Broken Bird (2024) Movie Script
1
The wind
The sea air hurtles past me
No.
The sea air
Ignores me
Yes.
Nice.
There you go.
Morning, Emma.
Everything all right?
Yeah, all okay.
How long have you been there?
Oh, dear.
I'm gonna be late now.
Winter smiles
Its teeth brittle in the unforgiving wind
I rush through it
Sea air ignores me
For fuck's sake.
The chaffinch winces its way
Towards what heat
It can pertain from the tree
Still
Still
Still
Wings wrapped around him
Nature's blanket
He watches silently from his perch
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, bless you all.
Thank you.
Well done, you.
Well done.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
"The Harlequin in the Storm."
The harlequin in the storm
Considers a new hat
For it is he who bites the frost
Started.
Yes.
Sit down.
I'm fine.
You're not fine.
And anybody in your situation
would not be fine either.
It's been three months now.
It's getting easier to...
Less...
I'm getting help.
I found a group. We talk.
You've been drinking.
You stink of alcohol.
-And your work--
-I'm fine!
-Emma.
-I'm sorry.
I'm here if you need me.
Thank you.
Yes.
I've worked in various funeral homes,
and recently one in Ashwoodly...
until the incident that sadly closed it.
Good people lost their jobs
and livelihoods.
But a mother lost her son.
It's awful. Just awful.
And you're recently bereaved yourself,
you say.
Yes.
Yes, my wife, she...
She...
We ran this place together
for 32 years,
although we were together, well,
ten years before that, so...
You know, so it's... it's not been easy.
I'm sorry.
I really should
call time on the whole thing
and retire to the seaside, but...
We talked about that.
We used to enjoy our trips to the coast.
What I'd do there on my own,
I really don't know.
Well, I can see how much you loved her.
And I can also see how much pride
you take in this place and what you do.
We're a small sort of cramp setup,
but we like to
offer individual service,
and we're proud of that.
Somebody the other week
called us boutique.
Do you have family?
Seat belts.
Where dips the rocky highland
of Sleuth Woods in the lake
There lies a leafy island
where flapping herons wake
the drowsy water-rats
There we've hid our faery vats,
full of berries
And of reddest stolen cherries
Come away, O human child!
Be good.
It can be a lonely,
cruel life sometimes.
Yes.
But I have my son now.
And he's at a lovely little nursery,
so I have much more time for myself.
Good. Good. Well, that's...
That's good.
When could you start?
Pow, pow, pow!
Jake! Jesus Christ!
Will you watch
where you're going for once?
Just get out of my sight now.
These are some of the oldest artifacts
found within the valley.
They date back to the Neolithic.
It's hard to believe
that people like you and me
were running around these very hills
thousands of years ago, hunting for food.
Whereas you and me,
we can just wander into local shop--
Sorry. I...
I didn't realize you had your...
I work here.
Sorry. Please, carry on.
Bye, then.
Hope you enjoyed your visit.
I did.
Thank you.
Let's leave this place together,
you and me.
And maybe you'd like
to leave us a review online.
My name's Mark, by the way.
My name's Mark, by the way.
A good review
really can make a difference.
Cheeky.
Sybil?
Where are you?
Ah, Sybil.
Sorry I'm late.
I was just making you a nice cup of tea.
Thank you.
Now, there's a Mr. Fisher
coming in this morning.
You can handle that, Sybil.
It's just a simple cleanup and prep.
In the meantime, do you think
you could tidy up in the viewing room
and throw away any flowers
that are looking a bit tired?
Of course.
Mr. Thomas, I was wondering,
the locked door in the corridor...
Yeah, the old cold-storage room, yes.
No, you don't need
to worry about that. That's...
That's...
You know, that's not in use anymore, so...
I'm just gonna catch up in here.
Emma?
Do you miss him?
Emma, you need to stop this.
If you ring again,
you know what will happen.
It's just that you tell everyone
that you miss him and--
And yet...
you left us.
Emma, you've been warned.
We're not going through this again.
Weren't we happy?
Have you been drinking?
I used to make you laugh so easily.
There was a lot of laughter here
before you--
Before you left us.
Look, I know it's not easy.
This is not easy for anyone.
But you can't keep ringing me.
I miss him.
I miss you.
Emma, please. This is not fair.
Maybe he's still here somewhere.
Under the bed.
What?
What do you mean?
Sometimes, I imagine
that none of it ever happened.
That you're all just hiding.
Playing a game.
