Promise to Kill | Inspector Webb | BBC Radio Drama | A Threat That Meant Everything

In tonight's midweek theater, we hear Promise to Kill, a new play for broadcasting by Eddie Maguire, which features members of the BBC drama Refry Company. The play opens in a suburban police station during the late evening. >> Wilbury Police Station. Station Sergeant speaking. I want to report something, Sergeant. >> Yes. What is it, madam? >> I'm going to be murdered. >> You're what? >> My husband's threatened to kill me. >> Well, perhaps he doesn't mean it, madam. You're sure he's not pulling your leg? >> Quite sure. It's because it's so serious that I've been told

to let the police know. >> I'm quite right, too, madam. We always like to know about these things in advance. I >> I beg your pardon. >> It gives us a chance of preventing them, madam. I only wish everyone would come forward as quickly. Save us a lot of trouble. >> This isn't a joke, Sergeant. I'm serious. My husband's going to kill me. >> Sorry, madam. No offense. You really mean it then? >> Of course I do. He's threatened me again this evening. >> Has he? Well, in that case, we'd better Have your name and

address. Then we can send someone to see him. >> Very well. My name is >> Hello. Hello. You still there, madam? Hello? Well, never a dull moment. >> What was all that about, Sergeant? >> Oh, some woman, inspector. She was cut off or she hung up on me. Said her husband was going to murder her. >> What? >> She was so calm, I couldn't believe it. I wondered if she was pulling my leg. >> I thought I heard you're trying to humor her. >> Yes. And it annoyed her. She said she wasn't joking. Her husband

had told her he was going to kill her. And when you asked her for her name and address, she hung up on you. Aim? >> Yes, sir. >> Persecution complex, Sergeant. She was probably a crank. >> She insisted she was serious. >> All right, then. If she is going to be murdered, she'll no doubt get in touch with us again. You know what these women are like. >> I certainly do, sir. We get enough of them. >> Oh, you again. Do you always enter a lady's room without knocking, Steven? I am your husband, aren't I?

>> I'd never have noticed. >> You phoned someone just now. Ah, >> the little detective's been at it again, listening for the downstairs phone tinkling. Well, is it a crime to use the phone now? >> Depends who you were phoning. >> Suppose it was the police. You have threatened to kill me, haven't you? >> I mean it. If you go through with this deal you're planning, >> you wouldn't have the nerve. >> Oh, look, Grace. Let's be sensible about this. >> I'm being very sensible. I'm going to make myself a lot of money. >> But

you'll ruin me. Doesn't that mean anything? I built up our engineering business >> and I provided the money. >> I could have got a bank loan. >> But you didn't. You used my money. That's why the business is in my name. That was our bargain, Steven. And we're sticking to it. I can sell out anytime I like. And you can't do a thing about it. But it's a family business now. Worth 10 times what you originally put into it. >> Well, then I made a very good investment, didn't I? But I tied my money up

in you, darling, and now I want to be free. >> Free of me. >> Oh, don't flatter yourself. I've always been that. >> Oh, for heaven's sake, Grace. Haven't you any conscience? >> None whatever. But I've got money, and That's a very good substitute. You had no money when I married you? >> No. But a rich friend found me very attractive and he didn't want his wife to know about his mistress. So we came to a financial arrangement. >> My god. So that's how you got it. And he wasn't the only one, was he? There

have been others since. >> Of course. Well, I'm not altogether a tart, you know. I've actually worried about you being out of a job when I sell up. But I won't let you starve, Steven. >> You won't what? >> Oh, I'll keep you in reasonable comfort while you're looking for another job. If you behave yourself, of course. >> If you think I'll accept that, you must be mad. >> Half a loaf's better than none. >> I could kill you, Grace. And I will if you go through with this. I promise you I will. >> Well,

you'd better start sharpening your knife, darling. All the arrangements are in hand. >> Then stop them >> and don't say you haven't been warned. >> Hello. Who is it? It's Grace again. >> Yes. >> I thought you'd like to know. I've had another tender little scene with Steve. >> You did? >> Yes. >> The poor little man still saying he'll kill me. >> Officer. Officer, can I talk to you? I need help. Advice? >> What's the trouble, sir? >> My wife, she's got me in the hell of a mood. I'm sure I'll do something desperate.

>> Had a bit of a tiff, is it? >> Oh, it's worse than that. I threatened To kill her. >> Well, that should steady her up a bit, sir. >> But I mean it. >> Yes, I know the feelings, sir. I uh threatened my wife only this morning. >> What? >> She'd bought something we couldn't afford without telling me. I said if she did it again, I'd kill her. But we don't really mean it, do we? >> I do. If I go back home, she'll keep Goating me till I can't help myself. >> Keep out

of her way for a bit. >> That wouldn't do any good. Oh, look. Couldn't you take me in, officer? Lock me up for the night or something? >> Arrest you? Oh, you're kidding, sir. I can't do that. Not unless you've committed some offense. >> I've threatened to kill my wife, haven't I? And it's the job of the police to prevent crime, isn't it? >> Yes, I suppose. >> Well, then prevent me from killing her. >> Now, hold on, sir. A joke's a joke, but this is going too far. >> I'm not joking. >> No, neither

am I. Now, pull yourself together. You don't have to go home yet, do you? So, just take a walk around till you cool off. >> Well, I suppose I don't cool off. >> That's enough, sir. Go on. On, off you go. I'm off duty in about 10 minutes, and I'm not staying on just to hold Hands with a nutcase like you. >> Oh, well, that's about it. I'm going off duty, Sergeant. Uh, can I sign the book? >> Uh, just a minute, Baker. Hello. Wilbury Police Station. >> Hello. Did you get a call from a

woman who said her husband was going to murder her? >> Yes, I did. >> Well, it's true, you know. >> What? Uh, now hold on. Who are you? her husband. >> Husband? Uh, wait a minute. Wait a minute. I I want your name and address quick. Uh, hello. Hello. What the devil's going on tonight? >> What's been happening to her? >> Oh, I don't know. A woman phoned to say her husband was going to kill her, and now her husband phones to confirm it. But when I ask for their names and addresses, they hang up

on me. >> That's funny. >> Funny. Can you see me laughing? >> I've just had the same thing. Walking along, minding my own business when his blood rushes up and asked me to run him in. >> What? >> I said he'd threatened to kill his wife and wanted police protection in case he couldn't stop himself. >> No, I told him to walk around and cool off. >> That sounds organized. I wonder if it could be the same man and the same wife. >> I'm away home, Sergeant. >> Oh, before you go, sir. I've just had

another strange phone call. >> What? From that woman again? >> No, her husband this time >> to apologize and tell you his wife's a bit unbalanced. >> No, sir. To confirm her phone call that he was going to kill her. >> Sure. Certainly having fun, Sergeant. You sure it was the husband? I mean, it's not just some lad and his girl, is It, trying to make a muggy out of him? >> Well, I didn't get his name in a dress, sir. He hung up on me. Seems like a hoax, I know, but but Baker's had

