Canterbury Tales (2003): Season 1, Episode 6 - The Man of Law's Tale - full transcript
Fleeing persecution in her native Nigeria, Constance, an illegal immigrant, is taken in by Adam and Nicky Constable and falls, mutually, for their friend Alan King. However, another young man, Terry, becomes obsessed with her and makes a savage play for her, interrupted by Nicky, whom he kills. He is convicted but Constance's immigrant status is exposed and she is sent back to Nigeria, pregnant with Alan's baby. Despite efforts by his mother to come between them Alan follows her to Africa where they are reconciled proving, as Chaucer declared six hundred years earlier,that loves conquers all
(Woman screaming)
(Curlew calling)
(Oystercatchers call)
(Whispering) Please, God!
Help me.
Help me.
Nicky!
Nicky!
(Speaks Fulani)
Do you speak English?
What is your name?
Constance Musa.
Constance, my name is Olunike.
But everyone calls me Nicky.
This is Mark.
We want to help you.
Where have you come from?
Nigeria.
I come from Nigeria.
(Wind chimes)
You found her, brought her here.
That doesn't make us responsible.
We don't know how to deal with this.
We can't send her
to one of these detention places, Mark.
Please, let's not tell anyone
till we've had time to think.
(Vehicle approaching, horn beeping)
- (Gasps)
Hi. Sorry I didn't get back in time
to catch you in the office last night.
- How was the dive?
- Yeah, good.
Alan, I've got a bit of a problem.
I can't do the site visit right now.
OK. You've got someone staying?
I saw a girl at the window just now.
She looked a bit stressed.
Yeah, that's...Nicky's niece.
Alan, hi. I'm sorry, sweetie,
but I've got a lecture,
and this girl just arrived out of the blue.
She's family, so what can you do?
Will you be OK?
Yeah, no problem.
Sometimes he forgets who's boss.
You are coming to Leila's dinner?
An interesting cultural experience
for your niece.
- Actually, Alan...
- No excuses. Bring the whole family.
(Hubbub of voices and traffic)
It's the obvious answer, anyway,
to say you're a relative.
- I am Fulani.
- And I'm Yoruba.
Frankly, as long as we're black,
no English person will question it.
You must not lie for me.
Actually, before we go any fuflher,
I think we should ask you a few questions,
if you don't mind.
First off, how you ended up
in that boat on the river.
I was on a ship, a freighter.
There was a raid in the night.
Customs officials.
They were afraid to be caught,
and so they put me in the boat.
You were damn lucky.
The estuary is dangerous.
God was watching over me.
Why were you...on the ship?
They gave me a story to tell
but it is not the truth.
I do not remember.
I had to leave Nigeria,
but...l do not remember.
Nothing at all?
I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
Some things are best forgotten.
God bless you.
God bless you.
You didn't have to do that.
I don't see why you have to move out
in such a hurry.
Some hurry - I've been here three months.
It's ridiculous, having this great big place
all to myself.
- You could sell it.
- It's your birthright.
You'll feel differently
when you have a family.
(Chuckling)
Well, why not?
You're such a romantic, that's the trouble.
When I left Iran, my head was broken.
I knew I would never find love.
Then I met your father.
You'll have to find a nice, normal girl.
Mum, I'm not looking.
You did all you could to stop it, anyway.
Don't be silly.
You will be here
in good time for Friday, won't you?
Yes. Oh, yeah, Nicky and Mark
want to bring someone.
- Who?
- Some relation of Nicky's.
- She's staying with them.
- She? It'll upset my numbers.
- I didn't think Nicky was like that.
- Like what?
Shipping in relatives by the boatload.
You're such a racist, Mum!
Nonsense, darling.
How could I be?
(Screaming)
Shh, shh, I've got you, baby. I've got you.
(Whispering)
Shhh, shhh.
- Have you tasted Italian food?
- Italian food?
- Italian food.
- Er, no, I...h-haven't.
It's OK.
You're my niece, here for a visit. Right?
Come on. It's OK.
Constance!
Constance, you can't...
It won't be open.
(Unaccompanied singing)
J‘ Awake, awake, O Zion
J‘ Come clothe yourself with strength...
Hi, I'm Terry. Please, come up.
J‘ Come clothe yourself with strength J‘
- We welcome our sister...
- Constance.
..Constance, who has come
to bear witness to His love.
For all the times when we have not
welcomed strangers among us,
let me hear you say, "Lord have mercy."
- (Congregation) Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
For the times when we let anger
or passion rule us, Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
Lord, have mercy!
(Shouting and machine-gun fire)
(Speaking in Fulani)
Constance! What happened?
S-She went all funny.
I thought she was going to faint.
- Are you her mum?
- Constance, listen. Can you hear me?
Do you mind?
It's fine, we're fine. Thank you.
(Constance repeats Fulani phrase)
- She keeps on saying that. What's it mean?
- Sit up. I've got you. It's OK.
Have you got a car?
I don't think she should walk.
I know what to do. Thank you.
- I'm sorry. What happened?
- It's OK. It was hot. You fainted - right?
- Are you all right, Constance?
- Thank you, Terry, you're very kind.
Olunike knows what is best to do.
It's OK. we'll be fine here.
You need to go back to your service.
I'll see you soon, Constance, yeah?
- This was a mistake.
- Shh! Come on.
(Chattering and laughter)
- Evening, guys.
- Hi, Alan.
Thanks for making it.
Did we have a choice?
This is Constance.
Hi...again.
Sorry, shall I take your coats?
Nicky, lovely to see you. You always look
so well. How do you do it?
And this is your niece? Very pretty.
The longest eyelashes. You do!
What do you see?
It's warm.
I used to stare into it all the time,
when I was a kid. Seeing things.
So how are you doing?
Do you like it here?
Oh, yes. Very much.
You don't have to be polite.
No-one's listening.
So are you...on holiday
or planning to study or something?
I won't hold you to it.
I don't know.
- God will decide.
- Really? I didn't think He did practical stuff.
God has a purpose for us all.
- You do not believe?
- Erm...
No, not my thing.
Me and God, we practise safe religion.
Kind of like safe sex but less fun.
Oh, you are joking with me.
I shan't do it again.
Safe religion.
