Original subtitles

(upbeat instrumental music)

- [Announcer] Here comes Shakesphere.

Over the first, over the second,

doesn't look too happy about going into the tube.

Come on Titus.

Stick your head out.

Hurrah!

Big round of applause everybody.

Over the second, over the third,

he's done it, congratulations.

- Shall we go find some more bunnies?

Come on then.

- Right, let's find you a good spot, shall we dad?

- Yeah, there.

- [Sarah] Look Betty.

- [Betty] Bunnies.

- Yes, aren't they lovely?

Wow look at that one.

(Sarah gasps)

- [Betty] Rabbit.

- He must be a very special rabbit.

Assuming he is a 'he'?

- Yes, this is Hercules.

- Well he's beautiful.

Obviously the judges agree.

- Well, he's been best in show four years running

and hopefully this'll be the fifth.

- Do you mind if I take a photo of Betty with Hercules?

- Ah sorry, I'd rather you didn't.

- Just a quick snap.

- I said no!

- [Sarah] Never mind, lets go and see the guinea pigs.

- Now then, let's see what we can do with you eh?

Yeah.

- [Announcer] Today's show is sponsored by Briars Pet Foods.

- [Seb] Hello.

- Seb, the tea tent needs more milk,

the hurdles need to be cleared away,

we've lost generator power in the trade area

and Delphi is bordering on the hysterical.

Seriously, I've never seen her as bad as this.

- Well, it sounds like you need a break then.

(Delphi clears throat)

- Oh Delphi.

Sorry, we were just err--

- Don't worry, I was just leaving.

- There's no time for any distractions, not this week.

- Err, no I'm sorry.

He's just not very good at taking no for an answer.

- Evidently.

- Listen, have you given it any more thought?

- Not now.

- Well, these things are always time sensitive, Tim.

I'm just thinking about you as all.

- I said not now!

Why you even here?

- I'm going to need the small brush to start with.

- Oh and how is the returning champion?

Hello.

- Fine, fine.

- Just fine?

You're slipping, Timothy.

You don't usually miss an opportunity to wax lyrical

about the greatest rabbit whoever hopped the earth.

Come on, it's bad sportsmanship if you don't

let us get a proper look at the competition.

- You know that's the problem with shows like these.

Full of amateurs who don't know how

to mind their own business.

- [Announcer] There is currently a two for one offer

on pasties at the tea tent.

(sombre music)

(suspensive music)

- What are you doing here?

(suspensive music)

(eerie music)

- Hiyah.

(eerie music)

(dog barks)

- Paddy, in your bed.

We weren't expecting guests.

- Ah well, meet Bernie, the nursery mascot.

- That doesn't explain why he's here.

- It's our turn.

- Our turn to?

- Take a fun family photo with Bernie

for the nursery scrapbook.

- Fun?

That sounds ominous.

- Yeah well apparently, some people take their fun

a little bit more seriously than others.

- By some people, I'm guessing you mean Angela Besbrode.

- Just because she's a solicitor.

Listen, I can cope with her patronising

little chats outside the nursery gate.

- She said something about teachers' holidays, didn't she?

- How wonderful to have all that time off.

I only wish worked till three o'clock.

Whatever do you do with yourself?

Well, she's the one with enough time on her hands

to take Bernie the Badger up Kilimanjaro.

- Really?

- Really.

(phone rings)

- Barnaby.

Okay, and where's the crime scene?

Bellville Hall.

I can find it.

- Bellville Hall?

We were there yesterday for the pet show.

Is everything okay?

- They've found a body in the marquee.

- Oh no.

Well you better go.

Now then, what are we gonna do with you?

(instrumental music)

(bell dings)

- Hi there.

- I would like a room.

- Yes, of course.

Erm, there you are, how many nights?

- Just a couple, but I may stay a bit longer.

- Okay, just fill that out.

I assume you're here for the pet show?

- I'm not.

Is that a problem?

- No, no, no, not at all.

It's just during the show, we have an open door policy

when it comes to pets and as my wife keeps reminding me,

not everyone is an animal lover.

So, perhaps I'll pop you in the annex.

- No, no you shouldn't.

The air-conditioning unit remember?

It's like a fridge in there.

- I thought Jayesh was seeing to that?

- He's waiting on a part.

- Fine, room three, then.

- Right.

- It's just as nice.

Just through the door, up the stairs.

Hi, are you checking in?

What's the name, please?

- Sprinkles.

- Sprinkles.

No, sorry, your name.

(suspensive music)

- [Winter] Morning, sir.

- Morning.

- The victim is Seb Huntington.

Works at the local estate agents.

His parents live abroad but they've been informed.

- I assume the security guard found the body.

- You'd think so, but no.

It sounds like he was asleep on the job.

Didn't hear or see anything.

- So, who found him?

- Ailsa Benson, she has a stall at the pet show,

so she was here early to set up.

She said she realised something was wrong

when she saw some rabbits.

- I'm sorry?

- It's all a little bit Alice in Wonderland.

Perhaps you should see for yourself?

(upbeat instrumental music)

- Hello, I'm Doctor Oliver Marcet.

I'm Standing in for Doctor Karimore.

- That's news to me.

- It was all very last minute.

She's been asked to teach on a training course.

She'll be away for a month.

- A month?

- Should we get on?

- [Oliver] Well as you can see,

the scene is pretty contaminated.

The body has been here all night but we're doing our best.

- [Barnaby] Cause of death?

- Stab wound to the neck.

I suspect it caught the carotid artery

causing rapid exsanguination.

He'd have been dead within minutes.

- Do we know how the killer went about the attack?

- From the position of the wound and the body,

I'd say he was attacked from the front.

Looks like there was a bit of a struggle at first.

- Murder weapon?

- Hasn't been left at the scene,

but I should be able to work out

what sort of blade was used.

I'm going to need at least another hour

before I can remove the body.

- Understood, we'll get uniform

to start searching the grounds.

- So, do we think the killer also let out the rabbits?

- And the victim disturbed them?

Possibly or could have been the other way around.

- Why would anyone want to release them in the first place?

- At first, I just saw the rabbits, that was bad enough.

I mean, the damage that's been done.

- They seem pretty happy.

- A little too happy.

They're not just pets.

I'm married to a champion breeder,

so I know how seriously they take it all.

I suspect a few breeding programmes

have been ruined overnight.

- Ah, once the rabbits were loose, they probably--

- It is what rabbits are famous for.

- I assume the breeders are also your customers.

You run a pet supplies stall?

- That's right.

- And you were here first thing?

- And late last night.

It's my busiest time of year.

It was about eight when I'd finished packing up.

- And you went straight home?

- To my shop in the village.

I needed to do a stock take.

- Can anyone verify that?

- No.

- What about your husband?

- We're not living together at the moment.

- [Winter] Did you see Seb Huntington

at the show during the day?

- He was with Tegan.

- Tegan Langton, she works for the owner of the hall.

- She was Seb's girlfriend, poor thing.

Far too young to have her heart broken.

- I wasn't even that interested at first.

Thought he was a bit erm, flash, a bit full of himself

and I thought he was just passing through

on his way to the big time.

