Until I Kill You (2024) s01e01 Episode Script
Love
(ALARM CLOCK BEEPS)
(GROANS)
(BEEPING STOPS, CLOCK CLATTERS)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(DOOR THUDS)
(GROANS)
(HORN BLARES)
(HORNS TOOT)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC CONTINUES)
(HORN BLARES)
- Oi! Where a helmet.
- Sod off.
- Delia.
- Morning, Sister.
Uh, Lillian Ashman.
Lilian Ashman.
- Yes, darling.
- Oh, hello, Lillian.
Oh dear. What have you―?
What have we done here?
- Oh, I don't know.
Aw. Well, shall we get it cleaned
up, and then you can see the doctor?
OK. Follow me.
You OK?
Good.
Come on, then.
- What are you gonna wear?
- The jumpsuit?
Yeah, what are you gonna wear?
Maybe the denim― Do you
know the denim jumpsuit I got?
Do you know that girl?
- DOCTOR: Hello, everybody.
- NURSES: Hi.
- Hi, everybody.
- Oi.
Ooh, Peru. Now, there's
a place I would love to visit.
One day, eh, um
Delia.
Oh, you're in now, Delia.
You should make a move.
Oh, she's such an oddball.
What? Oh, it was a joke.
- Be nice, Imelda.
(LAUGHTER)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
Fancy joining us for a drink?
Oh, I don't think the others
would want me there.
It's not the others
that's asking, is it?
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS,
INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
Another?
- No, I've gotta go.
You wanna walk to the Tube?
- No, no, I'm gonna stay for a drink.
- You'll be all right on your own?
- Yeah, sure.
- OK. Good luck with that guy.
- What guy?
You're a dark horse, Delia.
I want details on Monday.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
You look like you could do with
a hand. What are you drinking?
Oh, uh, pint of real ale, please.
Thank you. Let me give you some―
It's all right.
Go on. I've got this.
I'm John.
- Delia.
Excuse me. Can I get a pint of
real ale and the same again for me?
Thanks.
I'm a chippie ― carpenter.
Work all over. Germany, mostly.
Money's good over there, you know.
- I've never been to Germany.
I love travelling. I am a traveller ―
not a tourist; very much a traveller.
- Hot countries, though.
- I need
sun and heat.
So, are you American?
No. (CHUCKLES) No.
I am not American.
No, I was born in Australia, and then
I spent the first 13 years of my life
in Ontario, Canada,
and then we moved to Detroit,
Michigan.
When I was 19, I came over here
to live with my grandparents in
Scotland, and then London.
I wanted to be a ballet dancer,
but, um
it― it didn't work out.
Why's that? You're a great dancer.
Ballet's very different.
It's, um It's very disciplined,
very technical.
Oh, right.
Well, maybe it just wasn't for you.
You're a bit of a free spirit,
aren't ya? I can tell that by
the way you were moving.
(MUFFLED MUSIC PLAYS)
(BELL RINGS)
- Last orders!
Ladies and gentlemen,
that is last orders.
Do you wanna come back to mine?
Sure.
(SIREN WAILS IN DISTANCE)
(THUD AGAINST DOOR)
Oh!
Damn thing.
(BICYCLE CHAIN CLICKS)
- Looks like the frame's warped.
- Is it?
- I'm a carpenter; I told you.
- Oh, yeah, that's right; you said.
Come in.
- These all from your travels?
- Yeah.
Oh, that's an incense holder. It's
in the shape of the Hindu 'Om' sign.
I bought it in a holy Hindu town
on the banks of the river Ganges.
I made that.
Yeah, I was in Mexico, walking
along the beach, and I found it.
It's coral.
Yeah, you see, so, um,
yeah, Israel, Sri Lanka.
- Mm-hm.
Um, Honduras, Kenya.
And
Yeah, Mexico.
- That's impressive, that.
I've only been to places in Europe.
Oh, there's some
beautiful places in Europe.
Have you been to Amsterdam?
That's the last place I was in.
It's interesting, that city,
you know.
Haven't got much furniture, have ya?
Exactly! I wanna feel that
I can leave any time I want.
You know, my wardrobe is a suitcase,
and my bed is a sleeping bag.
But, I mean, I like where
I live to be nice, though.
I mean, when I moved in here,
I painted the whole place myself.
Oh, yeah?
Done a good job there, girl.
I love colourful things.
I bought this rug in Camden Market.
Yeah, it's colourful, that.
(CHUCKLES)
- You should sit down.
Your tea's getting cold.
- Oh, yeah.
- Oh!
- Sorry.
Oh, it's all over my rug.
I wanted to keep it nice.
It's all right.
It's only a bit of tea.
Sorry about that.
- You should be more careful.
- Pardon?
You should go. It's late.
Before I do any more damage?
Well, I'm sorry about your rug.
Do you wanna go out another time?
- I won't have time. I'm very busy.
Sound.
(DOOR CLUNKS)
(DOOR SHUTS)
(BUILDING DOOR SHUTS)
(BUILDING DOOR SHUTS)
(SIRENS WAIL)
He seemed nice too ― different.
- Did you get his number?
- Doubt he has one.
He lives in a squat.
Maybe you'll see him again
at the pub.
Oh, no, I'd be too embarrassed
to talk to him.
Think I might write him a letter.
- A letter?
Yeah, explaining that
I didn't mean to be rude, then I
could give it to him, and then
he can decide what he wants to do.
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
'John, I have been worried that
I might have hurt your feelings.'
'You asked me if I would like
to meet again, and I said no,
because I was too busy.'