the same trouble on his feet. >> What phone call? >> No, a man stopped him. Said he got himself in a real state and threatened to kill his wife. >> Did he seem like a crank maker? >> I know, sir. He's a well-dressed chap. Middle class. >> Oh, you get him in any class. There've been a few potty dukes, you know. >> Yes, he wanted me to bring him in. said I'd be preventing crime. >> Yes. Well, I agree. It all sounds like a hoax. Sergeant, what about this man of Bakers? He'd be giving himself

away, wouldn't he? Answer that, Sergeant. And if it's another album, you let me deal with it. >> Station Sergeant Wilbury Police Station. >> No, it's urgent. He's going to kill me. I I know he's going to kill. >> It's a woman again, sir. >> Okay, give the >> Inspector Wier now. Look, madam. >> He's going to kill me. Inspector, do something. >> What's going on there? What's the game? What's happening? What is it? Hello. Hello. Hello. Can you hear me? Hello. Blast. She tried to tell me something, but she sounded as if she was being

strangled and then someone replaced the Receiver. >> Perhaps she was fooling against her. >> No, I don't think so. It sounded too real. I think she was being strangled. >> Well, can we trace the call? >> No, she would have dialed it later. How long since you spoke to that man on your beat? >> Oh, about 15 minutes. >> And since the husband phoned you here, Sergeant? >> Only a couple of minutes or so. Then if It's the same man, he could have gone back home after leaving Baker and rung you from his downstairs phone.

>> Why do you say a downstairs phone, sir? >> Well, because his wife heard him give you the message without seeing him, probably on her bedroom extension, and then she'd hear him coming upstairs, panic, and phone the priest. Yeah. >> He'd be entering the room just as you handed the receiver over to me, Sergeant. >> You think that's what's happened, sir? >> It could be what happened. Now, the house can't be far away. It must be within, say, 10 minutes walking distance from here. Agree? >> Yes, I do. >> Right. Alert all squad cars to

comb the area. Stop anyone in a hurry or anybody who looks at all suspicious. Sir, >> emphasize the possible use of a getaway car. >> I'll do that, sir. >> We've got to try to locate the exact spot before the murderer gets clear. He'll know she was trying to phone us, so make it snappy. >> Yes, sir. But you do realize it may still be a hoax. >> We've got to risk that, Sergeant. It may not be. Now, get cracking. >> What about me, sir? >> Go back and search the area where you met that

man. If you pick him up and he hasn't been home, then it's likely we've Been hoaxed. If I don't find him, then he'll be the man we want. >> Get moving, B. Wilbury General Hospital, Casualty Department. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. We'll be ready for it. Goodbye. An accident case on its way. Dr. Carter, it should be here in 20 minutes. >> Then before it arrives, I better see the other case you've got for me. >> It's a man, doctor. He just came in and said he didn't know who he was and he couldn't remember anything.

Hardly a casualty really. >> Depends what made him forget, doesn't it? >> There was nothing in his pockets to identify him, but we often get free board and lodging experts trying it on at this time of night. He's in the end cubicle. >> Hi, let's have a look at him. >> Well, now what seems to be the trouble? I don't know who I am, doctor, or what I've done, >> or where he's been. >> You can't remember anything. >> Everything's blank. >> Let me examine your eyes. Look straight ahead. No, not at the light. Now,

that's better. >> Apparent dilation. You haven't had an accident to hurt yourself in any way? >> I can't remember. >> No, of course you can't. All right, that's all for now. You're probably right, nurse. >> You think he's trying it on, too? >> Could be. >> But I can't very well send him away without a diagnosis. Could be dangerous. He may be suffering from delayed shock. >> You want to keep him in for observation? >> Yes, may as well. It's pouring with rain outside, and we can't send him out not knowing who he is or

where he came from. >> H perhaps a good soaking might help him remember. >> There's a spare bed in men's medical we'll put him there. Okay, >> if you'll make out an admission for him. >> Sure. >> And don't worry, nurse. I'll probably have him out before Dr. Miller does his rounds in the morning. Now, I've got to do a routine physical examination on him. >> Let's hope you find him fit. There may Be a lot of people looking for him. >> He seems to have disappeared, sir. I couldn't find him, I'm afraid. >> You're

not the only one who's drawn a blank. >> You think he's hiding somewhere, sir? >> Why should he? He won't hide just because we happen to be looking for him, Sergeant. He'd have to have a reason. >> Like murdering his wife. >> Oh, no. We don't know that he did. We don't even know if there's been a murder Yet. The area has been searched. There's nothing suspicious. Perhaps we're imagining things. >> You didn't imagine what you'd heard over the phone, sir. >> No, that sounded real enough. Oh, I could have been mistaken, I suppose. >>

But you don't think you were? >> No, I don't. But nothing's happened to prove me right, has it? >> What about the man who stopped me, sir? >> He's probably at home in bed where we Ought to be. I'm sorry about the scare, Sergeant, but we had to follow it up. >> Oh, well, it helps surpass the time, I suppose. Excuse me, sir. Wbury Police Station. Sergeant Brooks here. Hello, Frank. Anything interesting? What? Hold on a minute. PC Taylor, sir. Lori drivers just reported finding a body. >> Right, I'll take it. Taylor, Inspector Web, what's

all this about a body? He did? Where? I see. Are you on the spot? Then stay there. Don't let anybody near. I'll be right over. Well, this looks like the end of the hoax, Sergeant. >> Woman's body, sir. >> Yes. The lorry driver spotted it showing through a hedge right on the main road. >> Whereabouts, sir? >> About 200 yards before you get to Wilbury General Hospital. The woman appears to have been strangled. >> Strangled? But do you think it's the same woman? >> How shall I know, Sergeant? Phone Detective Sergeant Coats. Tell him I'll

pick him up on my way there. >> Right away, sir. >> You better come. Well, Baker, >> yes, Detective Sergeant Coats. Sergeant, >> that's as much as we know. Coats, what do you make of it? Dono leaving a body on the main road. >> Yeah, so that anyone could see it. Don't Forget that, Coach. The lorry driver spotted it as soon as he got it in his headlights. >> Then it was left there in a hurry. >> Evidently, Coach, and I wonder why. Hello. There's another squad car joined Taylor by the look of it. >>

