Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996) s03e07 Episode Script
A Minor Operation
Maybe that ambulance will give you a lift into work.
No such luck, mum.
See you later.
Home, Mrs.
parry.
Oh, no! Hey! It's it's another burglary! Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.
Now, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
I know, I know.
Have to be done.
Innocence on a chopping block, that's me.
And you haven't had anything to eat or drink? Not a morsel.
Me last cup of tea's nothing but a distant memory.
I'm spitting feathers.
There we are, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Mission accomplished.
Why do I have to have another blood test? It's me leg that needs seeing to.
I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.
Nothing to worry about, did she say? She did.
They said that to the woman who had your bed last.
What happened to her? You better save it.
The young lad's a bit squeamish.
What? Squeamish.
Oh, I am.
Seems a bit strange leaving you here on your own, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Heh.
I'll be all right.
Me circulation system's gone and got itself into a bit of a hoo-ha, that's all.
I think you're very brave Yeah.
It's a minor operation, and me leg's got to be done.
Could be a rest.
You've said you needed a break.
Ha ha ha! Having me varicose veins out is hardly a rest, Geoffrey.
And I'm not a strong fan of hospitals.
My mother used to call them pain factories.
[Person coughing.]
Well, couldn't the agency afford a private room? Private after waiting all this time? I'll be fine, just fine.
A new woman.
We're all rather keen on the old one, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Oh, get off.
You'll be home tomorrow.
I hope so.
Oh, no! Like that.
10:00 to 2:00.
Like that.
My legs haven't had this much attention since they were onstage at the floral hall in 1900 and oh, never mind.
You were a dancer? I did wear fishnet tights once.
There seems to be inflammation.
The veins are knotted.
No more than usual.
I'm on me feet a lot.
I think I'd like to postpone the operation just for the present.
You're not sending me home! I've waited 10 months.
Mrs.
Wainthropp, excuse me.
There seems to be some evidence of [Doctor and nurse speaking indistinctly.]
I'd like him to see her.
Admin will have no more than 40 hours for these minor ops.
Do you mind if I ask what's going on with regard to my leg, sister? Dr.
Miller has just joined us.
He's very thorough.
I'm sure there's no reason to worry.
Hmm.
Woman: That's too much.
Nobody will buy beans at that price.
I know prices.
We'll see.
We will.
What you doing in here?! This is for staff only, not patients! I'm sorry.
I didn't know it mattered.
Further down the corridor.
Go there.
Is everything all right? Yeah.
Please go.
Go.
Sir.
Everything ok? He's quite poorly.
I'm here about something else.
I heard Tommy had been moved.
I was just curious about security.
I wouldn't like to see him back on the streets.
Well, he's got an op tomorrow heart.
Didn't know he had one.
Keep an eye open.
I'd hate to have to catch him all over again.
Mrs.
Wainthropp? Chief inspector, what are you doing here? Checking up on you.
Nothing to check.
I'm marooned.
Waiting for me varicose veins to be removed.
Surgery? Oh, yes, surgery.
Ho! They make a number of cuts, the main one at the top of your leg, and then they go fishing down with a piece of wire and pull the vein out.
Like landing a conger eel.
I see.
Very nice.
And what about you? You look fit as a butcher's dog.
Work.
Oh.
We've had a spate of burglaries recently.
A lot of them occur when patients stay overnight in this hospital.
Really? Yes.
Someone telephoned, suggesting I check on Florence ward's staff rotas.
That's my ward.
Who gave you the tip-off? Didn't say.
A woman.
Could be a crank, someone with a grudge.
I hope it doesn't take too long.
It's our wedding anniversary.
Heather's booked a table at the mulberry tree for tonight.
Ooh! Now, enjoy yourselves.
Spare me a thought.
I've ordered Shepherd's pie on the hospital menu.
I fear the worst.
Well, I better make myself known.
Good luck.
Good luck with the fishing.
Ha ha ha! Detective chief inspector Adams.
I believe I can look at staff rotas here.
I'll introduce you to nurse woolmer in here.
Nurse woolmer will show you whatever it is you require.
Mrs.
Wainthropp, those veins of yours will not be improved by wandering about.
Well, nobody said not to.
I'm saying, back to bed now.
You are Adams, detective chief inspector Adams? That's me.
What?! Hey! What? Aah! Aah! Don't rape me! No, please, don't! No! Aah! Aah! What's your secret? I don't keep all my beans in one expensive basket.
Maybe you should drop your price.
No, no.
It's a bit slow, that's all.
Once word gets round there's organic produce to be had, they'll come flocking to buy.
You'll see.
Retired, are you? In some ways, yes.
In some ways, no.
You're a preacher? No, no.
I sold my market garden business, so I'm solvent for the rest of my days.
No.
I'm running a detective agency for my brother.
No! Yes.
It's a fact.
Well, you don't look the Sam spade type.
No.
That's my strength.
People think I'm just ordinary.
There must be a mistake.
D.
C.
I.
Adams wouldn't try to molest anybody.
He's been taken away.
The nurse is going to press charges for attempted rape.
I don't believe it.
What's the matter with these people? Why won't they buy? I'll have a pound off you later, Frank.
I like a nice, fresh runner bean.
Always have.
I mean, these are organic, tended and raised with love and care.
Oh, lucky beans.
Frank This is difficult, but I need a favor.
Well, Margaret, we're neighbors, so to speak.
What is it? You're the only person I can come to, with your being an undercover detective, I mean.
I have a son.
He's 22.
I married young.
I lost my husband a few years ago.
Oh.
The merry widow then.
Ha! How I wish.
No.
This is about my son Jamie.
Now he has a job driving caravans around the countryside, sometimes overseas.
What would you expect to be paid for that sort of a job? Oh.
Buttons.
Any fool can drive.
Look at the roads.