(DOOR OPENS)
'It is true that I am busy.
Also, I tend to keep to myself.
'I have no been thinking about
meeting anyone, but if you still want
to meet, I would like to meet you.'
(THUD!)
(THUD! BICYCLE CHAIN CLICKS)
'Anyway, I just wanted you to know
that and that I didn't mean to be
rude. Delia.'
(BELL TOLLS)
(BICYCLE BELL DINGS)
(TOLLING CONTINUES)
(ANSWERPHONE BEEPS)
- Hi, Ma. It's Melissa.
I just called to wish you
a happy birthday.
I'm gonna be getting
a fax machine some time soon,
so I'll call and be able to
leave that number with you anyway.
Have a good time and take care
of yourself. Goodbye. Love you.
(TAPE RECORDER CLICKS)
That's the last time
any of us heard her voice.
I filed a missing person report
with you people a year ago and
call repeatedly, but
it's always the same.
Nothing.
- With respect, Mr Halstead,
because there is nothing.
Because nobody here gives a damn.
That's Melissa seven years ago.
It's the most recent
photograph we have.
She was a model, travelled all
over the world, then she went her
way, and we lost touch withher.
Melissa was a free spirit.
It's just not like her
to vanish without a word.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS ECHO)
(LOUD ROCK MUSIC PLAYS, CHEERING)
This is for you.
(POP MUSIC PLAYS)
You had me worried
for a minute there ―
thought it might have been
the cleaning bill for your rug.
- Oh, I-I would never do that.
- Wha― I'm joking.
- (CHUCKLES)
(CHUCKLES)
Do you wanna come back
to mine this time?
Uh, might be safer.
(POP MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
(DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE)
We've got the place to ourselves.
The lads I share with are working
nights.
Right.
(SMOOTH MUSIC PLAYS)
What's that for?
Tara, me pet tarantula.
Hmm. Unusual pet.
Is it? (CHUCKLES)
It's cheaper than a dog.
Don't have to walk it.
You're an unconventional person.
- Yep. Always going me own way.
- Me too.
Yeah?
It's made me happy, though.
What? Being an outsider?
That's exactly how I feel ―
how I felt all my fucking life.
How old are you?
Why?
How old are you?
- 40.
No.
Eh?
- Mm-hm.
- (CHUCKLES)
WHISPERS:
Are you disgusted I'm so old?
No.
40's not old.
(LOW, INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(MUSIC BUILDS)
(PLANE ENGINES ROAR OVERHEAD)
(DOORBELL CHIMES)
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS)
- Delia! Hello.
- Hi, Janice. This is John.
- All right?
You must be the birthday girl.
- Yeah. Come in.
Make yourselves at home.
- We've brought you some wine.
- Ooh.
This is gonna be a riot.
Oh, there's Leah.
Delia, you made it. (LAUGHS)
Oh, and this must be John. Finally!
- All right, Leah?
- Yeah.
- Nice to meet you.
- Yeah, nice to meet you.
Uh, this is Manuela.
Manuela, Delia, John,
- You all right?
Where'd you get the drinks?
- Oh, through there.
- Do you want any?
- Yeah.
She's a fast worker, this one.
Pulled John in a pub the moment
I turn my back.
I didn't pull him,
whatever that means.
- Ignore her, Delia. I love her,
but she's a brat sometimes.
- Hey! A little loyalty, you.
All right, ladies ― canapes,
ie crisps and sausages on a stick.
- Yes, I'm starving.
- Ready salted and some cheese. And
we have another punter. There weare.
- Oh, cheers. Thanks.
- Oh, clearly a vegetarian.
- (CHUCKLES)
Give us a stick of celery
next time.
That's a fantastic dress, Delia.
(UPBEAT MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
(LAUGHTER IN BACKGROUND)
'Clearly, a vegetarian.'
Clearly, a posh twat.
He fancies you.
- No, he doesn't.
He does.
My antenna are never wrong.
Leah seems all right.
Is she a lesbian?
Yeah.
I didn't know that about Leah.
You better watch yourself.
Here.
Can you not?
It's not that kind of party.
Why?
Because they're a bunch of stiffs?
- (SIGHS)
- You care too much
what people think. Here.
(DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE)
God, I'm dying for a piss. (GRUNTS)
(EXHALES LOUDLY)
What are you doing?
(BELT BUCKLE CLINKS, ZIPPER WHIZZES)
John.
John, don't do that. John.
LOUDLY: John, don't do that.
All right, ladies?
(LAUGHS)
It's her home. We were her guests.
It's all right for you, John;
she's not your boss.
Oh, wait, well,
first off, she's not your boss;
you're an agency nurse.
- No, no. But she is. She is my boss.
- And secondly, you don't have to
be polite all the fucking time.
You've plenty of time to be
a boring conformist later.
Fuck them, I say. Fuck them all.
Fuck them all! (LAUGHS)
(CAR ALARM BLARES)
Fuck. (LAUGHS)
(LAUGHS)
(BOTH LAUGH)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
I didn't appreciate John
urinating on my plants, Delia.
The patio smelt like a pub toilet
the morning after.
Yeah, sorry. John is just― John
had a lot to drink, and not that
that's any excuse, so
You're not gonna tell the agency,
are you?
No, 'course not.
I just mention it
Maybe just have a word with John
about his manners.
- Yeah, thank you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
You just can't stand
that I've got a boyfriend.
Yeah, Delia,
cos he's such a catch (!)
- You like John, don't you?
- He's your boyfriend, Delia.
What's it matter what I think?
John says I care too much
about what people think.
