02x12 - The Well Meaning Mayor

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(Brass band playing)

Good morning. I hope you'll vote for
Mr Hackett. May I have your number?

I don't have one. I don't live here.

- What a pity.
- I'm just here to sail and fish.

- I'm so sorry to have troubled you.
- Not at all.

In some parts of the world,
you get clubbed into voting

or clapped in jail if you don't.

But English elections,
especially local ones,

remain pleasantly sedate.

Canvassing seems like...
an invitation to tea.

Nothing so crude as the political
hard sell, or even persistence.

- Simon, how are you?
- I'm fine.

- How's Seatondean's star reporter?
- Dreaming of Fleet Street.

- I didn't expect you till noon.
- I made good time.

Your office said you were here. What's
all this - doing your political duty?

Father-in-law duty.
I'm engaged to Hackett's daughter.

- Jack.
- Ah, darling.

Simon, meet Molly Hackett. Darling,
this is the famous Simon Templar.

- Bored to death?
- No. Enjoying every second of it.

- I'm not.
- People'll think you're a bad loser.

I just can't stand seeing Sam Purdell
milking the building-boom cow again.

- Shush!
- I don't care who hears me say it.

Better go easy on that.

Look at him! His Worship...
and worshippers!

Well, congratulations, Sam.
You're home and dry again.

Who says d TY?

Well...excuse me, excuse me.

- Congratulations, Sam.
- Thank you.

- Enjoying yourself, George?
- Full of bonhomie tonight, eh?

Oh, come off it, it was a fair fight,
you know that.

You lost and I won, but never mind,
you're still on the council.

Yes, Sam...l am still on the council.

Still ready to give us
some good stiff opposition, eh?

- Even if we do always vote you down.
- My day's coming.

No hard feelings, right?

- What's the matter with Hackett?
- Whisky and sour grapes.

(Crowd chanting) We want Purdell,
we want Purdell!

- They want you to say a few words.
- Right, I'm ready.

(Crowd) ..want Purdell...

Time for the benediction, your worship?

What's the matter, George? Jealous?

(Crowd) We want Purdell,
we want Purdell!

(Whistling and cheering)

Something tells me
I've been here before!

You know me. My ugly mug's
in the paper often enough.

More important, I know you
cos if you'll forgive the commercial,

Sam Purdell has tipped coal
in most of your back yards!

As mayor, I promise you I will
continue to deliver the goods!

- (Man) Well said, sir!
- You've seen a lot of changes here.

Like the Civic Centre we're building
and there are more changes to come!

You've done me and the party proud
and we will do you proud in return

because we are determined
to turn our town

into the finest seaside resort
on this coast!

For the benefit and the prosperity of all.

Prosperity for the mayor! This town
is being milked dry to line the...

- Get him out!
- Crooks and grafters!

- Let go of me!
- Behave yourself!

- How could you?!
- Purdell's a liar and a phoney!

One day someone will sue you -
spouting lies!

- They're not lies!
- Shut up and go home!

Oh, Dad, please, for heaven's sake!

(Crowd outside cheering)

(CFOWd) Hooray!

(Man) Hip hip...
(CFOWd) Hooray!

I'm..er...sorry that Councillor Hackett
has had a few too many.

To show I bear no grudges,
I'll invite him to have another!

- That's if he can still stand up!
- (Laughter)

- Dad, how could you do it?
- Sam Purdell's a liar and a crook.

Then go after him legally. Don't carry on
like an hysterical schoolchild!

- You were a fool!
- Don't talk to me like that!

Well, somebody has to!
What will people think?

I don't give a hang! Someone has to
bring all the graft to the surface!

You said that during your campaign.
Nobody listened.

- I couldn't prove it.
- You have to before hurling insults.

Sam will pass off this outburst
as sheer jealousy and liquor!

- I was not drunk!
- You have to fight Sam rationally.

Go after him
at the Works' Committee meeting.

That's how you'll get him,
not by throwing tantrums in public.