It sounds fine but I don't think it exists.
- Religion is not safe.
- It is here.
- That's what the Church of England's for.
- But in here...is not safe.
God is a dangerous lover.
There you are!
Smile for me!
Ah, we have good news for you, Mr King.
- We have found this woman.
- Oh, my God. Where is she?
Constance Musa...
from Kaduna City.
Yes, she was here, March 4 last year.
The day after she flew in, she was here?
But they told me...
She did not apply for a visa,
so we did not find her name.
No...l don't get it.
The paperwork was all sorted!
Miss Musa reported a robbery.
As she is not a British citizen, we could only
refer her to the Nigerian police.
For God's sake!
I'm sorry I cannot help you fuflher.
So that's it?
My best advice to you, Mr King, is go home.
(Laughs)
- That's terrible!
- They were the best ones, believe me.
Are you cold?
Don't worry, we won't stay out long.
Here, you'd better put this on, too.
I promised Nicky I'd look after you.
I never thought she'd be so protective.
It's nice.
You been on a boat before?
You don't have to do this.
It's meant to be a good time.
Fulani are desert people.
We are afraid of water. I want to, please.
That's good.
But you have to smile!
Good.
(Women giggling)
So tell me, how did it go?
- I tacked the boat.
- Good!
And...?
And...l was not sick.
Better than me!
And...?
You like him.
Yes.
Yes.
Dear Lord and Father,
we pray for Africans, Europeans, Asians -
dear Lord, we pray for every nation
on the face of the Eaflh.
And, dear Father...
we pray for our brothers
and sisters in Christ
who face persecution today.
In Jesus' name...
Welcome, Sister!
Welcome to God's house!
Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing
my friend Olunike into your light.
- Do we get an amen?
- Amen!
Please, everybody, stand. Hymn 5.
(Piano plays introduction)
J‘ Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning
J‘ Give me oil in my lamp, I pray
'J‘ Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning
'J‘ Keep me burning
till the break of day...
'Sing it out!
'J‘ Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
'J‘ Sing hosanna
to the king of kings... J"
(Alan laughs) It's like when the parents
come back to find the kids having a pafly.
I did know!
Are you OK?
Yeah, I'm fine.
You know how it is,
stranger in the house...
And her and Nicky...
I suppose I'm a bit set in my ways.
Yeah. Right.
And she's kind of unsettling.
So quiet, then bang, what is your life for?
She's even got Nicky going to church,
which is so weird!
Mark?
"Brother will betray brother to death,
and a father his child.
"Children will rebel against their parents
and have them put to death.
"All men will hate you because of me.
"But whoever stands firm to the end
will be safe."
- Hallelujah! Amen!
- Thanks be to God!
- Come and join us.
- No, thanks.
Is this going to be over soon?
Pretty soon. Alan, hi.
- Hi.
- Thank you for inviting us into your home.
- Thank you, Mark.
- Thank you.
Actually, I didn't.
Perhaps you'd be kind enough to go now.
- Yes.
- (Murmurs of agreement)
Mark!
What the hell was that all about?
Those were my guests.
I'm sorry but I've had enough.
We can't go on pretending
this is a normal situation.
No-one's pretending. It's only till we sort out
what to do for the best.
I don't see you sofling anything out.
(Door slamming)
Hi.
Hello.
- Don't worry, they'll be OK.
- I have been here for too long.
Nah! Hide the empties, clean the carpets
and promise it won't happen again.
Oh, you are teasing me again.
Isn't there some rule
against Christians looking like that?
- I don't think so.
- You've got to play fair.
Poor bloke trying to keep his mind pure,
while praying, "Please, God, a smile.
- "Please, God, let her touch me."
- You are a very bad man!
I try. Save me, please!
Ah...Terry. I thought
you had gone home with the others.
I was just clearing up.
I'll help you.
Get up now. Stop that crazy stuff!
I'II wash up, atone for my sins.
- It's all right, I've got it.
- I'll give you a lift.
- I've got a bike.
- Yeah, OK, then, I'll...
I'll see you soon.
- I'll call.
- OK.
Good night.
(Horn blaring)
Can you slow down?
(Man) Don't worry, Mr King.
Kaduna is my home state.
So Mr King, why are you looking for this girl?
You're not a government man.
Hey, Mr King, is she hot stuff?
You should have come to Kaduna before.
It's such a fine place.
You know,
Christian fellows are fighting Muslims,
Muslim fellows are fighting Christians - shit!
One bad word, huh?
One bad word, and like a spark in the bush,
the whole thing's up in flames. Whoosh!
I don't want to make trouble.
I just want to find her.
'You are all beautiful
in God's eyes.’
He has a purpose for you...
and you...
And you.
Now, please, let's turn to our panner,
and exchange a sign of God's peace.
Please, stand.
Peace be with you...
(Everyone) Peace be with you.
Peace be with you.
Peace be with you...
- The sail is...like a wing?
- That's right.
Just tighten that up a little bit.
That's great... Beautiful!
Once we've gone into the wind,
and about, then you pull it.
- Now?
- Are you ready...? Go to work.
Great! And also the other sail.
Have you released the other jib sail?
- Yes!
- That's good.
Which one is the jeep?
- Jib.
- Jeeb. Jib.
(Inaudible)
(Whirring)
- Good crewing, crew.
- Crew?
I am only one.
Well, if I'm the captain, you're the crew.
Aye, aye, Captain.
Would it be OK if I kissed the crew?
A peck on the cheek?
You're so beautiful.
Look, you're gonna have to help me out
here, I'm...a bit hazy on the rules.
I could not do this back home,
but I think kissing like that is OK here.
(Kettle whistling)
Hi. Good day?
Oh, yes, a very good day.
- I am a first-class crew.
- I should be warning you to slow down.
You haven't told him?
- No but I think it is right I should tell him...
- No, you can't!
I'm sorry, but we have to be so careful.
If anyone reports you,
they will lock you up or send you away.
I understand.
- (Nicky sighs)
- Are you sick?
Period pains. And I had a stupid row
on the phone with Mark
cos I won't meet him at the station.
I'm sorry I make trouble for you.
No! You don't.
You make me very happy.
Good night.
Sweet dreams.
(Door shuts)
(Wind chimes tinkling)
Alan?
Is it you?
- Gotcha!
- (Screams)
Sorry. Can I come in?
- Would you like a cup of tea?
- Er, thanks.
Have you been out, then?
That bloke with the Jeep?
Alan.
You want to watch him.
I've...seen the way he looks at you.
- Oh, please.
- You know what you're doing, Connie?
Messing with my head.
One minute all friendly, then cold, like this.
I keep praying and all I see is you.
What do you think I ought to do?
- I think you should go.
- You're beautiful, you know that?
- Please, Terry...
- God sent you to me, Con!
You're my angel.
I get these thoughts...
And you're the only one that can help me.
Hold me...?
That's better.
You smell good.
Feel good.
No! No!
You got me all confused!
What do you want from me?
Nothing, I want nothing!
Please leave me alone.
It's him, ain't it?
"Alan, is it you?"
I thought you weren't like that!
Let me go! I don't know what you are saying!
Pretending to be different
but the same dirty mind as the rest!
Just sex, sex all the time. You're disgusting!
Please let me go. Please!
You wanted me to hold you before,
didn't you? You liked it in church.
"Terry, please help me!"
Clinging to me.
Not now, though.
Not good enough for you now, am I?
You don't do that to me!
(Sobbing)
Shut up! Shut up!
- Shut up!
- Constance?
Constance! Stop it! Get away!
I know what you are. You're all in it!
You're pathetic. Go before I call the police.
It's OK.
(Whimpering)
(Woman screaming)
'Nicky, I'm back.’
Thanks for meeting me(!)
Nicky?
Nicky...
(Woman crooning softly)
'..Nigerian refugee Constance Musa.
'Musa, 21, was remanded in custody
'for the murder of Olunike Constable
in Chatham, Kent.
'Musa, who spoke only to confirm her name,
arrived in Britain illegally...’
Can I see your ID?
Thank you.
I was waiting for you.
I'm here now.
And we're going to son this out.
God is with me. He will save me.
That's great but
he needs you to help yourself, too.
Olunike is dead.
I cannot bring her back.
She is with God.
I know.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry,
I know this is hard for you.
Constance, look at me.
They think you killed Olunike.
I do not remember.
I was there, holding her.
I do not remember.
She is with God.
Has she seen as psychiatrist?
He couldn't get any details on Nigeria.
Blackouts, memory loss, hallucinations,
are indicators of trauma.
With the murder as well,
it's not surprising she's confused.
I am not mad!
The doctor said I am not mad.
Of course not but you're under great strain.
It's too much for anyone.
Jesus helps me.
Well, he hasn't done you much good so far,
has he?
Look at you.
Look at where you are.
What happened to God's purpose?
This wasn't God's purpose,
was it, Constance?
He didn't tell you...to kill?
Why would he want that?
I don't know. Just now, you said,
"Nicky is with God." How do you know?
She was an angel.
She was so good and kind...
No... No, she wasn't.
She was clever and funny,
unfair, impatient, moody - no angel.
She didn't even believe in your God.
She did. She did! She is saved.
- What happened, Constance?
- I do not remember.
My God is a jealous God.
The ones I love,
they die.
They die.
I'm sorry, I-I can't do this.
All right, Constance.
We'll stop there for today.
(Knocking at the door)
Will you come again?
"Though I walk in the valley
of the shadow of death
"I will not fear...
"for God is with me."
(Whispering) "God is with me."
Hi.
I didn't think you'd be here.
We're not supposed to speak
till it's over.
- How are you?
- Fine.
Actually, no, I'm quitting, signing off.
Jesus, I'm sorry!
I can't imagine what you're going through.
I loved Nicky,
and if there's anything I can do...
Don't betray her, then.
Stop supporting that woman.
You don't think she did it?!
Get real, Mark! This is Constance!
She isn't capable of something like that.
I know nothing about her,
and neither do you - nothing.
Nobody does.
Only what she chooses to remember.
God knows what she did out there,
what was so bad
she had to run this far from it.
She's gentle and sweet.
She'd never hun anyone.
She's a fanatic, a religious fanatic
who cast a spell over Nicky -
and you.
You don't want to listen,
but you know it's true.
That so-called church.
You saw them at the house.
Dregs. Nicky would never have gone
to a place like that
unless she had been persuaded.
She's a psychopath.
And psychopaths are clever,
actually, in a twisted way.
They trick and manipulate
to get what they're after.
I took her into my house.
I treated her like a daughter.
God knows, we wanted to be fooled,
all of us.
We were bloody ripe for it.
OK, Mr King,
somebody will meet you.
Who are you?
Come.
Look, can you help me?
Please, do you know this girl?
Wait!
Wait! Jesus Christ!
Let me out! Come on!
Oh, shit...
(Man) Lockup!
(Lock rattles)
You. You're a lucky fellow.
How do you know this lady?
Do you know her? If you know where
she is, please tell me. I must find her.
Every day, people come to me
and they say, "Father, please feed us."
But what do I tell them?
I have money. If I find Constance,
- I'll pay a reward of 20,000 Naira.
- 40,000.
I swear by Almighty God
that the evidence I shall give
shall be the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.
Oh, dear. Was that your rival?
Could you tell us in your own words what
happened on the evening of the 21st, Terry?
- I left at 7.30, and biked to her place.
- The Constables' house.
- How long does that take?
- About 20 minutes.
I rang the bell,
and Constance came to the door.
She said she'd been out already.
- Been out?
- With her boyfriend.
- You were not her boyfriend?
- No.
We was just mates. I helped her
in church when she come over funny.
She had turns
where she didn't know what she was doing.
What happened after you spoke at the door?
She didn't want to come out, so I went away.
No, this is not how it was!
There is a mistake.
Miss Musa, don't interrupt the witness.
You will have ample opportunity
to present your defence in due course.
(Lawyer) Thank you, m'lud.
- You went away where?
- Back home...
'He's a Christian.’
- He believes in God.
- Look,
I know how important your faith is to you,
but this is a court of law.
You have to be quiet.
Don't speak until your turn.
He swore an oath on the Bible!
Do you believe in God, Terry?
Course.
Would you describe yourself
as God-fearing?
- God-loving.