- Does he or
does he not make you happy?
- He makes me feel less alone.
(CHUCKLES) You do realise
that's not the greatest reason
in the world to be with someone?
If you don't like him, just say so.
I'm not saying that.
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
- Hello, Delia.
- Hiya.
- Hello, Mrs Wilson.
JOHN: Delia.
- Hi.
- Thought I could fix your door.
- Oh, you really
don't have to do that.
- I'll take that.
Evening.
- Hiya.
(GRUNTS)
(TOOL CRANKS)
(SANDPAPER SCRAPES)
Try.
Bye.
Come in.
Would you like to move in with me?
We'd have to share the bills.
Yes.
(CHUCKLES) I'm gonna
take such good care of you.
Oh
- Astrid.
- Inspecteur.
(SPEAKS DUTCH)
(SPEAKS DUTCH)
(PHONE RINGS IN BACKGROUND)
(MOUSE CLICKS)
(KEYBOARD KEYS CLACK)
There you go.
You'll be nice and warm there.
See these?
- It's what you feed her.
Mm-hm. Their food's gotta be
alive. They're ambush predators, spiders.
They stay still for ages until the
prey's forgotten that they're there,
and then rarrr! (LAUGHS)
ou didn't flinch.
- Saw you comin'.
- (CHUCKLES)
(BLOWS)
Well, do me a favour ― don't
forget to feed her while I'm away.
I'm gonna be working in
Germany again. Did I?
- How long for?
- About a month.
Sorry, I thought I
- No.
- Oh.
- Oh.
Well, you could come with.
Oh, I can't. I gotta work.
Oh well.
I'll miss ya, honey.
- A very American thing to say ―
'honey'.
- (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
I picked that up from my last
girlfriend. She was American.
Do you wanna see a picture of her?
- You drew that?
- Yep.
- She looks attractive.
- She was a model.
- Oh, she must be very beautiful.
- Well, I only go out
with beautiful women.
Beautiful and blonde.
I don't like the word 'woman';
I prefer 'female'. What's her name?
Melissa.
Welcome to 'Skelmers-hell'.
Come on.
Hurry up. Give us the bag.
- Now you offer to take it.
Wanna look the gent,
don't I, for me ma?
- Hello, you two.
- Oh, Merry Christmas, Ma.
Merry Christmas, Mum.
This is Delia.
- Hello, Mrs Sweeney.
- Oh, hello, Delia.
Biscuits for you there
from Bavaria.
- Oh!
- (CHUCKLES) Is Dad in?
- Come on in. He's through there.
Oh, it's so lovely to see you.
- And you. Ah, it's lovely to
be here.
This turkey's delicious, Ma.
- You think so, love? I think I
left it in too long. It's dry.
It's really not, Mrs Sweeney.
It's very succulent.
Delia's just being polite, Mum.
It's tougher than old boots.
(SOFT CHUCKLING)
So, uh, where was it you went again?
- Oberschleissheim. You been?
It's so picturesque in the snow.
And they have a genuine Bavarian
Christmas market.
(CHRISTMAS MUSIC PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
- John says you work
as a nurse, Delia.
- Mm.
Agency, though.
- Which hospital do you work in?
- Oh, St Paul's at the moment,
um, Surgical ward.
- What about that, uh,
Freddie Mercury fella? Died of AIDS.
- Fucking hell. What a conversation.
- (LAUGHS)
- Eh?
(LAUGHS)
Couldn't you have worn
something good and clean,
you know, for Christmas?
You joking?
What do you mean?
This is me Sunday best.
Even on the building site,
I always wore something good
and clean.
Well, that's not very sensible,
is it? (CHUCKLES)
Happy Christmas, one and all.
- Was Freddie Mercury gay?
- (CHUCKLES) How can you
not know that?
Oh, I don't have a TV,
and I don't read newspapers.
Delia's American too, Brendan.
There's that as well.
Oh, no, I'm not actually,
Mrs Sweeney.
I'm not American or Canadian, but I
spent the first 13 years of my life
in Ontario, Canada,
and then we moved to Detroit,
Michigan. I was born in Australia.
I have an Australian passport
and a British one, because of
my grandparents.
I have dual nationality,
but I don't feel Australian or
British or American or Canadian.
I don't really know where
I feel I belong. Anyway―
- All right, sweetheart.
She didn't ask for your life story.
- (LAUGHS)
John says I talk too much.
(CHRISTMAS MUSIC CONTINUES
IN BACKGROUND)
(MUFFLED MUSIC PLAYS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
From Alfred ―
fellow in the flat cap at the bar.
- Oh, who's Alfred?
- Some local pisshead.
They all seem really
pleased to see you.
Yeah, it's cos fuck all
ever happens here.
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
(INDIE ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
Oh, I love this song.
Oh!
Oh, I love this one.
John
will you dance with me?
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
Come and dance with me, John.
Come on.
Will you
dance? ♪
Come and dance with me, lover.
Fucking sit down.
Everyone's lookin' at ya.
She's a good girl.
And we love her.
Yeah, she's a good girl.
And we love her. ♪
(MUFFLED MUSIC PLAYS)
Hi. It's the dancer.
Love the get-up, love.
Girl's never too old to be a hippie.
Are you and John Sweeney an item, then?
- He's my boyfriend.
- Hmm. Hope you have
better luck than his wife.
1979 ― I was 18.
- How long were you married?
- I don't know. About five years,
though it felt a lot fucking longer.
Five years? Do you have children?
- Two.
- Well, why didn't you tell me?
- Didn't occur to me.
What? No, I've never wanted to be
with a man who has children with
someone else.
