Underbelly s02e11 Episode Script
The Brotherhood
Can you stand up under oath and identify this man as the bloke who introduced Terry Clark to Brian Alexander? That's Bob Trimbole.
Hey, listen.
You know that test that we did? You've got cancer, mate.
Full-blown cancer.
I'm really sorry.
You must've won big-time, hey? I got me test results.
I'm clear.
Bobby, that's great.
He's our point of attack.
He connects all the corruption - the cops, the narcs, the lawyers and Clark.
(ALL LAUGH) It's nice to have mates, eh? Sure is.
What's this then, eh? A bonus? ASTON: I'm afraid I'm letting you go.
You're giving us a bad name, Brian.
SONG: # It's a jungle out there # It's a jungle out there # It's a jungle out there.
# ('SETTLE THE SCORE' BY COOKIN' ON 3 BURNERS PLAYS) BRIAN: Another drink, gorgeous? When I said a drink, I really meant just a drink.
OK.
Yeah.
Only once.
Oh, here's George.
Georgie.
George Freeman.
George Freeman, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Melanie.
I want you out of here.
Sorry? You're into me for over 20 g's, yet you stand here sipping 15-buck-a-glass cognac.
Get out.
Maybe I should leave.
No.
No, please stay.
This is a misunderstanding.
I'm here with my fiancée, Brian.
Let's not have a scene, hey? Mate, you know I'm good for it.
Fuck the money! Hmm? I got regulars here who don't like the kind of publicity that you've been pulling.
Well, I was acquitted.
Ah, fuck! You fuck! I deserve some respect, George! Respect.
You're just a trumped-up unemployed errand boy, Alexander.
Oh, the things I know about you, Freeman.
Murray Farquhar, the cops, the whole fucking lot of you! Yeah, I can take you all down.
Oh, look, mate.
You know I'm under a lot of strain.
l-l-I didn't mean that.
I I would never talk, George.
You know that I w (GRUNTS) Fuck, mate! George! Fuck! Let go, you fucking prick! Get out! Sorry, sweetheart.
(GRUNTS) Shall we order? (BRIAN GRUNTS) JACQUl: Brian Alexander thought he could have it both ways.
He liked being a respectable member of the law fraternity.
But he also liked to mix it with hardened criminals.
And having a foot in both camps meant he wasn't totally trusted by anybody.
Auntie Bess was a nurse and she said you can get treatment for an enlarged prostate.
In Auntie Bess's day, treatment meant slapping a leech on your bum.
You're so rude about my family.
The pills Paltos gave me are doing wonders.
They're painkillers.
They're not gonna make you any better, Bob.
I feel better.
Why would I see more doctors if I'm feeling better? (DOOR SHUTS) (GASPS) What the hell h Morning, all.
I don't suppose the bar's open, Bob? No, it isn't! I'm sorry.
Sonia's locked me out of my house.
Did Sonia tear your clothes and smear shit all through your hair as well? I was in a scuffle.
Who with? George Freeman.
Fuck me.
I've been getting shit from every direction in my life.
Work wife you name it.
Then old Freeman kicks me out of his new club for no fucking reason.
Yeah, well, Freeman doesn't need a fucking reason.
Can you talk to him, Bob? (SIGHS) Please, mate.
People listen to you.
(DANCE MUSIC) SONG: # Tell me, baby, what are you doing? # I don't like what you're drinking # Oh, George, George, hey.
How are you going, mate? Um, a quick chat? (BLOWS SMOKE) Brian Alexander, he's, er, shitting himself.
Wants to apologise about that business the other night.
You can both go fuck yourselves.
# You know stuff which you don't recognise # You just wanna drink beer with the guys # You'd better listen to what I say # (MUSIC STOPS ABRUPTLY) What if Trimbole and Clark were partners right from the start? We know he deals directly with Freeman, Alexander, Painters and Dockers in Melbourne, the Italians in Griffith.
Trimbole's not the only well-connected villain on that board.
But he does explain how a two-bit dope dealer like Clark could've hooked into a national distribution network within weeks of arriving in this country.
DAVE: You think we should actually summons Bob to appear at the Wilson inquest? Allison Dine said he is the link between Clark and Alexander.
Let's do it.
Robert Trimbole, John Aston, Brian Alexander.
This, er Alexander bloke - he just got acquitted, didn't he? Of conspiracy to pervert justice.
This summons relates to a separate matter.
Mmm.
So Brian's been a busy boy, eh? You've heard of the Wilsons - heroin couriers found murdered in Melbourne? Mmm.
In Melbourne.
So, all due respect, Inspector, what's this got to do with us? MESSINA: I'm a Victorian police officer intending to serve summons on suspected criminals residing in Sydney - your jurisdiction.
I don't know how things are in Victoria, Inspector, but I've got a manpower shortage and I can't spare anyone.
MESSINA: Let me get this clear - you're refusing to provide assistance to a fellow officer? This is a matter of basic police protocol.
Well, look, maybe if you come back next week, you know There you go.
Yeah.
Next week you can have Jimbo drive you around all day.
MESSINA: 25 years I've been a police officer.
I have never, ever experienced the like of it.
Welcome to sunny Sydney.
Hmm.
Best thing out of Sydney's the road to Melbourne, Dave.
(THE DETONATORS' 'THROTTLE JOCKEY DEMON' PLAYS) DAVE: Big night, Brian? Fuck off.
Are you Brian William Alexander? You know who I am.
Are you Brian William Alexander, yes or no? Yes.
Leave the window open next time you kip in the car.
The fumes in there could kill a horse.
SONG: # Murder runs through his pumping veins # Twist the grip Cruise state highways # Push the clutch Grind the gear # Drive like a demon Have no fear # Look, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, madam.
I'm going to have to call you back.
Jesus, Inspector, haven't you got anyone else to pick on? Plenty.
I just have more fun picking on you.
# Well, throttle jockey demon is on the go # You can hear him coming Got to go, go, go # Saturday night special # Fire up and chuckle Well, here come the signs # Are you Robert Trimbole? No.
I'm Rock Hudson, officer.
In town for the Mardi Gras.
I'll see you at the inquest, Rock.
They've got nothing, alright? Nothing! Well, we've gotta do something about that Dine bitch! Shut her up! Wait.
