Finding Alice (2021) s01e01 Episode Script

Episode 1

1
SHE SIGHS
Where's the fucking fridge, Harry?!
Minnie, stop.
There must be some way to open them.
Please, just leave them alone.
I thought this was a smart house.
It is a smart house.
Not if you can't open the curtains.
Gerry
Let's have a drink.
What, don't you like Champagne?
Yes, but
It's always good, isn't it?
Even when it's warm and flat,
because I can't find the fridge.
Mum
Just a sip for you.
To Harry.
To Harry.
Harry.
To Dad.
Come on, into bed now.
Try and get some rest, Mum
Harry, slow down!
SHE CHUCKLES
The big reveal.
Watch the mud!
Careful, Mum.
Oh, yes.
THEY GIGGLE
NUMBER PAD BEEPS, DOOR UNLOCKS
No keys for you to lose.
Come in.
Lights on.
THEY LAUGH
Here we go, er
Lights off.
Listen, I'll fix that.
Lights off.
I'll fix it.
Lights off!
Curtains, open.
That's amazing.
CORK POPS, YELPING
Toast
to our new life.
To
the house that Harry built.
Shh, shh!
Are you sure you love it?
Yes, I love it.
Oh, ho-ho!
Oh, it's concrete.
It's beautiful.
And it's all from your imagination.
I'm so proud of you.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Being silly.
Yes, you are.
I'm just getting some water,
I'll be back in a minute.
Mm-hm!
Where's the toilet flush?
How do I flush the toilet?
Harry?
Harry?
I can't flush the toilet
Mum
Hello.
The police are downstairs.
They want to talk to you.
The police?
Why?
About Dad.
Well, what's he done?
About the fall.
SHE FIGHTS BACK A SOB
SHE BREAKS OUT SOBBING
And Gran and Gramps are here.
OK.
What shall I wear?
Anything.
Black?
Urgh, it's too gloomy.
Harry hates black.
Oh, help me, Charlotte.
Afternoon, officers.
Cup of tea?
No, thank you.
Good.
Cos I've lost the milk.
In fact, do use your
detective skills to find the fridge.
We're sorry for your loss.
Yeah.
Not as sorry as I am.
No.
But I'm trying to keep gloom at bay.
I'm afraid we need to go through
what happened last night.
I did that with your colleagues.
Yes, you did.
Where were you when your husband fell?
Er
I was in the bathroom.
My last words to him were,
"How do I flush the toilet?"
This is a smart house.
We haven't figured out
how to do some things.
So, you didn't see him fall?
No.
And you were in your room?
Yes.
Did you hear him fall?
No.
How did you find him?
Er
I just remember seeing him.
Had you had an argument?
No.
Oh, God, you think I pushed him!
No.
But people don't normally
fall down stairs.
So, was he upset at all?
No.
No, he was thrilled.
It was our first night
in his dream house.
His dream house, but not yours?
Yes, mine, too.
But he designed it and built it for us.
Was there friction over money?
My husband died last night.
Can you leave me to get used to that?
We noticed CCTV cameras.
Would you allow us
to look at the footage?
Well, I don't know anything about it.
But I doubt they're working,
as we only moved in last night.
I mean, why do you want to look?
We need your permission.
Oh, to see if I pushed him?
Of course she didn't push him.
Nobody said she did.
The coroner has asked for a postmortem.
It's likely there'll be an inquest.
DOORBELL CHIMES
SHE SIGHS
What ARE you wearing?
Oh, darling, I'm so sorry.
Oh
Oh, you poor darling.
Oh
Mum
Well, it looks like you got your wish.
Oh, don't be silly.
You're distressed.
Very modern.
We love it.
Of course you do.
HE FIGHTS BACK A SOB
It's wonderful!
Oh, Roger!
God, let him cry.
I'm so sorry.
I should be comforting you.
It's just so shocking.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
Yes, Mum, it's the police.
They love an interesting death.
Thank you for your help.
Any news on how it happened?
Well, we know how it happened, Dad.
Yes, of course.
I just thought
the police might know, you know
..a bit more.
Please ignore him.
He's older than he looks.
So, we'll circle back to you
about the CCTV,
if you're unhappy about
giving us access now.
Well, I'm not unhappy about it.
I just
don't think it's working.
Mm.
Why on earth
would you want CCTV in your house?
To keep out intruders like you?
I don't know.
There's a camera right up there,
looking down the stairs.
Oh
Oh, Minnie, Gerry,
Charlotte said you were here.
Minnie, I'm so sorry.
It's very dark in here.
Curtains, open.
They're stuck.
I'll figure it out.
It's a smart house.
Not that smart.
What is a smart house?
Have you thought about the funeral?