That's a bit unrealistic
at your age, isn't it?
- What the hell does that mean?
- Well, you're no spring chicken.
Any bloke you end up with
is gonna have baggage.
- Why are you being so horrible?
- Delia, do you wanna break up
with me?
No, no! I just―
I don't want to be lied to.
Will you stop being a fucking nag?
(JARRING MUSIC)
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
(INSPECTOR SPEAKS DUTCH)
(SPEAKS DUTCH)
(KEYS JANGLE)
(SAWING)
(THUDDING)
(SAWING CONTINUES)
(SAWING CONTINUES)
- What's going on?
- I'm sick of sleeping on the floor.
No! I-I don't want a bed.
I told you I don't want
any big furniture.
Don't be so ungrateful.
(UNEASY MUSIC)
Delia!
Delia.
Come on.
Get your kit off.
We need to break this in.
(UNEASY MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CHOKES)
(CHOKES)
- (MURMURS)
- CHOKES: John.
- (MURMURS)
John!
(GASPS FOR BREATH)
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
- (GRUNTS)
(DISHES CLINK GENTLY)
Did you have
a bad dream last night?
YAWNS: Oh, I never
remember my dreams. Why?
I woke up,
and you were strangling me.
You were asleep,
and you were saying stuff.
Why? What was I saying?
Nothing much.
I'm sorry. That must have been,
uh― That must have been scary for
you.
Yeah, it was.
(UNEASY MUSIC)
(ALARM CLOCK BEEPS)
(CLICK! BEEPING STOPS,
CLOCK CLATTERS)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(BICYCLE CHAIN CLICKS)
Delia. You're back.
Are you all right?
Uh
Oh
He never tells me
how long he's going to be away
or when he's going to be back.
He treats my flat like a doss-house.
Have you told him
you're not happy about that?
Yeah, of course. I've told him more
than once I want him to move out.
- And?
- Oh, he
He says he will,
but then he never does.
- That's not right. It's your home.
- I know that.
- Are you scared of him?
- No.
I don't know. A little bit.
He has a very bad temper.
Is he violent?
Oh, he does say mean things.
Sometimes he looks at me
like he hates me.
I've made some really bad
boyfriend choices in the past,
especially the last one.
Patrick. He was a violent,
controlling arsehole.
- Is that why you became a lesbian?
- (LAUGHS)
- (GASPS) I thought that
you and Manuela were
- We are. She's my girlfriend.
- Right.
I'm― I could never go with a female.
- Never say never.
- No, I mean it. I could not.
- OK.
OK, I believe you.
I mean, he was violent once,
John, in a way. Um
- What do you mean?
- He tried to strangle me in his
sleep. He was having a bad dream.
Delia.
You need to finish with him.
But how can I if he won't leave?
- He's in Germany now, yeah?
- Uh-huh.
- And I take it
he's got his own keys.
- Yeah.
Change the locks on him.
(BICYCLE CHAIN CLICKS)
(UNEASY MUSIC)
(ACOUSTIC GUITAR MUSIC PLAYS)
Good day at the office?
(SIZZLING)
(SPOON CLACKS ON POT)
Hope you like chilli con carne.
Oh, I've got a present for you.
(SPOON CLATTERS, SIZZLING CONTINUES)
It's a pincushion.
That means 'I love you'.
- I know what it means.
(CHUCKLES)
Come here.
Mm.
- No.
- Mm.
- No. John, no.
- Have you been drinkin'?
- Yeah, I had a couple of wines
with Leah at Westminster.
- Why? Is she trying
to get into your knickers?
- No, just friends.
- Pff. You haven't got any friends.
- And you don't love me,
and I don't want a pincushion.
Fucking hell.
What a spiteful thing to do.
I want you to move out.
- This again?
- You use me, you're rude to me,
and you don't respect me.
Respect? Has that dyke been
putting ideas into your head?
This has nothing to do with her.
I don't want to go out with you any
more.
(ACOUSTIC GUITAR MUSIC CONTINUES
IN BACKGROUND)
Have you eaten?
You're probably hungry. Is that it?
Look, let's
let's have our dinner,
and, all right, if you still feel
the same way afterwards, then, fine,
I'll fuck off. Yeah?
I've eaten, so
you can go now. Please.
- One last thing.
- No. No 'one last thing's, John.
Let me draw you.
Just so I've got something
to remember you by. Eh?
Now, sit there.
Come on.
Take your coat off.
Sit down.
Smile, Delia. Smile.
What happened between
you and Melissa?
Why do you ask me that?
Well, you still love her.
Did she finish with you?
That's how I see you.
Oh, get out.
Get out of my house.
- It's not your house! It's a
council house, you fucking idiot.
- SHRIEKS: Get out!
Get out! Get out!
Go away!
- Going for a drink. Don't wait up.
- (BREATHES HEAVILY)
(DOOR OPENS, SHUTS)
(UNEASY MUSIC)
(SCREAMS)
(PLATES CLATTER)
(THUD!)
(PANTS)
(WHIMPERS)
(DOOR SHUTS)
- Why are you going through
my things? That's private.
That's― (GROANS)
You wanna know what happened
with me and Melissa?
I killed her in Amsterdam.
I chopped her up, and I put
her in a fucking canal.
(SCREAMS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- Delia not in yet?
- No.
- Hello. I'm―
- Sorry, sir. Bear with me a sec.
(PHONE RINGS)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC)
(RINGING STOPS)
Long white flowers
rest in water.
Won't you take them away?
Won't you take them away?