Evening, sir. >> Evening, Taylor. >> Well, where is it? >> Yes, sir. The lorry driver put a tarp in over it, >> and you let him. He'd done it before I arrived. >> All right. All right. I hope he hasn't disturbed anything that might have helped us. Thank you, >> sir. Give Taylor a hand. Remove this top all minute. >> Right, sir. >> Be careful. Lift it. Don't drag it across the body. >> Well, I can see she didn't just lie down there. Smartly dressed, you'd say, Coats. >> Very smart. >> How old do you

think? Middle 40s. >> She looks younger. >> Perhaps she tried to. I'd put her about um 46. She's been strangled all right >> with a stocking by the look of it. No sign of manual pressure. >> It wasn't her stocking. She's wearing them both. No sign of a struggle either. So it didn't happen here. >> No sign of a handbag. >> Well, let's try her pocket. J. No. No. Nothing there. But wait a minute. Feel her coat. It's almost dry and it's raining hard. Well, lorry driver covered her over, sir. >> Only when he found

her, and it's been raining for about 2 hours. >> Oh, so he found her soon after she was dumped. Her clothing was dry. >> So, she was dumped from a car. >> Could she have been strangled in the Car? >> Maybe, but I doubt it. See the struggle? And there's hardly a hair out of place. It was quick coats from behind. She was killed indoor somewhere. >> That would fit those phone calls >> exactly. And I'll be surprised if this isn't the same woman. A voice sometimes fits a face. And I got a feeling the

voice I heard over the phone fits this one. >> Oh, excuse me, sir. I've just picked This up. It's in the bottom of the hedge. >> What is it, Beggger? >> A cigarette case, sir. >> Well, don't m it about. Maybe fingerprints on it. I'll take it. All right. Thanks. It's gold and very expensive. >> Perhaps it fell out of the murderer's pocket, sir. Hey, >> when it bent down to leave the body here. >> Well, it wouldn't fall out of my pocket if I bent double. I mean, look at the length of it. >>

He could have dropped it after lighting a cigarette. Oh yes. Would you stop and light a cigarette after you just dumped a body and left it sticking out of a hedge? >> Mhm. On a main road? Eh, with traffic passing? >> No, sir. But the case was here. >> Yes. I wonder why. Put your torch on it, Beaker. >> It's even got a set of initials on it. >> SK. >> SK. You did well to find it, Baker. Now, do you think you could find the bloke who wanted you to run him in? >> Well,

I'll try, sir. >> It's important, lad. I'm not asking you. Just to keep you up all night. Take the other squad car. Cover the whole town. There's just a chance he may still be Wandering about. >> Right, sir. Photographer and police surgeon have just arrived. >> They can wait until we finish searching. Now, I'll bet that cigarette case is all we'll find. >> Not evil footprints. >> No, the body was scattered over the foot path. The rain will have washed them out. The only clues that will help us will be at the scene of the

murder when we find it. >> We've got to find who the woman is first, >> and that'll tell us who her husband is, and then we've got to find him, too. 2:30 a.m. coach. And we've still got nowhere. >> Nothing in from Council Baker. >> No. And if the man who stopped him is the man we want, he'll be miles away by now. And we can't put out a description because we don't even know who he is. Oh, >> very puzzling, sir. >> Yes. So is the way that body was disposed of on a main

road. Why the devil wasn't it hidden in some out of the way place? >> I don't know, sir. Unless the murderer wanted it found quickly. >> Why should he want that? >> Perhaps he didn't care. >> You mean he didn't plan his getaway properly and had to dump it in a hurry? >> Well, that points to an agitated and Very disturbed man, sir. >> All to someone who's so confident he thinks it's impossible to trace him. >> That doesn't make sense. Now, I go along with Sergeant Brook's suggestion that the husband panicked. He'd have given

himself more time to get away just leaving the body in the house. It might have been days before it was discovered. >> But it would have been more incriminating to leave it in the house. >> Maybe. But what could be more Incriminating than those phone calls? >> And the husband actually made one of them himself. >> Yes. If it's the same people involved, it just doesn't make sense. >> He's got away with it so far, isn't he, sir? >> Hey. >> Well, we don't even know who the woman is yet, sir. And every hour gives

him the chance to put another 40 miles between him and us. >> The identity of the woman, that's the vital link. And your phone call, Sergeant. Now, the police doctor saw the body at 1:30 a.m. He estimated she'd been dead between 3 and 4 hours. So, my bet is that she's the woman who phoned her. And if you got her name and address, and Baker had found his man, we'd have it all wrapped up now. >> Yes. Sorry, sir. >> Oh, it's not your fault. Well, come on, coach. Let's chew it over in my office.

Charlie, arrange some tea for the inspector and detective Sergeant Kates. >> Excuse me. Can my husband and I see the officer in charge? Oh, >> I'm sorry, madam. Didn't see you coming. What's the trouble? >> She's worried about her sister. Oh, I'm John Lass. This is my wife, Mary. >> My sister's missing, Sergeant. >> So's her husband? >> Both of them? When did you find out? >> When we called that house about 10 Minutes ago. uh at 2:30 in the morning. It's a bit late for visiting. >> Anyway, you better give me their name and

address. >> Grace and Steven Kirby. >> Dawnway's Priestly Hill. >> Mhm. Priestly Hill. Man and wife both missing. Man and wife, eh? And they live about 10 minutes walk from here. >> About that. >> And they're both missing. >> Why do you say that again, Sergeant? Do you know what's happened to them? >> Well, not yet, sir, but I'll pass you on to Inspector Web, if you'll just wait a minute. >> Excuse me, sir. >> Yes. >> I've got a Mr. and Mrs. Lomass outside. They've come in to report Mrs. Lomass's sister is missing and

her husband as well. I thought there might be some connection. >> Yes, there could be. >> The missing couple live within 10 minutes walk of here. Their names Kirby, Grace, and Steven Kirby. >> Steven Kirby. SK. The initials on that's a great case. >> Yes, I know. But don't jump to conclusions, Coats. Bring them in, Sergeant. >> Yes, sir. >> Sounds as though this might be a lead, Inspector. >> Then don't try leading them, Coats. Let's skip the facts and then draw our own conclusions. >> Yes, sir. >> And not a word about the body

or the strange proper phone call. >> Yeah, as you say, sir. Come in, >> Mr. and Mrs. Lass, sir. >> Oh, come in and sit down, please. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Sergeant. >> Now, I understand your sister and her husband are missing, Mrs. Nemesis. >> Yes, that's right. >> Oh, isn't it rather late to be reporting it? >> We only found out about 10 minutes ago. >> I see. I think you better give me all the details. >> Well, my sister Grace phoned me about 7 to say she'd be in

all evening. >> Just to say that? No, they had the usual sisterly chat. It just came out in the Conversation, didn't it, Maris? >> Yeah, but you did make a point of saying she'd be in all night. >> Yes, inspector. >> For any particular reason? >> No, I I don't think so. >> Then how did you find out she wasn't there? >> I phoned her again at 10:30. She didn't answer. >> Neither did her husband. We called them several times after that. >> Why? >> Well, Mary had a feeling something was wrong. You know how

women get these feelings. She couldn't rest. And she wouldn't let you rest until she was sure. >> That's about it. So around 2:15 a.m. I thought we'd pop over to see if everything was all right. I phoned the car service to send a car around. >> Haven't you a car of your own? >> John doesn't drive anymore. Heard his Leg in an accident over a year ago. And I've never troubled to learn. >> So we have a contract with Turner's car. They're very obliging. >> Right. So you were driven over to your sister's house and

what did you find? >> The front door was wide open and all the lights were on. But your sister-in-law and her husband weren't there. >> No. >> Which shows that one of them or both of them left in a great hurry. >> But surely they'd have closed the door after them. >> It's sometimes difficult if you're carrying something heavy. Carrying something. >> Just thinking aloud, Mr. L. >> All right. All right. Co. Look, uh, I'm going to ask you both a straight question. Was there any trouble between Mr. and Mrs. Kirby? between Grace and Steven.

