Original subtitles

Thank you.

Cheer up, Tony.

The best is yet to come.

I was thinking of the rest of the syndicate.

Into each life some rain must fall.

A quarter of a million is a lot of rain.

You surprise me. Have you suddenly discovered a conscience?

Me? Not likely.

That man kicked on me when I was still in Rumpus.

Dino, the bottom of the gangway.

It looks like a police car.

Yes, my friend, it is.

Two men from it just came aboard.

They might be from the fraud squad. They might not.

Either way, there's nothing we can do about it.

So let's finish our drinks.

I knew it was going too well. I knew it. Easy, my pet. Don't distress yourself.

But if they have a warrant, it might... These are a piece of paper. It just

means the police have been burning the midnight oil, filling in forms. Nothing

more. Dino, you said yourself if they want... I love you worry too much.

If they... Yes?

Excuse me, sir.

It's the first officer.

Do come in. Perhaps you'd care to join us. Not at the moment, sir. These two

gentlemen want to talk to you. By all means.

Thank you, sir.

Another five minutes and we'd have left you on the quayside, waving us goodbye.

That thought was uppermost in our minds, sir.

You are Mr. Dino Stefano of 7A West Mayfair Towers?

Of course.

You make it sound very formal.

It is formal.

I'm a police officer.

I have this warrant for your arrest.

You're joking, of course.

No, I wouldn't do that.

May I?

I'm afraid it's just vanity.

People seldom spell my name correctly.

I hope we haven't been guilty of that.

No.

But surely you're intelligent enough to realize this is a complete waste of

time. You must allow us to be in charge of that.

If you'll get your coat, we'll be going.

Thank you, Tony.

I shall want to call my solicitor.

You understand, of course.

A matter of simple courtesy.

Courtesy. You seem to have a peculiar way of showing it. In what way?

Complete honesty and mutual trust form the cornerstones of our association, Mr.

Stefano.

Fine words, Mr. Lloyd.

But just words.

I don't see it that way.

As your solicitor for the past six years, I'm entitled to know what's going

on.

Entitled?

Who do you think you're talking to? There are certain moral obligations at

stake here, Mr. Stefano. I know exactly what's at stake, Lloyd. I don't need you

to remind me.

Seven years of my life at stake.

So if we can forego the histrionics, we might get somewhere.

As you wish.

How do you assess the counsel that's appointed for the prosecution?

Robert Lindner?

One of the best.

I'll go further.

If he can't prove the Crown's case against you, no one can.

They mean to get me this time.

They do.

This is no petty theft.

It's a fraudulent conversion of £260,000.

So they say.

And as you were the only person who had easy access to the money, and the money

is now missing, the London Syndicate has a right to know what's become of it.

And Lindley is just the man to find out.

I don't think you quite realise what kind of a man you face in Robert

Lindley. I'm most anxious to learn.

He's best described as a dedicated advocate.

Good for him.

He knows you couldn't have engineered a fraud like this on your own. Has he?

There had to be others. He knows that. He'll stop at nothing to find them.

Where?

Evidence. Your former secretary, Miss Maxwell, for instance, wherever she is

now, and whoever helped you at Zurich. He'll find them. Make no mistake about

that.

You seem to enjoy telling me this.

You know that isn't so. I merely wanted you to know the facts.

Good.

And what are you doing about the most important fact of all?

I don't think I follow.

Lindley. The so-called dedicated advocate.

What are you doing about him?

I really... I'm telling you to do something. Fix Lindley.

You belong to the same fraternity, speak the same language. It should be easy.

I hope I misinterpret your words.

I'm paying you not to.

You can bid as high as 50,000.

50,000 for Lindley to see things my way and count his blessings.

That's quite impossible.

Nothing's impossible.

Lindley's beyond your reach and mine. He'd never make a deal.

With his worst enemy or his best friend, it's all the same.

50,000 would buy you nothing.

There's always a first time.

Every man has his price.

Not this man.

Now, hear this, Lloyd.

Stop Lindley. I don't care how you do it, but stop him.

Don't leave that to me.

I, uh... I shall have to confer with my colleagues. By all means.

Tell them how deeply I'm distressed in here.

I trust you won't do anything in haste. You know me better than that.

I'll keep you informed.

He won't lift a finger, do you know?

Might spoil his manicure.

I know.

If you're set on stopping, Lindley, you need someone trained for the job.

You know someone?

Yes.

