Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996) s03e04 Episode Script
Fisticuffs
[Cell phone ringing.]
Hello.
They've agreed? Great.
Survey? Well, so they should.
It's a snap.
Thanks, Ken.
Well, don't you have to get home? Ok.
You're the boss.
Half an hour.
[Tires screeching.]
[Crash.]
You stupid-- you stopped.
You just stopped! Don't you look where you're going? What's this? You were talking on this! No wonder.
Please.
Uh! Oh! [Engine revving, tires screeching.]
Did you see it? Did you see what she did? No.
I heard the bang.
Then she was driving off.
You must have seen her.
Did you get the number? I got "p" something 9 B-f-v.
It was the best I could do.
I'm sorry.
It should be drivable.
Are you all right to drive? I just can't believe you didn't see it.
I'm sorry.
I've got to keep going.
What? Great northern marathon next week.
I'm running for charity.
Please, don't let me keep you.
You sure? Yes.
Leave me.
Leave me alone.
Oh, just a minute.
What's your name? Ken.
For me? Ha ha! Yeah.
Flowers for a lady.
Well, thank you, Geoffrey.
Ha ha.
When did somebody last buy me flowers? Are we starting this meeting or what? It's nearly 10 past 5:00.
[Machinery whirring.]
9:30.
9:00.
Is that possible? Look, I'll pick it up myself.
Great.
Thank you.
Thank you very much indeed.
What's the verdict, Janet? New number plates and lights, new rear bumper and panel, exhaust system to check, and a bit of paint touchup.
Otherwise no problem? Oh, it's a doddle, Mr.
skully.
She wants it by 9:00 in the morning.
Where are you going? I was just off for home, Mr.
skully.
You aren't.
Janet wants you.
Big job on tonight-- sorting this.
Come on.
It's rovers and Leeds tonight.
I'm going down with me mates.
Home win, rotten game.
Leeds' own goal, 85th minute.
She's right, so get your glad rags back on and get started.
Paint coat's 130.
Great.
What's the matter, shaney baby? You'd rather get tanked up with your mates than spend the night here with us? UhYeah.
Well, it's on 5 live.
And you know where the offie is.
What about him? Oh, he won't mind, as long as the job gets done.
Brilliant.
Now, item number 6 on the agenda.
This concerns you, Geoffrey.
Oh.
After a long and careful deliberation, Mrs.
Wainthropp has decided-- well, both of us, Robert.
Mrs.
Wainthropp and your chairman have decided that the time has come, lad, to make you a bona-fide partner in the firm.
OhHa ha.
You've more than earned it.
Now, in practical terms, it means we share all the profits, after expenses, equally 3 ways.
That's 2/3 to us and 1/3 to you.
Have you got that clear? Oh, clear as a bell, Mr.
Wainthropp.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Of course, now you'll have to learn how to handle your money.
I'll buy us a car.
I mean I'll invest on some more lessons.
Cars cost money, and it's not just the buying.
It's tax, repairs, maintenance.
And the insurance-- we'll have a problem there with your age and profession.
High-speed car chases.
High-speed what? I'm just kidding.
And I know it'll cost, but the company will fork out, won't it? Business expenses.
[Telephone rings.]
Shall I get it? Ha ha ha.
We can't let him have a car just so he can go gadding about, impressing young girls, and then charging the company.
That way lies ruin.
He's getting so like Derek at his age.
With our Derek, it wasn't cars and girls at that age; It was computers Until Gloria snaffled him up with her fancy ideas.
It's for you, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Hard luck, mom.
Don't keep them there anymore.
What are you after-- uppers or downers? Come through, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
I'm Ken kavanagh.
She's in my office.
She's still very upset.
Just a minute, Mr.
kavanagh.
I'll need to get one or 2 things straight.
At what stage did you become involved? She called me up on her mobile.
After the woman drove off and the runner left her? Yes.
I told her to get the car to a garage, picked her up there, and took her straight to the police station.
To report the accident, or was it the assault more on her mind? The assault, of course.
And they were absolutely hopeless, frankly.
Magda, love, it's Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Thanks for coming.
Oh.
Believe it or not, tonight was a cause for celebration-- an awkward sale completed, thanks to miss devlin's charm and persistence.
Thank you.
That looks very painful.
Have you had it properly seen to? The police doctor examined her and advised her to go to hospital for a checkup.
Oh? They did something, then? Nothing's broken.
I'm not concussed.
I'm all right.
It's that woman I want.
I need to know who she is.
We'll find her, miss devlin.
This is my partner.
Mr.
Shawcross.
Before we start, I do have to tell you our rates.
It's all right.
The company will take care of that.
She'll have enough on her plate.
With no details, they'll have a no-claims bonus, and she'll be off work for a while.
Who said "off work"? Don't get me wrong, love, but obviously The very nature of the job, I mean.
We're talking appearances.
This woman You'd never seen her before? And nothing had happened on the road between you just prior to the accident? You mean did magda cut her off? Of course she didn't.
I'll answer, Ken.
Thank you.
[Sniffles.]
No.
She was in front of me.
Then she pulled up dead.
I hadn't a chance.
This runner you spoke to-- can you tell us what he looked like? Oh, he was thin A wispy little beard.
He had a redOh.
A banBandana.
He said he was running some marathon.
He got some of the car number, you said? Yes.
It was a red alfa.
But he hadn't seen the accident or the punches? No.
But how could he have missed it? He came right up behind us.
And he never left his name? What was the woman like? Can you remember what she was wearing? Was she young or old? And did she hit you with something that caused those cuts? ForeignSunglasses, well-dressed, a straw hat.
I don't know.
I don't know.
We must get her home.
Would you ring for a taxi, Mr.
kavanagh? There have been rumors of your interest in much bigger clubs, Mr.
pickering.
So the news today that you've purchased blainthorp trinity, who finished next to bottom with only 3 wins out of the whole of last season, comes as quite a surprise.
What's the appeal for a man like yourself? Well, you can only hope in this life, can't you? It's down to basics, Roger.
I am a blainthorp lad, born and bred.
In fact, I can remember coming here with my mate.
New dress? Do you like it? Very nice.
Can you breathe in it? Would you care? What did you say? Mr.
Wallace pickering, chairman of pendlemain construction and the new owner of blainthorp trinity football club.
Must be out of his mind.
Well-dressed, straw hat.
Coming from a function perhaps.
What got her so steamed up? And does she regret her behavior now, I wonder? [Sniffs.]
Hello.
[Sniffs.]
He's at it again.
What have you got for us this time, Robert? All the flavors of the orient-- tandoori chicken zafrani, marinated and grilled with tomato, capsicum, and onion.
Oh, my word.
