Once a treatment has been finalised the next stage, ideally carried out with a commission in your pocket but sometimes as the final step towards earning one, is the first draft of a full script. Any first draft will almost certainly be subject to a lot of changes at editorial and production level, as will a second draft arising from those changes. If you’re lucky, a third draft might go into production, but the process can go on through several more loops (my personal record is nine full drafts). My first draft of the Crisis Management screenplay was originally written using Final Draft software, which is pretty much an essential tool of the trade but doesn’t copy easily to Word or other platforms. A lot of formatting and italics are therefore missing from the draft as reproduced below, but I think it’s still readable and a potentially useful learning tool.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT [first draft]
PRE-TITLE
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE BARRACKS. NIGHT 18.50
Edge of the city. A sprawl of buildings are grouped roughly around an older regimental headquarters, facing a green. Beyond, an Artillery Park with looming gun hangars, and beyond that, a sports field and pavilion, and woods.
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE BARRACKS, ALEXANDRIA BATTERY HQ. CONTINUOUS
TSM RAY PETTIGREW (crisp, buttoned up, 37) exits a brick admin. building. He locks up and walks off briskly.
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE, BARRACK BLOCK A. 18.52
Take in a sign: “Block A – Strictly Female Personnel Only”. A muted but pumping bass line – sounds of a raucous party.
INT. BARRACK BLOCK A, WOMENS’ SHARED BEDROOM. CONTINUOUS
The ‘gunbunnies’ bedroom is strictly functional but the walls are decorated with pin-ups, photos, official notices, a joke will and a home made deployment countdown calendar.
OPEN on Gunner MIKE BLATT (22, macho topgun type) drinking something grim from a helmet, and roaring encouragement at Gunner TRACEY DUFF (18, crop-haired, short, skinny – a natural born bad girl) and her roommate CATHY COVINGTON (sporty, more spirit than sense, 20) who are in front of the open window, treating a noisy group of young male and female SOLDIERS to a display of dirty dancing.
MIKE BLATT
Show us what you’ve got girls!
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE, BARRACK BLOCK A. CONTINUOUS
TSM PETTIGREW is standing in shadow, listening and staring up, hard-eyed, at DUFF and COVINGTON gyrating in the window.
INT. JANINE’S HOUSE, KITCHEN. NIGHT 19.30
JANINE enters, dressed to go out, flying round collecting bag, keys etc as the NANNY delivers pasta to ELLIE at the table, looking sulky as she plays a game on a mobile.
JANINE
(to NANNY)
I’m late. Seen my mobile?
NANNY points at the phone in ELLIE’s hand.
NANNY
Where are you going?
JANINE
A bar in town…
ELLIE
(not looking up)
What for?
JANINE swipes her mobile out of her hand as she passes.
JANINE
Meeting an old mate – what normal people do on a Friday night.
ELLIE
Except me.
JANINE bends to give ELLIE a quick hug as she passes.
JANINE
You’re not normal, sweetheart – you’re fifteen and female.
A sudden heavy THUD! on the front door, which bursts open, revealing TOM (goalie) staring back through the door at the ball rolling into the kitchen, and RICHARD (striker), tie askew, shirt untucked, in mid-goal celebration.
RICHARD
Gooooooaaaal!
JANINE stares wryly out at RICHARD.
JANINE
That’ll be my cab.
EXT. RICHARD’S CAR/EXT./INT. CITY BAR. NIGHT 20.00
JANINE waves RICHARD away as he drives off, enters the modern, wooden-floored room and looks round for her friend. No sign. JANINE walks up to the bar, watched by a tall, fit, attractive man in his early 40s with a single glass and a bottle of red wine.
JANINE
(to barman)
Glass of red wine, please.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE BARRACK BLOCK A, CORRIDOR. NIGHT 20.30
The party has spread into several of the gunbunnies’ rooms. Doors are open, music pumps out and the corridor is busy as SOLDIERS move back and forth. COVINGTON appears from the toilets, carrying a parka. She checks to make sure she’s not noticed by the revellers, then heads off down the stairs.
INT. CITY BAR. NIGHT 20.32
JANINE has nearly finished her glass of wine. As she checks her watch, and glances towards the door, her phone rings.
JANINE
Hi, Sally…
(beat, disappointed)
Yeah, I thought it might… no worries, call me next week, eh?
(beat)
Okay, bye.
JANINE catches the sexy man watching her. He smiles.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Been stood up?
JANINE
My friend’s stuck at work.
JANINE finishes her wine, stands and signals the barman for the bill. TIM holds up his bottle of red.
TIM FAIRHEAD
One for the road?
JANINE
I’m fine, thanks…
TIM FAIRHEAD
No strings attached –
JANINE assesses him briefly as:
TIM FAIRHEAD (CONT’D)
I won’t finish it alone.
JANINE
(beat, conceding)
Half a glass.
(as TIM pours)
Cheers.
TIM puts down the bottle and proffers his hand.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Tim Fairhead.
JANINE
Janine Lewis.
(jokey)
Come here often?
TIM FAIRHEAD
(shakes his head)
My first time – I work a lot of evenings – felt like a change of scene from the office.
JANINE
Doing…?
TIM FAIRHEAD
Oh… health and safety… you?
A beat.
JANINE
I’m… in crisis management.
TIM FAIRHEAD
(raises glass)
Nice to meet you, Janine.
TIM smiles again. It’s a great smile – open.. and sexy. JANINE smiles back.
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE SPORTS FIELD/EXT. WOODS. NIGHT 20.40
A single light illuminates a pavilion with covered entrance-come-car port built out from one end. COVINGTON is standing waiting just under the lea of the car port.
Suddenly an arm comes round her neck and grips. COVINGTON spins round, ready to throw her assailant. It’s MIKE BLATT. The hold turns into a frantic embrace. They stumble back into the darkness of the car port as they grapple with each other, pulling at clothes, kissing. They laugh as one stumbles and both fall. COVINGTON rolls over on top as:
CATHY COVINGTON
Wait a sec, Mike, wait… stop!
MIKE BLATT
What the…!?
Their POV: inches from the smashed head of a soldier, lying face down in a pool of mud and blood… COVINGTON screams…!
UNDER TITLES
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE SPORTS FIELD. CONTINUOUS
COVINGTON and BLATT scramble to their feet, backing away from the body, breaking into a run as they head for the barracks.
Another angle: as they go, a figure in combats and Army boots appears at the edge of the woods nearest the pavilion. We recognise the hard features of TRACEY DUFF.
INT. CITY BAR. NIGHT 21.05
JANINE and TIM are laughing, sharing opinions. JANINE’s animated, engaged, genuinely enjoying herself….
TIM excuses himself and heads for the Gents. JANINE checks her watch and refills their glasses.
TIM reappears from the Gents. JANINE flagrantly looks him up and down as he rejoins her. He touches her briefly and bends close as he pulls up his stool and sits down, smiling that smile again. JANINE’s mobile rings.
JANINE
(frowns at caller ID)
What’s up?
TIM watches her as the frown deepens. Then a sigh.
JANINE (CONT’D)
Right… address?
(pause)
No need, I’ll get a cab.
(gets up)
Sorry…
TIM FAIRHEAD
You’ve got a crisis to manage.
JANINE nods, collects her bag under:
TIM FAIRHEAD (CONT’D)
I’ve had a great time.
JANINE
(meaning it)
Yeah. Me too…
TIM FAIRHEAD
Any chance you’d consider repeating the experience?
JANINE is about to pull out a card, stops herself, pulls a pen from her bag and leans over to scribble her number on a drinks mat. Maybe there’s a moment when they’re close enough for a kiss…a second of chemistry…
OFF FAIRHEAD
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE SPORTS FIELD. NIGHT 22.00
A busy scene. Various vehicles are parked near the pavilion. FORENSICS OFFICERS are suiting up at their vans and pulling out equipment; UNIFORM OFFICERS are setting up arc lights around the pavilion, and taping off that end of the field. Some local CIVILIANS and young SOLDIERS have gathered at the tape and are being firmly held back by MPs.
RICHARD and the team are standing near the body with RMP SGT. PENNY HARRIS (27, fit, efficient) as JANINE gets out of the cab. RICHARD and SHAP walk up to meet JANINE as HARRIS moves away to talk to the MPs.
JANINE
(scanning the field)
Makes a change from Friday night on Moss Side. What’s happening?
RICHARD
(points)
About half a mile that way is Cranham Edge barracks, home of the 6th Royal Lancs Regiment, Royal Artillery. This is their sports field.
SHAP
And we’ve got one dead Sergeant Major.
They walk up towards the body under:
RICHARD
How was Sally?
JANINE
Taller than I remembered…
As RICHARD is working that one out…
JANINE (CONT’D)
Who found the body?
SHAP points over to COVINGTON, standing with another soldier.
SHAP
Lance Bombardier Cathy Covington – one of the local gunbunnies…
(as JANINE frowns)
Army slang for Artillery girls.
JANINE
How do you know?
RICHARD
Her name was Tessa…
SHAP
Nickname was dead on, she used…
JANINE
(makes a disapproving face)
I get the picture…
(to LISA and BUTCHERS)
Evening all.
JANINE stares down at the body and the smashed-in head.
JANINE (CONT’D)
Someone went to town on him, didn’t they? Time of death…?
RICHARD
Last couple of hours. No earlier than half six, the doc said.
JANINE
Do we know who he is?
LISA
(reading from notebook)
TSM Raymond John Pettigrew, K troop, Alexandria Battery – same as the girl who found him. The whole regiment’s off to the Gulf in a week’s time.
JANINE
No pressure, then…
(nods)
Anyone looked inside the pavilion?
SHAP
Door’s locked. Keyholder’s on way. Looks like he was killed where he fell, though, guv, his blood’s everywhere.
RICHARD
(points)
There’s a tyre print in blood over there.
JANINE glances at a CSI taking photos of the print, then stares back at the body.
JANINE
So where do we look for a killer?
JANINE looks over at the group of watching SOLDIERS. RICHARD and the team follow her look.
SHAP
Hardly anyone round here who isn’t trained for the job….
RICHARD
Won’t be queuing up to talk, either.
JANINE
(chirpy, undaunted)
Yeah, but we love a challenge.
OFF RICHARD, wondering why the good mood…
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE SPORTS FIELD. CONTINUOUS
CATHY COVINGTON is standing with LT. ROSIE PARR (tall, well-spoken, coltish, 23) as JANINE walks up with LISA.
ROSIE PARR
(saluting)
Lt. Parr, Ma’am. Covington’s troop commander.
JANINE
DCI Lewis, DC Goodall.
(to CATHY)
Can you tell us what happened?
JANINE notes COVINGTON glancing repeatedly over towards the gaggle of SOLDIERS, including MIKE BLATT as:
CATHY COVINGTON
Twenty forty I was on a run round the field, Ma’am. Come past the pavilion, saw the TSM dead on the ground.
JANINE
Often go jogging in the dark do you?
CATHY COVINGTON
Yes, Ma’am. Helps me sleep, Ma’am.
LISA briefly glimpses a fresh love bite on COVINGTON’s neck as she pulls the parka closer round her.
JANINE
Okay… Did Sergeant Major Pettigrew have any enemies that you knew about?
CATHY COVINGTON
Quicker to name his friends, Ma’am – everyone (hated him…)
CATHY trails off, catching a warning look from PARR as a regular featured, slightly taciturn soldier in his 30s appears at CATHY’s shoulder.
MARK TURTON
Not the TSM’s job to make friends, Bomb. Covington.
(saluting JANINE)
APT Sgt. Turton, Ma’am. You wanted to see inside the pavilion.
INT. PAVILION. NIGHT 22.15
RICHARD treads carefully as he enters, followed by JANINE. TURTON stays at the door. The space is clean and tidy. A pile of mats in one corner; standard gym equipment; lockers.
JANINE
Anything out of place, Sgt?
MARK TURTON
Nothing obvious, Ma’am.
RICHARD is looking at the floor. JANINE joins him. Their POV: a partial footprint in mud, and blood, near the door mat.
RICHARD
I’ll get forensics in.
RICHARD exits again past TURTON.
JANINE
Any idea what the Sergeant Major could’ve been doing here?
MARK TURTON
No, Ma’am.
JANINE
Who else has keys to the pavilion?
MARK TURTON
Only me, Ma’am, far as I know. One set’s with me at all times, the spare’s locked in my office.
