Original subtitles

Heartbeat, what do you miss when my baby kisses me?

Heartbeat, what does a love kiss say in my memory?

All the coppers are away. We will play.

Nice shot.

What the hell do you think you're playing at? Go on, go to bed, old man.

Get back to bed, old man.

You won't get away with this, Tommy.

Why?

Who's going to stop me? The police.

The police?

Round here?

That's a lie.

What's the point in calling for you lot? You never turn up till it's far too

late. We need another village bobby here again. It's getting right out of hand.

Did anyone see it happen?

Yes, I did.

It was Tommy Unsworth and his gang.

Did you see him smash the pump?

Not exactly, but I heard he go.

Were there any other witnesses?

What do you think?

It was one o 'clock in the morning.

We've had all this before.

It'll be your word against his. His mother will swear blind he was tucked up

bed. Oh, so that's it then, is it? You're not going to do anything about

I'll talk to him. He'll deny it, but I won't have enough to charge him with.

It's a farce.

When are we going to get a new village copper?

An appointment's been made.

PC Weatherby should be with you in six or seven weeks.

Seven weeks?

We'll cover you from Ashford until then.

Ashfordly's too far away. We need somebody on the ground living here now.

That's right. I agree.

I agree.

Miller, those filigrees on that motorbike were in my grounds again last

Smashing beer bottles and lighting fires gave my gamekeepers a real runaround.

Not the first time I've had to mention this. So, what the blazes are you going

to do about it?

Note.

Three nights running.

Perhaps you're not putting the snares in the right place.

Don't try and teach your granny to suck eggs.

Well, you're my auntie.

It's an expression, Dick. Never mind.

It's that bike gang.

They've been here again, drinking and frightening everything away.

You know, it's... It's not right that this lot should be trespassing on Lord

Ashfordly's land, upsetting the natural order of things.

Aren't we trespassing as well? We have been coming here quite a lot recently,

poaching and that.

Poaching is a traditional country pursuit, David.

Riding around on motorbikes, frightening game, isn't.

Hey, it's obvious they've got more money than cents.

This tuppence back on the spot, look.

We pay our rates and taxes and we demand a proper police presence, Miller. A man

on the beat. A village constable available 24 hours like we used to have.

that's what will happen when PC Weatherby is free to join us. We'll just

let Tommy Unsworth and his gang do whatever they like. No, I'm trying to

organise a stopgap.

An officer to fill in.

There's the possibility of a PC that I work with in York coming to join us on a

temporary basis.

Oh, aye.

Go on.

Well, his name is Joe Mason.

He's being transferred to London in the Met in a few weeks' time.

Did you know that London taxi drivers have to know where every street ends

before they get a license?

Why, Puga?

Yeah, hope he might. No problem.

Imagine that.

It'd be tricky enough just learning the ones in my new patch.

Rather you than me, mate.

You can keep your London.

Overcrowded.

Overpriced.

Still the most exciting city in the world.

Let's go.

Oscar Bravo, one, two, show's extended, over.

I'm going to play.

You can't just don't get it.

Knock off me.

I'm going to tell them all.

That Rubber League boy.

Mama's cooking chicken pie to fix an increase.

Stop! Police!

Stop! Fuck!

All right. All right.

Go for backup!

On the inside!

Straight! Back!

Back! Back!

So what's he like then, this P

.C. Mason?

He's a good man.

I wouldn't have asked for him otherwise.

He's bright.

Dedicated.

Enthusiastic.

Suspects and hostages still in the church? Yes, sir.

Where's PC Mason?

Went down the back. He had an idea to get the hostages out. He should have

waited for backup.

What does he think he's playing at?

This is the police.

Let's put an end to this now.

Come out with your hands raised.

Please help.

I'm sure we can find a way to resolve this.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Have you got a cat?

An old Morris Minard.

Not ideal for a speedy getaway.

Give me your keys.

I'm afraid I don't have them with me.

Might I make a suggestion?

Let this mother and child leave. You'll still have me as a hostage.

The baby's distressed. Please.

