Waking the Dead (2000) s02e01 Episode Script
Life Sentence: Part 1
Clare Delaney.
What? Are you sure? .
.
Yes, of course.
I'll be there right away.
Agh! SHE SCREAMS Bravo one.
Go ahead, sir VOICES ALL TALK AT ONCE .
.
heard noises from the rear I don't believe it! Wait a minute! Let me handle this.
If there's anything left! Stamping all over my forensics in their size 12s again! Don't upset people.
Where is it? Here, sir.
I took it from her.
She's taken a sleeping pill and gone to bed.
DS Boyd.
That's my ID, Mr Delaney? No, there is no Mr Delaney.
I'm Tim Walker, Clare's friend.
She rang my wife, so I came over.
Has she complained about being stalked before? No, not to me.
Um, there isn't a problem with Thomas Rice, is there? What sort of problem? He hasn't broken out? No, you can relax.
It's nothing to do with Thomas Rice.
If you find anything else, can you leave it where you find it, please? Thank you.
Queen of hearts, lucky in love.
Not where this guy's concerned.
Thomas Edward Rice, born 10 October 1965 Scorpio.
Libra! Thank you.
.
.
in the London borough of Ilford.
Currently in Woolverstone Prison.
Known as the Gambler.
Thomas Rice is an extremely intelligent man.
A computer systems engineer, and abductor and murderer of women.
He admits the abduction of six women and the murder of five.
Cathy Stuart .
.
Philippa Skelton .
.
Mandy Prior, Jane McGuigan .
.
and Tina Holt.
So the only person he abducted but didn't murder was Dr Clare Delaney? That is absolutely correct.
This is the official police video of the raid.
September 1987.
Go through! Clear! BOYD: This is a lock-up off the Pentonville Road.
Clear! I have vision! It was hired out under a false name by Thomas Rice, but that was not known at the time.
Coming through! Contact, contact, contact! All units! Here they go.
Clear! Subject located.
Of the six women that Thomas Rice abducted, only one lived to tell the tale, and she is Clare Delaney.
Oh, here it goes.
The card.
Here's the card.
Thomas Rice sent cards to the Senior Investigating Officer, to taunt him.
Cut the pack, choose a card, decide the victim's fate.
Hence the name The gambler.
Very good.
- Queen of Hearts meant? - She lives.
Do we know what the other cards mean? Death? The queen of hearts was left on Clare Delaney's car.
That's when alarm bells went off.
Because that saved her life? But nobody knew that.
- The public had no idea.
It wasn't revealed, even at trial.
- So we can exclude a lucky guess? I think that someone is involved who had inside knowledge.
Ex-con, friend, relative, prison officer? Copper? You've got someone in mind.
At the time, when Thomas committed these crimes, there was a theory that he wasn't acting alone.
That he had a partner.
Was there any evidence? Nothing.
But certain aspects of the crime would've made it difficult to commit alone.
- Like? - Physical effort involved.
The body was dumped in a field, 450 yards from the nearest road access, over two locked gates and a hedge.
Now that's difficult if you're not built like a brick shithouse.
So, what does Mr Thomas Rice say? That's where you come in.
Interview him in prison with Spence.
Mel and I will talk to Clare Delaney.
OK.
OK, Frankie, what did you get from the card? Two sets of fingerprints.
Hers and Tim Walker's.
Cos he found the card and gave it to me.
Interviewing Thomas won't work if we just ask, "Did you have a partner?" See? They do listen! He's got a plan.
.
.
You always have a plan.
I don't always have a plan.
You do! I don't.
But in this particular case Yeah.
.
.
I do have a plan.
Don't worry.
It's a good plan.
Thomas Rice abducted mainly prostitutes.
He picked them up at truck stops.
Alana Try, Valerie Wright.
Who are they? Both missing since the '80s - prostitutes working the motorways.
Their bodies were never found.
And you think Thomas Rice may have abducted them? It's possible.
The circumstances were too similar for it to be just a coincidence.
They pre-date the Delaney case.
Yes, and no demands were made, no games were played.
Just two women who disappeared off the face of the earth.
But you think Thomas Rice murdered them? Yes, I do.
Oh, I get it.
You want me to go into the prison, interview Thomas Rice about these missing women, and, in the process, extract information about the possibility of a partner.
All without alerting him.
I knew you'd agree.
I haven't agreed.
I'm not a policeman.
If I do do it, it'll be a psychological assessment.
That's fine.
That's absolutely fine.
You may not get what you want.
In fact, you could make things worse.
But he's inside, isn't he? Yeah, but if there is a partner, you could provoke him.
That's a chance I'm prepared to take.
OK, I'll do it.
But I want to take Mel, not Spence.
Why? Thomas Rice abducted women.
I want to watch him react to a woman.
Are you sure? She's a very experienced officer.
It's Thomas Rice we're dealing with.
She can handle it.
OK.
You mentioned the Senior Investigating Officer? DCS Eddie Dixon.
Right.
I need to talk to him He died two years ago.
Ohwhat of? Thomas Rice.
I got a call telling me there was a break-in here.
You know it wasn't the police? An idiot playing tricks.
And the person approaching your car? Logic says the same idiot.
You've no idea who it was? No.
You seem pretty calm about it all.
Now.
Last night you weren't.
It was a difficult moment.
Everyone has them.
Do you want a police guard? No.
Look, I had six weeks of terror.
I won't let it dominate my life.
I need to ask you about Thomas Rice.
Thomas is in prison.
I still need to ask you.
Memory fades.
As if to say, "Is it necessary?" Yes.
I'm investigating other murders that Rice might've committed.
Women who weren't as lucky as you.
It wasn't luck.
Tell me how it wasn't luck.
I have a rule.
I don't allow him here.
We're walking again.
First time in a prison? No.
But? I was wondering why they keep him in prison as opposed to a hospital.
He's considered untreatable.
So he's mad? We try to avoid loaded language like "mad".
How else would you describe a person who kills women for fun? This is the special unit, where we keep serious offenders.
The lifers? Yeah, to try to minimise trouble.
No officer serves more than three months here, then they move on.
Thomas Rice is highly manipulative.
He exploits weaker personalities.