- And does God love you, Terry?
No matter what you do, how bad you are,
God still loves you.
Is that right?
Yeah. I'm saved.
You don't believe in punishment?
Paying for your sins?
Divine justice?
Terry?
Yeah. Yeah, I do.
You understand that perjury
is not only a criminal offence,
but breaking the oath
you swore on the Bible?
Yeah.
Did you get on well with Mrs Constable?
Er...all right.
- Did she like you?
- She didn't like the Church.
She invited everyone to her house.
- She was jealous of me and Connie.
- Why would she be jealous?
You weren't going out with Connie.
You said you were mates.
Why didn't she like you?
I don't know. You should have asked her.
If only I could.
But I'm asking you.
Everything you've told us is a lie,
isn't it, Terry?
You lied to the police,
you lied in your statement
and you're lying to the court
Please look
at the prisoner in the dock, Terry.
You have broken
the oath you swore on the Bible,
betrayed your friend, your faith
and your God.
You didn't go home, did you?
You went into the house.
Terry?
Terry?
I didn't mean nothing.
You know that, Constance?
I never meant to hurt her.
I-I didn't mean nothing.
(Leila) 'Why don't they let her go?’
(Alan) 'She's an illegal immigrant.
She'll be detained and depofled,
'unless we stop it.’
PA: 'Constance Musa...
Constance Musa to the visitors' room.
'Constance Musa to the visitors' room.’
Thank you for coming.
I couldn't let Alan do it again on his own.
He's been working terribly hard for you.
- He's in with the lawyers all the time.
- It is very kind.
Most women here have no-one.
Of course, Alan never doubted it.
Said you were innocent.
He's held up on a case but there is a way.
If we married, you could apply
for entry clearance as a spouse.
- You'd have to go back to Nigeria, then...
- They'd see through it in a moment!
- See through it?
- Pretending you were married.
- I'm not talking about pretending!
- No, not for this. It's not right.
- Not for this, for us.
- Darling, don't get carried away.
You are not a knight on a white charger.
You don't know one another.
- Think of the differences!
- Constance, I love you.
This is not the way it should be.
- Will you marry me?
- Alan, this isn't fair to poor Constance!
Leila, shut up.
Constance, please. Give me a chance.
You're beautiful.
It's OK, sweetheart
The car picks you up from the hotel in Lagos
and takes you to the consulate.
The entry clearance officer
does the Mr & Mrs bit -
which toothpaste, mother's maiden name -
you know the answers.
You collect your visa and come back legally.
Mrs King.
Have you brought the money?
I want to see her now.
I think that is up to the lady.
Don't you?
(Baby crying)
You're the father of the baby.
(Phone ringing)
Hello? Yes?
- (Buzzing)
- Who's that?
- (Man) 'Mrs King?’
- Yes.
'Namdi Amadu, Nigerian High Commission.
I am so sorry to disturb you at this time.
'Do you by any chance know
a woman called Constance Musa?’
What is it?
'She claims to be married to a Mr King,
a British citizen.
'You do know her?’
Yes, I...
Well, that is, I know the name.
There was a big murder case over here.
She was one of the main suspects.
It was in all the papers.
(Snoring softly)
- (Mobile phone ringing)
- 'Yes?’
'Mrs King? Please, this is Constance!
- 'Please, I'm at the embassy...’
- Alan has asked me to tell you
that it's all a mistake.
You should go home.
I'm sorry.
He doesn't wish you to speak to him.
It's all a mistake.
Please, don't try to contact us any more.
(Constance sobbing)
Can you hear me?
'Y-yes.’
(Hangs up)
(Man's voice)
Why do you come now?
(Curlew calling)
Alan?
I may as well use the time.
I'm going back up noflh.
Mum's getting on, and...
well, I don't want to stay here.
I just came to say goodbye.
- I'm sorry, Mark.
- No, please... Please don't.
- Leila said that you were going away.
- Maybe. Far East.
- Take a look at the Chinese digs.
- Not Nigeria, then?
No. Why?
Mark, what is it?
Mark!
I thought you'd go after her.
She made it very clear in her e—mail
she didn't want me to.
She planned it, you know.
Didn't even stay a night in the hotel.
Jesus, I don't blame her.
- I never gave her a chance to back out.
- Anyone can write an e-mail.
What do you mean, Mark?
Has she been in contact with you?
No, of course not.
Please, if you know something,
don't hold out on me! For Nicky's sake!
If you want to know what happened,
I suggest you ask your mother.
Leila!
Leila!
- What have you done?
- Darling, what's the matter?
- Constance. What have you done?
- Why are you shouting?
Just tell me the truth!
Did...did you threaten her,
blackmail her, what?
After she phoned,
I didn't know what to do.
I didn't want you to go out there.
So I called Mark.
- I abandoned her. Jesus, what have I done?
- You felt sorry for her.
You wanted to be kind. Tell me one thing
you had in common. One thing.
She's honest, brave and beautiful,
the best person I ever met, and I love her.
If you can't accept it, I'm sorry!
(Constance) 'On the way into Lagos City,
there was a checkpoint.’
They made me get out of the car,
and the taxi drove away with my things.
The police would not help me,
so I walked to the High Commission.
I had no papers,
but they agreed to call the UK.
They told me in front of all the people
that I was a liar.
And I did not have faith in you.
I thought you had abandoned me.
When they saw
I was going to have a baby...
no-one believed I was married.
They called me bad names
and...
and beat me.
Thanks be to God, the priest rescued me
and brought me to live
here and keep house for him.
The baby?
He came early.
I thought God would take him too, but...
He's very strong.
He made me strong, too.
When he was born,
I remembered.
It was a blessing from God
to give me back my past.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy!
When the fighting started,
I tried to get home but
- (Gunfire)
- ..there was a crowd attacking my house
because my father was Muslim
and my mother Christian.
(Shouting)
(Glass smashing)
'We left my father and fled.
'The violence was like a fire
leaping from one place to another.
'All over Kaduna, Christians and Muslims
were fighting each other,
'burning and Iooting...’
(Gunfire)
(Women screaming)
(Man yelling orders)
(Man yells)
(Clicking)
(Screams and sobs)
Mama!
'They killed my mother and father.
'My auntie was afraid for me.
'She arranged for me to be put on a ship
to escape from Nigeria
'so that I would be safe.’
What's his name?
Isaac Musa King.
His Fulani name means "laughter".
He's like you, he laughs often
and for no good reason at all.
I did not think I would laugh again
until he came.
Laughter.
(Curlew calling)
(Oystercatchers call)
(Whispering) Please, God!
Help me.
Help me.
Nicky!
Nicky!
(Speaks Fulani)
Do you speak English?
What is your name?
Constance Musa.
Constance, my name is Olunike.
But everyone calls me Nicky.
This is Mark.
We want to help you.
Where have you come from?
Nigeria.
I come from Nigeria.
(Wind chimes)
You found her, brought her here.
That doesn't make us responsible.
We don't know how to deal with this.
We can't send her
to one of these detention places, Mark.
Please, let's not tell anyone
till we've had time to think.
(Vehicle approaching, horn beeping)
- (Gasps)
Hi. Sorry I didn't get back in time
to catch you in the office last night.
- How was the dive?
- Yeah, good.
Alan, I've got a bit of a problem.
I can't do the site visit right now.
OK. You've got someone staying?
I saw a girl at the window just now.
She looked a bit stressed.
Yeah, that's...Nicky's niece.
Alan, hi. I'm sorry, sweetie,
but I've got a lecture,
and this girl just arrived out of the blue.
She's family, so what can you do?
Will you be OK?
Yeah, no problem.
Sometimes he forgets who's boss.
You are coming to Leila's dinner?
An interesting cultural experience
for your niece.
- Actually, Alan...
- No excuses. Bring the whole family.
(Hubbub of voices and traffic)
It's the obvious answer, anyway,
to say you're a relative.
- I am Fulani.
- And I'm Yoruba.
Frankly, as long as we're black,
no English person will question it.
You must not lie for me.
Actually, before we go any fuflher,
I think we should ask you a few questions,
if you don't mind.
First off, how you ended up
in that boat on the river.
I was on a ship, a freighter.
There was a raid in the night.
Customs officials.
They were afraid to be caught,
and so they put me in the boat.
You were damn lucky.
The estuary is dangerous.
God was watching over me.
Why were you...on the ship?
They gave me a story to tell
but it is not the truth.
I do not remember.
I had to leave Nigeria,
but...l do not remember.
Nothing at all?
I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
Some things are best forgotten.
God bless you.
God bless you.
You didn't have to do that.
I don't see why you have to move out
in such a hurry.
Some hurry - I've been here three months.
It's ridiculous, having this great big place
all to myself.
- You could sell it.
- It's your birthright.
You'll feel differently
when you have a family.
(Chuckling)
Well, why not?
You're such a romantic, that's the trouble.
When I left Iran, my head was broken.
I knew I would never find love.
Then I met your father.
You'll have to find a nice, normal girl.
Mum, I'm not looking.
You did all you could to stop it, anyway.
Don't be silly.
You will be here
in good time for Friday, won't you?
Yes. Oh, yeah, Nicky and Mark
want to bring someone.
- Who?
- Some relation of Nicky's.
- She's staying with them.
- She? It'll upset my numbers.
- I didn't think Nicky was like that.
- Like what?
Shipping in relatives by the boatload.
You're such a racist, Mum!
Nonsense, darling.
How could I be?
(Screaming)
Shh, shh, I've got you, baby. I've got you.
(Whispering)
Shhh, shhh.
- Have you tasted Italian food?
- Italian food?
- Italian food.
- Er, no, I...h-haven't.
It's OK.
You're my niece, here for a visit. Right?
Come on. It's OK.
Constance!
Constance, you can't...
It won't be open.
(Unaccompanied singing)
J‘ Awake, awake, O Zion
J‘ Come clothe yourself with strength...
Hi, I'm Terry. Please, come up.
J‘ Come clothe yourself with strength J‘
- We welcome our sister...
- Constance.
..Constance, who has come
to bear witness to His love.
For all the times when we have not
welcomed strangers among us,
let me hear you say, "Lord have mercy."
- (Congregation) Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
For the times when we let anger
or passion rule us, Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
- Lord have mercy.
Lord, have mercy!
(Shouting and machine-gun fire)
(Speaking in Fulani)
Constance! What happened?
S-She went all funny.
I thought she was going to faint.
- Are you her mum?
- Constance, listen. Can you hear me?
Do you mind?
It's fine, we're fine. Thank you.
(Constance repeats Fulani phrase)
- She keeps on saying that. What's it mean?
- Sit up. I've got you. It's OK.
Have you got a car?
I don't think she should walk.
I know what to do. Thank you.
- I'm sorry. What happened?
- It's OK. It was hot. You fainted - right?
- Are you all right, Constance?
- Thank you, Terry, you're very kind.
Olunike knows what is best to do.
It's OK. we'll be fine here.
You need to go back to your service.
I'll see you soon, Constance, yeah?
- This was a mistake.
- Shh! Come on.
(Chattering and laughter)
- Evening, guys.
- Hi, Alan.
Thanks for making it.
Did we have a choice?
This is Constance.
Hi...again.
Sorry, shall I take your coats?
Nicky, lovely to see you. You always look
so well. How do you do it?
And this is your niece? Very pretty.
The longest eyelashes. You do!
What do you see?
It's warm.
I used to stare into it all the time,
when I was a kid. Seeing things.
So how are you doing?
Do you like it here?
Oh, yes. Very much.
You don't have to be polite.
No-one's listening.
So are you...on holiday
or planning to study or something?
I won't hold you to it.
I don't know.
- God will decide.
- Really? I didn't think He did practical stuff.
God has a purpose for us all.
- You do not believe?
- Erm...
No, not my thing.
Me and God, we practise safe religion.
Kind of like safe sex but less fun.
Oh, you are joking with me.
I shan't do it again.
Safe religion.
It sounds fine but I don't think it exists.
- Religion is not safe.
- It is here.
- That's what the Church of England's for.
- But in here...is not safe.
God is a dangerous lover.
There you are!
Smile for me!
Ah, we have good news for you, Mr King.
- We have found this woman.
- Oh, my God. Where is she?
