Endeavour (2012–…): Season 1, Episode 3 - Rocket - full transcript
An unpopular fitter is murdered during a royal visit at a family owned munitions factory.
Morning.
Percy Malleson.
There he goes. Turd of Turd Hall.
The royal party will arrive at the
factory at 11.45 sharp.
Whereupon, Her Royal Highness
Princess Margaret will be escorted on
a tour of the works
by company chairman, Mr Henry Broom.
After the official unveiling
of the new Standfast Mark Two
surface-to-air missile,
and subsequent viewing and
appreciation of the same...
her Royal Highness will then repair
to the main company offices
where refreshments and a light
buffet-style luncheon will be
graciously enjoyed.
Now, the purpose of this visit
is to help promote British industry
abroad.
To that end, a trade delegation,
led by His Highness
Crown Prince Nabil
of the United Hashemite kingdoms
will also be in attendance,
together with ministers from the
Board of Overseas Trade.
This station has been awarded
the signal honour
of providing additional security
for the duration of the visit.
The world will be watching.
Morning, matey.
How do I look?
Very... dependable.
I was hoping for "smart" but...
Been up half the night on these
buttons.
The Pathe mob are covering it,
aren't they?
Got to look your best.
After the first "Your Highness",
it's Ma'am.
To rhyme with Spam.
Sir.
Morse.
Rather than Smarm.
What?
To rhyme with, sir.
Mam, not Marm.
Just so.
The royal party is expected to depart
the factory at 1400,
so I would expect a return to
barracks
by 1430.
Manage till then?
Do our best, sir.
Didn't get your invite, then?
The royal garden party.
Thought you'd have been first
on the guest list.
My parking space is occupied by
men up ladders hanging bunting.
I wouldn't mind but I've just
had to cross the factory floor,
not to mention the whole place
reeks of paint,
all for the sake of
buttering up a few royals.
All for the sake of 36 Standfast
missiles.
Three years' output, Johnny,
potentially.
I thought even you might see
how vital this contract is.
Of course I see.
I just wish we didn't have to
turn the place upside down.
Good morning, Brenda.
Morning, Mr Broom.
Tea, coffee?
No, no, not now.
Here you are, then, Cinders.
You shall go to the ball.
Just came into the Information Room.
Bunch of anarchists looking to egg
the royal limo.
Get down the Broad,
make sure they don't.
Something for uniform, isn't it?
Funnily enough, we're a bit light
on woodentops today,
so... chop chop.
There's a piece in Flight
on the visit, quoting Dickie.
'What's good for British Imperial
Electric is good for Britain.'
Apparently.
Oh, morning, Alice.
How lovely you look today.
Thank you, Johnny.
For Her Highness?
For your wife.
Nora can't abide cut flowers.
Or they her.
Blooms wither at her passing.
They say a scorpion
stung her once... and died.
Damn! I never liked these things.
Here.
You're all fingers and thumbs.
What would I do without you, Miss
Vexin?
Reg Tracepurcel's waiting to see you.
This business with Lenny Frost...
Labour relations is Johnny's purview.
If you want him to go away,
get Dick to handle him.
Comrade Reg is a sucker
for tales of Bomber Command.
Where is Dickie?
Boardroom, last time I looked.
Keep him straight today, Johnny.
At least till everyone's gone.
Thank you, Michael.
Henry.
Nora. Good run?
The lights turned green for me
when I asked them to.
You needn't have gone to all this
trouble.
Thank you.
Richard.
Mother.
Bourbon for breakfast?
I knew you were coming.
Hm. Now, where's Little Boots?
I wish you wouldn't call me that.
How are you?
I endure.
Is Estella not joining us?
Later.
You know your sister has no head
for business. Shall we?
I do hope there are sandwiches.
There's only so much
obsequious insincerity
I can take on an empty stomach.
That's the second time he's had that
today.
Hop it.
You really think being found on the
premises is going to help your case?
You were gonna see Mr Johnny.
Well, it's been put back.
I wasn't negligent, Reg.
You've got to tell 'em.
I'll get it straightened. I promise.
Yeah? You'd better.
Cos I know who landed me in it.
And so do you.
City Police.
I don't doubt you're very sincere
but you may get your message across
better
if you go to the trouble
of spelling Levellers correctly.
That's it. Give them a good cheer.
Your Royal Highness.
Pictures. Pictures, Charlie.
We can't compete with that lot.
The written word is dead.
And this is Dr Volk.
This is the moment.
Four! Three! Two! One!
Went well, I thought.
Did you get any sense from the Arabs
as to how things are progressing?
Crown Prince Nabil had
one or two questions about...
Well, whatever it is, I'm sure
Estella distracted him beautifully.
That is why you sat them together.
How nice to know one's good for
something.
So, to what do we owe
this extraordinary convocation
of the Board?
I've tabled an agenda.
I'm not about to sleepwalk my way
into an ambush, Henry.
Where were you going to spring it
on me? Matters arising?
Any other business?
What's not in that paper?
Don't tell me. Let me guess.
The proposed merger with the French,
perhaps?
You may have banished me
from hearth and home,
but I still hold 33% of the company's
stock.
A minority share.
And our daughter's proxy.
Estella's 2%.
Even a fool could work that one out.
Johnny?
I know what it means.
It means you can block any proposal.
You wouldn't have come here
if you weren't willing to negotiate.
Perhaps I just fancied seeing
how a princess holds her fork.
Her Royal Highness put everyone
quite at their ease.
A marvellous quality, don't you
think?
She spoke to you, then, sir?
Oh, yes.
Protocol dictates of course
that one has to wait
for Her Royal Highness
to speak to one first.
Morse, phone.
'Have you come far?' she said.
Just like that. Regular, familiar as
you please.
CID. Morse.
'Have you come far?'
What did you say?
That I hadn't.
One for the memoirs, sir.
Yes. I think we can all take pride
that everything went off
without the slightest hitch.
That was British Imperial, sir.
A body's been found at the factory.
Looks like murder.
Richard Broom, Chief Superintendent.
Works Manager. We met earlier.
Stay here. No-one in or out.
The name of the deceased
is Malleson, Percy Malleson.
He's been with us about six months.
As what?
General fitter.
Worked on fuselage assembly.
Reliable?
Yes.
Good timekeeper.
No complaints about his work.
Who found him?
My father's personal assistant.
It's er... It's just in there.
Though, what he was doing here...
When was he found?
About an hour ago.
All right, Mr Broom.
We'll take it from here.
Don't go too far. I'm sure we'll be
needing you presently.
Dr DeBryn.
Gentlemen.
What have you got?
Not enough room to swing a cat,
as you can see.
What is that? A screwdriver?
Driven into the right ocular orbit
with some considerable force.
Death would have been instantaneous?
More or less.
No chance it could've been an
accident?
Not unless he picked himself up
and dragged himself in here.
There's blood on the skirting and on
the wall.
Any idea what time? Body temperature
suggests about four hours ago.
Certainly not so much as five.
Just about the time
Her Royal Highness arrived.
Well, that's one suspect
we can rule out at least.
Hardly a matter for levity,
Thursday. No, sir.
But we were charged with
protecting her security.
That duty was discharged admirably,
as far as I can make out.
Whatever else happened here,
no blame can attach to the station.
Me, you mean.
I doubt Division will take
so charitable a view of things.
The Palace will have to be notified.
Whole to-do's a complete bloody mess.
Watch what you're doing, Morse.
For God's sake.
Oops.
There is one other thing. Not that
it's likely to be much use to you.
But this was in his pocket.
Is it murder?
Yes, madam. It would appear so.
Hm.
My God. "When troubles come..."
Sir?
We're in the middle of some...
very delicate business discussions.
This really couldn't be more
inconvenient for the company.
Rather more than inconvenient
for the victim, wouldn't you say?
Thank you, Constable. I think
perhaps myself, Inspector Thursday
and Sergeant Jakes are sufficient
manpower to the task at hand.
If you'd like to wait outside.
The victim was a fitter, you said.
That's right.
He wouldn't have used a stopwatch
in his work?
A stopwatch?
One was found on his body, sir.
No. That's more the sort of thing
one would expect to find
the research boys carry around.
But, fuselage assembly? No. No need
for it, I shouldn't have thought.
If there was nothing else?
Sir.
I'm going to need an account from
each of you as to your movements
between 10.30 and 12.
From us? This will be some falling
out on the shop floor, surely.
Over money, or... a girl or something.
Talk to Tracepurcel.
Reg Tracepurcel. Shop steward.
He knows the ins and outs of these
people. At least he should do.
What the union pays him for.
Who is it's died?
You wouldn't know him.
A man called Malleson.
Percy Malleson? Fuselage assembly?
I was casting an eye
over the payroll. You were?
Yes, my interests do extend beyond
the realm of Horse and Hound.
Since when?
Well, I've never heard of him,
I'm afraid.
It's impossible to know
all their names.
Harry did.
My late brother.
He was very good like that.
The common touch.
Can I help you?
Police.
Miss...?
Morse?
Alice? Alice...
Vexin.
Of course. I was across the stair
from... Susan.
Oh, yes. I remember. Erm...
Yeah. Forgive me, you've erm...
Changed your...
Oh. Have I?
I imagine I must.
Forgive me, I didn't recognise you.
No earthly reason you should.
I suppose not. Six years.
Seven.
I think. Besides, we only met
half a dozen times.
Properly, anyway.
Though I think Alex Reece and I
made a four once
and came upriver
with you one Sunday.
That's right. Good heavens.
It poured all afternoon.
Do you remember?
Yes.
Morse.
My colleague. DS Jakes.
Miss Alice Vexin.
You're the one found the body.
We're going to need to talk to you,
Miss. Don't go anywhere.
Morse?
Well, it was...
Despite the er...
You too.
You know her? We were up at
the same time. At Oxford.
I know what "up" means.
Girlfriend, was she?
What makes you say that?
Way she looked at you.
Tell you - play your cards right,
mate, you're on a promise there.
Nice bit of homework too.
Don't do yourself any favours, do
you?
Without fear or favour. Isn't that
the job?
Well, for now, your job's statements
and particulars from the factory
side.
We need to know where everybody was
and what they were doing
between half-ten and noon.
How many?
Few hundred.
Should keep you out of mischief.
Good evening, sir.
Anyone he'd had a falling out with,
do you know?
So you also work on fuselage
assembly, is that right?
Yeah. And how well did you know
Mr Malleson?
"Morning." "Evening." He didn't have
much to say for himself.
He clocked on, clocked off. About it.
Anyone on his section
he was particular pals with?
No-one he sat with regularly at
lunch?
Like I say, he didn't go out of his
way to mix.
All right. Well, thank you.
That's all for now.
You got everything you need, sir?
Yes, thank you, Mr Tracepurcel.
How many more?
It's about halfway through.
But it won't be any of my members,
I can tell you that.
They're good blokes.
This'll be someone off site.
The one day the place is packed
with strangers and this happens.
Any bugger could've wandered in.
I don't mean this to be
disrespectful,
but it was your lot that had the
security of the place.
The Arabs arrived at about 10.30, so
I amused myself in Henry's office.
Doing what?
Playing Patience.
Happily, a game at which I excel.
That was till what time?
About a quarter past eleven -
when Estella arrived.
The meeting broke up
shortly afterwards,
and we all went across
to greet Her Royal Highness.
You and Mr Broom live apart, I
understand. For the past ten years.
I have a place outside Stratford.
Though until this matter is resolved
I shall be staying at Chinon Court.
The family home.
Next, please.
In you go.
I'll be with you in a moment.
This is an inefficient methodology.
You are?
Doctor Werner Volk.
I'm in charge of
telemetry and guidance systems
for the Standfast Missile Program.
My unit is scientific, you
understand?
I have nothing to do with
the labour force,
therefore I did not know
this dead man.
So... I may return to my work?
I just need to establish
where you were
and what you were doing
between 10.30 and noon.
Working. Until perhaps
ten minutes before 12,
when I left my section and walked
across with everyone else
for the meeting of
Her Royal Highness.
Did you go anywhere near the fuselage
assembly shed or the office block?
No. As I told you,
I have nothing to do with
the labour force. Or the office.
Perhaps if you write my answers
down,
you will not need
to repeat the question.
