The Doctor Blake Mysteries (2013) s04e04 Episode Script
Against the Odds
1 (Birds chirp) Give us a lift, mate.
Cheers, mate.
Theme music Yes? Good morning.
And to you.
Come.
Come in.
I'm afraid I've caused you a lot of trouble.
No.
Of course you haven't.
You're cold.
Here.
Let's pop this on.
Here we are.
Please.
Sit down.
It seemed like, um you were close to collapse last night.
Are you? Feeling much better.
Thank you.
You don't need to be formal with me.
I'm out of practice.
I think we both are.
I searched for you, you know.
I knew you would.
I searched.
And searched.
17 years I All my contacts, right throughout Asia.
I thought I thought I'd lost you both.
Oh, good Lord, of course you Our Lee, she survived.
She's alive.
What?! Yes.
Our beautiful daughter, I saw her just last year in China.
She can't be.
Yes, she is! And she's a mother now.
Really?! Yes! Yes! Lee? Yes, I promise you! Come.
I know.
I know.
(Whispers) I know.
JEAN: Lucien? Not now, Jean.
Ah, the Chief Superintendent is here.
Please excuse me.
Frank.
Lucien.
Haven't caught you at a bad time, I hope? Well, somewhat.
Oh.
Apologies.
But can't be helped.
You're required down at the racetrack.
Apparently a rider's taken a fall and Do you really need me there? Please Don't stay on my account.
Chief Superintendent Frank Carlyle this is Mai Lin, my wife.
Very pleased to meet you, Mai Lin.
I'll get my things.
Straightforward fall.
Jockey died instantly.
Alexander Martin.
Doesn't ring a bell.
Won the Ballarat Cup yesterday.
Horse is in a bad way, from what I hear.
Really? Well, perhaps you should call a vet.
Perhaps I should.
Straightforward, you say? Well, why do you want me there? Oh, just to keep an eye on things.
So, your wife? Yes, Frank.
It's It's a very long story.
Yes, I expect it is.
(Rifle shot) Lucky Frank Carlyle.
Terrible business.
That it is, Terrence.
Never get used to it.
Ada's devastated.
Favourite rider, favourite horse.
After yesterday's trial Hmm.
Well, I'll see you later, Terrence.
That you will, Frank.
Who else was out on the track with you? Just me.
And Robyn was in the stables.
Miss Heywood? Bradley Tennant.
I manage the track.
Lucien Blake, our police surgeon.
How do you do? I'm guessing a fractured spine, Doctor? Well A little too early to say.
Hmm.
Robyn Dawson, Shane Heywood.
Did you see him fall? Nah.
I just heard the horse screamin'.
I got there, then Robyn come running up.
He was dead when we got to him.
Right.
Alright, well, thank you very much.
Off you go.
Ah, shame about Alex.
Least he got to win his last race.
Small mercies.
Had many falls here lately, Mr Tennant? Ballarat's a safe track for a dangerous sport, Doctor.
We take pride in that.
I won't keep you.
(Robyn sobs) Gents, please.
(Sighs) I'll manage, Terry, it's fine.
You wanted to talk to me.
Just a few questions if you wouldn't mind.
Of course.
Could you tell me what time the accident happened.
I can't be sure.
Um It was just after sunrise, I think.
That's fine.
Any idea what may have caused the fall? No.
He'd only just come back from a bad fall at the Spring Carnival.
He said he was cleared to ride, Ada.
Yes, I know, but still.
I just know that not being in the saddle would almost drive him mad.
It does sound like there was no telling him.
That's right.
Thank you.
Well, thank you, ma'am.
And may I say congratulations on yesterday's win.
It was thoroughly deserved.
Oh.
Thank you, Chief Superintendent.
That's very kind of you.
Thank you.
Well good day.
(Clears throat) Frank If I didn't know better Oh, shut up.
Were you flirting with her at the end there? Well, she's a handsome lady.
You know, the first win I ever had on a nag was on a horse she trained.
Had a soft spot for her ever since.
And what's she like as a person? Tough job, training horses.
Respect is hard-won.
Especially if you're a woman.
She's obviously got yours.
Good morning.
Oh, good morning.
Come in.
I've made breakfast.
Bacon and eggs, and there's toast.
It's probably nothing like you're used to.
No, it sounds lovely.
Please, sit.
Tea? Please.
This is marmalade? Mmm-hmm.
It's been such a long time.
Oh, forgive my ignorance.
I never imagined That a Chinese woman might have a taste for marmalade? My father tried to be more British than the British.
A lot of us did.
Reminds me of childhood.
Won't you join me? Oh, I'd better get to work.
Is there anything else you need, Mrs Blake? Thank you but no.
Some of the damage to the vertebrae appears to be antemortem.
See? Signs of healing.
Yes.
Apparently, he'd just come back after a nasty fall.
So this morning's fall exacerbates the damage and severs the spinal column.
Yes.
In fact, his doctors advised him never to ride again.
Then he should have known better.
Contusion to the skull - rear left parietal.
From where the horse rolled on him? Possibly.
Bruising in a band across the lower ribs.
Ah.
Maybe he hit the railing.
Wouldn't that be more generalised? Well Do you know how to cook? That may well be the strangest thing you've ever asked me, Alice.
(Sighs) I was told I should know how to cook.
Do you? Well, I Not really, no.
Oh.
That's a shame.
You might be right about that railing.
Ready? (Squelching thud) Lungs - good condition.
Not a smoker, by the looks.
Rare, for a jockey.
Who said you should know how to cook? A registrar.
Why? I was entertaining and I burnt some meat.
Do you think Mrs Beazley might teach me? Ah, if I could call her You will not call.
You'll come over for dinner, yes? Good.
Alice, this is interesting.
Have a look.
Partial rupture of the liver but there's a significant amount of blood in the cavity.
Which means it happened quite some time prior to death.
He must have been in tremendous pain.
We should certainly make a note of that, I think, Alice.
Agnes? The young fool on the desk told me to wait here.
Um, thank you, Dr Harvey.
Now Everything alright? No, Lucien.
It isn't.
Y-You remember me talking to you at hideous length, I'm sure about Lex? Yes, your nephew.
He died this morning.
(Sighs) Lex.
Alex.
Alex Martin.
Goodness me.
