The Poison Tree (2012) s01e01 Episode Script
Episode 1
(PHONE RINGING) Hello? (BREATHING) Hello? (WIND HOWLING) (DOOR SLAMS) Armed robber.
Post-office job.
He shot the man behind the counter.
She's got a new bloke now, but she still visits hubby every month, and tries to find out where the cash is, so she can leg it to Spain with the boyfriend! (CHUCKLES) Right.
Lady with the white fur coat.
Car thief.
Does posh cars to order, and she has begged him to stop.
But he's addicted.
Daddy! Hey.
Come on.
The car's over here.
Lead the way.
(BABBLING) Basically, I had three, and when I put them in, I got yellow spots on my tongue, and one of the spots started bleeding.
You know, at school, Violet was boasting to Lara about her report, and Lara told her to shut up - Alice, Alice.
That's enough now.
You've not stopped for 15 minutes.
Are you all right? Mmm.
Can we stop for a minute? Rex, no.
I want to see the house.
I need to.
Please.
Why are we getting out here? Oh, I'm going on those swings! Alice, don't go too far.
We're coming back to the car in five minutes.
WOMAN: Rex! Best big brother in the whole world.
This is Karen.
She's a linguistic genius.
REX: Hello.
Hi.
The gift of tongues.
Isn't that what they call it? WOMAN: Stay with me tonight.
Move in with us.
(ECHOING) It's a constant party We're soul sisters.
(ECHOING) Come on, Karen.
Run! This is home.
It's nice.
That's the living room and Alice's room.
This here is the kitchen.
A bit small.
No, it's not that.
It's not Queenswood Lane, but it's home.
I just need to get some air.
No.
Justjust give him a minute.
'Il vaut mieux hasarder de sauver un coupable que de condamner un innocent.
' What does it mean? That it's better to spare a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one.
It's Voltaire.
He was protesting on a street corner by the Musee d'Orsay.
Looking so angry.
What was he protesting about? I don't know.
I always bunked French.
The teacher didn't really get me.
You speak it beautifully, though.
French, Spanish, Italian, German.
I'm doing a language BA.
Fine art.
Photography major.
I'm Biba Capel.
I'm Karen Clarke.
You know, it's fate, meeting you.
I have a letter needs translating.
From Sebastien Rouenne.
He runs a gallery in Paris.
He's considering exhibiting some of my work.
I'll give you the letter tomorrow at my party.
Eight o'clock.
Don't be late.
It's my 21st.
Wear something fabulous.
What did they do to you in there? It was an accident.
Hot fat in the kitchen.
I thought you worked in the gardens.
I wasn't a very good cook.
No-one'll ever hurt you again.
I promise.
Dad, do you want to meet Lara? (PHONE RINGING) She's my best friend.
Yes, that would be lovely.
Hello? Hello? Mum Mmm? Can Lara come round? She wants to meet Daddy.
Why? What have you told her? That he's a serial killer! Chill, Mum.
I told her what you said.
Why can't we tell the truth? Dad wasn't the one in the wrong.
That accountant should have gone to jail, instead.
Look, Alice, I know lying is a terrible thing.
But we're doing it for the right reason.
If people knew that Daddy had gone to jail, they wouldn't give him a chance.
He deserves a chance, doesn't he? Yeah.
We're gonna plant roses here.
Shame about the view.
Alice, what are they doing over there? Oh, they're building a wall thingy, to keep tourists off the mudflats.
Can we start planting tomorrow? If you like.
Mum has to work.
She's translating a Spanish novel about a killer who chops his victims' hands off.
I thought Lara came round so you could do homework together.
OK.
Was it English or physics we had to revise for? Will it be strange for her, having a man in the house? Strange for me too.
I'm not picking your boxers off the bathroom floor.
I've been wearing prison issue.
I don't actually own any.
(ALICE AND LARA TALKING SOFTLY) ALICE: Three, two, one.
No way! That so got further! I think we should tell her.
No.
No way.
She's old enough to know the truth.
I don't think she'll ever be old enough to understand.
I'm not sure I do, even now.
Don't say that.
Otherwise, what have the last 12 years been about? How will she feel when she finds out we lied to her? She won't ever find out.
I mean it, Rex.
You cross me on this, and you'll lose the both of us.
Alice never finds out what we did.
(OVERLAPPING CONVERSATIONS) (POUNDING MUSIC) (CAMERA CLICKS) I've been waiting for you.
Come on.
Excuse me.
Excuse me! They're beautiful.
They were my mother's.
You'd look gorgeous in that one, darling.
What does he say? Does he like them? He says he thinks you have an amazing eye.
He loves the way you capture your subjects' emotions.
He'd like to see more.
Will you help me write a reply? Now? No, not now, silly.
Now I'm going to make you look fabulous.
Oh, I can't wear a dress like that.
You can do anything you want, Karen Clarke.
Be anything you want.
(GASPS) We only have one shot at this.
Don't waste your life on limitations.
Open your mouth.
The finishing touch.
(LAUGHS) Come! (LAUGHS) (POUNDING MUSIC) This is amazing.
Rex and I inherited it.
We're orphans, darling.
Welcome to the Velvet Room.
Rex! Best big brother in the whole world.
This is Karen.
She's a linguistic genius.
The gift of tongues.