Then get in.

Hi, Mike.

Still nursing the house, huh?

I cherish it like a sick friend.

What are you doing down here?

Seeing how the other half lives?

If it's living, I can take it or leave it.

Right now, I'd rather leave it.

It's in the write-up about Dina.

Here. A nine-day wonder, isn't that what they call it?

The boys in Fleet Street must be busy sharpening their pencils.

25,000 pounds bail.

I must think Dino's a very important person.

He is.

He wants to see you.

He thought you might like to spit a pot of yogurt with him.

That's what I like about Dino. He thinks of everything.

I thought too.

He wants to see you now.

I hope he's prepared for a long, hard winter.

Lindley's sure to get him that.

Tony tells me you've worked together before, Mike.

A few times, nothing recent.

So he says.

You'd be surprised.

He can't speak too highly of your work.

Quite a reputation.

You know how it is with reputations.

They have a habit of outgrowing themselves.

Nice person.

I take it you've some time on your hands now.

I've been catching up on my reading.

Everyone should have a hobby.

My solicitor doesn't think much of my chances.

He sounds a cautious soul.

He is. His name's Lloyd.

With a name like that, he ought to be selling insurance.

We all have our problems.

I want you to fix the odds a little more in my favor, Mike.

Knobble the favorite, if you follow me.

Lindley?

You're quick on the uptake.

That much was written on the card.

Was it?

What a word of advice, Mike.

Don't read more into it than was written there.

I make it a habit not to.

Good.

Now, I'm not a violent man, Mike.

I don't want Lindley scratched from the card. I want him to run, you understand.

But I want him lame.

Very lame.

In what way?

Discredit him. The man and his professional standing.

If we can destroy the public image of the dedicated advocate, we're halfway to

destroying the case for the prosecution.

Something simple and direct?

Well, let's say subtle and direct.

There's only one way.

Yes?

A woman.

Oh, knock off. That's inviting trouble.

You have a particular woman in mind?

Someone special.

No birds. That's special.

Why a woman, Mike?

There's no other way.

Lindley's nobody's fool, least of all yours and mine. But he's still human.

A sitting duck for the right come-hither smile.

And can we trust this rare creature of yours?

All the way.

You still hold the aces.

I don't like it, you know. Shut up, Tony.

Let him finish.

She'd have to contact Lindley on her own.

Say she's prepared to give evidence against you.

Subject to certain safeguards for herself.

What evidence?

You tell me.

I tell her.

If she can convince him... But she's only doing it to get even with you.

He'll swallow the hook without a murmur.

How much do you want it now?

All you care to stake.

I'm staking seven years of my life, Mike. That's enough for anyone.

I can't afford to lose seven days. I've learned seven years.

So if we do it your way, I wouldn't want it to go wrong.

It won't.

You sound very convinced you can fix Lindley. I can, but to make quite

certain.

We bait the hook with the best information we can get.

That way, when Lindley takes the bite, he won't feel a thing.

Janet, how about a nice pot of tea and some of your aunt's homemade cake?

Assuming there's some left. There is.

Oh, Amount Bank passed me a note in court. I believe they've now sent the

antecedent report on the Carmichael brief. Yes, sir, they have.

And your daughter's waiting in your office. Oh.

Hello, Beth.

My goodness, what's this, another new outfit?

Why, you bring a welcome touch of early spring.

Is something wrong?

Oh, yes, that.

Not a very flattering picture, is it? That wasn't what I meant.

I'm sure it wasn't.

Dr. MacLeod would have a fit if he could see your best looking like that.

Oh, he means well, but he's a bit of an old woman.

I remember you saying so.

I also remember you promising him to take things easy.

Beth, my love, I do.

Between our place on the river and here, I live the most simple life a man can.

This is taking things easy?

This and the Dino Stefano brief, with all the notoriety that comes with it?

I had to accept brief to prosecute this man, Beth. You know that.

Is this Dino Stefano that important, Father?

I don't know about the man, but the fraudulent conversion of over a quarter

of a million pounds to his own pocket is very important.

He's broken the law, Beth. Someone has to challenge his right to do that.

I don't know.

What?

Well, didn't you once tell me that swindler's crimes were invariably

mitigated by the greed and gullibility of the investors?

The things you remember.

Well, didn't you?

Yes, I did, and I was right.

But even fools are entitled to the protection of the law.

