The Rumour (2025) s01e05 Episode Script

1
COUGHING
JO: Kay!
That's it, Kay.
That's it, keep breathing.
It'll be all right now.
So you didn't turn the gas on?
KAY: No.
I'm not waiting around
for another murder to happen.
Someone's got to do something.
Is that the painting?
That's not Liz's handwriting.
What do you mean?
It's my mum's.
Did you kill Sonia?
Don't you understand?
There's someone out there
who wants to kill Sally McGowan.
They want to kill me.
You killed that little boy.
You lured him away,
and you stabbed him!
You're the monster.
SOFTLY: Jo
..what happened?
It's her.
She's Sally McGowan.
She admitted it?
She killed that little boy.
God.
I just keep picturing
and picturing it, like
Oh, God, his poor family.
Hey, you can't put all of this
on yourself.
She's a monster.
Doesn't feel real.
Bea was always so
..ordinary.
She swears she's not Sally any more,
but
..that's all I can see
when I look at her.
Robbie Harris's killer.
Alfie can't find out.
God, I don't want him to feel
the way I do right now.
There might not be any way
to stop that.
He's only six.
There's plenty of time for all that.
And maybe that's what Bea thought
as well.
And then the perfect time
just never arrives.
Are you siding with her?
No, of course I'm not siding
with her.
No.
I'm not Bea's biggest fan, but
..one thing I've never doubted
is that she loves you.
SHE SCOFFS
I don't know I care.
We'll get some help.
And we'll tell Alfie slowly.
JO SOBS
Just a bit at a time.
TEARFULLY: God.
I feel numb.
It's like this big hole's opened up,
and I just keep falling.
SOFTLY: Hey. Come here.
SHE SNIFFS
Ooh
I told her everything.
All of it.
Give her time, hm?
I don't think there's enough time
in the world.
I knew the truth.
Love you regardless.
You knew from the beginning.
I didn't have to hide it from you.
I've never seen her so angry.
So upset.
What did she say?
Nothing I didn't deserve.
Oh, Bea.
That I ruined her life.
That's not true.
Isn't it?
BEA SIGHS
You should go.
You'll be late
for your own exhibition.
No, I'll cancel it.
That'll just make people suspicious.
We need to carry on as normal.
But if Joanna talks
..and the wrong people hear
We know what will happen.
Same as happened to Sonia.
You're not safe.
I can't leave you here.
Just make an appearance
and make your speech.
I'll be fine here till you get back.
Joanna might hate me now,
but she won't talk.
'Oh, my God. All the times that
I've left you alone with Alfie.'
BEA: 'You can't think
I would ever hurt him.'
'I will do everything I can
to protect Alfie,
'and you'll never see him again.'
KNOCKING
KNOCKING
Michael.
Joanna's told you, I'm assuming.
Yeah, she has.
How is she?
How do you think?
Would you tell her something for me?
Tell her I'm still me.
I'm still the mother
she's always known.
I don't think
it's gonna make a difference.
Listen to me.
If you hurt Joanna
..if you hurt Alfie
..I will come for you
..and I will not stop.
Oh, Michael.
I've been keeping Joanna safe
all her life.
Long before you showed up.
And I'll still be doing it
long after you've gone.
SONIA: 'My name is Sally McGowan.
I'm gonna end
'I'm gonna end my life tonight.
I've taken some
'I've taken some pills.
TEARFULLY: 'I can't bear the guilt.
I ca I can't.
'It's not true. I'm not her.
What's the point?
'You're gonna kill me anyway, so'
SHE CRIES OU
MUFFLED: No
Stephen, what are you doing here?
Got the all-clear from the police
to, er, empty it out.
Not that anyone's gonna be
lining up to rent this place now.
Yeah, I should probably tell you.
You may as well list my place too.
You're leaving?
Mm.
So it'll save you the bother
of officially sacking me.
HE SIGHS
This isn't about Debbie, is it?
No. No.
Things are just a bit messy
right now.
Tell me about it.
The sooner someone gets rid
of Sally McGowan,
the sooner we can all
get our lives back to normal.
Gets rid of her?
Runs her out of town. Whatever.
No-one knows who she is.
Nothing stays secret for long
in this town.
You always seem to have your sights
set on someone.
JO CHUCKLES
Who's today's number-one suspect?
Oh
..don't know.
No idea.
MICHAEL: Hey.
Oh. Where have you been?
Nowhere special.
I'm just packing basics.
I'll grab Alfie from Rachel's,
and then we can go.
I don't want my mum to die.
Hey.
Hey.
No-one knows who she is.
But the person that killed Sonia
tried to kill Kay.
They're not gonna stop.
And it makes me so angry
that I care.