Emma, what do you mean,
he's under the bed?
Emma?
Emma!
I take flight and meet the gargoyles
Only to realize they know my name
Higher still, up to the spire
like a miniature Lazarus
My wings flutter forth, sending me north
I set a course with such force
The eagles show remorse
But for a simple touch
Of those strawberry locks once more
But youth
Regret
Alas, no more
Alas
No more
Mrs. Fisher's coming in an hour
to view her husband.
You can handle that, Sybil.
Ah, yes, of course. He's almost done.
Just get his shoes on,
and I'll have him in place and ready.
Good.
Very good.
Did you hear that?
Your wife's coming in.
We were married for 40 years.
Together even longer.
It's difficult being alone
after having lived together
as a couple for an entire lifetime.
The only life I'll live spent
doting and caring and tending
to your every whim and need.
An existence as a drudge.
All through our married life,
you mentally and physically abused me.
I stood by you through all your affairs,
the drink, the gambling,
and then you go and die.
A heart attack you so very well deserved,
you fucking bastard.
I hope it hurt.
Hope you were in pain.
Surely one more.
Mrs. Fisher, would you like
a glass of water?
Yes, please.
Oh, but for a simple touch once more
Of those strawberry locks
But youth
Regret
Alas, all gone
That's lovely. Thank you.
Yeah.
All right. Listen up, everybody.
There's been a further complaint
made by Emma's ex-husband,
and a very serious accusation.
John, you're with me, please.
Can we come in?
Sorry, Emma.
We had a call.
Yeah.
I suppose you just have to
cover all your options, don't you?
Look, we're not giving up,
I can assure you.
We're doing everything
we can to find your son.
By coming here?
To my house?
Listen, this whole situation is unique
and very difficult for everyone involved.
I'm sorry.
You work for the police
in the same borough as the crime.
Everybody's trying their best.
Everybody's going way above and beyond
because they want to help you,
their colleague.
I don't want to ever have to come here
and do this ever again.
You can't call your ex.
You can't say the things that you said
without this happening.
I know.
I was drunk.
I was angry.
I was lonely.
We're doing everything we can
to find out exactly what happened,
as I'm sure you can appreciate.
I want to find him too.
There's nothing here, sir.
Get yourself out of here.
Go away, just for a few days.
The candle's flame
Can no more survive the lake
Than can the fish survive the air
Thank you once again for coming
to our Wednesday-night poetry sessions.
Would anyone like to start?
Oh! I'm so sorry.
The museum.
-Mark?
-Yes.
Yeah, that's right.
Maybe can I get you a drink, or...?
No, um...
If you're ever passing by the museum,
I could give you a private guided tour.
That would be very nice.
Thank you.
-How was work?
-Yeah, it was good, actually.
Yeah. Someone brought in
some medieval pottery they'd found.
I think at first
they thought it was Roman,
but you could tell the year at first sight
just from the materials
and the camber on the rim.
Roman?
Idiots.
I'll have a sherry, please, Mark.
Yes.
Get your new friend
a sherry, please, Mark.
I mean, it's the least you can do.
Otherwise, you might get drawn
into this fuck-awful poetry meeting.
Go on, then.
-Who was that?
-Here we are.
Thank you.
Thanks, mate.
Hello.
It's...
Just a minute. I've brought the milk.
Well, it's... It's been raining.
I don't know if you saw that.
You'd have laughed to see the birds
that were on the bird table
this morning and...
So I put out the--
Some stale breadcrumbs...
Not quite ready.
You look good enough to eat,
Sybil Chamberlain.
Stop it.
We mustn't.
We must.
Daddy!
-You got a day off today?
-Nursery.
Lucky you. Enjoy.
Sorry.
-I bought lunch, yeah?
-Thanks.
Come on.
Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Yes, mate.
-That was really good.
-Nice.
-We'll have a drink?
-Yeah.
What are you looking at?
Why don't you look at yourselves?
"Oh, look at me on my skateboard."
"Look at me skating with my pals,
up and down, up and down."
You look like a bunch of fucking pricks.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry for shouting.
Please don't-- Don't be upset.
I know you don't want to be here. I know.
I'm trying.
But I'm just so weak.
Just so weak.
Night-night.
Yes, Mr. Arnold. No, no,
I understand your predicament.
It's just, well,
we're not really set up
to do work for the coroner at the moment.
Well, I was hoping to take a few days off.
Yes. Yes, I could.
Yes, I'm sure
we'll manage, Mr. Arnold.
