Blue for Bluebird Inspector George Gently

Excuse me. Yes.

I want you off this beach now, please.

Have a bit of respect, all right?

It's not a sight for children is it?

Some people!

Bob, Bob, I want these people off that pier, all right?

I want the whole pier cleared.

Can you move off the pier, please?

Quickly now! Sorry, we're moving. We're moving on. Thank you.

Hello there. Hiya.

Is she on her own? Yeah.

My name's John. Are you all right?

Where's your mummy and daddy?

They're asleep. Asleep?

So did you bring out the dog for a walk on your own?

Do you know what, if you were my little lass,

I wouldn't let you out of my sight.

ICE-CREAM VAN JINGLE PLAYS

I'd also buy you a big fat massive ice cream...

I think it might be a little bit too early. What do you think?

No, it's not! No, not too early?

Come on then, let's go and get one.

There we go.

Morning, Sir.

Nice day for it.

About 16 to 17 by the looks of it.

She's no ID, but there's a massive blow to the side of the head.

Think she was dead before she hit the water.

She's wearing a Bluebird Holiday Camp uniform.

Can't have been in the water very long.

Time of death is... Oh, I dunno, some time today, early hours

of the morning, something like that. What do you think?

You all right? Get her in.

Right, I'll get the lads.

All right, let's get her in.

Any witnesses?

Not yet, no.

Old fella said he saw a young couple down here last night.

Could've been her...

With a bloke - things get out of hand, you know.

Description fit? Not really, no.

Was dark though.

Is that all you've got?

Give us a chance, sir, will you?

You searched the pier?

What?

The pier. Have you searched the pier? No, not yet.

Something tells me that the beach is the priority, Guv.

And something tells me you've not heard of longshore drift.

That body travelled inland.

You'd dump her at the furthest point, of course,

closest to the open sea -

gives her a better chance of drifting away.

But you'd be very wrong cos the current would just take her

straight round, right where she was found.

A pier at night can house all sorts.

Meaning? It's more private than the beach.

Perfect for an illicit night-time stroll, over the waves.

Very romantic.

Sounds like you've been there and done that.

I might have known a late-night stroll along the pier in my time, John.

Really?

I don't have you down as a man who likes it al fresco.

Now, there's a line.

And I just crossed it. You've just... Yeah, absolutely. Sorry.

I want every inch of this pier searched. All right. Sorry.

Bluebird's eh?

Yeah. Bluebird's three or four miles that way.

We went there, you know, me and Lisa. Did you?

Mmm, a few years back. It was good.

Just after Leigh-Anne was born.

We went to a holiday camp right after the war.

Never seen so many families in one place, you know,

enjoying themselves for the first time.

A whole new world.

BACCHUS SIGHS

Are you missing Leigh-Anne?

Yeah.

I've not seen her for three week. Can you believe that?

That's not enough, is it? No, it's not enough.

I'm fine when I'm not thinking about her.

You know, I'm fine then.

But you think about her all the time.

Yeah.

Isabel!

Sorry.

Welcome to Bluebird! Can I help you, gentlemen?

Wives powdering their noses in the car,

and children causing mischief after a long drive, I'll bet?

Let me get someone to help you with your bags.

No, thank you. I'm DCI Gently.

Could we speak to the manager, please?

Of course.

Well, would you like a lift?

No, thank you. We'll walk.

I'll show you the way.

Go!

One, two, three,

four, five, six...

FAIRGROUND ORGAN PLAYS

Sorry to disturb, Miss Stretch,

these gentlemen wish to see Mr Stretch. They're policeman.

Thank you, Justine. Detective Chief Inspector Gently.

Cherry. This is Detective Sergeant Bacchus.

My brother Todd shouldn't be long.

It's all a bit manic here today.

The body of a young woman was found this morning.

We believe that she worked here.

Obviously we're very anxious to identify her.

Anyone missing?

I'm...I'm sorry?

Body was found on the beach near the pier.

Why do you think she worked here?

She wore a Bluebird uniform.

Right.

Anyone missing, to your knowledge?

Well...I don't know.

Staff rotas aren't really my thing.

Might need to try harder than that.

All my workers live on site.

There's a late-comers board.

If someone hasn't clocked in, then their name get's chalked up.

Good. Shall we?

Hello, Mr Stretch. Sophie. Sally.

Do you live on site, Mr Stretch?

No. I live at home with my wife and two daughters.

I'm very lucky.

Business good? Chin up, Lottie.

Oh, yes. We are a powerhouse, gentlemen - built from dust.

But a few loans started my father off,

and he opened the doors in '36.

No-one had ever seen anything quite like it.

Family holidays for the masses.

We've been full to bursting ever since.

You know there is a great pleasure in

having to turn punters away.

Here we are.

Ah, Megan.

Blue for Bluebird? Yes.

Does she live with anybody, share a room?

Justine Leyland, I believe. Senior Bluebird.

We've met her already.

Ah, yes. She's been scooping up the new arrivals,

and hurling them into a dance competition to whet their appetite.

I think the Bluebirds will be arriving in the dance hall now.

Thank you.

Inspector? Yes.

Now, we can keep all this a little...low, can't we?

I'm sorry? People are on their holidays.

Yes?

Well, this is a camp of smiles.

It's a holiday from their grey little lives.

We don't want a gloomy little storm cloud gathering.

Are you asking us to protect your business, Mr Stretch?

Simply asking for a little discretion.

I don't think you've quite got it yet, have you?