Isn't that what they call it? (UP-TEMPO MUSIC) B, how many have you had? Only a half, darling.
Please don't fuss over me tonight.
(MUSIC FADES) (GASPS AND LAUGHS) (PANTING) Can you feel it, Karen? Can you feel it? (LAUGHS) Stay with me tonight.
(LAUGHS) But Mum, it's only 300 quid.
And then there's the iPad you want.
You can't have both, sweetheart.
But the whole class is going.
I'll be the only one left behind.
Well, maybe if I find some work soon, we can afford the trip.
(PHONE RINGING) Hello? Can we apply for my passport tomorrow, then? Otherwise, there won't be time.
Hello? (LINE GOES DEAD) (BLEEP) 'You were called today.
The caller withheld their number.
' Who was it? Wrong number.
Again? Call centre.
We get them all the time.
Are you done, love? Mm-hm.
Me and Dad can go to the post office tomorrow.
Sorry, Alice.
The answer's no.
I'm gonna look like a complete fail, sat in the library on my own.
Don't worry, sweetie.
We'll find a way.
Rex, we can't afford it.
You're not going on the French trip.
Now, get your pyjamas on.
Bed in 20 minutes.
Night-night.
Don't give me that look! (LAUGHING) Do tell me again, Karen, about your fascinating flatmate! (LAUGHS) Well, Biba and Rex Let me introduce you to (HIGH-PITCHED) Charlotte! Hiya! My idea of a late night is ten o'clock! And my name is Rachel, and I'm teetotal.
Except at Christmas, of course.
Of course.
Of course.
Naturally.
No.
(LAUGHS) I don't want to go home.
Well, move in with us.
It's a constant party at number six.
Are you serious? You're here all the time, anyway, looking after us.
We love having you here.
We should be together for ever.
We're soul sisters.
You don't mind, do you, darling? The more the merrier.
(LAUGHING) Jesus! (LAUGHING) (DOOR OPENING) Shit.
Rex? We should just tell her, before she catches us.
No.
Rex, I can't keep lying to her.
She's my best friend.
We just need to find the right time.
What are you so scared of? You don't know Biba like I do.
(OPENS DOOR) B! Hello.
(CAR TYRES SQUEALING) (SIGHS) (CAR ENGINE) (DRIVES OFF) (GASPS) Oh, god! Bloody hell.
I'm sorry.
What's going on? I just couldn't sleep.
Come on.
Let's go back to bed.
Yeah.
Most of our clients haven't got Rex's setup.
Most are re-offending within the hour.
Oh, not Rex.
Not Rex.
Absolutely.
Now, during your rehabilitation, you were a keen gardener.
Yes, I worked in the prison garden for nine years.
Eventually, they put me in charge, and I had six men working under me.
Practical and managerial experience.
Yes, I thought I might look for a job as a landscape gardener.
That's an admirable attitude, though I would say there are certain jobs you wouldn't be right for.
Parks.
Schools.
They require a clean record.
So, what are my options? So, how about starting up on your own? Odd jobs.
Adverts in newsagents.
That sort of thing.
No.
No, I want a proper job.
Small steps, Rex.
I did every programme in there.
I jumped through every hoop.
The parole board said that I'm rehabilitated.
No-one's questioning that.
But it will never be enough, will it? This is a waste of time.
I'm sorry.
How erm How easy would it be for someone to find out where we live? Well, Rex taking your name should help.
And we wouldn't pass on your address to anyone but family.
Thank you.
(TYPING) How could he? What? Who is he? Our dad.
Max Capel's your dad? There's not one word about us! Let it go, B.
We were there first! No, don't do this.
Biba! Biba! Biba! Karen! Biba, please! Come out, Max, you fucking coward! I know you're in there.
B! B! Not again, B.
Perfect dad now, are you (?) Look, we have been through this.
Let it go.
You can't pretend she never existed.
Look, you don't know what she put ME through.
It was your fault, you bastard! It was your fault! Dad, stop! You can't just air-brush us out! No! Take your sister home.
GIRL: Daddy? I know you're upset and it's in front of the twins, but, please, we need to talk about this.
Rex! Biba, no! B! Stop it! No! Let go! Give it to me.
Drop it.
Let go.
Give it to me.
Don't let her come back here again.
I can't stop her.
You need to step up and be a man.
Why haven't you got a job yet? I was looking out for myself when I was 16, and you've wasted your life, baby-sitting Biba.
And you You've turned out just like her, haven't you? Angry, unreasonable, jealous.
(SPITS) B! Fuck you.
You've graduated now, haven't you? Yeah.
Well, I'm afraid the party's over.
I'm selling number six.
I want you out in four weeks.
You can't.
That's our house.
You two had the best education money could buy.
Now it's only fair that they have the same.
Four weeks and I want you out.
(DROPS SHOVEL) What the hell have you done? (DOOR SLAMS) It's funny.
You forget how vast it is, after you've been staring at the same spot for a while.
I wouldn't have lasted a week in there.
What choice did I have? You could have told the truth.
It's human nature - do what you can to protect those you love.
Self-preservation is human nature, too.
Alice, you're too close to the mud! Right, that's it.
You're in trouble now! (LAUGHS) (LAUGHING) (SQUEALS) (LAUGHS) Head-first, definitely! It's very good for your skin! (SHRIEKS) Come on.
