Midsomer Murders (1997) s10e01 Episode Script

["I'll Be Seeing You" plays.]
I'll be seeing you In all the old familiar places That my heart and mind embraces All day through In that small café The park across the way The children's carousel The chestnut tree The wishing well I'll be seeing you In every lovely summer's day In everything that's light and gay I'll always think of you that way I'll find you in the morning sun And when the night is new I'll be looking at the moon But I'll be seeing you [Up-tempo swing music playing.]
ELAINE: No, no, no! You are like a herd of bumbling elephants.
I want light, light swans.
And five, six, seven.
Bend knees.
Keep in time.
No, dear, you're going at it like a pig at a cabbage.
Can you slow down? That's very good there.
Keep smiling, Harry.
Think "Fred and Ginger.
" [Rhythmically.]
Very good.
That's it.
Good.
[Normal voice.]
Carol.
Head up, darling.
That's it.
Now you've got it.
Everyone, we're not at a funeral.
Can you smile? Keep it going.
[Rhythmically.]
Very good.
Thank you.
[Music fades.]
[Birds chirping.]
[Pounding on door.]
It's dancing classes till 12:00.
Then short-mat bowling from 12:00 till 2:00.
She knows that.
Thinks her precious dance class has priority over everything else in the village.
And she's locked the door.
- See you next week.
- Bye.
This is not good enough, Elaine.
We've been kept waiting Bye, Jean.
ERIC: I'm gonna make an official complaint about this.
ELAINE: Then make one.
Now don't forget to practice, Harry.
- Thanks, Elaine.
- Bye, Carol.
TONY: I told you before - MAN: Bye, Sally.
- WOMAN: See you! l'll teach you how to dance.
Fancy driving out for a drink somewhere? No thanks.
Oh, it's no problem.
We'll pick your kid up from nursery school and take her with us.
I'm not interested, Tony.
Why don't you take your wife out instead? Sir.
Mrs.
Frances Kirby.
She contacted the police.
Wait till you see the car.
Must have run out of fuel eventually.
Shame, really.
Only a kid.
Yeah.
I.
D? Credit cards.
In his wallet, sir.
Name's Simon Bright.
Obviously decided to go in style.
Then why the two glasses? What about the flowers? Suicide pact? Yeah, well, if it was, turned out very nasty, didn't it? Well, if someone was with him, they could have had a change of heart.
Could have tried to go for help.
Probably half-poisoned by the fumes.
Right.
You check out the hospitals.
And I want the area searched.
JONES: Sir.
For all we know We may never meet again Before you go I can't give you a description.
I can't give you a description.
They would have been suffering from some kind of asphyxiation that was caused by exhaust fumes.
I was jogging.
I do it every day.
Same route? Mostly, yes.
And did you see anyone round about? No.
What about on other occasions? Well, the odd dog walker or two.
Oh, that poor boy.
Yeah.
Did you know him? No.
Not to speak to.
Saw him in the village.
Sir, I've spoken to both local hospitals.
No admissions that fit the bill.
- Mr.
Paul Bright? - Yes.
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby from Causton C.
I.
D.
This is Detective Sergeant Ben Jones.
What's wrong? Isn't Simon, is it? Only I haven't seen him since last night.
Please, don't tell me there's been an accident.
Uh Should we talk inside? Just tell me.
There has been, uh, an incident, Mr.
Bright.
I have to tell you that your son, Simon, has been killed.
No.
That car.
That bloody car.
I warned him about that car.
Uh, we don't think it was an accident.
We think it was suicide.
We're very sorry about your loss.
I want to see him.
I want to see my son.
Over to the left, eh.
Uh, no.
Sorry, Mr.
Bright.
We've got forensic tests to do.
I'm sorry.
He loved driving that old Humber.
Could hardly keep him out of it.
Loved the music.
Did he have any, you know, emotional problems, any worries? No.
[Sobs.]
He was a happy, friendly kid.
We hardly ever had a cross word.
I forgot those vegetables.
It doesn't matter.
Got talking to someone in the pub, and I just forgot.
I said it doesn't matter.
You mean you're not gonna nag me for forgetting something? Right now I'm too upset to care.
Well, that makes a change.
Hasn't anyone told you? I'm surprised it's not all 'round the village by now.
Told me what? I found a body.
I had to report it to the police.
A body? Up at the airfield.
Whose body? A young boy.
He killed himself.
Well, why didn't you call me on my mobile? You know I'm an expert on bodies.
Oh, for goodness sake! Tony?! PAUL: Has that girl got anything to do with this? What girl? The one he was going out with.
- What's her name? - Laura something or other.
Any idea where she lives? No.
But she works as a barmaid.
In the Airman pub.
Is she a blonde or or brunette Or what is she? Brunette.
Long brown hair.
Don't like her.
Don't like her sort.
Was he out with her last night? I expect so.
He'd been seeing her most nights.
Weren't you worried when he didn't come home? No.
He'd spend the night with her sometimes.
He He was old enough to look after himself.
Tom? Let's get you home, Mr.
Bright.
DR.
BULLARD: You were right, Tom.
