Original subtitles

Has anyone seen any directions written on foolscap paper?

What kind of directions?

Just your normal sort.

I told her I'd be there at two.

A vague appointment with an unknown female.

And he needs directions.

Dash, what about that complaint from the Equestrian Centre?

What's that? What complaint?

Someone put detergent in the water troughs.

It's probably the same ones

who shaved the mane off Mrs Kennedy's show pony.

And painted the peace signs on the alpacas.

Well, follow it up, will you?

Right, I'm off. Hooroo. See you.

Hello, what have we got here?

Give them to me, will you?

You monkey.

What's this? I'm going to knock over a bank.

So, Zoe finally talked him into it.

I hope it's worth the bruises.

Would you two enlighten us?

Horse riding. That's what the pantihose are for.

Nick? You're joking.

His feet would drag on the ground.

Well, he's going to the Equestrian Centre.

Where are you off to all of a sudden?

Just checking out the water supply vandalism.

I look like a Thunderbird.

I'm not going to wear this.

It's not a fashion parade, Nick. No, no. I know.

I'll just leave it there.

Can we take a look at the troughs, Mrs Coburn?

Not much to see. I cleaned them out.

I didn't want the horses drinking it.

Was there anything unusual about the bubbles?

Were they coloured? No, just mucky.

Like a dirty bubble bath.

Adam. What?

Ah, what time was this?

It was about five this morning.

I chased the sods off the property.

Did you get a look at them?

No. But they were teenage boys. Three of them.

Any distinguishing features?

One of them was wearing a gold and brown striped beanie.

A Mudlarks hat, I guess.

Come on. Around the left side.

Left. Alright. Left.

It's... a big horse, you know.

Can't I learn on yours?

You wouldn't want your first lesson on Cassie, she's a bit of a handful.

Just like her owner.

This old fella's bomb-proof, aren't you, Sid?

He'd want to be after what I ate last night.

Look, give it to me then.

I know what I'm doing.

Sorry I can't help you more.

I'm a bit late for Melanie's lesson.

Can you just, just, just...

..just hang onto the reins might be a good idea.

Sort of...

Check it out. He's giving her something.

What's that?

Must've fallen out of your pocket.

Yeah.

What do you think it is?

I'll give you a hint.

It might be an engagement ring, if someone might be interested in it.

Come on.

Yes or no?

PJ: Got it? Yeah.

DASH: $10 says they're engaged.

20 says you're wrong. Oh, you're on.

What? Did you see the ring?

Well, what else could it be?

Well, contact lenses, a flea circus or something.

We'll soon find out.

And how will you do that, Dash? I'll ask Nick.

McKinley, it's up to Nick to share the news.

If there's any news to share.

How did you go with Mrs Coburn?

Did she see who did it?

She said it was three young guys.

A bit of concentration, please, McKinley.

One wore a brown and gold beanie.

You'd have to be a loser to go for the Mudlarks.

Boss, that was D24.

A car came off Evanleigh Road. An old lady's been hurt.

You'll be right, Mrs Wintle.

The boys will get you to hospital.

MAGS: (into radio) His name is Tibor Kerenyi.

I feel bad about the poor thing!

It'll be right as rain.

Thanks, fellas.

VKC: Received that, 208.

They're contacting Tibor now.

They shoot horses, don't they?

That's not funny.

It wasn't meant to be.

A chestnut with a white star?

Yep. Yeah, I know it.

Billy, you stupid coot! Not like that!

How many times do you have to be shown?

Can you give us a name?

Yeah, Cassie.

Cassie who?

Not the horse, you idiot. The owner!

It's that lady doctor from up at the hospital.

She rents the old Perry place.

We're checking out the property now.

A request for you to go to the Equestrian Centre,

and ask Dr Hamilton if she can attend the accident site

on Evanleigh Road urgently. Received?

DASH: Received that, 208. Will do.

Who's that?

I don't know.

He's all dressed up for a Christmas lunch.

Good morning.

Afternoon, actually.

How are you going?

I'm Senior Detective Hasham.

Constable Doyle.

Hi.

May I ask your name, sir?

