02x23 - The High Fence

[bunniefuu]

This modest pad
belongs to Gabrielle Forrest.

If you've ever seen her in a movie
or a play, you have helped pay for it.

Like all great stars,
Gabby has idiosyncrasies.

I don't mean she keeps a lioness on
a golden chain, or bathes in goat's milk.

No, but whatever Gabby wants,
Gabby gets.

She is also notoriously late.

We'll probably only see half of the first
act of the play we're going to tonight.

Simon, darling! Come in.

That was fast.

I'm unbelievably punctual this evening.

You mean you're ready?
We can leave right now?

I've been sitting at the door
like a cat at a mouse hole.

A miracle!

Who wouldn't be punctual for a date
with the famous Simon Templar?

Let's get going.

Give 'em a few minutes.
There's no need to rush.

- Are you scared, Johnny?
- No, I'm just careful.

I've been nicked six times.

You're sure about the help, aren't you?

Butler and maid off on Thursdays.
Come on, let's go.

It beats me how the High Fence
knows these things.

- What's the matter?
- Ssh!

They're in. OK, bye.

- Can you open it?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The money's fabulous, but
one doesn't go to Hollywood to live.

One goes to Hollywood to die.

Roddy even had my airplane ticket,
but then I thought that... Oh, Lord!

- What's the matter?
- The tickets!

I put them on the coffee table in the
lounge, so I'd be sure to remember them.

Oh, Simon, I'm sorry.

I knew I should have bought
those tickets myself.

- What's taking so long?
- Ssh!

That's it.

- (Car door slams)
- Someone's coming.

I won't be a minute, Simon.

(TulS)

(Screams)

- Simon!
- Call the police.

Police? This is Gabrielle Forrest.

- Faster! Faster!
- She's flat out.

No, don't.

(Tyres squeal)

So a b*llet hit my front tyre
and I lost them.

- What make of car?
- A dark green ' Zephyr.

- Simon?
- Scotch?

I suggest you don't, Miss Forrest.
The evening isn't over yet.

- Mr Fryer...
- Pryor!

Mr Pryor. I do beg your pardon.

You are here to investigate a robbery,
not dictate Miss Forrest's habits.

I am only suggesting...

I don't care what you're suggesting. Miss
Forrest has had a severe shock tonight.

- Did you get the registration number?
- Yes, it was GOP.

- But it won't do you any good.
- I'll be the best judge of that.

- Robbins.
- Sir?

It was a stolen car, fake plates. Or both.

GOP, dark green.
Check on it, will you?

Yes, sir.

Have you ever come across my friend
Chief Inspector Claude Eustace Teal?

I know Mr Teal, yes.

You sound as though you don't like him.

- May we please stick to the subject?
- Certainly. Go right ahead.

- I have a good print here, sir.
- Well, it's your job, isn't it?

I shall require a description
of each piece of jewellery.

You may be required
at the station tonight.

- Tonight?
- Why?

It'll take a couple of hours
to check those prints.

- You may have to look at photographs.
- Inspector, darling, I am a little upset.

- I don't mean to be uncooperative.
- That's to be expected.

After all, it is your jewellery.

Do you know what the High Fence
would get for this?

About half the value.
Six or seven thousand pounds.

Get some paper, will you?

Some paper!

The man and the girl, they saw you both.

- So what?
- In the light, good and clear.

- So you've said, about times.
- It'll be all right.

It won't. Robbery's one thing,
but hurting people, it's wrong.

- Shut up.
- I won't have you talking...

I'll talk to her or you any way I choose.
You've been puking with fright all night.

I don't like v*olence.

Why the big panic?
We got away, didn't we?

We're clear, aren't we?
Come on, Johnny. We're laughing.

He's the only one.

Do you agree, Miss Forrest?

Yes, I agree.

- Right, pick up Johnny Anworth.
- Yes, sir.

- He looks pathetic.
- Don't waste your sympathy.

Is sympathy ever wasted?

Anworth has had
six previous convictions.