(LAUGHING) There's only a few Beaujolais? (MUSIC POUNDING IN BACKGROUND) Come on.
It's my fucking house, too.
But not for much longer.
No, because you haven't got the balls to do anything about it.
Does someone need sorting, babe? Sort my gutless brother, if you'd like.
He can't stand up to Daddy.
Too busy shagging her.
We were going to tell you.
We're just friends.
Nothing else.
(SNIFFING) You don't need that.
How do you know what I need? Everyone just chill, yeah? Why don't you two join the party? I don't do that stuff.
(LAUGHS) It might make you more interesting, if you did.
(LAUGHS) Let's face it - the only interesting thing about you is me.
Without me, you're common little Karen from Warrington.
Who'd even notice you, if you weren't done up like some wannabe me? REX: That's enough, Biba.
(LAUGHS) Karen? Karen! Let's get a bit cosy.
Why did you lie like that? I just didn't want to upset Biba.
You always put her first.
I'm all she's got.
(SNIFFLING) God, she treats you like shit.
And the only reason she brings her gangster boyfriend here is to piss you off.
Lenny was at Fettes.
He's just .
.
playing at being a gangster.
Well, what's Biba doing bringing people like that back here? Lenny's just her pet.
It's not her fault she's the way she is, you know.
She's had a tough time.
(LAUGHS) I'm sorry.
What, growing up with a model mum and a millionaire dad in a mansion was tough on her (?) It wasn't exactly happy families, Karen.
Dad was out shagging about most of the time, and Mum was either crying in bed or trying to top herself.
Oh, I didn't know.
Biba's so like Mum, it scares me.
She's not your responsibility.
Yes, she is.
I'm all she's got, and .
.
it's my fault.
How is it your fault? Well, I caught Dad with one of his models So I told Mum.
Dad was always making out that Mum was paranoid, but when she found out for sure .
.
it was more than she could bear.
We were at home for the holidays.
Biba had been at some school thing, and I'd been at friends'.
I knew .
.
the moment I saw her, that it was too late.
I ran next door to get help, and it was only then that I remembered Biba would be home any second.
(TEARFULLY) So I was too late again.
No child should ever have to see that.
So, that's the reasonBiba is the way that she is.
It's my fault that Mum's dead, and it's my fault that she saw her.
(TEARFULLY) I could have justprotected her.
All I want is Biba to be happy.
Are you finished? Yeah, but I'm gonna get pudding.
Pudding? What are you gonna get? Chocolate ice cream.
Do they do that here? I hope so.
Mum, can I get some chocolate ice cream? Yeah, why not? On the way home, eh? Hey, can I try some? No! Will we be meeting any of your friends from prison? Alice! You don't have friends in prison.
What about enemies? Is anyone gonna come after you? Have you seen something? Has someone said something? No.
No-one's coming after me.
All right? OK.
OK.
(PHONE BLEEPS) This weather's amazing.
Mmm.
Let's hope it lasts.
I think I might get some chocolate ice cream.
At the beach, with a cone.
With a cone, and a Flake.
Two scoops.
Dad Did anyone apart from me and Mum ever visit you? No.
No, just you two.
Mum said you were an only child.
No.
There's Biba, my sister.
Biba? Why didn't you tell me about her before? We thought it was for the best.
We wanted to wait until you were old enough to understand.
Well, I'm 12 now, so I'm old enough.
No.
Not yet, you're not.
You remind me so much of Biba.
Alice is nothing like Biba.
I haven't met Biba.
Why not? Where is she? Cos she's dead.
Biba's dead.
It's a tip down there now.
Hiya, Dawn.
I'veI've got to run.
It's bringing all sorts to the area.
I bet half of them are illegals.
You must be Rex.
I've heard so much about you.
All bad, I hope.
ErmRex, this is Dawn.
It's lovely to meet you.
Pleasure to meet you, Dawn.
So good for Alice to have her father around.
You know, as neighbours, you really must join Francis and I for supper.
Well, that would be lovely.
Shall we say Friday? All right.
Alice can stay over with Lara - that will save you getting a baby-sitter and having to leave early.
We'll see you about eight, then.
Thanks very much.
Bye.
What? I'm not allowed to meet the neighbours? (CHUCKLES) I'll tell you what - you can put some bars on the windows and padlock me in (!) Sounds like a good idea.
(CHUCKLES) Kettle's on - tea or coffee? Tea.
Hi.
You're Max Capel? Mm-hm.
Look, can you give that to Rex for me? How can you do this to them? Look, I love my family very much.
I'd do anything for them, but it's time they started looking out for themselves.
They'll thank me one day.
(SIGHS) What are you doing here, Lenny? Biba invited me.
Where is she, then? What is it? Oh, it's nothing.
Want some? And you think you're so street, hanging out with your estate lads, but that's not really you, is it, Lenny? Just a class tourist.
And what are you, Karen? Little Northern girl from a dead-end town, hanging out with the posh kids to make yourself feel special? Everyone pretends to be something they're not, if it gets them where they need to be.
Now Are you gonna tell me what's in that envelope that's got you so upset? It's an eviction notice from their dad.
Are you serious? He kicks us out and it's all over.
This house means everything to Rex and Biba.
It's all they've got left of their mum.