Mr Martin Bridport.

Can I ask what you're doing here?

Indeed. It's my week for the clinic.

The clinic? At the hospital.

I'm a cardiologist.

What I need to know, sir, is what are you actually doing here?

This is my property.

I think you'll find my name is on the lease.

In that case, sir, we're investigating a matter

In that case, sir, we're investigating a matter about a horse which may have come from t

about a horse which may have come from this land.

About a horse which may have come from this land. I was about to ring you about that.

I was about to ring you about that.

I just noticed it's missing.

We understand it belongs to Zoe Hamilton.

That's correct. My girlfriend.

Your girlfriend?

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Don't walk too fast.

(horse whinnies)

Turn it off, will you? Turn it off.

You did really well, Nick.

You've got a strong seat.

Yes. Yes, thank you.

Hang onto this for a minute.

Right. I think we'll just forget about the old horse riding

for a while, will we?

There we go.

Have you still got that ring in your pocket?

Well, it's a bit bruised but... oh, the other one.

Yeah, I've still got it there.

I've been thinking about that question you asked me.

Hey, Zoe, we've got an emergency.

What the hell are you doing here, Eddie? Just get out of here.

Get out of the way.

Oh, Jesus Christ.

Where's the bloody vet?

Hasn't someone called...

MAGS: He's here.

Tibor, it's the cannon-bone.

Tibor, it's the cannon-bone. Put her out of her pain.

Put her out of her pain.

Tibor, go and get your gun.

If you won't do it, I bloody will!

Let's just check her out. Let Tibor...

I'm not going to leave her like this.

HORSE WHINNIES PAINFULLY

No, no, no.

I'm not leaving her in pain, Nick.

Leave it to Tibor, come on.

Stand there, come on. You'll be right.

PAINFUL WHINNY

We'll do it right now, okay? But leave it to me.

GUNSHOT

(sobs)

I don't understand.

Why would anybody do something like this?

Zoe, can you tell us why you were travelling with a .22 handgun?

Because I was planning to do some target practice this afternoon.

She keeps it in the glovebox, you know that.

We met a bloke called Martin Bridport here today.

Great. And who's he?

What's he got to do with anything?

A horse is dead.

Martin was here?

He told us he leased the property.

Yeah, that'd be right.

He also said you two were pretty good friends.

Yeah, we used to be.

We'll have a chat to him...

Good idea, Maggie.

Have a chat to him. I want him charged.

The sick bastard let Cassie out deliberately.

Wait...

The poor darling's in shock.

Mr Bridport, we checked the gate.

It appears somebody cut the chain with bolt cutters.

What do you say to that?

I never noticed.

What were you doing on Dr Hamilton's property?

She's my girlfriend.

According to her, you had no right to be there.

Let's just say we've been together for a number of years.

Disagreements are a part of that territory.

Where do you live?

Melbourne. Most of the time.

And, the rest of the time?

St David's - my mother's residence.

She passed away some months ago.

You get up here often?

Infrequently.

About this gate business - there were some youths hanging about.

Oh, terrific. A description?

Pubescent males, jeans...

Sorry, I can't give an accurate description.

Okay, fair enough. How many?

Perhaps three, four.

Well, how come you didn't mention this before?

I thought we were talking about a lover's tiff, Detective.

I just can't believe that bastard!

We haven't been together for two years.

His ego is still bruised from when I kicked him out.

So, he comes back and does the one thing

he knows will hurt me most.

Zoe, don't you think it's just a tad out of character

for a top heart surgeon to do something like this?

Oh! Let me explain something to you, PJ.

We're talking about a man who is obsessive-compulsive

and manipulative.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as it is technically known.

Now, I've been in a relationship with that lying, arrogant bastard.

Don't you tell me what is in or out of character, okay?!

Now, are you going to charge him or not?

Thanks for going through the ID book, Dr Bridport.

It's "mister", actually.

Sorry?

Mr Bridport. Specialist surgeons are referred to as mister.

Oh, right.

Hey, Nick. Yeah?

Did the pantihose help with the horses?

McKinley, horse is the last word I want to hear.

Particularly with Zoe here.

