Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989–2013): Season 1, Episode 2 - Murder in the Mews - full transcript

Poirot is enlisted by Japp to help solve a mystery that took place on Bonfire Night in a mews flat. A Mrs. Allen was found shot, apparently a suicide, but she was holding the gun that killed her in the wrong hand, and foul play is suspected. Furthermore, the ash-tray in the room contained the stubs of Turkish cigarettes smoked by one Major Eustace, a disreputable acquaintance.The victim was engaged to be married and seemingly had no cause to take her own life. Did she? Or was it murder in the mews?

Where's the rest?
I tried.

Are you stealing from me?

Please.

I can make you tell me.

Leave her alone!
Arggh!

Our return journey will be
so much more thrilling, Dot.

The first Hispano-Suiza
was built for the king of Spain.

Isn't she sleek?

The body's low and wide, but it hides
an engine of fiendish power.

Are you sure that's wise, miss,
for a lady detective?

Won't the crims hear you coming?
They'll see me first.



Shall I hold your bag for you,
Mother?

I am trying to count!

Stupid girl!

Two first-class tickets
to Ballarat, please.

Oh, thank you, Bert, Cec.

I don't know what I'd do
without you two.

You're about to find out, miss. Got
a couple of other jobs on the go.

Most of them a lot less trouble.

What a pity!

I take possession
of my new house today.

I was hoping you might help
with the last of the furniture.

Our old jalopy won't handle
heavy loads.

That's a shame.

But if you call at this address,



I've left a small token
of my appreciation for you.

Thanks, miss. Much appreciated.

Maybe I should stay behind
to help with the unpacking.

Wouldn't I be of more use?

I didn't invite you along
to be useful, Dot.

I invited you so we could have
some fun.

I'll do my best, then.
Rrrr!

You do realise, young man, that if
you're squashed on the tracks,

no-one can put you
back together again?

Eddy! Eddy! Stay away
from the edge!

Rrrrr!
Boys.

I never understood
the appeal of parenthood.

Here's our ladies, then.

Just in time.

Well, the scenery has vastly
improved, Dot,

and we haven't even left the station.

What a shame.

Track clear please!
Get out of the way!

We left the docks so we wouldn't
have to lick the boss's boots.

Miss Fisher's boots are different.

Wow!

You must be Mr Johnson
and Mr Yates.

I'm Tobias Butler.
G'day.

I thought you'd be wanting
some refreshment

before you pick up
the rest of the furniture.

Please.

I haven't worked for
a spinster before.

Spinster?
Have you met Miss Fisher?

I understand she's related
to the king.

Mrs Butler would have loved that.

She's certainly a toff.

Well, it'll be a pleasure

to serve a respectable lady
with a strict routine

who appreciates the quiet life.

Whoo-oo!

Come on, Dot!

Miss...

Smell the fresh air!
Please come in, miss.

Rrrr! Rrrr!

Pow! Rrrr!

Can someone keep
that horrible child quiet?

Eddy! Eddy!

Sorry, miss. I'm...

Matron Henderson?

What a surprise.
Likewise.

If I'd known, I would have changed
my bloody booking.

Mr Cotton, that's enough.

Keep out of it, Eunice!

Come on, Eddy.

And you can stick your eyes
back inside your head, missy!

Hello! Is everything alright?

Miss, what's happening?

What's that smell?

It's chloroform.

Mother. Where's my mother?

Was she with you?
She was right here.

Pull the emergency cord!

We've checked the
crossing. You two, head south.

Mrs Henderson!

Stick to the track.
Let's keep on this way.

These local plods are useless.
There's clearly been foul play.

That's a full run, miss. You've won.

Game's over.

What a relief.

I'm going inside.
I'll see you inside.

What about the man
with the little boy?

What about him?

He seemed to have a set
against Mrs Henderson.

Apologies, ladies and gentlemen,

but I'm afraid we'll remain here
for the night.

We will provide light refreshments

and try to make you as comfortable
as possible.