That's what I thought.
Well, my lad gets paid a great deal more than buttons.
Fancy.
Frank, you're a detective.
I'd pay a fee to find out why he gets paid so much.
Whatever you charge, it would be worth it to save my son from a life of crime.
Well, I you wouldn't take on my case, would you, Frank? Hetty: What's that brother-in-law of mine up to? He's be out trying to sell Mr.
Wainthropp's beans.
Did he ask anybody's permission? I don't think so, no.
Well, that's one thing.
If he's out selling beans, he won't be up to any other mischief, will he? I wouldn't think so.
Oh, I got me own bed back.
Yeah, he said I could move back into my own room.
Did he? Yeah.
And where's his lordship sleeping? Don't tell me he's moved into my room.
Yes, he has.
When's he coming to visit me? Soon.
Soon.
Uh, today maybe.
I'd like him to visit, Geoffrey.
I thought you'd be glad to get away from him.
Oh, our Mr.
Wainthropp said he'd call tonight.
Uh, oh, soon.
I best be yes, you better.
Give him my love.
Yeah.
Good to see you getting a bit of a rest, Mrs.
wain you can't call this a rest, Geoffrey.
I'm stuck here incommuniwhatsit, I don't know when I'm gonna have me leg done.
And there's been an incident in here.
D.
C.
I.
Adams has been accused of molesting a nurse.
D.
C.
I.
Adams I know.
It's nonsense.
Why, he was talking to me about his wife only minutes before the whole thing blew up.
Sexual harassment it's stuff and nonsense.
Now I want to know what's what.
You phone d.
C.
I Adams at home, if need be.
If this nurse brings charges, he'll be ruined, his career, his life, and we can't have that.
You have to be my eyes and ears and legs, Geoffrey.
We must find out what happened.
[Doorbell ringing.]
No, no, no, no.
I'll see to that.
You just carry on.
[Telephone ringing.]
Frank: Oh! How are you? Excuse me.
Uh, Wainthropp detective agency.
Oh, hello, Mr uh, yes.
Hang on.
It's your brother.
Would you like a word? Sorry, Mr.
Wainthropp.
Yes, I saw her.
She's well.
[Dog barking.]
[Door shuts.]
[Car starts.]
Aah! What you doing here, pal? Tell him, darling.
You see, the thing is, uh Frank.
Frank.
The thing is, Frank.
People don't trespass on my caravan site, and those that do, they tend to fall down and break their legs.
Oh.
We'd hoped to meet someone.
That's all right then.
Who's that Frank? Well, Margaret's lad, her son.
Yes.
We thought we might meet him accidentally on purpose.
She's his mother.
I've seen him with her.
So why hide then? Well, I well, we it was my idea.
Oh.
I became the nervous bride.
I decided to leave it for another night.
Yes, but we should have, uh, asked your permission, Mr.
doolan.
We didn't think.
It was all on impulse.
You do such things when you're in love.
Isn't that right, Frankie? Aw.
All right.
I won't keep you from your nuptials any longer.
Thank you, Mr.
doolan.
Uh, thanks.
Much obliged.
But, uh, next time, why not wait for your son to come home, huh? Are you all right, Margaret? Jamie's lost his job.
He says it's all my fault.
I was only trying to save him, that's all.
He's not sold too many, has he? Well, who wants beans? You can sell anything if your approach is right.
I think I'll call it a day.
I've got to visit Hetty, make some sort of a report oh a confidential matter.
There's visiting this afternoon.
We came here to stand in for you.
Well, I shouldn't bother.
There's nobody round here knows a bargain when they see it.
Will you both go? I'll get rid of this lot.
Uh Dump them on the tip.
Give the seagulls a treat.
Don't be daft, Frank.
There's money to be made.
Ha! Prime produce! Get your beautiful beans! Homegrown, picked today! Sister.
Shouldn't you be getting ready for your visitors, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Call me henrietta.
I've been thinking about that awful incident with the policeman and nurse yesterday.
How is she, by the way? She's taken the day off work.
She's very upset, as you can imagine.
Mental upset? And physical.
She's got scratches on her arms and her inner thighs.
Dear, dear.
Will she make charges? Oh, yes.
I now the chap involved.
I can't believe he'd get so carried away.
She was a pretty, young nurse close to him.
He couldn't resist pawing her.
She resisted.
He got nasty.
It happens! The nurse Debra is she trustworthy? Nurse woolmer has no record of anything similar, if that's what you're implying.
I'm not implying anything.
I'm just passing the time of day.
Yes.
I have to work.
This where it happened? Mrs.
Wainthropp! Mm.
They would be close, wouldn't they? Nobody can see in.
Just her word about what happened.
And the physical evidence.
Oh, yes.
There's that.
Sorry.
D.
C.
I.
Adams had his phone off the hook.
I tried last night and again this morning.
I'll keep trying.
He probably wants a bit of privacy.
Maybe he's ashamed of reaching for flesh that's forbidden.
Flesh that's forbidden? What are you talking about? You don't even know the man.
It will be reporters looking for a quote so they can smear him in the papers.
D.
C.
I.
Adams wouldn't risk his career and reputation for a sly howsyerfather.
He wouldn't! I need to hear his version before I can put things together properly, and anyway, he's in dire need of a character witness.
Geoffrey, tell him I'll be here in the dayroom 11:00 tomorrow.
Yes.
Keep trying with that, Geoffrey.
Yeah.
I was going to.
Something wrong with your neck, Mr.
Wainthropp? No.
No.
The flowers.
The water needs changing.
Look all right to me.
No.
They're wilting.
Oh.
I see.
What's going on, Frank? I just wanted to let you know I've taken on a case.
You've what? Yes.
Fee-paying.
Fee-paying.
I've done the hard part, but I might need a little assistance to bring it to a conclusion.
