sid in, Justin.

Uh-huh.

Oh, OK.

Well, shall I set the oven for midnight or something?

Oh, no, don't bother.

Is the kids giving you any problems?

No, of course not.

Oh, hold on. I think Pat wants a word.

I can't, Grace. I'm busy. Sorry.

Dad?

He's gone.

I thought he was rushing.

Naturally. The boy is five years old.

His name is John Lawrence.

He's been missing since 4, 4.30 this afternoon.

He has blonde hair.

He's wearing a blue top and dark, short trousers.

Please remember to look... Everywhere.

Just imagine that you're looking for your own child.

Oh, it's you.

Yeah? Who were you expecting?

A woman, I suppose.

Where's the boy's mother?

She's upstairs with Dr. Crocker.

Tidy, isn't it?

I don't think that's everything in life, do you?

She divorced?

Yes. Why?

Just looks as though she is.

Is that you, Mike?

How is she?

As you'd expect in the circumstances.

I've given her something to calm her down.

But I don't want to leave them lying about.

We'll need to get a neighbour or someone to sit with her.

Why? Is she an unstable sort?

Has something happened?

I heard you talking. I thought... I'm sorry.

Shall I come and sit with you, Gemma? Is there some news?

When I heard you talking, I thought you'd found him.

I'm sure we will, Mrs Lawrence.

Are you?

Really? This is Inspector Burden.

We're drafting in extra police officers as fast as we can.

Thank you.

He's probably just wandered off somewhere.

It's the most likely explanation.

Yes, that's what I thought.

Do you think that?

I'm sure that's it.

I didn't see him that clear, but I mentioned it to Mrs.

Rushworth. I mean, what little fella is this? You don't know what to think, do

you?

Get Mr. Wexford up here, quick.

I can do to help.

I mean, Gem's a friend. Oh, she's ever so nice.

Tell me where you saw this man.

I knew I should have put my shoes on.

I mean, the last thing you want is some geezer messing about with your kids.

That's why I told Arlene Rushford. I mean, she's got her Andrew. He's always

up here. I mentioned it to her last week because I saw him again. You saw him

again? Yeah.

Where? Over there. Same place as before.

I'd been up Sainsbury's. Were the children here? Yeah. Well, that's why I

was worried.

Well, what did he look like?

Well, he was little, you know, sort of thin.

You saw me looking. I thought, yes, Gimpy, you can... Eh?

Well, he had a limp.

I didn't like the look of him. You know how you get a feeling about somebody.

Yes.

Yes, I do.

Did you notice what he was wearing?

He had a hoodie coat.

I knew he had a hood because he pulled it up as he walked along the track.

It leads to Mill Lane.

Mill Lane?

You said you looked outside every half hour to check on your son, Mrs Lawrence.

You think I was being lazy?

No. We understand.

I was upstairs reading.

I mean, you can see practically the whole of the street.

A friend of mine had sent me a proof copy of her book. She wanted my opinion.

You see, I didn't realise there was another boy.

It was when I went to the swings to call him.

There was a little boy.

Blue sweater, fair hair.

And then he looked around and it wasn't John.

When Mrs. Mitchell told you that she'd seen a man hanging around the children's

swings, didn't worry you enough to mention it to the police? No.

Why not?

Tracy Mitchell likes to gossip and make a big drama out of nothing.

Tomorrow she'll be telling everybody how she's helping the police.

Well, she was only concerned about your son, Andrew. She's a bored housewife

with too much time on her hands.

Has anybody else seen this man?

No. Not that I know of. Well, then.

You asked me. John Lawrence was run away frightened.

Frightened? Of what?

That little bully, Gary Dean.

You finished with the mother, yep? For the moment. I've got the address of the

ex-husband in London. He's abroad at the moment, though.

Johnson still with her?

Yep. Good.

We've had a description of a man seen hanging around on two separate

occasions. Where was he seen?

Over there, by the track that leads to Mill Lane.

That's where Stella Rivers disappeared.

Are we following it up?

Later.

Come on.

We've got to go and see a bully.

Nothing to worry about, Gary.

I need to ask you a couple of questions.

What we need to know is where John Lawrence went when he left you at the

swings.

Don't know.

When you last saw him, what was he doing?

Just running through the woods.

Why was he doing that?

Don't know.

Was he upset about something?

Don't know.

Gary, wouldn't you like people to think that you were the one who helped the

police find John Lawrence?

I didn't make him run off.

It's not my fault. I'm not saying it is. You're upsetting him.

Did he run into the woods or did he go along the track to Mill Lane?

Towards Mill Lane.

Was there anybody hanging about there, a man?

Like the spy.

The spy?

He's bloke. He stands around the trees sometimes.

What's he like?

Don't know.

Small? Thin? He doesn't know.

Mrs Dean.

He's small and thin, Gary.

Do you remember anything else about him?

He walks away if you try to go near him.

He's got a limp.

I was hoping to God the little lad had run off somewhere.

But he hasn't.

He was taken.

See you in the morning.

Good night.

Police have set up an incident room after the disappearance of John Lawrence

yesterday afternoon from Fontaine Road.

He'd been playing in the recreation... Is that your project book last night? It

isn't done yet.

Is it? It was very late, John.

It was after one, wasn't it?

Did I disturb you? No.

I often let him out for you coming in.

I couldn't sleep if Dad was working late.

It's called Policeman's Wife, isn't it?

Is syndrome the word you're looking for?

The project's coming on well.

The handwriting is getting very floppy, though.

When I worked at the hospital, all the doctors had terrible handwriting.

It's hard to the point, is it?

Don't get ink on the tablecloth.

I didn't intend to.

Breakfast, Mike?

No, I have to go.

We thought we might all go to the cinema tonight, Mike. What do you think?

I'm not sure. I may well be working.

You never want to go anywhere with us, do you?

I have to work, Pat.

What time does the film start?

Don't you want to know what the film is?

The programme starts at 7 and the main film's on at 7.20.

I'll be home at half past six then.

You promise?

Who's that?

Alexandra Knight.

I think she'll take over from Leonie West.

Well, if there's any justice, she will. Really?

Leonie had a car accident.

It finished what bit of career she had left.

Not much justice there, was there?

Not much anywhere.

Is Inspector Burden coming straight here, do you know?

I believe so, sir.

Well, I wish he'd hurry you up.

He's not seeming too well again, is he, sir?

Isn't he?

Well, it's coming up to his anniversary, isn't it?

I didn't really know his wife.

No.

Only six years old.

Makes you wonder why, doesn't it, sir?

Everything makes you wonder why.

Why would somebody want to harm a little girl or a five-year-old boy?

Why any of it?

Inspector. Good morning.

Have you found John?

No.

Well, not yet.

I thought when I heard the bell, I thought you'd found him.

Yes, I'm sorry. I didn't think I should have telephoned.

I was just passing. Wanted to make sure you were all right.

I was kind.

Come in.

Thank you.

The doctor said I should find something to occupy my mind.

I tied it up.

The pill couldn't work.

I find anything like that.

I hate being forced into sleep.

Yes, I know what you mean.

I'm going to have some more coffee. Do you want some?

I have something to eat.

Or has your wife already made you breakfast? I suppose she will have.

No.

Coffee would be very nice. Eat if you like. It's no problem. It'd give me

something to do.

I'm sorry it's going to be burnt.

I mean, there's nothing I can do about it. Please, don't worry.

Yes.

I moved down here after my divorce.

I wanted to get out of London anyway.

It was all so incestuous. Same friends jumping in and out of bed with each

other. All enjoying having a crisis.

Yes, London Isle.

Well out of it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Is it okay?

A bit salty.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's in a packet.

Well, it doesn't matter.

You've got some crackers somewhere, if you'd rather.

I hate cooking things. Really, it was fine.

I'm useless in kitchens. I haven't got the patience.

I'd much rather live on takeaway.

Will your wife cook?

She, um...

Was a good cook, yes.

My wife died a year ago.

She must have been quite young.

It was a terrible tragedy for you.

That's why you're so kind to other people who are in trouble.

Any news on that red Jaguar in Fontaine Road yet? Not yet, sir.

Mr. Griswold, going to Yorkshire?

Yes, sir. Half past nine.

Oh, and Deputy Chief Constable Freeborn's office called.

He'll be coming over Monday, sir.

Oh, wonderful.

Morning. Good afternoon.

I called on Mrs. Lawrence on the way in. Oh?

I thought to myself, it's only she forgot to tell us. And was there?

No. I got another photograph of the boy, though.

Stella Rivers' photograph.

Oh, thank you.

One of the husbands, just in case.

Has anybody been in touch with him yet?

I'll still try.

Yeah, we'll keep at it.

Our new boss arrives on Monday.

God, will we have to see him?

You might. I shall be too busy. Someone spotted a red Jaguar in Fontaine Road.

Unfortunately, we don't have the registration number.

The papers are full of it. I don't know what the papers are full of. Phone calls

have started.

John Lawrence has been spotted at Grantham, Birmingham, Aldershot, just

like the Stella Rivers case. She was spotted everywhere.

