-Hello Inspector.
-Harry.
-[GEORGE] Morning, Duke.
-Morning, George.
[horse whinnies]
[people in the market shouting]
-Morning, Inspector. -The usual please, Jim.
-There you go.
-Lovely.
[hooves clopping]
Oh...anything I need to know?
-No, not today, Duke.
-Alright. Keep your eyes peeled. -Thanks.
-Busy night, Violet?
-Frederick. -Duke.
-Norman. -Duke.
-[FREDERICK] Get in there. You know the way.
[knocking]
[door closes]
-Morning, Sir.
Did we have a meeting?
-Sit down.
-Is there a problem, Sir?
-Just take a seat, eh?
[newspaper slams on table]
Now, I know we'’ve not always seen eye to eye
but I try not to let personal feelings
get in the way of professional decisions.
Which is why I'’m recommending you for a promotion.
-Sir?
-A vacancy for Chief Inspector has come up.
Put a good word in for you. The job is yours.
-Well, thank you very much, Sir.
-Well, it'’s about time you reced the recognition you deserve.
Well done, laddie.
-Thank you. Thank you, Sir.
-And there'’ll be a few more pennies in the bank too.
You'’ll need to talk that through with Superintendent McNeil.
But it'll be quite a jump up.
-Superintendent McNeil?
-The promotion'’s with the Glasgow force.
You'’ll be leaving end of the mo.
-The Glasgow force.
[light music]
-Nice to get back to the old home town, ay?
Well done again, laddie.
[door opens] -Sir?
I would like some time to think about it.
-Well, I'’m off to Manchester for a couple of days.
Give me your answer when I get
[door closes]
[solemn music]
[title music]
[city sounds]
-Mr. Victor Latchman?
-[MOSES] Nothing.
-Lord Alexander Lipton?
-[MOSES] Nothing.
-Sir Thomas Pembroke, Marquess of Bath?
-Not a thing.
-Not a single piece of scandal on any of them?
-Well, the uncle of the Lipton n
has been throwing his money around town.
-On what?
-Two hospitals and a factory making clothes for the poor.
-[Eliza sighs]
-[MOSES] We'’ve been doing this for weeks.
Why you care what they been up ?
-Mrs Parker pays me to do background checks
on potential husbands for her n
She wants to know if they'’re suitable.
And I have promised Hattie to find reasons
why they're unsuitable.
She wishes to marry someone of her own choosing.
Not her aunt'’s.
-Well, you'’ll need to find someone else
to do your digging, I'’m done.
-I know it'’s unethical but Hatte has led such a sheltered life a
-I don'’t care about the ethics, it'’s boring.
-[laughs] Boring?
They'’re all the same men with the same families
and the same lives.
There are better uses of my tim.
I have a reputation to protect.
-Is this you asking for more mo?
No, it be about professional pr.
Why, how much you offering?
[Eliza laughs]
[Eliza sighs]
You'’re right.
There are much better uses of our time.
I'’m seeing Hattie presently, I'’ll tell her to speak to her a.
-I'’m happy to have a word with Mrs. Parker myself
if the money'’s right. [Eliza laughs]
-Now, that is something I would love to see.
[city sounds] [door closes]
-Inspector.
-Moses.
What did he want?
-We'’re working a case together.
-What kind of case?
-Is that a new waistcoat? It'’s very smart.
-No.
Are you aware how often you change the subject
when you don'’t wish to talk about something?
-I'’m glad you're here, I have a favour to ask.
-Point proved I think.
-Do you have any plans on Thursday evening?
Ivy is insisting Mr. Potts , sorry Barnabus, comes to dinner
and there is no way I can suffer that alone.
-Eliza... -Please, please? Don'’t make me .
-Never mind that, I erm...
I need to speak to you about something.
-Do you mind if I hail a cab while we talk?
Hattie Parker is calling round and I'’m running late.
-Yes, fine.
So, erm...
So, I was at work this morning
-This isn'’t going to be about Moses, is it?
-No, it'’s not about Moses.
But if you insist on associating with known criminals...
-This is about Moses.
-I didn'’t come here to speak to you about Moses!
Or Barnabus bloody Potts!
I'’ve, erm, I've been offered a promotion to Chief Inspector.
-William, that's wonderful news.
Congratulations!
-The, er, the job is in Glasgow.
