Midsomer Murders (1997) s07e02 Episode Script
Bad Tidings
I checked your bank statements.
That's how I know! You couldn't have.
They don't come till the end of the month.
Do you realise we're close to bankruptcy? Can't I spend a little money on myself occasionally? How was I going to do anything? Will you keep your voice down? Anyway, you might like to know I went to the bank this morning and got copies of your statements.
You bastard! Well, that's it - no more money! Well, screw you! Good evening, Fiona.
SQUEAKING RUSTLING IN BUSHES Hello? Hello! APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS Monty! Come on, Monty! Cassie - surely you must remember her.
Cassie Woods.
No - don't think I do.
Her parents ran Piper's Cross Farm.
Oh? And there was her brotherNoel.
A couple of years younger than her.
You liked him.
Did I? Yes.
You always said he was so polite.
OK - what about Rachel? Hello, Cully.
Hiya, Dad.
To what do we owe the honour? Oh, I've just popped by to let you and Mum know that I'm thinking of organising a reunion.
Tom - here.
Thank you.
What sort of reunion is that, then? For old school friends.
There were four of us - me, Cassie, Rachel, andLynn Morris.
I seem to remember Lynn Morris.
Didn't she use to bully you? When? When you were at middle school.
No.
That was just me being oversensitive.
By the time it got to sixth form, the four of us were best of friends.
I'm sorry, love - I don't have the time.
Anyway, we made a vow in those days that in ten years' time, we'd all meet up and celebrate.
So I thought I'd organise something.
People change, Cully.
They may not be the same as you remember them.
I realise that.
I know they all still live in the Midsomer Mallow area.
Apparently, Lynn's married.
What's the rush? Troy's replacement arrives today.
I thought I'd make a good impression by being there to greet him.
What's he like? I don't know.
Never met the man.
Morning, Alan.
Morning, sir.
DS Scott arrived yet, has he? Who? Detective Sergeant Scott.
He's been transferred to us from the Met.
I haven't seen him, sir.
Have you not? No message at all? No, sir.
TELEPHONE RINGS Barnaby.
Change.
Are you, by any chance Detective Sergeant Scott? Yeah.
Why? I'm DCI Barnaby.
Yes, sir.
I missed the fast train and had to wait an hour and a half for a connection.
Been to this part of the world before? No, sir.
Have you got somewhere to stay? Not yet, sir, no.
I'll have a look around.
What about the section house? No, thanks.
It's not my style.
What do they call this place, anyway? This place is called Chainey's field.
It's been common land for hundreds of years.
It's even in the Domesday Book.
That's amazing.
Her name's Fiona Thompson.
Husband reported her missing.
She hasn't been seen since last night.
By the way, welcome to Midsomer.
Donald! Shirley! It's Fiona Thompson I found one of her shoes so I phoned the police.
Found one of her shoes? Yes.
The shoes she wore last night.
It was in Chainey's Field.
We should never have done it.
We should never have wished her dead.
What on earth are you talking about? What is it, Mary? Tell us.
Because she IS dead.
She's been murdered.
I thought she'd spent the night in the spare room.
It was only in the morning that I realised she hadn't left for work.
Her car keys were still here.
Where did she work, Mr Thompson? ErmCauston College.
She's a She was a secretary there.
She liked it there.
She was happy.
I take it that you and your wife were out together last night.
Yes, but she left early.
We were at the Spanish evening.
I'm sorry - the what? In the village hall.
The Midsomer Mallow Residents' Association.
They're fond of their so-called theme evenings.
Are you a member of this residents' association, sir? No, no.
Fiona is Was.
We're very sorry to have to ask you all these questions so soon, sir.
But they are important.
Could you tell us why your wife left early? We had a row.
About what? Does it really matter? I'm afraid so, yes, sir.
All right then - it was about money.
Fiona was always spending too much money.
And sheshe didn't need to buy that Spanish dress.
It cost a fortune.
Where was she found? Not very far away - Chainey's Field.
Chainey's Field? Why was she there? What about the other members of the association? What about them? Did your wife get on with them? The members of the Midsomer Mallow Residents' Association never get on with each other.
How could they? They don't even like each other.
Did I say something wrong, sir? It's how you said it.
Tom - blood stains.
So she was killed here.
Then her body must have been dragged onto the wasteland down the road.
And I'd say we're looking for a knife with a long, thin blade.
So what was she doing, dressed up like a Christmas tree? She'd been out to a Spanish evening, George.
That probably explains the red rose.
Nice touch.
John.
What do you mean, "nice touch"? Well, she'd hardly be walking home with it in her mouth, would she? Someone with an odd sense of humour, maybe.
Mary found one of her shoes? Yes! Don't be silly.
Mary never walks her dog in Chainey's Field.
It would be far too energetic for her.
She was there this morning.
Ask her! I shall.
It doesn't matter where the shoe was found.
The poor woman is dead.
I realise that, Donald.
As a fellow villager and committee member I shall grieve.
But I shan't grieve for long.
I was walking on the hill, and then Monty - that's my dog - he wanted to go down through Chainey's Field.
That's where I found the shoe.
What can you tell us about Fiona Thompson? She wasn't a very nice person.
In what way? She liked to argue.
She was always arguing.
She's probably arguing with her maker right now.
Oh - it's the police.
They want to talk to us.
Please, come in.
Shirley is the secretary of the residents' association.
And Donald is a longstanding member of the committee.
We've been told that Fiona and her husband were arguing last night just before she left.
That's right.
Did you hear what was said in this particular argument? No.
I couldn't hear much, not with the band playing.
I was in the back room most of the time.
You couldn't hear any threats? By whom? Mr Thompson.
No But he looked angry.
But Charles threatened her once or twice.
He's always threatening people.
Said he'd get her thrown off.
Then he should have done it! Sorry - who's Charles? Charles Rust.
He's our committee chairman.
He used to be the local GP.
Now, I know this may seem unkind, Chief Inspector but I hope the murder won't affect any of our other events.
We have such a lot planned.
You know, I think I must have been the last one here to see her alive.
But one.
I was here, having a cigarette.
She came storming out.
I said good night to her but she didn't answer.
She just walked away.
Did you see anyone else? No.
Charles came out for a while to check on the car park.
But I think he went back in.
Did you hear anything? I heard a noise.
What sort of noise? Well, it was odd.
It was a kind of squeaking noise.
It was out there, in the dark.
Mr Charles Rust? Yes.
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.
Oh, yes.
I know who you are.
The news has filtered through.
Could you tell me, please, when did you last see Fiona Thompson? It was last night, during the Spanish evening.
Did you see her leave the village hall? No.
You see, I was told that you were outside when she left the building.
I may have checked the car park a couple of times but I didn't see her leave.
I hate to speak ill of the dead, but it seems ironic that our DEAR little Fiona should end her days in Chainey's Field.
Why's that? She hated the sight of the place.
She wanted it tidied up.
WHEELBARROW SQUEAKS Cully Barnaby, of all people! How are you? WHERE are you? I'm in Causton.
Cassie, it's so good to talk to you after all this time! "So what have you been doing with yourself?" Mum and Dad retired, left me in charge of the farm.
"Oh, fantastic! That's what you always wanted.
" And how's that young brother of yours? Oh, he's not so young any more.
Still knocking around.
"Noel's still there?" You mean, he never left home? "If you've been in Causton, why haven't I seen you?" I've been in London mostly, Cassie, but erm it's good to be back in Midsomer.
Joyce, this is my new colleague, Daniel Scott.
Daniel Scott, Joyce Barnaby.
Hello.
Nice to meet you, Mrs Barnaby.
You don't look like a policeman's wife.
Oh? Why not? You don't have any worry lines.
What a nice thing to say! Erhe's got nowhere to stay for the time being.
I'm going to check out some B&Bs.
If he'd caught the right train this morning, that would have helped.
Could you talk to Lynn, as well? Sorry, Cassie - just a second.
Yes? Phone book.
Oh, sorry! Here.
Dad, who's your new friend? My new friend is Troy's replacement.
Really? Really.
It may surprise you to learn you're not at all like a policeman's daughter.
Forget about a B&B.
He looks exhausted.
It's just for one night, Tom.
And the spare room's free.
Look, Joyce, this is my home.
It's also my own free time.
I have very little of that.
Apart from which, I don't even know the man.
Then get to know him.
Noel! You won't believe who I've just been talking to.
Who? Cully.
She rang out of the blue.
Little Cully Barnaby? Yeah.
She wants to meet up with me and Lynn.
Like old times.
Yeah.
So, what are we having? Pasta.
Mmmm! Lovely.
You'd make someone a good wife, do you know that? She also wants to meet up with Rachel.
Tricky.
Yeah.
DOORBELL Lynn! DOORBELL Lynn! Why the hell did you double lock the door? Where have you been? I would have been earlier.
The traffic was bad.
What's the matter? You mean you didn't see any police cars? Why? What's happened? It's Fiona Thompson - someone's killed her.
Hmm How about this? One bedroom flat, allocated parking, quiet street.
Nah.
I like a bit of noise.
Where's your flat, then? Other side of town.
I like a bit of quiet.
Well, you've got my mobile number, so if you need to know anything else, just give me a call.
I will.
Thank you.
CAR HORN We've just had a call.
Gary Thompson would like to talk to us.
What do you reckon, sir, confession? It came to me last night.
