Walk the Line WPC 56

Who the hell is this?

WPC Annie Taylor. Good to meet you, Sergeant.

And er...Sergeant Swift?

Honestly, he makes me laugh all day long.

Well of course he does, he's madly in love with you!

He's what?

Perkins, how come Taylor's at your desk?

She just took it, Sarge.

And you'll be announcing your retirement soon, of course.

And why would I do that?

We had an agreement.

I'm sorry what agreement?

You know perfectly well, after what happened with WPC Dawson.

Or perhaps on occasion, Mrs Briggs,

you could wear something new and enticing to bed.

You are a normal, healthy married couple.

You can enjoy yourselves as much as you like.

Taylor.

A neighbour telephoned reported it in.

Said she heard shouting and a man scream.

Did she see anyone go in or out?

-No, sir.

-Any idea who lives here?

-It's Brigadier Morris and his wife.

-THE Brigadier Morris?

From the fundraiser the other night, yes, sir.

And you haven't been inside?

Sergeant Swift ordered me to wait for a male officer to arrive.

HE CHUCKLES

Shall we?

DOOR CREAKS

Hello?

Police. Anybody here?

WHIMPERING IN DISTANCE

WHIMPERING GETS LOUDER

It's all right. You're safe now.

You're safe now. It's OK.

Can you tell us what happened?

He was...waiting for us.

Is he still here?

I don't know....

Leave me.

Graham.

Your husband?

Where is he?

-VOICE BREAKING:

-The cellar.

SHE SOBS

Hello?

Brinford Police.

Brigadier Morris.

(Brigadier Morris?)

GUN FIRES

SCREAMING

EXHAUST SPLUTTERS

I bet I could blow it all day and not get anything out of it.

It's all in the lips.

Oh, Sergeant, Mrs Fenton rang, says you forgot your...sarnies.

HE PLAYS DANNY BOY

Wow!

What other hidden talents do you have?

HE CHUCKLES

Well, actually quite a few.

Perkins!

All done, Sarge.

Oh, yes. Lovely job you've done there.

What's this?

The sarge is reviving the station band.

And you're going to be the first to sign up.

It's going to be a real boost for morale.

-It's going to be fun.

-What are you doing?

"The new Doris Day",

that's what they called me at the Butlins talent show.

Yes.

I'm sure that you were very good.

Very good, but...?

Number one - you're not a serving police officer.

I'm sure you can turn a blind eye... for me.

Course he can.

Number two...you're a woman.

Well, you haven't complained about that before!

Sorry.

It's out of my hands.

Sergeant, I need these checked for fingerprints. It's urgent.

I'll take care of it, Inspector.

A tooth.

Is it a murder then?

Why would you think that?

Pliers, covered in blood. Urgent fingerprint test.

You ever thought about joining CID?

Maybe, one day...

But in the meantime, number three beat is missing its constable.

Yes, Sarge. On my way.

-Perkins.

-Sarge?

-Not so fast.

I'm coming with you.

Has there been a complaint?

No. Just time you got some proper training.

Susie.

Susie?

So twice daily you want to do the cafes.

See who's hanging about.

These places are like honey pots for all sorts.

What can I get you?

Coffee for me, and he'll have...?

Perkins...what do you fancy?

As if that isn't a stupid question.

A er...tea, a tea. Ta.

Coming up.

Never knew you had such exotic tastes.

-Don't know what you're talking about.

-Yeah, right.

Anyway, you want to aim a bit higher.

Once you get your stripes, you'll be beating the ladies off

with your truncheon.

Me? A sergeant.

Why not?

Coffee....and a tea.

Lovely.

Thank you.

How much...?

Oh, dear. You have got a lot to learn.

Tell him, Bab.

On the house. Orders from the boss.

Legit businesses like having a copper around.

Find it reassuring.

If they want to show their appreciation with a free cuppa,

well, it would be impolite to refuse, wouldn't it?

When you put it like that...

Oi, sweetheart.

My name is not Bab, or sweetheart.

It's Gloria.

Well, Gloria...

my pal here's got something he wants to ask you?

And what might that be?

I...er..w..w...

Where are your toilets?

Out the back. First left.

Hey, where's me doughnut?

Appalling.

A man fights for his country, survives the war,

only to be murdered in his own home.

Tortured first.

Looked like he'd been worked on for some time.

Was anything missing from the house?

We'll have to wait for Mrs Morris to make a full statement.

There is the matter of her jewellery, sir.

What's that, Taylor?

Mrs Morris - she was wearing pearl earrings, a diamond ring,

-all untouched.

-Which would appear to rule out robbery as a motive.

Can she identify her assailant?

His face was hidden.

-All she can say is that he was strong, determined.

-Right.

Well, nothing will bring her husband back.

Catching his killer may give her some peace.

Have you ever seen anything like this before?

Where do you start?

Well, we do have one suspect.

The man who squared up to Brigadier Morris

at the beauty pageant.

William Sheppard?

He clearly has a grudge against him.

But he's not a murderer, he's a friend of my father's.

They served together during the war. Special Operations.

So he's been trained to kill?

The enemy, not his commanding officer. He's a good man.

And yet he drunkenly attacked another man in public.

Well, I've never seen him be violent before.

Well, I still need to eliminate him as a suspect.

You know where he lives?

Then let's go.

Detective Inspector Sawyer,

-can you confirm Brigadier Morris was murdered?

-Inspector!

-Do you have any suspects?

-Inspector!

How did he die? At least tell us that.

Inspector!

A pint of Best please. And one for him.

What? On duty?

Give him some pop.

Sid.

Wally! Long time.

-Pint?

-Aye, thanks. Ta.

I popped in the station.

Said you were on number three,

I hoped I'd find you in your old watering hole.

Wally King. Tommy Perkins.

Look at that fresh face, eh? Eh?!

Eager expression, eh?

Reminds me of someone.

Wally was my sergeant when I joined up.

Move!

Happy days, eh?

Happy days.

Sid...

I'm in a spot of bother.

What kind of bother?

He's OK.

You know I'm a night watchman. Army stores.

Buchanan Lane?

Yeah, these last few weeks, stock's been walking.

Carton of fags, box of tea.

Nothing serious.

Until last night.

Ten whole crates, swiped from right under my nose.

How?

I must have nodded off.

You'd think I'd be used to nights,

but I can't keep my eyes open.

Crates of what?

Tinned salmon. Canadian. It's top quality.

-Worth a pretty penny, then?

-A couple of hundred quid.

HE WHISTLES

I haven't told my boss.

He won't know it's gone till the end of the week

when it's being shipped out.

So you need it back by then?

Or I'm out of a job.

And that would be it.

Everything's gone to pot since Gladys...

On her deathbed, I swore I'd look after Pru,

but if I can't earn...

Leave it with me.

Thanks, Sid. Knew I could rely on you.

Perkins.

So, what did they get up to, this Special Operations unit?

My dad never speaks about the war.

He says it's not for a woman's ears.

Do your duty, boys.

Mr Sheppard, it's the police.

For King and country.

Come to the door.

King and country!

Stay here, make sure he doesn't bolt.

Mr Sheppard?

Knew you'd come for me one day.

I'm DI Harry Sawyer.

You can't run forever.

Put the gun down.

Why couldn't you leave me alone?

Haven't I paid enough?

-William.

-Taylor, stay where you are.

William, it's me, Annie.

Annie.

What are you...?

Why don't you give me the gun?

That's it.

Thank you.

Yes, sir, no, sir, three bags full, sir.

William Sheppard, I am arresting you

on suspicion of the murder of Brigadier Morris.

You are not obliged to say anything unless you choose to do so,

but what you say will be taken down

and may be used as evidence against you.

Sooner or later...

we all have to pay.

Come on.

All right, Fletcher. Cell number two.

Come on.

Now that's what I like to see - decisive action, a quick arrest.

Has he confessed?

No, not yet, but he'll be more co-operative once he sobers up.

-Good work, Inspector.

-Thank you, sir.

Perkins, just the man.

Sir?

My car, filthy state.

Find a bucket and sponge, wash it down for me.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Sir.

All right to take this to the prisoner, Sergeant?

He'll need more than that to clear his head.

Constable Taylor, already making a good impression.

-Sir?

-The arrest of that degenerate, Clifford Starkey.

Your father was a fine officer.

I have high hopes for you.

Thank you, sir.

All right, Taylor. Back to your duties.

Don't forget to polish the chrome, Constable.

A quiet word...sir.

I won't let you do this again.

Do what exactly?

I gave you a chance to go quietly.

You could be enjoying your retirement right now.

Slippers and a pipe in front of the fire?

Not my style.

If I get so much as a whiff

that you've been up to your tricks again...

Really, Briggs, you're letting your imagination get the better of you.

Next time, I'll make sure the whole world knows exactly what you are.

Do I make myself clear?

Perfectly.

Good.

An officer who puts his troops before himself.

How admirable.

Decorated war hero...

now he's all over the front page.

Poor Margaret. Terrorised in her own home.

Bravest soldier I ever served with.

Was he William's commanding officer too?

Where were you stationed?

Annie.

Why are you interrogating me?

Thought you'd be better off trying to find who did this.

Who's leading the case?

DI Sawyer.

Have they found a murder weapon? The got any suspects?

SHE CLEARS HER THROAT

I couldn't say.

No, of course.

I'm sorry, you've got your own duties.

All those lost little kiddies are not going to find themselves.

Just as well that you're not involved.

-And why's that?

-More tea?

I spent 20 years dealing with the terrible things

that one human being can do to another.

A man can handle it.

It's not for a woman.

-And what about Mum?

-Leave me out of this, love.

She worked in munitions.

That was far more dangerous than anything I do.

Those were different, desperate times,

but now they're over.

She's back home where she belongs.

Mum made her choice.

Wearing this uniform was mine.

DOOR OPENS

DOOR SLAMS SHUT

-Dr Jones' syrup of figs.

-BELL RINGS

If that don't get him moving, nothing will.

-Thank you very much.

-Sergeant Fenton, always a pleasure.

Sorry, missus, early closing.

-Charming!

-There's no need for that, Sergeant.

The Frys are my best customers.

Welcome to Aladdin's cave,

where, if you say the magic words,

Mr Clarke with furnish you with anything your heart desires.

As long as it's fallen off the back of a lorry.

Storeroom.

What? Why?

What you looking for?

Tinned salmon.

I've got some lovely pilchards.

Hey!

Stolen army supplies.

Robbing the food from our brave boys' mouths?

You know that's something I'd never be a part of.

Ronnie, you would sell your old ma's glass eye

if you thought you could turn a quick profit.

You know what, Sergeant Fenton?

I won't take offence cos I can see how especially hot and bothered

you are about this filched fish.

-TOMMY:

-There's nothing there, Sarge.

Just to prove there are no hard feelings, I'll put the word out.

Soon as I hear anything, I'll be straight on the telephone.

Yeah, course you will. BELL RINGS

Sergeant Swift.

Miss Nightingale.

Have you come to your senses?

I was about to ask you the same.

So what if Constable Taylor wanted to join your precious band?

-Oh...

-She is a serving police officer.

-Yes, but the rules...

-Are meant to be broken.

Being in a band requires discipline, concentration, no...

No distractions.

Now, I hope that's the final word on the matter.

Where were you at approximately 11 o'clock yesterday morning?

Were you in Moorgate Road?

You know who lives in Moorgate Road, don't you?

Brigadier Morris.

Sheppard, William, Lance Corporal. 5096701.

That's not going to wash here.

The war's long over.

I found your commanding officer lying in a pool of his own blood.

Did you kill him?

Sheppard, William, Lance Corporal! 5096701!

Don't you trust me?

You know I do.

Then what's the problem?

I just thought we'd have enough by now.

You can't buy a new future with a few farthings.

I want to be with you...forever.

But if you're having second thoughts...

No, Marty. Never.

Another dead end.

No salmon, but these chips are lovely.

Everything tastes better when it's free.

Pru?

Where's the fire?

He's got to get back to work.

So your dad knows all about lover boy, then?

Course he does.

Please don't say anything. I'll tell him,

but let me choose my moment.

Please.

Mind you do, though.

You're the best, Uncle Sidney.