Do you know where their dad lives? No! It's all right.
It's all right.
I've got people who can deal with this.
What, are you gonna send someone round (?) Don't be ridiculous.
I'd do anything for Biba.
Anything.
I really love her, you know.
(PHONE BLEEPS) .
.
it's much more romantic in there when they do (MUSIC IN BACKGROUND) Oh, god, not again! We're keeping the house! What? Lenny sorted it.
Dad's signing it over to us.
What do you mean, he's sorted it? How? Who cares about the details? Especially when we've got champagne.
Have you spoken to Dad? Don't worry about it.
Right, I'm gonna call him.
No.
It's gone midnight.
You'll wake the golden girls and he'll flip.
We'll call him in the morning.
Come on, Rex, please.
Come on, Rex, please.
Let's celebrate.
All right.
All right! (CHUCKLES) Come on.
Come and have a drink.
MAN: The company renovates and releases buildings.
REX: That sounds fascinating.
Don't be polite, Rex.
It's boring as hell.
(CHUCKLES) I'd far rather hear all about you.
Oh, there's not much to tell.
I'm sure that's not true.
Where did you grow up? London, born and bred.
What school did you go to? Dawn, this sauce - what's in it? You'll have to ask Waitrose.
(LAUGHS) I'll give you the recipe.
School? Can I taste tarragon? Just a smidge.
Fettes.
Francis was at Eton.
But my best mates are Fettes boys.
Hamish Davidson? Name doesn't ring a bell.
When did you leave? '92.
Well, Hamish left in '91.
He was Head Boy, until he got caught smoking skunk and they demobbed him! (POP) Hey! Top you up, Karen? Yes, please.
Tip it for me, darling.
Dawn says you worked overseas.
Yes, yes.
Landscape gardening.
Holiday properties in the Algarve, mainly.
But I'm starting up on my own.
Really? We haven't hired anyone for the landscaping on the Whitstable project yet.
I'd be happy to give you first shot.
Really? I'd love to.
I mean, I presume this company in Portugal can give you a reference.
Maybe it's too soon for Rex to start corporate contracts.
You wanted to start small, didn't you? Domestic properties.
I'm sure his old boss'll give him a glowing report.
Oh Cheers.
Oh, cheers.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Thanks very much for inviting us.
God, I can't bear them! (LAUGHS) They're all right.
You know you can't take that job, darling.
I need a job.
Well, then, find one that doesn't require digging around in our past.
What are you so scared of? When you went to prison, journalists found me wherever I went.
This is the first place where we've been safe.
And I don't want Alice being the kid in the playground who's picked on because of who you are.
What's that? Oh, my editor said she'd drop something off.
Let's open a bottle of wine.
So, what do you want, darling? Red or white? Red, please.
All right.
(CAR ENGINE) (ENGINE OFF) (SCOTTISH ACCENT) Hello, Karen.
Who are you? We've met before.
(SIGHS) See, people these days think they have the right to know who they're living next door to.
Especially if it's a double murderer.
What do you want? To come to an arrangement.
Ten K would do.
There's journalists out there who would love to know where Rex Capel's holed up.
Rex paid for what he did.
It's not Rex the neighbours have to worry about, though, is it, Karen? There's nothing more tragic than an innocent man rotting in jail.
See, I spent five years sharing a cell with your other half.
I know him better than you do.
Every breath, every tear he cried.
Oh, every nightmare that woke him up screaming.
And I know Rex is no killer, so I'm wondering: who's he protecting? I mean, if he didn't do it, who would he spend 12 years in prison for? You just stay away from me and my family.
Wakey-wakey! Rise and shine! Let's be having you! Daddy's here.
Time to get up.
Get up! Dad, what are you doing here? Morning.
Dad? Right, you've had your eviction notice.
Why are you still here? What eviction notice? Lenny told us you said we could stay.
Oh, this is Lenny, is it? You're the one who came round my house and threatened my wife and kids.
I didn't threaten anyone.
No, you got somebody else to go and do your dirty work for you, didn't you? I've got some mates as well, Lenny.
And they're bigger and scarier than yours.
Dad! All right? Right.
I want you and your crap out of my house.
Can we just talk about this? Nobody threatens my wife and kids.
We're your kids too! Let go.
Not her dresses! Just leave it! Stop it! Stop it! You heard her.
What the hell are you doing, Lenny? You owe us.
I don't owe you anything.
Biba, make him put it down.
Biba! Say we can keep the house.
So, I'm supposed to think that's real? Say it, or he'll shoot! Put the gun down, Lenny! Do it, Lenny.
Yeah.
Dad, no, no! Dad, please.
Please, no! Pack your things.
Dad, please leave them alone! Just like your mother.
You give them back! No! (THUD) What have you done? Dad? Dad? We've got to call an ambulance.
Jesus Christ.
He's dead.
We've got to call the police, tell them it was an accident.
No.
No, Lenny, Lenny! I'm calling.
Lenny, stop it.
Lenny, put it down.
I'm calling them.
Lenny, no.
Biba, we've got to do something.
Lenny, stop it.
(DIALLING) Lenny, put it down! Shut up! No! What the hell are you doing? (GUNSHOT) (SHRIEK) You think that you know me, but you know nothing.