I couldn't sleep so I lay awake, trying to work out who could possibly want to harm her.
I'm afraid Fiona was very good at making enemies.
Was Charles Rust one of them? Yes.
In fact, she upset most of the committee members.
She liked to speak her mind, you see.
But that's not a reason to kill someone, is it? And then I remembered the odd-job man.
When was this? It was about a week ago.
He asked if there were any jobs that needed doing around the house.
And when she said no, he became angry.
And she said that he threatened her.
Do you know his name or where he lives? He has this old wooden hand cart that he pushes around.
The last time I saw him, he was doing some work at the Spearmans'.
They own Grove House.
What sort of odd jobs does this man do? I told Fiona not to open the door to people she wasn't sure of.
Mr Thompson, what sort of odd jobs? Well, he cleans windows.
And he sharpens knives.
DOORBELL Matthew, can you get that? I'm getting ready.
And I'm busy! DOORBELL DOORBELL Yes, what do you want? Mr Spearman? Good morning, sir.
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.
And this is Detective Sergeant Scott.
We're making enquiries about the death of one of your neighbours, sir.
Yes, it's terrible news.
But how can we help? May we come in? Yeah.
Thank you.
Who is it, Matthew? Erit's the police.
They're asking about Fiona Thompson.
Please hurry up and catch whoever did it.
Don't worry - we will.
Matthew's only here three or four days a week.
I stay in London when things are busy.
We have a flat close to my office.
Were you in London the night before last, sir? No, we were at home together.
But we wouldn't have seen anything.
Why not? Because whenever they have one of their famous theme evenings, I turn the music up.
And I go to bed early.
It's his age.
Thank you.
It was a joke! So I take it, neither of you are members of the residents' association? Matthew was once.
But not for long.
I couldn't stand the people running it.
It was just something to do in the long winter evenings when Lynn was in New Zealand.
I was visiting my mother.
She emigrated there and remarried.
I went over for the wedding.
I have to go.
Right.
Before you go, if you didn't see anything that night, did you hear anything? Only the pathetic Spanish music.
You didn't hear a squeaking sound? A what? Like something being wheeled through the streets? No.
You employ an odd-jobman with a hand cart.
That freak? I hired him just the once.
He was supposed to clean the windows.
What's his name? Never asked.
Did he threaten either of you? He got a bit bolshie with me when I refused to pay him.
CAR APPROACHING Cully! Oh, don't tell me it's been ten years! It can't be! It has, Cassie.
Almost to the day.
It's crazy.
Where the hell does time go? Look at you, though.
You've hardly changed at all.
You look so well.
It's all this fresh air.
And I behave myself.
Oh, I don't believe you.
It's true.
No longer the wild one, not with a farm to run.
Are there no men in your life? What, with the hours I keep? Early to bed, early to rise - they can't handle that.
Hey! Noel! It's so good to see you.
Dear Cully! After all these years! So Lynn's married? Yes.
What's he like? He's older than her.
Some sort of businessman.
He's got no sense of humour.
Any children? No.
What about Rachel? How is she? What's she been doing? For God's sake, Cassie! Don't you ever clean up around here? It's a farmyard, Lynn.
That's no excuse! Cully, come and see me.
So why didn't we meet at my house? At least it's civilised.
I wanted to see the farm again.
Now, the last time I saw you, you were going to be a vet.
Did that ever happen? No.
I've been acting.
But jobs don't come that easy, so I've been temping.
What about you? You were determined to marry for money.
At that age? Yes.
Well, I've done it.
Right, you've seen the farm and I need cheering up.
So let's all go into the village.
So Rachel still lives here, in Midsomer Mallow? Yes, she rents the cottage just on the edge of the village.
Is she on the phone? No.
How often do you see her? We don't see that much of her, not these days.
Why not? She keeps herself to herself.
I don't understand.
Cully, it was ten years ago.
We're not the kids we were.
So what is it? What's the matter? Three years ago she went to stay in London for a while.
No-one knew why.
She kept it a secret.
The truth isshe went there to have a baby, a daughter.
Well, that's great! What's wrong with that? Who's the father? Wouldn't we all like to know? Well, you know your village.
You must be able to put two and two together.
Tried it.
Didn't work.
Has she got her daughter with her? Yes.
She must be a great mum.
She always did love kids.
OK .
.
do you two remember a vow we made the day we left school? A vow? The four of us.
No.
We said in ten years' time, we'd all get together and celebrate in some fancy restaurant.
No, I don't remember that.
Sounds like a good idea.
I thought I'd book a table at Lacey's.
Lacey's - that's expensive.
You'd better not wear your wellies, had you? Well, it doesn't matter.
The four of us getting together - it means a lot to me.
No, we don't have a name.
Well, there can't be that many door-to-door knife grinders around.
Sir, I think I've tracked down our odd-job man.
Good.
Jacob Stoke.
No known address.
He works a couple of the Midsomer villages.
Any form? Drunk and disorderly, threatening behaviour.
He uses a workshop, some kind of lockup.
Where? Barrow End.
I know it.
Hi, Dad.
Hello, Cully.
These are my old friends.
Lynn Spearman.
Oh, yes.
We've met.
And Cassie Woods.
I remember when WE last met.
Where was that? During one of our school plays.
I was front of house.
You arrived late.
Did I enjoy the play? I shouldn't think so.
No-one did.
Well, I'll see you later.
How are you getting on? I've found a flat.
I can move straight in.
Have they given you a car? Tomorrow.
Why don't I pick you up later, take you and your things there? Thank you.
See you around.
Sure you've got time for a celebration? He's new here.
Don't worry - we'll look after him.
He's not rich, Lynn.
Shame.
He's just a poor working copper.
It's been a while since this place was used.
Yes.
Could have moved on, I suppose, left the area.
A very good evening to you.
Evening, Charles.
Good evening.
Oh.
Thank you.
Now, I'm sure you all remember that at our last general meeting we had something of a problem.
Fiona.
We worked long and hard at voting her off the committee.
But she wouldn't budge.
Now, her death is a sad business, but it has its compensations because the problem no longer exists.
We shouldn't have wished her dead.
Oh, for goodness' sake Mary! We all hated the sight of her.
Would you wish her back? There's no need to shout.
She needs shouting at.
Would you want Fiona back? Thank you.
But we shouldn't be dancing on her grave.
Oh, I agree.
Especially as the police are asking questions.
No - there's no need to record this, Shirley.
It's an informal meeting.
However, life goes on.
So I feel that our annual open garden day Midsomer Mallow In Bloom should proceed as planned.
Are you sure? Oh, come on, now - we have to postpone it this year! No.
We've got to.
As a mark of respect.
I'm sorry.
But we can't do it, Charles.
We bloody well can! But there's an investigation going on.
So what? And I don't know if it had anything to do with it, but I heard something the night she was killed.
What did you hear? A squeaking noise.
Really? Oh, for goodness' sake! No, listen to me.
I did hear something.
I told the police.
I expect you kept them amused for hours because at your age it's quite easy to imagine things.
Charles, when you say life goes on, has that anything to do with you wanting to win the best frontage award for the third year running? There's one thing I will cancel, and that is this meeting, until you're in a more positive frame of mind.
I shall talk to you all in the morning.
Maybe we should wish a few more people dead.
Seems to do the trick.
A paper shop? Yeah.
Round the back.
It's a bit small.
It'll do me for now.
I don't intend staying round here for long.
In the meantime, it's ideal.
I only have to go downstairs for my morning paper.
What do you mean, you won't be staying for long? You've only just arrived.
Not my idea.
Someone thought a change of location would be good for me.
Oh, I see.
And naturally, I want promotion sometime.
I don't think I'll get it here.
Does my father know about this? I'm sure he must have sussed it.
Well, I hope you're not going to waste his time.
No, I won't do that.
I'm going to Midsomer Mallow in the morning.
Do you want a lift? No, thanks.
I'll find my own way there.
OK.
Wellenjoy yourself.
Yes Yes.
And I think we'll use Anne again this year for the posters.
There's always a few smudges but she's quick and cheap.
Are we happy with that? Right.
Then, I'll leave you to deal with that, Josephine.
Thank you Good night.
SQUEAKING SQUEAKING CONTINUES SQUEAKING FADES INTO DISTANCE Cully.
Hello, Dad.
What are you doing here? I came and bought this for a friend of mine.
She has a child.
Where does she live? In a cottage in Snakes Lane.
I'm off to surprise her.
It's really pretty.
GATE CREAKING Mr Rust, I'm sorry to disturb you again.
This is Detective Sergeant Scott.
I'm too busy to answer any more of your questions.
Lovely roses.
Wonderful garden you have here, sir.
It's probably the best in the village.
The nearest I got to a garden was a window box.
And someone nicked that.
And the bell? The bell? Oh - the bell! You've met Donald Tew, of course.
Well, he was once the headmaster here, and he will tell you that the bell was only ever used on one special occasion each year.
And what would that be, sir? Awards day.
Now, how can I help you? Mr Rust, would you take a look at this? Ah - here we are.
Oh, yesit's a fragrant cloud.
It's a hybrid tea.
It's quite common.
Could this have come from your front garden? Yes.
But there are similar bushes in the village, though not quite as well kept as mine.
If you care to take a look this weekend, it's our Open Garden Day.
Oh, right.
