The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2001–2008): Season 4, Episode 3 - The Seed of Cunning - full transcript

We ought to get a picture.

Ready? Cheese!

- Over there. Come on.
- Where?

- Oh, yeah.
- Wow!

Cheese!

- Give a wave.
- Coo-ee!

Excuse me. Who are you, please?

It's in here, somewhere.

- Any trouble, Constable?
- It's ridiculous.

Don't know who he is.

- Tell this idiot who I am.
- Sorry, do I know you?



- Come on, Lynley. Just because...
- This is our pathologist.

Understandable mistake.
Look at the way he's dressed!

Practical clothing
for the only practical transport in this filthy town.

So you keep saying.

Right, so, what makes you so sure it's murder?

- Can we turn him over, please?
- Sir.

Aah. Fair enough.

What's the story, Lafferty?

Oh, damn!

Level 12, though.

Hardly appropriate, is it?

Nothing like a bit of ultra-violence
to unwind the coils.

I see enough of the consequences!

Makes a nice change to dish it out a little!



I'm joking.

- Cause of death?
- Ah, well, it wasn't drowning, anyway.

Er, circular convoluted fracture
on the right-hand side of the skull.

He was belted over the head with something
hard, then dumped in the river.

- "Something hard"?
- Small, round, heavy... about that size.

If you suggested a ball hammer,
I wouldn't point and laugh.

And the hands -
were they tied before or after death?

Subcutaneous bleeding around the side
of the ligature marks indicates pre-mortem

and, at one point, he was tied at the ankles...

...and around the neck.

- Tied and beaten, then?
- Possibly.

This is interesting.

Normally in these circumstances, what you'd see
is a slipknot or maybe a reef knot.

This is something different.
It was designed for the purpose,

tied by someone
who knew what they were doing.

Most people can hardly manage their shoelaces!

Like a sheet bend or a bowline or a...

Yeah, yeah. OK, OK. Most people
other than your outward bound types,

cadet-corps types...

Don't tell me you never went to the Scouts,
Lafferty.

Sir, prints came up.

Eric Ramsey, 11 Hambro Road, Streatham.

Got a record?

Yeah, drink-driving a few years ago.
Nothing serious.

He's also ex-Navy. Chief Petty Officer Ramsey.

- And...
- And... what?

The security clearance.
He needs it cos of his job.

Doorkeeper to the House of Lords.
What does that mean?

He is the guardian
of some secret parliamentary chamber.

Actually, it just means
he's a glorified security guard.

- Doffs his cap to the aged members.
- Hm.

Sorry.

- I'm sorry.
- Please, don't apologise.

I'm really sorry we have to ask these questions.

Had... Eric been acting unusually at all recently?

Well, he always was a bit of a brooder.

- Do you know what he was brooding about?
- He wouldn't say.

Never did. Always kept things close to his chest.

Bit of a habit from navy life, I suppose.

But... he was much better, much happier...

...when he accepted Jesus
as his personal Saviour.

His heart was open to the Spirit, Marie.

His life spoke of that, if his words did not.

Did he have any enemies that you know of?

Eric was a highly respected member
of our community.

He'll be badly missed by all of us who knew him.

What did you do
when Eric didn't come home last night?

I went to bed, as normal.

If there was a late sitting, it wasn't unusual
for him to be at the House till the small hours.

That's him in his uniform.

- So you were here alone?
- Yes...

...after Mr Bellamy left.

Great spiritual benefit is to be derived
from meaningful fellowship.

Hm.

I wonder what form of "spiritual comfort"
Mr Bellamy has been offering Marie.

I wonder that he's not offering it to her
on a regular basis.

Check his alibi.

You are aware you're staring, Havers?

Do you think he moonlights at the Ritz?
I'm only asking!

- Lord Asherton! Nice to see you again, sir.
- Hello, Mr...

Tamworth, sir.

- Of course. Mr Tamworth. You're looking well.
- Thank you very much, sir.

Will you excuse me a moment.

- They never forget a face.
- So I see.

Still the best gentlemen's club in London, then.

Things have changed a bit
since the Lords reform.

Oh, yeah.
Your lot are on the way out, the hereditaries.

"My lot"? Endangered species
still have their rights, you know.

Besides, we haven't all gone.

When we get to Black Rod's office,
please don't ask the obvious question.

My staff and I would be happy
to assist your inquiries in any way we can,

- but what exactly are you looking for?
- Background.

Friends and colleagues can provide
a very useful source of information.

Aah! I see. Um...

Well, SO17, the Palace of Westminster Division,
have asked me to keep them informed.

You... you don't think his murder's connected
to the House in some way, do you?

- Not at this stage, no.
- Good.

I'd appreciate your discretion.
Their Lordships can get a little jumpy

- and I wouldn't want to disrupt the House.
- I quite understand.

Yes, of course you do. Right, right. Erm...

Well, I suggest you talk to... Geoffrey Cramond.

He's one of our committee clerks.

- He and Eric were close, I believe.
- Thank you. We will.

I was wondering if you could ask one
of your doorkeepers to show my sergeant round,

give her a feel of how you run the show here.
She'd find it most interesting.

Of course. Oh, Deputy Chairman of Committees
Lord Featherstonehaugh

has asked if you'd like to drop into his office,
if you have the time.

I understand you were friends?

- We were at Oxford together.
- Oh! How marvellous.

- Is... is that...
- Thank you, Black Rod, for your assistance.

It's much appreciated.

It's not like I'm jumping the agenda!

That is exactly what you're attempting to do.

All I'm asking is five minutes for the committee
to consider revising Para 43...

The agenda's been finalised,
as my memo clearly stated.

Mr Cramond? I'm Detective Inspector Lynley.
This is Detective Sergeant Havers.

- We wanted to talk to you about Eric Ramsey.
- Er, yes. Yes, of course. If you'll excuse us...

It's terrible news, Inspector. Eric was...
Well, he was a decent man.

How can I be of help?

I should explain that the Trade Subcommittee
meets in ten minutes.

- Er, we'll try not to keep you.
- How well did you know Eric?

Er... We first met as youngsters. Teenagers.

We lost touch when I went to university.

I hadn't seen him for... ooh, 30 years
when he started working here.

Had he been frustrated or anxious at all recently
about anything?

No.

Had he spoken to you of any threats
or enemies?

- No.
- Would he have done?

Eric and I have...

Had known each other for many years.

