Baghdad Central (2020–…): Season 1, Episode 3 - Episode #1.3 - full transcript
Khafaji goes in search of truths about his daughter, but is surprised by the arrival of Frank Temple.
What is it I am doing here? Am I
investigating a shooting, a crime?
Iraq needs Iraqi policeman.
Detectives.
In houses like this there is a crawl
space. Clark Kibbert, a US citizen.
One dead man was
delivered inside an SUV.
I need to show that me
and my department are clean,
above board and competent.
I will work for them for as long
as it takes to make you well.
And for as long as it takes me
to find Sawsan.
Douglas.
Thank you for this. No problem.
I hate being beholden to
the fucking US army.
Do you know where we are going?
100%.
HE SINGS TO HIMSELF
BUZZER RINGS
Do you need a wing man?
Be fine.
We'll wait until you're inside
and then we'll circle the block.
Marvellous.
Why would she be driving
a mercenary's SUV?
Why would she do that?
Will she live?
They will want to question her,
they'll make sure she lives.
Does it worry you what she
will tell them?
What names will she give?
Do you feel responsible?
Are you responsible?
I'm not an oppressor, nor
an invader from a foreign land.
I'm not here to take or deny
and I'm not here to make
soldiers of students.
Is that what she is, a soldier?
What is her name?
Zahra.
And her English name?
Is she Laura or Candy?
Laura.
Where is my daughter?
I know you can help me.
What I don't know is why you
refuse to help me.
Frank... Come back with something
useful. We've lost a good man.
BUZZER RINGS
Professor... May I come inside?
I'm not here for small talk
and tea, clearly.
I want to know what the
hell is going on.
What is it you are talking about?
Zahra fucking Boustani is what I'm
talking about. May I come inside?
She was employed by me
on your recommendation.
And when I'm asked about her,
that's exactly what I will say.
You asked for students with a good
command of the English language.
Tell that to the Yankees.
That is what I provided. What you've
provided, I believe, was a cabal.
Look it up.
What you wanted was information,
insight of the coalition
and how it ran.
That's why I will suggest,
Zahra was your spy.
I'd like you to give me the names of
everyone Zahra Boustani was close to
on campus.
Male and female.
Zahra is a student to me, nothing
more. I have no access to her diary.
What's happening here? Am I looking
at some kind of terror cell?
How many more of these attacks can
I expect? I can't help you.
Should I have all the sharp
objects removed from my office?
Should I banish all of your people?
They are not my people. They are
your people, translators.
Shall I have each one of them
arrested, interrogated?
Are they complicit? What the
fuck is going on?
Hungry, big fella?
Go and clean the bathroom.
It's fine, Omar. Thank you.
Mr Temple has simply discovered
the size of his task is greater
than his ability.
Can I see her?
Why?
She will need advice,
access to help.
Professor, I have to tell
the Americans something.
They'd like a house to raid,
an arse to kick.
Who are Zahra's friends?
Who was she close to?
Does she have any political leanings
that you are aware of, if so, what?
Where can I find the family?
Does she have a family?
Her given address turns out to be
the University and that,
as far as I'm concerned, is you.
I cannot help you.
I don't believe you.
INDISTINCT CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Is she a one-off,
or are more of your students
a threat to the peace?
Am I allowed to see her?
No, you're not.
Then I would like you to leave now.
She is directly or indirectly
responsible for the death
of a coalition employee,
this will not go away.
Whereas women in Iraq seem to
disappear all the time.
Who is Zahra Boustani and who are
her friends?
She is someone who knows exactly
who Frank Temple is
and what he stands for.
As God is my witness,
this will not go away.
I would like you to leave now.
I can only assume
you're part of this insurgency.
Omar!
For the sake of your godforsaken
country,
I will not allow anything to
disrupt my work.
RAPID GUNFIRE
HE GROANS
Bastards.
Bastards! Are you OK?
Fuck. Yes, I'm fine.
Every fucking neighbourhood's
got its own militia.
Any good?
Nothing. Bitch.
Are we going to take
no for an answer?
Your medical people can
look after this.
I don't want the fucking US military
knowing where I've been.
Sawsan!
Sawsan.
Sawsan!