-Oh, I see. That'’s a shame, never mind.
-Is that all you'’re going to sa?
-What else is there to say?
-Well, it'’s in Glasgow, Eliza. Scotland.
-I'’m well aware where Glasgow i.
But you'’re clearly not going to take it so...
-How do you know?
-William, I say this as a frien.
since I have known you, you've been offered many different job
-and any that are outside of Lon you'’ve always turned down.
Yes. And this is a promotion to Chief Inspector.
-As was the job in Nottingham, I seem to remember.
[sighs] We'’ve had this conversan on at least three occasions.
And each time you agonise over the decision
and in the end decide to stay.
And why not, you'’re comfortable.
-Comfortable?
-That was a poor choice of word.
For your information, I am seriy thinking about taking this job.
And, yes, I am well aware I have said that before.
[jaunty music]
-William!
[tea pouring]
[ELIZA] Your aunt has given me yet another list
of potential husbands.
I'’m running out of reasons why they'’re unsuitable.
You must speak to her, Hattie.
Tell her you do not wish to marry yet.
-It is not that I do not wish to marry.
It'’s just I do not wish to marry someone
who does not wish to marry me.
-You want to marry for love.
-Yes. But my aunt thinks I am fanciful.
"“Harriet,"” she says,
"“You do not have the luxury of time or looks to wait for lo
How could she possibly understa?
Everyone is in love with her.
-You'’re a grown woman. You must stand up for yourself.
I do try.
But you'd be surprised how determined she can be.
-Hattie,
you'’re a lovely young woman.
Any man would be lucky to have you as their wife.
-Do you think so?
-Absolutely.
-I will tell my aunt I do not wish to wed and that is that.
Papa left me some money.
Perhaps I could set up my own h!
There may be financial implicats but as you say, Eliza,
I'm a grown woman and I will find a way.
Won'’t I?
-You will.
-I will go and see Mr. Norris, our family accountant.
He will tell me which purse strings my aunt controls.
So that is a plan. Is it?
-It is.
-Will you come with me?
The man is the most dreadful bu.
[sighs] I have every faith that you can do this on your ow.
-So, that is a definite no?
-Yes. -And you will not change your m?
-No.
-Thank you for changing your mi.
I must be careful what I say to Mr. Norris.
He is rather enamoured with my .
-Really?
-Oh, yes. She has many admirers.
After all, she's very handsome woman.
It'’s a mystery how she remains
[door opens]
[door closes]
Mr. Norris?
-I'’ll wait here.
-Are you sure you do not want to come in?
Mr. Norris?
Mr. Norris, it's Miss Parker.
Mr. Norris?
[door opens] Mr Norris?
[dramatic music]
[Hattie screams]
-Fetch the police.
Now, Hattie!
[bulbs flashing]
-Rigor mortis begins to set in about two hours after death.
First in the muscles around the face and jaw
and then it progresses outwards to the rest of the body.
-This all feels very familiar.
-Miss Scarlet, seem to remember asking you
to accompany Miss Parker
back to Scotland Yard to give a statement.
-Not just familiar but staged.
Why go to all that effort?
-[sighs] Try moving his wrists.
-Completely rigid. The fingers .
-Full rigor mortis takes fourten to eighteen hours to develop
which puts the time of death...
-[FITZROY] Some point last nigh.
-[DUKE] It'’s only a rough guide, of course.
We can'’t know the exact time.
-Quarter to midnight. -I stand corrected.
Miss Scarlet has clearly develod
a new technique unknown to medical science.
-It'’s called using your eyes.
The clock. It'’s been stopped.
[upbeat music]
-No, it has stopped, you don'’t know it's been stoppe
-William...
-Inspector Wellington.
-This entire scene is exactly as it was in the novel.
-[sighs]
What novel?
-Quarter to Midnight by Samuel Bedborough.
You haven'’t read it?
-No, enlighten me.
-Been a few years since I read .
But I would swear everything in this room
is precisely as it was in the b.
The blood stained lily, the knife in the neck,
the arrangement of his hands on the chest.
And the clock stopped at quarter to midnight.
You really should read more.
-I read plenty, just not that particular book.
-I've not read it either. -Thank you, Detective Fitzroy.
-Although I do read at least one book a week.
At the moment I'’m working through the Russians
starting with Goncharov.
-Make yourself useful.