Petty larceny, fraud,
breaking and entering.

He is a confirmed, incorrigible criminal.

By the time I'm through with him,
I'll have the key.

Oh? To what?

- The High Fence.
- What's that?

The usual code of a fence is to pay
as little as possible for stolen property.

- The High Fence is different.
- What do you know about him?

He specialises in jewellery, and pays
twice as much as any other fence.

He has poor old Claude Eustace Teal
in a lather of frustration.

I'm not quite through.

You can stay up all night
and look at dirty pictures.

Miss Forrest and I are going home.

Bonsoir.

I'll stay at Marty's in Manchester
till things calm down.

All right.

I hate to leave you.

You have before. I'll manage.

I'm scared. Don't you understand that?

What's new about that?
You've been scared for years.

This is different.
Young villains like Fasson...

It doesn't matter who it is.
They always push you around.

- Now, listen...
- Never mind, Johnny.

You'd better go.

Yeah, yeah. I'll...phone you.

All right.

Bye, love.

Johnny Anworth?

- Who's the High Fence?
- I never heard of him.

- You're lying.
- I'm not.

- You robbed Gabrielle Forrest.
- That's not true.

Mr Templar and Miss Forrest
identified you.

- It's a mistake.
- Who was with you?

- I don't know what you're talking about.
- I'm beginning to lose patience. Talk!

You've got no right to browbeat me.

Right? The right's on my side.
Talk, or I'll put you through that wall.

That's police brutality.

Hm. Someone's been reading the papers.

I apologise from the bottom of my heart,
if I've been in any way brutal.

You and your mate tried to k*ll a man
last night. That's brutality.

No, sir. I...

You att*cked Gabrielle Forrest.
That's brutal, isn't it?

- It's a lie.
- You're as guilty as hell and I know it.

But we'll keep everything on a nice, high
moral plane and be very, very polite.

Well, It's no more than me legal rights.

Legal rights!
You'd sh**t your own mother.

Can't you get it through
that mud-filled brain of yours

that this is your seventh conviction?

By the time you're out of Dartmoor,
you'll be .

My solicitor. I want to talk to my solicitor.

So, Mr Anworth has a solicitor, has he?

Yeah, yeah, I have.

Look, Johnny,
talk and I'll do my best for you.

Tell me who the High Fence is
and I'll make things easier.

I want my solicitor.

- I don't want to be...self-incriminating.
- Oh, all right, phone him.

Legal rights! Solicitors for scum like this!

He'd better be good. Very good.

Can I please speak to Mr MacPherson,
please?

- Mr MacPherson, it's Johnny Anworth.
- Your star client!

- I'm in a little bit of trouble.
- Up to here.

I'd certainly appreciate it if you could
come to Newcourt Police Station.

Now!

They seem to think that I've robbed
somebody, but it's all a big mistake.

Yes, sir. Fine.

Thank you very much, sir.

He'll be down in an hour.

Splendid. In the meantime, we can
continue chatting, very politely.

Mr Pryor, I'm exhausted. I've had nothing
to eat since supper last night.

Couldn't I have a sandwich
and a cup of tea, maybe?

Robbins, get him something, will you?

- The canteen's closed, sir.
- Get it from the café opposite.

Yes, sir.

Cup of tea, love.

- Cup of tea.
- Tea? OK.

And a ham sandwich.
We've got a hungry prisoner.

- Oh, and tea for me, as well.
- And for me, dear.

Scotland Yard?
Get me Inspector Teal, will you, please?

Yes, I'll hold on.

- Are you married, Johnny?
- Eh? Oh, yeah, yeah.

Excuse me, have you got a light, please?

Sure.

- Thanks very much.
- That's all right.

Thanks, love.

- Eugh. I don't think much of your char.
- I'm so sorry you don't like our tea.

- Robbins, what do you suggest?
- Some espresso coffee?

No, why don't you nip out
and get half a bottle of champagne?

(Retches)

- What is the matter?
- I feel hot and clammy.

