Original subtitles

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Morning Mr. Pike.

Morning Darren.

Did Miss Bradley talk to you yesterday?

Oh yes, ten semi-skimmed, ten full cream, they're all in there.

Yes, it is surprising isn't it the number of people who want it.

Want what Mr. Pike?

Semi-skimmed.

Oh yeah, it's amazing.

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Oh, good morning.

Yes.

The milk, he come.

It's not he, Anna.

I don't know why you bother.

She never understands.

I don't want this.

Eat it anyway, David.

You're not going to school on an empty stomach.

You want the fry eggs, Mrs. Mead?

Not today, thank you, Anna.

I'd better go.

I'll miss the train.

What time is it?

Where's your watch?

I took it in.

Why?

It was running slow.

No eggs, Anna.

I'm out of here.

Aren't you going to say goodbye?

No.

You're going to have to talk to him.

You're the expert.

Why don't you?

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We got it

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I hate leaving you like this.

You sure you're going to be all right?

Only a couple of weeks, and with Cully out of work.

They call it resting, Dad.

Still means you can look after me.

I hoped you'd be looking after me.

You can look after each other.

Now, listen.

I've left food in the freezer, and there's a list by the fridge.

A list beside the fridge, and the

emergency telephone numbers next to the phone.

We'll be fine.

So unlike my mother to get ill.

She hasn't had a day's illness in her life.

Well, you look after her and stop worrying about us.

That's right, Mum.

And after a couple of weeks of your cooking.

She'll be back on her feet before you know it.

Seriously, Cully, you will call me if there's any problem.

I don't know what you're so worried about, Mum.

You don't know your father.

If a case comes up, I'll be at home when he's working.

Yes, but I've always been there to take the brunt of it.

You make him sound like an ogre.

Actually, I'm really looking forward to it.

I could do with a bit of father-daughter bonding.

Anyway, he isn't even on a case.

She's gone.

She saved your phone tonight.

What?

Dad.

Oh, oh, I'm sorry.

Well, I'll go and see about the lunch.

Actually, Cully, I think lunch is going to have to wait.

Morning, Troy.

The young woman, mid-twenties.

She's not English.

Couple of school kids found her this morning.

School kids?

What are they doing here? Well, there's a track.

They all use it as a shortcut through to Causton Comprehensive.

Oh, your old Alma Mater, eh?

Go on.

She was lying there, stark naked, strangled with a necktie.

That sounds familiar.

She's over there.

What, under the sheet?

Yeah.

Are you Barnaby?

I am Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby, yes.

Dan Peterson, forensic.

Where's Dr. Bullard?

Corfu.

He's on his holes.

I'm standing in.

Anyway, this one's a doddle.

Death by strangulation about five or six days ago, I'd guess.

A guess?

I'd say a guess wasn't good enough.

All right, all right.

I'll get back to you.

No sign of a struggle?

No.

She let whoever it was take her clothes off her.

Sergeant!

Had a hanky-panky in the woods.

Maybe she stripped for them.

Or maybe he, she, or they took her clothes off after she died.

Sir?

Yeah?

Over here.

Watch your feet.

What is it, clay?

Yeah, there are patches of it all over the place.

The clothes.

Looks as if they've just been thrown here.

San Paolo.

Italy.

It's Brazil, I think, Troy.

Oh, there is one other thing.

We may have had a bit of luck.

You're welcome change.

The Socko people found it when they got here, under some leaves.

It's a Rolex.

Yes.

Must have slipped on someone's wrist.

Maybe while he was, uh, a man's watch.

Trace the watch, find the man.

A man, anyway.

Wait a minute.

Of course this place is familiar.

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It's Strangler's Wood.

They are nine years ago.

A bit before my time.

And mine.

Three girls murdered in the same area, each one strangled with a tie.

Strangler's Wood.

Actually, it's Raven's Wood.

It was rechristened by the sun.

Eva Hoffman, a German student, backpacking around England.

Joan Chaplin, she's a local girl, working at the Fox and Goose.

And Judith Alberston, Australian au pair, also working locally.

Maybe this new girl's an au pair.

Don't get many Brazilians around here.

That is very true, Troy.

Maybe you should do a ring around at the agencies.

Why do you think there's no photographs with those?

Probably somewhere in records.

Hmm, well, I want them.

I want everything connected with Raven's Wood.

Right.

Oh, and get all the Rolex, will you?

There's a number on the back of the case.

At least the serial number should tell us where it was bought.

And I suppose I should talk to whoever

investigated those murders nine years ago.

To George Meacham.

Oh.

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Three murders in just under two years.

I was the officer in charge.

We never caught him, you know.

Yes, I read.

Of course, I never had the resources.

And those girls, stupid bloody girls, why did they have to go into the wood?

They never learned.

Did you think it was someone local who was responsible for it?

It had to be.

Somebody who knew the wood like the back of his hand.

And now you say there's been a fourth victim?

Looks like it.

I always said it would happen.

I suppose you'll want me to come into Causton, help you with what I know.

Oh, I'm not sure that'll be quite necessary, sir.

I'll send one of my men over to go through the files.

I understand you live in the village?

Yes.

I moved here after they made me retire.

I live with my wife.

Loose end house, that's what we call it.

Oh, we'll be in touch.

Thank you, sir.

You won't get him, you know.

He got the better of me three times.

He'll do the same to you.

Did you find him?

Yes.

He was very encouraging.

How about you?

No luck with the au pair agencies.

I spoke to Peterson.

Peterson?

The pathologist.

He puts a date of death as last Wednesday night, almost a week ago.

Time?

Between 9 and midnight.

Oh, and I got onto Rolex.

And?

I know where the watch was bought.

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-Hello, dear. -Did you have a good game?

Strangler's Wood.

Yes, I know I heard about it in the village.

Maybe you should talk to the police.

They've already spoken to me.

Did you tell them?

I didn't tell them anything.

And if they come here, you'll do the same.

But if you were there, George, they'll find out.

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It's a Rolex.

Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master.

You see?

Yeah, I can see that, sir.

It's very pricey.

We don't sell very many of them.

So will you have any idea who you sold that one to?

Oh, yeah.

Who?

Well, I'd have to look at my records.

Do you think you could do that, sir?

That's all right.

He's very touchy, isn't he?