We never found a trace of her.

Now, if the same man has struck again, this is where we have to start our

search.

What's wrong?

That bloody moron, Loring.

What's he done?

Don't you want any brain at all? You're like the Gestapo.

I had to ask a certain question. You were interrogating her.

Her child is missing, for crying out loud.

What are you trying to do, push her completely over the edge?

Oh, do me a favour.

Everybody else brought him to his alibi for the time the boy went off.

Oh, I'm putting you on with WPC Johnson when you do the house-to-house.

Can I take Griffiths, sir?

Why, do you prefer Blondes? No, sir, it's just a bit difficult working with

Johnson.

What are you talking about?

Well, apparently she let you put Loring this morning.

She accused him of intimidating Mrs Lobbs. You know, interrogating her.

What did you say to her?

How was that, sir?

Lawrence? Lawrence?

What am I going to do? I can't bear it.

They searched my house.

They asked me questions.

I love John. I haven't done anything to him. I haven't. I know.

The officer was here. Had no right to question.

There was a woman on the telephone. She said it was all my fault because I

wasn't clean.

She said John was dead.

She said he'd been found with his hands tied.

Why are people so cruel?

I can't bear it. I just can't.

Don't think about them.

We'll get your phone monitor. You won't have any more calls like that.

I haven't done anything.

I haven't hurt anybody.

I know. I know.

Dear God, where is he?

Here. Sip some of this.

No, it'll make me sick. I hate brandy.

Well... Thank God you came.

I was going mad.

He should be sitting there now.

He should be having his tea.

Look, we'll find him. You mustn't give in.

Sorry.

Have you got a hanky?

I'll mess it up. No, it doesn't matter.

That far, I think.

I don't know.

It worked.

It can't be easy for you, being alone with two children.

Well, my wife's sister's staying with us.

She's a nurse.

She came to us for a few weeks, and she's been looking after us ever since.

Does she earn you nice white handkerchiefs? She tells us on the trip.

I suppose it's the nearest thing to having another.

Wife?

No.

Some wounds never heal, do they?

You know, you mustn't be alone.

Oh, I won't be.

Tracy Mitchell's coming in at ten. She'll be here in a minute.

Do you have to go?

Well, yes.

I'm sorry, I really must go.

No, I'm sorry.

I've obviously messed your evening up.

And your handkerchief.

Oh, that's all right.

Will you come again?

Yes, I will.

We waited till it was too late to go.

I don't know where all these people were on the day that John Lawrence

disappeared. Morning.

Morning. Sorry, Martin.

Yeah? The list of Gemma Lawrence's close friends.

I want you to distribute these for me.

Yeah. Really?

Where did we get these?

Oh, Johnson went out to see her this morning.

Well,

they're not the only ones that can pop in in the morning, you know?

Anything known about any of them? Well, some of them are famous.

You can tell that by reading the radio at times.

Oh, and I've pulled in all known sex offenders.

Keep them in.

Sir? What?

It wasn't addressed to anybody in particular, and I'm afraid everybody's

prints are all over it. We didn't realise what it was.

Well, what is it?

You'd better see to yourself, sir.

John Lawrence is safe with me.

We have rabbits here and we play.

I shall return him at 9am on Monday, my flute ride, Cheriton Forest.

Do not try to stop me or the boy will be killed.

How many people have seen this?

Three or four personnel down the far end.

Nobody says a word about it. Nobody was here about this.

What about Mrs. Lawrence?

Especially not Mrs. Lawrence.

Why?

The poor woman's going mad. Why are they waiting for news?

It's a hoax.

We have rabbits here and we play.

The man's a nut.

There are several like it on the Stella Rivers inquiry, sir. Oh, you've

developed great powers of instinct too, have you, Sergeant?

A bit unfair, wasn't it?

Well, how does he know?

Just because it happened in your inquiry last year doesn't mean this is a hoax.

I think we should tell her, Reg.

Given that the child has been missing for 36 hours, how do you think that this

is going to develop?

Probably into a murder inquiry.

Why raise the poor woman's hopes when in two days' time I shall have to go round

there and tell her that a five-year-old has been found face down in a ditch with

a knife through his throat?

Mill Lane.

The last place that Stella Rivers was seen alive.

2.30 on the day she disappeared, her stepfather, Ivor Swan, dropped her off

at this gate here.

He told me that she expected to be given a lift home by a friend.

But Mrs. Fan, the woman who runs this place, made a statement saying that

Stella expected Swan to pick her up.

He never arrived.

That's why she started walking down the lane.

The driver said he'd picked up an elderly chap with a suitcase, but that

was practically in town.

Did he come forward?

No, but neither did the lot of people who were supposedly seen.

That's the lodge house.

That's where Mrs Fenn lives.

She was at the riding stables until six.

She had some relatives stay.

But they left earlier.

A taxi driver confirmed that he picked them up at 2.25 to take them to

Stariton, to the train.

That was just the time that Stella was being dropped off for her riding lesson

a mile away.

we did it, certainly had the weather on its side.

This place was knee deep in mud.

Eerie old place. It's quite something when it was built in 1830.

We'll find some treasure.

Yes, sir.

Yes, it burned down on New Year's Eve 1913.

Some idiots at a party dropped a cigar butt.

They tried to run buckets from the fountains, but with so much wood in the

structure, the whole thing went up like a torch.

When the kids were younger, we used to picnic here a lot, so I bought a book,

boned up on the place.

Sorry, I didn't mean to stir up those old memories.

It's, uh, coming up to Jean's anniversary.

Reg, I'd rather not discuss Jean's.

No. No, well, I wasn't going to.

It's just that I'm taking a couple of hours off tomorrow morning, and...

I think you ought to do the same. I mean, we're both dead beat. It's the

last thing I need.

Mike, people are becoming concerned about you. I don't need them to be.

And I don't want my private life discussed.

It embarrasses me.

Can we get on with this?

Why aren't you out searching these streets? It could be nearby.

Gemma.

I've got to do something. I can't just sit there and wait.

I've got to keep looking.

It's only five. It's dark.

Come on, get in the car. We'll drive. We'll look together. I don't want to go

home. I've got to keep on looking.

I've got to do something.

Gemma.

Look, it may be all right.

What do you mean, if something happened?

Tell me.

It may come to nothing. It may be a terrible hoax. What do I say? Tell me.

We received a letter from a person claiming to be holding John.

He said it was safe, unharmed.

Oh.

Oh, thank God.

General, please remember, it may just be a hoax.

If you really thought it was a hoax, you'd never have told me, would you?

I couldn't not tell you.

Oh, Mike.

It's going to be all right.

It's going to be all right.

It's not going to happen, is it?

No.

You were right.

A hoax.

Well, take no pleasure in that.

Sir?

Bloody press.

I don't believe it.

How did the press get to hear about this? Everybody will know by tomorrow.

Well, we'd better be the first to tell Mrs. Lawrence.

And the note said that John would be returned.

So we went to Cheriton Forest and we waited.

I'm afraid it was, as I suspected, a terrible hoax.

I wanted to tell you before you got into the papers.

I'm sorry we can't bring you any better news at the moment.

All I can say... is that all of my officers take a crime against a child

more personally than anything else they have to deal with.

There isn't one of them that wouldn't give up his or her free time to pursue

this inquiry.

They all want your boy back to you safe and well.

So, no leads on this John Lawrence business.

We got a description of the suspect within the first two hours of the

inquiry. And after that, nothing.

Just like your Stella Rivers case.

And now it's police appealing for help. As the paper says, sir.

I don't want you to take this as a criticism of you personally.

Well, I'm afraid I do, sir. Yeah, well, you're bound to feel under the

microscope what with this Stella Rivers case being... Unsolved is the word

you're looking for, sir.

Headlines like this, look it, for morons who just enjoy reading other people's

misfortunes. Yes, quite so. That having been said, however, if we do have

anything positive to give the press, let me know.

I would like my first few days here to be productive.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Watt. I thought we'd seen the back of you last year.

We're interviewing all men over the age of 16, and you are over 16.

Yes.

We're investigating... I'm going in for my afternoon tea.

I've done your tea for you, love.

Policeman, Rosie.

Sorry to bother you, Mrs. Swan.

This is my colleague, Inspector Burden.

Afternoon.

Any jaffa cakes, Rosie?

Uh, in the tea.

Sorry, I'll get them for you.

Goodie, keep that for me.

Take the horse to the table for me, goodie. There we go.

Oh, unsaddle her if you can. If you can't, it doesn't matter. I don't like

her.

Fond of horses, is it?

I need one.

Look, Billy pointed, pointing on a poodle.

Do you know

Mrs.

Gemma Lawrence?

No. We keep to ourselves, don't we, lovely?

We're not great mixers.

We're honeymooners.

No, I'm just joking.

We're investigating the disappearance of a five-year-old boy.

Can you account for your movements last Thursday afternoon, sir?

You've really got me down as a kidnapper, haven't you?

Mr Burton asked you the question, Mr Swan.

You knew?