Won't you take me away? ♪
Copyright Able 2024
(GROANS)
(BEEPING STOPS, CLOCK CLATTERS)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(DOOR THUDS)
(GROANS)
(HORN BLARES)
(HORNS TOOT)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC CONTINUES)
(HORN BLARES)
- Oi! Where a helmet.
- Sod off.
- Delia.
- Morning, Sister.
Uh, Lillian Ashman.
Lilian Ashman.
- Yes, darling.
- Oh, hello, Lillian.
Oh dear. What have you―?
What have we done here?
- Oh, I don't know.
Aw. Well, shall we get it cleaned
up, and then you can see the doctor?
OK. Follow me.
You OK?
Good.
Come on, then.
- What are you gonna wear?
- The jumpsuit?
Yeah, what are you gonna wear?
Maybe the denim― Do you
know the denim jumpsuit I got?
Do you know that girl?
- DOCTOR: Hello, everybody.
- NURSES: Hi.
- Hi, everybody.
- Oi.
Ooh, Peru. Now, there's
a place I would love to visit.
One day, eh, um
Delia.
Oh, you're in now, Delia.
You should make a move.
Oh, she's such an oddball.
What? Oh, it was a joke.
- Be nice, Imelda.
(LAUGHTER)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
Fancy joining us for a drink?
Oh, I don't think the others
would want me there.
It's not the others
that's asking, is it?
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS,
INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
Another?
- No, I've gotta go.
You wanna walk to the Tube?
- No, no, I'm gonna stay for a drink.
- You'll be all right on your own?
- Yeah, sure.
- OK. Good luck with that guy.
- What guy?
You're a dark horse, Delia.
I want details on Monday.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
You look like you could do with
a hand. What are you drinking?
Oh, uh, pint of real ale, please.
Thank you. Let me give you some―
It's all right.
Go on. I've got this.
I'm John.
- Delia.
Excuse me. Can I get a pint of
real ale and the same again for me?
Thanks.
I'm a chippie ― carpenter.
Work all over. Germany, mostly.
Money's good over there, you know.
- I've never been to Germany.
I love travelling. I am a traveller ―
not a tourist; very much a traveller.
- Hot countries, though.
- I need
sun and heat.
So, are you American?
No. (CHUCKLES) No.
I am not American.
No, I was born in Australia, and then
I spent the first 13 years of my life
in Ontario, Canada,
and then we moved to Detroit,
Michigan.
When I was 19, I came over here
to live with my grandparents in
Scotland, and then London.
I wanted to be a ballet dancer,
but, um
it― it didn't work out.
Why's that? You're a great dancer.
Ballet's very different.
It's, um It's very disciplined,
very technical.
Oh, right.
Well, maybe it just wasn't for you.
You're a bit of a free spirit,
aren't ya? I can tell that by
the way you were moving.
(MUFFLED MUSIC PLAYS)
(BELL RINGS)
- Last orders!
Ladies and gentlemen,
that is last orders.
Do you wanna come back to mine?
Sure.
(SIREN WAILS IN DISTANCE)
(THUD AGAINST DOOR)
Oh!
Damn thing.
(BICYCLE CHAIN CLICKS)
- Looks like the frame's warped.
- Is it?
- I'm a carpenter; I told you.
- Oh, yeah, that's right; you said.
Come in.
- These all from your travels?
- Yeah.
Oh, that's an incense holder. It's
in the shape of the Hindu 'Om' sign.
I bought it in a holy Hindu town
on the banks of the river Ganges.
I made that.
Yeah, I was in Mexico, walking
along the beach, and I found it.
It's coral.
Yeah, you see, so, um,
yeah, Israel, Sri Lanka.
- Mm-hm.
Um, Honduras, Kenya.
And
Yeah, Mexico.
- That's impressive, that.
I've only been to places in Europe.
Oh, there's some
beautiful places in Europe.
Have you been to Amsterdam?
That's the last place I was in.
It's interesting, that city,
you know.
Haven't got much furniture, have ya?
Exactly! I wanna feel that
I can leave any time I want.
You know, my wardrobe is a suitcase,
and my bed is a sleeping bag.
But, I mean, I like where
I live to be nice, though.
I mean, when I moved in here,
I painted the whole place myself.
Oh, yeah?
Done a good job there, girl.
I love colourful things.
I bought this rug in Camden Market.
Yeah, it's colourful, that.
(CHUCKLES)
- You should sit down.
Your tea's getting cold.
- Oh, yeah.
- Oh!
- Sorry.
Oh, it's all over my rug.
I wanted to keep it nice.
It's all right.
It's only a bit of tea.
Sorry about that.
- You should be more careful.
- Pardon?
You should go. It's late.
Before I do any more damage?
Well, I'm sorry about your rug.
Do you wanna go out another time?
- I won't have time. I'm very busy.
Sound.
(DOOR CLUNKS)
(DOOR SHUTS)
(BUILDING DOOR SHUTS)
(BUILDING DOOR SHUTS)
(SIRENS WAIL)
He seemed nice too ― different.
- Did you get his number?
- Doubt he has one.
He lives in a squat.
Maybe you'll see him again
at the pub.
Oh, no, I'd be too embarrassed
to talk to him.
Think I might write him a letter.
- A letter?
Yeah, explaining that
I didn't mean to be rude, then I
could give it to him, and then
he can decide what he wants to do.
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
'John, I have been worried that
I might have hurt your feelings.'
'You asked me if I would like
to meet again, and I said no,
because I was too busy.'
(DOOR OPENS)
'It is true that I am busy.
Also, I tend to keep to myself.