Tell me, why are you asking me about a dead, damaged rose? Because it was found on the body of Fiona Thompson.
Well, she was probably wearing it with that stupid dress of hers.
No, she wasn't.
You said that on the night of the Spanish Evening you checked the village hall car park a couple of times.
Is that right? Yes.
I mean, some of those idiots don't know how to park their cars.
And other than that, you didn't leave the village hall? No.
Until when? Ohit must have been well after midnight.
There were things to do.
Thank you, Mr Rust.
This was Donald Tew's house, wasn't it, when he was headmaster? Yes, and the blackboard in the kitchen belongs to the school.
And I use this original teacher's desk here in my study.
I love this house.
Is your garden part of the Open Day, Mr Rust? Naturally.
And I expect to win the top prize - the Chairman's Cup.
I'm sure you'll do it.
Thank you.
You know, you could charm a toad out of a tree, you.
The police have been to Charles' house again.
That's twice now.
How many times have they spoken to you? Just the once.
And me.
So something must be up.
He DESERVES to be punished, Shirley.
He really does.
Hello? Noel, is Cassie here? No - it's market day.
Something wrong? Well, yes.
It's odd.
I went to Rachel's cottage.
I knocked on the door but she didn't answer.
She doesn't like people calling there.
Why? I know she was in.
She must have seen me.
Must have heard me.
It's just the way she is these days, Cully.
Well, what's happened to her? She's OK.
Honestly, she's fine.
Whatever it is, it smells good.
Thanks.
Do you do all the cooking round here? And the cleaning.
Cassie's never been much good around the house.
Have you never wanted to leave Midsomer? No.
I'm happy here.
What about girlfriends? No time for that at the moment.
Anyway, I've never got over you.
Come on, now! That was just a schoolboy crush.
Anyway, I was too old for you.
Only a couple of years too old.
Do you remember where we fist kissed? Yes.
Yes - it was Chainey's Field.
If my husband was alive, he could have prevented Charles living in that house.
He would have made sure the school was a listed building.
And he would have made you a tenant.
And the way Charles talks to you.
No-one liked him as a doctor.
In fact, he was hated.
And he doesn't like anyone getting in his way.
No, he doesn't.
Well, Fiona got in his way, didn't she? And look what happened to her.
SQUEAKING Listen! Is that the sound you heard? Well, then, don't go out there, Donald.
Please, don't go out there! Those committee bastards have taken over the village again.
You'd think they'd have the decency to ask if we minded.
Why should they? You told them what they could do with their committee.
Where are you going? Out for a while to get away from it.
You're welcome to come with me.
No.
I've got work to finish.
And you know something else? There seems to be more of them this year.
Must be the murder.
I don't see the point in wandering about in someone else's garden.
It's a chance to learn something.
Huh! Like what - how to tie up a few broad beans? CAR HORN We're a lost race, do you know that? We care more for our gardens and our pets than we do for our kith and kin.
CAR HORN What the bloody hell?! Are you all right? Yeah I'm fine.
Isn't that the car that forced us off the road? Yeah, it is.
Are you going to say something? No.
Spoil our afternoon? I don't think so.
Is there any news? Yes.
Helen Broome has won Best Containerised Small Garden.
Good.
That'll keep her quiet for a year.
The judges are on the move again.
Can't wait to win, can he? What can I get you? A piece of Victoria sponge, please.
What happened to that diet? What diet? Anyway, it's the weekend.
Thank you.
May I? I think I'll take a look around.
Where's Lynn? I'm meeting her later.
I've arranged something.
CAR HORN BLARES Excuse me! Will you please leave my garden? It's not open to the public.
Never has been and it never will be.
Hello, Mr Thompson.
You'd have thought those bastards would have had more respect.
Fiona hasn't even been buried yet.
Look, I'm sorry - Is this it, sir? I'm afraid it is.
Only, where I come from, open garden day is when someone breaks into your shed.
Drink? Yeah.
Hello, MikeRosemary.
Charles.
I think you'll find it's even better than last year.
And not a trough or a hanging basket in sight.
I can't stand the things! This is the best border I've ever done.
What do they call this beer? Real.
Oh, here's Joyce.
I've just bumped into Cully.
Where is she? With a couple of her friends.
Can I buy you a drink, Mrs Barnaby? Thank you.
So where are we going? I told you - I've arranged something.
Follow us.
How dare he?! How DARE he do this? GATE CREAKING Won't be a second.
Sorry.
GATE CREAKING An apple for the teacher.
Yes.
Except he wasn't a teacher.
Mr Tew, a word, please.
Please, sir.
I think it would be a good idea to end the Open Garden Day.
End it? Yes, please.
Can you manage that? Now? Yes, sir - now.
Please.
Yes.
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry, but we have to end the afternoon.
Would you please move back.
I'm sorry.
Ladies and gentlemen, please, move back.
Tom, have you seen Cully? She's probably with her friends.
There's no sign of them, either.
I'd just like to know where she is.
Where do her friends live? Piper's Cross Farm.
She has another old friend, lives in Snakes Lane.
Where? It's off Causton Road.
You can't miss it.
I remember this place.
We used to come here as kids.
That's right.
Let's go further up.
When I heard the bell .
.
I thought .
.
I thought he was ringing it to show off.
To celebrate his win.
Thank you.
Did you see anyone else in there? No.
Did you hear anything? Nothing Nothing.
It's so strange to hear that sound.
That bell hasn't rung in years! He was attacked while he was sitting at his desk.
Have you found the murder weapon yet? No.
He was struck by several blows.
Probably by the same long-bladed knife.
First a rose, then an apple.
Why make fun of the dead? This place is exactly the same.
I'd forgotten how beautiful it is.
Hi! Cully Barnaby.
Well, well! I thought you'd forgotten all about us.
I thought you'd forgotten all about us.
How could I forget any of you? We always said we'd be friends for life.
So we did! Where's your daughter? My parents often take her out.
Oh.
I would love to have seen her.
What's her name? It's Lily.
Well, when you and Lily are next in town - Oh, I don't go into town.
All right then - in the village.
Noel, you're a man in a million.
You've even brought flowers.
Don't praise him too much.
He gets enough praise at home.
No, he doesn't.
Try one of these.
They're delicious.
I followed the judges into Charles' garden.
I thought I'd take a look.
Did you enter the house? No.
I had better things to do, Mr Barnaby.
Is that the costume you wore for the Spanish evening? Yes.
Among other things, I've taught drama in my time.
So I've always collected costumes.
Looks like the real thing to me, that.
Oh, it is.
You've got the matador's sword, too.
Yes and before you ask, I didn't take it into the village hall that evening.
Fiona was a troublemaker, but I'd no reason to harm her.
I'm told that Charles Rust was the local GP in Midsomer Mallow.
Yes, he was.
He retired a couple of years ago.
Was he a good doctor? WellI suppose he knew his stuff.
But he surrounded himself with awkward members of staff.
Sometimes it was impossible to get near him.
When Fiona worked for him - Fiona Thompson? Yes.
I thought she worked in Causton.
She did.
But until Charles retired, she was his receptionist.
She was in charge of all his medical records.
What about Carol Curtis? That bitch? She wasn't so bad.
She got married and went to live up north.
Best place for her.
In fact, that's the best place for any woman who marries just for the sake of it.
Does that include me? Of course it does.
You married a man who never laughs.
What kind of a life is that? Rachel, I was saying to the girls the other day that it's been ten years since we were all together.
So I was thinking we should celebrate.
Well, we're celebrating now, aren't we? Well, yes, but Well, I thought we should do it in style.
Right.
Who's for a swim? Come on, Noel - let's see what you're made of.
You, too, Lynn.
I'm not going in there.
It's filthy.
NOEL: Come on, Cassie! Aaagh! Come on - in you go! You're so brilliant, aren't you?! Get off me! Stop it! Stop it! All right? Are you sure? Lynn? Lynn, are you here? Where have you been? I was with friends.
Well, maybe you should stay with those friends tonight.
I don't WANT to stay with them.
I have to go to London.
You usually go on Sundays.
Listen to me - there's been another murder, here in the village.
I don't really want to leave you alone.
Another murder?! Yes.
Don't leave me, Matthew.
Please, stay here.
I can't.
There's too much to do in London.
Where was she? She was in the river, sir.
She was having a bit of a party with her friends.
She's gone home now.
Good.
Hello? If Stoke is the man we're looking for, why would he kill Fiona Thompson and Charles Rust? Yes? Evening, sir.
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.
This is Detective Sergeant Scott.
We believe Jacob Stoke drinks in here.
He diduntil I barred him.
Why did you bar him? He was getting too nasty.
When was that, sir? About two, three days ago.
Do you know where he lives? No.
Just here and there.
Hangs around Chainey's Field sometimes.
If he's too pissed, he's known to curl up in that hand cart of his and sleep it off.
Hi, Dad.
I just came by to say I'm sorry.
Oh But you didn't need to send Daniel driving round the countryside.
Well, your mother - she was worried.
I realise that.
And another murder in Midsomer Mallow.
The killer must have been there with all those people.
Yeah.
Do you want a drink? No, thank you.
So, how was the day out with your friends? Was that good? Oh, it was it was all right.
At least we all got together again at last.
Was what's-her-name from Snakes Lane there? Rachel? Yeah, she was there.