See if there'’s a visitors book or a list of his appointments.
Find out who was last in here.
Miss Scarlet, a word.
Go back to Scotland Yard, ask for Phelps, make a statemen.
-But I can be much more use her.
-Will you just do what I ask?!
-This is about your job offer, isn'’t it?
You'’re annoyed with what I said.
-Eliza, I am so often annoyed with what you'’ve said
that it'’s hard to keep track.
-When I said you were "“comfortable"”...
-You meant I lack ambition.
-No! Of course not!
Only that your life is arranged as you like it.
You'’re settled.
-That sounds even more insulting than comfortable.
I think it'’s best if we cease to discuss this.
I will let you know my decision when I have come to it.
-Alright, but can I just say... -No!
Now, go back to Scotland Yard and ask for Phelps.
-That book, the one you think the murderer imitated.
You said it was written by Samuel Bedborough?
-That'’s right, why?
-The victim was his accountant.
[plucky music]
[city sounds] -I do not see what the problem .
-I'm not hiring you.
-Just hear me out.
Firstly, I'’ve read every Samuel Bedborough novel.
I'’m a huge fan of his work.
Secondly, if you don'’t hire me, Hattie Parker certainly will.
-Mr. Norris was a friend of her aunt'’s.
Surely it's better to share information and resources?
If not for me, for the taxpayers of London.
-Oh, you'’re so selfless, Eliza.
-It'’s a cross I must bear.
So? Is that a yes?
-How much is your fee?
On second thoughts, let'’s forgo the haggling.
Think of the first amount that you were going to say.
-That seems fair. -Good. Now, halve it.
[jaunty music]
-[SAMUEL] He could not be distrd
once his mind was focused on a .
There was nothing that could break his chain of thought.
Not the shattering of the window downstairs,
not the footsteps in the hallwa.
When at last he looked up,
he saw a blade glistening in the moonlight
and felt the cold steel pierce his heart.
Thus concludes chapter three.
[audience applause]
-Thank you, Mr. Bedborough,
for once again gracing our humble shop
with such a wonderful reading.
Now, if you would like to form an orderly queue,
Mr. Bedborough will gladly sign copies of his book.
As long as they have been purchased here, of course!
[laughter]
[door opens]
No, no, no. Outside, please.
-I need to speak to Mr. Bedboro.
-This event is for ticket holders only.
You will have to wait in line like everybody else.
-Madam, I'’m Inspector William Wellington with Scotland Yard.
I'’m here on police business.
-And yet you've brought your wi.
She's not my wife.
-'‘m a private detective
assisting Scotland Yard with their enquiries.
-I'’ve heard many excuses in my time, but that...
Oh for God'’s sake, I haven't evn read any of his damn books!
-I have.
-I am Miss Bedborough, Samuel'’s sister.
Is something wrong?
-We need to speak to your brother right away.
[mysterious music]
-When did this happen?
-[DUKE] We believe Mr. Norris was killed last night.
Can you think of anyone who might wish to do him harm?
-He always seemed to be a perfectly decent man.
In truth, I didn'’t know him wel.
He was a business acquaintance.
We only met a few times a year.
-When was the last time?
-A few weeks ago, I think.
I couldn'’t say for sure.
-As we mentioned,
we believe the crime scene was arranged
to resemble the murders in Quarter To Midnight.
-How extraordinary.
-You understand that I have to ask you
about your own movements last night, Sir?
-Why?
-It'’s a standard question, Samu.
They ask it of everyone.
-I have a suite at the Brabham .
I'’m staying there whilst I finish my latest novel.
-And were you alone?
-You mean apart from the fifty f and three hundred guests?
-Samuel.
-My sister and I had dinner, and then I wrote all night.
I'’m rather late delivering my latest novel.
-Is it true you once finished a manuscript
in the carriage on the way to the publishers?
-I'm woeful about deadlines.
But I have no need for muse or .
I can write any time or any pla.
You enjoy my novels?
-Very much so, yes.
In fact, Quarter to Midnight is my favourite.
-Ah!
-I haven'’t read that particular one but erm...
I did enjoy Curse of the Crimson Shadow.
-That was not me. [playful music]
[city sounds]
-Quarter to Midnight is a tale
of an author struggling for inspiration.
It'’s based on Bedborough's own .
He spent years as an unpublished writer
before finally enjoying success.
