Original subtitles

Oh my god.

Frankly, Derek, I don't care where you got the money from or what you did with

it. I invested it. You mean gambled. I said invested. And that's what I meant.

In Topaz Synthetics.

Congratulations. I've been promised a seat on the board, only... Your personal

investment isn't high enough to guarantee that seat.

Yes. You have my sympathy.

That's not enough, Paul. I need more.

My dear Derek, success isn't something you buy off the peg. With my money or

anyone else's. You have to earn it.

I'm your son. You've got to help. You're my stepson, Derek.

I'm not responsible for you or your actions.

I'm warning you, Paul, it's not that simple.

I'm in too deep to back out now.

Apparently. But I can't help you.

It's that simple.

Yes.

Put him through.

Oh, good morning, Colonel.

Obviously, you've seen yesterday's closing prices.

Yes, it's worked like a charm.

Well, I said there would be an appreciable gain in the stock.

Good morning. Good morning.

My name is Halston. I'd like to see Mr. Heinrich.

Well, he's engaged at the moment.

Perhaps I can help you? No, no, I have to see Mr. Heinrich. It's very

important.

My sister was Moira Halston. I think he'll remember her.

Well, if you take a seat, I'll see what I can do. Thank you.

Excuse me.

And my regards to Mrs. Fenwick.

Goodbye.

There's a Miss Halston outside.

She'd like to see you.

Are you sure that's the name she gave?

Yes, she said she's Mona Halston's sister.

I never knew she had a sister.

Did she say what it was about?

No, but she's rather set on seeing him.

All right, sure.

You don't mind going, do you, Derek?

I'll come back later.

Well, I shouldn't bother. I really can't help you this time.

Goodbye.

Miss Halston.

Good morning. Good morning, Miss Halston.

Will you sit down? Yes, thank you. What can I do for you?

It's about my sister.

Yes? You know she died five weeks ago.

I read about it. Most unfortunate, yes.

You didn't go to the inquest yourself, then?

No, should I have gone?

My sister wrote to me saying you were advising her about some investments.

Thank you.

Yes, that was some time ago.

We did discuss the possibility of her investing her money.

But nothing came of it.

Certainly not through me.

Her letter gives the impression you were already acting for her.

Yes, it does, doesn't it?

But I assure you it's quite a false impression.

The last time I saw your sister was, well, about three months ago.

I'm a little puzzled.

Why did you wait so long until you came to see me?

I only found out about my sister's death a week ago.

I've been on the continent for about six months.

Holiday? No.

No such luck.

I'm a fashion model. I was traveling quite a bit. My letters took a while to

catch up.

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know if you drink sherry.

Yes, thank you.

Your sister's death must have been quite a shock.

I don't believe she meant to kill herself.

I'm sure she didn't.

Unfortunately, the actual cause of her death is not as rare as you seem to

think. How do you mean?

Well, I'm no authority on the subject, but I do know that 900 people, mostly

women, died last year alone from an overdose of barbiturates.

I didn't know my sister was taking sleeping pills.

From what little I've read about it, I don't think anyone did.

Did you know that she drew 7,000 pounds from the bank the day before she died?

No, I didn't. It was a legacy for my father.

Really? And that was the money she intended to invest?

For some strange reason, she took the money in cash.

And there's not a sign of it now.

Frankly, it's the first time I've heard of any money being missing.

It was quite a surprise about Miss Halston's sister, wasn't it?

Yes, it was.

Strange neither of us knowing anything about her until now.

You didn't know about her, did you, Jean?

No, how could I? She was on the... No, I didn't.

Did you sign those letters?

Yes, they're on the desk.

Get them off as soon as you can.

I'm lunching with Graham. You can reach me at the club if you need me.

All right.

The firearms manual, sir. And not before time. You know, this thing's driving me

up the wall.

Sure, it was part of the gun before I stripped it down.

The ballistics said you'd take good care of it, sir. They're joking, of course.

No, sir. Well, somebody is, aren't they?

Well, then, let's see.

I ran into the assistant commissioner downstairs.

Should have had more sense.

Yes, sir, but... But, uh... There's a Miss Carol Halston outside. Halston?

What's she look like?

Well... All right, Sergeant, all right.

And who wished her on to me? The assistant commissioner, sir.

The assistant commissioner.

Why? Her father was Commander Halston.

Halston? You remember, sir. He helped Chief Superintendent Gillis during the

Aden sabotage investigation.

And Gillis just happens to be in Singapore.

I was to say the AC would take it as a personal favour if you do what you could

for the young lady, sir. Yes, I'm sure he would. Have we the slightest idea

what it's all about? No, sir.

No. All right, Sergeant. Wheel her in.