Hello, Sergeant.

Just like to offer you my services.

Hm!

I wouldn't worry your pretty head
about police work.

You leave that to us, hm?

Inspector Jack Robinson
finds my help invaluable.

Who?

Senior Detective Inspector
Jack Robinson, City South.

He'd be thrilled to think
I could be of assistance.

Well, I'll be telephoning my report
through to him shortly,

so I'll ask him direct.

Ooh!
Constable Collins!

Miss Williams.

Constable Collins, how lovely!

Tell the inspector
I'll be right with him.

Er, the inspector's not here, miss.

But he thought it important enough
to send you?

Er, only to tell you, in his words,

'to stay in your compartment,

to please resist the temptation
to interfere...

and to not bandy about his name
for your own convenience'.

Well, you can assure the inspector
that none of this is very convenient.

Thank you.

Ha! That's one!

Damn!
Don't worry, Sarge. Night's young.

Miss Fisher! I thought
you were in your compartment.

I tried my best, but I'm not good
with confined spaces.

I'm sure the local sergeant
has things under control.

The local sergeant couldn't control
a country cake stall.

I know Mr Henderson was on the train
after Bacchus Marsh station

because I saw her reboard.

Where did the train stop
after that?

Nowhere. It's an express
to Ballarat.

But I felt it stop!

What's that?
Er, that...

That's a water stop,

but the train only shunts there
for five minutes.

A lot can happen in five minutes,
Constable.

I've been told
to steer clear of you.

Oh!

The constable here

was just asking if I recalled the
train stopping after Bacchus Marsh.

It's an express.

Apart from the water stop.

Sir.

Miss Fisher, wait! It's...
It's pitch black!

Follow my lead, Constable.
I have the eyes of a fox.

Miss Fisher, slow down!

The carriage would have pulled up
around here.

Miss Fisher, wait!

It looks like something's
been dragged this way.

Come on, men, keep up!

No, no, no, let me, miss.

It's very high.
Don't fret, Hugh.

I've scaled Kilimanjaro!

At least to the first hiker's hut.

What's that?

Oh! Dear God!

Let's... cut her down.

Sir!

Constable Collins,

I hope you're not allowing civilians
to tamper with a murder victim.

Hello, Inspector,
how was your journey?

As uneventful as yours will be.

Back to your compartment, thank you,
Miss Fisher.

So, most of the bruising's
around the neck.

But not a lot of jewellery,
you'll note.

We'll take that into consideration,
Miss Fisher.

And I'd keep an eye out

for a large faceted rose quartz
and gold necklace

and diamond cluster earrings
and several exquisite...

Goodnight, Inspector.

Alright, Miss Fisher!

Take a full description of
the victim's missing valuables,

please, Constable.

Yes, sir.

I don't believe it.

I know this is a terrible time,
but do you have any idea

who might harbour a grudge
against your mother?

Everybody knew Mother was difficult,
but murder?

I can't thank you enough, Mr Cotton.

These windows tend to stick,

and I've been in a fluster
since I heard about Mrs Henderson.

Have they found her yet?
They found her body.

Seems she was murdered.

Murdered?

Someone hung her from a water tank.

Good God.

I believe you knew her.
Yes.

I can't say I'm that sorry
she's gone.

But the daughter seems nice enough.
It must be awful for her.

Alexander Cotton.
Yes.

Detective Inspector Jack Robinson.

Mr Cotton was just helping me
with my windows.

You'll have to manage
your own windows, Miss Fisher.

I need to ask Mr Cotton
a few questions.

What about?
Just routine.

Take my compartment.
I was just leaving.

Where were you last night
when the train stopped

at the water tank?

I was... in the dining car, I think.

Just going.

What were you doing
in the dining car?

I went to get a lemonade for Eddy.

He was on at me about the show,
how long till we got there.

I thought it might keep him quiet.

You're on your way
to the Ballarat Show?

I'm not much interested
in agriculture,

but we had free tickets.

Thank you for your gallantry,
Mr Cotton.

