Adequate Reasons | R. D. Wingfield | Inspector Nuttall | BBC Radio Drama | When Murder Makes Sense

Midwayfield adequate reasons. >> Oh, he's in a hurry. >> Hey, what was the number of that car we're supposed to look out for? >> Um, UYT 576J. >> Well, that was him. Come on. >> Great. Look at him go. >> Put the siren on. >> Yeah. >> Right. He's slowing. Pull up in front of him. Great. Hurrying it on a bit, weren't you, sir? >> I might have been touching 40. >> Bit more than that, I'd say. Sir, >> are you going to charge me? >> Oh, I know. I >> No, then I'm not in

the mood to listen to lectures. I'll drive it more slowly. Couldn't I? >> Uh, just a moment, sir. >> Yeah. >> Is your name Howlet? David George Howlet? >> Yes. Why? We've been asked to look out for you, sir. Would you please phone your home as soon as possible? >> Phone my home? >> Why? What's wrong? >> That's all I know, sir. Just to ask you to phone. If you continue up this road for about 4 miles, you'll see some public kiosks outside an all night garage. And I wouldn't go quite so fast this time,

sir. Good night. Good night. Elwood 357. >> Hello, Claire. >> Who's that speaking, please? >> Who's that? I dialed Heywood 1357. >> You've got the right number. What's your name? >> My name is Hallet. I live there. Who the devil are you? I want to speak to my wife. Oh, >> one moment, please, Mr. Howlet. Mrs. Holllet. >> David. >> Cla. Who was that man? >> A policeman? >> A policeman? What is What's happened? >> Can you come home, David, please? >> I want to know what's happened. Hello, Mr. Harlot. I'm afraid your wife isn't

feeling too well. Do you think you could come home at once? Your son's been missing since 1:00 this morning, >> Mr. Harlet. >> Yes. What's going on? Where's my wife? >> Uh, the inspector would like to see you first, sir. This way. >> I object to being shown around in my own house. Thank you. >> Uh, inspector. >> Oh, come here, Mr. Hel. Sit down. >> Who are you? >> To Inspector Nut. This is Detective Sergeant Dalton. >> You found my son? >> Not yet, sir. >> Then what are you doing stuck in here? >>

We got over 50 men out looking for him, eh? Well, he's only four years old. He can't have got far. >> It shouldn't take long to find him. >> How much you know about it? >> All I know is he's missing. >> Your wife phoned the station just after 1:00 this morning, 3 hours ago. She'd been disturbed by a noise in your son's room. She went in. His bed was empty. The window was open. >> Do you want a drink? >> No, thank you. >> Well, go on. I'm listening. >> We had a car here

within 4 minutes. The constable searched the house and grounds without success. Uh, one or two things made them worried. So, they got back to the station and we decided to mount a fullscale search. >> What made them worried? >> Probably nothing, sir. You can help us with that in a minute. Uh, there was one room in the house we couldn't search. It was locked. >> Yes, it's always kept locked. >> Your wife said you had the key, sir. >> He won't be in there. >> Nevertheless, we'd like to look, sir, just to make sure. >>

That was my daughter's room. She died of polio last year. She was 8 years old. Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I've kept it locked ever since. >> You like to give us the key? We could look. >> No, I'll come with you. I've got the key here. >> Here we are. >> Thank you, sir. Just an ordinary room. >> This photograph, sir. >> Put it down. >> Sorry. >> Look, can't we hurry it up? I haven't been in here since since she went. I'll take a minute, sir. What's in this chest? Oh, I have toys and

some books. All right, if we look, why not? >> All right, Son. You see, just books and toys. I'll have to get this room cleared out. It's pointless hanging on to all this junk. It's all I want to see in here. Thank you, sir. Very well. Could we just go into your son's room for a moment, sir? There's um something I would like to show you. Just as you wish. >> This is how you found it? >> Yes. Little devil. He's obviously climbed out through the window. >> Has he ever wandered off before? Sir. >>

Yes. A couple of times. You know what kids are. Once some of your chaps found him halfway up the arterial road on his tricycle. >> Yes, we know about that. >> And the other time he got into that empty house on the corner. My bet is you'll find him in there fast asleep. >> We've been over that house with a fine tooth comb. He's not there. Uh, would you come and have a look at this window? What about it? He's always left open as much as this, shouldn't think so. Why? Your wife says she shut

it when she put your son to bed. >> Well, then he must have opened it. >> Yeah, I've closed it. Now, try and open it, sir. Bit stiff. You think a four-year-old boy could have opened it? What are you getting her? Oh, just a possibility we have to consider, sir. But perhaps someone opened the window from the outside and took your son away. You police are all the same. You always love to blow everything up into a big mystery, don't you? A kid of four has wandered off. You can't find him. So, now he's kidnapped.