You lied to me my whole life! Go! What have you done with her, you bastard? Looks like someone else knows something about you, Karen.
Come on, Karen! Run!
Post-office job.
He shot the man behind the counter.
She's got a new bloke now, but she still visits hubby every month, and tries to find out where the cash is, so she can leg it to Spain with the boyfriend! (CHUCKLES) Right.
Lady with the white fur coat.
Car thief.
Does posh cars to order, and she has begged him to stop.
But he's addicted.
Daddy! Hey.
Come on.
The car's over here.
Lead the way.
(BABBLING) Basically, I had three, and when I put them in, I got yellow spots on my tongue, and one of the spots started bleeding.
You know, at school, Violet was boasting to Lara about her report, and Lara told her to shut up - Alice, Alice.
That's enough now.
You've not stopped for 15 minutes.
Are you all right? Mmm.
Can we stop for a minute? Rex, no.
I want to see the house.
I need to.
Please.
Why are we getting out here? Oh, I'm going on those swings! Alice, don't go too far.
We're coming back to the car in five minutes.
WOMAN: Rex! Best big brother in the whole world.
This is Karen.
She's a linguistic genius.
REX: Hello.
Hi.
The gift of tongues.
Isn't that what they call it? WOMAN: Stay with me tonight.
Move in with us.
(ECHOING) It's a constant party We're soul sisters.
(ECHOING) Come on, Karen.
Run! This is home.
It's nice.
That's the living room and Alice's room.
This here is the kitchen.
A bit small.
No, it's not that.
It's not Queenswood Lane, but it's home.
I just need to get some air.
No.
Justjust give him a minute.
'Il vaut mieux hasarder de sauver un coupable que de condamner un innocent.
' What does it mean? That it's better to spare a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one.
It's Voltaire.
He was protesting on a street corner by the Musee d'Orsay.
Looking so angry.
What was he protesting about? I don't know.
I always bunked French.
The teacher didn't really get me.
You speak it beautifully, though.
French, Spanish, Italian, German.
I'm doing a language BA.
Fine art.
Photography major.
I'm Biba Capel.
I'm Karen Clarke.
You know, it's fate, meeting you.
I have a letter needs translating.
From Sebastien Rouenne.
He runs a gallery in Paris.
He's considering exhibiting some of my work.
I'll give you the letter tomorrow at my party.
Eight o'clock.
Don't be late.
It's my 21st.
Wear something fabulous.
What did they do to you in there? It was an accident.
Hot fat in the kitchen.
I thought you worked in the gardens.
I wasn't a very good cook.
No-one'll ever hurt you again.
I promise.
Dad, do you want to meet Lara? (PHONE RINGING) She's my best friend.
Yes, that would be lovely.
Hello? Hello? Mum Mmm? Can Lara come round? She wants to meet Daddy.
Why? What have you told her? That he's a serial killer! Chill, Mum.
I told her what you said.
Why can't we tell the truth? Dad wasn't the one in the wrong.
That accountant should have gone to jail, instead.
Look, Alice, I know lying is a terrible thing.
But we're doing it for the right reason.
If people knew that Daddy had gone to jail, they wouldn't give him a chance.
He deserves a chance, doesn't he? Yeah.
We're gonna plant roses here.
Shame about the view.
Alice, what are they doing over there? Oh, they're building a wall thingy, to keep tourists off the mudflats.
Can we start planting tomorrow? If you like.
Mum has to work.
She's translating a Spanish novel about a killer who chops his victims' hands off.
I thought Lara came round so you could do homework together.
OK.
Was it English or physics we had to revise for? Will it be strange for her, having a man in the house? Strange for me too.
I'm not picking your boxers off the bathroom floor.
I've been wearing prison issue.
I don't actually own any.
(ALICE AND LARA TALKING SOFTLY) ALICE: Three, two, one.
No way! That so got further! I think we should tell her.
No.
No way.
She's old enough to know the truth.
I don't think she'll ever be old enough to understand.
I'm not sure I do, even now.
Don't say that.
Otherwise, what have the last 12 years been about? How will she feel when she finds out we lied to her? She won't ever find out.
I mean it, Rex.
You cross me on this, and you'll lose the both of us.
Alice never finds out what we did.
(OVERLAPPING CONVERSATIONS) (POUNDING MUSIC) (CAMERA CLICKS) I've been waiting for you.
Come on.
Excuse me.
Excuse me! They're beautiful.
They were my mother's.
You'd look gorgeous in that one, darling.
What does he say? Does he like them? He says he thinks you have an amazing eye.
He loves the way you capture your subjects' emotions.
He'd like to see more.
Will you help me write a reply? Now? No, not now, silly.
Now I'm going to make you look fabulous.
Oh, I can't wear a dress like that.
You can do anything you want, Karen Clarke.
Be anything you want.
(GASPS) We only have one shot at this.
Don't waste your life on limitations.
Open your mouth.
The finishing touch.
(LAUGHS) Come! (LAUGHS) (POUNDING MUSIC) This is amazing.
Rex and I inherited it.
We're orphans, darling.
Welcome to the Velvet Room.
Rex! Best big brother in the whole world.
This is Karen.
She's a linguistic genius.
The gift of tongues.
Isn't that what they call it? (UP-TEMPO MUSIC) B, how many have you had? Only a half, darling.