Oh, yes? [Faucet running.]
They were big.
Tough guys.
I stood up to their rough stuff, but I think it merits further investigation.
You've take this on as an agency case? She has paid me a deposit.
Oh, she has, has she? What's her name? Margaret.
Margaret balshaw.
Don't ever do this to me again, Frank.
Some cases we take on, and some we don't! Oh.
There you are.
Um, well, I'll go home, change.
I'm meeting Margaret in a couple of hours.
Ye gods! Mrs.
Wainthropp? This woman, have you seen her? Just a glimpse.
Well? She's blonde.
Just a bit.
All her hair was piled up on top, and she was wearing leather, black leather all over.
Hetty: My brother-in-law's a fool for a pretty woman.
There have been incidents Incidents.
And now he's got that money from the sale of his business, every gold digger in town will be laying siege to our door.
I've seen him! I've just seen him coming out of this room with a prison guard outside.
Who have you seen? What? Joe doolan.
What? That fella who runs the caravan park? It just now gave me a turn.
He threatened to break my legs, you know.
Yes, so you said.
Geoffrey, as it seems we now have a car boot lady as a client, maybe we should find out what's going on.
How are your driving skills coming along? Well enough.
Up to driving a caravan? Oh, you found the key.
Yeah.
Geoff told me.
Where is he? Oh, gone to see about a driving job.
Can't say more.
Oh.
Um, I hope you didn't mind me taking over your pitch this afternoon.
No, no.
It was very good of you to try, and I dare say, you managed to sell a few bags, but people up here aren't health-conscious enough to turn a worthwhile profit.
We did all right.
Well, Janet, what do you call all right? Selling the lot.
Caravans have always been in my family.
I used to drive my dad's on holiday.
Know them as well as I do a car.
We have a vacancy delivering vans to buyers.
That one needs shifting.
Piece of cake.
Me brother has the final say.
He's in hospital.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Visiting.
Oh.
Come back tomorrow.
He'll have a look at you.
You've got some nice vans here elddis, van royce, majestic, pageant tomorrow, pal, 10:00.
Right.
Was the heat greater than it is now? About the same.
You've been active enough, not lying around? Oh.
You're talking to me.
I've been up on me pins, yes.
Good.
I think we may proceed, don't you? Well, the tests were not conclusive.
You better have this vein out, don't you agree, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Well, if a few little cuts on the leg, snip in your groin, then out she comes, nice, neat scars, end of problem.
A full anesthetic? I think it's best.
I think you're right.
No phone? No.
Endorsements? No.
I want that van delivered to hailsham for 9:00 tomorrow morning.
Well? Oh, sure, sure.
No probs.
What about uh You know? If you do your job, we'll see you right.
I'll do whatever you want, long hours, overtime, anything.
I need the money.
Need it bad.
Yes! Mr.
Scully said yes! Two days from me holiday allowance.
I'll have go home and get out of this work clobber.
My delivery schedule might just allow that.
And this nurse Debra just made a grab for you? Took me by surprise.
My nails just touched the skin of her arm.
That's enough for forensic to prove I did make contact.
The sister says she saw some of it.
Yes.
She's a witness.
No.
You went back into the office.
She walked me back to my bed.
I'll check distances, time.
Did you see anybody else? No.
I stopped by a private room to check on a villain I put away.
[Footsteps.]
[Television playing.]
Aah! [Volume increasing.]
He's in for heart surgery.
I was curious to see him.
You get that way when you chase someone as long as I did him.
Man on TV: What's going on? Why are they bailing out? Different man: I don't know, sir.
[Volume increasing.]
I didn't touch her.
I wouldn't.
It never crossed my mind.
But if you were what's the word? Framed? Yes.
Fitted up.
Then somebody's been a right clever clogs.
Any ideas? What do your superiors say? Do they support you? This girl who's accusing you Debra woolmer she seems nice enough.
Why her? At first, I thought she must be involved with the burglaries of patients at this hospital, but there were 3 when nurse woolmer was on leave.
She's got a scratch on her arm, her word against yours.
Anything else? Scratch marks on her inner thigh, her DNA under my fingernails damning evidence against me.
If she sticks to her story, I'm finished, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
She could have scratched her legs herself Scrubbed her nails.
I saw her doing that.
Still proves nothing.
Why pick you? I've asked myself that a hundred times.
We'll prove she's lying.
You don't know the police.
They come down hard on anyone who steps over the line hard.
They've already taken my warrant card.
The super gave me that special look.
It said, "you're dead.
" You don't exist in this job anymore.
" I have to go home sometime.
Your wife's no idea you've been suspended.
She knows you'd never look twice at another lass.
So do I.
It's a put-up job.
We know how it was done.
The question is why? I could stand a lot of this, Geoff.
I'll have to do some work soon.
They pay good money for running these caravans to Ireland and the continent.
Smuggling things? Let's see.
Nope.
There's nothing in the driver's cab.
Well, maybe it's just a test run like they said.
No.
We're missing something.
Well, what? Well, I don't know, do I? Make us a cup of tea.
You make one.
It's strange.
What is? Being here like this.
It's like a home.
Am I the wifey? Ecch! Yeah, yuck.
Um, I'll have a look under the bonnet, the spare wheel while you mash the tea.
Here.
You take it, love.
I'm hungry.
Let's drive into hailsham.
There must be a fish and chips shop.
Yeah? Yeah.
Ohh.
Ohh! Um, Janet, I never thought we'd be staying overnight in this, and if you're worried about, um You know, well, you needn't be.
[Engine starts.]
You can have a break now? Oh, aye.
As long as his operation lasts.
Is he famous? A criminal? He's just a body waiting to be operated on.
These rooms are private, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Oh.
I was just wondering what they're like, see how the rich live.