JANINE
Was he married?
MARK TURTON
Yes, Ma’am. Not the pad-shagging type, though –
(as JANINE makes a face)
Unfaithful…if that’s what you were thinking, Ma’am. He had old fashioned values, Ma’am.
RICHARD reappears.
RICHARD
There’s a Redcap Major outside. He’s…
(sending him up)
‘keen to liaise with the civilian SIO’.
EXT. PAVILION/EXT. SPORTS FIELD. CONTINUOUS
JANINE exits with RICHARD. An SIB major in combats and red cap is standing by his vehicle with HARRIS, SHAP and LISA. As the major turns, we recognise TIM FAIRHEAD. A moment of mutual, surprised recognition as JANINE and RIVHARD walk up.
TIM FAIRHEAD
(salutes)
Major Fairhead, Officer Commanding, 130 section SIB, at your service, DCI Lewis.
JANINE
Major.
(beat)
So… health and safety…
TIM FAIRHEAD
(with a glance at RICHARD, low)
Not everyone loves a soldier…
(beat, smiles)
…and I guess you could call this a crisis…
JANINE grins back as HARRIS walks up.
TIM FAIRHEAD (CONT’D)
This is my number two, Sgt. Harris.
RICHARD eyes her suspiciously under:
JANINE
Is this your patch, Sgt?
SGT. HARRIS
Last three years, Ma’am.
JANINE
Good. We could do with some local knowledge.
TIM FAIRHEAD
(to JANINE)
You’ll have full cooperation from us – but is it okay with you if we handle the press? There’s a lot of sensitivity, given the deployment.
JANINE
(ignores RICHARD’s scowl)
No problem.
RICHARD
We’ll need an incident room.
SGT. HARRIS
Already sorted, Sir.
JANINE
Has the victim’s wife been informed?
SGT. HARRIS
Chaplain’s there now, Ma’am.
TIM FAIRHEAD
I’d…we’d better go and see her.
JANINE
(to RICHARD)
Okay here?
(RICHARD nods)
I’ll see you later.
RICHARD frowns after them as they walk off.
SGT. HARRIS
I can escort you (over to HQ now…)
RICHARD
(cuts in, brusque)
Yeah, I’ll let you know, Sgt.
ON HARRIS as she walks off – what’s his problem?
RESUME the team watching JANINE and TIM walk away together, deep in conversation.
SHAP
(mildly suspicious)
They’re cooperating already.
OFF RICHARD and BUTCHERS scowling response to this…
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE ESTATE, EXT. PETTIGREW’S HOUSE. NIGHT 23.00
The married persons’ estate is a bog standard brick built expanse of samey streets and houses. A police car and TIM FAIRHEAD’s battenburg RMP vehicle is parked outside the Pettigrew’s house. A UNIFORM OFFICER stands guard outside.
INT. PETTIGREW’S HOUSE, KITCHEN. CONTINUOUS
The room is very orderly, uncluttered – almost frugal. No fruit on the table, wine box on the counter.
Take in a block of large format, passport style photos of TSM PETTIGREW – stern faced – pinned on a small cork noticeboard along with official letters and notices. JANINE and GERALDINE PETTIGREW (quiet-spoken, conservative, 36) are sitting at a kitchen table. JANINE is holding her hand. TIM FAIRHEAD leans against a worktop. GERALDINE looks strained and tearful.
JANINE
I’m very sorry for your loss, Mrs Pettigrew. And I’m sorry to bother you tonight – but the sooner we have something to go on the better.
GERALDINE nods and dabs again at her eyes with a hanky.
JANINE (CONT’D)
Can you think of any problems Ray had…? Difficult neighbours… trouble at work…
GERALDINE
No… Nothing like that.
JANINE
Okay.
(beat, gentle)
What about things between you? As a couple.
GERALDINE looks up at her quickly, guarded, uneasy.
GERALDINE
(reacts, guarded, uneasy)
We were okay…we were fine.
JANINE
(noting the reaction)
Did you stop at home all evening?
GERALDINE
I.. er… went to a friend’s at six. Got home about nine o’clock.
Tears rise again. JANINE squeezes GERALDINE’s hand and gestures to TIM. Enough for now. He nods.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Last thing, Mrs Pettigrew. Did the TSM drive into work this morning? We couldn’t locate his car on base – and I didn’t see it parked outside.
On JANINE, sensing something odd in:
GERALDINE
Oh, it’s… Ray sold it.. A couple of weeks ago. Hadn’t found another one he liked…
EXT. SPORTS HALL. NIGHT 23.15
RICHARD, SHAP, BUTCHERS and LISA are standing watching as the body is taken away by MORTUARY ATTENDANTS, supervised by HARRIS and two RMP OFFICERS.
LISA
So are they coppers or squaddies?
BUTCHERS
Bit of both.
Beat.
LISA
What is it exactly you don’t like about them?
RICHARD/SHAP
(matter of fact)
They’re all tossers.
A TV journalist, KATE MALIN (pretty, pushy, ambitious, 27) is out of a parked car, and appears next to RICHARD.
KATE MALIN
(through window)
DI Mayne – remember me?
RICHARD
Er…Ms Malin.
KATE MALIN
(smiles a big smile)
It’s Kate, remember? Can you confirm whether it’s an NCO from Alexandria Battery that’s been murdered?
RICHARD
What do you think?
KATE MALIN
(drops the smile)
Your shout. But if his name’s Pettigrew, you might wish you’d been a bit more… (forthcoming)
She stops as SGT. HARRIS appears suddenly at her shoulder.
SGT HARRIS
(to RICHARD)
Excuse me, Sir.
(to MALIN, firm)
An incident has occurred and investigation is underway, Ms Malin. Civilian police have no authority to comment at this time. All info will come through Media Ops here on base. A press release will be issued in time for the morning bulletins. That’s all for now.
OFF the ‘who does she think she is’ looks from the team, as MALIN absorbs the dismissal with a sarcastic salute and walks off.
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE BARACKS. NIGHT 23.20
Establishing shot.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, CORRIDOR/OFFICERS’ MESS. NIGHT 23.20
TIM FAIRHEAD and JANINE walking up towards the mess.
JANINE
Was Pettigrew really as unpopular as Cathy Covington said?
TIM FAIRHEAD
He was a tough NCO – old school.
JANINE
So that’s a yes.
(as TIM smiles a concession)
Enough to get killed for it?
TIM FAIRHEAD
Being tough on soldiers was part of his job – and it’s part of a soldier’s job to suck it up.
(beat)
The sports field’s not restricted for civilian access, y’know. Anyone could’ve been there with him tonight.
JANINE
So it’s not a soldier with a grudge?
TIM regards her seriously for a beat.
TIM FAIRHEAD
I think a soldier would’ve waited – why do anything now, under the eyes of the whole regiment, when you can do the job in-theatre and blame the bad guys..?
JANINE regards him closely for a beat. The arrive at the Mess Hall, formally laid out for dinner.
JANINE
(light)
You shouldn’t have… a salad and glass of red would’ve done me..
TIM FAIRHEAD
(grins)
Harris thought it could work as an incident room.
JANINE
Yeah, why (not…)
Interrupted by a sudden SHOUT close by as they return to the corridor and two MPS sprint past them. HARRIS and a male RMP CORPORAL appear, then more shouts as others run past in the same direction.
TIM FAIRHEAD
What’s happening, Sgt?
HARRIS
Another attack, Sir…!
TIM FAIRHEAD
Go to red special on my authority, I want the base locked down.
(to CORPORAL as HARRIS runs off)
We’re sealing the perimeter, no one in or out. Tell the Guard Sgt. And I want search teams ready to go in two minutes.
(to JANINE)
You coming?
EXT. MAIN GATE 23.25
Gates are being closed and ARMED SOLDIERS are being organised into positions outside all buildings in background.
EXT. BARRACK BLOCK A NIGHT 23.36
TIM and JANINE appear round a corner of a building where a group of SOLDIERS and RICHARD are gathered round CATHY COVINGTON. Her face is bloody and swollen. Her T-shirt is bloody and torn. And she’s not moving…
END OF PART ONE
PART TWO
INT. CRANHAM EDGE MEDICAL BLOCK, WARD/CORRIDOR NIGH~T 1.20
LISA and RICHARD are watching as COVINGTON is treated by ARMY MEDICS.
RICHARD
Has she said anything?
LISA
(shakes her head)
Least she’s alive.
RICHARD
We’ll need someone to sit with her – case she wakes up, or talks in her sleep.
LISA
I’ll stay if you like, guv.
RICHARD
Good girl.
(checks time as he moves to door, light)
Might even catch last orders at the Rose if I get off now.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE MEDICAL BLOCK/CORRIDOR CONTINUOUS
RICHARD exits thew ward. Gunner TRACEY DUFF comes up and past, crashing into him.
RICHARD
Hey…!
TRACEY DUFF
(over her shoulder)
Watch where you’re going next time.
RICHARD
(stopping her)
Who are you? You can’t go in there.
TRACEY DUFF
Gunner Duff, Sir. Just wanna see if Cath’s OK. She’s a mate.
RICHARD
You’ll have to wait, she’s still out.
Beat. DUFF turns to leave. RICHARD watches her go, noting she has a pronounced limp, as HARRIS appears.
HARRIS
Major Fairhead has requested you and your team stay on base tonight.
RICHARD
(not happy)
Why?
HARRIS
Base is still locked down, Sir.
RICHARD
(firm)
I didn’t bring my toothbrush.
HARRIS
DCI Lewis okayed it, Sir.
RICHARD
(moving off)
I’ll have a word.
HARRIS
She’s gone sir, the Major gave clearance ten minutes ago. I understand she’s got children.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE, BARRACK ROOM 02.00
A basic barrack room lit by a single central light, wirh metal frame beds, thin mattresses and blankets. SHAP and RICHARD are grumpy and knackered as they strip down to boxers and socks and get into bed. BUTCHERS is cheeriwr about the impromptu sleepover.
BUTCHERS
I’m gonna try the shower.
SHAP
No towles..
RICHARD
Or hot water…
SHAP
Stalag bloody seventeen, this is…
BUTCHERS
Back in the day some of the POW camps had quite good facilities…
RICHARD and SHAP exchange looks – is he serious? RICHARD scowls.
RICHARD
Is that your feet, Butcher?
BUTCHERS
Not me, guv.
(hold up a shoe, points inside, pleased with himself)
Odoreaters!
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE BARRACKS/GUARDHOUSE. DAY 2 08.10
JANINE pulls up at the now heavily guarded gated entrance, and shows her warrant card. A GUARD scans it carefully before letting her through.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE ACCOMODATION BLOCK A. DAY 2 08.12
TRACEY DUFF jogs painfully up the stairs.
INT. BARRACK BLOCK A, SHARED BEDROOM. DAY 2 08.15
TRACEY DUFF enters, wedges a chair under the door handle, and moves quickly to her bedspace. She retrieves an old metal cash box from under the bed and unlocks it with a key on a thong round her wrist. Inside is a wallet. As she removes and opens it we recognise PETTIGREW’s face on the ID. DUFF removes three of the five crisp £20 notes inside and shoves them into a pocket, returning the wallet to the box.
EXT. SPORTS FIELD/INT. KATE MALIN’S CAR DAY 2 08.20
OPEN on a line of UNIFORM OFFICERS in protective clothing, being briefed for a sweep of the field and woods beyond.
Several TV trucks are now parked up on the street alongside the field. KATE MALIN is sitting in her car, watching the OFFICERS and writing her script for the next bulletin. Her cameraman, NICKI (19) is filming proceedings from the fence. RICHARD appears suddenly at the opposite door and climbs in.
RICHARD
Now I’m listening.
KATE MALIN
(smiles)
I’ll want a heads up on all major developments in the investigation.
RICHARD
No deals.
KATE MALIN
Okay. But if I scratch your back…
RICHARD
.. and it comes to something… I’ll be happy to return the favour.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, OFFICERS’ MESS. DAY 2 08.30
The dining table and settings are being cleared away by MESS STEWARDS, watched by BUTHCER and SHAP. Cables run along and across the floor. At the far end of the room, several N/S CID OFFICERS are setting up computers, telephones, printers, fax machines etc. LISA is sticking up photos of the victim and the crime scene on a whiteboard in preparation for the briefing. BUTCHERS is getting something off a fax machine. SHAP is on the phone.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, CORRIDOR, TIM FAIRHEAD’S OFFICE, OFFICERS’ MESS. CONTINUOUS
RICHARD is walking up a corridor past TIM FAIRHEAD’s part-glazed office to the Mess a few doors down. As he looks into the office he sees SGT. HARRIS, the RSM from the previous night and TIM with JANINE in close conference.
