Wycliffe (1994–…): Season 5, Episode 4 - Feeding the Rat - full transcript

[waves crashing]

[theme music]

[waves crashing]

[music playing]

[carabiners jangling]

Hey, Hugh!

Is this magic or what?

[wind whistling]

Yeah.

Ace.

[man screaming]



[man laughing]

[man screaming]

[wave crashing]

[helicopter blades whirring]

[people laughing]

I don't know what you lot've got to laugh about.

I saw it.

And weren't no accident.

I saw it fall.

Arrogant buggers.

Climbers.

They think they own the place.

[ping pong balls hitting]

[chatter]



How are you, Laura?

All right.

Not so bad.

Kids are amazing.

They're being really sweet to me.

Good.

I've known other climbers die, but you never realize

how final it is until it's--

Yes, I know.

When Charlie was shot, and things were touch and go,

I couldn't believe how tired I felt.

Oh, yes.

All the time.

We can manage, if you want take some leave.

Thanks.

Um.

What?

I wondered if your husband might help, actually.

[suspenseful music]

Charlie?

Yes.

It's just-- there's this man that hangs out

at a couple of the pubs where the climbers drink,

and he's been saying things.

I can't sleep as it is.

I can't bear what he's saying.

And what is he saying?

He's saying that Hugh Barrington, who climbed

with Gareth when he fell--

[sobs] --he's saying Hugh killed him.

[telephone trilling]

What are you so happy about?

DI Kersey's been sent to Essex.

He'll be gone for months.

What for?

Internal inquiry.

Investigating allegations of fraud.

A whole team's gone from our force.

Great.

That's all we need, isn't it?

Why are you so pleased?

Well done, Ken.

Hear you've been made up to acting DI

while Mr. Kersey's away, which means I can leave

that little lot to you now.

[telephone trilling]

[liquid trickling]

[wycliffe sighs]

You know, I'm sure it wouldn't be wasting police time.

She says the man's a birdwatcher-- that's

why he was out on the cliffs.

I like Laura. She's a sensible girl.

Will you look into this for me, Charlie?

[solemn music] - What was her boyfriend's name?

Gareth Denton.

OK.

I'll have a word with Vic at the Coroner's Court.

Thanks.

[MUSIC - NIGEL HESS, "WYCLIFFE THEME"]

Charles!

Hello, Vic.

How you keeping?

Fine, thanks.

I heard about your little scrap.

All mended now?

The odd twinge.

GARLAND: What can I help you with?

There's nothing suspicious on at the moment.

It's a climbing accident, eh-- down at Penwith,

a couple weeks ago.

That.

Young chap, wasn't it?

Only in his 30's.

Tragic, but all very straightforward.

Inquest is open and adjourned, order a release for burial.

Yes.

But what would have happened to all his equipment, to his rope?

That always goes to the technical committee

of the British Mountaineering Council.

Should be back any day.

What did you make of Barrington?

Cold fish.

Wouldn't let on that he was upset at all.

But climbers are like that-- it doesn't mean a thing.

It was Barrington who called the rescue services.

You're a generous man, Vic.

You don't judge people in this job.

Grief and guilt take people all ways.

It's the eyes.

You can see the hurt in the eyes.

But not in Barrington's?

Maybe.

But you know, Charles, I've known you for a long time.

You're not over the hill with this yet, are you?

They told me it would take time.

Post-traumatic shock syndrome.

[garland scoffs]

Fancy names they give things now.

WYCLIFFE: Yes.

Skating on thin ice all the time.

I keep trying to make sense of what happened.

But there is none.

I see people in here all the time struggling with it.

If god had meant your name to be on one of these,

that's where you'd be.

Maybe.

It helps to hold onto your faith, Charles.

Each to his own.

Oh, sir--

I checked out Toby Penwarren.

He's known as a birdwatcher.

He's got previous convictions for stealing protected birds'

eggs-- peregrine falcons.

What, he's a collector?

No, he breeds them.