CHILDREN CHATTER IN DISTANCE
How does it work, Baba?
My gun works by keeping it
safe inside its holster.
All day long.
Are you afraid, Baba?
Are you afraid, Baba?
Sawsan is alive.
I have seen her, from a distance.
But she is alive.
Captain?
May I join you?
Sure.
What do you want?
To help.
To assist with the Iraqi girl,
the driver of the SUV.
The deliverer of the dead man?
What is her thinking?
Where is her mind?
The only person she was
trying to kill was herself.
The guy inside the
truck was dead, fact.
Yes, this is complex, I believe.
Did Temple put you up to this?
No. That's the kind
of thing he would do.
This is not Temple's
offer, it is mine.
I'm prepared to do this
without his permission.
You're prepared to piss him off?
You will need an Iraqi.
Inspector, I've
already got an Iraqi.
I talk, he translates,
word for fucking word.
Her name is Zahra Boustani.
Correct.
And she worked in
Temple's department,
which I love, by the way. You sure
you are not covering his ass?
You now have one dead Iraqi,
do not forget him,
and two dead Westerners,
including Mr Kibbert.
Both of them killed outside
the American safe zone.
The mercenary could have
been on patrol, but Kibbert?
How was he killed?
Where was he killed?
Why? Who saw him last?
I could knock on doors and ask
questions that you never could.
Never.
Allow me to question
Zahra Boustani, in private.
What's in it for you?
Hmm?
Why so eager to become
a full-on collaborator?
That's what you're
called now, right?
My daughter's health.
Your deal is with Temple,
and now you're sitting here.
Have a nice day. Captain Parodi...
The SUV approached the
checkpoint from the left.
The guards opened fire
from this position here,
firing at the left side
and front of the SUV.
And yet, there were many bullet
holes on the right-hand side.
Which most probably occurred when
the vehicle was jacked, taken.
Taken from where? I have
no idea yet. I have an idea.
It's a 9mm.
I found it outside the safe house.
If it's the same calibre of
bullet that killed the mercenary,
then my idea is possible.
You're eager, Inspector
Khafaji, I'll give you that.
For me? For you.
Temple would like you to wear it.
Here, in the office?
It should fit, I have a good eye.
Ms Ford, could I ask you to
obtain the name of the Iraqi man
found in the safe house?
I could ask.
Thank you.
And, um...
..could I ask what you were
talking to Captain Parodi about?
No sinister reason,
just plain curious.
I was asking to be allowed to
interrogate Zahra Boustani.
Question her, on behalf of
the Iraqi Police Service.
Temple might be able
to arrange that.
Something he'd want to be
involved in, I'm sure.
Because she worked here?
Yeah.
In this department?
At times, yeah.
Did...you know her?
By sight.
You never spoke to her?
She's a similar age, similar
dreams, I would guess.
I, um...
...don't really talk to
any of the local workers.
Not talk talk.
Could I see her file?
Tsk, you need to ask Temple.
Where is he?
Well, his diary says
he should be here.
We should speak with her before the
military threatens her with torture.
I believe she intended to kill
herself, not harm anyone else.
She's vulnerable.
A lot of the Brits,
they moved here after their
hotel was hit by mortar shells.
They call it Ocean Cliffs.
Not answering his phone,
not at his work, not at home,
is this usual?
No, but, he is allowed to
be someplace else, I guess.
HORN HONKS
Sir, we were looking for you.
Something that can't wait?
I would like to
question Zahra Boustani.
I'm not convinced Captain
Parodi will do anything more
than frighten her further.
Further? Have you
spoken to her already?
Not that I know,
but she will be afraid.
And we do represent the
Iraqi Police Service, sir.
We do.
But, she's classed as
a military prisoner.
And a coalition employee.
And Iraqi.
Let me change and think about it.
SHARPLY EXHALES
I agree, I think
we should question her.
Front foot.
She worked in our department,
we have a right, a responsibility.
We need to know the how, why,
what, where, when, everything.
And Parodi?
Will object.
I feel a very loud e-mail coming on.
To your desks.
To be clear, I will hear every word.
I will be recording every word,
I will pour over every word.
Is this necessary?