There was somebody else involved.
And it's possible he was already unconscious before he died of carbon-monoxide poisoning.
Really? Yeah, he received a fairly hefty blow.
With some sort of blunt instrument.
See? Back of the head.
[Engine turns over.]
Jones! Hold on! Mr.
Bright.
Mr.
Bright, I have to tell you that there is a possibility that your son did not kill himself.
I could have told you that.
Have you heard the sad news, Richard? What sad news? Young Simon Bright.
He's killed himself.
Frances found the body.
Frances? Yes.
When she was jogging up by the old airfield.
Poor Simon.
He was one of my pupils.
He stopped dancing.
But he was quite talented.
Is Frances all right? Well, she's a bit shaken up.
But, yes, of course she's all right.
All this to do with Cooper's Cross airfield, is it? As it used to be, yeah.
It was a fighter station, was it? That's right.
Part of the second line of defense in those days.
They'll tell you all you need to know.
- Thank you.
- Can I get you anything? Uh, no.
No, thank you.
I am Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby from Causton C.
I.
D.
Ah.
And you are? - Jim Druce.
- How do you do? Is your barmaid not with you today? No.
She didn't turn up this morning.
Why? What's she done? Oh, nothing.
Nothing as far as I know.
- What's her name? - Laura.
Yeah, no.
Second name.
Sharp.
Yeah.
Does she live locally? Yes.
Just the other side of Cooper's Cross.
Although she's not from 'round here.
She's from North London.
What's she look like? Oh, she's attractive.
Brunette.
[Chuckles.]
Tiny.
How do you get on with her? With Laura? Fine.
She can charm most people.
I like to keep an eye on her.
Why? Because I think she helps herself from the till now and again.
Does she, now? Well, why don't you get rid of her? Well, I-I haven't got 'round to that yet.
Hmm.
Uh, how much are these? [Knock on door.]
[Knocking.]
I heard the news, Frances.
So I had to come and see if you're all right.
Thank you, Richard.
Well, a-are you? Are you all right? Well, it's been an ordeal, but I'm sure it has.
I'm getting over it.
Well, that's good.
And right now I'm going to lie down for a while.
So why don't you run along back to your post office, and I'll catch up with you later? All right, Frances.
CAROL: I haven't seen Laura since yesterday morning.
How long has she been living here, then? For about a year.
When my husband walked out, I had to take in a lodger.
- I've got a mortgage to pay.
- Ah.
Why do you want to know about Laura? Uh, could I see her room, please? - Bella? - Yeah? I'll be back in just one minute.
She's not the tidiest of people.
Has she done something wrong? Well, we're not sure yet.
Look, I've a right to know if she has.
How would you describe Laura? Laura? Well, she's easygoing.
A free spirit.
A bit too free sometimes.
How do you mean "too free"? Well, I need to talk to her about the rent.
She's a few weeks behind.
Well, it doesn't look as if she's done a moonlight flit, does it? Don't you think I'd have known about it if she had? She has this other job at a kennels.
Two jobs, eh? And she's claiming benefit.
What a naughty girl.
Have you got a photograph of her? Yes.
- Where? - In my room.
It's the only one I've got.
May I take it? Yes.
I'd like it back, though.
Oh, yes.
Of course.
Oh, she's pretty.
CAROL: She only ever wears that old coat.
She found it in a charity shop in Causton.
It's a good photo.
Do you know where it was taken? No.
[Indistinct talking.]
Hello, Eric.
Is that right? Laura's gone missing? Looks like it.
Don't you want a drink? [Camera shutter clicking.]
Bullard wants to move the body and the car in about an hour, sir.
That's okay.
Here.
Laura Sharp.
Get that photograph circulated.
And I want her checked out.
Apparently, she had another job.
Up at Foxmeadow Kennels.
And a home address in North London.
When was this taken? When she was still at school? D.
C.
I.
BARNAB Y: NO.
That was recent, that.
- Kidding.
- TONY: Excuse me.
Frances Kirby.
She found a body.
Is that right? Who are you? Tony Kirby.
Her husband.
- Can I have a look? - Whoa, whoa.
There's a police investigation going on here.
And I happen to be an expert in bodies.
Though the ones I dealt with were mostly in bits.
How do you mean "in bits"? I was an air-crash investigator.
Did you know the deceased? Never met him.
D.
C.
I.
BARNAB Y: Were you here yesterday evening? Do you have anything useful to tell us? No.
Then would you mind leaving? Now.
ROSEMARY: I made a nice cake for Ralph.
With real eggs.
And there's plenty left over, so you can't let it go to waste.
Not these days.
Rosemary.
Listen to me.
Up at the airfield, someone died there.
Oh.
They're always dying at Cooper's Cross.
It's such a sad place.
And you've got to stop going there.
Especially at night.
But I have to go.
Will you please listen to me? What if he comes back and there's no one waiting? He'll like this cake.
[Machine-gun fire, engines roaring.]
Hello? Mum? Dad? [Air-raid siren blaring.]
Am I in the right house? D.
C.
I.
BARNAB Y: It's amazing! Hi, Dad.
Hi, Cully.