I still can't believe she has a daughter.
Has she? Who's the dad? No-one knows.
She went away to have the child.
When was this? About three years ago.
They'd all They'd all changed, Dad.
They were different.
I told you so.
Except for Noel.
He'll never change.
Who's Noel? Cassie's brother.
We used to go out together once.
Oh, did you now? He used to be such fun in those days.
In what way was he fun? He used tomake us laugh.
He was always playing practical jokes.
Yes they were different.
KNOCK AT DOOR LOUDER KNOCKING Yes, all right.
I'm coming! KNOCKING CONTINUES Yeah.
Look - hold on, will you? I suppose you realise it's nearly 12:00? I'll be right with you, sir.
Look at the state of this place.
Where's my shoe? I'll tell you something now, Scott - I'm not in a good mood.
Right, sir.
So you tell me something.
Do you intend to stay here? What, in this flat? No, Scott - with my division.
I'm sorry, sir Maybe you feel you've been done an injustice.
In what way, sir? By being shunted out of London.
All right, I'll be honest with you, sir.
Maybe I don't like the countryside.
Maybe I can't tell one herd of chickens from another.
I am prepared to put up with it for the time being.
You're prepared to put up with it? Because I'm willing to learn.
All right - the flat's a tip.
So what? I'm the one who has to live with it.
You see, with all due respect, sir, I've been involved with two murders.
I haven't had time to suss out the laundrette or the post office.
And I'm tired.
And it's Sunday.
And your tie is crooked.
Thank you, sir.
And you don't get Sundays off with me.
Great (!) Can I buy you breakfast? Yes, you can.
Good.
MOBILE RINGS Barnaby.
There's no way we can make an identification, sir.
It's too badly burned.
We think we know who he is.
If he was drunk, he could have set fire to himself accidentally.
Got a bag? I've seen this before.
Bag.
Thank you.
I think it's time we took that look at Dr Rust's medical records.
On a Sunday? On a Sunday, yeah.
You can use your charm.
Hello, there.
Who are you? Tom Barnaby from Causton CID.
Barnaby? Are you Cully's dad? Yeah, that's right.
I am.
Come on.
And you must be Rachel.
Oi! Someone had better buy you a new dolly, hadn't they? Cully said she was meeting three old friends.
I know Lynn and Cassie but I can't quite remember you.
No, you wouldn't.
I was always the quiet one.
Come on.
CHILD CRYING Afternoon, Miss Bennett.
Oh, this is Detective Sergeant Scott.
Hello.
I'm sorry to worry you with this.
But would you be kind enough to take a look at this? Well, it's one of mine what's left of it.
I sold it a couple of days ago.
Are there any others like it? No.
Similar but not identical.
It's part of their charm.
I believe you're secretary of the residents' committee.
That's right, I am.
Were you also secretary when Matthew Spearman was a member? Yes, but he didn't like us so he didn't stay with us long.
That was when his wife was in New Zealand, yes? Yes.
How long ago was that? Well, Donald was treasurer then.
ErmCharles had just become chairman.
I'd say about three years.
Three years.
Thank you.
Where did you get it, Dad? Is that the doll you bought? Yes.
I bought it for Rachel's daughter.
What's happened to it? Did you give it to her? No.
I knocked on Rachel's door that day but there was no answer.
So you didn't see the daughter? Well, I did.
And she doesn't look anything like her mother.
Here - grab a seat.
What did you do with the doll? I gave it to Noel.
They're old friends.
He said he'd give it to Rachel.
What, Noel the practical joker? Yes.
And did he? I don't know.
She didn't bother to thank me for it.
What IS this, Dad? Why are you questioning me like this? What sort of jokes did Noel use to play, then? When? When you were at school together.
I don't know! He used to put jokey things in other people's lockers and desks.
People we didn't like.
Just to scare them.
Why? This doll was found by the body of a murdered man.
He'd been stabbed and set alight.
Some joke (!) No, Dad.
No, not Noel! How could you think such a thing? Hello, Cassie.
Is your brother here? Yes, Cully gave me a bag with the doll in it.
It was a present for Lily.
Who did you give it to? Look - what is this? Did you give it to Rachel? No.
Who DID you give it to? Lynn.
She said she'd take it to Rachel's.
I doubt it got there.
I think my brother's entitled to know what's going on.
Yes.
Let's all go into the house.
Three years ago, Lynn Spearman visited New Zealand.
Am I correct? Yes.
And round about the same time, Rachel went to London to have her baby.
That was a bit of a coincidence, wasn't it? In a small village like Midsomer Mallow, I'm surprised that a few tongues didn't start wagging.
Because at least two people knew that it wasn't a coincidence at all.
Charles Rust and his then receptionist Fiona Thompson.
And both those people are now dead.
We checked Lynn and Rachel's medical notes.
Rachel hasn't had a problem for quite a while.
But just over three years ago, Lynn's notes were forwarded from a surgery in London.
She forgot to change her GP when she came back to Midsomer Mallow.
Lily is Lynn's child.
Am I right? Yes.
And you, Noel Woods, you are the father.
Yes.
Did you kill Charles Rust and Fiona Thompson? No! Do you know who did? Of course, not.
With Lynn and me it was just a bit of fun to start with.
Matthew was hardly ever home.
And then things went wrong.
Like what? Lynn lost interest.
Seemed to be just a bit of a game with her.
Or as if she was trying to prove something.
I don't think she cares about anyone.
Not even for her daughter? But I care about Lily.
I see her whenever I can but it's difficult.
In what way? As friends, we discussed it.
We decided to close ranks, to act out a lie.
Well, that would be a bit of a problem.
Lily is the spitting image of her mother.
That's why Rachel can't be seen with her.
And there's a problem.
Like what? She's been with the child too long.
She's now behaving like the real mother.
And we think there could be trouble.
What are you doing here? Rachel, I need to talk to you.
For God's sake! Come inside.
We'll get you a nice drink, all right, sweetheart? Come on then - out you get.
Good girl.
Are you leaving here? Yes.
Where have you been this time of night? To post some letters.
By the time they get them, we'll be gone.
By the time who gets them? Noel and Cassie and Lynn.
Lily and I often walk at night.
To the village and back.
That wayno-one sees us.
She's not your child, is she? She's Lynn's.
Who's the father? Does it matter? Yes, it does.
All right - it's Noel.
And he's never going to leave his sister.
They need each other.
What about Lynn? She doesn't need anyone.
Never has.
And that's why you're leaving? Yes! Look, someone has to give Lily a proper life.
She can't be just wheeled around in the dark for ever.
Oh, get out.
Go on - just get out! Rachel, please! Get out! Go! Just get out! Who is that? Lynn! Remember how I used to hurt you when we were small? It was because you used to tell on me.
Lynn, don't be stupid.
That was years ago.
Nobody does that.
Not to me.
So now I'm going to hurt you again.
You and your stupid bloody reunion! Lynn, please! Please, no! After all I've done for you.
It was the Spanish evening.
Matthew'd gone to bed early.
I went for a walk.
And saw Fiona in her Flamenco frock.
Strutting her stuff.
Hello? 'She'd called me earlier that day.
' Hello! 'She told me about her lack of funds.
Then she mentioned my medical records.
' So I thought, I'll have you .
.
you cow! 'I took her out to Chainey's Field.
I knew how much she hated the place.
' And Charles Rust? He knew, too, did he? I suppose there were no problems there.
Garden walkabout day, everybody was busy.
But I'd seen you just before.
You'd overtaken me on the road.
You called at Rachel's cottage.
Isn't that the car that forced us off the road? Yeah, it is.
Are you going to say something? No.
Spoil our afternoon? 'Or did you WANT to be seen? 'Fast car like yours .
.
there was time to get back to the village and do what you had to do.
Once you'd got Fiona out of the way, it was logical to finish the job.
The doctor who knew your secret, did he threaten to tell, as well? Could he be trusted?' 'That would have been the end of it.
But your daughter had found out about Lily.
I followed her to Rachel's cottage.
I knew it wouldn't be long before she told her daddy.
' Lynn? And no-one tells tales, not about me.
Ask Cully.
What about Jacob Stoke? Who? The odd-job man.
Would he have told tales? Were you worried he saw something on the night you killed Fiona? Or maybe you heard something just before you were about to do your killing.
A squeaking sound.
And you thought, "That's the hand cart.
" But it wasn't, Lynn.
That was the sound from your child's pushchair being wheeled through the village at night.
Rachel and Lily.
I expect they walked past your great house on more than one occasion in the dark.
The friend you'd made use of and the child you'd abandoned.
And I imagine you'd seen Stoke, sleeping it off in the past.
Easy to kill then, wasn't he? 'Tell me something, Lynn - why the rose and the apple and the doll?' It was a game, really.
Reminded me of my school days.
Matthew always says I'm childish.
But, you see, he hasn't got a sense of humour.
I have.
That's why Noel and I got on so well.
It's a nice restaurant, Cully.
Yes, it is.
It's not the sort of place I'd choose.
No - you'd rather eat at home.
After a hard day's work, yes, I would.
Not late again, am I? Hello, Daniel! Mrs Barnaby Sir.
Thank you for inviting me, Cully.
May I say, you look lovely - Ah - just sit down, would you? I've invited you all here because I didn't want to cancel.
And I didn't want to come here alone.
So - That's understandable.