I lost my temper. I couldn't help it.

I'm sorry.

Oh, Dad, what am I going
to do with you?

- I didn't mean to embarrass you.
- It's not me I'm worried about.

Couldn't you use a little discretion?

It's just that I get so angry.
I have to lash out at people because...

(sighs)

I suppose I still miss your mother.

Yes...l know.

A man's life's got to mean something.
I must fight for what I believe in.

Yes, but couldn't you curb
the bulldozer tactics?

I will. I promise.

(Children laughing)

Harder, harder! Look, Joe,
take a real swing, right?

That's the stuff!

You shouldn't encourage the boys
to use their fists.

They'll never have to lift coal like I did.

- I want them to grow up tough.
- It's time you left. The car's here.

Bye, lads. See you tonight.

- Back in harness.
- Yes.

What's the matter?

The papers are full of last night.

I saw it. Hackett's just about
cooked his goose this time.

Why, Sam? Why does he say
these dreadful things?

Simple, love. George Hackett's eaten
up with jealousy. My job, this house.

Shouldn't you issue, I don't know,
some kind of statement?

- Saying what?
- How we got this house.

Wouldn't be bothered. You don't take
this sort of filthy smear seriously.

But people talk about how a coal
merchant can live the way we do.

What do you want me to say?
That I've been lucky?

That businessmen give me inside tips
because of my position?

Why should I justify it to Hackett?
He's a trouble-maker and a drunk.

One day, I'll punch him in the nose.

- Now, Sam...!
- Don't worry.

I have to go. Works' Committee at .

- I suppose Hackett'll be there.
- Don't worry, I'll handle him.

The Civic Centre's half finished
and already it's costing double!

Councillor, we can't control
the English climate.

(Laughter)

We can control spending! The plan to
add on an exhibition hall is extravagant!

Is it? What about the sales conferences
and trade fairs we'll attract in winter?

(Three men) Hear hear!

Let's get on with it. It's the third
time we've discussed buying the land.

- At that price, what do you expect?
- We have to decide.

Why can't we redesign the centre
to include this hall?

Our architect has already explained that.

But no doubt he'd be willing
to do so again.

To do that, we'd have to build upwards.

Town and Country Planning laws
forbid it.

Now, if you're quite finished,
we would like to press on.

Before I put it to the vote, the
town clerk'll run over the details again.

The area we require comprises
roughly one-and-a-half acres,

occupied by a disused bottle works
which would have to be demolished.

After negotiating with the owners,
the Bellevue Development Trust,

- a figure of £ , is agreed...
- Rigged!

- What?
- The price is rigged.

- You'd better explain that remark.
- Happy to.

Six months ago, Waterman's Lemonades
offered us this land at half price!

- We didn't want it then.
- Bellevue bought it.

But only after this committee
began to consider buying it.

Are you suggesting
there was a leak from here?

- I'll go further! It seems...
- Hackett!

You have gone far enough,
both inside and outside!

Who controls Bellevue?!

You think someone here
has an interest?

_ Yes!
_ Who?

- The records only list nominees!
- That's quite common these days.

And so are inflated prices whenever
we choose a school or hospital site!

- Enough!
- The land's owned by some company

with origins impossible to trace!

- Shut up or I'll throw you out!
- Try it!

Quiet!

(Silence)

Councillor Hackett,

you furnish the town clerk
with one shred of evidence

of corruption on this council
and an inquiry will be held.

Meanwhile, let me tell you something.
I'm tired of your wild insinuations.

I've refrained from taking legal action

because your accusations
aren't to be taken seriously,

but don't push your luck too far.

I'm warning you.

Now, back to business. We need
this land to complete the Civic Centre.

Can we have a vote?
All those in favour of purchase.

Thank you. I don't think we need
bother to count. Those against?

(Chuckling)

- I'll accept a motion to adjourn.
- I so move.

- I second.
- Meeting adjourned.

I'm surprised the model didn't
collapse under that crossfire!

Missing the mayor's job has sent
Hackett off the deep end.