That's cool.
The real thing, eh? Well, not exactly the real thing, Geoffrey.
A good stab at it.
[Door closes.]
SoI bought a football club today.
What have you done, the pair of you? Sat all through dinner like monkeys with fleas.
You especially.
What's on your mind, Liam? You have something you want to say to me? Man to man, is it? Liam-- leave us, lille.
No.
You both have to hear it.
Well, out with it, lad.
I've not got all night.
I want to leave university.
The reason? I'm wasting my time.
I want to travel.
Oh? Where to? Australia.
And I'm the last to know, am I? I haven't heard about this.
You're going nowhere, not till you've got your degree.
I've not wasted good money for you to swan off and swig lager and bum the beach all day.
Darling-- shut up.
I've got to get out of it.
What? You've the life of Riley here.
You've been mollycoddled by her and had everything you want from me, you ungrateful little sot.
What have I had from you? Tell me, dad.
What have I had? Well, there's a 750cc Ducati outside for a kickoff.
Well, you can keep it.
If that's the price, I don't want it.
Liam, my angel-- no.
He's asked for the truth.
I'll tell him.
I live at home because he won't let me have an allowance.
You're down the road, for God's sake.
Are you complaining about free bed and board? I'm a joke, dad.
My mates They come from all over, and they've all got poxy little rooms, and they're happy.
And they look at me like I'm some freak.
They do, you know.
If you brought them back-- bring them back? Here? To this glorified sultan's palace? With you, mother, crawling around like some Trying to get him? No wonder you-- no wonder she what? Spit it out, son.
No.
Nothing.
Sorry.
Nothing.
I just I can't take it anymore.
You're, both of you, squeezing the life out of me.
Liam.
Mmm! That was great.
Yes.
You're a dab hand with those spices.
Very nice.
Thank you.
And now we've got some work to do.
Yes.
And I want to be part of it.
I'm not just a pretty face, you know.
Never.
This, uh Magda devlin.
Wasn't that the case of the photographer fellow who married a rich widow? Lester rose and Gillian.
Yeah.
That's where she knew us from.
Word of mouth.
Now, then.
Coles hill drive.
Find it.
Right.
What I still don't understand is, why did she thump the woman instead of getting the details for insurance? [Belches.]
Excuse me.
She'll have to pay out of her own pocket now.
From our first impression, I don't think that's her worry somehow.
If she has to pay herself, it serves her right.
Road rage.
You can't go around punching people.
Yeah, and it's any class of person these days, not just hard cases.
I heard it on a phone-in.
This man owned up, and he were a judge.
Mind on the job, Geoffrey.
Coles hill drive.
Coles hill drive.
Right.
Ah Oh.
Coles hill drive.
I went up there on my driving lesson.
It's a nowhere sort of place.
She could have been using it as a cut-through to the blainthorp road.
Right.
So now we want that runner in the red bandana.
And if he's getting himself up for a marathon, he'll be out before breakfast.
Wait, you [Breathing heavily.]
Magda devlin.
Yes.
W.
P.
C.
Hampton brought her a cup of tea and 2 digestive biscuits.
Then a doctor examined her and sent her for a hospital check.
She came here for justice and got digestive biscuits? Mrs.
Wainthropp, with no car damage reported and no witnesses-- may I see that statement? No, you may not.
[Telephone rings.]
Adams.
Yeah.
Give me 3 minutes.
I'm asking just one thing-- that you trace the owner of that alfa Romeo.
I've given you most of the number.
I could do it myself with your equipment.
I'm sure, but you know we don't hand the public that kind of information.
I'm not "public.
" I'm just saving me legs.
And if you find the owner, what will you do with her? That's my client's business.
What would you do with her? If your client wants my advice, you should think very carefully about going to court.
Charges of assault have a nasty way of backfiring.
Questions get raised.
We should want them raised.
Like who was to blame for the accident? Who struck the first blow? They're often acrimonious and very seldom get the desired result.
Thank you for your 3 minutes, inspector.
[Door closes.]
Right.
Thanks.
Cheers.
Hello.
I'm phoning for a friend of mine from London inquiring if you've got an alfa Romeo for sale.
And it has to be red.
You got one in last night? Hello? Yes.
[Telephone ringing.]
Excuse me.
I've just made some coffee.
Help yourself.
There's milk in the fridge.
Thank you.
Hello.
Yeah, speaking.
How much is the damage? What? Yes.
Well, no.
Yes.
You better go ahead.
I need it.
When? Thanks.
Bye.
My garage.
£300 to fix my car.
Got to pay for it myself.
I don't risk the no-claims bonus.
It's a nightmare.
Well, somebody's thinking of you.
Yes, from a friend.
I must sort them.
How are you feeling today? Rotten.
LookI'm sorry.
I was a bit off last night.
I should never have drunk that Brandy.
You have nothing to apologize about.
Have you had any luck? We've made a start.
All you want is her name, isn't it? Then I'm finished? No, actually.
I want you to go and see her and advise me if I should bring a charge.
The way I feel about her, I couldn't trust meself to make a judgment.
But I must know why she did it.
Would you do it? Very well.
[Tool whirring.]
[Snoring.]
Ah! Geoff.
Yeah.
All right, what are you doing here? I came by looking for you, didn't I? Got kicked by a mule.
You didn't come to see him.
You were looking for easy money.
No, I wasn't.
I saw you, Fluffy boy.
What do you mean? This is my mate.
Geoff, an old schoolmate.
He ain't a thief.
Are you? No.
Never.
Turn out your pockets.
Come on, Janet.
He's me mate.
What does that prove? Go on.
Ha ha.
All right.
I just came by looking for a pen to leave a message for Shane for when he woke up.
Was it you who phone earlier about the red alfa? No.
What's wrong if it was? Just a customer inquiry, wasn't it? Were it you that put the phone down? It were, weren't it? Have you got one? Shut it! It's funny you-- does she own this place? No, I own this place.
What's going on here, Janet? Ask Shane, Mr.
skully.
One of his school friends dropped by to pay his compliments.
Not in my working hours, you don't.
Out.
Here, Geoff.
Great seeing you, man.
Do you fancy a club Friday? You can ring us at me mum's.
See you later.
I couldn't catch him.
What do you mean you couldn't catch him? Well, he were a marathon runner.
And he kicked you in passing? Oh, no.
That were a girl.
You're having a bad day, Geoffrey.
No, not all bad.
I found the garage.
[Door opens and closes.]
Dumped in my wheelbarrow.
"The car is registered in a company name-- "pendlemain construction.
"That's all I'm telling you.
A well-wisher.
" Who would that be, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Use your loaf, Geoffrey.
D.
C.
I.
Adams.
