Blackpool (2004–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript

(ALLBRIGHT) You wouldn't find a more
devoted father than Ripley Holden.

Devoted to what exactly?

This time, next year, you'll all be back

for the opening
of the Ripley Holden Casino Hotel.

Let's live the dream.

(NATALIE) A dead man?
Just there on the floor?

Dead as Southport he was.

(RIPLEY) Shyanne?

He's finished with me by text.

(BLYTHE) What are you gonna do?

I'll start with Ripley's wife.
I'm good with wives.



Would you like to go out
for a drink with me?

It's not possible.
It's not what I'm here for.

What is it he's done
to upset you exactly?

He's shut the arcade,
which means nobody makes any money.

Not me, not you, not anybody.

(THE GAMBLER BY JOHNNY CASH)

# On a warm summer's evening

# On a train bound for nowhere

# I met up with the gambler

# We were both too tired to sleep

# So we took turns at staring

# Out the window at the darkness

# Til boredom overtook us

# And he began to speak



# He said, Son, I've made a life

# Out of reading people's faces

# And knowing what their cards were

# By the way they held their eyes

# So if you don't mind my saying

# I can see you're out of aces

# For a taste of your whiskey

# I'll give you some advice

# You got to know when to hold 'em

# Know when to fold 'em

# Know when to walk away

# And know when to run

# You never count your money

# When you're sitting at the table

# There'll be time enough for counting

# When the dealing's done

# Every gambler knows

# That the secret to surviving

# Is knowing what to throw away
And knowing what to keep

# 'Cause every hand's a winner

# And every hand's a loser

# And the best that you can hope for

# Is to die in your sleep

# And when he'd finished speaking

# He turned back towards the window

# Crushed out his cigarette

# And faded off to sleep

# And somewhere in the darkness

# The gambler he broke even

# And in his final words I found

# An ace that I could keep

# You got to know when to hold 'em
When to hold 'em

# Know when to fold 'em
When to fold 'em

# Know when to walk away
Know when to run

# You never count your money

# When you're sitting at the table

# There'll be time enough for counting

# When the dealing's done #

Did you find out
where he's getting his money?

I'm not sure how that helps us
build a case against him, sir.

(MOBILE PHONE RINGING)

Blythe. Yeah.

I want to know how desperate he is.

Desperation leads to extreme behaviour.

He lied about the victim
being at the arcade opening.

He's covering something up.

We'll be right there.

The victim's mates have come forward
and identified him, sir.

That's what friends are for. Yeah.

We'll pick up pastries on the way.

I know it's a lot to ask in this town
but no icing for me.

Where's the money coming from
to pay for more machines?

That investment money you transferred
for me to pay my tax bill?

Don't tell me you spent it all on these.

I've got private health care,
I pay for my kids' education...

I'm thinking, what are the government
going to spend it on if I do pay it?

Adventure holidays for kiddie-fiddlers?

But that doesn't mean you keep
pouring money into this place instead.

I'm like those gamblers that come
in here with just one tactic, forcing.

You force a winning streak by gambling
every win until you hit the jackpot.

- And does it ever work?
- It does if you're lucky.

- Hey, shouldn't you be at school?
- I've had a job interview.

I've never doubted your wonderful
commercial instincts, Ripley.

That's why being your accountant
is such a learning curve.

However, the fact remains you're not
even open for business now.

Matter of time.

Allbright's going to sort it.
Friends in high places.

Planning permission will come through
any day now and...

Dad, I really need a word.

- How you doing, Ruth?
- Not good.

I ate some onion by accident
and now I'm paying the price.

Well, try and think of it as an adventure.

- I just want to talk to you for a minute.
- Come on, then. Office.

But I'm not paying JLo off
if you've got her up the duff again.

Erm...

The bloke, you know, who died.

What about him?

I saw him at the arcade
opening night party with his mates.

So?

Well, you said you didn't.

To that copper?

Are you trying to make
some sort of a point here?

- Not really.
- Let me help you.

- You think I'm lying to the police.
- I don't know.

And if I'm lying to the police,
I must have a reason?

- I'm not sure.
- Well, I do have a reason.

- Right.
- Do you know what it is?

- No.
- Never tell a copper anything.