Yeah, here we are.

3411456. It's the number on the case, you see.

And the person who bought it?

It was a Mrs. Merrill.

I know that name.

Dear Kate, I was cleaning the bedroom of my

-year-old son when I found a magazine hidden under his bed.

To my horror, the magazine is called Gay News.

How did she survive?

And I don't know if I should confront him or pretend it never happened.

Anna!

He's 17, for God's sake.

He's a man.

Yes, Mrs. Merrill?

The door.

Tell her to read the magazine herself and get a life.

Yes. Hello. Is Mrs. Kate Merrill in, please?

-Mrs. Merrill? -Yes.

He's, uh, two men.

Can I help you?

I take it that's your au pair?

Yes.

I'm sorry. You didn't give me a chance to explain.

I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.

This is Sergeant Troy.

And we're from Causton CID.

It's not David, is it?

Or John.

I'm sorry?

David's my son.

John's my husband.

Oh, no, no, no.

We're investigating a murder in Ravenswood.

Oh, Strangler's Wood.

They were talking about it in the village.

Well, I'm Elizabeth Francis.

I actually back onto the wood.

A grand sound view, except I didn't see anything.

We work together.

We write a column, an agony column, for the local newspaper.

Kate Merrill.

Yes.

I think I've read your column, maybe.

Oh, please, do sit down.

Thank you.

Can I get you some coffee?

-No, thanks. -Not for me. -Dandelion tea?

No, thank you.

Not normally.

It was a young woman, wasn't it?

In the wood.

And she hasn't been identified yet.

So what brings you here?

Um, Troy?

You bought a Rolex watch, Mrs. Merrill.

Yes. About two years ago, it was an anniversary present for my husband.

When did you last see it?

Actually, he wasn't wearing it this morning.

He said he'd put it into the repairs.

Is this your husband's watch?

Yes.

I mean, could be.

I think I should pop out and leave you three alone.

No, stay.

This can't be John's watch.

I told you, he put it into repairs.

Is that what he told you?

Where is your husband, Mrs. Merrill?

In London.

John's marketing director for Monarch Tobacco.

He had a meeting with the advertising agency.

He's staying overnight. But I can call him if you want.

No, I don't think that'll be necessary.

But if he could give me a ring when he gets back tomorrow.

The number's on there.

Thank you.

Gavin Troy.

Have we met?

No, I don't think so.

I feel I know your name.

It's a lovely house you have here, Mrs. Merrill.

How long you been here?

Oh, it must be about eight years now.

No, nine, just before the first.

Where did you find the watch?

In Ravenswood.

It can't be, Johns.

It can't be. Oh, I'm sure there's some simple explanation.

Just get him to give me a call when he gets back.

She was nervous about something.

So what sort of agony column does she write, Troy?

I've only glanced at it, sir.

It's just problems.

Don't look now, but we are being watched.

No, don't look.

What, the house?

The garden.

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He lied to me.

What?

About the watch.

Maybe he didn't.

He told me it was being repaired.

Well, why don't you ask him?

I think I will.

What time is it?

10 to 6.

He should be in.

Hello?

Yes, could I speak to John Merrill, please?

Oh, thank you.

He's just gone out.

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Dad, you haven't eaten any of it.

What? Eggs, bacon, sausage, fried bread, all your favorites.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's all cold now.

So what is it this time?

It's a South American girl.

Actress or a model, by the look of it.

There she is.

Strangled in Ravenswood.

Wasn't that the?

Yes, it was.

Three cases in 18 months, but that was nine years ago.

So why has he started again?

That's one question, certainly, but I have another.

Why did he stop?

No.

-All right. -I'll get it.

Barnaby.

Oh, that is excellent, Troy.

Yes, yes, I'll meet you there.

We may have an ID on that girl in the wood.

Maybe she works in a local hotel.

Dad, I was going to say, why don't we go out for dinner tonight?

We could try that new place in Causton, the one you've been going on about.

Yeah.

Why don't we meet there?

8 o'clock, table for two.

I wasn't planning to invite Troy.

Bye.

I knew it was her.

As soon as I saw the paper, I would have

told the manager, Mr. Pike, but he's not here.

Where is he?

London.

This is her room

And she booked this room for the week?

That was a week ago, yes.

She was here one night, and then she never came back.

C.C.

Carla Constanza.

Was that the name she checked in with?

Yes.

Did you speak to her?

I don't think she spoke much English.

I helped with her bags, that one and another.

Clothes are still here, sir.

Yeah.

Were you here when she checked in, Miss, um, Bradley?

Just call me Gloria.

Everyone else does, except Mr. Pike.

Yes, I was here.

I was working reception.

It was a Wednesday about half past 4.

It was very quiet that afternoon.

There were no advance bookings, and Mr. Pike wasn't expecting anyone.

But then she just turned up.

Good afternoon.

Can I help you?

I got the feeling straight away that she was nervous.

She was out of breath.

It was like she'd been running.

Was there anyone with her?

Just the taxi driver.

And she paid for the whole week?

Yes, she paid by credit card.

She asked me for a downstairs room, so I gave her this

one, even though there's a much nicer view on the first floor.

Did you see her again?

No.

But I heard her that same day.

It must have been about an hour later, half past 5.

I went past her room, and I heard her voice.

There was someone in with her, and they were having a right old barney.

Was it a man or a woman?

I'm not sure.

She was shouting at someone, but I couldn't understand a word she was saying.

And then she threw something.

And I didn't know whether to call Mr. Pike

or not, but it wasn't my business.

Anyway, it was the end of my shift, so I didn't.

Did you see her the next day?

No.

But she had had an argument.

She'd thrown an ashtray at someone.

It was in the fireplace, and there was

broken glass and cigarette ends all over the floor.

Sir, there's one entry for Wednesday to Draycott.

Oh, well, that's Mr. Pike now.

But he was hoots like that to let his mother know he's back.

Can I help you?

Yes, we're from Causton CID.

The police?

I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.

DS Troy.

-Why? -What are you doing here?

Miss Bradley?

I called them, Mr. Pike.

Why? The South American lady in room 15, she's been strangled.

What?

In Strangler's Wood.

No, that's not possible.

Oh.

I mean,

have you taken the papers up yet to Mother?

No.

-Well, don't. -I don't want her upset.