Well, he's done his duty at last.
Pendlemain.
The chairman was on TV last night.
His name is pickering.
He's just bought blainthorp football club.
Oh, yes.
And I've seen him recently.
Where's this week's local paper, Robert? Hang on a minute.
Pendlemain construction.
You can see that on a bus on a big hoarding just past gindu street by the brewery.
Never mind the brewery.
A company car.
That could mean anyone who works for them or family perhaps.
I know I've seen something.
Try page 3.
Get off.
You're right, Robert.
It is page 3.
"Mr.
and Mrs.
Wallace pickering, pictured at a charity function "organized by the blainthorp roundtable and the ladies circle.
" And that might just be the hat.
Oh.
Finish up, Geoffrey.
We're off to blainthorp.
But how do you know where he lives? If he's a big cheese, he won't have his name in the phone book.
We are a detective agency, Robert.
I'll get me togs.
[Knock on door.]
Good afternoon.
Mrs.
mabel winstanley from the blainthorp ladies circle appeal committee.
I've come to see Mrs.
pickering.
Well, I think she's busy at the moment.
Is she expecting you? Well, if she isn't, someone in my office will have to answer for it.
Well, you better come in.
Thank you.
Mrs.
pickering: But why? Why? Is it because of what I did? Liam: What? I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
It will never happen again.
Never.
I think we'd better wait a moment.
[Voices fade.]
It's not what you did, mother.
But you could have asked instead of crawling around on your hands and knees.
How could I ask? Now you're being ridiculous.
It's this whole house, the way you play his game, let him trample all over you.
I can't take it anymore.
So you're blaming me? No.
Yes! You should have left years ago.
Where should I go? Anywhere.
You're still beautiful.
You've still got a life.
But I stayed for you, my angel.
Oh, no.
Don't give me that, please.
Of course I did.
To see you through university.
And if you leave now, you'll ruin your own life, everything.
I won't.
I'll make something.
Look, I'm decided.
I just wanted your backing, right? Just for once in your life, stand up and be counted! What does that mean? That's so hurtful.
Liam, don't go.
What shall I do alone here? Keep taking the tablets, mother.
Liam! Liam! Yes, Judith? Mrs.
winstanley, madam.
From the blainthorp ladies appeal committee.
I'm the new coordinator.
But if I've chosen an awkward time MrsWinstanley? Mm-hmm.
No.
Please, come in.
Thank you, Judith.
You ok? Yeah.
UhI'm waiting for someone.
That's a great machine.
A 750, isn't it? I've always fancied one of them.
Yeah? You want to buy it? Yeah? UhNo.
Can't afford it.
[Starts engine.]
See ya.
"Hetty Wainthropp, private investigator.
" I'm Wallace pickering.
May I hear about this? My wife and I have no secrets, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
I'm here on behalf of a client, Mr.
pickering.
What client? At half past 4:00 yesterday afternoon, your wife was involved in an accident in coles hill drive-- I don't know what you mean.
Please, darling, make her leave the house at once.
She got out of her car, a red alfa Romeo, and struck my client twice in the face, causing severe pain and distress.
No! This is nonsense.
It's all right, lille.
The police have been informed, I take it? Yes, they were informed.
Then what are you doing here, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Shouldn't I be facing a detective sergeant? The car has been identified by the number plate.
Your wife has been identified by my client's description.
I'll repeat my question.
With this wealth of circumstantial evidence, what are you doing here? Because the police can't make a case? Of course they can't.
It's mistaken identity.
I was at the hospital fete all afternoon.
Hush now, lille.
I think we can clear this up very simply.
You see? Not a mark on it.
I told you.
And as for my wife being involved in fisticuffs, well, Mrs.
Wainthropp, does she look the type? Your investigation is concluded, I think.
Cars can be fixed.
My client's face may take longer to heal.
I'm sorry? You'll be hearing from me again.
If you're planning to take this further, you'll need a very good witness and the best lawyer in the county.
We would, but if it comes to that, Mr.
pickering, you might tell your lawyer that my client has suffered physical and psychological damage and loss of earnings, and she has a very high-profile job where appearances count.
Oh, so it's money she's after? Well, that won't concern you, will it? If you've no reason to doubt your wife.
Hetty: I don't know what I've set in motion.
A settlement out of court perhaps, which would please d.
C.
I.
Adams.
You've got to be sure the woman's guilty first.
Well, of course she's guilty.
It's coming out of every pore.
And her husband knows it as well.
You've still got to prove it.
Well, I know that.
They close ranks, from what I've seen of them.
There's something going on with her and her son I can't get hold of.
Oh, I'm tired.
Come on, love.
Home now.
We must catch that runner.
Wainthropp detective agency.
We'd like a few words, if you've got the breath.
Hetty: No.
Farther back, Geoffrey.
Back.
Stop there.
Was that it, Mr.
pejic? Where you heard the bang but saw nothing? Come on, Geoffrey.
Come running now towards us.
Faster.
You must have had a clear view now of what followed, getting clearer with every stride.
Oh, absolutely.
[Breathing heavily.]
Then why did you say you didn't? Did you say you were a schoolmaster, Mr.
pejic? That's correct.
Then don't you think that, as a schoolmaster, you had a moral duty? What does she want? To bring charges against this woman? Won't do her any favors.
How do you mean? I mean, young man, my moral duty would be to say under oath that she was talking on a mobile telephone, not looking where she was going, and was almost certainly to blame for the crash.
Didn't she have enough on her plate without being up on a driving charge? Now, if you'll excuse me, I have 3-c in an hour.
I hope 3-c catch him before he can run the friggin' marathon.
Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
[Crying softly.]
[Knock on door.]
Madam? No, thank you, Judith.
All right, so I was on the mobile, yes.
Your only witness may be hostile.
Why? He didn't see anything.
He ran off.
He was trying to spare you.
He'll change his tune under oath.
But why should she get away with it? I mean, look at me, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
She's a spoiled rich cow, and she messed me up.
She's unhappy.
And we should be sorry? Well, no, I don't think so.
If you've an open mind, you'll want that woman punished! It comes down to this-- if you bring an assault charge, they'll counter with dangerous driving.
There could be something else on offer.
Her husband's a wealthy, influential man who might pay you to drop it.
And would I also get an apology? I think that's the least we should aim for.
And to open our show today, will you please give a warm welcome to our special guest, Mrs.
lillemor pickering.
Thank you.
[Applause.]
Ladies and gentlemen I'll come straight to the point.
It's been brought to my attention that some interfering busybody calling herself a private detective has been harassing the wife of a prominent local citizen, causing her considerable emotional distress.
Who told you that? Well, I know, don't I? It's your friend and mine-- Mr.