RICHARD enters a door with a paper sign pinned on it – INCIDENT ROOM.
RICHARD
Hands up who got any sleep last night?
SHAP and LISA shake their heads. BUTCHERS puts his hand up… and down again, as RICHARD scowls at him, then sniffs
RICHARD (CONT’D)
I smell cabbage.
BUTCHERS
(less unhappy)
And chips…
RICHARD
This can’t be secure…
LISA
Doors to the kitchen are all locked. Sgt. Harris said it was this or a storeroom upstairs.
RICHARD
Any more good news?
BUTCHERS
The boss is getting Harris’s desk in with the Major. And we’re getting Harris.
RICHARD scowls as JANINE enters, followed by FAIRHEAD and HARRIS. JANINE drops her briefcase on the dining table as she joins them, noting the mood.
JANINE
Morning. Everybody sleep OK?
(as all look at BUTCHERS to silence him)
Happy with the facilities?
(again no response)
Don’t all shout at once…
All find somewhere to settle.
JANINE (CONT’D)
(to LISA)
How’s Cathy Covington?
LISA
Groggy. Doc said she’d be okay for questions about now, boss.
JANINE
(to TIM)
All quiet overnight?
TIM FAIRHEAD
(nods)
No finds or incidents, but I’m keeping the base on high alert for now.
JANINE
Okay – wanna kick us off, Richard?
RICHARD
Murder weapon still hasn’t been found – most likely a metal tool with a square edge –
LISA
Mrs Pettigrew’s alibi checked out. She was with her friend from six.
JANINE
Okay. Any forensics from the body yet?
RICHARD
(shakes his head)
Might not be either.
(looks at TIM and HARRIS)
They reckon the scene was walked all over by people in Army bootsbefore we got there…
BUTCHERS
Best we’ve got so far is the tyre print, guv. Apparently it’s a common tread pattern, but there’s some unusual damage on it. Could help us identify the vehicle it came from.
JANINE
It’s definitely Pettigrew’s blood in the tread?
(as BUTCHERS nods)
So whoever drove it away could be our killer.
RICHARD
(nods)
I’ve organised some bodies on doorsteps in the area, see if anyone noticed a vehicle entering or leaving the field last night.
JANINE
Anything on the footprint inside the sports hall?
BUTCHERS
Medium sized boot or shoe – could be male or female – could be the driver of the car.
JANINE
(acknowledges)
What about motives?
LISA
Pettigrew’s wife confirmed he always carries a wallet, but we didn’t find one on the body or at the scene – could’ve been a robbery.
JANINE
Why such a vicious attack, though?
(to RICHARD)
Any defence wounds on the body?
(RICHARD shakes his head)
So he didn’t put up a fight.
SHAP
The wounds are mostly to the side and back of his head. Could be he never saw his attacker.
(beat)
One of the medics said he’d heard Pettigrew was in money trouble.
JANINE glances at TIM, who looks at SGT. HARRIS.
HARRIS
Nothing I know about, Sir.
JANINE
(to Lisa)
Get a financial background on him.
RICHARD glances at TIM.
LISA
Cathy told us Pettigrew had a rep for bullying…
JANINE
So I’d heard…
RICHARD
…he had a serious problem with females, apparently.
JANINE
(interested)
Got any names?
RICHARD
I’m waiting for a call. Journalist I know… she’s been looking into abuse by NCOs…
TIM FAIRHEAD
Kate Malin’s a headline hunter. And abuse is a very strong word.
RICHARD
Where there’s smoke…
TIM FAIRHEAD
A grudge against Pettigrew doesn’t explain the attack on Covington.
RICHARD
(pressing on)
Maybe she was over the side with Pettigrew. Maybe that’s why she was at the field in the first place. One of their other halves found out…had a go at both.
LISA
(to JANINE)
I saw a love bite on Covington’s neck last night.
TIM FAIRHEAD
(dismissive)
Covington’s 19, half his age, and we’ve just established he wasn’t her favourite NCO…
RICHARD
What else was he doing down there? Odds are he was meeting someone.
JANINE
Possibly, but if not a lover, who? Workmate, civilian…? If he did meet someone, we don’t know if that person was friend or foe…
SHAP
…or if they killed Pettigrew.
JANINE
(to SHAP)
Have an ask around.
(to RICHARD)
Any hurry them up at the lab over the tyre tread.
(to all)
Let’s focus on finding that driver. Back here for a review at three, yeah?
RICHARD
Got a sec?
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ BUILDING, CORRIDOR. CONTINUOUS
RICHARD and JANINE exit the incident room into the corridor under:
RICHARD
What’s going on?
JANINE
Global warming… a threatened rise in interest rates…
RICHARD
You’ve obviously met the galloping Major before.
JANINE
Last night as it happens. Sally cancelled on me. The Major was at the bar…
RICHARD
And you’ve got the hots for him.
JANINE
Are you jealous?
RICHARD
Are you happy letting him call the shots on the enquiry?
JANINE
Kinda suits you, the moody look..
RICHARD
Be serious. Odds on the two attacks were done by the same person. And Covington was done inside the base – it’s a squaddie, whatever the Major want us to think.
JANINE
Could be…
RICHARD
Remember he’s Army. He’s got an agenda.
JANINE
Course.
(grins, provocative)
Bit of a bonus, though – having some extra eye candy round the office.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, OFFICERS’ MESS. DAY 2 09.15
LISA is alone at a computer. RICHARD appears.
RICHARD
Seen Harris? I need the keys to Pettigrew’s office.
LISA
She’s there now, guv, doing a search…
OFF RICHARD, not happy
EXT. BATTERY ADMIN BUILDING. DAY 2 09.20
RICHARD and LISA are walking briskly past a large gun hangar up to the Battery HQ as HARRIS exits it.
RICHARD
Who gave you permission?
HARRIS
Sir?
RICHARD
To search Pettigrew’s office.
HARRIS
Some of his paperwork has an operational security classification. I had orders from the Major (to remove anything…)
RICHARD
We’re running the enquiry here, Sgt.
HARRIS
I realise that Sir, but this is a National Security issue…
RICHARD
And there I was thinking we were all on the same side… so did you find anything?
HARRIS
I discovered he had a secret passion for jelly babies, Sir.
LISA shares a smile with HARRIS, but RICHARD isn’t amused.
HARRIS (CONT’D)
You’re free to look yourself now, Sir, if you like.
HARRIS walks off, leaving RICHARD seething.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE MEDICAL BLOCK. WARD. DAY 2 09.30
JANINE and TIM are walking into the room. COVINGTON is in bed, painfully pulling on a hoodie over her T-shirt. JANINE notes the love bite on her neck.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Feeling better, Bomb. Covington?
CATHY COVINGTON
(weak smile)
Fighting fit, Sir.
JANINE
Can you tell us what you remember, Cathy?
CATHY COVINGTON
Nothing really, Ma’am. It’s all a blank after I left the field.
JANINE
(points)
Remember getting that?
COVINGTON puts her hand automatically to the mark and looks caught out.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Let’s hear it, Covington.
CATHY COVINGTON
It was Gunner Blatt, Sir.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Was Blatt with you at the sports field last night?
Beat.
CATHY COVINGTON
Yes, Sir.
JANINE
Why not say so last night then?
CATHY COVINGTON
He’s my best mate’s boyfriend. Was anyway, Ma’am –
(to TIM, in mitigation)
We’ve been in-theatre training Sir. I’ve died three times this week…!
JANINE
(light)
I can see that shagging your mate’s bloke seemed like a small risk to take in the broader context… was it her that gave you the beating?
CATHY COVINGTON
I couldn’t say, Ma’am.
JANINE and TIM share a look. She’s so obviously lying.
JANINE
Do you own a car, Cathy?
CATHY COVINGTON
Not on my pay.
JANINE
Does Mike – or Gunner Duff?
CATHY COVINGTON
No, Ma’am.
JANINE
Did TSM Pettigrew catch you at it on the field last night?
CATHY COVINGTON
(to TIM, upset)
He was already dead, Sir, I swear! We nearly stood on him in the dark… it was minging…
JANINE
And you’ve got no idea who might’ve killed him?
OFF COVINGTON, shaking her head
INT. CRANHAM EDGE VILLAGE CAFE. DAY 2 10.00
Open on Gunner MIKE BLATT at a table with tea.
MIKE BLATT
Tuff, Sir. Tracey Duff. I’d bet my next pay on it.
RICHARD and KATE MALIN are sitting opposite him.
RICHARD
Got anything in the way of hard evidence to back that up?
MIKE BLATT
She’s been trouble ever since she joined the troop, wherever she is there’s something kicking off. Pain in the arse for the rest of us, like. TSM was seriously onto her for it. Ask anyone…
RICHARD waits for more.
MIKE BLATT (CONT’D)
Plus… I saw her last night… she’d had another blow up with him… Pettigrew…
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE ASSAULT COURSE. DAY 2 10.15
OPEN on TRACEY DUFF, carrying a loaded Bergen, webbing belt and rifle, as she struggles over the course, watched by Sgt. TURTON. DUFF grimaces each time she lands on her right leg.
MARK TURTON
C’mon Duff! Give it some rice!
RICHARD is standing watching her intently. He spots TIM FAIRHEAD walking up to TURTON as JANINE appears at his side.
JANINE
(mild)
She’s never your type…
(as RICHARD scowls)
I thought you were chasing up the lab.
RICHARD
They’re calling me back. I was s’posed to be searching Pettigrew’s office, but Harris beat me to it. She says it’s National Security – I say they’re covering their tracks.. again..
JANINE
(light)
Got any evidence they’re perverting the course of justice?
RICHARD
(shrugs a no, then)
I’ve just found out Duff had a dust up with Pettigrew yesterday over this test. And she was seen about quarter to seven, coming back from the sports hall.
JANINE
(interested)
Sounds promising – who’s the witness?
RICHARD
Young topgun in Pettigrew’s troop, Blatt.
JANINE
Happy to talk, was he?
RICHARD
Happy enough. He’s Kate Malin’s new source.
JANINE
Did he mention he used to be Duff’s other half? Until Cathy Covington changed his mijd for him last night last night.
RICHARD’s expression makes it clear Blatt didn’t…
JANINE (CONT’D)
Covington won’t say if it was Duff who beat her up… but Harris reckons Duff thinks with her fists…
RICHARD
If Duff lost it with Covington maybe she did the same with Pettigrew over her test – makes her a strong suspect.
JANINE
I’ll talk to her.
RICHARD’s phone rings.
JANINE (CONT’D)
Watch yourself with the journalist, though, eh? Squaddies aren’t the only people round here with an agenda.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, FAIRHEAD’S OFFICE. DAY 2 11.00
OPEN on TRACEY at attention opposite TIM and JANINE.
JANINE
You can relax, Tracey, this isn’t a formal interview.
TRACEY DUFF
(unmoving)
Ma’am.
TIM FAIRHEAD
At ease, Duff.
TRACEY complies immediately.
JANINE
For now, I’m ignoring what you did to Cathy Covington last night.
TRACEY reacts with a quick, narrow glance at JANINE.
JANINE (CONT’D)
We heard you fell out with TSM Pettigrew yesterday.
TRACEY DUFF
I’m always falling out with him, Ma’am. He picked on me. Told people I was a biff.
TIM FAIRHEAD
(translating)
Slacker. Not Army material.
JANINE
This time you were threatening to sort him out, weren’t you?
TRACEY DUFF
He was trying to stop my retest, Ma’am. If I can’t get below six minutes round the course, I can’t deploy with my troop, Ma’am. I’ll kill myself if I can’t go. Fighting’s why I put up with the Army.
JANINE
(suppressing a smile)
You didn’t answer my question.
TRACEY DUFF
It was only talk. I talk a good fight, Ma’am.
JANINE
So you never thought about getting back at him for the way he treated you?
TRACEY DUFF
Used to keep me awake at night, Ma’am – only my troop commander told me that’s what he wanted, me kicking off. I wasn’t gonna give him the satisfaction, Ma’am.