You come this way, miss.

Detective Inspector Simons, Miss Halston. Good morning, Miss Halston.

Good morning. You sit down, don't you? Thank you.

Now, as you probably know, the Assistant Commissioner has asked me to... The

Assistant Commissioner has asked me to see if I can help you. So, what seems to

be the trouble?

It's about my sister, Moira.

She was found dead in her flat in Cumberland Place five weeks ago.

An overdose of sleeping pills.

I see.

They say it was an accident, but I'm not sure that's right.

What makes you think that?

The day before she died, she drew 7,000 pounds from the bank, every penny she

had. And there's no sign of it now.

You've made a thorough search?

Yes. And I suppose you've applied for letters of administration?

Yes, the solicitors did that. Did they know anything about the missing money?

No.

You're quite certain of your dates. I mean, it was the day before she died

that she drew all this money from the bank? Yes, quite certain.

I see.

Do you know where the inquest was held? At Paddington.

Thank you.

Just a moment, please.

Oh,

I ordered.

I thought it'd save your time.

Thanks. You sound as though you've been running all the way, have you?

Part of it.

There's never a taxi around when you want one. Yes, I used to say that about

policemen, but they're around all right when somebody makes it worth their

while. How many of those have you had?

Just the one, my darling.

You know me, Jean. Moderation and everything.

I can't stay long. I want to get back as soon as possible.

Ah, yes. Afraid of being caught in the act. Well, not to worry.

It sounded on the phone this morning as though you'd found something important

for me.

Have you?

Yes, but before I tell you, I want your promise that you won't do anything

foolish. You mean concerning our mutual friend Paul Heinrich?

You said it was only money you were interested in.

Isn't everyone?

I'm serious, Ross. I want your promise.

Yes, of course.

Oh, don't worry, Jean.

I've learned my lesson with Mr. Heinrich. I know what it's like being

inside.

Now, what have you found?

Well, five weeks ago, a woman called Maura Halston was found dead in her

flat. This morning, her sister Carol came to see Paul.

I listened on the desk intercom while he was talking to her.

You want to be very careful when you do that.

Don't worry, I am.

It cost me a packet to fix those up. I don't want Heinrich to find out until

they've fully paid their way.

He won't.

All right, what about the sister?

The day before she died, she drew 7,000 pounds out of the bank.

There's been no sign of it since, at least not as far as most people are

concerned.

And what do you know?

I heard Paul tell the sister that the last time he saw Maura Halston was three

months ago.

And?

Here's the key.

I found this.

It's a counterfoil for a receipt for 7,000 pounds made out to Moira Halston

and signed by Paul.

It's dated the day before she died.

How did she die?

An overdose of sleeping pills, and she'd been drinking rather heavily.

Are you suggesting that Paul had something to do with the death?

Of course not. Paul isn't capable of killing anyone.

No, not for 7,000 pounds.

But if he found a way of investigating... If you're going to talk

like that, I'd better go.

Whose side are you on?

I bought you that, didn't I?

It proves that Paul has the money.

Mara Halston.

Yes, sir.

Yes, I knew Miss Halston slightly. We discussed certain investments.

That's as far as it went.

Strange sort of a woman.

Quite vague.

Almost neurotic.

There wasn't any correspondence?

No, nothing.

My files are at your disposal, Inspector.

That won't be necessary, sir.

So you know nothing about this missing money?

Nothing at all.

Excuse me.

Yes? I'm sorry to disturb you, Paul, but there's an urgent call for you.

Who is it?

I don't know. He wouldn't say.

All right, put him through. I'm awfully sorry.

Hello? Mr. Heinrich?

Yes, I thought I recognized the voice.

Perhaps you, uh, you recognize mine?

I'm afraid I don't. Who is it, please?

Well, I know it's been a year, but I would have thought you could have

recognized my voice anywhere.

Oh, yes, I remember you made one some time ago.

I'm going into business myself now, and I expect you to finance me.

After six years of loyal service, who better than you knows my worth?

Oh, I have a very interesting piece of collateral here.

Could you be a little plainer? I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking

about. I'm talking about a dead woman and a missing 7,000 pounds.

I have here a counterfoil of a receipt that clearly says you're holding the

bank. I see.

Well, this is hardly the right moment to go into details.

Would you call me back?

Oh, that'll be my pleasure, Mr. Henry.

Oh, by the way, I need 5,000 pounds all at once and rather quickly.

I'll call you in an hour.

Sorry, I couldn't be of more help.

Well, that's the way it goes, sir.

Thank you for seeing me, anyway.

Goodbye, sir.

Goodbye.

Sandscombe?

Thank you.

Paul, would you mind if I went early?

You mean now?