Mr Bridport, thanks for waiting.

We've finished with you for now. Thanks.

Fine.

Nick Schultz, I presume.

Yes, mate.

Zoe tells me what a wonderful friend you've been... in my absence.

ZOE: Don't give me that "just doing your job" crap.

If you really were interested in...

Hi. Would you like a lift?

Let's get out of here, Nick.

What's the story with Martin?

You don't have to tell me if you don't want to...

It's no big secret.

As far as I'm concerned it's ancient history.

Table for two. Ready?

Better make that a table for three.

We're still working on the theory that Martin is telling the truth?

McKinley, did Bridport come up with anything in the mugbooks?

No. But he only had a quick flick through.

He didn't get close, so he said there was no point.

Something is suss about that.

He didn't mention those boys earlier.

I just don't see him using his delicate hands on a bolt cutter.

Well, I've got a theory.

Hayley Coburn reckons that one of the vandals wore a footy beanie.

The Mudlarks.

Ed Dodds is the biggest Mudlark fan around.

He was at the accident scene.

That's right.

So? He could have been passing.

In the knackery truck?

He works with Clarrie.

Eddie Dodds, he couldn't hurt a fly, let alone a horse.

Dead horses are their business.

Come on. Eddie?

ADAM: Boss, Chris is on the phone.

Get your hands off me!

Come on, just go.

What are you up to, Zoe?

What's your game?

I don't believe this. You have a few beers and...

Mate, just leave us alone.

Oh, the other half!

What he lacks in IQ, he makes up in bodyweight.

Just stop it. It's alright.

I get it. It's the uniform, is it?

Nick! Nick!

DASH: No, no, no! Stop.

Shall we finish this at the station?

That's not necessary. Zoe and I are leaving.

Leave us alone.

Do you want to lay charges?

Do you want to lay charges, Mr Bridport?

No, I don't. Please leave me alone.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

What happened? He just started needling him.

And then they started fighting.

I thought Nick was going to kill him.

PHONE RINGS

MAGGIE: PJ.

PJ, answer the phone.

(grunts)

(kisses him)

There is such a thing as an over-conscientious cop, Doyle.

PHONE RINGS CONTINUOUSLY

Where are you going?

Oh, back to my bed. Back to Detective Dash.

Hello.

Yeah, gidday, mate.

Oh, alright. Don't worry, I'll get onto...

No. ..anybody...

and we'll get over there straight away.

Just stay calm. Bye.

NICK: I called D24 and the boss will be here soon.

PJ: Looks like a gunshot wound.

It's hit the carotid artery.

MAGS: (into radio) This is Mt Thomas 507.

VKC: Mt Thomas 507, go ahead.

Your last is a suspicious death.

Request the attendance of Homicide and Crime Scene ASAP.

Homicide?!

You think this was a murder?

TOM: No chance of a suicide, I suppose?

He's a heart surgeon.

You'd think he'd find a better way to top himself.

Maybe he was rattled by Nick and Zoe and lost his aim.

There's no sign of a weapon.

From the trail of blood, he was moved since he was shot.

Maybe he hurled it somewhere.

We'll wait for Crime Scene.

Boss, Lazar's been delayed.

He's asked us to conduct preliminary interviews on the suspects.

That's assuming we have any.

I guess we've got to start somewhere.

Where did you and Zoe go last night after you left the pub?

Back to my place.

When did she leave? No comment.

TOM: This is no time to be coy.

We're trying to save your backside. Save it or kick it?

He obviously suicided.

We're not sure about that.

Your little set-to at the pub will look like a motive to Lazar.

I don't think Bridport was popular.

I doubt I'm the first guy to have a go at him.

I doubt I'm the first guy to have a go at him. Have a go at him!

Have a go at him!

Shooting him is not quite the same thing.

If I wanted to shoot him,

I'd have done better than hitting him in the neck.

What time did Zoe leave your place?

She didn't.

But she found Bridport.

That was this morning.

So she was with you all night? Right.

So she went home and contacted you.

After I got back to her place.

Why didn't you contact us straight away?

Because I wasn't thinking.

She was upset. She was anxious.