Didn't want a fling with someone

that'd be here today and gone tomorrow.

- What changed your mind?

- Well, once you got past the flashiness,

he was just a really nice guy and he seemed

to really fall in love with Bellville, didn't he?

- I don't think it was the village

he was falling in love with Tegan.

- [Barnaby] You were all friends?

- I worked with Seb at Eden and Moss, the estate agents.

Tegan and I are old school friends.

- So, last night, Seb was here to see you?

- No, we didn't have any plans.

He knew how busy I was.

- [Barnaby] But you'd been together earlier.

- Well, we managed to get five minutes together

but that was it until after the pet show.

If I'd known that it would be our last five minutes.

- So where were you last night?

- Here, I was erm, I live-in at the house.

Delphi and I were discussing what needed to be done today

and then I went to bed, I was so tired.

- Can Miss Hartley confirm that?

- I don't see why not.

- It's fine at the moment

but winter will be upon us before we know it.

- I get that.

- And without the new oil tank,

the hall will be rather chilly.

- Look, darling, I've ordered the concrete for the base.

If I can't pay for it, I can't do my job, can I?

- Jayesh, I can assure you,

it's not a lack of funds that is the problem.

It's merely a lack of time.

Tegan manages all the finances and with the pet show--

- Fine, but I need the money by tomorrow.

- Miss Hartley, DCI Barnaby Causton CID, this is DS Winter.

- Hello.

- [Barnaby] I wonder if we might have a word.

- Of course.

I was dead to the world last night.

A symphony orchestra could have been playing in my bedroom

and I would not have stirred.

- It sounds like the pet show is a great deal of hard work.

- [Announcer In Background] This year's show

is sponsored by Briers Pet Foods.

- Oh, it is,

but I do love it so, everybody does.

- Everybody?

- Everybody, it's lovely.

It's the happiest week of the year.

Well, perhaps not this year.

Poor Sebastian.

- Miss Hartley, it's possible that someone

was trying to sabotage the show.

- I find that very hard to believe.

- And yet, the cages were open, the animals were loose

and there was a dead body amongst them.

- Gentlemen, there has been a pet show

at Bellville Hall for over fifty years

and in all that time,

we have never had so much as a cross word.

- [Barnaby] And is this how you make your living?

From the pet show?

- Good grief, no.

It hardly breaks even.

In fact, if we didn't have our sponsor,

we'd have to call it a day.

- And so, for the rest of the year?

- I'm an author.

- Anything we might have read?

- Perhaps.

Do you read much historical romance?

- I'm more of a Stephen King fan, myself.

- You do surprise me.

So, what do you think?

- Oh it's all lovely.

Lovely Seb Huntington, the lovely estate agent.

- That's suspicious for a start.

- In a lovely relationship with his lovely girlfriend

who works for the lovely pet show which everybody loves.

Lovely.

- Except for the dead body covered in rabbits.

Let's go speak to his boss.

(instrumental music)

Seb Huntington didn't just work with you.

- For me, he worked for me.

I'm the branch manager.

- He didn't just work for you,

he was also seeing your daughter.

It sounds like it was quite serious.

- Yes, Tegan's very upset.

I'm heading up to the show to see her shortly.

But they were both still very young.

He'd only been in Bellville six months.

- And in that time, had he crossed anyone?

Any dissatisfied customers?

Any house sales that had fallen through?

Anyone been gazumped?

- No, no, he was doing very well.

- We're gonna need to take this.

- Of course.

(Cleo sneezes)

Help yourself.

(Cleo sneezes)

- Bless you.

- Thank You.

Sorry, pet allergies.

I always struggle during show week.

- Are you a competitor?

- Yes, I have a rabbit, Agamemnon.

His judging class is tomorrow.

He's a Silverfox.

- And you're allergic to him?

- It's something that's developed over the years.

Agamemnon's short-haired, so I only have a mild reaction

to him and I stay well clear of the long-haired breeds.

But, as long as I keep taking the tablets, it's fine.

This is Shray, our lettings agent.

- [Barnaby] We met earlier.

- Hi.

- Oh, I need the keys for Rose Cottage.

The Leightons have decided to sell.

- But I had a tenant lined up.

- Well it doesn't matter now, does it?

- No.

- Mister Varma, I didn't ask you earlier,

but were you at the pet show yesterday?

- Yeah, I was helping my dad.

He's a rabbit breeder as well.

- And did you see Seb at any time?

- I did actually, he was talking to Timothy Benson.

- Any relation of Ailsa Benson?

- Yeah, he's her husband.

- How would you characterise their conversation?

Was it chatty, friendly?

- It looked like an argument to me.

- Any idea what they were arguing about?

- Look it might be nothing, but ever since the Bensons

split up, Seb's been trying to get the sale.

- Sale?

- The shop and the house.

Seb said that if they were getting a divorce,

he wanted in on the "carve-up."

(suspensive music)

- Maybe not quite so lovely.

- [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,

thank you for your co-operation.

You will be able to retrieve your pets shortly.

- [Winter] What were you discussing with Mister Huntington?

- Hmm, I don't really remember.

- Perhaps I can jog your memory.

Something about selling your properties

as part of your divorce settlement.

- Look, I'll tell you what I told him,

we're not getting divorced.

Not yet.

I'm living temporarily at my daughter's hotel.

Look, there's a lot to sort out

and the last thing I needed was him hovering over me

like some sort of vulture.

- Mister Benson, where were you last night?

- I was at the shop I run with my wife.

- Can anyone verify that?

- I was the only one there.

- You can let them back in now.

- Thank you.

- Right, well, if you'd excuse me,

I need to go and check on my rabbit.

(instrumental music)

- Help!

Will somebody help me please?

Please, it's an emergency, quick.

He's gone!

- Mister Benson, are you okay?

- Of course I'm not, look!

He's gone.

Hercules has gone.

Someone's taken him.

(suspensive music)

- How much would you pay for a rabbit?

- [Winter] Am I keeping it or eating it?

- You're breeding it.

I've just had a very interesting conversation

with the Chair of MISPA,

the Midsomer Small Pets Association.

Hercules had been offered out to stud

through their rabbit registry.

- A dating agency for rabbits?

And they say romance is dead.

- Timothy Benson was offering Hercules' services

at two hundred pounds per successful date.

- So, Hercules could be worth thousands.

No wonder Timothy Benson was so distraught.

- So, do we think that Seb Huntington

disturbed a thief and not a saboteur?

- Well, on the sabotage angle,

I called the editor of the local paper to see

if there'd been any complaints or objections.

- These things usually do play out in the local press.

- Actually, Miss Hartley was pretty much telling the truth.

People love the show, it's always front page.

- Fluffy bunnies.

- Exactly.

The only thing I could find in the archives

was a letter published back in the nineties.

It claimed that pet shows were cruel to animals

and robbed them of their natural dignity.

- Who was the letter from?

- Perry Tressel, he owns the Bellville Country Hotel

in the village these days.

He's also married to Ailsa

and Timothy Benson's daughter, Belinda.

- Ah, the Benson family.

They do keep popping up, don't they?

- We already know that either Ailsa or Timothy are liars.

Unless they both managed to do a stock check

in their shop without noticing each other.

- Go and talk to Ailsa Benson.

I'll speak to their daughter, Belinda,

and to the 'Midsomer animals are people too' campaigner.

- What letter?

- It was erm, quite a few years ago.

It was about the pet show.

- Oh good grief.

It really was years ago.

I was a teenager.

I'd been listening to a lot of Chumbawamba

and the Levellers.

- So, you support the pet show?

- If anything, it supports me.

It's our busiest time of year.

Look, I'm still not a fan of animals in cages,

which is why we've got an open door policy

for animals at the hotel.

- That's quite unusual, I should imagine.

- It was my mum and dad's idea.

I grew up at the hotel.

I always used to love meeting all the pets during show week.

Hamsters at the breakfast table, gerbils in the corridors.

- Sounds idyllic.

- It was to me, which is why when mum and dad passed on

and I took this place on,

I didn't see any reason to change things.

- It would have been nice to hear from my husband

that he was filing for a divorce,

but I had to hear it from a jumped up little estate agent.

- [Winter] You didn't know?

- I hadn't a clue.

Not until Seb Huntington came oiling,

asking about room dimensions and council tax bandings.

- Have you discussed this with your husband?

- Why should I?

He's the one who walked out.

If he wants a divorce, that's just fine.

I just wish he'd get it over with and stop,

stop dragging it out.

- Would you like a hand with that?

How many years have you had a stall at the pet show?

- Too many.

In fact, this might be my last year.

- Why's that?

- This used to be the most profitable week of the year,

but with the increased pitch fees,

I'll be lucky to turn a profit.

- They've gone up?

- They've doubled!

Listen, don't let Delphi Hartley's act fool you.

- Her act?

- Oh I know, she comes across all sweetness and light.

Like when I asked why the fees were so high this year,

she told me that she welcomed my feedback.

- But she didn't?

- Well, considering she's put my stall

next to the chemical toilets this year, you tell me.

- Just one more thing, Mrs. Benson.

You told DCI Barnaby and myself

that you were here last night.

- That's right.

- Doing a stock check?

- [Ailsa] That's right.

- With your husband?

- Heavens no, he'd have just got under my feet.

- Have you got any, paperwork I can look at?

- Not really.

It wasn't a formal stock check.

Just checking things, really.

- I see.

It seems a strange time to do it, though.

You're so busy up at the show, working long hours.

- I like to keep on top of things.

- Thank you, Mrs. Benson.

- Thanks Rich.

Thank You.

- He's absolutely beside himself.

Of course, maybe it's a blessing in disguise.

- How so?

- Well, with no rabbit to argue over,

maybe mum and dad will see sense and get back together.

- They split up over the rabbit?

- And not for the first time.

It's the same before every show.

Dad gets obsessive, mum feels neglected,

they have a huge row and he walks out.

It usually doesn't last for more than a few days.

- And how long has it gone on this time?

- A couple of months

and it doesn't help that the shop's struggling financially.

- [Cleo] So what did you do?

- I coaxed him out with some sweetcorn.

It turns out hamsters love sweetcorn.

- I can't believe you've got the nerve to show your face.

- Timothy, are you okay?

- You were always jealous of him, weren't you?

- Hercules?

I admired him, yes, he was a champion.

- Yes but you wanted your own champion, didn't you?

Couldn't manage it yourself, so you decided to take mine.

- Mister Benson, I find that public accusations

tend to do more harm than good.

If you have any information--

- Okay fine.

Fine, why don't you tell him how much you offered me

for the stud rights to Hercules.

The exclusive stud rights, no less.

- [Barnaby] Is this true?

- Well yes, I made him an offer--

- You see, there you go, she admits it!

- Timothy, that's enough.

If you can't behave in a civilised manner--

- You're not taking her side, are you Perry?

- I just think your dad needs to calm down.

- Yes I agree.

Mister Benson, if you wish to make a statement--

- Oh, I believe I just have.

- What are you doing here?

- What do you think?

- I told dad I'd get the rabbit food.

- Of course you did, little daddy's boy.

I'll bring it when I'm finished.

- Fine, I'll see you later.

- So, where do you keep your rabbit food?

- You'll have to come through to the back room.

(instrumental music)

- [Barnaby] Morning.

- Oliver's finished the PM when you're ready.

- Briar's Pet Foods no longer wish to be associated

with the Bellville Hall Small Pet Show.

Delphi Hartley has lost her sponsorship.

- I'm not surprised.

The show is nothing short of a shambles

with organisation so poor, it verges on the negligent.

I am shocked that you would associate yourself

with this debacle and will no longer be purchasing

any Briar's Pet Food products.

- Where did you find that?

- Seb Huntington's laptop.

He wrote similar letters to the Midsomer Small Pets

Association and some animal welfare charities.

- Why?

- Not entirely sure but I did find an email correspondence

between Seb and the regional manager

of Eden and Moss Estate Agents

or as Seb likes to call him, Uncle Peter.

(instrumental music)

- Well?

The rabbit food?

- Oh, Jayesh is getting it.

- Jayesh?

- Yeah, he said he'd bring it when he was done.

- Done with what?

Never mind, I don't wanna know.

I'm sorry son.

It's these painkillers.

I don't know whether I'm coming or going.

- It's okay dad, it's alright.

You know what will make you feel better, right?

Winning best in show and with Hercules out of contention--

- Hey, come on, you know how Timothy must be feeling

and I'd rather win fair and square.

- Yeah, I know but--

- Whoever took that rabbit is no friend of mine.

Do you understand?

- Yeah, of course I do.

- Cause of death was as I theorised.

A stab wound to the neck puncturing the carotid artery.

He would have bled out pretty quickly.

- Any thoughts about the weapon?

- It's a double-puncture wound

inflicted by two pointed blades simultaneously.

- Two blades?

- Scissors, open scissors.

- That would be consistent.

The blades were long and thin.

Possibly hairdressing scissors.

- Or grooming scissors.

The rabbit fanciers use them for trimming fur.

- That makes sense.

- Doesn't really narrow things down.

There must have been dozens of pairs at the show.

Thank you, Doctor Marcet.

- Have you, have you heard from Kam?

- Yeah, she called earlier to check up on things.

- Is she having a good time?

- Well, have you ever been on one

of those residential courses?

- A long time ago.

- Well then you'll know what they're like.

More play than work.

- Yeah.

- Well, when your boss wants you to give his nephew a job.

Look, he pulled off a couple of good sales,

suddenly he's salesman of the year.

Then he wasn't satisfied with what he had on his own books,

he wanted what was on mine too.

- Including Bellville Hall?

- Oh, I had no idea he was sniffing round Bellville Hall.

If I had, I could have told him he's wasting his time.

- [Barnaby] Why?

- I have been working on Delphi for years.

The place is far too big for her.

I mean, it must cost her a fortune

just to keep it ticking over.

But every time I've tried to talk to her about selling,

I get the same answer.

A hard no.