'I have no been thinking about
meeting anyone, but if you still want
to meet, I would like to meet you.'
(THUD!)
(THUD! BICYCLE CHAIN CLICKS)
'Anyway, I just wanted you to know
that and that I didn't mean to be
rude. Delia.'
(BELL TOLLS)
(BICYCLE BELL DINGS)
(TOLLING CONTINUES)
(ANSWERPHONE BEEPS)
- Hi, Ma. It's Melissa.
I just called to wish you
a happy birthday.
I'm gonna be getting
a fax machine some time soon,
so I'll call and be able to
leave that number with you anyway.
Have a good time and take care
of yourself. Goodbye. Love you.
(TAPE RECORDER CLICKS)
That's the last time
any of us heard her voice.
I filed a missing person report
with you people a year ago and
call repeatedly, but
it's always the same.
Nothing.
- With respect, Mr Halstead,
because there is nothing.
Because nobody here gives a damn.
That's Melissa seven years ago.
It's the most recent
photograph we have.
She was a model, travelled all
over the world, then she went her
way, and we lost touch withher.
Melissa was a free spirit.
It's just not like her
to vanish without a word.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS ECHO)
(LOUD ROCK MUSIC PLAYS, CHEERING)
This is for you.
(POP MUSIC PLAYS)
You had me worried
for a minute there ―
thought it might have been
the cleaning bill for your rug.
- Oh, I-I would never do that.
- Wha― I'm joking.
- (CHUCKLES)
(CHUCKLES)
Do you wanna come back
to mine this time?
Uh, might be safer.
(POP MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
(DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE)
We've got the place to ourselves.
The lads I share with are working
nights.
Right.
(SMOOTH MUSIC PLAYS)
What's that for?
Tara, me pet tarantula.
Hmm. Unusual pet.
Is it? (CHUCKLES)
It's cheaper than a dog.
Don't have to walk it.
You're an unconventional person.
- Yep. Always going me own way.
- Me too.
Yeah?
It's made me happy, though.
What? Being an outsider?
That's exactly how I feel ―
how I felt all my fucking life.
How old are you?
Why?
How old are you?
- 40.
No.
Eh?
- Mm-hm.
- (CHUCKLES)
WHISPERS:
Are you disgusted I'm so old?
No.
40's not old.
(LOW, INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(MUSIC BUILDS)
(PLANE ENGINES ROAR OVERHEAD)
(DOORBELL CHIMES)
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS)
- Delia! Hello.
- Hi, Janice. This is John.
- All right?
You must be the birthday girl.
- Yeah. Come in.
Make yourselves at home.
- We've brought you some wine.
- Ooh.
This is gonna be a riot.
Oh, there's Leah.
Delia, you made it. (LAUGHS)
Oh, and this must be John. Finally!
- All right, Leah?
- Yeah.
- Nice to meet you.
- Yeah, nice to meet you.
Uh, this is Manuela.
Manuela, Delia, John,
- You all right?
Where'd you get the drinks?
- Oh, through there.
- Do you want any?
- Yeah.
She's a fast worker, this one.
Pulled John in a pub the moment
I turn my back.
I didn't pull him,
whatever that means.
- Ignore her, Delia. I love her,
but she's a brat sometimes.
- Hey! A little loyalty, you.
All right, ladies ― canapes,
ie crisps and sausages on a stick.
- Yes, I'm starving.
- Ready salted and some cheese. And
we have another punter. There weare.
- Oh, cheers. Thanks.
- Oh, clearly a vegetarian.
- (CHUCKLES)
Give us a stick of celery
next time.
That's a fantastic dress, Delia.
(UPBEAT MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)
(LAUGHTER IN BACKGROUND)
'Clearly, a vegetarian.'
Clearly, a posh twat.
He fancies you.
- No, he doesn't.
He does.
My antenna are never wrong.
Leah seems all right.
Is she a lesbian?
Yeah.
I didn't know that about Leah.
You better watch yourself.
Here.
Can you not?
It's not that kind of party.
Why?
Because they're a bunch of stiffs?
- (SIGHS)
- You care too much
what people think. Here.
(DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE)
God, I'm dying for a piss. (GRUNTS)
(EXHALES LOUDLY)
What are you doing?
(BELT BUCKLE CLINKS, ZIPPER WHIZZES)
John.
John, don't do that. John.
LOUDLY: John, don't do that.
All right, ladies?
(LAUGHS)
It's her home. We were her guests.
It's all right for you, John;
she's not your boss.
Oh, wait, well,
first off, she's not your boss;
you're an agency nurse.
- No, no. But she is. She is my boss.
- And secondly, you don't have to
be polite all the fucking time.
You've plenty of time to be
a boring conformist later.
Fuck them, I say. Fuck them all.
Fuck them all! (LAUGHS)
(CAR ALARM BLARES)
Fuck. (LAUGHS)
(LAUGHS)
(BOTH LAUGH)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
I didn't appreciate John
urinating on my plants, Delia.
The patio smelt like a pub toilet
the morning after.
Yeah, sorry. John is just― John
had a lot to drink, and not that
that's any excuse, so
You're not gonna tell the agency,
are you?
No, 'course not.
I just mention it
Maybe just have a word with John
about his manners.
- Yeah, thank you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
You just can't stand
that I've got a boyfriend.
Yeah, Delia,
cos he's such a catch (!)
- You like John, don't you?
- He's your boyfriend, Delia.
What's it matter what I think?
John says I care too much
about what people think.
- Does he or
does he not make you happy?
- He makes me feel less alone.
