"My receptionist thought you might be dead, Mr. Frost." "No, no, I always look like this." "I meant, You haven't been to the surgery since 1977." "Really?" "That's healthy living for you." "Your employers are very forward thinking, a routine check-up's a good thing for men of your age." "Do you smoke?" "Gave it up." "Are you married?" "Widowed." "So you live on your own?" "Yes.... yes... so how's the old em..." "Blood pressure's fine." "So's the heart." "Good." "Cholesterol's okay." "Amazing." "So, see you again in another twenty years?" "Yes I'll put it in my calendar." "Keep up the healthy living." "(Phone ringing)" "Yes, yes, yes, alright." "Frost." "Oh guv, it's George Toolan." "Sorry to spoil your day off but we're in a Mayday situation." "Mr. Mullett's on the warpath." "it's the annual staff reports, when you say how wonderful your CID officers are..." "Sergeant Toolan." "I'm sorry Sir, it's Regional Crime Squad, sir." "Inspector Frost promised to have those reports on my desk last Friday," "As he's promised them every Friday for a month." "I want them." "Today." "Yeah well I would think he's working on them at home, Sir." "On his day off." "He's going to the Chief Constable." "Yes, alright, alright, I'm there." "I said to him," ""Look, just because you're dressed like a gorilla does that mean you have to behave like one?"" "I'm sure he didn't mean anything, Sue." "How would you know?" "It's always the men." "They completely change character." "Anyway, it didn't fit so he ended up as Mickey Mouse." "Is that all the Mickey Mice out then?" "Yeah." "But I think another one's just walked in." "What?" "Present for you." "Don't be a prat, Karl." "And another one for both of us." "Oh wow!" "Oh yeah!" "Sue." "Don't start." "But his divorce has come through." "So?" "He's a free agent." "And so are we." "He is not moving in here." "This is my home as much as yours, my business as much as yours." "And what does he want, eh?" "To be a partner too?" "Or just to free load?" "Karl's not like that." "He works his socks off." "Obviously what he'd really like is to set up on his own." "Yeah, well, he's not doing it with our money." "Don't be so bloody suspicious." "Look, Pauline, I'm your sister." "I'm trying to protect you." "Sue, I'm thirty years old." "The guy loves me." "He's a no hope paper plate salesman." "No, he's not, and I'm not stupid you know." "If me and Karl stay here and it doesn't work out," "I've lost nothing, have I?" "And nor have you." "Anyway, I'm going out now." "What, with him?" "No, just shopping." "I'll see you later." "And I've already said he can stay." "Alright, where's Mullett?" "In his office, loading his shotgun." "Oh, good he's calmed down then." "Listen, what's all this fuss about annual reports?" "What's the Chief Constable want them for, anyway?" "The Force reorganization." "You went to the seminar." "Did I?" "Yeah." "Anyway, if he wants to sort the wheat from the chaff all he has to do is get rid of any superintendent whose surname begins with M." "Armed robbery." "What?" "Armed robbery." "Annual Reports," "A.R. Same initials." "Of course." "How silly of me not to think of it." "Well, there you are." "Who do you want to see first?" "What?" "Well you're supposed to interview us." "As part of our appraisal." "Can't we take that bit as read?" "No." "All right, wheel them in." "I'm sorry I'm late, Miss Venables, they were short handed." "No problem, I've only just got here." "But I have told you before about the Miss Venables stuff." "You Linda, me Pauline, okay?" "Yeah sorry, me mum always taught me to be polite." "Where is it we're going now, Denton Lacey?" "Sorry?" "Pedigree Labradors." "Uh, yeah." "Denton Lacey, then straight on." "You haven't mentioned this to Sue, have you?" "I did tell you it's a birthday surprise." "Not that she deserves it." "No, I haven't said anything." "Alright, Howard." "Sir." "Alright Howard," "Have you given any thought to your future career development?" "Well..." "No?" "Good." "Thank you, next please." "Jack." "I'm afraid your house is on fire." "Linda, I know you said it was out of the way, but I wasn't expecting a safari." "We're nearly there now, and they're lovely puppies." "You've got first pick." "Oh, terrific." "Where's Farmer Giles, gone muck spreading?" "He doesn't live here." "He just uses it for the dogs, it's okay though, he said we can go in." "They were up in the granary when I came before." "Aw, look." "Linda!" "Linda!" "Help me!" "Linda!" "Linda help me!" "Is it all right if I turn the chip pan off?" "(Crying)" "Oh." "At least I've still got a shirt." "Mmm, my favorite, smoky bacon flavor." "And I've got a toothbrush, so there you are." "What more could a man want?" "Oh this Sir." "I found it in the living room." "It's yours." "Oh, yes." "My George Cross." "Houses may come and houses may go, but your past goes on for ever." "Thank you very much, em," "WPC Toms, Sir." "Claire Toms." "I see." "You're new here aren't you?" "Six months." "Used to be at Reading." "Alright." "Nice to meet you." "Oh Sir." "Will you be all right?" "I mean somewhere to stay tonight?" "Yes, no problem." "Package for Sue Venables." "Who from?" "Dunno, love." "Thanks to you too." "Sue?" "Where's Pauline?" "Sue?" "Alright, that's the last time I take a day off." "Is there much damage?" "Well, let's put it this way, it's cured the rising damp." "Still there's always..." "The insurance, I know." "You haven't seen a home contents policy knocking about here have you?" "So where you going to sleep?" "I dunno." "The Savoy, The Ritz, Denton Hilton." "I'm spoilt for choice really." "(Phone ringing)" "Frost." "Yes, yes right away." "Has anyone told Horn rim Harry?" "I certainly haven't, no." "Good, well don't." "Otherwise he'll have me sleeping in the Section House." "Come in." "Yes, Sir?" "Have you ever handled a kidnap?" "A kidnap?" "No." "Well we're handling one now." "And if we fumble it a woman could be dead." "Come on." "Your sister has been taken by the Task Force." "Photo enclosed." "We've just cut her hair today." "Who knows what tomorrow?" "If you want her back alive it will cost you 30,000 pounds in cash." "If you