The Chelsea Detective (2021–…): Season 1, Episode 4 - A Chelsea Education - full transcript
[ Mid-tempo music plays ]
[ Laughter ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
[ Indistinct conversations
and laughter ]
YOUNG MAN: So embarrassing.
"Cowie's a cock."
[ Metal clatters ]
Damn.
[ Door closes ]
Oliver.
I was, um... I was just
waiting for you to finish.
Yeah, I'm going home.
Thing is, um, James
just called me.
He's livid, obviously.
Tried to make out
you'd put me up to it.
Well, it's his own fault.
Didn't need to go this far.
Well, he's on his way back
from Brussels, anyway.
Oh, good. Tomorrow'll be fun.
Oliver, about what happened...
Don't worry about it, Saskia.
- I'm staying at Petal's tonight.
- Okay.
Mum's at yoga, said it was fine.
Have you eaten?
[ Siren wails ]
[ Door opens ]
Right. I'm off.
Have you finished, Flo?
Uh, yeah. No.
Just taking a break.
Bye, Dad.
[ Door closes ]
- You should be studying.
- Why?
I don't care if I get into
school in Japan, anyway.
Yeah, but if you do well
at ISC, we've got, like,
some bargaining power
for you staying with us
My dad's already
said no to that.
I'm just like a wheelie case.
Wherever his next job is.
I hate him, Petal.
Hey.
We just got to get
through this next year.
Then you can come back.
We'll get a flat together.
[ Mid-tempo music plays ]
Hey.
What you up to?
[ Cellphone chimes ]
[ Doorbell rings ]
[ Sirens wailing ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Woman sobbing ]
OPERATOR: Stay where you.
I'll get someone right to you.
[ Knock on door ]
ASTRID: Ahoy there. Anyone in?
Oh.
I told you I'd come
and pick them up.
I had a breakfast
meeting nearby.
Just as well.
You're not getting your
hands on this little beauty.
Why don't you just, uh, set
up a forwarding address?
I did. For important things.
Um, can I get you
something, or...
No.
Um...
[ Sighs ]
What is it you're
doing here, Max?
Sorry, I thought you were there
when you asked me to move out.
You're living like a student,
camped out on this dinghy.
Even the pot plant
I gave you died.
It just needs a water.
Why don't you just
find a proper address,
make a home for yourself, Max?
Right, well, thanks
for dropping by.
You'll be wanting to get to
your breakfast date, I imagine.
And next time, call first.
You know I-I might
be with someone or...
If you're going
to be like that...
Forget it.
[ Sighs ]
[ Cellphone rings ]
D.I. Arnold.
Mm-hmm. Address?
[ Police radio chatter ]
- Thank you.
- Morning.
- Morning.
- Oliver Cowie.
Head of humanities at the
International School of Chelsea.
His wife, Lyn, called
it in about an hour ago.
She found him when she
got up this morning.
She didn't hear a thing.
There's no sign
of a break-in yet.
[ Camera shutter clicks ]
ASHLEY: [ Speaking
indistinctly ]
[ Door opens ]
ASHLEY: We just need a
picture. We've got those.
Anything you can
tell us, Ashley?
Probable cause of death...
Massive head injury
following blunt trauma from
multiple blows to the head.
Weapon?
PRIYA: Take your pick.
Yeah, except it
wasn't any of them.
Whatever caused these wounds
would probably
have a square edge
and be heavily bloodstained.
And unlikely to be hung
back on the wall afterwards.
Mm.
From temperature
and rigor mortis,
I'd estimate time of death
somewhere between 9:00
p.m. and midnight.
[ Camera shutter clicking ]
I... I got home about 11:00.
Flo was staying with a friend.
Oliver was in his study.
I didn't want to disturb him.
I knew he was up to
his eyes, so I just...
I went to bed.
[ Sobbing ]
Was he already dead?
We can't say for sure yet.
But we need to know if
there was anything unusual.
[ Sobbing ]
Everything, I mean.
There was just so much
to do before the move
Tokyo.
As soon as the
school year was over.
Visas, packing, rentals.
MAX: There was no sign of
forced entry, Mrs. Cowie.
It looks like your husband
let his attacker in.
Is there anyone you can
think of who may have had
an argument with him
or held a grudge?
Oliver didn't make enemies.
I'm going to need the clothes.
[ Sobbing ]
I work here. I'm
their cleaner.
- They'll be expecting me!
- No, no, no.
You can't come in.
There's a crime scene.
Okay. You can't come in.
Sorry, boss. She says
she's the cleaner.
You need to stay behind
the cordon, madam.
This is a crime scene.
[ Gasps ]
[ Sobs ] Carmel!
Lyn!
Let's get you back in the house.
Sweet Jesus.
Let's go back inside.
All right, come with me.
- What happened?
- I'll explain.
- I'll explain it to you.
- You need to tell me.
First instincts?
An angry attack, personal.
Spouse seems the most
likely place to start.
Well, she seems
shattered enough.
- But she would be, wouldn't she?
- I'd say so.
JESS: Morning, boss.
I've got a neighbor
across the road
said he saw a push-bike
leaning on the wall here
last night around 9:00.
It wasn't chained up, and he
thought it might get stolen.
What kind of
bike? Any details?
Just a bicycle. No
basket or defining color.
Flo? I'm Detective Shamsie.
- What's going on?
- Can you come with me, please?
Miss Fry cleans alternate
days, 9:00 till 4:00.
Depending on requirements.
She was off yesterday.
You've worked for the Cowies
for four years, Miss Fry?
Since they moved
back from Canberra.
Have you noticed anything
unusual recently?
They're a wonderful family.
Devoted to each other.
I was gonna miss them terribly.
Mrs. Cowie mentioned the move.
Pretty stressful for any family.
I mean, Flo didn't want
to go to Japan, obviously,
being the age she is.
Lyn and Oliver had their
hands full in that respect.
What do you mean?
Oh, you know, just playing
up at school and whatnot.
Bless her.
I mean, now what's she gonna do?
Um, "alternate days."
So that's, what,
three days a week?
More if they need.
I cook as well
when they're busy.
And I used to sit for
Flo when she was younger.
I suppose Mr. Cowie didn't
like you in his office.
Only, the mantel's
a little dusty.
It's all this shifting things
around, preparing for the move.
So, you'd notice if
anything were missing?
A trophy.
Cowie coached the debating team
at his old school in Australia.
The cleaner said it was there
the day before yesterday.
Of all the weapons in the room,
why'd the killer choose that?
I doubt they "chose" anything.
Just went for what was nearest.
So, what... Impulse,
red mist, rage,
or fear?
There's something
not right about Lyn.
She's out late, goes to bed
without even checking
in on her husband,
and doesn't notice, or care,
that he hasn't come to bed.
Or hopes he won't.
Either way, I agree,
it doesn't look good.
Well, let's get
everything we can
from their situation
before last night.
Well, according to the cleaner,
they were the perfect couple.
Huh! There's no such thing.
Would you say I
live like a student?
Pardon?
Something Astrid said.
Harsh.
Actually, I think she
was trying to be kind.
Which makes it even worse.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
[ Bell rings ]
Impressive building, innit?
PRIYA: Mm.
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Thank you.
- Hello.
- I'm D.I. Arnold.
This is D.S. Shamsie.
We have an appointment
with Mr. James Green.
If you'd like to
follow me, please.
I'm only just back from
a conference in Brussels,
so I can't tell you first-hand
about his movements yesterday,
But, um, he left the
building at, um...
18:38.
He had a lot to clear
before end of term.
He was leaving, you see.
Mm. Japan.
Yes, yes.
Gosh, it's appalling.
He was very... very well liked
with, um, staff and...
And the student body.
And, um, a very, you
know, popular teacher.
And head of department, I mean.
Would you say you were friends?
We... Well, we
weren't bosom buddies.
We had our differences.
But, goodness, I
hired him, didn't I?
We'll need to see
Mr. Cowie's office
and access any online facility
he had here at the school.
Obviously discretion
is paramount
while we conduct
our investigation
I'll do my best to keep
a lid on it, Detective,
but his daughter,
Flo, is a pupil here.
So are all her friends.
If you follow me down
the staff corridor.
Is it true? About Oliver?
The security guard's saying...
I'll pop into the staff
room shortly, Miss Turner.
[ Door unlocking,
keys jingling ]
Can you think of any
pupils, past or present,
who may have held a grudge?
Or their parents even?
I mean, this is
the International School
of Chelsea, Detective.
I mean, it's competitive,
yes, and obviously some pupils
fail their baccalaureate,
but really...
- What about a staff member?
- Oh, that's absurd.
We're just going through all
possibilities, Mr. Green.
[ Keys jingle ]
Thank you.
I still can't quite believe it.
His poor family
We'll send a team to
collect his belongings.
[ Camera shutter clicking ]
And we'll need to liaise
with your pastoral care.
Nice view.
Oh!
That's new.
Bloody estate kids.
[ Camera shutter clicking ]
Oh, yeah, that is impressive.
"Deadwood Price"?
Is that the graffiti
artist or a musician?
Or an anagram.
"Drop dead, Cowie."
Huh.
Same glasses as the victim.
- He's chicken?
- It's a boy chicken, mate.
A cock.
[ Both laugh ]
PRIYA: We checked
the security cameras.
The artist painted over the
CCTV camera around 6:00,
after the security
guard locked up.
Message is on the money, anyway.
It's a bit of a giveaway
pointing out your animosity
so publicly when you're
about to commit murder.
Maybe they thought the
anagram was foolproof.
Teenagers, right?
Who says it's a teenager?
You know, a piece like this
takes skill and planning.
They've left us a
signature anyway.
I've seen that around.
Anything further on that
bike that the neighbor saw?
Nothing.
Got confirmation on
Florence Cowie's alibi...
Petal Fisk, school friend.
Dad works nights
as a staff nurse,
so Florence often stays over.
The families are friends.
Turns out a couple of our lot
called 'round to
the Cowies' place
only two nights ago
about a domestic.
So much for the perfect couple.
It was a stupid row.
PRIYA: But there was angry
shouting, wasn't there?
And something smashed?
Did your husband
ever hit you, Lyn?
What? No!
Look, I lost my temper.
That's all.
Okay.
What did you lose
your temper about?
I thought he was
having an affair.
And I flipped because
it's been a nightmare
having to pack up
and move yet again.
London was supposed
to be the last time.
He promised.
Finally found
something that I loved.
And he was offered some...
But he isn't.
Wasn't.
But what made you think
he was in the first place?
I saw a text appear
on his screen
from a female colleague,
thanking him for being
"so great last night."
[ Laughs ]
Can you believe the cliché?
And there had been
this staff night out,
so my imagination went nuts.
But Oliver explained
he'd only driven her home
'cause she was drunk.
He was kind like that.
Genuinely.
- And you believed him?
- Yes.
I even remembered him mentioning
it once I'd calmed down.
I was upset. I'd just handed in
my notice at the yoga studio.
Do you know this
female colleague?
I've never actually met
her, but her name's Saskia.
Saskia Turner.
[ Bell ringing ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
- I bet you loved school.
- I did, actually.
I was one of those
bloody estate kids.
I bet you were head girl.
You weren't one of those
estate kids, Max Arnold.
I was Chelsea Grammar boy.
Not that the grammar
part did me much good.
Couldn't even spell.
Must've been tough, being
dyslexic in the '80s.
Mm. It was.
Academically.
How you see yourself,
how others see you,
has a knock-on effect.
It was all very
character-building.
And look at you now.
I was head girl.
Where were you
last night, Saskia?
At home, marking books.
Ask any teacher.
It's relentless.
Can anyone back that up?