- Not even the time.
- Isn't that wrong?

Do you want to know
about right and wrong?

Come on, I'll show you.

Danny. Meet Chantelle.

Now, it's my bet she's already blown her
giro on the machines. Am I right, love?

Almost.

- Nearly. Sort of.
- Give her that.

But before you do, you should know that
that is Deaf Barry's pay packet.

- I don't get it.
- It's your decision.

What?

Either her kid doesn't eat
or Deaf Barry doesn't get paid.

All you need to know is right from wrong.

Chantelle's a loser. Bad. But that means
that I can be a winner. Good.

And my family and friends and
Deaf Barry can share in my good fortune.

It's called the Trickle Down Effect.

There always has to be a loser.

And I spend my life making sure
that I'm not it.

The right decision is the one
that makes you a winner.

Now that's a decision.
Can you live with that?

This is just...

heavy, you know, big thing. Big thing.

We didn't even know Mike was missing
till we saw the news.

You didn't worry when he didn't show up

- at the guest house after your night out?
- No, not really.

It was his stag night.

What sort of a man was Mike Hooley?

How do you mean?

Well, funny? Happy? Depressed?

A bit wild? Safe? A good friend?

A liar? A cheat? What?

Well, you know, all of them, really.

Help yourself to biscuits, lads.

So at what point in the evening's events
did you and Mike part company?

What we say here...

does his fiancee have to know?

I mean, like, if we tell you,
does that make it legal and stuff?

I thought the availability of pastries,
snacks and light refreshments

would indicate
the informal nature of these proceedings.

We can't use anything you say here
in a court of law.

Right, well...

he said he was going to go off
and buy a shag.

It was his last night of freedom,
you know, tradition and all that.

Sure.

Where would the institution of marriage
be without tradition?

Is there a technical term for a fiancee
who becomes widowed?

- Like pre-widow, maybe?
- I'll try and find out.

The groom's mates weren't exactly
overcome with grief, were they?

Maybe they were still in shock.

- Clearly a falling out on the stag night.
- A big enough falling out for a fight?

Big enough for them not to check up
if he got home all right.

- About him going off whoring?
- Possibly.

So let me guess, I go and interview
every whore in Blackpool

- and you talk to Ripley's wife again.
- No.

It'd be a dereliction of my duty to leave
you alone with a crowd of working girls.

There's a surprise.

No.

Are you still at it?

You know what
that poor young man was, Ripley?

A judgement.

Just the three of you now, is there?

You're losing disciples
faster than Jesus at the Last Supper.

I think you know deep down inside
that your days are numbered.

Beware false prophets, boys.

You know what I reckon?

I reckon that lad's been killed
by one of his mates.

You know, been out on the piss,
some joke gone wrong.

Tried to wake him up the morning after
the night before. Dead.

They panicked
and they put him in the arcade.

(NATALIE) Why would they put him
in the arcade?

'Cause they nicked some keys
the night before.

- You never told me you had keys stolen.
- I only just noticed this morning.

Right.

So what do you reckon, Danny?
Sound about right to you?

You got a new boyfriend yet, Shyanne?

- Is that supposed to be funny?
- Danny. Leave it, would you?

Shyanne, love,
come and finish your meal.

You happy now?

Come on, Ripley.
She should be able to laugh at herself.

You got a match tomorrow?

What sort of answer's that?

Facilities you've got at your place.
You don't know you're born.

- New sports hall is finished next month.
- And how much did you chip in?

Well, it's all tax deductible.

Besides, they're going to name it
after me.

The Ripley Holden Sports Hall? Really?

So what's with the face
like last night's Balti?

- It's a pity I'm giving up football.
- I thought money was tight.

One at a time. What do you mean,
you're giving up football?

- Well, I'm no good at it.
- So? Play in goal!

Don't think you're going to be spending
more time wanking in your room.

(ORGAN MUSIC PLAYING)

You want to just come with me?
Over here.

- How's the coffee?
- It's fine.

There's a surprise. I began to think
this was the town that cappuccino forgot.

This is all very nice.

Well, I thought we should meet
on neutral territory.

I didn't think you ladies would come
if I invited you to visit the station.

- You're probably right.
- So.

Do you recall this gentleman?

No.