tell the police," "Pauline is dead." "I'm not struck on you lot but I don't roll over for bastards like that." "When did this arrive?" "About two hours ago." "Motor bike messenger." "What firm, the messenger?" "I dunno, he didn't have a badge or anything." "Can you describe him?" "Well no, he was wearing a crash helmet." "A blue crash helmet, medium height, black jacket, it was the package I was interested in." "Does anyone else know about the letter?" "Only Pauline's boyfriend, Karl Edwards, he was there at the shop." "You'll need to talk to him." "Yes, yes, I will." "Are you sure this is genuine." "Well, does that look like a stunt?" "No." "It doesn't." "I'm sorry." "When did you last see her?" "Lunch time." "At the flat, we live over the shop." "I see, and then she went out?" "Yeah." "Where?" "I don't know." "She said she had to go shopping." "And then she went out." "Was she on her own?" "I think so, yeah." "Was she by car, was she by bus, on foot or what?" "Well, her car's gone so I presume she drove but I didn't actually see." "The index number has been circulated." "Well that's ok." "Whatever happened, Miss Venables obviously the kidnappers are going to have to communicate with you again." "But you will not be alone when they do, we will be there with you." "Inspector Frost will be there with you." "Every time contact is made, from now on, he will be there to guide, and support you." "Trust him." "Clearly we wish to apprehend this "Task Force", whoever they may be, and avoid paying the ransom, but Pauline's safety comes first at every step," "I cannot emphasize that too strongly." "Yeah." "Well, you can guide if you like but I don't need support." "And I don't "trust" nobody." "Don't cock it up." "Right, you can take WPC Toms," "Sergeant Toolan's the link man at the station, and everything gets reported to me until Regional Crime Squad can pick it up." "This must be handled on a strictly need to know basis." "Understood?" "Yes." "Who's WPC Toms?" "Claire Toms, came to us from Reading a few months ago." "Oh that's right, we've met, but she's only a kid." "She's a very able officer." "She's had a CID attachment, and has training in victim management." "'Management'?" "Yes, method is imperative in these situations." "You don't mind?" "No." "I've never 'managed' a victim before." "I'll have to be shown how." "I mean, you don't mind being taken out of circulation?" "You'll need to be at that flat 24 hours a day." "What do you mean, sleep there?" "Yes." "I'm afraid so, means leaving home for a bit." "Oh, well, if I have to." "You know me, sir, anything for the job." "Mr. Mullett tells me you like to go on courses." "Yes, sir." "I like to learn." "Is that a black mark, sir?" "No not at all." "Someone's got do it, otherwise training school would be out of a job." "So you want me to concentrate on the motor bike messenger, yes, guv?" "Messenger and delivery there's just a chance that it was booked." "And I want every courier service in the county to check their records." "Then discreet local enquiries," "You know that sort of thing." "Did anyone see a motor bike outside the Venables' flat?" "If they did, why didn't they make a note of the index number, all right?" "You're still here, Jack?" "Yes, just taking a change of clothes here, just in case." "Yes, quite so." "Wouldn't it have been more economical simply to bring a few things from home?" "Excuse me, sir, van's ready." "Oh, that's for me." "Excuse me sir, got to go." "Come on, Toms." "All right, put it down." "Ah, Mr. Karl Edwards?" "Yep?" "Denton Decorators, we've come to do Miss Venables' flat." "Excuse me." "Thank you, excuse me." "Who did you say you were?" "Actually sir, we're the police." "I'm Detective Inspector Frost," "Denton CID and this is WPC Claire Toms." "But that's our little secret." "I'm sorry about all this but it's just a subterfuge so we can come and go unremarked." "We don't know how many are in this "Task Force" gang." "It's quite possible one of them's watching this place." "Well that's terrific!" "Why wasn't I told?" "She shouldn't have brought you in." "She should just pay the bloody money." "She can afford it!" "That wouldn't guarantee Pauline's safety," "Mr. Edwards." "Oh, and you can?" "No, sir, we can't." "But if everyone co-operates and behaves normally, there is a chance." "Now have you got any idea where Pauline went this lunch time?" "If I had, do you think I'd be standing here now?" "But you were here, when she left the shop." "Yes." "Well she rushed out as if she was late." "She had to meet someone?" "Never said." "Look, um, am I free to go because I need to pop out just for five minutes?" "Yes, all right." "Don't be too long." "Please don't talk to anyone." "Sure." "I think we should bear in mind, sir, they're under extreme stress." "Oh, Sue, this is WPC Claire Toms." "She's come to help with the, uh..." "Hand holding?" "She knows a bit about the technical stuff." "Oh, good." "Karl Edwards has just popped out." "He'll be coming back." "Then he'll have to ring the bell, won't he." "It might not be a bad idea to keep the shop open, just for normality's sake, in case anyone's watching." "Normality?" "It's not a hard and fast rule, sir." "You could argue if the Task Force are watching they might think it a bit fishy if it did stay open." "Thank you." "This is a family business Sue, just you and Pauline?" "Yeah, we started it ten years ago." "Ten years." "I married young." "Too young." "It ended in disaster." "Divorced." "I needed something else, preferably nothing to do with men so Pauline suggested the shop." "It's successful?" "It is now, yeah." "Thanks to a lot of hard work." "All right, well, regarding the money, 30,000 pounds, can you raise it?" "Well, Karl seems to think so." "But can you?" "Just about." "But I thought the point of you lot being involved was I wouldn't have to." "Yeah." "Who knows you're worth?" "I mean thirty thousand pound's a tidy sum but usually kidnappers are a bit more ambitious." "So what you're saying is we're not an obvious target because we're not stinking rich." "Well you're not, are you." "So, what do you think, a realistic guess, or an