I'm Oh, do stop fussing.
I'm fine.
Foolishly, I didn't make the connection.
Well, why would you? I wanted to inform you that I will take care of all funeral expenses.
I'll pass it on.
Do that.
Agnes, forgive me for asking, but did Alex ever talk to you about anything questionable going on at the track? Well, it's horse racing.
Everyone's questionable.
He sustained an injury in the hours before he died.
The sort of thing typically associated with fist fighting.
The police told me he fell.
On a training run.
Is that true? Well What experienced rider falls on a training run? Very good.
Keep going, keep going.
Come on.
Keep going, that's it.
Good girl.
Come on.
Whoa.
Whoa, stop, stop, stop.
(Sighs) Come on.
Come on, girl.
Good girl.
That's it.
Good girl.
So, what you're saying is someone strings up a cable across the track? Yes.
Must have been reasonably thick.
A thinner wire would've Well, would've caused some kind of laceration.
So Martin rides apace and doesn't see the cable Brings him down.
His vertebrae are already weakened.
And the fall severs his spine.
So where's this cable? Tyre tracks, Frank.
Recent, too.
There you are - about 7'2".
And what was the injury to the horse? Just a broken leg, I hear.
Right.
The horse obviously went under the wire and Alex took the impact on his chest.
Frank, did you know something was going on? Is that why you dragged me down here this morning? I already told you all this.
Won't take long, Mr Tennant.
Just double-checking a few facts, alright? So, who was on the track this morning, sir? Myself.
Ada had both the horses out.
Shane Heywood and Alex Martin riding.
What about Robyn Dawson? She was cleaning out the stables.
You saw no-one else? I told you, no! Now, I've got work to do.
Trouble is, Mr Tennant Alex Martin's fall this morning wasn't an accident.
It's now a murder investigation, so probably best you sit back down.
Hello, Robyn.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.
Beautiful animals, aren't they? Goodness me, it must've been terrible for you to see that horse put down today.
What was its name again? Blue Monday.
Blue Monday, that's right.
Poor thing.
Robyn, what what happened this morning? I saw Mr Tennant and he was talking to Shane.
The jockey who who found Alex? And then Shane goes out onto the track and he chases Alex.
Why did he chase him? Alex won the race yesterday.
That's right.
Shane came in second.
He hates losing.
Did they fight yesterday after the race? Why are you asking all these question? Because someone strung a cable across the track.
It caused Alex to fall - that's what killed him.
And that's why Blue Monday died? (Breathes heavily) Look, there were two riders on the track, one of them fell.
How would I know what happened?! It was on the far turn! I think you've forgotten your manners, Bradley.
Now, it's a simple question.
Did he have any enemies on the track? Perhaps you should talk to Shane Heywood.
Mr Heywood, how are you? When you punched Alex Martin after the race yesterday you ruptured his liver.
Were you trying to kill him? Hmm? Is that what you were trying to do? (Horse neighs) Couldn't bloody wait, could you? It's alright, it's alright.
He's alive.
Apparently, he was pursuing Alex Martin around the track prior to the race.
Want me to take a statement from Mrs McCrae? Nah, I'll go and do that, Bill.
Why don't you go and talk to that young stablehand? So, how'd they get on, Martin and Heywood? (Sighs) Fierce rivals.
But friendly, off the track.
That's not what we heard.
Well, who have you been talking to? Was it Robyn? (Sighs) You know she's not the most sociable girl.
She cares more for horses than she does for people.
Really? Alex is too hard with the whip and Shane is too heavy with his boots.
Then why does Mr Tennant keep employing her? Well her dad was a gifted jockey.
He died in a fall on the same stretch that took Alex.
You didn't know that? You saw nothing suspicious after the accident? Do you see this graze?! (Sighs) Not really, Miss Dawson.
Did you see any vehicles beside the track? You can feel it - the fetlock's inflamed.
Would you mind just answering the question? Don't do that! This horse was injured while you were chasing Shane and you're asking me about a car?! I really wouldn't do that if I were you, Miss Dawson.
Take this.
(Sighs) No, I didn't see anything.
Smile! (Camera clicks) The whole farmhand thing suits you, Sergeant.
I understand that the enquiry into Alex Martin's death is being treated as suspicious - care to comment? Not today, Miss Anderson.
How'd you get on with Miss Dawson? The girl's mad.
And that journo's hanging round again.
Oh, you gotta give her full marks for effort.
Did you search the stables? Top to bottom - didn't find a thing.
Alright, well, you head back to the station.
The doctor and I have a personal call to make.
Are you coming? Shorty? Cunningham.
Lucky Carlyle.
Terry.
Ah, Lucien Blake.
Terry Noonan.
Mr Noonan.
Gets an introduction this time.
Indeed.
This is a pleasure.
Well, we're here to talk about Alexander Martin.
Had a favourite in yesterday's Cup.
A great little horse.
You won some money, I believe? Has Bradley Tennant been on the phone to you? Well, then, you know why we're here.
What can you tell us? Afternoon, Dutchy.
It's alright.
We're all friends here, aren't we, Frank? Word is that Alex may have had some enemies.
Alright.
Shane Heywood.
No really bad blood, but Heywood likes to win.
Enough to harm him? Who else? Bradley Tennant? Bradley likes the sound of his own voice.
Do you talk, Lucien? Too much, I'm told.
Certainly getting on my nerves.
Robyn Dawson.
I knew her dad.
She might do something in the heat of the moment.
This helping? Where were you this morning when Alex Martin fell? At the track.
And no, I didn't see anything.
Interesting.
Anything else you might know that could help? That's as much as I can tell you, Frank.
Blake, would you mind stepping outside for the moment? It's alright.
Not gonna bite me.
Are you? Frank? Very good.
Pleasure, Mr Noonan.
Yeah.
Lucien.
Top shot.
Ha! How are you? Um, just a beer, if I may? Thanks ever so much.
Ah, wonderful.
Thank you.
Een bier? Thanks.
I'd kill for one.
I saw you at the track this morning.
Were you there when Alex Martin fell? Not sure.
Mr Noonan likes to keep me busy.
I see.
How long have you worked for him? A while.
Doing what, exactly? This.
And that.
I see you've got some bark missing - you hurt yourself? Nothing serious.
Part of the job.
Sounds dangerous.