As town clerk, I've never heard
anything so scandalous.

He's always had his Kn*fe into you,
Sam, but now it's got a poison tip.

If he keeps up that ridiculous talk,
people may start to believe him.

- What'll you have?
- I feel like six doubles, Joe.

- Six doubles?
- I'll start with one.

Yes, sir.

- Good morning, Mr Hackett.
- Hello, Jack. Morning, Mr Templar.

- Mr Hackett.
- Have a drink with me.

- Nobody else will.
- Why? After your speech last night?

- I've just made another.
- Same subject?

- Yes. What'll you have?
- Half-and-half, thanks.

- Mr Templar?
- Same for me.

- Two pints of half-and-half, Joe.
- Yes, Mr Hackett.

- Seems everybody's mad at me.
- That's politics.

It's a lot murkier than politics.
The colour of Sam Purdell's coal.

Do you have anything really concrete?

Concrete.

Yes. I'm getting it.

When you do have it, the Sentinel
will be right behind you.

- Thank you, Joe.
- You're welcome.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Sam's landed the town
with another big bill.

- The cost of the bottle works site.
- It's going through?

And the mysterious Bellevue company
makes a gigantic profit.

Did you trace the former owner?
Waterman? He retired somewhere.

- The grave. He d*ed three weeks ago.
- Wouldn't you know it!

- Well, I must get home.
- Another drink?

No, thanks. Never have more than one
before lunch. See you later.

- Cheerio.
- Cheerio. Thank you.

(Tyres squealing)

(Glass shattering)

Are you blind or something?!

You deliberately cut in front of me!

- You saw me a mile off, you clot!
- Hold it...!

- You've been drinking. You're drunk!
- You're a liar!

Yeah? Go ahead, hit me,
you drunken no-good!

He struck me, Officer! Damages me car
and then he att*cks me!

All right, calm down.
Let me have your drivers' licences.

He, er, has been drinking, Officer.
You can smell it.

- You dirty rotten liar!
- Have you been drinking?

- I did have a Scotch at the hotel.
- See? He admits it.

- It's a fake! It's a put-up job...
- You can explain it in court, sir.

- Any more tests?
- No.

- Am I sober?
- Mm-hm, completely.

- Am I capable of controlling a car?
- Yes.

But you're not capable
of controlling yourself.

I've been your doctor for ten years.
What makes you do these crazy things?

This is a frame-up. That accident
was planned to discredit me.

- Oh, come, now.
- You'll find out.

You'll be charged with as*ault.
Why did you hit him?

- I felt like it.
- The best of British luck to you.

- Jim, do you know this character?
- His name's Maxin.

He's a clerk who works
on the Civic Centre building site.

Oh, he is, is he?

You're a good chap. I voted for you,
but don't go around playing the fool.

Leave politicking to me.
Stick to medicine.

I will. Perhaps I'll find
a cure for pig-headedness.

- That looks very promising.
- Thank you.

- Anything like me?
- Mm, it's good. Strong.

It captures you admirably. Will you
excuse me if I interrupt a moment?

Certainly.

Here's the estimate
for the Town Traders' Dinner.

The catering should be shillings
per head, including drinks.

That seems a bit stingy.

Last year there was
a lot of over-indulgence.

Some of them are very old friends
of mine. Make it £ a head.

- It didn't work, Sam!
- Come again?

Your paid lackey -
framing me on a driving charge!

- What are you talking about?
- Who tipped you off I was in the bar?

- He's crazy!
- They heard me order six doubles.

But I only drank one...
so your scheme failed!

I have never head such tripe
in all my life!

I am sick and tired of you
and your ravings!

I'll get you!

See a doctor, man! You're sick!
You've got a persecution mania!

You won't wear these much longer!

Get out or I'll take 'em off and
kick you across the town square!

Gentlemen, please!

Shut up! You're too stupid
to see what goes on!

Out! Right now!

Tomorrow, at the full council meeting,
I'll get you!

Has he been making threats again?

Glad you find it amusing -
car accidents, hitting people.

- You're becoming the town freak!
- It was a frame-up.

- Oh, Dad, please!
- And Sam was behind it.

He's on the defensive. He's scared of me.

I understand why!
You should be put away!

- Don't be rude.
- You've an obsession about Purdell

and not one shred of proof!

I don't want to discuss it any more!

- Why must you be so quick tempered?
- Why must I?!

Carry on like this and Jack
will break the engagement!

- Why?
- The heredity risk!

- Molly, come here!
- What's the matter?

I've got Sam where I want him!
This proves it!

- Oh, fine! Take it to a lawyer!
- Read it! Go on!

Once and for all,
stop yelling about Sam Purdell!

It's all you've done for weeks!
I'm sick of it!

(Man whistling)

Mum, Mum, look!

Dr Y ates,
you were the deceased' s physician.

- I was.
- You knew him well.

- Yes.
- Did he have suicidal tendencies?

Definitely not!

Would you describe his personality
as stable?

Well...no.

- As unstable, then?
- Yes.

He was an excitable and violent man
given to unreasoning rages.

Yes.

- You performed the postmortem.
- I did.

- What did you find?
- Multiple fractures.

- Death was instantaneous.
- Anything else?

The deceased had not eaten for eight
hours. The stomach contained alcohol.

- How much?
- The equivalent of or doubles.

Enough to have affected his judgment?

Yes. He was going too fast.
He crashed into me.

- And afterwards?
- He said it was all my fault.

Then he hit me.
I could tell he'd been drinking.

At that time, he said he'd only had one.

Yes, the doctor examined him
and confirmed he'd been drinking.

Not enough
to make him unfit for driving.

Describe Mr Hackett's manner
at the time of the accident.

- He was in a rare state.
- Angry?

He swung at Mr Maxin again
and said it was all a put-up job.

The crash had been caused deliberately?

Yes...by me.

He burst into the town hall
with some story

that I'd put somebody up to framing him
on a drunk-driving charge.

Was he violent?

It didn't quite come to blows, fortunately.

But he grabbed at my robes
and went on shouting like...

Well, like a man
who's had a few too many.

Thank you.

Before I stand down,
I'd like to say something.

George Hackett
was my political opponent.

So, it was only natural he'd want
to discredit me. That's politics.

But as civic leader,
I should like to express publicly

a deep sense of shock and grief

at the loss of a fellow councillor...
and a very hard-working one at that.

Miss Hackett, this letter,
what did your father say about it?

He said, as nearly as I can remember,

"I've got Sam where I want him.
This letter proves it."

- It's not in your possession?
- No, I've looked everywhere.

- Did you read it?
- No.

- Why not?
- Well, I just didn't.

- You didn't take it seriously?
- Not exactly.

Isn't it true your father was deeply
disappointed at losing the election?

Well, naturally,
but not to the point of su1c1de!

Distressing though I know
this must be for you,

we must try to decide
whether it was this or an accident.

- Or something else?
- (Murmuring)

I should make it quite clear

that the police have no reason
to suspect foul play.

I understand that, it's just that...

My father did lose his temper often
and he did get excited about things,

but I just can't believe he became
so drunk as to drive over a cliff.

Miss Hackett, was your father
a predictable person?

- No.
- Erratic?

Frustrated!

He fought so people would know what
was going on in the mayor's office!

(Coroner banging gavel)

lam of the opinion that his state of mind
led to his drinking

and that alcohol led
to his losing control of his car.

In the absence of any stated intention
to commit su1c1de,

I shall record a verdict
of death by misadventure.

This court is now adjourned.

- Molly, I'm terribly sorry.
- That goes for me too.

There are some papers
of your father's. I'll send them on.

Thanks.

- Molly, is there anything I can do?
- No.

Mr Purdell...
I know Dad was against you,

but he believed
he was doing the right thing.

I'm sorry if...

No, please. I've always respected
an honourable opponent.

But he never drank gin.
He never touched it.

He was sure that he could expose Sam
Purdell. There must be a connection.

A connection that will take a lot of
proving. We can't move without facts.

Is it possible the gin
could've been forced down him?

It has been done before, but...

Are you sure he had the letter with him
that night he left the house?

- No, I'm not sure of anything.
- Thank you.

I heard about your father.
I'm awfully sorry.

- Considering I might've stopped him.
- Stopped him?

- How?
- He was in here drinking that night?

Oh, no, I mean after closing time.
I was on my way home and I saw his car.

Where?

By the building site.
You know, the new Civic Centre.

There were half a dozen letters. One was
about Sam Purdell. The others were bills.

There's one from
the Park Severn Cement Company.

- I've never heard of them.
- It's postmarked the th.

So he received it on the th -
the day that he d*ed.

Yes.

I'll visit the Park Severn
Cement Company,

see if anybody can tell me why
your father went to that building site.

Yes, Mr Templar, my company supplied
the cement for the Civic Centre.

We delivered the order
and received prompt payment.

Much later, Mr Hackett came to see me.

No, thank you.
What did he come to see you about?

He couldn't get his hands
on the blueprint of the building,

but he brought me a dozen photographs
of the site and accurate dimensions.

It was obvious there'd been
vast over-ordering.

- More cement than was needed?
- Double the quantity!

- What does this suggest to you?
- Fiddling.

How do they get away with it?

On several occasions,
cement was picked up at our plant

by Seatondean town council lorries.

What was needed at the site
would be delivered there.

The rest was probably stored in
some warehouse until it could be sold.

Sir Angus,
what was in the letter to Hackett?

Details of quantities ordered
and delivered.

- Did it cause his death?
- It looks like it.

His daughter swears
he had the letter on him.

Pity. He was racket-busting
and I wanted to help.

Why do you suppose
Hackett went to that site?

Probably he couldn't get at the town
hall specs without tipping his hand.

Perhaps he was looking
for the cement orders.

There were four.
I'll check that before you leave.

- You're very helpful.
- I wish I could do more.

You could...if you don't mind
a little irregularity.

That more or less ties in
with your reputation!

I believe you have interests
in an electrical company.

Yes, I do. Francis Mann Limited. Why?

The town council have advertised
for electrical tenders.

- I need a company to put in a bid.
- I see.

- Well, that can easily be arranged.
- Fine.

We'll be able
to spark things off very nicely.

- Can I help you, mister?
- Where's the clerk of the works?

He's up on the iron.

- Call him. I'd like a word with him.
- Yeah.

(Whistling)

- What can I do for you?
- I was just looking over the site.

- What's your business?
- Electric fillings.

I understand you want tenders.

- The town hall's the place for that.
- I like to do a little research first.

- Haven't I seen you round town?
- More than likely.

Pleasure with business,
that's my motto.

- What firm do you represent?
- Francis Mann Electrics.

The town clerk
will give you the dope.

You're sure he's the right man to see?

- That is what I said.
- Ah. Well...how about the mayor?

I haven't got all clay. If you wish to
go into it, the town hall is the place.

Oh, but I do want to go into it...
wholeheartedly.

Yes. I've got work to do,
if you'll excuse me.

All right. I'll be seeing you.

It's all yours.

- Ironside called me from London.
- The deal's gone through?

He signed with Bellevue's solicitors
this morning. The land is ours, lad.

Now give us a good design
for that hall.

I've done some preliminary sketches.

Excuse me,
there's a Mr Templar to see you.

Templar?

- Have you chaps finished?
- Yes.

Ask him to come in, Miss Swan.

Tonight's speech is on the desk.
I've added more facts and figures.

Behind every politician
there's a smart writer!

- See you later, Sam.
- Goodbye, gentlemen.

- Mr Templar.
- Ah, nice to see you again.

- Nice to see you, Mr Mayor.
- Sit down.

- Smoke?
- No, thanks.

You've been around town
three or four days now.

I came down to do a little fishing
with Jack Bryant.

Then I thought
I'd combine business with pleasure.

Oh?

Yes, and I'd appreciate your help.

In what way?

I have interests in several companies.

One of them being
Francis Mann Electrics.

We'd like to tender for the light fittings
in the new Civic Centre.

I'll arrange for you to see the architect

and Mr Maxin, our clerk of the works.

Yes, but I... I thought I'd like
to talk to you first.

I don't make these decisions personally.

Oh, we'd consider your support...
very valuable.

I don't quite understand you.

Mr Mayor, we're both businessmen...
and we're alone.

I'd like you to swing the contract
to my company.

- You'd like me to what?
- Recommend Francis Mann Electrics

for certain considerations.

Are you offering me a bribe?

No. Just financial support.

- A donation to any charity...
- Get out!

- Mr Mayor...
- Get out before I throw you out!

I'd better warn you, I'm heavier than
a sack of coal. Heavier than Hackett.

We don't like crooks and grafters
in this town.

That's not what I heard.

I say you're a crook.

Out! Anybody comes in, they're fired!

- Mr Mayor...
- Out!

And no calls!

I hate graft!

(Door knob rattling)

So did Hackett.

- You pack quite a punch.
- So do you.

But I don't take bribes.

I believe you. Let's call it quits.

What's the idea?

I was...just feeling you out.

You certainly were.

- You all right?
- Who told you to come in here?!

- Miss Swan said...
- We're merely having a friendly chat!

- Friendly?
- And confidential! Out!

All right, Templar.
Now, what's it all about?

Someone's making a fortune in graft
out of the new Civic Centre.

- Can you prove that?
- No, but you can.

Check this cement order against
the copy in the town hall safe.

Look, suppose we both go up
to my house, get cleaned up

and discuss this...calmly?

Two grown men fighting like savages.

- I kind of enjoyed it.
- So did I.

- Did you really sock my father?
- Yes, he did!

Now, buzz off, you two.
Run off and play.

It's the best I can do. It's obvious
to anyone you've been in a fight.

Mrs Purdell, I'm sorry if you disapprove.

Mr Templar, I think you're both
out of your minds.

Alice.

It took this to make me understand.
I checked the files.

Cement orders have been altered,
specifications changed.

We've paid out for almost twice
the cement required.

Sam, how could that have happened?

Everything costs more than
the estimates now.

I can't go round checking personally
on every item purchased.

Templar, I've tried my best
to do things for this town.

- I know that.
- But, Sam, it isn't your fault.

It is, you know. It's public money.
I'm responsible for what's happened.

A mayor who can't spot corruption
can't stay in office.

- I'm resigning.
- Resigning?

Sam, when things go wrong, a man can
run away and let them get worse

or he can stay
and try and make them better.

- That's true.
- Who do you think is involved?

Anybody - Maxin, Larry Dexter,
Alderman Greer, even ironside.

But all these men are friends.
I've known them all my life.

All right, then let me try something.

Let me offer a bribe
to each of the suspects.

Whoever goes after it's our man.

- Where do we start?
- There's a party?

- Yes.
- Who's invited?

- Everybody on the council.
- Good. Then invite me too.

I'll offer up the bait and see who bites.

This afternoon, put in a good word

at the council meeting
for Francis Mann Electrics Limited.

(Conversation buzzing)

You seem anxious
to secure this contract.

Naturally.

No disrespect,
as you're the mayor's guest,

but I disapprove of social lobbying.

- Alderman Greer, it's done all the time.
- Yes, I suppose it is.

There's no harm in it,
as it's the lowest bid that will win.

- Is it?
- Well, isn't it?

- There are other considerations.
- Oh? Such as?

Let me put it this way - my company
is prepared to be very cooperative.

I don't quite understand you,
Mr Templar.

Well, Alderman,
suppose you think about it.

And when you do understand me,
let me know. Excuse me.

Anything cooking?

Only the steaks.

There shouldn't have been
a building there.