Uh, my flatmate stays with
her boyfriend during the week.
But, I mean, I... I
didn't kill Oliver,
if that's what you're saying.
I really liked him.
What were you sorry about, then?
PRIYA: Yesterday evening,
a few hours before
he was murdered,
you sent a text...
"Sorry about everything."
He deleted it before replying.
What I meant was,
I'm sorry if I caused
him any trouble.
Okay.
And what kind of trouble
would that have been?
With the school.
With the position I put him in.
Um, over an issue.
A-A work thing.
So why do you think Oliver
Cowie deleted your apology?
Don't know.
What about the
staff party, Saskia?
I believe he drove
you home, right?
The apology, was it something
that Oliver didn't
want his wife to know?
I got drunk. I made
a fool of myself.
I tried to kiss him. I
know I shouldn't have.
And obviously he stopped me.
Said it was
inappropriate, and it was.
I can't believe I did that to
Oliver after everything he's...
He was backing me in
a formal complaint
about James Green.
Sexual harassment.
Unwanted touching.
Always getting way
too close, you know?
Little massages.
Stuff.
And he wouldn't take the hint,
and you can't argue 'cause
he's the boss, right?
So Oliver's...
was the more senior.
So he said he'd have a word,
spare James his blushes.
But James denied it.
So I made it official.
Okay.
When was this?
Yesterday morning, while
James was still in Brussels.
Would James have been informed?
It's part of the process.
How did he take it?
Max.
What are you doing in here?
I could ask you the same thing.
It's a faculty matter.
Nothing to do with the police.
This office has
been quarantined.
Maybe so, but it's
still school property,
and as such, I'm in charge.
This is a murder
case, Mr. Green,
and as such, we the
police are in charge.
In fact, we have a
few things to ask you
about the night of the murder,
if you wouldn't mind
stopping by the station.
Yeah. Once I've
contacted my solicitor.
Much appreciated.
[ Door closes ]
[ Line rings ]
MAX: James Green's
solicitor called.
They'll be at the
station late morning.
Oh, great.
That'll give us a chance
to speak to Ashley first.
Can you hold on, Max? Thanks.
You go see Daddy.
Mm.
Hey.
Don't forget, I'm out tonight.
Hey.
Okay, I'll see you
at the mortuary.
Mortuary?
[ Door opens ]
It's where you get
to sleep forever.
Contents of his stomach
suggest time of death
was the earlier
side of my window,
say 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.
Seven or eight blows altogether,
from the separate bruises
and tears on the scalp.
I'd say four were direct
and the rest tangential.
He probably lost
consciousness quickly,
hence no defense wounds,
and the intracranial
bleeding finished him off.
And the weapon?
The trophy would fit.
This is the same make.
Even as a layman, you can
see how the edges would work,
and the side here
for maximum damage.
Now we just have to find it.
Green's in with
his solicitor now.
Okay.
Well, we know there was bad
blood between him and Cowie.
We know he's arrogant enough
to muck the police about.
Just because he was in
Brussels doesn't mean
he couldn't get someone
to do his dirty work.
Except he wasn't.
James Green was booked
on the 8:00 Eurostar,
but he boarded an earlier train.
This one got him into
St. Pancras at 8:25.
That gives him plenty of
leeway to get to Chelsea
within Ashley's kill time.
Yeah.
If you know about
the accusations,
then you'll understand
why I wanted to return
to London as soon as possible,
clear my name.
And how did you go about that?
Where were you
between 8:30 and 10:00
on Tuesday night, Mr. Green?
I went to the school,
if you must know.
Straight from the station.
And your fob will show a record
of your comings and goings?
[ Whispers indistinctly ]
It'll also show that I
went into Oliver's office.
Another faculty matter?
I wanted to check his computer,
see what he'd said to the board.
But his laptop wasn't there.
It occurred to me that
he might have kept
some sort of written record.
No.
You thought, with
Oliver out the way,
all you'd have to do
is pressure Saskia
into withdrawing her complaint.
I wouldn't want the man
dead, for God's sake!
I just wanted to protect my
thus far unblemished record
from a personal vendetta.
I mean, my God. All
because I'm friendly?
Well, let's go
back to that night.
What did you do after
you left Cowie's office?
Go home?
I went for a walk.
I bought a pint at, um,
that pub on Shawhill
Street, The Cinder.
I sat outside for a while.
I wanted to think.
And I didn't want
my wife to know
that I'd taken an earlier train.
She was, until now, unaware
of these false allegations,
which clearly she
is very upset by.
Mrs. Green has our
heartfelt sympathy.
[ Clears throat ]
Okay, thanks.
The pub have Green
buying the pint at 9:25,
but there's no CCTV
coverage outside.
We don't know when he left.
He could have knocked
back his drink,
then gone to Fernlea
Place and killed Cowie.
Pretty tight if we have
him back home at 10:30,
which his wife confirms.
He could have done it between
the school and the pub
while he was out "walking."
He'd have needed a
drink after that.
He'd be covered in blood, Max.
Okay. Let him go.
But tell him we'll need
to speak to him again.
The school's pastoral
care have been back.
There were only three pupils
that clashed with
Cowie in the last year.
Two have since moved abroad,
but the third hadn't
even been processed.
Eric Heidegger, 18.
Poor academic record.
Casualty of too many
schools, the counselor says.
Dad's an exec for a
German shipping company.
Cowie cut Eric some slack,
but it seems even he
ran out of patience
when Eric spray-painted
"Cowie's a cock" in
the junior playground.
Looks like we've
found our artist.
Yeah, and listen to this...
Cowie suspended Eric
pending an exclusion hearing
the day of the murder.
Let's get his address.
So I checked in with
Lyn Cowie's yoga studio.
She was on the rota
to teach a class,
but turns out someone
stepped in last-minute.
Okay.
You and Connor go and
have a little chat,
with Eric Heidegger,
and we'll see what
Lyn Cowie has to say.
[ Siren wailing in distance ]
RORY: I've got a
shift, I'm afraid,
but Lyn's outside and
the girls are upstairs.
I said they can stay
as long as they want.
It's as much for Petal
as it is for them.
She's had a tough time.
She lost her mother
a few years ago,
and this has kind of
pushed all her buttons.
I'm sorry. That must
have been really tough.
Yeah.
Well, at least they've
got each other.
Anyway I'll, uh,
leave you to it.
Yeah.
MAX: You need to start
telling us the truth, Lyn.
I went to meet a friend.
An old uni mate. Darren Floyd.
We just went for a drink at
a bistro on Chelsea Green.
It's not what you think.
He's a family lawyer.
Divorce lawyer.
You were planning to
divorce your husband?
I just wanted to know
what my options are.
Were.
- Because of Saskia Turner?
- No.
I didn't really care about
all that nonsense with Saskia.
It's been a difficult year.
When I thought, for a moment,
that Oliver might
be having an affair,
I was jealous, but not of her.
Of him.
That's what I wanted.
I owned my own business
once, you know?
I sold up so Oliver
could take Canberra.
I lied because I didn't want
Flo knowing I was unhappy!
She's had enough!
Did you know Oliver was
involved in a complaint
about the head teacher?
Everyone's knight
in shining armor.
Except mine.
- You can't tell them.
- I promise I won't. I swear.
Wouldn't just be
me lying, Petal.
You already said I was with you.
But, Flo, I'm your best friend.
When my mum died,
I thought I'd die too.
Literally. But you won't, Flo.
Your mum died of cancer, Petal.
She wasn't killed.
She didn't get her
head smashed in!
- [ Sobbing ]
- You loved your mum.
You looked after her
when she was sick.
And I told my dad I hated him!
[ Sobbing ]
You can't just fix
this by telling me
it'll all get better.
What's going on?
- I want to go home.
- What?
- [ Sobbing ]
- Oh, sweetheart.
JESS: Mr. Heidegger? Can
we have a word, please?
[ Sighs ] [ German
accent ] Come in.
It's your son we need to
speak to, Mr. Heidegger.
Eric? What for?
There was a very serious
incident two nights ago.
An attack on a teacher from the
International School of Chelsea.
My wife, she texted.
Well, perhaps we can
speak to her, then?
I'm sorry, she's in Bern.
- Her mother had a bad fall.
- [ Door opens ]
I could have her call
you if that helps.
Was Eric at home on Tuesday
evening, Mr. Heidegger?
Yes, of course.
Tuesday, Eric, I said
you could order in
because Mum wanted
an early night.
Tell them, Eric.
Detective Constable
Jess Lombard,
and this is DC Connor Pollock.
ALEX: Eric!
- Eric!
- Stay there!
He's heading towards the estate.
I'm on it!
[ Tires screech ]
[ Up-tempo music plays ]
[ Siren wailing ]
[ Tires screech ]
All right, Michelangelo.
You dropped your paints.
See, four grand in March,
and the same in January,
and more the year before.
Payee reference "RAF."
Lyn Cowie claims not to
know anything about it.
Hmm.
Standing order, some
form of payment?
CONNOR: I'll put a trace
on the account number.
Max, the on-call
brief has arrived.
Oh.
I didn't do anything. I swear.
I was home with my mum.
Yes, we've spoken to her,
and she confirmed that.
She also confirmed that your
father was in his office
at Imperial Wharf
overseeing a late shipment
and that she herself
went to bed at 8:30.
So neither of your parents
saw you after that time.
That's not my fault.
So why did you leg it?
I-I thought I was
getting done for tagging.
I-I was freaking out.
There were rumors something
went down at school.
But you were the one who
spray-painted "Drop dead Cowie"
the day he suspended you.
I just wanted to
prove it to him.
If I wanted to
say he was a cock,
I'd do it better than what
they pinned on me at school.
Stitched me up, man.
- Who stitched you up, Eric?
- Cowie.
He said someone saw
me, which wasn't true.
Plus, he planted a
can of paint in my bag
which wasn't mine.
Fact. I don't care
what you think.
I know what I did and didn't do.
And no way am I putting
my name on this.
Why would Mr. Cowie risk
his professional reputation
to stitch you up, Eric?
Obvious.
To me, anyway.
I got back with his daughter.
Sorry? Got back with?
We went out, for six months
maybe, before he killed it.
Have you got a bicycle, Eric?
So, what do you reckon?
Mum's fast asleep, Dad's
not home till 1:00 a.m.
Eric could have been, done
it, and gone to bed by then.
But?
Well, no, I can't see
him covering his tracks
and keeping his
head all this time.
- I heard he's a bag of nerves.
- Yeah.
Well, let's see what
we've got anyway.
Thank you.
In the meantime, I've
checked Lyn's story.
Her lawyer mate
supports her account
and the bistro where they met.
I've asked for CCTV to confirm.
So Lyn and her daughter
now have solid alibis.
- Mm.
- But Saskia Turner doesn't.
Just cause her boss is sleazy
doesn't mean she liked Cowie.
I don't know.
Her texts are "Thanks
for being great,"
"Sorry for being an idiot."
Doesn't scream "stalker."
There's nothing of
note on any CCTV
local to the Cowie
house on Fernlea Close.
Multiple prints
on the front door,
including the family's
and Carmel the
cleaner, obviously,
but nothing else
that checks out.
Who else knew Oliver
was home alone?
I've found who RAF is.
A is for Alistair,
his middle initial.
- Rory Fisk.
- Of course.
Cowie's been giving him money.
- 10 - K over the last
year. Regular installments.
Giving? Or paying?
Her bursary ran out
the previous year,
and I couldn't afford to keep
her at the school without it.
And Oliver knew how good
Petal's grades were.
Him and I become close friends
after the girls teamed up.
Why not pay the school direct?