Please don't fuss over me tonight.
(MUSIC FADES) (GASPS AND LAUGHS) (PANTING) Can you feel it, Karen? Can you feel it? (LAUGHS) Stay with me tonight.
(LAUGHS) But Mum, it's only 300 quid.
And then there's the iPad you want.
You can't have both, sweetheart.
But the whole class is going.
I'll be the only one left behind.
Well, maybe if I find some work soon, we can afford the trip.
(PHONE RINGING) Hello? Can we apply for my passport tomorrow, then? Otherwise, there won't be time.
Hello? (LINE GOES DEAD) (BLEEP) 'You were called today.
The caller withheld their number.
' Who was it? Wrong number.
Again? Call centre.
We get them all the time.
Are you done, love? Mm-hm.
Me and Dad can go to the post office tomorrow.
Sorry, Alice.
The answer's no.
I'm gonna look like a complete fail, sat in the library on my own.
Don't worry, sweetie.
We'll find a way.
Rex, we can't afford it.
You're not going on the French trip.
Now, get your pyjamas on.
Bed in 20 minutes.
Night-night.
Don't give me that look! (LAUGHING) Do tell me again, Karen, about your fascinating flatmate! (LAUGHS) Well, Biba and Rex Let me introduce you to (HIGH-PITCHED) Charlotte! Hiya! My idea of a late night is ten o'clock! And my name is Rachel, and I'm teetotal.
Except at Christmas, of course.
Of course.
Of course.
Naturally.
No.
(LAUGHS) I don't want to go home.
Well, move in with us.
It's a constant party at number six.
Are you serious? You're here all the time, anyway, looking after us.
We love having you here.
We should be together for ever.
We're soul sisters.
You don't mind, do you, darling? The more the merrier.
(LAUGHING) Jesus! (LAUGHING) (DOOR OPENING) Shit.
Rex? We should just tell her, before she catches us.
No.
Rex, I can't keep lying to her.
She's my best friend.
We just need to find the right time.
What are you so scared of? You don't know Biba like I do.
(OPENS DOOR) B! Hello.
(CAR TYRES SQUEALING) (SIGHS) (CAR ENGINE) (DRIVES OFF) (GASPS) Oh, god! Bloody hell.
I'm sorry.
What's going on? I just couldn't sleep.
Come on.
Let's go back to bed.
Yeah.
Most of our clients haven't got Rex's setup.
Most are re-offending within the hour.
Oh, not Rex.
Not Rex.
Absolutely.
Now, during your rehabilitation, you were a keen gardener.
Yes, I worked in the prison garden for nine years.
Eventually, they put me in charge, and I had six men working under me.
Practical and managerial experience.
Yes, I thought I might look for a job as a landscape gardener.
That's an admirable attitude, though I would say there are certain jobs you wouldn't be right for.
Parks.
Schools.
They require a clean record.
So, what are my options? So, how about starting up on your own? Odd jobs.
Adverts in newsagents.
That sort of thing.
No.
No, I want a proper job.
Small steps, Rex.
I did every programme in there.
I jumped through every hoop.
The parole board said that I'm rehabilitated.
No-one's questioning that.
But it will never be enough, will it? This is a waste of time.
I'm sorry.
How erm How easy would it be for someone to find out where we live? Well, Rex taking your name should help.
And we wouldn't pass on your address to anyone but family.
Thank you.
(TYPING) How could he? What? Who is he? Our dad.
Max Capel's your dad? There's not one word about us! Let it go, B.
We were there first! No, don't do this.
Biba! Biba! Biba! Karen! Biba, please! Come out, Max, you fucking coward! I know you're in there.
B! B! Not again, B.
Perfect dad now, are you (?) Look, we have been through this.
Let it go.
You can't pretend she never existed.
Look, you don't know what she put ME through.
It was your fault, you bastard! It was your fault! Dad, stop! You can't just air-brush us out! No! Take your sister home.
GIRL: Daddy? I know you're upset and it's in front of the twins, but, please, we need to talk about this.
Rex! Biba, no! B! Stop it! No! Let go! Give it to me.
Drop it.
Let go.
Give it to me.
Don't let her come back here again.
I can't stop her.
You need to step up and be a man.
Why haven't you got a job yet? I was looking out for myself when I was 16, and you've wasted your life, baby-sitting Biba.
And you You've turned out just like her, haven't you? Angry, unreasonable, jealous.
(SPITS) B! Fuck you.
You've graduated now, haven't you? Yeah.
Well, I'm afraid the party's over.
I'm selling number six.
I want you out in four weeks.
You can't.
That's our house.
You two had the best education money could buy.
Now it's only fair that they have the same.
Four weeks and I want you out.
(DROPS SHOVEL) What the hell have you done? (DOOR SLAMS) It's funny.
You forget how vast it is, after you've been staring at the same spot for a while.
I wouldn't have lasted a week in there.
What choice did I have? You could have told the truth.
It's human nature - do what you can to protect those you love.
Self-preservation is human nature, too.
Alice, you're too close to the mud! Right, that's it.
You're in trouble now! (LAUGHS) (LAUGHING) (SQUEALS) (LAUGHS) Head-first, definitely! It's very good for your skin! (SHRIEKS) Come on.