Do you understand?

Mr. Pike, I was wondering if we could have a word.

I bought this hotel 10 years ago.

Yes, that's when it started.

One of the girls was killed, Joan Chaplin.

She actually worked here.

So I understand.

She was very close to my mother.

That's why I don't want her to know anything about all this.

She was very upset.

Very, very upset.

Well, I'm afraid we may have to speak to her.

No, that's not possible.

She's ill.

She's dying.

She has cancer of the pancreas, stomach.

Just about everywhere.

She's upstairs.

Oh, I'm sorry.

She's been dying for about six years now.

We're getting used to it.

So what can you tell us about Carla Constanza?

Nothing.

She had room 15 she paid with American Express.

Did you not see her at all?

No, Miss Bradley booked her in, and she

must have left sometime after that same evening.

But you weren't working that evening.

Yes, I was here behind the reception, but I went up

to the first floor a couple of times to see mother.

And anyway, there's more than one exit Miss Constanza could have used.

Didn't it trouble you, the fact that she never came back?

Not at all.

She paid for her room.

What she did with it was her concern.

So there's nothing else you can tell us about Carla Constanza?

Yes, she made two telephone calls.

That Wednesday?

I don't suppose your telephone system.

Oh, yes, it's very up to date.

Both the numbers will have been recorded.

Two numbers, both local.

One in Causton, 5 o'clock and 5 past.

Oh,-2-5.

We know that one, Troy.

Do we? It's the Merrills, Kate and John Merrill.

Oh, Mr. Rolex.

According to that, they spoke for 45 seconds.

Maybe they arranged to meet.

Maybe.

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Leonard?

I brought your morning medication, Mother.

Who were those two men that were here?

What two men?

I saw them out of the window.

They were policemen.

They came here to warn me.

Warn you?

There are some false £20 notes in circulation.

It was nicer than...

Thoughtful.

Thank you.

How are you feeling today, Mother?

I'm in pain.

You'll feel better later on.

If the Lord wanted me to feel better, he'd put me out of my misery.

But he wants me to suffer.

He's still punishing me.

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I'll come up at lunchtime, Mother.

I haven't had my paper.

He didn't come.

I'll give them a call.

You can read your Bible.

You're on Ezekiel, aren't you?

You're like Ezekiel.

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monarch tobacco.

the second number Carla Consenta rang.

Yeah, I've gone to the Course quite a bit, yeah.

I've been to that place quite

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course, now. I'll tell you what, if you're there.

-Down? -In Course, yeah.

I'll probably see you down there. You, Barnaby?

Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby, yes.

-Sergeant. -Bill Mitchell, Chairman,

Managing Director, in fact, it's my bloody company.

So what can I do for you?

Local charity, is it?

Policemen's ball, widows and orphans?

I'm usually good for a bob or two.

Actually, sir, we're here in connection with a murder inquiry.

What?

Are you joking?

Young woman's body found in Ravenswood.

What's it got to do with me?

Does the name Carla Constanza mean anything to you, sir?

Carla?

Wasn't her, was it?

Oh, this is Carla, our biggest selling brand of cigarette.

Won't find them over here.

They sell a bit in the Asian market.

But in Brazil, they're the market leader, the numero uno.

And they were named after her?

Yes, Carla Constanza.

Gorgeous girl with the acting talents of a flea.

We found her in some bloody awful Brazilian

soap and used her to promote Carla the Cigarette.

Just a coincidence they shared the same name.

And was it a success?

I'll say.

Put her on TV and in posters.

She spearheaded our advertising for two years.

And that time, she became a star.

And the brand just rocketed.

And now you're telling me she's dead?

Christ, it's a bloody disaster.

When did you last see her?

Oh, a couple of months ago, out in Rio.

Went out for the shoot, an ad we still haven't released.

Do you realize how bad this is?

Carla has a 22% share of the fifth biggest tobacco market in the world.

We are talking about a young woman's death, sir.

Well, I'm talking about relaunching, repackaging, scrapping

thousands of pounds worth of advertising, maybe losing the whole brand.

That happens, I could lose the whole bloody ship bank.

Did you know that Miss Constanza was coming to England?

No.

Well, she never told me.

You didn't get a call from her?

Last Wednesday evening, about 5 o'clock?

No.

Look, we have 200 extensions here.

She could have been put through to anyone.

Do you know what could have brought her to this country?

No.

You should talk to John Merrill, my marketing manager.

He's the one who hired her.

He knew her better than me.

I understand he's in London.

Yes, he's due back on the 4 o'clock train.

Are you going to release the name to the press?

Oh, yes.

We'll have to.

Oh, Christ.

Do you have any idea what this is going to do to me?

It's a complete bloody nightmare.

We're very sorry, sir.

I'd appreciate a copy of that last advert you made, sir.

And a corporate brochure, have you got one of those you could let me have?

Background on the company.

Ask my secretary.

Anything else?

I don't suppose the name Dracott means anything to you?

Dracott?

No, never heard of him.

Why do you ask?

No reason.

So where now?

John Merrill's, I think.

He should be home by now, if he caught the 4 o'clock train.

Yes, Troy, 5.30.

Over time.

-She's checking. -Do you have a problem?

No.

Carla Constanza?

Yes, Kate.

I heard it on the news.

Has Bill rung?

Not yet.

Surprise me.

You know he'll blame me for this, don't you?

He'll probably accuse me of killing her as well.

He won't be the only one.

What?

The police were here yesterday.

What do you mean?

Why?

They found a watch near the body, a Rolex.

It's your Rolex.

Of course it's not mine.

Then where is it?

I told you.

You lied to me.

It wasn't a lie!

I lost it.

I didn't want to tell you.

It would have just meant another row.

I was going to replace it and hope that you didn't notice.

So why didn't you?

I lost it a week ago.

There's a three-month waiting list for a new one.

You don't believe me, do you?

Do you?

So...

Do you think I killed her?

Is that it?

Do you think I killed her and left the watch in the wood?

I didn't say that.

No, you didn't have to.

She was strangled, John.

She was strangled!

For God's sake!

Dammit!

You've got to do something about that boy.

He's always snooping and prying and listening.

There's something wrong with him.

You should talk.

Out.

Don't start that again.

I'm not going to.

The police are here.

