19x06 - The Curse of The Ninth

[bunniefuu]

Bravo!

Bravo!

Thanks to Zak Sowande,

the last of our very talented finalists

and a sensational start to this
year's Thassingham Festival.

The Falconer Bursary Award
has helped establish

many of today's leading classical artists.

Members of the festival have voted online

for the musician they
felt was most deserving

and the results, as they say, are now in.

And the winner is...

.. Jacob Wheeler.

Thank you so much. Thank you.

- Congratulations, Jacob.
- Thank you.

You'll be able to enjoy
his exceptional playing

after the interval.

In the meantime, why not enjoy a
delicious Rafferty's Gin cocktail

outside on the lawn?

Good luck, darling! You'll be brilliant.

- Thanks, Mum.
- Enjoy.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

You should've won, that's
what everyone's saying.

But I didn't, did I, Dad?

Fancy a snifter, my love.

I'm not lining their
pockets and neither are you.

I play so much better with a drop taken.

No, Vernon, you just think you do.

Cheer up, darling, it's the festival.

- See you in there.
- Yeah.

Hey!

- Told you I'd do you proud, sis.
- Congratulations.

Well done, Jacob.

Hang on one second.

Hey.

No hard feelings, mate.

It's cool. The best man won.

- Dad.
- Not now, Dan.

Thank you.

As some of you perhaps know,

at the festival this year,

we will be performing my
long-awaited ninth symphony.

And tonight, as a prelude, our
award winner, Jacob Wheeler,

will lead the orchestra in a
rather fiery last movement

of my eighth symphony.

So, ladies and gentlemen, Jacob Wheeler.

Jacob Wheeler, ladies and gentlemen.

And that broomstick trick
only works in old films.

Can I open the wine now?

Look.

I'm only two chapters in and
I've already got writer's block.

According to the mystery writers' blog,

putting myself through the
same emotional experience

as my characters can
inspire a breakthrough.

Please.

OK.

OK, so we're at the convent,

the novice nun has just uncovered
the Rev. Mother's secret,

so she tries to drag her
down the stairs to the crypt.

- So, I'm a nun now?
- No!

That's her secret.

She's a man masquerading as a nun.

OK?

Now, grab me!

Oh!

I did knock.

Hi, Jamie.

We were just doing a bit of role play.

Not that kind of role play.

For the first m*rder scene in my novel.

m*rder? So you're writing
historical romance.

Romance is dead, apparently.

Hello, stranger.

- You miss me, then?
- Well, I wouldn't go that far.

- Good to see you back, Kam.
- Good to be back.

It's the opening night of the
Thassingham Music Festival,

run by Michael Falconer.

He's a pretty big deal, both
as a conductor and a composer.

He owns the estate and his
ensemble play here every summer.

Who's the victim?

Jacob Wheeler, violinist.

How did he die?

Death by ligature strangulation.

In the ligature in question looks
suspiciously like a violin string.

Time of death?

From the bruising, I'd say an hour ago.

Looks like the perpetrator
surprised him from behind.

Anything else?

He has some sheet music
forced down his throat.

Any idea what it is?

Not yet, I'll know more tomorrow.

Who found the body?

Candice Rafferty, she's
a member of the orchestra

and Michael Falconer's niece.

I wasn't in the first
part of the program...

.. so I went outside to get some air.

What was your relationship with Jacob?

We were in the orchestra together.

Friends.

My daughter has been
through a lot, Inspector.

Surely, you can do this tomorrow.

She has been fingerprinted
for elimination, sir.

That's fine, Mr Rafferty.

We'll be in touch.

Was anyone else at the scene?

Not that we know of.

His sister Natalie was
also in the orchestra,

her boyfriend's taken her home.

She lives in the next village, Finchmere.

Sir.

I thought you should know, there's
no sign of Jacob Wheeler's violin.

Thanks, Kam.

Get Uniform onto it.

Will do.

Michael.

The phone lines have been jammed
with people wanting refunds!

No need to panic.

How can you be so calm?

The entire festival might
have to be cancelled!

Mr Falconer, DCI Barnaby, DS Winter.

Michael Falconer.

This is my sister, Janey. We
run the festival together.

Any news, Inspector?

It appears Jacob Wheeler's
violin is missing.

The Stradivarius?

- So, quite valuable?
- Yes, very.

It was on loan from a Dutch conservatoire.

Jacob was very careful, he
never let it out of his sight.

Anything distinctive about it?

Well, it's a Stradivarius.

It had a specific pattern.

And its colour, it's an exquisite red.

Yes, it's... red.

So that's why he was k*lled?

For the violin?

It's a possibility, yes.

Miss Wheeler, can you think why
anyone might want your brother dead?

Any feuds?

Disputes of any kind?

No, nothing.

What about his personal life?

Any significant relationships?

He was completely dedicated to music.

He didn't have time for anything else.

And you shared this house together?

It's their family home.

Have your parents been informed?

They d*ed...

.. five years ago in a car crash.

I'm sorry.

Can this really not wait?

We'd just like to take
a look at Jacob's room.

Looks like Jacob liked to party.

Sir?

Seems Jacob Wheeler wasn't quite the
loner he led his sister to believe.

How well did you know Jacob, Mr Falconer?

I'd say we were friends.

Met each other a few times
when we were younger.

We found evidence of lipstick in his room.

Do you know if he had a girlfriend?

Jacob was very attractive to women.

Let's just say he took full advantage.

Miss Wheeler didn't seem to think so.

I don't think she wanted to know.

Anyone who didn't like him?

Vernon De Harthog and him
had a bit of a history.

- They didn't get on.
- Who's he?

A viola player with the ensemble.

Where might we find him?

At the Thassingham Olde,
propping up the bar.

Come on, Vernon. That's enough.

I'm just steadying the nerves.

Darling, I'm shaking like a leaf.

It's called the DTs.

Mr De Harthog.

DCI Barnaby, DS Winter.