I never wanna see her again,
but I don't know that I can leave.
Listen, this is on Bea now.
If she needs protecting,
she can go to the police.
She can leave.
She can change her name again.
This isn't our problem. It's hers.
But I've always felt responsible
for her.
If something bad happened to her,
I would never forgive myself.
I'm such a fucking idiot.
After everything she's done,
and I still want her to be OK.
SHE SCOFFS
Not much of a crowd.
I don't know what I was expecting.
People are anxious, I suppose.
Mm-hm.
LIZ GROANS
Oh, this bloody town.
Nothing but small minds and gossips.
I know you don't wanna hear this.
And
And I hate to have to say it,
but I need to disappear again.
I've done it before.
I can do it again.
It was almost 30 years ago.
Joanna was was a child.
She's never gonna forgive me.
Oh, and you'd be fine
about never seeing her again?
Or Alfie?
First it was Sonia.
Then they tried to kill Kay.
They're getting closer.
What choice do I have?
Well, they'll find who did that.
And if they don't?
You could come with me.
I'd have to change my name.
No more Elizabeth Blackthorne.
Yeah, that's how it works.
But that's my whole career erased.
My paintings.
I'd have no claim to them.
Even if I wanted to,
I can't just forget my whole life
just because you
You think I deserve this.
After all this time,
is that what it comes down to?
That's not what I said.
But maybe I do deserve it.
Maybe there is no wiping
the slate clean after what I did.
Maybe I am still Sally McGowan
after all.
PHONE BUZZING
Hello?
Oh, God, no. Please.
Yes, I understand. I won't.
I'll be there.
Who was that?
Bea, who was that?
You're right.
You should stay.
You'll be safe here.
You're not part of this.
KNOCKING
Hi.
Are you feeling better?
Much, thank you.
It's good to be up and about.
Rachel's kindly letting us stay here
for a few days.
Have the police said anything else?
Oh, still investigating.
The back door was forced,
apparently.
And whoever did it,
didn't leave a trace.
Makes it worse, really, to think
that whoever did it
thought it through carefully.
Well, I'm just glad you're OK.
Oh, I'm as tough as old boots.
JO CHUCKLES
Are you OK?
Yeah, I'm just tired.
Is Rachel about?
Oh, no. She, er
She had to race to the hospital.
Her mother took a turn
for the worse, apparently.
Oh, no.
Yeah.
Alfie! Come on, we're going.
Oh, didn't Rachel tell you?
She took him with her.
To the hospital?
Yes, because I wasn't here
at the time, so she took them both.
Oh, right. No.
Er, no, she never called.
Oh. Well, look, it was sudden,
so she'll probably give you a call
when she has a chance. Yeah.
You're very welcome to stay
if you like.
I told the children
I would rescue that cake.
Oh, no, thanks. I think, erm
I think I'll just go and get him.
Sounds like she's got enough
to worry about.
I'll see you later.
Yeah.
SIRENS WAIL
RACHEL: 'Rachel's phone.
Leave a message.'
Rach, it's Joanna.
I'm so sorry to hear about your mum.
Yeah, I've come to take Alfie
off your hands.
Hi.
Yes, can I help you?
Yeah. I'm looking for Rachel
Sorry, as I said it, I've just
I've just realised
I don't know her second name.
Erm, she came in a while ago
with her mum.
And the mother's name is?
Yep. Don't know that either.
Erm s-she's got my little boy.
Who does? Rachel.
Sorry, I'm just here to pick him up.
Erm, well, I
I'm afraid I do need a full name.
But she must have come through here,
like, maybe one or two hours ago.
She's petite. White-blonde hair.
Do you remember?
I just started my shift.
Maybe you could call your friend?
Yeah, I've tried that.
She's not answering.
Well, we do have a waiting area.
Right, OK. Thanks.
RINGING TONE
'Rachel's phone. Leave a message.'
Rach, it's Joanna again.
Erm, I can't seem to find you
at the hospital.
I'm starting to get bit worried now.
Can you call me when you get this?
Thanks.
Kay, it's me.
Are you sure Rachel came
to the hospital?
Er, Flinstead Hospital?
KAY: 'That's what she told me.'
Er, do you know Rachel's mum's name,
by any chance?
'Yes, of course. It's Marie.'
Second name?
'Er well, I'm not so sure
about that.
'I think it begins with an H.
'Er, well, it's not the same
as Rachel's. I know that much.'
OK, don't worry. Thanks.
I'll keep looking.
Excuse me? Excuse me?
Hayley!
Hayley.
Hi.
Where's your mum and Alfie?
I don't know.
But he was here, wasn't he?
Mm-hm.
So where did they go?
Mum took him.