inside job?" "What about Karl?" "Oh yeah, he knows, right down to the last ha'penny, why do you think he's latched on to Pauline?" "Anyone else, staff?" "In the shop?" "No." "Oh there is Linda." "Linda?" "She's just a girl who does a bit of cleaning once a week." "All right, surname?" "I don't know." "Pauline hired her." "Pauline pays her wages." "Do you know her address?" "I don't know anything about her 'cept she's about as bright as a forty watt bulb in a power cut." "I don't think you should've left her on her own Graham." "Think?" "You don't need to think, Linda." "I'll do that for you." "I'll do everything for you." "You just relax." "Don't worry so much, as long as it's only Pauline who knows you were there, we've got no problems at all." "Who is 'we'?" "Who else is involved Graham, why won't you tell me?" "Because, information of that kind is on a need to know basis." "Ask me something else." "Where shall we go then, when we've got the money?" "Abroad, a really long long way." "Just you and me." "Would you like that?" "Oh, Graham, yes." "You've got a roof over your head tonight, at least, sir." "Yeah." "It's funny that." "It really knocked me sideways, you know," "losing that house." "I know it was only a pile of old bricks but it was the suddenness of it, the shock." "I've been thinking about moving for ages, well, ever since my wife died and that's what, two years now." "And now I've got to." "It certainly draws a line under the last twenty years." "Well, look at it as a fresh start then, sir." "Yeah." "Yes, think positive Toms." "Anyway, where are you going to sleep." "I'll be all right." "No, no you won't, why don't you sleep on the..." "I'll be okay." "Come on, don't argue." "(Phone ringing)" "Go on." "Easy, don't rush." "Think what you're going to say." "You need time and you need proof." "okay?" "Sue Venables," "This is the Task Force." "Have you got the money?" "No." "I'm sorry." "I need more time." "And I also need some proof that Pauline's okay, still alive." "Hello?" "It's okay, we'll get a trace on the call." "And they will ring again." "How can you be sure?" "They always do." "Well, thank you for sounding so confident in there." "Healthy living." "Doctor's orders." "It's my birthday today." "Oh, many happy ret..." "Do you recognize all the handwriting, Sue?" "Yeah." "So if it's all right with you," "I'll open them later." "Yes, sure," "You'd better call in the nick for an update." "Yeah, yes." "Did you have a happy childhood, Pauline?" "What?" "You and Sue." "Did you have fun when you were kids?" "What do you want?" "Finding this Linda girl is our number one priority." "Yes, sir." "We are doing our best." "Any news on the phone call?" "Not as yet, sir." "What about the bike messenger?" "Uh, no nothing yet sir, no." "The courier firms have no knowledge sir." "Well, at least we can run a CRO check on Karl Edwards, and I want to know as soon as Pauline Venables' car is found." "Sir." "Sir." "Uh, Inspector Frost would like Karl followed when he leaves the flat?" "Oh would he." "Howard!" "I've got a job for you." "Come on." "She's alive and well, and nobody's found her." "All right, worry guts?" "Graham." "It's your cleaning day at the flat, isn't it, today?" "Should be, yeah, but..." "You go then, right?" "And you drop this on the mat as you go in." "Me?" "Take it?" "You never said..." "I'm saying now." "Look, it's the simplest way." "And it's the safest." "Graham, no, I can't." "They won't see." "Hey, they won't." "Sorry Jo, I'm spoken for." "Look at them." "All those people, all in their own little worlds." "Life goin' on as usual." "And here we are, just twenty yards away." "We normally do our shopping today." "Have you spoken to the bank?" "I'm going round there at midday." "You haven't told them what you want the money for, have you?" "No." "When do you think we'll hear again?" "I don't know." "Look Sue, is there anything that you haven't told me?" "Anything about your business, about your sister?" "Is there anyone who holds a grudge against you?" "We're not a multi-national for God's sake." "We sell balloons." "Well, what about Karl?" "It's obvious that you two don't get on with each other." "Is he the one that's caused the rift between you and your sister?" "I wouldn't fall out over him, he's not worth it." "But if he tells me how to spend my money again," "I'll..." "Well?" "No joy, I'm afraid." "I was told you had the number he called from." "Yes, but it's a phone box, out in the sticks, and we can't find any witnesses." "So what are you going to do now, wait until bits of Pauline arrive in the post?" "Let Sue pay the money." "That's her decision sir, not ours." "Of course it's your decision." "You're playing poker with a woman's life." "My woman's life." "Don't say that." "Because she's not your woman." "Well I'm the only one who cares about her!" "I'm the only one who thinks she's worth thirty grand!" "Well I don't see you coming up with the money, you chiseling bastard!" "(Doorbell)" "Who's that?" "It's Linda." "Linda?" "The cleaner." "Tell her that you don't need her today." "Go on, go on." "You let her die, and I'll have you." "I'm sorry, Linda, can you give it a miss today, love?" "Pauline's gone out and I've got the decorators in." "Oh, yeah right." "Excuse me." "I'm sorry to mess you about love, we'll still pay you the two hours, all right?" "No, no that's fine." "Really." "Just, you know, get Pauline to give me a call when you want me to start again." "I will, love." "Thanks a lot." "Bye now." "Do you think you can follow her in the van?" "I can try." "Go on then, do it." "Hello, Sue." "This is Pauline." "As you can hear, I'm fine." "I'm being well treated by the man who's looking after me." "But he says the others won't be so nice and time is running out." "He's let me listen to the radio this morning, so I can tell you today's news, to prove I'm still alive." "The mortgage rate has gone up." "There was a plane crash in Japan last night." "England won their football match one nil." "Pay the money when they ask Sue." "And don't go to the police." "Please," "I don't want to die." "Please." "Sir?" "Hello, Sue." "This is Pauline." "As you can hear, I'm fine." "I'm being well treated by the man who's looking after me." "But he says the others won't be so nice and time is running out." "He's let me listen to the radio this morning," "Sir," "Linda, she's gone to Commerce Way," ""Bellamy's" the staff entrance, and her surname's Brook." "Really, right, sit down." "I want you to listen to this." "Hello, Sue." "This is Pauline." "As you can hear, I'm fine." "I'm being well treated by the man who's looking after me." "But he says the others won't be so nice, and time is running out." "He's let me listen to the radio this morning, so I can tell you today's news, to prove I'm still alive." "Alright, play it again." "Sir, we really ought to get a copy of this to forensic..." "Just do it, Toms." "Alright." "Now, what's that in the background, that bird?" "Wood pigeon." "Sounds like wood pigeon." "Alright if you say so, but there's something else." "Something, that's very, very faint." "First of all I thought it was just tape noise, but it comes and goes, there hear it?" "Machinery?" "Machi... it's not machinery." "It's a tractor." "It's a tractor." "A tractor and a wood pigeon." "We're looking at a farm, surely?" "House to house, on every property in earshot of a tractor?" "Yes, of course, why not?" "Oh, come on Jack, even I get wood pigeons, and I live in a suburban semi." "Like you used to?" "That's sorted, by the way." "Sorted?" "Secure." "Boarded up." "All right." "What's boarded up?" "What's happened?" "Why aren't you with Susan Venables?" "Come with me." "Sir, Claire Toms is perfectly capable, she's more than capable." "Claire Toms is a WPC." "How dare you unload a life and death responsibility onto a junior officer, even for half an hour." "Because I'm no good at sitting still." "Waiting." "Watching Sue Venables tear herself apart." "Letting scum dictate." "Letting them think they dictate." "Well, whatever." "I shall be screaming abuse down the phone." "You will not." "If you can't cope" "I shall bring in a trained negotiator from outside as it is you should understand there may be more to "do" in the flat than you think" "Have you spoken to Sergeant Toolan?" "Pauline's boyfriend, Karl Edwards." "Bristol is sending us the papers but basically he worked for a debt collecting agency down there, well that's what his brief called it." "In reality it was a protection racket." "He's been out of prison about three years now." "Though nothing known since." "But it appears he has a previous conviction for demanding money with menaces." "Thank you, George." "Oh, Jack." "I've found these buried in the Paleolithic layer." "A bundle of seven files from Traffic Division," "Marked Urgent." "Any ideas?" "None at all." "CID, George Toolan." "Jack?" "Yes?" "Uniform have found Pauline's car." "Supermarket called us, it's been here overnight." "They thought it might be nicked, only it's locked." "All right, let's have a look." "That's funny, George." "Well, Sue was telling me that she and Pauline use a cash and carry down by the river." "Any witnesses?" "Not as yet, sir, no." "I don't know what the force would do without my keys." "Alright." "Ah, that's interesting, have you got a description of Pauline Venables?" "I thought she was quite tall." "Uh, yes, sir." "Five foot seven, I think." "What did she do, unscrew her legs?" "Look at this seat, it's too far forward even for me." "Linda Brook?" "Yeah." "Detective Inspector Frost, Denton CID." "Can you spare me a minute?" "It's all right," "I've cleared it with your guv'nor." "What's it about?" "It's about the shoplifting, Linda." "Shoplifting?" "Yesterday." "Were you here at lunchtime, between about one and two?" "No, no, no I wasn't." "Oh, you wouldn't have seen anything then, would you." "Sorry to have troubled you." "Thanks anyway." "Thank you." "Thank you bye." "Jo?" "Yeah?" "Did something happen here yesterday lunchtime, shoplifting or something?" "Not that I know of, why?" "The police were just asking me about it." "Police." "What police?" "Sue, did you know that Linda worked at Bellamy's?" "No." "Why, is it important?" "Do you know anything else about her?" "Family, boyfriends?" "I think Pauline said that both her parents were dead." "Boyfriends?" "Frankly, who'd be interested?" "(Phone ringing)" "Sue, now just stay calm, okay?" "You did great last time." "Sue Venables." "You've got your proof she's still alive?" "Yes." "Have you got the money?" "Have you got the money?" "Yes." "Does anyone know where D. I. Frost is?" "No, but I know where he left his radio." "Oh sugar," "Now, what can I do for you?" "There you go." "These are the new issue body bags, are they?" "It's all I could find in my car." "So what exactly do you want?" "Cause of death, time of death," "Stomach contents?" "Naturally." "Have you taken its paw prints?" "No, but there's something very interesting on its paws if you look." "Jack." "Yes?" "Where the hell have you been?" "Task Force are demanding their money in one hour." "You still think it is "they" then, this "Task Force"?" "Yes, well, whilst I'm carrying the can we'll assume there's an army out there, all right?" "In that case, you might need your radio." "Getting a bit forgetful in your old age." "I hope you're not cooking chips at the Venables' place." "She's clear, guv." "Received." "Any other movement?" "Not in our street, no." "Oh by the way, did you notice there's a house to let on the canteen notice board?" "No, how much?" "Five hundred a month, I think." "You what?" "It's the going rate." "You could always advertise for a few nurses to share." "Well, perhaps not nurses." "No." "Thank you, George." "Come on, Task Force." "That would have been a choker." "Still nothing sir." "Team three from Base, report in please." "Negative also, sir." "Perhaps we've been rumbled." "Don't even think it." "(Phone ringing)" "Sue?" "Sue?" "What's happened, did they release Pauline?" "I don't know." "Hello." "Change of plan." "Why, what do you mean," "I went where you said," "I left the money where you said." "Then pick it up again." "Why, it's all there." "It's not enough." "It's thirty thousand, it's what you said." "The price has