Looks like he's home.

Yes.

That's interesting.

What?

Oh, use your eyes, Troy.

White clay.

Remember where the body was found in Ravenswood?

It's the same.

Might be, Troy.

First it is his watch.

Now this.

He's certainly making it easy for us.

Yes, it does look like my watch.

Well, all I can say is that someone must have taken it.

I mean, I haven't been near Ravenswood.

Take it off outside the house?

No.

Have you had any visitors, any builders, decorators, anything like that?

No.

Well, is there anyone else who could have taken it while you were here?

Well, I suppose Kate.

I didn't take it.

Anna.

Your au pair?

Yes.

I don't wear it in the bath, so, um, I suppose she might have, uh,

So what can you tell us about Carla Constanza?

What do you want to know?

Well, what was your relationship with her?

I didn't have a relationship.

Not in my wife's sense of the word.

She writes an agony column, you know.

I told them.

When did you last speak to her?

My wife, or Carla.

Um, in Rio.

I was there a few months ago with Bill.

And you didn't know she was coming to this country?

Well, she never said anything.

You didn't speak to her last week?

No.

We know she rang here, sir, last Wednesday at 5 o'clock.

The night she was killed.

Well, she may well have rung here, but I was out.

I never get in much before 6.

And what about you, Mrs. Merrill?

I was at the paper.

I got back the same time as John.

Do you have an answering machine?

Yes, but there was no messages.

I'm sure of it.

And what about your movements for the rest of that night?

Were you both in?

I went out at seven.

I got back at midnight.

Oh, it's the same every Wednesday, Chief Inspector.

I do a stint on the local helpline.

I'm a volunteer.

Kate's very good with problems, Chief Inspector.

Other people's, anyway.

Anna left with me.

I gave her a lift into Causton.

She went dancing, I think.

So you were in the house alone?

Yes, but there was David, two chapters

of rolled dahl, and a glass of warm milk.

That was my evening.

Babysitting?

Got it in one.

Detective Inspector, may I ask you something?

But of course, yes.

Whoever did this, do you think it was

the same person it was all those years ago?

Oh, it's too early to say, Mrs. Merrill.

They were strangled, too, weren't they?

Three other girls.

I'm afraid they were, yes.

Oh, Anna.

I'm very glad to see you.

Where?

Her English isn't very good.

Last Wednesday.

Miercoles.

The answering machine.

Was there a message?

Witness day?

Witness day?

No, there was no message.

No message at all.

Are you going out, Anna?

No, Mrs. May.

I'm going out.

She's always in Causton, pubs and disco, and boys.

You will let me know, won't you, if there's any news?

We will keep you informed, Mrs. Merrill.

-Thank you. -Here.

That was very impressive, Troy.

Didn't know you spoke Portuguese.

It was Spanish, sir.

I've been going to night classes.

You certainly got through to her.

What do you make of Kate Merrill?

She seemed nervy.

Yes, but why?

Lights out, David.

Who set the police?

How do you know?

You shouldn't eavesdrop, David.

What have I told you?

You'll only hear things you wish you hadn't.

You and Dad were arguing again.

We weren't arguing.

We were talking loudly.

Do they think he did it?

No, of course not.

Anyway, he was here with you the night it happened, so he couldn't have.

Yeah, he was here most of the time.

Come on, lights out.

And don't waken up too early.

Night, Mum.

David, what did you mean, most of the time?

What?

Your dad.

No, he went out for a bit.

I heard his car.

When?

I don't know.

It was dark.

And he left you on your own?

No, I know his back, I think.

I don't know.

Maybe I just dreamed it.

Yes, that's probably it, one of your dreams.

Now, go to sleep.

I've come to say goodnight to David.

You're too late.

He's already asleep.

Cut it!

Cully?

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Cully.

It's all right, Dad.

You've already explained.

It was very bad of me.

-I'm sorry. -It's the end of the world.

I've got two free margaritas and a proposal from the head waiter.

You going to eat this, or shall I just throw it away now?

You sound just like your mother.

Actually, I do have a surprise for you to make up for last night.

Yes?

Remember that play you wanted to see in Causton?

-Pinter? -I thought it was sold out.

It is, but I have two tickets.

When?

For tonight, if you're still talking to me.

Dad.

Tonight at 7.30.

I'll meet you there.

I'll call you to make sure.

I promise I will not forget.

Two free tickets.

I can't think how you managed to get them.

♪

-No. -I'm sorry. -We're sold out.

Are you sure?

There's nothing left?

Of course, I'm sure. I've just told you.

I don't think you quite understand.

I am Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby from Causton CID.

Oh, yes.

And I have to see this play as part of an investigation.

Detective Chief Inspec- it was you that investigated

that man who got his throat cut in the Peter Schafer play.

That's right.

But you don't think it'll happen again, do you?

You know, Troy, that's the first time I've ever done that.

-What? -Full rank.

Oh. Mm. I've got that video you wanted.

What video?

Carla Constanza's last advert, sent round this morning.

-Oh, thank you. -Hey, hey, hey.

Look over there.

That's Hannah.

The Merrill's au pair.

Hello, Anna.

Buenos dias.

Yes.

Have you shopping?

Shopping?

Yes.

I get this for Mrs. Mare.

She send me in the shopping, in

the shopping for Mrs. Mare.

So you plan to spend a long time with the Merrills?

Yes.

You like that?

Thank you.

You know, I don't think she understood a word I said.

They're probably cheaper if they don't speak the language.

♪

♪

So, is this G?

♪

♪

And she knows what she wants.

♪

Sang duvida i suave

The Carla.

I didn't think they were allowed to advertise like that.

This is Brazil.

Do you want me to translate, sir?

No, I think I get the message, Troy.

Carla the girl, Carla the cigarette.

Kill the one, and you'll probably kill the other.

Maybe that's why she was strangled.

What, to destroy the business?

Yeah, that's right.

What about the other three girls, nine years ago?

There are two important differences, Troy.

The first three girls were attacked in

the wood, raped, and strangled.

Carla wasn't sexually assaulted at all.

And looking at the body, I'd say she wasn't attacked in the wood.

More likely she was strangled somewhere else, and then carried there.

To make it look like the other deaths.

Yeah, exactly.

Barnaby?

Mr. Meacham.

So have you got anything?