Show some compassion.

You tell the police out there not to do anything stupid.

I don't think he gets it.

Right!

Steve, keep an eye on him.

I'll check the back of the church.

Will you join me in praying for a satisfactory outcome in all of this?

Please.

You'll be amazed at the power of prayer.

Our father, the loss of heaven.

What?

Your friend's hurt himself!

Yes, then peace.

He said there was no point prolonging this. Why is he following that?

He showed compassion while he saw the young woman and child.

I don't want to stand badly for you.

Please.

Ah!

Have you chanced to hear for quite a while? Practice, there might be a slight

delay.

It

was a

thoroughly reckless action, Constable.

I was concerned for the women and child, sir.

Doing what you did could have cost them their lives.

Well, I got them out unharmed.

Surely that's all that matters.

You were lucky.

There are proper procedures to deal with hostage situations, especially where

firearms are concerned. Understood.

So, meantime, we've agreed that request for you to fill in as village bobby in

Aidensfield.

That should keep you out of harm's way for a while.

Can't wait.

Right, everybody.

This is PC Joe Mason, who's joining us on a temporary basis.

Now, Joe's more used to city than village policing, but I've put him in

picture as to the problems we have in Aydenfield.

Oh, yeah.

That's where I carry on as recently.

With vandalism.

It's young 'uns, you know.

And they don't half give you some lip, don't they, Phil?

Ah, yeah. One especially, eh, Tommy Unsworth.

Right, cheeky little... Anyway, he's the ringleader, but unless you actually

catch them at it, then your hands are tied.

Yeah. Yes, I suppose they are.

I remember that smile.

I expect you to tread carefully, Joe Mason.

You know I expect my officers to behave.

I haven't forgotten, Sergeant.

All right, then. Good luck. Let's see how you get on out there.

Bill.

We're all very familiar with Aidensfield, so if there's anything you

let us know.

I'm Jeff.

That's our hope.

Thanks, lads.

Teenage bike gangs can be quite a challenge, but I think I'll manage.

Seems quite a confident sort, doesn't he?

I don't think it'll be as easy out there as he thinks.

I checked him out on the grapevine.

A bit of a maverick, I gather.

The senior officers in York were very glad to get rid of him.

Really?

So they smashed the pump head?

They didn't try to steal anything?

Equipment or petrol?

No.

They didn't cause any other damage or try to force entry into the garage?

No, no, they didn't.

Sheer vandalism, then.

I gather Sergeant Miller did talk to this underclass lad.

He denies involvement.

His mother says he was at home in bed.

Well, she would, wouldn't she?

So I doubt we'd be successful with the prosecution.

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid there's not a lot more I can do.

I see.

A shame, but to be honest, where I've just come from, something like this

not have even been reported.

Oh, well, I'm sorry we waited your time.

Aye, I can't say on first acquaintance I'm overly impressed.

Tommy Unsworth, he's a crafty little beggar. There's rarely any witnesses to

what his mob get up to, and even when there is, his mother gives him an alibi,

so it's very difficult to bring a case against him.

Yeah. I can see it's not going to be easy.

Oh, Sergeant Miller tells me you were in the job yourself.

That's right.

Well, it's nice to meet you.

I'm off now to meet the man who chairs the police committee. Lord Ashfordly, is

it? My lord, yes.

A real -life lord of the manor. I'd better watch my P's and Q's.

What do you think?

Can't see him being a match for Tommy Unsworth, can you?

We'll see.

Well, you've got your diamonds and you've got your pretty clothes

and the chauffeur drives your car.

You'll be in the stand -in for our new village bobby, will you?

That's right, sir. PC Mason.

Right, Mason.

Well, I'm expecting to see you keeping an eye on my estate. We've had a lot of

intruders recently.

I'm sorry to hear that. Well, with no police presence, the local gobs have

going out to all sorts of mischief here.

And my gamekeepers report a marked increase in poaching, too.

Really? I want you to get on top of that as well.

And there's one particular individual who thinks she has carte blanche to help

herself to my wildlife and game.