Yes? There's a woman on the line who wants to speak to you. She won't give a

name, but she says it concerns Dino Stefano.

Oh, I will put her through.

I'll get the tea. Thank you.

Putting you through?

Hello?

Yes, speaking.

Who is it?

Lisa Maxwell.

I used to work for Dino Stefano.

Yes, I know.

But I wanted time to consider my own position.

Yes, I have.

I'm prepared to give evidence, but I want to talk to you first.

There's nothing I'd like better.

How about tomorrow morning?

Oh, any time between 9 and 11.30, here in Chambers. No, I won't come there.

I'm sorry, but it's out of the question.

I'm not fully convinced I should involve myself in this, but if I am to, then we

meet here first, at my place.

I'm afraid that's impossible.

It would be quite unethical for me to meet you there, whatever the reason.

Frankly, Mr. Lindley, I'm not interested in the legal ethics or anything else.

I merely want Dino to get what's coming to him.

But since you can't see this my way, I'm sorry I bothered you. No, please don't

hang up.

I quite understand your reluctance to come here, but I'm most anxious to talk

to you. Very well.

But in that case, here?

Yes, if there's no other way.

And your address?

No, but I can find it.

You're very welcome.

He'll be here at 8, darling.

Good.

You'd better rehearse your patter until you're word perfect.

There was a time, not so long ago, when you said I was perfect, darling.

I was thinking about Lindley.

Were you?

He's been around longer than you and me put together.

One slip in your story and he'll pull the rug from under you.

Is that what happened to you, darling?

We were talking about Lindley and you.

Oh, so you were.

Mike, you know I'm prepared to do anything that will help Dino.

But I won't stand for any violence against Lindley. You realize that?

No one's going to harm him.

There's no percentage in it.

Are you doing this for the money or something else, darling?

Is there anything else? I'm asking you. You know Lindley, don't you?

Mike, look at me.

This is Lisa, remember?

I've watched him in court. From the dock?

Once. Is that where he pulled the rug from under you?

Before your time, Lisa.

Dead and buried.

Can you bury a thing like that, Mike?

Or is it just below the surface, waiting to strike out and get even with Lindy?

A bit late to compile a dossier on me, Lisa.

It's never too late for anything.

There's not much to choose between you and the devil, is there?

I wouldn't know.

I'm being paid to do a job of work.

Lindley won't be here for hours.

Neither will anyone else.

It's out of season for poaching.

You were never this cautious before.

It's a new habit I'm trying to cultivate.

What about the old habit?

and get changed.

You ready?

Yes, that'll do.

Now, stand here.

Now bend forward.

Bend your arm.

Smile.

That's right. Now try and hold that position.

I hope you'll remember how cooperative I was.

Yeah, I'll make a note of it.

Keep still.

Turn your face a bit this way.

Aren't you taking this a little too seriously, Mike?

This is one time I believe in playing safe.

That much had finally sunk in. You're a bundle of surprises.

Now keep still.

Thank you.

No, this is Miss Lindley. Is my father there? I rang him at his club, but he

wasn't there. I thought he might be working late.

No, there's nobody here except me.

Well, it's quite all right, Miss.

Good night.

Thank you.

You were explaining about the money being paid to Luciano Enterprises in

Zurich. Yes.

Luciano are a subsidiary of Triton Investments in Friedrichschaden.

The people who allegedly owned the Lakeside property.

Allegedly?

The Lakeside property doesn't exist. It's just a piece of paper.

Then all documents were forgeries.

I thought you knew that.

No. I knew the Swiss ones were, of course. Dino laughed when he told me.

He admitted the murderers.

He was proud of them.

I still don't see how Dino could have worked something like this on his own.

Why? The letters.

There were masses of them from Zurich. I know.

We're convinced all the correspondence was written in London by Mr. Stefano.

How could it have been?

It was written here, sent to Zurich, put into new envelopes, and then sent back

to Stefano's London office.

He was writing to himself. Exactly.

When the contracts were signed, he paid himself the £260,000.

You said the money was paid to Luciano Enterprises.

The Swiss company, the German company, and Mr. Stefano are one and the same

person. They're his own companies.

I never knew.

He took very good care that no one knew, least of all the London syndicate for

whom he was ostensibly buying the Lakeside property.

You say you know all this. Can you prove it?

We shall know in a day or two.

But what about the letters being posted back from Zurich to London?

Who did that?

I don't know. I wish I did.

But there was a correspondence from Zurich.