JANINE can’t suppress another smile. She’s in the presence of an experienced liar and con artist.
JANINE
When did you last see the TSM?
TRACEY DUFF
Just before scoff, Ma’am.
TIM FAIRHEAD
(to Janine)
Five thirty.
JANINE
Did you go to the sports hall between six and nine last night?
TRACEY glances at JANINE as if assessing her response, then:
TRACEY
No, Ma’am, it was earlier, straight after I saw the TSM. Went looking for my knife – I lost it in the woods a couple of days ago. Found it though.
DUFF pulls a standard issue Army clasp knife out of a pocket.
TRACEY DUFF
I was back in time for grub. Never left the block after.
(to TIM)
I’ve got witnesses, Sir. We had a good few wets, I was honking by the finish.
TIM is about to translate again.
JANINE
I get the picture.
JANINE nods to TIM. That’s all for now.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Alright, Duff, dismissed.
DUFF salutes and exits. JANINE and TIM look at each other.
TIM FAIRHEAD (CONT’D)
What’re you thinking?
JANINE
She tells a good story…
A knock, and LISA puts her head round the door.
LISA
Fax from the Pettigrews’ bank. Thought you might want a look.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, OFFICERS’ MESS. DAY 2 11.45
BUTCHERS is at a desk, on computers. LISA is talking to HARRIS. RICHARD appears at HARRIS’s shoulder.
RICHARD
(to LISA)
I need names of anyone on base who owns a dark-coloured Nissan Micra under four years old.
BUTCHERS
Have we got a lead?
RICHARD
The make of tyre’s been fitted as standard to all Micras for the last three years – and one was seen driving away from the sports field, about half seven last night.
HARRIS
I’ll check for local civilian owners too, shall I, Sir?
RICHARD
(ignores this, to LISA)
Call as soon as you’ve got it.
And he exits.
HARRIS
Is it just me or does he hate everyone in uniform?
A look between BUTCHERS and LISA says it all.
OFF HARRIS
INT. PETTIGREW’S HOUSE, SITTINGROOM. DAY 2 12.00
OPEN on TIM, sitting opposite GERALDINE and JANINE on the sofa. GERALDINE hands them both mugs of tea from a tray.
JANINE
Thanks. We’re struggling a bit to find a reason why anyone would want to harm Ray, Geraldine. We wondered if there was anything you’d thought of… any problems you’d forgotten to tell us about before…
GERALDINE appears uncomfortable. She avoids JANINE’s look.
GERALDINE
No, I, no, there’s nothing, really.
JANINE
(gentle)
You’d been having some money troubles though, hadn’t you?
GERALDINE freezes, staring at JANINE. JANINE puts a hand on hers. Tears come.
JANINE (CONT’D)
It’s not a crime, you know…
GERALDINE sniffs, blows her nose, collects herself, then:
GERALDINE
It was nothing to do with Ray. I’d.. I’d never gambled on anything in my life before. But the internet changed all that…
(beat)
It started on Ray’s last tour. It sounds like madness, now… but I actually started thinking I could win enough to buy him out of the Army…
JANINE looks at TIM.
GERALDINE (CONT’D)
By the time he came home, I owed twenty five thousand to credit firms… Ray made me keep it secret. We cashed in our savings, sold every little thing we could, but… Yesterday morning, he told me he’d thought of a way to get the rest we needed.
JANINE
How?
GERALDINE
(tears rising again)
He wouldn’t say…
INT. CRANHAM EDGE VILLAGE CAFE. DAY 2
OPEN on RICHARD at a table with tea. KATE MALIN appears with a mug of tea and a fairy cake and sits opposite him.
KATE MALIN
(jokey)
Not the champagne and chocolates I was hoping for…
RICHARD isn’t smiling.
KATE MALIN (CONT’D)
I gave you my brand new source in K troop.
RICHARD
And he bombed.
KATE MALIN
(shrugs)
You win some…
RICHARD
I need something that’ll stand up.
MALIN regards him for a beat.
KATE MALIN
(smiles)
Want to see the headline for my early evening bulletin?
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, OFFICERS’ MESS. DAY 2 12.40
BUTCHERS, SHAP and HARRIS are at work as RICHARD enters, looking like thunder. He glares at HARRIS, then moves over to the whiteboard and writes up two names: LEVINSON, K and NUTTALL, A. He turns back to HARRIS.
RICHARD
Well Sgt?
HARRIS
Is this a test?
(as RICHARD glares at her)
If you mean do I know the names, the answer’s yes.
RICHARD
So is this National Security, or are you just withholding key information?
HARRIS
I reviewed it and decided…
RICHARD
(interrupts)
It’s not your job to withhold anything… (that might be…)
HARRIS
(interrupts)
Major Fairhead asked me to assess how relevant…
RICHARD
(cuts in hard, angry)
My team and my SIO are in charge here, Sgt!
JANINE and TIM enter unnoticed under:
RICHARD (CONT’D)
We decide what’s relevant, not you!
HARRIS
(provoked)
I resent the allegation I withheld information…
RICHARD
Bollocks!
JANINE
Well done. An intelligent exchange of views always helps a case along.
As RICHARD turns:
TIM FAIRHEAD
What’s the problem?
RICHARD
Pettigrew’s got form for physical abuse and sexual harassment.
SHAP
But the Major and Sgt Harris decided it wasn’t worth passing on.
On JANINE as:
HARRIS
Both women dropped the charges before the hearings – they were found to be malicious…
JANINE
Wait a sec…
RICHARD
Who by? Pettigrew?
HARRIS
…and it was ten years ago.
RICHARD
(to JANINE, outraged)
Can you believe this!?
JANINE
(firm, loud)
What I can’t believe is you two squaring up to each other like kids on the playground!
Now JANINE has their attention.
JANINE (CONT’D)
There’s no argument here. I’m in charge of this enquiry, but we all have to make it work. If you two can’t get along, you’ll be replaced.
(to TIM)
Major?
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ BUILDING, FAIRHEAD’S OFFICE. CONTINUOUS
TIM closes the door after JANINE. The mood is serious.
JANINE
My DI’s right. It’s not down to you or Harris to decide what we rule in or out of this investigation.
TIM FAIRHEAD
The women concerned admitted – without duress – that they planned the allegations as a way of discrediting him.
JANINE
You’re not listening to me.
TIM FAIRHEAD
(making it personal)
You don’t seriously think I’d hold back material evidence from you, Janine?
JANINE
(provoked)
I dunno, are you asking the copper, or the woman you picked up in the bar last night?
TIM FAIRHEAD
Look, I’m not…
TIM stops, looks away. Beat.
TIM FAIRHEAD (CONT’D)
Point taken. Top brass are sensitive about adverse publicity and the effect on troop morale. I let it all get under my skin.
JANINE
Sounds nasty, is there a surgical solution?
It’s an olive branch. They share a look. The chemistry is back. TIM puts a hand on her arm.
TIM FAIRHEAD
I’ll make sure you get a copy of the case notes.
A brisk knock and SHAP enters as TIM removes his hand.
SHAP
(urgent)
Game on, boss. Uniform’s just found the Micra with the damaged tyre. WE’ve got an ID.
OF SHAP, looking hard at TIM
END OF PART TWO
PART THREE
EXT. TURTON’S HOUSE/EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. DAY 2 13.30
OPEN on a dark blue Micra, parked at the kerb outside the Turtons’ house, as MARK TURTON, in camo shirt and trousers, exits the house and walks past the car to the pavement. The front door opens behind him and Turton’s wife SHIRLEY (30s, slim, attractive in an unglamorous way) appears.
SHIRLEY TURTON
Where are you going, love?
MARK TURTON
See if Jackie and the kids need help.
OFF SHIRLEY as TURTON walks away down the street.
EXT. FAIRHEAD’S VEHICLE/EXT. CID CARS/EXT. MAIN ROAD. CONTINUOUS
A convoy of cars comes up and past at speed, with TIM’s RMP vehicle in the lead.
EXT. TURTONS/EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. CONTINUOUS
MARK TURTON is walking up as BETHAN HOLROYD (pretty, pouty, precociously adult but only just 14) exits her house, struggling with a large suitcase.
MARK TURTON
Hold on, love, let me take that.
BETHAN HOLROYD
Thanks, Uncle Mark.
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, BEN’S ROOM. CONTINUOUS
BEN HOLROYD (tall, lanky, pleasant looking, 16) is sitting on the edge of his bed, head down, apparently deep in thought. The room around him is in mild chaos – part mess, part packing. His mother, JACKIE HOLROYD (fit, down-to-earth Lancastrian) enters.
JACKIE HOLROYD
You alright, love?
Beat. He nods and smiles. JACKIE regards him for a beat, then sits next to him.
JACKIE HOLROYD (CONT’D)
Should get easier, shouldn’t it…?
(as BEN nods)
One more tour, y’know, and we might have enough.. (saved to)
BEN cuts her off gently with a squeeze of her hand.
BEN HOLROYD
(serious)
I’ll be okay. So will Bethan. You can trust me.
JACKIE HOLROYD
(holding back tears)
I know I can. Cos you’re the best.
JACKIE hugs her son hard. He hugs her hard back. BETHAN HOLROYD appears at the door.
BETHAN HOLROYD
Uncle Mark’s here. Are you coming or what?
INT. RMP VEHICLE/EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. CONTINUOUS
With JANINE, TIM and HARRIS in the back as they turn into the Turtons’ street.
EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. CONTINUOUS
JACKIE, BEN, MARK TURTON and BETHAN exit the house carrying a variety of boxes and bags. Briefly take in a dressing on JACKIE’s shoulder under her T-shirt as:
BETHAN HOLROYD
My arms hurt!
MARK TURTON
Here, sweetheart, I’ll…
JACKIE HOLROYD
Take no notice, Mark.
(to Bethan)
Come on love, it’s barely any distance.
INT. RMP VEHICLE/EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. CONTINUOUS
The group seen through the windshield as TIM’s vehicle slows and pulls in. Behind them are LISA and BUTCHERS in the second car, and a police tow truck. TURTON and the HOLROYDs notice their arrival and stop on the pavement.
JANINE
What’s going on? Is that Turton’s wife?
SGT HARRIS
No, it’s Sgt Holroyd – Jackie – the Turtons house is the one on the corner. Jackie’s a single parent – her and Sgt Turton joined up together…her kids billet with them when she’s overseas.
JANINE
The boy looks old enough to cope on his own.
SGT HARRIS
He’s sixteen. Army regs don’t allow under 18s to live alone.
JANINE
I didn’t know they allowed serving single Mums in the Army.
SGT HARRIS
Best mechanic in the Regiment. She’s 20 years in, this’ll be her fourth tour.
INT. TURTON’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM/EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE/ EXT STREET. CONTINUOUS
SHIRLEY TURTON is standing at the window, anxiously watching as JANINE, RICHARD and TIM walk up to TURTON and JACKIE HOLROYD.
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE ESTATE/EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. CONTINUOUS
Resume JANINE, TIM, JACKIE HOLROYD, MARK TURTON etc.
SGT. HARRIS
(to TURTON)
…you’re being arrested in connection with the murder (of TSM Pettigrew… continues caution)
JACKIE HOLROYD
(cuts across, to JANINE)
You must be joking!
MARK TURTON
It’s alright, Jak.
JACKIE HOLROYD
Mark didn’t kill anybody!
JANINE
(to TURTON)
We’ll need your car keys, too, Sgt.
JACKIE HOLROYD
This is totally insane…!
INT. TURTON’S HOUSE/EXT. STREET. CONTINUOUS
SHIRLEY is standing as before, her face stained with tears.
Outside, TURTON is being put into TIM’s car by HARRIS.
INT. TURTON’S HOUSE/KITCHEN/GARDEN. CONTINUOUS
SHIRLEY enters the kitchen, grabs her handbag, goes to the back door, unlocks it, takes the key, and let’s herself out.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ BUILDING, INTERVIEW ROOM. DAY 2 14.35
MARK TURTON sits opposite JANINE and RICHARD. His manner is collected and hard to read. Is this the confidence of innocence – or a performance driven by a darker impulse?
JANINE
We matched some damage on your tyre to a print found at the crime scene, Mark. And we’ve swabbed your tyres too. We found TSM Pettigrew’s blood on two of them. Which means you were there – during and or after the attack.