You send him over. Of course.
Sybil, there's a big job
coming in this morning,
so we need our wits about us.
We'd better start with a nice cup of tea.
Of course, Mr. Thomas.
I'll just clear the viewing room
and take Mr. Fisher back down.
-Oh, and, Sybil, Yorkshire, mind-- Yes.
-Yorkshire. Yes, Mr. Thomas.
Best prepare
yourself for this one, Sybil.
Oh, dear, oh, dear.
Motorbikes, motorbikes, motorbikes.
As often as not, it's not the person
on the bike, it's everybody else.
Driving too fast,
everybody looking in their mirrors.
-It's just such a waste of a life.
-Excuse me.
Yes.
A waste of a life.
Come on.
Oh, yes.
Yes!
You all right, Sybil?
Yes, I'm fine, thank you.
You see, it's creputing there.
I think under the circumstances,
we've done very well.
I'll leave you to finish off, Sybil.
I'll... I'll go and start
on the paperwork.
Day off tomorrow.
A good day by the seaside.
But I'll be back on Tuesday.
If I leave the keys on the desk,
can you lock up?
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Thomas.
Just a sec.
There.
Thank you.
I can't thank you enough, Sybil.
It's really... It's first-rate work.
Thank you.
Be good.
Looking well.
Better.
Yes?
Jake! Jesus Christ!
Can you not watch
where you're going for once?
Get out of my sight now.
Hi.
Yeah, no, I'm fine.
I've just got my hands full.
Yeah.
The childminder filled him
with sweets at the park.
Yeah, well, I've told her.
Sorry, have we met?
He's not ready.
He's not ready?
What does that mean?
It means I need to get him ready.
Well, can someone call me
when he is ready?
-Anything else?
-No.
I'll be going now. Thank you.
Fucking bitch.
I'm here now.
You're better off without her.
I think you know that now.
Let's turn the lights down, shall we?
Did she say when
you might be able to see him?
She said she'd call.
I'm okay.
-That's good to hear.
-I just had to get away.
Yeah, I understand.
Sarah, if you hear anything,
anything at all, please call me.
You know I will. It's just...
Yeah, I don't care what Miller says.
Of course. I'll do my best.
Thank you. Thank you.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Don't know about you, but I've worked up
quite an appetite after that.
Do you think that's funny, do you?
Yeah, you would.
I saw you watching.
Don't think I didn't, pervert.
It's dirty little deviants like you
that need to be taught a lesson.
Don't they, Mark?
Oh, you like that, do you?
How about this, pervert?
Fucking bastard!
You'll be choking
with laughter now.
Just to let you know,
Poetry Night starts in half an hour,
if you wanted to join.
If you wanted to join us,
Poetry Night starts in half an hour.
Poetry Night starts in half an hour,
if you wanted to join us.
Fuck off.
Right.
Do I know you?
No.
Yes, I'll be there right away.
Thank you for letting me know.
-Winter smiles, its teeth brittle
-Where dips the rocky highland
-In the unforgiving wind...
-There lies a leafy island
Where flapping herons wake
The drowsy water-rats;
-Sea air ignores me
-There we've hid our faery vats
The chaffinch winces its way
Towards what heat
It can pertain from the tree...
So to the flames
An empty space once more
Not even a shadow left
A life, a single soul
Who only knew love through--
A nice slice of Battenberg.
Thank you for this.
So...
When can I see Mark?
Didn't bring anyone with you today, then?
Wouldn't want to keep anyone waiting
while we go through all the paperwork.
I don't know what you mean.
You mean Lee?
Oh, you don't have
to explain anything to me.
I got a message from Mr. Thomas.
-Is he here today?
-He'll be back later.
Everything's all in order,
don't you worry.
Once you've finished your cake,
I'll take you through to the viewing room.
That's very kind of you, thank you.
You need to look through these and sign.
I made that.
It's very nice.
Have some water.
All done?
Right. Let's go and see him, then.
If you don't mind, I'll take it from here.
You can let yourself out
when you're done, then.
Very busy day ahead.
Very busy.
Visiting time is over.
Who the fuck do you think you are?
Calm down. You'll upset him.
This is my fianc,
and I have every right to be here.
Please leave.
Come along.
Up you get.
Finished?
I think it's time you left, don't you?
We don't like your sort around here.
And I'd prefer it
if I never saw you again.
Off you pop.
I can't get up.
Don't feel very
good.
Too much Battenberg, you fat little pig.