Are you sure?

He wasn't a customer of yours?

A customer?
I've not heard it called that before.

As far as I am concerned, you're
a service industry worker just like me.

- Thanks.
- So?

This blond bombshell.
Didn't come and see you Tuesday night?

No. I'd have remembered.

Would you?

I read somewhere
you never remember a client.

How you protect your inner self

in a psychological suit of armour
kind of thing.

Except when they die.
Then it tends to stay with you.

Who says he died?

I heard someone died.

Then I get invited to neutral grounds
and a policeman shows me photos.

The reason we wanted to talk to you,

one of this gentleman's friends said

he went looking for sex
after they'd been to a strip club.

I'm not the only working girl
in Blackpool.

I can see that.

But, he was seen around the flat
you work from.

Well, if he was, he didn't find me.

You're sure you want to tell me no,
are you? Off the record?

Yes.

That's your final answer, "No"?

I've never seen him before in my life.

Well, you're not very likely
to see him in the future, either.

Not unless his parents
invite you to the funeral.

Come on, Ruth, just have a tidy round,
will you?

You've got more rubbish
than Goodison Park in there.

- Bloody hell!
- I come with good news.

Forensics are about done.
You can reopen whenever you like.

Well, about time.

I hate seeing machines without a punter.

It's like watching widows
dancing on their own.

Always a poignant sight.

Oh, and that list of key holders
you promised me?

No problem.

Oh! But I noticed I had a bunch of keys
missing from the cupboard this morning.

- You noticed that this morning, did you?
- I was just about to call you.

Front grill, door and the alarm code
was written on the key fob.

Somebody got lucky.

Somebody always does.
It's what makes the world go round.

A key was missing all along?

I had 400 people in here the other night.

Anyone could have got in the office
and got those keys.

You're telling me they stole the key
on the off-chance

that they might need to dump
a body sometime?

You spoken to the anti-gambling crowd?
Bloke called Hallworth.

He's always out there.
Vegetarian. Pleasure dodger.

I did talk to Hallworth,
as a matter of fact.

He has an alibi.

Well, anyone can scare up an alibi,
can't they?

Can't they just.

You'll be glad to know yours checks out.
Jim Allbright has vouched for you.

Good.

Pity he can't vouch
for your son Danny, too.

Why would he have to?

I'm formally interviewing him tomorrow.
Danny, I mean, not Allbright.

You're not talking to my son
without me being there.

That's why I'm giving you notice.

So you can arrange
the necessary legal representation.

I'll be there myself, don't worry.

Of course you will.

Any good father would want to be.

(SUSPENSEFUL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Hello, again.

Hello.

I came to see you in your other life.
At Samaritans.

Yeah, I remember. The questions man.

Yeah, that's me.

So, what are you doing?

There you go again,
questions, questions, questions.

- I'm just shopping.
- Right.

I see you like tofu, then?

Yeah, I find it very adaptable.

And nutritious and...

I don't like tofu.
I just saw you in the supermarket

and I came in and
pretended to be shopping so that

I had an excuse to contrive
a second meeting with you.

Why would you want to do that?

Because I wondered
if you were doing anything tonight.

I'm married.
I thought I'd explained that to you.

Well, you did. But you didn't explain
if you were happy or not.

And you're the man who's going
to make me happy, are you?

The man who I met
because he came to Samaritans.

- I can see how that might mark me as...
- Suicidal?

Well, at least you know
what you're getting.

And let's face it, you know,
most men only

reveal their true feelings just before
they tell you they're leaving you, so...

(CHUCKLES)

It really, really wouldn't be a good idea.

- You know what?
- What?

I have lived all my life
doing the right thing.

And there's something about you
that tells me you have as well.

Maybe, just this once,
you and me should...

do the wrong thing.

It's not going to happen.

Okay. But if it was going to happen...

where would we meet?

A bar called Funny Girls, 8.30.

(STEVE) I take on board
exactly what you're saying

but the problem with a short run
is that we can't make it pay

- once we've covered the advertising...
- Hello.

Sorry. I'll be a moment.

- Hi.
- Where shall we talk?

I can't actually talk right now.

Shall we talk here
or go somewhere more private?

Really, it's a bad time.