No, you haven't, have you?

He's invisible.

How did you get in here?

You think they'd stop me?

I spent 20 years in this building.

This is my office, right here.

Listen to me, Barnaby.

I've been going through my notes.

I've got them here.

Listen, Mr. Meacham, I understand that you want to help.

And don't patronize me.

You haven't lived with this like I have.

It is my case now, my responsibility.

You just go home, leave it.

No, listen to me, please.

-Troy. -I'll show you out, sir.

Listen to me.

Eva Hoffman, the 13th day of the month.

Friday the 13th, Joan Chaplin, a full moon, the classic serial killing.

Judith Alberston, just eight days after Joan.

What are you talking about?

Today is the 13th.

It's eight days since the last death.

And there's a full moon tonight.

Don't you see?

No.

The killer will.

There'll be another victim.

Come on, sir. I tell you, he's going to kill again.

So what have we got?

We're going to run with the man who's been seeing his

secretary, the mother and her gay son, the nervous bride,

and better of the week, the man with the non-existent sperm count.

Letter of the week in more ways than one.

Kate.

Sorry, Liz, I was miles away.

It's your deadline tomorrow.

God, all these sex problems.

And I suffer from the worst one of all.

Can't get any.

Do you ever regret it, Liz, the divorce?

Not as much as I regret the marriage.

I miss about eight inches of Larry.

I'm not referring to the diameter of his brain.

Are you all right, Kate?

Yeah.

I mean you and John.

I don't want to talk about him.

Call me if you need me.

It's alright, Anna.

I can see myself out.

Thank you.

David, what did you mean?

He went out for a bit.

I heard his car.

When?

I don't know.

It was dark.

And he left you on your own?

No.

Anna was back, I think.

I don't know.

Maybe I just dreamed it.

♪

♪

Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby, wasn't it?

Yes, sir.

-Yes. -I never forget a name.

Well, it's my business, of course.

I take it you're still pursuing your investigations?

Oh, yes.

Yes, of course.

How can I help you?

Because if there's anything I can do to help.

Oh, I appreciate that, sir.

It's my belief that Carla Constanza was picked up

by a car from this hotel on the evening of her death.

You think so?

It's possible.

Got a couple of photographs here I'd like you to take a look at.

Certainly.

One of them might just jog your memory.

Where's your assistant, the young man?

Oh, it's his birthday.

Said he could have a drink at the bar.

I'll be back in a jiffy, Mrs. Pike.

No, I don't know him.

-Who is he? -He owns a tobacco company.

Monarch? Yeah. We get some of their people in for lunch sometimes.

Disgusting habit.

Smoking, I mean.

But I've never seen him.

How about this one?

Oh, yes.

Oh, yes.

He was here on Wednesday night?

No, I didn't see anyone on Wednesday

night, but he used to come quite regularly.

Mr. Jones.

Jones?

That's what he called himself.

Called himself, yes. Of course, I knew it wasn't his real name.

We do have people who use this hotel.

How shall I put it?

On a nightly basis,

with a lady.

He brought a woman here?

Exactly.

Mrs. Jones.

That's what he called her.

What was she like?

Aged about 40.

Smart dresser, fair hair.

She always drank dandelion tea.

Are you sure they only used the name Jones?

Never heard him use the name Draycott?

When were they last here?

At the start of the year.

They used to come quite regularly.

Makes you sick, really, doesn't it?

The thought of it.

Casual sex.

But I haven't seen them recently, and they certainly weren't here on Wednesday.

I'm Detective Sergeant Troy.

You were here the other day.

I saw you.

Yes.

You were here about the 20 pound notes.

Sorry?

The forgeries.

I'm afraid we're investigating something a little more serious than that.

What?

Tell me.

We're investigating a death.

A young woman was found in Ravenswood about a week ago.

She was staying in this hotel.

She'd been strangled.

Yes.

With a tie.

Yes. Apparently, you knew one of the girls

who was killed nine years ago, a Joan Chaplin.

Are you all right?

Get out.

-What? -Get out of here.

This is a police investigation.

Maybe we can talk when you're feeling better.

Many happy returns of the day, Sergeant.

What?

Any luck?

They're all mud in there.

Did you find Mrs. Pike?

-Yeah. -She got a bit excitable.

Not too excitable, I hope.

Vengeance.

Vengeance is mine.

♪

♪

I don't know what to do.

That makes two of us, darling.

Jesus Christ, it's a mess.

I've got the press at the door.

You know what the reptiles are like.

John was involved with Carla, wasn't he?

What?

When you were over in Rio, the two of them.

No.

If I found out about it, I'd divorce him.

He'd lose his job, the house, David.

What are you going on about?

-Do you want a drink? -No.

I do.

GMT, Brian, and steady on the tonic.

Certainly, Mr. Mitchell.

You sure?

The police found John's watch in the wood next to the body.

That's not possible.

And then there was the clay on the car.

They said it was the same as in the wood.

-Kate. -It's not just that.

There's much, much more.

You don't think he killed her?

I'm sorry, Kate, but that's ridiculous.

John's many things.

Difficult, moody, secretive, but a killer?

I think you better line these up.

Do you have a telephone?

I need to make a call.

I love Barnaby.

Oh, I'm afraid that's not possible, but we could, uh, meet tomorrow?

Of course I do.

-No. -No, wait.

Who was it?

That was Kate Merrill.

She says she knows who killed Carla Constanza.

She says she has proof.

6.45?

I am aware of the time, Troy.

Supposed to be at Causton Playhouse in 15 minutes.

Oh, it's the bloody answer phone.

She must have left already.

Would it help if I stayed?

I could talk to Mrs Merrill.

That's very kind of you, Troy, but I think it's me she wants to see.

You could do me a favor, though.

Gavin?

Oh, I don't believe it.

Look, it wasn't his fault.

Something came up.

He asked me to give you these.

Do you know sometimes he is completely impossible?

Most of the time, yeah.

I don't suppose you're free this evening?

I did Pinter for GCSE.

Didn't understand it much, so.

I'll explain in the interval.

Drinks on me?

-Whatever you say. -Thank you.

♪

♪

♪

I'm going out.

Tonight?

Yes, tonight, now.

George.

Don't start, Emily.

I don't know when I'll be back.

Don't wait up for me.