She?

Peggy Armstrong, she's called.

You make a note of that name, Mason.

I'd prefer P .C. Mason, not just Mason, if you don't mind, my lord.

And please don't click your fingers at me. I'm not one of your servants.

Whether I choose to patrol your land or not will be my decision.

I work for the North Riding Police.

I'm not simply here at your beck and call.

Well, oh, damn cheek.

How have you known I go shooting with your chief constable?

With legally held firearms, I trust, sir?

Well,

Oscar reckons he'll do all right here.

I'm not for sure.

He strikes me as being his own man.

It'll be interesting to see what happens.

As long as he clears Tommy Hunsworth's gang out of the Asperley Hall estate.

Now, why are you worried about that?

Well, we need these rabbits, you see, and that... What do you do that for? I

just want to see a bit of law and order restored, that's all.

Like an end to poaching, you mean?

It's quite a sight, isn't it?

Lord Asperley's estate.

Oh, aye.

He's a fair bit of land.

Doesn't seem right, does it? All that belonging to one man.

Right. Pay attention, everyone.

DS Dawson would like a word.

CID have been given a tip -off that a professional Manchester gang may be

to operate in this area.

They target country houses to steal paintings, antiques, jewellery, etc.

Their modus operandi is to first check out the properties and carefully plan

break -ins. They hit on two or three houses in an area before moving on.

I'd like you to draw up a list of likely houses, then go around and advise them

on security.

Then report back to DS Dawson.

Apart from the fact they're pros from Manchester, we don't have much to go on.

No photos, no names, etc.

So ask around.

See if any strangers have been spotted behaving suspiciously.

Or if any strangers have been spotted at all.

Thank you, Constable.

I'd like a word with you in my office.

Now.

I can do without quips like that.

I've just had Lord Ashfordly on the phone complaining about your attitude

you went to see him.

I wasn't over -impressed by his own attitude, Sergeant.

He tried to treat me like some sort of servant.

Lord Ashfordly is a person of some standing in these parts.

Does that give him the right to order a serving policeman around?

No, but it does entitle him to a bit of respect.

He does a lot of charitable work for the local community.

He's a good employer who treats his staff well.

Perhaps so, but as I pointed out to him, I'm not one of his staff.

No. But you are policing Aidensfield for now.

It's important that you have good relations with him.

For heaven's sake, there are enough troublemakers out there for you to deal

without upsetting an influential man who supports us.

Understood? Yes, Sergeant.

I might assist on D .S. Dawson's operation now.

No. You're not here for the glory.

You can make amends to Lord Ashfordly and tackle his poaching problem.

Well, I'd be so gone if I wouldn't work all day.

Baby, and I'd be so gone if I wouldn't bring you my day.

Peggy Armstrong.

Yeah. PC Mason. I'm going to be policing Eddinsfield for the next few weeks.

Well, I'm pleased to hear it.

There's been a lot of trouble lately, vandalism and that.

Been a lot of poaching as well, I gather.

Oh, I wouldn't know naught about that. Really? I have reason to believe you

would. Your name's been mentioned.

By who?

I'm just letting you know I'm going to be keeping an eye out on Ashfordly Hall

estate from now on. Oh, it's typical, is that?

Tearaways bring mayhem to ordinary folk every night, but instead of dealing with

that, you lot are behaving like lackeys, doing the bidding of the local gentry.

Receiving, over.

Report of forced entry and theft at two school lanes.

Over. One more way, out.

Oh, yeah.

You go off and do some proper police work instead of coming round threatening

innocent folk like me.

I've given her something to calm her nerves.

She was really upset, bless her. She'd just collected a few weeks' pension from

the post office.

When she left there, there was a gang of youth on motorcycles outside.

One of them followed her home.

Go on.

Well, worried her a bit, but then he disappeared.

When she came back from the neighbourhood, she found this.

Did she know the youth?

She said she reckoned it was a lad called Tommy Unsworth.

It's my first day here, and you know what?

I'm tired of hearing that name.

Whoops. What are you looking at, Grandad?