How does he do it? He gets them to take part in his fantasies.
Like? Some cons can't read and write.
Thomas writes their letters for them, so they adore him and listen to him.
But what does Thomas say? Nothing useful.
Mostly self-aggrandisement.
He thinks he is a man of authority, and he gets the cons to share this.
What's with the soft lighting and pretty colours? Our work in this unit is less to do with punishment and more to do with management.
What do you mean? These prisoners will never come out.
Dermot, you could have knocked.
Sorry.
How rude of me.
Thomas Rice.
Pleased to meet you.
Dr Grace Foley.
You must be an academic, too? DC Silver, Cold Case Squad.
I'd never have taken you for that.
Do you mind if I continue? The times where I have the art room to myself are strictly limited.
No, carry on.
Why do we have to talk here? Let's start off frank.
I feel uncomfortable having this conversation.
But this room is my territory.
In fact, it's the only territory I have left.
So if we talk at allwe talk here.
Unless the Detective Constable wants to arrest me.
How long have you been here? The special unit? Four years.
They treat you well? They do.
The room service lacks style.
What did you expect? I'm lucky they didn't string me up, Detective Constable.
Call her Mel.
And me Grace.
OK.
Mel.
Grace.
Before we start, will you sign my book? What book? These are my lady friends.
Women who have written to me since my arrest.
I'm on first-name terms with them all.
In fact, this one, Hilary, wants to marry me.
Imagine.
Let's get on with it, shall we? The time is 10.
20am on Monday 19th of November.
This is an interview in Woolverstone Prison with Thomas Rice.
Present are Thomas Rice, the prisoner.
DC Silver.
Dr Grace Foley.
Dermot Sullivan, prison psychology service.
You know you can have a lawyer present? It's fine, Mel.
I don't want a lawyer.
I'm an open book now.
I've confessed my sins, and I'm not looking for forgiveness.
At least in this life.
You killed women.
That's why you're here.
Yes.
Dr Wharton? Mm-hm? This is for you.
From the evidence store.
Hang on, I asked for everything on Regina versus Thomas Edward Rice.
Is this it? Um, no.
So your mother died when you were were 14? Yes.
What did they die of? My mother had cancer in her private parts.
My father put his head in a gas oven 18 months after she died.
Would you say your parents' deaths somehow led you here? What do you think I should say, Mel? The truth, of course.
Of course.
No.
I am not here because of what my parents did.
I'm here because of what I did.
Mea culpa - all my fault.
I understand that.
What do you think you missed, losing your parents at an early age? What sort of thing do you mean? You know - money, support, physical contact.
All and none of the above.
Usually, when someone dies, we miss their physical touch.
I was not aware of it.
Oh.
How long after your mother's death did you first abduct a woman? Imagine me as a young man.
At 20, I was ill.
I needed help.
That's when it started, 20.
You'd be 20 in 1985.
Clare Delaney was abducted in 1987.
That's a two-year gap.
I meant when I first stepped onto this path.
So when did you first abduct a woman? It was Clare Delaney! She was the first? Yes.
That was in? You know the dates.
Dermot says I have to admit my guilt to myself.
I can do that.
But I keep being driven back to the same thing.
I was ill.
What sane man could have done those things? You needed a doctor.
I found one.
Catherine Stuart.
Tina Holt.
BOYD: This way.
Another prisoner has entered the room.
William Pardy, bearing lunch.
He's in for murdering his cousin.
When arrested, he took a policeman hostage.
Three days with a knife at his throat.
.
.
Thank you, William.
DOOR CLOSES The prisoner has left the room.
Do you mind? It'll get cold.
No, you carry on.
I'm producing a photograph of Valerie Wright, and showing it to Thomas.
Do you recognise her? Could be anyone.
Her name's Valerie Wright.
She was a prostitute.
She went out to work one night in1985 and didn't come back.
Professional hazard for them.
Do you know her? No.
It would mean a great deal to Valerie's family if this matter could be settled.
I'm showing Thomas another photo.
It's of Alana Try.
Alana was 22 when she disappeared.
A year after Valerie.
Did you abduct her? Was there a card? I was known as the Gambler.
If I'd done it, there would've been a card.
That was my thing - the card.
I was 21, studying medicine, and I was in love with another student, Tim Walker.
I met him at your house.
Yes, that's right.
We were engaged to be married once, but things changed, and he married someone else.
They're very supportive.
I was just about to do my clinical training.
Tim had a place at an American business school.
He wanted me to go to Boston with him, but I refused.
We had a stand-up row at a student ball.
The row continued on the way home.
Stop the car! I'm getting out! Clare! ENGINE REVS Tim! Tim! 'I was so angry, I didn't notice him watching me.
'But he must have been there all the time.
' You must have a telephone! We haven't.
DOOR CLOSES Coffee, please.
.
.
Do you need a lift? No, I'm expecting someone.
The chap you had a row with? He'll be back.
It didn't look like it.
Sorry, I don't mean to be rude.
Are you sure about the lift? No, I'm going to walk.
I don't live far.
I don't mind going out of my way a bit.
No, it's fine.
Thanks.
'The van passed me.
I didn't know it was him.
'Then it stopped, and he got out.
Which side?' Driver's side or passenger's side? I can't be sure.
Try.
He walked towards me from the passenger side.
He only took a few paces.
SHE SCREAMS MUFFLED SCREAMS 'He was too strong for me.
' He tied me up, he gagged me He put my head in a sack.
'Why did he put a sack over your head? 'You'd already seen him.
' Well, I don't know.
I suppose it was so I couldn't see where we were going.
Was there somebody else there? Somebody he didn't want you to see? No.
Are you sure? Yes.
Then what? I woke up, um It was cold.
ROAR OF A TRAIN I could hear a train.
SHE SOBS I want you to write a letter.
OUT OF BREATH: I'm thirsty.
I need some water.
After.
Write the letter first.
'After I wrote the letter, he let me go to the bathroom.
'I tried to make a plan, but I couldn't think straight.
' Come on.
Don't take all day! 'I knew he was going to kill me.
' TRAIN ROARS Did you ever get the sense that someone had been there before you? That he'd done it before? No.