Although he was a doorkeeper,
long hours in the House,

it does breed a certain... camaraderie.

But we were very different people, Inspector.

- I'll raise it with the Chairman.
- We've got to get Para 43...

Excuse me, Mr...?

Tim Sadler, special advisor
to the EU Trade Committee.

How well did you know Eric Ramsey?

Not that well. Eric was a good bet
for a bit of banter to lighten the day, you know.

Gets a bit Dickensian in here.

Protocol is everything.
Implementation - forget about it.

- What about Mr Cramond?
- I work with him.

- But he was a good friend of Eric's.
- He was. They had a bit of set-to, I heard.

Really? What about?

Word gets around.
Gossip's pan of the fabric here.

- Lord Asherton.
- Tamworth.

- I hear you're after a guided tour, sir.
- Not me. I shan't be joining you,

but my sergeant here
would love to take you up on your offer.

- I'd be delighted. This way, ma'am.
- Erm...

"It is forbidden for beggars, vagrants,
itinerant musicians

and females of doubtful reputation

to enter these premises."

In your case, we'll make an exception, ma'am.
Come this way.

What is it you actually do

when you're not fending off females
of doubtful reputation?

Doorkeepers are the oil that runs the machine,
ma'am.

House security, carrying messages
for and between the members,

keeping order in the galleries and committees...
We're everywhere! The all-seeing eye.

Others might think they have the power,

but we have the keys to the castle.

Shall we go?

This way, sir.

- Lynley!
- Simon.

How the hell are you?

- Well, thank you.
- What is it, 15, 20 years?

- Mm, must be.
- Amazing.

We were at the same college in Oxford.
Laetitia Gane, Thomas Lynley.

- How do you do?
- It's a pleasure.

- Best count your fingers. A persuader.
- Thanks for the Parental Guidance label!

Your silver tongue can work dangerous miracles
unless I'm very vigilant.

Laetitia here is a lobbyist
for an American contractor.

A "going places" kind of a girl.

Where I'm going depends
on the miracles I can work,

which depends on your committee
reaching the right decision.

It's extremely gracious of you to pretend
that politicians still have a measure of influence.

- Now you're being ridiculous.
- I'm sure I am.

Sit, Sit.

Tommy here is something of a high-flyer himself

Oh, nothing compared to your dizzy heights.

We're window-dressers. Nothing more, Tommy.

Fairies on the global corporations'
large and deliciously lucrative cake.

Hm!

Dreadful thing, about old Eric.

Good man, good man.

- Married now, I hear.
- Yes, I am.

Proved a harder catch than me!

And how is Pippa?

As expensive as ever

and has, so far, ushered in two very sweet
and even more expensive children.

- Have you?
- No, afraid not.

Well... Amazing.

- Look, I really ought to...
- Do drop in again, if you're passing.

- We'll sink a few gins.
- Perhaps.

Good to see you.

Bye.

Give my regards to erm...

- Helen.
- Helen.

- It's actually pretty impressive.
- It's meant to be.

Why did Eric and Geoffrey Cramond fall out?

- I don't know, ma'am.
- There must have been a few mutters.

I thought this place ran on gossip.

"Hear no evil, see no evil." That's me, ma'am.

- You might try the Aldbury.
- What's that?

- It's a club they used to drink in.
- What, a social club?

Yes, basically, but it likes to pretend
it's a out above. Some of the staff are members.

Those that fancy lording it about a bit
themselves. Clerks... mainly.

OK. That's two people
who said that Cramond and Eric had a bust-up.

Yet Mr Cramond failed to mention it to us.

- What are you up to tonight?
- Er, well...

I was thinking we could go to the club
the doorkeeper mentioned, the...

- Aldbury.
- That's the one. We'll go in low key.

I'll buy the first round.

I take it you haven't heard from Helen.

No. Why?

You don't really need me, do you?

- If you've got a more pressing engagement...
- As a matter of fact, I do.

I do occasionally manage
a glimpse of a social life, you know.

Yes. Yes, of course. Sorry.

- Inspector...
- Lynley.

- David Thompson.
- Very pleased to meet you.

Sorry to leave you on your tod.
What's that? Scotch?

- Irish, actually.
- Ah. Step into my office.

Bit of privacy.

When was the last time Eric visited the club?

I don't know. Er... Last week sometime, I think.

Had you known him long?

We were mates since before our navy days.

I'd get in trouble, he'd get me out of it.

- What kind of trouble?
- Oh, the young sailors' kind.

More spit than polish, know what I mean?
Well past that.

Did you ever return the favour
and get him out of trouble?

Well, it would be wrong to say
that no such thing was unknown.

- Serious trouble?
- Mm? No, no. Oh...

...there was a time in some filthy basement hole
in Macau,

where Eric lost his shore pay.

Very handy with a blade, your Chinese.

Nothing we couldn't handle.

I... Actually, I meant more recently.

He did bring a girl here.
I had a talk with him about it.

Not that it was ever going anywhere.

Who was she?

One of your clones. Professional political types,

all sharp suits
and an eye on the next opportunity.

The kind that Eric and Cramond
came here to get away from, I thought.

- What was her name?
- Something posh,

foreign-sounding. It'll be in the club register.

Nice-looking girl, though.

Too young and fast for him!

Ah! Laetitia.

Were they having an affair?

He'd be making a bloody fool of himself
if they were. Never saw her again.

Did Marie know about it?

He'd have been kipping round mine, if she had.

Hi. May I erm...

Er, what?

- Martin.
- on!

Am I your first?

No, erm... What?

Oh! Yes, erm...

Yeah, I suppose.

Erm...

Er, I am not... Er, I don't...

- Oh, Barbara.
- Hi.

That's a shame.

- Well, maybe... maybe we...
- Can I have a go?

I'll... I'll be gentle.

Um... Er... Sorry.

- Ow!
- Oh... Sorry.

I think it's... it's...

- Oh!
- Ouch!

- Oops.
- Erm...

Thank you.

How long have you known Geoffrey Cramond?

Since I was a youngster. Sea Cadets.

That's where we all hooked up.

Geoffrey was... Petty Officer, of course.

I was never made out for officer material, myself

I understand that he and Eric
had a bit of a falling-out recently.

Yeah, well, chalk and cheese, that pair.

Oh, Geoff's a diamond bloke,
straight as they come.

Mainly because he's got a poker
stuck up his jacksie most of the time!

He can be a right pain.