They get very booked up.
The sooner you can
organise it, the better.
You're probably right.
We can't do anything until
the postmortem and the
the probable inquest.
What?
Why?
Because they think I killed him.
No, they don't.
It's normal for an accidental death.
So, he just fell down the stairs?
Oh, don't you start!
He must have lost his bearings.
No banisters, which is ridiculous.
Why didn't you have banisters?
Harry didn't really like them.
You won't like this, but
But you're going to say it anyway.
..you will get through this.
And meet someone else.
In time.
SHE TAPS ON THE KEYBOARD
SHE SNIFFS
SHE PRESSES SOME KEYS
Er, my cards have just been refused.
OK, let's see what we can do.
I just need to take
you through security.
Your name and date of birth, please.
Er, Alice Dillon. 10.01.80.
And the third and seventh letters
of your online banking password.
Oh, I have no idea.
I'm afraid you'll need that.
Do you want to have a guess?
I think the password is Bingbong100.
Don't tell me the whole word!
Well, I just did.
So, knock yourself out.
Checking your account.
I'm afraid that you're up
to your overdraft limit.
Well, I'll need to access
my husband's account, then.
Sadly, that's not allowed.
He'd have to call back himself and
Erm, he died last night.
Oh
I'm sorry.
Does that?
Does that make a difference?
Sorry, no.
Look, my husband
preferred to do the money.
But because he's dead,
he obviously couldn't transfer
the money to the joint account.
You need to take some ID into a branch.
Well, I would.
But you've shut them all down!
So, where is our fucking
money and how do I get it?
Please, don't speak to me like
that or I will have to hang up.
Is there anything else
I can help you with today?
PHONE BEEPS
Well, I don't believe in credit cards.
Because I'm financially prudent.
Hm, well,
maybe your father not so much.
I have some savings.
No.
I'll have to sort it out.
It feels like everything's unravelling.
I can't bear the thought
..of him being on film.
I know.
And I don't want to see the CCTV
or show it to anyone else.
Let's go and see your dad.
No, I
I can't.
OK, sweetie.
I'll ask him what his tablet PIN is.
It'd be good to be able
to turn on the lights.
SHE LAUGHS
Thank you.
PHONE BUZZES
G?
Who's G?
I'm here to see my husband.
What ward is he on?
Erm, the ward for dead people.
He's dead, seemingly.
I'm sorry.
I'm sure you are.
Everyone is.
You need the morgue.
And where is that?
The basement.
Of course it is.
BELL RINGS
BELL RINGS
BELL RINGS
Enough with the bell!
Visiting time is over.
Well, only just.
Shouldn't you be
a bit more understanding?
Probably, but we're very busy.
We're short-staffed.
Who do you want to see?
Harry.
Or should I not?
I didn't want to.
Erm
Do most people?
Viewing room two.
RAPID FOOTSTEPS
That's not Harry.
No, it's Leonard.
There's been a mix-up.
God, he's fat!
Did he eat something that
disagreed with him, like his shed?
Oh, shit
He was run over.
Well, that must have taken some doing.
Oh, my God
Sorry.
Let's get you a quiet corner.
And a gag.
God, I'm a mess.
I've heard worse.
Really?
Oh, yeah.
I've broken up fights.
Well, I'd better leave, then,
before they come out and
kick my teeth down my throat.
You're here to see your husband.
Yes, but
..I think I'll leave.
It's not visiting time.
And there's no-one to visit, anyway.
There is.
I'll come in with you.
OK, OK
He looks so cold.
He is cold.
I'd like to leave now.
OK.
Can I come back?
Sucker for punishment?
Officially, no.
But, sure.
Bye.
SHE YELPS
SHE GASPS
Oh, for Christ's sake, Yasmina!
Sorry.
ALICE SIGHS HEAVILY
What's happened?
I don't know.
I just came in and it was like this.
Well, why's the site empty?
We ran out of cash to pay the guys.
What?
It's OK.
Harry found some new financing.
Have you called the police?
No.
Where's Harry?
Oh, Yasmina
He's dead.
How?
He fell down the stairs.
But he was such a good man.
I can't believe it.
I know.
You can die falling down stairs?
Well, you couldn't in our old house.
Unless you shot yourself
on the way down.
Should we call the police?
No.
They were horrible last time we spoke.
They made me feel like I'd killed him.
Let's take Harry's stuff
and get out of here.
CHILDREN GIGGLE
PHONE BUZZES
Hello?
Hello, G?
Say something.
Who are you?
CALLER HANGS UP
Mum?
SHE SHUTS THE DOOR
Dad?
FOOTSTEPS ABOVE
Is anyone home?
UPSTAIRS DOOR OPENS
Down in a minute!