I have some shopping to do.

I could stay if you'd rather. No, there's no need. I can manage. You run

along. Oh, Jean, before you go, would you mind ringing Martins and tell them I

want a self-drive car for a few days? Of course.

Oh, and second thoughts, you just get me the number, would you?

I'll talk to them. All right.

Martins? This is Paul Heinrich.

I'll be there.

There isn't anything else, is there? No, thank you.

Have you left the line switched on?

Yes.

I'll see you in the morning.

Bye.

Come in.

Marty Motors, sir. Oh, come in, yes.

There are the keys, sir.

Thank you. Would you just sign here, please? Certainly.

The office said you wanted to take your own car in for a complete overall.

Yes, I do, but it'll have to wait until tomorrow.

I'll give your office a ring first thing.

Oh, that's all right, sir.

Thank you. Any time will do. We're open day and night.

Oh, it's a yellow Zephyr, sir. I parked it just outside the front entrance.

Thank you.

Ross, if what you have to say is so important, why don't you keep it simple?

Well, I have something to prove that you have 7,000 pounds that isn't rightfully

yours. That something is going to cost you 5,000. But I want the money tonight.

Now, what could be simpler than that?

I can't possibly find that amount in cash by tonight.

Well, that's your problem, but it's tonight or never.

Tomorrow the police can peruse the evidence and make of it what they like.

But you won't like that, will you?

There is no point in either of us doing anything hasty, huh?

I'm not unreasonable, Ross.

You know me.

But you must give me time.

Let's see until 11 o'clock tonight.

We can meet at my place any time after this.

No, no, Mr. Heinrich, we can't. This is one transaction that's going to be

conducted in the open where everyone can see what's going on.

I'm completely in your hands.

Unfortunately, I will be on business in Copthorne until nine.

Fine, all the better. I know the area.

We can meet on your way back, about a mile past the old quarry entrance.

Yes, I know it.

A light-colored raincoat. Just flash your headlights a couple of times.

You'll see me.

Oh, and if you bring the money, that'll be the last you'll see of me.

I'll be there.

Roger, you can book me out. I'm off.

You're only just finished. Do you mind? I've got to wear a crust.

You've got the hardest crust I've ever come across.

Aha. Look, I've been working like a sting for three hours on that old rattle

trap. It's taken me 20 minutes to get the grease out of my nails.

And you expect to book 20 minutes every time getting your fingernails clean?

Well, I'll wear gloves next time. That'll make you happy. Watch it.

Marty Motors. Good evening.

This is Paul Heineck speaking.

I took delivery of one of your self-drive cars this evening.

I've just discovered it's been stolen from outside my office.

Within the past hour.

Just a moment, sir.

Randy! I'm still here.

Did you deliver a self-drive to Mr. Paul Heinrich today?

Yes, sir. Why?

He's been pinched. Well, I've luck.

I'm off. Come here!

Come on, I've got a right little shell cape.

Sorry to keep you waiting, sir.

Yes, I've got all the car details.

Have you informed the police yet, sir?

No, I've only just discovered it.

Would you be good enough to inform the police?

I'm late for a business appointment, as it is.

Good.

And if the police wish to question me, I shall be in my office first thing

tomorrow morning.

Fine. I'm most grateful.

Well, you've been very quiet for the past hour. You haven't said a thing all

the way down.

I wish I hadn't found that counterfoil.

I wish I hadn't given it to you.

It's a bit late to have second thoughts on account of Heinrich now, my pet.

It isn't that. It's... I'm just afraid that something will go wrong. If you're

worrying about Heinrich, save your sympathy. That's one man who can take

very good care of himself.

Why did you give me the counterfoil, Jean? You didn't have to. Why did you?

Does it matter?

Well, I'd like to know.

Well, when you were released from prison and you came to see Paul, I knew he

wouldn't help you.

So?

I kept telling myself that it was none of my business, that I shouldn't

interfere, but it was all so unfair. I just felt that someone had to help you.

I knew you took the money, but Paul needn't have gone to the police.

Have I told you why?

Because I was the perfect scapegoat.

For what you admitted taking the money? I took 300 pounds, yes, but that's all.

Well, the audit showed there were 1,500 missing. You know that.

So I heard in court.

If you didn't take the rest, who gave?

It's nearly time.

Ross, answer me. If you'd... What are you doing with that? Oh, stop worrying.

Give it a rest.

Jean, don't be a fool. That's loaded. Give it to me. Don't be damn childish. I

won't let you do it. I said let go.

I'm sorry, Jean, but this is business.

Very serious business.

I don't understand you. You've got all this trouble to help me and you still

care about Heinrich. I don't want anyone to get hurt. Yes, particularly Heinrich.