- What was the argument about?
- Something to do with work.

They got very worked up about it.

I don't know. Eric probably wound him up.

Recommended me for the manager's job,
Eric did.

I was in a bit of slump, and he pulls me out.

Huh! He sets me straight.

Mates, you see.

- What was Eric's connection with the club?
- He'd been a member for years.

He was the treasurer.

Always had a keen eye for the pennies, did Eric.

I checked out Bellamy's alibi.

The old woman he visited after Marie
reckons he only stayed ten minutes.

If he didn't get home till half eleven,
that's over an hour missing.

- Push him on it. What are these?
- You were right about Thompson.

He's got a record. Demoted twice in the Navy
for violent behaviour.

Never got beyond lead rating.

And when he was discharged,
he served three years for GBH.

- What are the details on that one?
- Some bloke owed him money.

Thompson went round,
beat lumps out of him till he paid up.

Any news from the Marine Support Unit?

Yeah. If time of death was around 10:30,

they reckon the body was carried
two miles up the river by the tide.

- Our divers are searching here for the weapon.
- Good.

It's our one chance
of getting any meaningful forensics.

Is that the Aldbury Club?

Yeah. Thompson would have had
ready access to the river.

Right. First off, I want to talk to Cramond

about this argument he didn't even
mention having with Eric!

- How did it go last night?
- What?

- Well, the big night out.
- Oh, that. Er, yeah... great.

No, that'll have to wait
till the preliminary draft.

- Yes, Mr Cramond.
- Thank you.

- What was the argument about?
- Er... It was nothing. Petty disagreement.

Significant enough for your friends and
colleagues to mention it, but not you. Why not?

Didn't seem important.

David Thompson told me
it was related to your work.

Er... I suppose it was.

A matter of procedure.
Papers that should've been delivered... were not.

- What papers?
- Internal papers. Just... committee business.

They were recovered, of course,
but... I have certain responsibilities.

Where were you between 9:30 and 11 o'clock
on Tuesday night?

- What do you mean?
- Simple enough question, Mr Cramond.

Er... Well, I was on my way home
and erm... at home.

Can anyone verify that?

I don't know.

I live alone. I'm not sure.

I suggest you make sure.

After all, you do have your responsibilities
to consider.

Gentlemen...

- So how did the client react?
- I'm not equipped with your persuasive powers.

- They don't stretch that far!
- Politics is war, Laetitia.

And war is politics with bloodshed.

So if it is war, pick the side
with the biggest tanks.

- Is that your working principle?
- Isn't it yours?

- Mr Sadler?
- Yes, Sergeant...

- Havers.
- What can I do for you? Sorry, Laetitia Gane.

Yeah, I know. They... said you'd be here.

Excuse me.
How well did you know Eric Ramsey?

As well as I know most of the doorkeepers.

Oh. So they all take you for drinks to their club?

Well... no, they don't.

But you went with Ramsey.

- Yes.
- Because...?

Because he asked me.

He's a nice old man. Friendly.
A gent - and I don't meet many of those.

Oh, thanks very much!

- Were you having an affair?
- No, we were not.

It was one time, one drink.

I mean, he might have fancied me,
but no, no way!

I'm running late, so... if you'll excuse me.

I'll be in touch.

Were they?

I mean, I don't know, but... I don't think so.

You don't seem sure.

Well, there did seem to be
a bit of a "spring-autumn" thing going on,

if you know what I mean. Harmless, though.

Is that what you believe,
or is that what you would like to think?

Maybe a bit of both.

- I understood your inquiries were to be discreet.
- And so they are.

Well, perhaps your definition of discretion
differs from mine.

This is not a museum, Inspector. Nor is it a public
gallery, despite what people seem to think.

This is a place of extremely serious business.

Now, if you want
a general overview of committees,

I suggest you talk to Christine Miller.
She's deputy counsel of committees.

Thank you.

So what about Cramond?

Oh, yes. Sorry about that.

I seem to be immune to it now.

We were promised an office in the new building,
but that doesn't seem to have happened.

The pay's a pittance, too.

Why do you work here?

My speciality's international law
and, well, this is one of the places it happens.

It isn't always about money, is it?

Be nice if it wasn't.

Cramond's territory
is the EU Trade Affairs Committee

and like most clerks, he's fiercely possessive.

- And if papers went missing...
- He'd scorch earth finding them.

Papers do occasionally go astray. They usually
turn up, but Cramond would take it personally.

He does seem to take his role rather seriously.

Clerks do.

To be fair, Featherstonehaugh does have
a tendency to throw his toys out of the pram

if things don't run the way he thinks they should.

- Simon Featherstonehaugh?
- The committee chair. Do you know him?

- Oxford.
- Bet he was an arrogant little sod there, too!

He was, actually.

Thought so.

Eurgh, sorry. Cappuccino next time. My treat.

- I don't believe it. Tommy! How fantastic.
- Pippa, lovely to see you.

So much more interesting
than my terribly earnest clients.

- And your terribly dull husband.
- Only when you're working, darling.

Oh, where have you been hiding all these years?

- I told you he was lurking around the place.
- But... I'm sure not "lurking

- How's the investigation going?
- We're making progress.

Dirty work... but someone's got to do it.

- Could say the same for you.
- Huh! Idealism is the despot of thought, Tommy.

As politics is the despot of will,
to complete the Bakunian quotation.

Ha! You always had a... retentive memory.

Don't be so boring, the pair of you!

I was so sorry to hear about you and Helen.
I'm sure you must have made a lovely couple.

- I didn't know you...
- Oh, Helen and I go way back!

I hadn't met her for ages, then I met her
at a landmines fundraiser last week

looking fantastic, I must say.

- Good.
- I mean, it's so hard to move on, isn't it?

One can get so bogged down
when something like that happens,

but she really was in fine form, I thought.

But... you're looking tired to me.

- Must be all the lurking I've been doing.
- Tommy!

You must come to dinner! How about Friday?

- I don't know if I can...
- No, no, no. Really, you must. I insist.

- I'll check my diary.
- I insist.

All Eric's other bank accounts
were joint accounts with Marie.

He opened that one six months ago
in his own name - the savings account.

Large amounts going in and out.

Yeah, two deposits totalling 15 grand
in the last two weeks.

Where does the doorkeeper
at the House of Lords get that kind of money?

They're all on services pensions.
That doesn't amount to much.

"He always had a keen eye for the pennies."