Hi, Sarah.
No, no, I'm fine.
-Can you do me a favor?
-Yeah, okay.
I need you to get me all the information,
anything you can, on a Sybil Chamberlain.
Right, of course. I'll do my best.
Okay, thanks.
Associate in Applied Science.
Mr. Thomas, I'm sorry.
Stay where you are, Sybil. It suits you.
I was just cleaning up,
ready for your return.
Sit down, sit down.
I'm gonna make you a cup of tea.
Thank you.
Oh, God.
Hello, Mr. Thomas.
How was your break?
Just what I needed.
It gave me the chance
to get things straight in my mind.
Was everything okay while I was away?
Yes, everything's been fine here,
thank you.
I knew it would be.
We're lucky to have you.
You came along at just the right time.
You've been a lifesaver, Sybil.
I don't mind admitting that
I've been very low since Caroline died.
Some days were unbearable, really.
And I think it's because
we kept ourselves to ourselves.
It would have been different, I daresay,
if we'd been able to have children, but...
I was out walking
along the shore yesterday,
thinking about life and getting things
into perspective, and...
I just wanted to say that
you've been a breath of fresh air,
and I've come to think of you
as the daughter that we might have had.
I'm rambling now.
Anyway, these are for you.
That's your own set of keys.
That'll give you a bit of flexibility,
and you can manage your own hours.
And then I'll talk you through
the office paperwork so that one day--
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Thomas, but I can't.
I've thought about this long and hard.
I've had some recent news
which means I won't be staying.
Yes.
You see, I've met someone.
Someone I've rather
fallen in love with, it seems.
And... I'm gonna have a baby.
Quite soon, actually.
You're--?
You're pregnant?
Oh, well...
No, that's-- That's come as a shock.
I thought we'd--
You know, that's-- That's a shock.
When were you thinking of leaving?
In one's lifetime,
you can hold in a hand the number
of like-minded people you meet.
It's been an honor, Mr. Thomas.
Thank you for everything.
Without you,
I would never have met my love.
Yes. Oh, well, that's...
And I will be forever grateful.
Yeah, I've got it in front of me
at the moment. What's her name again?
Right, thank you.
Sarge, I found out
where she's currently working.
Bloody hell.
Right, we're on the move.
Well done, Ian. Come on.
We've got a significant lead here.
Let's get down there straightaway.
You and I are both cut
from the same cloth, it seems.
We both have our little peccadilloes...
Our little secrets behind the scenes.
What?
Behind closed doors.
Frozen in time.
Did you see?
Yes, I saw.
Well, you must have misunderstood.
I don't think so.
Love can make us be...
What--?
What are you going to do?
What about?
-Your little secret tucked up in there?
-No, stop. Just stop.
I don't know what you think,
but you're wrong.
What are the chances
of the two of us ever meeting?
I suppose we always
find our tribes in the end.
Our kind.
Goodbye, Mr. Thomas.
I don't care what you think.
Just wait. Just wait.
What are you going to do?
I told you, I'm going to have a baby.
You won't tell?
Thank you for everything.
Mr. Thomas? Police.
Police. We need to come in.
Police. If you don't let us in,
we'll have to use force.
John, get the battering ram.
-No!
-Stop it!
I'm not going home!
Get back here!
Oi, come back! Stop!
Okay.
Okay.
You're mine now.
We need forensics down here,
and get this place fenced off.
On it, sarge, right away.
...suspect in the abduction of an infant
at Whitebridge Park.
Fuck, we need to get
down there right away.
That's got to be her.
Emma, it's me.
You got a pen and paper?
Got some information for you.
-Go ahead.
-It's her family's home.
-The address is Seacroft Hall.
-Yeah.
Briar's Lane.
I'll be back at the car when
you're ready. I'll try her again.
It's not unusual for those close to the
deceased not to make it to the funeral.
I know Tina has struggled
enormously with her loss.
She's your sister...
and she'll need a lot of support
from you and Helen now.
She's beautiful.
I couldn't be happier.
This is what I've always dreamed of.
A beautiful family.
Thank you.
Dear God.
My baby.
Jesus Christ.
You two upstairs.
Through there.
Emma?
Emma.
Emma.
Help me.
Thank you.
Thank you. Bless you all.
And so to the flames
An empty space once more
Not even a shadow left
A short interval in time
Where once stood a great life
A solitary essence
Not forged for this world
A mortal body
Who wanted for nothing but love
And whose heart could beat no longer
A single, deserted being
Who only knew love
Through death
The wind
The sea air hurtles past me
No.