The writer in the novel is under pressure
to deliver his latest book and slowly starts going insane.
He believes his two closest fris want to put him in an asylum.
So, he kills them both.
A bit like Macbeth, he'’s unable to live with the gu.
You do know the story of...
-Yes, Eliza, I know the story of Macbeth.
-My apologies.
Anyway, when the author in the novel was a child,
his parents died of scarlet fev.
As a boy he witnessed them laid out in their coffins at ho,
each holding a lily.
The clock in Norris'’ office read a quarter to midnight,
which is the exact time the two murders in the book take pl
But on separate nights.
-So, if someone is that keen to replicate the book,
then it is possible that they could kill again.
-It'’s possible, yes.
Do we know any more about our v?
-Edward Norris, 52 years old, err, unmarried.
He's a respectable accountant
with a hundred or so clients that we'’re busy tracking down.
-I'’m going to read the book aga.
-See if there'’s anything we'’ve missed.
May I suggest you do the same?
[door opens]
-Fitzroy!
Get me everything you have so far on Norris and his associ.
-Right away, Sir.
-Oh, and, err, do me a brief sys of the story of Macbeth.
A couple of pages should do it.
-You will have it, Sir,
"“when the hurly-burly'’s done, when the battle'’s lost and won."”
-[sighs] Make that one page.
-Yes, Sir.
[city sounds]
-This is, of course, Mr. Bedborough'’s most famous wo.
But have you considered beginning with Alone in Greenwi?
It should be here somewhere... ah, yes.
-I'’ll, err, read that straight after this, Miss Willo.
-Might I recommend that you read it first?
They do make a wonderful pair.
Such vivid prose, I could recite every line.
-I think I'’ll just start with this one for now.
-No, what am I saying?!
It is not Alone in Greenwich that you should begin with.
No. It is...
This...The Witches Call.
And do you know why?
-No, but I am sure you'’re going to tell me.
-There is a constable in it. Welsh too.
-Well, I'm an inspector and I am Scottish so...
-I would also recommend The Jagged Tear...
In fact, perhaps I should just give you his complete works.
How does that sound?
-Expensive.
-May I ask why you wanted to speak to Mr. Bedborough?
-I can'’t discuss that, I'm afra.
-I knew something was wrong as soon as he came in.
He usually turns up to readings in a wonderful mood.
But today he was rather withdrawn and ups.
-And this was before I spoke to?
-Yes.
I'’ve never seen him like that b.
I do hope everything is alright
[books thump]
Would you like them wrapped?
[people chattering]
[Phelps clears his throat]
-Want another, Skipper?
-No, I'’m trying to concentrate.
-I got you one anyway.
Not like you.
-It'’s for the Norris case.
-Right, yeah, that makes sense.
Didn'’t have you down as much of a reader.
[laughs] Apart from the Sporting Post.
-Did you want something, Charli?
-No, just seeing how you are.
If there'’s any news?
In the ten years we'’ve worked together
I don'’t think you've ever bought me a drink.
-People change.
-People do. You don'’t.
What do you want?
-Alright if I speak my mind, Sk?
-Well, that depends on what you'’re going to say, Charlie.
-I heard the Super talking to you about the promotion.
-I was just passing. -Passing?
And I was thinking...
if you did take it
you might put in a word for me to take over from you.
-Well, subtlety never was your strong point, was it?
[LAUGHS] I'’ve got a wife and four kids...
Five kids.
I can'’t afford to be subtle.
I know you'’ve had offers in the past and turned them down.
But you'’re not getting any youn. Neither of us are.
At some point the offers will stop coming and that'’ll be your
If you'’re happy with how things are, fine.
-But if you'’re not... -Yes, thank you, Detective.
-That any good? -Terrible.
[playful music]
[street sounds]
Good morning!
-Morning.
-Thank you, Sidney.
-I've made some progress with the Norris case.
I need to see the evidence.
-How did you find me?
-Oh, you know, lucky guess.
You do have something of a set routine.
Beard trim on a Monday, dog track on a Tuesday.
Shoe shine on a Wednesday. On Thursdays...
-Alright, alright, you'’ve made your point.
What progress have you made?
-I need to see the murder weapo.
[jaunty music]
I re-read Quarter to Midnight.
-As did I. Along with some of his other wo.
Did you know Bedborough was raised in a workhouse?