No, I didn't.
Thomas Rice let you go, didn't he? That's right.
You're the only one he let go.
Do you have any idea why? No.
You got him to see things your way.
Yes.
Maybe he believed you came to see things his way.
.
.
They're not exclusive.
Did you have sex with him? Did you have sex with Thomas Rice? What makes you ask that? The defence suggested it at his trial.
Before he changed his plea.
I gave a statement saying I hadn't.
I never complained about rape.
This conversation is entirely confidential, Dr Delaney.
It's not a statement.
It's justme.
It's just me.
I'm trying to understand.
I just wanted to be free.
SHE SCREAMS DC Johnston will take you home, Doctor.
Goodbye.
DID she have sex with him? Do you think she did? You seem to think so.
What do you mean? You treated her like a suspect! It was just a routine chat.
And the van? If he was in the passenger side, he obviously had a driver with him.
She wasn't sure.
But she didn't exclude it.
Thomas.
How are you? I'm planning a holiday in Tenerife(!) Come on, Phil, I'm fine.
I thought the visit was meant to cheer me up.
I come here for your father and mother.
How's Mrs Bryant? Fine.
And the family? I spend a great deal of time reading the New Testament.
Pray for absolution, Thomas.
I do.
No-one in THIS world can forgive me.
I made something for Mrs Bryant.
He knows what's in all our hearts.
Take it.
I know Mrs Bryant would like it.
And don't worry about me, Phil.
Only my body is here.
I was lost .
.
but now I'm saved.
Shall we pray? I'd like that.
How did it go? Oh, well, he is one very egotistical young man.
He meets the world through flattery and charm and he's decided to turn it all onto Mel.
Is that a problem? Being locked up with a psychopath? It's the partner we want, remember.
Have you met him? He sees clever women as a challenge to his virility and he's got his eye on Mel.
Understandable.
Now he's started pursuing her, he won't want to break it off.
Maybe.
He'd reveal a great deal in pursuing you, Mel.
He'd try and bribe you with bits of information about Alana and Valerie.
We could get leverage on him and he'd tell us who his partner was.
You're confident? Oh, yes.
He is so vain, he will.
What do you think, Mel? What would I have to do? Interview him - alone - following a script by me.
Not lead him along? Oh, no.
You naturally hold his interest.
Hold on, can I get this straight? - You'd use Mel as a honey-trap - An interview, not a honey-trap.
She doesn't have to FLIRT with him.
- He's in prison! - Mel? It's fine, Spence.
- All right.
- That's OK.
That's enough, eh? .
.
Frankie, it's your turn.
Thank you.
Right, I began by concentrating on materials collected when Clare was recovered.
I was looking for a second man's DNA, but I didn't expect a breakthrough on the case of Valerie Wright.
This shoe was recovered from the railway arch where Clare was held in 1987.
It was examined then, but it gave no clue as to its owner.
I, however, have detected some of Thomas Rice's DNA in there and Do you want to come and look at this? .
.
and this DNA which belongs to the owner of the shoe.
THIS DNA was on the national DNA database under the name of Valerie Wright in 1996.
So she committed an indictable offence? No.
Ever since the database began, it's carried stains from unsolved crimes.
Some enterprising policemen even added DNA samples from people who'd disappeared in suspicious circumstances.
This sample was registered by the thoughtful and percipient Detective Sergeant Peter Boyd.
Mm.
MACHINE ROARS Paul.
All right? SWITCHES MACHINE OFF You've been to see him again, haven't you? I do it for the Lord.
What's that? He gave it me.
Done by his own hand.
That is for your mother.
I'm seeing her this afternoon.
As far as we're concerned, Thomas Rice is dead.
Your visiting him is a tribute to you and your religious belief, but we don't need anything from him.
And Mum certainly doesn't.
I still don't understand why you didn't tell us.
I was the DS on the Clare Delaney case.
I was analysing statements, and then I realised that Clare couldn't be the first victim.
Why? Because of the rehearsal factor.
He hired a lock-up in a false name, prepared for her captivity and contacted the police.
But he had to start somewhere! Not necessarily.
Human behaviour goes from the less complicated towards the more complicated.
You think he committed an abduction before Clare? Where's the evidence? That's the theory.
I came up with two more victims.
You took this to your boss? No.
No! Eddie Dixon couldn't deal with the case he already had.
Rice had put him under such pressure, he'd finished him off.
"Choose a card" So what happened? I cut the pack.
I chose the card.
YOU chose the card? Eddie couldn't.
So you gambled, saved the girl.
I gambled and won.
She was released.
Hero of the day(!) No, I was shipped off to Regional Crime.
Because you challenged your boss? You think five women died because you were off the case? You're trying to get one over on a dead copper? That's I knew you'd think that! We do! So what is the truth? I just want to find out who was stalking Clare Delaney and why.
Thomas's partner.
We don't know if he had one.
Look! Clare claims she never saw anyone when she was with Thomas.
Maybe you were right 15 years ago, but whoever stuck the card on Clare's car could be a random nutter.
You're making the connections.
It's in your head, not out there.
Whoever put the card on Clare's windscreen has knowledge of Rice's methods.
That's the connection.
It's not in my head.
All right? PHONE RINGS Hello.
I want you to do something for me.
GIRL: Can I have a cup of tea, please, and a ham roll? Hello.
All right, darlin'? How's it going? Fine, thank you.
Mayayou know you can't It's all right.
I'll eat it outside.
Hello, love! MUFFLED SCREAMS DOOR OPENS I thought I'd cut your hedge back.
Oh, thanks.
You know where the tools are.
What are you doing? I'm going to go and see him.
Why? I don't know.
The card, the police, everything.
He's in prison.
He can't hurt you any more.
I know.
I just need to remind myself.
I'll drive you.
No.
At least let me pick you up afterwards.
Tim, it's not your fault.
It never was.
This has been in storage since '95? Yeah.
And we're looking for? Well, stuff they wouldn't have discovered six years ago.
But you will? That's what Boyd wants.
Let's go.
DISTRESSED MOANS I knew you'd come .
.
eventually.
How did you KNOW? I knew our secret would fetch you.