Goodbye, Miss Fisher.

Ask him about his altercation
with Mrs Henderson.

Miss Henderson, may I come in?

Pardon me for asking,

but was your mother in full command
of her faculties?

My mother was many things,
but she was not in her dotage.

She only retired a few years ago.

That's when we moved
to the city.

So you were on your way to Ballarat
to visit old friends?

Yes, we booked a guesthouse
for the weekend.

You don't think
she was still alive when...

I'm sure your mother didn't suffer.

If she was chloroformed,
like you were...

she wouldn't have known a thing.
I hope so.

All for the sake of a few baubles.
It seems that way.

But her jewels looked to be
quite valuable.

Father bought the diamonds back
from the Boer War.

I think Mother treasured them more
for sentimental reasons.

I'm sure the police will do
their best to find the culprit

and return your heirlooms, but...

I'd like to help.

A detective?

Do you not think
the proper authorities

will get to the bottom of this?

Perhaps.

Eventually.

There'll be an autopsy, of course.

I know this must be hard,

but my companion
couldn't help noticing

your mother arguing
with the man in the dining car.

Oh, Alexander Cotton.
He and Mother don't get on.

Why not?

His wife died in labour

while Mother was still matron in
charge at the Ballarat Hospital.

He blamed her.

You don't think he did something
to her, do you?

I can look into it further,
if you like.

But we shouldn't jump to conclusions.

Thank you, Miss Fisher.

I would like your help.

My Mary tried to tell her that
our boy was about to arrive.

But Matron Henderson said she was
nowhere near her time,

and sent us home again.

My poor Mary bled to death
on the kitchen floor

after I delivered Eddy myself.

She never saw her son.

And you blame Mrs Henderson?

I'd be a fool to tell you that.

Surely you have better things to do.
Another round of gin rummy?

I can't abide playing cards.
It's a complete waste of time.

So do you think he did it?
I'll keep my own counsel on that.

If he'd hauled an elderly woman
up a water tower in a panic,

you'd think he'd have a blister
or two, but he has the softest palms.

He could have worn gloves.

And odd that he was on the same train
trip with a woman he loathed.

It wasn't planned. He won tickets
in a competition.

So if the compartment was locked...

how did you get in?

I hit the lock with my shoe.

Your shoe seems to have
the ballistic capabilities

of a .38 revolver.

Fancy that!

Hm.

So you're letting me in?

It's either that or watch you
hound me through the door.

So the murderer was either
one of the passengers

or boarded the train
at the water stop.

Then broke in here and managed
to knock out the daughter,

possibly the mother too,

with neither of them
making much protest.

Not that I could hear.

I assume this window was closed

when you found
the victim's daughter.

Mm.

A perfect match for Mrs Henderson's
afternoon frock.

Ink background, peach print
with an olive and red floral design.

I'll take your word.

And look at this.

Even I noticed the body
wore red shoes.

Crimson, patent leather.

I think we've established her exit
route, conscious or unconscious.

Inspector...

I'm... sorry to interrupt,

but could I please have
a word outside?

I was just giving the inspector

my account of finding the victim
and my client.

Client?

Miss Henderson's asked me
to look into the case.

And what would prompt her
to do that? Sir.

She obviously recognises
my considerable talents.

Self-styled and completely
untrained...

When you've both finished here, sir,

the local police would like to talk
to you about a lost child.

The Ballarat police picked her up
walking the rail line.

She had a handkerchief full of
the old lady's diamonds.

I'm Detective Inspector Robinson.
Let's start with your name.

She's refusing to answer
any of our questions, sir.

You don't have a choice.

You've been caught with thousands of
pounds worth of stolen property.

Perhaps we have a use
for Miss Fisher after all.

How does it compare with
Kilimanjaro, Ms Fisher?

Why the water tank, do you think,
Inspector?

Mrs Henderson could have been
strung up just as well

on any old tree.

The advantage of the water tank
is the water.

But our victim was hung, not drowned.