How was it you came to be on
the shop floor, Miss Vexin?
It's a short cut from the office to
the canteen.
I was just on my way down the back
corridor when... I heard a door slam.
And I...
It's all right. Take your time.
I noticed the store cupboard door
was open.
I went to close it,
and that's when I saw the blood.
So, I opened the door...
and there he was.
Who else uses that short cut?
Most of the office staff, I'd have
thought.
Or it's a five-minute walk around the
block.
But you didn't see anyone else
on the shop floor?
No. No, I didn't. Thank goodness.
Listen, I just wanted to say thanks,
for getting me in on this.
Oh. All hands.
What do you make to it, then?
Well, I think if I was going to
murder someone...
I wouldn't do it in a factory
that was crawling with police.
So... why here? Why now?
Why today?
Magnificent, isn't it?
Terrifying, certainly.
Are you making progress
with your investigation?
Nothing personal, of course,
but we'll be glad to see
the back of you.
Oh. Bad for business.
Bad for Britain... actually.
My family has supplied this nation
with arms and ordnance
since the Thirty Years' War.
From Bunker Hill to Balaclava...
I know the history, Mr Broom.
Then you should understand... this
sale is not just about the company.
It's about the country.
Our place in the world.
I'm sure all concerned want to see
the matter resolved quickly.
And with as little fuss as possible.
Dr Volk.
Hullo again.
They've let us go. Me, anyway.
I gathered.
I'd say let's have a drink,
but that's probably not...
No. But... maybe when it's all done.
Really? I'd like that. Catch up.
Morse, you mustn't think badly of
them. They're all right, really.
It's just... They took Harry's death
very badly.
When was that?
Four years ago.
Some sort of aneurysm in the brain.
Just keeled over at work one day.
They were all heartbroken.
But I think Henr- Mr Broom Senior -
most of all.
He'd been looking to Harry
to take over the company.
You must let me give you a lift.
I don't want to take you out of
your way.
Not at all. After the time
you've had, I insist.
The new Bellini.
Nought to 60 in under seven seconds.
Time and motion? I think that's what
the stopwatch was for.
Timing his mates to see how long
they took with their work.
Reporting any that were slacking
to management.
That couldn't have made him
very popular. I don't think he was.
Malleson seems to have kept himself
to himself. Didn't go out drinking
with his workmates.
Fancy.
All right, Sergeant.
I got the impression he wasn't much
liked. That might explain the gun.
Found a pistol in his lunchbox.
Along with a little notebook
keeping tabs on the Brooms.
Keep that under your hat for now.
What the hell's he doing bringing a
gun to work?
We thought his family
might have an idea
but there's none listed on
his employment form.
Maybe you should give his lodgings
the once-over.
Some of my members were of the
opinion that Malleson was a stooge.
For the management. A quisling, if
you will.
A time and motion man. What was your
view?
I wasn't entirely convinced.
But we have got an ongoing
dispute over health and safety.
An accident on the shop floor.
If management discovered evidence
of working malpractice
they'd have a strong bargaining chip
at the negotiating table.
That's about the size of it, sir.
Every day! I'm sick of it!
Bloody pawing! This is meant to be a
place of work.
All right, Brenda love. Calm down.
You have 'em grab your arse
every time you go by,
try and touch you up -
see how you like it.
It's just a bit of cajolery.
Nobody is getting hurt.
I might've known you'd stick up for
'em. You're no better.
All right. Get yourself an eyeful
every chance.
Men - you're all the bloody same!
All right, thank you, Brenda,
on your way.
Don't be making trouble for yourself.
I'm sorry, gents, she's usually
good as gold. Full moon.
I understand you've had some
problems with the union
over the factory's safety record.
There was an accident recently
in one of the machine sheds.
A chap called Curtis
got his arm crushed.
His colleague's fault - man by the
name of Frost, Lenny Frost.
No malice in it,
just a moment's inattention.
But he's suspended, pending the
Factory Board of Inquiry's findings.
The union's threatening action
unless Frost is reinstated?
The union is always threatening
action, Inspector.
A fact of modern business life.
Nevertheless,
a strike's the last thing you need
with this sales negotiation
going on. It won't come to that.
It's been suggested Mr Malleson may
have been put on the shop floor
by management to report on his
colleagues. By whom? Tracepurcel?
Bloody red. Look, that sort of thing
may go on in other factories,
but that's simply not the way
things work any more.
Front runner at the moment is a lad
called Frost, sir. Lenny Frost.
From what we've picked up,
Malleson landed him in it.
Private grudge? We've ruled out
most of the rest of the workers.
But as far as the family's concerned
there's not one of them with
a watertight alibi.
The family?
Why would they wish him harm?
Malleson had been keeping them
under observation.
To what end?
Not clear yet, sir.
But there's a corridor
to the office block.
It wouldn't have taken anyone more
than a few minutes
to kill Malleson
and hide the body.
Or someone visiting, of course.
There were enough guests there.
I'm trying to arrange a meeting
with Crown Prince Nabil,
though what connection his party
might have to Malleson...
Well, whatever you do,
tread lightly, hm?
It's not just matters of business
at stake here,
but er... matters of state.
Kid gloves, sir.
Is that the Assistant Chief
Constable's car I saw earlier?
34 years.
If this matter touches the Palace,
I've been left in no doubt as to
where the buck will come to rest.
It's awfully nice to go travelling,
as they say.
You'll excuse me,
but I've hung out all the flags
I'm going to for one day.
Might we forego the amateur
traumatics this evening, hm?
Some hope.
Well, here we are.
One great big happy loving family.
When were we all together last?
Don't start.
I won't have his name dragged through
the muck.
I mean it, Mother.
Course you do.
Until push comes to shove,
then Richard looks to Richard.
You can draw as much blood from me
as you like.
Just leave Harry out of it,
or as God's my witness, I...
Yes? You'll what?
You haven't got it in you.
Once, poor darling, but not any more.
Mm...
What we're hearing, Len,
is that there was bad blood
between you and Percy Malleson
on account of him landing you in it
at work.
I don't know nothing about that.
So what were you doing there today?
You're suspended. Not meant to be
going anywhere near the place.
You were seen, Lenny.
Yeah, by who?
Cos whoever said that's a liar.
Look, I have a wife, a kid,
another on the way.
You think I'd do something to risk
all that?
He lost you your job.
There's other jobs.
I might have wanted
to stick one on him...
but murder, no.
You've got the wrong bloke.
How did you make out at his
lodging?
Nothing so far as next of kin
is concerned
but he may have been living abroad.
There was a suitcase bearing
a Union Castle Line luggage label.
That's South Africa, isn't it?
I'll get them to check their
passenger lists
first thing.
Jake said you know Broom's
secretary, Miss Vexin - that right?
Knew. I've not seen her in years.
She'd be well placed to know
all the family skeletons, I'd think.
See what you can get out of her.
She's a friend.
She's a suspect.
What's all this, then?
Well, nothing. Probably.
Nothing with you usually means
something. So, out with it.
Well, it just struck me as odd,
that's all.
There's another pair of these
at Malleson's flat.
Cribb & Co.
There can't be that many
on the assembly line at BIEC
wearing handmade shoes.
We had nothing to hold him on.
I thought you had a witness.
Rang through to withdraw
their statement.
What's this? Union skulduggery?
Possibly.
There's no "possibly" about it.
If it's got around that Malleson
was a time-and-motion man,
they're not about to let
one of their own swing for it.
♪They'll close ranks.
So, we're back to square one.
Oh, Prince of Wales.
Haven't made this particular model
for about... ten years.
The customer is clearly a gentleman
of great taste and discernment.
Yes, well, it's well-cared-for.
Size eight-and-a-half.
Erm...
Oh, interesting!
We've built up the instep quite
considerably to afford support.
An additional comfort.
Oh, yes, I should be able to
chivvy him out for you.
I arrived with my delegation
at twenty past ten.
We went into the meeting.
That lasted about an hour.
And then we went across for the
unveiling of the new Standfast.
Did any of your party leave
the meeting at any time?
What would I or my people have to
gain from killing a British workman?
I will ask, of course.
But to the best of my recollection,
no.
We were guests
and in the presence of our hosts
at all times.
We make a last for each of our
customers
taking into account any
idiosyncrasies of the foot...
Hallux valgus. Polydactyli.
Syndactyli.
Rather like fingerprints.
Ah...
Malleson, would it be?
Percy Malleson?
No. This is Mr Kendrick.
Eustace Kendrick.
A student at Curtmantle,
by the address.
Yes, he had two pairs off us
in May '53.
Oh, it would appear the bill is still
outstanding.
Oh. Yes, of course, that Kendrick.
The business with the um...
with the Rix girl.
Well, it was all over the papers.
Scotch. That's right, isn't it?
What's this?
Cessation of hostilities?
We're on the same side, Morse.
So, any luck?
The Olive Rix case was one of
my first bylines at the Mail.
But it was a County investigation,
not City Police.
What's your interest?
Just something I'm looking at.
Too early to say.
If anything comes of it, you'll have
it first. Exclusive?
I can't promise.
Olive Rix was a Barnardo's girl
from the Midlands.
Bright. Got herself a place at
Bicester Agricultural College.
Coronation Day she disappeared.
June 2nd 1953.
With the celebrations,
it was a couple of days
before the police took it seriously
as a missing persons case.
Boyfriend fell suspect.
Eustace Kendrick?
That's right.
There was some talk he'd got her in
trouble.
But before charges could be brought,
he left the country.
And Olive?
No body was ever found.
What's this all about?
I'd have thought you'd be busy
at British Imperial
rather than digging up some
12-year-old missing person's case.
How did you find me?
The original report gave a name
and address for Eustace's mother.
A neighbour said she was
in a hospice.
Who gave you my name.
Mm.
Outside of Eustace, Aunt Lavinia
is the only family I have.
You're sure it's him?
We'll need you to make a formal
identification, but I'm afraid
that appears to be the case.
Poor Eustace.
He didn't do it, you know. Olive.
Then why did he run away?
Panicked? 20 years old
with everything that was being said.
If it had gone against him,
it would have been the rope.
Of course, once he'd gone...
Have you any thought
as to why he might return now,
after all this time?
When Aunt Lavinia took ill,
I put a notice in The Times,
six, seven months ago,
hoping word might reach him.
Had he been with her long? Olive Rix?
A few months.
But the situation was... complex.
Olive was... already involved.
With whom I don't know,
but from what I could glean,
he sounded the jealous type.
Older, I think.
All I can tell you is
the Eustace I knew...
was the gentlest, kindest of boys.
He'd never have done
anything to that girl.
Thank you for your help.
So Percy Malleson is in fact
this Eustace Kendrick?
Where the hell has he been till now?
Until most recently, South Africa.
I've had Union Castle check their
lists.
A passenger called Malleson sailed
from Durban on the Pendennis Castle
and arrived in Southampton
on 5th April.
And he started at British Imperial
when? Two weeks later.
His mother is dying. I think Kendrick
came back to see her.
And to do that, he'd have needed
to clear his name.
That's my reading of it.
He's got himself in at BIEC thinking
the real culprit's someone there.
He's keeping a notebook on the Broom
family. Their comings and goings.
Why would Kendrick think this girl's
disappearance
had anything to do with the Brooms?
I don't know, sir,
but I've taken a look
at the agricultural college
that Olive Rix attended.
It's a huge place out at Bicester.
But the point is
its land borders Chinon Court.
Where?
The Brooms' estate, sir.
According to county records,
the family were questioned
at the time of her disappearance.
Coronation Day?
Well, that's... that's 12 years ago.
A missing girl, you say?
Olive Rix.
She was 20 years old.
Never heard of her.
No. As I said.
According to the records
of the original inquiry,
you were questioned.
I was?
Yes.
"Henry Broom said: No-one had been
out of the house for the entire day,
due to watching the Coronation
on the television set."
Henry? My son, perhaps. Henry Junior.
Harry... to us.
As Miss Vixen's... I'm so sorry,
Miss Vexin's presence will
no doubt will confirm, Inspector,
my husband is a fool for beauty.
Nora...
You didn't hire her
for her shorthand.
Henry likes to surround himself
with pretty things.
Horses. Paintings.
If he'd have met this girl,
he would have remembered, believe me.