- No, it might've...
- Gentlemen.

Ah, Mr Templar,
decided on your bid yet?

No. There are a few details
still to be sorted out.

- Is there anything I can do to help?
- Yes.

Yes, I would appreciate it
if you could push matters a little.

- All depends on what you're pushing.
- I take it you mean superior quality?

Mr Dexter, you can take it
any way you like.

My company has very, shall I say,
liberal sales policies.

Mr Templar, are you trying
to buy this contract?

How on earth did you get
an idea like that?

The question is, Mr Templar,
how did you?

- Nobody bit.
- Not even a nibble.

Whoever this is, maybe they didn't
want to risk it in the mayor's house.

Or maybe he's wise to me.

In a way, I'm kind of relieved.
These men are friends of mine.

Hackett was m*rder*d.

- Somebody did it, Sam.
- You're right.

We've just got to keep probing.

You'll let me know
if you get any sort of approach?

Of course I will. Thanks for a fine party.

- I'll see myself out the back way.
- Good night.

Sam, the fish took the bait after all.

I found this in my car.

"If you want a guarantee
of getting your contract,

"bring £ , in cash
as evidence of your good faith

"to the building site
tomorrow night at ."

- Unsigned.
- The writing familiar?

No.

I'm gonna b*at the living daylights
out of whoever did this.

Then he'll get
what's coming to him legally.

Come to my office tomorrow after lunch.

I'll have £ , ready for you -
marked notes.

- We'll catch him red-handed!
- Good. I'll be there.

...£ , . The notes are marked.
I've got a record of the serial numbers.

- Good work.
- I've talked to the Chief Constable.

He'll have men hidden round
that building site.

- You're a very efficient operator.
- I don't want anything to go wrong.

- It won't.
- See you tonight, then.

Say the right things,
make sure he's got the money on him,

give us a shout and we'll grab him.

- Right.
- Will you see Molly Hackett today?

I'm having dinner with her tonight.

Tell her how sorry I am
that I didn't listen to her father.

Cos he was right... I was wrong.

Course I will.

(Whistling)

I'm over here, Templar.

- Are you alone?
- Yes.

- Got the money?
- Uh-huh.

Well, bring it over.

- I knew it.
- How?

You were too good to be true -
too quick to pick a fight over my bribe.

The outraged virtue act
from Madame Butterfly.

Plus I figured a gravy train like this
needed high-powered dual control.

As you've probably realised,
the police won't be coming.

So it's just you and me again.

- And Maxin.
- I'm afraid he won't be much use.

He's asleep. Take a look down, Sam.

Nervous?

- Not a bit.
- Molly Hackett knows I'm here.

No trouble.
You've got plenty of enemies.

You disappear. Molly Hackett starts
a hue and cry, we deny everything.

Who's going to believe her?
She's her father's daughter.

They're at the building site.

- The mayor said he'd call you.
- What about?

He and Simon set a trap.
The police have been called in.

I've just been to the police station.
There isn't anything doing tonight.

You're finished, Sam.

There'll be somebody to look over the
books even when you're out of office.

- The books are beautifully kept.
- You're wrong.

I'll think about that

when I'm laying
the foundation stone here.

You'd just better make sure
it's not your grave stone.

Come on, then! Come on!

Come on!

(Grunting)

Ahh!

Pull me up!

Sorry, Sam. Are you ready to talk?
How much did you get away with?

All right, I'll pay back every penny!

- You k*lled Hackett!
- No! No, I didn't!

Sam, I want the truth or I'll let you drop!

Please, Templar, don't!

(Siren)

Talk! My wrists are beginning
to ache! You k*lled Hackett!

Yeah! Yes, I did!

Pull me up! Please!

- There'll be another election.
- Sooner the better.

Not for me, thanks.
This is where I came in!

I can't thank you enough.

You've vindicated Dad and exposed Sam
as a thief and a k*ller.

- And also as a consummate actor.
- With only one role.

Sam Purdell...
as the well-meaning mayor. Cheers.