Surely you must have some idea who worked that end of the scheme?

An idea, but just that at the moment. We believe that someone close to Stefano

flouted Zurich on his instructions from time to time for that very purpose.

Totally sure?

No, I'm afraid not.

He's the only person Dino would trust to do something like that. Possibly, but

he's not the man we want. How can you be so certain?

The police have checked his passport.

He was never out of the country during the entire transaction.

Then this person, whoever he is, who worked the postal routine in Zurich, is

still a mystery.

For the moment.

There must be some way you can find out. Some way we can fix Dino for... Oh, I'm

sorry.

I'm not usually a vindictive person.

But this is one time I want Dino to get what's coming to him. I think I

understand how you feel.

Do you?

I worked for him for eight years, Mr. Lindley. And overnight he told me to get

out. Three days later I had an accident.

I was in hospital for five weeks.

He never came anywhere near me.

Not once. Thank you.

Take a look.

Hmm.

Quite artistic, Mike.

Could an expert tell it was a fake?

Unless they saw the original negatives.

We'd better take care of them.

Oh, well.

Well, this delightful cameo takes care of our eminent barrister.

There you are, Mrs. Collins. All neat and tidy till next week.

How's your sister?

Oh, so?

Your sister, dear. I heard her back with... Who's playing her up again? Oh,

stuff and nonsense, like a wet Sunday in August. She has to come by the club and

not a word out about it.

Plumps herself in front of the telly like she was going to take root.

Not to squeak out of her all night till the epilogue. Say anything, it's like

talking to a brick wall.

Well, ta-da.

Bye-bye, dear.

Oh, they do go on, some of them, don't they? Can I help you, sir?

Yes, I'm looking for a map of the district.

Oh, yes, we should have one. Hey, Jimmy, whose orders have you got there?

Marshals and Kipperfields. Well, don't forget the Jenkins. It was promised for

last night.

They're on the bike.

Don't keep on keeping on.

Ah, I'll have less of your sauce, too.

Map, yes.

Do you do all the deliveries round here?

Oh, yes, all the local ones, sir. There you are.

Seven and six.

Oh, thanks.

Might as well get to know the district. I'm thinking of buying a bungalow down

here. Oh, are you? That's nice.

It's quite the fashion nowadays, isn't it, a place by the river?

Yes, sir. How much? Seven and six, sir.

Of course, if you want a really nice place, there's Commander Jocelyn's over

by the lock.

Commander? Jocelyn. He's something to do with naval intelligence at the

Admiralty.

It's a lovely place. They spent a small fortune on it.

Sounds a bit expensive for my pocket. Oh, what a shame.

Of course, it wouldn't be on the market at all if it wasn't for the fact that

Mrs. Jocelyn took a fancy to a certain friend of the family.

Big man he was. Half Romanian, I think. Of course, everyone denies it.

It's very hush-hush, but, well, there's no smoke without fire, is there?

Do you happen to know where a Mr. Robert Lindley lives? He's a London barrister.

Yes, the last house on Ashley Walk, that way, over by the Weir. You won't find

him there today, though, sir. He's only down weekends.

Every weekend?

Oh, yes, winter and summer. Never misses messing about on his boat or in the

garden. He must find it very lonely.

I don't think so, no. He strikes me as the sort who likes being on his own. All

that chattering court, I suppose.

He's very cheerful, though, whenever he comes in here or phones his order in.

Well?

Thanks for your help.

Oh, you're welcome, Mr... Hello?

Oh, hello, Mr. Jameson. How's the new baby?

Take a walk in the park.

Get the starch out of your system.

You're taking unnecessary risk using Cochrane like this, Dino.

I'm paying for the privilege.

It's easy to say that. And gambling seven years of my life into the bargain.

I'm more concerned about this than you can ever be.

So take a walk.

The police might take a trip back to Zurich, Dino.

There's nothing for them to find?

There's one person.

Word might get around who helped you with the correspondence.

Lindley won't rest until he knows everything about Zurich.

So?

Let me make sure he'll never find out.

Do that at the right time and in the right place.

When I give the word, not before.

I blame the point.

Yes, you have.

Why the sudden sweat about Cochrane?

I thought you had something else in mind for Lindley. You know what I've got in

mind. Nothing's changed.

Cochrane's an old score to settle with Lindley.

It's lucky you brought him here.

Hello? Hello?

Dino.

Oh, hello, Mike.