MARK TURTON
I didn’t have the car with me yesterday. My wife drops me off three mornings a week in hers. I run home.
JANINE glances at RICHARD.
JANINE
Where were you between six and nine last night?
MARK TURTON
My office at Battery HQ from seventeen thirty – left for home at twenty thirty, back at nine.
JANINE
Can anyone confirm that?
MARK TURTON
I was alone in the office.
JANINE
Anyone see you leave the barracks?
MARK TURTON
Hard to say. Not that I noticed.
RICHARD
What route do you take? You’d pass the sports hall wouldn’t you?
MARK TURTON
Depends on the day.
RICHARD
Did you go that way yesterday?
MARK TURTON
Yes.
RICHARD
Did you see anything?
MARK TURTON
No.
RICHARD places a large evidence bag on the table Inside is an open fabric tool roll. Each slot contains a tool – except for one slot that’s empty.
JANINE
We found this in the boot of your car. Can you tell us what happened to the missing tool?
The smallest frown crosses TURTON’s features.
MARK TURTON
No.
A knock on the door. JANINE tsks, annoyed. SHAP appears.
SHAP
Sorry, boss.
JANINE
Can it wait?
SHAP’s look says not. JANINE gets up and exits. Stay with RICHARD and TURTON.
TURTON
I park on the street. My car could’ve been stolen, then returned.
RICHARD
I’m not buying it.
TURTON looks at him for a long beat.
TURTON
I had no argument with Ray Pettigrew. Why would I want to kill him?
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ BUILDING, FAIRHEAD’S OFFICE. CONTINUOUS
OPEN on SHIRLEY TURTON, sitting opposite JANINE.
SHIRLEY TURTON
We never meant to have an affair. We bumped into each other one day in town… went for a coffee. He ended up telling me about Geraldine. I told him about Mark.
JANINE
What about him?
SHIRLEY TURTON
I don’t mean anything terrible… Mark’s a good man,a good husband… it’s just… I was ill for a long time … miscarriages. Eventually we were told, no kids. Mark supported me all through it, but after that we couldn’t…(with difficulty) he never…wanted me again…
JANINE
So what happened last night?
SHIRLEY TURTON
I know Mark’s innocent. It wasn’t him driving the car. It was me.
JANINE
Go on.
SHIRLEY TURTON
The Sport’s Hall’s where Ray and I meet… I’d copied Marks keys. Ray called out of the blue a bit after six. He had an hour, he said. I’d walk over normally – didn’t want my car seen – but there wasn’t time. So I took Mark’s car. I thought if anyone saw it they’d just assume it was him.
SHIRLEY stops to collect herself for a beat.
SHIRLEY TURTON (CONT’D)
When I got there… Ray came straight out and asked to borrow my savings. He said he couldn’t leave Geraldine coping with all the debt. He was worried she’d go off the rails. I got upset… accused him of using me… then … we heard like a shout outside, and someone kicking and rattling at the door, trying to get in.
JANINE
A man’s voice? Woman’s?
SHIRLEY TURTON
I don’t know, I was so upset I wasn’t…
(beat)
Then it went quiet. We waited a minute, then Ray went to check they’d gone.
SHIRLEY stops, shaken by remembering.
SHIRLEY TURTON (CONT’D)
He never came back… I was so afraid… eventually I went outside to look… but it was too late…
SHIRLEY breaks off, starts to sob.
JANINE
Did you see anyone else outside?
SHIRLEY shakes her head.
JANINE (CONT’D)
Are you sure, Shirley?
SHIRLEY TURTON
There was nobody… just Ray’s body on the ground. I panicked, couldn’t think…just got in the car and drove off…
JANINE
Did Mark get home before or after you?
SHIRLEY TURTON
After. About nine.
JANINE
(beat, careful)
You do realise, don’t you, Shirley – what you’ve told me… if Mark knew about Ray… that’d be a good reason for wanting to harm him… and if you can’t be sure it wasn’t him there at the Sports Hall…
OFF SHIRLEY’s horrified reaction
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE PARADE GROUND. DAY 2 15.39
SOLDIERS drilling on the parade ground.
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, VIEWING ROOM. DAY 2 15.40
JANINE, SHAP and RICHARD are standing talking.
SHAP
Turton said Pettigrew wasn’t the cheating type.
RICHARD
He would, wouldn’t he? Gotta be our man, boss. His wife’s over the side with a colleague. He admits no one saw him in his office, or leaving the base. He could easily have run over there, grabbed the tool from the boot, whacked Pettigrew, then gone back to work.
JANINE
That’s if he knew about the affair.
RICHARD
Let’s find out.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, INTERVIEW ROOM. DAY 2 16.00
TURTON is sitting at the table, unmoving, staring at his lap. RICHARD sits opposite him. His manner and approach matches TURTON’s – calm and measured.
RICHARD
Shirley’s been in to talk to us, Mark.
TURTON shows no reaction either way to this.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, VIEWING ROOM. CONTINUOUS
JANINE and SHAP are watching closely on the monitor.
RICHARD
Did you know she was having an affair with Ray Pettigrew?
JANINE watches TURTON closely. He stares at RICHARD, doesn’t blink. He doesn’t appear to react at all.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ BUILDING, INTERVIEW ROOM. CONTINUOUS
MARK TURTON
No.
RICHARD
It’s a strong motive for murder.
MARK TURTON
If you say so.
RICHARD
What do you say?
TURTON looks away. A long beat.
MARK TURTON
No one’s perfect. Nothing in this world’s perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. We’re all punished for them eventually. Life sees to that.
(beat)
I wasn’t there. I didn’t kill him.
EXT/INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, CORRIDOR ONTO PARADE GROUND. DAY 2 16.30
RICHARD and JANINE.
JANINE
What do you think?
RICHARD
I think he’s a good liar as well as a killer. You?
JANINE
Definitely the former, quite probably the latter.
(beat)
I read the files on the allegations against Pettigrew by the way. No question they were malicious.
RICHARD
Not the point, is it.
JANINE
(tiring of this)
Yeah, well I hope everyone’s got the point now. Get uniform back on house to house. See if neighbours remember seeing anyone on foot near the Sports Hall.
RICHARD
(nods)
What’re you going to do?
JANINE
Have a chat with Jackie Holroyd, she’s known the Turtons twenty years…
RICHARD
Feel like a drink later?
JANINE
I’ve got a briefing with Major Fairhead.
RICHARD
That what you’re calling it these days…?
JANINE
(teasing)
I’m changing my mind about the moody jealousy thing. Not sure it suits you after all. Might be ageing.
JANINE walks off with a grin. RICHARD catches his reflection in a window, strikes a mild pose… HARRIS comes up and past.
HARRIS
Practising your smile, Sir?
INT. JANINE’S CAR/EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. DAY 2 17.00
OPEN on JACKIE HOLROYD standing at her front door, in mid-argument with TRACEY DUFF. BEN stands just inside the open garage-come-workshop, overalls on, and the broken down hulk of a motorbike visible behind him.
JACKIE HOLROYD
I asked you to go, Ben’s busy at the moment…
TRACEY DUFF
I do what I like!
JACKIE HOLROYD
Go away, Duff!
TRACEY DUFF
I’m too common for him, that it?
JACKIE HOLROYD
No, you’re just bother waiting to happen.
TRACEY DUFF
Look who’s talking…! This is the mum who pisses off and leaves (her kids at home)..!
BEN HOLROYD
Tuff don’t…
JACKIE HOLROYD
Don’t you dare tell me what’s right and wrong! And don’t you dare come to my house or near my son again!
BEN sees JANINE approaching. He throws his arms in a gesture of ‘I can’t handle this’ and disappears into the house.
JANINE
There a problem, Sgt. Holroyd?
JACKIE HOLROYD
No, I….
(to Duff)
Go on, get out…
DUFF throws JACKIE a furious look, then turns and stalks off.
JANINE
Any chance of a cuppa?
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE/HALL/SITTING ROOM/KITCHEN. DAY 2 17.10
JANINE follows JACKIE in. As they pass the half open sittingroom door, JANINE notes BEN on the sofa watching TV, with BETHAN curled next to him, cuddling a soft toy.
They enter the kitchen. There are various piles of clothes and possessions everywhere. JANINE notes pictures on the wall, of JACKIE and colleagues on previous tours of duty. JACKIE puts on the kettle. Her mood remains slightly edgy.
JANINE
So you’re not over the moon about Ben and Tracey Duff as an item?
JACKIE HOLROYD
They’re not going out, they’re just mates – I’ve tried not to interfere, but you only have to look at the kid… trouble’s the air she breathes…
JANINE nods, agreeing. Beat.
JANINE
I wanted to ask you about Shirley’s affair with TSM Pettigrew…
JACKIE HOLROYD
(assuming it’s a joke)
Get off, affair? Someone’s been telling you stories.
JANINE
Actually, it was Shirley who told me…
JACKIE HOLROYD
(stunned)
You’re not serious?
JANINE
I took it for granted you knew… sorry.
ON JACKIE, shaking her head, very thrown.
JACKIE HOLROYD
I can’t believe she never said anything.
JANINE
You and Mark go back a long way. Maybe she thought you’d take sides.
JACKIE’s still absorbing the news, still thrown.
JANINE (CONT’D)
D’you think Mark knew?
JACKIE HOLROYD
(looks up quickly, defensive)
There’s no way he killed Ray Pettigrew, even if he did.
JANINE
Can you be that sure?
JACKIE HOLROYD
I’ve known him all my adult life! It’s not in him, take it from me.
JANINE watches her for a beat.
JANINE
Shirley admitted she was hurt and angry with Ray the night he died – do you think it’s possible Mark’s covering for something she did?
JACKIE HOLROYD
Shirley couldn’t kill off a game of snap.
JANINE
She thought Ray had been using her…
JACKIE HOLROYD
(very edgy)
Whatever, look, they may not be perfect, but Mark and Shirley are good people – responsible, normal, kind people. D’you think I’d leave my kids with them if I didn’t know that a hundred percent!?
JANINE understands her determination not to notice the elephant in the room – the possibility that her childrens’ guardians aren’t who she thought they were.
BEN appears at the door with BETHAN. BETHAN wanders over to her mother, and despite her age and size, slumps onto JACKIE’s lap.
BEN HOLROYD
I’m going up the village, I’ll post the bills, get fish and chips on the way back.
JACKIE HOLROYD
Okay, thanks, love.
BETHAN leans on her Mum’s shoulder as the door closes again.
JANINE
I wish any of mine were like that.
JACKIE HOLROYD
How many’ve you got?
JANINE
Two boys, two girls.
JACKIE HOLROYD
Partner?
JANINE
Once upon a time…
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE WOODS. DAY 2 17.50
The light is fading. TRACEY DUFF is limping badly as she walks into a small clearing and stops near an old pillbox part sunk into a bank. She sits on a fallen tree and lights up. She fiddles with the cheap gold chain she always wears round her neck. A sound behind her. BEN HOLROYD appears wheeling his pushbike. He leans the bike against a tree and sits next to her.
BEN HOLROYD
Sorry about before. Mum’s stressed.
TRACEY DUFF
(shrugs)
Probably shouldn’t have gobbed off.
(beat)
D’you get it?
BEN pulls something in a wrapped up shopping bag out of his coat pocket. We can’t see what’s inside. He hands it to her.
BEN HOLROYD
I’m not doing that again, Tuff.
TRACEY DUFF
(serious)
Won’t need to after tonight, babe.
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, HALL. DAY 2 18.00
JACKIE is seeing JANINE to the door. JANINE notes the dressing on JACKIE’s shoulder.
JANINE
How did you hurt yourself?
JACKIE HOLROYD
My car. Knackered brake cable. I hit a tree, got this from the belt.
JANINE
(smiles)
Did you sue your mechanic?
JACKIE HOLROYD
(smiles back)
Yeah, I can change out a half track in a fire fight, but give me me own poxy car to service…
INT. CRANHAM EDGE CANTEEN. DAY 2 18.15
RICHARD and SHAP at a table with teas. The canteen is closing up and the last SOLDIERS are leaving, with, as before, wary glances at the coppers as they go.
SHAP
(grimacing)
Tea’s rubbish. (re soldiers) Look at them eyeballing us.
RICHARD
It’s like being in a foreign country.
BUTCHERS joins them with a laden plate of fish, chips and mushy peas.
RICHARD (CONT’D)
You’re not eating that?
BUTCHERS
It’s fish and chips.
SHAP
And we’re persona non grata. You don’t know what extras they’ve added.
BUTCHERS looks green as LISA appears and slides in next to him. She nicks chips, watched by the others, under:
LISA
Message from the boss, we’re bailing Turton.
RICHARD
What?
LISA
She’s briefing the Major now. No unidentified DNA on the body, no useable trace or prints, nothing from door-to-door, equals zero to hold him with.
(as all glare at her)
Don’t shoot the messenger…
Beat. RICHARD gets up to go, followed by SHAP and BUTCHERS, but not LISA.
LISA (CONT’D)
(re fish and chips)
You leaving that?
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ BUILDING. NIGHT 2 19.00
COVINGTON is standing waiting. BLATT appears to join her.
ANOTHER ANGLE: DUFF is watching COVINGTON and BLATT from the shadow of a building opposite as they walk away together.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, FAIRHEAD’S OFFICE. NIGHT 2 19.15
JANINE and TIM in conference with case notes etc. TIM slides a file over the desk to her.
TIM FAIRHEAD
That’s the rest of Turton’s file. Nothing in it I could see, but…
JANINE
I’ll take it home. When we arrested him, did you notice the wound on Jackie Holroyd’s shoulder?
TIM FAIRHEAD
(shakes his head)
She had a minor car accident recently…
JANINE
She told me… I wondered is all.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Wondered what?
JANINE
She said it was her own fault for not changing a brake cable… but I think she was lying.
TIM frowns and leans closer to JANINE over the desk. The chemistry’s back.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Sgt. Harris told me it was her son’s screw up. He services everyone’s cars on the estate – apparently he’s nearly as good as him mum.
(beat)
You hungry? We could finish this over supper.
JANINE
Nanny’s night off, I have to get back. And anyway…
(as TIM waits)
Isn’t there a conflict of interest?
TIM FAIRHEAD
(grins)
Only if you think I murdered Pettigrew.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, CORRIDOR/EXT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ. NIGHT 2 19.25
JANINE and TIM exit his office into the darkened corridor. JANINE stops as, through the window, she spots young SOLDIERS with kitbags climbing into several transports below them.
JANINE
They look about the same age as my eldest… you forget it’s mostly kids going off to fight…
(beat)
I never asked, by the way… I just assumed you weren’t going…
TIM FAIRHEAD
Not this time.
JANINE
I’m glad.
TIM FAIRHEAD
I’m happy you’re glad.
JANINE slips her hand into his. He responds automatically, moving closer.
TIM FAIRHEAD (CONT’D)
Mind if I take advantage of the moment to ask you out tomorrow?
JANINE hesitates, then smiles.
JANINE
Come to mine. Meet the kids.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Okay. Do they like soldiers?
INT. JANINE’S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM DAY 3 07.45
OPEN on TOM in his school uniform, playing Xbox, killing away happily.
INT. JANINE’S HOUSE, KITCHEN. CONTINUOUS
JANINE is dressed for work, and sitting at the kitchen table, hunched over Turton’s file. She ignores the lurid soundtrack from next door: explosions, crunching of bones and slicing of limbs. The doorbell goes.
JANINE
(to no one in particular)
That’ll be Richard!
JANINE opens the door… to TIM. He’s looking fine in dress uniform. They stand in the doorway as:
JANINE (CONT’D)
I thought you were coming for dinner, not breakfast.
TIM FAIRHEAD
There’s an early press conference in town. Thought it might be better if we gave a joint statement..
TOM appears.
TOM
Is this the Redcap?
JANINE
Tom…
TIM FAIRHEAD
(light, saluting)
Major Tim Fairhead, SIB.
TOM regards him for an instant.
TOM
Cool.
TIM grins. TOM turns and heads back to the sitting room.
JANINE
Number two son. Charlotte’s in the bath having glitter glue removed from most of her body – and Ellie’s fifteen so she only comes out of the bathroom at night.
JANINE slips her hand into TIM’s.
JANINE (CONT’D)
Fancy coming in for a sec?
RICHARD appears on the drive. JANINE and TIM drop hands. RICHARD doesn’t fail to notice.
RICHARD
(spikey)
Glad I caught you.
You’re both needed back at base.
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE SPORTS FIELD. DAY 3 08.15
An element of deja vu to the scene. The Sports Hall end of the field is again being taped off by UNIFORM OFFICERS. FORENSICS OFFICERS are getting equipment out of a van near the Hall. HARRIS and SHAP are talking to a FORENSICS OFFICER.
An unidentifiable uniformed body is lying a few feet away from the site of the first body, being examined by a MEDIC.
END OF PART THREE
PART FOUR
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE SPORTS FIELD. DAY 3 08.45
A mortuary van has arrived. JANINE, RICHARD, HARRIS, TIM, LISA and SHAP look on as the MORTUARY ATTENDANTS zip the dead body of TRACEY DUFF into a body bag. They pick up the body and load it into the van under:
JANINE
Do we know what she was doing last night?
RICHARD
Turton told me he was due at the gym at eight to give her a last shot at her fitness test.
JANINE absorbs this.
JANINE
No idea yet how she died?
SHAP
No visible injuries, could be suicide. She’d necked a lot of something out of this…
SHAP hands RICHARD a used screw top cough medicine bottle in an evidence bag.
RICHARD
Cough syrup?
SHAP
Probably liquid methadone. Plenty of dealers sell it to squaddies and athletes so they can work through injuries. The bottle was found next to her body.
TIM FAIRHEAD
(to HARRIS)
Check with the M.O. Duff hadn’t been prescribed anything for pain.
RICHARD
(snide)
Here we go again…
JANINE
(reacting)
What’s that.. (supposed to mean)
RICHARD
(cuts in)
I’ve got a call to make.
OFF JANINE and TIM watching him go
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ BUILDING. STEPS AND RECEPTION/CORRIDOR 3 09.10
JANINE and TIM enter reception. RICHARD enters last, and glares at JANINE as he walks upstairs.
JANINE
(to TIM)
Excuse me…
TIM moves off. JANINE walks up to intercept RICHARD.
JANINE (CONT’D)
Wanna talk?
RICHARD
Not especially.
JANINE
Maybe we should anyway.
RICHARD is silent.
JANINE (CONT’D)
You’ve got a problem with the Major.
RICHARD
(sarky)
Where d’you get that idea?
JANINE
Professional or personal?
RICHARD
Yep.
JANINE looks at him.
RICHARD (CONT’D)
Did he stay at yours last night?
JANINE
No. (mild) Is it your business if he did?
RICHARD
Depends… if it affects your judgement…
JANINE
(provoked)
Patronising bastard!
RICHARD
I’m just saying…
JANINE
I’ll do what I like out of hours, with the Major or anyone else I fancy for that matter. And believe it or not, the rest of the time, I’ll be getting on with the job I’m paid for.
RICHARD
It’s not just the job, it’s you and the kids…
JANINE
What about them?
RICHARD
Someone like the Major… he’s got other priorities…
JANINE
(milder)
I wasn’t born yesterday, Richard.
(beat)
And anyway you win the best bum contest hands down.
A silent exchange of looks. Hostilities over.
JANINE (CONT’D)
Go and stand over the pathologist. Til we’ve got a cause of death, we’re chasing our tails.
JANINE walks off.
INT./EXT. THE TURTON’S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM. DAY 3 10.30
MARK TURTON is standing at the window. SHIRLEY enters.
SHIRLEY TURTON
D’you want a snack love. You’ve had no breakfast.
MARK TURTON
(without turning)
No thank you.
SHIRLEY TURTON
You should eat something.
MARK TURTON
I’m okay, thanks.
SHIRLEY TURTON
I could do us both a sarnie…
MARK TURTON
You go ahead.
SHIRLEY TURTON
I’ll do two, just (in case you..)
MARK TURTON
(sudden, angry)
I said I’m not hungry, is that clear enough for you, Shirley!
SHIRLEY stands, momentarily frozen by the outburst. She rushes out. MARK turns back to the window. He sees SHAP getting out of his car, looking his way.
MARK TURTON (CONT’D)
Shirley!
SHIRLEY reappears, nervous, pushing away tears.
MARK TURTON (CONT’D)
I’m going to need you to do me a favour, love.
INT. BARRACK BLOCK A, WOMENS’ SHARED BEDROOM. DAY 3 11.30
LISA and BUTCHERS are gloved and searching through DUFF’s possessions. BUTCHERS is going through her wardrobe. He bends to check through her shoes, and pulls out a small clear plastic sachet with two pills inside. He holds up the bag.
BUTCHERS
Look what I found. Party poppers.
LISA is pulling items from under DUFF’s bed – a shoe, a moldy coffee mug, a cuddly toy, an old pizza box. Finally, she retrieves the old black tin cash box with a combination lock.
LISA
Sarge?
(holds up box)
It’s locked. Combination.
BUTCHERS
Try four zeros. Most people never bother setting them.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, FAIRHEAD’S OFFICE. DAY 3 11.45
SHAP is briefing JANINE and TIM.
SHAP
Turton says he started the test at eight sharp. Her knee gave way half way round.
JANINE
Was that her last chance to pass fit?
TIM FAIRHEAD
Yep.
SHAP
Shirley confirms he got home at nine and didn’t leave the house.
RICHARD enters.
JANINE
Anything?
RICHARD
The drug in Duff’s system was definitely methadone, and she’d swallowed lethal amounts of the stuff. Overdosing can cause convulsions, coma and death…
JANINE
But…
RICHARD
… that wasn’t necessarily what she died of.
RICHARD passes JANINE a photo – a closeup of DUFF’s naked head and shoulders, with dark bruising on the throat.
JANINE
She was strangled?
RICHARD
The pathologist reckons she was held down or sat on, grabbed by the neck, and the stuff was poured down her throat. It’s a toss up which killed her.
TIM FAIRHEAD
(not happy)
Either way it’s murder.
RICHARD
Two murders. Thousand to one they’re not connected.
(beat)
I saw Kate Malin earlier.
JANINE
What did she want – another dance with you up the garden path?
RICHARD
She took me to the pub where the troop does their drinking. I talked to the barman. He says he interrupted Blatt and Duff three nights ago, having some kind of stand up fight outside the bogs…
JANINE
About?
RICHARD
Blatt was turning her down, telling her he wouldn’t do something … Duff was threatening she’d grass him up to Pettigrew if he didn’t…
JANINE’s mobile rings.
JANINE
Yeah, Lisa.
INT. BARRACK BLOCK A, WOMENS’ SHARED BEDROOM. DAY 3 12.00
JANINE, RICHARD and TIM enter the room. LISA and BUTCHERS are standing next to a table with several bagged items, including the cash box, in a large evidence bag.
JANINE
What’ve you got?
LISA
Cash box. It was under Duff’s bed.
JANINE
With cash in it?
BUTCHERS
Better than that…
BUTCHERS take out Pettigrew’s wallet. He hands it to JANINE.
JANINE
So either Duff killed Pettigrew…
RICHARD
Or she knew the guy who did…
INT. GUN HANGAR/INT. WORKSHOP. DAY 3 12.30
A workshop-come-storage room, with workbenches, a kettle, a fridge, and a door into the hangar. RICHARD is standing. SHAP is perched on a work bench, opposite COVINGTON and BLATT. Other members of the troop are visible in b/g through the half open door.
SHAP
(to BLATT)
Did you kill Gunner Duff last night?
BLATT
I never touched her!
SHAP
You’ll have to prove it or I’ll have you in on suspicion – you’ll miss the party.
BLATT
I saw her on the Park about eight last night. She was on one, full of how she was gonna pass her test and make my life hell overseas. So me and Cath went into town – to keep out of her way. Stayed with a mate – got back early this morning.
SHAP
What about the night TSM Pettigrew died. Can you account for where you were between six and nine o’clock?
COVINGTON
He was with me the whole time. We went to the offie in the village to get the tins straight after work. Came straight back to the block for the party.
BLATT
I left about five minutes after she did.. to meet at the field.
SHAP
Okay, fingers on buzzers – what was Duff gonna tell Pettigrew that got you so mad at the pub three nights ago?
BLATT looks away, edgy, cornered. A long beat.
BLATT
Look, before I joined up, I was.. I was in with a bad crowd. Tuff knew a few things about my past…
SHAP
What did she want that you wouldn’t give her?