Got a bit of local history here.
Cooper's Cross airfield.
Do you know it? Never heard of it.
Didn't know you were a history buff, Ben.
Oh.
I'm up for anything.
Oh, look.
This is interesting.
Spitfires over Morton Fendle.
Gosh! Do you want a drink, Cully? No, thanks, Dad.
I'm not staying.
Your dry cleaning.
Thanks, Mum.
How much do I owe you? JO YCE: £ 11.
50.
Cully, is there any chance of a lift? Sure.
Hate to drag myself away, sir.
I'll catch up with the Spitfires later.
[Indistinct talking, laughter.]
There was this TriStar.
Came down in a wood.
It ripped its way through.
- Any news about Laura? - No.
You'd think the police would tell us a bit more, wouldn't you? This TriStar There was wreckage and body parts everywhere.
And you may not believe this, but I saw a pair of tits hanging from a tree.
Speaking of tits, where's the new barmaid, Jim? I enjoyed the last one.
[Giggles.]
[Knocking on door.]
Frances, come in.
Thanks, Richard.
Poor thing.
- Where is he? - In the pub.
Might have known.
Come on.
[Belching.]
[Belching.]
I'm hoping this will cheer you up after all you've been through.
I was thinking of you quite a lot today.
Oh.
Were you? I was handling post for Singapore and Malaysia.
And I thought of you flying out to such places.
[Cork pops.]
You must have turned so many heads.
I was younger then, Richard.
Oh, but you're still beautiful.
Your aunt came in again today.
Oh? Asking the same old question Are there any letters for her from the Air Ministry? And once again I have to give the same old answer No.
Perhaps I should tell her that the Air Ministry as such no longer exists.
But I don't suppose that would make much difference.
I'll have another word with her.
Your good health, Frances.
Yours too, Richard.
[Knocking on door.]
Who is it? TONY: It's Tony! What the hell do you want? I heard your lodger did a runner.
So I thought you might need some company.
Go away.
[Locks.]
- Thanks.
- Sergeant.
He died of respiratory failure.
Carbon-monoxide poisoning.
What about the bang on his head? The impact mark suggests that the striking weapon was rounded.
Maybe an iron bar.
There was alcohol in his system.
Oh, and the position he was sitting in, in the back of the car, it was odd.
How do you mean "odd"? The hands and hips were at the wrong angle.
It would have been uncomfortable.
Got anything on the other person with him? No more than we've got already.
I'd say female, as we guessed.
She could have been another victim.
Or the killer.
So why was there no sign of struggle inside of the car? - Hi.
- Won't be a moment.
[Coins clinking.]
Yes? Detective Sergeant Jones.
Causton C.
I.
D.
I was wondering if you could help me.
I was just by the airfield at Cooper's Cross, and I saw an elderly woman collecting clothes along the perimeter fence.
Small village like this, I wondered if you knew who she was.
No idea.
It could be anyone.
Mmh.
Thanks.
Sorry to disturb you.
Frances.
[Dog barking.]
Marissa Clarke? - Yes.
- Good morning.
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby, Causton C.
I.
D.
Oh, my God.
Speeding.
I always drive too fast through the village.
No, it's not about that.
It's about Laura Sharp.
Do you know where she is? Well, she promised to help out today, but she didn't turn up.
Then again, that's just like her.
Is something wrong? Well, let's just say we are concerned about her safety.
Do you know her boyfriend, Simon Simon Bright? No.
I mean, she's talked about him, but we've never met.
Well, I'm sorry to have to tell you that he has been murdered.
My God.
D.
C.
I.
BARNAB Y: Have you any idea at all where she could have gone? No.
Well, did she mention going home at all, back to London? Not to me.
I do hope nothing's happened to her.
Such a nice little thing.
Yeah, but not a very reliable girl, so I'm told.
No.
You can't trust her an inch.
Do you think she's dishonest? No.
She's just fickle.
Some people might find that's part of her charm.
That poor chap.
I believe she met him at Elaine's.
Where's Elaine's? The Elaine Trim School of Dancing.
Although I don't think Laura went to that many classes.
She saw it all as a bit of a joke.
[Up-tempo swing music playing.]
ELAINE: And a five, six, seven, eight.
- Hang on, hang on.
- ELAINE: Off you go.
Very good.
Lift your heads.
Darling, smile.
That's lovely.
Light.
Light as air.
Oh, I ran some checks, sir.
There's no convictions under the name Laura Sharp.
Lovely.
Smile.
Think you're at the Palladium.
- What about her home address? - I've spoken to the family.
She rings home now and again, but they haven't seen her since Christmas before last.
Look, if you don't spot when you turn, you're going to vomit, and I'm not prepared to clear it up like last time, Sidney.
Shh.
Now spin your head! Miss Elaine Trim? Yes? D.
C.
I.
Barnaby.
Marissa's a very dear friend of mine.
I expect she must be shocked to hear such sad news.
She told me that Laura had met Simon Bright here at your dance school.
That's right.
Although neither of them stayed very long.
I expect once they found each other, that was it.
Thanks to my classes I've helped with many introductions.