Yeah, I'm fine.
I don't imagine jockeys would put up much of a fight, given the size difference.
Alex owed the boss some money.
I give him a reminder.
When? After the race.
He was a tough little bastard.
Well Interesting chap, Terry Noonan.
His sizeable Dutch friend in there just happens to have bruised knuckles.
Hmm.
Yes.
He admitted punching Alex yesterday to remind him about his debts.
By the way, Terry tell you anything else once I'd left the room? No, nothing of any consequence.
How much are you in for, Frank? Well, I did have one win yesterday.
How much do you owe him? A lot.
Frank, the man's an SP bookie with a thug the size of Yes, thank you, Blake, I'm well aware of that.
Then what are you doing? A man's gotta have a vice or two.
Especially since the wife died.
That why you wanted me along this morning? To keep you honest? A man like Noonan (Sighs) the money you owe him's the least of your problems.
Yes, thank you, Blake, for the lecture, but we do have another stop to make.
Apparently, Alex Martin lived here the last couple of years.
Right.
So what are we looking at? Nothing.
That's the point.
He's packed everything up.
But he's left this.
Aunty Agnes Clasby.
He knew his days were numbered and he packed up his life.
Didn't you say the rupture in his liver wasn't fatal, though? Still, he knew.
I've looked through it - it's all personal stuff.
Ballarat Cup.
And I found this.
That's your handwriting, Terry.
Correct? It was found amongst the possessions of Alexander Martin.
It appears he's laid a £20 bet on the nose of another horse in a race that he himself was riding in.
The Ballarat Cup.
So Alex, riding the favourite, bets against himself.
With you.
It's a pretty healthy pay day, I would have thought, when you're guaranteed the favourite's not gonna come in.
I put it to you, Terry, that you offered Alex inducements to throw that race.
But when he ultimately refused, you sent a man in your employ - Diederik Bronkhorst - around to assault him.
Alright.
Terrence Noonan, I'm placing you under arrest on suspicion for engaging and facilitating in conduct corrupting a betting outcome.
I'd also like to state for the record my personal debt with Mr Noonan which currently stands at £325.
And which will remain regardless of these charges.
That's right, Terrence - I'll pay you back in full, as promised.
And if I find out you've killed Alex Martin, I'll also take you down for murder.
Fair enough? What? Can I lend you some money? Of course you're a major flight risk - I'd need some sort of guarantee you won't up and leave Ballarat - but seriously, if it might help That won't be necessary.
But thank you.
Of course.
So how long do you plan on keeping Noonan? Oh, I'll let him stew for a couple of hours then I'll let him go.
Boss? That was the hospital.
That jockey you were chasing? Shane Heywood.
Yes, how is he? Yeah He died 10 minutes ago, from injuries sustained.
Right.
Head out to the track and question the two riders involved in his accident.
Yes, sir.
Charlie, I think I'll come with you.
Ah - no, you won't.
Have you gone home at all today, Doc? Charlie, I was wanting to catch up with you and Boss had me on court duty all day, but I stopped home for lunch and Well how is she? Is Mrs Beazley alright? Mrs Beazley and I Quite frankly, Charlie, we don't know what the hell's going on.
Yeah, still you should be there.
Tell her I'll be home for dinner.
Ah! We were wondering Where's Charlie? Charlie.
Um Charlie's conducting a search.
He'll be here later.
Alice.
You said to come over.
Yes.
Yes, I did.
Jean's been advising me about cooking.
She suggested I hire someone rather than try to learn.
She's a working woman - she doesn't have time to cook.
Of course.
Who's for another drink? Couldn't you have come home earlier? I am so sorry.
You had no warning? I was told she was dead - you know that.
Where did she come from? How did she get here? Apparently, she escaped from China.
She spent a year in a refugee camp in Hong Kong.
I can't imagine.
Oh, none of us can.
So many years have passed, Jean, I What do we do? Lucien? It's obvious, isn't it? Interestingly, there was a sizeable haematoma across the chest - we couldn't understand it.
Previous injuries meant that the fall was fatal.
He should never have got back on a horse.
Sorry I'm late.
Dr Harvey.
Ah, Mrs Blake, I'm Charlie Davis.
Charlie lives with us.
Pleased to meet you, Charlie.
Your plate's on the stove.
Wonderful.
The surprise to us was there were no lacerations.
The cable was an elegant conclusion, given the variables.
Quite.
You say this man was murdered? Yes.
Was he a gambler himself? That's a very good question, Mrs Blake.
Probably sounds odd, but we sometimes discuss the doctor's work.
He says that it helps.
Why did he pack up his house then? He was saying goodbye - he knew what was happening.
Ooh, not that it's any of my business.
I didn't mean Was he simply very clean? No man's that clean.
Oh, that's a bit harsh.
Apparently this new TAB thing has scared a lot of the bookies.
Hmm? Where did you hear this? That registrar.
Horses and golf, horses and golf.
It was all he talked about.
(Chuckles) Totalisator Board.
Um, TAB.
It's It's a a government-run betting agency.
It's very, very new.
Government? They think it's a useful way to raise revenue.
I wouldn't trust the government to do anything.
The doc said you were living in China, Mrs Blake.
Yes, I was put to work in Shenzhen, after the war.
ALICE: Why was that? They called me a foreign hostile.
But then the food ran out.
Dreadful famine there, Charlie.
Everything fell apart.
We were starving.
People did things.
Eventually, I had to make a choice to stay and die or to run.
I made it to Wan Chai and after some time, I managed to get word to the consulate.
That sounds awful.
There wasn't much time for gambling.
Excuse me, please.
And thank you, Mrs Beazley.
That was delicious.
Oh, please, leave it to me.
Thank you, Lucien.
It was an interesting night.
Yes.
This must be very hard for you.
Goodnight, Alice.
Now, Agnes, we found this in Alex's house.
The police agreed I should give it to you.
Oh.
Look at him, standing in the saddle.
He knew he'd raced well.
I blame myself.
Oh, don't be so silly, Agnes.
Don't patronise me, Lucien.
I used to pay him sixpence to take my tips down to the local fruiterer.
The man ran bets out of his shop on the weekend.
That's where he must have started.
I see, so he gambled a lot.
He lost a marriage because of it.
And then he lost his love of racing.