Will you join me in a toast? To absent friends.
To absent friends.
That's how I know! You couldn't have.
They don't come till the end of the month.
Do you realise we're close to bankruptcy? Can't I spend a little money on myself occasionally? How was I going to do anything? Will you keep your voice down? Anyway, you might like to know I went to the bank this morning and got copies of your statements.
You bastard! Well, that's it - no more money! Well, screw you! Good evening, Fiona.
SQUEAKING RUSTLING IN BUSHES Hello? Hello! APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS Monty! Come on, Monty! Cassie - surely you must remember her.
Cassie Woods.
No - don't think I do.
Her parents ran Piper's Cross Farm.
Oh? And there was her brotherNoel.
A couple of years younger than her.
You liked him.
Did I? Yes.
You always said he was so polite.
OK - what about Rachel? Hello, Cully.
Hiya, Dad.
To what do we owe the honour? Oh, I've just popped by to let you and Mum know that I'm thinking of organising a reunion.
Tom - here.
Thank you.
What sort of reunion is that, then? For old school friends.
There were four of us - me, Cassie, Rachel, andLynn Morris.
I seem to remember Lynn Morris.
Didn't she use to bully you? When? When you were at middle school.
No.
That was just me being oversensitive.
By the time it got to sixth form, the four of us were best of friends.
I'm sorry, love - I don't have the time.
Anyway, we made a vow in those days that in ten years' time, we'd all meet up and celebrate.
So I thought I'd organise something.
People change, Cully.
They may not be the same as you remember them.
I realise that.
I know they all still live in the Midsomer Mallow area.
Apparently, Lynn's married.
What's the rush? Troy's replacement arrives today.
I thought I'd make a good impression by being there to greet him.
What's he like? I don't know.
Never met the man.
Morning, Alan.
Morning, sir.
DS Scott arrived yet, has he? Who? Detective Sergeant Scott.
He's been transferred to us from the Met.
I haven't seen him, sir.
Have you not? No message at all? No, sir.
TELEPHONE RINGS Barnaby.
Change.
Are you, by any chance Detective Sergeant Scott? Yeah.
Why? I'm DCI Barnaby.
Yes, sir.
I missed the fast train and had to wait an hour and a half for a connection.
Been to this part of the world before? No, sir.
Have you got somewhere to stay? Not yet, sir, no.
I'll have a look around.
What about the section house? No, thanks.
It's not my style.
What do they call this place, anyway? This place is called Chainey's field.
It's been common land for hundreds of years.
It's even in the Domesday Book.
That's amazing.
Her name's Fiona Thompson.
Husband reported her missing.
She hasn't been seen since last night.
By the way, welcome to Midsomer.
Donald! Shirley! It's Fiona Thompson I found one of her shoes so I phoned the police.
Found one of her shoes? Yes.
The shoes she wore last night.
It was in Chainey's Field.
We should never have done it.
We should never have wished her dead.
What on earth are you talking about? What is it, Mary? Tell us.
Because she IS dead.
She's been murdered.
I thought she'd spent the night in the spare room.
It was only in the morning that I realised she hadn't left for work.
Her car keys were still here.
Where did she work, Mr Thompson? ErmCauston College.
She's a She was a secretary there.
She liked it there.
She was happy.
I take it that you and your wife were out together last night.
Yes, but she left early.
We were at the Spanish evening.
I'm sorry - the what? In the village hall.
The Midsomer Mallow Residents' Association.
They're fond of their so-called theme evenings.
Are you a member of this residents' association, sir? No, no.
Fiona is Was.
We're very sorry to have to ask you all these questions so soon, sir.
But they are important.
Could you tell us why your wife left early? We had a row.
About what? Does it really matter? I'm afraid so, yes, sir.
All right then - it was about money.
Fiona was always spending too much money.
And sheshe didn't need to buy that Spanish dress.
It cost a fortune.
Where was she found? Not very far away - Chainey's Field.
Chainey's Field? Why was she there? What about the other members of the association? What about them? Did your wife get on with them? The members of the Midsomer Mallow Residents' Association never get on with each other.
How could they? They don't even like each other.
Did I say something wrong, sir? It's how you said it.
Tom - blood stains.
So she was killed here.
Then her body must have been dragged onto the wasteland down the road.
And I'd say we're looking for a knife with a long, thin blade.
So what was she doing, dressed up like a Christmas tree? She'd been out to a Spanish evening, George.
That probably explains the red rose.
Nice touch.
John.
What do you mean, "nice touch"? Well, she'd hardly be walking home with it in her mouth, would she? Someone with an odd sense of humour, maybe.
Mary found one of her shoes? Yes! Don't be silly.
Mary never walks her dog in Chainey's Field.
It would be far too energetic for her.
She was there this morning.
Ask her! I shall.
It doesn't matter where the shoe was found.
The poor woman is dead.
I realise that, Donald.
As a fellow villager and committee member I shall grieve.
But I shan't grieve for long.
I was walking on the hill, and then Monty - that's my dog - he wanted to go down through Chainey's Field.
That's where I found the shoe.
What can you tell us about Fiona Thompson? She wasn't a very nice person.
In what way? She liked to argue.
She was always arguing.
She's probably arguing with her maker right now.
Oh - it's the police.
They want to talk to us.
Please, come in.
Shirley is the secretary of the residents' association.
And Donald is a longstanding member of the committee.
We've been told that Fiona and her husband were arguing last night just before she left.
That's right.
Did you hear what was said in this particular argument? No.
I couldn't hear much, not with the band playing.
I was in the back room most of the time.
You couldn't hear any threats? By whom? Mr Thompson.
No But he looked angry.
But Charles threatened her once or twice.
He's always threatening people.
Said he'd get her thrown off.
Then he should have done it! Sorry - who's Charles? Charles Rust.
He's our committee chairman.
He used to be the local GP.
Now, I know this may seem unkind, Chief Inspector but I hope the murder won't affect any of our other events.
We have such a lot planned.
You know, I think I must have been the last one here to see her alive.
But one.
I was here, having a cigarette.
She came storming out.
I said good night to her but she didn't answer.
She just walked away.
Did you see anyone else? No.
Charles came out for a while to check on the car park.
But I think he went back in.
Did you hear anything? I heard a noise.
What sort of noise? Well, it was odd.
It was a kind of squeaking noise.
It was out there, in the dark.
Mr Charles Rust? Yes.
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.
Oh, yes.
I know who you are.
The news has filtered through.
Could you tell me, please, when did you last see Fiona Thompson? It was last night, during the Spanish evening.
Did you see her leave the village hall? No.
You see, I was told that you were outside when she left the building.
I may have checked the car park a couple of times but I didn't see her leave.
I hate to speak ill of the dead, but it seems ironic that our DEAR little Fiona should end her days in Chainey's Field.
Why's that? She hated the sight of the place.
She wanted it tidied up.
WHEELBARROW SQUEAKS Cully Barnaby, of all people! How are you? WHERE are you? I'm in Causton.
Cassie, it's so good to talk to you after all this time! "So what have you been doing with yourself?" Mum and Dad retired, left me in charge of the farm.
"Oh, fantastic! That's what you always wanted.
" And how's that young brother of yours? Oh, he's not so young any more.
Still knocking around.
"Noel's still there?" You mean, he never left home? "If you've been in Causton, why haven't I seen you?" I've been in London mostly, Cassie, but erm it's good to be back in Midsomer.
Joyce, this is my new colleague, Daniel Scott.
Daniel Scott, Joyce Barnaby.
Hello.
Nice to meet you, Mrs Barnaby.
You don't look like a policeman's wife.
Oh? Why not? You don't have any worry lines.
What a nice thing to say! Erhe's got nowhere to stay for the time being.
I'm going to check out some B&Bs.
If he'd caught the right train this morning, that would have helped.
Could you talk to Lynn, as well? Sorry, Cassie - just a second.
Yes? Phone book.
Oh, sorry! Here.
Dad, who's your new friend? My new friend is Troy's replacement.
Really? Really.
It may surprise you to learn you're not at all like a policeman's daughter.
Forget about a B&B.
He looks exhausted.
It's just for one night, Tom.
And the spare room's free.
Look, Joyce, this is my home.
It's also my own free time.
I have very little of that.
Apart from which, I don't even know the man.
Then get to know him.
Noel! You won't believe who I've just been talking to.
Who? Cully.
She rang out of the blue.
Little Cully Barnaby? Yeah.
She wants to meet up with me and Lynn.
Like old times.
Yeah.
So, what are we having? Pasta.
Mmmm! Lovely.
You'd make someone a good wife, do you know that? She also wants to meet up with Rachel.
Tricky.
Yeah.
DOORBELL Lynn! DOORBELL Lynn! Why the hell did you double lock the door? Where have you been? I would have been earlier.
The traffic was bad.
What's the matter? You mean you didn't see any police cars? Why? What's happened? It's Fiona Thompson - someone's killed her.
Hmm How about this? One bedroom flat, allocated parking, quiet street.
Nah.
I like a bit of noise.
Where's your flat, then? Other side of town.
I like a bit of quiet.
Well, you've got my mobile number, so if you need to know anything else, just give me a call.
I will.
Thank you.
CAR HORN We've just had a call.
Gary Thompson would like to talk to us.
What do you reckon, sir, confession? It came to me last night.