I couldn't care less about Paul. You try hating his guts as much as I do and I

might get you somewhere.

Do you have to talk like that? I'm sorry. It happens to be the company I've

been keeping lately. One thing I learned while I was inside, that's how to get

Heinrich out of my system.

Start getting him out of yours while you can.

I'm not going to use this if that's what you're thinking. Why did you bring it

with you? I happen to know Heinrich. If he gets awkward, this may change his way

of thinking. Now get back in the car and keep out of sight.

Yes? Miss Halston?

What is it?

I'm Derek Maitland. Can I talk to you?

At this hour? What about?

We met in my father's office this morning, remember?

Oh, yes.

I can hardly talk to you like this. It concerns your sister.

What about her?

Look, it's pouring with rain. May I come in?

I'll take the channel.

Thank you.

What are you doing?

Do you mind?

It'll help to keep out any prying eyes.

You don't have to look so scared. I'm not going to hurt you.

I wouldn't have let you in if I thought that.

There's no one else here. The girl who shares the flat's away.

You said you had something to tell me about my sister.

What did Scotland Yard think about your story?

I beg your pardon? I followed you there.

Why? I was curious about you.

I'd heard about your sister through my father. I wondered what you were up to.

Was it really any of your business?

You must have told the police quite a story. They were chasing her out of my

father's office in no time.

You make it a habit to watch everyone like that? No, not everyone.

Only those who... It was about your sister, wasn't it? Your visit to the

police. I really don't think that's any of your business.

Her money or her death.

What do you know about that?

A little more than what I've read.

I assume you're not particular about how you get the truth about your sister as

long as you get it. I don't think I know what you mean.

Well, let me put it another way.

I think I know someone who will help you with your questions about your sister.

Are you trying to make a deal with me?

I'm interested in the truth about my stepfather and your sister.

Well? I think you'd better go.

Look, I came here to help you.

By involving your stepfather in some sort of a scandal with my sister.

Look, he's already involved.

Look, please go. We haven't any more to say.

In case you're interested, the person who can help us both is my father's

secretary. I'll ring you later in case you change your mind.

You needn't bother. I won't. You might.

Everything's cleared up now, sir. All right, wrap it up. Right.

Form on William, sir.

I take it I was right. He was the same chap who used to work for Heinrich.

Yes, sir. Everything here checks.

Left the scrubs three weeks ago and lived in a house in Lancaster Gate.

Straight of it last night, didn't he?

I wonder what the devil he was up to down here at that hour.

I don't know.

But he went and got a lead on the car that killed him.

They say the devil takes care of his own.

Excuse me, sir. One of my men found this in the grass near where he was killed.

Thank you.

Bob.

Hey there.

The car must have been going flat out and knocked that off when it hit him.

Yeah. One of the screws was broken. That would have helped.

All we want to know now is who owns the car that badge belongs to.

We do.

It belongs to one of our self-drive cars.

Was it on hire yesterday?

Yes, sir. Mr. Paul Heinrich.

Isn't it?

Here we are. South Thames Chambers.

Delivered in the evening, just before six.

Does that surprise you? Yes, it does, Ronald.

Well, I don't think it'll be able to help you.

No? Why?

The car was stolen from outside of his office between six and seven yesterday

evening. Stolen?

That's right. It's on record.

I reported the theft as soon as Mr. Heinrich called.

Is that you, Ross?

Who is it?

I say, who is it?

Yes.

I'm sorry to barge in on you like this, sir. There wasn't anybody in the outer

office. Yes, my secretary is out.

Quite frankly, Inspector, I'm a little tired of your visits.

I told you all I know about Miss Halston. Surely that's sufficient. Yes,

I'm more than grateful, but it isn't about Miss Halston this time.

Then what? A man called Ross Williams.

He worked for you, I believe, a year ago. Yes, he did.

But he's not here now and I've no idea where he is. We have, sir.

He was killed by a car late last night.

Killed? That's right, sir. By a car that didn't stop.

We have reason to believe it was the same car you rented from Martin Motors

yesterday. The car I rented? You did hire a car yesterday afternoon, sir.

Yes, indeed I did.

But then you must also know that the car was stolen from outside this office.

Between six and seven o'clock, as I understand.

Precisely. I reported it.

As soon as I discovered the car was missing. Haven't any idea who might have

taken it.

How could I?

What a question, Inspector.

Mr. Ross Williams.

He's got a room facing the front.

Why? We'd like to see it, please.

I'll show you. I suppose it's all right.

Is he in some sort of trouble? That's what we're trying to find out.

This is his room. He won't be in it.

Open it up, will you? If you say so.

Oh, he must have left it unlocked.