- How much do you think that had to do with the pet show?

- Oh everything.

I mean, I've said we can find a new venue,

but she says it wouldn't be the Bellville Hall Pet Show

unless it was at Bellville Hall.

- How did you feel when your daughter started seeing Seb?

- Tegan is a smart girl.

She'd have seen through him eventually.

- Though you couldn't be sure of that, could you?

Where were you last night, Ms. Langton?

- I was here working alone.

- Tim, I want to talk to you.

I was sorry to hear about Hercules.

I know how much he meant to you.

- Oh, here we go.

- No, no, I wasn't having a go, I promise.

I don't think you should be working,

not after a shock like that.

- That's,

that's very decent of you.

- Just because we're,

doesn't mean I've stopped caring.

- Thank you.

(suspensive music)

(upbeat suspensive music)

(tyres screeching)

(upbeat suspensive music)

(car engine roars)

(upbeat suspensive music)

- Delphi Hartley said that the pet show barely broke even

and without sponsorship, it would be all over.

- It's a big house for one woman and her assistant.

- [Barnaby] And without the pet show,

she has no real reason to stay.

- Do you think Seb Huntington had worked that out?

- I think that's why he was trying

to scupper the sponsorship deal.

- And that would explain something that

forensics have just sent through.

They found multiple prints on the handles

of the cages in the marquee.

- Not surprisingly.

- But they found multiple examples of one set.

The victim's.

- Seb Huntington was sabotaging the show

to get Delphi Hartley to sell the hall.

Check out the Benson's conflicting alibis,

I'll talk to Miss Hartley.

Meet me back at the pet show.

- Cleo?

I'm not sure it's a good idea for you to be here.

- I need to look at the register.

- Okay.

- Oh, he's here.

- [Perry] What's going on?

- Room three.

I'm gonna need you to show me his room.

- Ah, no I can't do that.

- Oh please, Perry.

I'll explain everything.

Please just trust me.

- Come on.

(suspensive music)

- Mini-bar?

Oh, that's something I suppose.

(phone rings)

Oh, and now I've got a viewing.

- Cleo, what's going on?

- Do you remember I told you once

that I had to tell a terrible lie to protect someone?

- I do.

It's him?

What are you gonna do?

- I don't know

but now I've got to go.

So, thank you Perry and I'm sorry.

- I was just about to give Lizzie a little bath

ready for her big day, but I'm sure

I can spare you a few moments.

- Not writing?

- No, the muse isn't with me today.

- I understand she hasn't been with you

for quite some time, Miss Hartley.

- I'm sorry?

- I spoke to your literary agent,

she told me that your latest manuscript

has been rejected by your publishers.

- No, not rejected,

simply been asked to make some revisions.

It's a new editor, she's keen to make her mark.

She wants me to explore more contemporary themes.

- Contemporary?

- She wants me to put in a bit more smut.

- A delay in publication means a delay in payment.

Doesn't that leave you in a financially precarious position?

- I'm sure I'll manage.

- And yet, you've already had to put up

pitch fees for this year's show.

- I'd kept them down as long as I could.

- And a house of this size?

The running costs must be considerable.

- Why is everybody obsessed with money and cost these days?

I find it so distasteful.

- Has someone else been showing

an interest in your finances?

Seb Huntington by any chance?

- Well, I suppose it's an occupational hazard,

even Tegan was getting tired of all his questions.

(instrumental music)

- Who left this here.

(door lock clicks)

Through here, Mister Lewis.

I thought we'd start in the kitchen.

Mister Lewis?

(suspensive music)

- But I've already told you.

- I just need you to confirm it.

Were you in the shop last night?

- No, he wasn't.

He was in here.

- Really?

- Propped up the bar all night long.

- Is this true?

- Oh, he always gets like this during the pet show.

Literally doesn't know what day of the week it is.

Do you dad?

- Thursday?

- [Belinda] See?

- Clearly a confusing time.

(Timothy chuckles)

- What did you say that for?

- In case you haven't noticed,

I do pretty much do everything in this place.

I am the barmaid, the chambermaid,

the receptionist, the night porter,

which is why I know that you didn't return to your bedroom

until the early hours of the morning.

- Right.

- Care to explain why?

- Listen, you don't have to worry about anything, okay.

I've got everything under control.

- Dad, that's not an answer.

Dad!

- Fifteen years, Errol.

Fifteen years.

How did you expect me to react?

- Well, I didn't expect you to try to run me over.

- That was a warm welcome compared to what

I've imagined doing to you since you left.

- Well, I probably would have deserved it, back then.

- Right, oh sorry.

Is this the bit where you tell me you've changed?

- Yeah.

Because I have.

- No.

- I'm not the man I was, Cleo.

The drinking, everything, that is all gone.

I know I've said all that before--

- Cut to the chase, Errol.

- I want to see her.

- What?

No.

No!

- I don't think that's your choice to make, not anymore.

I'm gonna see her with or without your blessing.

(suspensive music)

(upbeat instrumental music)

- That was just a little too convenient.

- What, Belinda Tressel suddenly providing her father

with an eleventh hour alibi.

You and your suspicious nature.

- Well, one of the Benson family is lying

about where they were when Seb Huntington died.

- Only one of them?

- I'm looking for Perry.

- Haven't you seen enough of him today?

- I don't have time for

the green-eyed monster, today, Belinda.

Is he here?

- No, sorry.

- Oh. - Oh.

I'm sorry, this area is not open to the public.

You can't be here.

- Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you.

I'm looking for Tegan.

- [Delphi] Why?

What do you want?

- I just want to talk to her.

I just want to talk to my daughter.

(sombre music)

(car honks)

- No, Jayesh, not today, I haven't got the patience.

- Where have I heard that before?

- Whatever.

Honestly, you and your dad have wasted enough of my time.

- Sounds about right.

Always in too much of a rush

to think about other people, aren't you?

- You'd better come in.

- Before you say anything, I need you to know

that everything I did, everything was for the best.

- You told me my father was dead.

- To protect you.

- To protect yourself.

To save yourself from having to explain.

- She didn't need to know.

- Of course I did!

He's my father, I needed to know what he was going through.

- Going through?

What he was going through?

Yes of course, sorry.

This is about your pain and your suffering.

You haven't changed one iota, have you?

- I think that's quite enough.

- Thank you, Delphi.

This is between me and my daughter.

My daughter, not yours.

- Don't you dare speak to Delphi like that.

She has been more of a mother to me than you have.

- How can you say that?

- Well, for one thing, you must've known what Seb was up to

but you never spoke to me about it.

- Would you have listened?

- That's not the point and you know it.

I think you should go.

- Tegan.

- You heard the girl.

(sombre music)

- It's all arranged.

(knocking on door)

Oh no.

Tim, I wasn't expecting to see you again today.

- Clearly!

- I can explain.

- I bet you can.

(sombre music)

(suspensive music)

(sombre music)

(car engine roars)

(suspensive music)

(coughs)

(upbeat suspensive music)

- Paddy, you didn't?

You did.

- Oh no.

- Sarah, it's probably not as bad as it looks.

- Well, tell that to Angela blooming Besbrode.

She took Bernie up a mountain and he barely lost a stitch.

Five minutes in the Barnaby household and look at him.

- It's been a bad week for small animals.

First the rabbit-napping

and now with dog on badger hate crime.

- Someone stole a rabbit from the pet show?

- Not just any rabbit, a champion rabbit.

- Oh no, not Hercules?

- Well yes, how did you know?

- Oh well, we met him, Betty and I.

I would show you the photos

but his owner wouldn't let me take any.

- Really?

- You would think he would have been proud

of his prize-winning bunny.

- Yes, you would.

I better get going.

I'm sure you can deal with all this.

- No signs of trauma or struggle.

She appears to have died of respiratory distress,

but until I can do a PM, I'm not prepared to confirm that.

- And if I told you that Cleo Langton

had an allergy to rabbits?

A recent development?

- Adult-onset allergies are not that unusual

and can be quite severe.

I'll put an urgent request in for her medical records.

- So, this might not be a murder?

It could just be a bad asthma attack.

- I want everything here bagged and catalogued.

- Of course.

- Were the car windows shut when she was found?

- [Oliver] Yes.

- Check the air vents.

- Will do.

- Evidence bag, please.

Let's see who Cleo Langton was speaking to

over the last few days.

- She appears to have had an extreme allergic reaction.

- The rabbits, of course.

- It's alright, love, I'm here.

- I don't believe we've been introduced.

- Errol Judd, Tegan's father.

- And Cleo Langton's ex-husband, I presume?

- [Errol] That's right.

- [Barnaby] Do you live in Midsomer, Mister Judd?

- No, Thailand.

I'm just over for a visit.

- And when did you arrive back in the country?

- A couple of days ago.

I'm staying at the hotel in the village.

- Had you had any contact

with your ex-wife since your return?

- I saw her yesterday.

- Where?

- Here at the hall.

- A family reunion?

- No, not really, things got a little heated.

- I told her to go.

- I want a background check run

on Errol Judd, Cleo Langton's ex-husband.

- [Winter] I didn't think he was in the picture anymore.

He's back.

- Interesting timing.

- Anything on Cleo Langton's phone?

- Most of her calls were to her clients,

but she'd had a series of calls

with a law firm here in Causton.

- She oversaw house sales.

There's always plenty of legal paperwork involved in that.

- This firm specialises in litigation and negligence cases.

Someone was suing Cleo Langton.

- Who?

- Dhruv Varma.

I also found this, the last text message

the victim received before she was died.

'Who the hell do you think you are?

I'm going to make you pay.'

- Yeah, that only sounds bad because she's ended up dead.

- It was just a threat when Cleo Langton

was still drawing breath.

Now it sounds a bit like a promise.

- Okay, yeah I was angry with her, but I didn't kill her.

- Angry about your father's court case?

- There isn't going to be a court case.

- Dad's already settled, it's over, Jay.

- How can it be over?

Look at what she did to him

and I can't believe you are still working for her.

- It was an accident.

- A preventable accident.

Dad, I used to think you were the strongest

man in the world.

- So did I and then I fell off a roof.

- And how was Cleo Langton involved in that?

- Well she wanted a quick sale on a house.

I told her the chimney needed re-pointing,

she asked me to sort it before the surveyor turned up.

I told her that I needed to wait

for the right kind of scaffolding.

- And she told him that either he got up a ladder

or we'd never do any work for Eden and Moss again.

She forced him to work in unsafe conditions.

- And what about the settlement figure?

Were you happy with it?

- It's fine.

- [Jayesh] It's an insult, dad.

- It just about covers his legal costs.

- I couldn't face dragging it through the courts

for another couple of years, I just wanted it over with.

- If we could have hung on--

- What do you mean we?

Dad's the one in constant pain.

- I know!

That's why I think--

- Do you know what I think?

I think you should concentrate on not

running my business into the ground.

I might not be much use on site,

but I can still look at the books.

- Yes, dad.

- I just don't know what to do, what to say.

He's in pieces.

See what I mean?

This can't just be about Hercules being stolen.

Oh I can't stand it, you've got to do something mum.

- [Ailsa] And what do you suggest?

- Well I have no idea.

I've got my own problems to deal with.

- Darling, what's wrong?

- I've just had enough of Perry

always going to Cleo for advice on this place.

Now she's dead, I want him to realise that I have ideas too.

I just wanted him to listen to me, mum.

- I know the feeling.

Believe me.

- So, I've decided to make him listen to me.

- Cleo was here yesterday, but not for long.

She had a viewing.

She was always so busy.

- Were you and Ms. Langton good friends?

- We were.

When mum and dad died and I took on this place,

she helped with all the legal stuff, she was amazing

and she's been there for me ever since.

I don't know how I'm gonna run this place without her input.

- Thank you, Mister Tressel.

Is your father-in-law in the hotel at the moment?

- [Ailsa] Timothy, please.

- I don't want it.

I was perfectly happy with what I was already drinking.

Oh here we go, why can't a man have a drink in peace?

- We need to talk to you about Cleo Langton.

- Yes, yes, very sad.

- Really?

Because I was here when you accused

her of stealing Hercules.

- So?

- So, were you aware of her allergies?

- Yes, but that was just one of the reasons

why she should never been allowed anywhere near rabbits.

- Mister Benson, I do hope you're taking this seriously.

I've already had cause to question your alibi

for the night Seb Huntington died.

- Oh no, she explained, Belinda explained.

- Yes, she did.

Let me take this opportunity to remind you all that lying

to the police and obstructing justice is a criminal offence.

If there's anything that any of you feel

the need to tell me, now is your chance.

- Look.

It needs to stop, for dad's sake.

- What are you on about?

- I know what you're up to and I know she's married.

- So, that's her problem.

- Typical, not a thought for anyone else but yourself.

- Ooh, at least I know how to get what I want, bruv.

Man up.

- [Barnaby] Good afternoon.

- You were right about the vents.

We found rabbit hair in them.

- Could it have got there accidentally?

- Not unless the victim groomed her rabbit in the car.

- Seems unlikely.

- My theory is that someone put it there

to trigger anaphylaxis.

- This is what I don't understand.

She was around rabbits all the time.

- It's about concentration.

It's the reason peanuts are banned

on some airlines these days.

For a nut allergy sufferer, if they're sat in a beer garden

and someone opens a packet of dry roasted, no problem.

But on a plane with re-circulated air, it could prove fatal.

- Like rabbit hair in a small car.

- Our victim's respiratory system just shut down.

What I don't understand is

why she didn't have any medication on her.

According to her GP, she had prescriptions for inhalers,

antihistamines as well as the epinephrine auto-injector.

But there was nothing in her bag, not even a cough sweet.

- Well if the murderer had access to her car,

maybe they had access to her handbag?

- Is there anyway we can identify

which rabbit the fur came from?

- A DNA test?

- Something like that.

- The fur was cut, not pulled or shed.

So, the chances of finding a viable

DNA sample is negligible.

But, if I call in a couple of favours,

I might be able to confirm the rabbit's breed.

