The Beast Must Die (2021) s01e01 Episode Script

1
I'm gonna get I'll get you!
'I am going to kill a man.
'I don't know his name.
'I don't know where he lives.
'I have no idea what he looks like.
But I'm going to find him '
and kill him.
How are the flashbacks?
Yeah, good.
Very vivid colours, like, um
like The Sound Of Music.
Not content-wise, obviously.
Does it help to joke about it?
Well, I'm just tired of
taking myself seriously.
- That's what I pay you for, isn't it?
- Do you resent it?
Course I resent it.
You're intrusive,
you're a ferry ride away
and you charge a bloody fortune.
That does all sound rather
expensive and inconvenient.
Which must be easier to live with
than life-changing and catastrophic.
Cutting things down to
size isn't a bad strategy.
- But if we're going to work on
- I don't want US to work on it.
I want YOU to make it go away.
Hm.
Look, I was screened, I was debriefed,
and I was fine.
And then suddenly, I wasn't.
And that's why I moved. That's
why I took a job where
there's likely to be fewer
triggers, and that's why you.
And I'm choosing to manage it this way,
because if I involve work,
they'll put me on gardening leave
until they reckon I'm fit for
duty, by which time I won't be.
Because if there's anything
that fucks with my mental health,
it's time off.
Nothing to do, nothing to
think about.
It's a bit like being dead.
Your credentials really stood out -
think you'll be a
great asset to the team.
Thank you for having me,
ma'am. Sorry I was late.
It's all shot to shit here today anyway.
Bill Geraghty's death was a total shock.
Ten years in the Army, 30 in CID.
Then he dies on a golf course.
Hello!
Oh, we'll get that changed.
Of course, I don't have to tell you
how it feels to lose a colleague.
Well, listen, I hope the funeral helps.
I know it's not the
introduction you'd choose,
- but if you wanted to come out
- I'm I'm good.
- I'll leave you to get settled, then.
- Great.
London's loss is our gain.
Welcome to the Isle of Wight.
Clear up, then, shall I?
Sir?
Sorry, but everyone
else is at the funeral.
If it's an emergency, they're on radio.
There's a woman, her son was killed
on holiday here three months ago.
Easter Sunday. Hit and run.
She's just had a no further
action letter from DI Geraghty.
- Does she know he's dead?
- She does now.
Er, right.
She lives in London, sir.
It's a long way to come.
Sure. What's her name?
Cairnes. She's Frances,
her son was Martie.
And you?
Asha James, sir.
Community support officer.
Thanks.
My name's Nigel Strangeways.
I'm DI Geraghty's replacement.
- Am I OK to call you Frances?
- I really don't care.
Right.
My predecessor's death was very sudden,
so things might have
fallen through the net.
The letter you received
should have come with support -
from him, from your
family liaison officer.
I'm very sorry that hasn't happened.
The coroner
said my son, Martie,
was hit with catastrophic force.
Do you think the driver
didn't notice they've done it?
An NFA, no further action notice,
doesn't mean the case is closed.
No, just that you're not
gonna do anything about it.
The investigation into your
son's death is still open.
And maybe, further down the line,
there will be new information.
But as things stand, all lines
of inquiry have been exhausted.
These lines of inquiry, what were they?
- Surely DI Geraghty must have
- What were they?
Well, there were public
appeals for information,
mail drops, media coverage.
They looked at CCTV, speed cam footage.
There were checks on stolen
vehicles, burnt-out vehicles,
damaged vehicles travelling
off the island by the ferries
Damaged?
From the impact.
Look, I can assure you
everything that could have been done
that should have been done was.
What about motorbikes?
It was Easter weekend,
there was a rally.
A two-wheeled vehicle
would have gone over.
There would have been
tire marks, debris.
They checked the crash site
thoroughly. There was nothing.
You're new.
- Yes.
- How new?
Today, actually.
So you've had, what?
Ten minutes to get on top of this?
How can you look me in the face
and tell me they did
everything they could?
How can you know?
Did you ever even meet DI Geraghty?
That driver
That driver mounted the verge
he threw my six-year-old
son 30 feet down the road,
and then he drove on.
If someone had done with their
hands what he did with the car,
well, the whole wide world
would be out looking for him.
But, no, instead, he gets to walk away.
While YOU while you just sit there
While you sit there and
Mrs Cairnes Frances
The kids miss you. They ask about you.