Right, like it wasn't a bad time for me
when I got your text message.

I'm sorry.

I've got to go.

Steve...

when you lie in bed at night
what do you miss most?

Whoa!

Cover yourself up. For God's sake!

So can you see me now, then?

Come on.

I thought you might like to know that the
police want to interview you tomorrow.

Me? What about?

That window you smashed
in the park last summer.

What do you think? The body, stupid.

- Why do they want to interview me?
- I'll be there. Don't worry.

Why do you need to be there?

You think I'd let you go
through this on your own?

I'll be all right.
Maybe it's better if you don't come.

Well, your mother can't go.
You know how emotional she gets.

- She shouldn't even know about this.
- Okay.

- It's going to be fine.
- How can you be so sure?

We'll black you up, call you "Ali", take it
to the European Court of Human Rights.

How do you think?

I've been in deeper shit than this before
and I always find an answer.

Always.

It's what I do.

(CAR HORN HONKING)

Look where you're going!

Hey, sit on that and sing Nesse Dorma!

Hey, what did I tell you?
A quip for every occasion. We can't lose.

I think you need to find someone
closer to your own age.

Someone dull.

You want someone different
and that's perfectly understandable.

Maybe that's why you ended up with me.

Yeah, but you're different
to older men as well.

Like your dad, you mean?
Well, that's not so difficult.

That's what freaked you out, isn't it?
Meeting my dad?

Didn't it?

No. What freaked me out
was meeting him again.

What do you mean?

I know your dad from years ago.

But you can't.

Why didn't you tell me?

Well, I didn't recognise him at first.
It was a long time ago.

I haven't seen him
since we were at school together.

You and my dad were at school together?

- I don't believe it.
- Afraid so.

It puts a slightly different complexion
on things, doesn't it?

Well, it's a surprise.

Yeah, of course it is, but...

that doesn't have to change anything
between us.

Don't you see?
I can't look at you anymore

- without being reminded...
- Of what?

Dad?

Of the age difference. It's wrong.
It's brought it all home to me.

We shouldn't be doing it.
Well, I shouldn't be doing it.

Steve, what is this about?

Because you've never
thought like this before.

Well, I think like it now.

And that's all that matters, isn't it?
What I think now.

You'll change your mind.

Now you're beginning to sound like him.

Sorry, Shyanne, it's all over.

(HAILEY) The police are talking to all
the girls. There's nothing to worry about.

Was the bloke who talked to you
called Carlisle?

- What difference does it make?
- He's the one to watch.

He's slippery.

He seemed nice.

He's good at seeming anything
you want him to be.

Well, he brought coffee and pastries.

Well, that settles it, then? Let's make
him head of the United Nations.

You wouldn't think he was nice
if you saw how he's coming after my lad.

Your lad?

He's interviewed him? When?

First thing tomorrow.

- But what's it got to do with your lad?
- Nothing.

He's doing it to get at me.
Some people have no moral backbone.

How is he?

He's my son.

Sharp as a tack.

Nothing panics him.

What are you doing?

Well, I thought while I were here
I might as well collect the rent.

What do you think?

Who are you getting dressed up for?

Dad? Like he's really going to notice.

Well, I might just be doing it for myself.

Well, that's just about right
in this family.

That's what we all do everything for,
isn't it? Ourselves?

Look, I know you're upset about
breaking up with Steve

but you can't carry on being like this.

There they are.
My two favourite women in the world.

Did you know you were messing up
my life before I was even born?

What have I done now?

Hey, you been spending my money?

- What's that smell?
- What smell?

On you. Like rubber or something.

I got a flat tyre,
had to change it on the way home.

Oh, right.

Are you having a shower?

Like you said, I stink.
What's with all the questions?

Are you trying to distract me
from all the money you spent?

No, I just thought my wardrobe
needed a bit of sprucing up.

Well, I won't argue with that.

Surprised the tramps weren't giving you
donations when you did that soup run.

You any idea how embarrassing
that was for me?

Is this what we do now, Ripley?

Unwrap an old argument
and savour it all over again.

Where you going, anyway?

- I don't know yet. I'm meeting the girls.
- Right.

Unless you want to take me out, of
course. I mean, I could always cancel.