I made this for him.
When he was little.
I rather suspect he found his love for racing again.
I warned you, Lucien.
No, no, no Why else would he leave this for you? And do you know, Ada McCrae said he couldn't stand being out of the saddle.
He came back to racing, even though he knew it could kill him.
Be a dear and carry this to the car for me, will you? Just out of interest, Mrs McCrae, how how tall was Blue Monday? 15.
2 hands.
Right.
About 5.
2 at the withers.
(Laughs) Yes.
I've been brushing up on my horses.
The, um The Chief Superintendent, he's, um how shall I say? Somewhat of a fan of yours.
He's been lovely.
Called me last night to make sure I was alright.
Really? Well, yeah.
So, do you think Terry and Shane are involved? Did the Superintendent say something? No, but Terry's been questioned and Shane tried to run away.
Yes.
You're very good with the horses.
As long as they know you're in charge.
You can't let them have their own way.
And what would happen then? They'd destroy themselves, and take you down with them.
Oh.
Excuse me, Doctor, but this girl is driving me mad.
Why is no-one ever happy to see me? My first front page for the Courier - a horse race! That's a very good photograph.
Tell that to my boss.
Perhaps he'll do more than let me write court reports and horoscopes.
(Chuckles) So in the meantime you'll just loiter around racetracks? Amongst other places.
Did you happen to take any other photographs - after the race, perhaps? I'm not falling for it.
That very charming thing that you do.
Ask lots of questions, listen carefully, nod understandingly.
People talk to you but you tell them nothing.
Doesn't work with me.
Why are you here? A man fell from a horse and died.
Which last happened here five years ago when Kev Dawson died - that doesn't explain why you're here.
Alex Martin was murdered the morning after the Ballarat Cup.
You? Every other racetrack in Victoria is busily kicking up a stink about the TAB coming in.
But not here.
Someone has a very tight grip on things and no-one's talking.
Who? Oh Alex owed money to an SP bookie chap by the name of Terrence Noonan.
Mr Noonan's hired thug had a go at Alex.
Big bloke.
Dutch.
I saw him hassling Martin after the race.
And then the rider that came in second Shane Heywood - tried to evade police, ran out onto the track, was trampled and sadly died in hospital from his injuries.
I don't have anything on Mr Tennant The track manager.
Served out a year's suspension handed out by the Victorian Racing Club for being involved in a substitution scam in Camperdown.
Bloody hell.
It seems every one of them could be involved in one way or another, wouldn't you think? We should exchange information again some time.
Alex was in debt to Mr Noonan.
So he bets against himself.
Noonan agrees to cancel the debt.
Mmm.
That's not Terry Noonan's style.
Perhaps he thought he had no option.
What do you reckon, Hopalong? Go on, show him.
Goodness me.
(Laughs) I tell you what, Bill, I think Miss Anderson has captured you perfectly.
Yeah, well, that's one opinion, Frank.
There's also the question of how much Ada McCrae and Mr Tennant knew about the whole thing.
(Phone rings) Hi, Ballarat Police.
I understand you've been speaking with her.
I thought she could be of assistance.
Frank? Sorry for calling, Superintendent, but I didn't know what else to do.
Don't kid yourself, Ada, that girl's been trouble for a long time now.
Over there.
Excuse me.
Hobart already searched this entire place.
Where's Miss Dawson now? Oh, well, she saw me in here and she ran off.
And what about the cable? That can wait.
Numerous vantage points.
Yes, lots of cover - just not for us.
I'm gonna check the back gate.
Alright.
Do you think she's coming for us?! Well, we gotta get out of here! No, no, no! We're safe in here - she won't fire into the stable when there's a risk to the animals.
Come on! Come on! (Rifle shot) Jesus! (Rifle shot) Mr Tennant, let me see that.
Right, I want you to place your hand here, press firmly against the wound.
Mrs McCrae, how much ammunition was kept with that rifle? Quite a few rounds.
She's obviously comfortable with firearms.
Now, stay here.
Robyn, it's me.
Robyn, I'm coming out.
Alright? Just me - I'm unarmed.
You can come out too.
I promise it'll be alright.
Come on.
That's it.
Robyn, would you lower the rifle for me, please.
Thank you.
Now, did you tell anyone that someone strung a cable across the track? Yeah, I told Miss McCrae.
Right.
So Alex Martin comes back to ride in the Ballarat Cup.
He's the sentimental favourite.
But he's supposed to throw the race.
Mr Noonan? Alex put 20 quid on Shane Heywood.
I'm guessing Mrs McCrae placed a sizable bet too.
£150 at long odds.
She would have made a killing.
Right.
You didn't count on how much Alex loved to race.
Especially when he thought he'd never ride again.
What was it you said? 'Let them have their own way and they'll destroy themselves, and take you down too.
' You couldn't let anyone see that you'd lost control.
You had to send a message.
You have no idea what you're talking about, Doctor.
You don't know anything about this world.
No, I don't.
But you do.
You knew exactly how high to string that wire so it caught the jockey, not the horse.
You knew once Alex was in the clear he'd stand up in that saddle.
You never thought for a moment the horse would fall with its rider.
And now they're both dead.
And that that's why you were crying when we met you.
You were crying for the horse you killed, not for Alex Martin.
Shane Heywood Oh, he did exactly what you wanted him to do - he chased Alex, helped you take the cable down before anyone else got there.
It was my horse.
My track.
My game.
You killed that horse.
You right? Yeah.
Don't think this gets you out of that debt of yours.
Ada McCrae, I'm placing you under arrest for the murder of Alex Martin.
Miss Dawson, you'll be facing charges of reckless endangerment.
Miss Anderson! This should get you a front page.
It's alright, Robyn.
It's alright.
(Sighs) You never used to drink alone.
No.
No, I didn't.
Where are you going? You've always been kind to me.
But this has been such an intrusion.
Mai Lin Please let me finish.
I didn't expect this.
But I understand.
It has been 17 years.
I found a hotel in town.
The Soldier's Hill - do you know it? Yes.
They have a room for me.
Thank Jean for her hospitality, please.
Mai Lin You are my wife.
Yes, I am.
Would you drive me, please? My suitcase is heavy.
Of course.
(Front door opens then closes) Major.
Derek.
Been a while.