What's he supposed to have done? He's been killed.

A car, I'd say. Oh, how terrible of him, such a quiet... You never know who's

going next, do you?

Poor Mr. Wheaton. How long have you been living here, ma'am?

Three weeks.

Three weeks last Wednesday, if my memory serves me right. Of course, he's been

away, of course, you see. A young lady, Miss Anscombe, I think her name was, she

booked a room for him. Paul Heinrich's secretary, sir.

Who? I was speaking to the inspector.

Did you know anything about any other of his friends, apart from Miss Anscombe?

Did anyone else ever call here asking for him?

I rang the bell, but you didn't answer.

Where did you get the key?

In Ross's flat.

It fits your door as if it's made for it. Then it was, wasn't it?

May I have it back, please?

What's going on between you and Ross?

Nothing. Why?

Oh, really?

You were having a very cosy chat yesterday in the bar.

Have you been spying on me?

Why are you so nervous?

Am I?

You're scared about something.

Are these any good?

Why didn't you open the door? I rang the bell a couple of times. You must have

heard it. What happened?

May I have my key back, please?

Is it Paul?

Is that why you're so jumpy? That he might find out about you and Ross?

Of course not.

There wasn't anything to find out anyway. Wasn't?

You said that in the past tense.

Look, I don't know what you're talking about, so perhaps if you're finished,

you'll go and let me get dressed.

You still haven't explained about the key.

You heard it that time, didn't you?

Well, don't bother with it.

If they think you're not at home, they'll go away.

Unless it's Paul.

Good morning.

May we come in?

Yes.

Thank you.

Goodbye, Jean. I hope you're not leaving on our account, sir.

No, I come and go to suit myself, not other people.

That's nice.

I wish we could all be as independent.

But hang on a minute, will you?

I don't have to. I'd rather you did, sir.

You see, if you disappear the moment I arrive, circumstances being what they

are, I'm bound to wonder why.

You do see that.

What circumstances are you talking about?

The unfortunate death of Mr. Ross Williams.

Death? You didn't know?

Well, how could I?

He was killed by a car last night.

It didn't stop.

We've reason to believe the driver meant to kill Mr. Williams.

Meant to kill him? Yes, miss.

I believe you and he were quite close friends.

I knew him, but that's all.

You did rent a room for him in Stanhope Terrace three weeks ago?

Oh, yes.

While he was still in prison, he asked me to find him somewhere to live when he

was released.

Did you visit him in prison?

No, I wrote to him. Did you feel under any sort of obligation to help him?

Of course not. Why should I?

Aren't you a little off course, Inspector?

In what way, sir?

Ross was found guilty of fraudulent conversion of clients' money while he

was employed by my stepfather.

Thank you, sir.

We did know that, as a matter of fact. Surely that's a line of inquiry you

should pursue.

I'll bear it in mind.

I still don't see what all this has to do with me. The car that killed him had

been stolen four hours before from outside Mr. Paul Heinrich's office.

It was on hire to him.

I'm not quite with you.

It is a little involved, sir. But I felt sure that you'd be bright enough to see

the full implication.

That the car was stolen and used to kill Ross to implicate my father in the

murder.

Murder, sir?

Well, it amounts to that, doesn't it? I mean, isn't that what you just said?

Not in so many words.

Did you know about the car, miss?

I knew Mr. Heinrich had had one, yes. Do you know if anyone else knew?

No. Was Mr. Williams involved in any, shall we say, questionable dealings?

I've already told you, I didn't know him that well. He didn't confide in me.

No. No, of course not.

Wouldn't your time be better employed in looking for the missing car? Find that

and you've got all the answers you need.

Forensic work being the applied science that it is today.

How on earth did you know the car's missing, sir?

Oh, I naturally assumed. I mean, why else are you asking all these run-of-the

-mill questions if you've found it?

Routine questions are bound to be run-of-the-mill, I suppose.

But don't you worry about the car. We'll find it.

And then we'll all be happy.

Won't we, sir?

Hey, who left things, eh?

New car, too.

Reward. That's it.

Reward.

Reward?

For what?

For the car I just found. Car? Where is it?

Slapped up bank in the middle of the bushes by the old Duffield quarry track.

Come off it, Ted. That quarry track hasn't been used for years. You've been

mixing them again.

I tell you, I just found a car.

Pull the other one. How many wheels?

Four. Why, how many wheels do you think a car's got, eh?

How old is it?

Brad's pranking you.

See your face in it.

Mine, not yours.

Now look here, Ted. If you're having me on again, you won't get a warm cell here

next Christmas.

I tell you, I've just seen it about a mile down the old quarry track.

Wait here.

I've seen it first.