The sea air
Ignores me
Yes.
Nice.
There you go.
Morning, Emma.
Everything all right?
Yeah, all okay.
How long have you been there?
Oh, dear.
I'm gonna be late now.
Winter smiles
Its teeth brittle in the unforgiving wind
I rush through it
Sea air ignores me
For fuck's sake.
The chaffinch winces its way
Towards what heat
It can pertain from the tree
Still
Still
Still
Wings wrapped around him
Nature's blanket
He watches silently from his perch
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, bless you all.
Thank you.
Well done, you.
Well done.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
"The Harlequin in the Storm."
The harlequin in the storm
Considers a new hat
For it is he who bites the frost
Started.
Yes.
Sit down.
I'm fine.
You're not fine.
And anybody in your situation
would not be fine either.
It's been three months now.
It's getting easier to...
Less...
I'm getting help.
I found a group. We talk.
You've been drinking.
You stink of alcohol.
-And your work--
-I'm fine!
-Emma.
-I'm sorry.
I'm here if you need me.
Thank you.
Yes.
I've worked in various funeral homes,
and recently one in Ashwoodly...
until the incident that sadly closed it.
Good people lost their jobs
and livelihoods.
But a mother lost her son.
It's awful. Just awful.
And you're recently bereaved yourself,
you say.
Yes.
Yes, my wife, she...
She...
We ran this place together
for 32 years,
although we were together, well,
ten years before that, so...
You know, so it's... it's not been easy.
I'm sorry.
I really should
call time on the whole thing
and retire to the seaside, but...
We talked about that.
We used to enjoy our trips to the coast.
What I'd do there on my own,
I really don't know.
Well, I can see how much you loved her.
And I can also see how much pride
you take in this place and what you do.
We're a small sort of cramp setup,
but we like to
offer individual service,
and we're proud of that.
Somebody the other week
called us boutique.
Do you have family?
Seat belts.
Where dips the rocky highland
of Sleuth Woods in the lake
There lies a leafy island
where flapping herons wake
the drowsy water-rats
There we've hid our faery vats,
full of berries
And of reddest stolen cherries
Come away, O human child!
Be good.
It can be a lonely,
cruel life sometimes.
Yes.
But I have my son now.
And he's at a lovely little nursery,
so I have much more time for myself.
Good. Good. Well, that's...
That's good.
When could you start?
Pow, pow, pow!
Jake! Jesus Christ!
Will you watch
where you're going for once?
Just get out of my sight now.
These are some of the oldest artifacts
found within the valley.
They date back to the Neolithic.
It's hard to believe
that people like you and me
were running around these very hills
thousands of years ago, hunting for food.
Whereas you and me,
we can just wander into local shop--
Sorry. I...
I didn't realize you had your...
I work here.
Sorry. Please, carry on.
Bye, then.
Hope you enjoyed your visit.
I did.
Thank you.
Let's leave this place together,
you and me.
And maybe you'd like
to leave us a review online.
My name's Mark, by the way.
My name's Mark, by the way.
A good review
really can make a difference.
Cheeky.
Sybil?
Where are you?
Ah, Sybil.
Sorry I'm late.
I was just making you a nice cup of tea.
Thank you.
Now, there's a Mr. Fisher
coming in this morning.
You can handle that, Sybil.
It's just a simple cleanup and prep.
In the meantime, do you think
you could tidy up in the viewing room
and throw away any flowers
that are looking a bit tired?
Of course.
Mr. Thomas, I was wondering,
the locked door in the corridor...
Yeah, the old cold-storage room, yes.
No, you don't need
to worry about that. That's...
That's...
You know, that's not in use anymore, so...
I'm just gonna catch up in here.
Emma?
Do you miss him?
Emma, you need to stop this.
If you ring again,
you know what will happen.
It's just that you tell everyone
that you miss him and--
And yet...
you left us.
Emma, you've been warned.
We're not going through this again.
Weren't we happy?
Have you been drinking?
I used to make you laugh so easily.
There was a lot of laughter here
before you--
Before you left us.
Look, I know it's not easy.
This is not easy for anyone.
But you can't keep ringing me.
I miss him.
I miss you.
Emma, please. This is not fair.
Maybe he's still here somewhere.
Under the bed.
What?
What do you mean?
Sometimes, I imagine
that none of it ever happened.
That you're all just hiding.
Playing a game.
Emma, what do you mean,
he's under the bed?