I rang earlier. There was no answer. I spent the day with my lawyers.

How's it going?

Everything's fixed. I want to talk the details over with you.

Well, any time after 11.

Fine.

Thanks.

You wanted something?

Yes, my coat. You'll leave me on it.

Oh, I'm sorry. Is this your seat?

It was.

Then you'd better take it back. No, you keep it. Squatter's rights. Once you

claim something, hang on like grim death.

No, thank you. I'd rather you had it.

I'd only feel guilty keeping you for it. Oh, and we wouldn't want you to feel

like that.

I beg your pardon? Guilty.

Obviously, I amuse you.

If you let me by, I'll get out of your way.

I didn't mean to scare you away.

You're taking a lot for granted. Why should I be scared?

Then you're not running?

What's this?

Your hidden charm putting in a late appearance?

I didn't know I had any.

But if you're not scared, perhaps you could move up a bit.

There should be room for one more.

All right.

Cigarette? Yes, please.

You come here often?

Quite often.

And you?

Yes, I almost live here.

I haven't seen you before, though.

Would you like the Ambiente?

I'd better put these away.

Spent half the afternoon waxing them.

Come in, Mike.

You look like a prospective buyer viewing the place.

Take your coat.

Thanks.

Do you like skiing?

I love it.

Me too.

Is this some of your work?

You sound as though you don't quite approve of it.

Oh, I never disapprove of anything I don't understand.

Me or the paintings?

Both.

This looks as if you just lost your temper and threw some paint at the

canvas. I did.

Well, not so much in a temper as feeling a bit reckless.

It pays off sometimes.

Does it?

Five days after I'd finished it, someone offered me 45 guineas for it.

And you didn't take it?

As long as it stays where it is, it's a symbol of my independence.

Not to mention 45 guineas.

Are you always so materialistic?

Isn't everyone?

I don't know everyone.

Come to that, I don't even know you.

Nothing to declare.

What do you do, Mike?

Nothing like you. I dabble in real estate.

On your own?

On my own.

Isn't that something of a gamble?

My father used to say it was in the blood.

I'm a compulsive gambler.

Even about me?

Present company always accepted.

I'm not so sure.

I think you're suspicious of me.

Should I be?

Here you go again.

I get the feeling you don't trust anyone.

Anyone but yourself.

Is that true?

If you want me to say yes, the answer's yes.

Don't you find it lonely?

Only in the wee small hours.

I know I would.

I don't like being on my own.

Yet I can't make friends easily.

That's seldom a lasting problem.

I hope not.

You're very sweet, Mike.

Take your time.

Well, that'll be enough.

Sorry I'm late. The least of my worries, Mike. Sit down.

What have you got there?

A map.

Lindley's got a riverside bungalow near Raysbury.

Luckily it's on its own.

It's just there.

I presume you've had a good look?

Yes, it couldn't be better.

I also chatted the woman who runs the local grocery store.

He spends every weekend down there. Winter and summer.

Usually on his own.

Well, this week mustn't be an exception.

We can make sure it isn't.

This is the letter-headed notepaper I got from his desk.

London Club.

In a place near Raisbury.

You want with this?

You can make yourself useful with it.

I can?

Faking a couple of letters from Lindley to Lisa.

You know the sort of thing.

Offering to do a deal with her on behalf of the prosecution.

Here's a sample of his handwriting I got from the waste paper basket.

Make it easy for you, Tony.

Speak for yourself.

I haven't scratched a pen in a year or more. Oh, it's the same as swimming,

Tony. Once you learn, you never forget.

The police can find them in Lisa's luggage when the time comes. After the

first discovery of the affair?

Yes.

How do you rig that?

At the bungalow, tomorrow night.

Doesn't give us much time.

All the time we need.

Lindley has a bar association dinner tomorrow night.

He can't be back at the bungalow until after ten.

What's this stuff?

Chloroform.

I don't want to use it until he's asleep.

Then I'll give him just enough to put him under for a couple of hours.

You know how?

Foolish of me to ask.

You see that Lisa's down there before all that. Then what?

She stays in the bungalow with Lindley while I fire the boating shed.

Then I call the fire service, police, and tip off the press.

I like the press being in from the off.

Ringside. Just another fire story.

Until Lisa is found there with Lindley.

The secret witness the police are looking for.

And the balloon really goes up. And Lindley with it.

The newspapers will wreck any prosecution case.