Put the kettle on!
I was just sorting through my knitwear.
Oh, right.
I didn't think you still had a key.
Where's Dad?
Taken Dudley for a long walk.
Oh.
I thought I heard him upstairs.
No, he's out with Dudley.
Hello, Alice!
FRONT DOOR CLOSES
Oh, what a nice surprise!
Call that a long walk?
Oh, mm, mm
I've just seen Keith.
Megan has had the all clear.
Good news!
Good.
I need some money, Dad.
Sorry.
Why?
You need to carry on working,
you know, otherwise you'll wallow.
Our bank accounts are screwed.
Of course. How much?
Erm, 500?
Just until I can sort it all out.
Erm
We're living off my pension.
I call it surviving.
We live like students!
Have you read the will?
There is no will.
That is going to be very complicated.
I know.
I just need some money for food and
To live for a while.
50 quid cash, would that help?
Thanks.
Have you asked Harry's parents?
No.
Because you're my parents!
Do you know what? Keep it.
I'll
rob an off-licence.
Charlotte?
Charlotte,
I prised some cash out of Grandad
and I've got food and wine!
WINE BOTTLES CLINK
Charlotte, we need to go and see the
SHE SIGHS
Urgh!
Oh, God!
Sodding!
Urgh!
Urgh!
SHE STRAINS
We need to go and see the coroner.
Yes, Mum.
I have the police statement
and postmortem.
But for the purposes of my report,
it's important I get a picture
from all witnesses.
So, do you have anything to add?
Oh, well
he fell down the stairs.
He had been drinking.
Not heavily.
It's a new
unfamiliar house
with no banisters.
I think that's actually illegal.
Well, he built the house,
so let's sue him, shall we?
You're bound to be upset.
Mm, so I'm told.
You were in the bathroom,
trying to flush the toilet?
Er, yes.
And the next thing you remember
is seeing Harry
at the bottom of the stairs.
Mm-hm.
Nothing in between?
No.
Charlotte, you were in your bedroom?
Yes.
And you came because
you heard your mother's cry.
And it says the front door
might have been open?
I can't remember.
Right.
Isn't it normal to block things out
with this sort of trauma?
It's possible.
Anyway, the postmortem indicates
that Harry died from injuries
sustained in the fall.
But?
The pathologist found bruising
to both of his upper arms.
What?
As if he'd been gripped tightly.
Can we have a funeral?
Yes.
I can release the body.
But there will be an inquest.
It's usually a formality.
But this time,
it feels like you suspect us.
Mum, can you stop saying that?
And what does that mean,
"gripped tightly"?
It's usually a formality.
MAN'S MUFFLED, DISTORTED VOICE
Our eco wicker casket is
crazy-popular at the moment.
OK, we'll have that one, then.
Er, and may I ask what the
deceased did for a living?
In case you'd like a bespoke design.
He was a builder and developer.
Are you going to suggest we bury him
in a house-shaped coffin?
HE LAUGHS AWKWARDLY No.
He loved concrete.
Have you got one of those?
Sorry, this is all a bit upsetting.
I understand.
Do you, really?
Well, if anyone does, he probably does.
Well, let's go with the wicker, then.
And I gather you've not yet
decided on cremation or burial.
How about neither?
Ha!
No, I'm not joking.
Of course.
Mum, you can't talk like this.
Why not?
Because we have to bury Dad.
Do we, though?
Yes.
Well, I don't want to.
I don't want to bury my husband.
He wasn't your husband.
BELL RINGS
BELL RINGS
DOOR OPENS
You again.
Where did you learn your
silky customer relations skills?
What do you want?
To see Harry.
I don't think you do.
I do!
You said I could come whenever I like.
He's had his postmortem,
so he doesn't look his best.
I want to be with him.
It's up to you.
Viewing room two.
But
just give me a minute.
It's your worst nightmare come true.
Spurs accessories.
My love
SHE SNIFFLES
SHE STARTS TO SOB
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
Harry was a Gooner.
That makes me feel a little better.
Thank you.
FRONT DOOR CLOSES Charlotte?
I'm so sorry, darling.
We didn't mean to surprise you.
Oh, come here, babe.
Oh, Nicola
It's part of a fucking plan, Al.
It really is.
What's the plan?
Who's to know?
Where's Charlotte?
Oh, she's not at home.
So, how did you get in?
Harry gave us the code.
Why are you here?
In case you needed any help.
And why were you upstairs?
Just looking for Charlotte.
We don't know what to do without Harry.
We can't concentrate on anything else.
I know.
SHE SNIFFS
What's to become of us?
Since you're here, I'm sorry, but
could I borrow some money?
Oh?