Emma?
Emma!
I take flight and meet the gargoyles
Only to realize they know my name
Higher still, up to the spire
like a miniature Lazarus
My wings flutter forth, sending me north
I set a course with such force
The eagles show remorse
But for a simple touch
Of those strawberry locks once more
But youth
Regret
Alas, no more
Alas
No more
Mrs. Fisher's coming in an hour
to view her husband.
You can handle that, Sybil.
Ah, yes, of course. He's almost done.
Just get his shoes on,
and I'll have him in place and ready.
Good.
Very good.
Did you hear that?
Your wife's coming in.
We were married for 40 years.
Together even longer.
It's difficult being alone
after having lived together
as a couple for an entire lifetime.
The only life I'll live spent
doting and caring and tending
to your every whim and need.
An existence as a drudge.
All through our married life,
you mentally and physically abused me.
I stood by you through all your affairs,
the drink, the gambling,
and then you go and die.
A heart attack you so very well deserved,
you fucking bastard.
I hope it hurt.
Hope you were in pain.
Surely one more.
Mrs. Fisher, would you like
a glass of water?
Yes, please.
Oh, but for a simple touch once more
Of those strawberry locks
But youth
Regret
Alas, all gone
That's lovely. Thank you.
Yeah.
All right. Listen up, everybody.
There's been a further complaint
made by Emma's ex-husband,
and a very serious accusation.
John, you're with me, please.
Can we come in?
Sorry, Emma.
We had a call.
Yeah.
I suppose you just have to
cover all your options, don't you?
Look, we're not giving up,
I can assure you.
We're doing everything
we can to find your son.
By coming here?
To my house?
Listen, this whole situation is unique
and very difficult for everyone involved.
I'm sorry.
You work for the police
in the same borough as the crime.
Everybody's trying their best.
Everybody's going way above and beyond
because they want to help you,
their colleague.
I don't want to ever have to come here
and do this ever again.
You can't call your ex.
You can't say the things that you said
without this happening.
I know.
I was drunk.
I was angry.
I was lonely.
We're doing everything we can
to find out exactly what happened,
as I'm sure you can appreciate.
I want to find him too.
There's nothing here, sir.
Get yourself out of here.
Go away, just for a few days.
The candle's flame
Can no more survive the lake
Than can the fish survive the air
Thank you once again for coming
to our Wednesday-night poetry sessions.
Would anyone like to start?
Oh! I'm so sorry.
The museum.
-Mark?
-Yes.
Yeah, that's right.
Maybe can I get you a drink, or...?
No, um...
If you're ever passing by the museum,
I could give you a private guided tour.
That would be very nice.
Thank you.
-How was work?
-Yeah, it was good, actually.
Yeah. Someone brought in
some medieval pottery they'd found.
I think at first
they thought it was Roman,
but you could tell the year at first sight
just from the materials
and the camber on the rim.
Roman?
Idiots.
I'll have a sherry, please, Mark.
Yes.
Get your new friend
a sherry, please, Mark.
I mean, it's the least you can do.
Otherwise, you might get drawn
into this fuck-awful poetry meeting.
Go on, then.
-Who was that?
-Here we are.
Thank you.
Thanks, mate.
Hello.
It's...
Just a minute. I've brought the milk.
Well, it's... It's been raining.
I don't know if you saw that.
You'd have laughed to see the birds
that were on the bird table
this morning and...
So I put out the--
Some stale breadcrumbs...
Not quite ready.
You look good enough to eat,
Sybil Chamberlain.
Stop it.
We mustn't.
We must.
Daddy!
-You got a day off today?
-Nursery.
Lucky you. Enjoy.
Sorry.
-I bought lunch, yeah?
-Thanks.
Come on.
Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Yes, mate.
-That was really good.
-Nice.
-We'll have a drink?
-Yeah.
What are you looking at?
Why don't you look at yourselves?
"Oh, look at me on my skateboard."
"Look at me skating with my pals,
up and down, up and down."
You look like a bunch of fucking pricks.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry for shouting.
Please don't-- Don't be upset.
I know you don't want to be here. I know.
I'm trying.
But I'm just so weak.
Just so weak.
Night-night.
Yes, Mr. Arnold. No, no,
I understand your predicament.
It's just, well,
we're not really set up
to do work for the coroner at the moment.
Well, I was hoping to take a few days off.
Yes. Yes, I could.
Yes, I'm sure
we'll manage, Mr. Arnold.
You send him over. Of course.