You can still deny it.

So what?

The papers will be on the street before you can deny anything.

Sounds fine, Mike.

But before we get a rush of blood to the head...

What do we do with Lisa after it's over?

What's her story?

It's best she hasn't one.

What does she do?

Keeps her mouth shut.

Refuses to say anything to anyone.

Let the press print what they like. So much the better.

Yes, of course, the fact of her being at the bungalow at night says it all.

We just pull the strings.

And I'll roast Lindley.

We ought to plant one of those photographs of Lindley and Lisa at the

bungalow. You've only excelled yourself, Mike.

But I would like to sleep in it.

Call you in the morning?

Be sure Tony writes those letters.

I will rely on it.

You mean to nail Lindley, don't you, Mike?

You'll pay me for the privilege.

And I owe him one small gesture.

He got me 18 months for that hat and garden job.

One good turn deserves another.

And if this works out the way it should, I won't forget you, Mike.

It'll work.

Good night.

Good night.

How much did you hear?

Everything.

I was right, Dino.

He's really set on getting even with Lindley.

I still can't figure him out.

Why not?

He's been around long enough. You'd think he'd learn to ride the punches by

now. We all have a blind spot, Tony. Lindley happens to be Mike's.

Right now he's so blind, he can't see what's coming to him.

Janet, bring in the Ellesden deposition while you're at it, please.

Thank you.

Sorry, Beth, you were saying?

I overheard him making inquiries about you in the store.

No, I'm flattered.

Father, I'm serious.

Beth, my love, I know you are, and I'm grateful for your concern, but what

would you have me do? Clap the man in irons because he's curious?

It was more than just idle curiosity.

I do know that.

To a moral certainty and beyond a reasonable doubt?

I haven't any proof, but I know he was up to no good.

Well, go on. I'm still listening.

I met him later on at the jazz club.

You know, that place in Chelsea.

You mean you deliberately went out of your way to meet him again? He must be a

very unusual young man. No, I just wanted to find out what he was up to.

Did you?

No, he was much too fly.

His name's Cochran, Michael Cochran.

Does that mean anything to you?

Cochran.

Thank you, Janet.

Cochran, Cochran.

Wait a minute.

Wasn't there a Regina v. Cochran about three years ago?

Central Criminal Court?

Yes, sir. The Haddon Garden brief. Mr. Justice Lawrence.

Yes. Cochran got 18 months.

He's quite a good-looking chap. Quiet, unemotional.

Could that be your man?

Yes.

Superintendent Gilchrist is outside, sir. So soon?

Ask him to come in.

I'd better go. Yes.

And don't worry about Cochrane. He's harmless enough. I hope you're right.

Come in, Ted.

Good afternoon, miss.

Hello. You've been quicker than I expected.

Goodbye. By luck of the draw, sir, I got an earlier plane and a straight run

through from London Airport. Good.

I'm afraid it is about the only thing that is good, sir.

Oh, damn.

No luck at all? No, at least not the kind we hoped for.

We're no closer to identifying Stefano's mysterious post clerk in Zurich than we

were before.

I'm afraid not.

What about the Zurich offices?

It's a six-month lease, three rooms, not a stick of furniture in any of them, not

even a telephone.

I can't understand how nobody has ever seen to go into these offices.

The correspondence had to be collected, if nothing else.

Whoever ran that end of the swindle certainly knew his stuff.

All Stefano's instructions were carried out to the letter. He's an astute

operator, Ted. I can think of another word.

You know, short of finding out who did redirect the correspondence back to

London, our one hope is Miss Maxwell's evidence. Do you realise, then?

Her evidence is inadmissible, sir. At the moment, I agree, but I'm certain I

can persuade her to make a formal statement.

That's not what I mean, sir.

What, then?

I went back to Friedrichshafen and had a long talk with the burgomaster.

I got this photostat copy of a marriage certificate.

Whose?

Dino Stefano.

And Lisa Maxwell.

What?

Their husband and wife.

Ready, Tony?

Car's in the bag. Good.

Be careful, Dino.

Promise me. I'm always careful.

Won't be for long, my sweet.

And remember, whatever happens, you for one don't go anywhere near Lindley's

bungalow tonight.

I wish there was some other way out of this, darling. We all wish that, but

there isn't.

We have to do it this way, believe me. I know.

Yes? Everything's just about set.

Linda should be here in an hour.

Get Lisa started.