Would you excuse me?
Oh, dear. One just can't get
the staff.
You'll forgive me, but I'm hard
pressed to see what this Rix girl
has to do with what happened
yesterday.
The man murdered at your factory,
Mr Broom.
The man you knew as Percy Malleson.
Turns out his real name
was Eustace Kendrick.
He'd been Olive Rix's boyfriend
and was strongly suspected of being
involved in her disappearance.
Good heavens.
That morning, Olive had been working
at Half Farthing Piggery.
Her path back to College may have
taken her through Great Wood.
Your land?
There's a public right of way.
Public right of trespass.
You're not saying someone here
had something to do with what
happened to this girl?
It would seem Eustace Kendrick
thought so.
And now he's dead.
There is nothing between us.
Nora just likes to...
I don't know, goad him.
I'm sorry. I shouldn't let it
get to me.
You'd been with the firm four months
when Harry died.
That's right.
What was he like?
Oh. Just great fun.
Most of the time. He had these moods.
The rest of the family
were all very...
careful around him at such times.
Any idea what was behind them?
Oh, I don't know. A girl?
It's usually the way.
How long have you been
back in Oxford?
A couple of months. You?
I never left. Not really.
I started a postgrad, but...
I don't know.
Worked in a bookshop for a while.
You read er...
History.
I'd have thought that you...
I'd have done something with my
life.
Yeah. I suppose we all "thought".
What did you do? After?
Knocked about a bit. Here and there.
I was in the army for a while.
You were... missed.
When you left.
I can't think by whom.
No.
But you were.
I suppose I'd better be...
There's a board meeting ahead of
tonight's dinner with Prince Nabil.
With everything that's happened,
it's just a bit...
Alice?
What you were saying,
about that drink.
I'm sure it would be all right.
Really?
Old friends. Who could mind that?
Perhaps it was Harry who was spoken
to.
Convenient, though.
Damned inconvenient for us.
It's curious, don't you think?
She disappears on one royal occasion
and Kendrick is murdered in the
middle of another.
This is private property.
Oh. What are you doing here?
We've just been up to the house,
Miss Broom.
Had some questions about a girl
who went missing 12 years ago.
Olive Rix. The day of the Coronation.
I wouldn't know anything
about that.
She attended the agricultural
college.
If you regularly rode these woods,
perhaps your paths may've crossed.
I avoid the public footpath.
On it now, aren't we?
Blucher threw me and bolted. I had
to find him and fetch him back.
What about Eustace Kendrick?
Does that name mean anything to you?
Should it?
He was Olive's boyfriend.
If there's nothing else...
You might ask what a girl who
disappeared 12 years ago
has to do with the murder at the
factory yesterday.
I might. But perhaps such a thing
never crossed my mind.
Perhaps I assume the police know
what they're doing.
Or you couldn't give a damn.
Try to involve me or any of my
family in this
and you'll discover quite
how much of a damn I do give.
Well? Are you going to tell me
or aren't you?
Until yesterday Eustace Kendrick
had been working for BIEC
under the name of Percy Malleson.
What a tangle.
Down there you've got the piggery.
The agricultural college
is over there.
Give us a shufti at
that snap a minute.
About here, don't you think?
She was there, then, hm?
But who with? That's the question.
Kendrick! The photograph
was found in his flat!
According to his cousin,
Olive was seeing someone else.
Someone else? An older man. Perhaps
Olive had said something to Kendrick
which led him to believe it might
have been one of the Brooms.
We'll get to the bottom of it, sir.
Don't worry.
I beg your pardon?
Who are you to tell me not to worry?
He only meant, sir...
I know exactly what he meant.
I don't need you to make excuses
for him! Damned impertinence!
Hell are you looking at?
You're not going to find the culprit
sat about gawking!
Get on with your work, all of you!
They're back. The police.
Of course. They won't stop till they
get to the bottom of it.
Pa says they're asking about the
Coronation.
That girl.
Turns out... Malleson was her
boyfriend.
Oh, yeah. People still talk about
the party they threw at Chinon Court
for the workers during
the Coronation,
but before my time, though.
Where were you before?
GPO. Repairs.
15 years.
It's enough to drive you
up the pole.
Which, of course, was the job!
But er... no, it was a grand do,
by all accounts.
Not that I hold with all that,
you understand.
All what?
Monarchy. Bowing and scraping.
You must have enjoyed Her Royal
Highness's visit, then?
Ah, yes. But that's different,
though, isn't it?
That's about trade, jobs and
people's livelihoods. How's that?
This contract with the Arabs could
be very important for the company.
36 Standfast missiles.
So if a bit of royalty helps push it
along, I'm all for it.
Reg? You'd better come quick.
There's been an accident.
What the bloody hell's happened
here?
Everything's perfectly all right,
Mr Tracepurcel.
Oh, aye, yeah, it looks it.
The brake on the chain-block failed.
Could've been any of us.
Just the trolley was round.
Are you all right, miss?
I banged myself.
It could've been worse.
Too bloody right!
I've put in a request for
maintenance for these hydraulics
twice and nothing's been done.
I'll look into it.
You'll look into it? Oh, he's going
to look into it, lads.
Bit too bloody late for that.
I said I'll look into it!
Curtis two months back and now this?
No. I'm calling a general stoppage.
What? Now?
Yes, now, Mr Broom.
I've got to look out for my members.
What are they saying?
An accident.
Tracepurcel's called a general
stoppage.
Murder yesterday?
An industrial accident today?
Goodness. We'd better begin
while we still have a company to
discuss.
Where would you like me, Henry?
Under the sod.
I was that 20 years. If you remember.
So much for infinite variety.
I'll take my usual place,
unless there are any objections.
Morse.
About that drink.
I wondered if you were doing anything
tonight.
Washing my hair.
Oh...
Where? When?
Nine? Fox and Hounds?
Sounds great. See you then.
See you then.
It's a good deal, Mother.
Europe's the future, Nora.
Look at BAC.
Ah! The entente cordiale!
How very "now"!
Whatever happened to
"Vive la difference"?
Look, if we don't get in, establish
partnerships, five, ten years,
we'll have missed the bus.
Partnerships, yes. But a merger?
In my experience,
that's just a polite name
for another kind of congress
altogether
and I know who'll be on top,
believe me.
Harry would never have stood for it.
It was Harry's idea.
I don't believe you.
Believe what you like. It's academic.
If we don't go in with the French
now, this year, we're finished.
What do you mean, finished?
We've sunk everything we have
into the new Standfast.
And more besides.
Against projected sales.
What about the Arabs?
They're about to put in an order
for three dozen, aren't they?
Aren't they?
Hello.
Hello.
Strange to be back here again
after all these years.
Fewer students than I remember.
I expect nowadays they're all down
the pop-dancing club.
Pop dancing?
Or whatever it is they do.
So... the police?
If you'd asked me, I'd never have...
You like it?
I like the work.
To be honest,
I'm not sure that I fit in.
No. You were never like the rest.
Well, I wanted to be.
Tried to be, I think.
When?
I did. I tried to like Trad
and the Angries. Sartre.
French cigarettes.
That's why I liked you.
You were difficult.
Different, surely.
Difficult. Definitely.
Awkward.
You were all... corners socially.
Ah, well...
And so angry.
Contra mundum.
But yourself, most of all.
I think we've heard quite enough
about me. Tell me about you.
You mean tell you about the Brooms?
That is why you asked me
for a drink.
You must be wondering
what's going on.
I'm a loyal employee. Discreet.
One question, then.
As a policeman or as a friend?
A friend.
Have you ever heard any of them
mention a girl called Olive Rix?
No.
Look, I'm sorry how everything
turned out back then.
You deserved more.
I doubt that, but...
good of you to say.
After all that went the way it did,
I hoped you might look to me
for something.
Anything.
And then you were gone. Lost.
Why do you wear your hair like that?
Don't you like it?
Alice. You don't need to...
Do I remind you of her?
Why would you want to?
If that's what it takes.
Do I?
Are you still in love with her?
I don't know.
Then you are.
Maybe you could love me too.
Just a little.
A little would be enough.
Morse...
Oh, I'm on call.
You have to leave a number.
Lenny Frost?
So much for
staying away from the place.
Morning, sir.
Thursday.
What have we got?
Doctor?
Electrocuted. Rain's come in through
the roof over a length of time.
Puddled.
Come into contact with a section
of split electrical cable
and Bob - or in this case, Lenny -
is no longer your uncle.
His wallet's here.
No question of foul play?
Thankfully, that's a decision
for the coroner.
But were I a betting man,
I'd be more inclined to lay this
upon the altar of bad maintenance.
Wasn't there another here yesterday?
Near miss at least?
Yes, sir.
Misadventure, then.
Unless someone knew he was bound
to pass this way.
How would they know that?
Those windows lead on
to the outside, sir.
If that's how he's been
getting in and out,
it would be easy enough
for someone to stage an accident.
I'm more concerned as to what
he was doing here.
Sabotage, maybe.
Paying the company back
for how they treated him.
I'm more inclined to an accident.
The safety record here
doesn't inspire confidence.
What's that in his pocket?
Where did you get this?
What are they, Dr Volk?
Highly confidential research papers.
Test results and findings concerning
the Standfast's gyroscopic system.
Where would they have come from?
Most of our documentation
is held in the archive
in the basement of the offices,
but this was taken
from this workshop.
Who else would have an interest
in such material?
This is information of
a sensitive commercial nature.
Our rivals, perhaps?
Beyond that I'm not qualified
to express an opinion.
Volk. What's that? German, is it?
Worked long at British Imperial?
18 years.
When would that be? Early '47?
What was that all about?
It was him and a load more like him
flattened my street.
I'm sure it wasn't personal.
Wasn't it?
You're too young to remember.
I don't suppose you've got any
further with Miss Vexin, have you?
I've spoken to her.
She couldn't shed any light.
How hard did you push her?
As far as I thought necessary.
I see. Ruled her out, have you?
The fact she's a looker play any part
in that?
I based it more on the fact
that she isn't German.
Sir...
everyone knew that Lenny Frost had
it in for Eustace Kendrick.
A perfect scapegoat. Now he's in no
position to defend himself.
You think someone's trying
to close the case down?
Well, don't you?
Who? The Brooms?
How would anyone have known Frost
was at the factory last night?
Perhaps he was lured here.
Who by?
I don't know.
But there was Ј100 in cash
in his wallet,
together with a room number
at the Rudolph Hotel.
Well, why didn't you say so before?
My country may be about
to spend a great deal of money
with British Imperial Electric.
Despite assurances to the contrary,
rumours of trouble with
the new guidance system
have continued to reach our ears.
So, Lenny Frost was spying for you?
The Prophet, peace be upon him,
teaches us,
"Say what is true, though it may be
bitter and displeasing to people."
We have a not dissimilar saying.
Tell the truth and shame the Devil.
You should be aware that to take
receipt of stolen property
is an of fence in law.
As you should also be aware,
Constable Morse,
we are not the same little people
Colonel Lawrence left behind.
We learned much from
our colonial masters.
Perfidious Albion.
An unkind name to hang upon
a country.
But not perhaps wholly undeserved.
Morse.
It's me.
Alice.
That girl you were asking about -
Olive Rix.
What about her?
Alice Vexin came upon it
a few years ago,
but it wasn't until she heard the
name Olive Rix that it made sense.
What made sense?
It should be around here somewhere.
A single beech in a stand of pine.
Single beech, you say?
Mm.
Harry had been knocking about with
her for, what, a year, on and off?
Nothing serious.
Just Harry being Harry.
She was a gold-digger.
She might not have had the best
start in life,
but at the time she went missing,
she was working hard to make
something of herself.
How was it your brother came to know
Olive Rix?
I met her one day.
Hacking out in Great Wood.
We were of an age.
One girl amongst two brothers.
You hit it off?
She was fun.
She had this - I don't know -
Sara Crewe fantasy.
Some wild idea her father
was a rich, foreign nobleman,
and that one day he'd come
and find her.
If that was her dream,
I wasn't about to spoil it for her.
Why did you all deny knowing her?
Why not?
You couldn't find her 12 years ago.
Why rake over it all now?
People would only gossip.
Why give them ammunition?
Never apologise, never explain.
