Midsomer Murders (1997–…): Season 7, Episode 2 - Bad Tidings - full transcript

I checked your bank statements.
That's how I know!

You couldn't have. They don't
come till the end of the month.

Do you realise
we're close to bankruptcy?

Can't I spend a little money
on myself occasionally?

How was I going to do anything?
Will you keep your voice down?

Anyway, you might like to know...

I went to the bank this morning
and got copies of your statements.

You bastard!
Well, that's it -

no more money!
Well, screw you!

Good evening, Fiona.

SQUEAKING



RUSTLING IN BUSHES

Hello?

Hello!

APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS

Monty!

Come on, Monty!

Cassie -
surely you must remember her.

Cassie Woods.
No - don't think I do.

Her parents ran Piper's Cross Farm.
Oh?

And there was her brother...Noel.

A couple of years younger than her.
You liked him.

Did I?
Yes.

You always said he was so polite.

OK - what about Rachel?



Hello, Cully.
Hiya, Dad.

To what do we owe the honour?

Oh, I've just popped by
to let you and Mum know

that I'm thinking
of organising a reunion.

Tom - here.
Thank you.

What sort of reunion is that, then?
For old school friends.

There were four of us - me,
Cassie, Rachel, and...Lynn Morris.

I seem to remember Lynn Morris.
Didn't she use to bully you?

When?
When you were at middle school.

No. That was just...
me being oversensitive.

By the time it got to sixth form,
the four of us were best of friends.

I'm sorry, love -
I don't have the time.

Anyway, we made a vow in those days

that in ten years' time,
we'd all meet up and celebrate.

So I thought I'd organise something.
People change, Cully.

They may not be the same
as you remember them.

Apparently, Lynn's married.

What's the rush?
Troy's replacement arrives today.

I thought I'd make a good impression
by being there to greet him.

What's he like?
I don't know. Never met the man.

Morning, Alan.
Morning, sir.

DS Scott arrived yet, has he?

Who?
Detective Sergeant Scott.

He's been transferred
to us from the Met.

I haven't seen him, sir.
Have you not? No message at all?

No, sir.
TELEPHONE RINGS

Barnaby.

Change.

Are you, by any chance
Detective Sergeant Scott?

Yeah. Why?
I'm DCI Barnaby.

Yes, sir.

I missed the fast train

and had to wait an hour
and a half for a connection.

Been to this part
of the world before?

No, sir.

Have you got somewhere to stay?

Not yet, sir, no.
I'll have a look around.

What about the section house?
No, thanks. It's not my style.

What do they call
this place, anyway?

This place is called Chainey's field.

It's been common land
for hundreds of years.

It's even in the Domesday Book.
That's amazing.

Her name's Fiona Thompson.

Husband reported her missing.

She hasn't been seen
since last night.

By the way, welcome to Midsomer.

Donald!

Shirley!

It's Fiona Thompson...

I found one of her shoes
so I phoned the police.

Found one of her shoes?
Yes.

The shoes she wore last night.

It was in...

Chainey's Field.

We should never have done it.

We should never
have wished her dead.

What on earth are you talking about?

What is it, Mary? Tell us.

Because she IS dead.

She's been murdered.

I thought she'd spent the night
in the spare room.

It was only in the morning that I
realised she hadn't left for work.

Her car keys were still here.

Where did she work, Mr Thompson?

Erm...Causton College.

She's a...
She was a secretary there.

She liked it there. She was happy.

I take it that you and your wife
were out together last night.

Yes, but she left early.

We were at the Spanish evening.
I'm sorry - the what?

In the village hall.

The Midsomer Mallow
Residents' Association.

They're fond of their
so-called theme evenings.

Are you a member of this residents'
association, sir?

No, no. Fiona is...

Was.

We're very sorry to have to ask
you all these questions so soon, sir.

But they are important.

Could you tell us why
your wife left early?

We had a row.
About what?

Does it really matter?

I'm afraid so, yes, sir.

All right then - it was about money.

Fiona was always spending
too much money.

And she...she didn't need
to buy that Spanish dress.

It cost a fortune.

Where was she found?

Not very far away - Chainey's Field.

Chainey's Field? Why was she there?

What about the other members
of the association?

What about them?
Did your wife get on with them?

The members of the Midsomer Mallow
Residents' Association

never get on with each other.

How could they?
They don't even like each other.

Did I say something wrong, sir?
It's how you said it.

Tom - blood stains.

So she was killed here.

Then her body must have been dragged
onto the wasteland down the road.

And I'd say we're looking for
a knife with a long, thin blade.

So what was she doing,
dressed up like a Christmas tree?

She'd been out
to a Spanish evening, George.

That probably explains the red rose.
Nice touch.

John.

What do you mean, "nice touch"?

Well, she'd hardly be walking home
with it in her mouth, would she?

Someone with an odd
sense of humour, maybe.

Mary found one of her shoes?

Yes!
Don't be silly.

Mary never walks her dog
in Chainey's Field.

It would be
far too energetic for her.