I share no secret with you.
Oh, come on, Clare.
Admit it, at least to yourself.
I know you.
I know what you're like.
I know you intimately.
How dare you! I knew you'd come.
I came to see you here where you belong - caged with the other bloody murderers.
Oh, Clare, I've missed you.
That's why I wrote.
I wanted to see you.
You'll be here until you die.
There's only you for me, really.
And me for you.
In here until you die.
If that's true .
.
we're doing life together.
And you'll be wanting me all that time.
You've never married.
You didn't mean that.
That's not Clare Delaney.
Someone's pressuring you.
Is it the police? BANGING ON VENDING MACHINE Come on! All set for tomorrow? Yeah.
Watch yourself in there, yeah? Spence, I don't need anyone to look out for me.
I'm a big girl now.
Yeah, and Thomas Rice is a cunning bastard.
I can handle it.
LookI'm not against taking risks.
That's our job.
I just don't feel Boyd's got enough evidence in this case.
When's he ever? She's fine.
I'll just make sure everything's locked up, then I'll come home.
Bye, darling.
I love you too.
TRAIN RUMBLES PAST Well? I thought it would make me feel stronger.
And did it? It made me feel angry.
Is that the same thing? I can stay if you want me to.
No.
No, no, it's fine.
Right.
I'm going to check your locks and windows, then I'm going home.
OK? OK.
You're a good friend, Tim.
I don't know what I'd do without you.
Can you hear me, Mel? Loud and clear.
Be careful.
Now she tells me! Good morning, Detective Constable Silver.
Good morning.
Are you injured? I fell over.
I'm fine.
You fit to talk? Yes.
Do you want to see a doctor or? No.
OK.
I wanted to start by asking you, um, do you remember what you were doing for a job in 1985? I was a computer programmer.
In 1985, I was working all over the country, installing a project.
You must have spent a lot of time on the road.
Must have been lonely.
Did you ever take anyone with you for company? It was a long time ago.
Are you saying you've forgotten? Where were you Don't answer, Mel.
Move on.
Hi.
Hi.
Want to give us a hand? No, not really.
Pity.
What have we got? Boyd, there were five women murdered for sure, plus two suspected, plus the one abducted but not murdered.
I have to examine EVERYTHING.
Do you know how many tests that is? Dozens.
Hundreds.
Sorry.
Also, over Sorry about that too.
And there's DNA of innocent people who came in contact with materials.
Detective Sergeants and so on.
So you've got nothing for me? Did I say that? Not in so many words, Frankie, but OK.
This is from inside the van, from inside the chain fetters.
This comes from the blanket that Clare Delaney was wrapped in.
And it belongs to? It's alien male DNA.
It's none of the policemen.
Could just be an innocent contact? Yeah But it's not very likely? Say it was a mechanic who'd worked on the van.
How did his DNA get into the lock-up? Or someone who visited the lock-up.
Why is his DNA in the van? Is this Thomas Rice's partner? There was someone in the van.
He was white, male, and we've yet to account for him.
I need to see Thomas Rice, don't I? Thanks, Frankie.
Thank you.
Oh, steady on! Does the name Valerie Wright mean anything to you? You know it does.
I have been accused of killing her.
I didn't, of course.
Can we just be clear? You've never had any contact with Valerie Wright? Mel, why does the way you're asking that make me feel like there's a big yawning pit in front of me? Simple question.
Either you have or you haven't.
You know, Mel, you played me false.
What kind of friend are you? What do you mean? You've been talking to Clare Delaney.
Frightening her.
I've never met Clare Delaney.
Then your boss! The man who sent you here.
What's his name? Don't answer.
Move on.
Valerie Wright was a prostitute who left home on 14th January 1985 and hasn't been seen since.
And you have convinced yourself I had lied.
You are wrong, Mel.
I was lost but now I'm saved.
I know right from wrong.
Those women shouldn't have died.
Can we just stick to Valerie for now? What's his name, this new policeman who has set himself against me? What's he doing? I can't see.
No problem.
There's another camera.
Do you think two men pitted against each other can become close? I expect so.
What about a man and a woman? Again, don't answer.
Move on.
Can we exclude Valerie? Could we say you had nothing to do with the murder of Valerie Wright? Valerie? Yes.
Let's stick to Valerie.
I have information about Valerie.
Tea.
Ah, see? We too can be civilised.
About Valerie I don't like the look of this.
Wait! He's about to say something.
I'll whisper it to Meland Grace.
This isn't right! Mel! Mel! Open up! It's Thomas.
What's going on? It's Mel! Thomas, no! Who's the prisoner now? Accidents can happen.
It could break! Put it down! Agh! Put it down! Agh! Jesus Christ, let go! Agh! Ah! All right, relax.
Relax! You want to know where Valerie is, I'll show you.
The address will do.
Do I know you? Detective Superintendent Boyd.
Think you're cleverer than Eddie Dixon, do you? If you've got something to say, go ahead.
You shouldn't have put Mel at risk.
She can look after herself.
I should've done it.
You're not as attractive.
Any money? It's not working.
It was a honey-trap.
Grow up! Grow up? Or don't challenge you? Don't challenge me.
Doesn't look good in a DS, does it? Spence, I had to cut the pack and gamble with someone's life.
Pray to God that never happens to you! Spence I was there with Mel.
I could have stepped in, but I didn't because I thought we were getting somewhere.
Now, if anyone's to blame, it's me.
Right, are we off, then? The colour of the earth has changed.
They're into another layer.
It might just be another of Thomas's wind-ups.
Just give it a while.
Stop! MAN: Whoa! Boyd! OK, that looks to me like a human thigh bone.
But is it Valerie's thigh bone? It was where Thomas said we'd find her.
Oh, hello.
It's Valerie.
You've just solved a 15-year-old disappearance! But we're no nearer finding Thomas's partner.
Boyd, we're a little bit nearer! What would it take to make you happy? Finding the stalker.
You're still convinced it's the same person? You're not? I have an open mind.
When did this arrive? It came by courier.
I can't be accused of not having an open mind! Why is he doing this? Why is he suddenly telling us the truth? "Publish your card in Thursday's Standard, Boyd.