I don't wanna hear this.
Why don't you go round and breathe on her, Brian? That'll finish her off.
Well, she's your responsibility, Bob.
I said I don't wanna hear this! Shut up, the both of you! It's just an inquest.
Into a double murder.
BRIAN: It's being held in Victoria.
I don't give a shit where it is.
The same rules apply as up here.
Never name names, never tell tales and everything else will look after itself.
Bob.
Wait up.
Wait up.
Look, you know you know I'll do the right thing, right? Yeah, my arse you will.
I went to see Freeman.
Asked for a chat.
Just like you wanted.
What did he say? Well, it turns out you threatened him.
Said you'd talk.
No, no, no.
I didn't actually do that.
Whatever you fucking said, he got the message.
Now, you're gonna have a shower, you're gonna put on a clean suit and you're gonna front that coroner in Melbourne and say absolutely nothing.
And then we'll worry about hosing Freeman down.
Alright? JACQUl: Like good, law-abiding citizens, Bob, Brian and John obeyed their summons and appeared at the inquest.
And saying absolutely nothing proved far easier for Bob and Brian than any of them had imagined.
MAN: Calling Robert Trimbole.
Mr Trimbole is present, Your Worship.
However, my client claims the privilege against self-incrimination.
(SIGHS) Brian William Alexander.
Mr Alexander is present, Your Worship.
However, he also claims the privilege against self-incrimination.
John Aston.
JACQUl: The only drawback with claiming privilege is that some people may think you have something to hide.
Is John Lawrence Aston present? And for a lawyer who needs a reputation as a man of good character, that wasn't an option.
Do you swear by almighty God that the evidence you will give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? So help me, God.
MESSINA: For the record, my name is Detective Inspector Joe Messina and the Coroner has asked me to assist with this inquiry.
Mr Aston, I'd like to ask you some questions concerning Terrence John Clark.
You said in a previous statement you've never met Mr Clark.
To the best of my knowledge, no.
He is a client of yours, is he not? No.
MESSINA: We've tabled evidence that shows your practice is nothing more or less than a clearing house for Mr Clark's drug money, while facilitating payments made to corrupt police officers and public officials, all on behalf of Mr Clark, and you're saying you know nothing of this? I've told you.
I haven't even met Mr Clark.
Hmm.
Your Worship, I'm tabling Mr Aston's appointment book, which, when seized by police, had a page torn out.
Forensic testing of the backing page shows the missing page detailed a scheduled appointment between Mr John Aston and a Terry Clark.
No, no.
Wait.
I didn't say that.
I said I didn't remember meeting, er, Mr Clark.
I I may have met him.
I meet with lots of people.
I put it to you, Mr Aston, that just after your meeting with Mr Clark, your firm transferred some funds.
An amount of $264,000, which went into an account held by Mr Clark.
I have the paperwork right here.
(ONLOOKERS MURMUR) JACQUl: While John Aston's evasiveness cast a huge shadow over the relationship between his office and the syndicate, the ultimate success of the Wilson inquest hinged on Allison Dine.
If she could hold her nerve, Brian Alexander and Bob Trimbole would still be in the firing line.
Don't be scared of them.
You're not one of them.
You're standing up and you're telling the truth.
And that's a good thing.
A rare thing.
MESSINA: You were Terry Clark's long-term lover, is that correct? Yes, it is.
You worked for him, carried out heroin importations helped process the heroin.
That's right.
Mr Clark also discussed several murders with you.
Gruesome murders.
And yet you never turned him in.
In fact, through most of it, you stayed loyal to him.
Yes.
I did.
Given that history, how do you expect anyone to believe your testimony? I wouldn't blame them if they didn't.
I don't think there's any way I can ever work off what I've done.
But I guess maybe (SIGHS) any value any value left at all - it's that I can get up here and tell the truth about what happened, help the truth to get out.
So I have to try.
JACQUl: For the next two days, Allison Dine went to town.
And this time, the Coroner described her as a very credible witness.
He found that the Wilsons had been murdered on the orders of Terry Clark and recommended a royal commission into the whole Mr Asia syndicate.
And in this country, no-one can hide from a royal commission.
Bazza has sent you some sangers.
Seems there was a spare one lying about.
Thanks, mate.
Trev, you've been hearing about this Joint Police Group? Yeah, a bunch of feds and Victorians sticking their noses into our patch.
We thought you might like to put yourself forward.
I'm sorry, Dennis.
Well, we keep a lid on things in this city, not the fucking feds, alright? You've seen enough to know that.
It ain't always by the book, but it works.
JIM: Mm-hm.
See, it looks like they're tapping some phones and God knows what else.
Nosey bastards are breathing down our neck.
It makes it harder to do our job.
Yeah, I can see all that.
So Jim and I, we've been having a chat, and we thought you might like to help us out here.
Yeah.
Yeah, sure.
Young bloke like you - I mean, it's just the sort of guy they're looking for, eh? They get a talented police officer, and we rest easy knowing that someone sensible's keeping an eye on what they're doing.
Good boy.
Danny? Bob.
How are you, mate? Listen, we need to have a word about your latest invoice.
Yeah, well, Paltos needs to understand that my drivers will be taking this shit through three different states.
Well, our costs are blowing out everywhere, mate.
So it's gotta be payable on delivery, not now, OK? How long's that gonna be, Bob? Well, an import of this size takes a while to organise, Danny.
It's gotta be harvested, packed up, and then we've gotta buy a ship to get it out.
Best part of a year, probably.
The Coroner has recommended a royal commission be convened into the Mr Asia drug syndicate.
You understand what that means? Oh, yeah.
Yeah, I'm being persecuted.
You can't say no to a royal commission, Brian.
MESSINA: You refuse to testify, you'll be in contempt.
DAVE: That means jail.
MESSINA: A lot of blokes inside aren't big fans of lawyers.
A lot of blokes inside aren't big fans of you.
Fuck off.
Just fuck off, OK? Sounds like you need a stiff drink.
Oh, I think he's already had a few of those.
What do you think will happen to me if I do testify? What do you think will happen to you if you don't? You cooperate with us, we can protect you.
Well, you want an answer from me? Well, I've already given you one.
Fuck off! Inspectors.