Although it would have made
a very good hiding place.

If not for the rusty ladder
you fell down.

I didn't fall.
The ladder collapsed beneath me.

Given your low expectations

of police investigative skills,
Miss Fisher,

you may be surprised to hear

that we've found
Mrs Henderson's valuables.

I am!

I mean, I'd be surprised
if anyone found them.

Except you, Inspector.

But our thief is proving to be
such a difficult customer

that I've come to beg your help.

No, I don't do children.

Especially not uncooperative ones.

Looks like it's off to Welfare,
then.

We both know that that won't help.

I've done my best.

I'm Phryne Fisher.
What's your name?

We're just over there
if you need anything.

Would you like to come inside
for a fizzy drink?

A sarsaparilla, perhaps?

Seems bribery's not going to
get us anywhere, then.

I'm tempted to tell them
I saw you lurking on the platform,

obviously trying to stow away.

Your choice.

I don't remember anything.

I must have fallen and hit my head
when I jumped off the train.

You need to tell me how you came to
be in possession of those jewels.

You've been caught red-handed,

and the police are looking
to solve a murder.

They'll say you tried to rob the old
lady, and she put up a fight.

Next thing you know,
you'll be locked up for life.

Or worse.

I didn't kill anyone.
I don't think for a moment you did.

But you certainly know something.

Jane.

My name's Jane.

I had a sister called Jane.

It's a lovely name.

Miss Henderson, how are you feeling?
Better. Slightly.

Has there been any development
with the case?

Have the police questioned
Mr Cotton?

Yes. His alibi is flimsy.

Of course he has a motive, but no
incriminating evidence so far.

Then thank goodness I have you
helping with the case.

I have a motor car arriving
in an hour's time.

I'm happy to give you
a lift back to Melbourne

if you want to get off this train.

I'm hoping the inspector's
finished with me,

but I wouldn't want to trouble you.

No trouble at all.

Plenty of room
for one more in the car.

Well, that's one problem less.

Isn't she glorious, Inspector?

You ready, ladies?

What on earth...

They say the top speed's
85 miles an hour,

but I'm sure we can do
better than that!

£ JAUNTY MUSIC

Constable, is it possible
Miss Fisher

has just kidnapped the victim's
daughter and one of our suspects?

It is now, sir.

This'll be interesting.

And you must be Mr Butler!

Pleased to meet you, Miss Fisher.

Sorry. I forgot to telephone ahead
about my extra guests.

We've all been somewhat distracted
by Eunice's mother's murder.

A murder, miss?

I do hope they chloroformed
her first,

but hanging's never pleasant.

Keep your eye on this one.

She's a stowaway, a thief
and probably needs delousing.

I expect the police
will come looking for her,

but you can just refer them to me.

Oh, and while I remember,
careful with the hand luggage.

My pistol's in there somewhere,
and it may still be loaded.

Of course, miss.

Appreciate the warning.
Hm!

Dot, whatever's wrong?

I've never had my own room before.

It's lovely!

Is that all?

I thought you were still suffering
motion sickness.

Oh, no, miss, I wasn't ill.
Just terrified out of my wits.

That's a relief. I don't have to
worry about my upholstery.

Mr Butler, you've done a magnificent
job setting up the house.

Everything exactly where
it ought to be.

Oh, thank you, miss.

Approximately how long will
Miss Jane be staying with us?

Till she tells us everything
she knows.

Very well.

Mr Alastair Herbert,
Miss Henderson's fiance,

and her cousin,
Mr Lindsay Thompson,

are waiting in the parlour for you.

Mm.

On the telephone, Eunice said
she'd been chloroformed.

I know something about
its after-effects.

Don't show off, Alastair.

One more exam and he's a doctor.

Can I see her now?
Of course.

Dot, would you mind showing
Mr Herbert upstairs

to see Miss Henderson?

Of course. This way, sir.

I hope you don't mind
our casual dress.

We've come straight from rowing.

We're both in
the intervarsity eight.