'It's just so strange being here.
It's just like nothing's changed.
Miss?
Sorry, Miss.
The, um
The police.
They're not looking for
him any more. The driver.
They're giving up.
If they know it's a
him, isn't that progress?
They don't. It's just statistics.
Most people who cause death
by dangerous driving are men.
So
I've, um
I've decided to go away for a while.
How long will you be gone?
However long it takes.
The money will be
transferred from your savings
into your current
account within 24 hours.
Thanks.
I see from the file that the money
came in when you lost your husband?
Life insurance pay-outs
are difficult.
It's the windfall no-one wants.
I really hope you're planning
something special with it.
- I'm giving up my job.
- Oh, what what are you doing?
I'm writing a book.
- Oh!
- Crime.
- A murder.
- Well, good for you!
Actually, there is something else.
I, um When my husband died,
I reverted back to my maiden name,
and I'd like to change it back.
- I'll need new bank cards.
- Yeah, of course.
What's the name?
Lane. L-A-N-E.
Fully furnished, recently refurbished.
I like this.
It's a kind of
vintage feel to the place.
Oh! You can even see the Isle of Wight.
Yeah. I'll take it.
There was a woman, came into the station
when everyone was at the funeral.
I handled her badly.
- Badly?
- Glib.
Making assurances about the
investigation into her son's death.
You know, the only thing I
actually know about DI Geraghty
is he was a Mason - I found a tie pin.
That bothers you?
It was a horrible tie pin.
Bloody horrible tie, too.
- Your mishandling of the woman
- Yes, it bothers me.
- Why?
- Because I'm better than that.
I should have been better than that.
I
I lost a colleague that I
didn't even particularly
This woman
lost her only child.
If you do have any questions or queries,
please feel free to
approach a member of staff.
They should be able to assist you.
Oh, hello.
Hi, hello, sorry to trouble you.
Um, there was a fatality not
far from here on Easter weekend,
a child killed on the road by a car.
Are you from road safety?
Do you have identification?
Hello, hi. Sorry to trouble you.
Yeah, it's concerning the
child who was knocked down
on the road Might have seen
Hello, hi. I'm from road safety.
Hi, hello.
Any information at
all Easter weekend
A child about six or seven years old.
Can you remember anything about that?
Easter? Well, we were overrun
with bloody bikes all weekend.
From the rally?
Not motor scooters, no.
Those big four-wheel things,
what do they call them? Quad bikes, aye.
From the mainland. They come past here,
past my house, 70 miles an hour.
And it's not just the
vehicles. It's the
drinking and the language
and the carrying-on.
There were one lass in the
road screaming like a fishwife.
I think she'd lost her clothes,
and she'd made a dress
out of a racing flag.
Obscene, really. I called the police,
but did they come? Did they heck.
All in Ryde for the
- Hello.
- Hi.
I'm trying to track down a quad bike
that might have come in for repair
just after the Easter weekend.
Well, it's regarding an insurance claim.
Driver's details?
I don't have the driver's details.
That's why I'm trying to track him down.
Sorry, without the
details, we can't help.
OK. Yeah, thanks anyway.
No, not engine trouble.
Damaged, as in by an impact.
Impact damage Er
Yeah, no, there's a record for that.
And-and who was that registered to?
- I can't tell you that.
- I mean, who paid the repair bill?
- I can't tell you that.
- Why not? Why can't you tell me?
Well, um, you could be anyone.
- Right.
- Sorry I can't help.
No, no. Thanks for your time.
All right?
Oh, hi.
I, um I spoke to one of
your colleagues on the phone
about a quad bike,
but they said they couldn't give
me any information over the phone,
- that I should come in.
- What I said was,
we can't give any
information out at all.
You're not insurance.
I never said I was. Said
it was about insurance.
The guy went into me,
we exchanged information.
But then my bag got
stolen, so I lost it.
Do you know how many quad
bikes are in this county?
I mean, how do we know we're
talking about the same one?
We don't. But you've got to start
somewhere. And in 50 garages,
yours is the only one with
a repair that fits the bill.
50. That's a lot of trouble
to go to for a motor.
See you later.
No, I Listen. Um
All right. All right.
The truth is, the bastard
went into me and drove off.
It was on the Isle of Wight.
He wouldn't have gone to a garage
there, because I reported it.