Sybil, there's a big job
coming in this morning,
so we need our wits about us.
We'd better start with a nice cup of tea.
Of course, Mr. Thomas.
I'll just clear the viewing room
and take Mr. Fisher back down.
-Oh, and, Sybil, Yorkshire, mind-- Yes.
-Yorkshire. Yes, Mr. Thomas.
Best prepare
yourself for this one, Sybil.
Oh, dear, oh, dear.
Motorbikes, motorbikes, motorbikes.
As often as not, it's not the person
on the bike, it's everybody else.
Driving too fast,
everybody looking in their mirrors.
-It's just such a waste of a life.
-Excuse me.
Yes.
A waste of a life.
Come on.
Oh, yes.
Yes!
You all right, Sybil?
Yes, I'm fine, thank you.
You see, it's creputing there.
I think under the circumstances,
we've done very well.
I'll leave you to finish off, Sybil.
I'll... I'll go and start
on the paperwork.
Day off tomorrow.
A good day by the seaside.
But I'll be back on Tuesday.
If I leave the keys on the desk,
can you lock up?
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Thomas.
Just a sec.
There.
Thank you.
I can't thank you enough, Sybil.
It's really... It's first-rate work.
Thank you.
Be good.
Looking well.
Better.
Yes?
Jake! Jesus Christ!
Can you not watch
where you're going for once?
Get out of my sight now.
Hi.
Yeah, no, I'm fine.
I've just got my hands full.
Yeah.
The childminder filled him
with sweets at the park.
Yeah, well, I've told her.
Sorry, have we met?
He's not ready.
He's not ready?
What does that mean?
It means I need to get him ready.
Well, can someone call me
when he is ready?
-Anything else?
-No.
I'll be going now. Thank you.
Fucking bitch.
I'm here now.
You're better off without her.
I think you know that now.
Let's turn the lights down, shall we?
Did she say when
you might be able to see him?
She said she'd call.
I'm okay.
-That's good to hear.
-I just had to get away.
Yeah, I understand.
Sarah, if you hear anything,
anything at all, please call me.
You know I will. It's just...
Yeah, I don't care what Miller says.
Of course. I'll do my best.
Thank you. Thank you.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Don't know about you, but I've worked up
quite an appetite after that.
Do you think that's funny, do you?
Yeah, you would.
I saw you watching.
Don't think I didn't, pervert.
It's dirty little deviants like you
that need to be taught a lesson.
Don't they, Mark?
Oh, you like that, do you?
How about this, pervert?
Fucking bastard!
You'll be choking
with laughter now.
Just to let you know,
Poetry Night starts in half an hour,
if you wanted to join.
If you wanted to join us,
Poetry Night starts in half an hour.
Poetry Night starts in half an hour,
if you wanted to join us.
Fuck off.
Right.
Do I know you?
No.
Yes, I'll be there right away.
Thank you for letting me know.
-Winter smiles, its teeth brittle
-Where dips the rocky highland
-In the unforgiving wind...
-There lies a leafy island
Where flapping herons wake
The drowsy water-rats;
-Sea air ignores me
-There we've hid our faery vats
The chaffinch winces its way
Towards what heat
It can pertain from the tree...
So to the flames
An empty space once more
Not even a shadow left
A life, a single soul
Who only knew love through--
A nice slice of Battenberg.
Thank you for this.
So...
When can I see Mark?
Didn't bring anyone with you today, then?
Wouldn't want to keep anyone waiting
while we go through all the paperwork.
I don't know what you mean.
You mean Lee?
Oh, you don't have
to explain anything to me.
I got a message from Mr. Thomas.
-Is he here today?
-He'll be back later.
Everything's all in order,
don't you worry.
Once you've finished your cake,
I'll take you through to the viewing room.
That's very kind of you, thank you.
You need to look through these and sign.
I made that.
It's very nice.
Have some water.
All done?
Right. Let's go and see him, then.
If you don't mind, I'll take it from here.
You can let yourself out
when you're done, then.
Very busy day ahead.
Very busy.
Visiting time is over.
Who the fuck do you think you are?
Calm down. You'll upset him.
This is my fianc,
and I have every right to be here.
Please leave.
Come along.
Up you get.
Finished?
I think it's time you left, don't you?
We don't like your sort around here.
And I'd prefer it
if I never saw you again.
Off you pop.
I can't get up.
Don't feel very
good.
Too much Battenberg, you fat little pig.
Hi, Sarah.