I get the reward, none of you diddling.

I know me rights.

Sit over there and keep your grubby paws off the paintwork.

You mind your manners.

Don't forget the reward.

I was the one that found the car.

This is the car, all right, sir.

It's a funny place to abandon a stolen car in the middle of nowhere.

I thought the same myself, sir, so I took a look at the petrol tank.

Empty. That might explain things. It must be, what, half a mile from the main

road? Just about, and about a mile from where Williams was killed.

Where's his track lead to?

Oh, the old Duffield quarry. Hasn't been used for years.

As a matter of fact, old Ted Cupps... Old who?

Ted Cupps, the old boy who found the car.

He's claimed squatters' rights up at the quarry, sir.

Lives in a little hut, except at Christmas.

Usually spends that at the local station. We kept him there in case you

wanted to go. Good, good.

Excuse me, sir.

We're on the insurance cover.

It's a hire car.

Bob, check the mileage indicator.

We'll make it something from there. Right.

Then we can have a word with this old Ted... What did you say his name was?

Cups.

Did you bring the reward?

The inspector wants a word with you first.

What for?

I found the car and I get the reward.

None of you diddly, no, none of you diddly. No, no, no, of course not. Just

a few routine questions, that's all, and... Thank you for telling us about

the car. Well, I was coming anyway.

There's something fishy going on at the quarry. You ought to look into it.

Later, Ted, later. About the car. About the car.

Another car.

That's what I'm telling you. Another car?

Who did you say he was?

An inspector from Scotland Yard. Oh, then you ought to take a look.

None of these fellas, they believe me, but I'm not as balmy as they make out.

Where was this other car?

At the quarry, that's what I'm telling you. Is it still there?

Cork snorted and told you if it was, but it was there last night. You got a map

of the quarry?

Sergeant, map.

He's a bit of a romancer, so this may be one of his tall stories. Why, is he in

the habit of spitting them? All the time. Anything to get a free meal or

whatever's going.

Right.

Now then, Ted, where was this other car parked?

Under a lean-to, just near my hut. Did you see anybody with it?

No, but he woke me up, starting it up in the middle of the night. Made enough

noise to wake the dead.

What do you think of his story, sir? I think the old boy's telling the truth.

In that case, we'd better have another good look at the quarry. Yes, we'll take

him with us.

Oh, there's one other thing.

I'd like a petrol absorption test done on the ground where we found the first

car, just in case the petrol was siphoned off for our benefit.

To make it look as though that's why the car had been abandoned.

Right, sir.

Are you with me, Bob? I think so. The killer used two cars. The self-driving

stolen Heinrich and the one the old boy saw at the quarry.

He probably parked it there a little before the crime.

Very likely it was his own car. His own car.

Well, why not?

He just killed Williams on the London Road.

What safer way of getting back to town than in his own car?

Finally, I enclose a short list of further suggested purchases for the

investment of £20,000.

In my opinion, they indicate excellent prospects for the companies for the next

few years.

Yours, etc., etc., etc.

And this is to go only to the three clients on this day?

Yes.

Strange the police coming to see you about Ross.

I told you, I found him somewhere to live.

The police found my address at his flat.

Yes. You are rather helpless in some respects.

Pity you had to meet him ever again.

I don't see how I could have done any different.

No, I suppose not.

The inherent mothering instinct in you.

He was a good employee before that one unfortunate lapse.

That one unfortunate lapse, as you put it, cost our client's 1,500 pounds.

Yes?

Nothing.

Had you any idea what he was doing down there at that hour?

No. He never said anything about going there?

No.

All right, I'll sign them as soon as you're ready.

I hope you're not here with renewed pleas for financial assistance, Derek.

No, I accept the inevitable.

I admire your frankness.

You said that as though you suspected it. Not at all, Derek.

You have a very alert mind. You ought to cultivate it more instead of modeling

yourself on me.

You should be flattered, I still do.

Don't you find it a tragic waste of time?

We all want the best of everything. You can't change human nature.

I would be the last to try.

But you don't have to mark my every move.

You are clever enough to be a success on your own merit.

So I've discovered that that kind of talent takes a little time to mature.

Nothing comes easy.

I don't know, Paul. You've had a good inning so far.

All right. Why are you here?

You've been on my mind quite a bit these past 24 hours.

Have I? With regard to what?

I've been wondering how I can help you.

Help me?

Why should I need any help?

You're in trouble, aren't you?

Not that I'm aware of.

Ross Williams was killed last night. Yes, I was told so.

You're not concerned?

How should I be?

He was killed by a car on hire to you.

Yes, the police said that.

But whatever the truth of it is, I know I wasn't at the wheel when it happened.

Any idea who was?