She was there this morning.
Ask her!

I shall.

It doesn't matter where the shoe
was found. The poor woman is dead.

I realise that, Donald.

As a fellow villager
and committee member I shall grieve.

But I shan't grieve for long.

I was walking on the hill,
and then Monty -

that's my dog -

he wanted to go down
through Chainey's Field.

That's where I found the shoe.

What can you tell us
about Fiona Thompson?

She wasn't a very nice person.

In what way?

She liked to argue.

She was always arguing.

She's probably arguing
with her maker right now.

Oh - it's the police.

They want to talk to us.
Please, come in.

Shirley is the secretary
of the residents' association.

And Donald is a longstanding
member of the committee.

We've been told that Fiona and her
husband were arguing last night

just before she left.
That's right.

Did you hear what was said
in this particular argument?

No. I couldn't hear much,

not with the band playing.

I was in the back room
most of the time.

You couldn't hear any threats?

By whom?
Mr Thompson.

No... But he looked angry.

But Charles threatened her
once or twice.

He's always threatening people.

Said he'd get her thrown off.
Then he should have done it!

Sorry - who's Charles?
Charles Rust.

He's our committee chairman.

He used to be the local GP.

Now, I know this may seem unkind,
Chief Inspector...

but I hope the murder won't affect
any of our other events.

We have such a lot planned.

You know, I think I must have been
the last one here to see her alive.

But one.

I was here, having a cigarette.

She came storming out.

I said good night to her
but she didn't answer.

She just walked away.

Did you see anyone else?
No.

Charles came out for a while
to check on the car park.

But I think he went back in.

Did you hear anything?

I heard a noise.

What sort of noise?
Well, it was odd.

It was a kind of...
squeaking noise.

It was out there,

in the dark.

Mr Charles Rust?
Yes.

I'm Detective
Chief Inspector Barnaby.

Oh, yes. I know who you are.

The news has filtered through.

Could you tell me, please,

when did you last see Fiona Thompson?

It was last night,
during the Spanish evening.

Did you see her
leave the village hall?

No.

You see, I was told

that you were outside
when she left the building.

I may have checked
the car park a couple of times

but I didn't see her leave.

I hate to speak ill of the dead,

but it seems ironic
that our DEAR little Fiona

should end her days
in Chainey's Field.

Why's that?
She hated the sight of the place.

She wanted it tidied up.

WHEELBARROW SQUEAKS

Cully Barnaby, of all people!

How are you? WHERE are you?

I'm in Causton. Cassie, it's so good
to talk to you after all this time!

"So what have you
been doing with yourself?"

Mum and Dad retired,
left me in charge of the farm.

"Oh, fantastic!
That's what you always wanted."

And how's that
young brother of yours?

Oh, he's not so young any more.
Still knocking around.

"Noel's still there?"

You mean, he never left home?

"If you've been in Causton,
why haven't I seen you?"

I've been in London mostly, Cassie,
but erm...

it's good to be back in Midsomer.

Joyce,

this is my new colleague,
Daniel Scott.

Daniel Scott, Joyce Barnaby.

Hello.
Nice to meet you, Mrs Barnaby.

You don't look
like a policeman's wife.

Oh? Why not?
You don't have any worry lines.

What a nice thing to say!

Er...he's got nowhere to stay
for the time being.

I'm going to check out some B&Bs.

If he'd caught the right train this
morning, that would have helped.

Could you talk to Lynn, as well?
Sorry, Cassie - just a second.

Yes?
Phone book.

Oh, sorry! Here.

Dad, who's your new friend?

My new friend is Troy's replacement.

Really?
Really.

It may surprise you to learn

you're not at all
like a policeman's daughter.

Forget about a B&B.

He looks exhausted.

It's just for one night, Tom.
And the spare room's free.

Look, Joyce,

this is my home.

It's also my own free time.
I have very little of that.

Apart from which,
I don't even know the man.

Then get to know him.

Noel!

You won't believe
who I've just been talking to.

Who?
Cully.

She rang out of the blue.
Little Cully Barnaby?

Yeah. She wants to meet up
with me and Lynn.

Like old times.
Yeah.

So, what are we having?

Pasta.

Mmmm! Lovely.

You'd make someone a good wife,
do you know that?

She also wants
to meet up with Rachel.

Tricky.

Yeah.

DOORBELL

Lynn!

DOORBELL

Lynn!

Why the hell
did you double lock the door?

Where have you been?

I would have been earlier.
The traffic was bad.

What's the matter?

You mean you didn't see
any police cars?

Why? What's happened?

It's Fiona Thompson -

someone's killed her.

Hmm...

How about this?

One bedroom flat, allocated parking,

quiet street.
Nah. I like a bit of noise.

Where's your flat, then?
Other side of town.

I like a bit of quiet.

Well, you've got my mobile number,

so if you need to know anything
else, just give me a call.

I will. Thank you.

CAR HORN

We've just had a call.

Gary Thompson
would like to talk to us.

What do you reckon, sir, confession?

It came to me last night.

