(MAN CALLS OUT)
(EXCHANGE GREETINGS)
(LOW CONVERSATION)
Goodbye. Thank you.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
(MAN CALLS OUT, DOG BARKS)
(HORSES WHINNY)
St John's Wood.
DRIVER: Come on, now.
WOMAN: Charles, is that you?
Come and see what the boys have made.
(GLASS SMASHING, WOMAN SCREAMS)
(GASPS)
Katherine?
Charles! Katherine?
Charles! Charles!
Katherine!
Charles, the window.
It just came through the window. (SOBBING)
Has he gone, Charles?
Papa's here. Are you OK, James? Let me check your hands.
His hand's bleeding, Charles. William's cut.
He's cut his hand, Charles. Papa's here now.
KATHERINE: Ssh, ssh, ssh...
(BIRD CAWS)
(CONGREGATION SINGING A HYMN)
(CHURCH BELL TOLLS)
Mr Whicher?
Mrs Piper. Good evening.
You weren't at the service. No, no.
Are you walking back to the house? Yes, I am.
I hope you're finding your room suitable? I am. Thank you.
I hope you're not er... disturbed by my coming and going.
Oh, not at all.
Well, you warned me that you keep irregular hours.
I'm sure it must be unavoidable in your line of work.
(WOMAN CALLS OUT)
(DOG BARKING)
Would you like a cup of tea? Um...
No, thank you.
Do come in.
There's still quite a chill in the air, isn't there?
Spring is taking her time this year.
Yes.
Though I did see some flowers coming up in the garden.
Lilac.
Be nice to see what else is out there.
It's a wonder anything survived. It's so overgrown.
You haven't been here long then? No. About six months.
I inherited the house from my brother.
When my husband was alive, we rented a house in Bow.
Do you know it? I do, yes.
After he died I went abroad for a while.
This place was in quite a state when I took it on.
Well, you've done a good job with it. Thank you.
Only the garden to tackle now.
Do you take sugar, Mr Whicher? Yes. Thank you.
I could help you, if you like.
With the garden.
I enjoy it. My father used to be a gardener.
Well, that's very kind of you. Only if you have time.
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
Shall I? Yes. Thank you.
(DOOR CREAKS)
Good evening, Mr Whicher. Good evening.
I wonder if I might have a word?
Come in, sir.
Who is it?
Ah, an old acquaintance, ma'am. This is Mrs Piper. She's my landlady.
Good evening to you, ma'am. Good evening.
Use the sitting room if you wish, Mr Whicher. Thank you.
After you, sir. I'm afraid the fire isn't lit.
No matter.
Please, sit down. Thank you.
You recognise me then? Yes, sir.
We met a couple of years ago at the Home Office. A lunch.
Yes. You regaled us with tales of keeping the peace on the London streets.
What can I do for you, Sir Edward?
I have a private family difficulty.
My son - my only son - Charles.
He has spent some years in India and he's recently returned.
He has reason to believe that there is a person at large who is a danger to him,
and to his family.
I want that person found.
With all due respect, sir, that sounds like a police matter.
This isn't something I can take to Scotland Yard.
You're probably aware that my party is no longer in office.
Yes.
But in the meantime, I remain a Member of Parliament.
I can't stress too strongly the need for absolute secrecy regarding this situation.
That goes without saying. Good.
I must say, sir, I'm...surprised that you've come to me.
I have a letter upstairs dismissing me from the Force.
It has your name at the bottom of that letter.
Yes. That was an extremely difficult business.
I'm sure you appreciate that as a minister, I had to rely upon the advice...
Commissioner Mayne.
I was going to say the medical officers.
That was a long time ago.
I'm here, Mr Whicher.
That must tell you something about my opinion of your abilities.
Thank you.
So, will you take the case?
I'm not asking you to become involved in something underhand.
I'm quite sure, sir.
But...I have to know more.
Thank you. Thank you, guv'nor.
(DRIVER GEES HORSE)
You say this happened on Friday, Captain Shore?