A member of your staff has been found dead.

We need staff rotas, the names of everybody who was working last night.

Oh, and the guests. Of course.

We need the names of all the guests.

Dance hall, you said?

MUSIC: "Helpless" by Kim Weston

I'm happy to be the girl if you fancy a dance.

No, you're all right, thank you very much.

Lisa and I won this, you know.

Did you? Won the cup in this very room.

She's a good mover is Lisa.

Really cracking little dancer.

I mean, she wouldn't have won the cup without me.

Is that right? Yeah.

Fred Astaire of the North-East, me.

Look at the moves.

Quality.

Well, much as I'd like to stand here and admire your...fluidity.

Well done, campers!

Wow, are you all trained or something?

They said that when we were here.

So, the dance competition is now closed,

so now we have the Bluebird Boppers while our judges make their decision

and it won't be long till this little cup get's given to one lucky family.

Could we have a word, please? Inspector?

Somewhere quieter.

So, ladies and gentlemen, a big hand for the Bluebird Boppers!

CHEERING

So, your cabin mate Megan Webb...

What about her?

She didn't come to work this morning.

Yeah, well, she's always late.

She'll stroll in any minute looking immaculate.

Do you share a cabin?

There's three of us. Who's the third?

Gail. Little kitchen maid.

Buried in chip fat, as we speak, lucky old thing.

When's the last time that you saw Megan?

Be last night, on stage.

She'd finished after the first show.

Did she come back here at all last night?

No. Was she meeting anybody?

Well, she didn't say she was.

What's going on? We're just making some enquiries.

Really?

Two plain-clothes detectives?

We've found a body - a girl.

She was wearing a Bluebird uniform.

Long blonde hair, very pretty.

No!

What was Megan wearing when you saw her last?

Er...

Her uniform.

She'd just finished her shift.

Was that the last time you saw her?

I told you, she didn't come back last night.

You didn't report her?

I'm her friend, so, no.

That's what we do.

She's got enough black marks next to her name as it is.

Did she have a boyfriend?

Not that I know of.

Are you sure?

I told you, I don't know.

Well, thank you,

you'll want to be getting back to announce those winners.

Until we've spoken to the family, got a positive ID...

You want me to keep me mouth shut. Well, it might not be her.

Yeah, but it might.

Yeah.

MUSIC: "Heaven Must Have Sent You" by Bonnie Pointer

Lisa, it's me.

Yeah. Listen,

I was wondering if I could see Leigh-Anne this weekend?

I know it's not my weekend.

Right.

No, no, I can't wait three weeks. It's not fair.

Why?

I know what the agreement is, Lisa. Once a month's not enough,

it's nowhere near, it's not even close.

No, no, I'm her dad, Lisa. I'm her dad!

And I only get to see her 12 times a year.

12 - it's ridiculous!

No, listen...

I don't think you realise how ridi...

Oh, you stupid...!

She hung up on us.

Can you believe that?

Must be your softly-softly approach, John.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means easy does it.

Come on.

Pathology report's back.

John? Huh?

Sorry, go on.

No sign of rape, or sexual assault.

She wasn't a virgin.

And no water in the lungs.

Well, that means she'd have been dead when she hit the water, doesn't it?

Very. It'd only been there a few hours.

Time of death was between eight and ten on Saturday evening.

It'd have been busy in the pier, Saturday night.

I don't think she died on the pier, John.

I think she was killed somewhere else,

kept there for eight or so hours,

and then taken to the pier, dumped over the side.

Somebody hoped that she would just drift away without a trace.

That's a bit stupid, that, isn't it?

Yeah, very.

What happens now?

Well, can we drive you home?

I've got the car.

Don't you want to talk to us?

We can do that later.

I want to do it now.

Agnes... Well, what are we going to do?

Go home, chop some vegetables, put the radio on? Darling...

Inspector?

She told us at dinner...

..about the job at the camp.

It was my birthday.

I'd made a quiche Lorraine.

One always hopes that someone else will cook on your birthday,

but not this time.

Megan! On the table!

Megan!

Megan.

Patrick, did you polish both serving spoons?

Yes, I think so...

You think?

I'll do it.

When you ask if you can help, dear, and then don't do the very thing

that I ask, there really is very little point, is there?

Have we got any butter?

There's already butter on the potatoes.

I'd like to put a bit more on.

You heard your mother, you don't need any more.

I'd like some more, please.

Run along and get it then.

We'll wait till you return.

I've got a job at the Bluebird Holiday Camp.

And so it began.

She left when?

The following morning. She was resolute.

She took the bus.

The blue one, with the flaky upholstery.

When was this?

About two months ago.

And you haven't seen her since?

No.

Did you visit her at the camp?

No.

Thank you, Rachel.

Was this new, this desire to break free?

The last two years have been rather disruptive, Inspector.

Cos we...we moved, from London to Newcastle -

from a dear little house in Richmond.

Nice neighbours, everything just as we wanted it.

And Patrick got a promotion up here.

He's from Newcastle, you see.

And then after the move,

Megan did become perhaps a little surly,

but then she did have dreams of achieving something

which was just beyond the realms of possibility.

What was that?

She wanted to become an actress, a performer.

You didn't approve?

It's a wildly frivolous occupation, Inspector, bound in...

..uncertainty and self-indulgence

and those who really need it are fragile creatures, in my opinion.

"Look at me!" Isn't that what it's saying?

Perhaps. Was she good at it?

What? Megan, was she any good?