Start at the beginning, get her to
confirm her name. We know her name.
Get her to confirm her crime.
Only then do you
move on to how, why?
Let's get this
fucking charade over with.
MACHINES BEEP
INTERPRETER: She said,
"You are one of them."
At times, life becomes too much.
He's reciting a poem.
What did she say?
She began with...
..she was raped and then
because of that, she died.
That the men in the
SUV raped a girl.
They are all the same.
He's now talking of war crimes.
INTERPRETER: The truth is...
Zahra...
Kibbert?
She refuses to talk now.
HELICOPTER OVERHEAD
MACHINE BEEPS
Are you ready? Yes.
Three, two, one...
MACHINE WHIRS
What do you feel?
Hmm...
It's like nothing
is happening at all.
What's happening is...
..a door is opening
and the sun is peeping through. Huh.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
Inspector. Sir.
Here.
What you asked for earlier.
Hey. Hi.
How are you feeling?
Fortunate. Ha-ha!
Good.
Well, good luck.
Thank you, Miss Ford.
What is it?
A name.
A line of investigation.
He's got it.
HELICOPTER WHIRS
HE SHOUTS ANGRILY
HE TAKES A DEEP BREATH
NOISE AND COMMOTION
FEMALE SOLDIER: You!
You there, Khafaji!
You're needed!
Sir.
CAR ENGINE STARTS
We're heading to
the Al-Rasheed Hotel.
Specifically, the sports bar.
You'll go inside and question
the staff - behind the bar,
kitchen, front of house -
and you will tell me everything.
Temple will not appreciate me
being here. I couldn't care less.
I was under the impression that this
is what you wanted, to be involved.
The pay cop, your mercenary,
he WAS killed by a 9mm bullet,
from a CZ 75 pistol,
which was a standard-issue handgun
of the Iraqi military.
Do not repeat that information.
Like you,
I believe Kibbert
is a central figure.
He was beaten BEFORE he was killed -
either for the hell of it,
or for information.
Apparently, he was involved with
an interpreter, a young female.
Do you know her name? No.
Temple might, should.
But you were right about one thing.
Which is what?
Temple's going to be real pissed.
LIVELY CHATTER FROM BAR
HE TRANSLATES:
Americans who dishonour
our daughters,
right here in this bar.
You have seen it?
He's talking about
Khafaji's police file.
Sir?
He has just threatened
to kill a man.
Which fucking man?!
BAND PERFORMS "BAD MOON RISING"
Soon, Inspector Khafaji.
Very soon.
# I see a bad moon rising
# I see trouble on the way
# I see earthquakes and lightnin'
# I see bad times today
# Don't go round tonight
# For it's bound to take your life
# There's a bad moon
on the rise... #
Coke, please. No ice.
MUSIC CONTINUES
All is calm.
Candy.
CHEERING AND APPLAUSE FROM BAR
Where the hell have you been?
I was detained by
Captain Parodi.
Expand.
He took me to the Al Rasheed Hotel
and asked me to talk to
the local staff,
regarding Kibbert.
You should've refused.
Is that possible?
You should've contacted me.
You work for me, my department.
Sir, when I'm ordered into
a US Army vehicle
it is difficult to refuse.
I did not choose to go.
You work for me.
Next time you tell them to fuck off.
Understand?
Yes, sir.
You have files to examine.
Go.
What did you discover?
At the hotel.
That Mr Kibbert was attracted
to an Iraqi woman
who called herself Candy.
Do you know of her?
Who the fuck are you to ask
questions of me?
I am your employee.
Temple's looking for you.
He found me.
Had enough, Megan?
Meeting a girlfriend for dinner
in about 15 minutes.
Joy. Where?
The hotel.
Fuck it. He can give me
a lift there.
Mind?
Had enough too.
Bright and early tomorrow,
Khafaji.
Make up for the hours lost today.
I'll be the first at the gate.
Wearing uniform.
I hear your daughter's
started dialysis.
Yes.
Good.
Let's hope it goes well.
Bright and early. See you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
KEYS RUSTLE
VOICES FROM OUTSIDE
I'll be two minutes.
What?
Can't find my key.
Have you got a spare?
Inside.