I couldn't sleep
so I lay awake,

trying to work out who
could possibly want to harm her.

I'm afraid Fiona was very good
at making enemies.

Was Charles Rust one of them?

Yes. In fact, she upset
most of the committee members.

She liked to speak her mind,
you see.

But that's not a reason
to kill someone, is it?

And then I remembered
the odd-job man.

When was this?
It was about a week ago.

He asked if there were any jobs
that needed doing around the house.

And when she said no,
he became angry.

And she said that he threatened her.

Do you know his name...
or where he lives?

He has this old wooden hand cart
that he pushes around.

The last time I saw him, he was
doing some work at the Spearmans'.

They own Grove House.

What sort of odd jobs
does this man do?

I told Fiona not to open the door
to people she wasn't sure of.

Mr Thompson, what sort of odd jobs?

Well, he cleans windows.

And he sharpens knives.

DOORBELL
Matthew, can you get that?

I'm getting ready.
And I'm busy!

DOORBELL

DOORBELL

Yes, what do you want?
Mr Spearman?

Good morning, sir. I'm Detective
Chief Inspector Barnaby.

And this is Detective Sergeant Scott.

We're making enquiries about the
death of one of your neighbours, sir.

Yes, it's terrible news.

But how can we help?

May we come in?

Yeah.
Thank you.

Who is it, Matthew?

Er...it's the police.

They're asking about Fiona Thompson.

Please hurry up
and catch whoever did it.

Don't worry - we will.

Matthew's only here
three or four days a week.

I stay in London
when things are busy.

We have a flat close to my office.

Were you in London
the night before last, sir?

No, we were at home together.

But we wouldn't have seen anything.
Why not?

Because whenever they have one
of their famous theme evenings,

I turn the music up.
And I go to bed early.

It's his age.
Thank you.

It was a joke!

So I take it, neither of you

are members of the residents'
association?

Matthew was once.
But not for long.

I couldn't stand
the people running it.

It was just something
to do in the long winter evenings

when Lynn was in New Zealand.

I was visiting my mother.

She emigrated there and remarried.
I went over for the wedding.

I have to go.
Right.

Before you go, if you didn't
see anything that night,

did you hear anything?
Only the pathetic Spanish music.

You didn't hear a squeaking sound?
A what?

Like something being wheeled
through the streets?

No.

You employ an odd-jobman
with a hand cart.

That freak?

I hired him just the once. He was
supposed to clean the windows.

What's his name?
Never asked.

Did he threaten either of you?

He got a bit bolshie with me
when I refused to pay him.

CAR APPROACHING

Cully!

Oh, don't tell me
it's been ten years! It can't be!

It has, Cassie. Almost to the day.

It's crazy.
Where the hell does time go?

Look at you, though.
You've hardly changed at all.

You look so well.
It's all this fresh air.

And I behave myself.
Oh, I don't believe you.

It's true. No longer the wild one,
not with a farm to run.

Are there no men in your life?
What, with the hours I keep?

Early to bed, early to rise -
they can't handle that.

Hey!
Noel!

It's so good to see you.

Dear Cully!

After all these years!

So Lynn's married?
Yes.

What's he like?
He's older than her.

Some sort of businessman.
He's got no sense of humour.

Any children?

No.

What about Rachel? How is she?
What's she been doing?

For God's sake, Cassie! Don't you
ever clean up around here?

It's a farmyard, Lynn.
That's no excuse!

Cully, come and see me.

So why didn't we meet at my house?
At least it's civilised.

I wanted to see the farm again.

Now, the last time I saw you,
you were going to be a vet.

Did that ever happen?
No. I've been acting.

But jobs don't come that easy,
so I've been temping.

What about you? You were
determined to marry for money.

At that age?
Yes.

Well, I've done it.

Right, you've seen the farm
and I need cheering up.

So let's all go into the village.

So Rachel still lives here,
in Midsomer Mallow?

Yes, she rents the cottage
just on the edge of the village.

Is she on the phone?
No.

How often do you see her?

We don't see that much of her,
not these days.

Why not?
She keeps herself to herself.

I don't understand.

Cully, it was ten years ago.
We're not the kids we were.

So what is it?

What's the matter?

Three years ago she went
to stay in London for a while.

No-one knew why.
She kept it a secret.

The truth is...she went there
to have a baby, a daughter.

Well, that's great!
What's wrong with that?

Who's the father?

Wouldn't we all like to know?
Well, you know your village.

You must be able
to put two and two together.

Tried it. Didn't work.

Has she got her daughter with her?

Yes.

She must be a great mum.

She always did love kids.

OK...

..do you two remember a vow we made

the day we left school?
A vow?

The four of us.
No.

We said in ten years' time,
we'd all get together and celebrate

in some fancy restaurant.

No, I don't remember that.
Sounds like a good idea.

I thought I'd book a table...
at Lacey's.

Lacey's - that's expensive.

You'd better not wear your wellies,
had you?

Well, it doesn't matter.
The four of us getting together -

it means a lot to me.

No, we don't have a name.

Well, there can't be that many
door-to-door knife grinders around.

Sir, I think I've tracked down
our odd-job man.

Good.
Jacob Stoke.

No known address. He works
a couple of the Midsomer villages.

Any form?
Drunk and disorderly,

threatening behaviour.

He uses a workshop,
some kind of lockup.

Where?
Barrow End.

I know it.
Hi, Dad.

Hello, Cully.
These are my old friends.

Lynn Spearman.
Oh, yes. We've met.

And Cassie Woods.
I remember when WE last met.

Where was that?
During one of our school plays.

I was front of house.
You arrived late.

Did I enjoy the play?
I shouldn't think so. No-one did.

Well, I'll see you later.

How are you getting on?
I've found a flat.

I can move straight in.
Have they given you a car?

Tomorrow.
Why don't I pick you up later,

take you and your things there?
Thank you.

See you around.

Sure you've got time
for a celebration?

He's new here.
Don't worry - we'll look after him.

He's not rich, Lynn.

Shame.
He's just a poor working copper.

It's been a while
since this place was used.

Yes.

Could have moved on, I suppose,
left the area.

A very good evening to you.
Evening, Charles.

Good evening.

Oh.

Thank you.

Now, I'm sure you all remember
that at our last general meeting

we had something of a problem.

Fiona.
We worked long and hard

at voting her off the committee.

But she wouldn't budge.

Now, her death is a sad business,

but it has its compensations because
the problem no longer exists.

We shouldn't
have wished her dead.

Oh, for goodness' sake Mary!
We all hated the sight of her.

Would you wish her back?

There's no need to shout.

She needs shouting at.

Would you want Fiona back?

Thank you.

But we shouldn't
be dancing on her grave.

Oh, I agree. Especially as
the police are asking questions.

No - there's no need
to record this, Shirley.

It's an informal meeting.

However, life goes on.

So I feel that our annual open
garden day Midsomer Mallow In Bloom

should proceed as planned.

Are you sure?

Oh, come on, now - we have to
postpone it this year!

No.
We've got to.

As a mark of respect.
I'm sorry.

But we can't do it, Charles.
We bloody well can!

But there's
an investigation going on.

So what?
And...

I don't know if it had anything
to do with it,

but I heard something
the night she was killed.

What did you hear?
A squeaking noise.

Really?
Oh, for goodness' sake!

No, listen to me. I did
hear something. I told the police.

I expect you kept them
amused for hours

because at your age
it's quite easy to imagine things.

Charles,

when you say life goes on,

has that anything to do
with you wanting to win

the best frontage award
for the third year running?

There's one thing I will cancel,
and that is this meeting,

until you're in
a more positive frame of mind.

I shall talk to you all
in the morning.

Maybe we should wish
a few more people dead.

Seems to do the trick.

A paper shop?
Yeah.

Round the back.

It's a bit small.

It'll do me for now. I don't intend
staying round here for long.

In the meantime, it's ideal.

I only have to go downstairs
for my morning paper.

What do you mean,
you won't be staying for long?

You've only just arrived.
Not my idea.

Someone thought a change
of location would be good for me.

Oh, I see.

And naturally,
I want promotion sometime.

I don't think I'll get it here.
Does my father know about this?

I'm sure he must have sussed it.

Well, I hope you're not
going to waste his time.

No, I won't do that.

I'm going to Midsomer Mallow
in the morning.

Do you want a lift?

No, thanks.

I'll find my own way there.

OK.

Well...enjoy yourself.

Yes... Yes.

And I think we'll use Anne
again this year for the posters.

There's always a few smudges
but she's quick and cheap.

Are we happy with that?

Right. Then, I'll leave you
to deal with that, Josephine.

Thank you... Good night.

SQUEAKING

SQUEAKING CONTINUES

SQUEAKING FADES INTO DISTANCE

Cully.
Hello, Dad.

What are you doing here?
I came and bought this

for a friend of mine.

She has a child.

Where does she live?
In a cottage in Snakes Lane.

I'm off to surprise her.
It's really pretty.

GATE CREAKING

Mr Rust, I'm sorry
to disturb you again.

This is Detective Sergeant Scott.

I'm too busy to answer
any more of your questions.

Lovely roses.
Wonderful garden you have here, sir.

It's probably
the best in the village.

The nearest I got to a garden was a
window box. And someone nicked that.

And the bell?

The bell? Oh - the bell!

You've met Donald Tew, of course.

Well, he was once the headmaster
here, and he will tell you

that the bell was only ever used
on one special occasion each year.

And what would that be, sir?
Awards day.

Now, how can I help you?

Mr Rust, would you
take a look at this?

Ah - here we are.

Oh, yes...it's a fragrant cloud.

It's a hybrid tea.

It's quite common.

Could this have come
from your front garden?

Yes.

But there are similar bushes
in the village,

though not quite
as well kept as mine.

If you care to take a look this
weekend, it's our Open Garden Day.

Oh, right.