Yes, in broad daylight.
And this man, Jabour...? Asim Jabour.
What is it he wants with you?
I was in India for 12 years. It's a very long time.
I went out with the Army, but after a few years I resigned my commission and moved into trade.
Some months ago, I committed an indiscretion.
What sort of indiscretion?
Does that matter? Yes.
Let's just say it's not the sort of thing I would have wanted my wife to hear about.
I'm sure you can imagine.
Now, Jabour came to me demanding money. I gave him some, not much.
A little while later, he came back asking for more.
Gave me two weeks to come up with it. By this time I'd already decided to leave India.
I'd made my fortune, so to speak, and I wanted my sons to be educated here.
By the time I left, I thought that would be the end of it.
You say he was working as a sailor when he approached you.
Lascars, isn't that what they're called? Er, yes.
Was he dressed as a lascar when he followed you?
Look...all we want you to do is to find him.
I'd do it myself, but I don't want to leave my family alone.
And if I do find him? What then? (DOOR OPENS)
Katherine, not now.
Forgive me. Take them upstairs. I won't be long.
Allow me to say good night. Say good night to Grandpa.
Good night, Grandpapa. Good night, James.
Good night. Good night, William.
You bearing up? Brave little soldier.
It's not knowing when he's going to come back.
That's what they do - let you know they're out there and make you wait.
Katherine. I'll see you upstairs. Sorry.
Good night. Come on.
Good night. KATHERINE: Off to bed now.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
Katherine can get er... rather anxious.
She came through the mutiny with me.
You say that you were leaving your bank
when you first became aware that you were being followed?
Ah, yes.
Is it possible that Jabour could have known the address of the bank?
Ah, yes, um...because of the payment I made.
Perhaps you should get somebody else to help you watch the house?
No, I can defend the house.
Would you require money in advance, Mr Whicher?
That won't be necessary, sir, no. If you do find him, send word to me at once.
My home address. Never go through Westminster.
Write me nightly reports. Yes, sir.
Charles is a fine man. He spent five years serving Queen and country.
I don't judge.
None of us are free from weakness, sir.
(CHATTER)
(GULLS CRY)
(MAN CALLS OUT)
MAN:..get off his backside and give us a hand over here.
One, two, three. Lift!
Is the boatswain about?
I'm told you started out from Calcutta. That's right.
And you docked on Wednesday? Is this insurance?
Because if it is... No, it's not, no.
I'm a private inquiry agent.
I'm looking for a sailor, a lascar by the name of Asim Jabour.
I was hoping I might be able to have a look at your crew list.
Huh. Well, you can.
I doubt it'll do you much good. None of them can write.
We ask them their names and write down what we hear,
and half of them don't give their real names. The man I'm looking for is unusual.
He's tall for an Indian, very pale-skinned. Oh, him.
Hm. You know the man?
We certainly had one like that. He was trouble.
Gave him the lash more than once. What did he call himself?
Karim, that's him.
Abdul Karim.
Where is he now? No idea.
He made off, as soon as we docked. There's always a few.
They think the streets are made of gold.
They end up begging for soup down at the Strangers' Home.
Can I speak to some of the others? You can try.
Judd. (GROANS)
So what's he done? I can't say.
I hope it's a hanging offence.
(MAN SPEAKS AN INDIAN LANGUAGE)
Does anybody speak English?
You're wasting your time.
Abdul Karim. I'm looking for a man named Abdul Karim.
I know he was on this ship with you. (SPEAKS AN INDIAN LANGUAGE)
He's gone.
Does anyone know where?
He's not in trouble. I'm trying to stop him from getting into trouble.
He said they will...leave the ship in London.
Who's they? Was he with someone?
His brother. A boy. Sssh...
Pratihinsa! Ah, Pratihinsa!
What does that mean?
(MEN SPEAK AN INDIAN LANGUAGE)
Right.
There's a pub just along the quay. The Hope and Anchor.
I'll be in there tonight.
If anyone has any information they can come and find me.
There'll be a reward. Money.