Was she a good performer?

I've no idea.

But the notion of her wanting to get a job at the camp

to achieve her dreams was quite frankly laughable.

Why was that?

The Bluebird Holiday Camp is hardly the Royal Shakespeare Company, is it?

It's a playground for those with less than Patrick and I.

We prefer to holiday at Whitby.

Wonderful steam train.

I love steam trains.

Did she contact you after she got to the camp

or while she was there?

She wrote.

Once. Can we see it, that letter?

I don't have it.

I saw no reason to keep it.

Was she precious to you, your daughter?

What sort of a question is that?

Well, parents don't usually throw away their children's letters, do they?

Especially if they haven't seen them for a few weeks,

their only daughter.

She was enjoying being amongst all those campers,

enjoying the hysteria.

I saw no reason to read that letter more than once.

Right, one more question. What were you both doing last night?

What, pray, are you suggesting?

Just answer the question, please.

We went to the theatre.

At the village hall.

Amateur dramatic production of Kiss Me Kate -

it was rather good.

Thank you.

I'd run away to a holiday camp if that was the alternative. Indeed.

She didn't seem very upset, did she?

Visibly unmoved, I'd say.

Methodical. Taut.

We'd better check their alibi.

I could do that.

All right. I've got it.

You still here? I'm compartmentalising.

What? Well, er, your filing system is, um, questionable...

Sir. Is it now?

No, it's not. It's not? No.

Well, you see, Detective Sergeant, I would be interested

in your definition of an operational filing system

when there appears to be a lack of any files.

It's all right. It's all there.

Yeah, well, it's all there, yeah, but in what semblance of order

because, well, ideally if we could actually locate the information that we do have,

well, it might give us more time to look for the information we don't have.

Well, it's really that simple, I'd say.

Well, you carry on, Rachel.

I, for one, am glad you're here. For one.

Oi! She was wearing a good wig, Mrs Webb.

What relevance is that? Probably none.

I never noticed she was wearing a wig.

Well, that's because you're a man, sir. Is that a fact?

Well, Rachel, you coordinate with Sergeant Bacchus, I'd like you with us.

We're going to need help speaking to everybody in the camp

and nobody is to check out until they've been interviewed.

Take that.

"Semblance of order", huh?

She's only been here two minutes, man,

she's fiddling around with everything.

Calm down. She's a good copper.

Aye, so everyone keeps telling us. I don't see it, myself.

I mean, it's nice to have somebody here to make a cup of tea,

she'd be good for that, granted. I wanted her here.

We don't need her. Well, I say we do, John. Oh, well, you would.

She thinks you walk on water.

Are you jealous? What?

You know, bright young spark, hard worker.

What are you saying? You know what I'm saying.

You might want to step up, John.

Put a bit of seniority in your stride.

That wouldn't harm you, would it?

Cherry? Yes?

I was at home last night, all right?

You want me to lie?

It's a tiny little white lie.

Todd... If you wouldn't mind.

Is there something I don't know?

Just do it.

Daddy!

Hey, baby girl, let's have a look at you.

Beautiful.

I did this myself. My very first plait.

Let me have a look at that. Wowee, that's fantastic.

You're amazing, do you know that?

I didn't even know you were coming.

Well, I wanted to surprise you, didn't I? Eh?

Are those your friends over there?

Why don't you go and play with them for ten minutes

and I'll just have a quick word with your mum, all right?

See you in a bit. What are you doing?

I'm talking to my daughter.

It's not your day.

It's not my day to talk to my daughter?

See, this is what it is with you... John, this is just how it works.

It works for you, it doesn't really work for me!

Will you calm down? We're just outside the school gates.

I know where we are, Lisa. All right, thank you very much.

You see her every month. It's what we agreed.

No, it's what you decided.

I had no choice, unless I take you to court, remember? Oh, come on!

You see her about as much as I think you can manage.

You don't even pick her up on time. That happened once.

Twice.

In two years that's not that bad.

I try, Lisa.

I might not be perfect, like you, but I try.

Yeah, you really try.

You know how to patronise me, don't you?

We all know you're in charge, Lisa,

you keep ramming it down me bloody throat!

I don't want to talk to you any more, John. Leigh-Anne!

You can't do this. You can't just turn up.

You're being aggressive, you're frightening me.

I'm taking Leigh-Anne into school, you can see her in a few weeks.

I just want to see her!

Morning. Do you ever sleep, you?

Do you ever smile?

I've done blocks A to F. Course you have.

You really don't like me, do you?

No. No, it's not that. I just don't need you here.

I can do it, all right, that's the point. Right, so you'll know about

the staff meeting, then, starting in five minutes?

Yeah, yeah.

You all right?

You're late.

Er, yeah.

Sorry.

Right, two tickets for Kiss Me Kate

was purchased under Patrick Webb's name,

but only one person went and that was Patrick.

Apparently he arrived alone.

And he sold the second ticket back to the box office

just before the show.

CACKLING

Was she any good?

Get Mrs Webb in. Right.

Whoo!

Is everyone here?

I have an announcement to make.

We have lost...

..one of our most beautiful Bluebirds.

Megan Webb...

has been found dead off-camp.

SHOCKED MURMURING

I'm so sorry.

It is vital that you are able to seek solace in each other,

but it is also vital that we maintain a standard for our campers.

And a smile.

And you will find yourself having to answer many difficult questions,

but your bright and breezy answer to them is this -

it is sunshine

and business as usual at the Bluebird Holiday Camp.

Now, the police, of course, are investigating,

and I trust that you will be as co-operative as they require.

But I've asked them to conduct their inquiries in a manner

which will not upset our campers.

This, I must emphasise, is paramount.

That is all.

Lovely speech. MR STRETCH: Lovely girl.

Hello. I'm WPC Coles.

I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions.

I've always had a thing about female police officers.

Oh, goodie for me.

I'm Detective Sergeant Bacchus. I'd like to ask you a few questions.

It's all right, Sergeant. I've got this. Hope so.

Name?

Manners. Gary Manners. Mr Manners,

you worked with Megan Webb, is that correct?

You don't quite hold the same appeal as your colleague.

Answer the question, pal, all right?

I worked with her, yeah.

You worked with her...

I bet she was on your radar

because you clearly have a thing with the lasses, don't you?

Aye, well, Megan clearly had a thing for the gents. Hey, come back.

Did she have a thing for you?

That's interesting. Maybe not.

Write this down. Megan Webb had taste.

What did you just say?

Aye, go on.

Go on, Mr Manners, I dare you.

The thrill of chucking you in a police cell

would absolutely make my day, so go on.

After you.

Right. That's what I thought.

I'm a grown-up, you know. I can cope.

The guy's an idiot. Aye. You're an idiot.

Knight in shining armour, eh?

What? No, the guy's an idiot.

What?

What?!

Relations between staff members. Yes.

Encouraged? Banned?

Todd hates it.

But it goes on.

What about Megan and that Gary Manners fella? Anything there?

I don't know. Quick fling, maybe?

Well, when he heard about Megan,

he looked as though he'd been punched in the stomach.

Well...

It's been a terrible shock for us all.

Do you know what happened between them? Who broke it off?

No. Sorry.

Could you confirm what your brother was doing on Saturday night?

He went home to his wife.

He left here around four and I didn't see him again

until the morning. And yourself?

I was supervising the dining hall.

We had a supervisor off sick, so I offered to step in.

I finished my shift around ten.

Rather a late night for me.

We'll need to speak to one of Megan's other cabin-mates.

Gail? Gail, yes.

The kitchens are round the back. I can walk you round.

Ah, we'll find our own way, thank you. OK.

That Gary Manners fella, he's lying about something.

It's written all over his stupid, smug, shiny, stupid face.

Well, if you'd been dumped by a girl who ended up murdered,

you might want to keep quiet about it.

He's as guilty as sin, man. It's obvious.

He really kicked your perch, didn't he?

You want to tell me why you were late?

I went to see Lisa.

I went to see her at the school cos I wanted to talk to her

about Leigh-Anne and my access

and why I can't see her and it just all blew up.

What, you just turned up out the blue? Yeah. I did. Yeah.

Clever(!)

Yeah, all right. All right.

Your powers of persuasion are getting better by the minute, John.

Miss Smith?

Gail, is it?

I'm DCI Gently. This is Detective Sergeant Bacchus.

I've got to get these carrots done.

Well, we have permission to interview all staff,

working, or otherwise.

I'm very sorry about what happened to your cabin-mate.

Shocking thing to happen.

Could say that.

We're searching your cabin right now. Just so you know, OK?

Did you get on? Three of you - you Justine and Megan - as cabin-mates?

Fine.

Three's a difficult number.

You're a bit younger than the other girls, aren't you?

What are you, 16?

In four months. I'm 15.

Was that a problem? In the cabin?

You know, any...ructions?

No.

Are you sure? Anything at all?

Have you got a cigarette? Gail...

Why did Megan dump Gary?

Don't know.

Gail, this is a murder investigation.

We ask questions and you answer, truthfully. That's how it works.

We've got no time for messing about or telling fibs.

Well, I'm not lying, actually.

Well, you see, the word "actually" has kind of landed you in it there.

Actually.

I told you, I don't know.

What? Three girls sharing a cabin together

and you never had a good gossip about your love life?

Look, I've got to get back to work. I've got to do this...

VOICE QUAVERING: ..and then I've got to change the chip fat.

Where were you on Saturday night, Gail?

Working. Here. All night. You can ask any of the kitchen staff.

Are you all right?

Yeah.

I just found this in Justine's drawer and...

Are we done? Yep.

What is it?

I don't know.

I think it's pine disinfectant.

Might be nothing.

Let's find out when the cabins are cleaned.

Who's got a car?

Say again? Who's got a car?

If Megan was killed in there, somebody could have kept her there

and waited till it was late enough to drive her to the pier.

Well, there's a staff car

and the keys are kept behind the reception desk

and all staff do have access, within reason.

That'll be it.

It's my turn!

Come here.

It's my turn.

But it's mine. He's had it all day.

The pair of yous better pack it in, right.

BOTH: But Dad!

Sir? The lab report's back. It's a match.

The blood in the car was the same type as Megan's.

124 witness statements and nobody saw a thing.

Well, not yet.

Where's John?

I'm not sure. He, um...

Well, he disappeared when he heard

that there was a solicitor in the building.

I'm not sure what it's about, but...

Sorry. Oh, great.

You don't know what you're talking about. You're an idiot!

I'm just telling you how it is.

He's an idiot, him. Doesn't know what he's talking about.

I take it you cornered him about Leigh-Anne. Yeah.

And he says the only option I have is to take Lisa to court

and even then, right, statistically,

I have a minuscule chance of winning.

And either way, I've got to pay the court costs.

So, not only will I end up exactly where I started...

..I'll be bankrupt. It's great, innit, that? Terrific.

So, what does he recommend?

He doesn't. He told me to forget it.

So I told him to shove his clipboard up his stupid... John. John.

John! John!

Not here.

Sorry. Why don't you go and talk to Lisa again?

I can't do that. Why not?

Because, apparently, I scare her and she doesn't want me around.

It's ridiculous. Oh, don't mind me.

I'm only Leigh-Anne's dad.

Just the hapless father, that's all.

Where was Gary Manners on Saturday night?

Oh, look at this, man. She keeps shifting... John!

LOUDLY: Where was Gary Manners on Saturday night?

Er, oh, yeah...

Him and Justine were on stage at the camp

from six till last orders.

Don't they ever give them a break?

I don't think so. They treat them like pack-horses.

Don't even have time to eat.

How did you get on with Stretch's wife?

Sir, there was no answer on the phone,

so I popped round and spoke to a neighbour,

who said that Mrs Stretch and his daughters had left months ago.

Did they, indeed?

Oh, yeah, and I also called the village hairdressers

about Mrs Webb and asked about her wig.

Well, hairdressers know everything,

especially local hair-associated facts.

Well, childbirth.

All of her hair fell out when she gave birth to Megan.

She's been wearing a wig ever since.

It's always been a problem between mother and daughter, apparently.

That's great.

Innit? That's amazing.

Really exemplary work there, WPC Coles.

Tell us something. Were you one of those kids

that wore their school uniform at the weekends?

Would you excuse us for a moment, please, Rachel.

Bright and female.

She really rattled your cage, didn't she? No, no, it's not that.

She's just an arrogant know-all.

She's over you like a rash. John...

She's all like, "Oh, Mr Gently, sir..."

John, John. I feel for you, I really do.

Not seeing Leigh-Anne, it's grossly unfair...

What would you know about it?

You're not a father.

Thanks for that.

But that does not give you permission to come here

and make everybody feel as diminished as you clearly do.

You get back to the holiday camp.

You're more use there than here.

Give it a day or two, most of these campers will be gone.

You don't know that.

I admire your optimism.

Tea?

No. Not for me.

Where's Gary Manners right about now.

He's proving to be a bit elusive.

On his way to the dancehall, I should imagine.

Whipping up our campers into a heightened state of euphoria.

Really?

How long have you been married?

16 years.

To Kitty.

Two children,

if indeed that was to be your next question.

Dorothy and Heather, 14 and 12.

Do you get home much?

Well, I work hard, Sergeant.

Is that why she left?

Ah, come on, man.

That piece of information's not going to pass us by, is it?

It's a murder investigation.

Look...

I don't want anyone to know. Even my sister doesn't know.

I had to give Kitty some money to keep quiet.

I am a family man.

Was.

Does beg the question, though, doesn't it?

What you were really doing on Saturday night?

What is this?

I've always loved Kiss Me Kate.

Perhaps you could enlighten me about Saturday night's production.

I got drunk and slept here on the sofa.

It happens a little too often.

I was embarrassed.

You were at the camp all evening?

Yes.

Did you go anywhere?

Answer the question.

In the dancehall, there's a corner of the wings

where I can stand without being seen.

I make notes.

The show has to be perfect.

Efficiency is everything if we are to maintain the numbers.

Standards need to be high.

Was Megan performing?

Yes.

You lied during the murder investigation of your own daughter.

If I'd told you where I was, you would have assumed the worst!

I always assume the worst of everybody.

I didn't kill her!

You know what? I don't believe you.

Oh, there I go again...

I didn't kill her! How could I?

Well, you had enough of a reason.

People don't need much, surprisingly.

It was a shock...when she left, yes?

Yes.

I felt like I wanted to die, actually.

It didn't make you happy,

knowing that your only daughter was following her dream?

I told you before, Inspector, I thought it was an indulgence.

She wanted lessons after school.

Ballet, tap, singing, acting.

Instead, Patrick whisked her off to his sister for extra Latin classes.

She's an exemplary Latin teacher, his sister.

No social graces though,

so I keep my distance when possible.

Well, Megan must have been naturally talented then,

cos she didn't have any training or crafting of her talent.

Apparently so.

What did you want to do when you were a little girl?

Er...

I liked to tell stories.

Ah.

I was good at the voices.

My mum and dad used to wheel me out at parties.

I had some...

..ambition, you might say.

But it was not to be.

You lost your hair?

SHE SIGHS

After I gave birth to Megan...

..pretty as a picture, I was not.

Would you say your daughter was as pretty as a picture?

Of course I would!

And clearly she had the talent.

She was all set to have the career that you could never have.

Yes, yes. All right!

You went to the camp, didn't you?

SHE SIGHS

Temptation got the better of me.

I just...

..wanted to see her sing.

Saturday night?

Right, campers, we know you're desperate to see the next act,

so please put your hands together for the late-night version

of the After Dark Bluebirds, led by our very own Megan Webb!

CHEERING

MUSIC: The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)

# Does he love me?

# I wanna know

# How can I tell if he loves me so?

# Is it in his eyes?

# Oh, no, you'll be deceived

# Is it in his eyes?

# Oh, no, he'll make believe

# If you wanna know if he loves you so

# It's in his kiss That's where it is

# Oh, yeah, or is it in his face?

# Oh, no, it's just his charms

# In his warm embrace?

# Oh, no, that's just his arm

# If you wanna know if he loves you so

# It's in his kiss That's where it is

# Whoa, it's in his kiss That's where it is

# Whoa-oh-oh Kiss him and squeeze him tight

# Find out what you wanna know

# If it's love, if it really is

# It's there in his kiss

# How 'bout the way he acts?

# Oh, no, that's not the way

# You're not listenin' to all I say

# If you wanna know if he loves you so

# It's in his kiss That's where it is

# Whoa-oh-oh, it's in his kiss That's where it is... #

Any mistakes?

There's always room for polish.

Tighter footwork.

Wider smiles.

Why did your wife leave you?

It's ironic.

One fights to maintain the perfect family holiday

and in doing so,

destroys one's own precious little unit.

You wouldn't understand precious if it came up and hit you in the face.

I beg your pardon? You sit there,

talking about how important family is to you, when all the time,

you were having it off with Megan Webb.

No, I wasn't. Yes, you were.

I just wouldn't! You're lying!

Again!

This may come as a surprise to you, Sergeant,

but we are not all unfaithful. Not all of us.

My weakness is this camp.

My father's camp.

I just want it to work.

And I can't fail.

I just can't.

Do you know what?

I came to this camp a few years back.

Really? Yep.

Me, the wife, my daughter.

We had a great time.

I remember how busy it was. It was absolutely packed with families.

Not so packed any more.

Your camp's dying, isn't it?

Hardly that.

Come on, man, this is 1969.

Family's not what it used to be. I should know.

People don't want to come to holiday camps any more,

they want to go further afield.

Your dancehall seems busy enough.

Your dining room, all that.

You've disguised those bits very well... No, it is not a disguise!

It is clever programming.

We lead our campers like horses to water.

One big event on the hour, every hour.

If a room is full, they'll be happy, and they will keep coming back.

You'd do anything to save this camp, wouldn't you?

Did Patrick know you went?

Megan...

..obviously wanted me to come. I was rather touched.

She wrote more than once?

Yes.

Every week.

But I couldn't write back. Why not?

I didn't want to engage. She'd...disobeyed me.

But then she told me an agent was coming.

An agent? Yes.

Someone local had seen her, told someone else.

I thought, she must be...passable,

if someone's coming to see her.

Did you speak to her?

After the show.

WHOOPING AND LAUGHING

What time was this?

I suppose...

..9.20pm, 9.25pm, maybe?

Mum...

I won't come in.

What are you doing here?

I just came to see you sing a couple of songs

and to say...

yeah, well done.

Mum, please come in. No, I couldn't possibly.

You came to see me.

Thought it was about time.

Got my letters, then?

Did the agent come?

You said in your letter...

Um...

I was cross with you.

Every week I write, and nothing.

I just found myself writing that, and...

I see.

No agent?

Oh, well.

That'll serve me right for not writing back.

I might not stay here, Mum.

Why?

I can't explain, really.

Mum, can I come home?

Home?

No. No, darling, you can't.

I really should go.

Mum!

Mum...

Why'd you say no?

Because she was too good.

Oh. She was so good, in fact, that I realised

she was absolutely right,

to have left home, gone to the camp.

It was a perfect platform for her.

She couldn't give it up and come home. I wouldn't allow it.

If I didn't know you better,

I'd say you were starting to sound like a proud mum.

I don't know about that. Oh, come on, Agnes.

"Come on" what, Mr Gently?

Do I regret not telling her that?

Absolutely that?

That I was proud of her? Proud of her...beautiful performance?

I think so, yes. Yes.

And regret can make a person...

..very, very angry and bitter.

Well...

..at least you went to see her.

That would have meant something to her.

You think? Hmm.

Yeah, maybe.

But I didn't take her home with me, Inspector.

I didn't do as she asked.

We've lost our baby, Patrick. Our baby.

SHE SOBS

CRYING: She was such a good dancer.

I so wished you could have seen her.

I think it's what they call a cack-handed approach.

It was clumsy, certainly.

Just makes me laugh.

Does he think for one moment that him turning up like that

is going to make me go, "Oh, yeah, all right, then.

"Just because you asked so nicely."

John has got a particular way with words.

That's one way of putting it.

Oh, he's always been like this, hasn't he?

Gets in a rage, because he doesn't know what else to do.

But, you know, Lisa, underneath all of that...

..he might just have... What? ..a point.

A point?

Yeah.

Oh, no.

The amount of contact he has with Leigh-Anne is pitiful, Lisa.

It just is. Is that what this is about?

This is why you asked us to meet?

I'll get us another drink.

MAN: I can't explain now...

WOMAN: I think it's best if we just get home as quick as we can...

Ah, we meet again. I missed you.

I'll bet. I mustn't dawdle. Campers to entertain.

Everyone in this camp seems to think that you and Megan

had a relationship except for you. It's funny that, isn't it? Yeah?

Well, I don't call a couple of nights in a cold, unoccupied cabin

a relationship. Maybe, you do. How sweet(!)

Someone even said that you were in love with her. Who?

Oh, fascinating.

Meaning? So many untruths whizzing about this camp, Sergeant.

Were you angry or upset when she ended it? No.

Dear me, you're a terrible liar.

Why did she end it?

I don't know. I don't care.

Well, you either genuinely don't know, in which case, you're thick,

or you do know and you're just not telling me,

in which case, you're a bit stupid.

Must be difficult in that dancehall without her.

Off you pop.

Will you think about it?

There's nothing to think about. I disagree.

This has nothing to do with you, George.

Well, not directly, no.

But I think I know something of what John's going through.

I know what it's like to feel...

What?

Isabella died five years ago yesterday.

About this time, actually.

George, I'm sorry. No, it's all right. It's all right.

Well, it's not.

Lisa, I don't have a family...

..as John so kindly pointed out to me yesterday

but what he doesn't know is that we did try.

For years. We did all the tests, all of it, but...

And I think I would have made an all-right dad.

But...

Let him do it, Lisa.

George... Something's got to give.

He could see Leigh-Anne more, couldn't he?

We've got a routine now.

This is not about routine. This is about control.

I don't like the way you're saying that.

Why?

Why couldn't he see more of her?

Because seeing her so little, it's making his heart freeze, Lisa.

And he's her dad. She's his little girl. You can't change that.

You can't take that away from him.

Or her.

You look like the boss to me.

Not the other one.

Hello, there.

Just something about the way you hold yourself.

It's fun here when the sun starts to fade, isn't it?

Depends what you mean by fun.

Oh, holiday camps are all about sunshine, blue skies.

Smiling faces, colour, laughing...

It's a well-trodden path

but when the night falls, we don't think about the shadows.

Let me ask you something.

Why did you lie to us when we first questioned you about Gary?

You said that Megan wasn't seeing anyone.

She wasn't, they'd split up.

Clever clogs.

What are you doing, Justine?

Well, it's my evening off.

I came out for a fag but I can't be seen loitering.

So, I'd appreciate it if miraculously you'd forgotten you'd seen us.

You and Megan were good friends, were you?

Do we have to talk about this now?

Go down the station, talk about it there if you fancy.

Well, I liked her a lot.

She knew who she was, what she was doing here.

It's an over-used term, Sergeant, but Megan was a good person.

A friend.

What about Gail?

Was she jealous at all about your friendship?

Gail's young.

I think she's used to being the underdog, but I'm...

..I'm working on her.

I used to be a bit like that...

..like Gail...

..and then I came here and everything changed.

I can't imagine you ever being like Gail.

Oh, I'd surprise you, Sergeant.

Gary and Megan were in a relationship, were they?

Yeah, everyone knows that.

Why did she dump him?

Nobody answers that question. Why will nobody answer that question?

I don't know why she dumped him.

She was so into him.

So excited when he first showed an interest in her.

He singled her out...

..invited her to this party where it all began.

We got her ready.

I lent her a dress.

# Sugar

# Oh, honey, honey

# You are my candy girl

# And you got me wanting you

# Honey... #

That's better.

It's all about accentuation.

Isn't it a bit much?

No.

It's actually perfect.

Now, can you see what can be done?

Anything's possible...

Yeah, but I haven't even got the basics.

Oh, we can create the basics.

Trust me.

MUSIC: "Ha! Ha! Said The Clown" by Manfred Mann

Go and get a drink.

See what happens.

SONG CHANGES: "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations

MUSIC DROWNS HIS WHISPER

Look and learn, Gail.

Look and learn.

Well, they'd been seeing each other a couple of weeks

and she suddenly went cold on him.

Did she find out he was seeing anybody else? Anything like that?

I don't know.

I think you do.

Well, you would.

It's your job to be suspicious.

Come on, pet.

Sorry to disappoint.

Were you on stage all night on Saturday?

Yeah, between six and midnight.

Didn't leave the dancehall ever?

No.

Sure? Absolutely.

I hate to admit it but I'm rather frightened, Sergeant.

It could happen again, couldn't it?

I'd get inside if I were you, pet.

Till we've made an arrest,

this camp might not be the safest place to be.

Ta-ra.

Why did Megan want to leave that camp?

Something changed.

And something's bothering me.

The staff didn't know about Megan's murder

until about ten the next morning. Right?

Yeah, about that...

And the newspapers arrive at 11 o'clock, yeah?

Yeah, they get delivered to the cabins.

So by mid-morning, everybody knows. Yes? Yeah.

Right, well...

there's a list of families

who tried to check out of the camp before they were interviewed.

Nothing too troubling about that.

They wanted to get the hell out of there, I don't blame them.

But one family were recorded by the...

John, listen.

One family were recorded by the receptionist

as desperately trying to leave at quarter past ten, Monday morning,

45 minutes before the newspapers arrived.

Yeah, and there's no radios in any of the cabins.

Sylvia and Timothy Ryan. Cabin Red 4?

No, no, I remember now.

There was no answer when I was doing my checks.

Bring them both in - separate interviews.

Don't worry, Mr Ryan, you'll be next.

Got any children?

Yeah. Like that, is it?

Well, life changes after kids.

Some people say for the better.

Well, it depends on your point of view.

People shouldn't have kids if they don't want them.

No-one tells you they destroy your lives.

You know what?

I hope your kids never ever hear you say that.

Oh, it's always the dads who judge the most.

And the ones who see the kids the least.

Do you know what... Right, let's just stick to the point, shall we?

Is he staying?

Yes.

Now, where were you on Saturday night, Mrs Ryan?

I was at the camp. Where do you think I was?

Don't get smart.

What were you doing around 9.30?

I can't remember. Think!

Yeah, I...

I called my mum.

Tim was on his way to the dancehall,

I remember I needed to call my mum.

What about? This and that.

Give me the number.

What?

Your mother's number.

Well, presumably she would have remembered the phone call.

So, I'll ask you again.

I went to a cabin, to meet a fella...

..a Bluebird. Who?

His name was...Gary.

Gary Manners?

I don't know his second name.

Gary Manners!

I'd been at the camp a week

and on the second night we got chatting and we hit it off.

This was our third date, of sorts.

What time was this?

I met him around...ten.

There was a competition.

The campers got 20 minutes to dance for the judges.

Gary could come off stage -

he slipped away and no-one noticed.

Go on.

Well, I met him in his cabin.

We were...

Making daisy chains. Yeah, I know. I get it.

When this music suddenly started, really loud -

coming from a cabin nearby.

"BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP" BLARES

What's the matter?

It's coming from Meg's cabin. Oh, we've only got 15 minutes!

She needs to turn it down.

No, it'll be fine. She needs to turn it down!

Meg, what are you doing? Turn it down.

Meg, what are you playing at? Turn it down!

VOLUME LOWERS

Thank you.

Meg?

Hello?

'How long was the music playing for?'

Minute and a half - maybe less.

And how long were you and Gary...?

15 minutes.

Then what?

I ran back to the dance hall.

What about Gary?

Yeah, he went there too. Just...different route.

Did you see him go?

No, but five minutes later he were on the stage.

Five minutes?

Why did you try and check out early?

Gary came to find me,

when the staff had heard about the girl...

the dead girl.

Well, the music we heard, Gary thought it were a bit odd.

It was too loud, out of character.

We wondered if...

..we'd witnessed something.

And you couldn't tell us because your husband would find out.

But what about Gary?

I don't know.

Because she's not Gary's usual fare, is she?

I beg your pardon. I mean, look at her.

He could have anyone. That's just insulting!

At least I've not got a face that looks like

a horse's head caught in a clamp. Clever.

And you'd be surprised - a lot of men like a bit of flesh.

But not Gary, eh?

I don't know what you mean. Yes, you do.

You paid him for the sex, didn't you?

The lying git.

Megan must have found out about him.

It's not the kind of thing you want to hear

about your nice new boyfriend, is it?

You're looking forward to this, aren't you?

Yeah.

Right, last six!

Three...

five...

Well done. Good, well done.

Good workout!

Star pupil!

Whoo! Oh, God, I think I'm going to throw up.

Gary, put it away, man, will you? I want a word with you.

I'm busy! Now, please.

Where's the fire, gentlemen?

It's not a good look in front of the campers.

Did you sleep with Sylvia Ryan?

I need to get on, got back-to-back classes.

Well, I'll take that as a yes then.

Look, we could do this down at the station, if you like.

And there, I guarantee, you will start sweating.

It's just a bit of fun.

Do it often? I'm a consenting adult.

Indeed you are.

But unfortunately you consented to take money for it, didn't you?

Did Megan find out and threaten to tell somebody about it?

Hey, is that why you killed her, Gary? I wouldn't hurt Megan!

Not in a million years. See, at the moment,

I don't believe a single word that comes out of your mouth.

First you're not seeing Megan, then you are.

You didn't leave the dancehall, then you did.

Add that to your vice activity,

you're already looking at a jail term.

I didn't kill her. Yeah, right.

I didn't kill her!

You're a smarmy git, you are, Gary.

You want to watch yourself, all roads seem to be leading to you.

Because I had some assignations, I'm capable of murder?

How many times do I need to say it? You want to back off, man, all right? You've got this very wrong.

You were very fond of Megan, weren't you?

Yeah, I know. OK.

Did she find out that you were accepting money for sex?

Yes.

Who else knew?

Who else knew?

No-one. You're lying. I'm not.

See, I'm better at this than you are, Gary.

Now, there is something. Isn't there?

There's something around the notion of who else knew.

Because why would you lie? Who are you protecting?

You weren't the only one. Were you, Gary?

Thanks, Gary.

I'm lost. Stretch is running a knocking shop, John,

right here in the camp.

Are you quite serious?

This is a family holiday camp, Inspector,

it slightly misses the point.

I suggest you wipe that grin off your face

and take a seat, Mr Stretch.

Gary Manners regularly slept with female campers for money.

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

Well, I think you do, Mr Stretch.

Was Megan a part of this? What? Was she one of your girls?

Cherry, Inspector Gently is under the misguided

and quite frankly ludicrous impression

that this camp is gaining from immoral earnings.

Would you kindly tell him that we know nothing of any prostitution.

Who told you that?

Gary Manners gave himself away.

Gary likes the sound of his own voice.

Bit of a boaster.

So you knew nothing about this? Nothing at all?

Because Gary says he wasn't the only one.

I had to do something.

There were these loan sharks and they needed cash fast.

What are you saying? Todd knew nothing about this.

What have you done?

The camp was failing, Todd. We would have failed.

What have you done?!

The camp was going under, Todd - the whole thing!

Families weren't coming any more. We were that close.

I had to keep it afloat! No, Cherry...not like this.

This is all we have. This is all we are!

You're so naive, Todd.

It's business, just business.

I know it's hard, but we needed the cash.

We'd be dead otherwise.

Sit down, Mr Stretch.

How did you...market this business?

We watched, at meal-times, the couples who were struggling.

The men who looked straight past their own wives,

so they could get a good look at someone else's.

Oh, it's everywhere, Inspector -

unhappy couples.

Especially on holiday...

all that flesh,

every flaw exposed.

And what about Megan?

What about her? Come on, Cherry, there's more.

What about Megan?

I invited her to join us.

Well, I didn't, Gary did.

We'd set the whole thing up.

I thought if she fell in love with Gary,