I couldn't sleep so I lay awake, trying to work out who could possibly want to harm her.
I'm afraid Fiona was very good at making enemies.
Was Charles Rust one of them? Yes.
In fact, she upset most of the committee members.
She liked to speak her mind, you see.
But that's not a reason to kill someone, is it? And then I remembered the odd-job man.
When was this? It was about a week ago.
He asked if there were any jobs that needed doing around the house.
And when she said no, he became angry.
And she said that he threatened her.
Do you know his name or where he lives? He has this old wooden hand cart that he pushes around.
The last time I saw him, he was doing some work at the Spearmans'.
They own Grove House.
What sort of odd jobs does this man do? I told Fiona not to open the door to people she wasn't sure of.
Mr Thompson, what sort of odd jobs? Well, he cleans windows.
And he sharpens knives.
DOORBELL Matthew, can you get that? I'm getting ready.
And I'm busy! DOORBELL DOORBELL Yes, what do you want? Mr Spearman? Good morning, sir.
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.
And this is Detective Sergeant Scott.
We're making enquiries about the death of one of your neighbours, sir.
Yes, it's terrible news.
But how can we help? May we come in? Yeah.
Thank you.
Who is it, Matthew? Erit's the police.
They're asking about Fiona Thompson.
Please hurry up and catch whoever did it.
Don't worry - we will.
Matthew's only here three or four days a week.
I stay in London when things are busy.
We have a flat close to my office.
Were you in London the night before last, sir? No, we were at home together.
But we wouldn't have seen anything.
Why not? Because whenever they have one of their famous theme evenings, I turn the music up.
And I go to bed early.
It's his age.
Thank you.
It was a joke! So I take it, neither of you are members of the residents' association? Matthew was once.
But not for long.
I couldn't stand the people running it.
It was just something to do in the long winter evenings when Lynn was in New Zealand.
I was visiting my mother.
She emigrated there and remarried.
I went over for the wedding.
I have to go.
Right.
Before you go, if you didn't see anything that night, did you hear anything? Only the pathetic Spanish music.
You didn't hear a squeaking sound? A what? Like something being wheeled through the streets? No.
You employ an odd-jobman with a hand cart.
That freak? I hired him just the once.
He was supposed to clean the windows.
What's his name? Never asked.
Did he threaten either of you? He got a bit bolshie with me when I refused to pay him.
CAR APPROACHING Cully! Oh, don't tell me it's been ten years! It can't be! It has, Cassie.
Almost to the day.
It's crazy.
Where the hell does time go? Look at you, though.
You've hardly changed at all.
You look so well.
It's all this fresh air.
And I behave myself.
Oh, I don't believe you.
It's true.
No longer the wild one, not with a farm to run.
Are there no men in your life? What, with the hours I keep? Early to bed, early to rise - they can't handle that.
Hey! Noel! It's so good to see you.
Dear Cully! After all these years! So Lynn's married? Yes.
What's he like? He's older than her.
Some sort of businessman.
He's got no sense of humour.
Any children? No.
What about Rachel? How is she? What's she been doing? For God's sake, Cassie! Don't you ever clean up around here? It's a farmyard, Lynn.
That's no excuse! Cully, come and see me.
So why didn't we meet at my house? At least it's civilised.
I wanted to see the farm again.
Now, the last time I saw you, you were going to be a vet.
Did that ever happen? No.
I've been acting.
But jobs don't come that easy, so I've been temping.
What about you? You were determined to marry for money.
At that age? Yes.
Well, I've done it.
Right, you've seen the farm and I need cheering up.
So let's all go into the village.
So Rachel still lives here, in Midsomer Mallow? Yes, she rents the cottage just on the edge of the village.
Is she on the phone? No.
How often do you see her? We don't see that much of her, not these days.
Why not? She keeps herself to herself.
I don't understand.
Cully, it was ten years ago.
We're not the kids we were.
So what is it? What's the matter? Three years ago she went to stay in London for a while.
No-one knew why.
She kept it a secret.
The truth isshe went there to have a baby, a daughter.
Well, that's great! What's wrong with that? Who's the father? Wouldn't we all like to know? Well, you know your village.
You must be able to put two and two together.
Tried it.
Didn't work.
Has she got her daughter with her? Yes.
She must be a great mum.
She always did love kids.
OK .
.
do you two remember a vow we made the day we left school? A vow? The four of us.
No.
We said in ten years' time, we'd all get together and celebrate in some fancy restaurant.
No, I don't remember that.
Sounds like a good idea.
I thought I'd book a table at Lacey's.
Lacey's - that's expensive.
You'd better not wear your wellies, had you? Well, it doesn't matter.
The four of us getting together - it means a lot to me.
No, we don't have a name.
Well, there can't be that many door-to-door knife grinders around.
Sir, I think I've tracked down our odd-job man.
Good.
Jacob Stoke.
No known address.
He works a couple of the Midsomer villages.
Any form? Drunk and disorderly, threatening behaviour.
He uses a workshop, some kind of lockup.
Where? Barrow End.
I know it.
Hi, Dad.
Hello, Cully.
These are my old friends.
Lynn Spearman.
Oh, yes.
We've met.
And Cassie Woods.
I remember when WE last met.
Where was that? During one of our school plays.
I was front of house.
You arrived late.
Did I enjoy the play? I shouldn't think so.
No-one did.
Well, I'll see you later.
How are you getting on? I've found a flat.
I can move straight in.
Have they given you a car? Tomorrow.
Why don't I pick you up later, take you and your things there? Thank you.
See you around.
Sure you've got time for a celebration? He's new here.
Don't worry - we'll look after him.
He's not rich, Lynn.
Shame.
He's just a poor working copper.
It's been a while since this place was used.
Yes.
Could have moved on, I suppose, left the area.
A very good evening to you.
Evening, Charles.
Good evening.
Oh.
Thank you.
Now, I'm sure you all remember that at our last general meeting we had something of a problem.
Fiona.
We worked long and hard at voting her off the committee.
But she wouldn't budge.
Now, her death is a sad business, but it has its compensations because the problem no longer exists.
We shouldn't have wished her dead.
Oh, for goodness' sake Mary! We all hated the sight of her.
Would you wish her back? There's no need to shout.
She needs shouting at.
Would you want Fiona back? Thank you.
But we shouldn't be dancing on her grave.
Oh, I agree.
Especially as the police are asking questions.
No - there's no need to record this, Shirley.
It's an informal meeting.
However, life goes on.
So I feel that our annual open garden day Midsomer Mallow In Bloom should proceed as planned.
Are you sure? Oh, come on, now - we have to postpone it this year! No.
We've got to.
As a mark of respect.
I'm sorry.
But we can't do it, Charles.
We bloody well can! But there's an investigation going on.
So what? And I don't know if it had anything to do with it, but I heard something the night she was killed.
What did you hear? A squeaking noise.
Really? Oh, for goodness' sake! No, listen to me.
I did hear something.
I told the police.
I expect you kept them amused for hours because at your age it's quite easy to imagine things.
Charles, when you say life goes on, has that anything to do with you wanting to win the best frontage award for the third year running? There's one thing I will cancel, and that is this meeting, until you're in a more positive frame of mind.
I shall talk to you all in the morning.
Maybe we should wish a few more people dead.
Seems to do the trick.
A paper shop? Yeah.
Round the back.
It's a bit small.
It'll do me for now.
I don't intend staying round here for long.
In the meantime, it's ideal.
I only have to go downstairs for my morning paper.
What do you mean, you won't be staying for long? You've only just arrived.
Not my idea.
Someone thought a change of location would be good for me.
Oh, I see.
And naturally, I want promotion sometime.
I don't think I'll get it here.
Does my father know about this? I'm sure he must have sussed it.
Well, I hope you're not going to waste his time.
No, I won't do that.
I'm going to Midsomer Mallow in the morning.
Do you want a lift? No, thanks.
I'll find my own way there.
OK.
Wellenjoy yourself.
Yes Yes.
And I think we'll use Anne again this year for the posters.
There's always a few smudges but she's quick and cheap.
Are we happy with that? Right.
Then, I'll leave you to deal with that, Josephine.
Thank you Good night.
SQUEAKING SQUEAKING CONTINUES SQUEAKING FADES INTO DISTANCE Cully.
Hello, Dad.
What are you doing here? I came and bought this for a friend of mine.
She has a child.
Where does she live? In a cottage in Snakes Lane.
I'm off to surprise her.
It's really pretty.
GATE CREAKING Mr Rust, I'm sorry to disturb you again.
This is Detective Sergeant Scott.
I'm too busy to answer any more of your questions.
Lovely roses.
Wonderful garden you have here, sir.
It's probably the best in the village.
The nearest I got to a garden was a window box.
And someone nicked that.
And the bell? The bell? Oh - the bell! You've met Donald Tew, of course.
Well, he was once the headmaster here, and he will tell you that the bell was only ever used on one special occasion each year.
And what would that be, sir? Awards day.
Now, how can I help you? Mr Rust, would you take a look at this? Ah - here we are.
Oh, yesit's a fragrant cloud.
It's a hybrid tea.
It's quite common.
Could this have come from your front garden? Yes.
But there are similar bushes in the village, though not quite as well kept as mine.
If you care to take a look this weekend, it's our Open Garden Day.
Oh, right.
Tell me, why are you asking me about a dead, damaged rose? Because it was found on the body of Fiona Thompson.
Well, she was probably wearing it with that stupid dress of hers.
No, she wasn't.
You said that on the night of the Spanish Evening you checked the village hall car park a couple of times.
Is that right? Yes.
I mean, some of those idiots don't know how to park their cars.
And other than that, you didn't leave the village hall? No.
Until when? Ohit must have been well after midnight.
There were things to do.
Thank you, Mr Rust.
This was Donald Tew's house, wasn't it, when he was headmaster? Yes, and the blackboard in the kitchen belongs to the school.
And I use this original teacher's desk here in my study.
I love this house.
Is your garden part of the Open Day, Mr Rust? Naturally.
And I expect to win the top prize - the Chairman's Cup.
I'm sure you'll do it.
Thank you.
You know, you could charm a toad out of a tree, you.
The police have been to Charles' house again.
That's twice now.
How many times have they spoken to you? Just the once.
And me.
So something must be up.
He DESERVES to be punished, Shirley.
He really does.
Hello? Noel, is Cassie here? No - it's market day.
Something wrong? Well, yes.
It's odd.
I went to Rachel's cottage.
I knocked on the door but she didn't answer.
She doesn't like people calling there.
Why? I know she was in.
She must have seen me.
Must have heard me.
It's just the way she is these days, Cully.
Well, what's happened to her? She's OK.
Honestly, she's fine.
Whatever it is, it smells good.
Thanks.
Do you do all the cooking round here? And the cleaning.
Cassie's never been much good around the house.
Have you never wanted to leave Midsomer? No.
I'm happy here.
What about girlfriends? No time for that at the moment.
Anyway, I've never got over you.
Come on, now! That was just a schoolboy crush.
Anyway, I was too old for you.
Only a couple of years too old.
Do you remember where we fist kissed? Yes.
Yes - it was Chainey's Field.
If my husband was alive, he could have prevented Charles living in that house.
He would have made sure the school was a listed building.
And he would have made you a tenant.
And the way Charles talks to you.
No-one liked him as a doctor.
In fact, he was hated.
And he doesn't like anyone getting in his way.
No, he doesn't.
Well, Fiona got in his way, didn't she? And look what happened to her.
SQUEAKING Listen! Is that the sound you heard? Well, then, don't go out there, Donald.
Please, don't go out there! Those committee bastards have taken over the village again.
You'd think they'd have the decency to ask if we minded.
Why should they? You told them what they could do with their committee.
Where are you going? Out for a while to get away from it.
You're welcome to come with me.
No.
I've got work to finish.
And you know something else? There seems to be more of them this year.
Must be the murder.
I don't see the point in wandering about in someone else's garden.
It's a chance to learn something.
Huh! Like what - how to tie up a few broad beans? CAR HORN We're a lost race, do you know that? We care more for our gardens and our pets than we do for our kith and kin.
CAR HORN What the bloody hell?! Are you all right? Yeah I'm fine.
Isn't that the car that forced us off the road? Yeah, it is.
Are you going to say something? No.
Spoil our afternoon? I don't think so.
Is there any news? Yes.
Helen Broome has won Best Containerised Small Garden.
Good.
That'll keep her quiet for a year.
The judges are on the move again.
Can't wait to win, can he? What can I get you? A piece of Victoria sponge, please.
What happened to that diet? What diet? Anyway, it's the weekend.
Thank you.
May I? I think I'll take a look around.
Where's Lynn? I'm meeting her later.
I've arranged something.
CAR HORN BLARES Excuse me! Will you please leave my garden? It's not open to the public.
Never has been and it never will be.
Hello, Mr Thompson.
You'd have thought those bastards would have had more respect.
Fiona hasn't even been buried yet.
Look, I'm sorry - Is this it, sir? I'm afraid it is.
Only, where I come from, open garden day is when someone breaks into your shed.
Drink? Yeah.
Hello, MikeRosemary.
Charles.
I think you'll find it's even better than last year.
And not a trough or a hanging basket in sight.
I can't stand the things! This is the best border I've ever done.
What do they call this beer? Real.
Oh, here's Joyce.
I've just bumped into Cully.
Where is she? With a couple of her friends.
Can I buy you a drink, Mrs Barnaby? Thank you.
So where are we going? I told you - I've arranged something.
Follow us.
How dare he?! How DARE he do this? GATE CREAKING Won't be a second.
Sorry.
GATE CREAKING An apple for the teacher.
Yes.
Except he wasn't a teacher.
Mr Tew, a word, please.
Please, sir.
I think it would be a good idea to end the Open Garden Day.
End it? Yes, please.
Can you manage that? Now? Yes, sir - now.
Please.
Yes.
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry, but we have to end the afternoon.
Would you please move back.
I'm sorry.
Ladies and gentlemen, please, move back.
Tom, have you seen Cully? She's probably with her friends.
There's no sign of them, either.
I'd just like to know where she is.
Where do her friends live? Piper's Cross Farm.
She has another old friend, lives in Snakes Lane.
Where? It's off Causton Road.
You can't miss it.
I remember this place.
We used to come here as kids.
That's right.
Let's go further up.
When I heard the bell .
.
I thought .
.
I thought he was ringing it to show off.
To celebrate his win.
Thank you.
Did you see anyone else in there? No.
Did you hear anything? Nothing Nothing.
It's so strange to hear that sound.
That bell hasn't rung in years! He was attacked while he was sitting at his desk.
Have you found the murder weapon yet? No.
He was struck by several blows.
Probably by the same long-bladed knife.
First a rose, then an apple.
Why make fun of the dead? This place is exactly the same.
I'd forgotten how beautiful it is.
Hi! Cully Barnaby.
Well, well! I thought you'd forgotten all about us.
I thought you'd forgotten all about us.
How could I forget any of you? We always said we'd be friends for life.
So we did! Where's your daughter? My parents often take her out.
Oh.
I would love to have seen her.
What's her name? It's Lily.
Well, when you and Lily are next in town - Oh, I don't go into town.
All right then - in the village.
Noel, you're a man in a million.
You've even brought flowers.
Don't praise him too much.
He gets enough praise at home.
No, he doesn't.
Try one of these.
They're delicious.
I followed the judges into Charles' garden.
I thought I'd take a look.
Did you enter the house? No.
I had better things to do, Mr Barnaby.
Is that the costume you wore for the Spanish evening? Yes.
Among other things, I've taught drama in my time.
So I've always collected costumes.
Looks like the real thing to me, that.
Oh, it is.
You've got the matador's sword, too.
Yes and before you ask, I didn't take it into the village hall that evening.
Fiona was a troublemaker, but I'd no reason to harm her.
I'm told that Charles Rust was the local GP in Midsomer Mallow.
Yes, he was.
He retired a couple of years ago.
Was he a good doctor? WellI suppose he knew his stuff.
But he surrounded himself with awkward members of staff.
Sometimes it was impossible to get near him.
When Fiona worked for him - Fiona Thompson? Yes.
I thought she worked in Causton.
She did.
But until Charles retired, she was his receptionist.
She was in charge of all his medical records.
What about Carol Curtis? That bitch? She wasn't so bad.
She got married and went to live up north.
Best place for her.
In fact, that's the best place for any woman who marries just for the sake of it.
Does that include me? Of course it does.
You married a man who never laughs.
What kind of a life is that? Rachel, I was saying to the girls the other day that it's been ten years since we were all together.
So I was thinking we should celebrate.
Well, we're celebrating now, aren't we? Well, yes, but Well, I thought we should do it in style.
Right.
Who's for a swim? Come on, Noel - let's see what you're made of.
You, too, Lynn.
I'm not going in there.
It's filthy.
NOEL: Come on, Cassie! Aaagh! Come on - in you go! You're so brilliant, aren't you?! Get off me! Stop it! Stop it! All right? Are you sure? Lynn? Lynn, are you here? Where have you been? I was with friends.
Well, maybe you should stay with those friends tonight.
I don't WANT to stay with them.
I have to go to London.
You usually go on Sundays.
Listen to me - there's been another murder, here in the village.
I don't really want to leave you alone.
Another murder?! Yes.
Don't leave me, Matthew.
Please, stay here.
I can't.
There's too much to do in London.
Where was she? She was in the river, sir.
She was having a bit of a party with her friends.
She's gone home now.
Good.
Hello? If Stoke is the man we're looking for, why would he kill Fiona Thompson and Charles Rust? Yes? Evening, sir.
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.
This is Detective Sergeant Scott.
We believe Jacob Stoke drinks in here.
He diduntil I barred him.
Why did you bar him? He was getting too nasty.
When was that, sir? About two, three days ago.
Do you know where he lives? No.
Just here and there.
Hangs around Chainey's Field sometimes.
If he's too pissed, he's known to curl up in that hand cart of his and sleep it off.
Hi, Dad.
I just came by to say I'm sorry.
Oh But you didn't need to send Daniel driving round the countryside.
Well, your mother - she was worried.
I realise that.
And another murder in Midsomer Mallow.
The killer must have been there with all those people.
Yeah.
Do you want a drink? No, thank you.
So, how was the day out with your friends? Was that good? Oh, it was it was all right.
At least we all got together again at last.
Was what's-her-name from Snakes Lane there? Rachel? Yeah, she was there.
I still can't believe she has a daughter.
Has she? Who's the dad? No-one knows.