(CHUCKLES) You do realise
that's not the greatest reason
in the world to be with someone?
If you don't like him, just say so.
I'm not saying that.
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(GRUNTS SOFTLY)
- Hello, Delia.
- Hiya.
- Hello, Mrs Wilson.
JOHN: Delia.
- Hi.
- Thought I could fix your door.
- Oh, you really
don't have to do that.
- I'll take that.
Evening.
- Hiya.
(GRUNTS)
(TOOL CRANKS)
(SANDPAPER SCRAPES)
Try.
Bye.
Come in.
Would you like to move in with me?
We'd have to share the bills.
Yes.
(CHUCKLES) I'm gonna
take such good care of you.
Oh
- Astrid.
- Inspecteur.
(SPEAKS DUTCH)
(SPEAKS DUTCH)
(PHONE RINGS IN BACKGROUND)
(MOUSE CLICKS)
(KEYBOARD KEYS CLACK)
There you go.
You'll be nice and warm there.
See these?
- It's what you feed her.
Mm-hm. Their food's gotta be
alive. They're ambush predators, spiders.
They stay still for ages until the
prey's forgotten that they're there,
and then rarrr! (LAUGHS)
ou didn't flinch.
- Saw you comin'.
- (CHUCKLES)
(BLOWS)
Well, do me a favour ― don't
forget to feed her while I'm away.
I'm gonna be working in
Germany again. Did I?
- How long for?
- About a month.
Sorry, I thought I
- No.
- Oh.
- Oh.
Well, you could come with.
Oh, I can't. I gotta work.
Oh well.
I'll miss ya, honey.
- A very American thing to say ―
'honey'.
- (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
I picked that up from my last
girlfriend. She was American.
Do you wanna see a picture of her?
- You drew that?
- Yep.
- She looks attractive.
- She was a model.
- Oh, she must be very beautiful.
- Well, I only go out
with beautiful women.
Beautiful and blonde.
I don't like the word 'woman';
I prefer 'female'. What's her name?
Melissa.
Welcome to 'Skelmers-hell'.
Come on.
Hurry up. Give us the bag.
- Now you offer to take it.
Wanna look the gent,
don't I, for me ma?
- Hello, you two.
- Oh, Merry Christmas, Ma.
Merry Christmas, Mum.
This is Delia.
- Hello, Mrs Sweeney.
- Oh, hello, Delia.
Biscuits for you there
from Bavaria.
- Oh!
- (CHUCKLES) Is Dad in?
- Come on in. He's through there.
Oh, it's so lovely to see you.
- And you. Ah, it's lovely to
be here.
This turkey's delicious, Ma.
- You think so, love? I think I
left it in too long. It's dry.
It's really not, Mrs Sweeney.
It's very succulent.
Delia's just being polite, Mum.
It's tougher than old boots.
(SOFT CHUCKLING)
So, uh, where was it you went again?
- Oberschleissheim. You been?
It's so picturesque in the snow.
And they have a genuine Bavarian
Christmas market.
(CHRISTMAS MUSIC PLAYS IN BACKGROUND)
- John says you work
as a nurse, Delia.
- Mm.
Agency, though.
- Which hospital do you work in?
- Oh, St Paul's at the moment,
um, Surgical ward.
- What about that, uh,
Freddie Mercury fella? Died of AIDS.
- Fucking hell. What a conversation.
- (LAUGHS)
- Eh?
(LAUGHS)
Couldn't you have worn
something good and clean,
you know, for Christmas?
You joking?
What do you mean?
This is me Sunday best.
Even on the building site,
I always wore something good
and clean.
Well, that's not very sensible,
is it? (CHUCKLES)
Happy Christmas, one and all.
- Was Freddie Mercury gay?
- (CHUCKLES) How can you
not know that?
Oh, I don't have a TV,
and I don't read newspapers.
Delia's American too, Brendan.
There's that as well.
Oh, no, I'm not actually,
Mrs Sweeney.
I'm not American or Canadian, but I
spent the first 13 years of my life
in Ontario, Canada,
and then we moved to Detroit,
Michigan. I was born in Australia.
I have an Australian passport
and a British one, because of
my grandparents.
I have dual nationality,
but I don't feel Australian or
British or American or Canadian.
I don't really know where
I feel I belong. Anyway―
- All right, sweetheart.
She didn't ask for your life story.
- (LAUGHS)
John says I talk too much.
(CHRISTMAS MUSIC CONTINUES
IN BACKGROUND)
(MUFFLED MUSIC PLAYS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
From Alfred ―
fellow in the flat cap at the bar.
- Oh, who's Alfred?
- Some local pisshead.
They all seem really
pleased to see you.
Yeah, it's cos fuck all
ever happens here.
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
(INDIE ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
Oh, I love this song.
Oh!
Oh, I love this one.
John
will you dance with me?
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
Come and dance with me, John.
Come on.
Will you
dance? ♪
Come and dance with me, lover.
Fucking sit down.
Everyone's lookin' at ya.
She's a good girl.
And we love her.
Yeah, she's a good girl.
And we love her. ♪
(MUFFLED MUSIC PLAYS)
Hi. It's the dancer.
Love the get-up, love.
Girl's never too old to be a hippie.
Are you and John Sweeney an item, then?
- He's my boyfriend.
- Hmm. Hope you have
better luck than his wife.
1979 ― I was 18.
- How long were you married?
- I don't know. About five years,
though it felt a lot fucking longer.
Five years? Do you have children?
- Two.
- Well, why didn't you tell me?
- Didn't occur to me.
What? No, I've never wanted to be
with a man who has children with
someone else.