gone up, it's fifty." "Fifty?" "Fifty." "Think of Pauline." "We'll be in touch." "What am I gonna do?" "It's a blow out." "Yeah, we know, sir," "Claire Toms called in." "They aborted." "Oh, and the price has gone to 50,000." "What are you doing here anyway?" "Where's Karl Edwards?" "Back at the Venables' flat, but he spent most of the day with a woman." "Alright." "Jack." "Yes." "We've found a witness at the supermarket." "Pauline Venables' car was left at about two p.m. yesterday by a..." "Short, plain, fair haired woman by the name of Linda Brook." "She rides a moped and that is the index number." "Yes, thank you very much." "You want her nicked?" "No, what I want is Pauline Venables alive." "What I want is the bastard who forced her to make the tapes." "And I want him standing right there where you are." "And when I've finished with him" "I wanna go home," "only I haven't got a home." "No, I don't want her nicked." "Just watch and wait, watch and wait." "With a woman, did you say, that Karl Edwards?" "Yes, guv." "Right, next thing is pet shops and dog breeders." "Find out if anyone's bought a Labrador puppy in the last week." "Graham." "Graham why isn't she at the barn?" "Where is she, Graham?" "What've you done?" "We've moved her, okay?" "How?" "In my car, how do you think?" "Don't you trust me?" "Do you think I'm gonna cock things up?" "No, course not." "You're the only one on the team who ever questions." "No I trust you, really." "Then you shouldn't have gone to the barn, should you?" "You do as I say Linda, when I say, that's all." "I was looking for you." "The police came to the store, asking about a shoplifting yesterday, and there wasn't one, and I got worried." "Don't worry about the police." "They're not in control, I am." "Of Sue, of Pauline, of you." "The only difference is, you're happy about it." "Yeah?" "I just don't want us to get nicked, Graham." "I'd rather just forget about the money and get right away from Denton." "Now." "How are we going to get nicked, eh?" "The police don't know where Pauline is, but I do." "And I could top her, any time I want." "Yeah, but you wouldn't, would you?" "Kill her." "The barn was fine for phase one." "But we were always gonna bring her here in the end." "Go on." "Mind your step." "Here's some company for you, Pauline." "There's chocolate in that bag." "I don't think I want to stay here, Graham." "Ssshh," "I never thought you were scared of the dark." "You like the dark." "And it is you that's worried about the police what if they're there waiting outside your flat." "I know, but..." "It's only for tonight." "It's quite safe," "Pauline's hardly gonna hurt you is she?" "I'll see you later." "Where are you going then?" "I'm going to work." "I've got a split shift." "Eh, I'll see, you," "later." "Graham." "This is Detective Inspector Frost." "Graham McArdy." "He's Linda's immediate supervisor so he may be able to help you." "Thank you." "What's the problem?" "Well, it's a domestic matter sir, regarding Linda Brook." "It is quite important." "We're trying to trace her but there's no sign of her at her flat." "Do you know of any friends she might be staying with perhaps?" "Well no, no I'm sorry I don't." "Maybe I can have a look in her locker then." "Her locker?" "Yes, there might be something here." "An address, maybe?" "Well I don't know." "If you don't mind, sir," "The manager did promise full co-operation." "Okay." "Thank you." "This isn't Linda's is it?" "No I don't think so." "But she did ride a moped, and she can drive a car?" "I'm only her supervisor, Mr. Frost." "I honestly couldn't say." "You don't know if she had any other jobs, do you Mr. em....." "McArdy." "Mr. McArdy, sorry." "Let me see, she did a bit of cleaning I think, but I hope you won't say I mentioned it." "No, no, no." "I don't suppose the tax man's au fait..." "No, she didn't do anything like sort of motor cycle messenger, or anything of it?" "No." "I shouldn't think so." "Alright." "Well, I'll take this with me for a closer look." "No, uhm..." "It's not yours, is it?" "No, no, I just wouldn't want some member of staff to come in and find it gone." "No that's alright." "Don't worry about that." "I'll give you a receipt." "I'm sorry, Miss Venables" "I really am sorry." "It's nothing personal." "And you'll be okay though, he won't hurt you." "Who is he?" "You don't need to know that." "You need to know something though, you're a 24 karat prat for getting yourself used like this." "I'm not being used." "Have you any idea how long you'll go to prison for?" "This is the next worst thing to murder you know." "Do you want to be locked up for twenty years?" "I'm not going to prison." "And I've said I'm sorry." "Help us get out of here, Linda." "No, I can't." "Yes, you can, you can." "Don't trust him." "You don't understand, he's like me." "He never had nothing neither." "Bloody useless parents." "Bum deal at school." "But he's clever." "Not like me, he does crosswords and stuff." "And it was exciting." "Listening to him talkin' about all the things he'd do if he had the chance, and he said we could have the chance together." "How else am I ever gonna get out of Denton?" "You're pathetic." "Maybe." "But at least I'm not pathetic on my own any more." "You cow." "You stupid, stupid cow." "What's wrong, what's happened?" "You left the blue crash helmet in the locker room!" "No!" "I told you to get rid of it." "No you never, you never, Graham, you said you would." "I told you Linda, you!" "What else have you fouled up?" "Eh?" "Eh?" "Besides taking the blindfold off." "You been blabbing to our friend here?" "And what about Sue," "You been blabbing to her as well?" "I hardly spoke, they had the decorators in." "What decorators?" "At the flat, when I took the tape." "You never mentioned any decorators." "Why Linda?" "Why!" "Where's Sue?" "Asleep." "Well, resting I think." "In case you're in any doubt," "I do appreciate your being here." "It's nice to have someone around who knows what they're doing." "Even someone who goes on training courses?" "Maybe I ought to take one." "How to eat Humble Pie." "Now you're fishing for compliments." "Am I?" "I suppose