No, no, I'm fine.
-Can you do me a favor?
-Yeah, okay.
I need you to get me all the information,
anything you can, on a Sybil Chamberlain.
Right, of course. I'll do my best.
Okay, thanks.
Associate in Applied Science.
Mr. Thomas, I'm sorry.
Stay where you are, Sybil. It suits you.
I was just cleaning up,
ready for your return.
Sit down, sit down.
I'm gonna make you a cup of tea.
Thank you.
Oh, God.
Hello, Mr. Thomas.
How was your break?
Just what I needed.
It gave me the chance
to get things straight in my mind.
Was everything okay while I was away?
Yes, everything's been fine here,
thank you.
I knew it would be.
We're lucky to have you.
You came along at just the right time.
You've been a lifesaver, Sybil.
I don't mind admitting that
I've been very low since Caroline died.
Some days were unbearable, really.
And I think it's because
we kept ourselves to ourselves.
It would have been different, I daresay,
if we'd been able to have children, but...
I was out walking
along the shore yesterday,
thinking about life and getting things
into perspective, and...
I just wanted to say that
you've been a breath of fresh air,
and I've come to think of you
as the daughter that we might have had.
I'm rambling now.
Anyway, these are for you.
That's your own set of keys.
That'll give you a bit of flexibility,
and you can manage your own hours.
And then I'll talk you through
the office paperwork so that one day--
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Thomas, but I can't.
I've thought about this long and hard.
I've had some recent news
which means I won't be staying.
Yes.
You see, I've met someone.
Someone I've rather
fallen in love with, it seems.
And... I'm gonna have a baby.
Quite soon, actually.
You're--?
You're pregnant?
Oh, well...
No, that's-- That's come as a shock.
I thought we'd--
You know, that's-- That's a shock.
When were you thinking of leaving?
In one's lifetime,
you can hold in a hand the number
of like-minded people you meet.
It's been an honor, Mr. Thomas.
Thank you for everything.
Without you,
I would never have met my love.
Yes. Oh, well, that's...
And I will be forever grateful.
Yeah, I've got it in front of me
at the moment. What's her name again?
Right, thank you.
Sarge, I found out
where she's currently working.
Bloody hell.
Right, we're on the move.
Well done, Ian. Come on.
We've got a significant lead here.
Let's get down there straightaway.
You and I are both cut
from the same cloth, it seems.
We both have our little peccadilloes...
Our little secrets behind the scenes.
What?
Behind closed doors.
Frozen in time.
Did you see?
Yes, I saw.
Well, you must have misunderstood.
I don't think so.
Love can make us be...
What--?
What are you going to do?
What about?
-Your little secret tucked up in there?
-No, stop. Just stop.
I don't know what you think,
but you're wrong.
What are the chances
of the two of us ever meeting?
I suppose we always
find our tribes in the end.
Our kind.
Goodbye, Mr. Thomas.
I don't care what you think.
Just wait. Just wait.
What are you going to do?
I told you, I'm going to have a baby.
You won't tell?
Thank you for everything.
Mr. Thomas? Police.
Police. We need to come in.
Police. If you don't let us in,
we'll have to use force.
John, get the battering ram.
-No!
-Stop it!
I'm not going home!
Get back here!
Oi, come back! Stop!
Okay.
Okay.
You're mine now.
We need forensics down here,
and get this place fenced off.
On it, sarge, right away.
...suspect in the abduction of an infant
at Whitebridge Park.
Fuck, we need to get
down there right away.
That's got to be her.
Emma, it's me.
You got a pen and paper?
Got some information for you.
-Go ahead.
-It's her family's home.
-The address is Seacroft Hall.
-Yeah.
Briar's Lane.
I'll be back at the car when
you're ready. I'll try her again.
It's not unusual for those close to the
deceased not to make it to the funeral.
I know Tina has struggled
enormously with her loss.
She's your sister...
and she'll need a lot of support
from you and Helen now.
She's beautiful.
I couldn't be happier.
This is what I've always dreamed of.
A beautiful family.
Thank you.
Dear God.
My baby.
Jesus Christ.
You two upstairs.
Through there.
Emma?
Emma.
Emma.
Help me.
Thank you.
Thank you. Bless you all.
And so to the flames
An empty space once more
Not even a shadow left
A short interval in time
Where once stood a great life
A solitary essence
Not forged for this world
A mortal body
Who wanted for nothing but love
And whose heart could beat no longer
A single, deserted being
Who only knew love
Through death