Don't remember seeing you when we lost poor little Stella?

I wasn't around during that investigation.

I don't know what I did on Thursday.

You cut my hair, was it?

No, that was Monday.

Oh, I know.

I've been riding.

I took the gun, had a go at some pigeons.

Can't stand the things.

Where was that, sir?

Cheriton Forest.

About 4.30?

About then.

Then I rode to Stoughton and murdered some kids.

Who's that?

I don't think that's funny at all, sir.

And I don't think it's very funny being suspected of making away with two

children.

One of them my own wife's.

How did you know that he was in Cheriton Forest at half past four?

Did I?

Oh, yes, sir. I was, um...

I was walking down, thinking about something I was working on.

Sergeant Willoughby was trying to get you on the radio.

Well, I may not have any firm evidence, but that man's at the top of my list.

He just turned like him because he's one of the idle rich.

He's idle, all right, but he falls a long way short of being rich.

Why can he afford to live like this, then?

His uncle lets him have it at a peppercorn rent.

Use the land to people who know what to do with it.

There they go.

Not a care in the world.

You really think we can kill this kind of river?

We shall know for sure if we ever find the body.

I've had a long time to think about Mr. Ivor Swam.

If he's dead, it may not be because of something he did, but because of

something he failed to do.

How would you feel if your children disappeared?

When Stella vanished?

Ivor Swann showed not a glimmer of concern.

Just behaved as if the whole thing was irrelevant.

The strangest thing was that Ros Swann never asked him why he was behaving like

that. All she was concerned about was him.

I interviewed her five times, and she only mentioned Stella once.

There's a program about a condition called denial.

Something terrible happens in your life.

Something so awful you can't bear to believe that it's happened.

So you shut it out. You deny it.

Deny it for long enough. Maybe you find it hasn't happened at all.

But it did happen.

Pity not to face it.

Sir? What?

Wrong call.

Who is it?

He wouldn't give his name, sir.

Right, put him through.

Hello? I warned you not to wait in Cheriton.

I've got him.

I shan't help again.

I shan't.

Mike!

Mike!

Inspector Burton back yet?

He was here for ten minutes, then he went, sir.

Damn!

Hello, 313.

Hello, Grace.

Oh, hello, Reg.

Is Mike with you?

I thought he was with you.

You're working late, aren't you?

Yes, that's right.

Thanks, Grace.

I thought I'd wait up.

Why?

Have you and Regina just finished?

Yes. I may have to work over the weekend as well.

Ah, I thought we might all do something.

I can't.

You take the kids somewhere.

Mike, they're your children.

Yes, I'll... organise something soon.

I got them some books.

I must go to bed, Grace.

Mike.

What?

You and Reg obviously worked hard tonight.

Yes.

What?

Reg Wexford phoned five hours ago asking for you.

Look, I'm not trying to score points, Mike. It's none of my business what you

do, but being lighter is so insulting.

I'm not your wife. It's your children I'm concerned about. I don't see whether

I'm working or not makes any difference to them. I was always working!

Cinema. It's not just the cinema.

This has been going on for weeks.

You demand the highest standards from them, but you don't ask the same

standards of yourself. You're not being fair. All right, I'm not a saint. They

don't want a saint!

They want a father who doesn't lie to them!

They know, Mike.

Last week you were working.

John phoned to ask if you'd sponsor him for the charity walk.

The desk sergeant said it was your day off. It was the same day he'd ask you to

watch him play football for the school.

You said you were too busy at work. I saw that child's face when he put the

phone down.

I didn't know.

I know you didn't.

And John would hardly dare tell you because he's afraid of getting you

angry.

What have they done to you?

It's not their fault.

They lost Jean too.

How do the fountains work, Dad?

It's Baroque.

In the style of Niccolo Salvi, 1760.

Fed from an underground water tank.

What is it?

The track of dogs was living for a body, not an underground water tank.

I think it's here.

Get digging over there.

When you were searching, it had been raining for days.

This dip would have been full of water and mud from the bank over there.

You could have had the weather on that side.

There it is. The system cap.

Is he the boy?

No, you've done what I couldn't do.

You've found the body of Stella Rivers.

What do you want to do?

Can't understand it.

There's hardly anything left to identify.

I know.

Interested.

You satisfied now?

What can I say?

We knew she must have been dead.

I hope she died quickly.

I hope she wasn't too frightened.

Is there a WPC about?

They're both out, sir.

A fight at Cheriton Village Hall.

All right, I'll go myself.

Where, sir?

Tell Mrs. Lawrence that the body we found is not her son before the morning

papers tell her that it is.

Sir? Sir?

When did this arrive?

This which arrived is a pier, sir.

What do you mean?

It's shoved under the windscreen wiper of a transit van in the car park.

You? Sir.

Morning. Morning, sir.

We've had another note.

Told you, sir.

No secrets in the police station. We ought to know that, Sergeant.

I kept Stella with me.

She liked being near me.

That's a nutcase.

Raving nutcase.

I'm not wasting any more of my time on him.

Everything he's told us, he could have read in the papers.

I'm surprised he didn't call you Sergeant Burton, 37, like the papers

did.

She's got some flowery friends.

There's not one you read that doesn't have a dearest darling in it.

Well, that's what I like in show business.

It's a ballet dance and show business.

I suppose it is.

We need so much talk to the kids that Chardon Prime is doing on Friday.

And it's fair to work to open the floor. Well, you'll have to get somebody, won't

you? Yes, sir.

These are Mrs Lawrence's letters, are they?

Yes, sir.

I picked them up this morning.

How do you send these to Chardon?

I'm trying to arrange something, sir.

So, how is Mrs Lawrence?

She seemed a bit under the weather to me, sir.

Boozing, I think.

How do you mean?

She was sitting on the stairs.

How does that translate to boozy?

There was a bottle of wine next to her. It was only half eight.

And you couldn't wait to get back here and gossip about it, I suppose.

I'll take those.

Send WPC Johnson for them in the morning.

Sir?

He's very good for team morale, isn't he?

No need for the wicked, Rosie.

This must be a very distressing time for you.

I was just having a minute. We got rid of Guddy.

I didn't kill her.

I don't know what to do now.

I was resting.

I need to talk to you, Mrs Swann.

I explained all this before in my statement.

Yes, I know.

I don't let just any man go upstairs with my wife, you know.

In your original statement, you said you watched your husband ride across to my

feet. Yes.

I was standing here, getting dressed, and I watched him ride off over there.

It was three o'clock in the afternoon.

About half past, actually.

I ever took Stella to her lesson for half two and then popped back home for a

while.

Then he rode to my fleet to see Mr Blaine.

He told me to stand here so he could see me.

So I did.

My fleet must be what?

Ten minute ride away?

About that. It's that way.

Mill Lane's a long way in the opposite direction.

If that's what you're driving at.

I was just trying to establish where everybody was that day.

You won't bring Stella back, will you?

So, a ten-minute ride to my fleet to see Mr. Blaine.

He says you left him at quarter past four.

And in your original statement, you said you returned here at 5.30, an hour and a

quarter later.

I went for a ride.

In the pouring rain?

You must have thought about that ride a lot in the past few months.

Not I.

I'm trying to remember if anybody else saw you after you left Mr. Blaine.

I haven't thought about it much, too.

You reported Stella missing at six o'clock?

Yes.

Oh, Mill Lane isn't a long way in the opposite direction.

Oh, it is by car, because you have to skirt the forest.

But across country from my fleet, it's only 22 minutes and a steady walk.

I know, because I've done it.

Right, your old pair must have been sorry to leave.

Only two adults to look after in a lovely house. She got in the way.

Quite.

Well, I'll see you at the inquest.

Inquest?

I didn't realise... Well, of course there'll be an inquest.

Would I have to attend?

Well, I assumed you'd want to.

Why do we have to go through it all again?

Won't bring her back.

It's done with.

We'll go away, babe, when it's over.

Yes. I don't think so.

This case was never closed.

Now that it's active again...

I want everybody concerned available.

Look, we haven't done anything.

Can't you let it rest?

Ivor loves Stella like she was his own child.

All this is upsetting him, and I won't have him upset.

I won't.

I think I rattled him this time.

You watch him at the inquest.

What are you doing?

Just checking through Mrs Lawrence's mail.

Nothing nasty in this lot.

She seems to have quite a few men friends and more than just a bit fond of

her. Yes, well, I suppose they'll all want to help.

Yeah, probably.

I'm trying to apply your denial theory, but it doesn't sit well on Mrs. Ross

Swann. All right, go back to her alibi then. Can you shake that?

No. She was in the house the afternoon that Stella disappeared.

She couldn't get out because she doesn't drive.

And you don't believe her?

She wouldn't protect Swann, you know.

What if he killed her child?

He wanted to see the child's body in the mortuary.

The car?

The ride that Stella had that afternoon was planned at the last moment.

She usually rode on a Saturday.

It was for a chance meeting, whoever killed her.

I was wondering where she was.

You wouldn't have known she was walking down Melbourne Lane. Didn't arrange to

pick her up.