Step lively, then. This fish won't find itself.

Whatever you say, Uncle Sidney.

You're meant to be working, not stuffing your face.

At first I put it down to the booze,

I mean he had downed a bottle of single malt,

but this is something else.

Well, I've seen plenty of servicemen whose nerves have been shattered.

But is it his nerves or his guilty conscience?

So...next step?

Give him a couple of hours in the cells, then have another crack.

I'm sorry, sir, but I don't think that's going to help.

Taylor?

The William Sheppard I saw in the interview room

is not the man I've known for 20 years.

The man I know is kind, gentle.

Yeah, he was gentle when he hit me with that Luger.

-He clearly wasn't in his right mind.

-Or he knew we were onto him.

I think he needs medical help.

I'm sorry, Constable, I didn't realise you were a trained doctor.

No, no, no, no, Taylor's right.

Any confession you get out of Sheppard in his condition

risks being inadmissible.

No more questioning until you've got professional advice

as to his state of mind.

Sir.

You going to give us a hand, or what?

You never said it was army supplies.

-What difference does that make?

-It's too hot.

It's going to fly off your shelves.

I've had a visit from the law already.

What? When?

Get it out of here.

Find some other mug who'll take it off your hands.

We had a deal.

Yes, but I ain't going down for a few tins of salmon.

Your loss.

I've got plenty more buyers lined up.

-Eh, what about my £5 deposit?

-You can whistle for it.

What? This isn't the way business is done.

Out the way, Grandad.

Inspector Sawyer? Dr Robert Ellis.

Thank you for agreeing to help.

That's what we're here for at Edmund Hall -

offering peace and calm to the troubled mind.

Listen, all I care about is that he is fit enough to be interviewed.

We'll take good care of him.

Can you tell me your name?

It's William. William Sheppard.

Hello, William.

It's OK. It's all right.

These people are going to look after you.

Nurse!

Nurse Hartley, Thorazine please.

Don't hurt him!

Shhhh, it's all right.

WILLIAM STRUGGLES

-Prepare D wing.

-Yes, Doctor.

Observations every ten minutes.

Yes, Doctor.

You've brought him to the right place, Inspector.

It would help if you could tell me the nature of your interest in him.

He's a suspect in a murder case.

-The one that's in today's newspaper?

-Just...

-let me know as soon as he's well enough to be questioned.

-Of course.

We'll look after him.

About earlier. Sorry.

Course I want your goods. They're top quality.

I was a mug to lose my rag.

If you still want to do business, the money's here.

It's just a case of how soon can you deliver?

Sir...Inspector Sawyer, if I've done something wrong...

I needed to re-interview Sheppard.

Your interference has prevented that.

The chief inspector agreed with me.

Yes, and seeing the state Sheppard's in now, you were clearly right.

-So?

-So you should have spoken to me about it in private,

not questioned my judgment in front of Briggs.

Sorry, sir.

-TO HERSELF:

-You and your stupid big mouth!

Shouldn't we telephone in? Get more officers here.

I think we can handle this by ourselves, don't you?

Well, what are you waiting for?

Sarge?

Go on, it's your arrest if you want it?

Thanks, Sarge.

Afternoon.

Constable.

What's in the back?

Nothing. A few tools, spare tyre.

So you won't mind if I have a look?

Actually, I need to be somewhere.

Are you refusing to open the doors, sir?

You're going to make me late.

Keys.

Do him.

Keys!

Give me the keys.

TOMMY GROANS

Ain't you going to do something? Your lad's getting a right pasting.

Get off him!

Resist now!

Stay there.

Perkins... Perkins!

Let's have a look at you.

You'll live.

Go and make them arrests.

And don't forget the caution.

DOG BARKS

Ready for your signature, sir. PHONE RINGS

Chief Inspector Briggs' office.

Oh, hello, Mrs Briggs. I'll put you through.

What? Me?

I do have to pop out to the post office later.

Don't suppose that anyone would miss me for an extra ten minutes.

Bye, then.

Salmon's all here, Sarge.

Good.

What about the driver?

I've put the alert out, but if he's got any sense he'll keep on running.

KNOCK AT DOOR

PRU: Marty?