Would you like to go back to your ward? We want to get you ready for your operation.
Certainly.
[Telephone ringing.]
Hello! Yes, Frank.
Listen.
I want you to leave my house.
Debra: You mustn't worry.
You'll pop down for the op.
Then you'll wake up back here, and it will all be over.
Has your husband been in to see you? No, he can't be here.
I am sorry.
He's in Australia visiting family.
I'm so worried.
He thinks the operation will be done by now and that I'll be safe at home.
You will be tomorrow.
It's just that oh, I'm no.
It will be all right.
I'm sure of that.
You worried about the pain? No.
It's not that.
Robert bought some very old things lately bronzes that I mustn't Polish, pictures that we have to insure separately.
Could a neighbor housesit? Oh, no.
I don't want them rummaging about.
No.
No.
Nothing will happen.
I'm only in here for another night, aren't I? I would think so.
Still you can't help worrying.
It's my responsibility, you see.
I'd be to blame if anything went missing.
It'll be just fine, you'll see.
Now, try and rest.
Stay calm.
You're just agitated.
You've been listening to too many silly stories.
Yes.
Maybe I have.
Right time, right place.
You can't beat.
And tea, as well.
Janet, um, what I said before yeah.
Yeah, I know.
You can't talk about these things, Geoff.
They just happen, or they don't.
Right.
Sorry.
No.
I like you But I think of me mum and dad.
You know, it must have started off all lovey-dovey for them, but look how it ended up.
But that was their lives.
This is ours.
Geoff.
What? Something caught the light.
Pass the knife.
From someone's ring.
No.
It's the wrong shape.
That's from a clasp for a brooch.
Do you think there's any more? All right, boys! It's all over! All right! All right! Take those gloves off.
You lucky I just dropped by to check on Mrs.
Wainthropp's property.
She's in the same hospital as your brother.
Gaah! Robert.
Robert, where are you? Give me your hand.
Your hand.
Ohh.
Debra: Your husband, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Huh? Your husband.
Oh! Rob Robert? Robert.
Oh.
Yes, I do want to talk to you, but I'm just coming round.
Call again, will you, love, when I'm less puddled.
Whoa.
[Ringing.]
Wainthropp detective agen Hetty! How you feeling? Oh, good, good.
Um, about an hour ago.
Good.
Splendid.
Now, Frank, I want a word with you about this Margaret balshaw malarkey.
Oh.
How are you feeling? My head's quite clear, thank you.
Any pain? I can give you something.
What about your pain, Debra? I'm sorry? You're not going to ruin the life of a good policeman with lies and deceit, are you? The pain that that will cause him and you will last forever.
I don't know what you're saying.
Yes, you do.
When I saw you scrubbing your nails in that bathroom, you'd just scratched your own thighs, hadn't you? No! And needed to remove traces forensic tests might find later.
No! Now, look.
I think I know why it was done to discredit d.
C.
I.
Adams, but I don't see why you should do the sister's dirty work for her.
It will all come out, you know.
Speak now, and I'm sure chief inspector Adams will do what he can.
I'm trying to help you, Debra.
I'm a thief.
That's how I got pulled into this.
I told the sister about my mum begging me to calm her pain.
Sister said there was a way.
She helped me alter a patient's charts.
No one would know, she said.
I took diamorphine for my mum.
Then later, sister said I had to do her a little favor in return.
Like framing d.
C.
I.
Adams.
Sister's very friendly with Joe doolan.
He has a brother in a private ward.
Yes, I know.
The doolans said the chief inspector had trapped their eldest brother, put him prison.
Now Tommy was maybe dying.
They wanted revenge.
Sister's crazy about Joe doolan.
She'd do anything he asked.
And she'd know who was staying in overnight in hospital and whose houses would be unattended? Yeah.
She made me phone the inspector, pretending I had information just to bring him to me.
It was awful.
Is your mother very ill? Yeah.
She gets so very down.
Mum said she wanted the diamorphine so that if her illness got really bad she'd be able to end her suffering.
She hasn't taken it.
Not yet.
[Sobbing.]
They must have custom-built the false floor.
Adams: We talked to a previous driver.
It was a good way for the doolans to get stolen goods out of the country, particularly hot antiques.
Yeah, and caravans are so naff, nobody would remember what they looked like.
Well, I'll remember this one.
Margaret! Excuse the dowdy dressing gown.
It's me brother's.
I was just on my way to aerobics.
Your fee for the investigation.
Jamie realizes just how close he came to disaster with those doolan brothers.
He's grateful to you, Frank, and so am I.
It was nothing.
Ohh! I find modest men so sexy.
Well, I'm I'm not that modest.
I'm, uh, I'm at the car boot sales most weekends.
I could always do with a little help, a little company.
Maybe I'll get up there.
Maybe, Frank? Maybe's not a word I expect to hear when I request a gentleman's company.
Margaret, understand.
It is a question of ethics.
My partner in the agency says it is unethical for a detective to date his clients.
And how long do these ethics apply? Well, Geoffrey, being in here, certainly makes you realize what's important family.
Has Robert phoned? Not a word.
Oh, dear.
I hope I haven't upset him.
I was coming round from the anesthetic, and I might have been a bit short with him.
I'm sure it's all right.
Well, why hasn't he phoned? Your wheelchair awaits! Oh, no.
Adams: The super decided you deserve an escort home.
Catching the doolans has done wonders for our unsolved crimes list.
A police car? Oh, you shouldn't.
Oops! Hey, say, are you all right? Yes.
Yes.
Allow me, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
How's it gonna look, me arriving home legless in a police car? You can drop us at the corner of hill street.
I'll walk the rest, even if it kills me.
Ooh! [Cell phone ringing.]
It's for you, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Me? You've made a mistake, chief inspector.
No.
All right.
Hello? I don't believe it! Robert! It's Robert! How are you?