Tell me, why are you asking me
about a dead, damaged rose?

Because it was found on the body
of Fiona Thompson.

Well, she was probably wearing it
with that stupid dress of hers.

No, she wasn't.

You said that on the night
of the Spanish Evening

you checked the village hall
car park a couple of times.

Is that right?

Yes. I mean, some of those idiots
don't know how to park their cars.

And other than that, you didn't
leave the village hall?

No.
Until when?

Oh...it must have been...
well after midnight.

There were things to do.

Thank you, Mr Rust.

This was Donald Tew's house,
wasn't it, when he was headmaster?

Yes, and the blackboard in
the kitchen belongs to the school.

And I use this original
teacher's desk here in my study.

I love this house.

Is your garden
part of the Open Day, Mr Rust?

Naturally.
And I expect to win the top prize -

the Chairman's Cup.

I'm sure you'll do it.
Thank you.

You know, you could charm
a toad out of a tree, you.

The police have been
to Charles' house again.

That's twice now.

How many times
have they spoken to you?

Just the once.
And me.

So something must be up.

He DESERVES to be punished, Shirley.

He really does.

Hello? Noel, is Cassie here?

No - it's market day.

Something wrong?

Well, yes. It's odd.

I went to Rachel's cottage.

I knocked on the door
but she didn't answer.

She doesn't like
people calling there.

Why? I know she was in.

She must have seen me.

Must have heard me.

It's just the way
she is these days, Cully.

Well, what's happened to her?

She's OK.

Honestly, she's fine.

Whatever it is, it smells good.
Thanks.

Do you do
all the cooking round here?

And the cleaning.

Cassie's never been much good
around the house.

Have you never wanted
to leave Midsomer?

No. I'm happy here.

What about girlfriends?
No time for that at the moment.

Anyway, I've never got over you.

Come on, now! That was just
a schoolboy crush.

Anyway, I was too old for you.
Only a couple of years too old.

Do you remember
where we fist kissed?

Yes.

Yes - it was Chainey's Field.

If my husband was alive,

he could have prevented Charles
living in that house.

He would have made sure
the school was a listed building.

And he would have made you a tenant.

And the way Charles talks to you.

No-one liked him as a doctor.
In fact, he was hated.

And he doesn't like
anyone getting in his way.

No, he doesn't.

Well, Fiona got in his way,
didn't she?

And look what happened to her.

SQUEAKING

Listen!

Is that the sound you heard?

Well, then,
don't go out there, Donald.

Please, don't go out there!

Those committee bastards
have taken over the village again.

You'd think they'd have the decency
to ask if we minded.

Why should they?

You told them what they could do
with their committee.

Where are you going?
Out for a while to get away from it.

You're welcome to come with me.

No. I've got work to finish.

And you know something else?

There seems to be
more of them this year.

Must be the murder.

I don't see the point in wandering
about in someone else's garden.

It's a chance to learn something.
Huh! Like what -

how to tie up a few broad beans?

CAR HORN

We're a lost race, do you know that?

We care more
for our gardens and our pets

than we do for our kith and kin.

CAR HORN
What the bloody hell...?!

Are you all right?
Yeah...

I'm fine.

Isn't that the car
that forced us off the road?

Yeah, it is.
Are you going to say something?

No. Spoil our afternoon?

I don't think so.

Is there any news?

Yes. Helen Broome has won
Best Containerised Small Garden.

Good. That'll keep her quiet
for a year.

The judges are on the move again.

Can't wait to win, can he?

What can I get you?
A piece of Victoria sponge, please.

What happened to that diet?

What diet? Anyway, it's the weekend.

Thank you.

May I?

I think I'll take a look around.

Where's Lynn?
I'm meeting her later.

I've arranged something.

CAR HORN BLARES

Excuse me!

Will you please leave my garden?
It's not open to the public.

Never has been and it never will be.

Hello, Mr Thompson.

You'd have thought those bastards
would have had more respect.

Fiona hasn't even been buried yet.

Look, I'm sorry -

Is this it, sir?

I'm afraid it is.

Only, where I come from,

open garden day is when
someone breaks into your shed.

Drink?
Yeah.

Hello, Mike...Rosemary.
Charles.

I think you'll find
it's even better than last year.

And not a trough
or a hanging basket in sight.

I can't stand the things!

This is the best border
I've ever done.

What do they call this beer?
Real.

Oh, here's Joyce.

I've just bumped into Cully.

Where is she?
With a couple of her friends.

Can I buy you a drink, Mrs Barnaby?
Thank you.

So where are we going?

I told you -
I've arranged something.

Follow us.

How dare he?!

How DARE he do this?

GATE CREAKING

Won't be a second.

Sorry.

GATE CREAKING

An apple for the teacher.

Yes. Except he wasn't a teacher.

Mr Tew, a word, please.

Please, sir.

I think it would be a good idea
to end the Open Garden Day.

End it?
Yes, please. Can you manage that?

Now?

Yes, sir - now. Please.

Yes.
Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry,
but we have to end the afternoon.