She went away to have the child.
When was this? About three years ago.
They'd all They'd all changed, Dad.
They were different.
I told you so.
Except for Noel.
He'll never change.
Who's Noel? Cassie's brother.
We used to go out together once.
Oh, did you now? He used to be such fun in those days.
In what way was he fun? He used tomake us laugh.
He was always playing practical jokes.
Yes they were different.
KNOCK AT DOOR LOUDER KNOCKING Yes, all right.
I'm coming! KNOCKING CONTINUES Yeah.
Look - hold on, will you? I suppose you realise it's nearly 12:00? I'll be right with you, sir.
Look at the state of this place.
Where's my shoe? I'll tell you something now, Scott - I'm not in a good mood.
Right, sir.
So you tell me something.
Do you intend to stay here? What, in this flat? No, Scott - with my division.
I'm sorry, sir Maybe you feel you've been done an injustice.
In what way, sir? By being shunted out of London.
All right, I'll be honest with you, sir.
Maybe I don't like the countryside.
Maybe I can't tell one herd of chickens from another.
I am prepared to put up with it for the time being.
You're prepared to put up with it? Because I'm willing to learn.
All right - the flat's a tip.
So what? I'm the one who has to live with it.
You see, with all due respect, sir, I've been involved with two murders.
I haven't had time to suss out the laundrette or the post office.
And I'm tired.
And it's Sunday.
And your tie is crooked.
Thank you, sir.
And you don't get Sundays off with me.
Great (!) Can I buy you breakfast? Yes, you can.
Good.
MOBILE RINGS Barnaby.
There's no way we can make an identification, sir.
It's too badly burned.
We think we know who he is.
If he was drunk, he could have set fire to himself accidentally.
Got a bag? I've seen this before.
Bag.
Thank you.
I think it's time we took that look at Dr Rust's medical records.
On a Sunday? On a Sunday, yeah.
You can use your charm.
Hello, there.
Who are you? Tom Barnaby from Causton CID.
Barnaby? Are you Cully's dad? Yeah, that's right.
I am.
Come on.
And you must be Rachel.
Oi! Someone had better buy you a new dolly, hadn't they? Cully said she was meeting three old friends.
I know Lynn and Cassie but I can't quite remember you.
No, you wouldn't.
I was always the quiet one.
Come on.
CHILD CRYING Afternoon, Miss Bennett.
Oh, this is Detective Sergeant Scott.
Hello.
I'm sorry to worry you with this.
But would you be kind enough to take a look at this? Well, it's one of mine what's left of it.
I sold it a couple of days ago.
Are there any others like it? No.
Similar but not identical.
It's part of their charm.
I believe you're secretary of the residents' committee.
That's right, I am.
Were you also secretary when Matthew Spearman was a member? Yes, but he didn't like us so he didn't stay with us long.
That was when his wife was in New Zealand, yes? Yes.
How long ago was that? Well, Donald was treasurer then.
ErmCharles had just become chairman.
I'd say about three years.
Three years.
Thank you.
Where did you get it, Dad? Is that the doll you bought? Yes.
I bought it for Rachel's daughter.
What's happened to it? Did you give it to her? No.
I knocked on Rachel's door that day but there was no answer.
So you didn't see the daughter? Well, I did.
And she doesn't look anything like her mother.
Here - grab a seat.
What did you do with the doll? I gave it to Noel.
They're old friends.
He said he'd give it to Rachel.
What, Noel the practical joker? Yes.
And did he? I don't know.
She didn't bother to thank me for it.
What IS this, Dad? Why are you questioning me like this? What sort of jokes did Noel use to play, then? When? When you were at school together.
I don't know! He used to put jokey things in other people's lockers and desks.
People we didn't like.
Just to scare them.
Why? This doll was found by the body of a murdered man.
He'd been stabbed and set alight.
Some joke (!) No, Dad.
No, not Noel! How could you think such a thing? Hello, Cassie.
Is your brother here? Yes, Cully gave me a bag with the doll in it.
It was a present for Lily.
Who did you give it to? Look - what is this? Did you give it to Rachel? No.
Who DID you give it to? Lynn.
She said she'd take it to Rachel's.
I doubt it got there.
I think my brother's entitled to know what's going on.
Yes.
Let's all go into the house.
Three years ago, Lynn Spearman visited New Zealand.
Am I correct? Yes.
And round about the same time, Rachel went to London to have her baby.
That was a bit of a coincidence, wasn't it? In a small village like Midsomer Mallow, I'm surprised that a few tongues didn't start wagging.
Because at least two people knew that it wasn't a coincidence at all.
Charles Rust and his then receptionist Fiona Thompson.
And both those people are now dead.
We checked Lynn and Rachel's medical notes.
Rachel hasn't had a problem for quite a while.
But just over three years ago, Lynn's notes were forwarded from a surgery in London.
She forgot to change her GP when she came back to Midsomer Mallow.
Lily is Lynn's child.
Am I right? Yes.
And you, Noel Woods, you are the father.
Yes.
Did you kill Charles Rust and Fiona Thompson? No! Do you know who did? Of course, not.
With Lynn and me it was just a bit of fun to start with.
Matthew was hardly ever home.
And then things went wrong.
Like what? Lynn lost interest.
Seemed to be just a bit of a game with her.
Or as if she was trying to prove something.
I don't think she cares about anyone.
Not even for her daughter? But I care about Lily.
I see her whenever I can but it's difficult.
In what way? As friends, we discussed it.
We decided to close ranks, to act out a lie.
Well, that would be a bit of a problem.
Lily is the spitting image of her mother.
That's why Rachel can't be seen with her.
And there's a problem.
Like what? She's been with the child too long.
She's now behaving like the real mother.
And we think there could be trouble.
What are you doing here? Rachel, I need to talk to you.
For God's sake! Come inside.
We'll get you a nice drink, all right, sweetheart? Come on then - out you get.
Good girl.
Are you leaving here? Yes.
Where have you been this time of night? To post some letters.
By the time they get them, we'll be gone.
By the time who gets them? Noel and Cassie and Lynn.
Lily and I often walk at night.
To the village and back.
That wayno-one sees us.
She's not your child, is she? She's Lynn's.
Who's the father? Does it matter? Yes, it does.
All right - it's Noel.
And he's never going to leave his sister.
They need each other.
What about Lynn? She doesn't need anyone.
Never has.
And that's why you're leaving? Yes! Look, someone has to give Lily a proper life.
She can't be just wheeled around in the dark for ever.
Oh, get out.
Go on - just get out! Rachel, please! Get out! Go! Just get out! Who is that? Lynn! Remember how I used to hurt you when we were small? It was because you used to tell on me.
Lynn, don't be stupid.
That was years ago.
Nobody does that.
Not to me.
So now I'm going to hurt you again.
You and your stupid bloody reunion! Lynn, please! Please, no! After all I've done for you.
It was the Spanish evening.
Matthew'd gone to bed early.
I went for a walk.
And saw Fiona in her Flamenco frock.
Strutting her stuff.
Hello? 'She'd called me earlier that day.
' Hello! 'She told me about her lack of funds.
Then she mentioned my medical records.
' So I thought, I'll have you .
.
you cow! 'I took her out to Chainey's Field.
I knew how much she hated the place.
' And Charles Rust? He knew, too, did he? I suppose there were no problems there.
Garden walkabout day, everybody was busy.
But I'd seen you just before.
You'd overtaken me on the road.
You called at Rachel's cottage.
Isn't that the car that forced us off the road? Yeah, it is.
Are you going to say something? No.
Spoil our afternoon? 'Or did you WANT to be seen? 'Fast car like yours .
.
there was time to get back to the village and do what you had to do.
Once you'd got Fiona out of the way, it was logical to finish the job.
The doctor who knew your secret, did he threaten to tell, as well? Could he be trusted?' 'That would have been the end of it.
But your daughter had found out about Lily.
I followed her to Rachel's cottage.
I knew it wouldn't be long before she told her daddy.
' Lynn? And no-one tells tales, not about me.
Ask Cully.
What about Jacob Stoke? Who? The odd-job man.
Would he have told tales? Were you worried he saw something on the night you killed Fiona? Or maybe you heard something just before you were about to do your killing.
A squeaking sound.
And you thought, "That's the hand cart.
" But it wasn't, Lynn.
That was the sound from your child's pushchair being wheeled through the village at night.
Rachel and Lily.
I expect they walked past your great house on more than one occasion in the dark.
The friend you'd made use of and the child you'd abandoned.
And I imagine you'd seen Stoke, sleeping it off in the past.
Easy to kill then, wasn't he? 'Tell me something, Lynn - why the rose and the apple and the doll?' It was a game, really.
Reminded me of my school days.
Matthew always says I'm childish.
But, you see, he hasn't got a sense of humour.
I have.
That's why Noel and I got on so well.
It's a nice restaurant, Cully.
Yes, it is.
It's not the sort of place I'd choose.
No - you'd rather eat at home.
After a hard day's work, yes, I would.
Not late again, am I? Hello, Daniel! Mrs Barnaby Sir.
Thank you for inviting me, Cully.
May I say, you look lovely - Ah - just sit down, would you? I've invited you all here because I didn't want to cancel.
And I didn't want to come here alone.
So - That's understandable.
Will you join me in a toast? To absent friends.
To absent friends.