No such luck, mum.
See you later.
Home, Mrs.
parry.
Oh, no! Hey! It's it's another burglary! Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.
Now, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
I know, I know.
Have to be done.
Innocence on a chopping block, that's me.
And you haven't had anything to eat or drink? Not a morsel.
Me last cup of tea's nothing but a distant memory.
I'm spitting feathers.
There we are, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Mission accomplished.
Why do I have to have another blood test? It's me leg that needs seeing to.
I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.
Nothing to worry about, did she say? She did.
They said that to the woman who had your bed last.
What happened to her? You better save it.
The young lad's a bit squeamish.
What? Squeamish.
Oh, I am.
Seems a bit strange leaving you here on your own, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Heh.
I'll be all right.
Me circulation system's gone and got itself into a bit of a hoo-ha, that's all.
I think you're very brave Yeah.
It's a minor operation, and me leg's got to be done.
Could be a rest.
You've said you needed a break.
Ha ha ha! Having me varicose veins out is hardly a rest, Geoffrey.
And I'm not a strong fan of hospitals.
My mother used to call them pain factories.
[Person coughing.]
Well, couldn't the agency afford a private room? Private after waiting all this time? I'll be fine, just fine.
A new woman.
We're all rather keen on the old one, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Oh, get off.
You'll be home tomorrow.
I hope so.
Oh, no! Like that.
10:00 to 2:00.
Like that.
My legs haven't had this much attention since they were onstage at the floral hall in 1900 and oh, never mind.
You were a dancer? I did wear fishnet tights once.
There seems to be inflammation.
The veins are knotted.
No more than usual.
I'm on me feet a lot.
I think I'd like to postpone the operation just for the present.
You're not sending me home! I've waited 10 months.
Mrs.
Wainthropp, excuse me.
There seems to be some evidence of [Doctor and nurse speaking indistinctly.]
I'd like him to see her.
Admin will have no more than 40 hours for these minor ops.
Do you mind if I ask what's going on with regard to my leg, sister? Dr.
Miller has just joined us.
He's very thorough.
I'm sure there's no reason to worry.
Hmm.
Woman: That's too much.
Nobody will buy beans at that price.
I know prices.
We'll see.
We will.
What you doing in here?! This is for staff only, not patients! I'm sorry.
I didn't know it mattered.
Further down the corridor.
Go there.
Is everything all right? Yeah.
Please go.
Go.
Sir.
Everything ok? He's quite poorly.
I'm here about something else.
I heard Tommy had been moved.
I was just curious about security.
I wouldn't like to see him back on the streets.
Well, he's got an op tomorrow heart.
Didn't know he had one.
Keep an eye open.
I'd hate to have to catch him all over again.
Mrs.
Wainthropp? Chief inspector, what are you doing here? Checking up on you.
Nothing to check.
I'm marooned.
Waiting for me varicose veins to be removed.
Surgery? Oh, yes, surgery.
Ho! They make a number of cuts, the main one at the top of your leg, and then they go fishing down with a piece of wire and pull the vein out.
Like landing a conger eel.
I see.
Very nice.
And what about you? You look fit as a butcher's dog.
Work.
Oh.
We've had a spate of burglaries recently.
A lot of them occur when patients stay overnight in this hospital.
Really? Yes.
Someone telephoned, suggesting I check on Florence ward's staff rotas.
That's my ward.
Who gave you the tip-off? Didn't say.
A woman.
Could be a crank, someone with a grudge.
I hope it doesn't take too long.
It's our wedding anniversary.
Heather's booked a table at the mulberry tree for tonight.
Ooh! Now, enjoy yourselves.
Spare me a thought.
I've ordered Shepherd's pie on the hospital menu.
I fear the worst.
Well, I better make myself known.
Good luck.
Good luck with the fishing.
Ha ha ha! Detective chief inspector Adams.
I believe I can look at staff rotas here.
I'll introduce you to nurse woolmer in here.
Nurse woolmer will show you whatever it is you require.
Mrs.
Wainthropp, those veins of yours will not be improved by wandering about.
Well, nobody said not to.
I'm saying, back to bed now.
You are Adams, detective chief inspector Adams? That's me.
What?! Hey! What? Aah! Aah! Don't rape me! No, please, don't! No! Aah! Aah! What's your secret? I don't keep all my beans in one expensive basket.
Maybe you should drop your price.
No, no.
It's a bit slow, that's all.
Once word gets round there's organic produce to be had, they'll come flocking to buy.
You'll see.
Retired, are you? In some ways, yes.
In some ways, no.
You're a preacher? No, no.
I sold my market garden business, so I'm solvent for the rest of my days.
No.
I'm running a detective agency for my brother.
No! Yes.
It's a fact.
Well, you don't look the Sam spade type.
No.
That's my strength.
People think I'm just ordinary.
There must be a mistake.
D.
C.
I.
Adams wouldn't try to molest anybody.
He's been taken away.
The nurse is going to press charges for attempted rape.
I don't believe it.
What's the matter with these people? Why won't they buy? I'll have a pound off you later, Frank.
I like a nice, fresh runner bean.
Always have.
I mean, these are organic, tended and raised with love and care.
Oh, lucky beans.
Frank This is difficult, but I need a favor.
Well, Margaret, we're neighbors, so to speak.
What is it? You're the only person I can come to, with your being an undercover detective, I mean.
I have a son.
He's 22.
I married young.
I lost my husband a few years ago.
Oh.
The merry widow then.
Ha! How I wish.
No.
This is about my son Jamie.
Now he has a job driving caravans around the countryside, sometimes overseas.
What would you expect to be paid for that sort of a job? Oh.
Buttons.
Any fool can drive.
Look at the roads.
That's what I thought.
Well, my lad gets paid a great deal more than buttons.