Constance Musa...
from Kaduna City.
Yes, she was here, March 4 last year.
The day after she flew in, she was here?
But they told me...
She did not apply for a visa,
so we did not find her name.
No...l don't get it.
The paperwork was all sorted!
Miss Musa reported a robbery.
As she is not a British citizen, we could only
refer her to the Nigerian police.
For God's sake!
I'm sorry I cannot help you fuflher.
So that's it?
My best advice to you, Mr King, is go home.
(Laughs)
- That's terrible!
- They were the best ones, believe me.
Are you cold?
Don't worry, we won't stay out long.
Here, you'd better put this on, too.
I promised Nicky I'd look after you.
I never thought she'd be so protective.
It's nice.
You been on a boat before?
You don't have to do this.
It's meant to be a good time.
Fulani are desert people.
We are afraid of water. I want to, please.
That's good.
But you have to smile!
Good.
(Women giggling)
So tell me, how did it go?
- I tacked the boat.
- Good!
And...?
And...l was not sick.
Better than me!
And...?
You like him.
Yes.
Yes.
Dear Lord and Father,
we pray for Africans, Europeans, Asians -
dear Lord, we pray for every nation
on the face of the Eaflh.
And, dear Father...
we pray for our brothers
and sisters in Christ
who face persecution today.
In Jesus' name...
Welcome, Sister!
Welcome to God's house!
Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing
my friend Olunike into your light.
- Do we get an amen?
- Amen!
Please, everybody, stand. Hymn 5.
(Piano plays introduction)
J‘ Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning
J‘ Give me oil in my lamp, I pray
'J‘ Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning
'J‘ Keep me burning
till the break of day...
'Sing it out!
'J‘ Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
'J‘ Sing hosanna
to the king of kings... J"
(Alan laughs) It's like when the parents
come back to find the kids having a pafly.
I did know!
Are you OK?
Yeah, I'm fine.
You know how it is,
stranger in the house...
And her and Nicky...
I suppose I'm a bit set in my ways.
Yeah. Right.
And she's kind of unsettling.
So quiet, then bang, what is your life for?
She's even got Nicky going to church,
which is so weird!
Mark?
"Brother will betray brother to death,
and a father his child.
"Children will rebel against their parents
and have them put to death.
"All men will hate you because of me.
"But whoever stands firm to the end
will be safe."
- Hallelujah! Amen!
- Thanks be to God!
- Come and join us.
- No, thanks.
Is this going to be over soon?
Pretty soon. Alan, hi.
- Hi.
- Thank you for inviting us into your home.
- Thank you, Mark.
- Thank you.
Actually, I didn't.
Perhaps you'd be kind enough to go now.
- Yes.
- (Murmurs of agreement)
Mark!
What the hell was that all about?
Those were my guests.
I'm sorry but I've had enough.
We can't go on pretending
this is a normal situation.
No-one's pretending. It's only till we sort out
what to do for the best.
I don't see you sofling anything out.
(Door slamming)
Hi.
Hello.
- Don't worry, they'll be OK.
- I have been here for too long.
Nah! Hide the empties, clean the carpets
and promise it won't happen again.
Oh, you are teasing me again.
Isn't there some rule
against Christians looking like that?
- I don't think so.
- You've got to play fair.
Poor bloke trying to keep his mind pure,
while praying, "Please, God, a smile.
- "Please, God, let her touch me."
- You are a very bad man!
I try. Save me, please!
Ah...Terry. I thought
you had gone home with the others.
I was just clearing up.
I'll help you.
Get up now. Stop that crazy stuff!
I'II wash up, atone for my sins.
- It's all right, I've got it.
- I'll give you a lift.
- I've got a bike.
- Yeah, OK, then, I'll...
I'll see you soon.
- I'll call.
- OK.
Good night.
(Horn blaring)
Can you slow down?
(Man) Don't worry, Mr King.
Kaduna is my home state.
So Mr King, why are you looking for this girl?
You're not a government man.
Hey, Mr King, is she hot stuff?
You should have come to Kaduna before.
It's such a fine place.
You know,
Christian fellows are fighting Muslims,
Muslim fellows are fighting Christians - shit!
One bad word, huh?
One bad word, and like a spark in the bush,
the whole thing's up in flames. Whoosh!
I don't want to make trouble.
I just want to find her.
'You are all beautiful
in God's eyes.’
He has a purpose for you...
and you...
And you.
Now, please, let's turn to our panner,
and exchange a sign of God's peace.
Please, stand.
Peace be with you...
(Everyone) Peace be with you.
Peace be with you.
Peace be with you...
- The sail is...like a wing?
- That's right.
Just tighten that up a little bit.
That's great... Beautiful!
Once we've gone into the wind,
and about, then you pull it.
- Now?
- Are you ready...? Go to work.
Great! And also the other sail.
Have you released the other jib sail?
- Yes!
- That's good.
Which one is the jeep?
- Jib.
- Jeeb. Jib.
(Inaudible)
(Whirring)
- Good crewing, crew.
- Crew?
I am only one.
Well, if I'm the captain, you're the crew.
Aye, aye, Captain.
Would it be OK if I kissed the crew?
A peck on the cheek?
You're so beautiful.
Look, you're gonna have to help me out
here, I'm...a bit hazy on the rules.
I could not do this back home,
but I think kissing like that is OK here.
(Kettle whistling)
Hi. Good day?
Oh, yes, a very good day.
- I am a first-class crew.
- I should be warning you to slow down.
You haven't told him?
- No but I think it is right I should tell him...
- No, you can't!
I'm sorry, but we have to be so careful.
If anyone reports you,
they will lock you up or send you away.
I understand.
- (Nicky sighs)
- Are you sick?
Period pains. And I had a stupid row
on the phone with Mark
cos I won't meet him at the station.
I'm sorry I make trouble for you.
No! You don't.
You make me very happy.
Good night.
Sweet dreams.
(Door shuts)
(Wind chimes tinkling)
Alan?
Is it you?
- Gotcha!
- (Screams)
Sorry. Can I come in?
- Would you like a cup of tea?
- Er, thanks.
Have you been out, then?
That bloke with the Jeep?
Alan.
You want to watch him.
I've...seen the way he looks at you.