- And how quickly could you do that?

- I'll see if I can put a rush on it.

- I'd appreciate that, thank you.

- Oh sorry, I was just on my way out.

- This won't take long.

- I was going to see Tegan, she shouldn't be on her own.

- Her father's with her.

- Her father?

I thought he was dead?

- The rumours of his demise

had been greatly exaggerated, apparently.

- We're tracing Cleo's movements yesterday.

She had a viewing in the afternoon.

- Yeah, at Rose Cottage with Mister Lewis.

- Are there any details?

Did he leave a phone number?

An address?

- Tomorrow, it has to be tomorrow.

- Are you sure?

After Cleo?

- Yeah that's why we need to get this done.

(sombre music)

- Jayesh, just the man.

Just wondering if you had any idea,

when you were gonna get that part?

- [Jayesh] What part?

- For the air-conditioning unit, for the annex?

- I've no idea what you're talking about

and I'm a builder, not an electrician.

- Sir, this has just come through.

Errol Judd has quite a criminal record.

- Hmm, mostly drink-related public order offences.

A couple of driving bans and a subsequent conviction

for, driving while disqualified.

- Nothing violent though.

- Still, I think I'd like to speak to him again.

Follow up on Mister Lewis and I want you

to take a look at Rose Cottage.

It could be where the killer tampered

with Cleo Langton's car.

Speak to the neighbours,

see if any of them noticed anything out of the ordinary.

- [Winter] Sir.

(suspensive music)

- [Announcer] Next up, it's Boudicca and Perseus.

- I wanted to reconnect with my daughter,

but I didn't know what I might be walking into.

Although I never expected.

Well, Cleo told Tegan I was dead.

Can you imagine how it felt to hear that?

- You tell me.

- I was heartbroken.

For almost fifteen years, I was nothing more

than a footnote in my daughter's life.

Well, that's all about to change.

- You have an interesting police record, Mister Judd.

- Hmm, that tends happens when you're a raging alcoholic.

- Are you now in recovery?

- Yes, after a long journey down the road.

- [Barnaby] Leading to Thailand?

- Mm-hmm, oh I went through the usual detox programmes.

Grubby hospital wards and grey rooms.

I finally realised I'd have to travel

further afield to find my serenity.

I've been sober now for three years.

- Congratulations.

Now that you have reconnected with your daughter,

what are your plans?

- Well, obviously what happened to Cleo

has put things into perspective.

- Obviously.

- Ideally, I'd like to take Tegan back to Thailand with me.

- And how does Tegan feel about this?

- I haven't broached the subject yet.

It's all about the timing.

- It is, Mister Judd.

Just one more thing.

Were you aware of your ex-wife's allergies?

- No.

What a terrible way to die.

(instrumental music)

(suspensive music)

- There you go, look, that's it, get it all.

- [Sarah] John.

- See you later baby.

I'll get my jacket.

Sarah was just speaking to Kam.

Sounds like she's having a great time.

She probably won't wanna come home.

- That's not exactly what she said.

She said she's learning a lot on the course,

but she's a bit bored in the evenings.

- Ah, that's a shame.

Did she, she say anything else?

- About what?

- Okay, let's go.

- Oh I almost forgot.

She asked how you were doing.

- I think Bernie needs rescuing.

- Oh, Betty, no!

- The scissors tested positive for blood residue.

I think we have found our murder weapon.

- Well done.

Any thoughts on the engraving on the blade?

- Eighteenth of July, two thousand and twelve.

Well, it's certainly not any of our suspects birthdays.

Wedding anniversary?

- Maybe.

Any news on Cleo's final house showing?

Are we any nearer to finding the elusive Mister Lewis?

- We're drawing a blank so far.

The phone number and address given

for the viewing were both false,

but, we'll keep looking into it.

- [Announcer] Can all exhibitors make their way

to the show tent.

Judging will commence shortly.

- Hey.

Been looking for you.

How are you doing?

- I wish I was a rabbit.

Not a care in the world.

Primped and pampered and fussed over.

- I could give you a comb out, if you like.

Trim your nails for you?

- I knew you'd cheer me up.

- That's what I'm here for.

- Do you think Shahrukh's in with a chance this year?

- I hope so, dad needs a win.

- With Hercules out of the competition.

I know you'd do anything for your dad, but you didn't

- What?

- Hercules?

- No!

- Sorry.

- [Shray] No.

- I'm sorry.

Of course not.

Can you forgive me?

- Always.

- They're grooming scissors.

I've sold dozens of pairs over the years.

But I couldn't tell one pair from another.

- Even if they were engraved?

- [Ailsa] Engraved with what?

A date.

Eighteenth of July, twenty-twelve.

- Does that mean anything to you?

- I can't say it rings any bells, sorry.

- Thank you, Mrs. Benson. (phone rings)

- Alright, Oliver?

He's had a result on the rabbit fur.

- [Announcer] Good luck to all of today's competitors,

make sure you have signed in at the reception tent.

- Hi, I wondered if we could have a talk?

How you feeling?

- How do you think?

- Sorry, stupid question.

I'm not very good at this.

- [Tegan] No, you're not.

- Okay, I have to go back to Thailand.

- Fine.

I've managed without you before, I'll manage again.

- I want you to come with me.

- Why would I do that?

- Why wouldn't you?

- Because I have a life here, a job.

- Think about it, Tegan

and for how long can you fetch and carry for her?

I mean, run this silly pet show?

Look I know, I know, you've lost your boyfriend.

You've lost your mother.

- And you think you can replace them?

- I never said that, I just.

I am so sorry I wasn't there for you.

I came back to offer you a better life.

- Really?

Because everything was fine.

I had my boyfriend, I had my mum,

I had my job running a silly pet show

and then you turned up.

- I know it seems like that.

- Why will going to Thailand with you

make anything better for me?

- [Announcer] Congratulations to Sprinkles best in breed.

- Looking good.

- She is.

- Beautiful coat, she's a French lop, isn't she?

- That's right.

I didn't think that you were an enthusiast?

- A recent interest.

- Fur from a French lop was found in Cleo Langton's car.

It's what caused her death.

- Well, it couldn't have been Lizzie's fur.

- [Winter] We checked the other entries.

The only rabbit that matches that description is Lizzie.

Does she seem to have any fur missing?

- No!

- Apart from you and Tegan,

does anyone else have access to her?

- Everybody who comes to the house.

She's anybody's for a cherry tomato.

Thank goodness she can't understand.

If she thought for one second she was implicated in a murder

- Yes, thank goodness.

Would you say you and Tegan are close?

- She started out as an employee, but now she's family.

- Like a daughter, perhaps?

- I'd like to think so.

- Was there ever any tension between yourself and Cleo

over your relationship with Tegan?

- No, not really.

I think we both have Tegan's best interests at heart.

- But did Cleo have your best interests at heart?

She did try to make you to sell the hall.

- But she did not succeed.

My ownership of Bellville Hall has never been in question.

Now, if you don't mind, the judging is underway.

- I just need a little more of your time.

The eighteenth of July, twenty-twelve?

Does that date mean anything to you?

- Yes, the pet show is usually around that time.

- Any other significance?

- Well if I remember correctly, it was Hercules' first show.

He was a winner from the very start.

Now, gentlemen if you'll excuse me.

- How much are you willing to bet that Timothy Benson wanted

something to remember his first big win with Hercules by?

- Oh, a great deal.

(suspensive music)

- [Announcer] Socrates is on the first jump,

the second jump, he's done it!

- We need to talk.

- I've got nothing more to say to you.

Why don't you have a chat with Jayesh Varma?

- That's not important now, Tim.

- Oh isn't it?

Does he know?

- Timothy, for once in your life, will you just listen?

I know what you've done.

- What?

- It's okay, we can sort it out.

If we just get our stories straight.

- Oh yes, I bet you're good at that.

- Tim, I am trying to help.

- I don't need your help.

- [Announcer] And the winner of the final

steeplechase is Socrates.

- Yes, those are mine.

- And when did you last see them?

- A couple of days ago.

I left them in the marquee,

but then with Hercules going missing,

I'd completely forgotten about them.

- And the engraving?

- They were a gift from my wife,

to celebrate my first best in show victory.

A reminder of a time when she actually gave a damn about me.

You're very welcome to keep them.

- I can assure you that we will.

(suspensive music)

- How's the temperature?

I've spoke to Jayesh, I know there's nothing wrong

with the air-conditioning unit.

I just want you to tell me what you've been up to.

- It was supposed to be a surprise.

- I think we've had enough of those

to last a lifetime, don't you?

- I know how much you love having the animals

to stay in the hotel during the pet show.

- [Perry] Yeah and I know how much you hate them.

- It's not the animals that I hate,

it's cleaning up after them.

But I know that you love to see the animals run free,

so I thought we could come up with a compromise.

I thought we could advertise ourselves

as a pet-friendly hotel throughout the entire year.

What do you think?

- I love it.

I just don't understand why you had to keep it a secret.

- Because you have never trusted me

with anything to do with the hotel.

If I've ever wanted to change anything,

other than the sheets, you always had to run it past Cleo.

- That's not fair.

- Really?

So if I'd have told you this idea,

you wouldn't have waited to get her approval

before giving me the go ahead?

- I just, I knew I could always rely on her.

- Well, from now on, you'll have to rely on me.

- [Shray] She looks happy.

- She does, doesn't she?

(phone vibrates)

I wish I didn't have to be the one to spoil it for her.

It's the marquee company, they're threatening to come

and take the thing down whilst the show's still going on.

- They can't do that.

- Let them, it's the least of Delphi's worries.

It's keeping the hall open that's the real problem.

The concrete for the oil tank is turning up today,

but I've had to pay for it with my own money.

- Tegan, you shouldn't have to do that.

- No, I shouldn't.

Oh, maybe I'll take my dad up on his offer.

A few weeks in Thailand sounds pretty good right about now.

A few months sounds even better.

Congratulations!

- [Delphi] Thank you.

We're positively thrilled.

- Someone's getting extra tomatoes tonight.

Shray, could you give us a moment?

- Yeah of course, I'll see how dad's getting on.

- What is it, dear?

- Well, I've being going through the figures

and without the sponsorship money, we're in serious trouble.

You're in serious trouble.

Because even if you persuade the publishers

to go ahead with the new book, my mum was right.

You're going to have to sell the hall.

- No, no, no.

- I can help.

We can find you a nice little cottage

with a garden for Lizzie.

- And what about you?

- I'll be fine.

Maybe I'll go to Thailand with my dad.

- No, there's no need for that.

I have a way.

Come on.

It's been my guilty secret for years.

I come down here whenever I need a moment to myself.

I find them so calming.

I think it's because they were my mother's.

Oh, she was so glamorous, so chic.

But of course, these days, they're quite beyond the pale.

But I couldn't bear to part with them.

So, I kept them down here.

But now I understand they might be worth

a great deal of money.

They've gone.

Someone's taken them.

Mother's furs.

Who would do something like this?

- And you'd had the furs valued?

- Well some of the furs were vintage pieces,

worth a couple of thousand pounds, maybe more.

But they're very delicate.

They need to be kept somewhere cold, so they don't shed.

I do hope whoever took them knows that.

- The door hasn't been forced, someone had a key.

- There's only one key and I have it here.

I keep it in my desk drawer.

- [Barnaby] Is that drawer locked?

- No.

- Miss Hartley, your home's been open to the public

for the last few days.

Have you seen anyone hanging around back here?

Perhaps they saw you coming out of the cellar?

- Oh.

- Miss Hartley?

- I'm so sorry, Tegan, but your father

- No, you're right, he was back here

and he's been in the house.

- It's a serious accusation to make against your father.

- Earlier today, he asked me to come with him to Thailand.

He said that there was nothing left for me here.

- That's simply not true.

Is it?

- [Barnaby] And where is your father now?

(suspensive music)

- Hello?

Belinda?

Perry?

(suspensive music)

Hello Chap.

Now then.

Have you got enough food in there?

(footsteps tapping)

Who's there?

(suspensive music)

All right come on, get out!

- Hey hey, I wouldn't put your hands on me if I were you.

- I said out!

- I'm warning you.

- And I'm warning you.

Keep your nose out my business.

- [Errol] Yeah, what you trying to hide?

- Dad, what's he talking about?

- Nothing, if he knows what's good for him.

- You have no idea who you're messing with.

You understand?

- [Belinda] I think you better leave.

- Yeah, I think he needs help.

- Yes, that's true but still (phone beeps)

Dad, what were you thinking?

- [Timothy] What?

- [Belinda] He's a guest.

- [Timothy] Well I, I, I, I can't--

- Dad, talk to me.

What on earth is?

Dad?

- We need to speak to Errol Judd.

Is he here?

- I haven't seen him.

- Which room is he in?

- His luggage is still here.

- Check the wardrobe.

- [Winter] Can you open this?

- [Perry] Yeah, there's a master code.

- Thank you.

Some Thai currency, a driving licence,

his passport and two boarding passes.

- Two?

- Yeah, one in his name

and one in the name of Tegan Langton.

- So, is she leaving with him?

- Well it looks like it.

- Hang on, a driving licence?

I thought he was disqualified?

- Yeah, he is.

Apparently Michael Lewis is not.

- Mister Lewis.

That's who Cleo Langton had

her Rose Cottage appointment with.

- Perry?

Oh Perry, I think dad has finally flipped.

- And what makes you say that?

- He was fighting by the sheds with Errol Judd.

Hercules?

- Did Errol Judd leave with your father?

- No, before him.

But I don't know where he was going.

- But your father might.

Any idea where we'll find him?

- I don't know, I don't know anything anymore.

- [Barnaby] Thank you.

- In the Syrian Hamster class,

the judges were particularly impressed

with the winner's clear markings, good proportions

and a winning personality

and the winner is Xena Warrior Princess.

(audience applauds and cheers)

- [Photographer] That's lovely, big smile.

Thank you

- And, now for the final prize,

but first I would just like to take a moment

to thank you all for coming each year.

It's meant so much to me.

