Original subtitles

Three, two, one.

Nice to see you're doing a bit for a change. Well, get in.

What are you doing here, Mason?

Hey, what do you mean?

According to the schedule, she'll knock you back until tomorrow.

I came straight through. I had a special reason for getting back tonight.

Look, you know the union regulations.

You must have driven through the night.

That sort of thing can get the company into trouble.

Yeah. Well, don't do it again.

No, Mr. Lacey, sir.

All right, wrap it up.

Back tomorrow, on time. All right.

It goes for you too, Mason.

So I want to check up on that load you brought in. Yeah, sure.

He's a knick. Ah, he's not too bad, John. No, I'm worse.

What's so special brought you back tonight?

Ah, it's my birthday.

Let's have a drink, then. No, I can't. I've got a date.

Anyone I know? No, she's new and handy. Got a room in the same digs as me.

See you, Neville. Keep your nose clean. You too.

was something.

greetings. do you have to start so early?

some friends of mine stopped me and gave me their greetings.

come on I'll fix you up.

I'll let it ring so someone else answer it.

Me.

Sorry.

Right, I'll answer it, hang on.

Hello. I want to talk to Don Mason.

Hold on, I'll see if he's in. Don't bother to say he's not in because I know

he is.

Tell him to come to the phone at once, it's him.

It's for you. I didn't quite know what to say. That's all right.

Oh, Don Mason speaking.

It's a pity you're being so uncooperative, but you know what we

want. See that we get it.

If you don't, next time we'll really get rough.

Now look...

There's one for you, Kay.

Oh, thank you. Oh, I know what these are.

Oh, dears, at the time.

I must get Mary off to school.

Do you think you can cope here for a little while on your own? Oh, yes,

that's all right. I'll see you to the stop.

Oh, thanks.

I won't be very long. All right.

Gas, electricity, rates.

You know what you can do with those?

I'm going down to the cellar.

that's a good girl. have you got anything?

yes mummy. hurry up now.

what? oh.

mummy can I take Marion to school?

anything the matter Kay?

if there is you've only got to tell me.

it's all right thank you Mr. Benson.

Mrs. Benson. what's the matter Kay? anything wrong?

could I ask you a favor?

after I've taken Mary to school do you think I could have the rest of the

morning off?

I don't know.

please it's very important.

it's about my husband.

oh him. has he reared his ugly head? yes I know what you think but I've got to

find him.

please can I have some time off?

well all right I suppose we can manage.

I'll make it up on my day off.

what's wrong with her? she seems a bit upset.

none of your business.

okay okay just trying to be helpful.

she can well do without your help I'm thinking.

Good morning, Mrs. Green. Morning.

Whether it's good or not, we'll have to wait and see, won't we? Oh, don't be

like that.

Hasn't Mr. Mason gone out yet?

Are you asking me?

I should have thought you'd know more about that.

Ha, ha.

Come in.

Oh, hello.

Do you know what time it is? You'll be late for work.

I'll make it.

How do you feel?

Oh, marvellous.

No, it's none of my business, but I suppose you still don't want to tell me

why those men jumped on you last night.

Oh, some blokes have a funny sense of humor, that's all.

Very funny, I must say.

You know, Don, if I had a key to your room, I could come in and tidy up every

day. Thanks, but I don't want to be tidied up. I like things the way they

are. Well, it wouldn't be any trouble.

Look, Maisie, I like you, you like me.

But don't make the mistake of trying to take over, trying to run my life.

Why?

Because I don't want it.

I see.

Sorry.

I didn't know I was making a nuisance of myself.

Maisie.

Yes?

Look, it isn't that you're making a nuisance of yourself. I don't understand

you.

Last night some men jump you and you tell me to mind my own business. Yeah,

well, I was... You're enough to make a girl go round the bend.

Amazing.

Women.

Men?

I'll get it.

can you tell me if mr. Mason still lives here?

yes he does but I'm afraid he's out.

do you know where I can find him?

I might.

well it's very important that I find him quickly.

I see.

well you could try the apex transport company in Brentford. he works there.

the apex?

oh thank you. by the way if you miss him who shall I say called?

his wife. I'm mrs. Mason. thank you very much.

Go straight over there, turn to your left, and you'll find him in the big

shed just over the other side. Oh, thank you.

Hey, Doc.

Yeah? Get a load of this.

Hey, take it, will you? Don't.

Hey,

milk it up, fellas. I, uh, I know this one.

What are you doing here? How are you?

I'm fine, but you haven't answered my question. What are you doing here?

How did you know where to find me anyway? I asked at your old dig.

Somebody told me you were working down here. There's nothing wrong, is there?

Are you all right? Yes, I'm okay.

But it's Mary.

What's happened? Kay, is Mary all right? She's all right, but... Look, this

letter came this morning.

Mrs. Mason, contact your husband. He knows where the plates are.

Are those the plates you used to print the notes with?

Yeah, what else?

I want them.

If he doesn't give them to me, I'll see that your daughter suffers.

She won't like to know where her father's been for the last two years.

I'll be in touch later with instructions how and where to deliver the plates.

Who sent it?

How should I know?

Anyone?

No signature. It's typewritten. Anyone could have sent it. A lot of jokers know

the facts.

However he is, we met last night. I was jumping on up.

Didn't you recognize him?

No, not at all. There were two of them anyway with stockings over their kisses.

What's so special about these plates anyway? Why do they want them so badly?

Well, they were perfect. Even the bank said that when they saw the prints.

Who's got them now?

Well, last I know, a yobble item. One the police didn't catch up with.

You'll just have to find them.

It's easier said than done.

Listen, when I read that letter, my first instinct was to go to the police.

Take it easy. Keep the coppers out of it. You go to them and the chances are

I'll wind up in more trouble.

You've already served your sentence.

Yeah, but I'd dumb it up, withheld information if they could prove that.

Anything could happen.

We just can't afford to take any chances, not when Mary's concerned.

I'll think of something.

You still work and live at that pub?

Yes. How is it?

It's not bad. Mrs. Benson's all right.

And Mr. Benson?

Yeah.

That bit about Mary not knowing I've been inside, is that still true?

I told her you were at sea, like we arranged.

Well, thanks for that anyway. I wouldn't want her to know I've been inside.

What about you and me splitting up?

It didn't have to be that way.

Well, don't let's start that again. After the way things went...

You know, when this geezer first got in touch with me, I just laughed. Even last

night, I didn't take that too seriously. But this is different.

Threatening you and Mary.

Can't your friend help?

Him?

I haven't seen him since Johnny Law bounced me.

And now I'll have to.

I'll have to tackle him in a certain way.

What does that mean?

You leave that for me to worry about.

You go on home. I'll call you later.

Oh, and, uh, say hello to Mary for me, eh?

think you're going?

I'm sorry, Mr. Lacey, but I've got to take some time off. You what?

You've only just arrived. But this is important.

I'll come back later.

Hey, Doc, what's up? Anything I can do? No, thanks all the same. It's family

business.

Head well back.

Arms behind you.

Not such a big grin next time, huh?

Done.

Well, how are you?

Fine. You?

Well, I haven't any complaints.

What are you doing here?

I thought we agreed that... Knock it off. Get rid of her. I want to talk to

your surgeon.

Honey, I've changed my mind about that set-up. Go and change into the other

outfit. I'll cover those shots next. Right, Mr. Warren.

What's the trouble?

Money?

No, I've landed all right. I've got a job.

But I've been thinking it isn't enough.

I did a stretch for something I didn't get much out of, and I think it's about

time I did.

Yes?

Those plates.

They're still good. I can sell them.

You're crazy.

The law would be on to you in no time, and that means more trouble. Oh, no,

thanks. You went down. It was only luck that kept me out. Yeah, and the fact

that I kept my big mouth shut. I know, and I'm grateful, believe me.

There's no sense in our running any fresh risks. There wouldn't be any

risks. For the sake of a few quid, you must be out of your mind.

Four thousand, to be exact.