Wallace pickering, the well-known local benefactor.
Don't start, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
This is more serious than you think.
I've met Mrs.
pickering once, in the course of an investigation.
That's not what I've heard.
And I saw her once at a flower show.
And threatened her.
I did nothing of the sort! If your client has a grievance, she can go through the official channels.
What will not be tolerated in our free society is your behavior in this case.
So we just forget it, do we? Because the alleged assailant is the wife of a wealthy businessman? Is that your free society, where the world's run from the golf club or the rotary club or wherever such people meet? Now, don't get on your soapbox.
I'm surprised at you, detective chief inspector Adams, that you allow yourself to be influenced by directives.
Oh? I should have ignored this, should I? Because the complainant has influence? They have no rights? You don't even follow your own logic.
[Sighs.]
No, you were obliged to inform me, but not chastise me for it.
Look You and I know each other well enough by now.
Of course this came from upstairs, and you've been out of order, and I won't have it.
Also, you can't win this one.
That's not chastisement.
That's good old-fashioned advice.
[Music playing loudly.]
What? Janet? At a disco? As if.
Kickboxing class is where you'll find our Janet.
Why are you asking anyway? Do you fancy her? Oh, she wishes.
Serious skirt, though.
Great legs.
Yeah, for kicking people.
She's checking out rovers all night with lads, yeah? Yeah.
Why don't we try those two? Hi.
I'm Geoff.
I'm Cindy.
You're new here, isn't you? Yeah.
He's me mate.
He wants to buy an alfa.
[Song changes.]
Oh.
Uh.
That's, um Liam pickering, isn't it? Do you know him? Yeah.
Out of his head and out of your class.
Yeah.
Well, I want a word with him.
Come on.
Hiya, Liam.
Hiya, Cindy.
Hello there.
This is Geoff.
Yeah, we've met.
You still want to sell that motorbike of yours? What are you offering? Well, it's not me.
It's me mate Shane over there.
He can shift it for you.
You still going to aussie land? You bet.
He's binking off the university to get away from his nutsy rich family.
Aren't you, Liam? Yeah.
And leave the family heirlooms? Why is that? Tell him, kiddo.
You tell him.
Only if he buys me a drambuie shandy.
Ok.
I'm not serious.
It's a Shanghai Madonna.
A Shanghai Madonna.
He's a nut case.
Cherish him, baby.
[Footsteps approaching.]
[Man and woman groaning.]
[Knock on door.]
Geoffrey: Mrs.
Wainthropp? What is it? Geoffrey? He's drunk.
No, I'm not.
I found it, the missing bit we've been missing.
It's Liam's mother.
What? What, Geoffrey? What? [Belches.]
She's a druggie.
She nicked gear from his room.
You don't know what it is like, this house.
What I do is not enough.
Beautiful clothes.
I smile and smile.
What more does he want? And now my son My one treasure, is leaving me.
Because you took something from him to help you cope? How do you know this? And something snapped that afternoon? No.
No, I-- I don't remember what happened.
This woman What does she want? To take me to court and humiliate me? She might just settle for an apology.
What? A brief note And a donation to her charity, perhaps.
You're asking me to put something in writing? So she can go straight to my husband and demand money? There's no reason why such a letter should ever reach your husband.
Why should I trust you? You've no sympathy with me.
You're working for this Injured party.
If it's money you want, tell me how much.
No letter, no apology.
Just name your price.
No, no, no, Mrs.
pickering.
Put that away, please.
You're right.
I'm sorry for my behavior, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
It's quite out of character.
I think I need to get away for a few days and clear my head.
Have you somewhere you can go? Yes.
Some dear friends of mine who live in the lake district.
The wife is Swedish.
She's often asked me to visit.
It sounds perfect.
And, of course, I shall do as you say.
I shall apologize to your client and make a donation.
I shall put it in a letter, and if you give me her address, she shall have it on Monday.
Oh, no.
I may miss the post.
Uh, Tuesday.
I think it'll see an end of the matter.
And if I may say so, Mrs.
pickering, I think what you're doing is admirable.
Well, I hope it's civilized, at least.
Well done.
Brilliantly handled.
Well done.
Don't go overboard, Robert.
That house still reeks of misery.
But the lady has guts.
That I'll vouch for.
Geoffrey, what are you doing? Don't dig up my poor beans.
Mrs.
pickering! Will you say something, please? What is this? She's been in there nearly 2 hours, sir.
I'm so worried! Mom! Mother? Aah! Adams: They found her at 7:00 last night.
She'd cut her wrists in the bath.
No letter? Nothing? Not so far.
These drugs you said she took from her son's bedroom, you've no idea who supplied them, I don't suppose? Tell him the name of the disco, Geoffrey.
Mrs.
Wainthropp-- tell him.
Let's try and get something out of this mess.
Good morning, sir.
Oh, morning.
Hetty, love.
Now don't fret, Robert.
I know what I'm doing.
[Kiss.]
Thank you.
Lillemor.
It means "little mother" in Swedish.
Did you know that? I didn't.
It was our boy Liam deciding to go to Australia that tipped her, of course.
I have a son who went to Australia.
He's coming back on a visit soon.
Oh.
They come back, do they? When they're ready, I believe.
It's their lives.
We can only set them going.
Yes.
Well, I set him going, obviously, but he's decided to stayAfter this.
Wants his degree.
Very wise of him.
Mrs.
Wainthropp I don't know what lille confided in you.
That was woman to woman.
What took place between us, lille and me, is also private, and the outcome is a matter for the family alone.
I trust you'll respect that.
Of course I shall, Mr.
pickering.
I have a lot of influence in this county.
I can do much for the general good, if I'm allowed.
What I don't need is idle tongues.
You understand me? These are for you and for your client, and I hope they'll take care of that side of things.
Thank you.
[Exhales.]
Was I to blame? I've been through this before with my mother.
She took her life.
No blame, love.
No blame for any one person.
How can there be? I didn't want this much.
Did you receive another letter, through the post? Who from? Oh, it doesn't matter.
Well, I'm finished now.
Good-bye, magda.
Thank you.
Ah, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
What do we owe you? It's all settled, Mr.
kavanagh.
Thank you.
2 grand? I don't believe it.
We could buy a car, a mobile phone, a computer.
It would set us up great.
It's not for us, Geoffrey.
Some people would call it hush money to keep a wealthy man high in the public esteem.
What would you call it, eh, love? Well, there's no tagging it with a name.
We'll deduct our usual expenses and make a donation to the blainthorp ladies circle, which may do some good.
We'd have to vote on that, wouldn't we? Did you say something, Geoffrey? UmHe said, "carried unanimously.