I believe you knew Jacob Wheeler.

We played in the same orchestra together.

That's about as far as it went.

We were told that you didn't get on.

We had the odd spat, nothing serious.

Vernon is a big softy at
heart. People take advantage.

And you are?

Audrey Glenhill, I'm the landlady.

Vernon lives as me when he's not on tour.

Audrey and I are old friends.

She more or less ran the festival
when she and I first met.

The good old days.

When Thassingham was still
a real community event

and ticket prices were low.

- Free, if you didn't have the cash.
- And now they're not?

No, this year Michael
upped all the ticket prices

and replaced all the
bars I'd ran for years

with his sister's trendy new gin business.

Now it's just corporate entertainment

for the dicky bow brigade.

It's Zak Sowande I feel most sorry for.

Oh, that boy's a musical genius.

He absolutely deserved to win that award.

The Falconer Bursary Award?

Let's just put it this way,

Jacob Wheeler was not
exactly the people's choice.

Jacob was Michael's favourite.

- He didn't bother to hide it.
- Dad!

It's the truth.

He didn't even need that money.

But Zak does?

He's got a place at a top music college.

Without that bursary,
it's out of the question.

He got more votes than I did. End of.

I would love to believe that.

You think the vote was fixed?

I wouldn't put it past him.

Every festival member
I know voted for Zak.

It's not right!

Not a lot of love for the Falconers.

Check out the online voting, see
if it could be open to abuse.

Yes, sir.

And find out whether the award
automatically passes to the candidate

with the next highest vote.

Will do.

Dad, just let it go.

- I'll get a job, start earning. - No.

You keep practising.

This matters more to
you than it does to me.

I'm not letting you waste your talent!

I'll find the money somehow.

How?

Let me worry about that.

Yes, of course, I understand.

And I'll transfer the money tomorrow.

Devil!

Devil, I defy thee.

Hello?

I didn't notice anything
unusual until I came in here

and saw that the door was open
and the window had been broken.

Was anyone else in at the time?

I was upstairs having a shower
but didn't hear anything.

So, nothing's been taken?

Not that we're aware of.

How well did you know Jacob
Wheeler, Mrs Rafferty?

Not very.

You didn't talk to him
yesterday? See anything unusual?

No. Why?

You think this could be connected?

Not many opportunist thieves
ignore cash and laptops.

That's what Hamish said.

Where could we find your husband?

He's in the botanical garden
behind the distillery.

You'll see the greenhouse.

Thank you.

We're all rather unsettled,
as you can imagine.

But you didn't see or hear anything?

None of us did.

Interesting plants.

Well, we grow our own
botanicals for the infusions.

There's lavender for the dry gin

and the coriander for a more lemony twist.

And green anise and sweet fennel
for the absinthe we're developing.

I thought absinthe was illegal.

It was for a time,

but then all alcohol is
fundamentally poisonous.

If you remember anything, let us know.

Mr Rafferty.

Warwick, how are you?

We were so sorry and...

.. well, surprised about Zak.

Yeah, that's what I wanted
to talk to you about.

The pay rise we discussed,

I know it's not supposed
to kick in for a few months,

but I could really use it right now.

I'll speak to Janey. I'm
sure that won't be a problem.

You've been such a key part
of our success and, well...

.. that deserves to be rewarded.

Thanks.

I'll get back to it.

The postmortem confirms
death by ligature pressure.

With his violin string.

And a Saint Christopher.

Yes, but the inscription's in French.

Saint Christophe, protege-nous.

St. Christopher, protect us.

I'd ask for my money back.

- Any luck with the music?
- Yes.

You can just see the title there.

Totenfeier.

Meaning? My German's a bit rusty.

Celebration of death,

it comes from a symphonic
poem by Gustav Mahler.

Sounds like someone's playing games.

Also found this near the body.

It's a solid form of rosin obtained
from plants, mainly conifers.

What's it used for?

It's rubbed on the bow hair to
enhance grip and improve tone.

It seems like an unusual brand.

We'll need to track down
where these came from.

There's a music shop in Thassingham
that supplies the orchestra.

They might be able to help.

Thanks, Kam.

Jamie.

Yeah.

I still owe you dinner.

Are you free tomorrow night?

Sure.

I'll check my diary.

It's a virtuoso, not very popular,
but we do keep some in stock.

Have you sold any recently?

Jacob Wheeler bought a set yesterday.

And this?

Oh, that's an Italian rosin.

It contains particles of gold.

Is that a stock item?

Jacob was the only one that used it.

I don't suppose you have a
copy of Mahler's 'toten-fire'?

Totenfeier.

I'm afraid not, no.

But I could order it.

Have you ever been a musician, Mr Baxter?

Certainly not. No.

No, I'm more of a craftsman. I
repair and restore instruments.

It must keep you very busy.

Classical music is my obsession.

You might have seen my vlog.

Video blog, sir.

Notes From Thassingham?

Notes.

As in musical.

So, you were filming at the
manor before Jacob's death.

That's right, yes.

I'm a huge fan of Michael Falconer.

I gathered.

We'll need that footage.

Hm, yes sir.

In fact, tomorrow night,

I'm organising pop-up
cinema event at the manor.

Horror in Black and White.

Please, take one.

And what film are you showing?

Oh, it's an early classic
from the silent era.

Oh, you'll remember it, then, sir.

Oh, it's going to be thrilling.

The string section are
providing the accompaniment.

Without Jacob, of course.

How well did you know him, Mr Baxter?

Hu, interviewed him a couple of times.

I don't really know anyone.

Well...

.. apart from Marjorie, of course.

Marjorie...?

Cats are so much kinder than people.

Don't you think?

The festival has to reopen today.

I need to get the press on my
side before I debut the ninth.

My daughter could be at risk and
you're worried about bad reviews?

Janey, I've got a huge
amount riding on this.

My reputation is at stake.

That's all you care about.

You're not the one who
nearly went bankrupt.