Well, I'm going out to look for him. I bet I can accomplish more in 10 minutes than you've achieved in 4 hours. >> David, now how the devil did this happen? I've told you to keep that window shut. Of course, he'll climb out. What kid wouldn't? >> Oh, David. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Don't upset yourself. I'm going out with these chaps to look for him. Who can that be at this time? Excuse me. >> Yes, >> Mr. Har. >> Who's that? >> You won't know me, but pretend you do. >> I'll tell you what

you got to do to get your son back. >> Who are you? >> Just listen. >> You've got the police in the house. Get rid of them. Then stand by your phone. I'll call again in an hour's time, but get rid of the police. >> Is he all right? >> Who was that, Mr. Howlet? >> Hm. >> Who was that on the telephone? >> Oh. Oh, a friend. He wanted to know if there was any news. >> We're going to need your maximum cooperation. You know that. If you keep anything from us, it's going to

make it very difficult. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. I understand that. I don't think I'll come with you, Inspector. My wife shouldn't be left alone. Now, if you've got 50 men out looking for my son, then all that is possible is being done. As you wish, sir. Come on then, Sergeant. We'll have to manage without Mr. Howlet's help. I'll call again tomorrow then. Good night. >> Try not to worry, Mrs. Howlet. >> Good night. >> You make a damn good driver of a hearse, Sergeant. >> Sorry, sir. Are we in a hurry? >> Yes, we are.

Be a wonderful thing to have money, be able to afford a house like that. >> Yes, sir. If I saved up every penny of my pay for 15 years, I still wouldn't have enough to buy that place. That chaplet probably makes as much in 5 minutes as I make in a month. Yet here am I at 5:00 in the morning still fggging me guts out to find his son while he stays indoors in the warm. He's not worried, you know. Not a bit worried. >> I think he is, sir. He just doesn't show it. >>

Not in the mood to hear good things about him, if you don't mind. >> Well, what's our hurry to get back to the station? If you heard the same as I did, use your brains. What do you think that phone call was about? It was the kidnapper one of the police out of the way so he can talk about picking up the ransom money. >> Well, how can you be sure? >> I'm not. As I see, it's all a question of money now. A business deal. Obviously, he doesn't need us anymore. I've got 50 men

out there searching, dragging rivers. I can't pull them off because I'm not sure. I can't be sure because he's lying. >> You have taken a dislike to him, sir, haven't you? The minute we get back to the station, get on to GPO, >> sir. >> I'm having his phone monitored whether he likes it or not. So when he comes crying to us, we'll be ready. >> There's a call coming through now, sir. >> Right. Switching through the loudspeaker. >> Right, sir. >> Listen. Awood 357. >> Mr. Halage. >> Yes. >> All on your own. My

wife's here. >> Poor woman. >> She must be very upset. >> You didn't tell the police about me, did you? >> No. >> No, of course not. >> You want your boy to live, don't you? >> Now, this is what you've got to do. You're listening, aren't you? >> Yes. Yes. What do you want? >> £10,000 in£1 most. The older the better. >> Here we go. >> I haven't got £10,000. >> I could scrape together £5,000. >> Always the businessman haggling when his son's life's at stake. I'm offering you top quality merchandise. The price is

very fair. >> No, listen. >> No, you listen. >> It's late and I want some sleep. >> Your bank should be open for business in about 4 and 1/2 hours time. >> You'll go there with that nice brown briefcase of yours and draw £10,000 in unmarked notes. You'll drive with it to Waterloo station >> and wait underneath the big clock. That's >> my boy. >> Ben, what? >> Just wait. I'll get in touch with you. What proof have I that you've got my son? >> Uh, he's wearing orange and red pajamas. Must have had egg

for his teeth. He spelt some down the front. Ask your wife. She'll confirm. >> All right, I'll do what you say. >> Good. >> All right, Bridget. They're tracing the call, are they? This should be then, Dalton. Yes. Good. Right. Right. Thank you very much. Fine. Goodbye. Uh, the call was made from a public call box on the corner of Lakesum Road, about a mile from Hal's place. Uh, where's the map? There. We could get a crime car there in 2 minutes. If we mess things up, we never hear the last of it. Let him

get his son back first. But in the meantime, we'll be watching every move he makes. Oh, look at the time. Gone. 6:00. But I'm going to get my head down for a couple of hours. We got a very busy time ahead of us. >> What time are you expecting him? >> In about half an hour. Yes. Uh, can we wait? >> Mr. Hallet's here to see you, sir. He says he telephoned you. >> Oh dear. Earlier than we thought. Sergeant, ask him to wait, will you? >> Certainly, sir. >> Can't be helped, sir. I've got

the numbers of some of the notes. I don't want him to see me, though. Can I get out through that door? >> Yes, through the general office and out the side door. >> Well, uh, thank you once again for the bank's cooperation, sir. >> In the circumstances, Sergeant, it's a pleasure. Goodbye. >> You can show Mr. Harold in, Nurse Smith. He's in the bank now, sir. >> I saw him arrive. Look at that car. >> A beauty, isn't it? >> That car costs more than my house. And my house won't be minus60. I bet he