Would you please move back.

I'm sorry.

Ladies and gentlemen,
please, move back.

Tom, have you seen Cully?
She's probably with her friends.

There's no sign of them, either.
I'd just like to know where she is.

Where do her friends live?
Piper's Cross Farm.

She has another old friend,
lives in Snakes Lane.

Where?
It's off Causton Road.

You can't miss it.

I remember this place.

We used to come here as kids.
That's right.

Let's go further up.

When I heard the bell...

..I thought...

..I thought he was ringing it
to show off.

To celebrate his win.

Thank you.

Did you see anyone else in there?

No.

Did you hear anything?

Nothing... Nothing.

It's so strange to hear that sound.

That bell hasn't rung in years!

He was attacked
while he was sitting at his desk.

Have you found
the murder weapon yet?

No.
He was struck by several blows.

Probably by the same
long-bladed knife.

First a rose, then an apple.

Why make fun of the dead?

This place is exactly the same.

I'd forgotten how beautiful it is.

Hi!
Cully Barnaby. Well, well!

I thought you'd forgotten
all about us.

I thought you'd forgotten
all about us.

How could I forget any of you?

We always said
we'd be friends for life.

So we did!

Where's your daughter?

My parents often take her out.
Oh. I would love to have seen her.

What's her name?
It's Lily.

Well, when you and Lily
are next in town -

Oh, I don't go into town.

All right then - in the village.

Noel, you're a man in a million.

You've even brought flowers.
Don't praise him too much.

He gets enough praise at home.
No, he doesn't.

Try one of these. They're delicious.

I followed the judges
into Charles' garden.

I thought I'd take a look.

Did you enter the house?
No.

I had better things to do,
Mr Barnaby.

Is that the costume
you wore for the Spanish evening?

Yes. Among other things,
I've taught drama in my time.

So I've always collected costumes.

Looks like the real thing
to me, that.

Oh, it is.

You've got
the matador's sword, too.

Yes...

and before you ask,
I didn't take it

into the village hall
that evening.

Fiona was a troublemaker,
but I'd no reason to harm her.

I'm told that Charles Rust was
the local GP in Midsomer Mallow.

Yes, he was.
He retired a couple of years ago.

Was he a good doctor?
Well...I suppose he knew his stuff.

But he surrounded himself
with awkward members of staff.

Sometimes it was impossible
to get near him.

When Fiona worked for him -
Fiona Thompson?

Yes.
I thought she worked in Causton.

She did. But until Charles retired,
she was his receptionist.

She was in charge
of all his medical records.

What about Carol Curtis?

That bitch?
She wasn't so bad.

She got married
and went to live up north.

Best place for her.

In fact,
that's the best place for any woman

who marries just for the sake of it.

Does that include me?

Of course it does.

You married a man who never laughs.

What kind of a life is that?

Rachel, I was saying
to the girls the other day

that it's been ten years
since we were all together.

So I was thinking
we should celebrate.

Well, we're celebrating now,
aren't we?

Well, yes, but...

Well, I thought
we should do it in style.

Right.

Who's for a swim?

Come on, Noel -
let's see what you're made of.

You, too, Lynn.
I'm not going in there.

It's filthy.

NOEL: Come on, Cassie!

Aaagh!

Come on - in you go!

You're so brilliant, aren't you?!

Get off me!

Stop it!

Stop it!

All right? Are you sure?

Lynn?

Lynn, are you here?

Where have you been?

I was with friends.

Well, maybe you should
stay with those friends tonight.

I don't WANT to stay with them.
I have to go to London.

You usually go on Sundays.

Listen to me -

there's been another murder,
here in the village.

I don't really want
to leave you alone.

Another murder?!
Yes.

Don't leave me, Matthew.
Please, stay here.

I can't.
There's too much to do in London.

Where was she?
She was in the river, sir.

She was having a bit of a party with
her friends. She's gone home now.

Good.

Hello?

If Stoke is the man
we're looking for,

why would he kill Fiona Thompson
and Charles Rust?

Yes?
Evening, sir.

I'm Detective Chief
Inspector Barnaby.

This is Detective Sergeant Scott.

We believe Jacob Stoke
drinks in here.

He did...until I barred him.

Why did you bar him?
He was getting too nasty.

When was that, sir?
About two, three days ago.

Do you know where he lives?
No. Just here and there.

Hangs around
Chainey's Field sometimes.

If he's too pissed, he's known
to curl up in that hand cart of his

and sleep it off.

Hi, Dad.

I just came by to say I'm sorry.
Oh...

But you didn't need to send Daniel
driving round the countryside.

Well, your mother - she was worried.

I realise that.

And another murder
in Midsomer Mallow.

The killer must have been there
with all those people.

Yeah. Do you want a drink?
No, thank you.

So, how was the day out
with your friends?

Was that good?
Oh, it was...

it was all right.

At least we all
got together again at last.

Was what's-her-name
from Snakes Lane there?

Rachel? Yeah, she was there.

I still can't believe
she has a daughter.