Would you like us
to invite your physician?

No, I'm not kidding this time. I...

And one...moonstone...brooch.

- That the lot?
- Yes, yes.

Miss Forrest, the man with Anworth. Can
you give me a good description of him?

Well, he was about six feet tall,

and he had blond hair.

But it happened so fast
and I was so frightened.

- I didn't get a good look at him.
- Yes, of course. What was he wearing?

He had on a suit, a dark suit.

- Morning, Gabby.
- Morning, Simon.

- This is Mr Stryker.
- I know you. Bob Stryker.

How are you, Templar?

- What are you doing here?
- Asking Miss Forrest a few questions.

I'm with Warwick Midland Insurance now.

You left Scotland Yard?

Yes, the same old reason. Warwick
offered me nearly double the salary.

- How is the investigation going?
- Not very well.

- Nine jewel robberies in six months.
- Nine?

Yours is the tenth.
The police are utterly baffled.

You don't think
I'll get my jewellery back?

Let's say I'm not very optimistic.

Yes, but the police have arrested
this man Anworth.

- Brilliant of them.
- What do you mean?

You and Mr Templar identified him and
the police had his name and address.

- At least it's a start.
- If he talks. I'm going to see him now.

- Mind if I come along?
- Not at all.

We need all the help we can get.

- See you later.
- Bye, Simon.

Right under your nose,
a man is poisoned. How?

I don't know.

A man in custody
is under the protection of the law.

- What have you to say?
- I am as distressed...

Distressed? Don't you realise
what the papers will say?

- I am very sorry...
- The Commissioner will make sure of it!

- (Knocking)
- Open the door!

The Bloodhound of the Yard. I thought
I recognised your dulcet tones.

- What do you want?
- Did Anworth tell you anything?

No.

Am I wrong,
or do I sense hostility in the air?

- What's the matter? Stomachache?
- No. You can go, I'm busy.

- My company feels very strongly...
- I couldn't care less, Mr Stryker.

I'm sorry, Inspector. I'm just as anxious
to see this case solved as you are.

What did Anworth say, Claude?

You may as well know. It'll be
all over London in a couple of hours.

Anworth's dead.

- What?
- Dead?

- Poisoned.
- How?

- We don't know.
- You mean he was poisoned here?

Yes, right under Pryor's nose.

- How?
- Cyanide. Enough to k*ll a regiment.

- Have you spoken to his wife?
- Not yet.

Logically seems to be the next step.

When I want advice, I'll ask for it.

There's no need to be touchy.
I have a special interest in this case.

- Oh, you have, eh?
- Miss Forrest is a close friend of mine.

We'll pay Mrs Anworth a visit.

You won't go near
until I'm through with her.

And if you interfere, I'll arrest you so fast
you'll wonder what's hit you.

Well, what are we waiting for?

Why should I cooperate?
Give me one good reason.

- Withholding information is an offence.
- Then arrest me!

Go ahead. Hound me the way
you did Johnny. Six arrests!

- Johnny was a confirmed criminal.
- He was sick and he needed help.

- All he got was persecution.
- We're truly sorry for what happened.

- Save your sympathy.
- There will be a full investigation.

I don't blame you for being bitter.

That's very charitable,
but it doesn't do much good.

- Now, Mrs Anworth...
- Johnny's dead and you k*lled him.

- That's ridiculous.
- Mrs Anworth, that's just not true.

Somebody poisoned your husband
to keep him from talking.

You may be able to help us find the man.

- Under the law, you are required to...
- Pryor!

- Who was Johnny with last night?
- I don't know.

- Have you heard of the High Fence?
- No.

- What did Johnny do with the jewellery?
- Johnny never told me anything.

If I could answer your questions I would,
but I don't know.

I just don't know!

Now please get out of here
and leave me alone.

- We'll call again when you're calmer.
- Don't bother.

(SObs)

- Put a man on the house, -hour watch.
- Yes, sir.