Expensive education, was it?
Break the window.
My accommodation carry spares.
Take me there.
TRANSLATION FROM ARABIC:
investigating a shooting, a crime?
Iraq needs Iraqi policeman.
Detectives.
In houses like this there is a crawl
space. Clark Kibbert, a US citizen.
One dead man was
delivered inside an SUV.
I need to show that me
and my department are clean,
above board and competent.
I will work for them for as long
as it takes to make you well.
And for as long as it takes me
to find Sawsan.
Douglas.
Thank you for this. No problem.
I hate being beholden to
the fucking US army.
Do you know where we are going?
100%.
HE SINGS TO HIMSELF
BUZZER RINGS
Do you need a wing man?
Be fine.
We'll wait until you're inside
and then we'll circle the block.
Marvellous.
Why would she be driving
a mercenary's SUV?
Why would she do that?
Will she live?
They will want to question her,
they'll make sure she lives.
Does it worry you what she
will tell them?
What names will she give?
Do you feel responsible?
Are you responsible?
I'm not an oppressor, nor
an invader from a foreign land.
I'm not here to take or deny
and I'm not here to make
soldiers of students.
Is that what she is, a soldier?
What is her name?
Zahra.
And her English name?
Is she Laura or Candy?
Laura.
Where is my daughter?
I know you can help me.
What I don't know is why you
refuse to help me.
Frank... Come back with something
useful. We've lost a good man.
BUZZER RINGS
Professor... May I come inside?
I'm not here for small talk
and tea, clearly.
I want to know what the
hell is going on.
What is it you are talking about?
Zahra fucking Boustani is what I'm
talking about. May I come inside?
She was employed by me
on your recommendation.
And when I'm asked about her,
that's exactly what I will say.
You asked for students with a good
command of the English language.
Tell that to the Yankees.
That is what I provided. What you've
provided, I believe, was a cabal.
Look it up.
What you wanted was information,
insight of the coalition
and how it ran.
That's why I will suggest,
Zahra was your spy.
I'd like you to give me the names of
everyone Zahra Boustani was close to
on campus.
Male and female.
Zahra is a student to me, nothing
more. I have no access to her diary.
What's happening here? Am I looking
at some kind of terror cell?
How many more of these attacks can
I expect? I can't help you.
Should I have all the sharp
objects removed from my office?
Should I banish all of your people?
They are not my people. They are
your people, translators.
Shall I have each one of them
arrested, interrogated?
Are they complicit? What the
fuck is going on?
Hungry, big fella?
Go and clean the bathroom.
It's fine, Omar. Thank you.
Mr Temple has simply discovered
the size of his task is greater
than his ability.
Can I see her?
Why?
She will need advice,
access to help.
Professor, I have to tell
the Americans something.
They'd like a house to raid,
an arse to kick.
Who are Zahra's friends?
Who was she close to?
Does she have any political leanings
that you are aware of, if so, what?
Where can I find the family?
Does she have a family?
Her given address turns out to be
the University and that,
as far as I'm concerned, is you.
I cannot help you.
I don't believe you.
INDISTINCT CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Is she a one-off,
or are more of your students
a threat to the peace?
Am I allowed to see her?
No, you're not.
Then I would like you to leave now.
She is directly or indirectly
responsible for the death
of a coalition employee,
this will not go away.
Whereas women in Iraq seem to
disappear all the time.
Who is Zahra Boustani and who are
her friends?
She is someone who knows exactly
who Frank Temple is
and what he stands for.
As God is my witness,
this will not go away.
I would like you to leave now.
I can only assume
you're part of this insurgency.
Omar!
For the sake of your godforsaken
country,
I will not allow anything to
disrupt my work.
RAPID GUNFIRE
HE GROANS
Bastards.
Bastards! Are you OK?
Fuck. Yes, I'm fine.
Every fucking neighbourhood's
got its own militia.
Any good?
Nothing. Bitch.
Are we going to take
no for an answer?
Your medical people can
look after this.
I don't want the fucking US military
knowing where I've been.
Sawsan!
Sawsan.
Sawsan!
CHILDREN CHATTER IN DISTANCE
How does it work, Baba?
My gun works by keeping it
safe inside its holster.