Four thousand?

Yeah, I know a geezer who's willing to pay that.

Cash.

You, uh, you have still got them?

No, I haven't. I got rid of them when things went wrong.

Come off it.

You'd have said so right away. Look, they're gone.

It wasn't safe to have them around. I'm not a fool.

The chairs, there'll be something in it for you. And even split 50-50.

Look, I went inside for two years. Two stinking years.

Would it have been any better if I'd been there to hold your hand?

You talked me into passing that money. Perfect, you said. Well, the plates

were, but the paper wasn't.

I got caught, and before I'd made a couple of hundred out of it.

Two hundred pounds. It's almost funny.

Well, now I want a chance to make more to make it worthwhile.

Look, I can't help you. I haven't got those plates anymore.

Think about it, Chaz.

If you change your mind, you can call me at written number.

I told you I can't.

Go away.

Stay away.

It's safer, believe me. Safer for both of us.

Look, I didn't want to put it this way, but unless I hear from you, and soon, I

may decide to talk after all.

Come to think of it, I've got nothing to lose.

Is this okay?

Oh,

fine, fine.

Your change, sir.

I said here's your change.

Oh, thanks.

so like all service clean table friendly smile now come along ladies and

gentlemen it's past time would you like to join me in a drink I'm sorry sir I

work here I make it a rule never to drink with the customers oh but I'm not

just a customer mrs. Mason no in a manner of speaking you could call me a

friend or relatively speaking how do you know my name?

I'm sorry I was right.

sorry sir I'm afraid I don't know you.

would you mind drinking?

it's well past time.

perhaps you don't know me yet but I happen to know someone who knows your

husband.

Don? yeah Don.

how is he?

you know I haven't seen him for a long time.

he's alright.

well then you've seen him recently.

as a matter of fact I have but I don't see what he's got to do with you.

oh I am glad.

Of course I knew about you two being bust up and all that but it's nice to

know you get together now then.

Well if only for that kid's sake.

Who are you? I told you.

Friend of your husband's.

The man's right.

It is time.

Time to go.

Hey just a minute.

Kay get those empties sorted out in the cellar. The van's calling. I won't be a

minute. I only want to... Now look Kay.

You've already had time off this morning. Now try and get some work done.

There's a good girl.

Now come along ladies and gentlemen, if you please.

Here, let me give you a hand.

Oh, well, I'll go and help Mrs. Benson. Just a minute.

I wanted to work with you anyway.

You know you should have come to me this morning when you wanted time off.

It would have been all right, but it would have looked better coming from me.

After all, I am the governor.

I'm sorry.

It was urgent.

Trouble?

Can't have that, not with a pretty girl like you. Now, can we?

Excuse me.

Of course.

But remember, Kay, if you ever need any help, I'm always here.

Don't forget that.

Can you tell me where I find Mr. Lacey?

Yeah, I think he's in number six warehouse. It's up there.

Where's your governor?

He's in there, mate.

Mr. Lacey?

Yeah? I'm making inquiries about Don Mason.

Who are you?

Police Inspector Main.

I understand he works here. Works here? You must be joking.

He just comes in when it suits him.

Oh, he did show up this morning, but he left again before I had time to even

open his locker.

I see.

Any idea where he went?

I don't know and I don't care.

I'll give you his home address if it's any use.

Thank you.

And then Rosemary said she hadn't touched that thing.

Don't talk with your mouth full, Mary.

Sorry, Mummy, but I know she was flubbing.

Now that's not a very nice thing to say about Rosemary, is it, dear?

Now run along the edge of your coat, love. I want to sew a button on it.

Oh gosh, Mummy, I forgot.

A man gave me a note for you.

A note?

When? Where was that?

As I was coming out of school, he just said to give it to you.

Where is it?

In my pocket.

You run along and get ready for bed, dear. Oh, Mummy.

Now do as I say, Mary.

May I speak to Mr. Don Mason, please?

Don Mason? No, I'm sorry. He's out.

I must speak to him.

This is his wife.

Oh.

Just a moment.

Don, this is for you.

He's just come in.

It's your wife.

Hello? Don.

Don, some man's been speaking to Mary.

He gave her an envelope for me.

Well, what was in it?

A five-pound note.

A fiver?

Look, it's terrifying.

He seems to know so much.

He knows where and how to get hold of Mary.

Don't panic, Kay.

Did Mary describe him? What does he look like?

I didn't ask her. I came straight to the telephone.

Don, please, you've got to do something.

I'm trying, Kay, believe me.

I've had a go at getting the plates. I ought to be able to get my hands on them

soon. Well, hurry.

Now, it's time you went to bed.

Mary.

Come here, dear.

Now, Mary, who gave you that envelope?

A man. Yes, I know that, darling, but what did he look like? Can you describe

him to me?

A big man.

Have you ever seen him before?

No, but he knew me, and he knew my name.

Why, Mummy, did I do wrong? No, darling, no.

But listen to me.

If he ever speaks to you again, you mustn't have anything to do with him. Do

you understand?

Yes, Mummy. Why not? Never mind that, darling.

But promise me that you will never speak to strangers.

Will you promise?

Yes, Mummy, I promise.

There's a good girl.

I met her today.

Your wife.

Yeah, well, I can't explain about that.

Why I never told you about it.

Oh, don't bother. Save it. It's an old story.

Tell you this, it's the first time it's ever happened to me, and I'm quite sure

it's going to be the last.

Uh, Maisie.

Excuse me.

The street door's open. I just came straight in.

Are you Don Mason?

Who wants him?

Detective Inspector Main.

Come on in.

What do you want?

A chat.

That's cozy.

You blokes have had one chunk out of my life. What do you want, more?

Not necessarily.

But the case you were involved in isn't closed, as far as we're concerned.

Yep. Well, I got two years' porridge behind me that says it is.

You didn't pass those forgeries alone.

You didn't print them. You didn't design the plates.

So there's still a little matter of your accomplices and the plates themselves.

If they still exist, they can still be used.

Sorry, Inspector.

I can't help you.

Well, we won't rest till we find them.

And if you're smart, you'll cooperate.

Otherwise... Otherwise what?

You'll be a marked man for the rest of your life.

With a special note against your name and a file that's always ready to be

taken out.

I hear you've got a job.

Use travels.

I suppose you want to keep it.

Entirely up to you, Mason.

Think about it.

Carefully.

By the way, I'll call you.

Yeah. I bet you will.

Oh, marvellous.

Decorating, indeed.

Thanks, love.

Oh, no.

Oh, hello, Sally.

Hello, stranger.

Come in. Oh, thanks.

Is Neville around?

Yes, but you caught us at a bad time. We're in the middle of decorating.

That's right. Keep him at it.

Come on, he's in here.

Thanks.

Neville, we've got a visitor.

Ah, hello, mate. Hi, John.

It's going to be very nice. Oh, I hope so.

Would you like a beard on?

No, thanks. Not at the moment, Sammy.

Well, if you'll excuse me, I've got a few things to finish in the bedroom.

Yeah, sure.

Hey, what got into you today, going off like that? Old man Lacey nearly blew his

top. Yeah, I bet he did. Well, he was talking about giving you your cards.

He's all right there. You'll be able to straighten him out tomorrow.

Yeah, well, I may not show up tomorrow either, and I may want you to give me a

hand to front for me on a deal.

Pretend you're ready to buy something for 4,000 quid. 4,000 quid?

When did I win the pools?

Hey, Don, you'd better sit down and tell me what this is all about from the

beginning.

I wonder. I'm afraid I shan't be able to make dinner tonight.

Something's come up.

We'll have to make our date later tonight. Do you mind?

No, not at all.

As long as you don't make it too late.

Oh, no, it won't be.

I've got to go to Shoreditch to see someone on business.

I have to pick up something there, so see you back here in a couple of hours

or so.

Well, you've got the key anyway, so let yourself in if I'm not back.

Yes, all right.

I'll just slip home and change.

See you later.

Good girl.

oh hello is don mason there no i'm sorry he went out a short while ago oh oh will

you give him a message when you see him tell him mr warren called and that it'll

be okay to go ahead on that business deal you'll understand all right i'll

tell him if i see him

Yes? I see.

You want me to pretend that I've got 4,000 quid to invest. Is that it?

That's the only way I know that'll make Chas Warren bring those plates out into

the open.

All right.

I'll go along with you.

Thanks, Neville. I knew I could count on you.

Just for the record, it was no surprise to hear that you've done time.

How do you mean?

There was a character around the other day asking about you.

He said he was a mate of yours.

Then he let slip you've been in jail together.

Did he give a name?

Yeah, it was Harvey, I think it was.

Harvey.

Mr. Harvey, I think it is.

Tom Harvey.

Hello, Tom.

Mason.

Yeah, that's right.

Returning the call you made on me last night. You and your mate, whoever he

was. I don't know what you're talking about.

Don't let's waste time.

I know you, Harvey. You can be hired any time for a punch-up. Well, all I want to

know is, who was it did the hiring last night?

Well, I can't tell you.

Well, because right now it's just you and me.

For your information, that car of yours was seen leaving my place last night. I

don't believe you. There's a witness to the whole thing. There weren't any

witnesses. We made sure... Who's we?

Don't take this so personal. We were paid to bounce you, that's all.

Look, Don, you know how it is. A job's a job. You don't ask any questions.

Maybe you don't, but I do.

All right, I'll trade everything for one piece of information. Just one. What?

What's that?

Who was it who paid you?

Oh, I've got to tell you.

It was Ed Jones who runs the stables coffee bar.

Thanks. What are you going to do?

Buy myself a coffee.

What else?

There was a message for you. Mr. Warren called.

He said he was ready to do business.

Right now, I've got some business on my own. Thanks for letting me know, though.

Oh, well.

Now, what's the big idea of bussing into my office like this?

I'm sorry, Ed. I didn't know you'd be so busy.

Well, as it happens, I am. So what do you want, Don?

Would you get lost, darling?

Oh!

Do you mind?

Is she a good typist?

Fair, why?

I just wondered, that's all.

A while back you were interested in something you figured I had.

What was that? Plates.

Printing plates.

Designed for fibers.

Yeah, I remember.

It made the time pass. You were interested in getting your hands on

them. Do you remember that also?

Was I?

Well, I'm always interested in deals, you know that.

But you kept saying you never had them. Why?

Could you have been wrong?

Would you be interested in talking now? I'm more interested in finding out if it

was you who sent this letter to my wife.

What are you talking about?

Look, I'm no expert, but I'd say this letter could have been written on this

machine. What letter? What's it all about? Blackmail. That's what it's all

about. Now, look, you come charting in here. You made it your business to find

out all about me, about my wife, my kid, everything.

I think you'd better get out of here. Yeah, sure, but I'll take this with me

to compare notes.

Mason has a letter that belongs to me.

I want it back.

Hello, Mason.

I was told I might find you here.

Having a little trouble?

No, Inspector.

Nothing for you to worry about.

Well, maybe I've got other things to worry about that are more important.

Do you know a photographer called Chas Warren?

Why? He was found murdered in his studio this evening.

And I know you were there earlier today and you had an argument with him.

Shall I get him? Leave him.

It's all right.

I know where to find him and I want him.

Come on, everybody.

K-1, please. All over now. Come on.

to load up the truck for the Coventry run.

Tom will give you a hand.

Mr.

Lacey.

Oh, so you've shown up at last, have you? I'm sorry, Mr. Lacey. It's my wife.

She's sick. I'd like to have the rest of the day off.

What do you think this is, a holiday camp?

Yesterday Mason clears off, we haven't seen him since, and now you want to go.

I'm sorry, Mr. Lacey.

Well, I'll be in tomorrow.

What about you two?

You quite sure you're feeling all right?

Would you like to pack up and go home?

Hey, Mr. Lacey, have a look at this.

it's all about Don Mason stone the crows no wonder he

didn't turn up today mixed up in the murder of that photographer let him talk

his way out of this one

and

you do understand mrs. Mason and if your husband gets in touch with you you must

contact us immediately yes of course I understand

why are you so certain that he's mixed up in this killing?

we're not certain. we just want to ask him a few questions that's all.

when was this taken?

about two... no no to be three years ago now. may I borrow it?

well I'd much rather you didn't.

belongs to my daughter. she might miss it.

yes I understand.

in any case we have one of our own.

well that's all mrs. Mason. don't forget. the moment you hear from him...

I won't forget.

Good day, Mrs. Benson. Goodbye.

Oh, hello, Kay.

Mrs. Benson's gone out to do the shopping, but she left a message for

you.

Her sister's kiddies are having a tea party this afternoon, and she wondered

whether she might take little Mary along.

Yes. Yes, I think Mary would like that.

Oh, good.

Good, well, that's settled.

Kay, I was wondering... Yes?

Nothing.

Nothing, my dear. We'll talk about it later.

But there is just one thing.

What's that, Mr. Benson?

You're a very pretty girl.

And it's not only the police who are interested in you.

Excuse me, my dear.

Hello? Just a moment.

Okay, it's for you.

A man?

Hello? Mrs. Mason, has your husband got those printing plates yet?

No,

not yet, but he is expecting to. Well, tell him from me that we still want

them. The trouble he's in with the law makes no difference.

Just a minute.

I'm going out. Out?

But who's going to help me in the bath?

Hello.

Hi. I was wondering if you could help me again.

Where can I find Don?

I don't know and I don't care.

Oh, I see.

Well, your landlady told me that I might find you or Don down here.

But as he's not... Well, he must be hiding somewhere.

He's probably hiding down a deep hole, I shouldn't wonder. Sorry, I can't help

you.

Maisie. It is Maisie, isn't it?

It isn't for myself that I've got to find him.

It's for our daughter. It might affect her. Your what?

Our daughter.

Would you mind telling me something, Mrs. Mason?

What?

Why are you and Don separated?

Do you know very much about Don?

No, not really.

He's not exactly the talkative type.

But I do know he's been at sea for the past couple of years. Yes, well, that's

not exactly true.

He's been in prison. Prison?

When he came out... I suppose it was a bust-up, and you didn't want to know.

Something like that.

Well, what happens now?

Well, he is my husband.

I love him.

So does our daughter.

We want him back.

Yes, yes, of course. That's the way things go, isn't it?

Yes, I suppose so.

Well, there's a friend of his, Neville Stone.

He lives at 13 Jones Street. You could try there.

13 Jones Street?

Thanks. I will.

By the way.

What's her name?

Mary.

Say hello to her for me, will you?

I haven't seen that face around.

Who was she? I don't know. I've never seen her before.

You know, there's one person who might know something.

Who's that? This model.

I saw her in Warren's studio yesterday.

According to that, she worked for him regularly.

She might just know what he intended doing last night after he called my

place and said he wanted to do business.

That's okay, but where'd you find her?

There's only one place I know.

The studio.

Now, I'd better go.

Is Mr. Mason here? Yes. You're Mrs.

Mason, aren't you?

Yes, I am. Come in. It's Kate.

Hello, Tom.

Oh, look, if you two want to be alone together, go ahead.

It's like old times, isn't it?

I'm to my neck in trouble.

Well, at least this time you're trying to help us.

Don.

Where were you when that man was killed last night?

I was right here with Neville. A little later on in the coffee bar, nowhere near

the place it happened.

Why don't you tell the police that?

It isn't that easy.

If I get tied up, it doesn't leave me free to cope with our friend, the one

who's putting the bite on us.

I heard from him this morning.

He telephoned.

Now he's... Pushing his luck a bit.

What about Mary? Where is she? She went to school this morning.

Later on, she's going to a party.

She should be all right there.

Don.

She'd love to see you.

I'd love to see her, too, but there are one or two problems we've got to get

sorted out first.

By the way, how did you know where to find me?

A friend of yours told me.

Well, that's it then. I can't stay here a minute longer.

Neville stuck his neck out far enough already just by looking after me. Well,

where are you going?

I got a call to make first, then I'll contact you at the pub later.

You expecting anyone?

No.

Look, you better go out through the back.

Oh, my coat.

Don. Yes?

Take care.

Yeah, sure.

Thanks.

Mr. Neville Stone?

Yes.

I'm police inspector Maine.

May I come in?

Yes, of course.

I'd like to ask you a few questions.

You better come inside.

I've reason to believe that Don Mason stayed here last night.

Inspector? There's no one here.

You know who I'm talking about.

He's a very special friend of yours. Yes, he is.

You work together.

I've been to the transport yard. They tell me you've got the day off because

your wife's supposed to be sick.

she looks fit enough to me.

well I had my reasons.

so you haven't seen Mason? he hasn't been here. no he hasn't.

I suppose you haven't seen him.

no I haven't.

well then how do you explain a table laid for three?

the other place is mine.

I've been staying here.

Have you got all your stuff, miss?

Yes, just a few things in my face box.

Now, don't worry too much.

We'll be in touch with you later.

Just a few questions.

Hmm?

Oh, yes. Yes, all right.

Just leave a message if you go out.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

He knew how to pick them, did I, Charlie?

It's okay, driver.

Don't be scared. I just want to talk to you.

I have nothing to say to you. Look, I didn't kill Chas. Now, you've got to

believe me.

The police aren't so sure.

And I heard you quarreling with him.

Well, did you hear what we were talking about?

No, only the tone of your voices.

Well, I was offering him a deal to sell something for him that he had.

Now, why would I want to kill him if I was prepared to do that?

How do I know that's true?

I believe he was killed because of this deal, for the things that we were

preparing to sell.

But I inadvertently led the killer to him.

What makes you so certain of all this?

Because when I was at the studio, he said he wasn't interested. Then later

on, he phoned my digs and said he'd changed his mind.

That could be true.

He was taking me to dinner last night.

Then he said he had some urgent business.

He said he had to go somewhere to meet somebody and pick something up. Did he

say where?

I think he said Shoreditch.

Shoreditch. Okay,

driver, stop the cab. I'm getting out.

But wait a minute. Thanks for the information, honey.

And the lift.

Okay, driver.

Yes, what can I do for you? I'd like to see Mr. Baum, if I may.

What about?

He's very busy. I think he'll see me.

I'm an old friend of his.

Tell him it's Don Mason.

All right.

Papa, there's a Mr. Don Mason to see you.

Don Mason?

Well, well. All right, I'm coming.

Donald, my boy.

What a welcome face.

Mussie, how are you? Oh, fine, fine.

Never better.

Would you like some tea, Papa?

Oh, please, Ruby.

And for my friend, too.

Friend of long standing.

One I haven't seen for, well, a long time.

Good girl.

Had a heart in the right place, but she has a hard time with me.

From the way she's looking at me, she got my number straight off.

Never mind.

Well, you look good.

Well,

now, what is it?

Marcy, there's something I want to ask you.

Anything done?

Anything except... except to do with the old business. I'm out of that now.

Finished. I must keep out of trouble.

Three sentences, eleven years out of my life. It's about time, isn't it? About

time. You know, Mussie, the plates you made, they were always the best.

Maybe.

Now I never handle a five-pound note.

Not even a real one.

My daughter takes me in the last time I come out. She and her husband.

This is his business.

Junk. But he works hard.

But they're so ashamed of him.

So ashamed.

So now I just spend my days here, trying to help.

Years behind me, gone for nothing.

Stupid, wasted life.

Both of you.

Chas Warren was coming to see you last night. It could only be you.

Now give me a straight answer.

Have you got the plates you made for him?

Why?

Why do you want to know?

Because I'm being blackmailed by someone who wants them.

Are you?

That's bad.

Me and my family.

Oh, Marcy, I've got to get my hands on those plates today.

Donald, you don't know what you're asking.

That's right, mister.

You just don't know.

But I should have known the moment I saw you that you were one of his old crowd.

Ruby, please.

Papa.

This has been his whole life. Crazy.

My mama died waiting for him, so no more. Ruby, I was only saying... When

could you last walk down a street without people pointing at you?

Mister, go away from this house. Leave us in peace.

My father has no business with you. Maybe I don't, but Donald was a good

friend to me once.

Just as you and Peter are being good to me now, and if these things will help

him, he's working to them.

Papa, you're mad.

If they're used again, they may be traced back to you, and then you'll be

in more trouble. Give them to me. No.

These are what Donald came for, and he's going to have them. His family may be in

danger. They might do some good to someone now.

I hope so.

I hope so.

Mrs. Benson?

Mrs. Benson?

You down there, Mrs. Benson?

I was looking for Mrs. Benson. You haven't seen Mary anywhere, have you?

They've gone to that kiddies tea party, the one I mentioned earlier.

I've completely forgotten.

What's the hurry?

I want to go up to my room.

Can't we stay and talk for a bit?

I don't think you and I have got anything to talk about, Mr. Benson.

You keep on avoiding me and I don't see why.

After all, you've kept some pretty low company in your time, Mrs. Mason.

That could be very awkward for you in this job.

I haven't told Mrs. Benson, of course.

You can rely on me to be discreet.

Hello, Maisie.

Hello. How are you?

I'm fine.

Did your wife find you?

Yeah.

Why, was it you who told her where I was?

Thanks. Look, do me one more favor, will you? Go to the door and keep your eyes

scared.

Okay. Thanks.

Relax, will you? It's a social call.

No. Now, don't get up.

Where's your typewriter? Come to the cleaners?

That's right.

Ever since you touched it last night, we thought it was necessary. Don't be like

that. I just called to give you a message. Tell that friend of yours I've

got what he wants. He knows how to contact me.

Don, there's a police car outside.

Thanks. Try and keep them talking.

Which way? Yeah, that way.

We're police officers. We've had a report that Don Mason's been seen coming

in here. I'm sorry, I don't know anything about that.

Don Mason.

I've been here for some time and I haven't seen him. when did you last see

him?

last night in here.

when the other inspector spoke to him. what other inspector?

who are you talking about?

a plainclothes man.

I think he said his name was Maine.

no sign of Mason in here son.

right. sorry to trouble you.

no trouble at all?

really?

Mason came here?

He said he's got those things now.

Only listen, this is the last I want to hear of it.

I'll put you on to him, but you're getting mixed up in murder and that's

too strong for me.

So as of this moment, I'm out.

Honey, how would you like a nice long vacation?

In the south of France, for instance.

Hmm, that'd be nice.

What's that?

Why? Now, listen, I can explain everything. You don't understand.

Are you all right?

Hey?

Kay. Kay.

Kay. I don't know how to tell you, dear. Oh, we were coming home from the party.

It's Mary. Mary, what's happened? Well, I had to go into a shop to buy

something. She was outside. I could see her through the window. This man came.

Yeah? And then he started to talk to her. I thought nothing of it. And he

pushed her into a car. She's gone.

Mrs. Mason speaking.

Mrs. Mason, we've got your daughter and we understand that your husband has got

the plates. What about Mary?

She'll be all right and return to you when we get those plates. Now listen

carefully. Tell Mason he has to put them in his personal locker in the warehouse

at seven o'clock exactly.

He'll know where we mean.

He must come alone and leave immediately.

I'll call you later about your daughter.

Hello, hello.

He's rung off.

Do you know what he means?

Yeah.

Seven o'clock, he wants the place deserted.

All right, I'll play it his way. Only you call the cops, but tell them to go

carefully. If he spots them, he'll be gone in a flash.

Hey, what's going on here?

The coppers will be here in a minute.

Thank you.

You all right?

Yeah.

I never knew he had a gun, though.

This should tell us all we want to know about the killing of Charles Warren.

And incidentally, your wife came along in that second car. If I were you, I'd

take her and your daughter home.

Thank you.