Okay. I'll phone Dino.

What do you mean you'll phone him?

Isn't he there?

No.

He had to be sure she was around when we wanted her.

He's with her now. He's the only one who can keep her sweet.

All right, Tony. Don't throw a fit. It was just a question.

Get Lisa down here.

I'll do my job. You do yours. That way there's no confusion.

Yeah, I know. I got the message.

I'll tell Dino.

Hello?

Oh, yes.

It's Tony. He wants you.

Tony. I told you not to bother me with... What?

How long ago?

What is it?

No, Tony, don't do anything.

Leave this to me.

Yes, that's right.

Darling, what's wrong? What is it?

Cochran's at your father's bungalow.

What? How long's he been there? Oh, not long.

I've had Tony keeping a close watch on him since last night.

Oh, I knew you was desperate, but I didn't think you'd have the nerve to go

this far.

What's he doing there?

I'm sorry, darling. I didn't mean to upset you.

You've got to tell me, Dino. Please, darling.

Well, I didn't want to worry you with this, but under the circumstances,

perhaps you should know.

Know what?

Well, Cochran came to see me last night.

But after he left you, he threatened me.

Tried to blackmail me.

Blackmail? Oh, not for the first time.

I paid him off, but he was adamant. He said it wasn't enough.

I told him to get out.

I thought he was bluffing.

It appears now I was wrong.

About what?

He knows.

About us.

He can't. I'll show you he does.

It's not possible, Dino.

Men like Cochran have a way of making things possible.

And they don't care very much how they do it or where they get their

information.

How could he know I was... Dino, you said no one would ever find out about

Zurich. You promised me. You mustn't upset yourself, darling.

None of this is your fault.

Or mine, either.

We must be very logical about this. Beat him at his own game.

He demanded £50,000 by ten o'clock tonight, otherwise... Yes?

He said he was going to sell the information to your father.

About you redirecting the correspondence in Zurich for me.

You've got to stop him, Dino.

We will, darling.

We're in this together.

Whatever happens now, that's the way it's got to be.

Where's your passport?

In the bedroom.

Then go and fetch it.

I don't understand. Why do you want my passport?

I was thinking of Cochrane.

It would tell him when you were out of the country.

The number of trips you made to Zurich.

What's the matter?

It's not here.

Although Cochrane must have taken it last night. No wonder he was so sure of

his facts.

Dino, a scandal like this would ruin my father.

You've got to pay Mike off, please.

It's not that simple, Beth.

I know Cochrane.

Once he gets his claws into us, he'll drain us of every penny.

And then he'll start blackmailing your father.

Now, there's only one way to stop Mike Cochrane.

Oh, Dino.

I couldn't.

Whatever happens, I couldn't do anything like that.

You don't have to.

You say your father has a Bar Association dinner tonight.

Have you got a key to the bungalow?

Yes.

Then get it.

You'll need a coat.

I want you to drive straight down to the bungalow and keep Cochrane occupied

until I get there.

Would you suspect something if I show up there? Why should he? It's your own

father's home.

But even if he does so much, the better. You'll have less trouble keeping him

occupied.

This'll stop him, if he does try anything.

Promise me you'll be there as soon as you can.

Sooner than you think, but I have to get Lisa first.

Lisa?

I thought you'd finished with her.

I have.

Perhaps that was my mistake.

What? She's the only one who could have told Cochrane about us and the Zurich

business. If we don't stop them now, they'll ruin us all.

Well, I don't matter.

But I won't let them do anything to you, Beth.

Now go.

Yes? Good evening. I'm sorry to call so late, but I have to talk to you.

I'm rather tired. Can't it wait till the morning? I'm afraid it can't. It

concerns your evidence.

What about it?

Evidence which from the outset you knew you were powerless to give in court.

I beg your pardon?

Come now, you know a wife can't give evidence against her own husband.

My husband?

I have a photostat copy of the marriage certificate and an affidavit signed by

the burgomaster of Friedrichshafen.

Oh, you have been busy.

But if that's all you've come to tell me, you'd better leave. Not quite all,

Mrs. Stephan. It's all I want to hear. I advise you most strongly to hear me out.

Well?

By your actions, you sought to further a miscarriage of justice.

Really? And in so doing, discredit the prosecution by offering evidence you

knew to be inadmissible in a British court of law. I want to know why.

I was anxious to help, that's all.

Abramble sentiments, but exactly who were you trying to help? I thought that

was obvious.