I'd better go and talk to Karl." "If the phone rings, I'm here." "Why don't you take a break." "You can sleep on the sofa again." "Thanks." "Listen, sir, when this is all over, assuming you're still homeless, you're welcome to doss down at my place for a bit." "Well, that's very nice of you Claire, but no thanks." "People would only talk." "They'd have no reason to." "I know." "I know." "You've been out." "So?" "Who did you see?" "What's that to you?" "The woman you love has been kidnapped." "We should all pull together." "The more we pull together, mate, the more likely we are to get her killed." "Oh I see, so by blanking me you're going to save Pauline?" "You already know what I think." "Yes I do, no police involvement?" "But don't forget you're still in the frame as a member of this Task Force." "Because Sue thinks I've latched onto Pauline?" "No, because since day one you've been saying" ""Pay the money, pay the money"" "Applying moral blackmail," "Applying pressure." "Lots of pressure." "And it's not the first time in your life that you've done that, is it?" "Oh, right, I've been in trouble before so that makes me a kidnapper." "No, it makes you a legitimate subject for questioning." "After Pauline went out, where did you go?" "Over to the shopping center." "I was looking at engagement rings." "Oh yeah, did you buy one?" "No." "What about today?" "Eh?" "Who were you with?" "In Gianni's Restaurant and the Royal Oak pub?" "You've had me followed?" "Oh yeah." "Who were you with!" "Stacey!" "My wife!" "Ex wife." "Oh, I see." "So whilst your fiancee is being held to ransom you pop out and have lunch with your ex wife." "Maybe she's a member of this Task Force." "Maybe you both are?" "Hoping to become the beneficiaries." "Or maybe it's Pauline." "Pauline?" "Yeah, why not, that's an answer." "You want the money, she wants you and you both want out." "You're crazy, Pauline, she would never do that to Sue." "Well, that just leaves your ex wife." "I wanted Stacey's help, that's all." "I was desperate." "There's a lot of money, it's tied up in the divorce." "I wanted to free some of it to raise the ransom myself because that hard faced bitch in there, she wouldn't do it." "And what did Stacey say?" "What do you think, spin." "Yes, I can see her point of view." "But you were wrong about Sue." "She's raised the money." "Oh yes and the "Task Force" didn't turn up, did they?" "Surprise, surprise." "I was sitting here thinking, if you want a set up." "What about Sue?" "She's had Pauline bumped off, the ransom's just a cover." "Well she's not one to forgive and forget, is she?" "You know what happened to her teenage romance, don't you?" "No." "You know who she found in bed with her handsome new husband?" "What, this is Sue's revenge, after fifteen years, just because she found Pauline in bed with her..." "Sue is one obsessive woman." "She hasn't looked at another man since her divorce." "She's a workaholic and she thinks Pauline's dead weight." "This shop was Pauline's idea but Sue thinks she's carrying it." "She resents the fifty fifty split just like she resents everything else." "Getting rid of Pauline would make a great deal of sense." "But not half as much sense as getting rid of you." "Get out." "Go on, get out!" "Sue." "But you're right," "I do resent Pauline." "I hate her sometimes." "Hate her for making the same mistake I did." "Getting mixed up with a scum bag." "Oh, that's you definition of a scumbag is it?" "Someone who prefers Pauline in bed?" "Sue!" "Pack it in!" "No!" "(Phone ringing)" "Sue Venables." "You got the decorators in?" "What?" "Have you got the decorators in?" "Yeah, why?" "Well this message is for you and the decorators if they're interested." "Go to Hammersley's Warehouse, the basement." "She's all yours." "If you see anything you're unsure of, just shout out alright." "Yes sir." "Guv?" "All right, go on." "Strangled." "Yes, bare hands." "But no sign of Pauline Venables?" "No." "So basically we can interpret this as a challenge, they know we're involved, and they don't give a damn." "I think that's a fair assessment of the situation." "Mind you I'm not so sure it's "they"." "Well, that remains to be seen." "One kidnapper or twenty, your cover's blown at the shop." "Though you mustn't blame yourself for that." "No, sir." "Has, uh, Susan Venables been informed?" "I suppose I should be relieved it's not Pauline." "But if they're capable of murder, why should they let her go, even if they've got the money." "I don't think I'm ever gonna see her again." "Of course." "She's a survivor." "You both are." "Sue, Inspector Frost has asked me to ask you, does Pauline like dogs?" "No, not really." "It's me who's the dog lover." "I always wanted a Labrador, since I was a kid." "But living in a flat you know." "What's he wanna know that for?" "He's found one." "In a barn, the other side of Denton Lacey." "We think Pauline might have been there at some point." "And yesterday was my birthday." "She went there because of me, right?" "Sue, we don't know that." "Is there nothing at all on the phone calls then?" "There's been an instant trace every single time but they're all public payphones, never the same one, and the bird's always flown." "So, what about the voice?" "Well, the tapes are still being analyzed." "It's probably always the same guy speaking but Forensic reckon it's too muffled to stand up as I.D." "should we ever catch anyone." "We'll catch him, George don't worry." "Listen I want you to go and supervise at Linda's flat." "I'm going to meet Howard down in Soft Furnishings." "Sue?" "Pauline always said I was a bit of a prat." "I was last night, talking about you." "It was out of order." "I'm sorry." "How's your head?" "It's fine," "like I said, I deserved it." "I know I depend on Pauline too much." "For love." "And I see you as a threat." "Are you religious?" "No, not really." "Nor am I," "but I wish I was sometimes." "Guv." "Ah, there you are." "So how you're doing with pet shops?" "All done, guv." "Not a sausage, or a Labrador." "What about breeders?" "Same." "Oh yes?" "I have checked." "There aren't that many locally and a couple have ceased