Gently with Honour Inspector George Gently

CHURCH BELL CHIMES

..came also the resurrection of the dead.

Christ the first fruits,

afterward they that are Christ's at His coming.

For He must reign till He hath put all enemies under His feet.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Hi, Daniel. You're looking well.

MAN LAUGHS

HE GASPS

-ALL:

-# Potatoes, whole potatoes pied

# Enjoy them all especially chips

# Remember, spuds don't come in ships! #

Gently?

-How do you do?

-I thought it was you, Sergeant.

Detective Chief Inspector these days.

Oh, so you've swapped one uniform for another? Unlike myself.

So I see, Brigadier Phillips.

I'm fighting an impulse to salute.

Seems a long time since you and Archie and the rest

-dragged a wet-behind-the-ears lieutenant through Italy.

-Oh, yeah.

-So you'd kept in touch?

-No, not really, but you turn up, don't you?

-Archie was a warrior. Saved my life more than once.

-Mine, too.

He was a good man. A good soldier.

Was he?

-It was 26 years ago, Sergeant.

-George.

My name is George.

Or Detective Chief Inspector if you prefer rank.

Bad form to rake over the coals.

-It was war.

-I remember.

We may have got our hands dirty now and then,

but we were bloody heroes and I don't mind saying it.

We've nothing to feel guilty about, George.

Morning.

I didn't get back till one this morning. This better be good, John.

Or bad, if you see what I mean.

How was the funeral?

Well, the dancing girls were a particular highlight.

It was a funeral, John.

I was trying to say, sir, in a roundabout way, are you all right?

-Was it someone close?

-Old army comrade.

Thank you for your concern, I appreciate it. What have we got?

This way.

Place was pretty full last night, apparently, maybe about 20 patrons.

Something like that.

And how does this work? Is there a membership or...?

No. No, you pay on entry. There's an old fella that you give money to.

Thanks. Gives you a towel and a locker key

and at the end of the night, turns everything off,

he locks up and he goes home.

Bloody hand print there. It's not going to test our talents much this one, sir.

There's another smear here, look.

Now, we've got a witness, a man called Francis Walsh

who says that this fella who's the victim,

this is Leonard Price...

he approached another fella who went crazy and...smashed him up.

No-one intervened?

Well, the witness got a smack in the face for the pleasure.

And the rest of them just ran out screaming.

They're not renowned for their bravery, are they, sir?

-Who?

-You know, this lot.

Poofters.

You're jumping to conclusions, John.

-There was no provocation?

-None I could see.

Leonard just went over to the lad and he went crazy.

He was like a wild animal.

-Then what happened?

-I tried to pull him away and I got this.

People'll think I've gone all rough trade.

Mr Walsh, were you the only other person in here?

Nah.

Everyone else left in a hurry.

No-one helped you?

It all happened so fast.

And let's be honest, there's plenty of men in here

wouldn't want their presence to become common knowledge,

never mind talk to yous.

But you stayed?

Leonard was me friend.

-And I don't care who knows what I am.

-So you are a...

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT You know...a practising homosexual?

HE CHUCKLES

I'm well beyond practising, Sergeant.

But only with consenting adults in the privacy of me own home as allowed by the law.

Yeah, yeah. Did you recognise Leonard's attacker?

I've never seen him before. He just went insane.

He ran out of here still wearing his towel.

His stuff's still in his locker.

Right. And that, please.

Up there, sir.

If only they all left their ID at the crime scene, we'd be home by dinner time every day.

And then what would you do with yourself?

Plenty, guv, plenty.

-Could take up a hobby.

-Such as?

I don't know, life drawing maybe...with naked ladies.

Something sensitive and artistic.

Because you're well known for your artistic temperament and sensitive approach.

You heard Walsh, Scott Tanner went mad.

Better to be safe than sorry this.

Hello, pet. We were just wondering...

-Losing your touch there.

-I prefer 'em with teeth.

-You've got the weapon.

-Right, fine.

Right.

No-one here, sir.

Have a look round.

And who the bloody hell are you? And why are you in my flat?

I'm a police officer.

Thought you looked a bit smart for a burglar.

Back off!

HE LAUGHS

You come at me with that and I'll wrap it round your head.

Is that your dog?

And my bite's worse than my bark, believe me. You back off.

-John.

-I'll not tell you again.

-John!

-What's this about?

-Are you Scott Tanner?

-That's me little brother.

Why?

I'm DCI Gently, that's DS Bacchus.

We're investigating a murder and your brother's a suspect.

HE LAUGHS

What, you think Scotty...?

Nah. He wouldn't know where to start.

-So that's not him in army uniform holding a gun?

-Aye, it is.

And there's a reason that he's not a soldier any more.

Scotty's soft, should never have signed up.

Who is it he's supposed to have murdered?

-Where were you last night?

-Enjoying a bit of R&R.

Right. Where?

Mostly with a fine young lady by the name of Gwendoline.

Though I suspect that ain't her real name, if you know what I mean?

-When did you last see Scott?

-Yesterday afternoon.

Guv...the bedroom was packed in a hurry.

Do you mind if we have a look?

Half his stuff's gone. Clothes, old kit bag...

boots, fatigues.

No, you must have this wrong.

I'm telling you the lad was scared of his own shadow half the time.

-Any idea where he might have run to?

-I've only been back four days, first time in 15 months.

-Due to leave again in three.

-Flying visit. You in the army?

-Not since '63.

-What do you do now?

Same as I always did, only I get paid better.

Oh, you're a mercenary?

Ugly word that, Mr Gently.

-I'll need a recent photograph of your brother.

-Guv!

-What?

It was in the bathroom.

Is your brother homosexual?

-BOTH GROAN

-Hey! Put it down!

Put it down or I'll arrest you for assault!

I don't like you much.

You pull another stunt like that and we'll continue this elsewhere.

Look...I don't know where Scott is.

I don't know why he'd have killed a fella

and I don't know what he's talking about neither.

-So you weren't very close then?

-Did I say that?

But I've barely seen Scott for three years.

He was still serving the last time I was home.

-Followed in your footsteps.

-And our dad's before that.

I don't know what was going on with him.

Who does then?

You want to know about Scott,

you go and see that doctor of his...the head shrinker.

I'll need a name.

And we're going to need the address of this Gwendoline.

Oh, aye?

She's a strong woman, I'm not sure you'll be man enough for her.

-Think you're funny you, don't you?

-Photo.

If you find him...don't hurt him.

You've got this wrong, I promise you.

BIRDSONG

So, I'm having a photograph printed now and a copy'll be given to every officer on patrol.

-And we're calling in other shifts early as well to do house to house.

-Good.

The radio and even the telly are going to do an appeal for information, sir.

-Did you remember?

-No-one's going to approach him. The word "dangerous" was mentioned several times.

-Very good.

-All right, here we are. There's no obvious connections

between Leonard Price and Scott Tanner. OK?

It says here that he was a regular at the Turkish baths.

He was well known, he was well liked.

And he was an accountant at a local firm in Durham,

but none of his colleagues realised that he batted for the other side.

He is still dead, you know? Whatever his...affiliations, I mean, he's still a victim, a person.

Here we go. You going to start burning your bras, are we?

I tell you what I'll do, Rachel.

I'll go and organise a little march for you. How about that?

No. All I'm saying is that somebody shouldn't have to die just

-cos they're different.

-Did I say that? Hm? Did I say that?

No, I didn't. So don't put words into my mouth, pet. All right.

Maybe he did get killed because he's different.

-But I did not say that.

-All right, all right, all right. Murder's murder.

We don't know why he died yet, do we?

Anybody managed to track down Gwendoline?

Oh, yes. Real name is Hettie Blake.

Confirmed that Mark Tanner did spend the night with her till early morning.

He tips well apparently and is a very vigorous man.

Well, good. Keep looking into Leonard Price,

see if there is any connection to Scott Tanner.

-Come on.

-Where are we going?

To see Scott Tanner's psychiatrist.

Must be plenty of money in listening to folk sit and whinge all day.

I should get a bonus, then, shouldn't I, working with you.

That's not very nice, is it, sir?

-Dr Stefan Lesley?

-Yes.

I'm DCI Gently, this is DS Bacchus. May we come in, please?

May I ask what it's regarding?

Yes. It's about one of your patients. Scott Tanner.

-Please.

-Thank you.

It's a nice part of town, this, isn't it?

Yes. My father bought this place years ago. I love it.

I bet. Just live in a top floor flat, me.

I'm sure it's got damp.

Scott Tanner is a fugitive and a suspect in a murder enquiry.

-Scott killed someone?

-Yes.

He went...

crackers in a Turkish bath and he beat a man to death.

That clearly surprises you.

Well, Scott always seemed like such a gentle young man.

But troubled, otherwise he wouldn't need a psychiatrist.

What were you treating him for?

I mean, was there a specific condition?

Scott was referred to me after a medical discharge from the Army.

-By whom?

-The MOD.

Was that usual?

For the Army to pay for an ex-soldier's care?

I don't know, Mr Gently. I'm sorry, is that the correct form of...?

-Yes. That's fine, thank you.

-I don't know.

I've had no other dealings with the military so I couldn't say.

Your help looks expensive.

Yes, well, my father came from money.

He was a very eminent psychiatrist and researcher.

Followed in his footsteps, did you?

Or, rather, walked in his shadow. Would you like some water?

No, thank you.

Scott was a patient of mine.

I'd like to help you, of course, but, as I'm sure you'll understand,

our sessions were completely confidential.

He's a fugitive, Doctor. And I don't want anybody else to be hurt.

Do you? So, if you could, would you please tell us

why you think Scott might do something like this?

You say he attacked someone completely unprovoked?

Apparently, yes.

Scott was exhibiting symptoms of schizophrenia.

The onset of which often occurs in men in their early 20s.

He MAY have had a psychotic episode.

Could you elaborate on that for us?

Well, schizophrenics often experience bouts of extreme

paranoia, delusions, even hallucinations.

Had Scott had these episodes before?

Not to my knowledge.

Was he on anti-psychotic medication?

I'm afraid that's confidential, Mr Gently.

Was Scott Tanner a homosexual?

That's also confidential.

Because the murder occurred in a Turkish baths

frequented by such men.

Could an unwelcome approach from another man

set off one of these psychotic episodes in Scott?

Or maybe he had a grudge against them

and went there specifically to attack these men? What do you think?

You're asking me to speculate?

All right. Have you any idea where Scott could have gone to?

No.

I'm going to need to see his medical records, doctor.

I don't feel comfortable with that.

Well, I could go to a judge and ask him to order you to hand them over.

At which point, I'll be more than happy to comply. But not before.

Very well. If he should contact you or turns up here,

-if you wouldn't mind...?

-Of course. I'll call you immediately.

So, if my dad had been a psychiatrist,

I'd get to live in a big house like this would I, huh?

Talk bollocks all day?

Don't worry, John. You're halfway there.

Ha! Ha! Can't be good for his reputation, though, can it?

Doing what he does and one of your clients tops somebody.

He knows more than he's saying.

So, we are going to the judge for the medical records, are we?

Yes, we are.

Won't change the fact Tanner did it.

KNOCKS ON DOOR

Have you seen this person?

Right...turn!

Squad...halt!

About...turn!

By the right, quick march!

How does marching up and down like that all day

make you any better at fighting?

It promotes discipline and teamwork.

You could play football for that.

Discipline is the foundation that the Army's based on.

You, you maggot, get down and give me ten! Go!

It saves lives, John. And it builds character for later life.

Made you the man you are today, did it?

In more ways than you could possibly know, John.

I'm not sure you're such a great advert, sir.

SERGEANT SHOUTS ORDERS

Do you miss it?

Yes, I do. Some of it.

Course, it's like any other institution.

It's only as good as the people in it.

See, I can't imagine you ever letting anybody tell you what to do.

It's different in a war.

This'll be our lift.

LOUD EXPLOSION AND SHOUTING

GUNFIRE AND SHOUTING

Ah, Detective Chief Inspector Gently and Sergeant Bacchus, is it?

-That's right.

-Sorry to drag you all the way up here,

but I was keen to run the rule over this mob. How can I help?

We're investigating a murder.

The suspect is a former Seaham soldier, Scott Tanner.

Whoever called gave me his name.

I have 600 men under me here, Gently.

I can't say I know them all personally. But I did look him up.

I appreciate that, Colonel.

He was discharged on medical grounds 12 months ago.

-Could you be more specific?

-Mental instability.

Our job here is to turn boys into men, and men into soldiers.

Sometimes that isn't possible.

For want of a better word, Scott Tanner was weak.

And an army is only as strong as its weakest link.

-Have you ever served?

-Me? Nah.

I'd have guessed not, length of that hair.

Oh, right. An obvious indicator of character, is it?

You'd be surprised. You?

-Yes.

-Well, then you know what I'm talking about.

You have to be able to rely on the man next to you.

-Your life is in his hands, and his in yours. Correct?

-Very much so.

LOUD EXPLOSION

I wouldn't have wanted Scott Tanner standing next to me.

Was Scott Tanner a homosexual?

Homosexuals are not permitted to join the British Army, Sergeant.

-Is that why he left?

-Was I not clear? He left on medical grounds.

Do you have any idea what his subsequent medical treatment was?

I haven't thought about him since he left my command. Ask the MOD.

He is a fugitive.

And he might turn up here to try and contact some of his former comrades.

And if he does I'll let you know. And we'll hold on to him for you.

Thank you.

Tanner can't have just vanished into thin air, sir.

He's a trained soldier, don't forget.

-Yeah. But a crap one, apparently.

-It doesn't make any difference.

He still knows how to hide and live off the land, doesn't he?

What are these medical records going to tell us

that we don't already know, sir?

Why would he make us wait until we got a search warrant?

He's hiding something. He's not answering the door, either.

BACCHUS RINGS DOORBELL

Oh! He's hanged himself! John, get out the way.

Guv! Guv! The window's open.

-He's been dead for a while. Stone-cold.

-Oh, God...

I want to know why. I don't like coincidences, John.

And when we came here yesterday, he didn't seem like a man

-unhappy in his life.

-Taylor, it's me. Get the police surgeon, will you?

Just do it, man.

No Scott Tanner file in here.

You know what?

Get some officers in.

I want all this paperwork gone through, the whole lot.

-You think somebody else is involved, don't you?

-Maybe.

All right, mate?

Dad! Dad! It's him.

Stop where you are, son!

Stop!

SIRENS WAIL

Stay there, son. Stay there.

I want you to tell me if this is the man that killed Leonard Price, OK?

Aye. That's him.

Good.

We have your wallet.

We have your clothes.

We know you were at the Turkish bath.

BACCHUS CLEARS HIS THROAT

So, what happened?

I don't know.

You know you went there?

Yeah?

So, why don't you know?

-I don't remember.

-That's convenient, isn't it?

Do you know Leonard Price?

No.

Do you remember attacking Leonard Price?

No.

So, why did you go home and pack, why did you run?

-I was frightened.

-Of getting caught?

I didn't know why.

I don't remember going there.

But you knew something was wrong?

Yes? Something you done?

So, what had you done?

Right, I'm going to jog your memory. You ready?

You went to the Turkish baths looking for a bit of how's your father, didn't you? Look at me.

You changed your mind, you killed a bloke, and you ran away.

Does that...does that help you?

Blood on my hand...

Yeah, I'll say. You killed Leonard Price, didn't you?

Didn't you?

We've got a witness who saw you do it.

HE WEEPS

Please I... I need my doctor.

Stefan Lesley.

We've already spoken to Dr Lesley, Scott.

-And?

-Yesterday. When did you last see him?

Last week. Wednesday. I see him every Wednesday.

-Not today?

-No.

If you needed Dr Lesley, why didn't you go and talk to him?

He could have helped you cos he knows about your illness.

-My illness?

-Yes.

-Please. Can I see him?

Please, can I see him?

No.

Please. He'll help me understand.

He's not going to help you understand, is he? Because he's dead.

-Stefan...?

-Uh-huh.

-Sit down.

-No. No, he can't be...

Did you kill him, Scott? Hm. Did you?

No, he can't be. No, he can't be! He knows.

He knows.

What does he know, Scott?

What does he know?

BACCHUS SIGHS

I'll charge him with Leonard Price's murder, right?

Yeah. He's not fit to plead yet.

So get him to High Park Hospital to be assessed.

-Right. And then can we go to the pub, yeah?

-What for?

Celebrate a good result. A job well done, that.

Look at all this paperwork. Must be like Christmas for you.

-Leave it, man.

-Eh? Shame we've got a result before you manage to finish this lot, ain't it?

Not so fast, John.

Guv, Tanner flipped out and killed Price.

And now he's either genuinely blanking it from his memory

or he's pretending.

Either way, our job is done.

And what about Stefan Lesley?

Well, the door was locked, wasn't it?

There was no sign of forced entry,

and there was no evidence of anything except suicide.

The day after his patient commits a murder

he can't remember anything about?

That doesn't bother you at all?

Guv, right. He screwed up with Tanner,

felt all remorseful and topped himself.

I don't know, why does anybody ever kill themselves?

It never makes any sense, does it?

-And it's not our job to make sense of it.

-Oh, John...

You just don't want to get a round in.

It's a suspicious death. Related to a murder and our suspect.

That's very much our purview, John.

Right now, we've only got Stefan Lesley's word for it

that Scott Tanner is schizophrenic.

Well, he seemed pretty schizophrenic to me.

Pardon me if I don't accept your expert medical opinion, Dr Freud.

But when I asked Scott Tanner about his illness,

he just looked confused.

Didn't know what the hell I was talking about. No-no-no.

There's too many unanswered questions about this for me

-to file it away.

-Right.

Have you got Scott Tanner's medical records in that lot?

No. They're definitely missing, sir.

Medical, legal and personal.

I'm in the process of date ordering and alphabetising where appropriate,

and I'm investigating other lines of enquiries.

Did people used to chuck things at you when you were in school?

No.

Sir, I thought you might be interested in this as well.

It's Stefan Lesley's will. This makes very interesting reading.

Rachel, please don't encourage him.

Look at this. We knew he was wealthy.

But he's very, very wealthy according to that.

And Scott Tanner's a beneficiary. One of six.

SHE COUGHS

So, what if one of the other five read about Scott Tanner

in the newspaper, and saw an opportunity?

Faked Stefan Lesley's suicide, and inherits.

-Well, yes, that's a motive.

-Yes, it is.

Yes, but you're assuming that the killer knows about Tanner's

relationship with Stefan.

-It's a bit of a stretch that, sir.

-Yes, it is.

Rachel, get me the details

and addresses of the other beneficiaries, would you?

Yes, sir.

Where's Hopewood?

Scott! Scotty!

-This man's under arrest.

-Mark!

-Where are you taking him?

-Taylor.

Oi! Let go of him.

Calm down. Calm down.

In the van.

Let me talk to him! Where are you taking him?

Scott's been charged with murder.

Scotty?

I did it, Mark.

Hey. I thought he wasn't a killer?

Your brother's being taken to High Park Mental Institution

for assessment.

Mental hospital?

Did Scott ever write to you?

Did he ever talk to you about why he left the Army?

Once. Just said he'd had enough. I wasn't surprised.

He was medically discharged. Mental instability.

Didn't notice any change in him? Dear me, some big brother you are.

ENGINE STARTS

What did you do that for?

Bit off the beaten track this, isn't it?

Police. I'd like to speak to Dr Jennifer Bing, please.

I'll give her a call.

Or you could just let us through.

Not without an order.

-We're the police, man.

-Yes. I still need an order.

Bloody squaddies.

Come in.

Apparently this is something to do with a murder enquiry?

-Yes, I'm Detective...

-Oh, I'm sure you are who you say you are.

The Army tend to be very thorough on these things.

My time is tight, gentlemen...

-Do you know a Dr Stefan Lesley?

-Yes.

When did you last see him?

Yesterday. I assume you know that or you wouldn't be here.

It's just that you were his last appointment

before he was found dead.

You don't seem surprised?

You told the sentry this was a murder enquiry

and then you mention Stefan.

Ergo, he's either the victim or the perpetrator.

Now I know which.

Someone's dead. And you don't seem bothered.

I tend to keep my emotions in check.

Either that or you knew already.

Actually, it seems that Dr Lesley committed suicide.

Then this isn't a murder enquiry?

Well, the man that committed the murder, he's an ex-patient of his.

A man called Scott Tanner.

Means nothing to me.

We discussed this murder with Dr Lesley. He visited you.

-And soon after he was found dead.

-Ergo, here we are.

Why was Dr Lesley here?

Cup of tea. A social catch up.

You were friends?

Former colleagues. He used to work here.

Doing what?

No idea.

I don't run the place, just work in my little corner.

Doing?

Can't tell you that. Official Secrets Act.

What is this place?

This conversation is going to get very repetitive, very fast,

and I don't have the time.

Stefan Lesley visited, and then he left. Clearly.

I'm sorry to hear he took his own life.

Though he was always a sensitive and complicated man.

Who chose to spend his final hours visiting you.

How did Stefan seem when you saw him yesterday?

Fine.

Do you want me to lie to you?

He was clearly shaken by the news about Scott Tanner.

Did he mention him to you?

No.

He just drove all the way up here for a cup of tea?

Maybe he was looking for a warm shoulder to cry on.

Have you finished?

This is a military facility?

No flies on you, I see.

But you're a civilian?

Contracted to the MOD, yes.

If you want to know any more, then take it up with them.

The sentry will see you out.

She's a piece of work. Isn't she? I found her strangely attractive.

Stefan Lesley denied all knowledge of the military.

Now we know he worked at an MOD facility.

I don't see what any of this has got to do with us.

I think it's you who needs a hobby.

SHE SIGHS HAPPILY

C'mon, man, it's not the London Palladium...

Right, yeah.

So, there were six beneficiaries of Stefan Lesley's will.

Scott Tanner, Edward Fuller, Larry Wells, Peter Gartwood,

Lawrence Bruce and a Mrs Edith Johnson.

All of the men are serving or former soldiers.

I take it Mrs Edith Johnson isn't?

No. But her son Tony was. He's deceased.

Deceased how?

Tony Johnson died in military service.

-And he served at Seaham Barracks with Scott Tanner.

-A-ha!

It's all getting a bit less stretchy by the minute, isn't it?

Well done, Rachel, can you get me the current locations

of the others and then...?

Yes. Bruce and Gartwood are still serving. Germany and Gibraltar.

And Mrs Edith Johnson is 54 and lives in Southampton.

And what about Wells and Fuller?

Wells is currently undergoing treatment

-at a mental facility in Leeds.

-What's his condition?

Severe delirium tremens caused by drugs and alcohol abuse.

And Edward Fuller now resides in Newcastle.

That will was changed in their favour a year ago.

But why, is the question.

Rachel? No? Dear me, I'm a bit disappointed.

HE CACKLES

I'll go and see Fuller in Newcastle.

John, you go to Leeds and see Wells and Lesley's solicitor.

Hang about!

You want me to go to a mental asylum in Yorkshire? Why?

-You're not going to need a passport, you know.

-I know that.

I just don't know what it is exactly I'm meant to be investigating.

Tanner's not a full shilling, right,

and neither is this Wells fella, so what?

Sir, Scott Tanner has got no outstanding prescriptions

for any medication with any chemists in the Durham area.

For anything.

So, Stefan Lesley lied to us about Scott Tanner's condition.

-He told us he was schizophrenic.

-Yeah.

And Stefan Lesley also said that the symptoms develop as you get older.

So he should been on neuroleptics to counter them.

And he wasn't, was he?

He joined the Army and three years later

he comes out with mental problems.

Which makes me wonder, actually, where Hopewood comes in.

-So, go and see them. And take Rachel with you.

-Why?

Do you want to go?

-Uh-huh.

-That's why. And she's earned it.

Don't think you're getting to drive.

# I can see for miles and miles

# And miles and miles

# And miles

# Oh, yeah

# If you think that I don't know about the little tricks you play... #

ENGINE STOPS

Morning.

It's a wild goose chase this, isn't it, huh?

I don't know why we're doing this, we've already got the killer.

Driving all this way cos the guv's got some

bloody bee in his bonnet about the Army.

Isn't that the point, to find out why?

Don't you start.

The only reason we find out the why is

because it leads us to the who.

-We've already got the who.

-They're a good band.

Huh?

They're a good band.

Who?

The Who.

What?

It doesn't matter.

You like The Who?

I do.

There's hope for you yet.

-Eddie Fuller?

-Aye.

Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. I'll do it.

PATIENT LAUGHS HYSTERICALLY

Very funny, pal. Very funny.

All right.

Not a word, you.

First I'm hearing of it.

A man is dead, you certainly gain a lot of money, Mr Fuller.

You think I killed him?

No. I'm not saying that.

But while we're talking about it, where were you yesterday?

My grandfather is dying. In the infirmary.

I was with him all day.

Getting my arse kicked at chess.

So, you've never heard of Scott Tanner?

He was a soldier, like you. You were never stationed at Seaham?

I wasn't some crap hat, I was a Para.

You know what that means?

Oh, yes. You're not any more?

Bust me leg. Invalided out.

Were you ever treated by Dr Stefan Lesley?

We had medicals all the time but I never took name badges,

I just coughed when they grabbed me balls.

What about Hopewood, does that ring any bells?

I think we're done.

-So you do know it? What is it?

-I cannot talk about it.

Well, Dr Stefan Lesley worked there. Is that why you were in his will?

I don't know owt about his will, or why he's left me this money.

Well, just tell me about Hopewood.

I can't.

Look. All I ever wanted to do was serve my country.

To make sure the next time we go to war, we'll win that one and all.

I take my loyalties very seriously. I signed the papers.

I know what's expected of me.

THE GIRLS LAUGH

Let me do the talking.

You watch and learn.

-I can't wait.

-Charlotte Tate?

-You are the police officer?

That's right. Detective Sergeant Bacchus, this is WPC Coles.

-Hello, Miss Tate.

-You're the one who rang?

-I am, yes.

-Aren't you a rarity, my dear.

They haven't chained you to the tea urn and the biscuit tray.

You must be quite the forward thinker, Sergeant.

That's me.

Sit. Please.

Thank you.

Now, we're enquiring about a Dr Stefan Lesley.

I believe he was a client of yours?

-One of many.

-Just one of many?

Really? How many of your other clients killed themselves yesterday?

More than just a client, I think.

That was cruel, Sergeant, and unnecessary.

Stefan committed suicide?

We think so. Any idea why?

-No.

-You're sure?

He changed his will a year ago, left his money to a bunch of squaddies.

Why would he do that?

-I have no idea.

-Really? You wrote the will.

Yes. He was very clear in his wishes.

Not curious, given that you were clearly a friend of his?

It's funny this case, really is.

Nobody seems to know anything about anything, or anyone.

And I feel sorry for Stefan, he's dead

and nobody seems to care or has a clue about why he did it.

Either that or they're scared to admit it.

Why did he leave his money to those men, huh?

What harm can it do to tell me now?

I appreciate you've both come a very long way

but I have nothing more to say.

Right.

-Gently.

-Colonel.

I'll be putting it all in a box soon.

I've been selected for promotion. Finally made it to full Colonel.

Congratulations.

Well, it may sound arrogant, but I believe I've earned it.

I see you fought against the Mau Mau.

Mmm. Korea and Malaya too. I've never shirked war, Mr Gently.

No matter how savage.

It is the crucible in which character is forged. Please sit.

Thank you.

I'm intrigued as to why you're back here.

I read that you got your man. Well done.

I've linked another Seaham soldier to my investigation.

A man named Tony Johnson.

Oh, I thought this was all the Tanner boy gone mad?

What can you tell me about Johnson?

Different kettle of fish altogether. I remember him well.

Hell of a recruit. I was devastated to lose him.

How did he die?

It was a three day exercise. A mock engagement.

Johnson went ahead of his unit, he was desperate to win,

and he caught a live round in the head.

-It was a terrible accident.

-Mm.

-I'd be happy to get you a copy of the report if you wish?

-Thank you.

Corporal Anson!

Double time it down to Records.

I need the accident and death paperwork for Private Tony Johnson.

-Quick as you can, lad.

-Yes, sir.

To die on the battlefield is one thing,

but to lose a man on exercise is such a waste.

Is it a terrible thing for me to say that I miss combat?

The exhilaration, the camaraderie.

The simple life-and-death honour of it all.

There's no honour in war.

I know it's a reason that many men go and fight them,

but it doesn't survive the reality.

You played your part in the defeat of a great evil,

there's honour in that, surely?

You faced an implacable enemy and now we face a greater one.

Communism is a many headed snake, Mr Gently.

These people are godless monsters.

We cannot afford weakness if we are to defeat it.

What can you tell me about a place called Hopewood?

What of it?

It came up in my enquiries.

I know Hopewood's there but I don't know what they do

and I wouldn't be able to tell you if I did.

You know what the Army is like.

Yes, it's very good at keeping secrets from those it defends.

The public wouldn't want it any other way.

We man the barricades.

I assume you heard about Dr Lesley's suicide?

-Who?

-Dr Lesley, Scott Tanner's psychiatrist.

I thought you might know him.

Why should I? Suicide's a coward's way out.

I've never understood it myself.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Ah, good effort, Corporal.

Here's your report.

Good day, Detective Chief Inspector.

And good luck with your case.

Larry Wells was a lunatic, he really was, he was bouncing off the walls.

-You couldn't ask him anything.

-I know. He was scary, wasn't he?

If you're not used to that kind of thing, yes, I suppose.

Eddie Fuller clammed up as soon as I mentioned Hopewood.

And he claimed he'd never even met Lesley.

Do you know what, I would love if somebody I didn't know

left me a stack of cash. Or somebody I did know, come to mention it.

-Any luck with that solicitor?

-Same as you, really.

They got upset when we said Lesley had died, but denied all knowledge.

I reckon she was lying about something.

I'd agree, sir.

DOOR OPENS

Evening, sir.

-George. A private word, please?

-Certainly.

-Can I get you a scotch?

-No, thank you.

What are you playing at with the Army, George?

I thought you had a suspect in custody for this murder?

I'm investigating two deaths.

The other one's a suicide, I'm led to believe.

Why are you wasting time on that?

Have you come all the way down here just to ask me that?

As the senior investigating officer, I choose to.

-How does the MOD fit in with that?

-I don't know yet.

Well, I've had a call.

All requests for interviews with military personnel

have to come from my office

and then go to a military liaison officer who will "consider" them.

-I see.

-Is this going to get embarrassing, George?

-Who for?

For them. For us. The establishment.

Why don't you put it to bed, eh? I mean, you've got a result.

There's no-one else asking questions but you.

Are you ordering me to ignore evidence

and abandon my enquiry, sir?

Because if so, I think I'd like that in writing.

Just walk quietly, George.

If you think this has got the makings of a scandal,

I need you to tell me.

Then we can decide how we're going to proceed.

Cover it up, you mean?

I mean, do your job, man. And shove it up the chain of command.

And any requests for military interviews come to me, as requested.

Right...

Just to be clear, I've just told your guvnor that no-one,

no-one speaks to the Army without my say-so.

-Do you understand?

-Yes, sir.

You?

Oh, aye, yeah. Crystal clear, sir.

So there's no misunderstandings.

Somebody's rattled his cage.

He's just making sure we understand our orders.

So what's he after you doing, marching up and down the corridor out there is it?

No. Not yet. Although he did mention a haircut.

SHE SNIGGERS

Somebody at the MOD doesn't like our investigation.

They want to hide something. And my guess, it's Hopewood.

Who won't speak to us.

Scott Tanner might.

INDISTINCT SPEECH

DISTANT YELLING

HE SHOUTS

If there was something wrong, you could have told me, you know.

I'd have come back.

Why did you do it, Scotty?

Why kill the bloke?

I don't know.

I don't remember.

Stefan's dead too. But I didn't do that.

I swear, Mark.

He was my only friend.

Whatever they...

I was home, Scott. Why didn't you talk to me?

You remember when we were kids?

I wanted to be just like you.

But I knew I wasn't.

Knew I embarrassed you.

Other kids would pick on me and you'd batter them for it.

But after, I'd see the look in your eye.

I knew what you thought.

No. You were my little brother. That's all that ever was.

I wanted to make you proud.

That's why I signed up.

And I liked the Army.

Till Hopewood.

What is that?

Is that why this happened?

Is that why this happened?

Stay in the car. He's not your biggest fan.

I don't see why that's my fault.

What are you doing here? Come to get your confession signed,

wrap it all up, lock my brother away for ever?

I know there's something else going on, Mark.

From when Scott was still serving in the Army.

"Serving." Aye, we served. Follow your orders. No questions asked.

Whatever they had you do, eh, Mr Gently...

We used to be the good guys, it's what I always thought.

It's why I signed up.

So what changed?

My eyes were opened.

You think the Americans had a monopoly

on baby-killing and massacres? I was in Kenya.

And we did things there, called it soldiering.

You tell men the enemy are less than human, bad things happen.

I guess it's always been the way.

So what's this got to do with your brother?

I never thought we'd do it to our own.

That can't stand.

Then talk to me.

MARK SCOFFS

What are you going to do?

You're just the same as them, you just wear a different uniform.

DISTANT SHOUTS

Come on, Colin.

Thank you.

How can anybody ever get better in a place like this?

Is that the idea, Guv?

I thought it was to stop them hurting other people.

It does say "criminally insane" over the door, doesn't it?

Some of them don't even know what they've done.

The world's not perfect, is it?

Bloody hell.

What have they given him?

Largactil.

You remember us, Scott?

Have you remembered anything else since we last spoke?

I killed a man. I know that.

But I didn't remember doing it.

How is that? How could that happen?

Is it something to do with Hopewood?

-I can't tell you.

-No.

Cos you signed the papers?

I've signed the papers too. So has John.

Yes.

You did?

Yes. How else would we know about Hopewood?

Why did they send you there?

I...

I volunteered. It was a...

..a day out.

MEN LAUGHING

MUSIC: "I Feel Free" by Cream

# Feel when I dance with you

# We move like the sea

# You, you're all I want to know... #

It was fun. We were...

HE LAUGHS

We were so high.

Keep it straight, keep it tight!

# I feel free

THE MEN LAUGH

# I feel free

# I can walk down the street, there's no-one there

# Though the pavements are one huge crowd

# I can drive down the road, my eyes don't see

# Though my mind wants to cry out loud

# Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

# Ah, ah, ah, ah... #

HE LAUGHS

# ..Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah... #

How old are you?

-23. How old are you?

-HE LAUGHS

What drugs were you given?

I don't know. We weren't told what or why.

That was part of the test.

We were free like, to come and go as we pleased.

But um...

But then it changed.

SOUND DISTORTS

HE CLICKS FINGERS Scott.

Changed how?

Men in black masks.

You only see their eyes and their teeth. They were shouting at me.

DISTORTED SHOUTS

You were given drugs and tortured?

And Dr Stefan Lesley was there?

Yes.

Why were you tortured, Scott?

Because I wouldn't tell.

They knew, and they wanted me to admit it.

But I'm not weak. I was a good soldier.

Yes, good lad.

What happened in the steam room?

I was lonely.

SCOTT MOANS

And then I had blood on my hands and I ran away.

-What about Dr Lesley?

-No.

No, Stefan was my friend.

When they threw me out, he came to me.

He told me it wasn't my fault.

They pushed us too far.

And now there's no way back, is there?

You heard him. They volunteered for it.

-They signed up for it.

-Oh, that makes it all right, does it?

Well, the Army must have had their reasons, sir,

or they wouldn't have bothered, would they?

-If the Commies are doing the same...

-We have to do it as well. Of course.

It's all about the greater good, isn't it?

It's just an excuse, John.

Guv, what's going on, huh? What's this all about?

Guv, Tanner volunteered and Stefan Lesley killed himself

because maybe he felt guilty, I don't know.

But it's not a crime. It's not...

Are you saying what happened to that boy wasn't a crime?

No. It's not one for us to investigate, sir.

That's down to his brief and the courts. All right?

-Get in the car.

-Guv!

Are you all right, pet?

What have you got there, is it your homework, is it?

No. It's the pathology report on Stefan Lesley.

Right. Go on, then, is it suicide?

-He was murdered.

-You're joking?!

-He died of a broken neck.

But before the rope went near him.

He was right, wasn't he? He was right all along.

I hate it when he's right.

He's going to be all magnanimous an' all, which makes it even worse.

Right. OK. Come on then.

I suppose you want to watch me eating humble pie?

Sir.

You were right. I take it all back.

Well, well, well.

You weren't to know, were you?

Question is, who and why?

Well, I reckon Mark Tanner's capable of snapping a few necks.

Indeed he is. Why would he kill Lesley now?

And what about those medical records?

All right, maybe...

Yeah, listen. Maybe...

Maybe Scott tells Mark ages ago what happened.

And then when Scott snaps, goes mental and kills Leonard Price,

Mark blames and goes after the people that messed with his head.

It's just simple revenge, isn't it? Strong motive that.

Yes, it is.

But why would Mark take the medical records?

Somebody at Hopewood knows what happened.

You want to go and see that scary woman again, don't you?

-Yes. We could take her out to tea.

-That's a good idea, yes.

Because the last person she had a drink with

ended up with their neck snapped.

Should I call the ACC's office, sir, and put a request in.

What for?

Well, for an interview. ACC Hale said that we...

Forget about Hale.

With all respect, sir. It's easy for you to say, sir, but I...

-Rachel, this isn't a discussion.

-She is right, Guv.

But then, you don't care, do you?

I care about catching a killer. Nothing else.

Certainly not about helping them to cover it up.

Don't worry about it.

This conversation never happened, all right?

-As far as you're concerned.

-Which conversation?

Exactly. Listen. Do me a favour.

Get a uniform to get Mark Tanner here, right?

I still think he's the killer.

I don't appreciate being coerced, Mr Gently.

Is that what you think this is?

You told the sentry you'd arrest me the minute I left the facility

if I didn't speak to you.

You're a civilian. That would be my right.

I've informed my employers at the MOD. That is my right.

I know about the psychological warfare tests

carried out on Scott Tanner and others.

And I know about the torture and the beatings.

SHE LAUGHS SOFTLY

You find that funny?

I find it amusing that you take the ravings of a lunatic as fact.

There were no beatings or torture.

We conducted clinical trials under controlled conditions.

Yes, they were secret tests.

But the soldiers signed on the bottom line, volunteered

and were well looked after. That was Lesley's responsibility -

to devise the tests and monitor their mental well-being.

Stefan Lesley was murdered.

You look a little emotional there, Doctor.

Someone broke his neck and dressed it up to look like suicide.

Have you any notion who would do that? Or why?

None.

Stefan Lesley rewrote his will -

left everything to your test subjects. Why would he do that?

-I don't do supposition, Mr Gently.

-Oh, I do.

Guilt. Because of what he was party to here.

Scott Tanner says he was given massive doses of drugs,

and then beaten and tortured. And you were there.

You have to understand.

We know the Soviets and the Chinese are running similar tests.

-So we drop to their level?

-I had a job to do.

It was your job to drive Scott Tanner insane?

Scott Tanner was mentally unstable when he walked through the door.

Weak. We learned that quickly.

The brutal truth is that this fact made him

the most useful subject, the most susceptible.

-To what?

-LSD primarily. Also BZ, THC and PCP.

Gentlemen, what Scott Tanner has described to you

are his hallucinations, not what really happened to him.

I'm breaking protocol doing this, but I'm going to show you something.

And then perhaps you'll concentrate your enquiries elsewhere.

This is classified film showing tests we conducted at Hopewood.

'October 1967.'

The idea was to drop LSD on enemy formations,

rendering them unable to fight.

'The first doses were administered at 11.00 hours.'

'The enemy target is over there.

'Remember what we're doing here, lads.

'Remember why we're here. Keep it tight over there, come here.'

'At 11.45 the first effects became apparent.

'The test subjects began to lose co-ordination

'and concentration on the task at hand.

'The subjects stopped taking orders and became disorientated.'

SOLDIERS LAUGH

As you can see, it was hardly torture.

'Subject seven became increasingly paranoid and fearful

'and was removed from the test arena.'

Were these the only tests you conducted on Scott Tanner?

And tests to see if the drugs aided in interrogation.

We were looking for a truth serum.

'Can you tell me a little bit about your family.'

'The subjects were asked a series of questions.'

'I've a brother.'

The idea was to take men we knew had a secret and see

if we could get them to divulge it under the influence of the drugs.

Did it work?

No. The drugs proved a blunt instrument. Too wayward.

So you tortured them instead?

As I said, Mr Gently,

Scott Tanner's persecution exists entirely in his own mind.

INDISTINCT SPEECH

Can you go back to the beginning?

What are the soldiers' names?

Tanner, Fuller, Wells, Gartwood, Bruce and Johnson.

Thank you.

Your former colleague is dead, Dr Bing, because of what occurred here.

-Your life could be in danger.

-From who?

Scott Tanner's got a brother.

He's ex-special forces and we don't know where he is.

He may be looking to seek revenge on those people that he

thinks are responsible.

What do you suggest I do?

With your permission, I'd like to send officers to escort you

home and remain with you.

You really think that's necessary?

I would hate to be standing over another body with a broken neck.

-You're very persuasive.

-Yeah.

No sign of Mark Tanner at home. They don't know where he is.

Our question is, will he go after Dr Bing?

If it's him.

Well. Who else is it, sir? And why protect her if it isn't?

So we know exactly where she is if I need to speak to her again.

Off MOD land.

Have a look at this.

-Guv, I'm on my break now!

-Go on. Just have a look.

Darwin told me that Tony Johnson died at Seaham barracks

on manoeuvres. There's the report signed by him.

So what's the date of death?

-14th October 1967.

-14th October 1967.

And the Hopewood film that we saw is also the 14th October 1967.

How could he be dying at Seaham if he was taking LSD at Hopewood?

Darwin lied to us and the film proves it.

Guv, why would he lie?

These tests are public knowledge nowadays, aren't they?

They're all above board, they're all sanctioned.

John, John, John...

Tony Johnson died at Hopewood because of the tests.

You know yourself that the greater good

and personal interest often become the same thing.

And Darwin's up for promotion.

Why is this getting under your skin so much?

Shut the door.

HE SIGHS

That funeral I went to. Archie Leeson. A man who saved my life...

We got pinned down by a sniper - this is up in a bell tower -

and he killed three of our platoon before he finally ran

out of ammo and surrendered. Waved a white flag.

So down he comes, and he's just a boy.

17 or 18, his uniform didn't even fit him.

He's got a little white flower in his lapel. Prisoner of War.

But men had died and Archie lost it.

Others joined in, and they beat that boy to death.

And you?

No.

No.

And when they had finished, the men were

looking at each other, horrified at what they had done.

But it was murder, pure and simple.

Well, he was the enemy, wasn't he, sir?

Yes, he was. But he'd surrendered.

It made us no different from the Nazis, it's what they did.

And I knew I should have reported it, but my lieutenant,

Lieutenant Phillips, said no. And I went along with him.

Because I told myself that these were men I'd been fighting with

for months, it was my officer's job not mine.

What did one enemy boy matter against everyone else?

And it was wrong.

I let it pass and it was wrong.

It's not your responsibility.

Edmund Burke said that for evil to flourish,

it's only necessary for good men to do nothing.

Which is what I did.

And I carry that guilt with me.

Do you know what, sir?

So much suddenly makes sense about you.

THEY LAUGH

So...what now?

Detective Chief Inspector Gently?

Yes. Yes, thank you for speaking with me, sir.

Well, I haven't heard of you in 20-odd years

and now twice in a week.

Well, I'm conducting a murder enquiry.

It has a military connection.

There are channels for this sort of thing, Gently.

And they've been closed. No-one is talking.

A man has been murdered, and someone wants to cover it up.

Does that sound familiar to you, Brigadier?

What do you want?

Service record of a Lt Colonel James Darwin,

currently at Seaham barracks.

If I go down channels, they'll just close me down.

You want me to put a fellow officer in the frame for murder?

If he's guilty.

You two. Out of the car now. NOW!

-Sir, please calm down.

-Move it. Shut up.

You try anything and I'll shoot you down and take her anyway.

Now, back away. Up the road, all the way. Run!

-Can you drive?

-Yes.

Right, well, get out of the car.

Stay there!

You try anything and I'll put a bullet in your leg. Shut the door.

Stay there. Don't move!

Drive. Drive!

-Sir. Sir! Somebody just kidnapped Dr Bing at gunpoint.

-Where?

Outside Hopewood. Sounds like Mark Tanner.

He took the squad car with her in it.

We should try his flat, sir.

Right. Nobody is to approach him without my say-so.

Check Dr Bing's house and the Tanner apartment first.

PHONE RINGS OK, sir.

Sir! There's a call for you. A Brigadier Phillips.

No. We haven't got time for that. Sir, come on.

-No. Carry on.

-We haven't got time, sir.

It's all right. Wait for me in the car.

BACCHUS MUTTERS

DR BING WHIMPERS

A man died in this room because of what you did to my brother.

-Please, I don't know anything...

-No more lies!

I'm going to ask questions, you're going to answer them.

Just like Scotty.

SHE WHIMPERS

I'm a woman.

You think that I haven't killed women before?

SHE SCREAMS

Now there's nothing that I haven't done for Queen and Country.

That's one thing that me and you have got in common.

Guv, the car's been spotted outside Lesley's.

Go! Go!

MUFFLED MOANS

It's all right. You can leave.

It's all right.

SHE GASPS

-Are you all right?

-Yes.

You sure? It was Mark Tanner, wasn't it?

-Wasn't it?

-Yes.

Thank you.

Who's he really after?

You know what I'm talking about, don't you?

I can make a very good case for you being

involved in the murder of Stefan Lesley.

-I had nothing to do with it.

-No. But you know who did, don't you?

-What do you mean?

-He didn't kill Stefan Lesley.

He wants to find his killer, same as we do.

Now...

What happened at Hopewood?

It was Darwin.

He went too far.

Tell me what you are!

Tell me!

Tell me, or he dies.

SCOTT PANTS

Yes.

What are you?

HE WHIMPERS

I'm...I'm queer.

All this because they were homosexual?

No! That was irrelevant to us. But not to them.

It was the secret they were keeping. It was a test.

It was just meant to be a test.

But Darwin wouldn't stop until he broke those boys.

He was way beyond his orders. He knew it meant the end of his career.

And yours. You kept quiet.

Well, what would speaking out have achieved?!

Hmm? Stefan was looking after Scott. He...

He'd convinced him that it was a hallucination.

That it hadn't really happened.

And the memory came back and he killed somebody