Where? To the cafe?
Where did she take him?
I don't know.
Hayley, think.
W-What exactly did she say?
WOMAN: Rachel
Marie?
Marie, where's Rachel? Where's
Where's Rachel, your daughter?
She's gone for him.
Who?
Please. This is important.
Marie, my little boy was here.
Alfie.
Did you see him?
Robbie
What did you say?
MARIE GROANS
Marie
..did you just say Robbie?
Marie Harris.
Robbie Harris was your son.
So Rachel
Oh, God.
..is his sister.
RINGING TONE
MICHAEL: 'Hello? Jo?'
Wait. Wait, Michael. Hang on.
Hang on.
Michael. He's gone. She's taken him.
Rachel's taken Alfie.
I'm checking the park.
I don't know where else to look.
They're not at the hospital.
They're not at her house.
She's not answering her phone.
I can't believe I left him.
I can't believe
I just left him there.
'Jo, I don't understand.'
Rachel is Robbie Harris's sister.
The little boy my mum killed.
She's been pretending this whole
time, and now she's got Alfie.
'Are you sure?'
Yes, of course I'm sure.
He's gone, Michael.
I'm not imagining it.
I'm in the park.
I've been driving round
Look, can you call the police?
Michael, what if she hurts him?
'Listen, we're gonna find him, OK?
I promise you.'
OK.
Oh, hey. I'm looking for Alfie.
Have you seen him?
FATIMA: Oh, he's not been here.
Have a coffee.
Yeah, come on. You look frazzled.
Sit down. No, he's with Rachel,
but she's not picking up.
With Rachel?
Yeah. Can you think of where
she might have taken him?
Er, have you tried Kay in the house?
Have you got the number
for her husband?
They've got a place in London,
haven't they?
Sorry, I'm confused. Why would
Rachel take Alfie to London?
Cos I think she wants to hurt him.
What?
No. Why would she?
Do you want us to help you?
We'll drive round and have a look.
Yeah, thank you.
If you see him,
don't let him out of your sight.
Have you seen Rachel or Alfie?
I need to find them. It's urgent.
No. Well, if you find them,
call me, please.
And don't let them go.
Wait.
Er, Bea got a phone call
this morning.
I don't know who it was.
It was odd,
but she went out straight after.
Wouldn't tell me where, though.
RINGING TONE
BEA: 'Joanna, are you all right?'
Where are you?
'It's good to hear your voice.'
No, there's no time.
Rachel's got Alfie.
'I know.'
Do you know where he is?
'It's all right, sweetheart.
I'm gonna make everything better.'
It's not all right.
She's gonna hurt him
because of what YOU did.
She's gonna hurt my little boy.
'Don't worry. I'll sort it out.'
For God's sake, Mum!
'Remember I love you.'
Mum?
BUSY TONE
'Hi, this is Bea. Leave a message.'
Shit.
LIQUID SPLASHING
Rachel. Where is he?
Bea.
You made it.
Where's Alfie?
Or should I call you Sally?
Which do you prefer?
Where is he?
RACHEL SIGHS
He's fine.
Alfie?
Alfie? Alfie, wake up, sweetheart.
It's Nana.
Leave him.
Sheets he's on are soaked in petrol.
What do you think?
Should I take my chances?
What have you done to him?
It's just a little bit of sedative
in his chocolate milk.
He'll be OK.
Or, well
that's up to you, really.
Alfie has nothing to do
with any of this.
Neither did my brother.
'Hi, this is Bea. Leave a message.'
FATIMA: Joanna.
Joanna!
Wait.
Do you really think
that Rachel might hurt Alfie?
Yeah. I can't explain why right now.
OK, look, I did see her.
Well, her car at least.
When?
About an hour ago.
You have to tell me where.
Stephen and I
were at our usual place.
You know where you saw me last?
Only her car was there,
so we couldn't go in. I'm sorry.
I couldn't tell you because
Thank you.
Yeah. Thank you.
FATIMA SIGHS
How did you find me?
My mum looked for years.
It's all she thought about.
And she even got close once.
But they moved you on. Quicksmart.
That's Marie.
Yeah, well,
it was a risk bringing her here,
but it'll be well worth it
in the end.
Sit down.
You don't have to do this.
Sit down.
I was raised to believe
you start a thing, you finish it.
And this
..this thing has been
..part of my life for so long.
That's why I was born, really.
Sad, innit?
But, yeah. Yeah. I took over
the search when Mum got sick.
That's why I went into prison work,
really.
I just wanted to find a guard
who might have known you.
Police were no help.
But prison guards are
SHE WINCES
..they're not the brightest bunch,
sorry to say.
But, you know
..as close as I got,
it was always just
..whispers, rumours, no names,
nothing I could get hold of.