Do you think he was having an affair
with Laetitia?

She was adamant they weren't.

If they were, it would give Marie motive.

She is a bit of a Christian soldier
for murder, isn't she?

Let not the Cross blind you to sin, Havers.

What is that, the Bible?

Experience.

Oh, right.

- I didn't know this account even existed!
- Well, that's a lot of money coming in and out.

And there's also a regular payment here
to a loan company.

I see it.

Told me he'd paid it off.

Erm... Paid what off?

He got involved in this pyramid scheme thing.

You know, "Recruit your friends
and make a packet."

By the time I found out about it,

he owed a fortune, and all he had to show for it
was a garage full of Vitamin B!

He... he gambled, too.

Cards, horses, dogs... Whatever came along.

A bet's a bet.

It could be... difficult.

Erm... Does the name Laetitia Gane
mean anything to you?

Is she what Eric was hiding?

Were they having an affair,
or am I barking up the wrong tree?

I don't think your attitude
is very sensitive, Sergeant.

You and Marie seem... pretty close.

I try to give... what solace I can.

- I bet you do.
- What's that supposed to mean?

I spoke to the old woman you visited
the night Eric was murdered.

- Ivy?
- Yeah, Ivy.

She said that you stayed ten minutes.

- She gets confused.
- She seemed pretty convinced to me.

I'm sure she did. She's also convinced
that her daughter brings her meals on wheels.

Her daughter died four years ago.

Ivy is in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

Oh. I see.

Is that her?

Take it. I don't want that filth in my house.

He swore, no more secrets!

Before God, he swore it.

Do you think he was trying to finance
the affair with Laetitia?

She seems like the Bond Street presents type
to me!

- How long had it been going on?
- Marie reckons he'd been secretive

for the last few months, for about as long
as the money was coming in.

Look at these! She must have been
in her late teens, early twenties.

- Maybe he knew her from before the Lords.
- Maybe that's what he was paying her for.

Photographs of her as a young woman.
Obsessed.

- How did Marie react?
- Oh, she is an angry woman.

Sir, we've got something.

Look after that, will you? Thanks.

Right.

Here and here... blood.

Somebody could easily back a car
up to the end of that alley without being noticed.

Down here, sir!

Here, look at what the divers found.

Lafferty was absolutely right.
We'll get that tested immediately.

There are no pubs or bars
for checking out potential witnesses.

No, but the Aldbury Club
is only a quarter of a mile away. Come on.

There's two.

No... They don't cover the entrance.

That does.

- Stop. Ramsey?
- Yeah.

So he was at the Aldbury Club that night.

Who's that with him? Thompson?

Possibly. Looks like Thompson lied.

Can you get that enhanced?

Why did Eric Ramsey come to the Aldbury Club
on the night of his murder?

He didn't.

- Recognise this?
- Club register.

What about this?

Eric's signature.

What was Eric Ramsey doing
at the Aldbury Club on the night of his murder?

- We were discussing club policy.
- You're out of practice, David.

- What do you mean?
- Lying to the police.

How much did that bloke owe you?

The one you beat to a pulp?

I deserved the time I did, and I regret it.

Not as much as he does, I imagine.

I had a problem, all right? Out of control.

- Is that what happened with Eric?
- No.

- What time did you get home?
- Some time after 11.

- Can you prove it?
- I doubt it.

Eric had been depositing
large amounts of money into his bank account.

- Where did that money come from?
- I've no idea.

Do I have to get a warrant
to search the club's accounts?

You'll do whatever you bloody please,
like coppers always do!

I was doing him a favour.

What kind of favour?

He was skimming from the club.

- What did he think, I'm a total moron?
- Maybe that's why he got you the job.

- Did you tell the police?
- Look, we was mates.

Some things you just don't do.

I wanted to give him a chance
to put the money back.

- Why did he take it in the first place?
- Debts.

I occasionally run a poker game
between friends.

Your club doesn't have a gaming licence.
You could lose your job, face prosecution.

And you're getting on a bit
for Wormwood Scrubs.

Is that what Eric threatened to do,
when you confronted him?

- Expose your illegal gambling racket?
- No!

So you killed him, hm?

No, I did not!

- What do you think?
- We know he's capable of it.

- How did Bellamy's alibi hold up?
- Oh... Well, he might have one,

if Ivy knew what day of the week it was.
What about Cramond?

He was very evasive about his argument
with Eric, but he's still in the picture.

And then, there's Laetitia.

As a student, Laetitia was convicted of both
a public-order offence and keeping a brothel.

- What? Well, that might explain the photos.
- Nothing too big. Just herself and a friend.

Community service and a fine.

Yeah, but if Eric knew about it,
he could've been blackmailing her.

I'm not a policy maker.
I'm not making recommendations.

All I'm looking to achieve today is to put
the most accurate information, the facts,

at your disposal.

Thank you.

Cogent, clear and commendably brief.

- Not too hard sell, I hope.
- You can be sure we'll read this with interest.

- Thank you, Laetitia.
- Thank you.

- Tommy! Not still stalking your killer, are you?
- I'm afraid so.

Wouldn't be surprised if Lord Ainscough
didn't carry a switchblade up his sleeve!

- Lynley...
- Ha! What can I do for you?

Actually, we're here to see Miss Gane.

- Really?
- If you'll excuse us...

Er, of course, of course.

- Miss Gane...
- Inspector.

- I understand you know Sergeant Havers.
- How can I help you?

How well did you know Eric Ramsey
before he asked you to the Aldbury Club?

As long as I've been working at the House.
18 months.

Are you sure you didn't know him
longer than that?

I don't think so, no.

Can you explain why he had these photographs
in his possession?

How did you... Where did you...

Are they related to your conviction
for prostitution?

- Not here.
- Here's fine.

Unless you'd rather come down the station.

No, no.

These are from a long time ago, a different life.

- Your life.
- Yes. Yes, I got into debt at uni. Big debt.

It was the first time away from home.
I went a bit wild.

You're telling me!

I've never been hung up about my body,
Sergeant, or sex.

Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad.
Sometimes, it's just sport.

People want it and they're prepared to pay.

All I was doing was meeting a market need.
It was practically work experience!

If you're safe, selective...

I mean, it's... it's not nice,
but it's not exactly gutting chickens either.

- And the money's better.
- So Eric Ramsey was a client?

One of my regulars.

Never more than that. I had strict rules.