(CUPID BY SAM COOKE)

# Cupid

# Draw back your bow

# And let your arrow flow

# Straight to my lover's heart

# For me

# No, nobody else but me hey, hey, hey

# Cupid, please hear my cry

# And let

# Your arrow fly

# Straight to my lover's heart

# For me

# Now listen, I don't want to bother you

# But I'm in distress

# There's a danger of me losing

# All of my happiness

# For I love a girl
who doesn't know I exist

# Oh, and this you can fix

# So, Cupid

# Draw back your bow

# And let your arrow flow

# Straight to my lover's heart

# For me

# No, nobody else but me

# Hey, hey, hey

# Cupid, please hear my cry

# And let your arrow fly

# Straight to my lover's heart

# For me

# Now, Cupid, if your arrow

# Makes her love strong for me

# Well, I swear I'm gonna love her

# Until eternity

# I know that between the both of us

# Her heart we can steal

# Cupid, help me if you will

# So, Cupid

# Draw back your bow

# And let your arrow flow

# Straight to my lover's heart

# For me

# No, nobody else but me... #

It's a drag club.

Well, is that a problem for you?

No, not at all. I'm very secure
with my transgender issues.

I thought we should go somewhere my
husband wasn't likely to set foot inside.

Well, that makes sense.

(GAMBLING MACHINES BEEPING)

How many times?

If you get a hold after a nudge
with two of a kind on a win line,

there's always a win if you spin.

It's the oldest cheat going.

- I thought that was you!
- Oh, very good.

There you are, what did I tell you?

I hope this isn't the only return
we get for our investment.

You two! The party's over. Come here!

- Come on, empty your pockets.
- Chill, bro, you rass clot!

Oh, what have we got here?
A Black and White Minstrel?

Empty your pockets.

- Is that it?
- I is innocent, man.

Look, you've got a loose thread, dread.

I knew you two were strimmers
the minute I clapped eyes on you.

Now, are you paying attention?

Are you paying attention now?

Stealing from me is one thing,
but doing it badly

that's just insulting.

Get over there with your friend.

- Now, hold hands.
- What?

Hold hands. Go on, hold hands. Go on.

That's it.

Now walk out of the arcade and keep
holding hands all the way. Go on.

Keep them held.

What worries me is all the thieves
and chancers you don't see.

Deaf Barry used to be an Indian tracker.
He can sniff them out at 100 yards.

But it's another dent
in the profits, isn't it?

We're living in a leisure economy, Terry,
we can't lose.

We entertain each other and we gamble.

- And this place, it's like...
- Church?

Like a cathedral.

Well, it's hardly bursting
at the seams, is it?

We haven't been open five minutes.

If the punters don't show for this,

what makes you think
a casino hotel is going to work?

Because it's a whole new concept
in the gaming experience.

I've read the brochure, Ripley.

I just can't see
how all this is going to happen.

Terry, just leave it.

All I'm saying is I won't be building
my high roller's suite just yet.

Will you stop talking like a tart!

Shit!

Bloody hell, Ripley.

Are you all right, Terry?
What's wrong with you?

I'm sorry, Terry.
Put it down to executive stress. Come on.

The temper on you.

I'll do my job, you do yours. You can
start by clearing my name, PC Plod.

I told you I've got nothing to do
with the Hooley case.

- Who?
- Mike Hooley. The lad who died.

- You never told me you knew his name.
- Didn't I?

Come on. There's a bloke doing
a Howard Jones impression at Legends.

Is it as good as your impression
of a copper?

What the hell's up with you?

- Your lot interview my lad tomorrow.
- It's not my lot.

Carlisle's pissing in the wind.
He hasn't got anything on Danny.

Remember who your mates are, Ripley.

I'm trying.

I'm really trying.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

So what's your secret?

I don't have secrets.
I find they make life too complicated.

You're married? Is that it?

No. I was married once,
it didn't work out.

I should have seen
those little telltale signs earlier.

You know the sort of thing.

Her saying she hated me,
leaving, marrying somebody else.

If you don't want to tell me, that's fine.

No, I do want to tell you.

I want to tell you everything
and I want to know everything about you.

Why's that? Are you writing a book?

I feel like I've been waiting for you...

for this.

That's insane.

I know.