And then one day
..I overheard something
I shouldn't have done.
It was a name.
Name of a town.
This town.
So I just came
and gave it a little nudge.
You killed Sonia
because you thought she was me.
Well, that was an honest mistake.
I went to jail, Rachel.
I served my sentence.
Ten years?!
I mean, what is that
against Robbie's entire life?
Marie's poisoned your mind.
It's your life you'll be
throwing away if you do this.
And what life is that, then, eh?
Huh?
I was just born as a consolation,
a
a replacement that never
quite managed to fill the void.
The void that you made.
I'm sorry.
I I'm so sorry.
Save it.
Save it for your confession.
What do you want from me?!
I want THE TRUTH!
The fucking truth!
All of it this time.
Everything you didn't tell
the court.
None of your whining
about having a bad life.
No pretending
that you didn't mean to do it.
You knew exactly
what you were doing.
You meant to kill Robbie
because you are evil
..through and through.
And they should never have let you
out of prison.
They should leave you and everyone
like you behind bars to rot.
And when you're done
saying all of that
..you're gonna say goodbye
to Joanna and to Alfie,
and you're gonna light the flame.
This is gonna be a suicide note
and a confession rolled into one.
BEA GASPS
Please, Rachel.
I'll do whatever you want.
But Alfie
..Alfie Do as you're told,
and I'll get Alfie out in time.
His life's in your hands.
Oh, please
MUFFLED VOICES
BEA: That day
I knew what I was gonna do.
It wasn't anything Robbie did.
I just picked him
because he was small.
Always hanging around,
wanting to play with the older kids.
I knew he was weak
..and he wouldn't fight back.
I waited until the other kids
had run off to the swings,
and I told Robbie
to stay behind with me.
Of course he did.
Cos he'd have done anything
I told him to.
I took him
..took him to the house.
Took him to the old house
at the end of our street.
We held hands.
I promised him a lolly
when we got there.
RACHEL GASPS
Keep going.
I had a knife
that I'd taken from the kitchen
at home.
I had to sharpen it on a rock.
I'd seen someone on the telly do it
the other week.
I never told the police that.
Only the lawyers.
And they made sure
the jury never heard it
because it would have looked bad
for me if they did.
RACHEL SIGHS
H-He
..looked so surprised.
That's what I remember the most.
As if he couldn't really believe
this was happening.
But it was so easy.
I remember
I remember I liked the feeling
of it.
You evil fucking bitch!
Joanna, go!
Alfie! Alfie!
Wake up. Come on.
RACHEL AND BEA GRUN
Alfie, come on,
we have to leave now.
No! No!
RACHEL CRIES OU
DISTORTED: Come on. Come on, Joanna.
Joanna. Joanna.
OK. We can go.
I'm gonna get you out of here.
JO BREATHES HEAVILY
'Please, Joanna. We've got to go.'
Lucy.
BEA CRIES OU
'Lucy
'Lucy.'
Get Alfie out of here.
'Listen to my voice. Lucy.'
RACHEL SHOUTING
Lucy! Lucy!
Get off me!
JOANNA COUGHING
SHE SPLUTTERS,
COUGHS
COUGHING
Alfie. Alfie?
Alfie? Alfie, can you hear me?
Alfie.
Hey.
Come on, baby. Come on. OK.
ALFIE COUGHS
You're OK.
GLASS SHATTERS
ALFIE COUGHING
SIRENS WAIL
Jo, are you all right?
Yeah. Anyone else inside?
There's two in there.
I'm here, I'm here, I'm here.
You OK?
Yeah.
BELL RINGS
God.
I can't believe Rachel
had us fooled like that.
I mean, most of all,
she tried to kill me.
Just shows we don't always know
people as well as we think we do.
Well, now she's dead.
And good riddance.
Yeah. At least she took
Sally McGowan with her.
Has, erm
Has Stephen left for good?
Yep. Packed all his things.
Put them in a storage unit.
He's not my problem any more.
Good on you. Who needs him?
We're fine, though, aren't we?
Look, if we can get through
this Sally McGowan business,
we can get through anything.
Oh, Alfie, grab that post for me,
will you, darling?
Then you can get yourself
in the car.
All right. That's everything?
Yeah.
Cool.
But I think I'll just check upstairs
one more time.
You've checked twice already.
I know, I just feel like
we've forgotten something.
You haven't.
OK.
It's over, and she's gone.
It's not, though, is it?
I'm still her daughter.
You're a lot more than that.
Does it not worry you?
Not even a little bit.
BEA: "Dear Alfie
"think of me when you see birds
flying in the sky
"..and I'll think of you.
"Love always, Nana."