05x02 - The Guild

[bunniefuu]

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[piano music tinkling]
[cheerful chatter]

WOMAN: Cheers.
[glasses clinking]

Thank you very much.

- Thank you very much.
- Thanks, darling.

To Barnabas, on a well-deserved
promotion,

Chief Clerk, can you believe it?

Congratulations.
[glasses clinking]

- Bravo, Mr. Potts.
- Congratulations.

Thank you, my dear. Thank you.

Hmm, not one...

five other mortuaries
he's in charge of.

Ah, three my dear, not five,

as I believe I've mentioned
before. [laughs]

You're very kind to take us out
for dinner, Mr. Potts.

And the menu looks
quite delicious,

particularly the chateaubriand.

It is my pleasure.
And please feel free

to choose anything at all,

up to a cost of
three shillings each.

That wine is rather expensive,
my dear.

Perhaps you wish to
savor it rather than...

Barnabas, the most
exciting thing

that's happened to me all week

is saving a spider

from the kitchen sink.

I've been looking forward to
this dinner all week,

so please, let me enjoy myself.

[glass scrapes across table]

[Barnabas grunts]
[Ivy giggles]

With the compliments of the
gentleman at table six, Madam.

Oh, for me? Oh.

They're from the Guild of
Private Detectives.

That's the chairman and the
deputy chairman, no less.

Uh, just to be clear, this is
not going on my bill, is it?

Would you excuse me
a moment?

Of course.

Gentlemen, I...I wanted to

thank you for your most
kind gesture.

You are most welcome,
Miss Scarlet.

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Edmund Fletcher.

I'm chair of the Guild of
Private Detectives,

and this is our deputy chair.

Archibald Spilsbury.

Oh, please.

Thank you.

Well, this is most fortuitous.

We were only discussing you
this morning.

You were?

Miss Scarlet...

we would very much like you

to join our number.

[laughs]

Well, that would be
an honor, indeed.

The patronage of the Guild
would be most welcome.

[Fletcher laughs]

There is one small matter
we need to discuss

before confirming
your membership.

It concerns the new
detective inspector

of Scotland Yard.

- Inspector Blake?
- Yeah.

What about him?

He is intent

on sticking to
the ludicrous notion,

of not using private detectives.

We must take action.

Fortunately,

we have an ace up our sleeve.

You, Miss Scarlet.

I'm sorry. I don't...
I don't understand.

Inspector Blake has refused
to...

meet us to discuss
his misguided policy,

but we believe you have

crossed paths with him

several times already.

Er, the role of detective
inspector

is increasingly political,

requires a whiter than white
reputation.

And yet Inspector Blake

has been alone with you...

on several occasions.

[mysterious music]

You didn't just happen to
be here

this evening, did you?

Make an accusation
of lewd behavior

on his part?

Um, perhaps he suggested

certain favors

in return for employment.

Or tried to force himself
upon you.

Do this...

and you'll be granted
membership of the Guild

with all the benefits that
comes with it.

Forgive me if I toast
your health with water.

Uh, unfortunately I'm teetotal
on the direction of a doctor

who is determined to take
all pleasure from me. [laughs]

So...

Miss Scarlet,
do we have a deal?

No, we most certainly do not.

[champagne sloshes]
[bulb explodes]

[theme music]

[church bell ringing]

[knocking on door]

[carriage rumbling]
[door opens]

- Morning.
- Morning. Thank you.

[door closes]

You're supposed to be dressed
and ready for school.

I don't like it there, Papa,

the girls are mean.

[soft music]

If you go to school,

I promise we shall have dinner
together this evening,

and I shall tell you everything
about my day,

including all the bad men
I arrest.

Promise?

Promise. [kiss]

[eggs frying]

[knocking on door]

- Good morning, my jewel.
- Barnabas.

Just in time.
Breakfast is ready.

Ugh, it's the first day in my
new role as chief clerk.

And a much-needed stock take

is required at Aldgate Mortuary.

So, I came by to inform you

I will not be partaking

in breakfast this morning.

But I've made it now.

Well...

- Ah!
- There is a hole in the sleeve.

When you have time,
could you darn it?

Again, what have you been doing?

Well, if I told you,
you would only worry.

Mr. Potts.

Miss Scarlet,

I really do not have time

to eat, my dear.

Very well, off you go then.

Ladies.

Sit down. Have some breakfast.

I don't have time either,
must go.

Well, will you be home
for dinner?