Although not all of them have lasted.
The romance, you see, lies in the dance.
Marissa thinks I'm a natural matchmaker.
Do you think Simon and Laura made a good match? I'm not sure about that.
Why? Paul Bright might have been a problem.
Oh.
Well, I was told that he and his son, Simon, they got on very well together.
That's not what Simon told me.
There were rows.
He was always threatening to leave home, give up the family business.
And then there's Laura herself.
She's such a fly-by-night.
She's like someone on a nonstop journey.
Sponge? [Click.]
[Clink, wings flutter.]
This Laura Sharp She doesn't look physically capable of attacking anyone.
Jones, you don't need superhuman strength to hit someone from behind with a heavy object.
[Clatters.]
This Simon Bright wasn't exactly a big fellow, was he? Well, maybe she had an accomplice.
Motive? Tell you what We get some odd people around here.
What do you mean, "odd people"? Hi, there.
Causton C.
I.
D.
Don't worry.
I know who you are.
I've seen you in the village.
[Sighs.]
I've complained about this so many times.
The parish council takes no action.
She's gaga.
Every night she leaves stuff here.
- Who are we talking about, sir? - Rosemary, of course.
It's high time she was put into residential care.
Have you found Laura yet? Not yet.
No.
That's a shame.
Unlike the rest of us, Aunt Rosemary doesn't have to put up with life's problems.
She's somehow managed to cocoon herself from all things troublesome.
- Is she local? - No.
She and my mother grew up in Leicestershire.
There was also an elder brother named Ralph.
The sisters adored him.
He was their hero.
And what did Ralph do for a living? He was a fighter pilot.
Oh, based at Cooper's Cross? Yes.
In 1944 he was reported missing, presumed dead.
My mother was 12 at the time.
Aunt Rosemary was 10.
They never gave up hope for his safe return.
Hello, Rosemary.
Oh! Hello.
These gentlemen would like to talk to you.
May we come in? I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby, and this is Detective Sergeant Jones.
It's not bad news, is it? After all these years, please don't tell me it's bad news.
They only want to talk to you, Rosemary, ask you some questions.
Oh.
Please, take them through.
I've just got to finish this.
Make them some tea while they're waiting.
Oh, that's me as an air hostess.
Except they call it "cabin crew" these days.
JONES: You look gorgeous.
Shame about the hat.
D.
C.
I.
BARNAB Y: [Clears throat.]
- This Ralph? - Oh, yes.
- D.
C.
I.
BARNAB Y: And this? - Yes, that belonged to him.
He left it behind by mistake when he was last on leave.
Aunt Rosemary hoped that leaving it behind wouldn't bring him bad luck.
She never married.
She was too busy waiting for Ralph.
The things she leaves in the lane Oh.
Food, clothes.
She believes that Ralph will need them on his return.
And you can't convince her otherwise? Well, I suppose the local wildlife make good use of the food parcels.
Now, then.
How can I help? Miss Wood, it's about the old airfield at Cooper's Cross.
Old indeed.
Have you seen it these days? It's in a dreadful condition.
They'll have to mend it.
Otherwise, how can the planes land? - Do sit down.
- Thank you.
Now Now Miss Wood, on your visits to the little lane alongside the airfield Yes? do you see anyone? Not really.
Vehicles sometimes.
What about at night? Oh, no.
It's usually quiet then.
Mind you, there's been a big car there for the last few nights.
Staff car, I should think.
Air Chief Marshal.
Something like that.
I should think he's come to look at the state of the place.
And about time, too.
Did you actually see who was in the car? I'm afraid not.
JONES: And you wouldn't have heard anyone? No.
Of course, there's Tubbs Heath.
That's Bomber Command.
But they might let the fighters land there for the time being.
As long as they let us know.
[Mid-tempo instrumental dance music plays.]
You don't usually come home for lunch.
No, I wanted a break from the war.
- The what? - The war.
How's your dancing these days, Mrs.
Barnaby? Still pretty good.
How about yours? Oh.
Shall we? All right? - Oh! - [Laughs.]
Needs a bit of polishing, but Lovely.
Mr.
Budd? Mr.
Richard Budd? - Yes.
- Afternoon, sir.
I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby from Causton C.
I.
D.
Could we have a little talk, please? I'm sorry.
It's my afternoon off.
Perhaps my assistant could help you.
It's not your post-office business I'm interested in, Mr.
Budd.
I guess a man like you, a job like yours, you must know all the residents in this village reasonably well, yes? Well, wouldn't be much of a postmaster if I didn't.
And you must know Rosemary Wood.
Of course I know her.
And there's only one person in this village, isn't there, who goes out to Cooper's Cross with food and clothing for a long-lost brother? Well, yes.
So why did you tell my colleague you had no idea who it was? You trying to protect someone? Me? No.
Well Frances, I suppose.
Mrs.
Kirby? Yes.
She has enough problems with that husband of hers.
She doesn't need any more.
Well, that's very noble of you, Mr.
Budd.
What can you tell me about Laura Sharp? Little Laura? Not very much.
She comes here to cash her giro.
Of course, I don't want to tell you your business, Chief Inspector.