"Cut the pack, save the girl.
" Oh, my God.
What? Are you sure? .
.
Yes, of course.
I'll be there right away.
Agh! SHE SCREAMS Bravo one.
Go ahead, sir VOICES ALL TALK AT ONCE .
.
heard noises from the rear I don't believe it! Wait a minute! Let me handle this.
If there's anything left! Stamping all over my forensics in their size 12s again! Don't upset people.
Where is it? Here, sir.
I took it from her.
She's taken a sleeping pill and gone to bed.
DS Boyd.
That's my ID, Mr Delaney? No, there is no Mr Delaney.
I'm Tim Walker, Clare's friend.
She rang my wife, so I came over.
Has she complained about being stalked before? No, not to me.
Um, there isn't a problem with Thomas Rice, is there? What sort of problem? He hasn't broken out? No, you can relax.
It's nothing to do with Thomas Rice.
If you find anything else, can you leave it where you find it, please? Thank you.
Queen of hearts, lucky in love.
Not where this guy's concerned.
Thomas Edward Rice, born 10 October 1965 Scorpio.
Libra! Thank you.
.
.
in the London borough of Ilford.
Currently in Woolverstone Prison.
Known as the Gambler.
Thomas Rice is an extremely intelligent man.
A computer systems engineer, and abductor and murderer of women.
He admits the abduction of six women and the murder of five.
Cathy Stuart .
.
Philippa Skelton .
.
Mandy Prior, Jane McGuigan .
.
and Tina Holt.
So the only person he abducted but didn't murder was Dr Clare Delaney? That is absolutely correct.
This is the official police video of the raid.
September 1987.
Go through! Clear! BOYD: This is a lock-up off the Pentonville Road.
Clear! I have vision! It was hired out under a false name by Thomas Rice, but that was not known at the time.
Coming through! Contact, contact, contact! All units! Here they go.
Clear! Subject located.
Of the six women that Thomas Rice abducted, only one lived to tell the tale, and she is Clare Delaney.
Oh, here it goes.
The card.
Here's the card.
Thomas Rice sent cards to the Senior Investigating Officer, to taunt him.
Cut the pack, choose a card, decide the victim's fate.
Hence the name The gambler.
Very good.
- Queen of Hearts meant? - She lives.
Do we know what the other cards mean? Death? The queen of hearts was left on Clare Delaney's car.
That's when alarm bells went off.
Because that saved her life? But nobody knew that.
- The public had no idea.
It wasn't revealed, even at trial.
- So we can exclude a lucky guess? I think that someone is involved who had inside knowledge.
Ex-con, friend, relative, prison officer? Copper? You've got someone in mind.
At the time, when Thomas committed these crimes, there was a theory that he wasn't acting alone.
That he had a partner.
Was there any evidence? Nothing.
But certain aspects of the crime would've made it difficult to commit alone.
- Like? - Physical effort involved.
The body was dumped in a field, 450 yards from the nearest road access, over two locked gates and a hedge.
Now that's difficult if you're not built like a brick shithouse.
So, what does Mr Thomas Rice say? That's where you come in.
Interview him in prison with Spence.
Mel and I will talk to Clare Delaney.
OK.
OK, Frankie, what did you get from the card? Two sets of fingerprints.
Hers and Tim Walker's.
Cos he found the card and gave it to me.
Interviewing Thomas won't work if we just ask, "Did you have a partner?" See? They do listen! He's got a plan.
.
.
You always have a plan.
I don't always have a plan.
You do! I don't.
But in this particular case Yeah.
.
.
I do have a plan.
Don't worry.
It's a good plan.
Thomas Rice abducted mainly prostitutes.
He picked them up at truck stops.
Alana Try, Valerie Wright.
Who are they? Both missing since the '80s - prostitutes working the motorways.
Their bodies were never found.
And you think Thomas Rice may have abducted them? It's possible.
The circumstances were too similar for it to be just a coincidence.
They pre-date the Delaney case.
Yes, and no demands were made, no games were played.
Just two women who disappeared off the face of the earth.
But you think Thomas Rice murdered them? Yes, I do.
Oh, I get it.
You want me to go into the prison, interview Thomas Rice about these missing women, and, in the process, extract information about the possibility of a partner.
All without alerting him.
I knew you'd agree.
I haven't agreed.
I'm not a policeman.
If I do do it, it'll be a psychological assessment.
That's fine.
That's absolutely fine.
You may not get what you want.
In fact, you could make things worse.
But he's inside, isn't he? Yeah, but if there is a partner, you could provoke him.
That's a chance I'm prepared to take.
OK, I'll do it.
But I want to take Mel, not Spence.
Why? Thomas Rice abducted women.
I want to watch him react to a woman.
Are you sure? She's a very experienced officer.
It's Thomas Rice we're dealing with.
She can handle it.
OK.
You mentioned the Senior Investigating Officer? DCS Eddie Dixon.
Right.
I need to talk to him He died two years ago.
Ohwhat of? Thomas Rice.
I got a call telling me there was a break-in here.
You know it wasn't the police? An idiot playing tricks.
And the person approaching your car? Logic says the same idiot.
You've no idea who it was? No.
You seem pretty calm about it all.
Now.
Last night you weren't.
It was a difficult moment.
Everyone has them.
Do you want a police guard? No.
Look, I had six weeks of terror.
I won't let it dominate my life.
I need to ask you about Thomas Rice.
Thomas is in prison.
I still need to ask you.
Memory fades.
As if to say, "Is it necessary?" Yes.
I'm investigating other murders that Rice might've committed.
Women who weren't as lucky as you.
It wasn't luck.
Tell me how it wasn't luck.
I have a rule.
I don't allow him here.
We're walking again.
First time in a prison? No.
But? I was wondering why they keep him in prison as opposed to a hospital.
He's considered untreatable.
So he's mad? We try to avoid loaded language like "mad".
How else would you describe a person who kills women for fun? This is the special unit, where we keep serious offenders.
The lifers? Yeah, to try to minimise trouble.
No officer serves more than three months here, then they move on.
Thomas Rice is highly manipulative.
He exploits weaker personalities.
How does he do it? He gets them to take part in his fantasies.