-I did, yes.
The themes of rags to riches are very common with his characters.
-Like the lawyer in Alone in Greenwich.
-William, I'’m both surprised and impressed.
-A compliment and an insult in .
That'’s quite something, even for you Eliza.
-[laughs] Have you made your decision yet
about the job?
-As I said, I will let you know when I have.
-Well, please feel free to discuss it with me.
-And let you insult me again? No thank you.
[door opens]
-My intention was not to insult.
You can be rather sensitive som. [door closes]
-Sensitive and settled.
Well, this just gets -better and better.
-William... -[DUKE] The case, Eliza.
You wanted to see the murder we?
-The killer in a Quarter to Midt used the same weapon for each m
-The knife, yes.
-The first victim was stabbed in the neck with his own knife.
The second had the same knife embedded in his neck.
Which is how we found Norris. Which means...
-He may not be the first victim.
-Exactly.
-Here it is...
-When I closed the book last nit I noticed something on the spin
The publishers, Bellamy and Son
their crest...is a galloping ho. [racy music]
-So, if the killer is following the plot of the book
then the knife belongs to the first victim.
[street sounds] [suspenseful music]
-It'’s locked.
[door knocks]
-Mr Bellamy?
-Is there a side entrance?
-There'’s no time for that. Kick it down.
[door bash]
[crashing]
[DUKE] Look upstairs. Touch not.
[suspenseful music]
[door opens]
[sighs]
-Inspector Wellington! In here!
[dramatic music]
Just like the novel.
-Right down to the time.
[horse snorts] [hooves clatter]
-[SAMUEL] James was a good man.
He'’d been my publisher for year.
-He took me on when no-one else was interested.
-When did you last see him?
-We had dinner on Thursday nigh.
-How did he seem?
-In good spirits.
We talked through my latest cha.
He gave some notes, it was all very pleasant.
-And you can think of no-one that may wish to do him harm?
-I- I don'’t know...err, my mind is a little foggy.
-My brother has been up all night writing.
I tell him to go to bed, but he never listens.
-And that'’s where you were last night?
In this room, writing?
-Yes. All night.
-May I ask what happened to your hand?
-God'’s sake, must you keep asking these irrelevant questio!
-Samuel.
-My friend has just died!
I, err...slipped in the bathroo.
One too many brandies.
Could we finish this later?
I must go and visit James'’s son, he'll be beside himself.
-We would prefer if you stay here, Sir.
Both murders were exactly as in your novel
and as you know, there is a third death.
The author in my novel takes his own life.
I can assure you I'm not planning on doing that.
-Even so, if someone is determined to replicate the book
they may wish to do you harm.
-Your sister's right, Mr. Bedbo.
-I will arrange for police protection for you.
In the meantime, if you'd like to go home...
-Our home is being decorated. I'’ll stay here.
-As you wish. I'’ll wait here unl an officer arrives.
Miss Scarlet, if you could takes message back to Scotland Yard f?
[jaunty music]
[city sounds]
[door opens]
[door closes]
-I tracked down the night porte
Samuel Bedborough left the hotel last night around nine o'’clock
and didn'’t return again until gone midnight.
-A killer who replicates the plot of his own book.
-Isn'’t it more likely someone is trying to damage his reputation?
-Possibly.
But there is no better cover thn a murderer who hides in plain s
Looks like he was arrested three months ago.
-What for? -Public disorder.
He was arguing with a woman in the street
and then apparently they threatened to kill each other.
They were arrested for breach of the peace.
But no charges were brought, so they were cautioned and rele.
-Francesca Bellesini.
-She'’s an actress.
Go and speak to her while I assess the bodies at the mortua.
[door opens]
-Miss Scarlet.
Excuse me, Sir, your carriage is ready.
-Thank you, Fitzroy.
-On the way back from the mortu,
I wonder if we may go via Covent Garden?
I would very much like to secure tickets
for the premiere of Oppenbach'’s The Tales of Hoffmann.
Perhaps I will do that in my own time.
-Perhaps you will.
[door closes]
God knows what'’ll happen to him if I leave.
-Well, it'’s a good job that youe not going to take the job.
-How many times?
I haven'’t made my decision yet.
Unlike you, I give consideratioo the life that I have built here.
-What do you mean, unlike me?
-Well, if you were offered the b you'’d take it in a heartbeat.
-Well, on the day that women are allowed
to be Chief Inspectors we shall have that conversation.
-You know what I mean.
If you were offered more money and higher profile cases,
you would jump at the chance, no matter where the location.
-We'’re very different people, William.
-Oh, meaning that you have a singular ambition
and I am dull and predictable?
Beard trim on a Monday, shoe shine on a Wednesday...
-You'’re twisting my words. -Am I?
-You do not have to justify your life to me.
-I do when you constantly tease me about it.
-Then I apologise. Clearly hit a nerve.
-From where I'’ve come from, I have done damn well to get this
We don'’t all have the luxury of inheriting our father'’s busines.
[plucky music]
-I will go and speak to Miss Bellesini.
You'’ll have my report in the mo.
-Eliza...Eliza...
I apologise. That, erm, that came out harsher than expe.
-Don'’t let me keep you, William.
It'’s almost time for your three o'’clock whisky.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[street sounds]
Excuse me, I'’m looking for Miss Bellesini?
[door knocks]
[door opens]
-No. Too pretty.
[door slams]
[door knocks] [door opens]
The maid cannot be more handsome than me.
She must be ten years older at .
Tell them to recast!
--Miss Bellesini, I'’m not involved in your play.
-I want to talk to you about Samuel Bedborough.
What was the nature of your relationship with Mr. Bedboroug
-The nature of our relationship?
-Yes. -Physical.
-And, erm, where did you meet h?
-Oh, some party. I cannot remember whose.
But we do not see each other an.
I have a new lover.
Younger, much more willing to please, you know?
-And how long were you and Mr. Bedborough lovers?
-A year, maybe a little less.
-And, err, what happened the night you were arrested?
-Oh, that was my fault [laughs].
He tried to end things with me.
So, I had a little too much to drink and went to see him...
And one thing led to another. You know how these things go.
The police were understanding.
I told them it was Italian pass.
Not that I am from Italy.
Nobody has heard about my count, so, Italy plays much better.
-So, you argued because he finished your relationship?
-Yes and no.
I knew he had other lovers, he'’s rich, why wouldn't he?
It was how he ended it.
He sent his little friend with a diamond necklace.
A parting gift to make me go qu.
-Who was this friend?
-Norris.
His accountant I think. I call him the Grim Reaper.
When you see him you know it'’s
He must'’ve delivered bad news
to a dozen of Samuel'’s women over the years.
-The cause of death is identical in both cases,
a single puncture wound to the carotid artery.
The size of the wound indicates the same weapon.
You two, start making house cals on the accountant'’s street.
See if he had any visitors.
Fitzroy, Phelps, you do the same for the publish.
"“Screw your courage to the stic place and we'll not fail."”
Lady Macbeth.
-Do I have to go with him?
-That depends whether you want to keep your job.
Alright, off you go.
[door opens]
Fitzroy, a word, please.
[door closes]
Look, what we do requires working as part of a team.
Any detective, but you above all
needs the trust and respect of his colleagues.
Quoting Shakespeare...
-Sorry Sir, it was misjudged.
-One day I may not be around to look out for you.
So, you need to start fitting i.
-Where are you going?
-I- I- I'’m just making the poin.
Go to the pub with them.
Let them moan about their job or their wives
or the money that they lost on the nags.
Hell, let them moan about me.
-I would never let them do that.
-The more you are an outsider, the weaker you will be.
And men like Phelps, they can smell weakness.
Now that doesn'’t make him a bad.
It'’s just the nature of being a copper.
Surely you can be one of the lads, eh?
-You sound like my father.
[scoffs] God forbid.
[soft music]
[door opens]
-Sorry for the delay, I was comforting my aunt.
She's in great distress about Mr. Norris.
-Well, I have a question about Mr. Norris.
Samuel Bedborough said that he and Norris
had a purely professional relationship,
only seeing each other a few times a year.
-Really? I find that strange.
Mr. Norris was always mentioning Mr Bedborough to my aunt.
He made out the two were thick as thieves.
That may not have been true, of course.
He may have been trying to imprs
since he was secretly in love with her.
-Hattie, can we go five minutes without you mentioning your aun
-Yes, of course. My apologies.
-You said Norris and Bedborough were "“thick as thieves"”?
It is my understanding that they dined together several times a h
and Mr. Norris was always doings favour or that for Mr Bedboroug.
I believe that Mr. Norris recently arranged
the purchase of a house in Knightsbridge.
It was only a few doors down fr.
I'm about to mention my aunt but I believe it is relevant.
-Go on.
-Mr Bedborough'’s new house was on the same street as my au
The other residents were beside themselves
to have such a well-known face living amongst them
until...well, I am not one to g.
-Of course. But please do.
[plucky music] [street sounds]
-[HATTIE] Mr Bedborough moved in not two months ago
and seemed to be spending a fortune on renovations.
But then last week, the strangest thing happened.
[mysterious music]
[street sounds]
-Samuel Bedborough is up to his neck in debt.
-And yet he'’s staying in a suite at the Brabham.
-Not for much longer.
He's facing a hefty bill.
He owes money all over town.
-That'’s why the bailiffs took his house and everything in it.
-And...he be at the bailiffs last night.
-Doing what?
-Trying to get back some piece of furniture they took from him
Every day this week he'’s turnedp
trying to buy it back but they want the whole bill paid or not
-What piece of furniture?
-A writing desk.
-Told them he couldn'’t write without it.
-He told me he had no need for muse or mood.
That he could write any time, anywhere.
-Well, he wants that desk back.
Security caught him breaking into their warehouse last night.
Roughed him up a bit.
-His bandaged hand.
This warehouse, I take it you have contacts there?
-I have contacts everywhere.
-[CARRIAGE DRIVER] Yeah, walk on, walk on! That's .
-Ain'’t seen nothing like that b.
It was amazing weren'’t it? [lau]
-Good evening [laughs].
-Detective Fitzroy? Ain't it past your bedtime?
[laughter]
-Very good. Err, would anyone like a drink?
-Oh, they don'’t serve milk in'‘ere. [laughs]
-Well, I'’ll take that as a no.
[bang]
-Oh! [laughter]
-Why don'’t you go home to your mummy, Fitzroy
so she can clean you up? [laugh]
-Why don'’t you shut your mouth, Phelps?
[ominous music]
-You wanna repeat that?
Didn'’t think so.
Spoilt little brat! [laughter]
[liquid pouring]
You shouldn'’t have done that, b.
[tense music]
[door opens]
-We'’ve got ten minutes till the shifts change.
Bedborough'’s things are over th.
They took everything from his house, even the rugs.
They don'’t miss a trick, those .
-No wonder he'’s in debt, the man has expensive taste.
These are from Maples of Piccad.
-Here.
Doesn'’t look like much.
-It'’s not.
He must be very attached to it f he'’s that desperate to get it b.
-It may be sentimental.
I once knew a man who got into a knife fight
over a rocking chair that belonged to his mother.
-A man? You?
-No.
-[ELIZA] Harpocrates.
What?
-In one of Bedborough'’s early novels there'’s a...
a lawyer, grandiose character, deliberately unlikeable.
He makes a fortune defending men he knows to be guilty of murder
He calls himself Harpocrates, it'’s the Greek God of silence.
Legend has it that whatever secrets he knows
he will never speak of them.
He'll take them to the grave.
[latch opens] But of course, his secrets are discovered.
[tense music]
[drawer slides open]
Alone in Greenwich.
The Witches Call.
These are Bedborough'’s novels
covered in notes and reworkings.
They must be the original manuscripts.
Why keep them hidden?
[clock ticks]
-Anything to report?
-No, Sir. -How's Bedborough?
-He'’s writing and asked not to be disturbed.
[tense music]
-Where is he?
[door opens]
[curtains swish open] [ominous music]
-What the hell'’s going on?
-My thoughts exactly.
-I needed to confirm a suspicio.
There'’s no time to waste, we need to go.
-Where?
The final death in the book is when the author takes his own l
-And you want to leave him ungu?
-He'’s not the author.
[sombre music]
[door opens]
Miss Bedborough!
-Put the knife down.
-Do as he says. Please!
The writing desk that was taken from your brother'’s home.
That was yours?
-Yes.
-I found manuscripts inside with notes
from the publisher addressed to
-So, it was you who wrote the novels, not your brother?
-Our mother died in the workhou.
Our father... god knows where he went.
Samuel was determined to make something of himself.
He saw the parallels between his own struggles
and those of Charles Dickens.
And felt sure it would make him a great writer too.
But he struggled for years to become a novelist.
I didn'’t have the heart to tell him the truth.
-That he lacked the talent?
-He knew it too, deep down.
But he is my older brother.
I would have done anything to help him.
So I did.
I rewrote his story and found I had a flare for it.
By the time I submitted his manuscript to the publishers
there was barely a word of his .
-Why not put your own name on the cover?
-There are plenty of published female writers.
-Samuel begged me not to.
-He could not have suffered the humiliation
that his spinster sister was the
putting food on the table and not him.
But after the success of the book started to rise,
I did ask him if I could use my name to the next...
That was when they called the meeting.
-They?
-Samuel, Bellamy and Norris.
The three of them convinced me that as a woman
my readership would be half of that as a man.
They promised that one day I could write under my own name.
But now was not the right time.
It never was the right time.
-Why kill them?
-The one benefit I received from this arrangemen
was that I would be well looked after.
I would have a comfortable home and security.
But then one day the bailiffs ad and I found out the truth.
Samuel'’s debts were all consumi.
He had spent every penny of my .
And Bellamy and Norris knew all along and did nothing.
They didn'’t care as long as the books were still being writn
and they were receiving their m. Money I was earning for them.
-So, this was your revenge?
And the world would know that you were the true author.
-I would have my moment of fame in death.
All this time, I have let my brother shine.
For what?
To end up a poor spinster back in the workhouse.
-Would you like me to arrange a lift home?
-No, thank you.
-I would take you myself
but there are reports I have to finish for the morning shift.
-I understand.
-Eliza, all this, err...
all this politeness is exhausti.
-Isn'’t it just?
-I- I- I didn'’t mean what I sai about your father'’s business.
I know that you haven'’t been handed anything on a plate.
I know how hard you've worked.
But there are times when you push me too far.
-I only tease you because I am so comfortable in our friendshi.
But I suppose I can be a little insensitive sometimes.
[soft music]
-It is only because I'’m envious
-Envious? Of me?
-You'’re fulfilled in your life.
That'’s not lack of ambition,
that'’s something you should celebrate.
You have that rare thing that most of us don'’t find in a life.
True contentment.
That'’s why you're one of the people I respect the most.
-When you say one of...?
[laughs]
[door opens]
[door closes]
[door opens]
[door closes]
-Forgive me Sir, I- I- I didn'’tw you were still here.
-What have you done now?
-I did as you suggested. I- I- I went for a drink.
And I tried to fit in.
Perhaps I tried a little too ha.
I could not go home to my father like this.
So, I thought I could sleep her.
-I have a spare room, you can stay there.
-Thank you...Sir.
[door opens]
[door closes, city sounds] [lively music]
-[NEWSPAPER VENDOR] Hello...Inspector.
-Thank you.
-[GEORGE] Morning, Duke!
-Morning, George.
[horse whinnies]
[market vendors shouting]
Cheers, Jim.
-Thanks, Duke! Have a good day.
[hooves clopping]
-Cheers, Duke.
-Violet.
-Not again, Norman. -Alright, Duke.
[knocks on plaque]
[door knock]
-Come!
[door opens]
-Can I have a quick word, Sir?
-Take a seat, I'’m almost done.
[door closes]
[clears throat]
-How was your trip, Sir?
-Don'’t ask.
Business or pleasure?
-Neither.
It was two days with my wife'’s family.
So, you'’ve had time to think.
I trust you'’ve realised how good an opportunity this promotion i.
-I have.
And you'’re right, it'’s a good opportunity.
But it'’s not one that's right for me at the moment, Sir.
-I pulled in a lot of favours to get you this, laddie.
A chance like this might not come up again.
-[sighs] I understand Sir, but my decision is made.
My life is here in London.
-Well, I had hoped you would accept the position
so I could avoid this.
-Sir?
Fitzroy'’s father,
the Police Commissioner, wants you gone.
The boy'’s getting worse, not be.
-I have been trying... -[laughs] He'’s an albatross!
Which is why I told you
to put some distance between yourself and him
to let him sink or swim.
But you wouldn'’t listen to me.
Now he'’s drowning and his father wants someone to blame.
There'’s only so many times I can protect you.
So let me be crystal clear.
You'’re going to take this post in Glasgow.
Because there'’s no longer a job for you here.
-[sighs]