changes it every year. >> Probably, sir. >> Do you get all the serial numbers? >> No, sir. Only about a third of them. >> Well, not a lot. >> Oh, they were all old notes, but no consecutive numbers. It would have taken hours to get the lot. Oh, the station's full of layabouts and loafers drinking tea in the warm. He'd have had all the help you wanted. >> Sorry, sir. I didn't think >> you want to try it. >> He's coming out now, sir. >> I can see him. Let him have a bit of a

start. >> Right, sir. There he goes. >> Yes, I can see him, sir. >> Well, then get a move on. Oh, no. You to wait for every old lady who wants to cross. I'll get a move on, dear. It'll take her five minutes to step off the curb. Don't stain yourself, dear. Come on. Where is he? >> I think we've lost him. >> You think we have? I know darn well we have. You better drive to Waterloo station, Sergeant, and hope and pray he'll be there waiting. Passengers holding reservations 1140 White train, please cure at

the side of platform 11. Thank you. >> I will go to the aisle of white now. Just pack it all in and join the queue at platform 11. >> You expect another? >> Yes. >> All exits covered, sir. >> Good. Now they know they've only got to follow whoever approaches Har. I don't want any arrest until we get the boy back. >> We're all clear on that, sir. >> Good. Well, go on then. Make yourself inconspicuous. >> Sir, look at those fools by the exit. Sticks down a mile. Their plane clothed with coppers. >> They're

passengers, sir. Our chap is over there. >> Not the sevenfooter in the size 13 boots. >> Uh, yes, sir. >> Most inconspicuous. Who suits he wearing? Isn't his own? Allet still there? >> Yes. He's getting as impatient as we are. >> Well, they charge for a cup of tea in this place. >> Wait a minute, sir. Someone's approaching him. >> Who? >> That little chap in the brown suit. >> Yes, he's making straight for Howlet. He's talking to him. Excuse me. >> What is it? >> You wouldn't be Mr. Hallet, would you? >> Yes. Why?

>> Oh, I guessed you was the one with that brown briefcase. You feel so awkward going up to a complete stranger. >> What do you want? >> I've got a message for you, actually. >> Oh, >> I was walking past that phone kiosk by the bookstore when it rang. >> Well, being a bit on the nosy side, I answered it. Oh, I must hurry. I missed my connection. >> Yes. The gentleman on the phone asked if I'd kindly pass on a message to a friend of his who'd be carrying a brown briefcase and standing under

the clock. Well, I looked and saw you. >> Yes. Yes. Well, what's the message? >> Oh, um, he said, "Go to the phone box outside the King's Head Public House at Tatum Corner, and he'll phone you there." >> Tatum Corner, right? >> It was a bit of luck, really. I was passing by. I mean, I just heard it ring. Oh, he's d Allet's leaving, sir. And he's still got the briefcase with him. Well, >> I don't think that little chap's involved. Let the others tail him. We'll follow Hellet. You better not lose him this time,

Sergeant. No matter how many old ladies want to cross. >> Yes, Har speaking. >> I told you no police. >> I haven't been to the police. You must want your son dead. >> I want him back. I've got the money. >> You've been followed all the way here from Waterloo station. Two men in a Grey Morris miner. >> Well, I give you my word. I know nothing about them. >> Get rid of them. They're parked in the layby off the crossroads. Get rid of them and come back to the phone box. It's your last chance.

Your son's last chance. Every citizen has a duty to cooperate with the police. No matter how much money he's got, >> I can see his point of view, sir. Sending us packing as if we were a couple of school kids caught smoking. He's made our job 10 times more difficult. You know that? 10 times more difficult. >> He just wants to get his kid back. >> Oh, yes. And when that happens, you know what he'll do? I'll tell you. He'll come sliveing to us to get his 10,000 quid back and quick. I know his type.

Any messages, Jones? >> The superintendent would like to see you right away, sir. >> It's probably been on to complain. They'll get no apologies from me. All belong, Sergeant. >> He's happy, Sergeant. >> We've had a lousy morning. We've been tailing Howard since 10:00. In the last minute, he spots us and sends us packing. The inspector didn't take it too kindly. Words were exchanged. >> Oh dear. >> I reckon I've got time to nip down the canteen for a cup of tea. >> I don't think so. He's coming back. >> If you could tear yourself

away, Sergeant. >> Oh, that was quick, sir. They found the body of a young boy in Marshley Woods. >> Oh no, >> it sounds like Come on. The perfect ending to a lousy morning. >> You got earth on the back of your trousers, Sant. Oh, thank you, sir. Uh, >> it's you. Good afternoon, Mr. Hit. Can we come in, please? >> I've told you before, stay away from Just a minute, sir. Have you paid the ransom? >> Yes. >> What's the arrangement for getting him back to you? >> They'll phone me. >> Taking their time

out. >> Look, Inspector Nut. I told you before until my son is returned, I don't want to talk to you. Now, please go. >> We found him, sir. Mark, you found Mark? Hey, Cla. Cla? No, sir. >> What is it? >> They found him, Cla. What's the matter, Inspector? I bet it's always You're not You're not telling me. >> I knew it. I knew it all along. I knew it. >> You interfering swine. He said he'd kill Mark if the police were involved. You've killed my son. >> No, sir. >> Why are you Stop it.