Lizzy?

Argh.
[frying pan clatters]

[upbeat music]
[hooves clopping]

[people chattering]

[knocking on door]

[repeated knocking]

[door opens]

Good morning, Inspector Blake.
[door closes]

Are you aware of the convention
of knocking, Miss Scarlet?

But I did knock.

You were then supposed
to wait to be invited in.

I have an urgent matter
to discuss with you,

about the Guild of
Private Detectives.

I'm here to give you a warning.

They are far from happy about
your current policy

regarding private investigators.

Please tell me you're not here
on their behalf.

[laughs] Nothing could be
further from the truth.

But...well, the Guild have money
and influence,

they've taken against you
and will stop at nothing

to undermine your position.

Why are you telling me
this, exactly?

Well...I thought
you should know.

[mysterious music]

So, you're giving me
this information

out of the goodness
of your heart?

There's nothing you want
in return?

Absolutely not.

Of course, it...benefits me

to be on good terms with
the Detective Inspector.

Now we have it.

If you must know,

they insulted me deeply.

The guild chairman and his
lackey asked me to...

asked me to make...
certain accusations about you.

What kind of accusations?

[hooves clopping]
[people chattering]

It is good indeed to finally
meet you, Inspector.

I did try a number of times

to make your acquaintance.

But, uh, sadly, you were
unavailable.

We have something in common.
You and I, uh,

we both served in
the Royal Engineers.

[laughs] Best years of my life,

even with the, uh...

w*r wounds. [laughs]

I believe you served
in Africa too.

I did not come here to
share w*r stories.

I came here to make myself
crystal clear in person.

I will run my division in
whatever way I see fit,

and no threat or attempt
to blackmail

will have any effect on
any decision I take.

I do hope I've made
myself clear, Mr. Fletcher.

[laughs]

Oh, I see.

Uh, the lady detective
has paid you a visit.

I trust this is an end to
the matter.

I'm afraid it's not.

Try to look at it from
my perspective.

I have been chairman
of the Guild

these past seventeen years,

and in that time, I've enjoyed
the full support

of all our members.

Two thousand of them, no less.

And above all...

my duty...is to ensure

that their businesses thrive.

If I fail in that duty,

then I look weak.

I cannot afford to look weak,
Inspector.

My heart bleeds for you.

[door opens]
You have a daughter,

do you not?
[ominous music]

If for some unfortunate reason

you were to lose your job,

she would feel
the consequences too.

And as a father,

surely you must be concerned

about her welfare.

[door squeaks]

[door closes]

Very well.

I shall hire a private detective

starting tomorrow.

Glad to hear it.

I'll, uh...see a list of
the preferred...

No need.

I have someone in mind.

The lady detective.

Unfortunately, Miss Scarlet

is not a member of the Guild.

Yes, that is unfortunate.

[door opens]
[men chattering]

[footsteps receding]

[hooves clopping]
[people chattering]

NEWSPAPER SELLER: Get your
Morning Heralds.

Morning Herald here, hot off
the press this morning.

[coins clinking]
BEGGAR: Thanks.

[loud chatter]

- Miss Scarlet.
- Oh, Inspector Blake.

You're early. Extremely early.

I received your telegram
last evening

and I'm here to be of service.

What case should I be
working on?

[playful music]
Background checks

for a new clerical office?

We also need you to
interview and assess

the candidates
for their suitability.

We need women
who are experienced,

and more important, trustworthy.

They will be dealing with
highly confidential files.

I set up a similar office
in Bristol

and it worked rather well.

Here is a list of
the candidates.

They'll be here at 11:00.

Well...but this isn't quite
exactly what I was expecting.

I thought you'd hired me
to work on an actual case.

This room will be vital
to the smooth running

of Scotland Yard.

It will free up my detectives

from administration duties.

Miss Scarlet, is that a scowl?

No.

No, it's not a scowl.

I'm merely thinking.

This is the job I'll hire you
to do.

Do it or don't do it.

It's up to you.

[upbeat music]
My name is Cynthia Quinn.

I'm 24 years old.

I've worked in three offices,

two solicitors,
one accountancy firm,

all of which would have
no hesitation

in their recommendation of me.

And you've had a similar
clerical role before?

I have.

And you've trained in shorthand?

Absolutely.

And you've worked
full-time before?

Many times.

And I see here that your
[door opens]

previous positions...

Where shall like put the others?

What others?

[quiet chatter]

[church bell ringing]
[dog barking]

There's just so many of them.

And more come tomorrow,

and the day after that.

That was just the interviews.
God knows how long

the background checks will take.

I thought this is what
you wanted,

Inspector Blake to hire you.

And it is.

And I'm trying my best to do
as he asks,

to play by his rules.

Forge a working relationship.

I can't help but feeling that
this specific task is...

not...not exactly beneath me.

Beneath you?

[scoffs]

Do you know what I did today?

Ironing.

Then laundry.

Then more ironing.

So, sitting in Scotland Yard

at a nice, shiny desk,

interviewing clever,
ambitious women,

is not the worst thing
in the world.

And you should be pleased.

You're helping those
young ladies

make something of themselves.

Whatever happened to
"In my day,

we found a nice man
and settled down"?

I'm allowed to change my mind.
[book slaps shut]

[exhales]

You don't seem yourself lately.

Is all well?

Yes.

No.

[melancholic music]

I don't know.

Barnabas has got his new job.

You...you're always up to
something different.

But me...

every day's the same.

You see, now I've worried you.

This is why people should keep
things to themselves.

I'm going to make dinner.

What can I do to cheer you up?

I know...

I'll cook us dinner
this evening.

I thought you wanted to

cheer me up.

[hooves clopping]
[church bell ringing]

[street chatter]

[people chattering]

[gasps slightly]

[women chatting quietly]

Ah, good morning, Miss Scarlet.

Oh, Detective Fitzroy,
how are you?

Very well, thank you.

You seem to have your hands
full at the moment.

Hmm.

If you need any assistance,

let me know.

Oh, you wish to help me
interview

a group of attractive
young women?

Oh, no. No, that's not...
[embarrassed laugh]

I...I...I was merely...
I would never...

Sir, message from
Inspector Blake.

I'm...I'm to meet him at


[mysterious music]

That address sounds familiar.

It's the Guild of Private
Detectives.

A dead body has been found.

Whose?

You say he was found by a clerk.
What time?

OFFICER: Eight o'clock
this morning, Sir.

BLAKE: Thank you.

Continue taking statements.

Sir.

[footsteps approaching]

- Sir.
- Good you're here, I...

Why have you brought
Miss Scarlet?

I've had recent dealings with
this man. I've come to help.

My question was addressed
to Detective Fitzroy.

I believed she may be of
assistance, and as Miss Scarlet

said, she's had recent dealings
with the deceased, and...

We will discuss this later.

This is Fletcher's appointment
book, I want to speak

- to everyone he met yesterday.
- Yes, Sir.

And send word to the city
mortuary.

I want a full list of
the poisons

- they can test for.
- Right away, Sir.

Poisons, you say?

That would explain
this sickly-sweet smell.

- Yes, I know.
- And no other signs of trauma

apart from this puncture wound.

From a syringe, I would guess.

But there doesn't seem to
be one present.

Again, I know.

Chateau Lemaître.

The man had expensive taste,
which is curious,

since he didn't drink.

[upbeat music]

You didn't know that, did you?

Miss Scarlet, if you do not
return to your duties,

the duties that I'm paying
you for,

our contract will be terminated.

Is that understood?

Very well.

You know where I am
if you need me.

I do. And I won't.

[footsteps receding]

[suspenseful music]

[hooves clopping]
[lively chatter]

Morning, Arthur.

Morning, Ivy.

- The usual?
- Am I that predictable?

Hmm.

See you tomorrow.

Thank you.

[stall sellers shouting]

I think she's lost.

Are you here for the interview?

[giggling]

Miss Kingston.

The butcher's is next door.

[dramatic music]

[giggling]

[town clock chiming]

Thank you again for coming in.

It was nice to meet you.

Is now a good time?

Uh, yes.

I have no more interviews
until tomorrow.

Just a few more days of this
and we'll be done.

Thank goodness.

Well, it is paid work,
after all.

It's not the point. Clarence.

I had hopped for the opportunity

to dazzle Inspector Blake.

Dazzle?

Yes. To show him my worth.

To put down a marker
for future engagements.

Well, there are many ways
to dazzle someone.

I, for one, cannot fail to
be impressed

with a well-presented
audit.

Numbers. They can have a poetry
to them.

Anyway, I'll get back to
the matter in hand.

I've been working on
the background checks

for yesterday's candidates,

and most of them have
come back clean.

But there is one applicant that
caught my attention.

Cynthia Quinn.

Cynthia Quinn?

She was one of the first
applicants that I interviewed.

In fact, she was the best
candidate so far.

There are irregularities
in her work history.

Miss Quinn cites three
previous employers,

all of which seem to
be legitimate.

Registered at Companies House.

But on further investigation,
I discovered

they are in fact bogus.

[mysterious music]
In what way?

Well, the companies
are registered,

but they do not actually exist.

And the, um, paperwork
provides a trail

that leads back to a private
detective business.

Malone's Investigation Agency.

Well, that wasn't mentioned on
her list of previous employers.

[hooves clopping]
[people chattering]

[suspenseful music]

[chains rattle]
[grunts]

BLAKE: So, you're the Deputy
Chairman of the Guild?

And have been these last
ten years.

I confess in all that time
there's been nothing

so shocking as the events

of these last few hours.

Mr. Fletcher was not just
my superior.

He was my friend.

When was the last time
you saw him?

Uh, last night at his office,

he was seeking reelection
as chairman.

He and I were discussing
his campaign.

His campaign?

That is perhaps too grand
a word for it,

the election is every
four years,

but it was always a fait
accompli with Edmund.

He won every time,

no matter who stood against him.

According to his diary,
you were the last person

to have a meeting with him.

Did he mention an appointment
with anyone else?

Not that I recall.

I left his office at
half past eight.

Uh, as far as I knew,
he was heading home.

A bottle of wine was smashed
on the floor of his office.

But as I understand it,
he did not drink.

Ooh, not for years.

He picked up some tropical
disease in Africa,

which...gave him a slight
hand tremor.

Alcohol seemed to
aggravate it.

Could it have been
for someone else?

- A visitor perhaps?
- It's possible.

He was a generous man.

Can you think of anyone
who might have wished

to do him harm?

[tense music]
You think it was m*rder?

I believe you used to be
a detective, Mr. Spilsbury.

You'll be aware I have to
consider the possibility.

Edmund was well liked.
He grew the Guild

from a handful of members

to over 2,000 strong.

He's a great man.

Was...a great man.

You mentioned he was
seeking reelection.

I take it there would be
some kind of vote?

It was supposed to be
tomorrow evening,

although that may be delayed.

As acting chairman,

I will have to make that
decision.

You are now acting chairman?

Will you yourself stand
for election?

I will, but only in memory

of Edmund to continue
his legacy.

Do not read anything into
that, Inspector.

He was my oldest friend.

We served together in Africa.

He saved my life.

[upbeat music]

What of the other candidates?

Who else is standing?

There is only one,

and in truth, he may be someone

you may wish to speak to.

A man who's been...forthcoming

in his criticism of Edmund's
time in office.

Who might that be?

[hooves clopping]

[lively pub chatter]

Thomas K. Malone.

You know, he got Mr. Nash's
premises for a bargain?

He was a tough negotiator,
astute businessman.

He's an untrustworthy snake

who I had the misfortune of
dealing with in France.

And if Cynthia Quinn
is working for him,

my guess is that he'll aim to
put her into Scotland Yard

to gain access to
classified information.

Well, that is terrible,
obviously.

Though, Mr. Nash did do
something similar

in Bose Street some years back.

[laughs]

Why doesn't that surprise me?

Did you find out anything
else about Malone?

As it happens, I did.

[mysterious music]
His agency seems to be thriving.

And as such, he's decided to
stand for election

as Chairman of the Guild.

[hooves clopping]

[knocking on door]

[repeated knocking]

Come in, Miss Scarlet.

[door opens]

I do hope this is related to

the task that I'm paying
you for.

[door closes]

A...a check on one of
the clerical applicants

has revealed links to
a detective agency.

And this is why I do not use
private investigators.

I know the agency in question.

Well, at least the owner.

He's an American gentleman

and I use that word advisedly,

Who goes by the name of

Thomas K. Malone.

- Malone.
- Who also happens to be...

Standing for election to be
Chairman of the Guild.

Yes, I know.

I was just on my way
to speak with him.

Oh, well then it's vital that
I come with you.

I don't think so.
[upbeat music]

Well...uh...

You're being unreasonable.

I'm being perfectly reasonable.

There is no reason at all for
you to accompany me.

I came straight to you
with this information,

when I could have gone to
see him myself.

Is this some kind of attempt
to prove yourself to me

in the hope of future
employment?

I resent that suggestion.

Hmm.

I'm simply trying to help.

Thomas K. Malone is
a serial liar.

I have met liars before.
It comes with the job.

Yes, but I, I know the man.

I spent time with him.

You'll get to the truth quicker
if I'm there

to call out
his lies immediately.

And I will also add that I'm
offering my...

help free of charge.

[sighs]

Is that a sigh of irritation
or acceptance?

Both.

Very well.

If you accompany me,

I must insist on three things.

I accept.

May I at least say what
they are?

Well, you may,
but I'll agree with them.

Do not speak unless I ask
you to.

Do not show any reaction

when the suspect is speaking.

Do not do anything at all

unless instructed by me.

You have my word.

And I'm very much looking
forward

to watching you work.

Do not try and charm me
for your own advantage.

I do not do that.

If you say so.

[hooves clopping]

Mr. Malone?

No, he just left.

Really? And you are?

Depends who's asking?

Detective Inspector Blake

from Scotland Yard.

That is him.

Thomas K. Malone.

I did not ask you to speak,
Ms. Scarlet.

Eliza Scarlet.

Well, I'll be damned.
We're old friends.

Friends do not handcuff
each other

to filthy pipes in a basement.

Sorry.

Please carry on.

Let's talk inside.

[suspenseful music]

How long have you been
in London?

Six months, give or take.

I worked for an agency
in Boston, and then came here

to set up my own shop.

In fact, I believe these were
your old premises.

Nash and Sons. [laughs]

Not that he has any sons.

He's a wily old fox, that one.

But he gave me a good deal
on this place,

so I can't complain.

And when did you join the Guild

of Private Detectives?

Oh, a few weeks after
setting up, I guess.

I thought it might be good
for business,

but it's just been a waste
of time

and money.



Do you want a drink?

I'm going to have one.
I've finished work.

Hmm, thought I had anyway.

Can I bill you for this?

You can try.

[drink pouring]

So, let me guess.

You're here to ask about
Fletcher, right?

He dies suddenly.

I'm standing against him
in the election.

And you want to know if
I k*lled him.

Amongst other things.

Well, if I did k*ll him,
I'd deny it.

And if I didn't, which I didn't,

then I'd also deny it.

Mmm.

I got into wine in France.

At least some good came out
of being there.

You got me pretty good.

I spent two weeks in a cell

before they set me free.

If you are looking for
an apology, Mr. Malone,

then you have a very long wait.

What were your movements
last night?

I was here working on
my election speech.

And before you ask, yes,

there are people who can
vouch for me,

my entire staff.

But for the record, I did not
like Edmund Fletcher.

A washed-up has been lining
his own pockets.

The Guild needs someone
in charge,

who knows what they're doing.

Someone with integrity...
and vision.

- And that happens to be you?
- Hmm.

I've been talking to the other
members, and they're ready

for someone new.

And by the way, if I'd been
in charge,

I'd have convinced
your friend here to to rethink

his ban on private detectives.

Hey, come to think of it,

how come she's working with you?

I'm not working with him.

I'm working for him.

Mr. Malone,

as a man of vision
and integrity,

let me ask you about
Cynthia Quinn.

She's an employee of yours?

Hm, Cynthia. Yeah. What of it?

Well, Cynthia Quinn...

Cynthia Quinn applied for
a position

at the new clerical office
at Scotland Yard.

Hm. It's a free country.

Nothing to do with me.

Look, this is a waste of time.

Mine and yours.

You know who you should be
speaking to

about Fletcher's death?

Archibald Spilsbury.

Seventeen years he was
Deputy Chairman

taking Fletcher's crap,
[dramatic music]

dealing with the mess
he created,

waiting for him to step down.

You ask me...

he got tired of waiting.

Notice the wine he was drinking,

Chateau Lemaître.
[door closes]

- Same wine that was found at...
- At the crime scene.

- Yes. I noticed.
- It can't just be...

...a coincidence. I agree.

But he may have a point about
Archibald Spilsbury.

- I assume you're going to...
- I am.

Where are we going now?

Well, I have further leads
to follow up.

You may go wherever you wish.
[carriage door opens]

I'll meet you later at
Scotland Yard,

And we can, um, run through
our next steps.

There is no 'we', Miss Scarlet.

I believe I have been
quite clear on this.

[laughs]

Is it pride? Is that it?

You can't...you can't risk
someone else solving your case.

If so, that's, uh,
rather petty.

If I were being petty,
I would mention that

you blatantly ignored everything

I asked of you during

our meeting with Malone.

And for your information, I am
not returning to Scotland Yard.

I have one more appointment,

then I shall be heading home.

Home?

I have a life outside of work,
Miss Scarlet,

as I'm sure you do.

[carriage door closes]
[jaunty music]

CAB DRIVER: Hup.
[horse neighs]

[hooves clopping]
[carriage rumbles]

[church bell rings]
[hooves clopping]

BARNABUS: Oh, this is the most
wonderful evening. [laughs]

What more could one ask for
than good company,

nice glass of wine,

and a very taxing game
of gin rummy.

Yes. It's just what the doctor
ordered.

I mean, I do not exaggerate
when I say

being in charge of three
extra mortuaries is...

Three times the work.
Yes, Barnabus, you have said.

Is, uh...is everything all
right, my dear?

Have I done something to
upset you or...?

It's been a long day.
That's all.

For us all.

We shall speak no more of work,
shall we, Miss Scarlet?

Although...[laughs] that is
a shame.

By a strange quirk of fate...

your name was mentioned today,
Miss Scarlet.

And um...well, I made a most
humorous observation.

- Oh?
- Yes.

When Inspector Blake came by,

to pick up the post-mortem
results on a Mr. Fletcher,

the Chairman of the Guild
of Private Detectives,

the same gentleman
who sent over the, uh,

bottle of champagne to us
at the restaurant.

The same gentleman you threw
the wine over. [laughs]

So, I said to the inspector,

I'm surprised Miss Scarlet
isn't a suspect.

[laughs uproariously]

That was the humorous
observation, you see?

Yes.

I gathered that.

Did the post-mortem reveal

what poison was in his body?

It did.

That is classified information.

I'm working with the inspector
on the case.

There were several likely
candidates for poisons.

I'm...I'm merely wishing you
to confirm which one.

Miss Scarlet, I cannot reveal...

Was it strychnine?

- No.
- Hydrogen cyanide?

- No. And you cannot...
- Dear God, the pair of you.

Just tell her and have done
with it.

[upbeat music]

Physostigma venenosum,

also known as the Calabar Bean.

But that...I will say no more.

And the puncture mark

on the back of Fletcher's hand,

it was from a syringe,
wasn't it?

It was.

Excellent.

It's your turn, my dear.
[glass bangs]

Yes, I know it's my turn,
Barnabus.

[people chattering]

[hooves clopping]

[jaunty music]

[door opens]

Morning, Clarence.

Morning.
[door closes]

I have some news.

I discovered that the poison
used to k*ll Mr. Fletcher

is a rare and ingenious one.

When placed in food or drink,

it's slow-acting, taking hours,

if not days to take effect.

Death occurs by cardiac arrest,

making it impossible to
distinguish from natural causes.

However...

Mr. Fletcher was k*lled by
an injection,

directly into his bloodstream.

He would've died in seconds.
So, the question is...

Why are we talking about
a case

that Scotland Yard is working on
and we are not?

The question is,

why go to the effort of getting
a rare,

slow-acting poison
only to inject it

straight into the victim's body?

It leaves a visible
puncture mark

and high levels of poison,
making m*rder

much easier to detect.

I've been doing some digging...
and I discovered that

this poison known as
the Calabar Bean,

grows in the same area of
West Africa

where Fletcher and Spilsbury

served in the army.

It's intriguing, is it not?

It is intriguing,

but it doesn't change the fact

this is not a case

we've been hired to work on.

Clarence, this is our chance

to prove ourselves.

Eliza, it is not that I don't

admire your tenacity,

but there is an equal chance

that conducting our own
investigation

will antagonise Inspector Blake.

But a gamble worth taking,
is it not?

- Well, I...
- Good, then we are agreed.

Now, I intend to investigate
Mr. Spilsbury further.

No syringe was found at
the crime scene.

So...if he's involved,

then perhaps he stored it
somewhere.

In the meantime,
I have a task for you.

Oh dear.

This poison is extremely rare

and hard to come by,

so, you must talk to someone

who deals in the more exotic end

of the black market.

Exotic being a euphemism
for dangerous?

Oh, he's uh, far from dangerous.

[suspenseful music]

[hooves clopping distantly]
[people laughing]

Mr. Gibson?

Who wants to know?

I'm sorry to bother you,

but I'm here on a matter

of urgent business.

I only deal with people I know,

and I don't know you.

I...I'm an associate of
Miss Scarlet,

who I believe you've met
on a number of occasions.

I've never heard of her.

Right. Um...

We are looking for a list of
suppliers

of a particular poison.

The Physostigma venenosum.

It's also known as
the Calabar Bean.

I deal with legitimate
works of art,

sold with full providence,

not poison.

Miss Scarlet informs me that

you have diversified
your business

and you now provide a more

eclectic range of products?
[chuckles]

She also tells me that you are
a cautious man,

and that I will need to make it
worth your while...

financially speaking.

Yes, er, perhaps I could provide
some information,

if the price is right.

My secretary deals with
payments.

Your secretary?

[footsteps thumping]

A recent appointment

to ensure the smooth running

of my new diversification.

Oh. [laughs]

So, um, who might provide that
particular poison?

I've never heard of it.

No, but I just paid you for
the information.

Yeah, and the information is...

I've never heard of it.

Then I shall have
my money back.

- No refunds.
- But I...

Take it up with my secretary...

on your way out.
[suspenseful music]

Uhhh...
[door opens]

[door closes]

[people chattering]

[window sliding open]

[drawer opens]

[door opens]
[drawer closes]

[slow footsteps approaching]

Mr. Spilsbury?

I have a revolver
and I'm not afraid to use it.

Is that true?

[sighs]

- No.
- What are you doing here,

- Miss Scarlet?
- Well, the same thing

- as you, I imagine.
- It is anything but the same.

You have unlawfully broken in.

Whereas I have a search warrant.

Can you see the difference?

Well, if you'd stop being
so stubborn and allow me

to assist you,
I wouldn't have to.

MAN: [shouting] Help! Please!

- It's coming from downstairs
- MAN: Help, down here!

Wait here.

[footsteps receding]

Help, please! [groans]

Malone.

[sighs]

[people chattering]
[hooves clopping]

[sighs]

This isn't the first time
I've found you

bound and gagged, Malone.

Perhaps you should rethink
how you conduct your business.

It's not my fault.

It was Spilsbury.

He asked me over
to discuss the election.

He said he was thinking
of conceding.

We sat down, had a drink.

And before I knew it,
he'd hit me over the head

and knocked me out.

Then I woke up down here.

I guess he wants me out of
the way for this evening's vote.

- [groans]
- So you would be a no-show,

and he would be elected to
chairman as default.

The man's a viper.

Where is this vote?

[treacherous music]

[applause]

[hooves clopping]

[applause continues]

Thank you.

Thank you, one and all.

I hope to prove myself

worthy of being
your new chairman.

And I do so in memory

of my dear friend and colleague,

Edmund Fletcher.

May he rest in peace.

[cheering and applause]

[market thrumming]

[goats bleating]

[door closes]
All right, let's go.

- Good morning, gentlemen.
- Ah, what do you want?

Oh, these are your business
premises,

I believe, very clever.

An unremarkable exterior

hiding an Aladdin's Cave

of contraband inside.

I said, what do you want?

I've been making some inquiries
about you, Mr. Gibson.

Just wish to confirm if what
I discovered is correct.

And what's that, exactly?

You are known to the black
marketeers

of London as Archibald Gibson.

But you are, in fact,
Stanley Grimsdyke

- of the town of Northampton.
- So?

The town where your wife lives,

a wife who believes you
to be dead.

[suspenseful music]

[laughs] It was a...

boating accident, wasn't it?

Have you spoken to Gladys?

Not yet, but that is my
intention.

She's not a difficult woman
to find.

The only female butcher

in the South of England.

She can break an entire cow
carcass single-handed,

I believe. [laughs]

So, perhaps you could
rack your brains,

and furnish me with that list
of possible suppliers

of the poison
that I paid for yesterday,

or else Mrs. Gibson
will discover

that she's no longer a widow.
[laughs]

I'm sure she'll be delighted
to be reunited

with her beloved husband.

[laughs]

Have you got a pen?

[hooves clopping]
[horse neighs]

[people chattering]

[knocking on door]

[door opens]

Good morning, is...

Uh, is Inspector Blake in?

Miss Scarlet.

What an unexpected pleasure.

Good morning, Inspector Blake.

Would you like to come in?

Oh, um...yes.

Thank you.

How many times have I told you,
young lady,

you are not allowed to answer
the door?



Mrs. Bambury's waiting to
make you breakfast.

You be a good girl,
and I promise

I will read you more of this
at bedtime.

I am sorry for disturbing you
at home, Inspector Blake,

but I have some information
to share with you

that cannot wait.

I went to your office,
and they...

well, they told me
you're running late.

I...I didn't know that
you had children.

Just the one.

Oh, what's your daughter's name?

- Sophia.
- How old is she?

What is this information that
cannot wait, Miss Scarlet?

Oh, my, um, my assistant
tracked down a man

who trades in rare poisons,

including the extract of
the Calabar Bean.

And yes, they know this is not
my m*rder case.

And yes, you've told me
many times

that you do not need my help,
but I wanted to show you that...

well, once I'm involved in
something,

I am committed to see it through

to the very end.

For better or for worse.

[door opens]

[door closes]
You're relentless, Miss Scarlet,

I'll give you that.

Spilsbury's not the m*rder*r.

I'm inclined to agree.

He's admitted assaulting Malone.

But there's no evidence of
anything else.

I know who bought the poison

that k*lled Fletcher.

[tense music]

So, I'll make it double that
we're working to,

if it's all right?

- Of course.
- Yeah?

You run a top establishment
here.

All right?

Get on it as soon as possible.

Whoa, whoa. What now?

I...I've given my statement,
there's enough...

Cynthia Quinn,
I am arresting you

for the m*rder of
Edmund Fletcher.

[dramatic music]

[carriage rumbling]
[hooves clopping]

My men searched your lodgings,

and found a syringe wrapped up

and discarded under your bed.

It contained the residue of
the poison

used to m*rder Edmund Fletcher.

I swear I didn't k*ll him.

I've known him since
I was a kid.

He served with my father.

And when my father died,

Mr. Fletcher helped my mother

where he could.

I never would've harmed him.

Then why did you buy
the poison?

I worked for Mr. Fletcher.

Did...bits and pieces for him.

Following someone here,

report on someone else there.

Then one day he told me

to get a job with Malone.

He hated that man.

American upstart, he called him.

He was terrified that Malone

would knock him off his throne.

He made a good living
as chairman,

not least 'cause of all
the kickbacks and the bribes.

So, he wanted you to report back
on Malone

and give him any dirt?

Malone might be a weasel,

but there was very little

to report back about.

Apart from the fact that
he drinks

a bottle of wine a day.

[mysterious music]

Bottle of wine found by his body

was from Malone?

- So was the poison?
- [sighs]

I took the bottle from Malone's
drinks cupboard,

and got the poison,
as ordered by Mr. Fletcher.

He intended to inject the poison
through the cork.

It would be slow-acting,

and Malone would be dead
in a few days,

by what would seem to be
natural causes.

So, what happened?

Mr. Fletcher had a hand tremor,

and as he went to inject
the cork,

his hand slipped.

And the stupid bugger
injected himself.

It was awful.

And you were there
and took the syringe?

I didn't want it to get
tracked back to me.

[sighs]

Why apply for a job at
Scotland Yard?

That was Malone.

He wanted to pay me

to report back on any
confidential cases.

It's a good way to get
new business.

[scoffs]

You're an industrious woman,
Miss Quinn.

When you grow up as I have,

you'll do anything to get by.

[mysterious music]

[people chattering]
[hooves clopping]

BLAKE: Her story was compelling,
to say the least.

Do you believe her?

She had no motive for m*rder,

and Fletcher paid her well.

And for a woman like
Cynthia Quinn,

it was all about the money.

You did well.

But?

But nothing.

That was the entire sentence.

Oh.

Well, thank you.

Oh, I have something for you.

Actually for your daughter.

[soft music]

Alice's Adventures
in Wonderland.

It was my favorite novel
when I was a girl.

There are no pirates
like Treasure Island,

but, um, it's quite
the adventure.

Thank you.

She has, in truth, struggled

in her new surroundings,

new home, new school.

Her nanny struck her
this morning.

We've had words, and now she's
with our neighbor, Mrs. Bambury.

May I ask...

w...what of her mother?

My...wife passed
a few years back.

I'm so sorry.

I know what it is to lose
a mother so young.

[knocking on door]

[door opens]

The clerical officer's ready
for you, Sir.

I trust you selected
he very best candidate?

Certainly.

On behalf of Scotland Yard,

I would like to welcome you all

to our new clerical office.

I hope you find this a fair
and decent place to work.

All we ask in return
is hard work,

discretion, and trust.
[soft music]

I look forward to working
with you.

So, once again,

a warm welcome to Scotland Yard.

[theme music]