Has she? Who's the dad?
No-one knows.

She went away to have the child.

When was this?
About three years ago.

They'd all...

They'd all changed, Dad.

They were different.

I told you so.

Except for Noel. He'll never change.

Who's Noel?
Cassie's brother.

We used to go out together once.
Oh, did you now?

He used to be such fun
in those days.

In what way was he fun?
He used to...make us laugh.

He was always
playing practical jokes.

Yes...

they were different.

KNOCK AT DOOR

LOUDER KNOCKING

Yes, all right. I'm coming!

KNOCKING CONTINUES

Yeah. Look - hold on, will you?

I suppose you realise
it's nearly 12:00?

I'll be right with you, sir.

Look at the state of this place.

Where's my shoe?

I'll tell you something now, Scott -

I'm not in a good mood.

Right, sir.
So you tell me something.

Do you intend to stay here?

What, in this flat?
No, Scott - with my division.

I'm sorry, sir...

Maybe you feel
you've been done an injustice.

In what way, sir?
By being shunted out of London.

All right,
I'll be honest with you, sir.

Maybe I don't like the countryside.

Maybe I can't tell
one herd of chickens from another.

I am prepared to put up with it
for the time being.

You're prepared to put up with it?
Because I'm willing to learn.

All right -
the flat's a tip. So what?

I'm the one who has to live with it.

You see, with all due respect, sir,
I've been involved with two murders.

I haven't had time to suss out
the laundrette or the post office.

And I'm tired. And it's Sunday.

And your tie is crooked.
Thank you, sir.

And you don't get Sundays off
with me.

Great (!) Can I buy you breakfast?

Yes, you can.
Good.

MOBILE RINGS

Barnaby.

There's no way we can make
an identification, sir.

It's too badly burned.

We think we know who he is.

If he was drunk, he could have
set fire to himself accidentally.

Got a bag?

I've seen this before.

Bag.

Thank you.

I think it's time we took that look
at Dr Rust's medical records.

On a Sunday?
On a Sunday, yeah.

You can use your charm.

Hello, there.

Who are you?
Tom Barnaby from Causton CID.

Barnaby? Are you Cully's dad?
Yeah, that's right. I am.

Come on.
And you must be Rachel.

Oi!

Someone had better
buy you a new dolly, hadn't they?

Cully said she was meeting
three old friends.

I know Lynn and Cassie
but I can't quite remember you.

No, you wouldn't.

I was always the quiet one.

Come on.

CHILD CRYING

Afternoon, Miss Bennett. Oh, this
is Detective Sergeant Scott.

Hello.
I'm sorry to worry you with this.

But would you be kind enough
to take a look at this?

Well, it's one of mine...

what's left of it.

I sold it a couple of days ago.

Are there any others like it?
No. Similar but not identical.

It's part of their charm.

I believe you're secretary
of the residents' committee.

That's right, I am.

Were you also secretary
when Matthew Spearman was a member?

Yes, but he didn't like us
so he didn't stay with us long.

That was when his wife
was in New Zealand, yes? Yes.

How long ago was that?

Well, Donald was treasurer then.

Erm...Charles had just
become chairman.

I'd say about three years.

Three years. Thank you.

Where did you get it, Dad?
Is that the doll you bought?

Yes. I bought it
for Rachel's daughter.

What's happened to it?

Did you give it to her?
No.

I knocked on Rachel's door that day
but there was no answer.

So you didn't see the daughter?

Well, I did. And she doesn't
look anything like her mother.

Here - grab a seat.

What did you do with the doll?

I gave it to Noel.
They're old friends.

He said he'd give it to Rachel.

What, Noel the practical joker?

Yes.

And did he?
I don't know.

She didn't bother to thank me
for it. What IS this, Dad?

Why are you
questioning me like this?

What sort of jokes
did Noel use to play, then?

When?
When you were at school together.

I don't know!

He used to put jokey things

in other people's lockers and desks.

People we didn't like.
Just to scare them.

Why?

This doll was found by the body
of a murdered man.

He'd been stabbed and set alight.

Some joke (!)

No, Dad.

No, not Noel!

How could you think such a thing?

Hello, Cassie.

Is your brother here?

Yes, Cully gave me a bag
with the doll in it.

It was a present for Lily.

Who did you give it to?
Look - what is this?

Did you give it to Rachel?
No.

Who DID you give it to?
Lynn.

She said she'd take it to Rachel's.

I doubt it got there.
I think my brother's entitled

to know what's going on.
Yes. Let's all go into the house.

Three years ago,
Lynn Spearman visited New Zealand.

Am I correct?

Yes.

And round about the same time, Rachel
went to London to have her baby.

That was a bit of a coincidence,
wasn't it?

In a small village
like Midsomer Mallow,

I'm surprised that a few tongues
didn't start wagging.

Because at least two people knew

that it wasn't
a coincidence at all.

Charles Rust and his then
receptionist Fiona Thompson.

And both those people are now dead.

We checked Lynn
and Rachel's medical notes.