(CLEARS THROAT) Oh, it's great to be on board.
Hey, Trev, you know you know Mobbs, don't you? Er, yeah, we met once or twice when I first went upstairs.
Oh, yeah.
Trev's just, um, got the nod.
He starts with us on Monday.
How do your old mates at CIB feel about you working with the feds? At the end of the day we're all on the same side.
You say that like you believe it.
I wouldn't be in the job if I didn't.
Well, we do try to put the rivalries aside here.
It's one of the appeals of the unit.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Cheers.
That and the slick cars.
Mmm.
Anyway, I reckon that's why I joined the force.
You know - the brotherhood.
One big blue family, huh? Yeah, you know what they say about family.
Can't choose 'em, but you're stuck with 'em for life.
Trimbole knew about the Wilson murders.
He discussed it with Allison Dine.
That's enough to charge him as an accessory.
We do that, we lose the wiretaps.
The taps are only there to gather intelligence.
The intelligence is there so that you can make an arrest.
One arrest.
What we're getting on the tapes could lead to dozens.
You were the one that said we should focus on Trimbole.
Why don't you wanna finish the job? We've been listening to his phones for two weeks and already we've found out about a major importation.
Drugs, yes.
I'm talking about homicides.
DAVE: They're one and the same.
These homicides are a product of the drug trade.
I want Trimbole for the lot.
LIZ: He's a flight risk, Warwick.
MESSINA: Exactly.
We need to get him in front of the royal commission.
He'll never talk! If Bob's on remand, it ups the pressure on Alexander.
And as you said, we all know that jellyfish is one nudge away from blowing the entire rotten state apart.
The level of chatter about the importation is building.
Let's give the tap a couple more days, find out how much they're moving and where it's coming from, then we'll grab Trimbole.
Cheers, Stevo.
Cheers.
Looking edgy, Trevor.
They're bugging the phones.
A lot more of them than we thought.
Yank technology.
The nearest phone's behind that bar, mate.
l-I don't reckon they can hear us from here.
Just spit it out, mate.
They're gonna move on that Trimbole bloke.
Move how? They'll ping him as an accessory and anything else they can cook up just so they can hold him.
When? Early next week.
Maybe sooner.
Good lad.
Good lad.
If they're right and it is spreading, what'll I do? Well, prostate cancer like yours is driven by testosterone.
The preferred way of arresting its spread is orchidectomy.
Orchid-fucking-what? Surgical removal of the testes.
You wanna cut my balls off? It's likely that's what they're gonna recommend.
Fucking Jesus.
You wanna call Ann-Marie? No, she doesn't know I'm here.
I knew a bloke, they told him he had six months.
Decided to go out with a bang.
Sold up everything he owned, left his wife and went travelling in the West Indies.
Six months later he was feeling better than ever so he called his quack - no offence - and the quack admits they'd fucked the tests up.
Wasn't a thing wrong with him - apart from the fact that he was broke, stuck in Guyana and his wife wasn't returning his calls.
Sometimes we make mistakes.
Could call it a mistake.
On the other hand, he had a bloody good six months.
(T-REX'S 'SOLID GOLD EAS Y ACTION' PLAYS LOUDLY) SONG: # Hey, hey, hey! # Hey, hey, hey! # Life is the same And it always will be # Hey, hey, hey! # Easy as picking foxes from a tree # Hey, hey, hey! # But I can't get no satisfaction All I want is easy action # Alright! Thank you! Thank you! (MUSIC STOPS) You're all drinking my booze so you can all shut up and let me talk.
(ALL LAUGH) Now, some of you might've wondered why I'm throwing a party, particularly given the, er, negative reportage that's been written in the papers about me recently.
It's all lies, officer! Yeah, yeah.
Well, it is a bunch of bloody lies! And that's why I'm chucking a party - to stick a finger up at 'em! (ALL CHEER AND YELL) And they keep coming at me, cooking up new outrages that Bob Trimbole supposedly committed.
But they can't make any of it stick! I'm untouchable, unchargeable, and I'm here to stay! (GUNSHOTS AND CHEERING) (NEEDLE SCRATCHES) Just don't mention the word orchid to me ever again and you and me will be alright.
(CHUCKLES) You're drinking champagne? Well, you're always telling me I'm in a rut, so here I am rut-free! Bob, is there something you're not telling me? Yeah.
There is something I need to tell you.
You are the most beautiful girl in the room.
Come on.
Dance with me.
SONG: # I don't know # If you think they would be cool # Shoo-bee doo-wah # And when I think about the things I wanna say # Whoa-oh, oh, oh # (NEEDLE SCRATCHES) (POWERSOLO'S 'BABY, YOU AIN'T LOOKING RIGHT' PLAYS) Go, Bob! (NEEDLE SCRATCHES, PEOPLE CHEER) I heard you've got a job on, Bob.
l-I thought maybe I could get onto it too.
Sorry, mate.
It's all been quiet ever since that shit with Terry went over.
What? I'm looking at a fucking bottle shop job.
Five dollars an hour.
That cash in hand? How often have I helped you, Bob? And every time, I paid top dollar for the privilege.
Anyhow, I've already said, it's quiet.
You're a lying wog.
I know you've got something cooking with Paltos.
You get out of here.
Come on! Out! (MUMBLES) I'm sorry, Bob.
I I didn't mean that.
I don How many times you gonna use that excuse? My wife has taken my kids to Canberra.
I owe George Freeman 20 grand.
And now this royal commission business.
I wish I could kill myself.
But I'm a bloody Catholic.
Watch what you wish for.
There are a few blokes who'd be happy to make that one come true.
I just need to work, mate.
I just need to earn.
You wanna eat? On the house.
Anything you want.
But when you leave, you don't come back here.
Ever.
BRIAN: Get your hands off me! George, you owe me! George, you owe me, George.
I need to speak to you, Freeman! Calm down! George, after all I've done for you! George! Out you go.
Out you go! Come on, mate.
Out we go.
Let me go.
I wanna speak to Freeman! Fair enough.
So they're closing in again, are they? Yeah.
GEORGE: What have you heard? We heard the feds are gonna make a move.
Trimbole's gone.
Same with Alexander.
(SCOFFS) Surprised it took 'em so bloody long.
Bob's a good fella.