Did you see her the day
she disappeared?
More or less everybody from the
Agricultural College had gone home
to celebrate the Coronation
with their families.
But animals are Republican
by temperament.
They still need feeding, cleaning,
milking,
Vivat Regina or no.
Olive was on her own so I offered
to help her out down at the piggery.
We did a couple of hours,
and I left her shortly after one
to go back to the house.
Then, you were the last person to
see Olive Rix, Miss Broom.
Apart from whoever,
well... did what they did.
I asked her if she'd like to come to
the party.
She said she couldn't.
I presumed she was meeting someone.
Eustace Kendrick.
Did your brother know she was
involved with another man?
If he had, I doubt it would have
troubled him.
Like father.
Shows how much you know.
Christ, God. Aren't you tired of it?
Dickie!
She broke it off with Harry.
In Great Wood. That afternoon.
I came on him in the billiard room
later.
He was drunk. Beside himself.
Richard! Please...
I found her.
Found her body.
Olive Rix.
The morning after the party.
I'd taken the dogs up to Great Wood
to clear my head.
And there she was.
In the tree line, just back
from the Half Farthing Field.
Why didn't you come forward?
And say what?
My brother was a murderer?
What would you have done?
He confessed?
We never spoke of it.
Not in so many words.
That may sound strange to you.
I knew.
He knew I knew.
But not saying it out loud...
Gave you just enough doubt
to live with.
What did you do?
Fetched a spade.
The police pretty quickly settled on
Eustace Kendrick for it, and er...
Well...
that was that.
And you let an innocent man
stand suspect?
It's not as if it came to trial.
He left the country.
Which suited you.
And when Percy Malleson
came to the firm,
you had no idea he was Kendrick?
How could I? I'd never met him.
There were plenty of photos
in the paper.
Funnily enough, I didn't keep
a scrapbook.
But, no, I didn't know it was him.
Who else knew?
Just me.
We all knew.
Speak for yourself.
Or at least suspected.
Except Estella.
She was back at school
before the hue and cry began.
So was I. Most of the time.
No-one ever suspected
it would be you, Johnny.
Something like that
was well beyond your scope.
Thank you, Dickie.
That was very brave.
I knew my boy was still in there
somewhere.
Well, at least that's an end to it.
An end to it?
Frost killed Eustace Kendrick
at the factory.
And Harry Broom killed Olive Rix.
And who killed Lenny Frost?
Not who.
What. Circumstance. Poor
maintenance. It was an accident.
I might live with one dead murderer,
but not a brace.
Well, what a Detective Constable
can or cannot live with
is a matter of rather small account
in the general scheme of things.
And Division won't trouble
the Palace. Morse!
That is a very cynical attitude,
and one you should shake off
sooner rather than later.
I can assure you that
such a consideration
would play no part in
Division's deliberations.
Thursday.
Sir.
Better take Mr Broom's statement.
You look old, Henry.
Old and tired.
Have we hurt one another
long enough?
Resign the chairmanship.
How can I... now?
The company...
Has had the best of you.
Of both of us.
You want my agreement to this merger
with the French,
that's my condition.
Tomorrow, then.
One last board meeting.
All right?
You don't believe Lenny Frost's death
was an accident any more than I do.
Have you got a better theory?
Well, then. Until you do, you're
best off keeping your powder dry.
The truth was buried with Olive Rix
12 years ago.
We're about to stand by and watch it
buried again with Lenny Frost.
And in the name of what?
Expediency?
Sparing royal blushes?
I thought it was the Queen's Peace
we were sworn to uphold?
Someone was coming up as I arrived.
Can I come in?
Of course.
I'm afraid you won't find me
terribly good company.
I'd have tidied if I'd known.
Are you all right? I was worried.
You sounded awful on the telephone.
As if the world were about to end.
Just a small world,
and not a very good one.
Do you want a drink?
I've only got Scotch.
Yeah. All right.
You heard about the Brooms?
I didn't come to talk about
the Brooms.
From comparison with dental records
I can confirm that these are indeed
the remains of Olive Rix.
Any thoughts as to how she died?
Fractured hyoid would suggest
she was strangled.
Not much to speak of by way
of grave goods.
Clothes have rotted away mostly.
But we've a few buttons.
Pair of handles from her bag.
What's this?
Oh, general detritus.
Victorian jam pot, probably.
Winnowing out the wheat from chaff
is always a challenge
after so long in the earth.
Sir?
Division want us to sign off.
On both of them?
Both of them.
Lenny Frost for Eustace Kendrick.
Eustace Kendrick for Olive Rix.
Kendrick? It was Harry Broom
killed Olive Rix, sir.
His brother said as much.
I'm advised that
to pursue such a line...
would not be in the public interest.
I see. You're happy with that?
Happiness doesn't enter into it.
It's what Division wants.
Nothing can be allowed to interfere
with this missile sale.
So the Brooms walk away from it?
All of it?
Business as usual. It's never about
what you know, Morse.
It's about what you can prove.
And what about justice?
Or perhaps that doesn't matter.
Olive Rix was only a Barnardo's girl.
We found her.
We'd never have managed that much
if you hadn't kept digging away.
That's not enough.
Sometimes it has to be.
Not every question gets an answer.
Learning to live with that
is the hardest lesson there is.
What are you doing
with your Saturday afternoon, then?
Bit of singing, is it? I've
a couple of tickets for the Roxy.
Tickets? Plural?
What's this? Your little friend?
That didn't take long, did it?
You'll be picking out wallpaper
next.
I hear you say pictures?
It's all right for some.
What you gonna see?
There's a new Bergman.
Oh, yeah? I thought she was cracking
in Casablanca.
I've got the tickets. We've got time
for a quick drink first.
You've changed your mind?
I have.
You don't mean the cinema, do you?
It's all right.
Is it?
No.
Yes.
I suppose.
You're not ready. Not yet.
I'd always be second best.
Consolation prize.
I'd have been happy with that...
once.
The moment passed.
Mm.
They've called me into work.
Right.
Well...
Your father has asked me
to choose his successor.
I've written that person's name down
and placed it in this envelope.
If we are to be... whole again...
a family...
I expect my proposal to be seconded
blind, and passed nem con.
Agreed?
Very well. Proposed.
Seconded.
Show of hands?
Thank you, Alice.
Congratulations, Estella.
Thank you.
But I'd prefer to think of us
as a triumvirate.
If we are to make a go of it,
I'm going to need all of Dickie
and Johnny's expertise.
I didn't know I had any.
To which end, the first we need to
get a grip on is this strike.
Alice, would you have Mr Tracepurcel
and his Works Committee
join us on the factory floor?
"Oxford, England.
Just minutes from the libraries
and cloistered colleges
of the city centre,
a visitor will soon find themselves
amidst the white heat of technology
at the British Imperial
Electric Company in Cowley.
Proud manufacturers
of Britain's Standfast Mark Two
surface-to-air missile.
Everyone is doing their best
to make sure the whole place
is spick and span,
and ready to receive
a royal inspection.
Hold on, Charlie.
Looks like you've missed a spot.
That's the ticket!
Here comes the Very Important Person
everyone has turned out to cheer!
Yes, it's Her Royal Highness,
the Princess Margaret,
as she arrives on a mission to help
promote British overseas exports.
Having been greeted by
distinguished foreign guests
and senior company executives,
Her Royal Highness also finds time
to exchange a word or two
with the workers..."
This what you're looking for?
Worked out what it is?
More than that.
I think I can take a decent guess
where it came from.
Mr Tracepurcel?
I wonder if I might have a word.
I'm just waiting
on the Works Standing Committee.
I've a meeting with the management.
This won't take long.
I'm hoping there's something
you might be able to help us with.
A matter of etiquette,
as much as anything.
Etiquette?
Yes.
When you were presented to
Her Royal Highness,
you weren't wearing your jacket.
My jacket?
Mm.
I think I was.
No, you weren't.
You wore it earlier in the day,
but by the time of the royal visit
you'd got rid of it.
You were caught on film, you see,
by one of the news vans.
And, as luck would have it,
by a photographer from the Mail.
You were in shirt sleeves.
I'd like to see the jacket
you were wearing that morning.
This is it.
No, the one you had on was
double-breasted, if you'll look.
Yes. No, er... I spilt some oil
on that one.
On the shop floor.
Eustace Kendrick came to this factory
looking for the murderer
of Olive Rix.
He thought it was one of the Brooms.
You knew better, didn't you?
I had nothing to do with Kendrick.
You knew there was something
not right about Kendrick.
Something that didn't quite ring
true. Eventually you tumbled
he was a time-and-motion man.
That when he told why
he really came to the factory?
I suppose he thought you'd have
some sympathy for him.
A chance to finally stick it
to the management for once.
But he confided in the one person
who had everything to lose
if he continued with his digging and
find out the Brooms were innocent.
Look, I don't know this Rix girl,
and I didn't even work here in '53.
No.
You worked for the GPO
as a repairman.
We checked.
According to the service records
you were on call on Coronation Day,
replacing ceramic insulators on
telegraph poles out by Chinon Court.
Unfortunately,
Olive Rix also had reason
to be in Great Wood that afternoon.
She and Harry Broom
had just broken up.
Well, even if I was there,
that doesn't prove anything.
Not alone, perhaps,
but you've overplayed your hand.
When Brenda Werth was nearly killed,
you thought we'd take it
at face value
if Lenny Frost fell victim
to a similar industrial accident.
You needed someone to take the drop
for Eustace Kendrick's murder.
Everyone knew there was bad blood
between them.
But only you knew how Lenny Frost
came in and out of the factory.
It was an accident.
It's what they call bad maintenance.
No. It was murder.
But you made a mistake.
I don't make mistakes.
You should have killed him
on the way in,
before he had a chance to steal
the research papers, not the way out.
The electricity didn't turn itself on
between his first and second goes
through that puddle.
So now I've killed Lenny Frost?
Mm-hm.
No, I think you're whistling
in the dark, gents.
Let's just say a word of
that's true, which it isn't.
Why would I have killed Kendrick
on a day like that?
With all the police swarming around.
You had no choice.
Kendrick's contract with the factory
was due to expire.
He was desperate to get to
the truth, and time was running out.
You had to act and fast.
The royal visit was the only time
the Brooms have been under
the same roof in ten years.
His only chance
to confront them all together.
That's why he brought a gun to work.
I think he told you he intended to...
You can think what you like.
You haven't got any proof.
You're right, we haven't,
but we can clear it up now.
Your jacket.
I told you.
There's oil on it, yes. Well, where
is it? Because I'd like to see it.
I burnt it.
You burnt it?
I burnt it.
In my garden. In the incinerator.
Are you sure about that?
Yeah.
Your jacket is still here.
On the premises.
Hidden away somewhere.
Police on the front gates?
You passed them with oil on
your jacket, but not paint.
Paint?
White paint, to be specific.
The door frame of the store cupboard
had been painted that morning,
where you dumped Kendrick's body
after you'd killed him.
Yeah, your jacket was covered in
paint. Paint? No.
That's why you were the only man
presented to Her Royal Highness
in his shirt sleeves.
You knew no-one would
be on the factory floor
till the visit was over,
so you left the jacket in
the store cupboard
with Kendrick's body,
until the coast was clear.
Only Alice Vexin heard you
when you came to retrieve it,
and raised the alarm.
Police have been crawling
all over the place since.
You haven't had a chance
to get rid of it.
The best you could do was to hide it.
I have to admit, it took me a while.
Strange?
Was it where I thought it was?
Mm-hm.
Well, you two are clever buggers,
aren't you?
I thought the inspection pit would
be the perfect place to hide it.
And Olive Rix?
What was that?
Just an itch you had to scratch?
Oh, I didn't do anything
she didn't want.
Strange?
You've got to admit,
I give you a good run around,
though, eh?
12 years. Ooh.
How did you work out
where I put the jacket?
I didn't.
I thought it was Richard...
all these years.
The poison's out now.
Sir.
Well...
it should make for a lively meeting
with the Chief Constable.
You might want to mention
Constable Morse's part, sir.
Yes.
Well, if the...
if the opportunity arises.
Carry on.
Want me to run you back?
Go on, then.
Are you doing anything tonight?
No.
I was after going a cod
and two penn'oth.
Glad of the company
if you'd like to join me.
What? No sandwiches?
On a Saturday? Talk sense.
Percy Malleson.
There he goes. Turd of Turd Hall.
The royal party will arrive at the
factory at 11.45 sharp.
Whereupon, Her Royal Highness
Princess Margaret will be escorted on
a tour of the works
by company chairman, Mr Henry Broom.
After the official unveiling
of the new Standfast Mark Two
surface-to-air missile,
and subsequent viewing and
appreciation of the same...
her Royal Highness will then repair
to the main company offices
where refreshments and a light
buffet-style luncheon will be
graciously enjoyed.
Now, the purpose of this visit
is to help promote British industry
abroad.
To that end, a trade delegation,
led by His Highness
Crown Prince Nabil
of the United Hashemite kingdoms
will also be in attendance,
together with ministers from the
Board of Overseas Trade.
This station has been awarded
the signal honour
of providing additional security
for the duration of the visit.
The world will be watching.
Morning, matey.
How do I look?
Very... dependable.
I was hoping for "smart" but...
Been up half the night on these
buttons.
The Pathe mob are covering it,
aren't they?
Got to look your best.
After the first "Your Highness",
it's Ma'am.
To rhyme with Spam.
Sir.
Morse.
Rather than Smarm.
What?
To rhyme with, sir.
Mam, not Marm.
Just so.
The royal party is expected to depart
the factory at 1400,
so I would expect a return to
barracks
by 1430.
Manage till then?
Do our best, sir.
Didn't get your invite, then?
The royal garden party.
Thought you'd have been first
on the guest list.
My parking space is occupied by
men up ladders hanging bunting.
I wouldn't mind but I've just
had to cross the factory floor,
not to mention the whole place
reeks of paint,
all for the sake of
buttering up a few royals.
All for the sake of 36 Standfast
missiles.
Three years' output, Johnny,
potentially.
I thought even you might see
how vital this contract is.
Of course I see.
I just wish we didn't have to
turn the place upside down.
Good morning, Brenda.
Morning, Mr Broom.
Tea, coffee?
No, no, not now.
Here you are, then, Cinders.
You shall go to the ball.
Just came into the Information Room.
Bunch of anarchists looking to egg
the royal limo.
Get down the Broad,
make sure they don't.
Something for uniform, isn't it?
Funnily enough, we're a bit light
on woodentops today,
so... chop chop.
There's a piece in Flight
on the visit, quoting Dickie.
'What's good for British Imperial
Electric is good for Britain.'
Apparently.
Oh, morning, Alice.
How lovely you look today.
Thank you, Johnny.
For Her Highness?
For your wife.
Nora can't abide cut flowers.
Or they her.
Blooms wither at her passing.
They say a scorpion
stung her once... and died.
Damn! I never liked these things.
Here.
You're all fingers and thumbs.
What would I do without you, Miss
Vexin?
Reg Tracepurcel's waiting to see you.
This business with Lenny Frost...
Labour relations is Johnny's purview.
If you want him to go away,
get Dick to handle him.
Comrade Reg is a sucker
for tales of Bomber Command.
Where is Dickie?
Boardroom, last time I looked.
Keep him straight today, Johnny.
At least till everyone's gone.
Thank you, Michael.
Henry.
Nora. Good run?
The lights turned green for me
when I asked them to.
You needn't have gone to all this
trouble.
Thank you.
Richard.
Mother.
Bourbon for breakfast?
I knew you were coming.
Hm. Now, where's Little Boots?
I wish you wouldn't call me that.
How are you?
I endure.
Is Estella not joining us?
Later.
You know your sister has no head
for business. Shall we?
I do hope there are sandwiches.
There's only so much
obsequious insincerity
I can take on an empty stomach.
That's the second time he's had that
today.
Hop it.
You really think being found on the
premises is going to help your case?
You were gonna see Mr Johnny.
Well, it's been put back.
I wasn't negligent, Reg.
You've got to tell 'em.
I'll get it straightened. I promise.
Yeah? You'd better.
Cos I know who landed me in it.
And so do you.
City Police.
I don't doubt you're very sincere
but you may get your message across
better
if you go to the trouble
of spelling Levellers correctly.
That's it. Give them a good cheer.
Your Royal Highness.
Pictures. Pictures, Charlie.
We can't compete with that lot.
The written word is dead.
And this is Dr Volk.
This is the moment.
Four! Three! Two! One!
Went well, I thought.
Did you get any sense from the Arabs
as to how things are progressing?
Crown Prince Nabil had
one or two questions about...
Well, whatever it is, I'm sure
Estella distracted him beautifully.
That is why you sat them together.
How nice to know one's good for
something.
So, to what do we owe
this extraordinary convocation
of the Board?
I've tabled an agenda.
I'm not about to sleepwalk my way
into an ambush, Henry.
Where were you going to spring it
on me? Matters arising?
Any other business?
What's not in that paper?
Don't tell me. Let me guess.
The proposed merger with the French,
perhaps?
You may have banished me
from hearth and home,
but I still hold 33% of the company's
stock.
A minority share.
And our daughter's proxy.
Estella's 2%.
Even a fool could work that one out.
Johnny?
I know what it means.
It means you can block any proposal.
You wouldn't have come here
if you weren't willing to negotiate.
Perhaps I just fancied seeing
how a princess holds her fork.
Her Royal Highness put everyone
quite at their ease.
A marvellous quality, don't you
think?
She spoke to you, then, sir?
Oh, yes.
Protocol dictates of course
that one has to wait
for Her Royal Highness
to speak to one first.
Morse, phone.
'Have you come far?' she said.
Just like that. Regular, familiar as
you please.
CID. Morse.
'Have you come far?'
What did you say?
That I hadn't.
One for the memoirs, sir.
Yes. I think we can all take pride
that everything went off
without the slightest hitch.
That was British Imperial, sir.
A body's been found at the factory.
Looks like murder.
Richard Broom, Chief Superintendent.
Works Manager. We met earlier.
Stay here. No-one in or out.
The name of the deceased
is Malleson, Percy Malleson.
He's been with us about six months.
As what?
General fitter.
Worked on fuselage assembly.
Reliable?
Yes.
Good timekeeper.
No complaints about his work.
Who found him?
My father's personal assistant.
It's er... It's just in there.
Though, what he was doing here...
When was he found?
About an hour ago.
All right, Mr Broom.
We'll take it from here.
Don't go too far. I'm sure we'll be
needing you presently.
Dr DeBryn.
Gentlemen.
What have you got?
Not enough room to swing a cat,
as you can see.
What is that? A screwdriver?
Driven into the right ocular orbit
with some considerable force.
Death would have been instantaneous?
More or less.
No chance it could've been an
accident?
Not unless he picked himself up
and dragged himself in here.
There's blood on the skirting and on
the wall.
Any idea what time? Body temperature
suggests about four hours ago.
Certainly not so much as five.
Just about the time
Her Royal Highness arrived.
Well, that's one suspect
we can rule out at least.
Hardly a matter for levity,
Thursday. No, sir.
But we were charged with
protecting her security.
That duty was discharged admirably,
as far as I can make out.
Whatever else happened here,
no blame can attach to the station.
Me, you mean.
I doubt Division will take
so charitable a view of things.
The Palace will have to be notified.
Whole to-do's a complete bloody mess.
Watch what you're doing, Morse.
For God's sake.
Oops.
There is one other thing. Not that
it's likely to be much use to you.
But this was in his pocket.
Is it murder?
Yes, madam. It would appear so.
Hm.
My God. "When troubles come..."
Sir?
We're in the middle of some...
very delicate business discussions.
This really couldn't be more
inconvenient for the company.
Rather more than inconvenient
for the victim, wouldn't you say?
Thank you, Constable. I think
perhaps myself, Inspector Thursday
and Sergeant Jakes are sufficient
manpower to the task at hand.
If you'd like to wait outside.
The victim was a fitter, you said.
That's right.
He wouldn't have used a stopwatch
in his work?
A stopwatch?
One was found on his body, sir.
No. That's more the sort of thing
one would expect to find
the research boys carry around.
But, fuselage assembly? No. No need
for it, I shouldn't have thought.
If there was nothing else?
Sir.
I'm going to need an account from
each of you as to your movements
between 10.30 and 12.
From us? This will be some falling
out on the shop floor, surely.
Over money, or... a girl or something.
Talk to Tracepurcel.
Reg Tracepurcel. Shop steward.
He knows the ins and outs of these
people. At least he should do.
What the union pays him for.
Who is it's died?
You wouldn't know him.
A man called Malleson.
Percy Malleson? Fuselage assembly?
I was casting an eye
over the payroll. You were?
Yes, my interests do extend beyond
the realm of Horse and Hound.
Since when?
Well, I've never heard of him,
I'm afraid.
It's impossible to know
all their names.
Harry did.
My late brother.
He was very good like that.
The common touch.
Can I help you?
Police.
Miss...?
Morse?
Alice? Alice...
Vexin.
Of course. I was across the stair
from... Susan.
Oh, yes. I remember. Erm...
Yeah. Forgive me, you've erm...
Changed your...
Oh. Have I?
I imagine I must.
Forgive me, I didn't recognise you.
No earthly reason you should.
I suppose not. Six years.
Seven.
I think. Besides, we only met
half a dozen times.
Properly, anyway.
Though I think Alex Reece and I
made a four once
and came upriver
with you one Sunday.
That's right. Good heavens.
It poured all afternoon.
Do you remember?
Yes.
Morse.
My colleague. DS Jakes.
Miss Alice Vexin.
You're the one found the body.
We're going to need to talk to you,
Miss. Don't go anywhere.
Morse?
Well, it was...
Despite the er...
You too.
You know her? We were up at
the same time. At Oxford.
I know what "up" means.
Girlfriend, was she?
What makes you say that?
Way she looked at you.
Tell you - play your cards right,
mate, you're on a promise there.
Nice bit of homework too.
Don't do yourself any favours, do
you?
Without fear or favour. Isn't that
the job?
Well, for now, your job's statements
and particulars from the factory
side.
We need to know where everybody was
and what they were doing
between half-ten and noon.
How many?
Few hundred.
Should keep you out of mischief.
Good evening, sir.
Anyone he'd had a falling out with,
do you know?
So you also work on fuselage
assembly, is that right?
Yeah. And how well did you know
Mr Malleson?
"Morning." "Evening." He didn't have
much to say for himself.
He clocked on, clocked off. About it.
Anyone on his section
he was particular pals with?
No-one he sat with regularly at
lunch?
Like I say, he didn't go out of his
way to mix.
All right. Well, thank you.
That's all for now.
You got everything you need, sir?
Yes, thank you, Mr Tracepurcel.
How many more?
It's about halfway through.
But it won't be any of my members,
I can tell you that.
They're good blokes.
This'll be someone off site.
The one day the place is packed
with strangers and this happens.
Any bugger could've wandered in.
I don't mean this to be
disrespectful,
but it was your lot that had the
security of the place.
The Arabs arrived at about 10.30, so
I amused myself in Henry's office.
Doing what?
Playing Patience.
Happily, a game at which I excel.
That was till what time?
About a quarter past eleven -
when Estella arrived.
The meeting broke up
shortly afterwards,
and we all went across
to greet Her Royal Highness.
You and Mr Broom live apart, I
understand. For the past ten years.
I have a place outside Stratford.
Though until this matter is resolved
I shall be staying at Chinon Court.
The family home.
Next, please.
In you go.
I'll be with you in a moment.
This is an inefficient methodology.
You are?
Doctor Werner Volk.
I'm in charge of
telemetry and guidance systems
for the Standfast Missile Program.
My unit is scientific, you
understand?
I have nothing to do with
the labour force,
therefore I did not know
this dead man.
So... I may return to my work?
I just need to establish
where you were
and what you were doing
between 10.30 and noon.
Working. Until perhaps
ten minutes before 12,
when I left my section and walked
across with everyone else
for the meeting of
Her Royal Highness.
Did you go anywhere near the fuselage
assembly shed or the office block?
No. As I told you,
I have nothing to do with
the labour force. Or the office.
Perhaps if you write my answers
down,
you will not need
to repeat the question.
How was it you came to be on
the shop floor, Miss Vexin?
It's a short cut from the office to
the canteen.
I was just on my way down the back
corridor when... I heard a door slam.
And I...
It's all right. Take your time.
I noticed the store cupboard door
was open.
I went to close it,
and that's when I saw the blood.
So, I opened the door...
and there he was.
Who else uses that short cut?
Most of the office staff, I'd have
thought.
Or it's a five-minute walk around the
block.
But you didn't see anyone else
on the shop floor?
No. No, I didn't. Thank goodness.
Listen, I just wanted to say thanks,
for getting me in on this.
Oh. All hands.
What do you make to it, then?
Well, I think if I was going to
murder someone...
I wouldn't do it in a factory
that was crawling with police.
So... why here? Why now?
Why today?
Magnificent, isn't it?
Terrifying, certainly.
Are you making progress
with your investigation?
Nothing personal, of course,
but we'll be glad to see
the back of you.
Oh. Bad for business.
Bad for Britain... actually.
My family has supplied this nation
with arms and ordnance
since the Thirty Years' War.
From Bunker Hill to Balaclava...
I know the history, Mr Broom.
Then you should understand... this
sale is not just about the company.
It's about the country.
Our place in the world.
I'm sure all concerned want to see
the matter resolved quickly.
And with as little fuss as possible.
Dr Volk.
Hullo again.
They've let us go. Me, anyway.
I gathered.
I'd say let's have a drink,
but that's probably not...
No. But... maybe when it's all done.
Really? I'd like that. Catch up.
Morse, you mustn't think badly of
them. They're all right, really.
It's just... They took Harry's death
very badly.
When was that?
Four years ago.
Some sort of aneurysm in the brain.
Just keeled over at work one day.
They were all heartbroken.
But I think Henr- Mr Broom Senior -
most of all.
He'd been looking to Harry
to take over the company.
You must let me give you a lift.
I don't want to take you out of
your way.
Not at all. After the time
you've had, I insist.
The new Bellini.
Nought to 60 in under seven seconds.
Time and motion? I think that's what
the stopwatch was for.
Timing his mates to see how long
they took with their work.
Reporting any that were slacking
to management.
That couldn't have made him
very popular. I don't think he was.
Malleson seems to have kept himself
to himself. Didn't go out drinking
with his workmates.
Fancy.
All right, Sergeant.
I got the impression he wasn't much
liked. That might explain the gun.
Found a pistol in his lunchbox.
Along with a little notebook
keeping tabs on the Brooms.
Keep that under your hat for now.
What the hell's he doing bringing a
gun to work?
We thought his family
might have an idea
but there's none listed on
his employment form.
Maybe you should give his lodgings
the once-over.
Some of my members were of the
opinion that Malleson was a stooge.
For the management. A quisling, if
you will.
A time and motion man. What was your
view?
I wasn't entirely convinced.
But we have got an ongoing
dispute over health and safety.
An accident on the shop floor.
If management discovered evidence
of working malpractice
they'd have a strong bargaining chip
at the negotiating table.
That's about the size of it, sir.
Every day! I'm sick of it!
Bloody pawing! This is meant to be a
place of work.
All right, Brenda love. Calm down.
You have 'em grab your arse
every time you go by,
try and touch you up -
see how you like it.
It's just a bit of cajolery.
Nobody is getting hurt.
I might've known you'd stick up for
'em. You're no better.
All right. Get yourself an eyeful
every chance.
Men - you're all the bloody same!
All right, thank you, Brenda,
on your way.
Don't be making trouble for yourself.
I'm sorry, gents, she's usually
good as gold. Full moon.
I understand you've had some
problems with the union
over the factory's safety record.
There was an accident recently
in one of the machine sheds.
A chap called Curtis
got his arm crushed.
His colleague's fault - man by the
name of Frost, Lenny Frost.
No malice in it,
just a moment's inattention.
But he's suspended, pending the
Factory Board of Inquiry's findings.
The union's threatening action
unless Frost is reinstated?
The union is always threatening
action, Inspector.
A fact of modern business life.
Nevertheless,
a strike's the last thing you need
with this sales negotiation
going on. It won't come to that.
It's been suggested Mr Malleson may
have been put on the shop floor
by management to report on his
colleagues. By whom? Tracepurcel?
Bloody red. Look, that sort of thing
may go on in other factories,
but that's simply not the way
things work any more.
Front runner at the moment is a lad
called Frost, sir. Lenny Frost.
From what we've picked up,
Malleson landed him in it.
Private grudge? We've ruled out
most of the rest of the workers.
But as far as the family's concerned
there's not one of them with
a watertight alibi.
The family?
Why would they wish him harm?
Malleson had been keeping them
under observation.
To what end?
Not clear yet, sir.
But there's a corridor
to the office block.
It wouldn't have taken anyone more
than a few minutes
to kill Malleson
and hide the body.
Or someone visiting, of course.
There were enough guests there.
I'm trying to arrange a meeting
with Crown Prince Nabil,
though what connection his party
might have to Malleson...
Well, whatever you do,
tread lightly, hm?
It's not just matters of business
at stake here,
but er... matters of state.
Kid gloves, sir.
Is that the Assistant Chief
Constable's car I saw earlier?
34 years.
If this matter touches the Palace,
I've been left in no doubt as to
where the buck will come to rest.
It's awfully nice to go travelling,
as they say.
You'll excuse me,
but I've hung out all the flags
I'm going to for one day.
Might we forego the amateur
traumatics this evening, hm?
Some hope.
Well, here we are.
One great big happy loving family.
When were we all together last?
Don't start.
I won't have his name dragged through
the muck.
I mean it, Mother.
Course you do.
Until push comes to shove,
then Richard looks to Richard.
You can draw as much blood from me
as you like.
Just leave Harry out of it,
or as God's my witness, I...
Yes? You'll what?
You haven't got it in you.
Once, poor darling, but not any more.
Mm...
What we're hearing, Len,
is that there was bad blood
between you and Percy Malleson
on account of him landing you in it
at work.
I don't know nothing about that.
So what were you doing there today?
You're suspended. Not meant to be
going anywhere near the place.
You were seen, Lenny.
Yeah, by who?
Cos whoever said that's a liar.
Look, I have a wife, a kid,
another on the way.
You think I'd do something to risk
all that?
He lost you your job.
There's other jobs.
I might have wanted
to stick one on him...
but murder, no.
You've got the wrong bloke.
How did you make out at his
lodging?
Nothing so far as next of kin
is concerned
but he may have been living abroad.
There was a suitcase bearing
a Union Castle Line luggage label.
That's South Africa, isn't it?
I'll get them to check their
passenger lists
first thing.
Jake said you know Broom's
secretary, Miss Vexin - that right?
Knew. I've not seen her in years.
She'd be well placed to know
all the family skeletons, I'd think.
See what you can get out of her.
She's a friend.
She's a suspect.
What's all this, then?
Well, nothing. Probably.
Nothing with you usually means
something. So, out with it.
Well, it just struck me as odd,
that's all.
There's another pair of these
at Malleson's flat.
Cribb & Co.
There can't be that many
on the assembly line at BIEC
wearing handmade shoes.
We had nothing to hold him on.
I thought you had a witness.
Rang through to withdraw
their statement.
What's this? Union skulduggery?
Possibly.
There's no "possibly" about it.
If it's got around that Malleson
was a time-and-motion man,
they're not about to let
one of their own swing for it.
♪They'll close ranks.
So, we're back to square one.
Oh, Prince of Wales.
Haven't made this particular model
for about... ten years.
The customer is clearly a gentleman
of great taste and discernment.
Yes, well, it's well-cared-for.
Size eight-and-a-half.
Erm...
Oh, interesting!
We've built up the instep quite
considerably to afford support.
An additional comfort.
Oh, yes, I should be able to
chivvy him out for you.
I arrived with my delegation
at twenty past ten.
We went into the meeting.
That lasted about an hour.
And then we went across for the
unveiling of the new Standfast.
Did any of your party leave
the meeting at any time?
What would I or my people have to
gain from killing a British workman?
I will ask, of course.
But to the best of my recollection,
no.
We were guests
and in the presence of our hosts
at all times.
We make a last for each of our
customers
taking into account any
idiosyncrasies of the foot...
Hallux valgus. Polydactyli.
Syndactyli.
Rather like fingerprints.
Ah...
Malleson, would it be?
Percy Malleson?
No. This is Mr Kendrick.
Eustace Kendrick.
A student at Curtmantle,
by the address.
Yes, he had two pairs off us
in May '53.
Oh, it would appear the bill is still
outstanding.
Oh. Yes, of course, that Kendrick.
The business with the um...
with the Rix girl.
Well, it was all over the papers.
Scotch. That's right, isn't it?
What's this?
Cessation of hostilities?
We're on the same side, Morse.
So, any luck?
The Olive Rix case was one of
my first bylines at the Mail.
But it was a County investigation,
not City Police.
What's your interest?
Just something I'm looking at.
Too early to say.
If anything comes of it, you'll have
it first. Exclusive?
I can't promise.
Olive Rix was a Barnardo's girl
from the Midlands.
Bright. Got herself a place at
Bicester Agricultural College.
Coronation Day she disappeared.
June 2nd 1953.
With the celebrations,
it was a couple of days
before the police took it seriously
as a missing persons case.
Boyfriend fell suspect.
Eustace Kendrick?
That's right.
There was some talk he'd got her in
trouble.
But before charges could be brought,
he left the country.
And Olive?
No body was ever found.
What's this all about?
I'd have thought you'd be busy
at British Imperial
rather than digging up some
12-year-old missing person's case.
How did you find me?
The original report gave a name
and address for Eustace's mother.
A neighbour said she was
in a hospice.
Who gave you my name.
Mm.
Outside of Eustace, Aunt Lavinia
is the only family I have.
You're sure it's him?
We'll need you to make a formal
identification, but I'm afraid
that appears to be the case.
Poor Eustace.
He didn't do it, you know. Olive.
Then why did he run away?
Panicked? 20 years old
with everything that was being said.
If it had gone against him,
it would have been the rope.
Of course, once he'd gone...
Have you any thought
as to why he might return now,
after all this time?
When Aunt Lavinia took ill,
I put a notice in The Times,
six, seven months ago,
hoping word might reach him.
Had he been with her long? Olive Rix?
A few months.
But the situation was... complex.
Olive was... already involved.
With whom I don't know,
but from what I could glean,
he sounded the jealous type.
Older, I think.
All I can tell you is
the Eustace I knew...
was the gentlest, kindest of boys.
He'd never have done
anything to that girl.
Thank you for your help.
So Percy Malleson is in fact
this Eustace Kendrick?
Where the hell has he been till now?
Until most recently, South Africa.
I've had Union Castle check their
lists.
A passenger called Malleson sailed
from Durban on the Pendennis Castle
and arrived in Southampton
on 5th April.
And he started at British Imperial
when? Two weeks later.
His mother is dying. I think Kendrick
came back to see her.
And to do that, he'd have needed
to clear his name.
That's my reading of it.
He's got himself in at BIEC thinking
the real culprit's someone there.
He's keeping a notebook on the Broom
family. Their comings and goings.
Why would Kendrick think this girl's
disappearance
had anything to do with the Brooms?
I don't know, sir,
but I've taken a look
at the agricultural college
that Olive Rix attended.
It's a huge place out at Bicester.
But the point is
its land borders Chinon Court.
Where?
The Brooms' estate, sir.
According to county records,
the family were questioned
at the time of her disappearance.
Coronation Day?
Well, that's... that's 12 years ago.
A missing girl, you say?
Olive Rix.
She was 20 years old.
Never heard of her.
No. As I said.
According to the records
of the original inquiry,
you were questioned.
I was?
Yes.
"Henry Broom said: No-one had been
out of the house for the entire day,
due to watching the Coronation
on the television set."
Henry? My son, perhaps. Henry Junior.
Harry... to us.
As Miss Vixen's... I'm so sorry,
Miss Vexin's presence will
no doubt will confirm, Inspector,
my husband is a fool for beauty.
Nora...
You didn't hire her
for her shorthand.
Henry likes to surround himself
with pretty things.
Horses. Paintings.
If he'd have met this girl,
he would have remembered, believe me.
Would you excuse me?
Oh, dear. One just can't get
the staff.