Like? Some cons can't read and write.
Thomas writes their letters for them, so they adore him and listen to him.
But what does Thomas say? Nothing useful.
Mostly self-aggrandisement.
He thinks he is a man of authority, and he gets the cons to share this.
What's with the soft lighting and pretty colours? Our work in this unit is less to do with punishment and more to do with management.
What do you mean? These prisoners will never come out.
Dermot, you could have knocked.
Sorry.
How rude of me.
Thomas Rice.
Pleased to meet you.
Dr Grace Foley.
You must be an academic, too? DC Silver, Cold Case Squad.
I'd never have taken you for that.
Do you mind if I continue? The times where I have the art room to myself are strictly limited.
No, carry on.
Why do we have to talk here? Let's start off frank.
I feel uncomfortable having this conversation.
But this room is my territory.
In fact, it's the only territory I have left.
So if we talk at allwe talk here.
Unless the Detective Constable wants to arrest me.
How long have you been here? The special unit? Four years.
They treat you well? They do.
The room service lacks style.
What did you expect? I'm lucky they didn't string me up, Detective Constable.
Call her Mel.
And me Grace.
OK.
Mel.
Grace.
Before we start, will you sign my book? What book? These are my lady friends.
Women who have written to me since my arrest.
I'm on first-name terms with them all.
In fact, this one, Hilary, wants to marry me.
Imagine.
Let's get on with it, shall we? The time is 10.
20am on Monday 19th of November.
This is an interview in Woolverstone Prison with Thomas Rice.
Present are Thomas Rice, the prisoner.
DC Silver.
Dr Grace Foley.
Dermot Sullivan, prison psychology service.
You know you can have a lawyer present? It's fine, Mel.
I don't want a lawyer.
I'm an open book now.
I've confessed my sins, and I'm not looking for forgiveness.
At least in this life.
You killed women.
That's why you're here.
Yes.
Dr Wharton? Mm-hm? This is for you.
From the evidence store.
Hang on, I asked for everything on Regina versus Thomas Edward Rice.
Is this it? Um, no.
So your mother died when you were were 14? Yes.
What did they die of? My mother had cancer in her private parts.
My father put his head in a gas oven 18 months after she died.
Would you say your parents' deaths somehow led you here? What do you think I should say, Mel? The truth, of course.
Of course.
No.
I am not here because of what my parents did.
I'm here because of what I did.
Mea culpa - all my fault.
I understand that.
What do you think you missed, losing your parents at an early age? What sort of thing do you mean? You know - money, support, physical contact.
All and none of the above.
Usually, when someone dies, we miss their physical touch.
I was not aware of it.
Oh.
How long after your mother's death did you first abduct a woman? Imagine me as a young man.
At 20, I was ill.
I needed help.
That's when it started, 20.
You'd be 20 in 1985.
Clare Delaney was abducted in 1987.
That's a two-year gap.
I meant when I first stepped onto this path.
So when did you first abduct a woman? It was Clare Delaney! She was the first? Yes.
That was in? You know the dates.
Dermot says I have to admit my guilt to myself.
I can do that.
But I keep being driven back to the same thing.
I was ill.
What sane man could have done those things? You needed a doctor.
I found one.
Catherine Stuart.
Tina Holt.
BOYD: This way.
Another prisoner has entered the room.
William Pardy, bearing lunch.
He's in for murdering his cousin.
When arrested, he took a policeman hostage.
Three days with a knife at his throat.
.
.
Thank you, William.
DOOR CLOSES The prisoner has left the room.
Do you mind? It'll get cold.
No, you carry on.
I'm producing a photograph of Valerie Wright, and showing it to Thomas.
Do you recognise her? Could be anyone.
Her name's Valerie Wright.
She was a prostitute.
She went out to work one night in1985 and didn't come back.
Professional hazard for them.
Do you know her? No.
It would mean a great deal to Valerie's family if this matter could be settled.
I'm showing Thomas another photo.
It's of Alana Try.
Alana was 22 when she disappeared.
A year after Valerie.
Did you abduct her? Was there a card? I was known as the Gambler.
If I'd done it, there would've been a card.
That was my thing - the card.
I was 21, studying medicine, and I was in love with another student, Tim Walker.
I met him at your house.
Yes, that's right.
We were engaged to be married once, but things changed, and he married someone else.
They're very supportive.
I was just about to do my clinical training.
Tim had a place at an American business school.
He wanted me to go to Boston with him, but I refused.
We had a stand-up row at a student ball.
The row continued on the way home.
Stop the car! I'm getting out! Clare! ENGINE REVS Tim! Tim! 'I was so angry, I didn't notice him watching me.
'But he must have been there all the time.
' You must have a telephone! We haven't.
DOOR CLOSES Coffee, please.
.
.
Do you need a lift? No, I'm expecting someone.
The chap you had a row with? He'll be back.
It didn't look like it.
Sorry, I don't mean to be rude.
Are you sure about the lift? No, I'm going to walk.
I don't live far.
I don't mind going out of my way a bit.
No, it's fine.
Thanks.
'The van passed me.
I didn't know it was him.
'Then it stopped, and he got out.
Which side?' Driver's side or passenger's side? I can't be sure.
Try.
He walked towards me from the passenger side.
He only took a few paces.
SHE SCREAMS MUFFLED SCREAMS 'He was too strong for me.
' He tied me up, he gagged me He put my head in a sack.
'Why did he put a sack over your head? 'You'd already seen him.
' Well, I don't know.
I suppose it was so I couldn't see where we were going.
Was there somebody else there? Somebody he didn't want you to see? No.
Are you sure? Yes.
Then what? I woke up, um It was cold.
ROAR OF A TRAIN I could hear a train.
SHE SOBS I want you to write a letter.
OUT OF BREATH: I'm thirsty.
I need some water.
After.
Write the letter first.
'After I wrote the letter, he let me go to the bathroom.
'I tried to make a plan, but I couldn't think straight.
' Come on.
Don't take all day! 'I knew he was going to kill me.
' TRAIN ROARS Did you ever get the sense that someone had been there before you? That he'd done it before? No.
No, I didn't.