Rachel hasn't had a problem
for quite a while.

But just over three years ago,

Lynn's notes were forwarded
from a surgery in London.

She forgot to change her GP

when she came back
to Midsomer Mallow.

Lily is Lynn's child.

Am I right?

Yes.

And you, Noel Woods,

you are the father.

Yes.

Did you kill Charles Rust
and Fiona Thompson?

No!

Do you know who did?
Of course, not.

With Lynn and me it was just
a bit of fun to start with.

Matthew was hardly ever home.

And then things went wrong.

Like what?
Lynn lost interest.

Seemed to be
just a bit of a game with her.

Or as if she was trying
to prove something.

I don't think
she cares about anyone.

Not even for her daughter?

But I care about Lily.

I see her whenever I can but it's...

difficult.
In what way?

As friends, we discussed it.

We decided to close ranks,
to act out a lie.

Well, that would be
a bit of a problem.

Lily is the spitting image
of her mother.

That's why Rachel
can't be seen with her.

And there's a problem.

Like what?

She's been with the child too long.

She's now behaving
like the real mother.

And we think there could be trouble.

What are you doing here?

Rachel, I need to talk to you.

For God's sake!

Come inside.

We'll get you a nice drink,
all right, sweetheart?

Come on then - out you get.
Good girl.

Are you leaving here?

Yes.

Where have you been
this time of night?

To post some letters.

By the time they get them,

we'll be gone.

By the time who gets them?

Noel and Cassie and Lynn.

Lily and I often walk at night.

To the village and back.

That way...no-one sees us.

She's not your child, is she?

She's Lynn's.

Who's the father?

Does it matter?
Yes, it does.

All right - it's Noel.

And he's never going
to leave his sister.

They need each other.

What about Lynn?
She doesn't need anyone. Never has.

And that's why you're leaving?
Yes!

Look, someone has to
give Lily a proper life.

She can't be just wheeled around
in the dark for ever.

Oh, get out.

Go on - just get out!

Rachel, please!
Get out! Go!

Just get out!

Who is that?

Lynn!

Remember how I used to hurt you
when we were small?

It was because
you used to tell on me.

Lynn, don't be stupid.
That was years ago.

Nobody does that. Not to me.

So now...

I'm going to hurt you again.

You and your stupid bloody reunion!
Lynn, please!

Please, no!

After all I've done for you.

It was the Spanish evening.

Matthew'd gone to bed early.

I went for a walk.

And saw Fiona in her Flamenco frock.

Strutting her stuff.

Hello?

'She'd called me earlier that day.'

Hello!

'She told me
about her lack of funds.

Then she mentioned
my medical records.'

So I thought,

I'll have you...

..you cow!

'I took her out to Chainey's Field.

I knew how much
she hated the place.'

And Charles Rust?

He knew, too, did he?

I suppose there
were no problems there.

Garden walkabout day,
everybody was busy.

But I'd seen you just before.

You'd overtaken me on the road.

You called at Rachel's cottage.

Isn't that the car
that forced us off the road?

Yeah, it is.
Are you going to say something?

No. Spoil our afternoon?

'Or did you WANT to be seen?

'Fast car like yours...

..there was time to get back to the
village and do what you had to do.

Once you'd got Fiona out of the way,

it was logical to finish the job.

The doctor who knew your secret,

did he threaten to tell, as well?

Could he be trusted?'

'That would have been the end of it.

But your daughter
had found out about Lily.

I followed her to Rachel's cottage.

I knew it wouldn't be long

before she told her daddy.'

Lynn?

And no-one tells tales,
not about me.

Ask Cully.

What about Jacob Stoke?
Who?

The odd-job man.
Would he have told tales?

Were you worried he saw something
on the night you killed Fiona?

Or maybe you heard something

just before you were
about to do your killing.

A squeaking sound.

And you thought,
"That's the hand cart."

But it wasn't, Lynn.

That was the sound from your child's
pushchair being wheeled

through the village at night.

Rachel and Lily.

I expect they walked
past your great house

on more than one occasion...

in the dark.

The friend you'd made use of

and the child you'd abandoned.

And I imagine you'd seen Stoke,
sleeping it off in the past.

Easy to kill then, wasn't he?

'Tell me something, Lynn -

why the rose
and the apple and the doll?'

It was a game, really.

Reminded me of my school days.

Matthew always says I'm childish.

But, you see,

he hasn't got a sense of humour.

I have.

That's why Noel and I
got on so well.

It's a nice restaurant, Cully.
Yes, it is.

It's not the sort
of place I'd choose.

No - you'd rather eat at home.

After a hard day's work,
yes, I would.

Not late again, am I?

Hello, Daniel!

Mrs Barnaby...
Sir.

Thank you for inviting me, Cully.
May I say, you look lovely -

Ah - just sit down, would you?

I've invited you all here
because I didn't want to cancel.

And I didn't want
to come here alone. So -

That's understandable.

Will you join me in a toast?

To absent friends.

To absent friends.

ITFC Subtitles CHRIS BURDETT