Just to save my pride, so
that I could pay the school.
He didn't even
tell Lyn about it.
Just told me to pay him
back whenever I could.
Which of course I will.
Somehow.
You were on shift here
the night of the murder?
Yeah.
I mean I did nip out for
a burger during my break.
Do you know a kid
called Eric Heidegger?
He's on-off with Flo.
I knew she had some kind of
boyfriend mucking her about.
You know, Petal
is such a worrier.
But I have noticed a difference
in Flo's behavior recently.
Like what?
Or just you know,
temperament, mood swings.
It's a teenager's job
description, isn't it?
Yeah, of course it is.
I mean, don't get me wrong.
I'm really fond of Flo.
The Cowies moved back to
London after my wife died,
and Flo was missing her
school in Australia.
Her and Petal just kind of
saved each other, you know?
But recently she's been
getting up to all sorts.
Did you talk to Oliver about it?
Oh, yeah, he knew all about it.
It was him that she was
rebelling against, mostly.
But at least with Petal,
she does her homework.
And I can't exactly ban
Flo from the house, can I,
given Oliver's generosity?
You must have been a
little relieved, then.
- About Japan.
- If I'm honest.
I just can't believe
what's happened.
Him and I were really
close, you know?
We were good friends.
If you think of anything
else, please do let us know.
Hi, it's me.
Listen, the police have just
called 'round to talk to me.
I know, I know.
I know, but I think it
would be a good idea
if we just kept our distance,
just until things
blow over, okay?
Okay.
[ Sighs ]
[ Mid-tempo piano music plays ]
[ Door closes ]
Hey, do I have time for
a run before you go?
- Not a chance.
- But you're still working.
Because I had to put Poppy down.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Just let me finish this
report. It's nearly done.
- [ Baby fusses ]
- Oh!
See? She won't settle.
It's like she's knows
I'm up against it.
I'll go check on her.
Boom.
Lyn and her lawyer pal, just
where they said they were.
- Nice one.
- [ Cellphone chimes ]
Oh.
That's my cab. Do
you want a lift?
No, thanks. I'm
gonna crack on here.
How come the cab?
Helen gets back from her
mate's hen do tonight.
And you've trashed the place?
[ Gasps ]
I'm picking up some flowers
and a bottle to
welcome her home.
Okay.
And I've trashed the place.
Night.
Right.
Looks like we both
had a day of it.
At least you had
some adult company.
You want to talk about it?
Oh, I just want
to go to the pub.
Don't we all.
Priya, these are
potential clients.
- And even if they weren't.
- I'm sorry.
- Sorry.
- It's not all about you.
Okay.
No, I'm sorry, I'm...
- I do need...
- I know.
I know. I get it. Go!
Let your hair down.
- And don't slam the...
- No, okay.
Do you think he felt it, Mum?
Do you think it hurt?
I can't stop thinking...
Did he see who did it?
Did he know what
was about to happen?
Was he scared?
He didn't know anything.
He couldn't have.
It would have been over in
an instant, I promise you.
[ Down-tempo music plays ]
[ Cellphone rings ]
Don't you ever stop working?
You'll be glad I didn't
when you check your in-box.
I'm just looking now.
It's downloading.
Where did you get this?
It was e-mailed to
Cowie's work account
two weeks ago.
Sender encrypted.
By an amateur.
- Got him.
- Good.
We know you sent this
photo to Oliver Cowie
three weeks ago today.
Is it common
behavior for teachers
to take secret photos of
the pupils in their care?
Well, obviously not.
It looks a little
off. I can see that.
Yes, it does.
It was a
spur-of-the-moment thing.
They were in the art department
while the rest of their
year was in assembly.
And I saw them through
the stairwell door.
I was gonna haul them out.
And then I thought, well, it
would mean exclusion for Flo.
I was going to delete
it as soon as I took it.
But you didn't.
In fact you used this photo as
leverage against her father.
Oliver was threatening
my entire career
for little more than hearsay.
I might never work again.
My whole life would be affected.
So I asked him to drop
his vendetta against me
in exchange for
turning a blind eye.
And how did that go down?
He declined.
You don't understand. I
tried to reason with him.
He wouldn't listen.
So, in Brussels you found out
the formal complaint
against you had gone ahead,
even though Oliver had
this photo on his laptop.
So you were hoping he couldn't
find out you'd sent it.
But maybe he could.
Didn't take us long. Right?
Right.
So you jumped on an
earlier Eurostar...
Everything else I told
you is true... except...
That's what I was looking
for in his office.
In case he'd kept a hard copy.
Look, it sounds worse than it is
Blackmail, concealing evidence,
taking unlawful
images of juveniles.
How much worse
does it need to be?
Does this have to
go before the board?
[ Chuckles ]
I think the school board is the
least of your problems, mate.
[ Door bell rings ]
- PRIYA: Morning.
- Oh, hello.
Is Mrs. Cowie home?
She went to solicitors.
There's a lot to sort
out, as you can imagine.
Come in. She said she'd hurry.
She didn't want to leave
Flo alone too long.
But Flo insisted
on going to school.
I couldn't stop her.
She needs her
friends, I suppose.
Would you like a cup of tea?
I just boiled the kettle.
Oh, yeah. Tea would be lovely.
I've been stocking up the
freezer for them, bless.
They're lucky to have you.
- Four years, was it?
- On contract.
Paid sick leave,
holidays, the lot.
Ask 'round who else gets that
who ain't working for a firm.
They must really rate you.
Well, trust begets
trust, I suppose.
Must have been a bit of
a slap in the face, then.
Uh, the move to Japan, I mean.
- Must have been a blow.
- That's life.
I had something else lined up.
I'd have thought Mrs. Cowie
would need you
more than ever now.
Lyn knows I'm here for her.
[ Door opens ]
LYN: I got your
message about Flo.
She wouldn't be stopped, Lyn.
- Maybe it's best. I don't...
- Lyn. Police are here.
In the kitchen.
Okay.
D.S. Shamsie.
May we speak privately?
[ Bell ringing ]
ERIC: Flo!
- Are you following me?
- They've got my phone, Flo.
I'm so sorry.
I don't want to talk to you.
The police have
been all over me.
Don't you dare tell
anyone about us.
It won't change anything now.
I just want to make this okay.
Then leave me alone, Eric. I
can't stand to look at you!
I knew nothing about this.
It won't be the first time
you've lied to us, Lyn.
Don't you think
I would have said
if I knew that vile man
was blackmailing us?!
He could be the one
who murdered Oliver!
For God's sake!
It was him, right?
We're talking to Mr. Green.
And if there's a
link, we'll tell you.
Oliver told me he'd caught
Flo and Eric with some vodka.
That's why he banned
Eric from the house.
Maybe your husband was
trying to protect you.
That explains why he was so...
rigid.
He wouldn't even consider
letting Flo stay with
Petal for her final year.
And you disagreed?
Flo was kicking off
because we moved
her around so much.
But underneath, she just
needed a bit of leeway
to get through the next year
without ruining her future.
Because Oliver's future
always came first.
So, you see, it wasn't just
Saskia we were rowing about.
Oliver thought the move
would solve everything.
I didn't.
Okay.
Everything fits if it weren't
for his alibi at the pub.
Maybe he did just
buy a pint and go.
I mean, he's no stranger
to manipulating evidence.
He's not very good
at it, though, is he?
And he was bricking it when
we put the pressure on.
I think he would have cracked.
So, what else have we got?
Despite the spider signatures,
I don't believe the
kid that painted that
painted the first one.
So maybe Cowie did set
him up to get rid of him.
Why would he?
To protect his daughter?
He could hardly punish
Eric for the coke
since Flo was just as guilty.
He needed something
to fit him up with.
It seems pretty juvenile
and unprofessional.
Wasn't there a
witness, Eric said?
Yes.
Give the school a call and
check with pastoral care.
Hah! There's a
guy in reception.
Says he's a neighbor
of the victim,
might have some information.
Ranjit Johal.
He wasn't on the
list in the vicinity,
so I don't know if
he's just a busybody.
I live half a mile away,
but I recognized
him from the paper.
I've seen him when
I walk my dog.
So you recognized Mr. Cowie
getting home from work
or through the window?
No, Officer.
I saw him when he answered
the door to a man.
Can you describe the man?
His back was turned, I'm afraid.
But he was tall, a white man.
I could see his neck because
he had very short hair,
and he was wearing
running clothes.
It was too dark to tell the
color of the sweatshirt,
but it had a cross on it,
like a first-aid
sign, a plus sign?
Like a paramedic or a doctor?
No, not like that,
just a sweatshirt.
And he was annoyed.
Gesturing, you know?
Well, it seemed
so, anyway. Sorry.
You're being very
helpful, Mr. Johal.
Did you notice a bicycle
leaning against the wall?
Or did you get the impression
the man had cycled there?
I thought he had been jogging.
I didn't see a bicycle.
Do you recall what
time this was?
I always walk my dog at the same
time, listening to the radio.
It was just coming up
to my favorite program,
just before 9:00.
So maybe 10 to 9:00?
PRIYA: Rory would certainly
count as a first-aider.
But Rory was on shift
at the hospital.
James Green has short hair.
A known blackmailer,
increasingly desperate,
though the timing's
impossibly tight.
Mm.
Course, it might have just been
someone collecting for charity.
That time of
night? And annoyed?
Either way,
this witness puts Oliver
Cowie still alive at 8:50,
and we know he died
in the next hour.
Let's make a list of
sportswear and leisure brands
that use a plus-sign-type
cross as a logo.
Sure.
Just checked with the hospital.
Rory Fisk went to grab a
burger on his dinner break
for two hours and 20 minutes.
Rory and Lyn?
Two bereaved parents find love
after fleecing the deceased.
I mean, who would question it?
[ Indistinct conversations ]
I'm just off shift. I
was about to go home.
Where were you
between 8:30 and 11:50
on the night of the murder?
Because we know you didn't
just nip out for a burger.
I was with a friend.
A girlfriend.
Amy Lightfoot. She's a
nurse practitioner here.
It's early days, but I
didn't want anyone to know,
especially my daughter.
Why on earth didn't you tell us?
Your friend's been murdered.
Because it had nothing
to do with Oliver.
Here Amy's contact details.
Look, Petal's been blindsided
by her mother death,
she's got important
exams coming up,
and she's upset that her
best mate is going away.
Now this nightmare?
I really didn't think
it was a good time
to throw another
curve ball at her,
and it just wasn't relevant.
You do realize we're gonna
have to check your whereabouts
with Miss Lightfoot?
Yeah, of course, but please,
just don't say
anything to Petal.
I don't think she can
take that right now.
What better place to dispose of
bloody clothes than a hospital?
Just put on a fresh pair
of scrubs, and bingo.
Plus he's a cyclist.
And did you notice he
was wearing a track suit?
Max, I have four track suits.
Scroll left for
what I've dug up.
Nothing I can find that has
the logo on the back, though.
What about an old
design or a club logo?
I'll keep on it.
Amy Lightfoot confirms
Rory Fisk's alibi.
- Any evidence?
- Absolutely.
She even took a selfie
of them at the flat.
Time, date, coordinates, there.
[ Notes playing ]
[ Dissonant notes play ]
Oh, you idiot.
[ Cellphone vibrating ]
- Max.
- Eric Heidegger's dad.
He's something senior in a
German shipping firm, right?
Go on.
But that doesn't mean
he's German himself.
He said his wife
was flying to Bern.
Well, that's in Switzerland.
ALEX: I usually go jogging.
I went to see him that
evening. I admit it.
But I didn't even
go inside the house.
I was out for a run.
I had an important shipment
to coordinate that night,
and I wanted to clear my head.
You run around there regularly?
No, but I was upset and worried
about my son being suspended,
so I decided to talk to
Cowie about it as fathers.
To reason with him.
I know where he lives. Eric used
to be friends with his daughter.
Mm.
Until Oliver Cowie found out
Eric introduced her to cocaine
and banned him from the house.
Did you know about that?
Yes, I knew.
I knew that's what
Cowie thought.
But it was Flo who bought
the cocaine, not Eric.
You think I wouldn't know?
And then a few days ago,
Cowie accused Eric of obscene
graffiti which he didn't do.
He was going to be
excluded in his final year.
- And you were angry.
- Yes!
I went for a run, and
then I went to see him.
But I didn't kill
him. Why would I?
You lost your temper.
Eric's academic
career over like that,
and this man wouldn't listen.
To the contrary, he did listen.
He was really very
nice about it.
Mr. Cowie said he
had reconsidered,
and he would review
his case first thing.
Okay.
So you sorted it out
nicely, off you jogged,
and then when you found
out he'd been killed,
you didn't come
forward because...?
I wanted to make things
better, not worse.
My son was already in
trouble with cocaine.
He has one chance
to get these exams.
I know I should have told you,
but I didn't want
the association.
I have my visa to think of.
You must have known
you were a key witness.
I didn't have anything
useful to tell you.
Mr. Heidegger, you were
seen with the victim
less than an hour
before he was murdered.
We'll decide what's useful.
Why would I kill the man who was
about to clear my son's name?
Well, we only have
your word for that.
I told you, I was
working that night.
You can check.
My colleagues would
have mentioned it
if I came in covered in blood.
So would the schoolkid
who nearly knocked me
over on the corner.
So would the guy
at the corner shop
who I bought cigarettes from.
- Check it, please.
- We will.
Believe me.
So, either someone visited
Cowie moments after Alex did...
Unexpected, unplanned,
and wasn't seen...
Or he's lying.
Let's check out the corner shop,
schoolkids out at that time.
And let's follow up on
his comings and goings
at Imperial Wharf.
We've got authority for
a PACE house search.
We don't need it.
He's invited us in.
- Confident.
- Or calculated risk.
The more he cooperates,
the less guilty he appears.
He could hardly
look more guilty.
It's been washed, but if there's
blood on it, we'll find it.
Well, he may have
had several, anyway.
He doesn't. Mum
gave it to him.
Your father gave us
permission to search.
I know. I called him.
I wanted to tell him I lied.
I wasn't here that night.
I left after Mum went to bed.
- Can we talk somewhere else?
- Sure.
I thought I was getting
done for tagging.
I didn't say 'cause I thought
you'd do me for vandalism.
Yeah.
It's a shame people
keep blinding
those security cameras,
else we'd check.
I was with someone
who can back me up.
Flo.
She called me, wanted to
come out and help me tag.
So she wasn't at Petal's?
At first.
Then Petal covered for us.
We weren't supposed to see each
other after the coke thing.
So what time did Flo get to you?
Maybe 10:00.
She'd come with me before.
It wasn't the art, really.
She just liked
breaking the rules.
What did you do after?
Went back to Petal's.
She was asleep.
Her dad was at work.
I left later on, like 3:30,
snuck back in here.
And what did you do in between?
What do you think?
You think my dad
did this, right?
There is no way.
He's always talking to
me about honor and trust.
I feel bad even sneaking out.
All I ever do is let him down.
I... I thought maybe if I
could get into art school,
he'd be pleased.
- You're talented.
- Tell that to them.
Doesn't matter how talented.
I've still got to
finish school to get in.
Oh!
Then finish.
Go back. Knuckle down.
Do your best. Make it happen.
[ Knocks ]
Priya.
The corner shop owner says
he gets dozens of joggers,
but he thinks he recognizes
Heidegger's photo,
and he recorded a cash sale
for a packet of
cigarettes at 21:15
just like Alex said.
Got it. See you there.
Eric Heidegger's phone records.
On it.
FLO: I told you
it was my fault.
If I hadn't lied, if I'd
stopped being so selfish
and just stayed at home...
If you'd stayed at home, you
could have been hurt too.
All you did was go and see Eric.
That's forgivable.
I forgive you. So would Dad.
Would it be all right to have
a few moments alone with Flo?
That's me off home now, Lyn.
Thank you.
[ Door opens and closes ]
Flo, we need to know the truth
about what happened that night.
And I think you want
to tell someone.
Uh...
I went to Petal's.
And I was already so
angry at Dad anyway.
We know from Eric's
phone records
that you called him at 8:45,
but you didn't get to
the bridge until 10:00.
So, what time did you
leave Petal's, Flo?
I can ask her, but I'd
rather you told me.
I left Petal's right
after I called Eric,
and he told me Dad was having
him kicked him out of school.
So I went and scored some coke
from the guy I got
it from before.
I just wanted to punish Dad.
I wanted to hurt him.
Okay.
So, who did you
get the coke from?
Where did you go?
Please don't make me grass.
We'll be discreet.
We just need to know
what time you were there.
He's in the year above me.
It's just like by word of mouth.
I'm gonna need his
name and number, okay?
Did you take him
to your home, Flo?
I don't even know him.
Did you take anyone
to your home?
Or send someone to
punish your dad?
No. No!
I... I just... I
went to meet Eric,
and then we went
back to Petal's.
I loved my dad.
Course I did.
I just wanted to get away
from all the aggravation,
all the fighting.
It never used to be
like that at home.
Even Carmel had a bust-up
with Dad over something.
It was like a war zone.
All 'cause of Japan.
And I blamed Dad.
I always thought I'd know
if my kid was doing drugs.
Well, we'll check out the
dealer, close him down.
But she seems to be
carrying a lot of guilt.
She wanted to go to
Petal's this afternoon.
I was going to say no, but
maybe she needs her friend.
Carmel cycle to work?
Sometimes. If the
weather's okay.
[ Door opens ]
Carmel?
I was at home,
like I've told you,
watching telly.
What did you watch?
That vet thing
with Mr. Charisma.
I tape them.
Isn't there some box that
proves what you've seen?
Your phone would be helpful,
if you wouldn't mind.
And if you could
unlock it, please.
What did you and
Oliver Cowie row about
a few nights ago, Carmel?
I-I-I don't...
Nothing.
You're here voluntarily,
but we could detain
you if need be.
I wanted to go
with them to Japan.
Well, they'd want a cleaner
in Tokyo, wouldn't they?
But Oliver said no.
It was too complicated
with visas and whatnot.
And they didn't need as much
now Flo's older, he said.
I lost my temper, briefly.
But he was right, of course.
And he said he'd spread the word
about another
client for me, so...
And how did that make you feel?
Honestly? I was hurt.
I've no kids of me own,
and they'd told
me time and again
I was part of the family.
I felt used, I suppose.
Abandoned.
Disposable.
Yes, I was very upset.
But I didn't kill Oliver, if
that's what you're getting at.
Might be a lonely cow,
but I'm not a murderer,
thank you very much.
I'll see this is
returned to you.
[ Door closes ]
Her phone places her at home.
Assuming she was with it.
Hmm.
Right, let's go
over what we've got.
We know Heidegger called
on Cowie at 20:50.
Either he went in
and killed him,
or he left and someone
else, on a bike,
came shortly afterwards.
Carmel rides a bicycle,
she has a grudge,
and she is a key holder.
But she'd have cycled all
the way back to Battersea
covered in blood,
then turned up cool as you
like at the scene the next day.
Would she have a choice?
Heidegger was definitely back
at his Imperial
Wharf office, 21:15.
Nothing unusual.
What about the schoolkid
he said he bumped into?
That could be anyone.
Fernlea Close covers
three catchment areas.
But do we need it, Max?
If we can place him
in the corner shop,
Alex Heidegger
couldn't have done it.
The owner said he wasn't sure.
What about the first graffiti?
Did we get anything back from
the witness who saw Eric do it?
I'll chase it now.
Something's missing.
Shall I tell
Heidegger he can go?
Max?
Her alibi.
Oh, my God.
[ Door opens ]
This schoolkid you
say you bumped into
after leaving Cowie's place...
Was it a girl or a boy?
A girl. She nearly
came off her bicycle.
Let him go.
The pupil, the witness
who grassed up Eric...
I know who she is.
[ Door opens ]
I'm working, Flo.
- Can't you take a break?
- No.
You won't pass your exams if
you don't finish your essay.
Exams can wait.
I need you.
[ Vehicle approaching ]
What is it?
You need to let us in, Rory.
FLO: Can't we go out?
Just go somewhere. For a walk?
I need to concentrate.
Petal!
Seriously, get changed.
Where are the girls?
I can't do this. I'm sorry.
I'm the one who needs help.
I'm the one whose
having a breakdown.
We need you to stay here.
We're going to go out.
And you're going to get...
I didn't mean it.
It's okay to tell her.
You were off out with Eric,
doing drugs, ruining everything.
MAX: So you were trying
to help your friend.
Was that what it was, Petal?
I thought if her dad understood,
if he knew what I knew,
he'd catch her before
she fell too far.
So you didn't go
there to hurt him?
I went to warn him,
how messed up Flo was getting.
And maybe...
he'd even let her stay?
But he was angry with me.
For making stuff up about Eric.
But I was only trying
to protect you, Flo.
He said he was
disappointed in me,
that I needed to... To
back off, to go home.
Never heard him talk
to me like that.
That must have
been very painful.
He said she wasn't
my responsibility
and that I wasn't...
that we weren't...
family.
Like all my caring
was for nothing again.
And I'm alone.
I'm nothing.
MAX: Abandoned.
Disposable.
He went to reach for his
phone to call my dad.
I just wanted to stop him.
I'll call the duty
social worker.
[ Down-tempo music playing ]
How does a kid survive
something like this,
either Petal or Flo?
A good therapist, for starters.
It's a long road to forgiveness,
but we have to hope
that's possible.
Uh, I just need to make a call.
[ Line ringing ]
Astrid, it's me.
Look, I'm sorry
about the other day.
Can we talk?
Great.
8:00.
And listen, there's a
favor I need to ask you.
[ Door bell rings ]
Mr. Heidegger? I'm Astrid.
Detective Inspector
Max Arnold's friend.
D.I. Arnold left a message.
Um, he said you have
connections at the art college
my son wants to go to.
I can certainly offer
your son some advice,
maybe get through the
door for an interview.
It's very kind of you to
spare the time. Please.
I'm off home if that's okay.
Yeah. Sick of
the sight of you.
Don't stay too long, okay?
No, I'm gone. As soon as
I've finished my paperwork.
Right.
- Good night, guys.
- JESS: Good night.
[ Door closes ]
She went down fine.
You've got the magic touch.
Oh, please.
But I'm working on it, babe.
I know you do a lot. Too much.
And I'm sorry.
Hey.
It's what I signed up for.
So, what's for dinner, Nigella?
Oh, well, tonight
you have the choice
of pasta pesto
or something I like
to call pesto pasta.
I'm feeling the pasta pesto.
- [ Pasta rattling ]
- Mmm!
Good choice.
Can you cook it?
[ Laughs ]
- You're early.
- You're late.
I stopped to see your
budding Banksy earlier.
I like him.
Thanks, Asti. I know
how busy you are.
Not too busy for the posh dinner
you promised me in return.
Kebabs okay?
Do I have a choice?
Oh, yeah.
Lamb or falafel.
Just so you know, I've
signed a license on the boat.
A year, with an option to renew.
And I've officially
changed my address.
You were right. It's
time to move on.
So we have something to toast.
I'll be right in.