The chicks can sell for 700, 800 quid apiece,

and they nest on the cliffs at Penwith.

You better have a word with him, then.

Sir.

[BELL TOLLING WESTMINSTER CHIMES]

Thanks.

Hi, Hugh.

Hi.

Did eh, Garrett's parents get back

all right after the funeral?

[inaudible] Hugh, I want you to know

that I talked to the head teacher at my school.

Her husband's a policeman, detective.

[solemn music]

Told her about Penwarren.

Why?

I know you were close friends.

I know what happened, but I want to lay it to rest.

Just want someone to shut this guy up.

I'd like to put it all behind me.

Please understand.

No-- of course.

[inaudible]

[loud sobbing]

[birdsong]

[falcon chirps]

What do you want?

[falcon chattering]

HALL: Toby Penwarren?

Yeah?

Detective Constable Hall.

Heh?

That's a peregrine falcon, is it?

I breed 'em.

I'm registered-- it's all legal.

You can see the log books if you like.

How many chicks can you raise from a single pair?

Or did you-- eh, throw in a few wild ones

to make up the numbers?

So what do you want?

I hear you've got a vivid imagination, Toby.

Like to tell stories in the pub.

I've got to feed this bird.

[door creaks]

[metallic clang]

[distant cawing]

This accident-- what did you see?

Nothing.

But you were there, on the cliffs?

Well, I was some distance away, and it was weeks ago.

Right, yeah.

So what happened?

Well, there were two climbers, and one fell off.

HALL: You been saying a lot more than that.

I wasn't watching them.

I was watching the guillemots.

Did you know either of 'em?

Who, Barrington and Denton?

Yeah, I seen 'em about.

- Did Denton slip? - Well, I don't know.

Come on, don't waste my time-- why were you shooting

your mouth off in the pub?

I'd had a few too many, I suppose.

You got some grudge against Mr. Barrington?

(SCOFFS) No!

I don't like him, mind.

I don't like climbers.

Disturb the birds, frighten the chicks.

So you didn't see anything.

No.

I just had too much to drink, that's all.

I saw nothing. - Right.

Well then, keep your trap shut, OK?

[distant telephone trilling]

Yes, sir?

I want to speak to Mr. Wycliffe.

Doug will be gone for months, I should think.

But don't let that influence your decision.

You're entitled to your full maternity benefit.

Whenever you-- yes?

Sorry.

Sir, Hugh Barrington's solicitor's downstairs.

What's he up to?

Better go see.

Good thing you're a hard worker, eh Ken?

Sorry.

Sir.

Why?

Lane will be going on maternity leave soon,

so you'll have two inspectors' work to cover.

[telephone trilling]

Mr. Barrington.

I brought my solicitor.

Mark Kennedy.

How do you do?

Detective Superintendent Wycliffe.

This is Detective Inspector Lane.

I want to make a statement, or whatever it is I have to do.

In connection with what?

Penwarren.

I've heard he's been saying things about the accident.

I have enough grief to deal with without some crazy twitcher

making trouble.

You know Toby Penwarren?

[huffs] He's always having a go at us climbers.

He says we disturb his precious birds or something.

Well, I understand your concern,

but I've no wish to interview you at present.

But that's not good enough.

My client has been accused of murdering a close friend.

He's eager to set the record straight.

Mr. Barrington's already given a statement

to the coroner's officer.

For the time being, that's all that's required.

No. I want this sorted out.

Are you going to stop Penwarren upsetting people?

Perhaps we should discuss this in private.

Do you know anything about climbing?

No.

BARRINGTON: We were on a new route-- the Ice Maiden.

I was at the top of the cliff, and Gareth

was half up the third pitch when he

slipped and fell on his rope.

It meant that he was swaying about,

dragging the rope over the edge of the cliff.

Granite can be pretty rough.

The rope frayed and broke.

He fell.

Would you sit down, please?

How long had you known Gareth Denton?

Hm-- about eight years.

Must be hard for you, then.

Climbing is an unforgiving sport.