(LAUGHING) There's only a few Beaujolais? (MUSIC POUNDING IN BACKGROUND) Come on.
It's my fucking house, too.
But not for much longer.
No, because you haven't got the balls to do anything about it.
Does someone need sorting, babe? Sort my gutless brother, if you'd like.
He can't stand up to Daddy.
Too busy shagging her.
We were going to tell you.
We're just friends.
Nothing else.
(SNIFFING) You don't need that.
How do you know what I need? Everyone just chill, yeah? Why don't you two join the party? I don't do that stuff.
(LAUGHS) It might make you more interesting, if you did.
(LAUGHS) Let's face it - the only interesting thing about you is me.
Without me, you're common little Karen from Warrington.
Who'd even notice you, if you weren't done up like some wannabe me? REX: That's enough, Biba.
(LAUGHS) Karen? Karen! Let's get a bit cosy.
Why did you lie like that? I just didn't want to upset Biba.
You always put her first.
I'm all she's got.
(SNIFFLING) God, she treats you like shit.
And the only reason she brings her gangster boyfriend here is to piss you off.
Lenny was at Fettes.
He's just .
.
playing at being a gangster.
Well, what's Biba doing bringing people like that back here? Lenny's just her pet.
It's not her fault she's the way she is, you know.
She's had a tough time.
(LAUGHS) I'm sorry.
What, growing up with a model mum and a millionaire dad in a mansion was tough on her (?) It wasn't exactly happy families, Karen.
Dad was out shagging about most of the time, and Mum was either crying in bed or trying to top herself.
Oh, I didn't know.
Biba's so like Mum, it scares me.
She's not your responsibility.
Yes, she is.
I'm all she's got, and .
.
it's my fault.
How is it your fault? Well, I caught Dad with one of his models So I told Mum.
Dad was always making out that Mum was paranoid, but when she found out for sure .
.
it was more than she could bear.
We were at home for the holidays.
Biba had been at some school thing, and I'd been at friends'.
I knew .
.
the moment I saw her, that it was too late.
I ran next door to get help, and it was only then that I remembered Biba would be home any second.
(TEARFULLY) So I was too late again.
No child should ever have to see that.
So, that's the reasonBiba is the way that she is.
It's my fault that Mum's dead, and it's my fault that she saw her.
(TEARFULLY) I could have justprotected her.
All I want is Biba to be happy.
Are you finished? Yeah, but I'm gonna get pudding.
Pudding? What are you gonna get? Chocolate ice cream.
Do they do that here? I hope so.
Mum, can I get some chocolate ice cream? Yeah, why not? On the way home, eh? Hey, can I try some? No! Will we be meeting any of your friends from prison? Alice! You don't have friends in prison.
What about enemies? Is anyone gonna come after you? Have you seen something? Has someone said something? No.
No-one's coming after me.
All right? OK.
OK.
(PHONE BLEEPS) This weather's amazing.
Mmm.
Let's hope it lasts.
I think I might get some chocolate ice cream.
At the beach, with a cone.
With a cone, and a Flake.
Two scoops.
Dad Did anyone apart from me and Mum ever visit you? No.
No, just you two.
Mum said you were an only child.
No.
There's Biba, my sister.
Biba? Why didn't you tell me about her before? We thought it was for the best.
We wanted to wait until you were old enough to understand.
Well, I'm 12 now, so I'm old enough.
No.
Not yet, you're not.
You remind me so much of Biba.
Alice is nothing like Biba.
I haven't met Biba.
Why not? Where is she? Cos she's dead.
Biba's dead.
It's a tip down there now.
Hiya, Dawn.
I'veI've got to run.
It's bringing all sorts to the area.
I bet half of them are illegals.
You must be Rex.
I've heard so much about you.
All bad, I hope.
ErmRex, this is Dawn.
It's lovely to meet you.
Pleasure to meet you, Dawn.
So good for Alice to have her father around.
You know, as neighbours, you really must join Francis and I for supper.
Well, that would be lovely.
Shall we say Friday? All right.
Alice can stay over with Lara - that will save you getting a baby-sitter and having to leave early.
We'll see you about eight, then.
Thanks very much.
Bye.
What? I'm not allowed to meet the neighbours? (CHUCKLES) I'll tell you what - you can put some bars on the windows and padlock me in (!) Sounds like a good idea.
(CHUCKLES) Kettle's on - tea or coffee? Tea.
Hi.
You're Max Capel? Mm-hm.
Look, can you give that to Rex for me? How can you do this to them? Look, I love my family very much.
I'd do anything for them, but it's time they started looking out for themselves.
They'll thank me one day.
(SIGHS) What are you doing here, Lenny? Biba invited me.
Where is she, then? What is it? Oh, it's nothing.
Want some? And you think you're so street, hanging out with your estate lads, but that's not really you, is it, Lenny? Just a class tourist.
And what are you, Karen? Little Northern girl from a dead-end town, hanging out with the posh kids to make yourself feel special? Everyone pretends to be something they're not, if it gets them where they need to be.
Now Are you gonna tell me what's in that envelope that's got you so upset? It's an eviction notice from their dad.
Are you serious? He kicks us out and it's all over.
This house means everything to Rex and Biba.
It's all they've got left of their mum.
Do you know where their dad lives? No! It's all right.
It's all right.
I've got people who can deal with this.