Stop it. Look, >> it was nothing we did, sir. According to medical evidence, your son has been dead for some hours. >> In fact, he was already dead when the kidnapper phoned you. There was no chance of returning him to you alive. >> How did he die? >> We don't know yet, sir. We're still waiting for the pathologist's report. >> Oh, David. Oh, David. >> We'd better go inside, haven't we? You're doing no good standing here on the doorstep. Sorry to have kept you, Inspector. How's your wife now, sir? The doctors put her under sedation.

>> Drink. >> No, I think I will. >> We'll have to ask you to formally identify your son, sir. >> Yes, >> just routine. Sir, I'm afraid there's no doubt about it. >> Where did you find him? >> In the woods, about a mile away. He's under a pile of leaves. One of the foresters found him. And you don't know how he died? Not yet. I know. I couldn't bear to think that he suffered. I don't think he did. So, do you feel up to answering some questions? Oh, I want to help. What happened this

morning after you sent us packing? Yeah. I had a lot to say for myself, then I um I went back to the phone box. As soon as I got there, the phone rang. It was him. He said, "Uh, so you've got rid of them?" I said, "Yes." He told me to drive about 3 mi up the road until I came to a humpback bridge. Without stopping the car, I was to chuck the briefcase out, then go home and wait for the phone call, which would tell me how I could collect Mark. I'm going to have

another drink. You did all that? >> Yes. To the letter. You didn't see anyone pick up the briefcase? >> I just drove straight on. Any other cars about? >> I didn't see any. I just drove straight home. >> Um, >> what are you hopping about, Verge? >> Uh, can I ask a question, sir? >> If you want to. >> Uh, Mr. Howard, >> you said that when you returned to the kiosk, the phone rang almost immediately. >> That's right. >> Do you think the kidnapper could see you from where he was phoning? >> Oh, I

hadn't thought of it. It's possible. >> And his first words to you were, "So, you've got rid of them." Now, we were tucked quite some way down the road. Yet, it seems that he could see us as well as you. >> You got a map of the area, Sarant. Come on, let's have it. >> Uh, here we are, sir. >> Now, where's the King's Head public house? >> Uh, there. >> Ah, and we were parked here. >> Uh, no, a bit further back than that. >> I know where we were, Sergeant. Ah, over this way.

It's just open country. Grand rise is here. You could look right down. Yes. I'd say it'd have to be somewhere within this area here. I could see the phone box and the road junction. Oh, why don't maps fold up again once you've undone them? >> Let me sir. >> Stupid things. They cost enough. Yeah. Well, you better take a drive up there and have a sniff around, Sergeant, after you've dropped Mr. Hel and me off the uh identification, sir. >> What now? >> Well, sooner the better. It's not fair, is it? Both my kids. Very

well, Inspector. Ready when you are. >> This way, gentlemen. >> Thank you. All right, Mr. Habit. Yes, thank you. All right. 4 years old. I'll get someone to run you back to. >> Councelor Borg. >> Oh, yes, sir. >> Did you see that Mr. Hock gets home? >> Uh, this way, Mr. H. >> Are you the father? >> Yes. >> I don't know how people can do it to kids. >> Where's the pathologist in? >> In his office, inspector. You know the way by now. >> Come in. Ah, the happy smiling face of Inspector Nut.

Come in, my dear fellow. Will you um will you join me in my simple repost ham sandwich? >> Oh, thank you, Dr. Fuller. I've eaten. You rich policemen, you can afford to have leisurely meals in expensive restaurants, while poor pathologists have to snatch the odd snack in the Spartan surroundings of our inadequate offices. Do >> you know what you have to pay to get a decent meal in a restaurant these days? >> More than you've paid for your house. >> Huh? >> Sit down, my dear fellow. Sit down. >> Do you mind removing this glass

jar and it revolting contents from under my nose? >> Ah, no. This would interest you. >> No, it wouldn't. Put it away. Oh, there we are. Now to what do I owe the honor? >> You done the PM on the kid yet? >> All finished. My report is being typed up now. >> What's the verdict? >> Suffocation. Damn. >> What's up? >> I can't undo the top of my thermos. Ah, that's better. I'm willing to sacrifice the second cup, which I look forward to and always enjoy if you'd like one. >> No, thank you. This