The Green Mantis, a prestigious hunter.

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

Where did you find this, Mrs. Merrill?

At the back of his wardrobe, all crumpled up.

How did you know it would be there?

I didn't.

I was just looking.

I didn't know what I was going to find.

It's her lipstick, isn't it?

You can't be sure of.

It is.

Where's your husband now?

Working late.

David's sort of friends.

That's why I had to see you now.

The watch, the car, now this.

He had a motive.

If David was right and he was out that night.

I'm sorry, I don't understand.

What do you want me to do?

Do you want me to arrest him?

I don't know.

I want to know the truth.

In a hurry, John.

Bill.

Wish you'd tell me what the bloody hell's going on.

Oh, I'm, uh, I'm seeing the advertising people tomorrow.

I don't mean just business.

I'm talking about you and Kate.

This isn't the place.

I can't talk now.

Well, where are you going?

Home.

Well, I suggest we talk pretty damn soon about Kate and about Carla.

Because, to be honest, John, you're becoming a bloody liability.

Do you know why I haven't arrested your husband, Mrs. Merrill?

No.

Because all the evidence against him is circumstantial.

And this just seems too deliberate.

Maybe he wanted it to be found.

Maybe he wanted me to know.

No, it's just like the watch.

It feels planted.

But who by?

He only ever takes the watch off in the house, and there's been nobody there.

Just me, Liz.

And Anna.

♪

There's something else you should know about my husband.

He enjoys strangling me in bed.

He liked to, uh,

To put a rope around my neck while we made love.

When we first moved here at the time of the first killings.

And recently, he tried to do it again.

I know it's hard.

I'm certain of it

And I'm afraid of him

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

It was quite an interesting one, this one.

I've not heard one of these before.

A Portuguese?

The cause of death.

It wasn't a car.

No, that broke a few bones.

But what killed her was an injection here in the neck.

Injection of what?

Liquid nicotine.

Someone pumped her with enough to kill a dozen Portuguese.

Nicotine? Same as you get in cigarettes.

All you need to do is extract the nicotine

from half a pack, and you've got enough to kill.

Not a lot of people know that.

Probably just as well.

Monarch tobacco?

Yes.

I still haven't had your full report on Carla Constanza.

She was strangled in Strangler's Wood with a tie.

What else do you want to know?

Everything.

♪

♪

First Carla, then this?

Oh, it's absolutely unbelievable.

Did you know Anna Santa Rosa, sir?

No.

Well, I met her once or twice when I was in the house.

And when was the last time you were in the Merrill's house?

About a month ago.

Look, she was an au pair who didn't speak much English.

Hardly registered in the Richter scale.

She was killed with an injection of liquid nicotine.

What?

I thought.

Do you keep liquid nicotine here?

Yes, we have an extensive research facility.

And who has access?

Me, various departmental heads, security, not John.

He doesn't have a key.

Well, not to my knowledge, but it's not a key.

All the doors are on electronic codes.

Did you happen to see John Merrill last night?

Well, as a matter of fact, I bumped into him in the car park.

Actually, he seemed in rather a hurry.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

Wait a minute, he was just on his way home.

Do you know where he is now?

We believe the death of Carla Constanza does

not damage the image of Carla the Cigarette.

In fact, if positioned correctly, it will actually strengthen the brand.

John, can I have a word?

♪

I found what you had to say very

interesting, but I'm afraid it's going to have to wait.

You know, I was a research chemist once, working in

hyperactivity in children, the tyrosine metabolism.

And maybe I'd have found a cure.

But then my grant was pulled.

And Kate got me a job with her Uncle Bill, Monarch Tobacco.

Bill Mitchell?

-He's her uncle. -Didn't you know?

Yes, I have an agony aunt for a wife and an uncle for an employer.

I'm well looked after.

Is he married?

-Bill? -No, he's divorced.

It's just something I suppose I should be looking forward to.

Do you think I killed her?

Carla?

And Anna?

Kate does.

She's moved David out of the house.

She's avoiding me.

Can you tell us where you were last night, sir?

Between 7 and 9 o'clock?

At work, and then at home on my own.

I understand Kate was with you.

How about the night of Wednesday the 5th?

I've told you, I never left the house.

Talked to Liz, Elizabeth Francis.

She rang me.

Must have been about 10 o'clock.

We talked for 10, 20 minutes.

How would you describe your relationship with Mrs. Francis?

We're friends.

God, you have been busy, haven't you?

We were lovers.

Past tense.

It's over.

You used to meet at the Fox and Goose.

-Yes. -Why not her house?

Well, you obviously haven't met her neighbors.

If she tips the paperboy, they know how much.

I shouldn't have thought a hotel like the Fox and Goose was any safer.

Well, I wasn't anywhere else.

Anyway, Liz enjoyed the, um, the sense of

adventure, sneaking in, using false names.

Jones?

Yes.

You didn't use any other names, did you?

You never booked in in the name of Dracott?

No.

That name doesn't mean anything to you?

No, why should it?

Carla Constanza had a meeting on Wednesday the 5th.

We found the name Dracott in her diary.

Yeah, well, I never used that name.

And I told you, I was at home on the 5th.

I never left the house.

Your son says differently.

Yeah, well, maybe he had a bad dream.

Look, Detective Inspector, I've had about as much of this as I can take.

Mr. Merrill, your watch was found at the scene of the crime.

And it appears your car was there as well.

We have one of your shirts smeared with lipstick,

which we have positively identified as Carla Constanza's.

You knew both the victims.

And you have no witness, nobody, who can tell

us where you were at the time of either death.

Yes.

Fine.

So why don't you arrest me for murder and get it over with?

They let him go.

Where is he now?

I don't know.

I don't want to know.

I only stayed with him because of David.

And David's more troubled than ever.

You don't mind him staying this weekend, do you?

I enjoy his company.

He's already asked me to take him out on the boat tomorrow.

Mom!

Coming.

You don't really think it was John, do you?

I don't want to talk about it.

It's all ready to go then?

Yep.

♪

♪

Yes, I telephoned John last Wednesday.

We spoke for about a quarter of an hour.

Tea for you, Sergeant.

It's ginseng.

Thank you. To revitalize your energy points.

You have to look after them.

Mrs. Francis.

Oh, Liz, please.

Liz, you were having an affair with John Merrill.

Well, I wouldn't call it that.

We were having sex.

Good old-fashioned rumpy-pumpy.

This is a delicate question.

Did he ever introduce a ligature, a rope, into your liaisons?

You've been speaking to Cade.

I've never known an agony aunt so full of angst.

Yes, he liked to put it around my neck.

It was a fetish.

But I didn't like it, so I told him to stop.

Was that why it ended, the affair?

No, that was my fault.

I got drunk one night and made the fatal mistake.

I wrote to him, the sort of letter you regret the moment it's posted.

What did you say?

Oh, the usual sort of thing.

He didn't love his wife.

We were great together.

He wanted out, I wanted in, so.

When was this?

About a month ago.

And how did he react?

He denied ever receiving it, said it was lost in the post.

The truth is, of course, he didn't want to know.

Why did you telephone him on Wednesday?

I was missing him.

I knew I'd blown it, but I thought we could talk.

I telephoned a couple of times, left messages, finally got him about 10.

So you see, he was in the house.

He could have still slipped out.

After 10 or before midnight, plenty of time to kill Carla Constanza.

You realize she's told us why Anna Santarosa was killed.

Did she?

Elizabeth Francis left two messages on

the answering machine at the Merrill's house.

But do you remember what Anna told us?

Wednesday.

No, there was no message.

No message at all.

She hardly spoke a word of English, yet

she was determined to make herself understood.

Because she was lying.

Oh, yeah.

Carla was on the phone to the Merrill's house

for 45 seconds, just long enough to leave a message.

And of course, the message would be in

Portuguese, the one language Anna understood.

And so whatever Carla said gave her ammunition to try a little blackmail.

But who is she blackmailing?

You keep your eyes on the road, Troy.

Haven't we had enough death?

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

Oh, I don't deserve all this.

I really don't. I thought we ought to celebrate.

Mum rang.

She said she's coming back tomorrow.

Oh, that's marvelous.

Hey, are mothers?

Granny decided she was getting better faster on her own.

You know, when she was on the 2 o'clock train.

-Oh, that's great. -I was missing her.

You didn't even think about her.

I certainly did, several times.

What's all this, then?

Roast lamb and potatoes, broccoli, and fresh peas.

It's alright, I'm not going to go after it.

Oh, it could be your mother.

Dad.

All right then, answer it.

I'll be right back.

I learned a lot of it.

♪

Who found him?

Gloria, the maid.

He left the tap running, and the water came in through the recession.

♪

Ah, it's a full-time job being around you two.

No wonder Dr. Bullard needed a holiday.

Tell me.

Repeated lacerations, none of them very deep.

Chest, hand, face.

One of them got him in the throat.

That's the one that killed him.

The door wasn't locked.

What the hell?

I just don't get it.

-What? -The connection.

Carla Constanza, Anna Santa Rosa, and now this.

It's a bloody connection, all right.

I can see it all too clearly.

And all this, all of this could have been prevented.

Well, you know who did it?

As a matter of fact, I think I do.

Well, who is it?

Do you really want to know?

I think it was you.

♪

I'm afraid she's dying, Chief Inspector.

I think you'll find she's been doing that for quite some time, Doc.

Well, medically speaking, she should have gone already.

It's only her willpower that's been keeping her going.

And now she has no reason to live.

Exactly.

I'll leave you with her.

Thank you.

Mrs. Pike?

Can you hear me?

Mrs. Pike?

My name is Detective Chief Inspector

Barnaby, and I think you've met Sergeant Troy.

You're not needed.

We have to ask you a few questions.

We have to know.

You killed your son.

It was because you knew what he'd done all those years ago.

He killed three girls.

Ava Hoffman,

Joan Chaplin, and Judith Alverston.

And you found out about it?

He was an abomination.

But you didn't go to the police.

Flesh of my flesh.

I couldn't go to the police.

I couldn't.

But I warned him.

It must never happen again.

Never while I'm alive.

Never.

It's Spike.

You've got no reason to stay.

That's why the killer stopped after three girls.

His mother found out, and she spent the

next nine years watching him, protecting him.

But he didn't kill Carla Constanza.

No, no, no, no. Whoever killed Carla Constanza wanted it to look

like one of the earlier killings, strangled in Strangler's Wood.

Remember when we told Leonard about the killing?

No, that's not possible.

I mean.

Have you taken the papers up yet to Mother?

He knew there couldn't have been a fourth

murder because he himself was the killer.

And he didn't want his mother to see the paper.

No, because he knew she'd jumped to the wrong conclusion.

She knew nothing about Carla Constanza.

Until I went into her room and told her.

So did John Merrill kill Carla, or didn't he?

You want the truth?

I don't know.

Carla's death could bring down Monarch Tobacco, could ruin Bill Mitchell.

John Merrill wouldn't mind that.

Maybe.

But if he did kill the girl, why incriminate himself?

And if someone did plant those clues,

what had John Merrill done to deserve that?

And then there's Dracos, the mysterious Mr. Dracot.

Mr. Dracot and Mrs. Dracot, all we know is that Carla

arrives in this country and goes directly to a 2 o'clock meeting.

Then she comes down here, books into a hotel, and at

half past 5, according to the maid, she has an argument.

But we still don't know who with.

Maybe that was Dracot.

As far as we're concerned, Dracot doesn't exist.

Do you want to go back to the office?

No, I do not.

I want to go home and see my wife.

But first, there's something I have to do.

I was hoping to speak to your husband, Mrs. Meacham.

George isn't at home.

I was going to tell him that we have found the

man who killed those girls in Strangler's Wood.

Oh.

I'd be glad if you kept it confidential for 24 hours.

It was a hotel manager, name of Leonard Pike.

He was a local man, lived in the area.

And you have him.

Leonard Pike is dead.

Leonard.

Chief Inspector, can I show you something?

After he retired, George became completely obsessed with the killings.

That's why we moved here.

He couldn't bear to be away.

These photographs.

He stole them from the files.

And there's more.

He used to put them on and go into the wood.

Sometimes he'd spend the whole night there.

He said he was trying to become the killer, to get into his mind.

I started following him, you know, because after that

other girl was found, I even began to wonder if George.

Emily.

It's over, George.

We're selling this house, and we're leaving this horrible, horrible place.