Fancy.
Frank, you're a detective.
I'd pay a fee to find out why he gets paid so much.
Whatever you charge, it would be worth it to save my son from a life of crime.
Well, I you wouldn't take on my case, would you, Frank? Hetty: What's that brother-in-law of mine up to? He's be out trying to sell Mr.
Wainthropp's beans.
Did he ask anybody's permission? I don't think so, no.
Well, that's one thing.
If he's out selling beans, he won't be up to any other mischief, will he? I wouldn't think so.
Oh, I got me own bed back.
Yeah, he said I could move back into my own room.
Did he? Yeah.
And where's his lordship sleeping? Don't tell me he's moved into my room.
Yes, he has.
When's he coming to visit me? Soon.
Soon.
Uh, today maybe.
I'd like him to visit, Geoffrey.
I thought you'd be glad to get away from him.
Oh, our Mr.
Wainthropp said he'd call tonight.
Uh, oh, soon.
I best be yes, you better.
Give him my love.
Yeah.
Good to see you getting a bit of a rest, Mrs.
wain you can't call this a rest, Geoffrey.
I'm stuck here incommuniwhatsit, I don't know when I'm gonna have me leg done.
And there's been an incident in here.
D.
C.
I.
Adams has been accused of molesting a nurse.
D.
C.
I.
Adams I know.
It's nonsense.
Why, he was talking to me about his wife only minutes before the whole thing blew up.
Sexual harassment it's stuff and nonsense.
Now I want to know what's what.
You phone d.
C.
I Adams at home, if need be.
If this nurse brings charges, he'll be ruined, his career, his life, and we can't have that.
You have to be my eyes and ears and legs, Geoffrey.
We must find out what happened.
[Doorbell ringing.]
No, no, no, no.
I'll see to that.
You just carry on.
[Telephone ringing.]
Frank: Oh! How are you? Excuse me.
Uh, Wainthropp detective agency.
Oh, hello, Mr uh, yes.
Hang on.
It's your brother.
Would you like a word? Sorry, Mr.
Wainthropp.
Yes, I saw her.
She's well.
[Dog barking.]
[Door shuts.]
[Car starts.]
Aah! What you doing here, pal? Tell him, darling.
You see, the thing is, uh Frank.
Frank.
The thing is, Frank.
People don't trespass on my caravan site, and those that do, they tend to fall down and break their legs.
Oh.
We'd hoped to meet someone.
That's all right then.
Who's that Frank? Well, Margaret's lad, her son.
Yes.
We thought we might meet him accidentally on purpose.
She's his mother.
I've seen him with her.
So why hide then? Well, I well, we it was my idea.
Oh.
I became the nervous bride.
I decided to leave it for another night.
Yes, but we should have, uh, asked your permission, Mr.
doolan.
We didn't think.
It was all on impulse.
You do such things when you're in love.
Isn't that right, Frankie? Aw.
All right.
I won't keep you from your nuptials any longer.
Thank you, Mr.
doolan.
Uh, thanks.
Much obliged.
But, uh, next time, why not wait for your son to come home, huh? Are you all right, Margaret? Jamie's lost his job.
He says it's all my fault.
I was only trying to save him, that's all.
He's not sold too many, has he? Well, who wants beans? You can sell anything if your approach is right.
I think I'll call it a day.
I've got to visit Hetty, make some sort of a report oh a confidential matter.
There's visiting this afternoon.
We came here to stand in for you.
Well, I shouldn't bother.
There's nobody round here knows a bargain when they see it.
Will you both go? I'll get rid of this lot.
Uh Dump them on the tip.
Give the seagulls a treat.
Don't be daft, Frank.
There's money to be made.
Ha! Prime produce! Get your beautiful beans! Homegrown, picked today! Sister.
Shouldn't you be getting ready for your visitors, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Call me henrietta.
I've been thinking about that awful incident with the policeman and nurse yesterday.
How is she, by the way? She's taken the day off work.
She's very upset, as you can imagine.
Mental upset? And physical.
She's got scratches on her arms and her inner thighs.
Dear, dear.
Will she make charges? Oh, yes.
I now the chap involved.
I can't believe he'd get so carried away.
She was a pretty, young nurse close to him.
He couldn't resist pawing her.
She resisted.
He got nasty.
It happens! The nurse Debra is she trustworthy? Nurse woolmer has no record of anything similar, if that's what you're implying.
I'm not implying anything.
I'm just passing the time of day.
Yes.
I have to work.
This where it happened? Mrs.
Wainthropp! Mm.
They would be close, wouldn't they? Nobody can see in.
Just her word about what happened.
And the physical evidence.
Oh, yes.
There's that.
Sorry.
D.
C.
I.
Adams had his phone off the hook.
I tried last night and again this morning.
I'll keep trying.
He probably wants a bit of privacy.
Maybe he's ashamed of reaching for flesh that's forbidden.
Flesh that's forbidden? What are you talking about? You don't even know the man.
It will be reporters looking for a quote so they can smear him in the papers.
D.
C.
I.
Adams wouldn't risk his career and reputation for a sly howsyerfather.
He wouldn't! I need to hear his version before I can put things together properly, and anyway, he's in dire need of a character witness.
Geoffrey, tell him I'll be here in the dayroom 11:00 tomorrow.
Yes.
Keep trying with that, Geoffrey.
Yeah.
I was going to.
Something wrong with your neck, Mr.
Wainthropp? No.
No.
The flowers.
The water needs changing.
Look all right to me.
No.
They're wilting.
Oh.
I see.
What's going on, Frank? I just wanted to let you know I've taken on a case.
You've what? Yes.
Fee-paying.
Fee-paying.
I've done the hard part, but I might need a little assistance to bring it to a conclusion.
Oh, yes? [Faucet running.]
They were big.
Tough guys.
I stood up to their rough stuff, but I think it merits further investigation.
You've take this on as an agency case? She has paid me a deposit.
Oh, she has, has she? What's her name? Margaret.
Margaret balshaw.
Don't ever do this to me again, Frank.
Some cases we take on, and some we don't! Oh.
There you are.
Um, well, I'll go home, change.
I'm meeting Margaret in a couple of hours.
Ye gods! Mrs.
Wainthropp? This woman, have you seen her? Just a glimpse.
Well? She's blonde.
Just a bit.
All her hair was piled up on top, and she was wearing leather, black leather all over.
Hetty: My brother-in-law's a fool for a pretty woman.
There have been incidents Incidents.
And now he's got that money from the sale of his business, every gold digger in town will be laying siege to our door.
I've seen him! I've just seen him coming out of this room with a prison guard outside.
Who have you seen? What? Joe doolan.
What? That fella who runs the caravan park? It just now gave me a turn.
He threatened to break my legs, you know.
Yes, so you said.
Geoffrey, as it seems we now have a car boot lady as a client, maybe we should find out what's going on.
How are your driving skills coming along? Well enough.
Up to driving a caravan? Oh, you found the key.
Yeah.
Geoff told me.
Where is he? Oh, gone to see about a driving job.
Can't say more.
Oh.
Um, I hope you didn't mind me taking over your pitch this afternoon.
No, no.
It was very good of you to try, and I dare say, you managed to sell a few bags, but people up here aren't health-conscious enough to turn a worthwhile profit.
We did all right.
Well, Janet, what do you call all right? Selling the lot.
Caravans have always been in my family.
I used to drive my dad's on holiday.
Know them as well as I do a car.
We have a vacancy delivering vans to buyers.
That one needs shifting.
Piece of cake.
Me brother has the final say.
He's in hospital.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Visiting.
Oh.
Come back tomorrow.
He'll have a look at you.
You've got some nice vans here elddis, van royce, majestic, pageant tomorrow, pal, 10:00.
Right.
Was the heat greater than it is now? About the same.
You've been active enough, not lying around? Oh.
You're talking to me.
I've been up on me pins, yes.
Good.
I think we may proceed, don't you? Well, the tests were not conclusive.
You better have this vein out, don't you agree, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Well, if a few little cuts on the leg, snip in your groin, then out she comes, nice, neat scars, end of problem.
A full anesthetic? I think it's best.
I think you're right.
No phone? No.
Endorsements? No.
I want that van delivered to hailsham for 9:00 tomorrow morning.
Well? Oh, sure, sure.
No probs.
What about uh You know? If you do your job, we'll see you right.
I'll do whatever you want, long hours, overtime, anything.
I need the money.
Need it bad.
Yes! Mr.
Scully said yes! Two days from me holiday allowance.
I'll have go home and get out of this work clobber.
My delivery schedule might just allow that.
And this nurse Debra just made a grab for you? Took me by surprise.
My nails just touched the skin of her arm.
That's enough for forensic to prove I did make contact.
The sister says she saw some of it.
Yes.
She's a witness.
No.
You went back into the office.
She walked me back to my bed.
I'll check distances, time.
Did you see anybody else? No.
I stopped by a private room to check on a villain I put away.
[Footsteps.]
[Television playing.]
Aah! [Volume increasing.]
He's in for heart surgery.
I was curious to see him.
You get that way when you chase someone as long as I did him.
Man on TV: What's going on? Why are they bailing out? Different man: I don't know, sir.
[Volume increasing.]
I didn't touch her.
I wouldn't.
It never crossed my mind.
But if you were what's the word? Framed? Yes.
Fitted up.
Then somebody's been a right clever clogs.
Any ideas? What do your superiors say? Do they support you? This girl who's accusing you Debra woolmer she seems nice enough.
Why her? At first, I thought she must be involved with the burglaries of patients at this hospital, but there were 3 when nurse woolmer was on leave.
She's got a scratch on her arm, her word against yours.
Anything else? Scratch marks on her inner thigh, her DNA under my fingernails damning evidence against me.
If she sticks to her story, I'm finished, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
She could have scratched her legs herself Scrubbed her nails.
I saw her doing that.
Still proves nothing.
Why pick you? I've asked myself that a hundred times.
We'll prove she's lying.
You don't know the police.
They come down hard on anyone who steps over the line hard.
They've already taken my warrant card.
The super gave me that special look.
It said, "you're dead.
" You don't exist in this job anymore.
" I have to go home sometime.
Your wife's no idea you've been suspended.
She knows you'd never look twice at another lass.
So do I.
It's a put-up job.
We know how it was done.
The question is why? I could stand a lot of this, Geoff.
I'll have to do some work soon.
They pay good money for running these caravans to Ireland and the continent.
Smuggling things? Let's see.
Nope.
There's nothing in the driver's cab.
Well, maybe it's just a test run like they said.
No.
We're missing something.
Well, what? Well, I don't know, do I? Make us a cup of tea.
You make one.
It's strange.
What is? Being here like this.
It's like a home.
Am I the wifey? Ecch! Yeah, yuck.
Um, I'll have a look under the bonnet, the spare wheel while you mash the tea.
Here.
You take it, love.
I'm hungry.
Let's drive into hailsham.
There must be a fish and chips shop.
Yeah? Yeah.
Ohh.
Ohh! Um, Janet, I never thought we'd be staying overnight in this, and if you're worried about, um You know, well, you needn't be.
[Engine starts.]
You can have a break now? Oh, aye.
As long as his operation lasts.
Is he famous? A criminal? He's just a body waiting to be operated on.
These rooms are private, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Oh.
I was just wondering what they're like, see how the rich live.
Would you like to go back to your ward? We want to get you ready for your operation.
Certainly.
[Telephone ringing.]
Hello! Yes, Frank.
Listen.
I want you to leave my house.
Debra: You mustn't worry.
You'll pop down for the op.
Then you'll wake up back here, and it will all be over.
Has your husband been in to see you? No, he can't be here.
I am sorry.
He's in Australia visiting family.
I'm so worried.
He thinks the operation will be done by now and that I'll be safe at home.
You will be tomorrow.
It's just that oh, I'm no.
It will be all right.
I'm sure of that.
You worried about the pain? No.
It's not that.
Robert bought some very old things lately bronzes that I mustn't Polish, pictures that we have to insure separately.
Could a neighbor housesit? Oh, no.
I don't want them rummaging about.
No.
No.
Nothing will happen.
I'm only in here for another night, aren't I? I would think so.
Still you can't help worrying.
It's my responsibility, you see.
I'd be to blame if anything went missing.
It'll be just fine, you'll see.
Now, try and rest.
Stay calm.
You're just agitated.
You've been listening to too many silly stories.
Yes.
Maybe I have.
Right time, right place.
You can't beat.
And tea, as well.
Janet, um, what I said before yeah.
Yeah, I know.
You can't talk about these things, Geoff.
They just happen, or they don't.
Right.
Sorry.
No.
I like you But I think of me mum and dad.
You know, it must have started off all lovey-dovey for them, but look how it ended up.
But that was their lives.
This is ours.
Geoff.
What? Something caught the light.
Pass the knife.
From someone's ring.
No.
It's the wrong shape.
That's from a clasp for a brooch.
Do you think there's any more? All right, boys! It's all over! All right! All right! Take those gloves off.
You lucky I just dropped by to check on Mrs.
Wainthropp's property.
She's in the same hospital as your brother.
Gaah! Robert.
Robert, where are you? Give me your hand.
Your hand.
Ohh.
Debra: Your husband, Mrs.
Wainthropp? Huh? Your husband.
Oh! Rob Robert? Robert.
Oh.
Yes, I do want to talk to you, but I'm just coming round.
Call again, will you, love, when I'm less puddled.
Whoa.
[Ringing.]
Wainthropp detective agen Hetty! How you feeling? Oh, good, good.
Um, about an hour ago.
Good.
Splendid.
Now, Frank, I want a word with you about this Margaret balshaw malarkey.
Oh.
How are you feeling? My head's quite clear, thank you.
Any pain? I can give you something.
What about your pain, Debra? I'm sorry? You're not going to ruin the life of a good policeman with lies and deceit, are you? The pain that that will cause him and you will last forever.
I don't know what you're saying.
Yes, you do.
When I saw you scrubbing your nails in that bathroom, you'd just scratched your own thighs, hadn't you? No! And needed to remove traces forensic tests might find later.
No! Now, look.
I think I know why it was done to discredit d.
C.
I.
Adams, but I don't see why you should do the sister's dirty work for her.
It will all come out, you know.
Speak now, and I'm sure chief inspector Adams will do what he can.
I'm trying to help you, Debra.
I'm a thief.
That's how I got pulled into this.
I told the sister about my mum begging me to calm her pain.
Sister said there was a way.
She helped me alter a patient's charts.
No one would know, she said.
I took diamorphine for my mum.
Then later, sister said I had to do her a little favor in return.
Like framing d.
C.
I.
Adams.
Sister's very friendly with Joe doolan.
He has a brother in a private ward.
Yes, I know.
The doolans said the chief inspector had trapped their eldest brother, put him prison.
Now Tommy was maybe dying.
They wanted revenge.
Sister's crazy about Joe doolan.
She'd do anything he asked.
And she'd know who was staying in overnight in hospital and whose houses would be unattended? Yeah.
She made me phone the inspector, pretending I had information just to bring him to me.
It was awful.
Is your mother very ill? Yeah.
She gets so very down.
Mum said she wanted the diamorphine so that if her illness got really bad she'd be able to end her suffering.
She hasn't taken it.
Not yet.
[Sobbing.]
They must have custom-built the false floor.
Adams: We talked to a previous driver.
It was a good way for the doolans to get stolen goods out of the country, particularly hot antiques.
Yeah, and caravans are so naff, nobody would remember what they looked like.
Well, I'll remember this one.
Margaret! Excuse the dowdy dressing gown.
It's me brother's.
I was just on my way to aerobics.
Your fee for the investigation.
Jamie realizes just how close he came to disaster with those doolan brothers.
He's grateful to you, Frank, and so am I.
It was nothing.
Ohh! I find modest men so sexy.
Well, I'm I'm not that modest.
I'm, uh, I'm at the car boot sales most weekends.
I could always do with a little help, a little company.
Maybe I'll get up there.
Maybe, Frank? Maybe's not a word I expect to hear when I request a gentleman's company.
Margaret, understand.
It is a question of ethics.
My partner in the agency says it is unethical for a detective to date his clients.
And how long do these ethics apply? Well, Geoffrey, being in here, certainly makes you realize what's important family.
Has Robert phoned? Not a word.
Oh, dear.
I hope I haven't upset him.
I was coming round from the anesthetic, and I might have been a bit short with him.
I'm sure it's all right.
Well, why hasn't he phoned? Your wheelchair awaits! Oh, no.
Adams: The super decided you deserve an escort home.
Catching the doolans has done wonders for our unsolved crimes list.
A police car? Oh, you shouldn't.
Oops! Hey, say, are you all right? Yes.
Yes.
Allow me, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
How's it gonna look, me arriving home legless in a police car? You can drop us at the corner of hill street.
I'll walk the rest, even if it kills me.
Ooh! [Cell phone ringing.]
It's for you, Mrs.
Wainthropp.
Me? You've made a mistake, chief inspector.
No.
All right.
Hello? I don't believe it! Robert! It's Robert! How are you?