Don't need your sympathy-- there's no point whinging when

someone gets hurt in this game.

Did you have any business dealings together?

BARRINGTON: No. Just climbing partners.

And you were friends?

He knew the risks.

Gareth died doing something that he

was totally passionate about-- that is not a tragedy.

It was an accident.

Gareth slipped and fell.

The rope broke.

You should be questioning the rope manufacturers.

The rope is at present undergoing

scientific examination.

It might have got wet when we started out.

Eh, seawater can harm nylon rope.

As it dries out, tiny salt crystals are left inside.

When the fibers stretch under tension,

they can be cut by the crystals.

I see.

Is there anything else you want to know?

Not just at present.

Thank you.

Soon as we've had the report from the technical committee,

we'll be in touch.

You don't know anything about climbing.

If their findings support your account,

that'll be the end of the matter.

You think climbing's about danger.

[grim music]

You're wrong.

It's about something really profound,

about living on the edge.

When you've experienced the greatest exaltation

and exhilaration you can imagine, death doesn't matter.

Not to someone like Gareth.

You have to understand that.

I'll bear that in mind.

Gareth couldn't care less about physical risks--

that's not the point.

It's the demons inside your head you have to fight.

Do you ever feel that?

That the real danger is in here?

If you don't mind, I have other work to do.

I mean, you face danger in your job.

You must've thought about it, being in a situation when

you might die.

When you join the police, you accepted risks,

the same as a climber does.

I know you understand.

(SOFTLY) Understand what?

That it wouldn't really matter if you died tomorrow.

Just knowing what it's like, being out there on the edge,

you keep reliving that moment.

That's all that counts.

The rest are worthless.

[door creaks]

[music swells]

(SOFTLY) I'm fine.

[seabirds calling]

Laura Starkie?

No.

LANE: Is Laura in?

Yes, but she's not in a good way at the moment--

her boyfriend's just died. - Yes, I know.

That's why I'm here. I'm Detective Inspector Lane.

May I come in?

Yes.

Laura's so pleased you're sorting this out.

Come through.

Laura.

This is Detective Inspector Lane.

Hi.

You work with Mr. Wycliffe?

Yes, that's right.

Sit down.

Thanks.

I'm really grateful.

How can I help?

Well, I just need to get some background

information, really, on Gareth and his relationship

with Hugh Barrington.

Oh-- you'd better know.

I live with Hugh.

We've been together a couple of years.

Right.

So you know about the allegation against him.

Yes.

But he saw Mr. Wycliffe yesterday.

He said it would all be sorted out.

They had a really special bond.

You do when you climb hard.

Like blood brothers.

Laura and I, we're just on the sidelines.

How long had they been climbing partners?

About six or seven years.

He used to climb with other people too.

There was something between them,

although you couldn't tell if you were with them.

They used to wind each other up something rotten.

Well, you get very hyped up when you're climbing.

Sometimes you need a partner who'll psych you up just to get

you over a really serious move.

They were always trying to outmaneuver each other.

But it was never serious.

Gareth never minded the things Hugh said,

never took them seriously.

They could both be impossible.

All climbers are.

They can seem really selfish, but it's

just that it takes a lot to stay centered, keep focused.

That's all.

Gareth loved Hugh.

Trusted him with his life.

Feeding the rat, they call it.

Complete addiction to the adrenaline rush

of fear and excitement.

I was just the same.

Dave, unclip the rope first.

Is rock climbing really that dangerous?

Why are you here?

Gareth Denton was a superb climber, a local legend.

He's dead.

You knew him?

Yes.

Nice guy.

Absolutely fearless.

Stupendous technical climber, too.

Doesn't it bother you people when somebody gets killed?

Nature of the obsession, I suppose.

Once you're hooked, nothing else matters.

Jobs, houses, not even women half the time.

What about Hugh Barrington?

You ever climb with him?

No, never.

Good climber, though.

A real hard man, very ambitious, competitive.

In what way?

Not exactly a race.

Eh, It's difficult to explain.