Looks like your coach shows no mercy.

All part of the sacrifice.

But Al's more the sporting hero.

It's the way to win
a university scholarship.

Are you a medical student too?
Me? No, I'm studying law.

Hope to go to the bar someday
and specialise in crime.

Fascinating area.

It's a treat to meet
a lady detective.

Do you have any idea
who's responsible?

I was hoping
you might help me there.

Do you know of any particular enemies
your aunt might have made?

How long a list would you like?

Were you close to your aunt?
I was rather fond of the old girl.

I don't deny she could be vile
at times,

and she thought poor Alastair
was far too common

because his father sells buttons
in Ballarat.

But she never turned her talons
on me.

What do you put that down to?

Charm.

Thank you for the ride home, Miss
Fisher, and for all your help.

Are you sure you're up to going home?

I have a physician friend
who can look you over.

I'll take perfectly good care
of her, Miss Fisher.

I'll telephone, then,
regarding the case.

Of course.
I'll look forward to your call.

So will I.

Could you please find me the number
for Melbourne University, Dot?

I need to have a word
with the Vice Chancellor.

Good evening.

Sir, I'm sorry to wake you,

but this lady insists
on seeing young Jane tonight.

I'm the dear child's aunt.
I've been so worried about her.

Mr Butler, please show Miss Gay
into the parlour.

I've explained to your visitor
that Jane's in temporary care

while we continue our investigation.

Thank you.

But the inspector is expecting you
at the station in the morning

to explain why you abducted
a juvenile.

Well, I'm sure I'll have
a very good answer by then.

Goodnight, miss.

When I think of her wandering
all alone at night...

The constable said you were kind
enough to take her in.

Did he mention that she'd been found
with stolen property?

Oh, deary me!

I'm afraid my Jane
has been light-fingered before.

It seems your aunt is here.
Jane, darling!

Thank God you're alright.

Now, come back home with me and
we'll help sort out all this fuss.

No! I'm not going back there,
and you're not my aunt!

Now, this isn't time
for one of your stories.

I don't want him near me!

Who?
Jane, dear.

Now, I know we don't have these kind
of comforts back home,

but that is no reason
for this kind of carry-on.

Now, come along.
No!

Please don't make me go back there!

I'm afraid it's very late in the day
to be discussing this.

If you'd like to meet me at
the police station in the morning,

you can provide my solicitor

with proof that you're Jane's
legal guardian,

and I can release her
into your care.

Don't be fooled by her.
She's a devious child.

Mr Butler, please show Miss Gay out.
Yes.

You'll be hearing from me!
No doubt.

Jane.

Who is that woman?

What are you so afraid of?

How can I help you
if you won't tell me?

I can't.

No doubt about this job, mate.

Bloody shocking conditions.

Morning, Bert, Cec.

I need you to inquire

about renting a room
in this boarding house in Seddon.

Find out all you can about
the landlady, Miss Gay,

and any equally dubious
gentleman tenants she might have.

Morning, Inspector.
I was just on my way to see you.

To explain yourself, I hope.
Tea?

I can't believe your hide.

Appropriating a child who should
have been in the care of the state.

State care? You know what
those places are like.

And if that woman was Jane's aunt,
I'll eat my cloche.

The poor child clearly loathed her.

None of this explains
how that 'poor child'

came to be in possession
of Mrs Henderson's jewels,

or what she had to do
with the murder.

It's lucky for you I convinced Jane
she should speak with you.

Come in, Jane!

I found the jewels by the rail line.
Why didn't you tell us this before?

I didn't think you'd believe me.

That could be because it's not
particularly believable.

What were you up to the rest
of the time on the train?

Asleep in the guard's van, mostly.

But someone came in when the train
stopped and woke me up.

Who was it?
I thought it was the guard.

I was hiding,
and they were in a hurry.

Whoever it was, they just grabbed
a whole lot of rope and left.

You couldn't see anything?
No, it was too dark.

But a little later I heard noises,

so I poked my head out
to see what was going on.