You have no idea what it feels like
to be in real financial trouble.

Yes, well, I'm afraid I do

and for that reason, I shall
have to call in the loan.

What on earth are you talking about?

I'm sorry, but I need that money.

We agreed at the time it was a loan!

You know how hard we've worked
to get back on our feet.

- It's impossible.
- Then make it possible.

Otherwise, they'll have to
be more cuts in the orchestra.

Last in, first out.

And you know how much
Candice wants her place.

Michael, please.

Perhaps I should talk to Hamish.

You wouldn't!

That's just one more thing
he doesn't know about you.

Isn't it?

Ivo Baxter's just posted another vlog.

The rumour mill has gone into overdrive

linking Michael Falconer's
up-and-coming ninth symphony...

.. with the horrific
m*rder of Jacob Wheeler.

Could this grisly death
signify a return to the...

.. curse of the ninth?

The curse of the ninth?

It's a well-known superstition

in the classical music world, apparently.

Once a composer performs their ninth
symphony, they're destined to die.

And I'm guesting Gustav Mahler
is one of its unfortunate victims.

Mm-hm.

Hence, the music in Jacob's mouth.

Let's see if Michael Falconer
can enlighten us further.

Good morning, Chief Inspector, Sergeant

Any news?

We identified the music found
in Jacob Wheeler's mouth.

Mahler's Totenfeier.

How very sinister.

We thought that you might have a copy.

Yes, there should be a complete
set of Mahler's works here

in the music library.

- Alright if I take a look?
- Yes, be my guest.

The online voting system for the award,

how does it work?

You join the festival member's
list for a small annual fee,

which entitles you to vote
online for your favourite musician

from the video clips on the website.

So, essentially, anyone can vote.

I suppose so, yes.

Jacob Wheeler was your lead violinist.

That's right.

Who's in line to replace him?

Candice Rafferty, Natalie Wheeler,
perhaps my son, Dan, will audition.

This symphony is your ninth, I believe.

That's quite an achievement.

I think it's the best thing I've written.

What about the famous curse, Mr Falconer?

It must be unsettling.

Especially now.

Fortunately, I'm not
superstitious, Chief Inspector.

A bit early for you, darling?

Hamish, you might as well know.

He'll probably tell you anyway.

Know what?

I borrowed a large sum
of money from Michael.

Well, you said that was
part of your inheritance.

Well, I lied.

And now, he wants it all back!

Well...

.. you'll have to say no, Janey.

We won't survive it.

If we don't find the money somehow,

Candice will lose her
place in the orchestra.

He actually said that?

Well, it is his money, Hamish.

He's perfectly entitled
to ask for it back.

We've got no choice.

No, no, no!

First , violins, can we all
finish on the same note?!

Please.

That's an F, Natalie.

Sorry, Maestro.

I need my ninth symphony to be received

as an inspired work of genius.

That requires exceptional
playing from all of you!

Natalie, bar , on your own, please.

If that's the best you can
do, leave my rehearsal.

Dad! I think she deserves a
little more compassion right now.

If she's too grief-stricken to
play, she shouldn't be here.

- Are you?
- I'm fine. I want to be here.

We're all suffering.

I was as fond of Jacob as anyone else.

But musicians can overcome that
pain in the pursuit of perfection.

Not that that's something
you would know about.

As union rep, I move that
we all refuse to play

until the k*ller is found.

Unless, that is, you think that
the Maestro's ninth symphony

is worth dying for.

Or have you more courage?

More respect than this man?

I say we play on.

Not for me, but for Jacob.
To honour his memory.

I'll take that as a yes.

Shall we go from the beginning?

Totenfeier is missing.

It's in the library records,
but it's not signed out.

- Who has access?
- The library's never locked.

So why are we here?

Kam found prints in Candice's
locker containing particles of gold

from the rosin only Jacob Wheeler used.

And they also found flecks of gold

in her elimination
prints taken at the scene.

I'm thinking that Candice
took Jacob Wheeler's violin

after finding his body and then
put her own violin in her locker.

And when she left with her father,

she was carrying Jacob's
violin as if it were her own.

Mm-hm, and there's more,
the prints match those

we found on the glass
in Jacob Wheeler's room.

So Candice and Jacob were
more than just friends.

I'm so sorry.

If there was any way to keep you.

- This is a joke, right?
- I wish it was.

- You can't do this.
- It's only temporary, Warwick.

I've done everything to make
this happen for you, Hamish.

I've done anything that was needed.

And this is how you repay me?

I appreciate everything you've done.

Give us time, we'll be
back on track, I swear it.

I haven't got time!

Warwick!

Please!

No, sir.

Why did you lie about your
relationship with Jacob?

Jacob wanted to keep it quiet.

I'm Michael's niece. He didn't
want people to judge us.

We have evidence to suggest
that you stole Jacob's violin

after his death.

Jacob's violin was all I had left of him.

I couldn't let it go.

So, where is it now?

I don't know.

It was stolen in the break-in.

There you are.

You alright, Dad?

Yeah, I just fancied a pint.

And what can I get you?

You weren't at work. I
need to talk to you, Dad.

- You're going to have to tell him.
- Tell me what?

I've been laid off. But you mustn't worry.

- We'll be fine.
- They can't do that!

That family can do whatever they like.

When you think of all the
work I put into that place.

They used you.

You won't do anything
stupid, will you, Dad?

Dad!

Dad!

See you later.

It's me.

I'm in. I'm definitely in.

Shh! Mummy's working.

Good girl.

I hope we haven't interrupted
your creative flow.

No actually. Perfect timing.

That's chapter three finished.

Brilliant. When can I read it?

Oh, no.

You're not reading it.

- Please.
- No!

But surely the whole point of writing
is for other people to read it.

Yes. People. Not detectives.

But I'm your biggest fan.

I know you'll spot the
m*rder*r on page two.

Well, why don't you post it on
that site you're addicted to?