Why did he want these?

I'm sure you can guess, Inspector.
He paid for them.

Did you continue to see him?

No! That life ended
the moment I paid off my debts.

Plus a bit of pocket money.

Imagine my delight when I walked in the House
on my first day

and one of my old punters
opened the door for me!

So why did he take you to the Aldbury?
Was he blackmailing you?

No, he wanted to negotiate
a new "financial arrangement".

I said no... in a nice way.
He was an all right bloke.

- But no, no way.
- Where were you on Tuesday night?

Met a friend for a drink, went home.

And what about your... public-order offence?

That was just a student demo.
There was a whole bunch of us.

It's just silly, really. Will that be all?

For the moment.

If Eric was blackmailing Laetitia,

then that'll give her strong motive.

Yeah. Hey, wait a second.

- Look, we've just got to try...
- Mr Sadler?

Sorry. Can I help you at all?

Yes. I believe you work with Laetitia Gane.

- Our paths do cross.
- In what capacity?

She works for a firm
lobbying on behalf of an American company

interested in the workings of the committee.

They're pitching for business
and she is the mouthpiece.

- And if she's successful?
- Next rung up the ladder.

Which would be...

An extremely lucrative posting in the States,
I should imagine.

- Laetitia's a very ambitious woman.
- Politically or financially?

Financially. Most disappointed idealists
end up following the profit, don't they?

- She doesn't strike me as an idealist.
- We all have a burst of youthful fervour.

Some of us manage to hang on to it.
Others don't.

- How did she get into politics?
- University, I think. Is that all? I've got to...

- Of course.
- Thanks.

Do you fancy a drink? Oh... you've got your date.

- How did you know I had a date?
- What you said. I just assumed...

Oh, you did, did you?
Well, as it happens, I do have a date tonight.

- Who's the lucky man?
- Oh, he's erm... I can't remember his name.

Erm... I joined one of those dating agencies.

- Really?
- What?

- Just..."really?"
- Well, I pay good money for it.

Well, I just thought
sometimes it would be nice to...

Well, it's easy for you.

- Is it?
- Well, it could be.

- Have you phoned Helen yet?
- No.

- What do you think?
- Mm. Seems nice enough.

Yeah, well, I'd better not be late.

- No, no. Off you go.
- I'd better go. See you.

So, what's it like, being a cop?

Er... Well, it's what I do, you know?

- Well, sometimes...
- Yeah, yeah. Wicked!

- What kind of music are you into?
- Erm... Well, you'll probably laugh, but...

Well, I'm pretty eclectic myself.
I like to mix it up, yeah?

I do a bit of DJing myself, actually,
at this really cool little bar.

You should come!

- You'd love it.
- Well, I don't think that Buddy...

You ever been travelling?
I went to Peru last year.

Well, kind of a holiday, really,
but wicked, you know?

Amazing people! Like, really cool! Huh!

So, er... I was thinking
maybe you want to come back to mine, yeah?

No pressure. Just to... chill a bit.

Get to, like, really know each other.

Er...

You know what, mate?
You know, thanks for the drink but erm...

...you should really learn to listen a bit more.

Good night.

Oh, morning!

Have a pleasant evening?

Any luck?

Before...

...and after - the enhanced image.

Cramond.

I take it your date
wasn't quite what you'd hoped for?

- Let's just say he wasn't my type.
- Ah. Would you do it again?

Well, I've paid the money.
Gets me out the house.

Mr Cramond?

Mr Cramond! Mr Cramond?

Mr Cramond hasn't yet come in this morning,
Inspector.

You cannot hector the House staff. There
have been rumblings from Their Lordships.

Mr Cramond is a suspect
in a murder investigation.

Nevertheless, there are repercussions.

Before long, some snuffling newshound
will get wind of your investigation

and the media will then...

Oh, sorry.

Erm... I'll take it out... Sorry.

As I was saying, it is only a matter of time
before the media...

Sorry.

- Sir, I think you'd better take this.
- Excuse me. Hello.

What? Yes.

- What have we got?
- I'm late for court Sorry.

- This is a murder, Lafferty!
- Well, similar MO to the last time.

I'll get you your report as quickly as possible.
You're not the only body in town.

Oh, mine's a hot and spicy
with pineapple and mushroom.

- Practical bloody transport!
- Can you turn him over, please?

- Is that the same knot?
- Yep.

SOCO says there were no blood traces found
in Cramond's flat. He wasn't killed there.

The stereo and TV are missing,

but the only fingerprints they found
belonged to Cramond.

Whoever broke in wrecked the place,
but was careful enough to use gloves.

- Yeah.
- Fibres?

Nothing immediately suspicious.

A lot of trouble to go to
for some electrical goods.

What if he was mugged, he tells them he's got
cash at home, they threaten him, go too far?

Or perhaps they witnessed the murder

and then get the ID from the body,
take the opportunity to rob the flat?

Or... coincidence? No, me neither.

Oh, look at this! Laetitia Game's public-order
offence wasn't just another student demo.

She was in one of those extremist
anti-globalisation groups.

- Before her dramatic conversion to the dollar.
- I wonder what the comrades think of that!

The wrists were tied with the same knot,
like you said,

and the pattern to the contusions and abrasions
was similar but more extensive and pronounced.

Hard enough to cause intramuscular bleeding.
The guy took a real beating.

- But how was he killed?
- Web', not with a hammer.

Cause of death was myocardial infarction.

The guy's arteries were like fatty black pudding.
High cholesterol.

He was getting on, so...
Me? I'm in my prime.

- It was a heart attack?
- Well, brought on by the stress of the attack.

It still makes it murder.

Well, that's your job, isn't it?

All we do here is... slice and dice.

So both murder victims
were tied and beaten first?

That's the same MO
as Thompson's GBH conviction.

Thompson had the motive to kill Eric.
Go to the Aldbury Club and check out his alibi.

What about you?

Most important thing to Cramond was his work.

For an insight into his drives and motivations,
that's a good place to start. I'll give you a lift.

Cramond's role as a clerk
was, quite simply, to run the committee.

- Which involved}
- Coordinating schedules,

compiling minutes, collating and
disseminating evidence and agendas,

drafting summary reports
in liaison with Counsel's office...

Chairing the thing's a breeze, by comparison.

All I have to do is turn up.

What's the committee's remit?

Economic and financial affairs
and international trade within the EU,

import-export issues, that sort of thing.
Tidying up slack drafting, as much as anything.