What would you say, John? >> I'm not sure what to say. >> I want to know what you both say. Was there any trouble between them? >> Yes, inspector. I'm afraid there was. >> Is that why you're worried? >> Just a minute, coach. What sort of trouble? >> They'd had a violent business disagreement. >> And tonight they had a hell of a row about it, eh? So why did you come here inquiring about them? I don't know what You mean. Well, >> didn't it occur to you that they probably had a row? That your sister

had flounced out of the house in a temper, and after she'd gone, her husband went after her to try to bring her back. >> That's the last thing that would occur to us. >> Oh, why? >> Grace is much too doineering to run crying from the house in a temper or otherwise. >> Well, she is, darling. You know that as well as I do. >> In fact, if anyone left the house to walk the streets, frustrated and upset, you think it would be her husband? >> Yes, it would. Steven would try and get out of

her way. She had a wicked tongue >> and she wouldn't be likely to run out after him. >> She'd more likely go to bed and leave him to it. >> Well, now I think you're getting the Picture all right. They'd had one hell of a row. Would it give Mr. Kirby sufficient reason to kill his wife? >> I'd never have said he was that sort of champ. >> We none of us are, Mr. Les until we pushed too far. >> Did he ever threaten your sister, Mrs. Les? >> Steven threaten her? Well, no, not really.

>> What do you mean by not really? >> Well, she told me he threatened to kill her, but he never really meant it. You never told me that, Mary. >> Why should I? We treated it as a joke. >> It's no joke now, Mrs. Les. >> I I don't understand what's happened. >> I'd like you both to help in identifying the body of a woman who was found strangled a couple of hours ago. >> Oh my god. >> It may be Mrs. Kirby. We're at Dawnway, Sergeant. The Kirby House. If anything comes through, call me

here. It's uh Priestley 4281. Okay, >> right, Mr. LS. Now, um this is Mrs. Kirby's room, is it? >> Yes, they had separate bedrooms. >> Chair overturn near the phone. She was surprised from behind coach. Here's the stocking, sir. >> Look, Inspector, do you still need us here? This is all terribly upsetting for My wife. >> Yes, of course it must be. >> I just can't believe it. >> We only brought you over because you might have been able to help us, but I think we can manage now. >> Then I can take her home.

>> Yes. Oh, but I'd like you to be available in case we need you. >> We'd hardly want to go anywhere under the circumstances. >> No, I suppose not. Oh, just before you Go, this photograph, this is Steven Kirby, is it? >> Yes, it's a very good likeness. >> And it's the man who stopped you in the street, Constable Baker. >> Uh, yes, sir. I'm pretty certain it's the same man. >> That's about all, then? >> The car, sir? Didn't you want to ask them about this? >> Oh, yes. The body was driven away by

car, but there's still a car in the Garage. >> Yes, that's their saloon. >> Do you know if they had another one? >> No. Grace did have a red sports car, but she got rid of it 3 months ago. I remember her telling us. >> I see. Well, thank you for your help. I've sent your hired car away. No point in running up the charges. Constable Beta will see you get home. All right. There's a police car outside. >> Thank you. Come along, Mary. Good night, Inspector. >> Good night, Mr. Less. What do you think,

coach? >> Things are fitting into place. >> About the Lasses? I mean, they didn't really explain why they called the police station at 2:30 in the morning, did they? Well, he did give a reason and I think they answered your questions very well. >> Only because I didn't ask them the awkward ones. Now, about that car. If Steven Kirby killed his wife, what did he use to take the body away? >> Perhaps he'll tell us that when we find him. >> And now we have a good chance of finding him, haven't we? I'll stay on

here, Coats. You rush this photograph back to headquarters. I want copies circulated to all forces in every newspaper. It won't make the morning dies, but it should at least make the lunchtime and early editions of the evening papers. >> We'll have to work fast, huh? Then get on with it, man. Kirby may be trying to leave the country. Oh, >> Dr. Carter, I've been looking for you. >> Something important. That >> What happened to the man you admitted last night? >> Dr. Miller threw him out when he did his round. >> He was a fake,

wasn't he? >> Not the way you thought. He was a fake Amnesia, but he wasn't a vagrant after free bed and breakfast. >> I know that now. >> Dr. Miller called him out nicely. Dr. Mai didn't go to the police instead of a hospital. >> He dared go to the police. Didn't Dr. Miller find out why he'd been charming? >> I wasn't interested. Said all these cases are just the same. They get into trouble and run away from it. Then when they find things are no better anywhere Else, they want to go back again. >>

But Dr. Car, >> they just don't want to face the music. So they pretend they've been suffering from loss of memory. >> That's what I'm trying to tell you. They hope they'll be forgiven for everything they've done. >> That's right. But only if the doctor's been fooled and diagnosed a state of amnesia. Would they expect to be forgiven if they'd committed murder? >> Murder? >> Look at this photograph in the paper. >> Good lord. >> It is the same man, isn't it? The the one you admitted last night. >> Yes, I'm sure it is. Steven

Kirby, wanted by the police for questioning in connection with his wife's death. Steven Kirby? Man I examined had the initials SK on his shirt pocket. >> Then it is the same man. >> Yes. I'll get Dr. Miller to contact the Police. Well, inspector, how's it going? Well, >> not bad. Not bad. But you know what it's like searching an empty house. You don't know where things are, and there's no one to show you. >> Couldn't the Less help? >> I'd rather let them simmer for a bit. >> You found nothing further then. >> Oh, I

wouldn't say that, cuz a few things might prove interesting when we Find how they fit into the pattern. I'll fill you in about them later. >> Oh, I called at the station on my way here. Dr. Miller was asking for you as I left. >> But you haven't heard the main news, coach. Dr. Miller phoned me here. Steven Kirby left Wilbury General Hospital about 2 hours ago. >> What? >> All squad cars, police stations, ports, and airfields have been alerted, so he Won't get far. >> What a turn up. Now he's only got 2 hours

start. >> Come in. >> Excuse me, sir. Steven Kirby's here. >> What? >> What's all this about? Well, what are you doing in my house? >> What are you doing in your house? That's the big surprise, Mr. Kirby. >> What do you mean? >> All right, Baker. You can go. >> Yes, sir. >> We've been looking for you, Mr. Kirby. >> Looking for me? >> Why? >> Don't you know? >> Of course, I don't know. I can see your priest, but what's it all about? >> Your wife's dead, Mr. Kirby. Didn't you know that either?

>> Dead? You must be joking. Why? I only No, you're not. That's why you're here. >> She is dead, isn't she? >> You're surprised, Mr. Kirby? >> What happened? Did you have an accident? >> A very nasty accident. She was strangled. >> No, I don't believe it. >> Your wife was strangled last night, Mr. Gabby. Now, is there anything you would like to tell us? >> You're doing the telling. How can I tell you anything? I wasn't here last night. >> We know you didn't stay here, but then you wouldn't, would you? Not after you'd

killed her. >> Killed her? You're mad I didn't kill her. >> Didn't you even threaten to kill her? >> Yes, I did. That's That's why I stayed out all night in case she drove me to it. But I didn't kill her. >> You expect us to believe that? >> You can believe what you like. I had no idea she was dead until you told me in Your very gentle, charming way. >> You don't seem very upset about your wife's death. >> I'm too stunned by it. Oh, but there wasn't much love lost between us. I

don't mind admitting that. >> But you won't admit to killing her. I did not kill her. Do you think I'd have come back here now if I hadn't thought my wife was still alive? >> No, I don't think so. Unless it was to help you establish a very clever alibi. >> I don't need any alibi. >> In that case, you won't mind telling us where you've been and what you've been doing since you last saw your wife. >> Not at all. I've been in Wilbury General Hospital pretending I'd lost my memory. >> So, you admit

it. >> Why not? It's the truth. >> I wanted time to think, and I wanted somewhere I could think. My wife had been threatening to ruin me. >> And you'd been threatening to kill her. >> I've already admitted that. >> She taunted me so much last night, I had to get out of her way. I I even asked a policeman to lock me up as a precaution. >> We know all about that. >> Then you'll know that he refused. I tramped the streets. Got near midnight. I was tired. I couldn't go home. Then I found

myself near the hospital. I made up the story about losing my memory just to get myself admitted >> after dumping your wife's body in a hedge 200 yard from the hospital. That's ridiculous. >> So is your story. You got admitted to hospital because you knew the police were after you. And you thought that was the last place they'd look. >> Nonsense. And anyway, I came back here of my own free will, didn't I? >> Which makes your story clever still. Now, Mr. Kirby, you tried to build a picture of mental Stress, didn't you? first with

the priest and then at the hospital to plant an alibi establishing that you didn't know what you were doing. You killed your wife and you tried to get medical evidence to save your skin. >> Bloody well, wash, Mr. Kirby. >> I know I was shamming. I've never denied it. I just wanted to get out of my wife's way, that's all. >> And now she's out of yours. You still say it's a shock to you? >> Yes, I do. >> And so is your attitude, if I may say so. >> That's enough of that. Now then,

what about the phone call you made to the police station last night? >> Phone call. >> You phoned the station just after you left Constible Baker. >> Constable who? >> The policeman you asked to lock you up. After you left him, you called the Station sergeant, confirming that you intended to kill your wife. 10 minutes later, she was strangled. >> I made no phone call and I didn't kill my wife. >> Someone made a phone call. >> Someone killed my wife, too. And why should I make a phone call? >> Why not? After all, you'd

made no secret of your intentions. You told your wife you were going to kill her. You told Constable Baker, too. So, why not the Station sergeant? >> I did not make any phone calls. >> Just the same, a telephone call was made, and it was from the dead woman's husband. Are you suggesting someone framed you? >> You'd already framed yourself. I don't know who phoned you or why, but it certainly wasn't me. >> But you do agree you threatened to kill your wife. >> Yes, but only if she went through with That business deal. >>

You meant that? >> Yes. So once you knew the deal had gone through, you'd have a motive for killing her. >> Yes. Once it had gone through. >> I've been through your wife's private desk, Mr. Kirby. It contained this document. That deal was signed and sealed over a week ago. Now, what are you to say about That? I can't understand it, Sergeant. The inspector's got Kirby in custody, but he he won't charge him. >> Perhaps he wants to be sure. Now, >> how much evidence does he want? >> Well, Kirby keeps denying he knew that

business deal had gone through. >> I wonder. Otherwise, he admits having a strong motive. >> Still querying my motives, Curts. >> Oh, just disgusting. And >> are you happy about Kirby's guilt? >> It's not a question of being happy. It's the evidence against him, the matter. >> Exactly. That's why I'm not happy. Why should Kirby phone Sergeant Brooks just before his wife was murdered? He denied it completely, and I think he was telling the truth. >> When? Who made that call? And why should anyone else pretend to be Kirby? >> I don't know, but just

take Grace Kirby's last phone call. She was in a Panic. She kept saying, "He's going to kill me. He's going to kill me." It was he that time, Coats. She never mentioned her husband. >> Then it could have been another man, sir. >> Why not? She sounded terrified. Yet all the evidence shows she hadn't the slightest fear of her husband. Yeah, but sir, when when the crunch came, when she saw her husband meant business, >> she still wouldn't believe in him cable Of it. Now, let's check her very first call to you, Sergeant. Why did

she really ring? Not to report her husband was threatening to kill her because she didn't believe it anyway. No, she rang because she'd been told to ring. >> You mean she'd been told to inform the police? >> Yes, but who by? Who told her? >> The man who found later pretending to be her husband. >> That's what I'm getting at. If some Other man decided to kill her, wouldn't he make sure the priest knew all about Steven Kirby's threats? >> It all seems possible. >> Take the disposal of the body. What car was used? We

know it wasn't the family saloon. >> Well, it must been driven by the murder, sir. >> Then if Steven Kirby was the murderer, he used another car, so he'd have to abandon it before he went to the Hospital. No abandoned car has been found, >> but his cigarette case was found near the body, wasn't he? >> Yes. I never like that. Now, listen. Kirby told me it was a present from his old boss. When he retired, he kept it in a drawer. Never used it. >> Why not? because he gave up smoking 5 years ago.