But I can't help wondering if Simon Bright died because Laura was seeing another man.
What other man? [Dogs barking.]
[Dogs barking.]
Wish I had a camera.
Oh.
You should see me on a bad day.
Come on, honey.
Come on, come on.
Come on, boys.
Come on, come on.
Come on.
- Ah, how are you, Elaine? - Fine.
Careful! Just had my hair done.
Tonight's the night, remember? Uh, no.
What night? Our big dance night.
'40s style.
You must come.
Elaine, I haven't worn a party frock in eight years.
I don't intend to start wearing one now.
Could meet the man of your dreams.
In Morton Fendle? I don't need any matchmaking done, thank you.
I'm very happy with these babies of mine.
Come.
Yes.
Who's a big boy? Look at you.
You're worn out.
Can't you get someone else to help you? Yeah.
I'll have to.
No word from Laura? No.
We miss her, boy, don't we? Hmm? [Smooching.]
[Indistinct talking.]
[Laughter.]
MAN: Cheers.
Mr.
Kirby.
Yes? Oh.
We'd like to ask you a couple of questions now, if we may? Be my guest.
Oh, I do think we should talk somewhere somewhere private.
I've nothing to hide.
Okay.
It's about your relationship with Laura Sharp.
I'd hardly call it a relationship.
What would you call it? Well, I saw her a few times.
But I grew tired of her.
You're a bloody liar, Tony.
She used you, like she uses a lot of people, and then she dumped you.
And you didn't like it.
That true, Mr.
Kirby? Did she dump you? Well, I wouldn't exactly put it like that.
I would.
You're not the Casanova you think you are.
Did it make you angry, being dumped? Now, hang on Mr.
Kirby Have you harmed Laura Sharp? Of course I haven't harmed her.
Did you kill Simon Bright? Me? No! I couldn't hurt anyone.
But you're fond of the dead.
You've told us that.
All those bodies you had to deal with.
That was my job.
Your only job? No.
Before that, I was an airline pilot.
Long-haul.
Until they got rid of you.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you Mr.
Kirby.
I'm sure we'll talk to you again later.
Thank you, too, Mr.
Druce.
Where are you going? We are going dancing, Cully.
You two? Yes.
Where? I don't know.
It wasn't my idea.
You're very welcome to come along with us if you've nothing better to do.
[Birds chirping.]
This is lovely, Richard.
Just what I needed.
When did you last have a picnic with Tony? Never.
Something must be done about him.
You know that, don't you? [Up-tempo swing music playing.]
Is this it? ["Chattanooga Choo Choo" playing.]
The whole band, yes? Lovely.
And the pianist.
And can you get the bass player? And one of me? Lovely.
£8 entry fee is a bit steep, isn't it? Nothing to do with me, Eric.
Don't let Elaine see you.
She's already got a photographer.
- It's private.
- Bet it is.
Where's Dad's investigation taking place at the moment? Some village or other.
You've been conned, Mum.
What? Hi, Cully.
Don't tell me what you're doing here.
I've already sussed it.
I'm undercover.
Yes, but your feet give you away.
Good evening, Mr.
Barnaby.
Elaine! This is my wife, Joyce.
How do you do? Now, then.
Lovely smile, girls.
Good.
Good.
Thank you.
This is so weird.
It's like being back in time.
- Turn around.
- [Giggling.]
Now, let's have a look at those stocking tops, eh? Come on, give us a bit more, girls.
Good! Little higher, little higher.
Oh, yes.
Thank you.
That's good.
Come on, a little bit more.
That's it.
[Intro to "I'll Be Seeing You" plays.]
I'll be seeing you In all the old familiar places That my heart and mind embraces All day through This is more my style, Frances.
Shall we? The park across the way The children's carousel The chestnut tree The wishing well I'll be seeing you In every lovely summer's day In everything that's light and gay I'll always think of you that way ELAINE: I've had two husbands.
Both of them cheated on me.
I gave up partners after that.
Sorry to hear it.
Oh, don't be.
I'm happier that way.
Elaine is the matchmaker of the village.
Unofficially, of course.
But if I can make things work for other people Oh, yes, your job is done.
Exactly.
ERIC: Let's have one from here, yes.
Nice, tight in.
That's beautiful.
Gorgeous! That bloody man! Excuse me.
Fairy godmother to end all fairy godmothers, that one.
Eric, what are you up to? Well, I thought I'd take some pictures.
- With who's permission? - Eh? I've already hired a photographer.
Oh, I know him.
He's useless! Yes, but he's not a pensioner, and he takes photographs of both sexes.
Are you allowed to dance on duty? - What? - Come on.
Oh.
[Chuckles.]
Lighten up, Richard.
You're not sorting parcels now, you know? Oh, shut up.
I'll be seeing you It's about time they bulldozed that airfield.
Why? Because I don't understand these people.
What are they doing? CULLY: Having a good time, apparently.
JONES: Here they are, dancing to wartime songs.
There's a guy with a farmyard stacked with wartime equipment.
We found his son dead in a wartime car.
Why can't they just let it go? - Perhaps they can't.
- After all these years? We're a warring nation.
Think football.
- I'll get you a drink.
- Oh.
Thanks.
I'll be seeing you In every Jim.
Have you seen Carol? No.
Perhaps you'd better find someone your own age, Tony.
Or are they all past it? And when the night is new I'll be looking at the moon But I'll be seeing you - [Whistling.]
- Well done! [Mid-tempo swing music plays.]
MAN: Indeed.
Yes, yes.
I'll tell you one thing about Elaine's matchmaking.
- It doesn't do a lot of good.
- Why? Well, most of the people I've spoken to in this village all live alone.
Step.
- Right and backwards? - That's right.
And two, and three Fancy a dance, love? Elaine.
I saw Paul Bright outside this evening.
Have you any idea who he might have been waiting for? No.
Well, you see, there's another lonely heart for you.
I'm surprised you haven't recruited him.
Paul Bright? Never.
You know why his poor wife left him, don't you? No.
No, I don't.
He used to beat her.
His son never forgave him for it.
Sorry.
I'm gonna sit this one out.
Yeah? All right.
Hello.
Are you a member of the dance school? Me? No.
Good! Let's show them how to do it, shall we? Uh, actually, um Sorry.
I'm I'm gonna sit this one out.
- Oh.
- Thank you.
Think about it, Tony.
What? You're not God's gift anymore.
And I should know.
Yes, well, screw you.
It's time somebody did.
Elaine, have you seen Carol? She's giving the event a miss this year.
Why? I would have thought it was obvious, Tony.
Oh, right.
I'll go pick her up, then.
- This time of night? - Don't you understand? She hasn't turned up because you won't leave her alone.
Oh, piss off, will you? The same way you won't leave any young woman alone.
That's because I'm happy and horny.
Which is more than I can say for the rest of you.
Anyway who would fancy a sad old fart like you? Well, at least I made my own decision to retire from business.
Unlike you! Kicked out of the aircraft industry because of his appalling behavior.
Oh, calm down, Eric.
He's really not worth it.
Oh, it's all right.
[Laughter.]
Frances? May I introduce my wife? Frances, this is Joyce.
Joyce, Frances.
All right, folks the Hokey Cokey! ["Hokey Cokey" plays.]
You put your left arm in, you put your left arm out In, out, in, out You shake it all about You do the Hokey Cokey Eric Usher.
Sorry? Eric Usher.
Oh! I noticed he was taking photographs earlier on.
Oh.
Yes.
He's very good.
He used to be a professional.
He had his own studio.
- In the village? - Yes.
Now he does it as a hobby or as a favor for friends.
In, out, in, out You shake it all about Your daughter seems to be enjoying herself.
And you turn around Yes.
That's what it's all about Oh! Oh, Hokey Cokey, Cokey Oh, Hokey Cokey, Cokey Oh, Hokey Cokey, Cokey Knees bend, arms stretch, rah, rah, rah [Cheering.]
[Wolf whistle.]
["Goodnight Sweetheart" plays.]
Good night, sweetheart All my prayers are for you Good night, sweetheart I'll be watching o'er you Tears and parting may make us forlorn But with the dawn, a new day is born So I'll say good night, sweetheart Sleep will banish sorrow Good night, sweetheart Till we meet tomorrow Don't be blue, dear Dreams will all come true, dear Good night, sweetheart Good night [Rustling.]
Ralph! [Grunts.]
[Birds chirping.]
Those photos you took last night.
Do you intend to sell them? No.
These days I take pictures strictly for pleasure.
Oh, is that what you call it? Well, perhaps it's high time I did some complaining.
Because I am tired of sharing this hall with all and sundry.
Well, at least I don't lock the doors.
MAN: Come on, Eric.
Morning, Mr.
Bright.
It's a nice bit of kit, isn't it, eh? I saw you sitting in this outside the parish hall last night.
- Why didn't you go inside? - Wasn't interested.
Not interested.
Then why were you waiting? Thought she might have turned up.
Who's she? Laura.
She was always full of surprises.
Mr.
Bright, you said to me earlier that you and your son, Simon, never had a cross word, that you got on very well.
That's right.
We did.
Yet I'm told that there were rows and that on more than one occasion Simon threatened to leave home.
Who told you that? Is it true? We'd had a few rows just lately, yes.
About what? He wanted to have fun, but he didn't want to work for it.
And that Laura didn't help matters.
Is she alive, Mr.
Barnaby? Well, we all hope so, don't we? Well, she can only die once.
So if you can't find her maybe I can.
It's Tony Kirby, sir.
Tom.
I'd say he died sometime during the night.
Well, it was certainly after I saw him then.
He was very much alive.
In rude health.
DR.
BULLARD: Stab wounds.
Considerable force was used.
Murder weapon? Possibly a long-bladed knife, single-edged.
Still looking for it.
So, what was he doing out here at night? I've got a damn good idea.
Oh.
Mrs.
Kirby.
Jones, you'd better tell her the sad news.
Sir.
So, what kind of a person was he? He reckoned he was an expert on dead bodies.
Well, he's even more of an expert now.