He could have got it off the island
in a van or a lorry or something.
The police haven't got time.
You know insurance companies, just
take your money and do nothing.
I am nothing special.
I'm a teacher, actually.
That car.
That car really meant something to me.
How fast does it go?
Dad. Dad!
Hey!
Hey, listen, I don't care how many
attendance orders you people serve,
Kaidon is staying at home
until that school sorts out his
bullying problem. Understood?
That's not why I'm here. Easter weekend?
The Isle of Wight. You and
your son, were you there?
- What?
- There was an accident.
Someone got knocked down. The
police never caught the driver.
The vehicle would have needed repairs.
Your quad bike needed repairs.
One, we've never been to
the bloody Isle of Wight.
And two, do you know what happens
when one of those things
hits something? This happens.
Air ambulances and operations
and three months off work.
And you think, what?
That one of us just drove
into someone and walked off?
You're insane.
No, but the police
The police said a two-wheel
vehicle would have gone over.
That's got four. It's got four!
When a quad collides
into something, it flips.
Either that, or the driver does.
So whoever knocked that person
down, it weren't on one of those.
Not if it was able to get away.
Now, I don't know what this is about,
but whatever it is, I think you
need to leave it to the police.
Because, with all due
respect, you ain't got a clue.
See you.
Sir, you said you wanted
to get to know the island.
There's been a request for units
at the Nag's Head at Mottistone.
All right?
What's going on?
Bunch of kids all using
the same ID. Literally.
Einstein over there has
been flogging duplicates
of his brother's licence.
Just telling the new boss
what a twat you've been, Rory.
All right. Go on. Get home.
With what? My mates had the money.
Your mum doesn't need the stress
of me dropping you off. Walk.
Well, can't she drive me?
She's community support,
mate. She gets the bus.
Aw, do you not know how to drive?
Can you not drive the police car?
- Asha can take him in yours.
- Sorry?
I said Asha can take him in yours.
You come with me,
show me the back rooms.
Right.
- So why not book him?
- Never really been in trouble before.
Besides, his brother's
a vicious bastard.
He finds out Rory's
been using his licence
London, was it?
Ah, city boy.
It's like going back
in time, the island.
It's The attitude's amateur.
Policing's like social work,
and there's nothing, absolutely
nothing, to think about.
Except the incident that
killed your colleague.
The point is
there is no plan B.
This is my plan B.
Besides, we haven't got the numbers
for what we're meant to cover.
So at the end of the day, it's
the relationships that deliver.
I spend half my life drinking tea
just to keep in with the local networks.
Stop there.
Community group.
They're still putting fresh
flowers up every couple of weeks.
Council wouldn't give them speed guns,
so they just point
hairdryers at the traffic.
There was something in DI
Geraghty's desk belonging to the boy.
There was a photograph too.
Well
- he got to people.
- You?
I was called in to man the roadblock.
Guv'nor thought I might get something
out of watching Crime
Scene do their job.
Just joined CID as a temporary.
I'm working towards my
National Investigator's Exam.
Right.
Oh, that's a very good frame.
That can go in the gallery now.
Finished!
They're not working.
What do you mean, they're not
working? Let me have a look.
I'm going to go and look at the boats.
Wait for me at the steps, OK?
We always said we'd retire here.
If you want to make God
laugh, tell him your plans.
I've come to follow up on your
complaint about the quad bikes.
You said there was a girl
shouting in the street.
You mentioned her dress, specifically.
Or a racing flag, or something.
And I just wondered if it
was anything like these.
Aye, well, that sort of thing.
Do you remember what
she was shouting about?
Well, it was a row with her fella.
I think he'd got himself into a fight.
- He'd hit someone and it
- Hit someone?
Or something. Very
upset about it, she was.
Well, that's the lass
we're talking about.
- Sorry, this is the girl you saw?
- That's her, all right.
They oughtn't to make
them wear tat like that.
No wonder they end up
with no self-respect.
No wonder.
Sorry.
Hiya. Anything I can help you with?
Um
No, actually, I've just seen
what I was looking for. Thank you.
- Have a good time.
- Oh, thanks.
Sorry.
Hi.
I saw you come out. I thought
you might have a cigarette?
No.
I just wanted some air.
Come on, I can smell it.
Just one cigarette, please?
- I'll pay you.
- It's fine.
Thanks. You got a ?