You're after the purest possible experience,

your moves just flowing over the rock, man

and nature in perfect harmony.

But it takes a hell of a lot of determination.

Eh, check that rope.

To hear some climbers talk, you'd think they're

all laid-back hippie types.

Not a bit of it.

Some of them are the most driven, mean, aggressive sods

you'll ever meet.

Is Barrington like that?

Yeah.

Reckon he'd take that as a compliment.

A police officer came to see Laura today.

She was asking about you and Gareth.

So?

If they wanna waste their time.

Well, doesn't it upset you?

What if they think it wasn't an accident?

Look, Gareth's dead.

They're just doing their job.

There's nothing I can do about it.

Oh, but-- please, Hugh.

You must talk to me.

If you don't share things with me--

I've no idea how you feel about all this,

about what's going on.

I thought I told you not to buy the ones with herbs.

[somber music]

Well, that's all there is.

[hugh sighs]

I'm sorry.

Since Gareth died, you've not said one

word to me about how you feel.

You were so close!

I'm tired of being shut out!

You must feel something!

(HARSHLY) What is the point in cooking if you can't

buy the right ingredients?

[pot clatters]

Hugh.

What?

Who led the second pitch on the Ice Maiden?

Gareth did, didn't he?

Made it look effortless.

Magic.

Just sat there singing as I came up.

[sobbing]

[DOOR CLACKS SHUT, SEABIRDS CALLING]

And who's the father?

Eh, that boyfriend she had--

Angus.

Oh yes, I met him.

He seemed very keen.

Are they gonna get married?

No.

She decided that before she knew she was pregnant,

so she's no reason to feel any differently now.

Won't be easy.

WYCLIFFE: She plans to keep on working.

[huffs] I hope she changes her mind.

[quiet knocking]

I'll get it.

Hello, Vic.

Come in.

Morning.

I thought I'd drop this in on my way to work.

Oh, thank you.

Go through.

- Hello, Vic. - Hello, Helen.

Tea?

Please.

Is this the report from the British Mountaineering Council?

GARLAND: Yes-- eh, milk, no sugar!

HELEN: OK.

Yes, they sent Denton's climbing rope off

to some textile expert in Leeds.

Under the microscope, it shows clearly

that a long section of the underside of the rope where it

passed over the edge of the cliff

was dragged and torn just as Barrington said, but not

enough for the rope to break.

But the fibers on the top surface

are fractured in one clean cut.

Not like there would be if they were a bit torn [inaudible]

But-- eh, doesn't nylon rope bear enormous strain?

It can be cut easily when stretched.

That rope broke because it was struck from above.

Maybe by a piece of rock.

Is this evidence firm?

Rock solid.

Excuse the pun.

It's due to the amount of fusion damage,

apparently-- it's all down there in the report,

and he'll appear as an expert witness.

Right.

Thanks, Vic.

GARLAND: Oh, you want to watch out for one clause at the end.

According to the expert, it's still possible that the break

could have happened naturally.

How?

Well, if a rock just happened to fall on the rope.

But there was nothing above the rope.

What could've fallen?

[SURF CRASHING, TABLEWARE CLINKING]

[diners conversing quietly]

Wendy?

Oh, hello.

Hi.

I'm sorry to drag you out.

I had to talk to someone.

That's OK.

I can't talk to Laura.

Don't worry about it.

I was ever so fond of Gareth.

He was a lovely man.

[breath hisses, huffs] Mind you, he was a complete basket case,

really.

Except when he was out on a cliff.

Then it was wonderful watching him.

He was eager, calm, in his element, aware of everything

around him.

Not just the rock, but the air, the sea, everything.

And Hugh?

He's not so easy to understand.

People think that he's really hard,

but he just doesn't show his feelings.

So he's a typical man, then.

Yes.

But sometimes he gets--

[breath hisses] (STAMMERS) He just can't let things go.

It shows in his climbing.

When you get tense, you don't breathe properly.

Your muscles get pumped up.

Your arms and legs feel like lead.

You can't do the moves.

You get so wound up.

I don't know.

[grim music]

I can't believe Hugh would do anything to hurt Gareth.

WYCLIFFE: Goodbye.

[gravel crunching, birdsong]

Don't say anything to Laura yet.

No, of course not.

[huffs] I hope Lucy gives up the job.

Doesn't come back to work after she has the baby.

Having kids never made you want to give up.

Maybe I was wrong.

I'm lucky to be here, lucky that you and the kids are all right.

Yes.

I've dealt with that one.

Oh, Charlie.

No one in the world is ever completely safe.

You of all people should know that.

You've been injured before, you've been threatened before,

and you've managed to make sense of it.

Why is it so hard this time?

I don't know.

[sighs]

[SEABIRDS CALLING, SURF CRASHING]

Was there anything special about that last climb they did?

The Ice Maiden?

Mm.

It was the second ascent of a new route

Gareth and Hugh had pioneered.

It was a kind of obsession with both of them

to find new and complex routes.

They wanted to do a free climb.

What does that mean?

Well, you use nuts and pegs to tie a rope into,

but the aim is to use the natural cracks

and ledges in the rock itself.

That's a free climb.

On the Ice Maiden, the most difficult section

is the second pitch.

The first time they climbed it, Hugh led.

He had to use two points of aid--

had to rest on a couple of pegs.

And this last time?

Gareth led.

He did a free climb.

No points of aid.

But does it really matter?

Surely, as climbing partners, they'd share the credit anyway.

It shouldn't matter, but it's not as pure.

It's not what you aim for--

there's no glory in it.

It would bother Hugh.

This is where some climbers start to psych themselves up--

right here, in the car park.

How's that then?

You're operating at the ultimate pitch of

physical and mental endurance.

You don't deal with the psychological stress,

you climb badly.

Temperament is every bit as important as fitness.

I've watched a little bit of rock climbing and abseiling.

They said it was just a matter of faith,

believing in yourself.

Think they never had any faith at all.

I'm looking forward to having a crack at the Ice Maiden.

That's this stretch of cliff, is it?

No, it's a particular route up the cliff face.

There are several routes up this particular wall,

all named and graded.

Climbers are always looking for a new way up.

This is a good bit?

A climb of stupendous quality.

Serious bit of rock.

Second pitch is a 6B.

[somber music]

Never mind.

[dramatic music, surf crashing]

Doing this for fun has to be insane.

Nah.

You haven't lived, mate.

(ON RADIO) There are three pitches.

Denton was starting on the third pitch when he fell.

I'll drop down to the [inaudible]

and work my way back up to where he was when he fell.

Where would Barrington have been?

HORNBY (ON RADIO): Up there, with you and Luke.

[birdsong]

Morning, Toby.

We've got some evidence to back up your story.

What story?

I told you I didn't see nothing. Now leave me alone.

Oi.

Oi, oi oi oi.

Hey.

I'm warning you, we can come back

here and tear this place apart.

DNA tests on your birds, the lot.

With your previous conviction, you could be banned

from keeping any birds at all.

Look, I just caught something in the corner

of my eye, that's all.

I couldn't swear to it or anything.

What did you see?

I didn't think anything of it at first.

It's like some guy falls off a cliff-- so what?

But I seen that Barrington since,

and it didn't seem like he cared less.

I couldn't get it out my mind.

What was it?

Well, Barrington was on top of the cliff,

and he seemed to raise his hand as if he was hitting

something, and then straight away,

the other one dropped like a stone.

Did you actually see him strike the rope?

No.

Eh, you sure?

Yeah.

But he killed him, though, didn't he?

I could feel it.

(ON RADIO) There's soil here in the crack.

What does that mean?

Well, it wouldn't be there naturally.

Looks like it's been plastered in, right into the crack.

Why?

HORNBY (ON RADIO): If the crack is filled

with mud, when you put your hand in,

you could easily slip and fall.

Hold on.

Looks like it coulda come from here.

What?

Maybe Barrington made Denton fall.

So if he did cut the rope, it wasn't just an impulse

after Denton slipped.

Uh-uh.

Could Barrington be sure that a bit of mud

would be enough to make him slip?

Well, it's an essential hand-hold, as far as I can see.

(ON RADIO) I'll show you if you like.

[dramatic music swelling]

[hornby yelps]

[radio clatters]

[suspenseful music]

[radio chatter]

I'll see you later.

I will, won't I?

We'll see how it goes.

Don't worry.

They don't know what they're talking about.

You don't know anything about me.

[seabirds calling]

Hello.

Hi.

Sorry-- running a bit late.

Are you all right?

Yes.

I feel much better now that I know

things have been dealt with.

Good.

Thank you.

[chatter and laughter]

[telephone trilling]

They ready?

Oh, they're just waiting for Barrington's solicitor.

Anything else?

No.

Right.

By the way, since we don't know how long Mr. Kersey's

going to be away for, I shan't be

taking my full maternity leave.

So I'll be around for a while yet, Derek.

Ma'am.

[tape deck clicks]

[recorder beeps]

Interview with Hugh Barrington commencing at 14:30.

Officers present, Detective Superintendent Wycliffe,

Detective Inspector Lane.

Also present, Mr. Barrington's solicitor, Mark Kennedy.

Mr. Barrington.

You don't have to say anything, but it may harm your defense

if you do not mention, when questioned,

something you later rely on in court.

Anything you do say may be given in evidence.

Do you understand that?

[scoffs] This twitcher was probably never even there.

I never saw him.

I now have some other information to put to you.

[huffs]

Carry onward, you've got nowhere

to go with this fantasy.

All right, all right.

Perhaps we can start by clarifying

some points in the statement you gave to the coroner's officer.

Now these are topographical photographs of an area

of cliff known as [inaudible].

I'm now referring to exhibit CW1.

This is where you were climbing, yes?

That's right.

Now when Gareth Denton fell, you were

here at the top of the cliff?

Yeah.

Can you show me exactly where Denton was when he fell?

Just here-- it's a difficult transition.

Thank you.

As you know, Gareth Denton's climbing rope

was sent to a textiles expert for examination.

Would you sit down, please?

In part, his findings support what you say.

Good.

The underside of the rope does show significant signs

of fusion damage, in keeping with the rope being dragged

and frayed on a sharp edge.

See?

But that wouldn't be enough to break the rope.

Denton's should have had plenty of time

to make his way to safety.

No-- the fibers on the top surface of the rope

were severed with a clean, instantaneous

cut exactly as if someone had struck the rope with a rock.

Did you strike the rope?

No.

[scoffs] A rock may have hit the rope, but I wasn't holding it.

You confirmed just now that, when Denton fell,

you were here--

right at the top of this crag, the highest point on the cliff.

Now you said that the point at which Denton slipped

was a difficult transition, yes?

An awkward move for a climber to make.

Yes.

WYCLIFFE: There's only one narrow foothold

available in the whole area of rock, in the shape of a crack--

here, is that right?

(FIRMLY) Is that right?

Possibly.

A crack which had been deliberately smeared with mud

picked up from a ledge below.

Maybe you're wondering how we know that.

Major Jim Hornby--

I think you know him-- climbed a part of that route for us

this morning.

He slipped and fell exactly where Denton did.

Quite a coincidence, don't you think?

You knew what would happen when Gareth tried to get

a toehold of the slippery mud you placed in the crack,

didn't you?

This actual hold?

Don't know what you're talking about.

You waited for him to fall, you watched him,

and then you let out the rope so he was left hanging in space.

Otherwise, his rope would have broken his fall

before he reached the overhang!

You wanted Gareth to be helpless, didn't you?

How long was he hanging there?

Barely a minute.

It happened very fast.

If he'd had more time, he'd have manage to [inaudible] his way

back up.

Which is why you cut the rope.

Oh, god.

We're not going to go over the same ground again and again,

are we?

Listen, I don't care what this crazy twitcher says.