BLATT
A contact. For drugs.
SHAP
New starter for ten. Who did?
COVINGTON and BLATT look at each other.
SHAP (CONT’D)
Come on…
COVINGTON
She wasn’t hooked on anything… Just pills for a party or whatever.
SHAP
What about the methadone?
BLATT
She told me last night she’d got enough to make sure she passed…
SHAP
So where did she get it?
COVINGTON
She never said…
BLATT
I knew though – there wasn’t anybody else mug enough to take the risk for her.
EXT. HOLROYD’S HOME. DAY 3 13.30
JACKIE is getting shopping bags out of her car, parked outside her house. She looks up tensely as she hears a car pull up nearby. It’s JANINE, with RICHARD driving, BUTCHERS in the back. She heads for her front door with the bags.
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, HALL, CONTINUOUS
The front door is open. JACKIE is walking back to collect the last bags as JANINE appears in the doorway, followed by RICHARD.
JACKIE HOLROYD
(edgy)
Can’t stay away, can you?
JANINE
We’re looking for Ben, Jackie.
JACKIE HOLROYD
Why?
JANINE
Can you call him for us.
JACKIE HOLROYD
He’s not here, he left me a note – he’s taken Bethan skating.
RICHARD
Have they got mobiles with them?
JACKIE HOLROYD
They don’t take them skating, look what’s…?
RICHARD
Have you heard about Tracey Duff?
JACKIE HOLROYD
Yes, I’ve heard…
JANINE
We’ve just found out she was murdered – with a drugs overdose
JACKIE HOLROYD
So?
JANINE
I’m sorry, Jackie…
JACKIE HOLROYD
What?
JANINE
We think it’s possible it was Ben who supplied them.
OFF JACKIE’s frozen expression
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, BEN’S ROOM. DAY 3 14.10
BUTCHERS is searching through BEN’s room.
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, KITCHEN. CONTINUOUS
JACKIE is sitting at the table with RICHARD. JANINE’s on the phone.
JANINE
(to phone)
You sure? Okay, thanks.
(disconnects)
They’re not at the skating rink.
JACKIE HOLROYD
They’ve probably gone shopping or for a hot drink somewhere.
RICHARD
When are they due back?
JACKIE HOLROYD
(shrugs)
Tea’s not til half seven.
BUTCHERS enters.
BUTCHERS
No drugs in his room, boss.
JACKIE HOLROYD
I told you.
Beat. JANINE hands a card to JACKIE.
JANINE
Call me as soon as the kids get home. I’ll need a word with Ben anyway.
EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. DAY 3 14.20
JANINE and RICHARD exit. JANINE looks tired as well as thoughtful.
RICHARD
What’re you thinking?
JANINE
Assuming there’s only one killer, and even if Ben killed Tracey over the drugs or something – what reason could he possibly have to kill Pettigrew?
RICHARD
Pass.
JANINE
And Blatt’s alibied for both…
RICHARD
Which leaves Turton.
JANINE stops at the car and both stare along the road at the TURTONs’ house.
INT. THE TURTON’S HOUSE, BEDROOM/EXT. STREET. CONTINUOUS
TURTON is standing at the window, behind the curtain, looking out.
INT. FAIRHEAD’S OFFICE. DAY 3 16.00
JANINE is sitting at the desk with a case file, thinking. Something’s bothering her… TIM enters, carrying a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine.. JANINE glances uncomfortably through the window to see if anyone’s watching.
JANINE
What’s all that for?
TIM FAIRHEAD
You’re cooking me supper later.
TIM puts them on JANINE’s desk.
TIM FAIRHEAD (CONT’D)
You okay?
JANINE
Yeah. I just..I keep thinking there’s something I’m really not getting here…
TIM takes something out of his pocket. It’s a small jewellery case. He hands it to JANINE.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Have this.
JANINE stares at it for a beat.
JANINE
Is this the ideal place and time?
TIM FAIRHEAD
(light)
No. Open it anyway.
JANINE complies. Inside is a pretty, and expensive, necklace.
JANINE
What’s this for?
TIM looks suddenly serious.
TIM FAIRHEAD
I, er… I’ve had orders, Janine. I’m leaving with the regiment..
JANINE’s stomach lurches.
TIM FAIRHEAD (CONT’D)
I know we haven’t had much time, but I was thinking maybe – we could stay in touch – email, talk on the phone…
JANINE
Are you asking me to wait for you?
TIM FAIRHEAD
Will you think about it?
On JANINE, trying to absorb this. RICHARD enters suddenly without knocking. He notes the flowers as:
RICHARD
(urgent)
There’s something going off at Jackie Holroyd’s…
EXT./INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. DAY 3 16.20
JANINE runs up to the door and rings. JACKIE opens it. She looks panicky.
JACKIE HOLROYD
They’ve gone… their bags are missing… Bethan’s nightie’s gone… Ben’s inhalers… I didn’t even think to look till just now…
(to JANINE, accusatory)
What’s happening!? Who… What the hell’s happening?!
END OF PART FOUR
PART FIVE
EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. DAY 3 16.45
There are now several police cars parked outside. RICHARD and SHAP (on phone) are standing with a UNIFORM INSPECTOR on the pavement. Several UNIFORM OFFICERS are already knocking up neighbours along the street. HARRIS is driving away from the house at speed. With JANINE and TIM in hurried conference at the door.
JANINE
We need ideas. How does their disappearance connect with the two murders?
TIM FAIRHEAD
I’m struggling…
JANINE
Are we looking at some kind of domestic?
TIM FAIRHEAD
Is Bethan safe with Ben…?
(beat)
I’ve got teams out all over the base and the estate. Let’s hope they haven’t got far…
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM. CONTINUOUS
JACKIE is standing at the window, SHIRLEY next to her.
JACKIE HOLROYD
Where’s Mark?
SHIRLEY TURTON
He’ll be over in a bit.
JACKIE HOLROYD
One of us should be out looking..
JANINE enters. The women turn.
JANINE
Nothing yet.
SHIRLEY TURTON
(to JACKIE)
I’ll make some tea.
(As she exits:)
There’s no hideaway you know of, place they felt safe in? No relatives to go to…?
JACKIE shakes her head as she stares out.
JANINE
No chance they’re with their father?
JACKIE HOLROYD
Not if they saw him first. Bethan was a baby, but Ben saw too much of what he did to me … when he was drunk. We haven’t clapped eyes on him for years… no idea where he is. Bottom of a bottle somewhere…
Silence.
JACKIE HOLROYD (CONT’D)
I can’t understand why they’ve gone. We always talk to each other.
JANINE
They’re close aren’t they? If Ben thought he was in trouble, maybe Bethan wanted to be with him.
JACKIE doesn’t respond. Another silence.
JANINE (CONT’D)
(probing)
Or he made her go…
JACKIE HOLROYD
Ben couldn’t make Beth do anything.
(convincing herself)
You’ve got it wrong, y’know. There’s a simple explanation for everything. Ben would never’ve got involved in serious drugs…
JANINE
Maybe he was just trying to help a friend.
JACKIE HOLROYD
(losing it suddenly)
Help…!? The poor little cow’s dead, how’s that helping her…?!
JANINE watches her as she chokes back tears.
JACKIE HOLROYD (CONT’D)
I just want them found!
JANINE
We’re doing everything we can…
(beat, as it occurs)
Jackie, why did you tell me the car accident was your fault, not Ben’s?
JACKIE reacts quickly, turning to stare at JANINE.
JACKIE HOLROYD
Because I’m not sure it was an accident.
JANINE
How d’you mean?
JACKIE looks away for a beat.
JACKIE HOLROYD
Ben’s had trouble coping this time – with the deployment. He’s been.. I dunno… worried. Not sure why. He’s always been the tough guy before.
(beat)
I think it’s possible he rigged the cable on my car on purpose – he knew from Tracey that even a minor injury could stop me going…
JANINE
So d’you think that’s why they’ve run away?
JACKIE HOLROYD
No… I don’t know… I thought he was alright…
(beat, convincing herself)
Ben’s had his problems, but he’s not a liar or a coward. And he loves Bethan. He’ll do the right thing. In the end…
JANINE nods. She hopes JACKIE’s right…
INT. 24 HOUR SUPERMARKET CAFE. DAY 3 17.15
BEN and BETHAN are looking nervous and weary as they sit at a table with tea and buns. BEN checks his watch.
BETHAN HOLROYD
I want to go home.
BEN HOLROYD
We can’t go home! I told you, Beth… this is the only way… let’s just stick to the plan – ok? Trust me.
She does.
BETHAN HOLROYD
Okay.
INT./EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, SITTINGROOM. DAY 3 17.30
OPEN on JACKIE, still standing sentinel at the window. Several police cars and an RMP vehicle are still parked outside. UNIFORM OFFICERS are visible in b/g, still canvassing the neighbours. RICHARD’s car pulls up with he and SHAP inside.
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, KITCHEN. CONTINUOUS
JANINE, TIM and HARRIS.
HARRIS
We’ve completed the search, Sir. They’re not on base.
RICHARD and SHAP enter.
JANINE
Anything?
SHAP
(shakes his head)
We’ve got their photos out with patrols all over the city.
JANINE
(surprised)
Nothing from CCTV?
RICHARD
Nope. I had a call from the pathologist. Tracey Duff was wearing a necklace when she was strangled – left a mark on her neck – but it’s not on the body, and there’s no sign of it on the field.
JANINE
(anxious)
We need to find those kids…
HARRIS
(with a glance at RICHARD)
Let’s give it to the press. Ben’s obviously canny enough to keep away from patrol cars and cameras, but they’re not invisible.
RICHARD
Best idea you’ve had yet.
EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. DAY 3 17.50
The press pack is still gathering outside the house as KATE MALIN puts on her mike and prepares to go on air with breaking news.
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM. CONTINUOUS
JACKIE, JANINE and RICHARD are standing watching the television as KATE MALIN appears on screen with TIM:
KATE MALIN
(to camera)
In the latest mysterious twist to the double murder at Cranham Edge barracks, two children of a serving soldier have been discovered missing from their home, here behind me, on the Army’s nearby married persons’ estate.
(to TIM)
Major Fairhead, you’re the senior military police officer on the base, can you tell us the latest on the kids’ whereabouts?
TIM FAIRHEAD
We’ve just completed a search of the base with no results –
JACKIE hands the remote to JANINE and walks away, tearful.
INT. TURTONS’ HOUSE, SITTING ROOM. CONTINUOUS
TIM FAIRHEAD (O.S.)
…but we’re pretty sure they’re still somewhere in the city…
TURTON turns it down as SHIRLEY enters.
SHIRLEY TURTON
I’m going back over to sit with Jackie.
TURTON nods. SHIRLEY exits. Sound of the front door closing. TURTON’s mobile rings. He answers it.
TURTON
Mark Turton.
(suddenly alert)
Bethan? Is that you? Are you alright? Where are you, love?
INT./EXT. CITY PHONE BOX. CONTINUOUS
OPEN on BETHAN.
BETHAN HOLROYD
(urgent, frightened)
You’ve got to help me, Uncle Mark. It’s Ben.. I think he’s gone crazy…
PULL back to see BEN watching from outside the box.
EXT. TURTON’S HOUSE/EXT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE. DAY 3 18.00
OPEN on MARK TURTON, exiting his house, carrying a small rucksack, keeping one eye closely on the police and press pack outside the Holroyds’. He walks over to his Micra.
ANOTHER ANGLE: JANINE and RICHARD exit the Holroyds’ house as TIM finishes the interview and joins them.
RICHARD
(re Turton)
What’s he up to?
JANINE
Jackie wants him out looking for the kids.
JANINE is staring at TURTON as he gets into the car and drives off.
JANINE (CONT’D)
Have we been stupid?
RICHARD
Speak for yourself..
JANINE
Shirley said she took Mark’s car the night Pettigrew died, so that anyone who saw it would think it was her husband at the pavilion.
TIM FAIRHEAD
Right.
JANINE
So isn’t it possible that’s what the killer thought? He or she sees the car, assumes it’s Turton. Tries to get in… then Pettigrew comes out… we know he was hit from behind…
TIM FAIRHEAD
Okay… what would that give us?
JANINE
You tell me – if Turton was the intended victim, who might’ve been waiting outside to kill him…?