place puts me off eating and drinking. Suffocated, you say? A pillow or a cushion had been pressed over his face. He struggled a bit and you can see the bruising on the back of the neck where he was gripped. >> Couldn't possibly be an accident then. >> Huh? >> When he was deliberately held firm by the back of the neck. Not a chance. This is murder, Inspector. >> Was he murdered in bed, do you think? >> Well, not while he was lying down, anyway. The fact that he was held at the back suggests he was

sitting up. >> Time of death. >> Ah, there I can be fairly precise. I've examined the stomach contents. Chuck us that tin, would you? >> What's in it? >> Sugar, my dear. B sugar for my tea. >> Thank you. He had his last meal about 20 minutes to half an hour before he died. A boiled egg, bread, milk. Find out from the mother when she fed him and add on 30 minutes. I'd say he died shortly after um 8:00 last night. >> No, >> you don't agree. >> It's too early. Wife heard a noise in

his room at 1:00 this morning. >> He'd been dead 5 hours then, all sport. But I'll check my fingers if you like, but you know my record for infallibility. Anyway, find out when she fed him. That'll clinch it. Well, that was a delicious little snack. But look at the time. Unless you want me any more, inspector. I have another customer outside awaiting my attention. >> That's about it. Thanks. You'll send me a copy of your report. >> I'll personally autograph it for you. Where you going now? Back to the station. Now, >> over to forensic

first. They've got his clothes for examination. If you should see my sergeant, steer him over there, would you? I called at the merch, but you left. That >> place gives me the willies. You look happy. >> I found where he phoned from. >> Where? >> Another public phone box. >> Well, I said it would be. >> Yes, sir. >> Well, mention that fact in your report, would you? It might dispel the widely held theory that I'm old and useless. You're sure you found the right box? >> Positive. >> Don't get cocky about it. >> I'm

feeling cocky, sir. >> All right, let me in on the secret. What have you found? >> This, sir? H. A used window envelope. Looks familiar. On our majesty's service, an inspector of taxes. Nothing inside. What's so special about it? >> Look at the back, sir. >> Some figures. 42387X. I give up. You tell me. >> 42387X is the telephone number of the kiosk outside the king's head. The kidnapper would have taken a note of the number to phone Howlet. Where'd you find it? >> It was too easy. On top of the directories by the side

of the phone. >> I didn't think the praise would go to your head. I'll say it was a damn good piece of work. >> You had the envelope checked for fingerprints. >> Yes. Nothing recognizable, I'm afraid. >> No, we mustn't hope for too much. At least we know the murderer pays tax. >> Oh, come now, sir. >> All right, Sergeant, I know. Postmark the 26th of last month. And if the tax office can give us a list of the people they wrote to on that day, it'll be a start. I uh I suppose no one

saw a strange car hanging about near the phone box this morning. >> As a matter of fact, they did, sir. >> H Well, don't tell me I like changing. >> Two of the locals noticed a white open sports car parked further along the road. A flashy thing by all accounts. It stuck in their minds. >> Right. You got the make, registration number, engine number. >> You're being greedy, sir. I'll >> break it last, Sergeant. Well, while our luck's holding, let's go and see what Forensa can tell us about the boy's clothes. This is what he

was wearing, Inspector. Pajama jacket, trousers, and a vest. >> Yes. >> They were newly washed and ironed when he put them on yesterday, which was a great help. We ran the vacuum over them, and we've got quite a few interesting specimens. >> Like what? >> This for a start. It might help you. >> They look like long gray hairs. >> That's right. From a cat. >> We uh have got a cat. >> A gray one? >> I'm afraid so. Uh, well, we can probably eliminate that as a clue. Perhaps you could get me a few

hairs from the cat for comparison. >> My sergeant will see to it personally. What are these? >> Red fibers. Wool and nylon. >> Netting wool? >> No, definitely not knitting wool. No, no, these would be from a carpet. Fairly new. Of quite good quality. >> I hate to mention it, but the boy's room was newly carpeted and it was red if I remember so. >> Yes. About the uh color of those fibers, Jordan, >> you're shooting me valuable clues down one v one. Inspector, there were one or two human hairs, but I was able to

verify that they came from the boy. >> Now, well, I've saved the best to last, so fingers crossed. Now, we got these samples from his pajamas, his hair, his eyebrows, his lips. Pieces of fiber from a car rug there. >> Oh, this could be something. >> Now, my guess is that the body was completely wrapped in the car rug and then transported to the woods. >> I can't quite make out the colors. They're blue and gray, >> but we feel it's more than likely the car rug will be blue and gray checked with red outlines

to the squares. You can see the odd bit of red here and there. >> You've got that description, silent. >> Yes, sir. >> We'll have to circularize motor accessory shops and garages. >> It's worth a try. >> Now, this rug, is it old, new? What? >> Well, I can tell you this. It's never been washed or dry clean since new, and it's had some motor oil spilled on it. >> Anything else? >> Isn't that enough? Not at a start. You'll send me one of your incomprehensible reports. I suppose >> it should be in your office

now, Inspector. >> Good. Rise, Sergeant. You get off to the tax office now and get a list of everyone they wrote to on the 26th. >> You're not coming, sir? >> No. I've got to go back and have a few more words with Mrs. Hlet. >> Oh, won't you come in, Inspector? My husband's out, I'm afraid. Thank you. >> It's you I came to see actually Mrs. Hel >> in here. >> Thank you. >> Can I take your coat? >> I won't be staying. Just a couple of questions and I'm away. How you bearing up?