(PEOPLE CLAPPING)

(SHOULD I SAY BY GABRIELLE)

# Here I am, waiting for a sign

# I never seem to know

# If you want me in your life

# Where do I stand

# I just don't know

# I never feel I know you

# 'Cause you blow hot and you blow cold

# It seems I've grown attached

# Though we're not the perfect match

# I just can't explain

# Should I stay, should I go

# Could I ever really stand to let you go

# Can you not find the right words to say

# That maybe I'm getting in your way

# I feel your warmth

# Got me wanting more

# You've left the door half open

# I'm in two minds to explore

# But then again

# Am I being honest

# Being truthful to myself

# Can I see my life without you

# Could I be with someone else

# It seems I've grown attached

# Though we're not the perfect match

# I just can't explain

# Should I stay, should I go

# Could I ever really stand to let you go

# Can you not find the right words to say

# That maybe I'm getting in your way

# I feel your warmth

# Got me wanting more

# You've left the door half open

# I'm in two minds to explore

# But then again

# Am I being honest

# Being truthful to myself

# Can I see my life without you

# Could I be with someone else

# It seems I've grown attached

# Though we're not the perfect match

# I just can't explain

# Should I stay, should I go

# Could I ever really stand to let you go

# Can you not find the right words to say

# That maybe I'm getting in your way

# Should I stay, should I go

# I really think it's time
that you should let me know

# Can you not find the right words to say

# That maybe
I'm getting in your way... #

So, what do you do?

I'm a quantity surveyor.

Is there a duller sentence
in the whole of the English language?

It doesn't sound that bad.

I think it does.
What does your husband do?

What do you want to know that for?

Because he's with you
and I want to know about you.

Well, er...

- He owns an amusement arcade.
- Really?

Yeah. Really.

Is that it?

Well, one day soon
it's gonna be a casino hotel.

Oh, right.

What else do you want to know?

Where did you meet him?
How many kids have you got?

When did you fall out of love with him?

Er... the Ritz, Manchester, 1984.

He was a really good dancer.
Two kids, both teenagers.

And I don't know
if I have fallen out of love with him.

Well, you're here, aren't you? With me.

Yeah, well, sometimes I love him
and sometimes I don't.

And I guess
you just got me on a bad day.

And does he love you?

I don't know. He thinks he does.

This is weird. Why are you so interested?

Because I think you should be loved.

I didn't come here tonight
because I don't love my husband.

I came here because I liked you.

Because I thought I was
the type of person that could do this.

But I'm not.

Could I... hold your hand?

Did you not hear what I just said?

Can I kiss you?

Why?

Well, just by way of helping you
make an informed decision.

(SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Night, Barry.

Night, Ruth.

I never have a good night
with what's going on in my insides.

Go on. Take it.
It's just a few days past its sell-buy.

I didn't jizz in it.

And even if I did,
God will protect you, right?

Thanks.

- Where are your mates?
- Not everyone's got my stamina.

Are you having a hard time?

I'm not quite
walking through the valley of darkness

but one or two light bulbs are down.

God takes a personal interest
in every one of us.

Bloody hell, that must be some Filofax.

So, if you were me...

how would you get back
on speaking terms with God again?

Well, you could try showing
a little humility.

Oh, right. Yeah.

Humility.

That humble enough for you?

You know, I always feel better
talking to you, Hallworth.

I'll give you that.

- You know what this is, Danny?
- It's a machine key.

So what's a machine key?

You put it in a fruit machine
and a display tells you

how much is in there,
when it last paid out, stuff like that.

Would it surprise you to know
we found this one in Hooley's pocket?

I don't know.

And witnesses say your dad approached
a man answering Hooley's description

at the arcade opening

because he thought
he was using a machine key.

If you knew how many
tried the machine key trick,

you'd know what a stupid question
that is.

But you did see Mike Hooley
at the arcade, didn't you?

- You told me.
- That's right.

Couldn't miss him, you said,
with peroxide hair like that.

That's right.

Except your dad could...

because your dad said
he didn't see him at the arcade.

No comment.

I think you're in a bit of a mess
right now

because you're trying to cover up
for your dad.

Aren't you, Danny?

Stop harassing the boy.

There was a fight in the early hours
outside a nightclub called Romeo's.