I mean, he has his limits, but you give him fair warning, he'll do the right thing.
Alexander's another story.
Oh, I think we can handle Brian.
(SIGHS) Royal commission.
Bloody hell.
They're pressing me, mate.
I don't wanna talk.
I know things that could hurt a lot of people.
But if they won't help me, then what the fuck am I supposed to do? That's a hard one.
(OMINOUS MUSIC) Well, is there something that can be done? Uh Maybe Dennis could put the feelers out to this Messina prick and call him off.
Brian, Messina's got a rod so far up his arse you can see it when he yawns.
There must be someone down in Victoria that wants to do some business.
Have you got any money? Yeah, I could borrow some from my cousin.
Maybe 20, 30.
OK.
(CLEARS THROAT) I'll have a little chat with Dennis, just see what he can turn up.
Thank you, mate.
I'm fucking dying here, I really am.
(PHONE RINGS) Hello.
Bob, it's me, Nick.
Oh, g'day, mate.
How'd you pull up? Listen, I got word from George.
He reckons the heat's on you for that business down south.
Oh, I I knew they were sniffing around.
More than sniffing.
I can't say where he got this from, but it's reliable.
They're gonna move on you.
Soon.
We talking about next week, or? Soon, mate.
Very soon.
Alright.
I'll get back to you.
I'll make some inquiries.
(TAPS ON GLASS) Liz.
Switch it to speaker.
(PHONE RINGS) Hello.
Mate, I've got some news.
Don't tell me, Jim - the feds are onto me.
JIM: You're not half bloody wrong.
That's Jim Egan.
BOB: How long do you reckon I've got? Well, from what I hear, they're overdue now.
OK.
Thanks.
(HANGS UP) Trimbole's just been tipped off! Phone's running hot out there.
I've gotta go leave the country.
Right now? Well, y you know how I've had m-money problems? Well, they're a lot worse than I let on.
A lot worse.
So to get away from some bad debts you're leaving me? No, love.
I'd be more of a fool than I am to leave you.
I just need to make myself scarce for a bit, that's all.
Well, how long's a bit? Well, w-we'll see, eh? (SIGHS) Oh.
All you ever do is work.
You ought to be glad to see the back of me.
Well, if I'd known, I would've packed you some things.
I mean, what about your script? Have you still got those pills left? They're just painkillers.
You're right, love.
I've got cancer.
I know that, you fool.
(SOBS) (SIGHS) PRIEST: I want a PASS alert on the names Robert Trimbole, Jones, anything else we know he uses.
I'm onto it.
Do you want me to ring Inspector Messina? It was my call to hold off.
I'll tell him.
JACQUl: With no time to make plans, Aussie Bob was stuck with having to travel on his own real passport.
And he knew that unless he could think of a small, simple way of fooling the customs computer, he was snookered.
WOMAN ON P.
A: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
Flight 5550 (STRAUSS'S 'BLUE DANUBE WALTZ OP.
314' PLAYS) (MUSIC SWELLS) Nice day to be flying on an aeroplane.
(STAMPS) JACQUl: And that was all it took.
(SIGHS) (COINS JINGLE) (DIALS) Er, hello.
Jim.
I got a message to call you.
Yeah, mate.
(CLEARS THROAT) Look, I had that little chat with Dennis.
And he reckons he can help you out.
Fair dinkum? I was that pissed the other day, I didn't know if you meant business or not.
Oh, bloody oath, I did.
How'd you go getting that money? Yeah, I got 10.
You know, if that's not enough, maybe we should just forget the whole thing.
No, no, no, no, no.
We'll sort that out later.
You are You just stay where you are.
We'll come get you.
I don't want to cause any trouble, you know? Mate, no trouble.
Just have a beer, relax and, er, whatever you do, don't talk to anyone.
Alright? Alright? Yeah, alright.
(PACHELBEL'S 'CANON IN D MAJOR' PLAYS) (COINS DROP) (SIGHS) Soni, it's me.
Soni? Why are you calling me? (EMOTIONALLY) I just wanted to hear your voice.
I've asked you not to call.
Yeah I know, but, er I'm all alone down here.
Could you put the kids on, please? You're drunk.
No, I'm not.
(SOBS) Soni, please.
I just wanna hear their voices.
I'm sorry, but it's better that I don't.
Jesus Christ.
It's so much to ask, isn't it? I've lost fucking everything! I just wanna talk to my children.
(SOBS) (MUSIC SWELLS) DENNIS: Sure you don't want a drink? Bazza's mate has a very sophisticated bar.
Stubbies, cans or longnecks.
No.
So Jim told me about the little chat you had.
Bugger of a thing, that royal commission, eh? Oh, yeah, but I'm not gonna say anything, Dennis, I swear it.
You know, they can lock me up.
I don't give a shit.
That's not what you told me.
I was pissed.
Exactly.
See, that's the fucking problem, Brian.
You're a fucking pisspot with a big mouth.
Dennis, please.
Come on.
Hey, hey.
I thought we agreed.
No guns.
No blood on the deck.
Let me go.
Let me go.
Look, look - I got 10 grand here.
You can have all that.
It's yours.
It's nothing personal, OK? I don't like you, it's true, but that's not why I'm doing you.
You're just a bloody liability.
Brian, just stand still, mate.
You're making me seasick.
Gah Alright! Fuck! Fucking get it over with! No, no, no, no.
There's no shooting, mate.
Gonna have to fill out a report if we fire police arms.
What the fuck? No, no, no, no! Do me clean, man.
Shoot me.
Shoot me! I won't show.
I swear it! Wait! Fuck off! Fucking get No! Be a man, Brian! No! Be a man! Jesus fucking Fucking No! No! Dennis! Dennis! D Don't fucking throw me! You fuckers! Don't! Jesus, hit him over the fucking head or something.
I'm not returning this boat with blood on the deck.
Fucking hold him still then! Jesus! Please, Dennis! Fuck! I'm trying to fuck (ALL YELL) Come on! OK, boys, chuck it over! Arggh! Arggh! You sure? As it was in the beginning, now and forever shall be (SORROWFUL GUITAR MUSIC) Glory be to the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and forever shall be.
Oh, fuck! Fucking hell.
It's funny, eh? I never thought he'd be so religious.