>> Well, I still expect to see him running in through that door. Oh, I'm sorry, Inspector. I'm I'm embarrassing you. >> Not at all, Mr. Helmet. I just wish there was something I could say that would help. >> You um you mentioned some questions. >> Yes. They may sound pointless, but they are important. You um gave Mark his tea before you put him to bed yesterday. >> Yes. >> What time would that be? >> When I gave him his tea? >> Yes. Um about 7 or a quart. >> Could you be precise? >> Well, he

had an egg. >> Yes, I remember. I I timed his egg by the clock and it was exactly 10 7 when I put it in the water. So, give or take a minute, it would be a quart 7 as I said. >> And he ate it straight away. >> Yes, he loves loved eggs. Look, I don't see the point of these questions. Believe me, you're helping me immensely. >> You've already told us you put him to bed at a/4 to 8. >> Yes. >> And when you looked in on him at 8, he was sleeping

soundly. >> He was fast asleep. >> When we find the man who killed your son, Mrs. Hallet, those times are going to be very important. >> I appreciate that. >> You must have the correct times. Did you leave the house at all for any reason last night? >> And leave Mark on his own. Or how could I? >> You're telling me you stayed in the house all the time? Well, if I didn't go out, I stayed in. Yes. >> Would you listen to me very carefully, Mr. How? >> If you'd left him alone, you couldn't

possibly have dreamt that a terrible thing would happen while you were away. Maybe you had to go out to meet someone you prefer your husband didn't know about. I can understand your difficulty, but the truth will have to come out. Be much better if you told me now. >> I'm sorry. I just don't know what you're talking about. >> All right. All right. Talking gibberish. Uh just let's just get your time straight. You uh put him to bed at a quart to 8. >> Yes. >> At 8, you looked in and he was fast asleep.

>> Yes. >> Just before you went to bed at 10:00, you looked in again. He was still fast asleep. >> Yes. >> At 1:00 in the morning, you heard a noise in his room. When you looked, his bed was empty. >> That's right. >> And you didn't leave the house at all. >> Told you. I told you. And yet, according to expert medical evidence, at 8:00, your son was dead. At 8, he'd been dead for half an hour. At 10:00, he'd been dead for 2 hours. What do you say to that, Mrs. How? >> He

was asleep. He was He was asleep. >> What's going on here? >> Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I'm afraid I upset your wife. Are you all right, Cla? >> No. >> I think you'd better go, Inspector. >> I'm very sorry, Mrs. Hammet. I should have been more tactful. Perhaps I could talk to you again when you're feeling better. According to her, the boy was alive and well after the pathologist had him dead and buried. Imagine trying to sell that to a court. I don't know why she's lying, but how many times have I told you not

to bring chips into the office? That fatty smell clings to everything. >> Sure. you, sir. I've had nothing to eat all day. >> Well, then go out and get something to eat. Don't bring it in here. Turns my stomach that smell. How'd you get on the tax office? >> Very well. They were most helpful. >> Makes a change. >> I went through all their files for me and produced a list of everyone they wrote to on that day. The number of letters they send out, it's fantastic. >> Half of them come to me. They reckon

I own 56 Brit from 3 years ago. Let them try and get it. >> Yes, sir. They probably will. Uh anyway, uh we're checking every man's name on the list with the vehicle registrations department to see if we can come up with someone who owns a white sports car. >> Who's doing the checking? >> Johnson and Taylor. We >> always get the bright ones, don't we? Well, you better be in there with them. >> I only popped out for a couple of minutes. >> Well, you finished your chips, so get back in there. And take

the waste paper basket with you. The chip paper is stinking the plate out. A bit of fresh air in here. I'll answer it, would you? >> Yes, sir. Dalton. Oh, hello Johnny. What? Just a minute. Uh, it's Johnson, sir. They've come up with a likely name. >> Get the details. >> Okay, Johnny. Shoot. Yes. Got it. That sounds hopeful. Yes, he's back. He's more than like hell about the chips. Yes. Open your window. Ta. Here it is, sir. John Edward Foster, 52 Uington Way, and he's the owner of a new white sports car. >> Uington