All day long.
Are you afraid, Baba?
Are you afraid, Baba?
Sawsan is alive.
I have seen her, from a distance.
But she is alive.
Captain?
May I join you?
Sure.
What do you want?
To help.
To assist with the Iraqi girl,
the driver of the SUV.
The deliverer of the dead man?
What is her thinking?
Where is her mind?
The only person she was
trying to kill was herself.
The guy inside the
truck was dead, fact.
Yes, this is complex, I believe.
Did Temple put you up to this?
No. That's the kind
of thing he would do.
This is not Temple's
offer, it is mine.
I'm prepared to do this
without his permission.
You're prepared to piss him off?
You will need an Iraqi.
Inspector, I've
already got an Iraqi.
I talk, he translates,
word for fucking word.
Her name is Zahra Boustani.
Correct.
And she worked in
Temple's department,
which I love, by the way. You sure
you are not covering his ass?
You now have one dead Iraqi,
do not forget him,
and two dead Westerners,
including Mr Kibbert.
Both of them killed outside
the American safe zone.
The mercenary could have
been on patrol, but Kibbert?
How was he killed?
Where was he killed?
Why? Who saw him last?
I could knock on doors and ask
questions that you never could.
Never.
Allow me to question
Zahra Boustani, in private.
What's in it for you?
Hmm?
Why so eager to become
a full-on collaborator?
That's what you're
called now, right?
My daughter's health.
Your deal is with Temple,
and now you're sitting here.
Have a nice day. Captain Parodi...
The SUV approached the
checkpoint from the left.
The guards opened fire
from this position here,
firing at the left side
and front of the SUV.
And yet, there were many bullet
holes on the right-hand side.
Which most probably occurred when
the vehicle was jacked, taken.
Taken from where? I have
no idea yet. I have an idea.
It's a 9mm.
I found it outside the safe house.
If it's the same calibre of
bullet that killed the mercenary,
then my idea is possible.
You're eager, Inspector
Khafaji, I'll give you that.
For me? For you.
Temple would like you to wear it.
Here, in the office?
It should fit, I have a good eye.
Ms Ford, could I ask you to
obtain the name of the Iraqi man
found in the safe house?
I could ask.
Thank you.
And, um...
..could I ask what you were
talking to Captain Parodi about?
No sinister reason,
just plain curious.
I was asking to be allowed to
interrogate Zahra Boustani.
Question her, on behalf of
the Iraqi Police Service.
Temple might be able
to arrange that.
Something he'd want to be
involved in, I'm sure.
Because she worked here?
Yeah.
In this department?
At times, yeah.
Did...you know her?
By sight.
You never spoke to her?
She's a similar age, similar
dreams, I would guess.
I, um...
...don't really talk to
any of the local workers.
Not talk talk.
Could I see her file?
Tsk, you need to ask Temple.
Where is he?
Well, his diary says
he should be here.
We should speak with her before the
military threatens her with torture.
I believe she intended to kill
herself, not harm anyone else.
She's vulnerable.
A lot of the Brits,
they moved here after their
hotel was hit by mortar shells.
They call it Ocean Cliffs.
Not answering his phone,
not at his work, not at home,
is this usual?
No, but, he is allowed to
be someplace else, I guess.
HORN HONKS
Sir, we were looking for you.
Something that can't wait?
I would like to
question Zahra Boustani.
I'm not convinced Captain
Parodi will do anything more
than frighten her further.
Further? Have you
spoken to her already?
Not that I know,
but she will be afraid.
And we do represent the
Iraqi Police Service, sir.
We do.
But, she's classed as
a military prisoner.
And a coalition employee.
And Iraqi.
Let me change and think about it.
SHARPLY EXHALES
I agree, I think
we should question her.
Front foot.
She worked in our department,
we have a right, a responsibility.
We need to know the how, why,
what, where, when, everything.
And Parodi?
Will object.
I feel a very loud e-mail coming on.
To your desks.
To be clear, I will hear every word.
I will be recording every word,
I will pour over every word.
Is this necessary?
Start at the beginning, get her to
confirm her name. We know her name.
Get her to confirm her crime.
Only then do you
move on to how, why?