[ Mid-tempo music playing ]
[ Chuckles ]
[ Music continues ]
[ Laughter ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
[ Indistinct conversations
and laughter ]
YOUNG MAN: So embarrassing.
"Cowie's a cock."
[ Metal clatters ]
Damn.
[ Door closes ]
Oliver.
I was, um... I was just
waiting for you to finish.
Yeah, I'm going home.
Thing is, um, James
just called me.
He's livid, obviously.
Tried to make out
you'd put me up to it.
Well, it's his own fault.
Didn't need to go this far.
Well, he's on his way back
from Brussels, anyway.
Oh, good. Tomorrow'll be fun.
Oliver, about what happened...
Don't worry about it, Saskia.
- I'm staying at Petal's tonight.
- Okay.
Mum's at yoga, said it was fine.
Have you eaten?
[ Siren wails ]
[ Door opens ]
Right. I'm off.
Have you finished, Flo?
Uh, yeah. No.
Just taking a break.
Bye, Dad.
[ Door closes ]
- You should be studying.
- Why?
I don't care if I get into
school in Japan, anyway.
Yeah, but if you do well
at ISC, we've got, like,
some bargaining power
for you staying with us
My dad's already
said no to that.
I'm just like a wheelie case.
Wherever his next job is.
I hate him, Petal.
Hey.
We just got to get
through this next year.
Then you can come back.
We'll get a flat together.
[ Mid-tempo music plays ]
Hey.
What you up to?
[ Cellphone chimes ]
[ Doorbell rings ]
[ Sirens wailing ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]
[ Woman sobbing ]
OPERATOR: Stay where you.
I'll get someone right to you.
[ Knock on door ]
ASTRID: Ahoy there. Anyone in?
Oh.
I told you I'd come
and pick them up.
I had a breakfast
meeting nearby.
Just as well.
You're not getting your
hands on this little beauty.
Why don't you just, uh, set
up a forwarding address?
I did. For important things.
Um, can I get you
something, or...
No.
Um...
[ Sighs ]
What is it you're
doing here, Max?
Sorry, I thought you were there
when you asked me to move out.
You're living like a student,
camped out on this dinghy.
Even the pot plant
I gave you died.
It just needs a water.
Why don't you just
find a proper address,
make a home for yourself, Max?
Right, well, thanks
for dropping by.
You'll be wanting to get to
your breakfast date, I imagine.
And next time, call first.
You know I-I might
be with someone or...
If you're going
to be like that...
Forget it.
[ Sighs ]
[ Cellphone rings ]
D.I. Arnold.
Mm-hmm. Address?
[ Police radio chatter ]
- Thank you.
- Morning.
- Morning.
- Oliver Cowie.
Head of humanities at the
International School of Chelsea.
His wife, Lyn, called
it in about an hour ago.
She found him when she
got up this morning.
She didn't hear a thing.
There's no sign
of a break-in yet.
[ Camera shutter clicks ]
ASHLEY: [ Speaking
indistinctly ]
[ Door opens ]
ASHLEY: We just need a
picture. We've got those.
Anything you can
tell us, Ashley?
Probable cause of death...
Massive head injury
following blunt trauma from
multiple blows to the head.
Weapon?
PRIYA: Take your pick.
Yeah, except it
wasn't any of them.
Whatever caused these wounds
would probably
have a square edge
and be heavily bloodstained.
And unlikely to be hung
back on the wall afterwards.
Mm.
From temperature
and rigor mortis,
I'd estimate time of death
somewhere between 9:00
p.m. and midnight.
[ Camera shutter clicking ]
I... I got home about 11:00.
Flo was staying with a friend.
Oliver was in his study.
I didn't want to disturb him.
I knew he was up to
his eyes, so I just...
I went to bed.
[ Sobbing ]
Was he already dead?
We can't say for sure yet.
But we need to know if
there was anything unusual.
[ Sobbing ]
Everything, I mean.
There was just so much
to do before the move
Tokyo.
As soon as the
school year was over.
Visas, packing, rentals.
MAX: There was no sign of
forced entry, Mrs. Cowie.
It looks like your husband
let his attacker in.
Is there anyone you can
think of who may have had
an argument with him
or held a grudge?
Oliver didn't make enemies.
I'm going to need the clothes.
[ Sobbing ]
I work here. I'm
their cleaner.
- They'll be expecting me!
- No, no, no.
You can't come in.
There's a crime scene.
Okay. You can't come in.
Sorry, boss. She says
she's the cleaner.
You need to stay behind
the cordon, madam.
This is a crime scene.
[ Gasps ]
[ Sobs ] Carmel!
Lyn!
Let's get you back in the house.
Sweet Jesus.
Let's go back inside.
All right, come with me.
- What happened?
- I'll explain.
- I'll explain it to you.
- You need to tell me.
First instincts?
An angry attack, personal.
Spouse seems the most
likely place to start.
Well, she seems
shattered enough.
- But she would be, wouldn't she?
- I'd say so.
JESS: Morning, boss.
I've got a neighbor
across the road
said he saw a push-bike
leaning on the wall here
last night around 9:00.
It wasn't chained up, and he
thought it might get stolen.
What kind of
bike? Any details?
Just a bicycle. No
basket or defining color.
Flo? I'm Detective Shamsie.
- What's going on?
- Can you come with me, please?
Miss Fry cleans alternate
days, 9:00 till 4:00.
Depending on requirements.
She was off yesterday.
You've worked for the Cowies
for four years, Miss Fry?
Since they moved
back from Canberra.
Have you noticed anything
unusual recently?
They're a wonderful family.
Devoted to each other.
I was gonna miss them terribly.
Mrs. Cowie mentioned the move.
Pretty stressful for any family.
I mean, Flo didn't want
to go to Japan, obviously,
being the age she is.
Lyn and Oliver had their
hands full in that respect.
What do you mean?
Oh, you know, just playing
up at school and whatnot.
Bless her.
I mean, now what's she gonna do?
Um, "alternate days."
So that's, what,
three days a week?
More if they need.
I cook as well
when they're busy.
And I used to sit for
Flo when she was younger.
I suppose Mr. Cowie didn't
like you in his office.
Only, the mantel's
a little dusty.
It's all this shifting things
around, preparing for the move.
So, you'd notice if
anything were missing?
A trophy.
Cowie coached the debating team
at his old school in Australia.
The cleaner said it was there
the day before yesterday.
Of all the weapons in the room,
why'd the killer choose that?
I doubt they "chose" anything.
Just went for what was nearest.
So, what... Impulse,
red mist, rage,
or fear?
There's something
not right about Lyn.
She's out late, goes to bed
without even checking
in on her husband,
and doesn't notice, or care,
that he hasn't come to bed.
Or hopes he won't.
Either way, I agree,
it doesn't look good.
Well, let's get
everything we can
from their situation
before last night.
Well, according to the cleaner,
they were the perfect couple.
Huh! There's no such thing.
Would you say I
live like a student?
Pardon?
Something Astrid said.
Harsh.
Actually, I think she
was trying to be kind.
Which makes it even worse.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
[ Bell rings ]
Impressive building, innit?
PRIYA: Mm.
[ Indistinct conversation ]
Thank you.
- Hello.
- I'm D.I. Arnold.
This is D.S. Shamsie.
We have an appointment
with Mr. James Green.
If you'd like to
follow me, please.
I'm only just back from
a conference in Brussels,
so I can't tell you first-hand
about his movements yesterday,
But, um, he left the
building at, um...
18:38.
He had a lot to clear
before end of term.
He was leaving, you see.
Mm. Japan.
Yes, yes.
Gosh, it's appalling.
He was very... very well liked
with, um, staff and...
And the student body.
And, um, a very, you
know, popular teacher.
And head of department, I mean.
Would you say you were friends?
We... Well, we
weren't bosom buddies.
We had our differences.
But, goodness, I
hired him, didn't I?
We'll need to see
Mr. Cowie's office
and access any online facility
he had here at the school.
Obviously discretion
is paramount
while we conduct
our investigation
I'll do my best to keep
a lid on it, Detective,
but his daughter,
Flo, is a pupil here.
So are all her friends.
If you follow me down
the staff corridor.
Is it true? About Oliver?
The security guard's saying...
I'll pop into the staff
room shortly, Miss Turner.
[ Door unlocking,
keys jingling ]
Can you think of any
pupils, past or present,
who may have held a grudge?
Or their parents even?
I mean, this is
the International School
of Chelsea, Detective.
I mean, it's competitive,
yes, and obviously some pupils
fail their baccalaureate,
but really...
- What about a staff member?
- Oh, that's absurd.
We're just going through all
possibilities, Mr. Green.
[ Keys jingle ]
Thank you.
I still can't quite believe it.
His poor family
We'll send a team to
collect his belongings.
[ Camera shutter clicking ]
And we'll need to liaise
with your pastoral care.
Nice view.
Oh!
That's new.
Bloody estate kids.
[ Camera shutter clicking ]
Oh, yeah, that is impressive.
"Deadwood Price"?
Is that the graffiti
artist or a musician?
Or an anagram.
"Drop dead, Cowie."
Huh.
Same glasses as the victim.
- He's chicken?
- It's a boy chicken, mate.
A cock.
[ Both laugh ]
PRIYA: We checked
the security cameras.
The artist painted over the
CCTV camera around 6:00,
after the security
guard locked up.
Message is on the money, anyway.
It's a bit of a giveaway
pointing out your animosity
so publicly when you're
about to commit murder.
Maybe they thought the
anagram was foolproof.
Teenagers, right?
Who says it's a teenager?
You know, a piece like this
takes skill and planning.
They've left us a
signature anyway.
I've seen that around.
Anything further on that
bike that the neighbor saw?
Nothing.
Got confirmation on
Florence Cowie's alibi...
Petal Fisk, school friend.
Dad works nights
as a staff nurse,
so Florence often stays over.
The families are friends.
Turns out a couple of our lot
called 'round to
the Cowies' place
only two nights ago
about a domestic.
So much for the perfect couple.
It was a stupid row.
PRIYA: But there was angry
shouting, wasn't there?
And something smashed?
Did your husband
ever hit you, Lyn?
What? No!
Look, I lost my temper.
That's all.
Okay.
What did you lose
your temper about?
I thought he was
having an affair.
And I flipped because
it's been a nightmare
having to pack up
and move yet again.
London was supposed
to be the last time.
He promised.
Finally found
something that I loved.
And he was offered some...
But he isn't.
Wasn't.
But what made you think
he was in the first place?
I saw a text appear
on his screen
from a female colleague,
thanking him for being
"so great last night."
[ Laughs ]
Can you believe the cliché?
And there had been
this staff night out,
so my imagination went nuts.
But Oliver explained
he'd only driven her home
'cause she was drunk.
He was kind like that.
Genuinely.
- And you believed him?
- Yes.
I even remembered him mentioning
it once I'd calmed down.
I was upset. I'd just handed in
my notice at the yoga studio.
Do you know this
female colleague?
I've never actually met
her, but her name's Saskia.
Saskia Turner.
[ Bell ringing ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
- I bet you loved school.
- I did, actually.
I was one of those
bloody estate kids.
I bet you were head girl.
You weren't one of those
estate kids, Max Arnold.
I was Chelsea Grammar boy.
Not that the grammar
part did me much good.
Couldn't even spell.
Must've been tough, being
dyslexic in the '80s.
Mm. It was.
Academically.
How you see yourself,
how others see you,
has a knock-on effect.
It was all very
character-building.
And look at you now.
I was head girl.
Where were you
last night, Saskia?
At home, marking books.
Ask any teacher.
It's relentless.
Can anyone back that up?
Uh, my flatmate stays with
her boyfriend during the week.
But, I mean, I... I
didn't kill Oliver,
if that's what you're saying.
I really liked him.
What were you sorry about, then?
PRIYA: Yesterday evening,
a few hours before
he was murdered,
you sent a text...
"Sorry about everything."
He deleted it before replying.
What I meant was,
I'm sorry if I caused
him any trouble.
Okay.
And what kind of trouble
would that have been?
With the school.
With the position I put him in.
Um, over an issue.
A-A work thing.
So why do you think Oliver
Cowie deleted your apology?
Don't know.
What about the
staff party, Saskia?
I believe he drove
you home, right?
The apology, was it something
that Oliver didn't
want his wife to know?
I got drunk. I made
a fool of myself.
I tried to kiss him. I
know I shouldn't have.
And obviously he stopped me.
Said it was
inappropriate, and it was.
I can't believe I did that to
Oliver after everything he's...
He was backing me in
a formal complaint
about James Green.
Sexual harassment.
Unwanted touching.
Always getting way
too close, you know?
Little massages.
Stuff.
And he wouldn't take the hint,
and you can't argue 'cause
he's the boss, right?
So Oliver's...
was the more senior.
So he said he'd have a word,
spare James his blushes.
But James denied it.
So I made it official.
Okay.
When was this?
Yesterday morning, while
James was still in Brussels.
Would James have been informed?
It's part of the process.
How did he take it?
Max.
What are you doing in here?
I could ask you the same thing.
It's a faculty matter.
Nothing to do with the police.
This office has
been quarantined.
Maybe so, but it's
still school property,
and as such, I'm in charge.
This is a murder
case, Mr. Green,
and as such, we the
police are in charge.
In fact, we have a
few things to ask you
about the night of the murder,
if you wouldn't mind
stopping by the station.
Yeah. Once I've
contacted my solicitor.
Much appreciated.
[ Door closes ]
[ Line rings ]
MAX: James Green's
solicitor called.
They'll be at the
station late morning.
Oh, great.
That'll give us a chance
to speak to Ashley first.
Can you hold on, Max? Thanks.
You go see Daddy.
Mm.
Hey.
Don't forget, I'm out tonight.
Hey.
Okay, I'll see you
at the mortuary.
Mortuary?
[ Door opens ]
It's where you get
to sleep forever.
Contents of his stomach
suggest time of death
was the earlier
side of my window,
say 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.
Seven or eight blows altogether,
from the separate bruises
and tears on the scalp.
I'd say four were direct
and the rest tangential.
He probably lost
consciousness quickly,
hence no defense wounds,
and the intracranial
bleeding finished him off.
And the weapon?
The trophy would fit.
This is the same make.
Even as a layman, you can
see how the edges would work,
and the side here
for maximum damage.
Now we just have to find it.
Green's in with
his solicitor now.
Okay.
Well, we know there was bad
blood between him and Cowie.
We know he's arrogant enough
to muck the police about.
Just because he was in
Brussels doesn't mean
he couldn't get someone
to do his dirty work.
Except he wasn't.
James Green was booked
on the 8:00 Eurostar,
but he boarded an earlier train.
This one got him into
St. Pancras at 8:25.
That gives him plenty of
leeway to get to Chelsea
within Ashley's kill time.
Yeah.
If you know about
the accusations,
then you'll understand
why I wanted to return
to London as soon as possible,
clear my name.
And how did you go about that?
Where were you
between 8:30 and 10:00
on Tuesday night, Mr. Green?
I went to the school,
if you must know.
Straight from the station.
And your fob will show a record
of your comings and goings?
[ Whispers indistinctly ]
It'll also show that I
went into Oliver's office.
Another faculty matter?
I wanted to check his computer,
see what he'd said to the board.
But his laptop wasn't there.
It occurred to me that
he might have kept
some sort of written record.
No.
You thought, with
Oliver out the way,
all you'd have to do
is pressure Saskia
into withdrawing her complaint.
I wouldn't want the man
dead, for God's sake!
I just wanted to protect my
thus far unblemished record
from a personal vendetta.
I mean, my God. All
because I'm friendly?
Well, let's go
back to that night.
What did you do after
you left Cowie's office?
Go home?
I went for a walk.
I bought a pint at, um,
that pub on Shawhill
Street, The Cinder.
I sat outside for a while.
I wanted to think.
And I didn't want
my wife to know
that I'd taken an earlier train.
She was, until now, unaware
of these false allegations,
which clearly she
is very upset by.
Mrs. Green has our
heartfelt sympathy.
[ Clears throat ]
Okay, thanks.
The pub have Green
buying the pint at 9:25,
but there's no CCTV
coverage outside.
We don't know when he left.
He could have knocked
back his drink,
then gone to Fernlea
Place and killed Cowie.
Pretty tight if we have
him back home at 10:30,
which his wife confirms.
He could have done it between
the school and the pub
while he was out "walking."
He'd have needed a
drink after that.
He'd be covered in blood, Max.
Okay. Let him go.
But tell him we'll need
to speak to him again.
The school's pastoral
care have been back.
There were only three pupils
that clashed with
Cowie in the last year.
Two have since moved abroad,
but the third hadn't
even been processed.
Eric Heidegger, 18.
Poor academic record.
Casualty of too many
schools, the counselor says.
Dad's an exec for a
German shipping company.
Cowie cut Eric some slack,
but it seems even he
ran out of patience
when Eric spray-painted
"Cowie's a cock" in
the junior playground.
Looks like we've
found our artist.
Yeah, and listen to this...
Cowie suspended Eric
pending an exclusion hearing
the day of the murder.
Let's get his address.
So I checked in with
Lyn Cowie's yoga studio.
She was on the rota
to teach a class,
but turns out someone
stepped in last-minute.
Okay.
You and Connor go and
have a little chat,
with Eric Heidegger,
and we'll see what
Lyn Cowie has to say.
[ Siren wailing in distance ]
RORY: I've got a
shift, I'm afraid,
but Lyn's outside and
the girls are upstairs.
I said they can stay
as long as they want.
It's as much for Petal
as it is for them.
She's had a tough time.
She lost her mother
a few years ago,
and this has kind of
pushed all her buttons.
I'm sorry. That must
have been really tough.
Yeah.
Well, at least they've
got each other.
Anyway I'll, uh,
leave you to it.
Yeah.
MAX: You need to start
telling us the truth, Lyn.
I went to meet a friend.
An old uni mate. Darren Floyd.
We just went for a drink at
a bistro on Chelsea Green.
It's not what you think.
He's a family lawyer.
Divorce lawyer.
You were planning to
divorce your husband?
I just wanted to know
what my options are.
Were.
- Because of Saskia Turner?
- No.
I didn't really care about
all that nonsense with Saskia.
It's been a difficult year.
When I thought, for a moment,
that Oliver might
be having an affair,
I was jealous, but not of her.
Of him.
That's what I wanted.
I owned my own business
once, you know?
I sold up so Oliver
could take Canberra.
I lied because I didn't want
Flo knowing I was unhappy!
She's had enough!
Did you know Oliver was
involved in a complaint
about the head teacher?
Everyone's knight
in shining armor.
Except mine.
- You can't tell them.
- I promise I won't. I swear.
Wouldn't just be
me lying, Petal.
You already said I was with you.
But, Flo, I'm your best friend.
When my mum died,
I thought I'd die too.
Literally. But you won't, Flo.
Your mum died of cancer, Petal.
She wasn't killed.
She didn't get her
head smashed in!
- [ Sobbing ]
- You loved your mum.
You looked after her
when she was sick.
And I told my dad I hated him!
[ Sobbing ]
You can't just fix
this by telling me
it'll all get better.
What's going on?
- I want to go home.
- What?
- [ Sobbing ]
- Oh, sweetheart.
JESS: Mr. Heidegger? Can
we have a word, please?
[ Sighs ] [ German
accent ] Come in.
It's your son we need to
speak to, Mr. Heidegger.
Eric? What for?
There was a very serious
incident two nights ago.
An attack on a teacher from the
International School of Chelsea.
My wife, she texted.
Well, perhaps we can
speak to her, then?
I'm sorry, she's in Bern.
- Her mother had a bad fall.
- [ Door opens ]
I could have her call
you if that helps.
Was Eric at home on Tuesday
evening, Mr. Heidegger?
Yes, of course.
Tuesday, Eric, I said
you could order in
because Mum wanted
an early night.
Tell them, Eric.
Detective Constable
Jess Lombard,
and this is DC Connor Pollock.
ALEX: Eric!
- Eric!
- Stay there!
He's heading towards the estate.
I'm on it!
[ Tires screech ]
[ Up-tempo music plays ]
[ Siren wailing ]
[ Tires screech ]
All right, Michelangelo.
You dropped your paints.
See, four grand in March,
and the same in January,
and more the year before.
Payee reference "RAF."
Lyn Cowie claims not to
know anything about it.
Hmm.
Standing order, some
form of payment?
CONNOR: I'll put a trace
on the account number.
Max, the on-call
brief has arrived.
Oh.
I didn't do anything. I swear.
I was home with my mum.
Yes, we've spoken to her,
and she confirmed that.
She also confirmed that your
father was in his office
at Imperial Wharf
overseeing a late shipment
and that she herself
went to bed at 8:30.
So neither of your parents
saw you after that time.
That's not my fault.
So why did you leg it?
I-I thought I was
getting done for tagging.
I-I was freaking out.
There were rumors something
went down at school.
But you were the one who
spray-painted "Drop dead Cowie"
the day he suspended you.
I just wanted to
prove it to him.
If I wanted to
say he was a cock,
I'd do it better than what
they pinned on me at school.
Stitched me up, man.
- Who stitched you up, Eric?
- Cowie.
He said someone saw
me, which wasn't true.
Plus, he planted a
can of paint in my bag
which wasn't mine.
Fact. I don't care
what you think.
I know what I did and didn't do.
And no way am I putting
my name on this.
Why would Mr. Cowie risk
his professional reputation
to stitch you up, Eric?
Obvious.
To me, anyway.
I got back with his daughter.
Sorry? Got back with?
We went out, for six months
maybe, before he killed it.
Have you got a bicycle, Eric?
So, what do you reckon?
Mum's fast asleep, Dad's
not home till 1:00 a.m.
Eric could have been, done
it, and gone to bed by then.
But?
Well, no, I can't see
him covering his tracks
and keeping his
head all this time.
- I heard he's a bag of nerves.
- Yeah.
Well, let's see what
we've got anyway.
Thank you.
In the meantime, I've
checked Lyn's story.
Her lawyer mate
supports her account
and the bistro where they met.
I've asked for CCTV to confirm.
So Lyn and her daughter
now have solid alibis.
- Mm.
- But Saskia Turner doesn't.
Just cause her boss is sleazy
doesn't mean she liked Cowie.
I don't know.
Her texts are "Thanks
for being great,"
"Sorry for being an idiot."
Doesn't scream "stalker."
There's nothing of
note on any CCTV
local to the Cowie
house on Fernlea Close.
Multiple prints
on the front door,
including the family's
and Carmel the
cleaner, obviously,
but nothing else
that checks out.
Who else knew Oliver
was home alone?
I've found who RAF is.
A is for Alistair,
his middle initial.
- Rory Fisk.
- Of course.
Cowie's been giving him money.
- 10 - K over the last
year. Regular installments.
Giving? Or paying?
Her bursary ran out
the previous year,
and I couldn't afford to keep
her at the school without it.
And Oliver knew how good
Petal's grades were.
Him and I become close friends
after the girls teamed up.
Why not pay the school direct?
Just to save my pride, so
that I could pay the school.
He didn't even
tell Lyn about it.
Just told me to pay him
back whenever I could.
Which of course I will.
Somehow.
You were on shift here
the night of the murder?
Yeah.
I mean I did nip out for
a burger during my break.
Do you know a kid
called Eric Heidegger?
He's on-off with Flo.
I knew she had some kind of
boyfriend mucking her about.
You know, Petal
is such a worrier.
But I have noticed a difference
in Flo's behavior recently.
Like what?
Or just you know,
temperament, mood swings.
It's a teenager's job
description, isn't it?
Yeah, of course it is.
I mean, don't get me wrong.
I'm really fond of Flo.
The Cowies moved back to
London after my wife died,
and Flo was missing her
school in Australia.
Her and Petal just kind of
saved each other, you know?
But recently she's been
getting up to all sorts.
Did you talk to Oliver about it?
Oh, yeah, he knew all about it.
It was him that she was
rebelling against, mostly.
But at least with Petal,
she does her homework.
And I can't exactly ban
Flo from the house, can I,
given Oliver's generosity?
You must have been a
little relieved, then.
- About Japan.
- If I'm honest.
I just can't believe
what's happened.
Him and I were really
close, you know?
We were good friends.
If you think of anything
else, please do let us know.
Hi, it's me.
Listen, the police have just
called 'round to talk to me.
I know, I know.
I know, but I think it
would be a good idea
if we just kept our distance,
just until things
blow over, okay?
Okay.
[ Sighs ]
[ Mid-tempo piano music plays ]
[ Door closes ]
Hey, do I have time for
a run before you go?
- Not a chance.
- But you're still working.
Because I had to put Poppy down.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Just let me finish this
report. It's nearly done.
- [ Baby fusses ]
- Oh!
See? She won't settle.
It's like she's knows
I'm up against it.
I'll go check on her.
Boom.
Lyn and her lawyer pal, just
where they said they were.
- Nice one.
- [ Cellphone chimes ]
Oh.
That's my cab. Do
you want a lift?
No, thanks. I'm
gonna crack on here.
How come the cab?
Helen gets back from her
mate's hen do tonight.
And you've trashed the place?
[ Gasps ]
I'm picking up some flowers
and a bottle to
welcome her home.
Okay.
And I've trashed the place.
Night.
Right.
Looks like we both
had a day of it.
At least you had
some adult company.
You want to talk about it?
Oh, I just want
to go to the pub.
Don't we all.
Priya, these are
potential clients.
- And even if they weren't.
- I'm sorry.
- Sorry.
- It's not all about you.
Okay.
No, I'm sorry, I'm...
- I do need...
- I know.
I know. I get it. Go!
Let your hair down.
- And don't slam the...
- No, okay.
Do you think he felt it, Mum?
Do you think it hurt?
I can't stop thinking...
Did he see who did it?
Did he know what
was about to happen?
Was he scared?
He didn't know anything.
He couldn't have.
It would have been over in
an instant, I promise you.
[ Down-tempo music plays ]
[ Cellphone rings ]
Don't you ever stop working?
You'll be glad I didn't
when you check your in-box.
I'm just looking now.
It's downloading.
Where did you get this?
It was e-mailed to
Cowie's work account
two weeks ago.
Sender encrypted.
By an amateur.
- Got him.
- Good.
We know you sent this
photo to Oliver Cowie
three weeks ago today.
Is it common
behavior for teachers
to take secret photos of
the pupils in their care?
Well, obviously not.
It looks a little
off. I can see that.
Yes, it does.
It was a
spur-of-the-moment thing.
They were in the art department
while the rest of their
year was in assembly.
And I saw them through
the stairwell door.
I was gonna haul them out.
And then I thought, well, it
would mean exclusion for Flo.
I was going to delete
it as soon as I took it.
But you didn't.
In fact you used this photo as
leverage against her father.
Oliver was threatening
my entire career
for little more than hearsay.
I might never work again.
My whole life would be affected.
So I asked him to drop
his vendetta against me
in exchange for
turning a blind eye.
And how did that go down?
He declined.
You don't understand. I
tried to reason with him.
He wouldn't listen.
So, in Brussels you found out
the formal complaint
against you had gone ahead,
even though Oliver had
this photo on his laptop.
So you were hoping he couldn't
find out you'd sent it.
But maybe he could.
Didn't take us long. Right?
Right.
So you jumped on an
earlier Eurostar...
Everything else I told
you is true... except...
That's what I was looking
for in his office.
In case he'd kept a hard copy.
Look, it sounds worse than it is
Blackmail, concealing evidence,
taking unlawful
images of juveniles.
How much worse
does it need to be?
Does this have to
go before the board?
[ Chuckles ]
I think the school board is the
least of your problems, mate.
[ Door bell rings ]
- PRIYA: Morning.
- Oh, hello.
Is Mrs. Cowie home?
She went to solicitors.
There's a lot to sort
out, as you can imagine.
Come in. She said she'd hurry.
She didn't want to leave
Flo alone too long.
But Flo insisted
on going to school.
I couldn't stop her.
She needs her
friends, I suppose.
Would you like a cup of tea?
I just boiled the kettle.
Oh, yeah. Tea would be lovely.
I've been stocking up the
freezer for them, bless.
They're lucky to have you.
- Four years, was it?
- On contract.
Paid sick leave,
holidays, the lot.
Ask 'round who else gets that
who ain't working for a firm.
They must really rate you.
Well, trust begets
trust, I suppose.
Must have been a bit of
a slap in the face, then.
Uh, the move to Japan, I mean.
- Must have been a blow.
- That's life.
I had something else lined up.
I'd have thought Mrs. Cowie
would need you
more than ever now.
Lyn knows I'm here for her.
[ Door opens ]
LYN: I got your
message about Flo.
She wouldn't be stopped, Lyn.
- Maybe it's best. I don't...
- Lyn. Police are here.
In the kitchen.
Okay.
D.S. Shamsie.
May we speak privately?
[ Bell ringing ]
ERIC: Flo!
- Are you following me?
- They've got my phone, Flo.
I'm so sorry.
I don't want to talk to you.
The police have
been all over me.
Don't you dare tell
anyone about us.
It won't change anything now.
I just want to make this okay.
Then leave me alone, Eric. I
can't stand to look at you!
I knew nothing about this.
It won't be the first time
you've lied to us, Lyn.
Don't you think
I would have said
if I knew that vile man
was blackmailing us?!
He could be the one
who murdered Oliver!
For God's sake!
It was him, right?
We're talking to Mr. Green.
And if there's a
link, we'll tell you.
Oliver told me he'd caught
Flo and Eric with some vodka.
That's why he banned
Eric from the house.
Maybe your husband was
trying to protect you.
That explains why he was so...
rigid.
He wouldn't even consider
letting Flo stay with
Petal for her final year.
And you disagreed?
Flo was kicking off
because we moved
her around so much.
But underneath, she just
needed a bit of leeway
to get through the next year
without ruining her future.
Because Oliver's future
always came first.
So, you see, it wasn't just
Saskia we were rowing about.
Oliver thought the move
would solve everything.
I didn't.
Okay.
Everything fits if it weren't
for his alibi at the pub.
Maybe he did just
buy a pint and go.
I mean, he's no stranger
to manipulating evidence.
He's not very good
at it, though, is he?
And he was bricking it when
we put the pressure on.
I think he would have cracked.
So, what else have we got?
Despite the spider signatures,
I don't believe the
kid that painted that
painted the first one.
So maybe Cowie did set
him up to get rid of him.
Why would he?
To protect his daughter?
He could hardly punish
Eric for the coke
since Flo was just as guilty.
He needed something
to fit him up with.
It seems pretty juvenile
and unprofessional.
Wasn't there a
witness, Eric said?
Yes.
Give the school a call and
check with pastoral care.
Hah! There's a
guy in reception.
Says he's a neighbor
of the victim,
might have some information.
Ranjit Johal.
He wasn't on the
list in the vicinity,
so I don't know if
he's just a busybody.
I live half a mile away,
but I recognized
him from the paper.
I've seen him when
I walk my dog.
So you recognized Mr. Cowie
getting home from work
or through the window?
No, Officer.
I saw him when he answered
the door to a man.
Can you describe the man?
His back was turned, I'm afraid.
But he was tall, a white man.
I could see his neck because
he had very short hair,
and he was wearing
running clothes.
It was too dark to tell the
color of the sweatshirt,
but it had a cross on it,
like a first-aid
sign, a plus sign?
Like a paramedic or a doctor?
No, not like that,
just a sweatshirt.
And he was annoyed.
Gesturing, you know?
Well, it seemed
so, anyway. Sorry.
You're being very
helpful, Mr. Johal.
Did you notice a bicycle
leaning against the wall?
Or did you get the impression
the man had cycled there?
I thought he had been jogging.
I didn't see a bicycle.
Do you recall what
time this was?
I always walk my dog at the same
time, listening to the radio.
It was just coming up
to my favorite program,
just before 9:00.
So maybe 10 to 9:00?
PRIYA: Rory would certainly
count as a first-aider.
But Rory was on shift
at the hospital.
James Green has short hair.
A known blackmailer,
increasingly desperate,
though the timing's
impossibly tight.
Mm.
Course, it might have just been
someone collecting for charity.
That time of
night? And annoyed?
Either way,
this witness puts Oliver
Cowie still alive at 8:50,
and we know he died
in the next hour.
Let's make a list of
sportswear and leisure brands
that use a plus-sign-type
cross as a logo.
Sure.
Just checked with the hospital.
Rory Fisk went to grab a
burger on his dinner break
for two hours and 20 minutes.
Rory and Lyn?
Two bereaved parents find love
after fleecing the deceased.
I mean, who would question it?
[ Indistinct conversations ]
I'm just off shift. I
was about to go home.
Where were you
between 8:30 and 11:50
on the night of the murder?
Because we know you didn't
just nip out for a burger.
I was with a friend.
A girlfriend.
Amy Lightfoot. She's a
nurse practitioner here.
It's early days, but I
didn't want anyone to know,
especially my daughter.
Why on earth didn't you tell us?
Your friend's been murdered.
Because it had nothing
to do with Oliver.
Here Amy's contact details.
Look, Petal's been blindsided
by her mother death,
she's got important
exams coming up,
and she's upset that her
best mate is going away.
Now this nightmare?
I really didn't think
it was a good time
to throw another
curve ball at her,
and it just wasn't relevant.
You do realize we're gonna
have to check your whereabouts
with Miss Lightfoot?
Yeah, of course, but please,
just don't say
anything to Petal.
I don't think she can
take that right now.
What better place to dispose of
bloody clothes than a hospital?
Just put on a fresh pair
of scrubs, and bingo.
Plus he's a cyclist.
And did you notice he
was wearing a track suit?
Max, I have four track suits.
Scroll left for
what I've dug up.
Nothing I can find that has
the logo on the back, though.
What about an old
design or a club logo?
I'll keep on it.
Amy Lightfoot confirms
Rory Fisk's alibi.
- Any evidence?
- Absolutely.
She even took a selfie
of them at the flat.
Time, date, coordinates, there.
[ Notes playing ]
[ Dissonant notes play ]
Oh, you idiot.
[ Cellphone vibrating ]
- Max.
- Eric Heidegger's dad.
He's something senior in a
German shipping firm, right?
Go on.
But that doesn't mean
he's German himself.
He said his wife
was flying to Bern.
Well, that's in Switzerland.
ALEX: I usually go jogging.
I went to see him that
evening. I admit it.
But I didn't even
go inside the house.
I was out for a run.
I had an important shipment
to coordinate that night,
and I wanted to clear my head.
You run around there regularly?
No, but I was upset and worried
about my son being suspended,
so I decided to talk to
Cowie about it as fathers.
To reason with him.
I know where he lives. Eric used
to be friends with his daughter.
Mm.
Until Oliver Cowie found out
Eric introduced her to cocaine
and banned him from the house.
Did you know about that?
Yes, I knew.
I knew that's what
Cowie thought.
But it was Flo who bought
the cocaine, not Eric.
You think I wouldn't know?
And then a few days ago,
Cowie accused Eric of obscene
graffiti which he didn't do.
He was going to be
excluded in his final year.
- And you were angry.
- Yes!
I went for a run, and
then I went to see him.
But I didn't kill
him. Why would I?
You lost your temper.
Eric's academic
career over like that,
and this man wouldn't listen.
To the contrary, he did listen.
He was really very
nice about it.
Mr. Cowie said he
had reconsidered,
and he would review
his case first thing.
Okay.
So you sorted it out
nicely, off you jogged,
and then when you found
out he'd been killed,
you didn't come
forward because...?
I wanted to make things
better, not worse.
My son was already in
trouble with cocaine.
He has one chance
to get these exams.
I know I should have told you,
but I didn't want
the association.
I have my visa to think of.
You must have known
you were a key witness.
I didn't have anything
useful to tell you.
Mr. Heidegger, you were
seen with the victim
less than an hour
before he was murdered.
We'll decide what's useful.
Why would I kill the man who was
about to clear my son's name?
Well, we only have
your word for that.
I told you, I was
working that night.
You can check.
My colleagues would
have mentioned it
if I came in covered in blood.
So would the schoolkid
who nearly knocked me
over on the corner.
So would the guy
at the corner shop
who I bought cigarettes from.
- Check it, please.
- We will.
Believe me.
So, either someone visited
Cowie moments after Alex did...
Unexpected, unplanned,
and wasn't seen...
Or he's lying.
Let's check out the corner shop,
schoolkids out at that time.
And let's follow up on
his comings and goings
at Imperial Wharf.
We've got authority for
a PACE house search.
We don't need it.
He's invited us in.
- Confident.
- Or calculated risk.
The more he cooperates,
the less guilty he appears.
He could hardly
look more guilty.
It's been washed, but if there's
blood on it, we'll find it.
Well, he may have
had several, anyway.
He doesn't. Mum
gave it to him.
Your father gave us
permission to search.
I know. I called him.
I wanted to tell him I lied.
I wasn't here that night.
I left after Mum went to bed.
- Can we talk somewhere else?
- Sure.
I thought I was getting
done for tagging.
I didn't say 'cause I thought
you'd do me for vandalism.
Yeah.
It's a shame people
keep blinding
those security cameras,
else we'd check.
I was with someone
who can back me up.
Flo.
She called me, wanted to
come out and help me tag.
So she wasn't at Petal's?
At first.
Then Petal covered for us.
We weren't supposed to see each
other after the coke thing.
So what time did Flo get to you?
Maybe 10:00.
She'd come with me before.
It wasn't the art, really.
She just liked
breaking the rules.
What did you do after?
Went back to Petal's.
She was asleep.
Her dad was at work.
I left later on, like 3:30,
snuck back in here.
And what did you do in between?
What do you think?
You think my dad
did this, right?
There is no way.
He's always talking to
me about honor and trust.
I feel bad even sneaking out.
All I ever do is let him down.
I... I thought maybe if I
could get into art school,
he'd be pleased.
- You're talented.
- Tell that to them.
Doesn't matter how talented.
I've still got to
finish school to get in.
Oh!
Then finish.
Go back. Knuckle down.
Do your best. Make it happen.
[ Knocks ]
Priya.
The corner shop owner says
he gets dozens of joggers,
but he thinks he recognizes
Heidegger's photo,
and he recorded a cash sale
for a packet of
cigarettes at 21:15
just like Alex said.
Got it. See you there.
Eric Heidegger's phone records.
On it.
FLO: I told you
it was my fault.
If I hadn't lied, if I'd
stopped being so selfish
and just stayed at home...
If you'd stayed at home, you
could have been hurt too.
All you did was go and see Eric.
That's forgivable.
I forgive you. So would Dad.
Would it be all right to have
a few moments alone with Flo?
That's me off home now, Lyn.
Thank you.
[ Door opens and closes ]
Flo, we need to know the truth
about what happened that night.
And I think you want
to tell someone.
Uh...
I went to Petal's.
And I was already so
angry at Dad anyway.
We know from Eric's
phone records
that you called him at 8:45,
but you didn't get to
the bridge until 10:00.
So, what time did you
leave Petal's, Flo?
I can ask her, but I'd
rather you told me.
I left Petal's right
after I called Eric,
and he told me Dad was having
him kicked him out of school.
So I went and scored some coke
from the guy I got
it from before.
I just wanted to punish Dad.
I wanted to hurt him.
Okay.
So, who did you
get the coke from?
Where did you go?
Please don't make me grass.
We'll be discreet.
We just need to know
what time you were there.
He's in the year above me.
It's just like by word of mouth.
I'm gonna need his
name and number, okay?
Did you take him
to your home, Flo?
I don't even know him.
Did you take anyone
to your home?
Or send someone to
punish your dad?
No. No!
I... I just... I
went to meet Eric,
and then we went
back to Petal's.
I loved my dad.
Course I did.
I just wanted to get away
from all the aggravation,
all the fighting.
It never used to be
like that at home.
Even Carmel had a bust-up
with Dad over something.
It was like a war zone.
All 'cause of Japan.
And I blamed Dad.
I always thought I'd know
if my kid was doing drugs.
Well, we'll check out the
dealer, close him down.
But she seems to be
carrying a lot of guilt.
She wanted to go to
Petal's this afternoon.
I was going to say no, but
maybe she needs her friend.
Carmel cycle to work?
Sometimes. If the
weather's okay.
[ Door opens ]
Carmel?
I was at home,
like I've told you,
watching telly.
What did you watch?
That vet thing
with Mr. Charisma.
I tape them.
Isn't there some box that
proves what you've seen?
Your phone would be helpful,
if you wouldn't mind.
And if you could
unlock it, please.
What did you and
Oliver Cowie row about
a few nights ago, Carmel?
I-I-I don't...
Nothing.
You're here voluntarily,
but we could detain
you if need be.
I wanted to go
with them to Japan.
Well, they'd want a cleaner
in Tokyo, wouldn't they?
But Oliver said no.
It was too complicated
with visas and whatnot.
And they didn't need as much
now Flo's older, he said.
I lost my temper, briefly.
But he was right, of course.
And he said he'd spread the word
about another
client for me, so...
And how did that make you feel?
Honestly? I was hurt.
I've no kids of me own,
and they'd told
me time and again
I was part of the family.
I felt used, I suppose.
Abandoned.
Disposable.
Yes, I was very upset.
But I didn't kill Oliver, if
that's what you're getting at.
Might be a lonely cow,
but I'm not a murderer,
thank you very much.
I'll see this is
returned to you.
[ Door closes ]
Her phone places her at home.
Assuming she was with it.
Hmm.
Right, let's go
over what we've got.
We know Heidegger called
on Cowie at 20:50.
Either he went in
and killed him,
or he left and someone
else, on a bike,
came shortly afterwards.
Carmel rides a bicycle,
she has a grudge,
and she is a key holder.
But she'd have cycled all
the way back to Battersea
covered in blood,
then turned up cool as you
like at the scene the next day.
Would she have a choice?
Heidegger was definitely back
at his Imperial
Wharf office, 21:15.
Nothing unusual.
What about the schoolkid
he said he bumped into?
That could be anyone.
Fernlea Close covers
three catchment areas.
But do we need it, Max?
If we can place him
in the corner shop,
Alex Heidegger
couldn't have done it.
The owner said he wasn't sure.
What about the first graffiti?
Did we get anything back from
the witness who saw Eric do it?
I'll chase it now.
Something's missing.
Shall I tell
Heidegger he can go?
Max?
Her alibi.
Oh, my God.
[ Door opens ]
This schoolkid you
say you bumped into
after leaving Cowie's place...
Was it a girl or a boy?
A girl. She nearly
came off her bicycle.
Let him go.
The pupil, the witness
who grassed up Eric...
I know who she is.
[ Door opens ]
I'm working, Flo.
- Can't you take a break?
- No.
You won't pass your exams if
you don't finish your essay.
Exams can wait.
I need you.
[ Vehicle approaching ]
What is it?
You need to let us in, Rory.
FLO: Can't we go out?
Just go somewhere. For a walk?
I need to concentrate.
Petal!
Seriously, get changed.
Where are the girls?
I can't do this. I'm sorry.
I'm the one who needs help.
I'm the one whose
having a breakdown.
We need you to stay here.
We're going to go out.
And you're going to get...
I didn't mean it.
It's okay to tell her.
You were off out with Eric,
doing drugs, ruining everything.
MAX: So you were trying
to help your friend.
Was that what it was, Petal?
I thought if her dad understood,
if he knew what I knew,
he'd catch her before
she fell too far.
So you didn't go
there to hurt him?
I went to warn him,
how messed up Flo was getting.
And maybe...
he'd even let her stay?
But he was angry with me.
For making stuff up about Eric.
But I was only trying
to protect you, Flo.
He said he was
disappointed in me,
that I needed to... To
back off, to go home.
Never heard him talk
to me like that.
That must have
been very painful.
He said she wasn't
my responsibility
and that I wasn't...
that we weren't...
family.
Like all my caring
was for nothing again.
And I'm alone.
I'm nothing.
MAX: Abandoned.
Disposable.
He went to reach for his
phone to call my dad.
I just wanted to stop him.
I'll call the duty
social worker.
[ Down-tempo music playing ]
How does a kid survive
something like this,
either Petal or Flo?
A good therapist, for starters.
It's a long road to forgiveness,
but we have to hope
that's possible.
Uh, I just need to make a call.
[ Line ringing ]
Astrid, it's me.
Look, I'm sorry
about the other day.
Can we talk?
Great.
8:00.
And listen, there's a
favor I need to ask you.
[ Door bell rings ]
Mr. Heidegger? I'm Astrid.
Detective Inspector
Max Arnold's friend.
D.I. Arnold left a message.
Um, he said you have
connections at the art college
my son wants to go to.
I can certainly offer
your son some advice,
maybe get through the
door for an interview.
It's very kind of you to
spare the time. Please.
I'm off home if that's okay.
Yeah. Sick of
the sight of you.
Don't stay too long, okay?
No, I'm gone. As soon as
I've finished my paperwork.
Right.
- Good night, guys.
- JESS: Good night.
[ Door closes ]
She went down fine.
You've got the magic touch.
Oh, please.
But I'm working on it, babe.
I know you do a lot. Too much.
And I'm sorry.
Hey.
It's what I signed up for.
So, what's for dinner, Nigella?
Oh, well, tonight
you have the choice
of pasta pesto
or something I like
to call pesto pasta.
I'm feeling the pasta pesto.
- [ Pasta rattling ]
- Mmm!
Good choice.
Can you cook it?
[ Laughs ]
- You're early.
- You're late.
I stopped to see your
budding Banksy earlier.
I like him.
Thanks, Asti. I know
how busy you are.
Not too busy for the posh dinner
you promised me in return.
Kebabs okay?
Do I have a choice?
Oh, yeah.
Lamb or falafel.
Just so you know, I've
signed a license on the boat.
A year, with an option to renew.
And I've officially
changed my address.
You were right. It's
time to move on.
So we have something to toast.
I'll be right in.
[ Mid-tempo music playing ]
[ Chuckles ]
[ Music continues ]