Way. >> Uh, here it is on the map, sir. >> And Hlet lives there. I've got one of my feelings, Sergeant. We're on to something. What time is it? >> Uh, just gone a quarter to 10, sir. >> Oh, come on. We're going visiting down Urington Way. Where'd you get your chips? >> Tony's on the corner. >> All right, just pop in there on the way round. There it is. Number 52. And there's the white sports car in the drive. >> Beautiful cars, aren't they? Sir, >> you spent less on chips. You might be able

to afford one. >> You better wait here. I think I'd like to see this joker on my own. Yes, >> Mr. John Henry Foster. >> That's right. I don't know you, do I? >> I know it's late, sir, but I'm hoping you'll be able to help us with some inquiries we're making. >> Inquiries? >> I'm a police officer, sir. Detective Inspector Nut. >> Oh. Uh, well, shouldn't you have a warrant card or something? >> You're quite right, sir. Here we are. >> Oh, uh, thank you. I suppose it's all right. I I don't really know

what they're supposed to look like. >> Not very impressive, are they, Mr. Foster? Is that your car? >> Yes. I say there's nothing wrong, is there? >> What should be wrong, sir? >> Well, I can show you the receipt if you want to see it. It was a straightforward deal. >> Have to set you back a few pounds. >> Is it about the car? >> No, not directly. Uh, would you mind telling me where you were this morning from about 10:00 until midday? >> Oh, that's easy. I was at work. Look, it's a bit nippy

talking here on the doorstep. Would you like to come in? Oh, thank you. It's very nice. You see, >> this way. Uh that door on your left. I'll uh I'll put the electric fire on. It'll soon warm up the room. >> All right. I'd uh better take the name of your firm, Mr. Foster. >> Oh, yes, of course. Uh Norton Phosphates at London Wall. >> Oh, London Wall. Oh, yes. I know. Thank you. You have no objection to my approaching them? >> No, of course not. My office manager is a Mr. Bishop, can you tell

me what this is all about? >> Do you live here all alone, sir? >> Well, with my mother, but she's off on holiday this week. >> I see. >> Oh, which reminds me, I've got some soup on the gas. Is it all right if I give it a stir? >> Oh, go ahead, sir. >> Yeah, I'll make some tea while I'm there, shall I? >> Oh, I wouldn't like to trouble you, sir. >> Oh, it's no trouble. Uh, there's some magazines in that rack. >> Magazines? H racing motorist. Speed. Very classy. What was that, Mr.

Foster. Oh my god. Foster, come back. SERGEANT. SERGEANT, GET HIM. You >> sure you're all right, Sergeant? >> Yes, thank you. I bleed easily. Oh, I must have belted my nose on the windscreen. Well, >> get out of the car. You're giving blood all over the carpeting. >> Right, sir. >> Shall I put a key down your back or something? No, >> I'll be all right, sir. >> You better go in the ambulance with Foster. >> How is he? >> How cold? Must have caught his head a crack. >> What do you think I found

on the back seat? >> The blue and gray rug? >> No, we'll have to ask him about that. Would you settle for a brown briefcase stuffed with banknotes? That all. Hello, Sergeant. How's it going? He's regaining consciousness. Good. You got his statement? What? Oh, dear. I was afraid of something like that. Get Johnson to take over from you and meet me here in 15 minutes. Um, does your nose stop bleeding? Oh, good. Then we'll go in my car. They must have gone to bed, sir. >> We should be if we had any sense. Try again.

>> All right. Someone's coming. >> Who was it? >> Inspector Nut. Mr. Howlet. >> Do you know what time it is, Inspector? >> Only two well, sir. >> Who is it, David? >> It's me and the sergeant, Mrs. Hallet. Sorry to bother you with this ridiculous answer, sir. We thought you'd like to know right away. We've got him. >> The man who killed my son. >> Uh, yes, sir. >> Did you hear that, Cla? They've got him. >> Oh, come in, Inspector. >> Come in, Sergeant. >> Now, never mind your rules and regulations. We're going

to have a drink. Oh, pour them, Sergeant. >> Sir, go ahead. Fill them up, Sergeant. Make them large ones. You better have one too, Clare. You look as white as a sheet. >> It's been such a day. >> You've caught him then, Inspector. >> That's right, Mrs. Hellet. The sergeant had to ram his car to stop him. We got him and the money. >> Who is it? >> Chap called Foster. John Henry Foster. Lives at Uington Way. You know him? >> No. >> He's only young. Can't be more than 25, 26. >> Why did he

do it? >> He was short of money. He lost his job. an expensive car he couldn't afford but wouldn't give up >> and that was his reason. >> Reasons rarely sound adequate to other people's s >> I gave him money. >> Yes. Um what color is your car? >> My car rug? >> Yes. >> Red? >> Just plain red. No other color. >> No, just plain red. Why does it matter? >> Well, I thought it might have been blue and gray. >> I did have a blue and gray one. Checked with some red in it.