They must have forums for writers
who are testing the waters.

They do.

I'm not sure I'm brave enough yet.

Oh, says the woman who tried
to sell my Led Zeppelin album

at the school fete.

What have you got?

A transcript of Janey
Rafferty's exchange with Jacob.

Makes for interesting reading.

Ah.

"Stay away from my daughter and
if you ever tell her about us..."

And then you turn away.

What could Jacob have told
Candice about your relationship,

Mrs Rafferty?

It was a one off.

Something I immediately regretted.

He could be very charming.

Persuasive.

The last thing I expected

was for my daughter to
fall in love with him.

And your husband, does
he know any of this?

No!

And he has no need.

Convenient for you, then,
that Jacob was m*rder*d.

Where did you disappear
to last night, hey?

I didn't think you were
in a fit state to notice.

That brandy bottle took quite a hit.

You know I can't sleep with your snoring.

I went for a walk.

Right.

I need to go to the shop.

- I'll keep you company.
- It's alright.

I'm quicker on my own.

Missing me already?

I forgot my phone.

So Vernon De Harthog
has a criminal record.

What have we got?

Apart from the fact he
wasn't Jacob's biggest fan.

He's been sacked from previous
orchestras for opportunist theft --

cash, jewellery, watches...

A few suspended sentences
but nothing major.

So trying to fence a Stradivarius
would be quite a leap?

He could do with the money, though.

He's overdrawn, maxed
out on all his cards,

and Vernon was in serious trouble.

An official complaint had been made
against him to the Musicians Union.

- Who by?
- Jacob Wheeler.

He was trying to get Vernon fired.

Let's talk to him.

What the hell do you think you're doing?

- I couldn't resist.
- Come on. Help me with this.

Well, shall we take it from bar ?

No, no! Late, late, late, Mr De Harthog.

That's the third time you've
been unable to keep tempo.

Heavy night last night?

Not especially.

Oh, you don't even have that as an excuse.

I'll try harder next time, Maestro.

No. You leave.

I won't have you wasting
everybody's time, especially mine.

I don't think you can sack
me on an egotistical whim.

- According to union regulations...
- You were given a final warning.

I think you'd better go.

Here he comes,

Daddy's little darling
doing his dirty work.

He says that Daddy's going
to let him go for lead violin,

but he won't because, sadly,

Daddy he has no respect for his ability.

In fact, Daddy finds him a
bit of an embarrassment.

Go on. Ask him.

Ask him.

Get out!

You get out now and don't come back
until you've learnt some respect.

Mr De Harthog.

What?

Of course I didn't steal a bloody violin!

Do you think I'm totally insane?

Fencing something like that
is well nigh impossible.

You can't deny you could
do with the money.

I understand Jacob lodged an
official complaint against you,

accusing you of theft.

He wanted me out.

He was always smarming
around our beloved maestro.

I saw right through him.

I'll tell you something else too.

He certainly did not
deserve to be lead violin.

And who do you think does?

That's anyone's guess.

What are you doing with
Jacob Wheeler's wallet?

Get rid of it.

- I can explain.
- No more lies.

What about your lies?

You and Warwick?

I read your texts.

- Are you in love with him?
- Don't be ridiculous.

An affair, I could cope with,

but if you loved him, I'm
not sure I could bear it.

(Audrey.)

Promise me.

Vernon De Harthog needed
the money, plus he has form.

And we know both Candice and Janey lied.

Jacob Wheeler was a potential
thr*at to the Rafferty family.

But if we're looking at who benefited

from Jacob's death professionally,

Natalie, Dan and Candice are

all in line to replace him as lead violin.

Let's make sure we have
a strong uniform presence

at tonight's cinema event.

I've already got that covered, Sir.

I'm taking Kam.

- We said dinner.
- I thought this would be more fun.

- It's certainly different.
- Come on. You can buy me a hot dog.

I'll have a large one with onions.

- Excuse me.
- Whoa, whoa, whoa.

You blew your last chance, Vernon.

I need to apologise to
the maestro about earlier.

No. You were told quite specifically
that you couldn't come back.

Maestro!

Vernon! Vernon!

Maestro! Maestro!

I must talk to you about
a matter of some urgency.

The projectionist is ready.

Mr De Harthog, if you are
genuinely sober and sorry,

I will take pity on you,

for Schubert is far more
resonant with your viola.

Oh, my viola, I left it in the church.

What's that? Scotch mist?

Take your seat or your career
with me is over for good.

Right.

While you were away, I did
quite a lot of thinking.

So did I.

Did you come to any conclusions?

No. But I have to soon.

The guy who ran the
course offered me a job.

- I thought you liked it here.
- I do.

But it's a fantastic opportunity...

.. but it's in Montreal.

- Canada?!
- It'll be an adventure.

Do you know how cold it gets there?

Minus with a wind-chill
colder than the surface of Mars.

How about you?

You said you did a lot of
thinking too while I was away.

It'll keep.

Ladies and gentlemen,
please take your seats.

The film is about to commence.

Vernon De Harthog and Jacob Wheeler.

What connects them?

Both string players in Michael's ensemble.

But Vernon played the viola.

So obviously not competing
for lead violin.

And Jacob's Stradivarius is still missing.

Then there's the famous
curse of the ninth.

Someone could have been
targeting Michael's ensemble.

Let's find out if there's anything
significant about the music

that Vernon was playing last night.

Did you notice anything unusual?

There was definitely something going on

between Vernon and Dan Falconer.

It looked like Vernon was
trying to tell Michael something

and Dan stepped in.

We'll have to ask him why.

- Anything more on Vernon's will? - Mm.

He's owned a seaside cottage
in Brighton since the ' s,

now worth a small fortune.

Who's the beneficiary?

Audrey Glenhill.

He'd never hurt anyone.

I know.

It'll be OK.

You just need to stay strong.

I...

I bought you these, Audrey.

I know I haven't always been
a very good friend but...

You're not wanted here.