Two good men dead.

What's this all about, really, Tommy?

I was rather hoping you might help me with that.

Sorry to let you down.

Legislation is a hard
and surprisingly tedious slog.

We are somewhat shielded from
the grimmer realities of life beyond the gates.

- Now, dinner.
- Oh. Well, actually, I...

7:30 for 8:00 suit?

- Yes, of course.
- Jolly good.

Thompson was at the club till 8:30
and then he claims he went straight home.

- So he's still in the frame.
- He says he had a visit from a plumber

around the time of death.

- Corroborate it, will you?
- Yes, sir.

So, er, do you have...
another assignation planned for this evening?

Well, it's just a date. It's no big romance.

Never say never, Havers.

- Oh, erm, sir...
- Yeah?

It's nothing, really. I'm sorry. It's just...

Well, I've got this feeling I'm being watched.

Probably another admirer.

Well, no. It's not that. It's just...

Well, tonight there was this guy...

- I could've sworn...
- Are you OK?

- Yeah.
- Havers?

No, I'm fine. I've just been on my own
too long, I think. Be talking to the walls next!

Well, erm... Have a good evening.

Yep. Good night.

Night.

- Tommy, you are appalling. So rude!
- I'm sorry. Work.

You need to indulge yourself a little... or a lot!

- Now, Joanna you know.
- Hello.

- Sarah Longley and her fiancé Sanjeev.
- Hi.

Rachel Curran, the notorious TV journalist.

- Pleased to meet you.
- And Joseph Frady.

Joe thinks he's pitching for business,

but I'm afraid he's going to find
this is a purely social event.

Marvellous.

So, what brings you to London?

My company is hoping
to persuade Simon and his committee

- that the future lies with Mercury Aeronautics.
- It's not my committee, Joe, as you will see.

Is that an indication of its intentions?
- It's a reminder that any attempt to influence it

would be like politely asking
a herd of rampaging buffalo to turn left.

They go where they will.

- All I do is record the direction.
- I'm sure you underestimate your powers.

Hah! Well, that would be a first.

- You know Simon from Oxford, don't you?
- Yes.

- What did you study?
- History.

First-class honours, of course. Swot!

What made a first-class-honours graduate
of Oxford University join the police force?

- Good question.
- Some of us want to make a difference,

- don't we, Tommy?
- Something like that.

The public-service ethic is deeply ingrained
in the English aristocracy.

It's why we're all broke, of course.

- You're hardly knocking on the workhouse door!
- Oh, it's all on tick.

In my experience,
public service is grossly undervalued.

A London bobby's financial lot
is not a happy one, I imagine.

I'm adequately rewarded for the job that I do.

Nothing, compared to what you could get
in the private sector.

Perhaps not.

The sky's the limit for those who know how
to capitalise on their opportunities.

- I'm sure that's true.
- The real question is

whether you can recognise and act
on that opportunity, if it presents itself.

Can you, Inspector?

I think that rather depends on the nature
of that opportunity.

You'd better not be talking business!
Especially not your business. Far too gruesome.

Sorry.

Oh, damn...

- Had any more of those weird feelings of yours?
- What?

Oh! No. No.

- What made you think of it?
- Nothing. Just...

The way this bloke looked at me.

I should be flattered, really.
I don't know. It's just me being paranoid.

I wonder.

What connections have we got
between the two victims?

Erm... Well, they both worked
for the House of Lords.

They were both friends, but they fell out.
Something to do with the job.

Yeah. A few days later, they were both dead.

Perhaps that argument
wasn't such a petty quarrel.

- Do you actually know what it was about?
- Mislaid papers, apparently.

Documents relating to the committee
that Cramond was particularly conscien...

conscientious about.

What?

So Eric hands the documents to Cramond.

And he knew that the papers had been stolen
from the Lords, that Eric had stolen them.

That's why they're arguing. He wants them back.

Why did Eric steal them, in the first place?

He needed cash to pay off his debts.
If somebody else wanted them badly enough,

- he'd sell them.
- Yeah, but he gave them to Cramond.

Cramond's flat... wasn't burgled at all.
It was searched.

We've got a box of stuff from Cramond's flat
in the Evidence Room.

- There's nothing obviously related to the Lords.
- Maybe they found what they were looking for.

Yeah, and probably killed Cramond.

Well, no, because if they knew he was dead,

they wouldn't need to cover their tracks
and make it look like a burglary.

OK. So... they knew what they were doing.

Yeah, they certainly did.

Special Branch? If it's something to do
with the Lords, they might be interested.

If the Branch wanted to keep tabs
on our investigation,

they'd throw their weight about.
I'd object, but they'd win the argument.

Some other branch of National Security, then.

Whoever it is, we now have to assume

they know where we've been
and who we've spoken to.

They've probably even been through our files.

OK, so what do they want?

The document that Eric gave to Cramond.

- But we're investigating a murder.
- That document might be the key.

Documents have been misappropriated?

I must ask you to inform Lord
Featherstonehaugh as committee chair,

- at the very least.
- I'm afraid that won't be possible.

You realise I'm under enormous pressure
to make a statement to the press

regarding your investigation?

I understand that. It doesn't change my position.

Then I cannot possibly allow you access
to highly sensitive government papers

- without a more detailed explanation.
- The nature of my investigation precludes that.

What's so important
about these particular documents?

I'd like to find out.

Very well. I'll grant you two hours' access
to the committee files.

You'll be supervised throughout that time

and in no circumstances
must any of those papers leave the building.

- Is that understood?
- Absolutely. Thank you.

These are all the documents that came
into the committee office in the last month.

Thank you, Mr Tamworth.
What are we looking for?

- What's missing.
- Ah. Is that all?

- No. You've got two hours.
- What?

What are you gonna do?

- Like a nice cup of tea?
- I think I'm gonna need it.

Thank you, Mr Tamworth.

I've told you already,
it's been cleared by Black Rod's office.

This is not something you need to worry about.
Thank you.

OK.

- What was all that about?
- Oh, Black Rod.

18th-century costume,
18th-century grasp of the media!

Wasn't that when the press won the right
to report parliamentary proceedings?

Something I think he'd consider to be
a very bad decision!

What can I do for you?

You said Laetitia works for a lobbying firm.
Which firm?

Bell Regis Public Affairs.

What company do they represent
at the moment?

Well, their main client is Mercury Aeronautics.