Alright, you got there, right?

And when you arrived, she showed you the body?

And she helped me turn it over.

Turn it over? OH!

You bloody idiot!

We had to make sure he was dead.

With all that blood, it was obvious!

Your prints will be all over it!

Well, now you know how they got there.

Did either you or Zoe see a weapon on or near the body?

No.

Before you arrived, is it possible that maybe Zoe removed the weapon?

Why would she cover up Bridport's suicide?

You just leave her out of this.

What time did you leave Nick Schultz's place this morning?

Um, a little after five.

I had an early start at the hospital.

Alright. When did you discover the body?

Um, I saw Martin's car as I was driving up my driveway.

And then I saw him lying next to it.

How long do you reckon he was dead?

Several hours. That's just a guess, PJ.

It's not as if I examined the body.

You had a good look, though, didn't you?

Oh, God, it's incredible.

Even after this man's dead, he still has the power.

The power to do what, Zoe?

To prove he's still in control.

Now, let's go back to last night.

You and Nick left the Imperial at about 8.30, right?

So, you were together all night?

Yep.

Oh, um, except when Nick went out to get some Chinese.

What time did Nick go out for the Chinese?

About 20 minutes after we got to his place.

How long was he gone?

Ah, um, 15 or 20 minutes.

You sound uncertain.

Look, to tell you the truth, I crashed out.

Look, to tell you the truth, I crashed out. I didn't hear anything until the alarm went

I didn't hear anything until the alarm went off this morning.

Yes, Mrs Loy, Nick Schultz.

He's tall, slim build...

It's all happening at Zoe's place.

Crime Scene, Ballistics...

With Lazar lording it over everybody, I suppose.

You repeat that and you'll be washing the cars for six months.

Thank you, Mrs Loy.

What did Nick say? Nothing.

I asked him about the takeaway and he clammed up.

Mrs Loy from the Happy Dragon said Nick arrived at 10.15.

Alright, Zoe said he went out about nine.

That gives him over an hour to kill.

So to speak.

How much time have we got?

Lazar was about to make a move when I left.

Happy Dragon says you didn't arrive until ten.

I went for a detour.

Must've been a long one.

I just went for a walk to stretch my legs after the riding.

Very sore. You know riding.

Did you bump into Martin Bridport? No.

You didn't come back to the station?

Why would I do that?

Pick up your firearm.

If I was gonna shoot this guy, I'd just borrow Zoe's .22, wouldn't I?

What happened to that gun?

I don't know.

Mate, I saw you take it off her before the horse was put down.

Now, what happened to the gun?

I must have put it somewhere safe.

Where? Somewhere safe.

I'm just trying to talk to you before Homicide does, okay?

Now, did Zoe know where you put the gun?

Leave Zoe out of it.

She's a doctor. She saves lives.

She doesn't kill people.

She was going to shoot her own horse.

Sometimes a bullet in the brain is the only way to go.

Oh, God. Lazar is going to love that.

Nice to hear you're taking such a positive line.

I'm being realistic, Doyle.

Anybody told Lazar about Nick's little punch-up in the pub?

I told him when he rang.

Don't look at me like that.

It's all on the tape, anyway.

Any word from Crime Scene?

They haven't found the gun.

But the pathologist says it was a small calibre gun.

No powder burns, though.

So, not self-inflicted.

Great. So, where does that leave Nick?

Come on, Stan. A court order?

Falcon-Price approved it, Tom.

There's no use wasting time trying to get blood out of a stone.

Is it really necessary?

If Schultz refuses gunpowder testing on his clothes,

he can suffer the consequences.

He is within his rights.

The Police Association must have advised him

not to consent till his counsel arrives.

I can't sit around until the Association gets their act together.

One court order and one search warrant.

Can you talk to the magistrate?

I want to do the interviews.

A warrant, too?

May as well go the whole hog.

We have to search his premises.

Greenie, Crime Scene are on the phone.

They've found the bullet. Right, thanks.

You stupid bastard. Lazar is going to get a warrant.

Are they going to find Zoe's gun?

If you keep digging your heels in, they'll think the worst.