>> Oh, then the cigarette case was a plant, sir. >> Yes, it's a very clumsy one, too. Taken from the drawer in Kirby's room after the murder. There were other men in Grace Kirby's life, and any one of them might have murdered her. >> I don't get it, sir. You pull in Steven Kirby with a clear-cut case against him. Then you do your best to show he didn't do it. >> There'll be more surprises before we're through with this case, Coats. Someone wanted us to arrest Kirby for the Murder, and we've done it. Now, we

may have the murderer off guard. >> But you'd be so clever. But why do a stupid thing like planting that cigarette case? >> Oh, conceit, possibly. He's so sure he won't be caught that as a last gesture, he wanted to let Kirby off the hook to show he'd been framed. >> Very parceling, sir. I've heard you say that before, Sergeant. >> So have I. Now, suppose we go over to See the Les. >> You can't suspect them, sir. >> I suspect anyone who tells me lies, and I have an idea they know more about what

happened on the night of the murder than they've told us so far. Come on, let's see what we can do with the curves. >> I can't see why you want to go over all the details again, Inspector. We've already told you everything we know. >> Have you, Mr. Lames? Then perhaps I can tell you one or two things. There have Been developments, you reckon? >> We have Steven Kirby in custody. Poor Delo. >> He doesn't need your sympathy. He needs your help. >> How can we help him? Why not tell us what really happened on

the night of the murder, Mrs. Lois? >> Why should you have been so concerned on that particular night? Just because you failed to get a reply when you phoned at 10:30 p.m. >> We just were. You can't really explain these things. >> Didn't you assume the most likely thing that the Kirby's had gone to bed and wouldn't answer? >> They never went to bed before midnight. >> But you kept on phoning until 2:00 in the morning. Then you went round there. Why >> were you expecting something might happen or were you afraid it was going

to? No, of course we weren't. >> You said your sister intended staying in when you phoned her at 7:00. >> Yes, >> but she might have changed her mind between then and 10:30 when you phoned again. Yet you said you knew she stayed in all night. How did you know? >> Well, I >> I'll tell you, Mrs. Lames. You remember saying you used Turner's car hire service because you haven't a car of your own? >> That's right. We used it to drive over to the Kirbies at 2:15 a.m. and then on to the police station.

>> I have checked with the company on other hirings, Mr. Loms and I find you hired a car that night at 9:00 p.m. and visited Grace Kirby alone. The car drove you back home at 10 p.m. That is right, isn't it? >> Yes. >> Then why haven't you told us about it before? >> I didn't think it mattered. >> That was for us to judge. You knew Grace Kirby intended staying in because you had arranged to see her between 9 and 10 p.m. >> Yes, I did go and see her. >> Then I want a

couple of answers from you. One, why did you go? And two, why phone her at 10:30 when you got back home? Or was it to make your wife believe she was still alive? >> OF COURSE IT WASN'T. GRACE WAS alive When I left her. I swear she was. >> I think you'd better explain everything, John. >> Well, waiting, Mr. Lis. >> All right. Grace Kirby offered to set me up in business >> after selling out her husband. We didn't know that at first. We thought she had plenty of money and that she was doing it

for me as much as for John. So, John went over at 9:00 to talk about it. >> But she'd already told my wife on the phone that she'd sold out Steve to finance me. She joked about transferring her money and her affection. >> Were you surprised? >> No. Disgusted. I went over to tell her so. I knew her habit of collecting men, and I wasn't going to be one of them. >> He decided he couldn't take the money. after hearing what she'd done to Steven >> and after hearing what Steven had Threatened to do to

her. >> I didn't think he'd kill her, but I wasn't risking it. I tried to get her to change her mind, but she laughed and said she'd already done it. I was disgusted and I walked out on her. >> He He got home about 10. He was so upset that I decided to phone Grace, but if anyone could make her change her mind, it was me. >> So, the point you're both making is that The call at 10:30 was to try and make her change her mind. >> Yes. But there was no reply. >> And

your reason for not telling us this part of the story before is that you didn't think it mattered. >> That's right. >> Mrs. Less, you needed that money from your sister desperately. Haven't your husband just become redundant in his job? >> What of it? >> Well, suppose you're lying, Mr. Less. Suppose Grace Kirby had changed her mind about financing you. Then instead of going to plead for Steven, you really went to plead your own case. And when Grace Kirby refused. >> Are you suggesting I kill her? >> Well, are you? >> All right, Mr. LS.

All right, calm down. No one's accused anyone yet. I'm only after the facts. Now, Stevens threats to kill his wife. Did one of you advise her to inform the police? >> That's the last thing we do. We didn't think he meant it. >> But someone advised her to ring the police. And if you were the only ones who knew, >> well, it wasn't me and it wasn't Mary. So don't try to put the blame on us. >> But if someone wanted Grace Kirby out of the way, you both agree that Steven left Himself wide open

for them to pin the blame on him. >> Yes. Yes, we see that. >> And you needed money, didn't you? >> Now, don't start that again. >> I'm just telling you your good luck. Grace Kirby made a will. >> She did. >> There was only one person she gave a damn for. Her sister Mary. And you're the sole beneficiary. Oh no. >> Now Grace Curve is dead. You'll have more money than you need, won't you? And you won't have to plead with her for it. >> That's monstrous. >> What are you suggesting, Inspector? >> Oh,

nothing except that you'd better think things over pretty carefully. And then, if you remember some other details you didn't think mattered, perhaps you'll let me know about them. That's all. Come on, Coach. Yes, Coats. They're frightened, both of them. And frightened people start remembering things for their own protection. >> You suspect the low misses then? >> I suspect everyone, even if it only shakes him into cooperation. Now, Steven Kirby didn't own the police just before the murder, so it must have been the real murder. Agreed. >> Yes. To frame him. And at that time, John

Less was either with his wife or he Was in a hired car on his way home. That is from what they told us. >> We've only got their word for it. >> Yes, I know. But John Lom doesn't drive anymore. He hires cars. And you don't dump bodies from hired cars. >> Then they're in the clear. >> Oh, no. He's still capable of driving a car to pinch. So, we'll treat their story with a big helping of sort. Apart from what Glass told us about Grace Kirby collecting men. That's Interesting. We may have to go

through the whole collection before we find what we want. >> How much longer can we hold Steven Kirby? >> You mean without charging him? >> Yeah, >> don't worry about that. There are technical charges. Well, there's fraud, for instance. Obtaining freeboard and lodging at Wilbury Hospital under false pretenses. >> Evening, Inspector. Oh, Silent. You're looking very cheerful. >> Some good news for you, sir. >> Oh, the kettle's boiling, is it? >> Oh, better than that, sir. We've had patrol cars out questioning drivers along the road where the body was found, and one of them saw

a car parked near the hospital between 10:30 and midnight on the night of the murder. A red sports car. >> A red sports car, eh? What about that, Coach? >> Did they get the numbers out? >> Oh, no. They had no reason to. >> No, of course they hadn't. But it was a red sports car, coach. That's something, eh? >> Yes, I suppose. Well, don't rupture yourself with enthusiasm, man. Suppose it was a special red sports car, the one Grace Kirby used to own. >> Isn't that too much to expect? >> Not in this case,

it isn't. Come on, let's go and talk to Steven Kirby. >> Do you think he used it? >> No, but we can get the registration number of his wife's car from him, and then we'll find out who owns it now. >> But it it may not be the same car. >> Then we've lost nothing. But if it is, oh, what a lead that might give us. >> Right. Thanks very much. Okay, I'll do that. >> Well, Kurt, now what have you got to Say? I knew my hunch was a good one. >> Oh, no. Come,

officer. The last thing you expected was that the car still belonged to Mrs. Kirby. But, but it still doesn't prove it was the car parked near the hospital. >> No, but it does prove that Grace Kirby lied when she said she'd sold it. Now then, why did she lie? Ah, >> I'll answer that with another surprise. She relicensed it only 3 weeks ago. >> Nice work, Coats. She wasn't using it Yet. She hung on to it and relicensed it. >> Why? And where is it now? >> It'll take some finding being in her name. >>