You'll forgive me, but I'm hard
pressed to see what this Rix girl
has to do with what happened
yesterday.
The man murdered at your factory,
Mr Broom.
The man you knew as Percy Malleson.
Turns out his real name
was Eustace Kendrick.
He'd been Olive Rix's boyfriend
and was strongly suspected of being
involved in her disappearance.
Good heavens.
That morning, Olive had been working
at Half Farthing Piggery.
Her path back to College may have
taken her through Great Wood.
Your land?
There's a public right of way.
Public right of trespass.
You're not saying someone here
had something to do with what
happened to this girl?
It would seem Eustace Kendrick
thought so.
And now he's dead.
There is nothing between us.
Nora just likes to...
I don't know, goad him.
I'm sorry. I shouldn't let it
get to me.
You'd been with the firm four months
when Harry died.
That's right.
What was he like?
Oh. Just great fun.
Most of the time. He had these moods.
The rest of the family
were all very...
careful around him at such times.
Any idea what was behind them?
Oh, I don't know. A girl?
It's usually the way.
How long have you been
back in Oxford?
A couple of months. You?
I never left. Not really.
I started a postgrad, but...
I don't know.
Worked in a bookshop for a while.
You read er...
History.
I'd have thought that you...
I'd have done something with my
life.
Yeah. I suppose we all "thought".
What did you do? After?
Knocked about a bit. Here and there.
I was in the army for a while.
You were... missed.
When you left.
I can't think by whom.
No.
But you were.
I suppose I'd better be...
There's a board meeting ahead of
tonight's dinner with Prince Nabil.
With everything that's happened,
it's just a bit...
Alice?
What you were saying,
about that drink.
I'm sure it would be all right.
Really?
Old friends. Who could mind that?
Perhaps it was Harry who was spoken
to.
Convenient, though.
Damned inconvenient for us.
It's curious, don't you think?
She disappears on one royal occasion
and Kendrick is murdered in the
middle of another.
This is private property.
Oh. What are you doing here?
We've just been up to the house,
Miss Broom.
Had some questions about a girl
who went missing 12 years ago.
Olive Rix. The day of the Coronation.
I wouldn't know anything
about that.
She attended the agricultural
college.
If you regularly rode these woods,
perhaps your paths may've crossed.
I avoid the public footpath.
On it now, aren't we?
Blucher threw me and bolted. I had
to find him and fetch him back.
What about Eustace Kendrick?
Does that name mean anything to you?
Should it?
He was Olive's boyfriend.
If there's nothing else...
You might ask what a girl who
disappeared 12 years ago
has to do with the murder at the
factory yesterday.
I might. But perhaps such a thing
never crossed my mind.
Perhaps I assume the police know
what they're doing.
Or you couldn't give a damn.
Try to involve me or any of my
family in this
and you'll discover quite
how much of a damn I do give.
Well? Are you going to tell me
or aren't you?
Until yesterday Eustace Kendrick
had been working for BIEC
under the name of Percy Malleson.
What a tangle.
Down there you've got the piggery.
The agricultural college
is over there.
Give us a shufti at
that snap a minute.
About here, don't you think?
She was there, then, hm?
But who with? That's the question.
Kendrick! The photograph
was found in his flat!
According to his cousin,
Olive was seeing someone else.
Someone else? An older man. Perhaps
Olive had said something to Kendrick
which led him to believe it might
have been one of the Brooms.
We'll get to the bottom of it, sir.
Don't worry.
I beg your pardon?
Who are you to tell me not to worry?
He only meant, sir...
I know exactly what he meant.
I don't need you to make excuses
for him! Damned impertinence!
Hell are you looking at?
You're not going to find the culprit
sat about gawking!
Get on with your work, all of you!
They're back. The police.
Of course. They won't stop till they
get to the bottom of it.
Pa says they're asking about the
Coronation.
That girl.
Turns out... Malleson was her
boyfriend.
Oh, yeah. People still talk about
the party they threw at Chinon Court
for the workers during
the Coronation,
but before my time, though.
Where were you before?
GPO. Repairs.
15 years.
It's enough to drive you
up the pole.
Which, of course, was the job!
But er... no, it was a grand do,
by all accounts.
Not that I hold with all that,
you understand.
All what?
Monarchy. Bowing and scraping.
You must have enjoyed Her Royal
Highness's visit, then?
Ah, yes. But that's different,
though, isn't it?
That's about trade, jobs and
people's livelihoods. How's that?
This contract with the Arabs could
be very important for the company.
36 Standfast missiles.
So if a bit of royalty helps push it
along, I'm all for it.
Reg? You'd better come quick.
There's been an accident.
What the bloody hell's happened
here?
Everything's perfectly all right,
Mr Tracepurcel.
Oh, aye, yeah, it looks it.
The brake on the chain-block failed.
Could've been any of us.
Just the trolley was round.
Are you all right, miss?
I banged myself.
It could've been worse.
Too bloody right!
I've put in a request for
maintenance for these hydraulics
twice and nothing's been done.
I'll look into it.
You'll look into it? Oh, he's going
to look into it, lads.
Bit too bloody late for that.
I said I'll look into it!
Curtis two months back and now this?
No. I'm calling a general stoppage.
What? Now?
Yes, now, Mr Broom.
I've got to look out for my members.
What are they saying?
An accident.
Tracepurcel's called a general
stoppage.
Murder yesterday?
An industrial accident today?
Goodness. We'd better begin
while we still have a company to
discuss.
Where would you like me, Henry?
Under the sod.
I was that 20 years. If you remember.
So much for infinite variety.
I'll take my usual place,
unless there are any objections.
Morse.
About that drink.
I wondered if you were doing anything
tonight.
Washing my hair.
Oh...
Where? When?
Nine? Fox and Hounds?
Sounds great. See you then.
See you then.
It's a good deal, Mother.
Europe's the future, Nora.
Look at BAC.
Ah! The entente cordiale!
How very "now"!
Whatever happened to
"Vive la difference"?
Look, if we don't get in, establish
partnerships, five, ten years,
we'll have missed the bus.
Partnerships, yes. But a merger?
In my experience,
that's just a polite name
for another kind of congress
altogether
and I know who'll be on top,
believe me.
Harry would never have stood for it.
It was Harry's idea.
I don't believe you.
Believe what you like. It's academic.
If we don't go in with the French
now, this year, we're finished.
What do you mean, finished?
We've sunk everything we have
into the new Standfast.
And more besides.
Against projected sales.
What about the Arabs?
They're about to put in an order
for three dozen, aren't they?
Aren't they?
Hello.
Hello.
Strange to be back here again
after all these years.
Fewer students than I remember.
I expect nowadays they're all down
the pop-dancing club.
Pop dancing?
Or whatever it is they do.
So... the police?
If you'd asked me, I'd never have...
You like it?
I like the work.
To be honest,
I'm not sure that I fit in.
No. You were never like the rest.
Well, I wanted to be.
Tried to be, I think.
When?
I did. I tried to like Trad
and the Angries. Sartre.
French cigarettes.
That's why I liked you.
You were difficult.
Different, surely.
Difficult. Definitely.
Awkward.
You were all... corners socially.
Ah, well...
And so angry.
Contra mundum.
But yourself, most of all.
I think we've heard quite enough
about me. Tell me about you.
You mean tell you about the Brooms?
That is why you asked me
for a drink.
You must be wondering
what's going on.
I'm a loyal employee. Discreet.
One question, then.
As a policeman or as a friend?
A friend.
Have you ever heard any of them
mention a girl called Olive Rix?
No.
Look, I'm sorry how everything
turned out back then.
You deserved more.
I doubt that, but...
good of you to say.
After all that went the way it did,
I hoped you might look to me
for something.
Anything.
And then you were gone. Lost.
Why do you wear your hair like that?
Don't you like it?
Alice. You don't need to...
Do I remind you of her?
Why would you want to?
If that's what it takes.
Do I?
Are you still in love with her?
I don't know.
Then you are.
Maybe you could love me too.
Just a little.
A little would be enough.
Morse...
Oh, I'm on call.
You have to leave a number.
Lenny Frost?
So much for
staying away from the place.
Morning, sir.
Thursday.
What have we got?
Doctor?
Electrocuted. Rain's come in through
the roof over a length of time.
Puddled.
Come into contact with a section
of split electrical cable
and Bob - or in this case, Lenny -
is no longer your uncle.
His wallet's here.
No question of foul play?
Thankfully, that's a decision
for the coroner.
But were I a betting man,
I'd be more inclined to lay this
upon the altar of bad maintenance.
Wasn't there another here yesterday?
Near miss at least?
Yes, sir.
Misadventure, then.
Unless someone knew he was bound
to pass this way.
How would they know that?
Those windows lead on
to the outside, sir.
If that's how he's been
getting in and out,
it would be easy enough
for someone to stage an accident.
I'm more concerned as to what
he was doing here.
Sabotage, maybe.
Paying the company back
for how they treated him.
I'm more inclined to an accident.
The safety record here
doesn't inspire confidence.
What's that in his pocket?
Where did you get this?
What are they, Dr Volk?
Highly confidential research papers.
Test results and findings concerning
the Standfast's gyroscopic system.
Where would they have come from?
Most of our documentation
is held in the archive
in the basement of the offices,
but this was taken
from this workshop.
Who else would have an interest
in such material?
This is information of
a sensitive commercial nature.
Our rivals, perhaps?
Beyond that I'm not qualified
to express an opinion.
Volk. What's that? German, is it?
Worked long at British Imperial?
18 years.
When would that be? Early '47?
What was that all about?
It was him and a load more like him
flattened my street.
I'm sure it wasn't personal.
Wasn't it?
You're too young to remember.
I don't suppose you've got any
further with Miss Vexin, have you?
I've spoken to her.
She couldn't shed any light.
How hard did you push her?
As far as I thought necessary.
I see. Ruled her out, have you?
The fact she's a looker play any part
in that?
I based it more on the fact
that she isn't German.
Sir...
everyone knew that Lenny Frost had
it in for Eustace Kendrick.
A perfect scapegoat. Now he's in no
position to defend himself.
You think someone's trying
to close the case down?
Well, don't you?
Who? The Brooms?
How would anyone have known Frost
was at the factory last night?
Perhaps he was lured here.
Who by?
I don't know.
But there was Ј100 in cash
in his wallet,
together with a room number
at the Rudolph Hotel.
Well, why didn't you say so before?
My country may be about
to spend a great deal of money
with British Imperial Electric.
Despite assurances to the contrary,
rumours of trouble with
the new guidance system
have continued to reach our ears.
So, Lenny Frost was spying for you?
The Prophet, peace be upon him,
teaches us,
"Say what is true, though it may be
bitter and displeasing to people."
We have a not dissimilar saying.
Tell the truth and shame the Devil.
You should be aware that to take
receipt of stolen property
is an of fence in law.
As you should also be aware,
Constable Morse,
we are not the same little people
Colonel Lawrence left behind.
We learned much from
our colonial masters.
Perfidious Albion.
An unkind name to hang upon
a country.
But not perhaps wholly undeserved.
Morse.
It's me.
Alice.
That girl you were asking about -
Olive Rix.
What about her?
Alice Vexin came upon it
a few years ago,
but it wasn't until she heard the
name Olive Rix that it made sense.
What made sense?
It should be around here somewhere.
A single beech in a stand of pine.
Single beech, you say?
Mm.
Harry had been knocking about with
her for, what, a year, on and off?
Nothing serious.
Just Harry being Harry.
She was a gold-digger.
She might not have had the best
start in life,
but at the time she went missing,
she was working hard to make
something of herself.
How was it your brother came to know
Olive Rix?
I met her one day.
Hacking out in Great Wood.
We were of an age.
One girl amongst two brothers.
You hit it off?
She was fun.
She had this - I don't know -
Sara Crewe fantasy.
Some wild idea her father
was a rich, foreign nobleman,
and that one day he'd come
and find her.
If that was her dream,
I wasn't about to spoil it for her.
Why did you all deny knowing her?
Why not?
You couldn't find her 12 years ago.
Why rake over it all now?
People would only gossip.
Why give them ammunition?
Never apologise, never explain.
Did you see her the day
she disappeared?
More or less everybody from the
Agricultural College had gone home
to celebrate the Coronation
with their families.