There's always fighting.

It's like giro day
down at the post office in there.

- I think you were in that fight, Danny.
- No. I'd remember that.

How else did you get the cuts
and bruises on your hands and knuckles?

Maybe I did have a fight, yes.

- And was that fight with Mike Hooley?
- No.

Are you sure?

You didn't even know you were in a fight
till I just reminded you.

Danny couldn't have been in that fight.

I see. Why not?

Because I put him in a taxi at midnight
and sent him home

when I found him drunk
outside the nightclub.

And why hasn't Danny told me that?

Well, like you've just reminded him, he
can't remember a thing about that night.

You stood there
and you heard me tell Carlisle

I'd never seen Hooley in the arcade
and you told him you had.

I tried to tell you that.

You made it look like
we've something to hide.

- We have, now.
- What does that mean?

Why did you lie like that?
Why did you say you put me in a taxi?

I dragged you out of the deep end
and that's the thanks I get.

I'm sorry. I messed up. All right.

I'm going to ask you now, man to man,
father to son.

- Do you remember hitting that lad?
- No.

- Are you sure?
- Yes. I'm sure.

- You're not shitting me, are you?
- No, I'm not shitting you.

Well, where are you...

And the caller was very flattered
by his attentions

but now she feels depressed

because she knows whatever she does
will make her unhappy.

And is she going to see this man again?
The caller?

No.

Well, I think that's the right decision.

I didn't think you were supposed
to express an opinion.

That's when I'm talking to callers,
not my friends.

What do you think?

I just think you should be careful.

I mean, what do you know
about this other man?

Nothing.

That's the attraction.

Hi, it's me.

Er...

I hate leaving messages.

Yeah, I'm really sorry
that I ran away last night.

I was just wondering
if you'd like to do the same thing again.

The date, I mean, not the running away.

Hello? Were you just listening to all that?

No. I'd like to see you, too.

Yeah, I'd really like that.

Okay. Yeah. Bye.

Sir.

I heard from pathology that
the victim had taken a cocktail of drugs.

If he scored them round here,
we need to know who from.

We had an anonymous call this afternoon

saying that the victim was seen heading
for the White Cliff flats behind

- Holden's arcade in the early hours.
- I take it this was before he died?

Three of the hookers we met
work out of those flats

and all of them deny
having seen Mike Hooley.

There's something to be said for your
orthodox approach to police work.

There's more. Guess who the landlord is?

- Ripley Holden?
- Better than that. His wife.

His wife? What do you mean?

Do you think she knows the flats
are being used for immoral purposes?

Holden will be using the name
as a tax dodge.

I doubt the wife even knows
that she owns the property.

I find that hard to believe.

Have you met her?
We'll visit the flats in the morning.

(DOOR CLOSES)

Hello, darling.

Don't you start. It's been a long day.

- You could try saying something nice.
- Is it that time of year already?

Take the chance while you still can.

What's that supposed to mean?

What if you walked out of that door
tonight and died?

What if I died?

Have you been
on the herbal remedies again?

What if this was your last chance
to tell me you love me?

- You're messing about, aren't you?
- No, I'm not.

What, you want me to say something
right now?

Yeah.

Something, you know, spontaneous.

Like what?

All right, what do you want to hear?

What, I have to tell you?

Look, I can't be doing
with your games right now, Natalie.

(MELANCHOLIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

(PEOPLE LAUGHING)

(MOBILE PHONE RINGING)

(SEDUCTIVE MUSIC PLAYING)

Look at that toothless old bugger. He's
put his bus pass in her suspender belt.

Dirty git!

That's right.
He doesn't appreciate the art like we do.

She's an artist, Scarlett. I've really seen
her improve over the years.

What is this? Strip Idol?

You're not a judge,
you're just a drooler like the rest of us.

I'm coaching her. See that?
That's a move I suggested.

That's a move every man in this place
could've suggested.

That's not coaching, Terry, it's foreplay.

I told you this would cheer you up.

Yeah. It's doing me good.

So now we're all relaxed...

perhaps you could tell me
what Carlisle knows about me.

Not this again.

How did he know about me
and the machine key?

How did he know Danny'd been in a fight
before Danny did?

Just lucky guesses.