The wind blew it off.

He's looking as though he's got that on that trophy, lads.

Which

one

of you is Tommy Unsworth?

Who wants to know?

I do.

Oh, aye.

Knew you when you were at home.

As you can see, I'm a police officer.

Prove it. You might be in fancy dress for all we know.

Are you Tommy Unsworth?

Yeah, why?

Mrs Page.

Just down the road.

She's just had her back door kicked in and her purse stolen.

Really? Oh, what a shame.

She's an old lady.

She thinks you might have followed her home.

Nah. Not me, mate. She doesn't sound my type.

Did you follow an elderly lady from here to her house? Yes or no?

No. And if she says I did, then she's lying.

Besides, I've been with this lot all day.

Were there any witnesses to say they saw me kick a door in?

No? Well, then you better tell this old bag to be careful what she says.

You're denying it was you, then?

Yeah.

All right.

That's it for now.

Aye. On your bike, copper.

I

got

your message.

What's your story?

Well, the chap who does the gardens just turned up. The owners are away.

He's found the French windows forced open.

I've had a look inside and there's been some paintings taken off the wall. I

expect there'll be other stuff missing as well.

Can we contact the owners?

Alf's on it now.

Isolated house, no -one at home.

It's a perfect target.

If they follow their pattern, it'll just be the start around here.

We shouldn't be in here, Aunt Peggy. I knew Bobby warned us not to.

I won't be intimidated by him, David.

I know this estate like the backs of my hands.

He'll have to be sharp to catch me.

Who's that, then? The gamekeeper?

No, you're all right.

I know all their number plates.

No, I want one of theirs.

Hello, Tony.

Remember me?

You, um... Empty your pocket.

Look. What about that purse?

Told you, wasn't me.

Empty your pockets.

Come on.

Well, well.

Twelve quid.

That was the amount that was in Mrs Page's purse.

It's not hers.

You can ask me mum, she gave it me.

You can't prove where that money came from, can you?

It would be difficult, yes.

Impossible, I'd say.

You said there were no witnesses.

You've got nothing.

Forget law.

Listen to me, Unsworth.

I don't like scum who rob old ladies.

If that money isn't returned sharpish, I'm going to have you.

Get off! This is assault!

Really?

Well, where's your witnesses?

You see, two can play that game.

You get that money back and you behave yourself from now on.

Or I'm going to make your life hell.

You got that?

You got it?

Yeah.

Yeah, PC Mason.

Yeah, PC Mason.

Good.

Now get inside.

I don't want to see you on the streets again tonight.

Quite a remote spot.

There must have been in the area a few days to have found it and wrecked it.

The nearest neighbour saw a darkish van drive up to the house a couple of days

ago. Yeah, she knew the owners were away, didn't recognise the van, tried to

the number but only managed to get the letters V, L and R, which means it's not

local. Shouldn't I be on it too much?

No. And I want a word with you in my office.

Now!

I've had another complaint against you.

More serious this time.

Oh?

Mippet Unsworth has rung in to allege that you assaulted his son Tommy last

night.

He claims that as he parked his motorcycle outside the house, you leapt

hurled him to the ground and beat him up. That's ridiculous.

Did you see Tommy Unsworth yesterday?

Outside the post office?

I questioned him about a theft. His name was given by the victim.

Did you see him later outside his house?

Well, if he's saying I did, I bet he can't provide any witnesses.

No, it would seem not.

I've told Mrs Unsworth to substantiate an allegation of this nature. It would

take more than his word against yours.

Yeah, exactly.

If I beat him up, then why not come in and show you the bruises?

I don't think they'll pursue it.

Good.

Constable Mason, I understand the frustrations that police constables

sometimes have to suffer.

But whatever the provocation, we are here to uphold the law, not bend it,

it, or take it into our own hands.

Is that understood?

Yes, Sergeant.

Right, off you go.

I'd only hear the sort of allegation against you again.

I doubt that you will, Clark.

I won't be here for that long.

We'll make more to go on.

It's lucky that woman spotted the van, though.

That wasn't luck.

In a city, folk often don't know who they're living next door to.

Round here, neighbours look out for each other.

Yeah, I suppose they do.

A country bobby must use the community as his eyes and ears.

But first, he has to earn their respect.

Do I detect a hint of criticism?

I had a pint with Bernie Scripps last night.

As the undertaker and a garage owner, he has access to a lot of people's lives.

If I was policing Aidensfield, I'd make sure that I had a man like that on my

side.

When the pump got smashed, he implied it were now much to be bothered about,

didn't he, Rosemary? Well, it's like we're wasting his time.

Well, I heard he gave Tommy Unsworth a right good iron last night.

I bumped into his mum for the groceries.

Reckons he nearly put them in hospital.

Well, apparently he roughed him up, but clever like left no mark.

Well, it sounds like village gossip to me, but if he did, good for him. Tommy

Unsworth's been asking for it.

He can't just thump a mosque, eh?

He needs to get evidence, charge him and put him in court. Well, I don't care if

he clips some of them round the ear. You know, when I was a copper, young people

had respect for the police.

Here, here.

Well, somebody round here must have a guilty conscience.

What do you mean?

Mrs Page's purse has been returned to all the money still, innit?

Never. Left on a doorstep this morning. Well, there you are, you see.

Tommy Ironsworth gets a tough talking to and results start to happen.

It's the only way to treat these tearaways.

Well, I don't agree.

You wouldn't see my Phil behaving like that.

They're only after high -quality gear. They know the paintings and antiques

lot. Another possibility is Colonel Lowell's place.

There. He's got lots of family heirlooms, portraits, etc.

It's about two miles from the previous break -in.

Would they risk that?

On previous form, they might.

Radio Bellamy. Put it on his list.

Start by checking out your road fund licences.

I could then check your number plates against bikes that have been reported

stolen. I could make you all wait here until I get confirmation that they're

not.

I could check out your tyres, your brakes, etc.

Make sure these machines are roadworthy.

I could get you all to produce your log books, your driving licences, your

insurance documents.

Or, seeing as I haven't been given any lip...

I could simply wave you all on your way.

Which is it to be?

We haven't done that. We're just riding our bike.

Right. Well, as you're just out riding your bike, I want you to keep your eyes

open.

If you see a dark van with the letters VLR in the number plate, I want to hear

about it.

All right?

Or I could start checking your bikes out properly.

All right. Yeah, yeah.

Get all your mates to keep an eye out, too.

Dark van, VLR.

Off you go.

But Colonel and Mrs Lowe's, the cleaner tells me they're away at a regimental

reunion in Germany.

I've asked her about the van.

She thinks she might have seen a darkish van pass by yesterday.

The thing is, Alf, once she goes this afternoon, the house will be empty.

Hey, come on.

I won't let you down, Len.

No, you'll get your rabbit.

Trust me.

If I don't get some soon, he'll go elsewhere, and that'll be a regular

earner gone right up the swine.

We caught nothing again last night. I mean, what are you going to do? Well, if

we can't snare him at night, we'll have to shoot the blighters by day. Now, come

on. We've got to get at least six from somewhere.

Do you see the idea of providing a couple of extra men to assist?

Put me on a search.

Things have quietened down in Aidensfield.

Could you use an extra man?

Not really. With my DCs, we should have enough.

We don't want to crowd the scene and fright them off.

I've got a lot of experience in big surveillance jobs, Sergeant Dornan.

I'm sure you have.

We'll manage, thanks.

Is Mr Scripps about?

He's having a bite to eat in the pub.

Ah, good to see you.

I gather you've sorted out our local troublemaker.

Yeah, we had a frank discussion.

I think things should calm down a bit now.

You gave him a right beating, I hear.

Well, you shouldn't believe everything you hear.

I'm sorry if I appeared a bit offhand the other day, Mr Scripps.

I can assure you I take the vandalism of your property very seriously.

Yeah, but what have you done about it? Nobody's going to be charged, are they?

Well, that's only because we won't be able to make anything stick.

But I think you'll find it won't happen again.

Aye, well, we'll see.

Cheerio, Gina, Oscar.

Bernie. Ah, never mind Bernie. He can be a miserable old crone's girl at times.

But some of us are tripped to bits the way you dealt with Tommy Unsworth.

I just took a firm grip on the problem.

Well, it's nice to have a cop around here. He's not afraid to enforce the

Yes, George, what can I get you?

Um, shouldn't you have called time?

I'm sorry.

I'm being serious, Mr Blaketon. It's gone half past.

Only just.

Well, if I'm to enforce the law, it has to apply to everyone. Not just to Tommy

Unsworth of this world.

Let's hear you call time, please.

Like I say, Oscar, I can't see him fitting in round here.

So how are you settling in?

Yeah, marvellously.

It's been a great two days.

I upset the Lord of the Manor. He lodged a complaint against me.

I also managed to upset Mr Scripps and Rosie at the garage.

Gina at the pub thinks I'm a thug.

Oscar blicked and swore at me under his breath when I told him to call time.

Sergeant Miller, he has read me the riot act, but twice.

Jeff Dawson doesn't trust me.

Should I go on?

No.

Well, at least you've been hit with one person.

It's very kind of you to say so.

I appreciate your support, Carol. I meant Mrs Page.

She thinks you're wonderful.

She can't believe she's got her money back.

I've made an old lady very happy.

Well, it's better than nothing, I suppose.

Afternoon, nurse.

Hello. I hope you're going to be a good deal more civil than when you visited

Ashfordly Hall.

First impressions can be misleading all round. Don't you think so, my lord?

Well, fair enough.

Oh, and I must say, things have got better. We've not had that motorbike

making a damn noise.

Yes, I had a quiet word with them.

Excellent. Good show.

Poaching's still a bugbear, though. My gang keeper spotted the Armstrong woman

on my land again last night.

Found her snares, didn't manage to nab her.

She's a canny old stick.

I'll have another chat with her.

That's a good fellow.

I'm off to Cheshire for a few days.

Be good to get back and find everything tickety -boo, PC Mason.

We seem to have mended the fence there pretty well.

Yes. Jolly good show, Constable.

Everything's tickety -boo now. You're a dashed fine fellow, don't you know?

I'll see you later.

The point is, Phil, you've got to control yourself.

I mean, there's been many a time I've wanted to steam into a bunch of rowdies

and thought them out.

Well, you've restrained yourself.

You've got to, haven't you?

You've got to keep your discipline intact.

As well as your front teeth.

Eh?

No, the thing that gets me about Mason is his attitude.

He behaves like he's a DS in the flying squad already.

DS George to Panda 1. Over. I'll get it.

Panda 1 receiving.

Over.

How's it going over there? Over.

All quiet, Sarge. Over.

Evening. Behaving yourself?

We always do.

Let's hope so.

Have you had any luck with that van?

We might have, but we'll want something in return.

Go on.

If we help you out this once, we want you off our back, pulling us up,

the bikes and stuff.

And it'll only be this once.

We ain't gonna become your snouts.

I'm not asking you to.

It's easy, Tommy.

You don't cause trouble to other people, I won't cause you lot trouble.

So? Pete spotted our van last night coming out of the Ashfordly Hall estate.

Did it have the letters VLR on the number plate?

He didn't notice that.

But he went on a van he'd not seen before.

Said there were, what, three blokes inside?

Okay, thanks for that.

So you'll stay off our backs then now?

Like I said, Tommy, don't bother me, I won't bother you.

I reckon we've got this right.

I don't know.

It's early, yeah?

Yeah.

Right,

I get the number, Geoff.

I can't see it.

It's definitely up in towards the house, though.

Blast, I've lost it in the trees.

We're getting the lay of the land before going in.

Panda wants a control.

Over.

Good work.

Stay in position.

Out.

Can you call my DCs so they can wait at the junction with the main roads?

Not a bad day's work.

We'll bag a couple more tomorrow and we're in business.

Oh, no.

I'm puggy.