I want to know who told you to phone me.

Who put you up to it?

No one. It was my own idea.

You take full responsibility for what you did?

Certainly.

I've prepared a report for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It concerns your subreptive and prejudicial actions in this case.

Read it.

Get out. Leave me alone.

I mean to get to the root of this matter.

You can tell me or the police.

It's a small consequence which of us you tell.

Well?

Hello, Mike.

This is quite a surprise.

Life's full of them.

I'm quite alone.

So if you're waiting for my father, you're going to be disappointed.

Why should I be waiting for him?

He lives here.

Spends every weekend here.

The woman in the grocery store told you, didn't she?

Did she?

I was there.

I heard everything.

But I didn't know what you were up to until tonight.

And now you do.

That's right.

Dino told me.

What do you know about him?

That's a laugh coming from you.

You're the one who knows it all.

The man who sells everything to the highest bidder.

You're a mine of information.

Isn't that why you're waiting for my father?

What are you talking about?

Dino and me and the business in Zurich.

Isn't that what you're trying to sell my father?

You were the one he used in Zurich? You don't have to keep up the pretense.

Dino's told me everything.

What you are, who you are. A blackmailer who'll stop at nothing.

You're not going to tell anyone about Dino and me. Not my father, not anyone.

Don't be a fool.

Put the gun down.

You're not going to tell anyone, Mike.

I wasn't contemplating it.

Whatever Dino told you was a pack of lies.

He's just using you, Beth. You can't explain your way out of this.

How was I supposed to know you and Dino were in the same swindle? What am I, a

mind reader?

Lisa told you.

Are you serious?

She had to. She was the only one who knew.

That's why Dino's bringing her with him.

Dino told you he was bringing Lisa here? That's right. No, he's not.

Lisa won't be coming.

We can rely on her not to say anything, I promise you.

Dino, you said she knew everything.

And so she does, Angel, just like you. But she won't say anything. She's my

wife.

She can't be.

I don't believe it. It's not true, Dino.

Ask Tony.

Oh, don't worry about her, my sweet.

Lisa can be trusted.

You're the one I'm unsure about.

You.

Dino, I love you.

I did everything for you.

Watched him in the store, made friends with him to find out what he was up to.

Yes, I know.

I did it because I love you. Yes, but if you had a sudden change of heart, your

evidence could put me away for seven years. I couldn't sleep knowing that.

You'll never get away with it. I already have.

You made it easy.

Dino, I swear I'd never hurt you.

Such a simple frame, Mike.

Neat and uncluttered with you right in the middle.

You're not that stupid.

Why should they believe I'd kill her?

Why?

I'll tell you.

Try it, Mike.

You're the compulsive gambler.

Just try your luck now.

I'm not that compulsive.

Especially when I'm still curious.

Why pick me?

You were tailor-made for it.

A man of distinction.

Lindley got you 18 months. You were out to fix him. Blind revenge.

You began by sending him threatening notes.

When was this? In my dreams?

These. They'll find them later.

There's another in the girl's flat.

Tony excelled himself, Mike.

An expert couldn't tell his writing from yours.

I could tell.

Sorry, Mike.

You won't get the chance.

You'll be dead.

Like her.

There's an easier way to stop Lindley.

Is there?

The price of a phone call.

Tell him about her partner's set-up.

Make a deal with him.

As soon as he knows the truth, he'll drop everything.

You know Lindley better than that, you should.

No one can make a deal with him.

Not about her or anyone. Not at any price. It's the way he's made.

So like it or not, we do it my way.

Justifiable homicide.

It won't work, Dino.

We shall make it.

Beth surprised you here while you were waiting for her father. So you had to

shut her up.

And that's how you see it.

And then you set fire to the boating shed.

Just like we planned.

And you panicked.

Got yourself caught.

Couldn't get out.

Burned to death.

Nothing's that bad.

The woman in the store will remember you asking about Lindley in this place.

And the kids will remember seeing you and Beth together at the jazz club. It

all fits.

You're a sick man, Dino.

Paranoic.

All this, and the scandal about Lindley and Lisa.

It'll finish his case.

Now empty your pockets, Mike.

We must have proof that you were here.

Now one at a time.

And slowly, Mike.

Slowly.

Slowly.

That's enough.

Now back up.

Back up.

Tony?

Help him, Father, help him.

He's beyond anyone's help. Dino?

Police.