Well, according to Mrs. Fenton, she did.

Said he did something to stab her and was terrified of the consequences.

Where would he go?

To his doting wife.

Think about it.

He's carried stiff.

He tells her there's been some sort of an accident. He panicked. Hang on a

second. Where's the evidence of any accident?

Aren't you inventing a convenient scenario just to fit your own theory?

I know, Swan.

I've checked his past.

He's a lazy sponger with a great knack of bringing disaster to people all round

him. The body of Stella Rivers was found face down in a water cistern in the

grounds of Saltram House, Stoughton.

The body had been there for about 12 months.

Death was caused by asphyxiation, violent manual pressure on the windpipe

and mouth.

The body was inevitably in an advanced state of decomposition, but I could find

no evidence of sexual interference.

There were no exterior wounds, but there was some bruising, which I believe was

caused by the body being thrown into the system.

Thank you, Dr. Crocker.

Mr. Ivor Swan, please.

Swan's uncle put money up.

Why now?

It's a murder inquiry.

I swear by almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the

truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Mr. Swan, tell me what you remember about Thursday the 25th of May last

year.

Clearly it is an upsetting thing to have to talk about, but anything you can

remember may help the police in their inquiry.

All had breakfast together about 10 o'clock.

It was half-time for Stella.

She brushed the horse for me.

Got it ready.

I was listening to some music, reading the paper.

Nothing much.

Ros made me my lunch about 12.30ish.

Stella didn't want what I was having.

At quarter past two, I took her over to the riding stables.

She said she was getting a lift home with friends.

So I said, see you later, and drove back home to Ros.

Later on, I rode over to my fleet.

I was going to buy Stella a little puppy.

Well, that's a good public place to show his first sign of grief.

Thought she said she couldn't drive.

Well, maybe she lied.

Better check again whether she ever had a British driving license.

Check in the former name of Rivers, and in the maiden name.

She must have been comforting him. Why, the driver's sick.

Bit odd for a non-driver. Well, maybe, but she didn't actually drive away. Mr.

Wexford, sir.

Yes? I think it's him.

Right.

How does he know that we're back in the building?

Get Sergeant Willoughby to put him through.

Thought you weren't talking.

Can't call again.

You got some help, didn't you?

You mean that look of hair you sent?

There's your clue.

That look of hair wasn't from John Lawrence, as you claimed.

We had it analysed. No.

I cut it from Stella Rivers when I topped her.

My God.

There are kids left unappended outside the supermarkets.

Kids left in cars with the engines running.

There's a kidnapper on the loose. A child already disappeared.

The public have put it out of their minds.

Now, is that stupid?

Or am I out of touch with modern thinking?

No, that's stupid.

Well, your blood pressure's up a bit, I'm afraid.

Yeah, well, blame the public.

I feel all right.

Yes, I'm sure you feel all right, Reg. I've got dozens in here who feel all

right. That is, until they...

keel over with a coronary. Oh, thanks.

That's cheered me up a treat.

You're letting this Stella Rivers business get you.

Yes, I am.

And so would you.

You remember the day that Stella Rivers disappeared?

Oh, only too well.

First day of my holiday. Well, at least it ought to have been.

The locum didn't show up, and it began with a premature baby at six in the

morning. and ended with a suspected coronary at the railway station at six

in the evening.

Great start to a fortnight in Dorset. Oh, and I might tell you, the chap who

had the coronary wasn't an awful lot older than yourself.

He'd been down here on holiday and he was running with a heavy suitcase, went

over just like that.

So be warned.

No, you won't speak to no one apart from this Chief Inspector Wexford.

Wexford? You scouse of pret.

Oh, Wexford.

Sorry.

Hello?

Hello, Mr Wexford.

Steve Little.

Long time.

Not long enough.

What do you want?

It's about that girl, what you found.

Stella Rivers.

Read about it in the paper.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah. I've got some information.

Well, tell me.

When I see you. But I don't see you as well as talk to you, do I?

Look, I'm trying to help you.

I'm stuck here in Liverpool.

I ain't got no dosh.

They hate us up here.

Well, they don't like you much anywhere.

It'd be worth your while helping me get back.

Why? I think I know who killed her.

Did you collect Mrs. Lawrence's mail this morning?

There wasn't any.

But, um, she was there?

Yes.

How is she?

Are you coping?

She's in a very bad state, sir.

The odd neighbour pops in. They don't think they really know what to say to

her. They're all, well, you know, housewives. And she isn't.

She's very lonely.

Really?

She was concerned about who was actually monitoring her mail.

She did ask if you were doing it.

What did she say? I mean... She didn't say very much at all, actually.

But I get the feeling she'd be happier if a woman was checking it.

Right.

Thank you.

Who's in charge here?

Uh, excuse me, go.

I'd like to speak to Chief Inspector Wakeford.

I'm the father of Stella Rivers.

When Roz took Stella, I wanted to get away and forget about it all.

That's why I took the job in Florida.

Did you keep in touch with your daughter?

Oh, sure.

Birthday, Christmas.

Must have been hard saying goodbye to your only child.

I've expected him to send her back.

Where was that?

When Roz and husband number two first left, they didn't want to know about

taking Stella.

It was when their money ran out, Stella became useful.

Swan's uncle?

What about him?

Well, either Swan's the old man's only relative.

When he dies, Swan gets all the money.

The thing is, or rather was, the old chap didn't care for his nephew's

lifestyle. It watched him and Roz eat and drink their way through 70 grand,

and he thought he had to lay down a few rules before leaving either any more

money to spend. So he, uh...

He let them go broke before offering them Hall Farm.

He knew they'd agree to any restrictions he laid down.

How did he know that?

Because it's probably something Ivor Swan has never had to do. You offer him

an easy way out and he'll take it.

He offered them Hall Farm on the condition that Swan got his act together

and started behaving like a grown-up.

And how do you prove you're being responsible?

You take on a child.

So he told Ross to get Stella from me.

It was his decision.

Ross said it was.

Well, if they had Stella, they got a 17th century farmhouse with 200 acres.

If they didn't, they stayed broke in a basement flat in Paddington. No contest.

The child must have felt wanted.

Why didn't you stop them taking her?

Ross is a very determined woman.

So she was just a business transaction for Mr. and Mrs. Swann.

You weren't at the inquest.

I was delayed in Miami.

My car broke down. I missed the plane by eight laughing minutes.

Well, I hope you'll be able to manage the funeral. It's just down the road at

Stariton.

You'll be able to get a bus.

There are rusks everywhere.

Not surprised. I found half a banana down there this morning.

I'd like to have a word with my grandson.

You're not going to eat that, are you?

How do people go on when something happens to their children?

I hope we never have to find out.

I was thinking about it at once.

Don't.

Reg, don't let this case get hold of you.

It's children.

I can't help it.

A little girl murdered.

A little boy of five missing.

God knows where.

And I'm not helping.

I can't get anywhere.

Well, what about that chap who phoned from Liverpool?

Isn't he something?

Him? He just heard about the reward money.

He said he needed to put his hand in the till.

No, I'm not putting much faith in him.

Is that bloke I ever swam?

He's involved somewhere.

I just can't get under his skin. He's got an answer for everything.

Thanks.

This is nice, isn't it?

Oh, good.

Alexandra Knight and Phil Converti.

That's lovely.

I can nearly pace that project by now.

Nearly?

Who's that one?

Andrea Nicholls. She hates Alexandra, so they say.

That's an old one of Leonie West and Angela Payne. I think it's the Gala

Knight.

Well, that was before she had a car accident.

Sadler's Wells, I think.

Excuse me, Dad.

Look, I have to go out.

Why? I must, I'm sorry. Oh, Mike. It's something I have to do. But you promised

that you... I have to go.

I'll be back.

You could wait up for him.

It's all right. It's all right. I'm a police officer.

There's a man in the alleyway.

Come on.

Lydia?

It's Mr. Rushforth.

Oh, you know him?

Yes, he lives across the back.

He scared me half to death.

Oh, I am sorry. I thought the dog had run up there.

It's all right.

She knows me.

Well... You didn't have to make me jump.

I'm Inspector Burton, King's Market Police.

Oh.

Well, you're the right sort of chap to bump into.

You're the one who found the body of Stella Rivers.

Yes. Yes.

I read that in the paper. Terrible thing.

You any nearer finding who did it?

About time for you to get off, isn't it?

I'd better look for that silly dog of mine.

Good night. Good night.

Come on, then.

How far is your home?

Fifty yards up that way.

You should go, then.

Right. Thank you. Night.

Night.

You didn't come back.

Why didn't you?

I did.

I telephoned.

I didn't know you'd called. Several times.

I spoke to some man, but he didn't want to talk.

Sorry, a friend of mine popped down for the crisis.

That's why I sent the note.

I read it.

Do you understand why I told you about the letter we received about John?

Yes.

Perhaps I shouldn't have done.

You gave me a few days of hope.

I wish you'd come back before.

I wish I'd known that was what you wanted.

I wasn't sure how to read the situation.

Read the situation?

God, what strange things men say sometimes.