Oh, Lord.

Quick, get this lot in the back of the Lawrence.

There you are, Mrs. Armstrong.

What do you want?

A word.

Shall we go inside?

Despite my warning,

I've reason to believe you were on Ashfordly Hall Estate last night.

I wasn't.

Lord Ashfordly's gamekeeper saw you.

He found some of your snares.

I know naught about no snares.

There's something that could be of more interest to me than a bit of poaching.

Did you see a darky -coloured van there last night?

Yeah, well, I remember that. It was a... I wasn't there, and neither

was he.

It could be important to another case.

Look, forget the poaching.

Did you see this van?

You must think I'm wet behind the ears.

Now, if I answer that, I'll have to admit to being there, and I wasn't, all

right. Well, in that case, I'm sure you won't mind if I take a look around.

Make sure you aren't hiding any poached game.

Let's see. Where shall we start?

How about this barn here?

What have we got here?

Where did they come from?

Where indeed?

Is this ought to do with you, David?

All off in an house in the... You were identified last night by the gamekeeper

and you can offer no explanation for these.

If you won't cooperate over this van, you are nicked, Mrs Armstrong.

All right.

It was a darkish -coloured van.

and they weren't local number plates.

Did you make a note of it?

I'm not a flaming copper.

I have got a good memory, though. It were VLR something, I think.

Really?

Thank you.

Is that it, then?

Oh, yeah. Get those back to the butchers, will you?

I borrowed them earlier.

the Brackner.

He planted these in there himself.

The cheeky beggar.

My DCs are in position.

No sign of your van.

I think I saw you in the past ride.

No. It might not have been them, though.

Couldn't see the plate, could we? No.

A van with Victor Lima Romeo on the license plate was seen here last night.

Over.

Seen by who?

Over.

Does it matter, Sarge? I believe the information is reliable. Over.

Any sign of the van now?

Over.

No, but I've only just got here. Over.

I'll inform DS Dawson right away.

Beaky Mason's there now.

He wanted you to be informed.

Over.

Well, let me know if anything changes.

Meanwhile, we stay where we are.

Out.

I'm not dropping everything here just because Mason wants to get in on the

Delta, offer two -port to control.

First entry underway. We've sent the staff from the house to request urgent

assistance. Over.

Understood. On its way.

Wait for backup, Mason.

Out.

Okay,

got that. I'm on my way.

Alert all cars, please. Out.

Get in!

Well, I'm going to stand on one of my feet. Well,

I'll shoot you. I'm going to get you to be back home in 30 days.

Let's make it, fellas.

They're about eight miles away on Windy Road.

I hope Mason waits for backup.

So do I. But no one in.

You really got me going. You got me so I don't know what I'm doing.

Yet. You really got me now.

You got me so I can't see.

Yeah.

Hello, Sergeant Dawson.

What kept you?

You did very well, Joe, but I don't think the DS was best pleased.

Miller gave me a ticking off as well for not waiting for assistance.

How did you know that Ashfordly Hall was targeted anyway?

A bit of local info, Alf.

Like you said, it's what we country coppers need.

Did you manage to get those rabbits back to the butchers?

Sorry?

Rabbits? What rabbits?

Come on, don't mess me about.

You mess me about?

Planting evidence? Well, I've sold them.

So you'll just have to cough up to the butcher for them, won't you, David?

Oh, yeah, yeah. All right.

But you'd better watch your step in future, Mrs Armstrong.

And yours too, Constable Mason.

Cheers.

Any chance of a late drink?

You what?

After telling me to call time on the button at dinner time?

Well, I was in uniform on duty then.

Go on, lock the keys over. I'll lock the front door.

Go on, give him the keys and lock in at the landlord's discretion.

What's wrong with that?

Welcome to the countryside, Joe.

Right then, who wants a nightcap?

You've only been here five minutes, Mason, and already you've nicked the

chairman of the bench.

But you're under the dirty then.

Who are you looking for there, then?

My father.

Well, when you've done a will, you're worth no debt in your life.

At least he didn't leave a mess.