- And Pryor, you were too rough on her.
- I don't agree.

All she understands at the moment
is that her husband is dead.

She wasn't exactly grief-stricken,
was she?

Pryor, you've got a lot to learn.

Yes, I see. Mm-hm.

Right. Well, thank you, Inspector Teal.
Goodbye.

Well?

In that lovely police phrase, Mrs Anworth
was a noncooperative witness.

- She wouldn't talk?
- Or couldn't.

She's holding out.
She was married to Anworth for years.

Yes, I know, but how can a man
be poisoned in a police station?

My dear Miss Forrest,
after years with Scotland Yard,

believe me, anything can happen
in a police station.

Do you think I might get something
out of Mrs Anworth?

Of course you could. There isn't
a woman alive who can resist you.

Thank you, Gabby, dear.

- Do you mind if I have a try?
- Mind? I'd be delighted.

If you can recover the jewellery,

the insurance company would buy it
from you with no questions asked.

- Come along. We'll tackle her together.
- Fine.

Simon?

Oh, Simon, can I come too?

Gabby, you are adorable
and we love you.

But two's company and three's a crowd.

You study your next script.

I always knew that one day
something like this would happen.

I pleaded, I begged him to stop,
but he wouldn't.

Mrs Anworth, most of us have done
things of which we're not very proud,

me more than most,
but I don't go along with m*rder.

I'll do anything in my power
to bring Johnny's m*rder*r to justice.

You'll have to help me, though.

What can I do?

Tell me about the people
Johnny was associated with.

Johnny never told me anything.
He was frightened.

- Of what?
- This man they call the High Fence.

Why was he afraid of him?

Johnny was beaten up because
he tried to stop working with him.

Now he's dead.

Mrs Anworth,
did you ever see the High Fence?

- No.
- Did Johnny ever mention him by name?

Do you know who Johnny
was with last night?

Yes. He was with a man named Fasson.
They called him Sunny Jim.

Do you know where he lives?

No, but I have got a telephone number.

Johnny wrote it on the back of a milk bill.

Yes, here it is. Paddington.

May I? Yes, I can get the address
from this. May I use your phone?

- There's one in the hall upstairs.
- Fine. I'll be right back.

Mr Templar,
how do things like this happen?

It's funny, Mrs Willis upstairs,
her husband's a bus driver,

the same job for years.

Never had any trouble with the police,
not ever. And he's so mean.

Johnny wasn't like that, he was nice.

Little presents for no reason.

He never forgot my birthday.

Or our wedding anniversary.

How can a man be as nice as that and...?
I don't understand it.

I got it.

Here it is. Gilden Road.

(Door buzzer)

- Who is it?
- Quincy.

- What do you want?
- There's been a change of plan.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

- The cops have got Anworth.
- I don't believe it.

- Picked him up at his home last night.
- How?

The Forrest girl identified a photograph.

He'll talk. He hasn't the guts of a mouse.

That's why I'm here. £ . The rest when
the High Fence gets rid of the jewellery.

- ?
- You'll get the rest in a week or two.

Hide out somewhere
and phone me at the usual number.

- Look...
- Where's the stuff?

You wouldn't try anything, would you?

(Laughs) Jim, I'm your friend.

I'm sure you love me.

Well, I wouldn't go that far.
But you can trust me completely.

- I guess I have to.
- That's right.

Now pack a bag
and get out of here quick, eh?

Lie low and don't talk to anybody.

There it is, number seven.

- Why don't you stop?
- There's an alley down the back.

You were right.

You cover the alley.
I'll go round the front.

OK. Be careful.

Just a minute, Fasson.
You remember me?

- Sorry. You've got the wrong man.
- Let me refresh your memory.

- Where's Gabby's jewellery?
- Drop dead.

You're next. The High Fence will k*ll you,
just as he k*lled Anworth.

- Anworth?
- Poisoned in the police station.

You're a liar.

(Police bell ringing)

Wait!

Go to Kosy Korner Café...
in Hatton Garden.