trading." "This one, Homeview Lodge, and this..." "How do you know they've ceased trading?" "No answer, no barking and I asked the neighbors." "All right, all right, all right." "So if it was bought we're looking at adverts in newspapers or in newsagent's windows, or a least you are." "What now?" "Yes, as soon as we've finished here." "So come on." "How are we going?" "Interviewing all members of staff at the moment, guv." "One thing's cropped up." "Two of the shop girls reckon Linda was friendly with her Section Manager." "Sorry, Assistant Section Manager, a Mr. Graham McArdy." "Detective Inspector Frost," "Jo Thorn, Michelle Robbins." "I'm sorry to have to put you through this again, girls, but uh," "Linda Brook and Graham McArdy." "Well it's nothing really." "They used to go to the pub together, but that's all." "When was that, regularly?" "Yeah." "After work." "I saw them once at the cinema as well." "So they had a relationship?" "I dunno." "She let him kiss her." "What?" "I saw 'em yesterday, in Fitted Bedrooms." "Ugh, imagine being' that hard up." "Sorry?" "Everyone else thinks he's a creep." "Do they?" "Why's that?" "Because he's always goin' on," "He can do everything' better than everyone else." "I mean he's only one up from a shop girl for God's sake." "Some of the lads call him M.D." "M.D.?" "Managing Director." "Ah, I see." "Except when one of the real guv'nors comes round he's all, Yes Mr. Nailor, no Mr. Nailor" "Plus there's the constant stories." "Telling you how he's done this and he's done that." "I see, what sort of things?" "Stupid things that you know can't be true." "Like he's been ski-ing at the weekend." "He couldn't stand up on bleeding' roller skates." "I mean Linda's dead, and it sounds like we're just sluggin' off her boyfriend but basically when he comes in here we all move out." "Except Linda." "Now he hasn't even got her." "Is he a suspect then?" "Leave it out." "If he'd killed anyone he'd have told us by now." "Right, tell them to keep stumm, and take a written statement from them." "Most of that was hearsay and speculation, guv." "I know, that's why I like it." "Morning." "Dead?" "Linda?" "I'm afraid so." "What, an accident?" "Hardly, she was strangled." "Good God." "Graham, can we be frank with each other?" "I'm investigating a kidnapping." "One of the gang wore a blue crash helmet." "I believe that Linda was one of the accomplice's." "But unfortunately she's been murdered." "So can you tell me all that you know about Linda?" "Well, like I said yesterday, there's not a lot." "Now, come on Graham, I said let's be frank." "I understand that you used to go to the cinema and the pub with her." "Now you never told me that." "As I remember, you never actually asked." "So you were friends." "We got on quite well, yeah." "What did you talk about when you were in the pub?" "Life?" "Life, I see." "Did you ever talk about dogs?" "Dogs?" "Yeah you know, Labrador puppies?" "No," "I don't think so." "Do you know a building called Hammersley's Warehouse?" "Yeah, I used to work there as a matter of fact." "Oh really?" "Oh years ago, why?" "Because that's where Linda's body was found." "In the basement." "Oh." "I see." "Exactly 645 people worked there before it shut," "I mean I know because I was in the wages department." "The firm relocated to Wales but I imagine you got to get a full list of names." "Guv." "Guv?" "Yes?" "Yes." "Graham McArdy's address," "From the store's staff computer." "So?" "It's the same as Linda Brook's." "Graham, what's your address?" "39B Leicester Gardens." "That's also Linda Brook's address." "It's just a temporary arrangement." "I was having problems at me old place, and she gave me a sofa to sleep on." "Is it relevant?" "When was the last time you saw Linda?" "Uh, must have been here, at work yesterday morning." "And where were you last night?" "At Leicester Gardens." "Without Linda?" "Yeah." "Weren't you worried when she didn't come home?" "No." "I mean I'm not her husband, or her father." "She is twenty years old." "Was." "Have you ever kissed her?" "Yeah." "Once." "It was here at work." "She was very insecure." "She needed a cuddle." "Some women are like that, aren't they?" "Is that relevant as well?" "I'm trying to establish your relationship with the deceased," "Graham." "Where were you Tuesday lunchtime?" "I can't remember." "You weren't at work?" "No, I wasn't at work actually." "I had the day off." "Do you know a woman called Pauline Venables?" "Not personally no, the name rings a bell though." "I think Linda may have mentioned her." "Oh, you can remember that but you can't remember where you were two days ago?" "I find one day off's much like another to be honest." "So do I." "Did Linda have a jacket with a black lining?" "Dunno." "Do you?" "I did." "Only it got so shabby I had to throw it away." "When?" "Last night, as it happens." "I had a burn up out the back at Linda's place." "I like a burn up." "Don't you?" "Not a lot." "We'll check it." "Do you remember the blue crash helmet?" "Yeah." "If we can't find the owner any other way, we do what we call a head check." "That means we take a sample of hair in order to eliminate people from our enquiries." "And you will be on the top of the list." "Fine." "If it helps." "Though if the helmet wasn't" "left at the "scene of crime"," "I don't quite see that you can prove any connection with what you're investigating." "But then you're the detective." "Keep tabs on him." "Wherever he goes, keep tabs on him." "There's no Task Force." "It's him." "I know it's him." "Here give them a ring will you, son?" "If they want less than five hundred a month," "let me know." "Morning guv." "Morning." "Anything, George?" "Well, no way was he sleeping on the sofa." "And then there's these, guv." "We found those under Linda's side of the bed." "They're love letters." "From McArdy?" "Yep, But I don't think you're old enough to read them." "Are they all like this?" "Yes." "So, for the first time in her life, the poor kid thought she was a sex object." "Still, that doesn't prove she set up the kidnap for him." "Excuse me." "Right, you'd better get the floor boards up." "Pauline won't be here, surely?" "That would incriminate McArdy." "How?" "If she's dead?" "No the only way we're going to nail him is if he's cocky enough, or greedy enough, to still go for the money." "Assuming he is our man." "If he isn't George," "I'm gonna come and sleep on your sofa for a month." "Alpha Bravo 24 from Control, receiving, over?" "Receiving." "Urgent message from Mark Howard." "He's lost McArdy." "What?" "How?" "It had to be done, Pauline." "Let's be clear on that." "It wasn't a mistake." "I had to go to work." "Face out the police." "It's part of the game." "Course, Linda, she couldn't handle the pressure." "She was always gonna be a liability." "Because she was a loser, which is why it's just you and me now." "I hope you're comfortable with that?" "Your guv'nor's here." "How are they?" "Sue and Karl, are they all right together?" "Yeah they are." "All right." "What's the situation on the money?" "Why, there's been no contact." "No I know, but when there is, if there is, it's going to be short notice," "I know that and I want us to be ready." "Well she's got the money." "It's going to leave her pretty well destitute, but frankly she doesn't care any more." "To be honest, I think she wouldn't mind if we just pulled out." "No way." "I know it's McArdy, and I'm gonna nail him." "Please let me go home." "Please." "You are home, Pauline." "The McArdy family home." "It's not quite on the scale of Hammersley's Warehouse, but Linda screwed that up." "And here it is soundproof." "Aaaah!" "I used to do that down here when I was a kid." "Nobody heard." "My Dad still lives here, but he's away at the moment." "He goes on pensioners' holidays, playing bowls on the Isle of Wight." "He's always been a pensioner actually, my dad." "Mentally." "Never did anything." "Nor did Mum." "Except breed dogs." "So they never wanted me to do anything either." "It's a terrible thing, Pauline, when you have clueless prats for parents, you never get away from prats all your life." "It's like you're infected." "At school, at work, you get handed on from one lot to the next." "And there's so many of them." "They're everywhere." "They're keeping you down." "They're spoiling everything." "You're never free, not unless you say," ""Right, that's enough!"" "This is what I can really do!" "These are the things out of Linda's flat." "Well, I just had to do something." "I, uh, just wanted to thank you Sue, for letting us hang in here." "According to you, we're dealing with a maniac, right?" "Yeah." "He's not gonna settle for the money, is he?" "I wish he would but," "I suppose what I'm trying to say is you're all I've got." "And if it does all go wrong" "I'm not gonna turn round and blame you." "You won't have to." "I'll do that myself." "Want a cup of tea?" "I'll make it." "Yeah." "No, I need something to do an' all." "Ah, hello?" "What you got, guv?" "This is Linda's latest telephone bill." "Itemized." "(Phone ringing)" "Sue Venables." "Could I speak to the decorator please." "Or possibly Inspector Frost?" "Frost." "Hello, Inspector," "You want to speak to me?" "Well of course," "It's you and me that matter now, isn't it?" "You've got fifteen minutes." "What?" "Fifteen minutes to make the drop." "Now just a minute, Graham." "Can't we talk about this a bit longer?" "There's nothing else to talk about except where to put the money." "No more proofs, no more negotiations." "You do as you're told or, well you know what will happen." "Would you like your instructions?" "Yes." "Denton Junior Mixed." "County Road." "School's out in fifteen minutes." "You put the money in the bin by the school gate and walk away." "Any problem with the money, any interference before, during or after, and you'll have more than" "Pauline's blood on your hands" "Do you get my meaning?" "Yes," "I get your meaning." "We'll play it his way." "George, you stay here, phone the nick, inform Mullett." "Have you got your radio?" "Yeah." "All right, give it to Claire." "Claire you come with me, he doesn't know you." "George check out everyone of those telephone numbers in that bill." "Denton Junior School." "Yeah right, sir." "Inspector Frost is..." "Is doing it on his own, yes?" "He has got WPC Toms, sir." "She'll keep him out of mischief." "If by "mischief"" "you mean a massacre of school children," "I sincerely hope you're right." "D.I. Frost from Toms." "Yes?" "Sir he's jumped on a number 1 7 bus heading east along Darlington Road." "Sir, I'm sorry." "All right, I'll meet you by the car." "Here he goes." "Bye Mr. Frost!" "You're too old!" "Shit!" "Alpha, Bravo 24 from Control?" "What?" "George Toolan asked us to identify phone numbers from Linda Brook's flat." "Yes, and?" "Well one's the Health Centre." "One's Bellamy's." "Yes, yes?" "Uh, customer address for the next one is Homeview Lodge." "What, say again?" "Homeview Lodge, Bracken Lane, Denton." "That's it, go now!" "Where?" "Bracken Lane, come on go!" "You'll be pleased to know that Sue came across." "But there is only one way to finish the job now, Pauline." "Oi!" "Come here!" "Please." "Let me go." "Let me go, you've got the money." "The money's nothing now, Pauline." "You understand that." "Get off!" "Come here!" "Come here!" "Come here!" "Come here!" "No!" "Come here!" "McArdy!" "(Doorbell)" "She's not dead, sir." "She's not dead." "Denton Control from Alpha Bravo 41, we need an ambulance urgently," "Homeview Lodge, Bracken Lane." "Received." "It's okay Pauline." "You are safe, okay?" "Okay." "All right McArdy." "I know you're in here." "And I'm going to have you." "You won't hide from me this time." "All right, this is what you wanted son, isn't it?" "Just you and me?" "No you wouldn't." "Wouldn't I?" "Wouldn't I?" "Please." "Please." "Please." "Please." "Sir?" "Sir?" "Are you all right, sir?" "Funny old way to make a living, isn't it Claire." "Oh, I don't know, sir." "Fancy dress, it's very popular." "I was referring to being a police man." "Hello, Jack." "I've just spoken to the wife." "She says you're welcome to the spare room tonight." "Well, that's very nice of her, Don, but I'm already fixed up now." "Could you thank her for me anyway?" "All right."