Depends where it is. Who do you think's been using it? >> Steven Kirby, John Less? >> No, it's not been seen around, but whoever's using it did so with Grace Kirby's approval on her license. So, it's bound to be a man. >> Why is that, sir? >> Well, because she collected them, Sergeant. So, the answers we want are all in her private life. And how do we get the sorted details, sir? >> From the only person she liked, the only one she confided, her sister. >> Exactly. I'll handle her. I want Grace Kirby's affairs gone

through with a fine tooth comb. And I don't mean her love affairs. Get to know all you can about that business deal, Coats. >> Yes, sir. >> Start with the man who bought the business. Find out who negotiated it. And they will know how she completed the deal without her husband knowing. >> Wouldn't a bank statement give her? >> Yes, maybe. So, check them. Check her accountant, a solicitor, anyone who might have had a hand in the transaction. I have a feeling there was more behind it than just trying to break her husband. >> Anything

else? >> Well, isn't that enough? The family business was bought by Martin Graham Limited. You'll find the address in the files and coats. >> Don't go talking to the office boy. >> I won't. >> This was a big deal. You want Martin Graham himself. >> All right, sir. >> Very well, Miss Tedworth. You can send the gentleman in now. I think he's Waited long enough. Come in. >> Good morning, Mr. Graham. >> Close the door and sit down, please. >> Thank you. >> Now, you're a police officer and you're interested in a business transaction involving

the purchase by my company of the Wilbury Engineering Company. >> Yeah. Yeah. How did How did you know? >> An Inspector Web phone to say that you were on your way. >> Oh, he did. >> But I don't see what on earth it's got to do with the police. So, you'd better convince me. >> All right, Mr. Graeme. The person you bought the Wilbury Engineering Company from has since been murdered. >> Murdered? Well, the check I sent to buy the company has since been cashed, so you'll see I haven't any motive. Now, what are you

here to accuse me of? >> Suppose you let me ask the questions, Mr. >> By all means, so long as you don't waste too much of my time. >> I want all the details of the transaction. >> I can assure you they were perfectly straightforward. Then it won't take very long, will it? Now, was the deal put through in shares, cash or what? Strictly cash. Complete takeover paid in full. >> Wasn't that rather unusual? >> No, not really. The Wilbury Engineering Company was under single ownership. I knew its trading record pretty well as a rival

concern. It was a bargain, and a cash deal suited me fine. >> And you paid by check to Mrs. Kirby? >> No. No. I never even met Mrs. Kirby. >> But you bought her business, didn't you? I bought the Wilbury Engineering Company, not a personal property. All negotiations were carried out at Their request through an intermediary. >> Who's that? >> Oh, a representative of a business broking firm, Mather and Clifton. Very reputable people. >> Then you made your check out to Mather and Clifton. >> No, I was asked to make it payable to uh JR

Kooper. >> But you never met JR Cooper either. >> It wasn't necessary. Mather and Clifton passed on my check and it's since been Cashed or paid in anyway. >> Into which bank? >> I have no idea. I can easily find out. >> And you've no idea who JR Cooper was. >> I didn't have to know. The papers were legally signed and the transaction went through without a hitch. JR Cooper could easily be Mrs. Kirby solicitor for all I know. >> But you're not sure. >> No, but you can easily find out, can't you? And you

can rest assured that the Wilbury Engineering Company was bought and paid for without any shadow of doubt. >> There's not a shadow of doubt, Mrs. Les, that someone else was in that business deal with your sister. >> Well, it was neither of us, was it, Mary? >> Then you won't know what became in the money she got for it. >> I'm not interested in the money, Inspector. >> Ah, but we are, Mrs. Lumis. We want to know where it's gone. >> Isn't it in her private account? >> It never was. It was paid into the

account of JR Cooper >> and then withdrawn 2 days later. JR Cooper. I've never heard of him. >> So, you think it's a him? A man? >> I don't know. I just said, >> "Now come on, Mrs. Les. Your sister's dead. Someone killed her. We've got to Find out who." >> And the only way we'll find out is from her private life. Mrs. Less. >> Then you're in for a pretty solid story. >> Then let's forget the nicities and begin with the men. Mrs. Less, there were men, weren't there? >> I can't talk about her

like this. It's not right. >> It wouldn't be right to keep quiet. One of those men killed her. >> Tell her, Mary, it's the best thing. >> She couldn't help being attractive. Men ran after her. They do anything for her. >> But later in her 40s, they didn't come running anymore. Eh, >> that was the tragedy. She couldn't face it. She still wanted attention. She'd always had secret affairs weekends away. >> Then her men found someone younger, so Grace had to do the same. You can't cover up her anymore, Mary. >> No, I suppose not.

She was always Boasting about her boyfriends and weekends they had. Right up >> to her being killed. >> Yes, right up until then. >> But she never gave you details. Who the men were, where these weekends took place? >> No, I wasn't a keeper. I was just someone who had to be told. It seemed to help her justify things. >> But that wasn't the only reason. Grace didn't want you to know that she did the Paying. She had to have young men and they cost her plenty. >> I'm sorry, Mrs. Lameus, but you know all

this is true, don't you? >> Yes. Yes, it's true. It was rather pathetic. She'd been so attractive. She finished up paying for attention. >> The pattern's what we expected. Her private bank account shows she drew large sums of money at regular intervals >> to use on her boyfriend. >> Yes, but unfortunately cash isn't traceable. >> So, you won't be able to find them. We'd hoped you could help. There's one other chance. In Grace Kirby's bank returns, I found two checks. Each were just a few pounds. They were both dated on Saturdays and both made out

to JR Cooper. >> But we don't know of her associating with any JR Cooper. So, how does that help you? >> Well, Saturdays were the days she always had plenty of cash, but on two weekends, she may have over spent. She hadn't enough cash to give her boyfriends, so she made her checks instead. >> Can't you trace them being paid into his bank account? No. Someone cashed them for him. Probably over a bar. When we find that person, he'll know J.R. Cooper. All right. He'll be a regular who runs a red sports car. >> That's

right, sir. I often oblige the Regulars by cashing the odd check for him. So long as he's only for a few quid, of course. You remember these then? >> They went through your bank account. >> Not mine. The breweries cashed them if that's what you mean. >> Take a look at this photograph. >> Ever seen this woman before? >> A face looks familiar. >> Yes, I have seen her. She came in here with Jimmy. Jimmy Cooper. I wouldn't Know his other name. I just know him as Jimmy. >> But you have seen him in here