Yes? Excuse me, Paul. The driver's here.

Send him in.

Oh, I'm sorry I'm late, sir. The traffic's getting diabolical.

I hope the car being pinched didn't muck up your evening too much, eh?

It was inconvenient, but I managed.

Here you are.

Tell the manager I would like my car back as soon as possible.

Yes, sir. You said someone had a right go at it.

Well, I've brought the breakdown wagon, sir. He will need it.

The distributor lead and the two front tires has been stressed.

Yeah, some people have a weird sense of humor.

That sounds like a bunch of tearaways. Yes, more than likely. That's the

address. You'll find the car outside my house.

And don't forget to tell the manager, will you? All right, sir. You can rely

on me.

Trouble with your car, Paul? Yes.

Why else do you think I hired one?

I never gave it a thought.

At least not till I remembered your meeting with Ross Williams last night.

I was what?

You were meeting him at a clearing off the London Road, weren't you? On your

way back from Copthorne.

You seem to be remarkably well informed about my movements.

Have you been talking to Jean?

What makes you think she'd tell me anything?

Oh, I know her better than you think.

She's a highly emotional creature.

A little love, a little hate goes a long way with her.

She still blames me for that unfortunate business of Ross being threatened.

You were the only witness against him.

Well, I only did what I had to do.

To this day, nobody seems to understand it, not even you.

Ross didn't have to take those 1,500 pounds.

If you're stupid enough to pull a stunt like that and get caught, you must be

prepared to pay for the mistake.

As I see it, The trick is not to get caught, whatever stunt you pull.

May I talk to you?

Where did you find my address?

From the telephone directory.

What do you want?

Right then.

Now, if that's the mileage figure when you delivered the car, and that's the

reading when we found it, how much petrol should there have been still in

the tank?

About five gallons.

You said it was empty.

Siphoned off.

Who delivered the car?

Steve Ramsey.

He's over there.

I'll have a word with him.

Dig him out, Bob.

Hey, Ramsey.

Can't you see I'm busy?

Ramsey. Why don't you go and get... Well, who are you?

Police. CID.

I know what's up.

I understand you delivered a self-drive car yesterday to a Mr. Paul Heinrich.

We're not back on that again, are we?

Why do you say that? Well, his name is beginning to haunt me. Nothing but

trouble. In what way?

Why, look at me.

I wasn't born like this.

Heinrich's car did this. This is his car?

Yeah. How long has it been in here?

Since four this afternoon.

I towed it myself.

Why, what's the mystery?

What's wrong with it, sir?

Apart from the oil leak.

Well, the front tires were slashed.

Distributor leads yanked out. Willful damage?

Yeah, well, it looks like it. Recent?

Well, he reckons it was done by a bunch of tearaways a couple of nights ago.

Did a good job while he was at it. You got the car keys?

Yeah. What's up?

Take a look, Bob.

Sure.

Look, it's all very well to come in here, but I've got a job to do on this

cart. You might as well get washed off, Ramsay.

You've done all you're going to do on this cart, haven't you?

Well, it suits me.

What's old Heinrich going to say about his... Sir, I found this.

I'll do all the explaining that's necessary to our friend, Mr. Heinrich.

All right.

I know no more about your sister's death than you do.

They said she'd been drinking the night before she died.

So you said before.

But it was the alcohol combined with the sleeping pills that killed her.

It does happen, you know.

My sister wouldn't be that foolish.

And Derek said... Derek said.

Look, he's no different from Paul. They both just use people.

If you feel like that about them, why won't you tell me what you know?

All I know is that Paul was with your sister the night before she died.

I think you'd better go.

I'm not leaving until you've told me the truth.

I told you I... In here.

Quick.

Hello, Jean.

Paul. You look surprised.

I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

No, no, of course not. You didn't look at all well when you left the office.

I'm all right.

Good, good.

This business about Ross has upset you, hasn't it? I was quite concerned about

you. Nothing to worry about, Paul. I feel fine. Oh, that's good news.

How about a little drink?

Not for me, thanks. Oh, come on, just a small one. Gin or whiskey?

All right, whiskey.

Good.

Thanks. Hey, not so fast. Who are you?

I'm looking for Miss Halston.

Oh, well, she's not here.

Do you know where she's gone? It's very important.

Oh, I'll bet it is.

Look, I have the only idea where I might find her. I'm Derek Maitland.

Oh, you're the one she calls the arrogant young stepson.

I'm sorry to disappoint you. Well, Carol said that, not me. No, thanks.

I've got a stepbrother.

Mind you, he's a bit, um... But you... Look, I apologise for pushing in on you

like this. Oh, who's complaining?

But I must find Carol. I've got to.