" Didn't you, lad? Yes, Mr.
Wainthropp.
Hello.
They've agreed? Great.
Survey? Well, so they should.
It's a snap.
Thanks, Ken.
Well, don't you have to get home? Ok.
You're the boss.
Half an hour.
[Tires screeching.]
[Crash.]
You stupid-- you stopped.
You just stopped! Don't you look where you're going? What's this? You were talking on this! No wonder.
Please.
Uh! Oh! [Engine revving, tires screeching.]
Did you see it? Did you see what she did? No.
I heard the bang.
Then she was driving off.
You must have seen her.
Did you get the number? I got "p" something 9 B-f-v.
It was the best I could do.
I'm sorry.
It should be drivable.
Are you all right to drive? I just can't believe you didn't see it.
I'm sorry.
I've got to keep going.
What? Great northern marathon next week.
I'm running for charity.
Please, don't let me keep you.
You sure? Yes.
Leave me.
Leave me alone.
Oh, just a minute.
What's your name? Ken.
For me? Ha ha! Yeah.
Flowers for a lady.
Well, thank you, Geoffrey.
Ha ha.
When did somebody last buy me flowers? Are we starting this meeting or what? It's nearly 10 past 5:00.
[Machinery whirring.]
9:30.
9:00.
Is that possible? Look, I'll pick it up myself.
Great.
Thank you.
Thank you very much indeed.
What's the verdict, Janet? New number plates and lights, new rear bumper and panel, exhaust system to check, and a bit of paint touchup.
Otherwise no problem? Oh, it's a doddle, Mr.
skully.
She wants it by 9:00 in the morning.
Where are you going? I was just off for home, Mr.
skully.
You aren't.
Janet wants you.
Big job on tonight-- sorting this.
Come on.
It's rovers and Leeds tonight.
I'm going down with me mates.
Home win, rotten game.
Leeds' own goal, 85th minute.
She's right, so get your glad rags back on and get started.
Paint coat's 130.
Great.
What's the matter, shaney baby? You'd rather get tanked up with your mates than spend the night here with us? UhYeah.
Well, it's on 5 live.
And you know where the offie is.
What about him? Oh, he won't mind, as long as the job gets done.
Brilliant.
Now, item number 6 on the agenda.
This concerns you, Geoffrey.
Oh.
After a long and careful deliberation, Mrs.
Wainthropp has decided-- well, both of us, Robert.
Mrs.
Wainthropp and your chairman have decided that the time has come, lad, to make you a bona-fide partner in the firm.
OhHa ha.
You've more than earned it.
Now, in practical terms, it means we share all the profits, after expenses, equally 3 ways.
That's 2/3 to us and 1/3 to you.
Have you got that clear? Oh, clear as a bell, Mr.
Wainthropp.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Of course, now you'll have to learn how to handle your money.
I'll buy us a car.
I mean I'll invest on some more lessons.
Cars cost money, and it's not just the buying.
It's tax, repairs, maintenance.
And the insurance-- we'll have a problem there with your age and profession.
High-speed car chases.
High-speed what? I'm just kidding.
And I know it'll cost, but the company will fork out, won't it? Business expenses.
[Telephone rings.]
Shall I get it? Ha ha ha.
We can't let him have a car just so he can go gadding about, impressing young girls, and then charging the company.
That way lies ruin.
He's getting so like Derek at his age.
With our Derek, it wasn't cars and girls at that age; It was computers Until Gloria snaffled him up with her fancy ideas.
It's for you, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Hard luck, mom.
Don't keep them there anymore.
What are you after-- uppers or downers? Come through, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
I'm Ken kavanagh.
She's in my office.
She's still very upset.
Just a minute, Mr.
kavanagh.
I'll need to get one or 2 things straight.
At what stage did you become involved? She called me up on her mobile.
After the woman drove off and the runner left her? Yes.
I told her to get the car to a garage, picked her up there, and took her straight to the police station.
To report the accident, or was it the assault more on her mind? The assault, of course.
And they were absolutely hopeless, frankly.
Magda, love, it's Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Thanks for coming.
Oh.
Believe it or not, tonight was a cause for celebration-- an awkward sale completed, thanks to miss devlin's charm and persistence.
Thank you.
That looks very painful.
Have you had it properly seen to? The police doctor examined her and advised her to go to hospital for a checkup.
Oh? They did something, then? Nothing's broken.
I'm not concussed.
I'm all right.
It's that woman I want.
I need to know who she is.
We'll find her, miss devlin.
This is my partner.
Mr.
Shawcross.
Before we start, I do have to tell you our rates.
It's all right.
The company will take care of that.
She'll have enough on her plate.
With no details, they'll have a no-claims bonus, and she'll be off work for a while.
Who said "off work"? Don't get me wrong, love, but obviously The very nature of the job, I mean.
We're talking appearances.
This woman You'd never seen her before? And nothing had happened on the road between you just prior to the accident? You mean did magda cut her off? Of course she didn't.
I'll answer, Ken.
Thank you.
[Sniffles.]
No.
She was in front of me.
Then she pulled up dead.
I hadn't a chance.
This runner you spoke to-- can you tell us what he looked like? Oh, he was thin A wispy little beard.
He had a redOh.
A banBandana.
He said he was running some marathon.
He got some of the car number, you said? Yes.
It was a red alfa.
But he hadn't seen the accident or the punches? No.
But how could he have missed it? He came right up behind us.
And he never left his name? What was the woman like? Can you remember what she was wearing? Was she young or old? And did she hit you with something that caused those cuts? ForeignSunglasses, well-dressed, a straw hat.
I don't know.
I don't know.
We must get her home.
Would you ring for a taxi, Mr.
kavanagh? There have been rumors of your interest in much bigger clubs, Mr.
pickering.
So the news today that you've purchased blainthorp trinity, who finished next to bottom with only 3 wins out of the whole of last season, comes as quite a surprise.
What's the appeal for a man like yourself? Well, you can only hope in this life, can't you? It's down to basics, Roger.
I am a blainthorp lad, born and bred.
In fact, I can remember coming here with my mate.
New dress? Do you like it? Very nice.
Can you breathe in it? Would you care? What did you say? Mr.
Wallace pickering, chairman of pendlemain construction and the new owner of blainthorp trinity football club.
Must be out of his mind.
Well-dressed, straw hat.
Coming from a function perhaps.
What got her so steamed up? And does she regret her behavior now, I wonder? [Sniffs.]
Hello.
[Sniffs.]
He's at it again.
What have you got for us this time, Robert? All the flavors of the orient-- tandoori chicken zafrani, marinated and grilled with tomato, capsicum, and onion.
Oh, my word.
That's cool.