Another minute in there
and I'd have shot myself.
Must be worse if you're waitressing.
Not waitress, "event hostess".
I can serve drinks and maximise
brand exposure all at the same time.
Wow. When I grow up, I
want to do what you do!
I should get back.
Enjoy your conference.
I owe you.
Oh, my gosh! I'm so sorry!
I'm so sorry. Are you ?
Lena.
What the FUCK was that?
What? Thought you'd
appreciate the break.
Besides, I-I have got
an ulterior motive.
Not that kind of motive.
Just just just
give me five minutes.
- A crime novel?
- Yeah.
About a murderer who works in events.
Different conferences, different cities.
Different police forces.
That is why it takes so long
for them to realise that
she's a serial killer.
Thing is, none of the hostess
agencies will give me access.
No, they're all paranoid about
journalists doing exposes.
- And you're not a journalist?
- No.
No, I'm a secondary school teacher.
Well, I was. I've given it
all up to follow my dream.
Yeah.
Look, all I need is to
tag along, for research.
You know, find out more about
the job, find out more about you.
What do you mean, find out about me?
I don't know.
What do you like about the
work? What do you hate about it?
How much do you get paid?
Does all your underwear match?
Why me?
Why not one of the other girls?
Honestly, er You were the only one
who couldn't keep that
plastic smile on your face.
I mean, I'm used to looking round
the room and seeing who has a spark,
or where the trouble is
going to come from. And
You look like you'd
be worth talking to
unlike the others.
Give me your number,
I'll think about it.
Um, look, where are you tomorrow?
- Northampton, photo shoot.
- How are you getting there?
Train. I don't have a car.
Or how about I drive you?
I'll drive you there and back.
Look, if you decide after that
you cannot be doing with me,
fair enough. But at least
you'll have saved the train fare.
What do you say?
Well, I was doing some modelling,
and then one of the girls
who worked in Paddock Hospitality,
she got me the job, and
it just went from there.
Aren't you gonna take
notes, or something?
I'm just drinking in the atmosphere.
What happened? There?
Nothing.
Got pissed and fell over.
And then, like, use it, use it.
It's, like, fun, it's usable.
And then, like, turn around again
I reckon your murderer
would definitely prefer
- When's the memorial?
- Tomorrow.
At least it'll be a line drawn.
And be nice to people.
Go and have a drink
with them, or something.
- 'Mummy, my tummy's rumbling.
- Oh, no!
Hello, trouble. Is Mummy
not feeding you again?
I'm hungry.
- Where's tea?
- In the supermarket.
We should go.
You go. I'll babysit.
- Yay!
- He can't babysit you.
- He's 10,000 miles away.
- Spoilsport.
What if there was a fire?
I'd issue evacuation
instructions. Wouldn't I, Birdie?
Very funny.
- Say goodbye to Uncle Nigel.
- Bye, Uncle Nigel.
Good
Mum, it's stuck.
Gotcha!
Love you. Bye.
These last three months
since Shannon was killed,
we've all had a lot
to come to terms with.
For some of us,
that process won't be
over for a very long time.
But now, just for a moment,
I invite you to close your eyes.
And to remember my
beautiful, brave sister
with joy. Not pain.
Mary, how are you doing?
Mummy, this is the chap who was
with Shannon when she was killed.
- So sorry for your loss.
- Thank you.
Thanks very much for coming.
- Thank you.
- All right.
Bless you.
Hi.
I don't know where Frances is.
I'm a friend of hers from the school.
I just come in to pick up
the post, to turn on lights,
make it look like there is someone here.
I found this in my predecessor's office,
it should have been returned before now.
I'll put it in Martie's room.
Happy birthday to you ♪
You live in the loo ♪
You eat cake like poo ♪
She deserved better from
you people. They both did.
Thanks for your time.
- Here you go.
- Cheers.
So, tomorrow?
- Birmingham.
- Ha!
I could get the train. Seriously,
you've been driving me all week.
No, I've been enjoying it.
Besides, there's still loads
I want to find out about you.
Like what?
Like who keeps ringing you
that you never want to talk to.
I'm joking.
Oh, my God, it's none of my business.
I'm actually more interested
in how you look so good
when all you eat is chips.
And I wonder how that's
gonna catch up with your skin.
No. Good genes.
My mum only ever ate pills and crisps,
and her skin was great
until the day she died.