Well, don't have a go at me.

Look, why don't you sit down and relax and wait till she gets back?

That's better.

Now, why don't we talk or something?

Look, did she give you any indication at all where she might have gone?

I've just told you I don't know where she is.

Oh, just a minute. What? When I came through, she was thumbing through a

phone book.

I mean showbiz. What do you do?

Look, I haven't got time to chatter.

Oh, charming.

Oh, look, this must be the one she's marked her name of.

Jane Anscombe.

Mean anything?

Call again.

Another drink, Jean?

Yes.

Paul, why did you come here tonight?

You're not beginning to doubt me, are you, Jean?

I told you before, I was worried.

You haven't been well at all these last few days.

I didn't think you'd notice.

My dear girl, very few things which happen in my office escape my attention.

You must know that.

Thank you.

Of course, I don't want you to misunderstand me.

My main concern was your state of mind, your very strange behavior.

What?

Listening on the office intercom to conversations in my office.

Oh, I don't blame you entirely.

I'm sure Ross put you up to it.

I didn't mean to harm you. That's all right, Jean. You haven't got to explain.

And my briefcase and the duplicate key.

Presumably something else Ross arranged for you.

What a nasty little mind he must have had.

You were determined to get me, weren't you, Jean?

You can't believe that, Paul. I only wanted to help.

Help him?

Yes.

I can understand that. You were sorry for him.

But it was a little unkind of you to help him to take his revenge against me.

Strange. If you hadn't tried to help him, he would be alive now.

Don't say that.

Why not?

Is the truth so painful?

But I only wanted to. You are as responsible as anyone for his death.

Paul, I feel... Help me.

You mustn't worry, Jean.

Nothing can happen to you here.

Finish your drink.

I can't.

I'm afraid I... I said drink it.

Thank you.

All right, start searching. I want this place covered from top to bottom. That

means under the floorboards, too, if we have to. I don't think Mr. Heinrich is

going to like this. I've got a warrant, Sergeant. It's all I need.

Well, get on with it.

Remember, it's anything that looks the least bit medical.

Barbiturates, liquid, powder, pills.

I'm not fussy at this stage.

Rob?

Take a look at these.

Yacht and a villa, both under construction in the south of France.

He named the yacht after himself.

Paul II.

Hey, wait a minute.

When did that woman die?

You know that client of his, the missing 7,000? Five weeks ago, the 11th of last

month. Balance of 7,000 pounds paid by Heinrich five weeks ago on the villa on

the 13th, two days after her death.

Come in.

You want me? This letter was left on your desk an hour ago, sir.

The AC thought it might be important. Thank you.

All right.

You know, the sooner the AC decides to retire to Bogner and start breeding

boxer pups, the happier... Hello?

How important, sir?

It's from Heinrich's secretary.

Inspector?

Miss Halston, you've been as quiet as a mouse. You should have let me know.

Let me go, Ralph!

Quite a remarkable conspiracy of silence, wasn't it, Colonel?

You being in there, another...

You or Jean saying a word about it? Quite remarkable.

Don't worry about Jean.

She's all right. All she needs is a good night's sleep.

Is she dead?

Don't be childish. Of course not.

She's asleep.

Poor child, you had quite an ordeal, hadn't you?

What with your sister's death and everything else.

All you need is a stiff drink to calm your nerves. Here.

Come on, drink it.

Keep very quiet.

I don't want to harm you if I can help it.

You see what I mean?

Derek, don't... No, what's wrong? Why didn't you open the door? What's the

matter with you? That was my idea.

I told her not to.

Paul.

You don't seem surprised to see me here. I've learned not to underestimate you.

There's no need to keep the girl here. Let her go.

You're underestimating me now.

Derek.

You should really listen to her, Derek, while you can.

Let her go, Paul.

I can't.

You know I can't.

She knows too much. So do I.

Yes, you do.

And you would be the first to admit that I must protect my investment the only

way I can.

Since when was killing an investment?

You know better than to ask that.

Get away from the girl.

I said get away!

He put in the drink. He made her drink it. Same stuff. Get an ambulance and

make it fast.

Her breathing's a bit laboured, but she'll be all right if we get a move on.

Derek, you've got to help take him out.

Derek!

Derek! I'd better go with him. I wouldn't, sir.

Why don't you see this young lady home instead?

I'm sure she'd appreciate it. What about Jean? She's on its way, sir.

Good. Will she be all right? We'll look after her, miss. There's no need for you

to stay.

I'll take your statements later.

I'm glad you didn't come to any harm.

Get your book out, Bob.

It's going to be a long night.

Um, sir?

Sergeant, that is someone else's property, and it might have been fixed.

Let's try the gin.