Let's get this
fucking charade over with.
MACHINES BEEP
INTERPRETER: She said,
"You are one of them."
At times, life becomes too much.
He's reciting a poem.
What did she say?
She began with...
..she was raped and then
because of that, she died.
That the men in the
SUV raped a girl.
They are all the same.
He's now talking of war crimes.
INTERPRETER: The truth is...
Zahra...
Kibbert?
She refuses to talk now.
HELICOPTER OVERHEAD
MACHINE BEEPS
Are you ready? Yes.
Three, two, one...
MACHINE WHIRS
What do you feel?
Hmm...
It's like nothing
is happening at all.
What's happening is...
..a door is opening
and the sun is peeping through. Huh.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
Inspector. Sir.
Here.
What you asked for earlier.
Hey. Hi.
How are you feeling?
Fortunate. Ha-ha!
Good.
Well, good luck.
Thank you, Miss Ford.
What is it?
A name.
A line of investigation.
He's got it.
HELICOPTER WHIRS
HE SHOUTS ANGRILY
HE TAKES A DEEP BREATH
NOISE AND COMMOTION
FEMALE SOLDIER: You!
You there, Khafaji!
You're needed!
Sir.
CAR ENGINE STARTS
We're heading to
the Al-Rasheed Hotel.
Specifically, the sports bar.
You'll go inside and question
the staff - behind the bar,
kitchen, front of house -
and you will tell me everything.
Temple will not appreciate me
being here. I couldn't care less.
I was under the impression that this
is what you wanted, to be involved.
The pay cop, your mercenary,
he WAS killed by a 9mm bullet,
from a CZ 75 pistol,
which was a standard-issue handgun
of the Iraqi military.
Do not repeat that information.
Like you,
I believe Kibbert
is a central figure.
He was beaten BEFORE he was killed -
either for the hell of it,
or for information.
Apparently, he was involved with
an interpreter, a young female.
Do you know her name? No.
Temple might, should.
But you were right about one thing.
Which is what?
Temple's going to be real pissed.
LIVELY CHATTER FROM BAR
HE TRANSLATES:
Americans who dishonour
our daughters,
right here in this bar.
You have seen it?
He's talking about
Khafaji's police file.
Sir?
He has just threatened
to kill a man.
Which fucking man?!
BAND PERFORMS "BAD MOON RISING"
Soon, Inspector Khafaji.
Very soon.
# I see a bad moon rising
# I see trouble on the way
# I see earthquakes and lightnin'
# I see bad times today
# Don't go round tonight
# For it's bound to take your life
# There's a bad moon
on the rise... #
Coke, please. No ice.
MUSIC CONTINUES
All is calm.
Candy.
CHEERING AND APPLAUSE FROM BAR
Where the hell have you been?
I was detained by
Captain Parodi.
Expand.
He took me to the Al Rasheed Hotel
and asked me to talk to
the local staff,
regarding Kibbert.
You should've refused.
Is that possible?
You should've contacted me.
You work for me, my department.
Sir, when I'm ordered into
a US Army vehicle
it is difficult to refuse.
I did not choose to go.
You work for me.
Next time you tell them to fuck off.
Understand?
Yes, sir.
You have files to examine.
Go.
What did you discover?
At the hotel.
That Mr Kibbert was attracted
to an Iraqi woman
who called herself Candy.
Do you know of her?
Who the fuck are you to ask
questions of me?
I am your employee.
Temple's looking for you.
He found me.
Had enough, Megan?
Meeting a girlfriend for dinner
in about 15 minutes.
Joy. Where?
The hotel.
Fuck it. He can give me
a lift there.
Mind?
Had enough too.
Bright and early tomorrow,
Khafaji.
Make up for the hours lost today.
I'll be the first at the gate.
Wearing uniform.
I hear your daughter's
started dialysis.
Yes.
Good.
Let's hope it goes well.
Bright and early. See you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
KEYS RUSTLE
VOICES FROM OUTSIDE
I'll be two minutes.
What?
Can't find my key.
Have you got a spare?
Inside.
Expensive education, was it?
Break the window.
My accommodation carry spares.
Take me there.
TRANSLATION FROM ARABIC: