The Devil's Dust

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0:00:08 > 0:00:12CLOCK TICKS

0:00:18 > 0:00:21WATER DRIPS

0:00:28 > 0:00:30FEMALE SCREAMS

0:00:34 > 0:00:35Please!

0:00:38 > 0:00:40I'm sorry, Geoffrey.

0:00:40 > 0:00:42- I'm not the man for this.- Michael...

0:00:42 > 0:00:43I can't do it!

0:00:46 > 0:00:47I'm sorry.

0:00:47 > 0:00:50- Wait! Michael... - I'll find you someone else.

0:00:50 > 0:00:53- Just tell me what happened. - Thank you, Alice.

0:01:02 > 0:01:04Oh, it'll be all right.

0:01:07 > 0:01:09GIRL SOBS

0:01:56 > 0:01:59I think her father is experimenting on her!

0:01:59 > 0:02:02You little... Oh, Father!

0:02:02 > 0:02:05- Apple a day, Mrs McCarthy. - The cheek of it!

0:02:11 > 0:02:12Katie...

0:02:16 > 0:02:18You're supposed to be her friend!

0:02:18 > 0:02:20She hasn't got the plague!

0:02:22 > 0:02:23Mrs Bennett...

0:02:26 > 0:02:29Mrs Bennett... Ruth...

0:02:30 > 0:02:33I find this response mystifying.

0:02:33 > 0:02:36Mmm. Well, their ignorance isn't your responsibility.

0:02:36 > 0:02:40Father. That child is afflicted!

0:02:40 > 0:02:43Yes, well, we're all afflicted, Mrs McCarthy.

0:02:43 > 0:02:48No, no. She has the atomic bomb sickness. You must keep away.

0:02:48 > 0:02:50Truth and rumour, in my experience,

0:02:50 > 0:02:52are not one and the same thing.

0:02:52 > 0:02:56So why did Dr Evans walk out on them?

0:02:56 > 0:02:59Last night. Giving no reason.

0:02:59 > 0:03:03Everyone knows she goes in to that atomic place.

0:03:03 > 0:03:06She's one of their...what do you call them...human hamsters.

0:03:06 > 0:03:10If Ruth Bennett visits Mr Bennett's place of work,

0:03:10 > 0:03:12I am sure that it is perfectly safe.

0:03:12 > 0:03:15Then why has Mr Bennett become sterile?

0:03:15 > 0:03:19Oh, think about it, Father. Only the one child.

0:03:36 > 0:03:38Medium wrench please, Bob.

0:03:41 > 0:03:42Thank you, Bob.

0:03:42 > 0:03:44Ruth, dear. Leave the poor man alone. >

0:03:44 > 0:03:48You leave her alone, Geoffrey. She's doing a fine job.

0:03:48 > 0:03:49Aren't you, Bob?

0:03:50 > 0:03:52DOOR KNOCKS

0:03:54 > 0:03:57- Ah, Mr. Bennett.- Father!

0:03:57 > 0:04:00I wonder if I might have a word with you and Mrs Bennett?

0:04:03 > 0:04:06I could come back later...

0:04:06 > 0:04:07Please.

0:04:09 > 0:04:11Hello, Ruth.

0:04:12 > 0:04:15- Ah, Douglas.- Father.

0:04:15 > 0:04:17Taking it easy, I see.

0:04:17 > 0:04:20He who fitted the pipes must fix the leaks.

0:04:20 > 0:04:23I think you've made that one up. Have you been to the hospital yet?

0:04:23 > 0:04:24No, he hasn't.

0:04:24 > 0:04:28They don't want to be bothered with me. Anyway, I'm almost done.

0:04:28 > 0:04:30Thanks to Bob.

0:04:30 > 0:04:33- You're a stubborn fool, Douglas. - Mm.- I'll get Emily.

0:04:33 > 0:04:34Please, come through.

0:04:40 > 0:04:43Hello. Again.

0:04:43 > 0:04:47Your husband and Douglas, comrades-in-arms, I see.

0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Douglas saved his life. - Three times. Please.

0:04:53 > 0:04:56And the debt has been paid many times over.

0:04:56 > 0:05:00Douglas is a very good man. But a terrible plumber.

0:05:00 > 0:05:01Oh, dear.

0:05:01 > 0:05:04So...here to round up some lost sheep?

0:05:04 > 0:05:08Atomic physics and telepathy. What talents!

0:05:08 > 0:05:10I would love to have you all back at St Mary's.

0:05:10 > 0:05:12But that's not why I'm here.

0:05:12 > 0:05:16I have heard that Dr Evans is no longer working with you.

0:05:16 > 0:05:17That is correct.

0:05:17 > 0:05:20His departure has fanned the flames of village gossip,

0:05:20 > 0:05:26- which I do not believe for a minute. However, many do.- And?

0:05:26 > 0:05:29There is a meeting of the Atomic Emergency Committee

0:05:29 > 0:05:31this evening in the Parish Hall.

0:05:31 > 0:05:33I happen to know they do not have a speaker.

0:05:33 > 0:05:35- And I thought... - Let me stop you there.

0:05:35 > 0:05:40My enthusiasm for Parish involvement has faded recently.

0:05:40 > 0:05:42Which I understand.

0:05:42 > 0:05:44So what better opportunity

0:05:44 > 0:05:48for you to address villagers' concerns directly?

0:05:48 > 0:05:52I will ensure that they turn up in numbers.

0:05:56 > 0:06:00- < MRS McCARTHY:- Hurry along, there. Take your seats, please.

0:06:03 > 0:06:05'I understand why Kembleford and other places'

0:06:05 > 0:06:09have set up committees like this. These are terrifying times.

0:06:09 > 0:06:14Fear of a Soviet atomic attack seems unavoidable.

0:06:14 > 0:06:17Paranoia about radiation is not.

0:06:17 > 0:06:20As I hope I've just demonstrated,

0:06:20 > 0:06:24radiation is essentially the act of giving off energy.

0:06:24 > 0:06:28It is an entirely natural process.

0:06:28 > 0:06:30This instrument will tell us

0:06:30 > 0:06:35the level of background radiation in this room.

0:06:35 > 0:06:36IT CRACKLES

0:06:36 > 0:06:40Oh, it seems we have a radioactive source amongst us.

0:06:40 > 0:06:41AUDIENCE MURMURS

0:06:41 > 0:06:46There's no need to... Please, it's very weak.

0:06:46 > 0:06:49IT CRACKLES

0:06:50 > 0:06:53CRACKLING INTENSIFIES

0:06:53 > 0:06:57Ah, may I have your necklace for a moment?

0:06:57 > 0:07:00PERSISTENT CRACKLING CONTINUES

0:07:02 > 0:07:08Cloisonne jewellery. Known to give off harmless, low-level radiation.

0:07:08 > 0:07:13Now. The atomic centre I work in has a background radiation level

0:07:13 > 0:07:17of less than half what is given off by this necklace.

0:07:18 > 0:07:22I hope that, er, reassures you.

0:07:22 > 0:07:24Thank you.

0:07:24 > 0:07:29Oh, and I would like to donate this Geiger counter to your committee.

0:07:29 > 0:07:33I hope you, er, find it enlightening.

0:07:33 > 0:07:35MUTED APPLAUSE

0:07:37 > 0:07:39Thank you, Mr Bennett.

0:07:39 > 0:07:44I understand you're trying to bamboozle us with science.

0:07:44 > 0:07:46AUDIENCE: Yes!

0:07:46 > 0:07:48But it won't work.

0:07:48 > 0:07:50Why did Dr Evans quit?

0:07:50 > 0:07:52- Mrs. McCarthy... - AUDIENCE MURMURS

0:07:52 > 0:07:53Mr. Bennett?

0:07:56 > 0:07:59Dr Evans left our employ for personal reasons.

0:08:00 > 0:08:03Why do you take your daughter to work with you?

0:08:03 > 0:08:05This is not the time.

0:08:05 > 0:08:08Please answer the question, Mr Bennett.

0:08:08 > 0:08:12They were studying radioactivity in her class.

0:08:12 > 0:08:14Look, let me make this simple for you.

0:08:14 > 0:08:18My daughter does not have a radiation sickness.

0:08:18 > 0:08:19What does she have?

0:08:23 > 0:08:24We don't know.

0:08:24 > 0:08:25AUDIENCE GROWS RESTLESS

0:08:25 > 0:08:27This is absurd.

0:08:27 > 0:08:30You can show us all the fancy drawings you like.

0:08:30 > 0:08:32Mrs McCarthy, that is enough!

0:08:32 > 0:08:35But this community will not sleep easy,

0:08:35 > 0:08:38until your daughter leaves Kembleford.

0:08:38 > 0:08:39AUDIENCE: Here, here.

0:08:39 > 0:08:41What?

0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Imbeciles. Every last one of them. - Mr Bennett...

0:08:46 > 0:08:48AUDIENCE MURMURS

0:08:53 > 0:08:55It's beautiful.

0:08:55 > 0:08:57It's worth a few bob, too, I reckon.

0:08:59 > 0:09:02I'll take that, thank you very much.

0:09:02 > 0:09:04Trying to buy us off with a trinket.

0:09:08 > 0:09:11It could prove a useful gift, when you think about it.

0:09:12 > 0:09:16What on earth did Geoffrey Bennett do to deserve that?

0:09:16 > 0:09:19Book of Numbers, chapter five.

0:09:19 > 0:09:22"Command the Children of Israel, that they cast out of the camp

0:09:22 > 0:09:27"every leper and whosoever hath an issue of seed."

0:09:27 > 0:09:31Ruth Bennett is not a leper and that was unchristian.

0:09:31 > 0:09:35It was insensitive, intolerant and it was judgmental.

0:09:35 > 0:09:38And I am VERY disappointed.

0:09:49 > 0:09:52- MR & MRS BENNETT: - We have to protect her. > - It's the ultimate betrayal! >

0:09:52 > 0:09:55But we need to make her life bearable! >

0:09:55 > 0:09:56'Where is she?'

0:09:58 > 0:10:01RUTH SOBS

0:10:04 > 0:10:06Ruth? What happened?

0:10:06 > 0:10:09Please keep them away from me.

0:10:09 > 0:10:12- Why?- They're monsters.

0:10:12 > 0:10:13- < MR BENNETT:- Ruth? Ruth!

0:10:13 > 0:10:17- Can I speak with you tomorrow? - Tell me what happened, now.

0:10:17 > 0:10:20I'll come in the morning. 11 o'clock.

0:10:20 > 0:10:22I'll be at St Mary's.

0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Father.- I came to apologise about the meeting.

0:10:28 > 0:10:30Oh. No need.

0:10:30 > 0:10:32Ruth seems a little upset.

0:10:32 > 0:10:36It's been a tiring day for her. Come back inside, Ruth.

0:10:36 > 0:10:37Come on. There's a good girl.

0:10:45 > 0:10:46Anything I can do?

0:10:46 > 0:10:49I think we'll be fine, Father. Thank you.

0:11:01 > 0:11:04BIRDSONG

0:11:15 > 0:11:17There you are.

0:11:17 > 0:11:20Your last cup got cold waiting for you.

0:11:21 > 0:11:23About last night...

0:11:23 > 0:11:26I'm not the person you should be apologising to.

0:11:27 > 0:11:28I have to go.

0:11:35 > 0:11:39- Did they not say how long they'd be gone?- No.

0:11:39 > 0:11:41I presume they took Ruth with them?

0:11:41 > 0:11:44I'm afraid Miss Bennett is having a lie down.

0:11:44 > 0:11:46- She can't be disturbed.- Oh, I see.

0:11:46 > 0:11:51Then, erm, I'll just wait till Mr and Mrs Bennett return.

0:11:51 > 0:11:52As you like.

0:12:02 > 0:12:04- (HOARSE WHISPER)- Ruth?

0:12:06 > 0:12:08Ruth!

0:12:24 > 0:12:26- THROATS CLEAR - Mr Bennett and Mrs Bennett!

0:12:26 > 0:12:28What are you doing?

0:12:37 > 0:12:39Last night, Ruth said she wanted to talk to me.

0:12:39 > 0:12:42When she didn't turn up this morning, I became worried.

0:12:42 > 0:12:45- I couldn't help noticing... - She's gone.

0:12:45 > 0:12:48She disappeared last night.

0:12:48 > 0:12:51- Oh.- We've been out looking for her.

0:12:51 > 0:12:55But, well, she hasn't been herself for the past couple of days.

0:12:55 > 0:12:58Dr Evans leaving has hit her very hard.

0:12:58 > 0:13:01- Is that why she was so upset last night?- Yes.

0:13:01 > 0:13:04Have you called the police?

0:13:05 > 0:13:07I'm calling them, Geoffrey.

0:13:10 > 0:13:12Shall I put the ladder away?

0:13:15 > 0:13:19No(!) I'll leave it where it is.

0:13:20 > 0:13:23So, you think she might have run away

0:13:23 > 0:13:25because she was scared of the village?

0:13:25 > 0:13:26Yes.

0:13:28 > 0:13:31And she locked herself in here at around 10pm?

0:13:33 > 0:13:34Yes.

0:13:34 > 0:13:37And it was only when you broke in at 8.30 this morning,

0:13:37 > 0:13:39that you knew she was gone?

0:13:39 > 0:13:42We were sure we'd find her. That's why we didn't call you.

0:13:49 > 0:13:51What was she wearing last night?

0:13:51 > 0:13:55Er, pyjamas. White pyjamas...

0:13:55 > 0:13:59with a little mouse embroidered on the front.

0:13:59 > 0:14:02They're not here, I've checked.

0:14:02 > 0:14:06- What else did she take? - Er, just a blue pullover.

0:14:06 > 0:14:09That's why we're sure she hasn't gone far.

0:14:09 > 0:14:11Have you tried her friends?

0:14:11 > 0:14:14Her "friends" won't go near her at the moment.

0:14:15 > 0:14:19Can you think of anyone else she might have gone to?

0:14:19 > 0:14:22No-one who wouldn't have told us right away.

0:14:24 > 0:14:26Well, we'll get looking.

0:14:29 > 0:14:32In the vast majority of cases like this, the child turns up

0:14:32 > 0:14:36of their own accord, perfectly unharmed, within 24 hours.

0:14:38 > 0:14:39I'll see myself out.

0:14:49 > 0:14:51My only sacred text is the Hippocratic Oath.

0:14:57 > 0:15:01Actually, I'm here because Ruth Bennett has disappeared.

0:15:01 > 0:15:04She hasn't been seen since last night.

0:15:04 > 0:15:06- What time?- Sorry?

0:15:06 > 0:15:08What time was she last seen?

0:15:08 > 0:15:10I gather, about 10pm.

0:15:13 > 0:15:16I don't suppose you could shed any light on her state of mind?

0:15:16 > 0:15:19Nothing that you won't get from Geoffrey and Emily.

0:15:19 > 0:15:23Her father mentioned she was rather hurt by your leaving.

0:15:25 > 0:15:28- Can I ask why you did walk away? - I felt guilty.

0:15:28 > 0:15:33I'd been flailing around, trying to diagnose her for more than a year.

0:15:33 > 0:15:35How long has she had the condition?

0:15:35 > 0:15:37Since she was a small child.

0:15:37 > 0:15:40So your failure to diagnose is hardly a crime?

0:15:45 > 0:15:48May I, er, have a look?

0:15:55 > 0:15:57From a contact in Southampton.

0:15:57 > 0:16:00Males with the same condition as Ruth.

0:16:00 > 0:16:02All males?

0:16:02 > 0:16:06Industrial workers, mostly shipping or railways.

0:16:06 > 0:16:08Middle-aged or over.

0:16:08 > 0:16:11No overlap with Ruth whatsoever.

0:16:11 > 0:16:13Have the Bennetts seen these?

0:16:14 > 0:16:16They arrived this morning.

0:16:16 > 0:16:21Ruth's have more of a formation to them. I can't explain that.

0:16:24 > 0:16:26How are these men now?

0:16:26 > 0:16:31Dead. Most of them, anyway. Unexplained lung cancer.

0:16:32 > 0:16:34I won't tell Geoffrey and Emily.

0:16:34 > 0:16:36Not now.

0:16:38 > 0:16:41Did you visit the Bennetts last night?

0:16:41 > 0:16:43No.

0:16:44 > 0:16:47Then why did you ask what time Ruth disappeared?

0:16:49 > 0:16:51I was concerned.

0:16:56 > 0:16:57Where is she?

0:17:01 > 0:17:04- Geoffrey...- Where is she?- Who?

0:17:04 > 0:17:06Don't you dare play silly beggars with me.

0:17:06 > 0:17:08Ruth? Ruth!

0:17:08 > 0:17:11I would tell you if she was here.

0:17:12 > 0:17:14I will help you find her.

0:17:14 > 0:17:15You stay away from my family.

0:17:15 > 0:17:18I can't. Not now.

0:17:20 > 0:17:21When last did you see her?

0:17:22 > 0:17:24- I mean it. - Just tell me how long...

0:17:24 > 0:17:26HE SPLUTTERS

0:17:35 > 0:17:38GEIGER COUNTER CRACKLES

0:17:56 > 0:17:59CRACKLING INTENSIFIES

0:18:08 > 0:18:11THEY CONFER

0:18:11 > 0:18:14THUNDER RATTLES

0:18:22 > 0:18:24SUSIE: Father! Father!

0:18:24 > 0:18:28I find Ruth. Behind door.

0:18:28 > 0:18:30The machine, it goes crazy. Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.

0:18:30 > 0:18:32You little thief!

0:18:32 > 0:18:37- It belong to village. - It BELONG to the Committee.

0:18:37 > 0:18:39I must show Father where she is.

0:18:39 > 0:18:43He is far too busy here to listen to your wild imaginings.

0:18:43 > 0:18:47We should at least take a look. Don't you think, Mrs McCarthy?

0:18:47 > 0:18:48Yes!

0:18:55 > 0:18:57She's there.

0:19:00 > 0:19:03IT CRACKLES FIANTLY Oh.

0:19:07 > 0:19:09Ha!

0:19:09 > 0:19:12Maybe you heard a woodpecker, Susie.

0:19:12 > 0:19:15Before there was something funny, I swear.

0:19:15 > 0:19:16I believe you, Susie.

0:19:24 > 0:19:25Hello.

0:19:28 > 0:19:30Father wants to talk to you about some job.

0:19:30 > 0:19:33Right. What's wrong with you?

0:19:33 > 0:19:36- I find Ruth.- Eh?- In little house.

0:19:36 > 0:19:38But then she go again and now

0:19:38 > 0:19:41Father Brown and Mrs McCarthy, they think I'm crazy.

0:19:42 > 0:19:45You need cheering up. Da-dah!

0:19:45 > 0:19:48Uh? Not bad, are they?

0:19:48 > 0:19:51Almost half the people in this camp have bought some already.

0:19:51 > 0:19:54I do not want my hands on your stolen object, thank you.

0:19:54 > 0:19:56Hey! There's nothing stolen here.

0:19:56 > 0:19:59They were going to be thrown out. Honestly, you have my word.

0:19:59 > 0:20:02Go on...it won't bite.

0:20:05 > 0:20:07Oh, look at that! It suits you.

0:20:07 > 0:20:10It's a plate!

0:20:10 > 0:20:13Right, they're a shilling each. Four for three shillings.

0:20:13 > 0:20:15Not that you'd be interested, obviously.

0:20:15 > 0:20:18You've made that quite clear.

0:20:18 > 0:20:20Keep your money.

0:20:20 > 0:20:21Cook me dinner.

0:20:28 > 0:20:30Since I have four plates,

0:20:30 > 0:20:33I can invite Mrs McCarthy and Father Brown, too?

0:20:33 > 0:20:34Yes?

0:20:36 > 0:20:38Lovely(!)

0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Quite a turnout.- Yes, especially from those at your meeting.

0:20:48 > 0:20:53Yes, well, if their guilt leads you to your daughter, will you mind?

0:20:53 > 0:20:54No, of course not.

0:20:54 > 0:20:59Douglas and Ruth seemed very close when I saw them yesterday.

0:20:59 > 0:21:00What makes you say that?

0:21:04 > 0:21:06Both outsiders of a sort, I suppose.

0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Excuse me.- Father Brown!

0:21:10 > 0:21:12Father...

0:21:12 > 0:21:15Group of us... we found these near Foley Bridge.

0:21:17 > 0:21:18This was dated yesterday.

0:21:18 > 0:21:22Why the silly girl was writing love letters to herself, I have no idea.

0:21:22 > 0:21:24But, it's a clue...

0:21:24 > 0:21:27- Yes, well maybe you should have... - Inspector!

0:21:27 > 0:21:29..left them there.

0:21:30 > 0:21:32"Dear M E...."

0:21:34 > 0:21:36How slow of me!

0:21:52 > 0:21:55CAR SIREN RINGS

0:22:17 > 0:22:19- Dr Michael Evans?- Yes?

0:22:19 > 0:22:21We'd like to question you about your possible involvement

0:22:21 > 0:22:23in the disappearance of Ruth Bennett.

0:22:26 > 0:22:28How long are you going to keep me here?

0:22:28 > 0:22:30Let me put you out of your misery.

0:22:30 > 0:22:33Your relationship with Ruth Bennett. Tell me about it.

0:22:33 > 0:22:37She was my patient. There's really nothing more to say.

0:22:37 > 0:22:38Typical patient, was she?

0:22:38 > 0:22:41Her condition was not. But my relationship with her was.

0:22:46 > 0:22:48"You are right, Michael.

0:22:48 > 0:22:50"We must have the courage to follow our hearts.

0:22:50 > 0:22:52"When you say the word, I will come to you

0:22:52 > 0:22:54"and we shall finally be free.

0:22:54 > 0:23:00"In anticipation, your beloved Ruth. Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss."

0:23:00 > 0:23:02I've never seen this.

0:23:02 > 0:23:04The pieces were found near the river,

0:23:04 > 0:23:06less than 100 yards from your house.

0:23:11 > 0:23:13Is there any news?

0:23:13 > 0:23:16I understand Inspector Valentine is still with Dr Evans.

0:23:24 > 0:23:26What fools we've been.

0:23:26 > 0:23:28This is not your fault.

0:23:28 > 0:23:30Of course it is.

0:23:30 > 0:23:33I spotted the crush months ago.

0:23:33 > 0:23:37"Just a stage". That's what I said to Geoffrey.

0:23:37 > 0:23:42Neither of us wanted to scare off such a marvellous doctor.

0:23:44 > 0:23:48- We trusted him. - You don't yet know what's happened.

0:23:48 > 0:23:51You've not seen Ruth's diary.

0:23:51 > 0:23:53My daughter...

0:23:55 > 0:23:57..is not the child I thought she was.

0:23:59 > 0:24:02- Did you know Ruth Bennett had a crush on you?- No, I did not.

0:24:07 > 0:24:09"November 4th.

0:24:09 > 0:24:11"This morning, Michael locked the door

0:24:11 > 0:24:13"and sat down next to me on the bed.

0:24:13 > 0:24:15"My heart has never beaten faster.

0:24:15 > 0:24:18"He smiled and said, 'Are you sure about this?' I nodded.

0:24:18 > 0:24:21"He brushed hair away from my eyes and then,

0:24:21 > 0:24:24"then, dear diary, he kissed me.

0:24:24 > 0:24:27"This grown man kissed me."

0:24:27 > 0:24:29While you were in that cell,

0:24:29 > 0:24:32this was found under a floorboard in Ruth's bedroom.

0:24:32 > 0:24:34200 pages going back months.

0:24:34 > 0:24:37And it gets a lot more racy than that, I can tell you.

0:24:39 > 0:24:42Her place. Your place.

0:24:42 > 0:24:43Her place again...

0:24:43 > 0:24:44(Stupid, stupid girl.)

0:24:46 > 0:24:47What happened last night?

0:24:50 > 0:24:52OK...Michael Evans,

0:24:52 > 0:24:55I am arresting you on suspicion of the murder of Ruth Bennett.

0:24:55 > 0:24:57- You are not obliged to say anything...- Please...

0:24:57 > 0:25:00..unless you wish to do so, but whatever you say will be...

0:25:00 > 0:25:02All right! I'll tell you.

0:25:05 > 0:25:07Ruth came to see me last night.

0:25:11 > 0:25:14It was midnight. She'd been running.

0:25:14 > 0:25:21She had a red mark across her face, like someone had hit her hard.

0:25:21 > 0:25:23I said I'd take her home, but she got scared,

0:25:23 > 0:25:25insisted she needed to stay with me.

0:25:25 > 0:25:27I told her that wasn't possible.

0:25:27 > 0:25:30Then I...

0:25:30 > 0:25:32gave her that letter back.

0:25:32 > 0:25:34She'd delivered it earlier in the day.

0:25:35 > 0:25:38She started pleading with me. But I told her to go.

0:25:38 > 0:25:41- You sent her packing? - Yes.- A vulnerable,

0:25:41 > 0:25:45terrified, attractive girl. Into the woods, at night, alone.

0:25:46 > 0:25:47Yes.

0:25:47 > 0:25:50- Just now you didn't know this girl had feelings for you.- I lied.

0:25:52 > 0:25:54It's why I left the Bennetts.

0:25:54 > 0:25:56She tried to kiss me.

0:25:56 > 0:25:58But I have never laid a finger on her.

0:25:58 > 0:25:59Not without good medical reason.

0:25:59 > 0:26:02- According to this, you've laid slightly more... .- It's fiction!

0:26:02 > 0:26:05All right. Well, let's stick to facts, then.

0:26:05 > 0:26:07Ruth Bennett came to you last night and said

0:26:07 > 0:26:10she'd expose your relationship unless you eloped. In that moment,

0:26:10 > 0:26:12- you knew you had to shut her up. - That's not true.

0:26:12 > 0:26:16- Maybe you had your way with her one last time. Maybe she died happy. - Shut up!- Where is she?

0:26:17 > 0:26:22This diary... you saw it first, yesterday?

0:26:22 > 0:26:28Alice knew of it, said nothing. Never even looked inside.

0:26:28 > 0:26:31If only she'd not been so discrete...

0:26:37 > 0:26:39- Mrs. Bennett.- Well?

0:26:39 > 0:26:41Still sticking to his story.

0:26:41 > 0:26:44That man is evil!

0:26:46 > 0:26:48- Do you want to come and wait in my office?- Thank you.

0:26:51 > 0:26:53Inspector, about the diary... .

0:26:53 > 0:26:55I told you last night to run along.

0:26:55 > 0:27:00In my experience, a 14-year-old girl can be a very unreliable narrator.

0:27:00 > 0:27:02If I may, I would like to speak to Dr Evans.

0:27:02 > 0:27:06Ruth Bennett is lying in some hole, some ditch, somewhere in Kembleford!

0:27:06 > 0:27:08She's probably dead, but she might just be alive!

0:27:08 > 0:27:11I'm going to break Evans. But every minute counts,

0:27:11 > 0:27:14including the one I'm wasting on you!

0:27:19 > 0:27:20KNOCK ON DOOR

0:27:22 > 0:27:26Alice, you look like you could do with a hand.

0:27:26 > 0:27:27Thank you, Father.

0:27:27 > 0:27:31You're an observant woman. Ruth's diary...

0:27:31 > 0:27:34I happened to see the young lady hide it a few months back.

0:27:34 > 0:27:38And you hadn't mentioned it before today. You are admirable.

0:27:38 > 0:27:41It's lucky for the young lady I'm not a gossip.

0:27:41 > 0:27:44If her father had read that thing, well...

0:27:46 > 0:27:48..I would have feared for her.

0:27:48 > 0:27:50Are you sure he never saw it before today?

0:27:50 > 0:27:53Mrs Bennett assured me of it.

0:27:54 > 0:27:57That argument the night Ruth disappeared...

0:27:57 > 0:28:01- Did you hear what it was about? - As God is my witness, I did not.

0:28:01 > 0:28:05What I saw and heard troubled me, I confess.

0:28:05 > 0:28:08As did their delay in reporting her disappearance.

0:28:09 > 0:28:12Say they had found it,

0:28:12 > 0:28:13her father confronted her,

0:28:13 > 0:28:16she ran away to Evans to escape her punishment.

0:28:16 > 0:28:18And Evans sent her back home...

0:28:20 > 0:28:22What are you suggesting, Father?

0:28:23 > 0:28:26That anger can take us to countries we never knew existed.

0:28:29 > 0:28:31Where is Mr Bennett?

0:28:31 > 0:28:34Out looking for his daughter. Worried sick.

0:28:34 > 0:28:37- Thank you, Father, I can manage. - Good day, Alice.

0:28:39 > 0:28:40Father...

0:28:42 > 0:28:43There's something...

0:28:47 > 0:28:49Before Inspector Valentine arrived,

0:28:49 > 0:28:52Mr and Mrs Bennett tidied up Ruth's room.

0:28:54 > 0:28:55Thank you.

0:29:00 > 0:29:03SHE SCREAMS

0:29:08 > 0:29:10POLICE SIREN RINGS

0:29:19 > 0:29:22- That was what she was wearing when I last saw her.- Sure?

0:29:24 > 0:29:26Evans could have planted this.

0:29:30 > 0:29:32POLICE DOGS BARK

0:29:40 > 0:29:42Father?

0:29:44 > 0:29:47Susie said you'd be here. Done what you asked.

0:29:47 > 0:29:50- And?- You're definitely going to want to hear this.

0:30:01 > 0:30:03Mrs Bennett...

0:30:03 > 0:30:07the night Ruth disappeared, did your husband strike her at all?

0:30:07 > 0:30:09No.

0:30:11 > 0:30:12I did.

0:30:14 > 0:30:16Was this a frequent occurrence?

0:30:18 > 0:30:19It was the first time.

0:30:19 > 0:30:21What happened?

0:30:24 > 0:30:25Mrs Bennett?

0:30:30 > 0:30:33- She was being disrespectful. - What about?

0:30:35 > 0:30:37A very private matter.

0:30:37 > 0:30:41You may want to tell me what that private matter is.

0:30:41 > 0:30:44- I can't.- Mrs. Bennett, did you find out

0:30:44 > 0:30:48- about your daughter's relationship with Dr Evans?- No.

0:30:48 > 0:30:51- Did you harm her in any other way that night?- No!

0:30:51 > 0:30:55- You do understand why I'm asking? - I am her mother.

0:31:02 > 0:31:05I wonder if the reason you didn't call us straight away is

0:31:05 > 0:31:08because you wanted to get your story straight?

0:31:08 > 0:31:10- What story? - In your account of the evening,

0:31:10 > 0:31:14you left out the bit about your wife striking your daughter.

0:31:14 > 0:31:18What does it matter? Ruth was upset and ran away.

0:31:18 > 0:31:20Your daughter's bloodstained clothes have been found

0:31:20 > 0:31:22in your dustbin, Mr Bennett.

0:31:26 > 0:31:28Can you vouch for your wife's movements

0:31:28 > 0:31:30- the night Ruth disappeared?- No.

0:31:32 > 0:31:33And why is that?

0:31:34 > 0:31:37We have separate sleeping arrangements.

0:31:41 > 0:31:43You're a gifted photographer.

0:31:43 > 0:31:44Thank you.

0:31:44 > 0:31:49And, I hear, a very talented plumber.

0:31:49 > 0:31:51I should be searching for Ruth.

0:31:51 > 0:31:54I promise I won't keep you long.

0:31:54 > 0:31:55A friend of mine has been speaking

0:31:55 > 0:31:58to some families you've done work for.

0:31:58 > 0:32:00All of them outside Kembleford, actually.

0:32:00 > 0:32:04And they describe you as "conscientious" and "reliable"

0:32:04 > 0:32:06and your work is "excellent".

0:32:08 > 0:32:12And yet your work for the Bennetts, your best friends in England,

0:32:12 > 0:32:16apparently comes from the "cowboy" end of the spectrum.

0:32:16 > 0:32:17Who says?

0:32:17 > 0:32:18The Bennetts.

0:32:22 > 0:32:25I may have been a little...greedy.

0:32:26 > 0:32:30Why, because they're rich? And they'd always give you work?

0:32:32 > 0:32:36Ah, that's why they suddenly turned against you?

0:32:36 > 0:32:40Because they finally realised you'd been swindling them?

0:32:45 > 0:32:46Bit warm for gloves.

0:32:48 > 0:32:51I have to keep them on.

0:32:51 > 0:32:53It's an old work injury.

0:32:53 > 0:32:56Mmm. May I see it?

0:32:56 > 0:32:58I don't show anyone.

0:32:58 > 0:32:59Even the Bennetts?

0:32:59 > 0:33:01No.

0:33:01 > 0:33:06Because the friend of mine also said that, outside Kembleford,

0:33:06 > 0:33:10you have been known to remove your gloves every now and again.

0:33:12 > 0:33:15This is no time for secrets, Douglas.

0:33:15 > 0:33:18Not while there's a chance she's alive.

0:33:30 > 0:33:32Do you know how you got these?

0:33:34 > 0:33:36How did Ruth get hers?

0:33:42 > 0:33:45You weren't after the Bennett's money, were you?

0:33:45 > 0:33:48That's not you at all.

0:33:49 > 0:33:52- It's time you were greedy for in that house.- No.

0:33:52 > 0:33:55This is about your hands, isn't it?

0:33:57 > 0:34:01- This is about you and Ruth. - Get out!

0:34:08 > 0:34:10It's impossible!

0:34:10 > 0:34:12We owe only three minutes.

0:34:12 > 0:34:16And I forgave PC Crawford an egregious infidelity to get that.

0:34:16 > 0:34:19The warts aren't infectious.

0:34:19 > 0:34:22Douglas Taylor's condition can't be connected to Ruth.

0:34:22 > 0:34:26- Well, might they be transferred in another way?- Such as?

0:34:26 > 0:34:27I did have one thought.

0:34:27 > 0:34:30The formation of the warts on Ruth's body.

0:34:30 > 0:34:34I realised what they reminded me of.

0:34:34 > 0:34:35Fingerprints.

0:34:37 > 0:34:42Modest research has revealed a list of hazardous substances

0:34:42 > 0:34:46as used by ship builders, railway locomotive engineers

0:34:46 > 0:34:48and, as it happens, plumbers.

0:34:50 > 0:34:53Might not one of these toxic substances have been

0:34:53 > 0:34:57transferred onto Ruth's skin by his hands?

0:34:57 > 0:35:02How? In some illicit physical act?

0:35:06 > 0:35:07Possibly.

0:35:08 > 0:35:14# There may be trouble ahead

0:35:14 > 0:35:18# But while there's moonlight and music

0:35:18 > 0:35:20# And love and romance... #

0:35:20 > 0:35:22Even I wouldn't steal the same thing twice.

0:35:22 > 0:35:24Still no sign, then?

0:35:24 > 0:35:28No. I do not understand.

0:35:30 > 0:35:32GEIGER COUNTER CRACKLES

0:35:32 > 0:35:36CRACKLING INTENSIFIES

0:35:46 > 0:35:49PERSISTENT CRACKLING

0:35:57 > 0:36:00SIREN WAILS

0:36:06 > 0:36:10Another false alarm, no doubt. Out of the way!

0:36:12 > 0:36:15Silly, silly girl!

0:36:15 > 0:36:17GEIGER COUNTER CRACKLES

0:36:17 > 0:36:22Right, evacuate the area.

0:36:39 > 0:36:43GEIGER COUNTER CRACKLES

0:36:46 > 0:36:49CRACKLING CEASES

0:37:10 > 0:37:11Thank you.

0:37:27 > 0:37:28What in Heaven's name?

0:37:30 > 0:37:31Have you gone mad?

0:37:31 > 0:37:35You must have taken a great many pictures of her over the years.

0:37:37 > 0:37:41Where is she, Douglas? Where have you hidden your little angel?

0:38:04 > 0:38:06She's your little girl.

0:38:08 > 0:38:10How did it happen?

0:38:13 > 0:38:14Emily was still a virgin.

0:38:17 > 0:38:20She had doubts about marrying Geoffrey.

0:38:23 > 0:38:24I was weak.

0:38:26 > 0:38:29She told Geoffrey the father died in the war.

0:38:29 > 0:38:31He forgave her.

0:38:33 > 0:38:34- He's a good man.- Mm.

0:38:37 > 0:38:38When she was born white...

0:38:40 > 0:38:41It was a miracle.

0:38:44 > 0:38:47Emily said I could see her as long as I kept the secret.

0:38:49 > 0:38:52But I couldn't die without hearing her call me "Dad".

0:38:54 > 0:38:55So you told her?

0:38:56 > 0:38:58The night she disappeared?

0:39:00 > 0:39:02Yes.

0:39:02 > 0:39:04Where is she, Douglas?

0:39:12 > 0:39:15Well, how was I supposed to know they were bleeding radioactive?

0:39:15 > 0:39:17There you go, darlin'!

0:39:29 > 0:39:31There you are, Father!

0:39:31 > 0:39:35- I heard the siren. - A false alarm. Thank God.

0:39:35 > 0:39:37But, Father, Emily Bennett has been arrested.

0:39:37 > 0:39:41The Inspector thinks she murdered her own daughter.

0:39:41 > 0:39:43Go and tell that policeman

0:39:43 > 0:39:47the very interesting story about your mother's cat.

0:39:47 > 0:39:51- The one who could open the door? - Yes.- Certainly, Father.

0:40:25 > 0:40:26Thank you, Sid.

0:40:30 > 0:40:31Ruth?

0:40:33 > 0:40:35It's Father Brown. No-one knows I'm here.

0:40:39 > 0:40:42Michael's not coming back.

0:40:47 > 0:40:48How do you know?

0:40:50 > 0:40:52He's in a police cell.

0:40:54 > 0:40:57But they found my clothes. I heard them talking outside.

0:40:57 > 0:40:58Yes. That was clever of you.

0:40:58 > 0:41:02- So why isn't he coming home? - Because they found your diary.

0:41:03 > 0:41:08And they won't release him until you admit you made it up.

0:41:08 > 0:41:11Did you really think after all this, that you could run away

0:41:11 > 0:41:13and live happily ever after?

0:41:14 > 0:41:15Yes.

0:41:18 > 0:41:21You and Michael will never be together.

0:41:23 > 0:41:25- You don't know that.- Michael told me.

0:41:27 > 0:41:29I'm sorry, Ruth.

0:41:29 > 0:41:31HE SIGHS HEAVILY

0:41:33 > 0:41:37I understand you got scared when you found out about Douglas.

0:41:37 > 0:41:40I understand why you turned on your parents.

0:41:41 > 0:41:45But now...it's time to go home.

0:41:45 > 0:41:47I'm never going home.

0:41:50 > 0:41:52You hid in the woods, am I right?

0:41:53 > 0:41:57All night, whilst they searched this place.

0:41:57 > 0:42:00That must have been very frightening.

0:42:00 > 0:42:03I think you're brave enough to go home, Ruth.

0:42:09 > 0:42:13- Where are you going to go? - London.- How will you survive?

0:42:16 > 0:42:18They think your mum killed you.

0:42:18 > 0:42:21- Good.- What about Douglas?

0:42:22 > 0:42:25I believe he loves you very much.

0:42:25 > 0:42:27And has done all your life.

0:42:28 > 0:42:31But he won't be around for much longer.

0:42:31 > 0:42:34What do you mean?

0:42:34 > 0:42:36He's dying.

0:42:36 > 0:42:38No, he's not.

0:42:38 > 0:42:42Your parents have been protecting you. He's got cancer.

0:42:45 > 0:42:49Spend time with your real dad. While you still can.

0:43:29 > 0:43:32I never once betrayed our marriage, Geoffrey.

0:44:12 > 0:44:13Hello, Dad.

0:44:37 > 0:44:40What is that child doing now?

0:44:40 > 0:44:44Well, I expect she's doing exactly what Mr Bennett told her to.

0:44:45 > 0:44:47Three months, you say?

0:44:47 > 0:44:51At most. The lung cancer is very advanced.

0:44:51 > 0:44:54The cause is unknown, as with most of these cases.

0:44:54 > 0:44:57But whatever material Douglas carried on his hands,

0:44:57 > 0:44:59I suspect Ruth's lungs won't have been exposed

0:44:59 > 0:45:01in the same way his have.

0:45:01 > 0:45:04God willing, she may yet be all right.

0:45:06 > 0:45:08What next for you?

0:45:08 > 0:45:12- I'm going back to the lab. - To study the lung cancers?

0:45:12 > 0:45:16Focussing on three materials, all from your list, actually -

0:45:16 > 0:45:18lead, tin and asbestos.

0:45:22 > 0:45:25I'll wait here, if you want to get your counter.

0:45:25 > 0:45:30I never believed it myself. Other people gossiping...

0:45:30 > 0:45:33Father Brown will back me up. Father?

0:45:33 > 0:45:37"The leper must be cast out of the camp", Mrs McCarthy!

0:45:54 > 0:45:58Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd