This is Carol's first night home. Is it that urgent?
We've got a kidnapping - a Balfour baby. [He heads to the front passenger seat so Livingston can drive]
I've left instructions for him to be told.
Do you really think you ought to be doing this? Just stop and think. After the David Balfour case, do you think his brother's going to welcome you taking charge?
You've got a bloody nerve coming here! Who's in charge of you?
He's the guy who put David in Barlinnie.
Oh, so what? Christopher's life could be in danger for all your arguing now!
I'd listen to him, If I were you. What's your name, son?
Dougie Turnbull. I'm Mike's assistant.
Why didn't you phone us sooner?
Because the note says no police or they'll kill him, and I want my son back alive. So if you don't mind, just go. [Points to the door.]
[Picking up the ransom note] I'm afraid it's too late for that now. [He hands it to Livingstone.]
Have the kidnappers been in contact since?
Your brother... Have you spoken to him?
We're gonna have to talk to your wife, find out exactly what happened.
She's in no state to talk to anybody.
[Entering] I'm alright, Mike.
If it's, erm... If it's any consolation to you both, a baby can't inform on his kidnappers. It's... it's not in their interests to harm him.
What happens if they cannae pay the ransom?
Well, we hope the kidnapper accepts less.
[To Dougie] Who do you live with, son?
Well, don't say anything to her. Don't say anything to anyone.
Secrecy is crucial, okay?
Okay. I'm like an uncle to these kids, you know?
There. That's all working okay. [Grabs his coat.]
Okay. You'd better stay here tonight.
Well, somebody's got to remain on duty! I'm sorry if it interferes with your domestic arrangements. You'll be relieved in the morning. [Taggart leaves. Livingstone frustratedly throws his coat onto the sofa.]
...Had to be Taggart, eh?
Can you not try and have someone else put in charge?
[Looking out of the window] Where is he, Mike? Where is he?
I was just coming to see you. Er, did you hear from your brother?
Ah, good. He seemed quite desperate to get in touch with you.
Listen, I'm in a hurry, I've gottae go.
Listen, the Tribune would still be interested in that reunion shot. You know, David Balfour reunited...
Johnson, I'm yesterday's news, and I'd like to stay that way from now on. Okay?
What are you going to do with your money? [David scoffs at the question] Are you on speaking terms with your brother?
I don't want tae talk about it. And don't you go bothering him.
You sound as if you care about him.
Aye, he sounded quite desperate.
Coincidental it coming so soon after the compensation award. The two wouldnae be connected, would they?
Financial difficulties, perhaps?
I've told you. No. [He walks off.]
We don't know. His plans, probably.
Of course, it wouldn't be yours, would it? [Sighs] I've asked for Taggart to be taken off.
[to June] Did you ever know your sister-in-law?
No, I met Mike after she was... [She falls silent and focuses back on Fiona and the jigsaw.]
Mr. Balfour. Sorry to bother you, I was in the neighbourhood, thought I'd stop by and see if you got in touch with your brother okay.
That's good. We like to be of help at the Tribune.
You have. Thanks. [He tries to shut the front door, but Johnson catches it and forces it open again.]
[Observing Livingstone's unmarked car] That's a police car, isn't it?
I've been a reporter long enough to recognise the trappings, Mr. Balfour. Nothing wrong, is there?
No. [He finally slams the door shut in Johnson's face.]
[As Dougie gets out of the truck] Hi. I've just been talking to Mr. Balfour. Bad business, eh?
You're from the Tribune, aren't you?
I thought they weren't gonnae talk to the press.
Nah, they changed their mind.
You're not gonnae print the story, are you?
Has the kidnapper been in touch yet?
[Knowing this is the first he's heard of it] I... er... I couldn't tell you.
I thought you weren't going to talk to the reporter about it.
Well, I just met him outside and he said you changed your minds.
...Well, I just said that I hoped they wouldn't print it.
[Putting his head in his hands, as does Livingstone] Oh, Dougie!
They wouldn't print without confirming with us. Can I use the phone?
20,000 isn't enough. We want 50. Have it this afternoon at four. The phone box in Royal Terrace. Wait for instructions. Ring the police and your baby'll be killed. [The line goes dead. Mike replaces the handset.]
Mike, let me go and talk to David.
We get the money ourselves.
Get a loan, from the bank. It means if we don't get the money back, we have to sell the house.
I don't care about the house! All I want is my baby back!
What kind of guy are we looking for, Peter?
Two, I'd say. They're amateurs, got the idea from the papers. One of them's scared, the other's convinced him that 20,000 isn't enough. One of them fancies himself as a swimmer.
Are you sticking to that?
A boat would have been to conspicuous. They probably have records for something else small-time.
You sound as if you've done this sort of thing before.
No, I just don't fall asleep at seminars.
No, none. Peter's gone to the bank to with the Balfours.
Are we taking any extra precautions?
The instructions have come through a box at Royal Terrace. We're gonna give Mike Balfour a two-way radio so he can communicate with us, dust the money down with UV powder. I believe they both want to go together this time.
I just hope Mike Balfour agrees to co-operate with you. [He sits at his desk] I spoke to the Press Association, gave them the story.
You know what it's like, Jim... one paper gets wind of it, there could be others. I'm not having a secret blown just because we were too slow in asking the press not to publish.
Well, how long will they maintain secrecy?
As long as the baby's life is in danger. It's a precaution, Jim. We need them on our side. [Taggart turns towards the door and starts to head out] There is one problem... [Taggart stops.] There was some speculation, not to say amazement, at you being in charge.
[Shrugs] An overreaction, sir.
Yeah, well, when this story does break, they'll make a big thing of it. If we fail...
Mike? The money's not important. We can always start again somewhere.
[Grips June's shoulder] I'll be all right.
[Looking into the cup] What are they?
Give me a Valium sandwich. I've never been so nervous in my life, Peter.
Look under your own name.
Well, why the hell doesn't he communicate?
HEY! [The boys run off as Mike gives chase.] COME HERE! [A police officer sees the boys as they run to the Stewart Memorial Fountain.] Give me that back! [Three of the boys climb the fountain while the others run around with the briefcase, with Mike chasing them] Give me that case! [They pass the briefcase up to the boy at the top. He starts to open the case.] NO, DON'T...!
PPolice Officer
Hey, you boys! [The boys run off, leaving Mike in despair.]
[On the radio to June at base] 361 here. I thought you said the owner was going to be with his vehicle.
[Over the radio] That's what he said.
Check S-reg bronze Ford Cortina.
Looks as if it's been here for months. [Gets out of the truck and approaches the car. He opens the rear passenger door and sees a box on the seat. He opens the box and looks inside...] Jesus Christ! [He runs back to the truck.]
The baby's clothes don't mean the baby's dead.
I don't know. A way of frightening the Balfours.
Anger at the ransom collection going wrong.
I suppose he walked into Mothercare and bought the kid a new outfit(!) [Heads back to his car. Livingstone follows.]
What happened wasn't your fault.
I started this sequence of events nine years ago. [They get into the car.] Do you know any kidnapping statistics, Peter? The killing usually happens in the first forty-eight hours. This is the fourth day.
Don't forget what you said: a baby can't betray his kidnappers. So why add murder?
None. Not even a note with the baby's clothes.
It could be just a way of scaring them.
My God, if they're heartless enough to try that...
We'll keep it out of the media another twenty-four hours, just in case.
We don't know for certain the kidnapper witnessed that fiasco in the park. He could still be unaware that we're involved.
I say let them publish now.
[As they head into his office] No, not while there's a slim chance the baby's still alive. Let's keep the kidnapper's confidence up. He might try and extract some more money.
[With his head in one of his hands] Well, in the meantime, sir... you don't mind if I hand in my papers?
You heard. [He slumps in one of the chairs in the office.] It's my responsibility. You're right, I shouldn't have taken this case. I took it for all the wrong reasons - personal reasons.
Jim, I know how you feel...
Do you, sir? It was me that put David Balfour in prison. Without that, there wouldn't have been any compensation money! No kidnapping! And now... I'm probably responsible for that kid's death.
We don't know the child's dead.
See, tomorrow, the press'll crucify me. I might as well go out and buy the nails and the wood and do it myself!
Do you still believe there's a trunk in the Clyde with the rest of Margaret Balfour's remains in it?
Go and look for it. Take a team of frogmen.
[Gets up] In other words, you want me out of the way?
Yes! If there's any way I can downplay your involvement in this, I will, but you know how difficult that can be...
Don't worry, sir, I'll get right out of your way(!) [Opens the door and storms out of Murray's office]
[Calling out through the doorway] Well, it won't be roses they shower me with either!
I came to see how you were.
It's too early in the morning for me.
[Raising his voice] It's too early for me as well! Pour yoursel' one!
[Reluctantly pouring himself a Scotch] When are you going to stop wallowing in self-pity?
The first time I worked with you, I came to the conclusion you were a bastard. Well, this time I've come to a different conclusion.
Frankly, I'd rather see the bastard.
[Sitting down] The Mint says he gave you the chance to look for that trunk.
And the chance to make another mistake. It was a long shot. The Clyde's a long river.
You have your likely spots where a car could pull up, starting near Dalmally Road.
Out there a baby's lying dead. Right now, that's the most important thing to me.
[Sighs] Well... We all need faith in something, Peter. Someone. [Getting his little green buddha out of his coat pocket] Remember me telling you about Al Mackie?
Yeah, he went to Japan and became a Zen Buddhist.
He achieved something because he believed in it.
And you believe there was more to Margaret Balfour's murder, well now's the chance to prove it!
Taggart. ...What?! ...Right. [He puts the phone down.] Speaking of Margaret Balfour's murder, we have a confession to it.
GGeorge
[Waking up] ...Oh, Mr. Taggart. And your colleague... Oh, I forget.
Detective Sergeant Livingstone.
GGeorge
[Remembering their previous meeting at the psychiatric hospital] Varsity.
[Entering the room as Livingstone closes the door behind him] Well, George... what's all this about? [He sits at the desk opposite George]
GGeorge
I've come to confess. I can't live with it any longer.
George, the doctor told me when you were at the hospital, you couldn't stop talking about it.
GGeorge
Oh, I couldn't stay there. Every day they make you sit around and talk about your illnesses. Imagine everyone... talking about their illnesses. I told them I was cured, but... they wouldn't believe me.
What do you want to confess to?
GGeorge
Well, can I have a light please? [Pulls out a cigar out of his coat pocket.]
[Getting a lighter out of his coat pocket] That's the one I gave you three weeks ago.
GGeorge
I've been saving it for a special occasion. [Livingstone lights the cigar. George takes a drag and coughs] And I suppose this is a special occasion of sorts. That woman, at 16 Dalmally Road, in O'Donnell's room... I killed her.
GGeorge
With a knife. It was I who... cut up her body, and... hid it under the floorboards.
GGeorge
In O'Donnell's room. She was fine when he brought her back. He went out the next morning, leaving her in bed. And I went in... [he starts sobbing] ...and I killed her!
GGeorge
Oh... why do the trees shake?
Usually because there's a lot of wind(!)
GGeorge
Well, it was such a long time ago. There was a struggle, I remember there was a struggle...
[Interrupting] George... George! Margaret Balfour was either dead or heavily injured before she was brought back to Dalmally Road.
GGeorge
Was she? I saw no signs. ...You don't believe me.
GGeorge
You couldn't just lock me up for one night? I could do with a bite to eat. I'm starving.
Why don't you go back to where you were?
GGeorge
And hear them all talk about their illnesses? I don't want to go back to hospital. I'm not ill, you see?
George... [Writing something down on a piece of paper] Why don't you go to Jo Peebles'?
GGeorge
[Somewhat shocked at hearing that name] Ms. Peebles!?
[Tears the paper off the pad and places it firmly in front of George] There's the address. I'm sure you'll find her very charitable. [Opens the door and beckons George to leave and not waste any more of his time.]
GGeorge
[As he leaves the interview room] Oh, I wish I could get back to Ethiopia. I've got friends there. Thank you. [He finally leaves.]
[As George makes his way up the steps to the exit] He needs a psychiatrist.
He needs a bed. Besides, psychiatrists haven't done him much good up to date.
A few days ago, you were running around like mad trying to find him!
Aye, that was a few days ago. I don't believe he has any idea what went on in Dalmally Road. But, see where he's going - he'll stir up a few unpleasant memories there!
We've four places - here, here, here and here. [Pointing to the map as he references each.] They're the nearest to Dalmally Road with this kind of access.
Assuming he used Jo Peebles' car?
He used it once. Why wouldn't he use it again?
What more do you think it'll prove?
Who the trunk belonged to.
I hope you're right about there being a trunk.
Jim, we're going to need the frogmen team tomorrow morning first light at Hogganfield Loch.
We found a body of a child believed drowned. It'll be dark in twenty minutes, too late to go there now. [Turns and heads back to his car.]
[Turns towards the river, pulling his buddha out of his coat pocket] Well, thank you(!) [He throws the buddha into the river in frustration, close to the frogmen's boat.]
What the hell did you do that for?
FFrogman Captain
Sir, there's a trunk down here!
Well, get it up here! [Murray hears this and returns to riverside] And while you're about it, there's a green ornamental buddha about that size! [References the size with his hand]
You were lucky! [They open the trunk and look inside.]
...Struck from behind, I thought.
[Frustrated with Livingstone's impatience] I do know a bit about skull fractures(!) A hammer, I'd say, with some force.
Well, it didn't just give her a headache(!)
Why did O'Donnell go to all that trouble to prevent identification?
If she was attacked with a knife in the lay-by, the hammer blow to the skull suggests she was killed later.
Makes sense. He wouldn't use two weapons to attack her with.
[To Livingstone] That bails out your theory.
That she was alive when she was taken back to Dalmally Road, like Cunningham said.
That kidnapping story was a Tribune exclusive!
Now, a lot of folk are going to be waiting to go ahead with this story!
So, how long are we going to be asked to withhold?
If that baby dies, your reputation isnae going to be worth a great deal, is it? What was your reason for taking the case? [Taggart ignores the question and starts to make his way to the station. Johnson follows him.] I don't want you to think that we in the Tribune are knocking the police, far from it. After all, we're doing you a favour withholding the story. We don't have to.
You'll get your story. There's a press conference this afternoon.
Will you be there? Or will you choose not to be?
[Entering with a cup] Coffee?
[Stirring] ...Oh, thanks. What time is it?
Quarter to nine. [Livingstone checks his watch.]
[Handing the parcel to Livingstone] Look at the printing. [Mike snatches the parcel and opens it.]
[Takes out the letter and a cassette tape. He reads the letter] "Sorry, unable to collect..." This means he wasn't even there!
Oh, God! [Collapses in tears into Mike's arms]
For God's sake, stop it going out on the news!