It's over.

We can finally go.

All right David got everything where's my life jacket?

I don't really need one do you yeah catch

Are you sorry your dad's not joining us?

No, not really.

No, I didn't think you would be.

Jovis!

Hi, Dad.

Hi, Cully. Where's your mum? Oh, we've just carried her luggage upstairs.

She's probably catching her breath.

Right.

What did you say just then?

What?

Of course.

That is it.

Yeah, I've got to go.

Tell your mother.

-Cully? -Was that Tom?

Troy, have you got the pathologist report from Peterson yet?

-No. -Right, you come with me.

I want you to look something up for me.

Sir? Look on the internet, newspaper libraries, main police computer, anywhere.

-Right. -It's a name, Acott.

Not Dracott, but Acott.

Dr. Acott,-T-T, OK?

-Yes, sir. -Come on.

Peterson, your report on Carla Constanza.

It's just come off the photocopier.

I was going to send it over.

You're too late.

She was sick, wasn't she?

She had some sort of illness.

How did you know?

Just tell me what it was.

Pulmonary emphysema.

And the cause?

Smoking.

A few more months and she'd have been breathing out of an oxygen bag.

Couple of years, she'd be dead.

Whoever strangled her probably did her a favor.

Mr. Barnaby?

There's a message for you.

Thank you.

Dr Ian Aycott was killed last week in Harley Street.

Fire in his clinic.

The police are still investigating.

Got it.

Carla Constanza came to this country because she was ill.

She went straight to Dr. Acott.

Just a bad handwriting made her look like Dracott.

And that was when she was told the worst.

After that, she came here.

What was it Gloria of the May told us?

When Carla arrived, she was out of breath.

As if she'd been running.

But it was her illness.

She was like that all the time.

That's what puzzled me.

Why did she request a room on the ground floor?

Because she couldn't manage the stairs?

Yes.

And the fox and goose doesn't have a lift.

But who was it in her room?

I don't think anybody was in her room.

Gloria only ever heard one voice, Carlos.

I think she was shouting at herself, shouting at the injustice of it all.

That face is killing me.

I have a twin.

Idiot.

You were supposed to be my father.

Merde!

And when she saw that ashtray full of

cigarettes, the very cause of her illness.

She just threw it against the wall.

Exactly.

In a fit of anger.

But then anger was what it was all about.

So where are we going?

We'll start with the Merrill's house.

I'll drive.

You're drunk.

Why not, Kate?

Why not?

You think I'm a killer.

The police think I'm a killer.

Maybe...

I should prove you all right.

You know what's been bugging me all this time, Troy?

Whoever took Carla Constanza into Strangler's world was

trying to create a smokescreen, trying to divert our attention.

They wanted us to think she was just another victim like the others.

Certainly.

But at the same time, lipstick on the shirt, clay on the car, a lost watch.

Somebody was trying desperately hard to point the finger at John Merrill.

Do you know who?

Yes.

Finally think I do.

You don't like your dad, do you, David?

Is that why you did it?

Come on, you can tell your Uncle Bill.

Had to be you who took that watch.

And the rest of it.

It wasn't anybody else.

You want the police to arrest your dad?

yes

so you found the body

and you went back with your dad's watch but play

on his car even smeared his shirt with her lipstick

You're watching too much television, David.

You've been a very naughty boy.

But you know, if anything happened to you now, no one would ever know.

♪

Inside.

What happened?

Nothing.

Nothing.

She tried to stab me.

She thought

I was going to kill her.

So she tried to stab me.

Mrs. Merrill, you have to tell me.

Where's your son?

Where's David?

I always thought the evidence against John Merrill was too cruel, too childish.

I mean, that Rolex watch, it's pure Agatha Christie.

So David Merrill was trying to incriminate his own father.

He must have stumbled across the body on the way to school.

That's when he had his big idea.

Why?

What has he got against his dad?

Elizabeth Francis.

He must have found out his dad was having an affair.

This was a month before all this began.

I wrote to him.

Sort of letter you regret the moment it's posted.

But John Merrill claimed he never got the letter.

Somehow David must have got hold of it first, read it,

found out his father was having the affair and planning to leave.

And when, a month later, he chances on the body, decides to have his revenge.

But if John Merrill didn't kill her, who did?

Bill Mitchell, of course.

♪

He's not back yet

Carla Constanza made two telephone calls from the Fox and Goose.

John Merrill wasn't in, so she left a message for him.

But she must have got through to Bill Mitchell at Monarch.

And she told him?

Yeah. And look at it from his point of view.

Carla Constanza, the personification of

smoking, dying slowly from a smoker's disease.

-They would have been ruined. -Yeah.

That's why he took the gamble.

She was dying anyway.

But if she died in Strangler's Wood.

He must have picked her up from the hotel, pretended to reason with her.

But in fact, he just wanted her on her own.

♪

He wasn't to know if Carla had already telephoned John Merrill.

Anna Santarosa heard that message.

It was in her own language.

And it must have told her enough for her to try a little blackmail.

And that was a big mistake.

Bill Mitchell was playing for higher stakes.

He didn't hesitate, killed her too.

And what about Dr. Acott?

Did he kill him?

Yes. He had to get rid of Carla's medical records.

As a matter of fact, Dracott, or Dr. Acott, was what gave him away.

Really? Yeah. Do you remember when you asked him about the name?

Dracott.

Never heard of him.

Why do you ask?

No reason.

The way he smiled.

He knew we got it wrong.

And he also knew that Drake Odham was a man.

Never heard of him, he said.

We didn't tell him that.

So much killing.

And now he's alone with David Merrill.

Sir, he's here.

Mr. Mitchell.

Where's the boy?

I couldn't kill him.

He's complete little shit, but he's a child.

Couldn't do it.

♪

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♪

♪

Hello you

How's your mom?

She's fine.

Oh, good.

Good, good, good, good, good.

So how is the father-daughter bonding?

Ha, ha, ha.

That didn't quite happen.

Yes, I heard.

I'm afraid you're not Cully's favorite person.

Where is she?

She's out.

She's got a new boyfriend.

Actually, I think he's a policeman, too.

You're not serious?

Yes.

So is she, I think.

Oh, no.

No, well, it can't be.

Oh, it's good to be home.

♪

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