Read the situation.

Look at me. How would you read this?

I didn't want you to think I was being too forward.

Lord, did you want to be?

God, why don't men just say what they want?

Don't worry, I'm not drunk.

Not for the want of trying.

Pills don't put my mind to sleep.

Drink doesn't numb me.

It's God refusing to let me get away with it.

Stay awake and face it.

Most of the nights shouting at the past.

If my ex-husband had made up his mind sooner and left us, he would never have

come to this town at all.

I

used

to miss him so much.

Now we're just misloving.

You know, don't you?

He's probably dead, isn't he? Don't say that.

He only came to me because he wanted children.

And then he left.

Why the hell did he bother? None of this need have happened.

Could have stayed with you, Leonie.

You couldn't have children.

And I couldn't take care of the one I did have.

It's not your fault, Gemma.

We're doing every... You're not alone.

I don't want official sympathy.

Why my child?

I haven't got anyone.

to hold me together. I need it.

I can't stand another night by myself.

Sorry.

I'm a stink of red wine.

If you want me, take me to bed.

Love me.

Community therapy.

Do you think sex can numb a violent mind?

Walk out in the morning.

Excitation.

Hello, lads. Guess where I was last night? Don't say that.

Does it taste all right?

A bit spicy for my liking.

I'll have to get some ordinary tea bags in.

Oh, God.

It's your lot.

For my mail.

Hello, Gemma. Sorry, I was in bed.

Did you manage to sleep?

On and off.

They'll be delivered to the police station from tomorrow.

Oh.

Call the station if you need anything.

Oh, by the way, Inspector Burden isn't checking your mail. Please call any

time. I will.

I'll bring these back later.

How does it feel, hiding from the police?

Hello, Mr. Westford.

There you are.

How's your luck?

You'd better not be messing me about, because I'm not laughing at anything

very much these days. I wouldn't do it. I would not do it!

Here. Any fear of a drink before we get down to business?

Thank you.

This isn't quite what I had in mind.

You think yourself lucky that you're not still in Liverpool.

Now, what do you have to tell me?

Oh, yeah. Well, first of all, I want to lay down some ground rules.

Oh, really?

Well, sit down.

Yeah, I mean, OK, I'm interested in a free ground reward, it's an offer, but I

do have a background that might lead people to think they can turn me over

and send me away at the end of it.

I want to be sure I'll get my way.

How's this for a ground rule?

If you don't tell me what you want to know before I'm sure of my tea... I'll

nick you for withholding information vital to a murder inquiry.

Fair enough.

Thank you.

It's got to be worth the reward money. Get on with it.

Okay.

Right.

A few years ago, right?

A bloke I know. I shall give his name if you don't mind.

Just a minute.

Say that again.

What? What you just said.

Shall I tell you his name?

Shall I give his name?

A few years back, this bloke's niece was working in an hotel, right, in the Lake

District. Now, one day, out on the lake, something terrible happens, right? A

girl that was staying here with her mum and dad drowns, right? Her name is

Brigitte Melinda Scott.

She's 11 years old, right? It turns out that she's swimming out to this boat to

her boyfriend.

11 years old? She's got a boyfriend?

Oh, but the boyfriend's a lot older than her, right?

He's about 19 or something.

People have noted that he's been seen with this kid and he's embarrassed.

So he tries ignoring her.

But she won't have it.

She follows him about.

Anyway, he's out on his boat, right? And she decides she'll go out and see him.

Or maybe he's told her to swim out to him so there's no one to see him

together.

I don't know.

Anyway, she's swimming out and she gets into trouble, right? So she shouts to

him to help her.

He ignores her.

She's shouting.

There's people on the shore shouting. They can all see what's happening.

The girl hits her head on something.

She goes under the water.

She's dead.

The girl is dead.

All right, keep your voice down.

Anyway...

the coroner's called for the inquest, right? And the geezer's there saying,

oh, no, no, no, no. She never called out to me. I never knew she was in trouble.

All the old flannel, right? But what everyone come away thinking was that he

was glad about what happened because she can't point a finger at him and say,

hey, you know, it took a few liberties, right?

He's 19.

She's just a little kid.

Now then, now the geezer was Ivor Fairfax Swan.

Has something happened? Is there some news?

No, nothing.

Sorry.

I thought it was about John.

No.

I just wanted to talk.

Can you come to me?

When?

We'll need that coroner's report from Cumbria.

Right, Gav.

Put me on to Mr. Burton, will you?

Oh, I'm afraid he's not around at the moment, Gav. Oh, where is he?

Could you have stayed away?

You said when you examined the body of Stella Rivers that there'd be no sexual

interference. That's right.

Did you know that Ivers Swan insisted on seeing the child's body?

No. It's a bit macabre.

That's what I thought.

Are you absolutely sure there was no sexual interference?

Absolutely. Why?

Because I have a prospect who became a child's stepfather, so I'm told for

purely commercial reasons that child is now dead.

And I'm told...

That he was the boyfriend of a girl of 11.

I'm cheesed at.

Company, send that reporter, sir. Two minutes to find another computer.

Good. Spread the burden in. Have a seat, sir.

God bless you.

Thank you, sir.

That'll be another one up with the flu.

They should take vitamin C.

Thicker shoes and socks, sir.

Back and back, sir.

There's been something nagging me in the back of my mind all day, and when you

said thicker shoes, I knew what it was. Come in and lie up.

Thought you weren't talking.

Can't call again.

Thought you weren't talking.

Can't call again.

Can't. Can't.

That's what started me thinking again.

You remember the night that we were looking for John Lawrence? The first

night, sir? Yes.

You were organising a search party, and you told a man that he ought to be

wearing thicker shoes.

I remember you saying it. That's right.

He got a bit nippy with you.

He said, I shan't help at all. That's what he said.

I shan't help at all.

Well, it's a common enough expression, sir. Yeah, but I bet a pound to a penny

that the man you told to wear thicker shoes is this man.

from Stella Rivers when I topped her.

Right, mister.

Can't stay all night.

Promise. You said I wouldn't keep you from your children.

I wish I was coming back to you.

Yeah.

Like a jumble sale.

Tony?

A friend.

You should phone him.

He's about to clean the mirror.

I phoned him two weeks ago.

Is he a close friend?

Do you mean have I ever been to bed with him?

No, no.

Would it matter that much?

It's none of my business.

Of course, if I was Faye, falling in love with you, another man in your life

might make me feel...

Insecure. There's no one.

What's your house like? Not like this.

It's a smaller house on a housing estate.

Well, it's pleasant.

Three bedrooms, tackle garage.

Not too many nooks and crannies to dust. Gina's played about that.

She did the dusting.

Yes, she did.

Not a very liberated house.

Very conventional, like me.

You do this all the time, do you?

Did you ever have secret dreams about doing something like this?

Not far too starchy.

No, I had a very strong marriage.

No wandering thoughts?

But other women.

I never wanted anyone but my wife.

I'm very loyal, Gemma.

You must have loved her very much.

Yes, I did.

She was very fortunate.

I don't know if she was or not.

I hope she thought so.

I hope it was enough.

I really thought we'd spend the rest of our lives together.

We'd bring the children up.

Take long holidays together.

Just carry on in an ordinary, orderly way.

The way life's supposed to be.

Any notion.

My child wouldn't have been allowed to play in the street with his friends.

He would have got beyond his fifth birthday.

Am I saving you, or are you saving me?

It doesn't matter, does it?

Holding on is what counts.

You had one of the search parties after you to tell me Gemma Lawrence.

Didn't you?

Do you know the names of everybody that was with you?

Yes.

George Crantock, Harry Deer, John Lomas and Bob Rushforth.

Rushforth?

I spoke to his wife.

How did you get to hear about him?

One of your blacks found.

Sally came in to tell me about it, and I left about ten minutes later.

Anybody with you?

Yes, a patient.

Who?

How badly do you need to know?

It's important.

It was Margaret Foster.

The rat?

You're pressing me, Reg.

Yes, I am, then.

16, Sparta Grove, Stoughton.

This chap, Rushford.

How well do you know him?

Hello,

can I help you? Yes, could I see Mr. Rushforth, please? Certainly.

Mr.

Rushforth.

Inspector Waxford, King's Manor CID.

I have a word with you.

Yes. Come on through.

It's about the search party you joined to find John Lawrence.

You're here.

I'd like you to take a look at this file from Cumbria. It concerns a young woman,

Bridget Melinda Scott. I'd like to know what you think.

You all right?

Yeah?

There's Mrs. Lawrence.

Everybody on the list of friends she provided has been checked.

All except only West.

Still away?

West Indies.

Please tell her what she seems to think.

Apparently she's famous for planning to go to one place and then going somewhere

else. Mrs. Lawrence told you that, did she?

Telephone Miss West's manager.

Anything else to tell me?

I think so.

Oh, Mike.

Dora and I wondered whether you and Grace would like to come to dinner one

evening.

Grace? Why me and Grace?

Well, we thought it'd make a pleasant evening. You like Grace?

Oh.