Tell me what happened.

I've said all I'm going to say.

Who are you protecting? Zoe or yourself?

Our records indicate, Dr Hamilton,

you have a .22 calibre handgun registered in your name.

Is that correct?

Yes.

Where is that firearm now?

I don't know.

We'll be in contact, Dr Hamilton.

Ah, I'm sorry. My car's back at my house.

I need to get to the hospital.

DASH: I can give you a lift. Thanks.

Do you want to come, Adam?

I thought Detective Lazar was going to clap me in irons

and haul me off to the dungeons.

How's it going for Nick, Maggie?

You know, Zoe, I'm not sure.

I know he's doing his best to try and protect you.

Me?

TOM: Where's Lazar?

PJ's office.

The paperwork he wanted.

Zoe, are you set?

Yeah.

Zoe.

Mate, you told Lazar everything, didn't you?

What sort of a question is that?

No. I'm just saying that withholding information won't help Nick.

(disbelieving sigh)

Zoe's far too straightforward to play games with us.

She calls a spade a bloody shovel.

And she looked surprised

when I suggested Nick was covering for her.

Well, he's pretty bloody straightforward, too, usually.

McKinley was yakking on about a ring.

I mean, is Zoe wearing one?

No. No.

Doesn't mean anything, though.

It just means he hasn't gotten around to popping the question.

I was wondering with this Bridport bloke back on the scene,

if Zoe's done a turnaround and given Nick the big flick.

What? Jealousy?

That gives Nick one huge motive, doesn't it?

And what were you wearing last night?

These jeans and the checked shirt on the bed there.

Want to know what jocks I had on?

We can dispense with underwear.

That's not like you.

Have you got a key to the medicine chest?

In the top drawer, mate.

Dr Hamilton's, I presume.

And the... pantihose?

No. Actually, they're mine.

Don't get smart with me.

Which jacket were you wearing?

The one on the cupboard.

And this is yours, too, I suppose.

Stan. A small calibre handgun.

I thought it might be.

Get it straight to Ballistics.

Acting Sergeant Schultz,

you are suspended from duty until further notice.

You are also under suspicion for the murder of Martin Bridport.

On what grounds?

You had the means, Sergeant.

And Senior Sergeant Croydon has informed me

you had motive and opportunity.

However, there are no charges at this stage.

Not until we've completed our investigations.

Right - that one's the safe.

Just give us the whole thing.

No, mate.

These keys may be the property of Victoria police,

but you see that little fella there?

I paid good money for the Weetie box that came out of.

You do realise the boss had no choice.

Lazar would eventually find out what happened at the pub.

It's better he got it from us.

That's the washroom.

It would've been better if he'd heard it from you.

I'm buggered if I'll stick my head in a noose

just to minimize your work.

Nick, we're on your side.

Just give us something, okay?

Just like Lazar said - means, opportunity and motive.

Now this one. That's the front door key.

Why don't you go use it?

There's nothing we can do.

If he wants to play games with Homicide, it's his lookout.

I think he's protecting Zoe.

Janey from Homicide is checking it out.

I hope she rings back before Lazar gets back from lunch.

He won't love you meddling in his case.

Maybe Zoe nipped home while Nick was getting the Chinese.

For fresh clothes or something.

And she just thought she'd take her pistol

on the off chance she saw Bridport?

Well, he felt he could roll up whenever he liked.

Or maybe she just wanted to lock up her gun again.

It's locked up, alright - in our watchhouse.

There is another possibility.

She had access to another gun.

Big night for Evanleigh Road.

They get a murder, and the livestock vandals strike again.

After we dropped Zoe off, Alby waved us over to show us his heifers.

What was it this time?

Silver glitter-sprayed horns.

It was very pretty, actually.

Did you think to ask Alby if he heard anything from Zoe's place?

He does live next door.

Homicide already questioned him.

He didn't hear a thing.

He gave us a description though.

Three boys, one with a beanie.

PJ. Janey returning your call.

Bolt cutters? In his medical bag.

Remind me not to have heart surgery.

He must have hidden them after he cut the padlock

and chased the horse out.