with this woman. >> Oh, often. She comes down from London, I think, for a crafty weekend. She was in here with him more a week or two ago. >> And Jim is the man you cash these checks for. >> Yeah, that's right. Of course it is. Now you mention it. Uh, are they going to bounce it? >> There's no danger of that. >> Anything else you know about him? >> No, he's just a regular. That's all. Comes in most lunchtimes. May pull in anytime now. >> Bullion. He drives a car, does he? >> Ah, smart

little job. He's had it about 3 months. Red sports car. That's right. >> Right. Thanks. Oh. Uh, don't let him know we've been asking about him. Will we? >> Oh, I'm not dafted. I know a copper when I see one. >> That why he gave the right answer. >> What do you think? I don't want to get mixed up with anything. >> You're very wise. Oh, we'll pick him up outside. Save you any embarrassment. >> Oh, thank you, sir. This flop. What next, sir? >> We wait here until closing time. >> And if he doesn't

show up, >> then we'll have every policeman in the Town looking for that car. >> I think he's going to save us all that trouble. This looks like the car now. >> That's it. All right. Come on, coach. Let's tackle him now. >> Mr. Cooper. >> Eh, >> Jr. Cooper, that is you, isn't it? >> You're up the wrong tree, mate. My name's Wilson. Jimmy Wilson. >> But it's Cooper when you catch chicks in the pub here. >> Jr. Cooper. And one of them's just bounced. >> Oh, is that all? >> You're expecting something else?

Something more serious? >> What? >> No, of course I wasn't. Why should I? >> You tell us that. You're going for a drive, Mr. Wilson in our car this time. And we'll stop at your flat or wherever it is you live. >> Oh, now just a minute. You can't arrest Me for passing a dud check. I I didn't know it was done. >> Perhaps not. But we know enough to have got a warrant. And that warrant says we can search your flat. Now, are you coming quietly, as they say? >> Don't have any choice, do

I? Come on, let's get it over. >> Nothing in the sideboard drawers. >> What's the idea? What are you looking for? I'm afraid I'm fresh out of cannabis. >> Just a routine check, Mr. Wilson, before we get down to the serious business, try the small desk coats. >> You said serious business. >> Oh, yes. Did I? >> What serious business? >> You can wait. >> Nothing here. >> Try the pig pigeon hose. Coats. >> Look, I want to know what are you here for? >> Now, take it easy. If you've done Nothing, you've nothing to

worry about, have you? >> Softening me up. That's what you're trying to do. Trying to get me nervous. >> Now, why should we want to do that? We're just ordinary police officers doing our job. I've got it. You got what? >> A bank statement. Jimmy, what names it in? Coach >> Wilson, sir. And it's some statement. Look how much there is there. H. Not Bad. Not bad at all. >> Where did you get it from? Wilson. >> He knows a lot. I won it. >> When? Last week. >> Yes. >> Now come off it. This

item was paid in by check. And it's a big item, too. And it was made out by JR Cooper. He drew the same amount from a private account on the same day. >> So what? It was a business deal. >> A minute ago, you said you'd won it. That was just an expression. It was a lie because you're J.R. Cooper, aren't you? Now, would you like to tell me the truth for a change? >> Now, look here. >> Why did you kill Grace Kirby? >> You're kidding. I've never even heard of her. >> She's signed

checks for you. Visited the pub with you. Spent weekends with you. >> I don't know what you're talking about. >> All right. Can I see the log book for Your car? >> Your car log book? Oh, I I haven't got it. >> No, you never had it because it's not your car. You borrowed it. >> Yes, that's right. I I borrowed it >> from someone you'd never even heard of. >> What? >> That car's licensed in the name of Grace Kirby. You still denied knowing her? >> She changed the registration. >> So, you do know

her? >> She didn't change it. The license was due, so she paid it for you instead. >> That's a mistake. >> Yes. Your second mistake, Jimmy. Your first was in killing her and using that sports car to dump the body. >> I didn't. You can't prove it. >> You don't have to say anything at this stage if you don't want to. But we're taking you in for the murder of Grace Kirby. I must warn you that anything you say may be taken down in writing and Used in evidence. OH, NO YOU DON'T. >> GO IN

COACH. >> OH MY GOD. DOWNSTAIRS QUICKLY, COACH. >> All right, son. All right. Keep soon. You're on phone for an ambulance, coach. >> Yes. Oh, God. I'm numb. My legs and my my back. I can't feel anything. >> I still don't >> may have broken your back. >> Let's hope we can get you to the hospital in time. >> No, it's not as bad as that. It can't Be. >> You may not last the journey, Jimmy. >> Look, why not make a clean breast of it while you've still got a chance? Jimmy, you killed Grace

Kirby, didn't you? >> He confessed in the ambulance then, sir. >> That's right, Sergeant. She'd been keeping him for over a year. >> She was keen on him, sir. >> Yes. Keen enough to sell her business and go away with him. But he made one Condition. The money should be put into an account they could both drawn. and she fell for it, I suppose, >> until she found out he'd drawn the lot and transferred it to his own private account. And then she got tough and said she'd called the police. He apologized, said he'd return

the money. >> But he killed her instead. >> She made it easy for him. He knew about her husband's threats, so he told her to inform the police. Then he made that Call, pretending to be her husband. >> Yeah, >> that's why he only hid the body long enough to get away. No one who knew her had ever seen her with him, so he thought he was in the clear. >> Yep. Andy would have been >> if it hadn't been for two small checks and a log book. They set the ball rolling against him. >>

Excuse me, sir. Hello. Oh, just a moment. It's Detective Sergeant Coat ringing from the hospital. >> Oh, thanks. Yes, Coach. Just a few bruises and minor abrasions. Eh, yes. I didn't think there was very much wrong with him. Bye-bye. He's all right, sir. >> Of course he is. No one with a broken back could have rolled him out of the pavement like he did. He certainly couldn't have kicked his legs either if He was paralyzed. >> And you got a confession out of him under forced pretentious, sir. >> Oh, no, not at all, Sergeant. He

lost his nerve, and I took advantage of it. >> Yeah, I say you did, sir. >> Only temporarily, mind you. I'm sure you remember from your training, Sergeant. Yes, sir. >> The spine is the center of the nervous system. And now Jimmy had had a severe jolt. Yes. Promise to Kill was a new play for broadcasting by Eddie Maguire. The cast was as follows. Sergeant Brooks, Hayden Jones, Grace Kirby, Pauline Lets Inspector Webb, Victor Lucas. Steven Kirby, Lockwood West. PC Baker, Anthony Jackson, Nurse K. Rosalyn Shanks, Dr. Carter, Alexander John, Detective Sergeant Coats, Peter Pratt,

Mary Lis, Margaret Robertson, John Lus, Brian Haynes, Martin Graham, John Pulland, Landlord Anthony Vickers, Jimmy Wilson, Christopher Bidme. The play was produced by Joe Burrows. And that's brought us to 9:15 on Radio