The real thing, eh? Well, not exactly the real thing, Geoffrey.
A good stab at it.
[Door closes.]
SoI bought a football club today.
What have you done, the pair of you? Sat all through dinner like monkeys with fleas.
You especially.
What's on your mind, Liam? You have something you want to say to me? Man to man, is it? Liam-- leave us, lille.
No.
You both have to hear it.
Well, out with it, lad.
I've not got all night.
I want to leave university.
The reason? I'm wasting my time.
I want to travel.
Oh? Where to? Australia.
And I'm the last to know, am I? I haven't heard about this.
You're going nowhere, not till you've got your degree.
I've not wasted good money for you to swan off and swig lager and bum the beach all day.
Darling-- shut up.
I've got to get out of it.
What? You've the life of Riley here.
You've been mollycoddled by her and had everything you want from me, you ungrateful little sot.
What have I had from you? Tell me, dad.
What have I had? Well, there's a 750cc Ducati outside for a kickoff.
Well, you can keep it.
If that's the price, I don't want it.
Liam, my angel-- no.
He's asked for the truth.
I'll tell him.
I live at home because he won't let me have an allowance.
You're down the road, for God's sake.
Are you complaining about free bed and board? I'm a joke, dad.
My mates They come from all over, and they've all got poxy little rooms, and they're happy.
And they look at me like I'm some freak.
They do, you know.
If you brought them back-- bring them back? Here? To this glorified sultan's palace? With you, mother, crawling around like some Trying to get him? No wonder you-- no wonder she what? Spit it out, son.
No.
Nothing.
Sorry.
Nothing.
I just I can't take it anymore.
You're, both of you, squeezing the life out of me.
Liam.
Mmm! That was great.
Yes.
You're a dab hand with those spices.
Very nice.
Thank you.
And now we've got some work to do.
Yes.
And I want to be part of it.
I'm not just a pretty face, you know.
Never.
This, uh Magda devlin.
Wasn't that the case of the photographer fellow who married a rich widow? Lester rose and Gillian.
Yeah.
That's where she knew us from.
Word of mouth.
Now, then.
Coles hill drive.
Find it.
Right.
What I still don't understand is, why did she thump the woman instead of getting the details for insurance? [Belches.]
Excuse me.
She'll have to pay out of her own pocket now.
From our first impression, I don't think that's her worry somehow.
If she has to pay herself, it serves her right.
Road rage.
You can't go around punching people.
Yeah, and it's any class of person these days, not just hard cases.
I heard it on a phone-in.
This man owned up, and he were a judge.
Mind on the job, Geoffrey.
Coles hill drive.
Coles hill drive.
Right.
Ah Oh.
Coles hill drive.
I went up there on my driving lesson.
It's a nowhere sort of place.
She could have been using it as a cut-through to the blainthorp road.
Right.
So now we want that runner in the red bandana.
And if he's getting himself up for a marathon, he'll be out before breakfast.
Wait, you [Breathing heavily.]
Magda devlin.
Yes.
W.
P.
C.
Hampton brought her a cup of tea and 2 digestive biscuits.
Then a doctor examined her and sent her for a hospital check.
She came here for justice and got digestive biscuits? Mrs.
Wainthropp, with no car damage reported and no witnesses-- may I see that statement? No, you may not.
[Telephone rings.]
Adams.
Yeah.
Give me 3 minutes.
I'm asking just one thing-- that you trace the owner of that alfa Romeo.
I've given you most of the number.
I could do it myself with your equipment.
I'm sure, but you know we don't hand the public that kind of information.
I'm not "public.
" I'm just saving me legs.
And if you find the owner, what will you do with her? That's my client's business.
What would you do with her? If your client wants my advice, you should think very carefully about going to court.
Charges of assault have a nasty way of backfiring.
Questions get raised.
We should want them raised.
Like who was to blame for the accident? Who struck the first blow? They're often acrimonious and very seldom get the desired result.
Thank you for your 3 minutes, inspector.
[Door closes.]
Right.
Thanks.
Cheers.
Hello.
I'm phoning for a friend of mine from London inquiring if you've got an alfa Romeo for sale.
And it has to be red.
You got one in last night? Hello? Yes.
[Telephone ringing.]
Excuse me.
I've just made some coffee.
Help yourself.
There's milk in the fridge.
Thank you.
Hello.
Yeah, speaking.
How much is the damage? What? Yes.
Well, no.
Yes.
You better go ahead.
I need it.
When? Thanks.
Bye.
My garage.
£300 to fix my car.
Got to pay for it myself.
I don't risk the no-claims bonus.
It's a nightmare.
Well, somebody's thinking of you.
Yes, from a friend.
I must sort them.
How are you feeling today? Rotten.
LookI'm sorry.
I was a bit off last night.
I should never have drunk that Brandy.
You have nothing to apologize about.
Have you had any luck? We've made a start.
All you want is her name, isn't it? Then I'm finished? No, actually.
I want you to go and see her and advise me if I should bring a charge.
The way I feel about her, I couldn't trust meself to make a judgment.
But I must know why she did it.
Would you do it? Very well.
[Tool whirring.]
[Snoring.]
Ah! Geoff.
Yeah.
All right, what are you doing here? I came by looking for you, didn't I? Got kicked by a mule.
You didn't come to see him.
You were looking for easy money.
No, I wasn't.
I saw you, Fluffy boy.
What do you mean? This is my mate.
Geoff, an old schoolmate.
He ain't a thief.
Are you? No.
Never.
Turn out your pockets.
Come on, Janet.
He's me mate.
What does that prove? Go on.
Ha ha.
All right.
I just came by looking for a pen to leave a message for Shane for when he woke up.
Was it you who phone earlier about the red alfa? No.
What's wrong if it was? Just a customer inquiry, wasn't it? Were it you that put the phone down? It were, weren't it? Have you got one? Shut it! It's funny you-- does she own this place? No, I own this place.
What's going on here, Janet? Ask Shane, Mr.
skully.
One of his school friends dropped by to pay his compliments.
Not in my working hours, you don't.
Out.
Here, Geoff.
Great seeing you, man.
Do you fancy a club Friday? You can ring us at me mum's.
See you later.
I couldn't catch him.
What do you mean you couldn't catch him? Well, he were a marathon runner.
And he kicked you in passing? Oh, no.
That were a girl.
You're having a bad day, Geoffrey.
No, not all bad.
I found the garage.
[Door opens and closes.]
Dumped in my wheelbarrow.
"The car is registered in a company name-- "pendlemain construction.
"That's all I'm telling you.
A well-wisher.
" Who would that be, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Use your loaf, Geoffrey.
D.
C.
I.
Adams.
Well, he's done his duty at last.
Pendlemain.