What are we looking for, Nancy Drew? I was afraid you'd forgotten me.
She's your priority now.
Cheers, mate.
Theme music Yes? Good morning.
And to you.
Come.
Come in.
I'm afraid I've caused you a lot of trouble.
No.
Of course you haven't.
You're cold.
Here.
Let's pop this on.
Here we are.
Please.
Sit down.
It seemed like, um you were close to collapse last night.
Are you? Feeling much better.
Thank you.
You don't need to be formal with me.
I'm out of practice.
I think we both are.
I searched for you, you know.
I knew you would.
I searched.
And searched.
17 years I All my contacts, right throughout Asia.
I thought I thought I'd lost you both.
Oh, good Lord, of course you Our Lee, she survived.
She's alive.
What?! Yes.
Our beautiful daughter, I saw her just last year in China.
She can't be.
Yes, she is! And she's a mother now.
Really?! Yes! Yes! Lee? Yes, I promise you! Come.
I know.
I know.
(Whispers) I know.
JEAN: Lucien? Not now, Jean.
Ah, the Chief Superintendent is here.
Please excuse me.
Frank.
Lucien.
Haven't caught you at a bad time, I hope? Well, somewhat.
Oh.
Apologies.
But can't be helped.
You're required down at the racetrack.
Apparently a rider's taken a fall and Do you really need me there? Please Don't stay on my account.
Chief Superintendent Frank Carlyle this is Mai Lin, my wife.
Very pleased to meet you, Mai Lin.
I'll get my things.
Straightforward fall.
Jockey died instantly.
Alexander Martin.
Doesn't ring a bell.
Won the Ballarat Cup yesterday.
Horse is in a bad way, from what I hear.
Really? Well, perhaps you should call a vet.
Perhaps I should.
Straightforward, you say? Well, why do you want me there? Oh, just to keep an eye on things.
So, your wife? Yes, Frank.
It's It's a very long story.
Yes, I expect it is.
(Rifle shot) Lucky Frank Carlyle.
Terrible business.
That it is, Terrence.
Never get used to it.
Ada's devastated.
Favourite rider, favourite horse.
After yesterday's trial Hmm.
Well, I'll see you later, Terrence.
That you will, Frank.
Who else was out on the track with you? Just me.
And Robyn was in the stables.
Miss Heywood? Bradley Tennant.
I manage the track.
Lucien Blake, our police surgeon.
How do you do? I'm guessing a fractured spine, Doctor? Well A little too early to say.
Hmm.
Robyn Dawson, Shane Heywood.
Did you see him fall? Nah.
I just heard the horse screamin'.
I got there, then Robyn come running up.
He was dead when we got to him.
Right.
Alright, well, thank you very much.
Off you go.
Ah, shame about Alex.
Least he got to win his last race.
Small mercies.
Had many falls here lately, Mr Tennant? Ballarat's a safe track for a dangerous sport, Doctor.
We take pride in that.
I won't keep you.
(Robyn sobs) Gents, please.
(Sighs) I'll manage, Terry, it's fine.
You wanted to talk to me.
Just a few questions if you wouldn't mind.
Of course.
Could you tell me what time the accident happened.
I can't be sure.
Um It was just after sunrise, I think.
That's fine.
Any idea what may have caused the fall? No.
He'd only just come back from a bad fall at the Spring Carnival.
He said he was cleared to ride, Ada.
Yes, I know, but still.
I just know that not being in the saddle would almost drive him mad.
It does sound like there was no telling him.
That's right.
Thank you.
Well, thank you, ma'am.
And may I say congratulations on yesterday's win.
It was thoroughly deserved.
Oh.
Thank you, Chief Superintendent.
That's very kind of you.
Thank you.
Well good day.
(Clears throat) Frank If I didn't know better Oh, shut up.
Were you flirting with her at the end there? Well, she's a handsome lady.
You know, the first win I ever had on a nag was on a horse she trained.
Had a soft spot for her ever since.
And what's she like as a person? Tough job, training horses.
Respect is hard-won.
Especially if you're a woman.
She's obviously got yours.
Good morning.
Oh, good morning.
Come in.
I've made breakfast.
Bacon and eggs, and there's toast.
It's probably nothing like you're used to.
No, it sounds lovely.
Please, sit.
Tea? Please.
This is marmalade? Mmm-hmm.
It's been such a long time.
Oh, forgive my ignorance.
I never imagined That a Chinese woman might have a taste for marmalade? My father tried to be more British than the British.
A lot of us did.
Reminds me of childhood.
Won't you join me? Oh, I'd better get to work.
Is there anything else you need, Mrs Blake? Thank you but no.
Some of the damage to the vertebrae appears to be antemortem.
See? Signs of healing.
Yes.
Apparently, he'd just come back after a nasty fall.
So this morning's fall exacerbates the damage and severs the spinal column.
Yes.
In fact, his doctors advised him never to ride again.
Then he should have known better.
Contusion to the skull - rear left parietal.
From where the horse rolled on him? Possibly.
Bruising in a band across the lower ribs.
Ah.
Maybe he hit the railing.
Wouldn't that be more generalised? Well Do you know how to cook? That may well be the strangest thing you've ever asked me, Alice.
(Sighs) I was told I should know how to cook.
Do you? Well, I Not really, no.
Oh.
That's a shame.
You might be right about that railing.
Ready? (Squelching thud) Lungs - good condition.
Not a smoker, by the looks.
Rare, for a jockey.
Who said you should know how to cook? A registrar.
Why? I was entertaining and I burnt some meat.
Do you think Mrs Beazley might teach me? Ah, if I could call her You will not call.
You'll come over for dinner, yes? Good.
Alice, this is interesting.
Have a look.
Partial rupture of the liver but there's a significant amount of blood in the cavity.
Which means it happened quite some time prior to death.
He must have been in tremendous pain.
We should certainly make a note of that, I think, Alice.
Agnes? The young fool on the desk told me to wait here.
Um, thank you, Dr Harvey.
Now Everything alright? No, Lucien.
It isn't.
Y-You remember me talking to you at hideous length, I'm sure about Lex? Yes, your nephew.
He died this morning.
(Sighs) Lex.
Alex.
Alex Martin.
Goodness me.
I'm Oh, do stop fussing.
I'm fine.
Foolishly, I didn't make the connection.
Well, why would you? I wanted to inform you that I will take care of all funeral expenses.
I'll pass it on.
Do that.
Agnes, forgive me for asking, but did Alex ever talk to you about anything questionable going on at the track? Well, it's horse racing.
Everyone's questionable.
He sustained an injury in the hours before he died.
The sort of thing typically associated with fist fighting.
The police told me he fell.
On a training run.
Is that true? Well What experienced rider falls on a training run? Very good.
Keep going, keep going.
Come on.
Keep going, that's it.
Good girl.
Come on.
Whoa.
Whoa, stop, stop, stop.
(Sighs) Come on.
Come on, girl.
Good girl.
That's it.
Good girl.
So, what you're saying is someone strings up a cable across the track? Yes.
Must have been reasonably thick.
A thinner wire would've Well, would've caused some kind of laceration.
So Martin rides apace and doesn't see the cable Brings him down.
His vertebrae are already weakened.
And the fall severs his spine.
So where's this cable? Tyre tracks, Frank.
Recent, too.
There you are - about 7'2".
And what was the injury to the horse? Just a broken leg, I hear.
Right.
The horse obviously went under the wire and Alex took the impact on his chest.
Frank, did you know something was going on? Is that why you dragged me down here this morning? I already told you all this.
Won't take long, Mr Tennant.
Just double-checking a few facts, alright? So, who was on the track this morning, sir? Myself.
Ada had both the horses out.
Shane Heywood and Alex Martin riding.
What about Robyn Dawson? She was cleaning out the stables.
You saw no-one else? I told you, no! Now, I've got work to do.
Trouble is, Mr Tennant Alex Martin's fall this morning wasn't an accident.
It's now a murder investigation, so probably best you sit back down.
Hello, Robyn.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.
Beautiful animals, aren't they? Goodness me, it must've been terrible for you to see that horse put down today.
What was its name again? Blue Monday.
Blue Monday, that's right.
Poor thing.
Robyn, what what happened this morning? I saw Mr Tennant and he was talking to Shane.
The jockey who who found Alex? And then Shane goes out onto the track and he chases Alex.
Why did he chase him? Alex won the race yesterday.
That's right.
Shane came in second.
He hates losing.
Did they fight yesterday after the race? Why are you asking all these question? Because someone strung a cable across the track.
It caused Alex to fall - that's what killed him.
And that's why Blue Monday died? (Breathes heavily) Look, there were two riders on the track, one of them fell.
How would I know what happened?! It was on the far turn! I think you've forgotten your manners, Bradley.
Now, it's a simple question.
Did he have any enemies on the track? Perhaps you should talk to Shane Heywood.
Mr Heywood, how are you? When you punched Alex Martin after the race yesterday you ruptured his liver.
Were you trying to kill him? Hmm? Is that what you were trying to do? (Horse neighs) Couldn't bloody wait, could you? It's alright, it's alright.
He's alive.
Apparently, he was pursuing Alex Martin around the track prior to the race.
Want me to take a statement from Mrs McCrae? Nah, I'll go and do that, Bill.
Why don't you go and talk to that young stablehand? So, how'd they get on, Martin and Heywood? (Sighs) Fierce rivals.
But friendly, off the track.
That's not what we heard.
Well, who have you been talking to? Was it Robyn? (Sighs) You know she's not the most sociable girl.
She cares more for horses than she does for people.
Really? Alex is too hard with the whip and Shane is too heavy with his boots.
Then why does Mr Tennant keep employing her? Well her dad was a gifted jockey.
He died in a fall on the same stretch that took Alex.
You didn't know that? You saw nothing suspicious after the accident? Do you see this graze?! (Sighs) Not really, Miss Dawson.
Did you see any vehicles beside the track? You can feel it - the fetlock's inflamed.
Would you mind just answering the question? Don't do that! This horse was injured while you were chasing Shane and you're asking me about a car?! I really wouldn't do that if I were you, Miss Dawson.
Take this.
(Sighs) No, I didn't see anything.
Smile! (Camera clicks) The whole farmhand thing suits you, Sergeant.
I understand that the enquiry into Alex Martin's death is being treated as suspicious - care to comment? Not today, Miss Anderson.
How'd you get on with Miss Dawson? The girl's mad.
And that journo's hanging round again.
Oh, you gotta give her full marks for effort.
Did you search the stables? Top to bottom - didn't find a thing.
Alright, well, you head back to the station.
The doctor and I have a personal call to make.
Are you coming? Shorty? Cunningham.
Lucky Carlyle.
Terry.
Ah, Lucien Blake.
Terry Noonan.
Mr Noonan.
Gets an introduction this time.
Indeed.
This is a pleasure.
Well, we're here to talk about Alexander Martin.
Had a favourite in yesterday's Cup.
A great little horse.
You won some money, I believe? Has Bradley Tennant been on the phone to you? Well, then, you know why we're here.
What can you tell us? Afternoon, Dutchy.
It's alright.
We're all friends here, aren't we, Frank? Word is that Alex may have had some enemies.
Alright.
Shane Heywood.
No really bad blood, but Heywood likes to win.
Enough to harm him? Who else? Bradley Tennant? Bradley likes the sound of his own voice.
Do you talk, Lucien? Too much, I'm told.
Certainly getting on my nerves.
Robyn Dawson.
I knew her dad.
She might do something in the heat of the moment.
This helping? Where were you this morning when Alex Martin fell? At the track.
And no, I didn't see anything.
Interesting.
Anything else you might know that could help? That's as much as I can tell you, Frank.
Blake, would you mind stepping outside for the moment? It's alright.
Not gonna bite me.
Are you? Frank? Very good.
Pleasure, Mr Noonan.
Yeah.
Lucien.
Top shot.
Ha! How are you? Um, just a beer, if I may? Thanks ever so much.
Ah, wonderful.
Thank you.
Een bier? Thanks.
I'd kill for one.
I saw you at the track this morning.
Were you there when Alex Martin fell? Not sure.
Mr Noonan likes to keep me busy.
I see.
How long have you worked for him? A while.
Doing what, exactly? This.
And that.
I see you've got some bark missing - you hurt yourself? Nothing serious.
Part of the job.
Sounds dangerous.
Yeah, I'm fine.
I don't imagine jockeys would put up much of a fight, given the size difference.