Er, our bank account's empty
and Harry's is frozen.
Do you know something?
Well, of course we can help.
How much would you like?
It
Don't worry, I'll manage.
Well, if you're sure.
Oh, what is it, Harry?
Why isn't it 1966?
Why did you change it?
TABLET BEEPS
Oh!
SHE CHUCKLES
God, you're an idiot, Harry.
SHE CHUCKLES
Charlotte?
Charlotte?
Charlotte?
Where are you?
Oh
Oh, come here.
I'm so sorry, my gorgeous girl.
CHARLOTTE SNIFFS
I'm not watching any more.
Nor am I, but
Who's that?
How much is left?
£8.00
I'll get some money out.
I'll pay it all back.
When are you going into the bank?
Tomorrow.
I'm just
terrified I'll lose it again.
And when will you tell the police?
Tomorrow.
DOORBELL CHIMES
Alice?
Yeah.
Tanvi
Lal.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I'm in total shock.
I was your husband's business partner.
I'm an accountant, really.
Ah.
Have you got all the money, then?
No.
Would you like to come in?
Oh!
Harry was right about this house.
It's impressive.
Er, my daughter, Charlotte.
How come Harry never mentioned you?
I haven't been involved long.
My family recently invested
in the Vale Apartments development.
I called in.
All work has stopped and, er,
the office was broken into.
I know. Work's restarted.
Cash flow bullshit,
depressingly normal.
We called the police
about the break-in.
I think it was kids.
Oh, good.
Our bank accounts are empty or frozen.
Can you unfreeze them?
No. I don't
know anything about that.
But I can give you some
cash to tide you over.
Don't worry.
It's out of Harry's share.
The flats should make good money.
We'll get them finished.
Will a thousand get you through?
Yeah.
Yeah, that would do very nicely.
Should we sign for it?
I'd rather we just trusted each other.
Thank you.
So
how did it happen?
Er
He fell down the stairs.
My God!
Were you there?
No. No, I just found him.
So, you don't know how he fell?
No.
It's a mystery.
Maybe I pushed him.
Mum!
PHONE BUZZES
Yes?
'Ms Dillon.
'It's Detective Davis.
We visited yesterday.'
Excuse me a moment, it's the police.
Oh, hello.
'Have you checked the CCTV images
'from the night
of your husband's fall?'
We tried, but er, it doesn't seem
to have been set up to record.
As I said, we've only just moved in.
'Ah, that's a pity.'
'Would have helped at the inquest.'
Mm, yeah, that's a shame.
Er, sorry, we've got visitors.
'OK.
'Do?'
Mum!
I know.
You shouldn't lie.
We have to show them.
Yes, I will.
FRONT DOOR OPENS
FOOTSTEPS ECHO
DOOR CLOSES
Lights on!
Oh, you made it work.
Oh, for God's sake!
I'm changing the code.
We didn't want to disturb you.
We need a chat.
This is very awkward.
Spit it out.
Harry gave us
this house.
What?
No, he didn't.
He did.
We have it in writing.
Well, why would he do that?
He was worried about his business.
Oh, dear, this is such a mess.
Well, you can just give it back
to me and Charlotte now.
I wish we could.
Why can't you?
We owe half a million
in inheritance tax,
as Harry only just gave us the house.
So, we have to sell
the house to pay it.
We've been incredibly worried.
Our only son is gone
and it just gets worse!
We're not selling the house.
We don't have a choice.
We'll give you whatever money's left.
But it won't buy you this house.
Tax is at 40%, so you're looking at
The house is not being sold.
Harry built it.
This house killed him.
It was his dream.
You're not selling Harry's dream.
It's easy to be all righteous.
Oh, it's not easy to be all
anything at the moment.
So, that's why you've been
hanging around, isn't it?
Swanning in just now,
because you think it's yours.
Mum!
This wasn't our idea.
But we have been bankrupt before.
And it's not gonna happen again.
No.
You get out.
And if you say, "No,
because it's our house,"
I will march you to the top of those
stairs and throw you off them.
Hello.
Hello.
I thought hot food might help.
I don't have any friends, you know.
You do.
Women are supposed
to be good at friends.
I'm like a man.
Oh, come on!
THEY ALL CHUCKLE
No, Harry was all I needed.
What's this?
Oh, it's Dad's stuff.
From the site office.
A woman, erm, Tanvi Lal
called in.
So, she's Harry's new business partner?
Yeah, he needed more cash to get
the flats project over the line.
It happens in building.
Sharks are always circling cos they
know developers run out of money.
So, she's a shark?
No! I'm sure it'll be fine.
DOORBELL CHIMES
DOORBELL CHIMES
Harry?
No.
I'm George.
Harry's son?
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