And also thank the one person without whom

this show would not happen.

Tegan, I do hope she knows how important she is to the show

and to me.

And now for the moment we have all been waiting for,

the prize for Best in Show.

So

Oh

The winner is Shahrukh.

Owner Dhruv Varma.

(audience cheers and applauds)

Oh lovely.

- (chuckles) That's amazing, I can't believe it.

Thank you.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you.

Thank you.

- [Photographer] And one more.

That's great.

- Congratulations.

- Oh, thank you but I think he's done all the hard work.

- Where's Shray?

He'll be over the moon, he's been a bag of nerves all week.

He thinks the world of you.

- Oh yeah, well I know there's someone he thinks more of.

(suspensive music)

- Mister Benson.

We just met the famous Hercules.

- It's not what you think.

- I think we should discuss your whereabouts

on the night that Seb Huntington died.

- And perhaps you should put the box down?

- No, no, I'm fine.

(door lock clicks)

How long have you been back there?

- Long enough.

Oh Tim, what have you done?

- You're the one who's been skulking round with the builder.

- Mrs. Benson, what exactly is it,

you think your husband has done?

- Isn't it obvious?

The scissors, the lies?

He killed Seb and Cleo.

- I did what?

- And I drove him to it.

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.

But when I told you it was me or the rabbit,

you weren't supposed to choose Hercules!

(metal clanging)

- Is that him?

- [Winter] Perhaps you'd care to join us?

- I knew it.

- Tim, I just wanted to hurt you like you'd hurt me.

He's nothing to me.

- Alright love, I just wanted you for your chest freezer.

- What?

What does that even mean?

And for your information, I didn't kill anyone.

How could you even think that?

- You've been acting so strangely

and it's being going on for weeks.

The drinking, the skulking about.

Belinda's being worried too.

- That wasn't why.

Oh, for goodness' sake.

- Mister Benson?

- In a matter of weeks, I lost everything.

My wife, my home, my pride

and then, on top of all that,

I lost the one thing that could still make me happy.

It happened the day after we had the row.

The day after I walked out.

I went to his hutch and he was just

- And the rabbit that was taken from the show?

- A last minute replacement and a pale imitation.

I'd already taken the stud fees.

I just needed a rabbit who could perform.

But then I got greedy.

I thought I could pass him off at the show.

- But Hercules was a celebrity rabbit.

People wanted a closer look, photographs even.

- I just wanted to be part of it.

The few days in the year when people treated me with respect

and actually cared about what I had to say.

- [Ailsa] Oh, Tim.

- I felt sure Cleo had worked it out.

I had to find a way of withdrawing

from the competition without raising suspicions.

So, I decided that Hercules Two needed to disappear.

- And that's when you killed Seb?

- What?

No, why do you keep saying that?

- [Barnaby] One other question.

Did either of you have access to Delphi Hartley's cellar?

- I'll check the freezer.

- [Timothy] Ailsa, what have you done?

(suspensive music)

- I'm sorry Tim, I was just trying to keep the shop going.

Can you forgive me?

- We'll have to see.

- So, Timothy was the rabbit-napper.

Ailsa and Jayesh are the fur thieves.

So, where's Errol Judd?

Not on his way back to Thailand, not without his passport.

- Or his daughter.

- So do we think this is all about Tegan?

Someone cutting her ties to Midsomer?

Her boyfriend, her mother

- Or someone is trying very hard to keep her close.

(alarm beeps)

- Whoa, next entrance, not this one.

(suspensive music)

- Tegan?

(brick thuds)

(suspensive music)

(sombre music)

- Delphi?

Is that the new book.

Why?

- I've written over thirty books

and some would say I have written

the same book thirty times.

I like my stories and my characters.

But if nobody wants my books anymore,

what's the point in writing them?

I'm going to sell the hall.

- I think it's a good idea.

- I am going to need you more than ever.

Please don't go to Thailand.

- No I won't.

I'll stay here for you

and there's someone else I'm staying for.

- Bless you.

(police sirens blaring)

(suspensive music)

- Check the house and grounds.

I'll check the show.

- [Delphi] Can I help you?

- [Winter] Are you okay?

- Yes I'm fine.

- Do you know where your father is?

- No.

(suspensive music)

- Sir, you need to get round to the back of the hall.

(suspensive music)

Stop!

- [Tegan] Shray!

- You come any closer and I'll push the button.

- You need to let Tegan's father go, Shray.

You need to stop this now before it gets any worse for you.

- Dad!

- Tegan no!

- Please don't hurt him.

- Why not?

He hurt you!

He left you.

- Shray, please, you're scaring me.

- He doesn't care about you, Tegan.

Not like I do.

He just wants to take you away.

- I'm not going anywhere.

I'm staying here, with Delphi, with you.

- Look.

I was going to talk to you.

Tell you how I really felt.

Do you remember your birthday?

I took you to our favourite place?

- Yeah the picnic, I remember.

- It was perfect.

The perfect place, the perfect time to finally say it

and then, Seb called you and you told him to join us.

- But I didn't realise--

- No it's okay because then I knew what I had to do.

I just needed to get the moment back.

But I couldn't do that while Seb was still around.

- Son, what are you doing?

- [Shray] You couldn't see what he was really like.

The way he used people to get what he wanted.

He lied all the time.

- And then you caught him in the marquee

ruining all Tegan's hard work.

- He didn't care about what he'd done.

He just wanted the sale and then he was gonna leave

and take you with him.

- If only Timothy Benson

hadn't left those scissors lying around.

There would have been a lot of blood.

But luckily, you had somewhere to go to clean up.

Rose Cottage?

You still had the keys the next morning

until Cleo took them.

- You killed my mum?

- I couldn't be sure about what she'd found.

I couldn't take that risk.

I tried to make it look like an accident.

I tried to make this all as easy on you as I could.

- Easy?

- She was lying to you Tegan.

All those years about your dad.

A liar like Seb.

I'm not like them.

I'd never do that to you.

- I trusted you.

I thought you were my best friend.

I don't know, maybe there could've been a future between us.

- There still can Tegan.

Tegan!

Tegan!

- Dad!

- Shray, enough!

- Dad!

(suspensive music)

- [Shray] Tegan, please.

- [Tegan] Dad!

(police sirens blaring)

- Shray Varma, I am arresting you

for the murders of Seb Huntington, Cleo Langton

and the attempted murder of Errol Judd.

- Dad, dad?

- I'm sorry I've let you down, son.

- You didn't!

- I must have.

Look at you.

Look at what you've done.

(sombre music)

- If only he'd got his perfect moment.

- If he was too scared of rejection

to tell Tegan how he really felt,

maybe he didn't deserve her after all.

Faint heart never won fair maid.

- That's it, oh, (phone beeps)

it's a bit tricky.

You try and do that one.

Who's that?

Come here, come here, lets go see dad.

There we go.

- Okay, come on, we've got to get this

back to the station in a hour.

Let's get this photo taken.

There we go.

One for you

and one for Bernie.

- Look at the lady over there, look.

- Say cheese.

(shutter clicks)

(eerie music)