What, are you gonna send someone round (?) Don't be ridiculous.
I'd do anything for Biba.
Anything.
I really love her, you know.
(PHONE BLEEPS) .
.
it's much more romantic in there when they do (MUSIC IN BACKGROUND) Oh, god, not again! We're keeping the house! What? Lenny sorted it.
Dad's signing it over to us.
What do you mean, he's sorted it? How? Who cares about the details? Especially when we've got champagne.
Have you spoken to Dad? Don't worry about it.
Right, I'm gonna call him.
No.
It's gone midnight.
You'll wake the golden girls and he'll flip.
We'll call him in the morning.
Come on, Rex, please.
Come on, Rex, please.
Let's celebrate.
All right.
All right! (CHUCKLES) Come on.
Come and have a drink.
MAN: The company renovates and releases buildings.
REX: That sounds fascinating.
Don't be polite, Rex.
It's boring as hell.
(CHUCKLES) I'd far rather hear all about you.
Oh, there's not much to tell.
I'm sure that's not true.
Where did you grow up? London, born and bred.
What school did you go to? Dawn, this sauce - what's in it? You'll have to ask Waitrose.
(LAUGHS) I'll give you the recipe.
School? Can I taste tarragon? Just a smidge.
Fettes.
Francis was at Eton.
But my best mates are Fettes boys.
Hamish Davidson? Name doesn't ring a bell.
When did you leave? '92.
Well, Hamish left in '91.
He was Head Boy, until he got caught smoking skunk and they demobbed him! (POP) Hey! Top you up, Karen? Yes, please.
Tip it for me, darling.
Dawn says you worked overseas.
Yes, yes.
Landscape gardening.
Holiday properties in the Algarve, mainly.
But I'm starting up on my own.
Really? We haven't hired anyone for the landscaping on the Whitstable project yet.
I'd be happy to give you first shot.
Really? I'd love to.
I mean, I presume this company in Portugal can give you a reference.
Maybe it's too soon for Rex to start corporate contracts.
You wanted to start small, didn't you? Domestic properties.
I'm sure his old boss'll give him a glowing report.
Oh Cheers.
Oh, cheers.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Thanks very much for inviting us.
God, I can't bear them! (LAUGHS) They're all right.
You know you can't take that job, darling.
I need a job.
Well, then, find one that doesn't require digging around in our past.
What are you so scared of? When you went to prison, journalists found me wherever I went.
This is the first place where we've been safe.
And I don't want Alice being the kid in the playground who's picked on because of who you are.
What's that? Oh, my editor said she'd drop something off.
Let's open a bottle of wine.
So, what do you want, darling? Red or white? Red, please.
All right.
(CAR ENGINE) (ENGINE OFF) (SCOTTISH ACCENT) Hello, Karen.
Who are you? We've met before.
(SIGHS) See, people these days think they have the right to know who they're living next door to.
Especially if it's a double murderer.
What do you want? To come to an arrangement.
Ten K would do.
There's journalists out there who would love to know where Rex Capel's holed up.
Rex paid for what he did.
It's not Rex the neighbours have to worry about, though, is it, Karen? There's nothing more tragic than an innocent man rotting in jail.
See, I spent five years sharing a cell with your other half.
I know him better than you do.
Every breath, every tear he cried.
Oh, every nightmare that woke him up screaming.
And I know Rex is no killer, so I'm wondering: who's he protecting? I mean, if he didn't do it, who would he spend 12 years in prison for? You just stay away from me and my family.
Wakey-wakey! Rise and shine! Let's be having you! Daddy's here.
Time to get up.
Get up! Dad, what are you doing here? Morning.
Dad? Right, you've had your eviction notice.
Why are you still here? What eviction notice? Lenny told us you said we could stay.
Oh, this is Lenny, is it? You're the one who came round my house and threatened my wife and kids.
I didn't threaten anyone.
No, you got somebody else to go and do your dirty work for you, didn't you? I've got some mates as well, Lenny.
And they're bigger and scarier than yours.
Dad! All right? Right.
I want you and your crap out of my house.
Can we just talk about this? Nobody threatens my wife and kids.
We're your kids too! Let go.
Not her dresses! Just leave it! Stop it! Stop it! You heard her.
What the hell are you doing, Lenny? You owe us.
I don't owe you anything.
Biba, make him put it down.
Biba! Say we can keep the house.
So, I'm supposed to think that's real? Say it, or he'll shoot! Put the gun down, Lenny! Do it, Lenny.
Yeah.
Dad, no, no! Dad, please.
Please, no! Pack your things.
Dad, please leave them alone! Just like your mother.
You give them back! No! (THUD) What have you done? Dad? Dad? We've got to call an ambulance.
Jesus Christ.
He's dead.
We've got to call the police, tell them it was an accident.
No.
No, Lenny, Lenny! I'm calling.
Lenny, stop it.
Lenny, put it down.
I'm calling them.
Lenny, no.
Biba, we've got to do something.
Lenny, stop it.
(DIALLING) Lenny, put it down! Shut up! No! What the hell are you doing? (GUNSHOT) (SHRIEK) You think that you know me, but you know nothing.
You lied to me my whole life! Go! What have you done with her, you bastard? Looks like someone else knows something about you, Karen.
Come on, Karen! Run!