Thomas Rice let you go, didn't he? That's right.
You're the only one he let go.
Do you have any idea why? No.
You got him to see things your way.
Yes.
Maybe he believed you came to see things his way.
.
.
They're not exclusive.
Did you have sex with him? Did you have sex with Thomas Rice? What makes you ask that? The defence suggested it at his trial.
Before he changed his plea.
I gave a statement saying I hadn't.
I never complained about rape.
This conversation is entirely confidential, Dr Delaney.
It's not a statement.
It's justme.
It's just me.
I'm trying to understand.
I just wanted to be free.
SHE SCREAMS DC Johnston will take you home, Doctor.
Goodbye.
DID she have sex with him? Do you think she did? You seem to think so.
What do you mean? You treated her like a suspect! It was just a routine chat.
And the van? If he was in the passenger side, he obviously had a driver with him.
She wasn't sure.
But she didn't exclude it.
Thomas.
How are you? I'm planning a holiday in Tenerife(!) Come on, Phil, I'm fine.
I thought the visit was meant to cheer me up.
I come here for your father and mother.
How's Mrs Bryant? Fine.
And the family? I spend a great deal of time reading the New Testament.
Pray for absolution, Thomas.
I do.
No-one in THIS world can forgive me.
I made something for Mrs Bryant.
He knows what's in all our hearts.
Take it.
I know Mrs Bryant would like it.
And don't worry about me, Phil.
Only my body is here.
I was lost .
.
but now I'm saved.
Shall we pray? I'd like that.
How did it go? Oh, well, he is one very egotistical young man.
He meets the world through flattery and charm and he's decided to turn it all onto Mel.
Is that a problem? Being locked up with a psychopath? It's the partner we want, remember.
Have you met him? He sees clever women as a challenge to his virility and he's got his eye on Mel.
Understandable.
Now he's started pursuing her, he won't want to break it off.
Maybe.
He'd reveal a great deal in pursuing you, Mel.
He'd try and bribe you with bits of information about Alana and Valerie.
We could get leverage on him and he'd tell us who his partner was.
You're confident? Oh, yes.
He is so vain, he will.
What do you think, Mel? What would I have to do? Interview him - alone - following a script by me.
Not lead him along? Oh, no.
You naturally hold his interest.
Hold on, can I get this straight? - You'd use Mel as a honey-trap - An interview, not a honey-trap.
She doesn't have to FLIRT with him.
- He's in prison! - Mel? It's fine, Spence.
- All right.
- That's OK.
That's enough, eh? .
.
Frankie, it's your turn.
Thank you.
Right, I began by concentrating on materials collected when Clare was recovered.
I was looking for a second man's DNA, but I didn't expect a breakthrough on the case of Valerie Wright.
This shoe was recovered from the railway arch where Clare was held in 1987.
It was examined then, but it gave no clue as to its owner.
I, however, have detected some of Thomas Rice's DNA in there and Do you want to come and look at this? .
.
and this DNA which belongs to the owner of the shoe.
THIS DNA was on the national DNA database under the name of Valerie Wright in 1996.
So she committed an indictable offence? No.
Ever since the database began, it's carried stains from unsolved crimes.
Some enterprising policemen even added DNA samples from people who'd disappeared in suspicious circumstances.
This sample was registered by the thoughtful and percipient Detective Sergeant Peter Boyd.
Mm.
MACHINE ROARS Paul.
All right? SWITCHES MACHINE OFF You've been to see him again, haven't you? I do it for the Lord.
What's that? He gave it me.
Done by his own hand.
That is for your mother.
I'm seeing her this afternoon.
As far as we're concerned, Thomas Rice is dead.
Your visiting him is a tribute to you and your religious belief, but we don't need anything from him.
And Mum certainly doesn't.
I still don't understand why you didn't tell us.
I was the DS on the Clare Delaney case.
I was analysing statements, and then I realised that Clare couldn't be the first victim.
Why? Because of the rehearsal factor.
He hired a lock-up in a false name, prepared for her captivity and contacted the police.
But he had to start somewhere! Not necessarily.
Human behaviour goes from the less complicated towards the more complicated.
You think he committed an abduction before Clare? Where's the evidence? That's the theory.
I came up with two more victims.
You took this to your boss? No.
No! Eddie Dixon couldn't deal with the case he already had.
Rice had put him under such pressure, he'd finished him off.
"Choose a card" So what happened? I cut the pack.
I chose the card.
YOU chose the card? Eddie couldn't.
So you gambled, saved the girl.
I gambled and won.
She was released.
Hero of the day(!) No, I was shipped off to Regional Crime.
Because you challenged your boss? You think five women died because you were off the case? You're trying to get one over on a dead copper? That's I knew you'd think that! We do! So what is the truth? I just want to find out who was stalking Clare Delaney and why.
Thomas's partner.
We don't know if he had one.
Look! Clare claims she never saw anyone when she was with Thomas.
Maybe you were right 15 years ago, but whoever stuck the card on Clare's car could be a random nutter.
You're making the connections.
It's in your head, not out there.
Whoever put the card on Clare's windscreen has knowledge of Rice's methods.
That's the connection.
It's not in my head.
All right? PHONE RINGS Hello.
I want you to do something for me.
GIRL: Can I have a cup of tea, please, and a ham roll? Hello.
All right, darlin'? How's it going? Fine, thank you.
Mayayou know you can't It's all right.
I'll eat it outside.
Hello, love! MUFFLED SCREAMS DOOR OPENS I thought I'd cut your hedge back.
Oh, thanks.
You know where the tools are.
What are you doing? I'm going to go and see him.
Why? I don't know.
The card, the police, everything.
He's in prison.
He can't hurt you any more.
I know.
I just need to remind myself.
I'll drive you.
No.
At least let me pick you up afterwards.
Tim, it's not your fault.
It never was.
This has been in storage since '95? Yeah.
And we're looking for? Well, stuff they wouldn't have discovered six years ago.
But you will? That's what Boyd wants.
Let's go.
DISTRESSED MOANS I knew you'd come .
.
eventually.
How did you KNOW? I knew our secret would fetch you.
I share no secret with you.
Oh, come on, Clare.