Watch for a man in a blue coat.

The lining's black and white checked.

Blue coat, black and white check lining.
What about it?

Kosy Korner Café,

tomorrow or the day after.

All right, Templar, I'll take over.

Shut up, Pryor.

Fasson? Fasson, who's the High Fence?

Never seen him.

Do you know his name?

No... (Yelps)

(Banging)

He got away.

I tried.

He hit me on the back of the neck.

I was unconscious, and then I staggered
back to Fasson's house.

- I should put you behind bars.
- What charge?

- Interference with police enquiries.
- Keep quiet.

Templar's one thing.
You're ex-Yard, you know better.

Keep cool,
you're going to do yourself an injury.

Fasson might be alive
if you hadn't interfered.

Now go home and stay out of trouble.

Thank you, Claude. When I catch
the High Fence, you can have the credit.

- Provided I get the reward.
- Get out.

Remember your blood pressure.

Stryker, your licence as
an insurance investigator is a privilege.

Why shouldn't I have it revoked?

- Look, Teal, if I hadn't...
- Inspector Teal to you.

Ten jewel robberies. What have
the police accomplished? Nothing.

What have you and Templar
accomplished? Fasson's m*rder.

- I hope you know what you're doing.
- I make a point of it.

The Kosy Korner Café.
Are you sure there is such a place?

It's in the directory, with a K.

It's the place where the High Fence
collects stolen goods.

- Fasson said the man wore a blue coat.
- With a checked lining.

That's not much to go on. Don't you
think you should talk to the police?

Claude Eustace told me
to keep away from him, and I'm obedient.

Besides, I prefer to play a lone hand.

What have we stopped here for?

Oh, charming!

Come on, let's get this over with,
so we can go someplace decent, huh?

Gabby, how many plays have you done
in the West End?

- Oh, darling, I've lost count. Why?
- Have you played an Irish waitress?

'An-

Oh, now, Simon, you must be joking.

Simon!

- What did you say your name was?
- O'Brien, ma'am. Katie O'Brien.

- You've had no London experience?
- Only yesterday I arrived from Dublin.

But surely
eatin' is the same everywhere?

Turn round.

Beggars can't be choosers.

I'm sure I'd be pleasing you.
'Tis very willing I am.

- £ a week, - . When can you start?
- Right away if you'd be wanting it.

Take that card out of the window.

- Morning.
- Good morning.

- What are you doing?
- Nothing.

- That's not what you're paid for.
- Sorry.

Gabrielle Forrest
is working as a waitress?

In a place called the Kosy Korner Café.

- But why?
- That's what I'd like to know.

And Templar sits outside,
in her car, mind you, and watches.

- Watches what?
- I really don't know.

- What the devil's he up to?
- I haven't the foggiest idea.

But the whole thing is suspicious.

Yes, it certainly is. Put a man onto it...
to watch them.

Thank you.

Oh, Simon,
this has been an absolute revelation.

Seeing how the working classes live?

No, the way they work.
And for £ and tips a week.

My feet hurt all the way up to my hips.
I feel like I've walked miles.

We have to change our signal.
From where I park, I can't see you.

I could jump on the table
and do a striptease.

It's quite an idea.

It would please the customers,
but I don't think it's very practical.

Well, there's some artificial flowers
in the window.

If our man comes in,
I'll move them to the other end.

No, when he's leaving.
Then I can follow him.

Mm. OK.

I certainly hope
we're not wasting our time.

Well, Simon, make up your mind!

This kitchen sl*very
doesn't suit my talents.

Never mind. You can retire once you see
a blue coat with a checked lining.

(Phone ringing)

Enderby Jewellery.

Oh, it's you.

Yes, I can.

The Kosy Korner again?

Yes, all right, I'll leave now.

Is the steak really rare? I like it raw.

Darlin', I've seen cows
hurt worse than this recover.

All right, I'll have it. Thank you.

I've changed my mind. ls there any fish?

Yes, ma'am.

- Morning, Mrs Stewart.
- Morning, Mr Enderby.

Oh, excuse me, ma'am.

- Sorry, sir. Morning.
- Morning. Thank you.

Tomato soup, liver and bacon...

and chocolate pudding.

Is something wrong, young lady?

Oh... No, sir. Would you be liking
chips with that?

I never eat starchy foods.

Would you like something to drink?

- Tea, please.
- Yes, tea.

Thank you, sir.

- Morning, sir.
- Morning.

Er... Steak and kidney pie
with peas and mash, please.

Yes, sir. Would you want any sweet, sir?

- No thanks.
- Thank you, sir.

Will that be all, sir?

That's all, thank you.

- Thank you very much.
- Let me help you with that.

Er, well, yes...

You enjoyed your lunch?
The pudding to your liking?

Are you leaving, sir?

Who do you think you're fooling,
Miss Forrest?

Mrs Stewart, the little man who just left,
the one in the bowler hat and blue coat.

- What about him?
- What's his name?

- Mr Enderby.
- What does he do?

He owns Enderby Jewellery. Why?

- Where's that?
- In Hatton Garden. What's this about?

Miss O'Brien. Miss O'Brien!
No phoning during working hours.

Why don't you shut up
and go sample your roast beef?

Police?

(Knocking)

- Who are you?
- A friend of Gabby Forrest's.

- What do you want?
- Her jewellery.

We can do this quietly,
or you can scream your head off.

You're coming with me. To the police.

- What do you mean?
- I'll explain on the way.

All right, I'll take those.

Get this, Templar.
I k*lled Anworth and Fasson.

One more m*rder
won't make a difference.

- Where's your car?
- I won't have any part of this.

- In the alley.
- At the back? You're driving. Move.

One false move out of you, Templar,
and you're dead.

Next left.

Don't move, Templar.

Next right, into the garage.

- Hello, Templar.
- High Fence.

- Surprised?
- Do I look it?

No, but you will be.
Kick that rug aside, will you?

- I beg your pardon?
- The rug. Move it.

In the days of Queen Victoria,
this place was a brewery.

That leads directly
to the main London sewer.

Tomorrow, you'll be found
floating in the Thames.

With a b*llet in your head.

- Surely the lead'll make me sink?
- You can't!

- Tell me, what made you suspicious?
- Your alleged b*ating-up.

Really? I thought I was very convincing.

Yes, but nutcracker-jaws here doesn't
work that way. Do you, Mr Punch?

Wait.

What do you mean?

He k*lled Fasson in cold blood
and took a couple of sh*ts at me.

But you got away with a kick
in the temple. It didn't add up.

And then I thought back
to your contempt for police efficiency.

For someone who's ex-Scotland Yard,
that's off key.

There again, being an insurance
investigator was a great help.

You knew where the jewellery was
and exactly how much it was worth.

Precisely. It's a pity you won't have
a chance to tell anyone else.

Except the rats in the sewer.

The sil*ncer, just in case.

And now, if you'll lift the door, please.

Lift the trap, Templar.

All right, Templar.

(Police bell ringing)

Superman, eh?
Let's see what you can do.

Gentlemen, I'm glad to see you. I thought
I was going to have trouble with this one.

That's all very well,
but where are the jewels?

In Sleeping Beauty's pocket.

- Don't just stand there. Get them.
- Yes, sir.

Here they are, sir.

Gabby, you were a very clever girl,
calling the police from the café.

I was rather brilliant.

Miss Forrest, the only reason
Templar is alive tonight

is because I had a man watching him.

That's the reason I managed to get
the car to the garage so quickly.

Claude, I'm deeply touched.

As I've been so mean to you in the past,
I wish to make amends.

You are to be our guest
at the theatre tonight.

No, run along. I've got work to do.

Oh, but I insist.

- Well...
- I insist too.

Well, I accept.

It's a good show.
You do have the tickets, Gabby?

- Of course I do.
- Just have a look.

Yes, I have them...