You do it all the time in interviews,
see what sticks.

So you don't think he's got someone
tipping him off at all?

What contacts has he got in this town?
If he had an informant, I'd know about it.

That's right, you would, wouldn't you?

Listen, Terry.

- I'm sorry about that slap I gave you.
- Forget it.

No, it was out of order.

You know, I just...
Everything's getting on top of me.

Does Jim seem okay to you?

He always looks well.
He's got than sun bed, hasn't he?

No, I mean all right in the head.

Yeah.

He seems a bit distracted to me.

He's got a lot on his plate.

Has he? What, like what? Money worries?
A secret?

I don't follow you.

I don't think we can trust him anymore.

- Jim?
- No, Tony Blair. Yes, Jim.

- But he's a mate.
- Is he?

And now, welcome on stage once more
the lovely, the delicious Deena.

Bloody hell, I don't believe this.
I know that voice.

(FAST-PACED INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

- I thought you'd be pleased.
- Pleased?

You know,
you must've been switched at birth.

You haven't got an ounce of my brains.

It's just a job.

How does it make me look,
having you work in a place like this?

You told me you worked in places
like this when you were my age.

Yes, I did. Exactly.

But I didn't go to a posh badge school

and have a forty-foot bedroom
with full en suite facilities.

- I thought you'd be pleased.
- This is how it works, right?

Dad works his bollocks off
so son can do better than him.

Not play records in a tuppenny wankfest
and get arrested in a murder case.

Nobody's said it's a murder case.

Have you any idea
what it's like to look at your own son

and not have a single clue
what makes him tick?

Have you got any idea what that's like?

Hi.

Why didn't you show up?

I was thinking about
what you were saying last night.

I was worried
you didn't really want to do this.

Are you sure it was that?

Are you sure it wasn't
you just having second thoughts

and pretending
you were doing the noble thing?

Of course not.

Well, you could have picked up
the phone and told me.

- But I knew that if I did...
- You'd have to ask me to your hotel.

And I don't know if either of us
are ready for that yet.

Oh...

Right. Yeah, I get it now.

Get what?

I used to know this man.

And he would meet a woman,
knock her off her feet,

charm her, listen to her,

wait till he was sure that she was hooked
and then he'd walk.

It's not like that.

Because, you see, the best thing for him

was that first exciting spark.

The promise. The hope.
That's what he got off on.

I didn't have you down
as that kind of man.

I'm holding back because I listened
to what you said. I took you seriously.

That is great, Peter.

No, that is priceless.

Natalie.

(I SECOND THAT EMOTION
BY THE MIRACLES)

# In that case I don't want no part

# I do believe that
that would only break my heart

# Oh, but if you feel like loving me

# If you got the notion

# I second that emotion

# So if you feel like giving me

# A lifetime of devotion

# I second that emotion

# Maybe you'll think
that love will tie you down

# And you don't have the time
to hang around

# Or maybe you'll think
that love was made for fools

# So it makes you wise
to break the rules

# Oh, little girl,
in that case I don't want no part

# I do believe that
that would only break my heart

# Oh, but if you feel like loving me

# If you got the notion

# I second that emotion... #

(CARLISLE) Natalie.

Natalie.

Natalie.

Would you care to tell me how you feel?

Shaken.

Yeah, me, too.

Because I've finally realised
what you've known all along.

That this is nothing more
than a nice little fantasy.

Where did you get to tonight?

Funny Girls.

- Ripley.
- What?

Would you hold me?

(NATALIE SNIFFLING)

You know why you're depressed,
don't you?

You've been watching
queers in dresses all night.

You're bound to feel dirty.

It's not exactly wholesome, is it?

That'll be it. That must be right.

Do you remember
when Shyanne was little...

she used to draw flowers
on her legs in biro?

We should have known then
she'd go for blokes with tattoos.

I was always so scared
when her and Danny were young.

Hey! What's got you on this?

I thought that when they grew up
everything would be all right.

We are going to be all right, aren't we?

Of course we are.

You okay now?

I'm fine.

You comfy like this?

Yeah.

- Ripley.
- What?

Can it not be about sex?

Can it just be about holding me?

Sure.

Yeah.

Of course it can.

(UPBEAT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)