I think you'd better go.

I need to speak to Mrs Greenhill.

Alone.

The cottage is worth a considerable sum.

- And left solely to you.
- Had no idea.

Did Vernon have any
enemies that you know of?

Problematic relationships?

Vernon was old-school,

so he didn't fit in with Michael's
shiny new vision for the festival.

Michael was trying to get rid of him.

So you both have a difficult
history with the Falconer family.

Janey was my best friend or so I thought.

When she got an opportunity
to s*ab me in the back,

she did it without giving
it a second thought.

Argh!

Quite a temper you've got there.

I have my final audition in an hour.

Can't this wait?

Means a lot to you, doesn't
it, getting lead violin?

Not so much that I would
m*rder fellow musicians

if that's what you're implying.

I saw you have a run in with Mr
De Harthog just before he d*ed.

I was just trying to protect my father.

This ninth symphony is
obviously important.

Well, there's a lot at stake.

Vernon De Harthog was a liability.

And no fan of yours.

Apparently he humiliated
you, belittled your talent,

said that you'd never make lead violin.

Yeah, maybe I hated him in that moment

because that's what I've
believed all my life.

But it was just that, a moment.

Will you excuse me?

Vernon could be a complete nightmare.

We understand that he tried to
speak to you before the concert?

Yes, that's right.

Have you any idea what he wanted to say?

No.

He was keen to talk about something
but the film was about to start.

What piece was Vernon playing
when he d*ed, Mr Falconer?

Schubert. Why? Is that important?

Schubert is another composer

associated with the curse of the ninth.

Which is why I would advise you
to postpone tomorrow's concert.

Look, I'm not afraid of any curse.

No, no, no. We'll go ahead as planned.

Sorry about last night.

Not quite what I had planned.

Well, it seems to have a
habit of getting in the way.

What have you got for us, Kam?

The PM results confirm
death through asphyxia.

Any idea why?

Strychnine poisoning.

When inhaled, swallow or absorbed
through the eyes or mouth,

it induces muscular convulsions and
ultimately respiratory failure.

But how?

We found evidence of a highly-toxic
concentration of strychnine

on the strings and bow.

He would have inhaled the poison
as soon as he started playing.

Is it hard to get hold of?

Well, commercially-produced
strychnine isn't readily available

in this concentrated form.

I would suggest it was
freshly ground from the seeds

of a Strychnos ignatii shrub.

It's from the Philippines originally.

The fruit, known as the St Ignatius bean,

contains as many as
seeds embedded in its pulp.

I dry them and grind the seeds myself.

And why would you do that?

Well, you might as well know the truth.

It's not strictly legal.

We have a problem with moles
at the distillery and the manor.

They've become immune to the
approved pest control solution.

How is it stored?

Right.

Just through here.

Oh...

It seems to be missing.

When was the last time you checked?

- Uh, a couple of weeks ago maybe.
- Is it locked when you're not here?

- Always.
- Who had keys?

Well, me, of course.

Warwick used to but he...

Yes, he gave them back.

We've got a spare set in the kitchen.

So, it could have been
taken in the break-in...

Well, it's possible, yes. But...

Well, none of our keys are missing.

Call Kam. She needs to get over here.

See if Hamish's homemade mole
destroyer matches the poison

that k*lled Vernon.

Will do. I've just got
Vernon's phone records through.

It looks like he sent an
interesting text to Warwick

the day he d*ed -- "I'm onto you."

Well done, Daniel!

I can see you've worked very hard.

Thank you.

But I've made my decision...

.. Natalie Wheeler will be lead violin.

It wasn't an easy decision.

She's just more suited to the
emotional range of the work.

You were never going to
give it to me, were you?

- Vernon was right.
- Dan, Vernon...

Do you know what people are saying?

That Michael Falconer's genius is fading.

Are they?

Well, at least I was
touched by it once or twice,

most people never even get close.

You know, I've supported you,

I've protected you, I've defended you.

What have you ever done for me but
try to make me feel inadequate?

Not quite good enough to be your son.

Well, congratulations.
You've done an excellent job.

Dan...

.. you're not the only
one who's disappointed.

I wanted it just as much as you.

I don't think so.

Maybe we just have to accept that
Natalie is the better player.

"I'm onto you."

What did you think he meant by that?

Vernon was all over the
place when he'd had a few,

started imagining things,

thought me and Audrey
were having an affair.

And are you?

No.

We're just mates.

I help out a bit, that's all.

And you didn't know that
she would inherit a property

from Mr De Harthog, quite a valuable one.

No!

DS Winter.

You must have been disappointed
to lose your job, Mr Sowande.

I'll find something else.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

Thanks.

Sir, uniform have found
something in Vernon's car.

A keycard to a safety deposit box
registered to an Anton Bruckner.

- Like the composer?
- Who d*ed in .

- After his ninth symphony?
- Mm-hm. The curse strikes again.

I know it was hard for Dad when Mum d*ed.

He didn't know what to do with me.

I finally thought we
were getting somewhere...

.. that I was worthy of being his son.

But it seems I'm not.

Of course you are.

You don't know that.

I never thought I would see you
indoctrinating your daughter

into the dark arts of housework.

Yeah, well, it's a distraction technique.

I've just posted my first few
chapters on a writers' forum.

I'm waiting for the response now.

I am so impressed.

Let's see what they say first.

So, the boys missed you
terribly, especially Jamie.

Really?

You heard I've been
offered a job in Montreal?

No! How exciting!

Or maybe it isn't?

Well, I haven't accepted yet.

One moment I'm living the expat
dream in an exciting new city,

and the next, it seems completely bonkers.

And Jamie?

I know he likes me but we just
keep missing our moment somehow.

I think most of us regret the
times that we weren't brave enough

to take a risk, not the times we were.

So you think I should take it?

I wasn't talking about the job, Kam.

Any news on the strychnine?

The sample from the
greenhouse is a perfect match.