- The American firm?
- That's right.

Oh, sorry. I'll let you go.

Thanks. Sorry, it's all kicking off today.

Hi. Yep. Yeah, I'm on my way.

It's... it's not looking good.
This is the third pile I've been through.

- Mr Tamworth?
- Yes, ma'am?

- Could I have another cuppa?
- Yes, it's about that time again!

- How do you take yours, sir?
- White, no sugar, thank you very much.

So... what is it?

It's the dossier of a defence system
made by Mercury Aeronautics.

But the page count doesn't match
the cover sheet. There are seven pages missing.

- What are they about?
- I don't know,

but the cover sheet has the original circulation
lists to Cramond, Tim Sadler

and... Viscount Feather-stone-haugh,
whoever that is.

It's "Fanshaw".

That's not how it's spelt.

It's pronounced that way - by convention,
I suppose.

It's stupid.

Doorkeepers have access
to every room in this building.

- That would make me Sergeant Hay-harse!
- They know who's done what,

who they did it to and
if they're gonna do it again.

That would make you Inspector La-la!

Thank you.

Sorry.

It would be perfectly easy
for Eric to steal these pages,

but he would have had to have known
their significance.

Cramond would've handled every single paper
related to committee business. He'd know.

- If we find these pages, we find our motive.
- But we're not the only ones looking.

Print.

- Oops!
- Oh, sorry. Let me help you with that.

- You got those, sir?
- Yeah.

Ah! Oh, I don't suppose
there's any chance of biscuits, is there?

Biscuits, ma'am? Of course.

OK.

- Miss Miller?
- Inspector. How nice to see you.

And you.

What is it you need to know?

There are seven pages missing.

I want to know what they're about.

These papers are classified, strictly speaking.
How did you come across them?

- I'd rather not say.
- Very cloak and dagger!

It really is quite stunning, isn't it?

- Easy enough to forget that.
- Mm. Swallowed up in our jobs,

what we think our lives are...
we miss so much.

- Shall we walk?
- Why not?

This document is background to an important
decision the subcommittee have to make.

- A simple choice.
- Between what?

There's a defence contract up for grabs.
A guidance system.

- Sounds expensive.
- Billions.

Two contractors are in the running:
one European and one American.

- Is that a delicate decision?
- A political decision.

Whisper is, it's going
to our European neighbours.

In these troubled times,
we need all the friends we can get.

It's Featherstonehaugh's job
to nudge the committee

in the direction the government favour,

though I'd be surprised
if he put his shoulder to the wheel.

- Why?
- Politics is simpler than you think.

It all boils down to money, one way or another.

The findings on the report
of the American system are not here.

That's what's on your missing pages.

Really? Thank you.

- Thank you. You've been most helpful.
- My pleasure.

Here.

I still owe you that cappuccino.

Good night, Inspector.

- Thank you. I'll see you later.
- Thank you, Miss Gane.

Good morning, Inspector.
What can I do for you?

What happens to Mercury Aeronautics
if they get the defence contract?

- They get rich.
- What happens to you?

- I get a bonus.
- In what form?

Cash, some shares...
and a transfer to Washington.

- Really?
- America's still where it's at, globally speaking.

In spite of your... colourful past?

What do you mean?

If I wanted a lucrative American posting,

I don't imagine a history of anti-capitalist activism
would count in my favour.

Tell me, are you still in contact
with your comrades?

No, I am not.

The most radical revolutionary becomes
a conservative the day after the revolution.

Or, in your case, at the first glimpse
of an expense account.

- What do you want?
- Did Eric Ramsey offer to sell you documents

about the committee's decision
on the defence contract?

- No.
- Did you know he had them?

No.

What's Featherstonehaugh's connection
with Mercury Aeronautics?

- He hasn't got one.
- Then who has?

This is about the brutal murder of two men,
both of whom you knew!

If you have information regarding
my investigation, you must tell me.

Or have you sacrificed moral decency
along with your youthful principles?

Simon Featherstonehaugh hasn't got
a connection with Mercury Aeronautics...

...but his wife has.

Pippa...

I'm not in a position to speculate
on the committee's final recommendation

and you wouldn't expect me to do that.

What I will say is that the process
has been thorough, even forensic, at times

and that, whatever our recommendation,

the country's best interests have been
uppermost in our thoughts.

Thank you.

How can you be sure that personal interests
have played no part in this process?

I think the questioner betrays his lack
of understanding of the committee process.

I would refer you
to the members' declaration of interests.

Our deliberations have been made
in an entirely objective manner.

Now, if you'll excuse me...

What the hell was that in aid of?

I'm developing an interest
in the political process.

Has this interest sprung from the police process?

It seems to have taken on
an unexpectedly personal dimension.

It was always personal with us, Tommy.

- Nothing. Any luck?
- No.

What's our current thinking
on being under constant surveillance?

It needn't necessarily be a government agency.

This is all somehow related to the committee's
decision on the guidance system.

There's billions of dollars at stake here,

and a corporation like Mercury Aeronautics
can afford the best professional assistance.

A private firm?

Security consultants offer a wide spectrum
of services for the right price.

If they were so professional, they would have
found the test report wherever Cramond hid it.

If they'd found that report, they wouldn't need
to keep us under surveillance.

OK.

Eric gave the report to Cramond
and was murdered later that night.

Cramond then knew
the report was worth killing for.

If I was him, I wouldn't want to risk
bringing it home.

I'd want it somewhere safer, somewhere
no-one else knew I had a connection with.

We shouldn't be looking for a hiding place here.

We should be looking for a lead
that takes us somewhere else.

A safety-deposit box?

No, he'd want somewhere
with more immediate access than that.

OK.

Sir, what if we do find it?

I mean, two people
have already been murdered for it.

Sir, Eric's body was dumped in the river
near the Aldbury.

Now, Cramond and he were both members...

...and Thompson was a friend of both of them

and we know that Thompson covered for Eric,
so...

It's a fair cop!

Book him, Danno!

We found this in Cramond's flat.

Huh... Good summer, that.

Won six straight, including Head of the River.

Eric was our bowman.

He caught a crab at the start,
but we rowed right through the lot of them!

Good crew, see?

Me, Eric, Geoff...

Micky Goldberg.

He was the first to go. Cancer.

.93

The boathouse!

Every year, big joke.
Talk about getting on the water!

Every year, we don't.

Why didn't Eric just ask me?

I mean, if he wanted money that bad,

I'd have found it for him somewhere.

Only had to ask.

Didn't have to thieve. Didn't have to lie to me!

It happens a lot these days.

Age, I suppose.

Mates, you know.

Did Geoffrey give you a document to look after?

No. He said he was in trouble.

He needed to hide something.

Eric, I wouldn't have been surprised, but Geoff?
I... I didn't ask any questions.

- Did he tell you where he hid it?
- I told him.

Perfect place. Ideal.

- If you see anything suspicious, call me.
- OK.

What?

Hey, budge UP-

Well?

It's the preliminary evaluation
of Mercury Aeronautics' guidance system.

Got future targets, extended timescales...
Even budgetary modifications.

- Meaning?
- Meaning... it works.

But it'll cost a lot more than anyone imagined.

Who gains by suppressing the report?

- The Americans?
- Yeah...

or anybody connected to the American bid,
to Mercury Aeronautics.

After university, Featherstonehaugh's wife Pippa
spent four years in the States.

Apparently, that's where they met.

At the time, she was working
for GRP McGregor Associates,

which was Mercury Aeronautics'
American PR firm.

Now she's a non-exec director
of their British representatives, Bell Regis.

- Featherstonehaugh?
- It's a connection.

- What is it between you two?
- History.

OK, so Featherstonehaugh
needs the report to disappear.

- He'd never deal with Eric directly.
- No, you're right.

He'd never trust the doorkeeper
to do his dirty work.

He'd want someone closer,
someone with personal loyalty.

Someone... whose ambition
he could use as leverage.

Tim Sadler's the only name
in the circulation list.

On the 13th, Tim Sadler withdrew five grand.

On the 14th, Eric's account
was credited with five grand.

And on the 20th
there was a withdrawal often grand.

On the 21st,
£10,000 was added to Eric's account.

So Eric was blackmailing Sadler,
but did Sadler kill him?

Let's go and ask him.

What I don't get is how Eric persuaded Cramond
not to go to his superiors

when he discovered the test report was missing.

Maybe he did.

Featherstonehaugh?

Sir, what are we doing
once we've brought Sadler in?

- How do you mean?
- This goes way up the ladder.

- Inspector Lynley, what...
- Can we come in?

- It's not very convenient.
- I'm afraid that's beside the point.

...the Imam Ali Shrine. Although he's always
turned away from politics, this time the...

You'd better sit down.

What can I do for you?

As I say, this is really inconvenient.

I've got a meeting,
some people I need to see.

Did Eric Ramsey
offer to sell you some documents?

Documents? What documents?

The test report that jeopardises Mercury
Aeronautics' bid for the defence-contract.

What report? I've no idea what that is.

The report you paid Ramsey £115,000 for.

- Sorry, I don't know what you mean.
- He just kept upping his price, didn't he?

This is ridiculous!

- Is that why you killed him?
- What?

He promised to sell you the report.
When it came to it, he just upped the price again.

I don't know what you're talking about!

Did he threaten you, say he'd go public?

- No.
- You'd lose everything.

- Reputation, career... So you killed him.
- No!

I could see how that might happen.
I mean, you were desperate.

- And what about Cramond?
- You lashed out.

- Tying him up, beating him, torturing him...
- No!

An old man! I mean, that is vicious, cold!

No, I didn't mean to k...

You didn't mean... to kill him?

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

- What do you mean?
- It's a game.

That's what you think.

What it becomes...

- What?
- Power. The getting of it, the keeping of it.

You forget it's about people.

I'm not a murderer. I'm not that man!

But you killed them.

You want to achieve things to get places,
to influence people,

and you think you know what's right,

but then you find that...

I only meant to knock Eric out,

to get the report.

Why did you tie him up
before you threw his body in the river?

I thought it might put you off the scent.

I knew he owed money to that nutter Thompson!

What about Cramond?

He wouldn't tell me where he'd put the report.

I only meant to scare him.
I didn't know he was gonna die on me!

He didn't understand the pressure I was under!

- Who put you up to it?
- What?

Who put you under that pressure?
Who wanted the report to vanish?

I don't know what you mean.

It's Simon Featherstonehaugh, isn't it?

If you cooperate with us,

if you make a full statement,

it'll make a big difference to your trial.

Don't let them make you a scapegoat, Tim.

Tim Sadler, I am arresting you
on suspicion of murder.

You do not have to say anything,
but it may harm your defence

if you do not mention when questioned
something which you later rely on in court...

Thank you.

- Here you go.
- Right.

Sir! The documents have gone.

What was that?

- Here, Joe.
- Cheers, Simon. Cheers.

I told you, sir... Sorry.

It's all right. We're old friends.

- No, we're not.
- Oh, dear. Have we fallen out?

You had Tim Sadler killed, didn't you?

- Pardon?
- Don't be absurd.

I've seen the test report!

- What test report?
- The one you asked Sadler to make disappear.

The one that would've lost your company
the contract.

The report your men killed him for
impersonating police officers!

I run a manufacturing business, Inspector,
not an assassination squad.

- I'm gonna prove otherwise.
- Really? You have proof?

You ought to think very carefully

before making such inflammatory accusations.

The wise man proportions his belief
to the evidence.

Oh, I'll find the evidence.

I very much doubt that.

I know what you've done!

What you think
you know and what you can prove

are very different things.

I'm just clinging to coat-tails here, Tommy.

Real power follows the money.

Erm... I've circulated descriptions
of the two bogus police officers

and details of the car that they used.

We won't find it. We won't find them, either.

You don't know that.
What about Featherstonehaugh?

We've got no evidence against him
and he knows it.

I can't believe Helen would socialise
with a woman like that!

- Who?
- Featherstonehaugh's wife Pippa.

Are you gonna tell Helen about this?

Well, how can I? If those are the people
she chooses to mix with, well...

Erm... I should get going.

Yeah, yeah.
Can't keep your latest beau waiting, can we?

Erm... no. Good night, sir.

Hi. I'm Barbara.

Erm... Hello. Barbara Havers.

Hi. I'm Barbara.

Er... You must be... Stuart.

Erm, Barbara.

Hi, I'm Barbie. Nice to meet you.

Lord Featherstonehaugh
made a statement earlier.

My definition of government policy
would be what is best for the country.

Our role as a committee is to get the best,
most cost-effective solution for taxpayers,

not the government.

We believe the American system
future-proofs us against all possible...