That's a bit unrealistic
at your age, isn't it?
- What the hell does that mean?
- Well, you're no spring chicken.
Any bloke you end up with
is gonna have baggage.
- Why are you being so horrible?
- Delia, do you wanna break up
with me?
No, no! I just―
I don't want to be lied to.
Will you stop being a fucking nag?
(JARRING MUSIC)
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
(INSPECTOR SPEAKS DUTCH)
(SPEAKS DUTCH)
(KEYS JANGLE)
(SAWING)
(THUDDING)
(SAWING CONTINUES)
(SAWING CONTINUES)
- What's going on?
- I'm sick of sleeping on the floor.
No! I-I don't want a bed.
I told you I don't want
any big furniture.
Don't be so ungrateful.
(UNEASY MUSIC)
Delia!
Delia.
Come on.
Get your kit off.
We need to break this in.
(UNEASY MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CHOKES)
(CHOKES)
- (MURMURS)
- CHOKES: John.
- (MURMURS)
John!
(GASPS FOR BREATH)
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
- (GRUNTS)
(DISHES CLINK GENTLY)
Did you have
a bad dream last night?
YAWNS: Oh, I never
remember my dreams. Why?
I woke up,
and you were strangling me.
You were asleep,
and you were saying stuff.
Why? What was I saying?
Nothing much.
I'm sorry. That must have been,
uh― That must have been scary for
you.
Yeah, it was.
(UNEASY MUSIC)
(ALARM CLOCK BEEPS)
(CLICK! BEEPING STOPS,
CLOCK CLATTERS)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(BICYCLE CHAIN CLICKS)
Delia. You're back.
Are you all right?
Uh
Oh
He never tells me
how long he's going to be away
or when he's going to be back.
He treats my flat like a doss-house.
Have you told him
you're not happy about that?
Yeah, of course. I've told him more
than once I want him to move out.
- And?
- Oh, he
He says he will,
but then he never does.
- That's not right. It's your home.
- I know that.
- Are you scared of him?
- No.
I don't know. A little bit.
He has a very bad temper.
Is he violent?
Oh, he does say mean things.
Sometimes he looks at me
like he hates me.
I've made some really bad
boyfriend choices in the past,
especially the last one.
Patrick. He was a violent,
controlling arsehole.
- Is that why you became a lesbian?
- (LAUGHS)
- (GASPS) I thought that
you and Manuela were
- We are. She's my girlfriend.
- Right.
I'm― I could never go with a female.
- Never say never.
- No, I mean it. I could not.
- OK.
OK, I believe you.
I mean, he was violent once,
John, in a way. Um
- What do you mean?
- He tried to strangle me in his
sleep. He was having a bad dream.
Delia.
You need to finish with him.
But how can I if he won't leave?
- He's in Germany now, yeah?
- Uh-huh.
- And I take it
he's got his own keys.
- Yeah.
Change the locks on him.
(BICYCLE CHAIN CLICKS)
(UNEASY MUSIC)
(ACOUSTIC GUITAR MUSIC PLAYS)
Good day at the office?
(SIZZLING)
(SPOON CLACKS ON POT)
Hope you like chilli con carne.
Oh, I've got a present for you.
(SPOON CLATTERS, SIZZLING CONTINUES)
It's a pincushion.
That means 'I love you'.
- I know what it means.
(CHUCKLES)
Come here.
Mm.
- No.
- Mm.
- No. John, no.
- Have you been drinkin'?
- Yeah, I had a couple of wines
with Leah at Westminster.
- Why? Is she trying
to get into your knickers?
- No, just friends.
- Pff. You haven't got any friends.
- And you don't love me,
and I don't want a pincushion.
Fucking hell.
What a spiteful thing to do.
I want you to move out.
- This again?
- You use me, you're rude to me,
and you don't respect me.
Respect? Has that dyke been
putting ideas into your head?
This has nothing to do with her.
I don't want to go out with you any
more.
(ACOUSTIC GUITAR MUSIC CONTINUES
IN BACKGROUND)
Have you eaten?
You're probably hungry. Is that it?
Look, let's
let's have our dinner,
and, all right, if you still feel
the same way afterwards, then, fine,
I'll fuck off. Yeah?
I've eaten, so
you can go now. Please.
- One last thing.
- No. No 'one last thing's, John.
Let me draw you.
Just so I've got something
to remember you by. Eh?
Now, sit there.
Come on.
Take your coat off.
Sit down.
Smile, Delia. Smile.
What happened between
you and Melissa?
Why do you ask me that?
Well, you still love her.
Did she finish with you?
That's how I see you.
Oh, get out.
Get out of my house.
- It's not your house! It's a
council house, you fucking idiot.
- SHRIEKS: Get out!
Get out! Get out!
Go away!
- Going for a drink. Don't wait up.
- (BREATHES HEAVILY)
(DOOR OPENS, SHUTS)
(UNEASY MUSIC)
(SCREAMS)
(PLATES CLATTER)
(THUD!)
(PANTS)
(WHIMPERS)
(DOOR SHUTS)
- Why are you going through
my things? That's private.
That's― (GROANS)
You wanna know what happened
with me and Melissa?
I killed her in Amsterdam.
I chopped her up, and I put
her in a fucking canal.
(SCREAMS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- Delia not in yet?
- No.
- Hello. I'm―
- Sorry, sir. Bear with me a sec.
(PHONE RINGS)
(UNSETTLING MUSIC)
(RINGING STOPS)
Long white flowers
rest in water.
Won't you take them away?
Won't you take them away?
Won't you take me away? ♪
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