I spilled some oil on it and we threw it away. >> Thank you very much. Let's tied up one or two loose ends. As I have told you, we've covered the ransom money. >> The money? Yeah, >> Mr. Harlet, I'd like you to come down to the station with me to identify the briefcase. >> Oh, I'll look in tomorrow. >> I'd like you to do it now, sir. >> Now, at this time of night, >> if we can get all the exhibits identified for the inquest tomorrow, sir, it'll be over and done within a day.

Otherwise, it will be a journ for a week or so. I think we'd all like to get it over. >> Yes. Yes, of course. Sir, I'll just slip on a coat. You'll be all right on your own, Cla. >> It won't be the first time. >> I'll stay with the wife, sir. You'll be there and back in 20 minutes. >> Oh, right. Thank you. Well, come on then, Sergeant. The inspector's glass is empty. Cla, sir? >> Sure. >> Another drink, Inspector? >> No, later. Um, must I go to the inquest tomorrow? >> There won't be

an inquest tomorrow, Mr. Hellet. We're putting it off for a week. >> But you've dragged my husband out. >> Yes. Still, he'll enjoy the ride. Besides, I want him out of the way for a while. I imagine he can be quite violent when he likes. >> Violent? >> I didn't want him to be here when I charged you with the murder of your son, Mark. Tell me, Mrs. Helit. Why did you kill him? If >> you don't mind me saying so, Sergeant, that was a complete and utter waste of time. >> Sorry about that, sir.

I forgot they would have locked the briefcase away for the night. Still, we haven't been long. Oh, you've got a visitor. This time of night, there's a card outside your door. >> Hey, that's the doctor's car. Something's happened. >> Claire. Claire, are you all right? >> Oh, back sooner than I expected, sir. >> What's the doctor doing here? >> I'm afraid your wife your wife is not too well, sir. >> What? How do you mean? >> She's very disturbed. The doctor's with her now. >> You upset her the last time you were here. What have

you been saying? >> Tell Mr. Halit about Foster's statement, Sergeant. >> What's that got to do with it? Uh, he's admitted to demanding and receiving the ransom money. >> He could hardly deny that, could he? You found it on him. >> But he does deny being concerned in any way with the death of your son, Mr. Hel. >> You expect him to? You really expect him to be proud of killing a four-year-old kid? >> You give me 5 minutes with him, Inspector. That's all. 5 minutes. I'll make him admit it. >> Sergeant, >> according to

his statement, he went out for a drive in his car yesterday evening. He stopped in the woods for a quiet smoke when another car pulled up a few yards away from him. A woman got out carrying a bundle. She didn't see him, but he recognized her. It was your wife, Claire. He watched her bury this bundle under a pile of leaves. He waited until she'd driven off. Then he had a poke around. The bundle was the body of your son. No. His first thought was to call the police, but then he realized what a heaven-sent

opportunity this could be to solve his financial problems. So, he phoned you and demanded a ransom. >> He knew your wife couldn't give him away, sir. >> He's lying. >> We've leed not to believe everything we're told, sir. Not without checking, anyway. And his story checks. He said the bundle was originally wrapped in a blue and gray car rug. Our forensic staff found blue and gray fibers all over the body. >> Which proves what? >> When we found the blue and gray rug in the boot of your wife's car, sir, it proved a lot. >>

There must be thousands of those cars. >> She's admitted it, sir. >> What? >> She's admitted to killing your son. >> But But why? Why would she do that? >> She's been ill for quite some time, had you noticed? Well, I I don't spend a lot of time at home. >> I don't suppose you've been right since you lost your daughter last year. Everyone was so kind to her when that happened. As I see it, she missed the kindness. She just wants a little bit of sympathy. She killed my son just to gain sympathy. As

we've said, sir, reasons are rarely adequate when we try to explain them to other people. This way, please. Mrs. Hazard. >> Inspector. >> Yes, doctor. >> I'd like to get her off to hospital right away. I'm very worried about her mental state. >> Okay. You want to go with her, Mr. Hlet? >> No. >> She needs you, Mr. Hel. >> No. >> As you wish. >> Baby. >> All right, Mrs. Hellet. You're coming with me. Give me a hand, Sergeant. >> I've got to go to the hospital, David. You look after the children, won't you?

You bring them to see me. >> Come on, Mrs. Tell it this way. >> Well, I've got to see the children. >> I'll never forgive her, Inspector. I'll never forgive her. The funny thing is, sir, she seems to put most of the blame on you. Isn't it ridiculous? In adequate reasons by RD Wingfield, Detective Inspector Nutall was played by Frederick Trees, Detective Sergeant Dalton, John Samson, David Hallet, John Pulland, Claire Hallet, Althia Charlton, Dr. Fuller, Douglas Blackwall, a man at the station, Martin Friend, John Foster, John Ry, Mr. Jordan JJ Murphy, bank manager Anthony Higginson,

and police constable Jones, Julian Fox. Other parts were played by members of the cast.