So Zoe was right about him.

Which leaves us with what?

A stronger motive for her.

Hi.

How are you doing?

Are you okay?

Well, I could be better. You know.

Um, I've got to get back to the hospital.

I just, um...

I just wanted to let you know...

I know you didn't do it.

That's right.

I wouldn't have said Zoe threatened Bridport.

She just called him a few things.

Most of them unrepeatable.

What about Nick?

Oh, admirable self-control, I'd call it.

(sighs) I've already thrown those kids out.

Oi, you lot! Out you go!

I've already said it once!

Under age.

We might have a chat with them.

Would you? They're trying to get Eddie to buy them grog.

Hey, boys. We're gone.

No, that's fine.

You wouldn't have anything to do with any pranks

that are going on, would you?

Us? No.

Yeah, we'd never have let Cassie out.

Can we go now?

Yeah, sure. Don't come back here.

Billy, your dad wouldn't be happy to see you in here.

Oh, Ed, how come you're not wearing your beanie?

Oh... me mum's giving it a wash.

Looks like we've found the vandals.

Billy Wade, Nat Foster and Eddie Dodds.

DASH: See? I was right about Eddie.

Oh, you're so good.

Young Foss, I can believe. He's a hoon.

But Bill? Frank never let him put more than a toe out of line.

The more you sit on them, the harder they kick.

And they didn't let Cassie out.

And they didn't let Cassie out. Ed was at pains to tell us that.

Ed was at pains to tell us that.

But the guilt on their faces when we said the word "prank" was priceless.

Oh, we've got a little surprise for you, too.

I had McKinley check out Zoe with the pistol club.

She has got access to a second gun.

One of their members, Mr Pritchard, keeps his at her place.

You guys really are after the simple solution, aren't you?

Put the spotlight on Nick, then on me.

I tell you, anything do to with Martin Bridport,

the answer's not simple.

Why do you have Mr Pritchard's firearm in your possession?

I'm doing him a favour. Oh? What?

His son, Aaron, is handicapped.

He's at an age where he's into everything.

I told Pete I'd keep it here

until he got a combination lock on his cabinet.

There you go. Ta.

Zoe? Sorry?

It's open. Somebody must've forced it.

Zoe, don't touch. Prints.

It doesn't look like it's been tampered with.

Where do you normally keep the key, Zoe?

I keep it with me.

The spare's in the hospital filing cabinet.

So where's Pete's gun? I don't know!

You mind if we look around?

You've already done that. I know.

Homicide checked out the crime scene.

We need to take a wider look.

Is that okay?

BIRDS CHIRP

Could have picked a better place to hide it, eh?

Let's just hope we've found the murder weapon.

Alright, Adam. Get it over to Ballistics.

I doubt they'll find any prints.

Who's going to bring Lazar up to date?

Where is he? In my office.

I told him this all blew up while he was at lunch.

I suggested that you tried to contact him on his mobile,

but he must've been out of range.

Good on you. Thanks for that.

I suppose the good news is that Nick's in the clear.

But how happy is it going to make him when Zoe isn't?

Mr Wade. Can I help you? TOM: Hi, Frank.

Those louts have done it again, Tom!

They've graffitied me sheep.

Paint's still wet, see.

When are you going to catch these tearaways?

Well, we're working on it, Frank.

We'll make some enquiries.

I only bought 'em last week.

If I lose the first cut, the fleece will be no good.

Don't worry, Mr Wade.

The Mudlarks would probably pay top price for a new mascot.

Hey, Billy?

I wouldn't know.

Eddie Dodds is the big Mudlark fan, not me.

I didn't touch the sheep.

Who says I did?

How well do you know Billy Wade, Eddie?

Oh, Billie's me mate.

And Foss, too?

Yeah.

So, you have a bit of fun.

Have a few drinks. Hang around town.

Hang around farmyards.

No, we didn't do any of that stuff.

We think you did. No, we didn't hurt Cassie.

No, but you were responsible for the other things.

No.

Where were you last night, Eddie?

Nowhere.

That's funny. Your mum says you were out till all hours.

I was fishing.

Yeah, we were all fishing.

You and Billy and Foss?

Yeah.

But we didn't go anywhere near Doc Hamilton's place

when that guy got killed, but.

We were talking about Alby O'Connell's heifers, actually.

He keeps harping on about the dead horse.

He thinks we think he was drumming up business.

Keep at him. He'll crack.

What's the latest with Homicide?

Lazar's sweating on the Ballistics report to see which gun was used.

Aren't we all? Especially Nick.

What about Nick?

The Ballistics report.

If that bullet matches the gun in his house, he's a goner.

And if it matches the other one...

Then Zoe's in it. Exactly.

Anyone want a game of pool before we eat?

ALL AGREE

Oh, we're too late.

Look who we lost out to.

Chris, your little mates are back.

They're legit tonight.

They came with Frank for a meal. Poor Frank.

Oh, Dodds.

Can I play later, guys?

No. But you could get us a couple of drinks.

Not invited to play with the pros. Obviously not.

Make it snappy, dobber Dodds.

This is very thoughtful of you, Cooper.

What do you want?

Nothing. I just thought we could use a treat. We're working hard.

Hey, PJ, grab the last coffee scroll.

No, thanks very much.

Come on. You'll do my waistline a favour.

Boss, I got word from Ballistics.

The bullet that killed Bridport came from Pete Pritchard's gun.

So, Nick's confirmed in the clear?

And Zoe isn't.

I'm feeling a bit stressed.

It's shock.

Yeah, it's funny, you know.

You see it all the time at work.

But it's so, so different when it happens to you.

(sighs) I just need some assurance, Nick.

I... I'm scared.

Did you kill him, Zoe?

DOOR KNOCK MAGGIE: Nick.

What?

You need to ask me that?

DOOR OPENS

Oh. Sorry to interrupt, Zoe.

No, it's okay. I was just leaving.

Um, Nick, we've got some bad news.

It's about Zoe.

Ah, the second gun...

Lazar's going to be contacting her about it.

Is he going to charge her?

Mmm.

Good old Lazar.

Is there anything we can do?

No, I think you've done enough.

Sorry, mate.

So, what are the chances he's wrong?

Well, she swears she didn't do it.

But they reckon they've got enough evidence to charge.

Well, maybe she's telling the truth.

You had less on me and you were all ready to believe I did it.

We just wanted the truth, mate.

Yeah, sure. You're just doing your job.

Well, I hope you've covered every angle.

But HAVE we exhausted every possibility?

What avenues are left?

I don't know. But he's right.

PJ, can I run something by you? Sure, mate.

Talking about the Ballistics report, right?

Now, we're pretty sure the farmyard vandals

are Billy, Foss and Eddie.

And they were painting Alby's heifers around 10 p.m.

We also know Bridport was killed on the adjacent property

sometime before midnight.

Chances are the vandals heard, or possibly saw, something.

Okay, when we interviewed Eddie, he said something odd.

He said "we were nowhere near Zoe's place when that guy got killed".

He would say that, wouldn't he?

No, but it came right out of the blue.

You give him another shove then, eh?

Yeah.

Mate, well done.

Mate, when they knew we were onto you for the pranks,

they put the blame on you.

So why are you protecting them?

Look, maybe we did some of that stuff.

Mrs Keenan's alpacas and the water troughs and O'Connell's heifers,

but we didn't let Cassie out.

Eddie, we believe you about that.

Anyway, we went to Doc Hamilton's next night - after Alby's.

We never do the same place twice.

So, you were at Doc Hamilton's the night before last?

Yeah.

But we didn't do anything.

Look, we were going to paint the horses.

But that poncey bloke in the bow-tie sprung us.

You don't want to listen to anything Eddie says.

Everyone knows he's a snag short of a barbie.

Well, you might have underestimated him, mate.

See, our first priority is a murder investigation.

We may be able to forget the minor matters

if you tell us what happened.

Nothing happened.

I didn't do Dad's sheep or Mrs Keenan's alpacas

or anything else.

I wasn't anywhere near where that guy got killed.

I didn't do anything, I didn't hear anything, I didn't see anything.

It's possible that Bridport had access to Zoe's strongbox.

Her spare key has turned up in his personal effects.

It's possible that Martin went to Zoe's to do himself in.

So he opens the strongbox, he takes the gun out,

there's a disturbance outside.

He runs out with the gun, there's a struggle, it goes off.

Martin cops it and Billy gets scared he's going to take the rap.

So, he buries the evidence.

Has Billy admitted any of this?

Of course he hasn't.

That's why we need a warrant.

I don't think Falcon-Price will approve it.

Anyway, it's Lazar's case.

Anyway, it's Lazar's case. The homicide, maybe.

The homicide, maybe.

But we're working on a livestock vandalism case, aren't we?

Yeah, PJ.

I don't understand.

You said it was just a few harmless pranks.

That's how it started, Frank.

MAGGIE: PJ, can you come over here, please?

But not how it finished.

Bag it, please, mate.

Suspect has been shown a denim jacket stained with blood.

Believed to be that of a Martin Bridport.

Your father's already confirmed that the jacket's yours.

It'll have to be sent to Forensics to be tested.

But they'll only confirm what we know.

Are you ready to tell us what happened?

He told me to do it.

I didn't want to.

But he made me.

By he, you're referring to Martin Bridport?

Yeah. The one that used to live there - the doctor bloke.

He sprung us with the horses.

Foss took off.

"Come here. Come here!"

"What are you doing?"

"You're in no position to struggle, young man."

He grabbed me.

He said we could do a deal.

He said if I didn't do it, he'd do it himself and then dob on me.

"Stop it. Now listen to me.

You do what I tell you, otherwise you get a bullet through the head.

Now, take the gun.

Take it, I said."

I was shaking so much I could hardly hold it.

"Now, shoot me."

Much less aim it where he said.

I said I couldn't do it.

"Come on, you little sod.

Shoot me in the legs.

Pull the trigger."

I tripped back and the gun went off. GUNSHOT

He copped it right in the neck.

(gasping)

I knew he was gone by the look in his eyes.

The same way Dad's sheep look when you slit their throats.

Where exactly did Bridport want you to shoot him?

Right here. The back of his leg.

Are you sure about that?

Yeah, I'm sure.

I reckon he'd have drawn a bull's-eye if he could.

Okay, so you shot him...

I didn't mean to kill him.

I was trying to get away from the guy.

Go on.

I freaked... I ran... and then I hid the gun.

Where were Eddie Dodds and Nat Foster when this was all happening?

They took off.

And have you since told them what happened?

No.

Oh. So, then you decided to set Eddie up.

Will you answer for the tape, please, Billy?

Yeah, I set him up.

You've got no idea how much that guy freaked me out.

There's something else you'd better know.

I didn't hide the gun where he said to.

So where did Bridport want you to hide it?

In somebody's car.

Whose car?

The tall copper.

The kind of mean looking one.

I guess he wanted to set him up.

Just the corner there, Adso.

How did you go on that bet?

Are Nick and Zoe engaged?

It's still not official,

but I reckon I've got 20 bucks coming my way.

At least life can get back to normal.

Must've been hell, the last few days.

To Nick and Zoe.

ALL: To Nick and Zoe.

Have a seat. Take a load off your mind.

Look, the other good news

was that Falcon-Price said that none of this will be held against you.

You'll still get your promotion to Sergeant.

Right. Thanks.

And, we're all looking forward to seeing you back on board tomorrow.

Right.

Martin would have gone to any lengths to prove himself right.

To prove that I'd chosen the wrong bloke.

Do you want another drink?

Oh... yeah.

I bought it for a reason.

Zoe, you might as well put it on.

God.

You're an insensitive bastard, aren't you, Schultz?

Oh, well... sorry...

I know you've had a rough couple of days.

But it's just... my way of saying I'd like to give you a bit of support.

Where were you yesterday when I needed you to believe in me?

Bad bloody timing, Schultz.

I wouldn't worry about it.

I'm sure you can get a refund on that.

DOOR SLAMS

BOX SNAPS SHUT

SUBTITLED AT ATN 7 BY: Colleen Montague & Jillian Munday