CAROL: He called 'round here late last night.
D.
C.
I.
BARNAB Y: What time? I don't know.
It must have been just before 12:00.
I told him to go away.
He was always turning up here bothering me.
For God's sake, what is going on? First that young lad dies, and now Tony.
Did you see which way he went when he left? He drove back towards Cooper's Cross.
Is that where Yeah.
Uh, Carol You remember Laura having an affair with Tony Kirby? I'd hardly call that an affair.
Would you not? What What would you call it? Well, a bit of a fling, I suppose.
A bit of a laugh for her.
And how about her other lovers? I don't know of any.
Although, just recently she mentioned that she might settle down with someone.
Who? She never said.
Apparently it was someone who wanted to take care of her.
Then again, it could have been another one of her cock-and-bull stories.
You know, for all her faults, I wish she was still around.
I miss having her here.
I miss the fun.
Miss the laughter.
She was always laughing.
A lot of people disliked Tony.
But he didn't seem to mind that.
Can you think of anyone who disliked him enough to kill him? Not really.
He and I met when we were working for British Airways.
He was a charmer in those days.
So handsome.
Such fun to be with.
Then it all went wrong.
Yes, thank you, Rosemary.
That's £4.
45 change.
Looks a bit brighter today.
Miss Wood.
Oh, uh, condolences on the death of your niece's husband.
I'm sorry.
Oh, that.
Yes.
But there's good news.
Good news? I shan't tell Frances yet.
Mr.
Budd.
Could we have a word, please? Of course.
Excuse me.
Mr.
Budd.
Where did you go when you left the parish hall last night? I came home.
Can anyone substantiate that? I didn't do it, you know? I didn't.
I couldn't.
Didn't do what, Mr.
Budd? Kill Tony.
I'm a peaceful man.
Always have been.
I deplore violence.
During the evening, Mr.
Budd, you seemed rather rather close to Frances Kirby.
Well, that's because she's a dear friend.
I care about her.
As a friend.
And what did her husband think about that? I believe it used to amuse him.
Laura Sharp, Mr.
Budd.
Do you know she had paid jobs in the village? Um Yes.
I think so.
Yes.
Look, either you know or you don't know.
Yes.
All right, I do know.
And have you never considered reporting her for benefit fraud? Well, no.
Well, she's Well, she's such a pretty little thing.
You didn't have the heart to do it? That's right.
Is she Is she dead? Look.
A slip of a thing, isn't she? Yet she manages to get away with so much.
Both the victims obviously pandered to her.
Carol Prentice quite happy to put up with her even though she never pays her rent.
Maybe she pays in kind.
If you mean what I think you mean, you're probably right.
Did Carol admit they were lovers? She didn't need to, did she? It's amazing how many people were affected by Laura Sharp.
Even the pub landlord.
He doesn't look like a soft touch, does he? I mean, he knows she's stealing money from him, yet he won't fire her.
And now the postmaster won't blow the whistle on her.
Yeah.
Right.
Maybe it's that coat of hers.
It's amazing what scarlet can do to people.
Hmm.
[Telephone rings.]
[Ringing continues.]
Hello? Hello? WOMAN: Hi.
It's Laura.
Laura? Where are you? Laura? [Dial tone.]
[Knock on door.]
[Door opens.]
D.
C.
I.
BARNAB Y: Good afternoon, Mr.
Usher.
Could we have a word? ERIC: Yes.
Yes, come in.
Gosh.
Oh, I suppose this must have been your studio once upon a time, yeah? That's right.
That was quite a row you had with Tony Kirby last night, wasn't it? All those old grievances coming to the surface.
If the band could have set that to music, we could all have danced to it.
Did you kill him, Mr.
Usher? I knew that was coming.
No.
Did you by any chance take this photograph? Yes.
Laura asked me to take a picture of her, and I agreed.
Where was it taken? Here.
Are there any similar photos? No, no.
That's That's That's the only one.
Where do you do your work now, Mr.
Usher? Well, what there is of it, in the attic room.
Ah.
Can we take a look? Oh, I-I'd rather you didn't.
It's It's It's private.
Please.
[Telephone rings.]
Hello? WOMAN: Oh, is that you, love? Oh, hi, Mum.
It's all fairly innocent.
Innocent? All right.
I I've been a fool.
I found her beautiful.
Quite fascinating.
And obviously a willing model.
Oh, I paid her.
Paid her to pose for me.
How many other people have got copies of this photo? Well, apart from the one that you brought with you, no one.
I wanted them all for myself.
But of course there's nothing like the real thing, is there, Mr.
Usher? Do you know where she is? No.
But I wish to God that I did.
Here I come.
Rah! BELLA: [Laughs.]
Off to bed.
[Telephone rings.]
- Sit there, poppet.
- All right.
Hello? LAURA: It's Laura.
Laura! - Help me.
- Where are you? The old airfield.
Don't tell anyone.
[Dial tone.]
[Dialing.]
["Disconnected number" tones play.]
[Vehicle approaching.]
[Car door opens.]
Thanks, Elaine.
Sorry it's such short notice.
- Bella's fast asleep.
- Hang on, Carol.
You're saying it's Laura's voice? Yes.
But I'm not supposed to tell anyone.
- Not even the police? - No.
I'm not sure about this.
She said she needs help.
I have to go.
[Car door opens, closes.]
[Engine turns over.]
Laura? And that call You're sure it was from Laura? Yes.
Carol said it was her voice.
I was worried.
I had to ring you.
Cooper's Cross airfield.
[Dialing.]
Laura? [Slow piano music playing.]
[Music stops.]
[Car door closes.]
[Wings fluttering.]
Laura? [Gasping.]
[Vehicle approaching.]
[Horn honking.]
[Sirens wailing.]
[Indistinct talking.]
[Laughing.]
Yes.
The old airfield at Cooper's Cross.
We're gonna need paramedics.
Carol? Are you okay? Carol, did you see who it was? Mr.
Bright? So, what were you doing here? I, uh I came here to think about my son.
We used this place for test drives.
I drove it here as a tribute to him.
Mr.
Bright, did you see the person who came out of that hangar? No.
Okay.
[Dogs barking.]
[Dogs barking.]
Marissa? Laura Sharp.
What did she mean to you? Marissa? She worked for me.
But you cared about her, didn't you? As a friend, yes.
Did you care enough about her to ask her to come and live with you? You see, because she seemed set to move in with someone who was prepared prepared to care for her.
And I think that that someone was you.
Bit of a risk though, that, wasn't it? I mean, we all know she was very good at charming people.
But she was also very good at hurting people.
And she hurt you, didn't she, Marissa? Hurt you badly.
But then, you know, people like her just They're takers, aren't they? Hmm? [Beep.]
LAURA: Hi.
It's Laura.
Sorry I couldn't get in today.
Marissa, could you help me? L- I need some money.
Promise everything, and they give nothing.
But I guess that's just part of the package in Laura's world.
And as for her lovers, well, she seemed quite happy to mix and match just as long as it suited her.
Do you know Carol Prentice? Yes.
Carol had that photograph at her bedside.
And I think that that picture was very dear to her.
Oh, come on, Marissa.
Tell us.
You know you have to.
[Cries.]
I loved her.
I loved her so, so much.
And do you know I did the stupidest things? When she would leave messages on the phone I wouldn't wipe them, because I wanted to keep her voice.
I loved her so much.
Did you know about her other lovers? What? Um Uh, not till the end.
Then what? I, uh I started asking questions.
JONES: Where? Here and there.
Elaine was very helpful without realizing it.
Tell us about Simon Bright.
[Beep.]
Hi.
It's Laura.
Don't tell anyone, but Simon drives like a maniac.
We're just going up to the old airfield.
Be back soon.
[Beep.]
She She said they were just friends and, uh, they would just drive about in that old car.
And then one day he came to visit her, and it was obvious it was more than just a friendship.
I knew then I was gonna lose her.
If I'd had any sense, I'd have realized that she didn't belong to me in the first place.
I don't think she belonged to anyone ever, really.
And that sense of loss That was traumatic for you, was it? It was devastating.
You didn't know how to deal with it.
So you took your revenge on them all, eh? MARISSA: Yes.
[Sniffles.]
One by one.
Why? Because they all tried to keep her away from me.
Including Tony Kirby.
Talk about Tony Kirby.
Did you follow him that night of the dance? Obvious where he was going, wasn't it? And there's only one way back from Carol's place, so all you had to do was wait.
MARISSA: He always took a shortcut across the airfield.
What's happened? No idea.
She just packed up.
Always one to help a lady.
I'll get my torch.
What's so funny? MARISSA: After I killed him, I went to bury the knife.
ROSEMARY: Ralph! I saw someone in the lane.
[Grunts.]
Was it a witness? Yes.
Yes, it was a witness.
Do you recognize this? Well, you should.
It's yours.
It was in your little office.
LAURA: It's Laura.
The voice you loved to listen to.
Help me.
The old airfield.
Don't tell anyone.
From the answerphone tapes you couldn't bear to part with.
Cut and spliced together to fool Carol Prentice.
All that landlady-and-lodger crap.
They were living together as lovers.
Can we go back to that night in the aircraft hangar at Cooper's Cross? [Slow jazz music playing.]
The Champagne.
The Champagne.
Flowers.
Love songs.
For the girl in the red coat.
The girl you loved.
But nothing for you.
Only loss.
And anger.
[Screaming.]
So then you decided to make it look like a suicide pact.
[Grunting.]
After all, there's plenty of materials lying around up there at your disposal.
[Engine turns over.]
But then things went a wee bit wrong, didn't they? [Coughing.]
After all it does take two people to make a suicide pact.
You do know, of course, you could still have saved the life of the woman you loved.
[Coughing.]
For all we know This may only be a dream We come and go Like a ripple on a stream So love me tonight Tomorrow was made for some Tomorrow may never come Where is she, Marissa? Not that far away.
I want I wanted to keep her near me.
[Dogs barking, indistinct talking.]
How's it going? Don't know, Sarge.
Nothing to report yet, but still digging.
MAN: Sir.
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