Admit it, at least to yourself.
I know you.
I know what you're like.
I know you intimately.
How dare you! I knew you'd come.
I came to see you here where you belong - caged with the other bloody murderers.
Oh, Clare, I've missed you.
That's why I wrote.
I wanted to see you.
You'll be here until you die.
There's only you for me, really.
And me for you.
In here until you die.
If that's true .
.
we're doing life together.
And you'll be wanting me all that time.
You've never married.
You didn't mean that.
That's not Clare Delaney.
Someone's pressuring you.
Is it the police? BANGING ON VENDING MACHINE Come on! All set for tomorrow? Yeah.
Watch yourself in there, yeah? Spence, I don't need anyone to look out for me.
I'm a big girl now.
Yeah, and Thomas Rice is a cunning bastard.
I can handle it.
LookI'm not against taking risks.
That's our job.
I just don't feel Boyd's got enough evidence in this case.
When's he ever? She's fine.
I'll just make sure everything's locked up, then I'll come home.
Bye, darling.
I love you too.
TRAIN RUMBLES PAST Well? I thought it would make me feel stronger.
And did it? It made me feel angry.
Is that the same thing? I can stay if you want me to.
No.
No, no, it's fine.
Right.
I'm going to check your locks and windows, then I'm going home.
OK? OK.
You're a good friend, Tim.
I don't know what I'd do without you.
Can you hear me, Mel? Loud and clear.
Be careful.
Now she tells me! Good morning, Detective Constable Silver.
Good morning.
Are you injured? I fell over.
I'm fine.
You fit to talk? Yes.
Do you want to see a doctor or? No.
OK.
I wanted to start by asking you, um, do you remember what you were doing for a job in 1985? I was a computer programmer.
In 1985, I was working all over the country, installing a project.
You must have spent a lot of time on the road.
Must have been lonely.
Did you ever take anyone with you for company? It was a long time ago.
Are you saying you've forgotten? Where were you Don't answer, Mel.
Move on.
Hi.
Hi.
Want to give us a hand? No, not really.
Pity.
What have we got? Boyd, there were five women murdered for sure, plus two suspected, plus the one abducted but not murdered.
I have to examine EVERYTHING.
Do you know how many tests that is? Dozens.
Hundreds.
Sorry.
Also, over Sorry about that too.
And there's DNA of innocent people who came in contact with materials.
Detective Sergeants and so on.
So you've got nothing for me? Did I say that? Not in so many words, Frankie, but OK.
This is from inside the van, from inside the chain fetters.
This comes from the blanket that Clare Delaney was wrapped in.
And it belongs to? It's alien male DNA.
It's none of the policemen.
Could just be an innocent contact? Yeah But it's not very likely? Say it was a mechanic who'd worked on the van.
How did his DNA get into the lock-up? Or someone who visited the lock-up.
Why is his DNA in the van? Is this Thomas Rice's partner? There was someone in the van.
He was white, male, and we've yet to account for him.
I need to see Thomas Rice, don't I? Thanks, Frankie.
Thank you.
Oh, steady on! Does the name Valerie Wright mean anything to you? You know it does.
I have been accused of killing her.
I didn't, of course.
Can we just be clear? You've never had any contact with Valerie Wright? Mel, why does the way you're asking that make me feel like there's a big yawning pit in front of me? Simple question.
Either you have or you haven't.
You know, Mel, you played me false.
What kind of friend are you? What do you mean? You've been talking to Clare Delaney.
Frightening her.
I've never met Clare Delaney.
Then your boss! The man who sent you here.
What's his name? Don't answer.
Move on.
Valerie Wright was a prostitute who left home on 14th January 1985 and hasn't been seen since.
And you have convinced yourself I had lied.
You are wrong, Mel.
I was lost but now I'm saved.
I know right from wrong.
Those women shouldn't have died.
Can we just stick to Valerie for now? What's his name, this new policeman who has set himself against me? What's he doing? I can't see.
No problem.
There's another camera.
Do you think two men pitted against each other can become close? I expect so.
What about a man and a woman? Again, don't answer.
Move on.
Can we exclude Valerie? Could we say you had nothing to do with the murder of Valerie Wright? Valerie? Yes.
Let's stick to Valerie.
I have information about Valerie.
Tea.
Ah, see? We too can be civilised.
About Valerie I don't like the look of this.
Wait! He's about to say something.
I'll whisper it to Meland Grace.
This isn't right! Mel! Mel! Open up! It's Thomas.
What's going on? It's Mel! Thomas, no! Who's the prisoner now? Accidents can happen.
It could break! Put it down! Agh! Put it down! Agh! Jesus Christ, let go! Agh! Ah! All right, relax.
Relax! You want to know where Valerie is, I'll show you.
The address will do.
Do I know you? Detective Superintendent Boyd.
Think you're cleverer than Eddie Dixon, do you? If you've got something to say, go ahead.
You shouldn't have put Mel at risk.
She can look after herself.
I should've done it.
You're not as attractive.
Any money? It's not working.
It was a honey-trap.
Grow up! Grow up? Or don't challenge you? Don't challenge me.
Doesn't look good in a DS, does it? Spence, I had to cut the pack and gamble with someone's life.
Pray to God that never happens to you! Spence I was there with Mel.
I could have stepped in, but I didn't because I thought we were getting somewhere.
Now, if anyone's to blame, it's me.
Right, are we off, then? The colour of the earth has changed.
They're into another layer.
It might just be another of Thomas's wind-ups.
Just give it a while.
Stop! MAN: Whoa! Boyd! OK, that looks to me like a human thigh bone.
But is it Valerie's thigh bone? It was where Thomas said we'd find her.
Oh, hello.
It's Valerie.
You've just solved a 15-year-old disappearance! But we're no nearer finding Thomas's partner.
Boyd, we're a little bit nearer! What would it take to make you happy? Finding the stalker.
You're still convinced it's the same person? You're not? I have an open mind.
When did this arrive? It came by courier.
I can't be accused of not having an open mind! Why is he doing this? Why is he suddenly telling us the truth? "Publish your card in Thursday's Standard, Boyd.
"Cut the pack, save the girl.
" Oh, my God.