Marty, it's me.

-What you doing here?

-We've got to go. Today. Now.

Calm down. What's happened?

Dad's been talking to the police.

What?

It's OK. We just have to move our plans forward.

You've got the money?

Not all of it, no...

This is no good. You need to go back.

It's too late.

Dad'll realise I've gone. DOOR OPENS IN DISTANCE

What do we do?

DOOR OPENS

Well, well, isn't this a pretty picture?

Lost something?

I need advice from someone experienced,

a woman of the world.

OK...

I need to do something with...

myself. My looks.

You want fashion tips?

But you've got loads more style than me.

I need to know what I'm doing wrong.

I have to make myself more...

attractive, more...

..desirable...in the bedroom.

Mrs Briggs, he's my boss.

I take his messages, type his letters.

I shouldn't be talking about his private life.

I've seen the way men look at you.

I want Walter to look at me in the same way.

Please, Susie, you're my only hope.

OK.

Let's talk lingerie.

Hasn't your poor dad been through enough?

He's fishing. He knows nothing.

I know we've got enough to charge you with theft.

Get your hands out of your pockets.

20 quid.

Where'd you get that kind of money?

Bloke in a pub paid me to drive the van.

I didn't know the stuff was swiped.

And it's just a coincidence

that you're courting the night watchman's daughter?

And you can't prove otherwise.

Don't hurt him.

How did you two lovebirds meet?

Rackham's.

I was buying dad some socks for his birthday.

Marty works in the stockroom.

He asked me to go to the pictures.

And was that before or after he knew your dad was guarding

thousands of pounds worth of stock?

Come on, Pru.

Open your eyes.

-He loves me.

-He's used you.

He's the best thing that ever happened to me.

Sarge.

Off on your holidays are you?

That against the law now, is it?

You don't understand. If I stay here it's like drowning.

You've got a roof over your head, and you've got food on the table.

What more do you want?

A life of my own.

Liverpool to New York. One way.

That's private property.

SID: So that's the plan is it?

Steal enough to fund your little adventure across the pond.

It doesn't matter that you're leaving your father here to take the blame.

This is only for one...

and I see two suitcases.

Not going to leave her behind, are you, Marty?

Hey?

After everything she's done for you?

It's a mistake.

Marty?

Where's my ticket?

I was going to tell you.

Tell me what?

I thought I'd go over first. Set us up.

Get a nice apartment.

Then I'd send for you.

You know it's all been for us.

Pru, don't.

-What are these?

-Baby, I'm sorry.

-Sleeping pills.

-I didn't mean it.

I've been putting them in Dad's cocoa.

Shut up, you stupid cow!

I don't know how I'm ever going to thank you.

Pru?

What's going on?

Sid?

She's not been arrested.

Arrested? Why would she be arrested?

The report's going to say that she was led astray,

coerced into helping him.

Hold on.

You don't...you can't...

She's been putting these in your work flask.

Sleeping pills.

That's why you've been nodding off.

It's a good thing your mother can't see you now.

Inside, now.

Are you sure this is going to help?

I grew up in a house full of boys.

Trust me, this will take the swelling down.

And this will prevent your poor mother having a heart attack

when you walk through the door.

So this is what you get after a day on the beat with Sergeant Fenton?

What you all fussing him for?

No wonder the lad needs toughening up.

And where are your bruises?

You written up your arrest report yet?

I was about to...

Well, jump to it, then!

So ballistics confirms that the bullet recovered

from the Brigadier's body was from a British revolver.

Yes, sir.

But Sheppard had a German Luger.

Probably a war souvenir.

The press, the chief constable, everyone's watching.

You can't afford any mistakes.

-Not on this one.

-Sir.

-So, William Sheppard's in the clear?

-No.

He could have more than one gun -

it just means we haven't found the murder weapon yet.

Cup of tea, Chief Inspector?

Thank you.

I put an extra sugar lump in. To keep your strength up.

Right.

-Keep me informed, will you?

-Sir.

If there's anything I can do -

type up reports, knock on doors.

-PHONE RINGS

-DI Sawyer.

Dr Ellis. Is Sheppard ready to be interviewed?