Alex owed the boss some money.
I give him a reminder.
When? After the race.
He was a tough little bastard.
Well Interesting chap, Terry Noonan.
His sizeable Dutch friend in there just happens to have bruised knuckles.
Hmm.
Yes.
He admitted punching Alex yesterday to remind him about his debts.
By the way, Terry tell you anything else once I'd left the room? No, nothing of any consequence.
How much are you in for, Frank? Well, I did have one win yesterday.
How much do you owe him? A lot.
Frank, the man's an SP bookie with a thug the size of Yes, thank you, Blake, I'm well aware of that.
Then what are you doing? A man's gotta have a vice or two.
Especially since the wife died.
That why you wanted me along this morning? To keep you honest? A man like Noonan (Sighs) the money you owe him's the least of your problems.
Yes, thank you, Blake, for the lecture, but we do have another stop to make.
Apparently, Alex Martin lived here the last couple of years.
Right.
So what are we looking at? Nothing.
That's the point.
He's packed everything up.
But he's left this.
Aunty Agnes Clasby.
He knew his days were numbered and he packed up his life.
Didn't you say the rupture in his liver wasn't fatal, though? Still, he knew.
I've looked through it - it's all personal stuff.
Ballarat Cup.
And I found this.
That's your handwriting, Terry.
Correct? It was found amongst the possessions of Alexander Martin.
It appears he's laid a £20 bet on the nose of another horse in a race that he himself was riding in.
The Ballarat Cup.
So Alex, riding the favourite, bets against himself.
With you.
It's a pretty healthy pay day, I would have thought, when you're guaranteed the favourite's not gonna come in.
I put it to you, Terry, that you offered Alex inducements to throw that race.
But when he ultimately refused, you sent a man in your employ - Diederik Bronkhorst - around to assault him.
Alright.
Terrence Noonan, I'm placing you under arrest on suspicion for engaging and facilitating in conduct corrupting a betting outcome.
I'd also like to state for the record my personal debt with Mr Noonan which currently stands at £325.
And which will remain regardless of these charges.
That's right, Terrence - I'll pay you back in full, as promised.
And if I find out you've killed Alex Martin, I'll also take you down for murder.
Fair enough? What? Can I lend you some money? Of course you're a major flight risk - I'd need some sort of guarantee you won't up and leave Ballarat - but seriously, if it might help That won't be necessary.
But thank you.
Of course.
So how long do you plan on keeping Noonan? Oh, I'll let him stew for a couple of hours then I'll let him go.
Boss? That was the hospital.
That jockey you were chasing? Shane Heywood.
Yes, how is he? Yeah He died 10 minutes ago, from injuries sustained.
Right.
Head out to the track and question the two riders involved in his accident.
Yes, sir.
Charlie, I think I'll come with you.
Ah - no, you won't.
Have you gone home at all today, Doc? Charlie, I was wanting to catch up with you and Boss had me on court duty all day, but I stopped home for lunch and Well how is she? Is Mrs Beazley alright? Mrs Beazley and I Quite frankly, Charlie, we don't know what the hell's going on.
Yeah, still you should be there.
Tell her I'll be home for dinner.
Ah! We were wondering Where's Charlie? Charlie.
Um Charlie's conducting a search.
He'll be here later.
Alice.
You said to come over.
Yes.
Yes, I did.
Jean's been advising me about cooking.
She suggested I hire someone rather than try to learn.
She's a working woman - she doesn't have time to cook.
Of course.
Who's for another drink? Couldn't you have come home earlier? I am so sorry.
You had no warning? I was told she was dead - you know that.
Where did she come from? How did she get here? Apparently, she escaped from China.
She spent a year in a refugee camp in Hong Kong.
I can't imagine.
Oh, none of us can.
So many years have passed, Jean, I What do we do? Lucien? It's obvious, isn't it? Interestingly, there was a sizeable haematoma across the chest - we couldn't understand it.
Previous injuries meant that the fall was fatal.
He should never have got back on a horse.
Sorry I'm late.
Dr Harvey.
Ah, Mrs Blake, I'm Charlie Davis.
Charlie lives with us.
Pleased to meet you, Charlie.
Your plate's on the stove.
Wonderful.
The surprise to us was there were no lacerations.
The cable was an elegant conclusion, given the variables.
Quite.
You say this man was murdered? Yes.
Was he a gambler himself? That's a very good question, Mrs Blake.
Probably sounds odd, but we sometimes discuss the doctor's work.
He says that it helps.
Why did he pack up his house then? He was saying goodbye - he knew what was happening.
Ooh, not that it's any of my business.
I didn't mean Was he simply very clean? No man's that clean.
Oh, that's a bit harsh.
Apparently this new TAB thing has scared a lot of the bookies.
Hmm? Where did you hear this? That registrar.
Horses and golf, horses and golf.
It was all he talked about.
(Chuckles) Totalisator Board.
Um, TAB.
It's It's a a government-run betting agency.
It's very, very new.
Government? They think it's a useful way to raise revenue.
I wouldn't trust the government to do anything.
The doc said you were living in China, Mrs Blake.
Yes, I was put to work in Shenzhen, after the war.
ALICE: Why was that? They called me a foreign hostile.
But then the food ran out.
Dreadful famine there, Charlie.
Everything fell apart.
We were starving.
People did things.
Eventually, I had to make a choice to stay and die or to run.
I made it to Wan Chai and after some time, I managed to get word to the consulate.
That sounds awful.
There wasn't much time for gambling.
Excuse me, please.
And thank you, Mrs Beazley.
That was delicious.
Oh, please, leave it to me.
Thank you, Lucien.
It was an interesting night.
Yes.
This must be very hard for you.
Goodnight, Alice.
Now, Agnes, we found this in Alex's house.
The police agreed I should give it to you.
Oh.
Look at him, standing in the saddle.
He knew he'd raced well.
I blame myself.
Oh, don't be so silly, Agnes.
Don't patronise me, Lucien.
I used to pay him sixpence to take my tips down to the local fruiterer.
The man ran bets out of his shop on the weekend.
That's where he must have started.
I see, so he gambled a lot.
He lost a marriage because of it.
And then he lost his love of racing.
I made this for him.
When he was little.
I rather suspect he found his love for racing again.
I warned you, Lucien.
No, no, no Why else would he leave this for you? And do you know, Ada McCrae said he couldn't stand being out of the saddle.
He came back to racing, even though he knew it could kill him.
Be a dear and carry this to the car for me, will you? Just out of interest, Mrs McCrae, how how tall was Blue Monday? 15.
2 hands.
Right.
About 5.
2 at the withers.
(Laughs) Yes.
I've been brushing up on my horses.
The, um The Chief Superintendent, he's, um how shall I say? Somewhat of a fan of yours.
He's been lovely.
Called me last night to make sure I was alright.
Really? Well, yeah.
So, do you think Terry and Shane are involved? Did the Superintendent say something? No, but Terry's been questioned and Shane tried to run away.
Yes.
You're very good with the horses.
As long as they know you're in charge.
You can't let them have their own way.
And what would happen then? They'd destroy themselves, and take you down with them.
Oh.
Excuse me, Doctor, but this girl is driving me mad.
Why is no-one ever happy to see me? My first front page for the Courier - a horse race! That's a very good photograph.
Tell that to my boss.
Perhaps he'll do more than let me write court reports and horoscopes.
(Chuckles) So in the meantime you'll just loiter around racetracks? Amongst other places.
Did you happen to take any other photographs - after the race, perhaps? I'm not falling for it.
That very charming thing that you do.
Ask lots of questions, listen carefully, nod understandingly.
People talk to you but you tell them nothing.
Doesn't work with me.
Why are you here? A man fell from a horse and died.
Which last happened here five years ago when Kev Dawson died - that doesn't explain why you're here.
Alex Martin was murdered the morning after the Ballarat Cup.
You? Every other racetrack in Victoria is busily kicking up a stink about the TAB coming in.
But not here.
Someone has a very tight grip on things and no-one's talking.
Who? Oh Alex owed money to an SP bookie chap by the name of Terrence Noonan.
Mr Noonan's hired thug had a go at Alex.
Big bloke.
Dutch.
I saw him hassling Martin after the race.
And then the rider that came in second Shane Heywood - tried to evade police, ran out onto the track, was trampled and sadly died in hospital from his injuries.
I don't have anything on Mr Tennant The track manager.
Served out a year's suspension handed out by the Victorian Racing Club for being involved in a substitution scam in Camperdown.
Bloody hell.
It seems every one of them could be involved in one way or another, wouldn't you think? We should exchange information again some time.
Alex was in debt to Mr Noonan.
So he bets against himself.
Noonan agrees to cancel the debt.
Mmm.
That's not Terry Noonan's style.
Perhaps he thought he had no option.
What do you reckon, Hopalong? Go on, show him.
Goodness me.
(Laughs) I tell you what, Bill, I think Miss Anderson has captured you perfectly.
Yeah, well, that's one opinion, Frank.
There's also the question of how much Ada McCrae and Mr Tennant knew about the whole thing.
(Phone rings) Hi, Ballarat Police.
I understand you've been speaking with her.
I thought she could be of assistance.
Frank? Sorry for calling, Superintendent, but I didn't know what else to do.
Don't kid yourself, Ada, that girl's been trouble for a long time now.
Over there.
Excuse me.
Hobart already searched this entire place.
Where's Miss Dawson now? Oh, well, she saw me in here and she ran off.
And what about the cable? That can wait.
Numerous vantage points.
Yes, lots of cover - just not for us.
I'm gonna check the back gate.
Alright.
Do you think she's coming for us?! Well, we gotta get out of here! No, no, no! We're safe in here - she won't fire into the stable when there's a risk to the animals.
Come on! Come on! (Rifle shot) Jesus! (Rifle shot) Mr Tennant, let me see that.
Right, I want you to place your hand here, press firmly against the wound.
Mrs McCrae, how much ammunition was kept with that rifle? Quite a few rounds.
She's obviously comfortable with firearms.
Now, stay here.
Robyn, it's me.
Robyn, I'm coming out.
Alright? Just me - I'm unarmed.
You can come out too.
I promise it'll be alright.
Come on.
That's it.
Robyn, would you lower the rifle for me, please.
Thank you.
Now, did you tell anyone that someone strung a cable across the track? Yeah, I told Miss McCrae.
Right.
So Alex Martin comes back to ride in the Ballarat Cup.
He's the sentimental favourite.
But he's supposed to throw the race.
Mr Noonan? Alex put 20 quid on Shane Heywood.
I'm guessing Mrs McCrae placed a sizable bet too.
£150 at long odds.
She would have made a killing.
Right.
You didn't count on how much Alex loved to race.
Especially when he thought he'd never ride again.
What was it you said? 'Let them have their own way and they'll destroy themselves, and take you down too.
' You couldn't let anyone see that you'd lost control.
You had to send a message.
You have no idea what you're talking about, Doctor.
You don't know anything about this world.
No, I don't.
But you do.
You knew exactly how high to string that wire so it caught the jockey, not the horse.
You knew once Alex was in the clear he'd stand up in that saddle.
You never thought for a moment the horse would fall with its rider.
And now they're both dead.
And that that's why you were crying when we met you.
You were crying for the horse you killed, not for Alex Martin.
Shane Heywood Oh, he did exactly what you wanted him to do - he chased Alex, helped you take the cable down before anyone else got there.
It was my horse.
My track.
My game.
You killed that horse.
You right? Yeah.
Don't think this gets you out of that debt of yours.
Ada McCrae, I'm placing you under arrest for the murder of Alex Martin.
Miss Dawson, you'll be facing charges of reckless endangerment.
Miss Anderson! This should get you a front page.
It's alright, Robyn.
It's alright.
(Sighs) You never used to drink alone.
No.
No, I didn't.
Where are you going? You've always been kind to me.
But this has been such an intrusion.
Mai Lin Please let me finish.
I didn't expect this.
But I understand.
It has been 17 years.
I found a hotel in town.
The Soldier's Hill - do you know it? Yes.
They have a room for me.
Thank Jean for her hospitality, please.
Mai Lin You are my wife.
Yes, I am.
Would you drive me, please? My suitcase is heavy.
Of course.
(Front door opens then closes) Major.
Derek.
Been a while.
What are we looking for, Nancy Drew? I was afraid you'd forgotten me.
She's your priority now.