But animals are Republican
by temperament.
They still need feeding, cleaning,
milking,
Vivat Regina or no.
Olive was on her own so I offered
to help her out down at the piggery.
We did a couple of hours,
and I left her shortly after one
to go back to the house.
Then, you were the last person to
see Olive Rix, Miss Broom.
Apart from whoever,
well... did what they did.
I asked her if she'd like to come to
the party.
She said she couldn't.
I presumed she was meeting someone.
Eustace Kendrick.
Did your brother know she was
involved with another man?
If he had, I doubt it would have
troubled him.
Like father.
Shows how much you know.
Christ, God. Aren't you tired of it?
Dickie!
She broke it off with Harry.
In Great Wood. That afternoon.
I came on him in the billiard room
later.
He was drunk. Beside himself.
Richard! Please...
I found her.
Found her body.
Olive Rix.
The morning after the party.
I'd taken the dogs up to Great Wood
to clear my head.
And there she was.
In the tree line, just back
from the Half Farthing Field.
Why didn't you come forward?
And say what?
My brother was a murderer?
What would you have done?
He confessed?
We never spoke of it.
Not in so many words.
That may sound strange to you.
I knew.
He knew I knew.
But not saying it out loud...
Gave you just enough doubt
to live with.
What did you do?
Fetched a spade.
The police pretty quickly settled on
Eustace Kendrick for it, and er...
Well...
that was that.
And you let an innocent man
stand suspect?
It's not as if it came to trial.
He left the country.
Which suited you.
And when Percy Malleson
came to the firm,
you had no idea he was Kendrick?
How could I? I'd never met him.
There were plenty of photos
in the paper.
Funnily enough, I didn't keep
a scrapbook.
But, no, I didn't know it was him.
Who else knew?
Just me.
We all knew.
Speak for yourself.
Or at least suspected.
Except Estella.
She was back at school
before the hue and cry began.
So was I. Most of the time.
No-one ever suspected
it would be you, Johnny.
Something like that
was well beyond your scope.
Thank you, Dickie.
That was very brave.
I knew my boy was still in there
somewhere.
Well, at least that's an end to it.
An end to it?
Frost killed Eustace Kendrick
at the factory.
And Harry Broom killed Olive Rix.
And who killed Lenny Frost?
Not who.
What. Circumstance. Poor
maintenance. It was an accident.
I might live with one dead murderer,
but not a brace.
Well, what a Detective Constable
can or cannot live with
is a matter of rather small account
in the general scheme of things.
And Division won't trouble
the Palace. Morse!
That is a very cynical attitude,
and one you should shake off
sooner rather than later.
I can assure you that
such a consideration
would play no part in
Division's deliberations.
Thursday.
Sir.
Better take Mr Broom's statement.
You look old, Henry.
Old and tired.
Have we hurt one another
long enough?
Resign the chairmanship.
How can I... now?
The company...
Has had the best of you.
Of both of us.
You want my agreement to this merger
with the French,
that's my condition.
Tomorrow, then.
One last board meeting.
All right?
You don't believe Lenny Frost's death
was an accident any more than I do.
Have you got a better theory?
Well, then. Until you do, you're
best off keeping your powder dry.
The truth was buried with Olive Rix
12 years ago.
We're about to stand by and watch it
buried again with Lenny Frost.
And in the name of what?
Expediency?
Sparing royal blushes?
I thought it was the Queen's Peace
we were sworn to uphold?
Someone was coming up as I arrived.
Can I come in?
Of course.
I'm afraid you won't find me
terribly good company.
I'd have tidied if I'd known.
Are you all right? I was worried.
You sounded awful on the telephone.
As if the world were about to end.
Just a small world,
and not a very good one.
Do you want a drink?
I've only got Scotch.
Yeah. All right.
You heard about the Brooms?
I didn't come to talk about
the Brooms.
From comparison with dental records
I can confirm that these are indeed
the remains of Olive Rix.
Any thoughts as to how she died?
Fractured hyoid would suggest
she was strangled.
Not much to speak of by way
of grave goods.
Clothes have rotted away mostly.
But we've a few buttons.
Pair of handles from her bag.
What's this?
Oh, general detritus.
Victorian jam pot, probably.
Winnowing out the wheat from chaff
is always a challenge
after so long in the earth.
Sir?
Division want us to sign off.
On both of them?
Both of them.
Lenny Frost for Eustace Kendrick.
Eustace Kendrick for Olive Rix.
Kendrick? It was Harry Broom
killed Olive Rix, sir.
His brother said as much.
I'm advised that
to pursue such a line...
would not be in the public interest.
I see. You're happy with that?
Happiness doesn't enter into it.
It's what Division wants.
Nothing can be allowed to interfere
with this missile sale.
So the Brooms walk away from it?
All of it?
Business as usual. It's never about
what you know, Morse.
It's about what you can prove.
And what about justice?
Or perhaps that doesn't matter.
Olive Rix was only a Barnardo's girl.
We found her.
We'd never have managed that much
if you hadn't kept digging away.
That's not enough.
Sometimes it has to be.
Not every question gets an answer.
Learning to live with that
is the hardest lesson there is.
What are you doing
with your Saturday afternoon, then?
Bit of singing, is it? I've
a couple of tickets for the Roxy.
Tickets? Plural?
What's this? Your little friend?
That didn't take long, did it?
You'll be picking out wallpaper
next.
I hear you say pictures?
It's all right for some.
What you gonna see?
There's a new Bergman.
Oh, yeah? I thought she was cracking
in Casablanca.
I've got the tickets. We've got time
for a quick drink first.
You've changed your mind?
I have.
You don't mean the cinema, do you?
It's all right.
Is it?
No.
Yes.
I suppose.
You're not ready. Not yet.
I'd always be second best.
Consolation prize.
I'd have been happy with that...
once.
The moment passed.
Mm.
They've called me into work.
Right.
Well...
Your father has asked me
to choose his successor.
I've written that person's name down
and placed it in this envelope.
If we are to be... whole again...
a family...
I expect my proposal to be seconded
blind, and passed nem con.
Agreed?
Very well. Proposed.
Seconded.
Show of hands?
Thank you, Alice.
Congratulations, Estella.
Thank you.
But I'd prefer to think of us
as a triumvirate.
If we are to make a go of it,
I'm going to need all of Dickie
and Johnny's expertise.
I didn't know I had any.
To which end, the first we need to
get a grip on is this strike.
Alice, would you have Mr Tracepurcel
and his Works Committee
join us on the factory floor?
"Oxford, England.
Just minutes from the libraries
and cloistered colleges
of the city centre,
a visitor will soon find themselves
amidst the white heat of technology
at the British Imperial
Electric Company in Cowley.
Proud manufacturers
of Britain's Standfast Mark Two
surface-to-air missile.
Everyone is doing their best
to make sure the whole place
is spick and span,
and ready to receive
a royal inspection.
Hold on, Charlie.
Looks like you've missed a spot.
That's the ticket!
Here comes the Very Important Person
everyone has turned out to cheer!
Yes, it's Her Royal Highness,
the Princess Margaret,
as she arrives on a mission to help
promote British overseas exports.
Having been greeted by
distinguished foreign guests
and senior company executives,
Her Royal Highness also finds time
to exchange a word or two
with the workers..."
This what you're looking for?
Worked out what it is?
More than that.
I think I can take a decent guess
where it came from.
Mr Tracepurcel?
I wonder if I might have a word.
I'm just waiting
on the Works Standing Committee.
I've a meeting with the management.
This won't take long.
I'm hoping there's something
you might be able to help us with.
A matter of etiquette,
as much as anything.
Etiquette?
Yes.
When you were presented to
Her Royal Highness,
you weren't wearing your jacket.
My jacket?
Mm.
I think I was.
No, you weren't.
You wore it earlier in the day,
but by the time of the royal visit
you'd got rid of it.
You were caught on film, you see,
by one of the news vans.
And, as luck would have it,
by a photographer from the Mail.
You were in shirt sleeves.
I'd like to see the jacket
you were wearing that morning.
This is it.
No, the one you had on was
double-breasted, if you'll look.
Yes. No, er... I spilt some oil
on that one.
On the shop floor.
Eustace Kendrick came to this factory
looking for the murderer
of Olive Rix.
He thought it was one of the Brooms.
You knew better, didn't you?
I had nothing to do with Kendrick.
You knew there was something
not right about Kendrick.
Something that didn't quite ring
true. Eventually you tumbled
he was a time-and-motion man.
That when he told why
he really came to the factory?
I suppose he thought you'd have
some sympathy for him.
A chance to finally stick it
to the management for once.
But he confided in the one person
who had everything to lose
if he continued with his digging and
find out the Brooms were innocent.
Look, I don't know this Rix girl,
and I didn't even work here in '53.
No.
You worked for the GPO
as a repairman.
We checked.
According to the service records
you were on call on Coronation Day,
replacing ceramic insulators on
telegraph poles out by Chinon Court.
Unfortunately,
Olive Rix also had reason
to be in Great Wood that afternoon.
She and Harry Broom
had just broken up.
Well, even if I was there,
that doesn't prove anything.
Not alone, perhaps,
but you've overplayed your hand.
When Brenda Werth was nearly killed,
you thought we'd take it
at face value
if Lenny Frost fell victim
to a similar industrial accident.
You needed someone to take the drop
for Eustace Kendrick's murder.
Everyone knew there was bad blood
between them.
But only you knew how Lenny Frost
came in and out of the factory.
It was an accident.
It's what they call bad maintenance.
No. It was murder.
But you made a mistake.
I don't make mistakes.
You should have killed him
on the way in,
before he had a chance to steal
the research papers, not the way out.
The electricity didn't turn itself on
between his first and second goes
through that puddle.
So now I've killed Lenny Frost?
Mm-hm.
No, I think you're whistling
in the dark, gents.
Let's just say a word of
that's true, which it isn't.
Why would I have killed Kendrick
on a day like that?
With all the police swarming around.
You had no choice.
Kendrick's contract with the factory
was due to expire.
He was desperate to get to
the truth, and time was running out.
You had to act and fast.
The royal visit was the only time
the Brooms have been under
the same roof in ten years.
His only chance
to confront them all together.
That's why he brought a gun to work.
I think he told you he intended to...
You can think what you like.
You haven't got any proof.
You're right, we haven't,
but we can clear it up now.
Your jacket.
I told you.
There's oil on it, yes. Well, where
is it? Because I'd like to see it.
I burnt it.
You burnt it?
I burnt it.
In my garden. In the incinerator.
Are you sure about that?
Yeah.
Your jacket is still here.
On the premises.
Hidden away somewhere.
Police on the front gates?
You passed them with oil on
your jacket, but not paint.
Paint?
White paint, to be specific.
The door frame of the store cupboard
had been painted that morning,
where you dumped Kendrick's body
after you'd killed him.
Yeah, your jacket was covered in
paint. Paint? No.
That's why you were the only man
presented to Her Royal Highness
in his shirt sleeves.
You knew no-one would
be on the factory floor
till the visit was over,
so you left the jacket in
the store cupboard
with Kendrick's body,
until the coast was clear.
Only Alice Vexin heard you
when you came to retrieve it,
and raised the alarm.
Police have been crawling
all over the place since.
You haven't had a chance
to get rid of it.
The best you could do was to hide it.
I have to admit, it took me a while.
Strange?
Was it where I thought it was?
Mm-hm.
Well, you two are clever buggers,
aren't you?
I thought the inspection pit would
be the perfect place to hide it.
And Olive Rix?
What was that?
Just an itch you had to scratch?
Oh, I didn't do anything
she didn't want.
Strange?
You've got to admit,
I give you a good run around,
though, eh?
12 years. Ooh.
How did you work out
where I put the jacket?
I didn't.
I thought it was Richard...
all these years.
The poison's out now.
Sir.
Well...
it should make for a lively meeting
with the Chief Constable.
You might want to mention
Constable Morse's part, sir.
Yes.
Well, if the...
if the opportunity arises.
Carry on.
Want me to run you back?
Go on, then.
Are you doing anything tonight?
No.
I was after going a cod
and two penn'oth.
Glad of the company
if you'd like to join me.
What? No sandwiches?
On a Saturday? Talk sense.