Prescription. She wasn't a junkie.
When did you lose her?
- Eight years ago.
- Sorry.
I had to go and live with
my sister. Well, half sister.
I actually live in her London flat now.
Classic Lena. Freeloading.
- Do you get on?
- She's the loveliest person.
But she struggles.
Lena Do you fancy a drink?
- Yes.
- Great, OK. Come on.
OK.
We had a call-out last night, sir.
The Nag's Head in Mottistone
had its windows put in.
Someone tried to set fire to the
curtains, but it didn't catch.
There's no CCTV. But the landlord
said that he saw Nicky Toland
- pegging it down the street.
- Who?
Nicky, er, he's Do you remember Rory,
the fake driving licence
couple of days ago?
His older brother.
Does he have any reason to
be putting in pub windows?
Um, maybe found out the landlord
called the police on his brother.
He can He can get really
funny about stuff like that.
I'll give him a call,
shall I? Ask him to come in?
Tell him to come in.
I have an idea.
How about, today, we
pretend we're real cops
and we call on him before
he knows we're coming.
How's that sound?
Yeah.
- Anything I should know?
- What?
- Guns, weapons ?
- Don't know.
- Watch the back for me.
- Yes, guv.
Ouch.
Remember me? I need to
speak to Nicky, please.
Nicky!
What? Who is it?
Yeah?
A pub in Mottistone had its
windows smashed in last night.
Landlord thought he saw you.
Do you know anything about that?
No.
- These yours?
- Yeah.
There's glass in the sole. Why is that?
I must have stood in some.
- Must have done.
- Mm.
Nicky Toland, I'm arresting you
on suspicion of criminal damage.
Oh, come on, for
- You got a licence for that?
- It's a mate's.
He lent it us, we've
got a rabbit problem.
Book him. Bring the gun and the shoes.
Help!
Frances?
Hi. Slept on the sofa.
Made you a tea.
I was thinking, today,
if it's not raining, we could
What time is it?
- Um
- I've missed it.
- Missed You've missed what?
- The audition.
I had an audition for a
photo shoot. A good one.
Not a shitshow like Northampton.
OK. All right. Well,
give me the address.
I'll drive you. We'll just go
No! It's too late.
Why did you let me drink?
You knew I had an audition!
What? You're gonna
make this my fault now?
Lena, I'm sorry. I
Just get out! I need to think.
- Come on. There's
- Get out!
Fuck!
Lena?
OK, so, I called the agency.
I told them someone spiked your drink,
we spent the night in A&E. I said
you'll be late, but you'll be there.
Lena, I'm sorry.
You know, last night, when we
got back, you said some things.
Things?
About someone called George?
I mean, you weren't really making
much sense. You were wasted.
But it's obvious you're
going through a hard time.
And I'm sorry if I let you down.
On top of that.
It's the last thing I'd want to do.
I think you're someone that
deserves better from people.
A lot better.
OK.
Apology over.
Why don't I clean up that
small mess and make you a tea,
and then we'll get going.
You're gonna get this job. OK?
Nearly ready?
He's my brother-in-law.
George.
We had a a row.
I haven't been to see them since.
Now it's Vi's birthday,
and if I don't go back,
she'll know something's wrong. And
Your sister doesn't know about the row.
And you don't want her to.
You don't want to see George.
You know, Lena, whatever happened
between you and your brother-in-law,
I really don't need to know.
But, you know, would it, um
Would it be easier if
I came back with you?
- I mean, it's a bit of a trek.
- Why, where is it?
Isle of Wight.
Help!
Two minutes al dente, and don't
put any cream in the sauce.
It's the last thing the boy needs.
- That'll be them.
- Don't look so pleased about it.
It's not a good thing
they're sending him home.
You stay here.
I said stay inside.
- Tell her I'm fine with dogs.
- No, she's talking to my sister.
Lena. Lena!
I knew you'd come. I knew you'd come!
Sorry I didn't let you know earlier.
And you are?
This is my friend
Frances. She drove me down.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Is it all right if she stays?
Yes, of course. Of course.
It's just
I'm afraid
You went too fast!
Well, remember that
the next time you're about to get
yourself suspended from school.
Lena.
Oh, you made it.
I didn't think you
were gonna be able to.
And you've brought a friend.
I'm Frances.
Hello, Frances, I'm George.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you, too.