So at least we've identified the source.

Also, I spoke to an employee
at the safety deposit company.

It turns out his description
of Anton Bruckner

matches Jacob Wheeler.

Any information on what
he was storing there?

The box was empty.

They only keep CCTV footage for days

so there was no sighting of Jacob.

But I did manage to get hold of this.

- Looks like a passport.
- That's what I thought.

But what did Vernon do with it?

Why would Jacob keep his
passport in a safety deposit box?

Fancy some spag bol?

I thought we could sit
down together for once.

Another time, yeah?

Come on.

- I'll let you b*at me at FIFA.
- Sorry, Dad. I'm going out.

Again? Where are you go...

Candice?

Hello?

Hello?

Natalie!

Natalie!

Help!

Anyone!

Please!

Hi, Dad.

So when we going to
tell me about Amsterdam?

I wanted to tell you but I
just couldn't bring myself.

Are you mixed up in any of this?

- If you are, tell me now.
- No. It's not that.

I have gone behind your back.

I'm in a band.

You're in a band?

Have been for a while.

So you're going to throw it all away.

Everything we've work for.

For some fantasy about being a rock star.

We're good, Dad. Been booked for a tour.

You have no idea what I've done for you.

I'm just going to look
into your eye. Lovely.

All the stills were turned up to the max.

Any longer and the whole
place would have gone up.

[OK. Thanks.]

Miss Wheeler, are you OK?

A bit shaken and light-headed.

But apart from that.

You're very lucky Miss Rafferty
found you when she did.

Was someone trying to k*ll me?

We don't know that yet.

Did you see anyone or
hear anything unusual

before you lost consciousness?

No. Not that I can remember.

You and Jacob had
matching St Christophers.

Our grandmother was
French, devout Catholic.

She gave them to us when we were born.

Are they valuable?

I think so. It's white gold.

But it's more sentimental value.

They were to keep us safe.

She must have been
looking down on you today.

She's another violinist. Fits the profile.

But this feels different. No music.
Nothing linking it to the curse.

How is she, Inspector?

A little disorientated but the medics
say there's no cause for concern.

That's such a relief.

She was very lucky Candice was there.

Yes, yes, thank God.

And where were you at the time?

Uh, Millminster, Leisure Centre.

He swims. Every week.

And you, Mrs Rafferty?

I was with Michael at the manor.

- Can we speak to Candice?
- She's in the house.

But please go carefully with her.

After what happened with Jacob,
she's taken this very hard.

You talk to Candice while
I try and get hold of Kam.

I'd like her to take another
look at Jacob's pendant.

You sent Natalie a text asking
her to meet you at the distillery.

Was that unusual?

We haven't been very close recently.

She used to come up here sometimes.

I wanted to talk to her.

About anything in particular?

After Jacob's death...

.. and it all came out about me
and him, she kept her distance.

I think she was angry we
had kept it all a secret.

Why were you late?

I had to pick up my violin from the
music shop but it wasn't ready.

Why are you asking me all these questions?

All I wanted to do was make things right.

Well, she seems genuine
enough but she has her means.

And whoever did this
would have to be familiar

with how the distillery worked.

Warwick claims he accepted his dismissal.

Do you think that was all for our benefit?

Perhaps.

Let's speak to Audrey Glenhill.

We know she has a grudge
against the Raffertys.

And she may be able to enlighten
us on why Vernon had that key card.

I was nowhere near the distillery.

You felt that you'd lost
everything because of Janey

and you wanted your own back.

Do you honestly think I would
have the technical know-how

to pull off a stunt like that.

Your friend Warwick Sowande would.

Well...

It's a nice theory but you're wrong.

Maybe you recognise this.

It's for a safety deposit box
belonging to Jacob Wheeler.

The night of Vernon d*ed,

he was seen there, removing a passport.

Do you know anything about this?

No. I don't.

I don't know anything
and that's the truth.

Mrs Glenhill, if you're withholding
anything that could help

this investigation, you
will be in serious trouble.

Look...

.. I don't know what Vernon was up to...

.. but I found Jacob's
wallet in his coat pocket.

I didn't know what to think.

I just told him to get rid of it.

And that was the last time I saw him.

Thank you.

Are you sure you're well enough to play?

I'm fine now.

Honestly.

I pushed you away because I was angry.

Not with you.

With him.

Thanks very much.

Any luck with the passport?

Tech can confirm it's a UK
passport but nothing else so far.

However, we have had a result
on the Rafferty's finance check.

A large sum of money was transferred
from the Rafferty's business account

into Michael Falconer's personal account

two days after Jacob Wheeler was m*rder*d.

- And there's more...
- You have been busy.

Janey and Candice's
alibis check out, however,

Hamish wasn't swimming today.

You have to swipe in and there's
no data recording his visit.

Time we had another word with Mr Rafferty.

He wasn't in his right mind.

- You can see that.
- No, no, no, no.

I'll take full responsibility.

Why did you do it, Mr Rafferty?

We were dairy farmers.

Happy.

Prosperous... enough.

Then the bottom fell out of the market.

We only just managed
to hold on to the house.

I borrowed money from Michael
to start the new business.

Hamish didn't know.

He thought I'd inherited
it from a distant relative.

Then Michael called in the loan.

And we had no choice but to pay it back.

Oldest trick in the book.

Staging an accident and then
claiming on the insurance.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

It's called fraud, Mr Rafferty,
and a woman nearly d*ed.

And I'll never forgive myself for that.

I thought the distillery was empty.

I couldn't even get that right.

Look after the girl for me.

Kam wants to see us.

You were right to have this analysed.

It's an alloy.

Approximately two, three years old.

- Natalie's pendant had
more lustre. - Yes.

Real gold doesn't react with oxygen,

therefore it can never fade,
tarnish or rust with time.

Jacob's pendant was a
pretty good imitation.

And there's something else.

Red birthmarks are skin markings
close to the surface of the skin,

created by blood vessels.

But when I took a sample of this one,

it tested positive for manufactured dye.

It's a tattoo?

Any idea how long it's been there?

From the minimal evidence of
fading, I'd say two years max.

So this isn't Jacob Wheeler.

We've got an impostor on our hands.

But who is he?

And where is the real Jacob Wheeler?

I've got a DNA match on the victim
we knew as Jacob -- Leon Hunt.

years old, last known address
-- a flat in South Manchester.

In he served eight months

for hacking his ex-girlfriend's computer.

He used to have personal details
to get into her bank account.

Good work.

It seems likely that the passport
in the safety deposit box

belonged to Leon Hunt.

But what did he stand to gain
from impersonating Jacob Wheeler?

Family inheritance?

I found this in the
Finchmere Parish newsletter

about the parents' fatal
car crash in .

It says here that the parents'
death left the daughter alone

after younger son ran
away from home at .

I wonder why Natalie didn't mention that.

Perhaps to protect her brother.

Maybe it doesn't tally with the way
she wants him to be remembered.

Let's see what she has to say.

Um, Jamie...

I wanted you to be the first to know
I said yes to the job in Montreal.

Oh.

Right.

Great.

Well, if that's what you want,
then I'm really happy for you.

Thanks.

It should be exciting.

When do you leave?

Um, end of the week.

Wow.

I appreciate this is hard, Miss Wheeler,

but can you tell us what happened
on the day that Jacob disappeared?

He was at summer camp. Dan was there too.

Jacob had some big argument
with the camp leader and ran off.

Did anyone contact the police?

They weren't very interested.

Why was that?

He had runaway so many times before.

It started when we moved
from London to Finchmere.

Jacob found it hard to
adjust. Missed his friends.

Started bunking off.

He was only interested in his music.

Police said, given his history,

that he probably didn't want to be found,

that he'd come back when he was ready.

- And you have no idea
where he went. - No.

He sent some texts.

Once or twice a year maybe.

He just wanted me to know he was OK.

After a while, he stopped.

We'll need to take a look at those texts.

So how did he reappear?

I was playing in Dublin
a couple of years ago.

He was in another orchestra.

And then, suddenly, there he was.

And did you never doubt
that it was your brother?

No, it had to be him.

He had the same birthmark.

His St Christopher.

And he knew so much about the family,

things that only Jacob could know.

Leon Hunt was a highly-skilled
computer hacker.

We suspect that he hacked yours.

No doubt there's all kinds of information

about you and Jacob on there.

But he did a DNA test.

The lawyers made him for
my parents inheritance.

Well, with his expertise,

it wouldn't be very difficult to fake.

If this is all true...

.. Jacob's still missing.

You've got to hold me find him.

I think you need a minute
just to take it all in.

Mr Falconer, what can you
tell us about this summer camp?

Um...

All the local villagers took part.

It's where I met Jacob.

When was the last time you saw him?

It was on the Sunday when he ran away,

getting on the bus to Millminster.

Do you remember what time this was?

Must have been late afternoon, about six.

And do you know what it was
that he was arguing about

with the camp leader before he left?

Jacob had nicked Audrey's cigarettes.

We thought it was really funny.

Even Ivo Baxter.

But she caught him handing them round.

She went crazy.

They had this big argument
and then he just walked.

- Audrey?
- Yeah, the camp leader.

Audrey Glenhill.

She runs the Thassingham Arms.

Where have you been?

I had to make sure I wasn't followed.

Come on. Let's get this
done and get out of here.

Should be open by now. She's
not picking up any calls.

Let's triangulate her phone.
See if we can track her down.

In the meantime, let's see
what Ivo Baxter has to say

about the last time he saw
the real Jacob Wheeler.

Hello? Mr Baxter?

Ah, I thought Marjorie was in here.

Didn't mean to startle you, Mr Baxter.

We just wanted to ask a few questions.

Well, should we go up to the
shop? It's much warmer there.

Here's fine.

You've got some lovely
instruments, Mr Baxter.

Nothing of note, if you excuse the pun.

I doubt that very much.

I'm rather curious about this stain.

Did you know that violinists
used to use it to cover

the grey in their hair.

Must have made a terrible mess.

Surely a stain like this
could also be used to darken

the distinctive red colour
of a Stradivarius...

.. if you wanted to disguise it.

May I take a look at that case, Mr Baxter?

I didn't see it as an act of stealing,

more of an act of mercy.

Jacob didn't deserve to play such
a rare and beautiful instrument.

He could never have loved
it as I would have loved it.

So when he was m*rder*d, I
knew I had to rescue it.

When did you last see
Jacob before he ran away?

Uh, at youth camp.

He was smoking. Offered me one.

I didn't take it.

Sir.

Any idea what might be on this, Mr Baxter?

I've never seen it before in my life.

From Ivo's reaction, I reckon
he could be telling the truth.

I'm reserving judgement until we
know what's on that memory stick.

Tech could take some time.
The file's encrypted.

Hold on, Sir.

Triangulation puts Audrey's
phone somewhere here.

Let's see what she remembers
about the day Jacob ran away.

Aha.

That's it. Told you it would be alright.

- OK.
- Mr Sowande...

Would you mind opening those doors for me?

It was my idea.

Warwick had lost his
job. He needed the money.

The Raffertys were to blame.
It felt like divine justice.

So we just helped ourselves.

Found a dealer who'd take it.

You were a youth leader
here, I understand.

Yeah, that's right.

That's how I knew about the hut.

No-one uses it any more so
it's the perfect hiding place.

You were in charge on the day
that Jacob Wheeler ran away.

Dan Falconer, said that Jacob was
in trouble for stealing cigarettes.

Well, it wouldn't be the first time.

Boys were always smoking
down in the tunnels.

- The tunnels?
- Yeah.

It's a rabbit warren under here.

Dangerous.

We couldn't keep a check on them.

Even when they'd bricked
up all the entrances,

they would always find a new way in there.

That's why we moved the
camp to Badger's Drift.

Stay there.

Dan Falconer said he last saw Jacob
getting on the bus to Millminster

at around pm that Sunday.

That's right.

Are you sure about that?

I could be wrong but there
was never normally a bus

after pm on a Sunday.

Sir.

I think you should take a look at this.

Seems to go on for some distance, Sir.

Call Kam.

Tell her we need an excavation team.

We need to have another
talk with Dan Falconer.

His story about Jacob Wheeler
doesn't tie up with the others.

You might want to speak to
his father Michael first.

Tech have just sent me through
the files from the memory stick.

They'll both be at the concert by now.

You must play without fear.

Play from the depth of your soul.

Together we will fly in
the face of the curse.

Thank you.

Oh, Dan...

Mr Falconer.

Chief Inspector.

Dan told me about Jacob being an impostor.

Extraordinary.

But I'm afraid I don't
have time for that now.

I think you do.

Excuse me.

We found the Stradivarius
in Ivo Baxter's workshop.

There was a USB stick in
one of the compartments.

On it were confidential medical notes

relating to the radical
treatment you're about to undergo

to save your hearing.

Why would the man you knew as
Jacob Wheeler have that information

in an encrypted file?

Because he was trying to blackmail me.

He found out I was going deaf.

He said my career would be
over if the truth came out.

Hence the need to call
in the loan to your sister

to pay for your treatment
and for Jacob's blackmail.

No, I refused to pay.

When I tried to fire him, he
threatened to go to the press.

And then he rigged the voting system

to make sure that he won the award money

and I felt that I couldn't say anything.

You could have said no.

Chief Inspector, I don't think you know

how precarious our festival here is.

Music has been my entire life.

Without it, I'm not sure
I'd want to carry on.

Where is your son?

He's on stage.

I've decided to make him lead violin.

Barnaby.

Thanks, Kam. We're on our way.

The tunnels lead to a number
of chambers and we found this.

Here.

It's male, between and years old.

It's been here some considerable time.

It's Jacob.

Dan. Dan! You have to go on again.

You were brilliant.

It doesn't matter any more.

What do you mean?

What Dan! What are you doing?

- Stop it!
- Trust me.

Dan, why are you doing this?

You got what you wanted.
You should be happy.

I need you to hear it from me first.

- I need you to understand.
- Understand what?

Jacob never left the camp,
did he, Mr Falconer?

You told us he got on a bus to Millminster

but we know there was
no service after pm.

Why would you lie if it
wasn't to conceal the fact

that he never left at all?

No. I saw him go.

I'm very sorry, Miss Wheeler,
but we've found what we believe

to be your brother's remains in the
tunnels near to the youth camp.

No. You can't have.

What really happened on that day?

Jacob...

.. dared me to steal
Audrey's cigarettes...

.. but I bottled it.

So he did it.

Easy.

Laughed in my face.

I just wanted to get him back.

So, um, when we went down to
the tunnels, I confronted him,

told him what I thought.

We argued.

He grabbed me, so I pushed him.

Then I heard a thud.

And then nothing.

I didn't know what to do.

Why didn't you help him?

Because I was a coward.

He's been there all
this time and you knew?

I'm sorry.

But the texts from Jacob...

He said he was OK.

I just wanted you to feel better.

You...

How could you lie to me about that?

Miss Wheeler, you have a
lie of your own, don't you?

On the day that Leon d*ed,
you called your solicitor

and told him not to release
your brother's inheritance.

You already knew that he was an impostor.

I had no idea. I've told you.

We've unearthed a recording of
you at the Dublin Symphony Hall

from the evening when you were
reunited with your supposed brother.

Do you remember what you were playing?

Of course you do.

Totenfeier.

A celebration of death.

I wanted to believe it was him.

My Jacob.

He seemed different somehow.

But it had been such a long time.

Then I found a flight
booking in his real name...

.. on a phone I'd never seen before.

I confronted him the first
night of the festival.

He was planning to leave once
he'd got the inheritance money.

Jacob's money.

I told him I was going to the police.

He was so horrid.

He said how easy it was,

how stupid I'd been...

.. and that he'd k*ll me if I told anyone.

I believed him.

So you strangled him.

He deserved it.

And then there was Vernon De Harthog.

We know that he found Leon's passport.

He came to see me, told me
everything he'd discovered.

Thrilled by the drama of it all.

And you were afraid that
Vernon's revelation would lead us

straight to you, so you moved
quickly to keep him quiet.

Your friendship with Candice Rafferty

gave you access to the strychnine.

Poor Vernon.

I'd waited so long for
Jacob to come home...

Natalie, I know I don't
deserve your forgiveness...

No, you don't!

It's time to go, Miss Wheeler.

Can you take me to see my brother?

Please.

I know I shouldn't but I can't
help feeling sorry for her.

Life's all about the decisions
we make, good or bad.

I think you're making the
right one by the way.

Happy to get rid of me, then?

Quite the opposite. You've
done amazing work here.

You'll be hard to replace.

We're all going to miss you.

Aren't we, Winter?

Yeah.

Yeah, we are.

Stay away from the bears.

I'll remember that.

Da-da-dun! For you, Betty.

That's lovely. Jamie,
that's so sweet of you.

You won't be saying that
when she's playing it

at six o'clock in the morning.

And for you. Congratulations.

Oh, thank you!

I hear you have a publisher interested.

- Can I read it?
- Oh, no chance.

She won't even let me.
I'm too clever apparently.

And modest.

It's Kam.

She's landed.

Oh, I hope she has a great time.

Yeah, they're very lucky to have her.

Well done, Betty!

She's a natural!

So will I still be invited over to
lunch when you're rich and famous?

You're welcome here any time, Jamie.

With your bestseller and
Betty's musical prowess,

looks like I'll be
taking early retirement.

Oh, don't do that.

I'm only just getting
used to your funny ways.

Cheers.