Well, you know, she lives with you and... No, I'd rather not.

Do you remember anyone else? Yeah.

I heard that.

I'll need your address.

Well, these are constables who organise the house search. Yes, Sarge.

How are things going?

Pretty good, Guff.

We had ten parties of four searching buildings and gardens. We've identified

all but three of those.

We handed out 100 probe sticks to the people who helped search the forest.

About 40 of those have phoned in so far. Good, good.

I want to know everyone who was on those search parties. Everyone.

I know what's the matter with him, that burden.

He's rude, a long talk, and now he's becoming a possum.

It's Sheila!

Mum!

Dad, quick, it's Sheila's ad!

Don't you Hamlet?

Give your dog the best.

Let him chew on a new chew with Sawyer.

Shall we phone him?

No, she'd done that.

She did it months ago.

Oh, blow me.

Will it be on again later?

Chap, who does the voice on it?

Is he the one who did that thing about the Navy?

Oh, I don't know.

Oh, you do.

He had a wig.

It's like the voices for adverts.

I can't believe what his name is.

I know his face, dark, he's got nice eyes, but what is his name?

Is she in?

No, it's her answering machine.

Leave a message and ask her who the actor is who does the voice.

You all right, Mitch?

I've just had a rather disturbing thought.

I want you to get me the telephone number of a Mr and Mrs Ralph Edward

Scott.

Now, the last address I have for them is 28 Barrington Gardens, Colchester,

Essex. If they're not known at that address, you get back to me straight

away.

Thanks.

Morning. Morning. Just been through this coroner's report from Cumbria.

Uh-huh.

Well, it certainly proves that Swan is a creeper, the first order, but it doesn't

make him a killer.

No, it doesn't.

And it happened 15 years ago. Hardly a pattern of behavior, is it? No.

So, um, it doesn't make him a murderer, either of Bridget Gott or Della River.

No, I know that.

Something suddenly struck me like a bolt out of the blue last night. We were

trying to think of an actor's name.

He does a voice on a TV ad. And I thought of our hoax's voice on the

telephone. And I suddenly realised that there was a possibility that I might

have overlooked.

Can it wait?

I think Mr. Westwood should hear this, sir. All right, well, come in.

This is Alan and Terence Baines, sir.

Can you tell the chief inspector what you told me? Yeah.

We were part of the search party looking for John Lawrence.

We were coming home from work when we saw the police cars.

We were in a party of three searching the back gardens.

The other chap who was with us, I didn't know him. But, as I told this

gentleman... He was small and was probably wearing a coat with a hood.

That's right.

Thanks.

Sir?

That's what suddenly struck me last night.

That description exactly fit the man who was seen watching the children by the

swing. It also exactly fit the man who joined our search party. He could be the

hoaxer. He actually joined us looking for the child that he'd abducted.

Our hoaxer may not be a hoaxer at all.

He could be the man we want. He could be our murderer.

Just one minute, just one minute. Just one more thing.

We now know that the lock of hair that we received was neither from John

Lawrence nor Stella Rivers.

We mustn't assume, however, that the man who sent it is simply a hoaxer and knows

nothing about the disappearance of John Lawrence.

Descriptions suggest... that the man who joined the search party may be the same

man seen watching the children near Fontaine Road.

And I think that makes him the same bloke who's so enthusiastic about

getting on the phone to me.

Now, the descriptions may be coincidence, but we can't assume that.

The hair is from a child, though, sir, isn't it?

Oh, yes, could be the man's own child.

Or it could be a child near him. He could be an uncle.

I don't know who he is, but I have my own opinion about what he is and what

he's called.

It could be a barber, sir.

Hello, Mrs Scott.

We talked on the phone.

I'm Chief Inspector Weston.

My husband's resting.

There's not a day goes by without me thinking about her.

The same for Mr. Scott, I'm sure it is.

Do you have children?

Yeah. Two girls.

Yes. Well, you'll know then.

Little loving thing she was.

The best one ever.

Just like yours are to you, I bet. Yes.

I'm sorry to have to remind you about that terrible time. Oh, I don't need

reminding. I'll never forget her for a minute.

She was only...

Eleven when she died.

I remember Ivor Swan standing up in court and just shrugging his shoulders.

I remember what he said.

The little girl, she annoyed him.

He sat there and let her drown and all he could say was she annoyed him.

Did Ivor Swan brought you out that tall?

Never.

He didn't even have the decency to be sorry.

People said he could have saved her. He chose not to.

But they still put it down as death by misadventure.

It broke my husband's heart.

Swan walked out of court and drove off.

Not a care in the world.

We couldn't go back home. We couldn't bear to.

We didn't want to stay where we were, but we didn't want to leave her.

I have a niece who lives in your area. If it hadn't been for her, I don't know

what we'd have done.

Eileen came and collected her and drove her to her house.

She's got a place not far from Doverton.

1700's a lovely place.

We'd taken Bridget there for holidays.

Oh, she loved it.

We've been there every year since then.

Mr Scott said he felt close to her there.

Well, I don't expect we'll be going again.

I couldn't prove it, but I'm sure it's one that started him downhill. He'd

never been sick in his life.

after we lost bridget well he was ill just before we left i got him here he

seemed all right fortnight later he had the stroke

i'm sorry to ask you these questions mrs scott but they might help me with the

current investigation well i can't talk about that i hope you get him for

whatever it is

Was Sir Swan friendly with any other girls at that time when you were staying

at the hotel?

Young girls, you mean?

Yes.

Not that I ever saw.

Would it help if I said yes?

Not unless you had firm evidence.

Swan just loved himself.

He liked women, girls chasing after him.

He had two in tow with those...

friends he had with him.

They played pop music.

That was why Bridget first went over to them. You can't blame her.

Only child, old parents.

When he let her die, he took away everything we cared for.

Wish he'd killed us as well because there's been nothing else in life worth

a damn.

A little old man by the window stood.

Saw a rabbit running by.

Knocking at the door.

Help me. Help me. Help.

We used to dress up a lot, John and I. I made him laugh.

I was the character from the Red Fairy book.

We'd dance around and make up stories.

And he'd hide.

And I'd find him. Don't do this, Gemma.

Why not?

It was a happy time.

I could dance for you.

Would you enjoy that? Gemma, stop it. Of course, for you, it would have to be

Salome. Gemma.

Take those things off.

You take them off.

Mr. Swann.

I want to talk to you about the death of Bridget Melinda Scott.

Who?

Look, that was years ago.

A very unfortunate business.

I've been to see her parents. Keep your voice down.

Ros is sleeping.

Have you always had this ability to put things out of your mind, Mr. Swann? It

was rather a long time ago.

And I should point out that I was not responsible.

You don't take much responsibility for anything, do you? The girl drowned.

There was an inquest. Death by misadventure.

I'm sure it's all on record somewhere. If you're interested, go and read about

it. I have.

You don't need me to go over it.

She was 30 feet away from you. You didn't even turn around to look at her.

I thought she was messing about.

So you did hear her shout to you.

That's two young girls you've known who have died.

How do you feel about that? How should I feel?

I didn't kill them.

Sorry.

She wouldn't leave me alone.

She was a kid. She had a crush on me.

It was embarrassing.

She even came into my bedroom one afternoon.

She said she'd scream if I didn't let her stay, tell people I'd tried to.

Well, I threw her out.

I imagine you would have done the same.

She tried to swim out to my boat while I was fishing.

I ignored her because I was relaxing. I didn't want her bothering me.

That's all there was to it.

No, not quite all.

She was taken out of the lake dead.

Was Stella bothering you?

I mean, you only needed her to prove to your uncle that you'd settled down.

That's how you got this place.

Who told you about that?

Once you had the place, I imagined Stella had served her purpose.

She was getting in your way.

You're obsessed.

What you've got against me is me.

You just don't like me.

I don't go around beating my breast about Stella.

You don't like that.

I should be crying.

Like you did at the inquest.

Why did you want to see the body?

You were told there was practically nothing left to identify.

Because I thought maybe I would cry.

And if I cried, you would have believed me.

You might have left me alone.

But you didn't cry.

You left that for the court.

How do you cry over a rotting lump of dead meat?

So you did all that for my benefit.

I didn't want her dead.

But she is dead.

It's over.

Ros and I want to get on with our life and enjoy it.

She's the only person who's...

what I am we've got each other that's all we want oh I might not care enough

can't arrest me for that not caring is not against

the law

And where are we now?

Where were you then, Inspector?

Don't know. When was it made?

Oh, that's been something about you.

The year I got a place at drama college doesn't tie the line.

Do you ever want to go back to the theatre?

I don't think the theatre ever noticed I'd left.

I don't know what I'll do.

Police groupie, maybe.

Sorry, bad joke.

You use words like they were dangerous weapons when you talk about yourself.

Well, you know me and my funny little ways.

What time are you on duty?

In an hour.

Don't look so hurt, Mike.

I say things. It doesn't mean anything.

What do you want from me, Gemma?

What do you want from me?

I'd say I didn't think it would scare you away.

Just be here.