What do you mean, "he's escaped"?

How is that even possible?

Well, have you searched the grounds?

You said he was in a secure...

No, of course.

If you would be so kind as to let me know

when there are any developments?

Thank you, Doctor.

William's escaped?

And whose wonderful idea was it

to put him in there in the first place?

Sorry I'm late, Sarge.

I'm glad you could join us.

Where's your instrument?

Who do you think you are, Lonnie, blooming, Donegan?

Skiffle's all the rage, Sarge.

There's no place for it in a traditional police band.

What am I supposed to play?

Go on.

Right, turn to page ten.

I thought we'd start with one of my favourites - Danny Boy.

One, two, three...

THEY PLAY DANNY BOY

# From glen to glen

# And down the mountain side

# The summer's gone

# And all the roses falling

# It's you, it's you must go and I must bide

# Oh, Danny boy

# Oh, Danny boy, I love you so. #

Have you had a bang to the head, woman?

What?

Ten tins of Spam?

They're emergency provisions.

For what?

You'll thank me when the Russians drop their bombs.

Mr Taylor?

Who's asking?

David Meyer, Birmingham Chronicle.

I understand that you served under Brigadier Morris?

Yes. Fine officer.

Respected by all his men.

-Even Lance Corporal Sheppard?

-William?

What's he got to do with anything?

-He's been arrested?

-For what?

For the murder?

No. You must have got your wires crossed.

Then why was he arguing with Brigadier Morris the other night?

He was letting off steam, that's all.

He's a gentle man.

That your husband had to restrain

from attacking his old commanding officer.

What's your editor's name?

Do you know if Sheppard has a gun?

If you print any of these sordid lies,

I'll do your rag for defamation of character!

What's going on?

You again.

He says that William's been arrested.

Tell him he's got it wrong.

Annie?

Time to leave.

Has Sheppard been charged?

Can you at least confirm there are no other suspects?

Get lost or get arrested.

Your choice.

When were you going to tell me?

I couldn't.

Because you didn't know he'd been arrested?

I was there when it happened.

So you were waiting for me to read about it in the paper?

I wanted to tell you...

It's police business.

I'm your father.

And I can't share police information with a civilian.

Perkins.

What's this?

Little thank you from Wally King.

What am I supposed to do with it?

Enjoy it.

It's not that I'm not grateful, Sarge...

It's no different than a free bag of chips or cup of tea.

SHE HUMS DANNY BOY

I don't care what it takes -

beg, bribe or blackmail -

I'll do everything in my power to obtain special permission

for you to be the first female civilian

to ever, ever join a police band.

Will that make you happy?

Thank you...but no.

What?!

I just wanted to be asked.

You are, by far the most maddening, exasperating,

vexatious woman I have ever met.

And I adore you!

Susie Nightingale...

..will you do me the honour of walking out with me?

SHE SCREAMS

MAN SCREAMS

SHE SCREAMS HYSTERICALLY

Iris?

A man. A man, that way.

Search the building...

and the grounds.

Who was it?

Iris?

The Brigadier must have talked.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

-SUSIE:

-'He's on his way home. Good luck.'

Thank you.

All right?

You deserve a pint after today.

I think I should just head home.

What are you doing?

I don't need your perks to do my job properly.

What job?

You won't last five minutes if you don't play the game.

Well, if it's all the same to you,

I'll stick to doing it my way.

MUSIC: Walk The Line by Johnny Cash

# I keep a close watch on this heart of mine

# I keep my eyes wide open all the time

# I keep the ends out for the tie that binds

# Because you're mine

# I walk the line

# I find it very, very easy to be true

# I find myself alone when each day is through... #

SHE SOBS

# Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you... #

All I'm saying, Carl, is you can't expect the whole world

to change overnight.

Who's talking about overnight?

My lifetime would be good enough.

Same time tomorrow?

I don't know, I...

No, it's OK.

I understand.

Just try if you can.

# And happiness I've known proves that it's right

# Because you're mine

# I walk the line

# You've got a way to keep me on your side

# You give me cause for love that I can't hide

# For you, I know I'd even try to turn the tide

# Because you're mine

# I walk the line. #