(ALL LAUGH) Who wants a beer? (GUITAR MUSIC ECHOES)
Hey, listen.
You know that test that we did? You've got cancer, mate.
Full-blown cancer.
I'm really sorry.
You must've won big-time, hey? I got me test results.
I'm clear.
Bobby, that's great.
He's our point of attack.
He connects all the corruption - the cops, the narcs, the lawyers and Clark.
(ALL LAUGH) It's nice to have mates, eh? Sure is.
What's this then, eh? A bonus? ASTON: I'm afraid I'm letting you go.
You're giving us a bad name, Brian.
SONG: # It's a jungle out there # It's a jungle out there # It's a jungle out there.
# ('SETTLE THE SCORE' BY COOKIN' ON 3 BURNERS PLAYS) BRIAN: Another drink, gorgeous? When I said a drink, I really meant just a drink.
OK.
Yeah.
Only once.
Oh, here's George.
Georgie.
George Freeman.
George Freeman, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Melanie.
I want you out of here.
Sorry? You're into me for over 20 g's, yet you stand here sipping 15-buck-a-glass cognac.
Get out.
Maybe I should leave.
No.
No, please stay.
This is a misunderstanding.
I'm here with my fiancée, Brian.
Let's not have a scene, hey? Mate, you know I'm good for it.
Fuck the money! Hmm? I got regulars here who don't like the kind of publicity that you've been pulling.
Well, I was acquitted.
Ah, fuck! You fuck! I deserve some respect, George! Respect.
You're just a trumped-up unemployed errand boy, Alexander.
Oh, the things I know about you, Freeman.
Murray Farquhar, the cops, the whole fucking lot of you! Yeah, I can take you all down.
Oh, look, mate.
You know I'm under a lot of strain.
l-l-I didn't mean that.
I I would never talk, George.
You know that I w (GRUNTS) Fuck, mate! George! Fuck! Let go, you fucking prick! Get out! Sorry, sweetheart.
(GRUNTS) Shall we order? (BRIAN GRUNTS) JACQUl: Brian Alexander thought he could have it both ways.
He liked being a respectable member of the law fraternity.
But he also liked to mix it with hardened criminals.
And having a foot in both camps meant he wasn't totally trusted by anybody.
Auntie Bess was a nurse and she said you can get treatment for an enlarged prostate.
In Auntie Bess's day, treatment meant slapping a leech on your bum.
You're so rude about my family.
The pills Paltos gave me are doing wonders.
They're painkillers.
They're not gonna make you any better, Bob.
I feel better.
Why would I see more doctors if I'm feeling better? (DOOR SHUTS) (GASPS) What the hell h Morning, all.
I don't suppose the bar's open, Bob? No, it isn't! I'm sorry.
Sonia's locked me out of my house.
Did Sonia tear your clothes and smear shit all through your hair as well? I was in a scuffle.
Who with? George Freeman.
Fuck me.
I've been getting shit from every direction in my life.
Work wife you name it.
Then old Freeman kicks me out of his new club for no fucking reason.
Yeah, well, Freeman doesn't need a fucking reason.
Can you talk to him, Bob? (SIGHS) Please, mate.
People listen to you.
(DANCE MUSIC) SONG: # Tell me, baby, what are you doing? # I don't like what you're drinking # Oh, George, George, hey.
How are you going, mate? Um, a quick chat? (BLOWS SMOKE) Brian Alexander, he's, er, shitting himself.
Wants to apologise about that business the other night.
You can both go fuck yourselves.
# You know stuff which you don't recognise # You just wanna drink beer with the guys # You'd better listen to what I say # (MUSIC STOPS ABRUPTLY) What if Trimbole and Clark were partners right from the start? We know he deals directly with Freeman, Alexander, Painters and Dockers in Melbourne, the Italians in Griffith.
Trimbole's not the only well-connected villain on that board.
But he does explain how a two-bit dope dealer like Clark could've hooked into a national distribution network within weeks of arriving in this country.
DAVE: You think we should actually summons Bob to appear at the Wilson inquest? Allison Dine said he is the link between Clark and Alexander.
Let's do it.
Robert Trimbole, John Aston, Brian Alexander.
This, er Alexander bloke - he just got acquitted, didn't he? Of conspiracy to pervert justice.
This summons relates to a separate matter.
Mmm.
So Brian's been a busy boy, eh? You've heard of the Wilsons - heroin couriers found murdered in Melbourne? Mmm.
In Melbourne.
So, all due respect, Inspector, what's this got to do with us? MESSINA: I'm a Victorian police officer intending to serve summons on suspected criminals residing in Sydney - your jurisdiction.
I don't know how things are in Victoria, Inspector, but I've got a manpower shortage and I can't spare anyone.
MESSINA: Let me get this clear - you're refusing to provide assistance to a fellow officer? This is a matter of basic police protocol.
Well, look, maybe if you come back next week, you know There you go.
Yeah.
Next week you can have Jimbo drive you around all day.
MESSINA: 25 years I've been a police officer.
I have never, ever experienced the like of it.
Welcome to sunny Sydney.
Hmm.
Best thing out of Sydney's the road to Melbourne, Dave.
(THE DETONATORS' 'THROTTLE JOCKEY DEMON' PLAYS) DAVE: Big night, Brian? Fuck off.
Are you Brian William Alexander? You know who I am.
Are you Brian William Alexander, yes or no? Yes.
Leave the window open next time you kip in the car.
The fumes in there could kill a horse.
SONG: # Murder runs through his pumping veins # Twist the grip Cruise state highways # Push the clutch Grind the gear # Drive like a demon Have no fear # Look, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, madam.
I'm going to have to call you back.
Jesus, Inspector, haven't you got anyone else to pick on? Plenty.
I just have more fun picking on you.
# Well, throttle jockey demon is on the go # You can hear him coming Got to go, go, go # Saturday night special # Fire up and chuckle Well, here come the signs # Are you Robert Trimbole? No.
I'm Rock Hudson, officer.
In town for the Mardi Gras.
I'll see you at the inquest, Rock.
They've got nothing, alright? Nothing! Well, we've gotta do something about that Dine bitch! Shut her up! Wait.
I don't wanna hear this.
Why don't you go round and breathe on her, Brian? That'll finish her off.