- Oh, please.
- You know what you're doing, Connie?
Messing with my head.
One minute all friendly, then cold, like this.
I keep praying and all I see is you.
What do you think I ought to do?
- I think you should go.
- You're beautiful, you know that?
- Please, Terry...
- God sent you to me, Con!
You're my angel.
I get these thoughts...
And you're the only one that can help me.
Hold me...?
That's better.
You smell good.
Feel good.
No! No!
You got me all confused!
What do you want from me?
Nothing, I want nothing!
Please leave me alone.
It's him, ain't it?
"Alan, is it you?"
I thought you weren't like that!
Let me go! I don't know what you are saying!
Pretending to be different
but the same dirty mind as the rest!
Just sex, sex all the time. You're disgusting!
Please let me go. Please!
You wanted me to hold you before,
didn't you? You liked it in church.
"Terry, please help me!"
Clinging to me.
Not now, though.
Not good enough for you now, am I?
You don't do that to me!
(Sobbing)
Shut up! Shut up!
- Shut up!
- Constance?
Constance! Stop it! Get away!
I know what you are. You're all in it!
You're pathetic. Go before I call the police.
It's OK.
(Whimpering)
(Woman screaming)
'Nicky, I'm back.’
Thanks for meeting me(!)
Nicky?
Nicky...
(Woman crooning softly)
'..Nigerian refugee Constance Musa.
'Musa, 21, was remanded in custody
'for the murder of Olunike Constable
in Chatham, Kent.
'Musa, who spoke only to confirm her name,
arrived in Britain illegally...’
Can I see your ID?
Thank you.
I was waiting for you.
I'm here now.
And we're going to son this out.
God is with me. He will save me.
That's great but
he needs you to help yourself, too.
Olunike is dead.
I cannot bring her back.
She is with God.
I know.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry,
I know this is hard for you.
Constance, look at me.
They think you killed Olunike.
I do not remember.
I was there, holding her.
I do not remember.
She is with God.
Has she seen as psychiatrist?
He couldn't get any details on Nigeria.
Blackouts, memory loss, hallucinations,
are indicators of trauma.
With the murder as well,
it's not surprising she's confused.
I am not mad!
The doctor said I am not mad.
Of course not but you're under great strain.
It's too much for anyone.
Jesus helps me.
Well, he hasn't done you much good so far,
has he?
Look at you.
Look at where you are.
What happened to God's purpose?
This wasn't God's purpose,
was it, Constance?
He didn't tell you...to kill?
Why would he want that?
I don't know. Just now, you said,
"Nicky is with God." How do you know?
She was an angel.
She was so good and kind...
No... No, she wasn't.
She was clever and funny,
unfair, impatient, moody - no angel.
She didn't even believe in your God.
She did. She did! She is saved.
- What happened, Constance?
- I do not remember.
My God is a jealous God.
The ones I love,
they die.
They die.
I'm sorry, I-I can't do this.
All right, Constance.
We'll stop there for today.
(Knocking at the door)
Will you come again?
"Though I walk in the valley
of the shadow of death
"I will not fear...
"for God is with me."
(Whispering) "God is with me."
Hi.
I didn't think you'd be here.
We're not supposed to speak
till it's over.
- How are you?
- Fine.
Actually, no, I'm quitting, signing off.
Jesus, I'm sorry!
I can't imagine what you're going through.
I loved Nicky,
and if there's anything I can do...
Don't betray her, then.
Stop supporting that woman.
You don't think she did it?!
Get real, Mark! This is Constance!
She isn't capable of something like that.
I know nothing about her,
and neither do you - nothing.
Nobody does.
Only what she chooses to remember.
God knows what she did out there,
what was so bad
she had to run this far from it.
She's gentle and sweet.
She'd never hun anyone.
She's a fanatic, a religious fanatic
who cast a spell over Nicky -
and you.
You don't want to listen,
but you know it's true.
That so-called church.
You saw them at the house.
Dregs. Nicky would never have gone
to a place like that
unless she had been persuaded.
She's a psychopath.
And psychopaths are clever,
actually, in a twisted way.
They trick and manipulate
to get what they're after.
I took her into my house.
I treated her like a daughter.
God knows, we wanted to be fooled,
all of us.
We were bloody ripe for it.
OK, Mr King,
somebody will meet you.
Who are you?
Come.
Look, can you help me?
Please, do you know this girl?
Wait!
Wait! Jesus Christ!
Let me out! Come on!
Oh, shit...
(Man) Lockup!
(Lock rattles)
You. You're a lucky fellow.
How do you know this lady?
Do you know her? If you know where
she is, please tell me. I must find her.
Every day, people come to me
and they say, "Father, please feed us."
But what do I tell them?
I have money. If I find Constance,
- I'll pay a reward of 20,000 Naira.
- 40,000.
I swear by Almighty God
that the evidence I shall give
shall be the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.
Oh, dear. Was that your rival?
Could you tell us in your own words what
happened on the evening of the 21st, Terry?
- I left at 7.30, and biked to her place.
- The Constables' house.
- How long does that take?
- About 20 minutes.
I rang the bell,
and Constance came to the door.
She said she'd been out already.
- Been out?
- With her boyfriend.
- You were not her boyfriend?
- No.
We was just mates. I helped her
in church when she come over funny.
She had turns
where she didn't know what she was doing.
What happened after you spoke at the door?
She didn't want to come out, so I went away.
No, this is not how it was!
There is a mistake.
Miss Musa, don't interrupt the witness.
You will have ample opportunity
to present your defence in due course.
(Lawyer) Thank you, m'lud.
- You went away where?
- Back home...
'He's a Christian.’
- He believes in God.
- Look,
I know how important your faith is to you,
but this is a court of law.
You have to be quiet.
Don't speak until your turn.
He swore an oath on the Bible!
Do you believe in God, Terry?
Course.
Would you describe yourself
as God-fearing?
- God-loving.
- And does God love you, Terry?
No matter what you do, how bad you are,
God still loves you.
Is that right?
Yeah. I'm saved.
You don't believe in punishment?
Paying for your sins?
Divine justice?
Terry?
Yeah. Yeah, I do.
You understand that perjury
is not only a criminal offence,
but breaking the oath
you swore on the Bible?