TIM FAIRHEAD
Duff had no reason to.. Or Blatt…
RICHARD
Nor Ben. Turton’s his Dad, more or less.
JANINE
Yeah – but most murders are family affairs.
INT. HOLROYD’S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM. DAY 3 18.10
JANINE sits next to JACKIE on the sofa. SHIRLEY sits opposite, looking edgy.
SHIRLEY TURTON
They’ve always been close – from when Ben was tiny.
JACKIE HOLROYD
There’s no reason on earth Ben would want to hurt Mark.
JANINE
(to both)
Would you know?
JACKIE HOLROYD
(looking at Shirley)
Course we’d know…
JANINE
Are you sure, Jackie? It might explain why Ben’s been so keen to stop you going.
JACKIE HOLROYD
I stand a serious chance of being seriously injured or killed in the next six months, DCI Lewis. Does he need another reason!?
EXT. LANE/EXT. CRANHAM EDGE WOODS. DAY 3 18.20
TURTON is getting quickly out of his car, parked on a quiet lane bordering the woods. He puts on his rucksack, locks up, checks round to make sure no one has observed him, then jogs off into the woods.
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE WOODS, SPORTS FIELD, PAVILION. DAY 3 18.30
TURTON is jogging towards the edge of the wood. He stops as he reaches the edge of the sports field. He looks over towards the pavilion, then runs on towards it.
EXT. PAVILION. CONTINUOUS
It’s dark and quiet as TURTON reaches the car port. He slows to a walk, catching his breath. He looks around, approaches the door, spots that the lock has been broken….
Suddenly, a figure lunges out of the darkness behind him. As he turns, a heavy blow lands on his temple. TURTON falls.
BEN is standing over him, wild-eyed holding a rounders bat.
BETHAN is standing a few feet behind him, terrified, frozen.
BETHAN HOLROYD
You’ve killed him, Ben!
BEN HOLROYD
He’s not dead…
BETHAN HOLROYD
You said we were going to make him talk!
BEN HOLROYD
He’ll talk…
BETHAN HOLROYD
(moving back)
I want to go and get Mum…
BEN HOLROYD
No way…!
BETHAN HOLROYD
(still moving)
Ben, please! I’m going…
BEN HOLROYD
You can’t Beth! If you go now they won’t believe us…!
BETHAN HOLROYD
I’m scared, Ben, I…
She runs off. Ben drops the bat and starts to go after her.
BEN HOLROYD
Bethan stop!
He hesitates, stops, turns back to TURTON, now moving groggily on the ground.
BEN HOLROYD (CONT’D)
(desperate, on an edge)
Bethan!
BEN runs back to TURTON, who’s barely conscious, grabs him and drags him backwards across the mud into the pavilion.
INT. PAVILION. CONTINUOUS
TURTON groans on the floor by the wall bars. BEN disappears into the darkness for a second, then reappears with a rope. He pushes TURTON against the wall bars, pulls off the rucksack, and starts to wind the rope round his torso and arms, and through the bars. He pulls and ties the rope tightly. TURTON stirs, moans again. Blood streams from a cut on his temple. BEN disappears again, returning moments later with the rounders bat.
EXT. HOLROYDS’ HOUSE. DAY 3 18.50
OPEN on JANINE exiting the front door with TIM, on her mobile, staring over at the Turtons’ house.
JANINE
Still switched off.
(as she thinks)
If it was Ben at the pavilion that night… he thinks Turton is there… he hears an argument, a woman crying… wait a sec…
Something’s occurring to JANINE as SHAP appears from inside the house in a hurry.
SHAP
We’ve had a call. His car’s just been spotted on the far side of Cranham woods. Empty.
SHIRLEY appears from the sitting room.
SHIRLEY TURTON
Is Mark in more trouble? What’s going on?
JANINE
We’re not sure what’s (going on yet…)
JANINE stops, her attention distracted by someone along the street. It’s BETHAN, breathless and sobbing.
ON JANINE’s expression for a beat, as the penny drops…
JANINE (CONT’D)
Oh, Christ…
BETHAN collapses as JANINE meets her at the gate and puts her arms round her.
JANINE (CONT’D)
It’s alright, love, you’re safe. It’s alright.
INT. PAVILION. DAY 3 19.00
TURTON is lying, as before, half propped up against the wall bars. BEN is sitting on the floor a few feet away, holding the rounders bat, staring at him. TURTON moans, moves, opens his eyes. He sees BEN, and the bat.
MARK TURTON
Where’s Bethan?
BEN stares back at TURTON with hatred.
MARK TURTON (CONT’D)
What are you going to do with that?
BEN HOLROYD
I wanna hear you admit what you did. To my sister…
TURTON glances at his rucksack. BEN spots this.
BEN HOLROYD (CONT’D)
This what you want?
BEN grabs the rucksack, opens it and tips the contents onto the floor at his feet. Take in a Lewis knife.. And next to it, TRACEY DUFF’s cheap gold chain. BEN spots it, picks it up, then looks up at TURTON with fresh hatred. He slides closer to him, holding the bat and the chain. He jabs the bat at TURTON’s face.
BEN HOLROYD (CONT’D)
This is Tracey’s. Where did you get this from then?
MARK TURTON
Let me go or call the police.
BEN HOLROYD
Where did you get this necklace!?
MARK TURTON
Just go and (get the police… )
BEN HOLROYD
(screaming, in his face)
Tell me what you did to Tracey, you murdering bastard!
INT. HOLROYDS’ HOUSE, SITTING ROOM. NIGHT 3 19.05
BETHAN is sitting between JACKIE and JANINE on the sofa. The mood is calm, but there’s an underlying tension – JANINE needs to know where Ben and Turton are – but is Bethan ready to tell her? BETHAN looks at her lap as she talks.
BETHAN HOLROYD
It started with little things -compliments… One day he got me from school, said he had to stop at the pavilion for something. That’s when… the first time.
JANINE
How many times were there, Bethan?
BETHAN HOLROYD
About once a week, he’d…
JACKIE HOLROYD
But why didn’t you tell me…!?
JANINE warns her with a look.
JANINE
(very careful)
Girls in your situation often feel too scared to say, Bethan – but also sometimes they feel a bit… flattered … when a grown up shows that kind of interest. Did you feel a bit like that?
BETHAN shrugs… and nods.
BETHAN HOLROYD
Except the last time… he got angry with me, then… I’d never seen Uncle Mark angry.
(to JACKIE)
I told Ben what he’d done… I didn’t think you’d believe me – after all that with your car…
JACKIE sobs. BETHAN hugs her.
JANINE
Bethan. Did Ben kill TSM Pettigrew?
BETHAN HOLROYD
He never meant to!
(looks away)
He knew where Uncle Mark took me… He thought…y’know…
JANINE
Is that why you ran away?
BETHAN HOLROYD
He said if he was arrested there’d be no one left to protect me…
On JACKIE – this is unbearable for her.
BETHAN HOLROYD (CONT’D)
We were going to make Uncle Mark confess, and go to the police…
(beat)
But Ben didn’t tell me he was going to hit him…
JANINE
(calm, measured)
Where are they now, sweetheart?
BETHAN HOLROYD
(wary)
Ben said you wouldn’t believe us if I ran…
JANINE
We believe you. I promise.
BETHAN is still uneasy.
JANINE (CONT’D)
But you need to tell us where they are, sweetheart. Before anyone else gets hurt…
INT. PAVILION. NIGHT 3 19.20
OPEN on TURTON. BEN is pacing up and down near him, still holding the bat.
MARK TURTON
They’ll find us soon. If you kill me, they’ll lock you up for a very long time.
BEN HOLROYD
I killed Pettigrew. They’ll do that anyway.
MARK TURTON
No, they won’t, they’ll realise…
BEN shushes him, turns to listen…
MARK TURTON (CONT’D)
Look, Ben, please…
BEN HOLROYD
(kicking at him)
I said quiet!!
INT. TIM’S VEHICLE/EXT. SPORTS FIELD/PAVILION. CONTINUOUS
A convoy of cars approaches the sports field at speed, JANINE and TIM in the leading car. They pull in a slight distance away, and all get out.
JANINE, TIM, HARRIS, and several RMP OFFICERS approach the pavilion silently, on foot. TIM puts up a hand to stop them. He gestures his OFFICERS into positions. They move away quietly to surround the building.
TIM FAIRHEAD
I’ll go in.
JANINE
No way. You’re a bloke in a uniform. He won’t feel as threatened by me.
HARRIS
She’s right, Sir.
INT. PAVILION. CONTINUOUS
TURTON has been gagged. BEN is crouching next to him, still holding the knife with the blade open, listening intently.
JANINE (V.O.)
Ben? It’s Janine Lewis. I’m on my own. I want to come in for a talk.
BEN HOLROYD
(calling out)
Piss off! Stay out!
JANINE appears in the doorway. She glances at TURTON.
JANINE
Can’t do that. We know about your Uncle Mark. We know what he’s done. We know you didn’t mean to hurt TSM Pettigrew. (beat) If you stop now Ben, and talk to me, you won’t go to jail.
BEN HOLROYD
Nah, I’ll get a medal and a day off school.
JANINE steps forward slowly under:
JANINE
What you did was wrong – but we know you were trying to protect Bethan.
BEN HOLROYD
Did a great job then, didn’t I?
BEN shakes. He holds the bat close to TURTON’s head, feeling its weight.
JANINE
You’ve done enough, Ben.
Bethan’s safe. You’ve got no one left to prove anything to. If you kill him now, he takes you down with him. Drop the bat – take your life back instead.
BEN is shaking harder, biting back tears. JANINE squats down slowly, keeping her eye on BEN. BEN turns to TURTON and stares with loathing into his eyes.
BEN HOLROYD
He killed Tracey… He hurt my sister… He ruined our lives…!
JANINE
And he’ll be punished for it – every day of his.
JANINE puts a hand out. A long beat. BEN drops the bat.
EXT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ/INT. FAIRHEAD’S VEHICLE. NIGHT 3 20.00
JACKIE and BETHAN are standing together in the cold as TIM FAIRHEAD’s vehicle pulls in. BEN gets out. BETHAN and JACKIE run up and gather him in their arms.
TIM and JANINE sit in the vehicle, watching each other.
TIM FAIRHEAD
I’m glad you’re safe.
JANINE
I’m happy you’re glad.
TIM looks at her intensely for a beat.
TIM FAIRHEAD
You’re not going to be my girl back home, are you?
JANINE
Not sure I’m brave enough. Not sure the kids are either. Sorry.
TIM FAIRHEAD
You can change your mind any time.
JANINE regards him intently. If only… LISA appears at the open door.
LISA
Lab just called. They’ve got Turton’s DNA on Duff’s body.
JANINE nods. She gets out and walks over to BEN, JACKIE and BETHAN.
JANINE
You’ll have to be formally interviewed, Ben.
BEN HOLROYD
(shrugs, holds back tears)
It’s all so screwed up…
JANINE
You’re mum was right, though. You did the right thing in the end.
INT. CRANHAM EDGE HQ, FAIRHEAD’S OFFICE. NIGHT 3 21.00
JANINE is at her desk, exhausted, thoughtful, staring at the flowers and the wine. RICHARD knocks and enters.
RICHARD
How’s it going?
JANINE
(weary)
Trying to gear myself up for the interviews.
RICHARD
Why don’t you send Ben home for the night, and leave Turton to stew. Do everybody some good.
JANINE looks at him for a beat, then nods.
JANINE
Yeah. Good idea.
JANINE gets up. RICHARD glances at the flowers and wine.
RICHARD
Janine, look, all I want to know – is it really serious with the galloping Major?
JANINE
Yeah… was anyway. But it’s not gonna fly.
RICHARD
(pleased)
I never saw you as a camp follower.
JANINE
(bursting his bubble)
He’s leaving for the Gulf.
RICHARD
(disappointed)
Oh… so you’ll be there for him when he gets home, then.
JANINE
If he gets home. Maybe.
(beat, sighs)
For now, it’s back to non-elective celibacy – excluding the odd snog with you at the end of a crap day.
RICHARD
Sounds alright to me.
On JANINE. She doesn’t feel the same way.
JANINE
Come on. I want to get home to my kids.
RICHARD exits. JANINE collects her stuff, stares at the flowers, picks them up, brushes away a quick tear, and exits.
END OF EPISODE.