And?
That's when I saw the jewels.

From the train.
Spilled all over the ground.

I should still charge you
as a stowaway.

Why me? I wasn't the only one.

Who else was there?

That rich man
in his fancy striped jacket.

You mean Alastair Herbert
or Lindsay Thompson.

I saw both of them at the station
before the train pulled out.

I couldn't tell which one.

I only saw from behind.

But one of them jumped back on.

Thank you, Jane.

I'll see you upstairs.

Alastair Herbert whisked Eunice away
far too quickly for my liking,

so I checked up on both young men
with the university. Yes?

Mr Thompson, the charmer of the pair,

is in strife for gambling
at Ormond College.

And Mr Herbert, the rowing champion,

has actually failed
the medical degree

he claims he's almost finished.

Thank you.

I'll make a note not to consult them
for legal or medical advice.

But if I need to be rowed anywhere,
they sound like just the ticket.

Blimey.

It's ten shillings a week,
deposit now.

Breakfast is at seven,
dinner is at six.

No alcohol, tobacco or skirts,

and board's due every Friday
at 12.

Did you find the girl?
Oh, good morning, Mr Merton.

You look familiar.
Have we met before?

I know I've seen you somewhere.
Perhaps you saw my stage act.

I used to play the Tivoli.

Maybe. What was your act?

I am the Great Hypno.

That's right.

I remember now.

Always a pleasure
to meet an admirer.

Can't take the room.
Why, what's wrong?

There's a bloke in there I know.

From the Tiv.

He's a bloody hypnotist.

Same one made you cluck
like a chook...

then lay an egg?

We promised Miss Fisher,

so you're just going to have to
go back in there.

Come on.

I can manage myself.

It's alright, love.

All I'm after is some information.

You know a girl called Jane
who used to live here?

Jane's my best friend.

Have you seen her?

She's in a much more hospitable place
than this.

Ruth!
Get out here, girl!

I'll ask you again, Mr Herbert.

Where did you go
after you farewelled Miss Henderson

on the Ballarat train that day?

You're not making this easy
for yourself.

Anything I say in here,
does it have to go any further?

It'll go all the way to the high
court if you don't cooperate.

It's difficult because of Eunice.

I love her. You have to believe that.

Go on.
Alright.

I spent most of the evening
in the city watch house.

What were you picked up for?

Soliciting.

I have, on occasion,

visited certain ladies of the night.

And I feel awful about it.

Can anyone confirm this?

What was the name
of the establishment?

It's very discreet.

Police records will confirm

I spent the rest of the night
in a jail cell.

So your cousin was the sole
beneficiary of your mother's estate?

It seems that way.
He's always been Mother's favourite.

I can't believe it.

Maybe Mother found out that he owed
money and wanted to help him out.

Who did he owe money to?

Lindsay is very dear to me,
but he likes the occasional flutter,

and his gambling debts
have got out of hand.

Your mother never discussed
her plans to change the will?

Never. I only thought to look for it
after Miss Fisher telephoned.

I was so shocked when I found
the letter in Mother's bureau.

Aunt Agnes's lawyer
rang me yesterday.

She left me everything.

Poor Eunice. But of course
I'll share whatever there is.

You don't seem surprised.

Well, Aunt Agnes
threatened it constantly

because of Alastair.

I just never thought
she'd go through with it.

Where did you go after you dropped
your aunt off at the Ballarat train?

I went to the Automobile Club
for a quick ale.

Ended up staying longer
than I planned.

I had supper there.
Can anyone verify your story?

Where was your friend,
Alastair Herbert?

Al wasn't with me that night.
He went off to swot or something.

Who else was at the club?

It was unusually quiet. I can't
recall anyone in particular.

I'd hone your answers
better than that

before Detective Robinson
calls you in.

You don't think I'm guilty?

It doesn't matter what I think.

But I don't allow myself to be
lustfully compromised

during my murder investigations.

Then I do hope
this case is resolved soon.

Was Eunice aware that she was likely
to be disinherited?

Of course she was.

Aunt Agnes
wasn't the secretive type.

Eunice was worried
Alastair would find out.

Maybe she feared he'd lose interest.

She's a respectable lady.

That old cow downstairs
came after Jane,

but Miss Fisher sent her packing.

How did Jane end up here?

Miss Gay and Mr Merton
got her from the orphanage,

like some of the others.

She's got no-one.

Not like me.
I've still got my granny, somewhere.

Are you sure Jane's alright?

What are you up to in here?
Is she bothering you?

My friend from the Tiv,
how did you enjoy your lunch?

My guts are still groaning.

Let's see if I can help you
with that. No, thanks.

You only see my eyes. You hear
nothing but my words, my voice.

You do nothing but as I command you.

Why is that lady detective
interested in Jane?

Miss Fisher thinks
she stole some jewels.

Jewels.

As I told Miss Fisher,

I went to the Automobile Club
that night.

No-one of your name
signed in that night.

We checked the register.

I moved on from there.
Just my usual haunts.

Same places every Friday.
Alastair can back me up on that.

Alastair's not in a position
to back anyone up.

He spent the night
in the Carlton watch house.

Is that what Al told you?

And Carlton station confirmed it.

I'd like to remind you
this is a murder investigation,

not a friendly chat.

Where were you?

That was me, at the watch house.

Al and I have an agreement.

He lets me use his name whenever
I get into strife with the law

so that I can go to the bar
unblemished.

Are you saying Alastair agreed
that you could impersonate him

to protect your own indiscretions?

I'm happy for him
to share my accommodation.

And he's happy to protect
my reputation.

We do look alike
on a rough description.

And someone of that
rough description...

either yourself or your friend
Alastair Herbert...

was seen unlawfully boarding
the Ballarat train

the night your aunt died.

I'm glad you understand
the seriousness of my inquiry.

Oh, hello, miss. You might like to
have an urgent word with Miss Jane.

I see you found yourself
some more valuables.

And who's this?
My friend Ruth, miss.

I think it's time to tell me
what's going on.

Can I help you?!

Oh! Mr Merton.

Hypnotics. Illusions.

And futurologist.

The Great Hypno?
Mm.

I offer my services for soirees,
ladies' luncheons,

birthdays and the like.

Perhaps I could have a word
with the householder?

He made us steal.

He hypnotised people in the street
while we picked their pockets.

You poor lambs.

You're safe here.

A visitor for you, Miss Fisher.

A questionable gentleman.

Oh, good. We've been expecting him.

Is he here?

If he gets his hands on me,
he'll kill me!

No-one is killing anyone.

Shall I telephone the police?

No. I'll deal with this.
But he'll hurt you! Please!

You don't know what he can do!
Girls, stay in my room.

Dot, lock the door behind me.

The Great Hypno. What an honour.

Miss Phryne Fisher.
A pleasure.

I've always been quite taken with
the idea of being hypnotised.

I'd be delighted to demonstrate
my skills.

Why don't you make yourself
comfortable?

Girls...

- No!
- Sorry, Miss Williams.

Jane, come back! Let me out!

Jane!

You hear nothing but my words,
my voice.

You will do nothing but answer
the questions that I ask.

Now, tell me where the girl is.

Where is Jane?

Jane.

You will tell me where the girl is
or I will kill you.

Do you understand?

You will kill me.

No, you won't, you old bastard!

Arggh! Arggh!

You can hand that over now, Jane.

They've got you fooled, lady.

They're liars! I'm not interested
in your opinion, Mr Merton.

But you were hypnotised.
Not for a moment.

And it seems that you can
hold your own, Mr Butler.

22nd Battalion, AIF, miss.

Dot!

She's locked in the bedroom.

Well, you might like to let her out
so she can telephone the police.

Mr Merton and Miss Gay
are both behind bars,

and we've contacted most of
the girls' families,

including your grandmother, Ruth.

Excuse me. Miss Eunice Henderson
is here to see you.

Thank you, Dot.

Don't run off, Inspector.

Thank you so much, Miss Fisher,

but I've decided the police
can handle things from here.

The case isn't solved yet.
But I've had quite enough of it.

A spell at the seaside
is what I need.

I'm sure it is.

Pity no-one sent you free tickets
like you sent Alexander Cotton.

I don't know what you mean.

You don't need to cover up
a good deed.

Unless it's more than a good deed,
which I'm inclined to suspect,

given that you lied to the police

about your knowledge
of your mother's will.

I have a taxi waiting.
Hello, Miss Henderson.

Inspector.

Miss Henderson was just about
to explain

why she framed Alexander Cotton
for her mother's death.

Distinctive handwriting.

And a very fine match

to the addressee on Mr Cotton's
mystery tickets.

Postmarked Hampton.

Isn't that where you live,
Miss Henderson?

They were a gift, a kindness.
It's too late, Eunice.

Your fear has given you away.
It's not what you think.

It wasn't meant to happen like that.

We only needed enough
for a life together,

a practice in the country.

We only wanted Mother's jewels.

But something went terribly wrong,
didn't it?

Mother woke up.
We had to do something.

We had no choice.

This is not his fault.
It wasn't meant to happen.

The police will find him, Eunice.

Or will he leave without you?

Alastair found out about
Mother's will, about Lindsay.

He's furious with him.
He's a desperate man, Eunice.

He might do anything.

You have to help us stop him.

He's gone to the rowing club
to meet Lindsay before training.

You don't think he'll hurt him?

Sign the damned thing!

You're the one who talked
the old cow into it!

I didn't, Al!
I'm happy to help you both out.

- Trust me!
- Just sign it!

Behind you, Alastair!

I've got it!

Stay back!

Move, or I'll snap his neck!

Alastair...
It won't help you, Herbert.

Don't let him do this!
Eunice.

This is our chance
for everything we want, yes?

Just keep your calm.
You're making things worse.

Eunice, we can still get away.

Remember? The cottage by the sea,
remember?

Just bring me the gun.

Slowly.
Don't trust him, Eunice.

Alastair always planned
to kill your mother.

You don't know anything!

The inspector and I know a great deal
more than you hoped we would.

You knew exactly where
that water tank was,

so you could hide the body
after you hung her.

The only thing
that wasn't premeditated

was losing your mother's jewels.

The rusty ladder slowed him down.

But the whole plan was ruined

when he panicked at the sound
of a runaway child.

Your mother didn't wake up, Eunice.

Even a failed medical student would
know how much chloroform to use.

Did he tell you that?

That he'd failed his degree?

That's what finally tipped you,
isn't it?

That Mrs Henderson was proven right -
you were never good enough.

Oh! Ow!

Let him go!

Uh! Uh!

I still adore you, Eunice.

Alastair, we've done
such an unforgivable thing!

Miss Fisher.

Thank you, Jane.

I was prepared to let this go
if you wanted it badly enough.

But I'm glad to have it back.

When are you taking me to Welfare?

I don't think I can.

How would you feel
about staying here?

I'm not a nice girl.

Well, I've never been
very nice either,

so you're just the kind of girl
I like.

Phryne! Phryne, let's go!

Jane, look!

Inspector Robinson is here,
Miss Fisher.

Inspector.

To what do I owe the pleasure?

I've had a word to Welfare.

They've agreed to let you
foster Jane.

Good.

But you're not convinced.

You do know it's not easy,

looking after a kid
who's been through the ringer.

Nothing that matters is easy.

Hm.

And it could be far worse.
She could be a babe in arms.

Can I offer you a drink?
Er...

Perhaps just the one.

What about babes of your own?

Er, no.

No, we were never blessed.

To all the kids who've been through
the ringer, then,

Inspector Robinson.

You might as well call me Jack.

Everyone else does.

Very well, Jack.

And you may call me Phryne.

Although hardly anyone else does.