Yeah.
Did you get on well with Mrs Constable?
Er...all right.
- Did she like you?
- She didn't like the Church.
She invited everyone to her house.
- She was jealous of me and Connie.
- Why would she be jealous?
You weren't going out with Connie.
You said you were mates.
Why didn't she like you?
I don't know. You should have asked her.
If only I could.
But I'm asking you.
Everything you've told us is a lie,
isn't it, Terry?
You lied to the police,
you lied in your statement
and you're lying to the court
Please look
at the prisoner in the dock, Terry.
You have broken
the oath you swore on the Bible,
betrayed your friend, your faith
and your God.
You didn't go home, did you?
You went into the house.
Terry?
Terry?
I didn't mean nothing.
You know that, Constance?
I never meant to hurt her.
I-I didn't mean nothing.
(Leila) 'Why don't they let her go?’
(Alan) 'She's an illegal immigrant.
She'll be detained and depofled,
'unless we stop it.’
PA: 'Constance Musa...
Constance Musa to the visitors' room.
'Constance Musa to the visitors' room.’
Thank you for coming.
I couldn't let Alan do it again on his own.
He's been working terribly hard for you.
- He's in with the lawyers all the time.
- It is very kind.
Most women here have no-one.
Of course, Alan never doubted it.
Said you were innocent.
He's held up on a case but there is a way.
If we married, you could apply
for entry clearance as a spouse.
- You'd have to go back to Nigeria, then...
- They'd see through it in a moment!
- See through it?
- Pretending you were married.
- I'm not talking about pretending!
- No, not for this. It's not right.
- Not for this, for us.
- Darling, don't get carried away.
You are not a knight on a white charger.
You don't know one another.
- Think of the differences!
- Constance, I love you.
This is not the way it should be.
- Will you marry me?
- Alan, this isn't fair to poor Constance!
Leila, shut up.
Constance, please. Give me a chance.
You're beautiful.
It's OK, sweetheart
The car picks you up from the hotel in Lagos
and takes you to the consulate.
The entry clearance officer
does the Mr & Mrs bit -
which toothpaste, mother's maiden name -
you know the answers.
You collect your visa and come back legally.
Mrs King.
Have you brought the money?
I want to see her now.
I think that is up to the lady.
Don't you?
(Baby crying)
You're the father of the baby.
(Phone ringing)
Hello? Yes?
- (Buzzing)
- Who's that?
- (Man) 'Mrs King?’
- Yes.
'Namdi Amadu, Nigerian High Commission.
I am so sorry to disturb you at this time.
'Do you by any chance know
a woman called Constance Musa?’
What is it?
'She claims to be married to a Mr King,
a British citizen.
'You do know her?’
Yes, I...
Well, that is, I know the name.
There was a big murder case over here.
She was one of the main suspects.
It was in all the papers.
(Snoring softly)
- (Mobile phone ringing)
- 'Yes?’
'Mrs King? Please, this is Constance!
- 'Please, I'm at the embassy...’
- Alan has asked me to tell you
that it's all a mistake.
You should go home.
I'm sorry.
He doesn't wish you to speak to him.
It's all a mistake.
Please, don't try to contact us any more.
(Constance sobbing)
Can you hear me?
'Y-yes.’
(Hangs up)
(Man's voice)
Why do you come now?
(Curlew calling)
Alan?
I may as well use the time.
I'm going back up noflh.
Mum's getting on, and...
well, I don't want to stay here.
I just came to say goodbye.
- I'm sorry, Mark.
- No, please... Please don't.
- Leila said that you were going away.
- Maybe. Far East.
- Take a look at the Chinese digs.
- Not Nigeria, then?
No. Why?
Mark, what is it?
Mark!
I thought you'd go after her.
She made it very clear in her e—mail
she didn't want me to.
She planned it, you know.
Didn't even stay a night in the hotel.
Jesus, I don't blame her.
- I never gave her a chance to back out.
- Anyone can write an e-mail.
What do you mean, Mark?
Has she been in contact with you?
No, of course not.
Please, if you know something,
don't hold out on me! For Nicky's sake!
If you want to know what happened,
I suggest you ask your mother.
Leila!
Leila!
- What have you done?
- Darling, what's the matter?
- Constance. What have you done?
- Why are you shouting?
Just tell me the truth!
Did...did you threaten her,
blackmail her, what?
After she phoned,
I didn't know what to do.
I didn't want you to go out there.
So I called Mark.
- I abandoned her. Jesus, what have I done?
- You felt sorry for her.
You wanted to be kind. Tell me one thing
you had in common. One thing.
She's honest, brave and beautiful,
the best person I ever met, and I love her.
If you can't accept it, I'm sorry!
(Constance) 'On the way into Lagos City,
there was a checkpoint.’
They made me get out of the car,
and the taxi drove away with my things.
The police would not help me,
so I walked to the High Commission.
I had no papers,
but they agreed to call the UK.
They told me in front of all the people
that I was a liar.
And I did not have faith in you.
I thought you had abandoned me.
When they saw
I was going to have a baby...
no-one believed I was married.
They called me bad names
and...
and beat me.
Thanks be to God, the priest rescued me
and brought me to live
here and keep house for him.
The baby?
He came early.
I thought God would take him too, but...
He's very strong.
He made me strong, too.
When he was born,
I remembered.
It was a blessing from God
to give me back my past.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy!
When the fighting started,
I tried to get home but
- (Gunfire)
- ..there was a crowd attacking my house
because my father was Muslim
and my mother Christian.
(Shouting)
(Glass smashing)
'We left my father and fled.
'The violence was like a fire
leaping from one place to another.
'All over Kaduna, Christians and Muslims
were fighting each other,
'burning and Iooting...’
(Gunfire)
(Women screaming)
(Man yelling orders)
(Man yells)
(Clicking)
(Screams and sobs)
Mama!
'They killed my mother and father.
'My auntie was afraid for me.
'She arranged for me to be put on a ship
to escape from Nigeria
'so that I would be safe.’
What's his name?
Isaac Musa King.
His Fulani name means "laughter".
He's like you, he laughs often
and for no good reason at all.
I did not think I would laugh again
until he came.
Laughter.