All you've got is a load of supposition.

The rope was cut.

I don't care what your expert says--

the rope got wet.

It was damaged by salt crystals.

You're on a hiding to nothing.

OK.

Perhaps we should take a break now.

You know the eh, the other day, when

we were talking about dying.

Mr. Kennedy told me you got shot.

It was in the papers.

That's right.

I knew you'd been there, hm?

To the edge.

Yep.

BARRINGTON: You learn to recognize it.

It's a look.

WYCLIFFE: Tell me, what was Garrett's philosophy?

We both live for climbing.

But his attitude was different.

More relaxed, easy.

He was a free spirit, was he?

[scoffs] Pleased with himself, more like.

WYCLIFFE: But a good temperament for a climber.

Yeah. Maybe.

I mean, he was never fighting the demons in his head,

like you, [inaudible] He just loved

the thrill of moving over the rock,

the eh, beauty of wild places.

He was a clown.

WYCLIFFE: Not when he was climbing.

And Gareth was a better climber than you, wasn't he?

Not because he was stronger or more agile, but because of who

he was.

He never lost his concentration, did he?

Never froze with fear or exhausted himself from pumping

too much adrenaline.

Like you did, when you led that second pitch on the Ice Maiden.

BARRINGTON: Who've you been talking to?

Tell me, um.

When Gareth managed a free climb on that second pitch,

how did you feel? What did you feel?

Nothing.

(SHOUTS) Nothing?

You were overwhelmed by your feelings!

That's always been the problem, hasn't it?

Coping with how you feel.

I didn't feel anything.

That's not true.

You're trying to psych me up now-- you're trying

to get inside my head.

People don't kill because they feel nothing.

The cold blooded killer who just blows

people away doesn't happen.

Well, I wouldn't know.

WYCLIFFE: So what was it then, hm?

A sudden surge of jealousy?

Rage?

Hatred?

That you couldn't cope with any other way?

[grim music]

I know you killed him!

Then prove it.

Go on.

Arrest me.

Charge me.

But until you've got more evidence than this,

just get out of my face.

Mr. Barrington, I must advise you to remain and answer

any further questions.

You answer them.

My client does have the right to leave.

We were finished for the day anyway.

[telephone trilling]

They've gone.

Do you want to see again tomorrow?

We'll see.

You all right?

I just don't understand why we're giving up so easily.

It's obvious he's guilty.

WYCLIFFE: I know.

Barrington killed Gareth Denton-- we both know that.

But a good barrister will drive a coach

and horses through the evidence if it ever goes to court.

I just think if we pushed harder, he would've confessed.

Oh, no.

No, no, no.

It's too deep inside his head--

something he'll never admit to.

An admission is the only chance we've got.

I know, I know.

I know.

Just have another go.

[seabirds calling]

Rat leaving the sinking ship.

I thought I'd stay with Laura for a few days.

She could do with some support.

Suit yourself.

Look, she needs me.

We're all upset.

It's hard to know what to think.

We should stick together.

I can't stay any longer if you won't talk to me.

BARRINGTON: Go on then. Go ahead.

Please, Hugh.

It's only for a few days.

BARRINGTON: I said fine.

I've tried to talk to you, and you don't listen!

Does Laura know about you and Gareth?

What?

Come on.

I'm not stupid.

What about me and Gareth?

I know all about what you got up to.

We were friends.

You went to bed with him.

What are you talking about?

When?

Come on-- you said you know all about it!

That time when I was in Chamonix.

Oh, Hugh.

Of course I loved Gareth.

He was a lovely man.

But I never slept with him, and that's the truth.

But why are you saying this now?

It's months since you were in Chamonix.

Have you been thinking all this time that--

and you never said anything?

Forget it.

Just go away.

[jazz on piano]

He beginning to sound himself again, isn't he?

Hm.

I think so, too.

There've been a few times when I wondered.

I know.

And what about you?

I'm fine.

HELEN: Really?

Mm.

I'm very happy.

Are you sure about managing on your own, though?

Hm.

Doug says he'll always babysit.

[women chuckle]

HELEN: Part of the reason we moved down here

was that there'd be more things that Charlie

could do with Ruth and David.

It does make a difference, you know, having a father around.

Angus will be around.

I'm-- I'm not gonna cut him out of my life completely.

It wasn't your life I was thinking about.

I hear what you're saying, Helen.

I-- I just feel that there's plenty of time,

and I don't want to make any decisions that I'm going

to regret later on, that's all.

[telephone trilling]

Well, Mr. Barrington.

What can I do for you?

I want to talk to you.

I see.

You'd be advised to have your solicitor present.

No.

Just you and me.

As you wish.

You're still under caution, don't forget.

Anything you say may be given in evidence.

Fine.

Whatever.

Let's just get on with it.

So why did he want to kill you, this man who shot you?

WYCLIFFE: I got in his way, stopped

him doing what he wanted.

BARRINGTON: Scared you, did it?

Yes.

But it's a thrill too, isn't it?

Surviving.

No, there's no thrill.

Not for me.

Why?

There's people I care about who'd

be badly affected by my death.

That hurts too much.

You still came back to work.

It could happen again.

True.

Yes.

Why do you risk your life?

[scoffs] Spend the rest of my days staring at the ground?

I'd like to go like Gareth did, just when

I'd done my best climb ever.

So what's wrong with ordinary life?

[barrington scoffs]

Mending the washing machine?

Getting the car serviced?

Pushing a supermarket trolley?

But I can't cling on to all that.

It's worthless.

You told me the other day that-- eh, the only

real challenge was in here.

Fighting the demons in your head.

Is it any different for you?

Yeah.

I can more or less cope with what's in my head.

Scared of dying?

I admit it.

I love my life--

I don't want to lose it.

So.

Tell me about that last line with Gareth.

Gareth was leading that difficult second pitch,

wasn't he?

The one where you'd had to use--

was it two points of aid?

You were on the first belay looking up,

and you could see him from there.

He took his time.

Never rushed it.

Managed all the hard moves.

And the lay back, I thought he'd be drained, you know,

like I'd been.

But he-- he wasn't.

Were you envious?

He-- he'd been stretched to the physical limit, but he

was hardly out of breath.

And what did he say when he'd done it?

Oh, he was--

he was so happy, he was ecstatic.

Not just for him-- it was always for both of us,

but then he just sat there, looking out to sea,

enjoying himself.

So then you led the third pitch.

When did it occur to you to doctor the crack?

[grim music]

You're competitive, yes?

You and Gareth used to wind each other up,

trying to out-maneuver each other.

That's right, isn't it?

Was that what the mud was all about?

Yeah.

Well, I wanted to make him feel what it was like for the rest

of us, you know.

Give him a good fright.

So he reached the top, then you watched him come up.

You watched him slip and then fall on his rope.

There was no real risk--

I'd made sure I'd put enough bolts to hold him.

WYCLIFFE: And then what happened?

He laughed.

[huffs] Like it was fun.

So I let out the rope.

But he still wasn't scared.

Were you scared when that guy pointed the gun at you?

I was terrified.

Yeah.

I'm scared when I climb, but you know, I can control it, use it.

It's good.

Wears me out.

So if it had been you on the end of the rope,

how would you feel?

Gripped.

Frozen.

WYCLIFFE: You couldn't conquer your fear?

And Gareth?

[huffs]

Gareth just swung there on the end of the rope,

joking about getting to the pub on time.

[breathes shakily]

Wanted to be like him?

People love Gareth.

He had something you wanted?

Everything.

He was so happy.

He was a happy man.

You know, I ne--

I never understood how to be like that.

Made me so angry-- how could he be so free?

Suddenly I hated him.

Like he never bothered about how I felt, how worthless I felt.

Because he'd never ever felt like that.

Not once.

So I picked up the stone and cut the rope.

[MUSIC - NIGEL HESS, "WYCLIFFE THEME"]