The chairman was on TV last night.
His name is pickering.
He's just bought blainthorp football club.
Oh, yes.
And I've seen him recently.
Where's this week's local paper, Robert? Hang on a minute.
Pendlemain construction.
You can see that on a bus on a big hoarding just past gindu street by the brewery.
Never mind the brewery.
A company car.
That could mean anyone who works for them or family perhaps.
I know I've seen something.
Try page 3.
Get off.
You're right, Robert.
It is page 3.
"Mr.
and Mrs.
Wallace pickering, pictured at a charity function "organized by the blainthorp roundtable and the ladies circle.
" And that might just be the hat.
Oh.
Finish up, Geoffrey.
We're off to blainthorp.
But how do you know where he lives? If he's a big cheese, he won't have his name in the phone book.
We are a detective agency, Robert.
I'll get me togs.
[Knock on door.]
Good afternoon.
Mrs.
mabel winstanley from the blainthorp ladies circle appeal committee.
I've come to see Mrs.
pickering.
Well, I think she's busy at the moment.
Is she expecting you? Well, if she isn't, someone in my office will have to answer for it.
Well, you better come in.
Thank you.
Mrs.
pickering: But why? Why? Is it because of what I did? Liam: What? I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
It will never happen again.
Never.
I think we'd better wait a moment.
[Voices fade.]
It's not what you did, mother.
But you could have asked instead of crawling around on your hands and knees.
How could I ask? Now you're being ridiculous.
It's this whole house, the way you play his game, let him trample all over you.
I can't take it anymore.
So you're blaming me? No.
Yes! You should have left years ago.
Where should I go? Anywhere.
You're still beautiful.
You've still got a life.
But I stayed for you, my angel.
Oh, no.
Don't give me that, please.
Of course I did.
To see you through university.
And if you leave now, you'll ruin your own life, everything.
I won't.
I'll make something.
Look, I'm decided.
I just wanted your backing, right? Just for once in your life, stand up and be counted! What does that mean? That's so hurtful.
Liam, don't go.
What shall I do alone here? Keep taking the tablets, mother.
Liam! Liam! Yes, Judith? Mrs.
winstanley, madam.
From the blainthorp ladies appeal committee.
I'm the new coordinator.
But if I've chosen an awkward time MrsWinstanley? Mm-hmm.
No.
Please, come in.
Thank you, Judith.
You ok? Yeah.
UhI'm waiting for someone.
That's a great machine.
A 750, isn't it? I've always fancied one of them.
Yeah? You want to buy it? Yeah? UhNo.
Can't afford it.
[Starts engine.]
See ya.
"Hetty Wainthropp, private investigator.
" I'm Wallace pickering.
May I hear about this? My wife and I have no secrets, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
I'm here on behalf of a client, Mr.
pickering.
What client? At half past 4:00 yesterday afternoon, your wife was involved in an accident in coles hill drive-- I don't know what you mean.
Please, darling, make her leave the house at once.
She got out of her car, a red alfa Romeo, and struck my client twice in the face, causing severe pain and distress.
No! This is nonsense.
It's all right, lille.
The police have been informed, I take it? Yes, they were informed.
Then what are you doing here, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Shouldn't I be facing a detective sergeant? The car has been identified by the number plate.
Your wife has been identified by my client's description.
I'll repeat my question.
With this wealth of circumstantial evidence, what are you doing here? Because the police can't make a case? Of course they can't.
It's mistaken identity.
I was at the hospital fete all afternoon.
Hush now, lille.
I think we can clear this up very simply.
You see? Not a mark on it.
I told you.
And as for my wife being involved in fisticuffs, well, Mrs.
Wainthropp, does she look the type? Your investigation is concluded, I think.
Cars can be fixed.
My client's face may take longer to heal.
I'm sorry? You'll be hearing from me again.
If you're planning to take this further, you'll need a very good witness and the best lawyer in the county.
We would, but if it comes to that, Mr.
pickering, you might tell your lawyer that my client has suffered physical and psychological damage and loss of earnings, and she has a very high-profile job where appearances count.
Oh, so it's money she's after? Well, that won't concern you, will it? If you've no reason to doubt your wife.
Hetty: I don't know what I've set in motion.
A settlement out of court perhaps, which would please d.
C.
I.
Adams.
You've got to be sure the woman's guilty first.
Well, of course she's guilty.
It's coming out of every pore.
And her husband knows it as well.
You've still got to prove it.
Well, I know that.
They close ranks, from what I've seen of them.
There's something going on with her and her son I can't get hold of.
Oh, I'm tired.
Come on, love.
Home now.
We must catch that runner.
Wainthropp detective agency.
We'd like a few words, if you've got the breath.
Hetty: No.
Farther back, Geoffrey.
Back.
Stop there.
Was that it, Mr.
pejic? Where you heard the bang but saw nothing? Come on, Geoffrey.
Come running now towards us.
Faster.
You must have had a clear view now of what followed, getting clearer with every stride.
Oh, absolutely.
[Breathing heavily.]
Then why did you say you didn't? Did you say you were a schoolmaster, Mr.
pejic? That's correct.
Then don't you think that, as a schoolmaster, you had a moral duty? What does she want? To bring charges against this woman? Won't do her any favors.
How do you mean? I mean, young man, my moral duty would be to say under oath that she was talking on a mobile telephone, not looking where she was going, and was almost certainly to blame for the crash.
Didn't she have enough on her plate without being up on a driving charge? Now, if you'll excuse me, I have 3-c in an hour.
I hope 3-c catch him before he can run the friggin' marathon.
Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
[Crying softly.]
[Knock on door.]
Madam? No, thank you, Judith.
All right, so I was on the mobile, yes.
Your only witness may be hostile.
Why? He didn't see anything.
He ran off.
He was trying to spare you.
He'll change his tune under oath.
But why should she get away with it? I mean, look at me, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
She's a spoiled rich cow, and she messed me up.
She's unhappy.
And we should be sorry? Well, no, I don't think so.
If you've an open mind, you'll want that woman punished! It comes down to this-- if you bring an assault charge, they'll counter with dangerous driving.
There could be something else on offer.
Her husband's a wealthy, influential man who might pay you to drop it.
And would I also get an apology? I think that's the least we should aim for.
And to open our show today, will you please give a warm welcome to our special guest, Mrs.
lillemor pickering.
Thank you.
[Applause.]
Ladies and gentlemen I'll come straight to the point.
It's been brought to my attention that some interfering busybody calling herself a private detective has been harassing the wife of a prominent local citizen, causing her considerable emotional distress.
Who told you that? Well, I know, don't I? It's your friend and mine-- Mr.
Wallace pickering, the well-known local benefactor.