Well, she's your responsibility, Bob.
I said I don't wanna hear this! Shut up, the both of you! It's just an inquest.
Into a double murder.
BRIAN: It's being held in Victoria.
I don't give a shit where it is.
The same rules apply as up here.
Never name names, never tell tales and everything else will look after itself.
Bob.
Wait up.
Wait up.
Look, you know you know I'll do the right thing, right? Yeah, my arse you will.
I went to see Freeman.
Asked for a chat.
Just like you wanted.
What did he say? Well, it turns out you threatened him.
Said you'd talk.
No, no, no.
I didn't actually do that.
Whatever you fucking said, he got the message.
Now, you're gonna have a shower, you're gonna put on a clean suit and you're gonna front that coroner in Melbourne and say absolutely nothing.
And then we'll worry about hosing Freeman down.
Alright? JACQUl: Like good, law-abiding citizens, Bob, Brian and John obeyed their summons and appeared at the inquest.
And saying absolutely nothing proved far easier for Bob and Brian than any of them had imagined.
MAN: Calling Robert Trimbole.
Mr Trimbole is present, Your Worship.
However, my client claims the privilege against self-incrimination.
(SIGHS) Brian William Alexander.
Mr Alexander is present, Your Worship.
However, he also claims the privilege against self-incrimination.
John Aston.
JACQUl: The only drawback with claiming privilege is that some people may think you have something to hide.
Is John Lawrence Aston present? And for a lawyer who needs a reputation as a man of good character, that wasn't an option.
Do you swear by almighty God that the evidence you will give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? So help me, God.
MESSINA: For the record, my name is Detective Inspector Joe Messina and the Coroner has asked me to assist with this inquiry.
Mr Aston, I'd like to ask you some questions concerning Terrence John Clark.
You said in a previous statement you've never met Mr Clark.
To the best of my knowledge, no.
He is a client of yours, is he not? No.
MESSINA: We've tabled evidence that shows your practice is nothing more or less than a clearing house for Mr Clark's drug money, while facilitating payments made to corrupt police officers and public officials, all on behalf of Mr Clark, and you're saying you know nothing of this? I've told you.
I haven't even met Mr Clark.
Hmm.
Your Worship, I'm tabling Mr Aston's appointment book, which, when seized by police, had a page torn out.
Forensic testing of the backing page shows the missing page detailed a scheduled appointment between Mr John Aston and a Terry Clark.
No, no.
Wait.
I didn't say that.
I said I didn't remember meeting, er, Mr Clark.
I I may have met him.
I meet with lots of people.
I put it to you, Mr Aston, that just after your meeting with Mr Clark, your firm transferred some funds.
An amount of $264,000, which went into an account held by Mr Clark.
I have the paperwork right here.
(ONLOOKERS MURMUR) JACQUl: While John Aston's evasiveness cast a huge shadow over the relationship between his office and the syndicate, the ultimate success of the Wilson inquest hinged on Allison Dine.
If she could hold her nerve, Brian Alexander and Bob Trimbole would still be in the firing line.
Don't be scared of them.
You're not one of them.
You're standing up and you're telling the truth.
And that's a good thing.
A rare thing.
MESSINA: You were Terry Clark's long-term lover, is that correct? Yes, it is.
You worked for him, carried out heroin importations helped process the heroin.
That's right.
Mr Clark also discussed several murders with you.
Gruesome murders.
And yet you never turned him in.
In fact, through most of it, you stayed loyal to him.
Yes.
I did.
Given that history, how do you expect anyone to believe your testimony? I wouldn't blame them if they didn't.
I don't think there's any way I can ever work off what I've done.
But I guess maybe (SIGHS) any value any value left at all - it's that I can get up here and tell the truth about what happened, help the truth to get out.
So I have to try.
JACQUl: For the next two days, Allison Dine went to town.
And this time, the Coroner described her as a very credible witness.
He found that the Wilsons had been murdered on the orders of Terry Clark and recommended a royal commission into the whole Mr Asia syndicate.
And in this country, no-one can hide from a royal commission.
Bazza has sent you some sangers.
Seems there was a spare one lying about.
Thanks, mate.
Trev, you've been hearing about this Joint Police Group? Yeah, a bunch of feds and Victorians sticking their noses into our patch.
We thought you might like to put yourself forward.
I'm sorry, Dennis.
Well, we keep a lid on things in this city, not the fucking feds, alright? You've seen enough to know that.
It ain't always by the book, but it works.
JIM: Mm-hm.
See, it looks like they're tapping some phones and God knows what else.
Nosey bastards are breathing down our neck.
It makes it harder to do our job.
Yeah, I can see all that.
So Jim and I, we've been having a chat, and we thought you might like to help us out here.
Yeah.
Yeah, sure.
Young bloke like you - I mean, it's just the sort of guy they're looking for, eh? They get a talented police officer, and we rest easy knowing that someone sensible's keeping an eye on what they're doing.
Good boy.
Danny? Bob.
How are you, mate? Listen, we need to have a word about your latest invoice.
Yeah, well, Paltos needs to understand that my drivers will be taking this shit through three different states.
Well, our costs are blowing out everywhere, mate.
So it's gotta be payable on delivery, not now, OK? How long's that gonna be, Bob? Well, an import of this size takes a while to organise, Danny.
It's gotta be harvested, packed up, and then we've gotta buy a ship to get it out.
Best part of a year, probably.
The Coroner has recommended a royal commission be convened into the Mr Asia drug syndicate.
You understand what that means? Oh, yeah.
Yeah, I'm being persecuted.
You can't say no to a royal commission, Brian.
MESSINA: You refuse to testify, you'll be in contempt.
DAVE: That means jail.
MESSINA: A lot of blokes inside aren't big fans of lawyers.
A lot of blokes inside aren't big fans of you.
Fuck off.
Just fuck off, OK? Sounds like you need a stiff drink.
Oh, I think he's already had a few of those.
What do you think will happen to me if I do testify? What do you think will happen to you if you don't? You cooperate with us, we can protect you.
Well, you want an answer from me? Well, I've already given you one.
Fuck off! Inspectors.
(CLEARS THROAT) Oh, it's great to be on board.
Hey, Trev, you know you know Mobbs, don't you? Er, yeah, we met once or twice when I first went upstairs.
Oh, yeah.
Trev's just, um, got the nod.
He starts with us on Monday.
How do your old mates at CIB feel about you working with the feds? At the end of the day we're all on the same side.
You say that like you believe it.
I wouldn't be in the job if I didn't.
Well, we do try to put the rivalries aside here.
It's one of the appeals of the unit.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Cheers.
That and the slick cars.
Mmm.
Anyway, I reckon that's why I joined the force.
You know - the brotherhood.
One big blue family, huh? Yeah, you know what they say about family.
Can't choose 'em, but you're stuck with 'em for life.
Trimbole knew about the Wilson murders.
He discussed it with Allison Dine.
That's enough to charge him as an accessory.
We do that, we lose the wiretaps.
The taps are only there to gather intelligence.
The intelligence is there so that you can make an arrest.
One arrest.
What we're getting on the tapes could lead to dozens.
You were the one that said we should focus on Trimbole.
Why don't you wanna finish the job? We've been listening to his phones for two weeks and already we've found out about a major importation.
Drugs, yes.
I'm talking about homicides.
DAVE: They're one and the same.
These homicides are a product of the drug trade.
I want Trimbole for the lot.
LIZ: He's a flight risk, Warwick.
MESSINA: Exactly.
We need to get him in front of the royal commission.
He'll never talk! If Bob's on remand, it ups the pressure on Alexander.
And as you said, we all know that jellyfish is one nudge away from blowing the entire rotten state apart.
The level of chatter about the importation is building.
Let's give the tap a couple more days, find out how much they're moving and where it's coming from, then we'll grab Trimbole.
Cheers, Stevo.
Cheers.
Looking edgy, Trevor.
They're bugging the phones.
A lot more of them than we thought.
Yank technology.
The nearest phone's behind that bar, mate.
l-I don't reckon they can hear us from here.
Just spit it out, mate.
They're gonna move on that Trimbole bloke.
Move how? They'll ping him as an accessory and anything else they can cook up just so they can hold him.
When? Early next week.
Maybe sooner.
Good lad.
Good lad.
If they're right and it is spreading, what'll I do? Well, prostate cancer like yours is driven by testosterone.
The preferred way of arresting its spread is orchidectomy.
Orchid-fucking-what? Surgical removal of the testes.
You wanna cut my balls off? It's likely that's what they're gonna recommend.
Fucking Jesus.
You wanna call Ann-Marie? No, she doesn't know I'm here.
I knew a bloke, they told him he had six months.
Decided to go out with a bang.
Sold up everything he owned, left his wife and went travelling in the West Indies.
Six months later he was feeling better than ever so he called his quack - no offence - and the quack admits they'd fucked the tests up.
Wasn't a thing wrong with him - apart from the fact that he was broke, stuck in Guyana and his wife wasn't returning his calls.
Sometimes we make mistakes.
Could call it a mistake.
On the other hand, he had a bloody good six months.
(T-REX'S 'SOLID GOLD EAS Y ACTION' PLAYS LOUDLY) SONG: # Hey, hey, hey! # Hey, hey, hey! # Life is the same And it always will be # Hey, hey, hey! # Easy as picking foxes from a tree # Hey, hey, hey! # But I can't get no satisfaction All I want is easy action # Alright! Thank you! Thank you! (MUSIC STOPS) You're all drinking my booze so you can all shut up and let me talk.
(ALL LAUGH) Now, some of you might've wondered why I'm throwing a party, particularly given the, er, negative reportage that's been written in the papers about me recently.
It's all lies, officer! Yeah, yeah.
Well, it is a bunch of bloody lies! And that's why I'm chucking a party - to stick a finger up at 'em! (ALL CHEER AND YELL) And they keep coming at me, cooking up new outrages that Bob Trimbole supposedly committed.
But they can't make any of it stick! I'm untouchable, unchargeable, and I'm here to stay! (GUNSHOTS AND CHEERING) (NEEDLE SCRATCHES) Just don't mention the word orchid to me ever again and you and me will be alright.
(CHUCKLES) You're drinking champagne? Well, you're always telling me I'm in a rut, so here I am rut-free! Bob, is there something you're not telling me? Yeah.
There is something I need to tell you.
You are the most beautiful girl in the room.
Come on.
Dance with me.
SONG: # I don't know # If you think they would be cool # Shoo-bee doo-wah # And when I think about the things I wanna say # Whoa-oh, oh, oh # (NEEDLE SCRATCHES) (POWERSOLO'S 'BABY, YOU AIN'T LOOKING RIGHT' PLAYS) Go, Bob! (NEEDLE SCRATCHES, PEOPLE CHEER) I heard you've got a job on, Bob.
l-I thought maybe I could get onto it too.
Sorry, mate.
It's all been quiet ever since that shit with Terry went over.
What? I'm looking at a fucking bottle shop job.
Five dollars an hour.
That cash in hand? How often have I helped you, Bob? And every time, I paid top dollar for the privilege.
Anyhow, I've already said, it's quiet.
You're a lying wog.
I know you've got something cooking with Paltos.
You get out of here.
Come on! Out! (MUMBLES) I'm sorry, Bob.
I I didn't mean that.
I don How many times you gonna use that excuse? My wife has taken my kids to Canberra.
I owe George Freeman 20 grand.
And now this royal commission business.
I wish I could kill myself.
But I'm a bloody Catholic.
Watch what you wish for.
There are a few blokes who'd be happy to make that one come true.
I just need to work, mate.
I just need to earn.
You wanna eat? On the house.
Anything you want.
But when you leave, you don't come back here.
Ever.
BRIAN: Get your hands off me! George, you owe me! George, you owe me, George.
I need to speak to you, Freeman! Calm down! George, after all I've done for you! George! Out you go.
Out you go! Come on, mate.
Out we go.
Let me go.
I wanna speak to Freeman! Fair enough.
So they're closing in again, are they? Yeah.
GEORGE: What have you heard? We heard the feds are gonna make a move.
Trimbole's gone.
Same with Alexander.
(SCOFFS) Surprised it took 'em so bloody long.
Bob's a good fella.
I mean, he has his limits, but you give him fair warning, he'll do the right thing.
Alexander's another story.
Oh, I think we can handle Brian.
(SIGHS) Royal commission.
Bloody hell.
They're pressing me, mate.
I don't wanna talk.
I know things that could hurt a lot of people.
But if they won't help me, then what the fuck am I supposed to do? That's a hard one.
(OMINOUS MUSIC) Well, is there something that can be done? Uh Maybe Dennis could put the feelers out to this Messina prick and call him off.
Brian, Messina's got a rod so far up his arse you can see it when he yawns.
There must be someone down in Victoria that wants to do some business.
Have you got any money? Yeah, I could borrow some from my cousin.
Maybe 20, 30.
OK.
(CLEARS THROAT) I'll have a little chat with Dennis, just see what he can turn up.
Thank you, mate.
I'm fucking dying here, I really am.
(PHONE RINGS) Hello.
Bob, it's me, Nick.
Oh, g'day, mate.
How'd you pull up? Listen, I got word from George.
He reckons the heat's on you for that business down south.
Oh, I I knew they were sniffing around.
More than sniffing.
I can't say where he got this from, but it's reliable.
They're gonna move on you.
Soon.
We talking about next week, or? Soon, mate.
Very soon.
Alright.
I'll get back to you.
I'll make some inquiries.
(TAPS ON GLASS) Liz.
Switch it to speaker.
(PHONE RINGS) Hello.
Mate, I've got some news.
Don't tell me, Jim - the feds are onto me.
JIM: You're not half bloody wrong.
That's Jim Egan.
BOB: How long do you reckon I've got? Well, from what I hear, they're overdue now.
OK.
Thanks.
(HANGS UP) Trimbole's just been tipped off! Phone's running hot out there.
I've gotta go leave the country.
Right now? Well, y you know how I've had m-money problems? Well, they're a lot worse than I let on.
A lot worse.
So to get away from some bad debts you're leaving me? No, love.
I'd be more of a fool than I am to leave you.
I just need to make myself scarce for a bit, that's all.
Well, how long's a bit? Well, w-we'll see, eh? (SIGHS) Oh.
All you ever do is work.
You ought to be glad to see the back of me.
Well, if I'd known, I would've packed you some things.
I mean, what about your script? Have you still got those pills left? They're just painkillers.
You're right, love.
I've got cancer.
I know that, you fool.
(SOBS) (SIGHS) PRIEST: I want a PASS alert on the names Robert Trimbole, Jones, anything else we know he uses.
I'm onto it.
Do you want me to ring Inspector Messina? It was my call to hold off.
I'll tell him.
JACQUl: With no time to make plans, Aussie Bob was stuck with having to travel on his own real passport.
And he knew that unless he could think of a small, simple way of fooling the customs computer, he was snookered.
WOMAN ON P.
A: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
Flight 5550 (STRAUSS'S 'BLUE DANUBE WALTZ OP.
314' PLAYS) (MUSIC SWELLS) Nice day to be flying on an aeroplane.
(STAMPS) JACQUl: And that was all it took.
(SIGHS) (COINS JINGLE) (DIALS) Er, hello.
Jim.
I got a message to call you.
Yeah, mate.
(CLEARS THROAT) Look, I had that little chat with Dennis.
And he reckons he can help you out.
Fair dinkum? I was that pissed the other day, I didn't know if you meant business or not.
Oh, bloody oath, I did.
How'd you go getting that money? Yeah, I got 10.
You know, if that's not enough, maybe we should just forget the whole thing.
No, no, no, no, no.
We'll sort that out later.
You are You just stay where you are.
We'll come get you.
I don't want to cause any trouble, you know? Mate, no trouble.
Just have a beer, relax and, er, whatever you do, don't talk to anyone.
Alright? Alright? Yeah, alright.
(PACHELBEL'S 'CANON IN D MAJOR' PLAYS) (COINS DROP) (SIGHS) Soni, it's me.
Soni? Why are you calling me? (EMOTIONALLY) I just wanted to hear your voice.
I've asked you not to call.
Yeah I know, but, er I'm all alone down here.
Could you put the kids on, please? You're drunk.
No, I'm not.
(SOBS) Soni, please.
I just wanna hear their voices.
I'm sorry, but it's better that I don't.
Jesus Christ.
It's so much to ask, isn't it? I've lost fucking everything! I just wanna talk to my children.
(SOBS) (MUSIC SWELLS) DENNIS: Sure you don't want a drink? Bazza's mate has a very sophisticated bar.
Stubbies, cans or longnecks.
No.
So Jim told me about the little chat you had.
Bugger of a thing, that royal commission, eh? Oh, yeah, but I'm not gonna say anything, Dennis, I swear it.
You know, they can lock me up.
I don't give a shit.
That's not what you told me.
I was pissed.
Exactly.
See, that's the fucking problem, Brian.
You're a fucking pisspot with a big mouth.
Dennis, please.
Come on.
Hey, hey.
I thought we agreed.
No guns.
No blood on the deck.
Let me go.
Let me go.
Look, look - I got 10 grand here.
You can have all that.
It's yours.
It's nothing personal, OK? I don't like you, it's true, but that's not why I'm doing you.
You're just a bloody liability.
Brian, just stand still, mate.
You're making me seasick.
Gah Alright! Fuck! Fucking get it over with! No, no, no, no.
There's no shooting, mate.
Gonna have to fill out a report if we fire police arms.
What the fuck? No, no, no, no! Do me clean, man.
Shoot me.
Shoot me! I won't show.
I swear it! Wait! Fuck off! Fucking get No! Be a man, Brian! No! Be a man! Jesus fucking Fucking No! No! Dennis! Dennis! D Don't fucking throw me! You fuckers! Don't! Jesus, hit him over the fucking head or something.
I'm not returning this boat with blood on the deck.
Fucking hold him still then! Jesus! Please, Dennis! Fuck! I'm trying to fuck (ALL YELL) Come on! OK, boys, chuck it over! Arggh! Arggh! You sure? As it was in the beginning, now and forever shall be (SORROWFUL GUITAR MUSIC) Glory be to the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, now and forever shall be.
Oh, fuck! Fucking hell.
It's funny, eh? I never thought he'd be so religious.
(ALL LAUGH) Who wants a beer? (GUITAR MUSIC ECHOES)