I can't just be here.

See, I love you.

You don't.

You really don't. Believe what I tell you.

I know. I mustn't argue with you. You're a policeman.

Marry me.

I know we're very different, but there is something that we've found in each

other.

Isn't there?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ask you.

Well, not now.

Oh, God, I don't know how you're supposed to do this.

I think about you. I can't stop.

I realise I know nothing about your world, the theatre, your friends.

Something I know nothing about.

We kiss a lot.

It's a very kissy world, like this.

I want to talk furiously to you. I know.

I don't know what I'd do without you, but I can't.

Don't ask me anything.

Not yet.

It'd be loving.

Not in love.

It's much less painful.

For now?

For now.

I've never met anyone like you.

Well, let that be a lesson to you.

You will at least consider what I asked you.

Please.

Will you come away with me for a weekend?

Just to give yourself something else to think about.

I've got an idea.

All right.

John won't be coming back, will he?

Afternoon. Hi.

The boss is back.

He wants you.

Watch out, is it all right? Old temper.

Right, have you started interviewing these men yet? Yes, sir.

Well, the one we're actually after won't be on here, the way things are going.

That's what makes it such fun, eh, Sergeant?

Sir?

What about the list of Mrs Lawrence's friends I asked for an hour ago?

Mr Burden's the pal on that, sir.

I'll tell him to bring it in.

He's, uh, not in, sir.

Afternoon.

Afternoon, sir.

Are you going to tell them the boss has gone mad?

No.

I asked for this an hour ago.

It's at my desk.

Everyone except Leonie West has been spoken to.

She's in Jamaica.

She should be back next week.

What about Matthew Lawrence? He's still in France?

Yeah.

And do you think he ought to come back when he heard what had happened? No,

apparently not.

Gemma Lawrence spoke to him.

His wife hadn't had the baby yet. There's a choice between supporting his

ex-wife and his present wife.

What busy lives East Africa's lead.

He certainly does.

He used to live with Lainey West.

Three wives?

No, no, he never married her.

When she couldn't have children, he left her for Mrs Lawrence.

Lucky girl.

Anything worth knowing about him?

I don't think so.

Father of the child, divorced.

I thought there might be something, but the French police cleared him, so I let

him go.

Yes.

Still from King John.

Selling himself as a master of disguise.

Anything else?

I don't think so.

How did the interview with Thuan go?

Badly.

Here's a list of men fitting the description of the person seen watching

the children near Fontaine Road.

A list of possible hoaxes or possible... Kidnappers? There's people that need to

be interviewed before we eliminate them.

Is this chap Rushforth only because of their business with the Crentock girl?

What do you mean?

Well, he frightened her. I told you.

You told me nothing about it.

I put it in my report.

What are you talking about?

I have no report from you.

No, sorry, that's right. I intended... Well, I thought I'd mention it.

Rushworth was in an alleyway and Julia Crantock ran away from him.

Happened to be nearby.

Where was this?

Near Fontaine Road one night.

Are you telling me that Rushworth molested a child? He frightened her. It

was a mistake.

If it's a description of a suspect.

Let me tell you something, Wade.

You get your mind back onto your work and off whatever else you're thinking

about or we're going to fall out in a very big way. Don't speak to me like

that. I'll speak to you.

I'm your superior officer.

The one that ordered you not to tell Mrs Lawrence about that hoax letter.

You ignored that order, didn't you?

She was going to take a dick drag. You're a police officer, not a social

worker. Patting her hand isn't going to find her a son.

And let me mention something else.

I want to know where you are every single minute that you're on duty.

And no more yelling at uniformed police officers when they're doing their best

to trace you. And they can't.

You're a grown man.

Now behave like one.

It's set.

Finished.

File on the Stella Rivers case. Rushford. Bob Rushford.

Find out if he was in.

Right, go.

Look, Rushworth lives two streets away from Fontaine Road. Surely the kids

would know if he was the one watching them.

They never went near him.

They only saw him from a distance of 100 yards, and everybody looked small enough

to dismiss him.

Well, yes, but... But what?

Got any better ideas?

You got any ideas at all?

May the 11th.

3.30, I was waiting for a client in Sewingbury.

The client didn't show up, and after a few minutes, I drove back to King's

Markham to keep my next appointment.

If he was drawing from Sowingbury to King's Markham, he'd come into Tarleton

near Fontaine Road, and he started just before 3.30.

He'd have been at Fontaine Road just before John Lawrence disappeared.

And if he missed the second appointment or was very late for it... Or if John

Lawrence disappeared earlier... I interviewed Mr. Sutton.

He, uh...

I was told about the man watching the kids. She didn't report it to the

police.

She was told about it twice.

She made some excuse.

Yeah?

Let's see.

Rock Berthwood never interviewed in connection with the Stella Rivers

inquiry.

The man you saw watching the children, are you sure you've never seen him

before? I mean, he couldn't be local, could he?

Don't think so.

You know Bob Rushless quite well.

What do you mean?

I mean you'd know him at a distance if you saw him.

The man I saw wasn't Bob Rushless.

He was younger than Bob.

How long have you been cleaning for Rushless and Dyson?

About three years.

Do you know Mr Rushless long?

I've known him since we were all at school.

Oh, good employer, is he?

He's a pig.

Oh?

Treats people like dirt.

Sells houses, thinks he's made it.

I see.

Likes to let people know you only work for him.

The chap I know rents a cottage from him. He treats him just the same. Always

reminding him about the rent in public. Thinks it's a joke. Always a pig.

How much property does he own?

Well, there's a cottage in Mill Lane, a shop somewhere in my fleet. Cottage

where?

Mill Lane. He rents it to this bloke I know.

Rushford owns a cottage in Mill Lane?

Yes. Well, how long's he had it?

Oh, years.

He's always poking his nose in up there.

If you want to ask my friend that rents the place if you want to know about Bob

Rushford, he'll tell you.

It's me.

Look, I'll pick you up on Saturday morning at about nine.

My sister-in-law's taking the kids to her mother's for the weekend.

She asked me to go with them.

I'd rather be with you.

You do sort of want to come.

Yes. You're not too sure about it.

I was thinking of you.

Being with your children.

Don't.

If my son is dead,

I swear to God I'll make something of my life.

I'll do it for him.

You won't have died for nothing.

You got a minute, sir?

Yeah, come in.

I'm afraid there's no good news.

You've checked the men from the search party who more or less fitted the

description of the bloke seen near the swings.

They've all got an alibi for the time John Lodden disappeared and the time the

phantom phoner was calling here.

Yeah, I thought that might be the case.

I've checked on Bob Rushforth as well, sir.

At the time the calls were made to your office, it was with clients.

What about the time when John Lawrence disappeared?

The same.

The clients confirmed it.

I thought we had the man we were after, sir, when I saw him drive away in his

car.

It was a maroon Jaguar.

We're looking for a red one.

So we're back where we started from. Looking for a small, slight man who

should be wearing thicker shoes.

Could be our murderer or not.

Come on, Neil. You're late for your dinner. It's getting a bit cold, Alan.

Certainly is. Thanks. In you go.

The search is continuing for missing schoolboy John Lawrence, and people are

asking when the man branded the Fox will strike again.

Is that what people are asking themselves?

Some might be.

But lots are still sending out their children late at night to get chipped.

We're not doing very well, are we?

We're investigating two cases, sir, which may or may not be connected.

There's nothing straightforward about it.

We need an arrest.

I'm pursuing a new line of inquiry, sir.

But I don't want to go at it like a bullet a gate. It might help our image

if you did.

Oh, perhaps I should adopt the American system and arrest everybody in sight.

Personally, I'd rather nick the right bloke. We're not nicking anybody.

I want to see somebody with a blanket over their head being led into court.

What was all that about?

Headmaster's been to see me.

Must try harder.

Wants an arrest.

Any arrest.

Vengeance is mine, saith the law.

I wanted the word with you, actually.

Privately. Before you went.

Oh. Right.

Well, come along, then.

Grace said she wanted to take the kids to my mother-in-law for the weekend.

In Eastbourne? Yes.

She asked me to go with her.

Well, you should go.

I know, but, um... With the boss banging his drum and everything up in the air

here... Well, let me worry about that.

Well, you shouldn't have to.

I mean, we're all in it together, aren't we?

I know I haven't been much help to you over the past few weeks, have I?

I can't explain it to you. I can't even explain it to myself.

Ever since Jean... It's all come crashing down around my

ears. I'm sure it will.

What, your work?

Everything.

I'm going to have to start getting my work right.

I'll think about moving on.

Grace is going to want to leave us soon to get on with her own life.

Not necessarily. She isn't for me, Reg.

I know that's the plot that some people have worked out.

Maybe Grace included.

Marry my sister-in-law and live respectably ever after.

We're all trapped by what we are.

But sometimes you have a chance to be different.

You see an opening.

A different way to be.

Is that what you're chasing?

I'll just be grabbing at more wreckage.

It's clear as mud, eh?

I suppose I should explain it to myself before trying to explain it to someone

else.

I have to watch my P's and Q's in there, Mr. Rushforth.

This is rental accommodation.

He could have me out like that.

You don't like him much? I don't know many that do.

He took a table lamp from here a while back.

Didn't own up for a week or so after.

Same happened the day you're talking about. I was at work when the little

girl disappeared.

But I know somebody had been here when I got back.

Rushforth, you mean? No, the door was left unlocked.

And some apples I kept stored in the shed had been taken.

A table lamp had gone as well.

And seeing as it was our term, I reckon it was their son who'd been sent.

A van driver remembers seeing a boy near the Scottish.

About the time that we believe that Stella Rivers disappeared.

It could have been their lad.

I'm pretty certain Paul Rushforth was here that day.

Oh, my God.

I'm trying to follow you.

What's happening about me reward money?

Can I get in? I'm going down towards the Social Security, actually. I'm not a

taxi. Well, I know that.

OK, has there been any, you know, what's its developments?

One or two.

Any arrests in your thing?

Maybe. Oh, honey, cos I'm a little bit brash at the moment and I thought, you

know, if there's any chance of reward money.

I may have some bad news for you.

The man you named won't be arrested in connection with the Stella Rivers

murder. This one didn't do it? No.

Why not?

Good, you're here.

I wouldn't see them alone.

But if there's an arrest to be made, I want you in there with me.

They might be protecting the boy. Or they might all be.

Is it then, sir?

Well, let's see, shall we?

Mr. Rushworth?

I'd like to speak to your son, Paul.

Come in, then.

That statue.

Oh, it was... We found it when we were out walking.

At Saltram House.

It would only have been vandalized.

Hello, Mrs. Rushforth.

Mr. Wexford.

This is Paul.

Paul.

Just a couple of questions.

Sit down.

Thank you.

On the afternoon of the 25th of May last year, Stella Rivers disappeared.

She was last seen in Mill Lane.

We now know that she was murdered.

You owe the court check, don't you, sir?

Uh, yes.

How often do you go there?

Well, now and then.

Were you up in Mill Lane on the 25th of May last year?

Yes. Why did you go there?

Because I asked him to.

I drove Paul up there.

It was half term and he was bored, so I asked him to check the place over and

collect a small item of furniture.

We all remember the day clearly.

We talked about it at the time.

We thought of coming forward, but there was no point.

We hadn't seen anything, and besides, we were out of the area before Stella Swan

disappeared. Oh?

How do you know that? Because my daughter had just had a riding lesson

with her.

We offered her a lift, but she said her father was coming to collect her.

So the last time you saw Stella was at the riding stables?

Yes.

We drove back down Mill Lane, picked up Paul. Well, you've gone up to Auntie

Eileen's by then, haven't you? I never went to Auntie Eileen's. I told you.

Paul, her front door was open, so don't say you didn't.

We picked him up, drove back here.

I took the car back to Bob at the office.

Well, you were at the office all afternoon.

Yeah. Whatever happened to poor little Stella happened after we'd gone.

About this aunt.

Well, she's not a real aunt.

We've known her for years.

She taught Paul to ride, then Emma.

You mean Mrs. Fenn? Yes, Eileen Fenn.

Have we got a result then, sir?

Yes.

Not the one I expected.

I wondered if you'd come back.

He died.

Oh, it's kind of you shouldn't have gone into trouble.

This is Scott.

I've had various bits of information floating about in the air for months

now. It's been a bit tied up.

I've been trying to connect two crimes.

I was wrong. It was a mistake. They were separate.

When we last talked, you said that your husband's latest bout of illness began

just before you left your niece's house.

Two weeks later, early June, you said, he had a major stroke.

On the 25th of May last year at about six o'clock, a friend of mine, a doctor,

was required to treat a man who had a suspected heart attack.

The man was on Stourton Station.

Earlier in the day, a taxi driver picked up a couple from...

Salton Lodge.

A house owned by Eileen Fan, who I believe is your niece.

Yes. It was the taxi driver's fault. We forgot one of the cases. He said

everything was in the boot. We realised at the station, but he'd driven off.

My husband had to walk all the way back to Eileen's house to get it.

She was out with the children riding, so we couldn't phone her.

It took him till nearly four o'clock to get there.

He... Rested for half an hour before he started back, but he shouldn't have done

it.

It was rushing there and getting soaking wet coming back that brought on that

attack.

The van driver said he gave the man with the suitcase a lift.

Yes, I believe he said somebody gave him a lift, but he'd walked miles by then.

He was exhausted.

Did you know that Iverson had moved into the area?

Had Eileen told you?

Yes, she had.

She wanted to warn us in case we saw him.

He was living near there with his wife and daughter.

Happy family in a big farmhouse.

Got everything he wanted.

My husband wanted to come home the moment he heard about it, but Eileen

persuaded us to stay a few more days.

Until the 25th of May?

Yes.

Your husband asked you if I was a policeman.

Why do you think I've come back to see you?

Tell me you were arrested. I was swung for murder.

I knew you'd want to tell me face to face.

I read about it in the papers.

His daughter's body was found.

He killed her too.

When Swan failed to collect Little Stella from the roiding stables, she

must have decided to walk home, stand in line.

She arrived at Mrs. Fan's cottage in the pouring rain, hoping to phone her

father. Mrs. Fan wasn't there.

Instead, she found old Mr. Scott, who had returned for his suitcase.

When he heard who her father was, he grabbed her and choked the life out of

her. He probably didn't know what he'd done.

He certainly hadn't planned it.

Must have been in a state of shock.

He knew the area well, so he took the body, dug up the old system by the

fountains.

When I called on his wife, I reckon he knew he'd been caught.

That's what brought on the last heart attack.

Has she really no idea that her husband killed Stella Rivers?

I don't believe she has, sir.

Coincidence. Pure coincidence.

Swan deprived them of their only child, and 15 years later, Scott took his

revenge.

Only the innocent suffer.

Deprived of children.

Lanny West.

Oh, hello.

Gillian's gone to London for a couple of days and I've been feeding the rabbits.

Where is she? Do you know?

No, but that block of yours might.

Him with the dark hair.

Great to actually hear, Grace.

Is Mike there?

No. He decided not to come.

I'm sorry, Grace.

Don't be.

I always get too fond of the patients.

Oh, he left a number in case of an emergency with the children. I suppose

if they were taken ill, he'd find time to be with them. Do you want the number?

Yes.

It's 018376470.

That's a London number.

Yes.

You checked all the flights for that week?

Every one.

There's only two airlines who shared the service.

The name wasn't in any flight manifest.

When you get to Covent Garden to see that theatrical agent fellow, you might

try not to be too helpful.

I want you to scare him a bit.

Sir? Tell him we might be investigating the murder of John Lawrence.

Is that the Russell and Cook agency?

Yes, it's the first floor. The door's open.

Thank you.

Mrs. Lawrence.

I want to talk to you about your son.

We've since found that all that business about going away is absolute nonsense.

We've checked all the passenger lists and all the plates.

Excuse me, sir. There's a phone call for you. Oh, thank you.

That'll be Sergeant Martin.

I don't believe it.

Hello? Sergeant Martin, sir.

The agent's never been there.

Well, he must have an address or something.

To crow him.

It was a refuge I'd never wished to invade.

Damn. Well, apparently Matthew Lodden's had a studio on the river.

That's all been redeveloped.

Would you look at that?

I haven't been here in years.

Why are we going there?

Matthew sold the studio when we got married. It's probably been knocked down

now anyway.

It was here.

Just where?

Matthew had the second floor.

Excuse me.

Police officers.

Is there anybody around here that has a red Jaguar?

Not there.

You were right.

It's Gina.

In Cortisone's buttocks.

Lady West.

Are they still together?

No.

She's just trying to hold onto the past.

Just one little problem.

Leave it.

There'll be plenty of time for us.

It's over.

Yeah.

Would you come and visit us sometimes?

I think clean breaks heal the fastest.

Besides, I'd probably start asking for more than you could deliver.

I'd never have made a policeman's wife.

You'd have turned a few heads, though.

I'll miss you.

I'm so glad to have met you.

The same for me.

You think Markham is looking very pleasant today?

Very pleasant indeed.

He's moving back to London.

So I understand.

But... Is it?

Well, I keep telling myself.

She doesn't want Lenny West charged.

No.

Sad woman.

She wouldn't have done the child any harm.

Just crying out for help.

How did you get on for her?

Something Mrs. Scott said to Iris Swan.

She thought he had a happy family.

Lovely house, wife, child.

And Mr. Freeborn was talking about somebody who'd been deprived of the

child they wanted.

Now, I didn't know whether Leonie West wanted a child or not.

But you told me that Matthew Lawrence left her because she couldn't have

children.

Well, that sort of cruelty goes deep.

Pain turns to...

Anger and envy.

She was so besotted.

She bought the same space in the air she had shared with Matthew Lawrence.

And he'd left her and Gemma miles behind.

Yes.

I hope she's all right.

Yes.

Oh, sorry, sir. No, no, I shall do it.

I think you and I have talked on the phone sir.