Don't start, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
This is more serious than you think.
I've met Mrs.
pickering once, in the course of an investigation.
That's not what I've heard.
And I saw her once at a flower show.
And threatened her.
I did nothing of the sort! If your client has a grievance, she can go through the official channels.
What will not be tolerated in our free society is your behavior in this case.
So we just forget it, do we? Because the alleged assailant is the wife of a wealthy businessman? Is that your free society, where the world's run from the golf club or the rotary club or wherever such people meet? Now, don't get on your soapbox.
I'm surprised at you, detective chief inspector Adams, that you allow yourself to be influenced by directives.
Oh? I should have ignored this, should I? Because the complainant has influence? They have no rights? You don't even follow your own logic.
[Sighs.]
No, you were obliged to inform me, but not chastise me for it.
Look You and I know each other well enough by now.
Of course this came from upstairs, and you've been out of order, and I won't have it.
Also, you can't win this one.
That's not chastisement.
That's good old-fashioned advice.
[Music playing loudly.]
What? Janet? At a disco? As if.
Kickboxing class is where you'll find our Janet.
Why are you asking anyway? Do you fancy her? Oh, she wishes.
Serious skirt, though.
Great legs.
Yeah, for kicking people.
She's checking out rovers all night with lads, yeah? Yeah.
Why don't we try those two? Hi.
I'm Geoff.
I'm Cindy.
You're new here, isn't you? Yeah.
He's me mate.
He wants to buy an alfa.
[Song changes.]
Oh.
Uh.
That's, um Liam pickering, isn't it? Do you know him? Yeah.
Out of his head and out of your class.
Yeah.
Well, I want a word with him.
Come on.
Hiya, Liam.
Hiya, Cindy.
Hello there.
This is Geoff.
Yeah, we've met.
You still want to sell that motorbike of yours? What are you offering? Well, it's not me.
It's me mate Shane over there.
He can shift it for you.
You still going to aussie land? You bet.
He's binking off the university to get away from his nutsy rich family.
Aren't you, Liam? Yeah.
And leave the family heirlooms? Why is that? Tell him, kiddo.
You tell him.
Only if he buys me a drambuie shandy.
Ok.
I'm not serious.
It's a Shanghai Madonna.
A Shanghai Madonna.
He's a nut case.
Cherish him, baby.
[Footsteps approaching.]
[Man and woman groaning.]
[Knock on door.]
Geoffrey: Mrs.
Wainthropp? What is it? Geoffrey? He's drunk.
No, I'm not.
I found it, the missing bit we've been missing.
It's Liam's mother.
What? What, Geoffrey? What? [Belches.]
She's a druggie.
She nicked gear from his room.
You don't know what it is like, this house.
What I do is not enough.
Beautiful clothes.
I smile and smile.
What more does he want? And now my son My one treasure, is leaving me.
Because you took something from him to help you cope? How do you know this? And something snapped that afternoon? No.
No, I-- I don't remember what happened.
This woman What does she want? To take me to court and humiliate me? She might just settle for an apology.
What? A brief note And a donation to her charity, perhaps.
You're asking me to put something in writing? So she can go straight to my husband and demand money? There's no reason why such a letter should ever reach your husband.
Why should I trust you? You've no sympathy with me.
You're working for this Injured party.
If it's money you want, tell me how much.
No letter, no apology.
Just name your price.
No, no, no, Mrs.
pickering.
Put that away, please.
You're right.
I'm sorry for my behavior, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
It's quite out of character.
I think I need to get away for a few days and clear my head.
Have you somewhere you can go? Yes.
Some dear friends of mine who live in the lake district.
The wife is Swedish.
She's often asked me to visit.
It sounds perfect.
And, of course, I shall do as you say.
I shall apologize to your client and make a donation.
I shall put it in a letter, and if you give me her address, she shall have it on Monday.
Oh, no.
I may miss the post.
Uh, Tuesday.
I think it'll see an end of the matter.
And if I may say so, Mrs.
pickering, I think what you're doing is admirable.
Well, I hope it's civilized, at least.
Well done.
Brilliantly handled.
Well done.
Don't go overboard, Robert.
That house still reeks of misery.
But the lady has guts.
That I'll vouch for.
Geoffrey, what are you doing? Don't dig up my poor beans.
Mrs.
pickering! Will you say something, please? What is this? She's been in there nearly 2 hours, sir.
I'm so worried! Mom! Mother? Aah! Adams: They found her at 7:00 last night.
She'd cut her wrists in the bath.
No letter? Nothing? Not so far.
These drugs you said she took from her son's bedroom, you've no idea who supplied them, I don't suppose? Tell him the name of the disco, Geoffrey.
Mrs.
Wainthropp-- tell him.
Let's try and get something out of this mess.
Good morning, sir.
Oh, morning.
Hetty, love.
Now don't fret, Robert.
I know what I'm doing.
[Kiss.]
Thank you.
Lillemor.
It means "little mother" in Swedish.
Did you know that? I didn't.
It was our boy Liam deciding to go to Australia that tipped her, of course.
I have a son who went to Australia.
He's coming back on a visit soon.
Oh.
They come back, do they? When they're ready, I believe.
It's their lives.
We can only set them going.
Yes.
Well, I set him going, obviously, but he's decided to stayAfter this.
Wants his degree.
Very wise of him.
Mrs.
Wainthropp I don't know what lille confided in you.
That was woman to woman.
What took place between us, lille and me, is also private, and the outcome is a matter for the family alone.
I trust you'll respect that.
Of course I shall, Mr.
pickering.
I have a lot of influence in this county.
I can do much for the general good, if I'm allowed.
What I don't need is idle tongues.
You understand me? These are for you and for your client, and I hope they'll take care of that side of things.
Thank you.
[Exhales.]
Was I to blame? I've been through this before with my mother.
She took her life.
No blame, love.
No blame for any one person.
How can there be? I didn't want this much.
Did you receive another letter, through the post? Who from? Oh, it doesn't matter.
Well, I'm finished now.
Good-bye, magda.
Thank you.
Ah, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
What do we owe you? It's all settled, Mr.
kavanagh.
Thank you.
2 grand? I don't believe it.
We could buy a car, a mobile phone, a computer.
It would set us up great.
It's not for us, Geoffrey.
Some people would call it hush money to keep a wealthy man high in the public esteem.
What would you call it, eh, love? Well, there's no tagging it with a name.
We'll deduct our usual expenses and make a donation to the blainthorp ladies circle, which may do some good.
We'd have to vote on that, wouldn't we? Did you say something, Geoffrey? UmHe said, "carried unanimously.
" Didn't you, lad? Yes, Mr.
Wainthropp.