Your man...
I remember something. I caught him in the passengers' quarters.
Twice. Talking to someone.
They're not allowed near the passengers.
Who was he talking to?
Thanks. Good day.
DRIVER: Hah! Walk on.
(DOORBELL JANGLES)
Yes?
I wondered if I might have a word with Major Gilbraith? Or Mrs Gilbraith?
They're not at home. What is this regarding?
I wanted to ask them some questions about their voyage on the Southern Star.
In particular about a nanny or a governess that travelled with them.
Is she still in their employ? What's this, Mr Denison?
This is Miss Khan. Governess to the Major's children.
I wonder if I might have a word with you, miss?
What about? My name is Whicher.
I'm making private enquiries on behalf of a client.
Are you a policeman? No, I'm not a policeman.
Fasten your coats, children. We'll be going in a minute.
I'm trying to trace a man. A lascar on board the Southern Star who called himself Abdul Karim.
Someone thought they might have seen you speaking to him.
I didn't notice any of the lascars. Why would I?
I don't involve myself with people like that. Come along, children.
He might have had a boy with him.
I'm afraid if you want to ask me any more questions, you'll have to walk with us.
The children need some air.
CHILD: Are we going to the park, Miss Khan? Good day.
CHILD: Let me open the gate.
Issie, you're it!
I have to be careful, Mr Whicher.
It's...difficult for me to be accepted here.
The servants already look down on me.
I sincerely apologise if I've compromised you, Miss Khan.
Thank you. (CHILDREN LAUGHING)
I did speak to a lascar who... fits your description.
But only to pass the time of day.
He had the same dialect as me.
It was a voice from home.
You understand? Yes.
And there was a boy with him.
Do you have any idea at all where they could be?
Well, I'm not sure yet.
I expect they'll still be around the docks somewhere.
It's rare for people from the ships to venture too far into the city.
Yes.
This country is not... a hospitable place for people like them.
I had no choice but to come here.
I've been with the Major now for many years.
And a mother will do anything to stay with her child.
Well, I must get on.
May I ask you one more thing?
Have you heard the word "pratihinsa" before?
"Pratihinsa?" Yes.
Why?
It's something one of the lascars said when I asked why Karim might have disappeared.
Can you tell me what it means?
It's a difficult word to translate.
It...speaks of honour and of...vengeance.
It's a dangerous word.
Good day.
Good day, Miss Khan.
(COUGHING)
What are you doing there?
Father John. Jack Whicher.
Do you remember me? Ah, yes! Inspector Whicher.
Oh, it's not Inspector any more. I left the Force a few years back now.
Did you? Well, what can we do for you? We're busy, as you can see.
I'm...I'm looking for a particular lascar. I was hoping he might be staying here.
His name is Asim Jabour, but he might be going under the name Abdul Karim.
We don't ask for names. Look, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave, Mr Whicher.
We can't have people in here asking questions.
All we do is feed them and clothe them,
and give them a bed until they feel strong enough to face the voyage back.
Yes. Yes, it's good work you do. Look.
Whatever crime your man has committed,
it can't be worse than the one being committed aboard those ships in the name of profit.
This man might have a boy with him. His brother.
He's very young.
If you do see them, could you at least mention to them that I'm looking for them?
Good afternoon, Mr Whicher.
I'm trying to help them as much as I'm trying to help my client.
(SCOFFS)
Please. See yourself out.
(LAUGHTER)
(MAN CALLS OUT)
WOMAN: Get off me!
(CHATTER)
(LAUGHTER AND CHATTER)
Evening.
A pint of ale, please. I'll bring it over to you.
Where are we going?
Come. Come, please.
Please, sir, come.
What? Is it the money?
Do you want money? No.
No. No money.
Is that where I'll find him? Abdul Karim?
I've got it.
Pull it in.
WHICHER: Hello there. Just spotted him in the water.
Someone's gone for the police.
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
- What is it? - It's possible I've found your man, sir.
I see. Where is he?
- Shouldn't you have stayed? - If it's him, he's not going anywhere.
He's lying on a slab in the morgue by the docks.
Mrs Johnson, my coat. Yes, Sir Edward.
- Good Lord. Whicher. - Commissioner Mayne.
What on earth are you doing here? Surely you're not working...
Ah. Ah, yes, of course, you two know each other.
Mr Whicher is assisting me with a small, personal enquiry.
I see.
I have to go out for a short while, if you'll excuse me.
Well, you're looking well, Whicher. I am. Likewise.
What's going on, Edward? Nothing for you to worry about.
Go and look after our guests. Can't someone else deal with this?
Sir Edward and his guests... I'm afraid not, ma'am.
Is this about Charles and those children?
Georgina!
Come along, Whicher.
(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)
It's him.
It's Asim Jabour.
WHICHER: The wound on the back of his head is deep.
It's possible that it killed him outright and he was thrown into the water.
Or he could have been unconscious when he went in.
The post-mortem should tell us more.
Good.
Thank you, Mr Whicher.
Not quite what we were expecting, but... you must let me know how much I owe you.
Did you see him today, Captain Shore?
See him? I wondered if he might have approached you?
Sent you a message perhaps or asked you for a meeting?
What are you implying? I'm simply asking you a question.
What sort of a fool are you?
Why would we send you looking for him if we knew where he was?
Why did you pay him with a banker's draft? It's a strange way to pay a blackmailer.
I...I didn't say that.
What were you really paying him for, Captain Shore?
There's a word he used to describe why he'd come here: "Pratihinsa".
What does it mean? Captain Shore?
Then there's the children. Right, enough.
You've earned your money, very easy money, I might add.
Now none of this is any of your damn business! A man is dead. I think it is my business.
It's everyone's business. We should talk about this in private.
There is nothing to talk about. This isn't over for me or you.
Jabour was travelling with his brother.
Unless he went under the water too, he's still out there.
Oh, my God, the house! You don't know what these people are capable of.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
Katherine! Katherine!
Where are the children? They're in bed. I just looked in on them. Why?
Charles. Charles!
Scotland Yard need to be told about the identity of the body.
Why don't you go to Mayne? Speak to him.
I can't.
They're all right.
No one's been here.
Are the children yours, Captain Shore?
(SHE SOBS)
I really wish you wouldn't cry.
Sorry.
Some years ago... not long after I arrived in India,
I took up with a girl...an Indian girl.
It was supposed to be a temporary arrangement.
Katherine arrived not long after and we got married, but I didn't stop seeing this girl.
It's very normal out there, it was.
People have become a lot more guarded since the mutiny.
Anyway, after Cawnpore I couldn't stomach the Army any longer and I left.
We moved to a place in the hills and started a business.
Katherine hasn't been able to have children. But this girl, Zeenat - that was her name...
..she could.
We all lived together as a family and...
..when we decided to move back to England, I...
..told Zeenat... we wanted to take the boys, and asked her to come with us.
But she didn't want to leave her country. She said she was happy for the boys to go.
She'd never been particularly interested in them, had she, Charles?
No. She wasn't a natural mother.
She was...careless with them.
Always giving them medicines, so that they wouldn't trouble her.
We offered to buy her a house by way of compensation.
Said we'd send her a sum of money from time to time.
I knew that she had brothers. I'd met Asim Jabour once, maybe twice before.
I assumed she told her family what was happening
and they were happy for me to leave her and take the boys but...
it seems they weren't.
So the brothers came here to take the children back?
And to take their revenge on me, no doubt.
It's vital that the truth about the boys' parentage remains secret.
If it were to come out I don't have to tell you it would damage their prospects irreparably.
(SCOFFS) And your career, Father.
Let's not forget about that. I'm trying to help you, Charles.
The boys can pass for English, Mr Whicher.
You've seen them, haven't you, and you thought they were mine?
Yes, ma'am. Well, they feel like mine.
They are mine. Really.
Is that everything? Yes.
Yes, sir.
Setting aside the question of who killed Asim Jabour,
it's safe to say the brother will assume it's you. I agree.
And it won't be long before he comes for you. Oh, Lord.
Then find him.
You seem to know where these people lurk. What do you think, Mr Whicher?
Are you prepared to keep on looking?
Yes. But there can't be any more lies.
That's understood.
I need the truth. From all of you.
Yes. Katherine, I think you and the boys should come and stay with me until this is over.
Charles? Hm?
Er...yes.
(DOOR SLAMS)
What is it now, Mr Whicher? I'm sorry to disturb you so late.
Only I have some news about the two lascars I was looking for.
Forgive me, but when I was here last time I got the impression that you might have seen them.
I've no idea what you're talking about.
I'm afraid the older brother's dead, Father.
Dead? He was found in the river earlier this evening.
Now, I don't know if the younger one knows already,
but if he doesn't, he should be told and he needs to be told that he's in danger.
Because he is. Is he here, Father John?
No, he isn't. But if I see him, I'll try to persuade him to speak to you.
Thank you. I'll come back tomorrow if I may?
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
Yes, Father.
(MAN SPEAKS IN INDIAN LANGUAGE)
(DICE SHAKEN)
(LOW CHATTER AND LAUGHTER)
(CHATTER CONTINUES)
It's all right. It's all right, I'm a friend.
Father John might have told you my name?
No! Go. Go, or I'll kill you!
I'm sorry about what happened to your brother.
I promise you, that whoever killed him will be punished.
Shore will die. If Captain Shore is...
He has killed my brother! He dishonours my sister!
Listen to me...
Aargh!
(GROANS)
(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)
Whicher! Oh!
It's all right, it's all right. It's not as bad as it looks.
Sister Claire, run and fetch the nurse.
How did this happen? Was it Roshan?
Is that his name? I didn't think he was capable of this.
He's desperate.
I need to get a message to somebody. I'll sort that out in a minute.
It can't wait. Was his brother here?
Yes. They came in a few days ago.
But they only stopped for one night.
The older brother wanted to move on so I showed them the alley.
She's here, Father.
The message, Father John. Yes, of course.
Mr Whicher!
(INHALES SHARPLY)
(EXHALES)
You've done this before.
I have. You needn't worry.
I went to the Crimea.
I've seen a lot worse than this.
I help out here twice a week. You're in luck.
I'm not normally here so late.
Thank you.
(SCISSORS SNIP)
You've lost a lot of blood. What you need now is to lie down and rest.
I can't, I'm afraid. I have to go.
I had a feeling you'd say that.
(CLEARS THROAT)
(HORSES WHINNY)
(DOORBELL JANGLES)
Whicher. I got your message.
(LOCKS DOOR) WHICHER: Any sign?
No. Not yet.
It could have taken him a while to cross London. He's on foot.
He doesn't know the city. All the windows are locked and shuttered.
If he tries to break in, I'll hear him.
I don't think that's necessary. If you don't want to be here, go.
I didn't ask you to come.
I don't intend to use it. But I'm going to make this stop.
Do you have children? No.
So you can't understand what it feels like when someone tries to take them from you.
They belong with me.
They're going to have a better life...with me.
It seems strange to me... that their mother was so willing to give them up.
You don't understand the first thing about it.
We were one of the first regiments to arrive in Cawnpore after the massacre.
Indians were stripping infants before they threw them down a well.
They burnt a school with 20 children in it.
Barred all the doors so no one could escape.
If a child tried to climb from a window,
they picked them off... even as they screamed and burned.
I sometimes wonder if that's why Katherine can't conceive.
She saw too much.
Why did you stay?
After the mutiny?
You said you wanted the truth?
The mutiny was our fault.
If you ride roughshod over everything that matters to people...
..one day they're going to fight back.
You have no idea how much I loved that country.
The freedom I felt.
Once I was...clear of the Army.
Out there in the hills we lived like kings.
No one to sensor us. No one to...
..disapprove.
I wake up some mornings and I realise I've been back there in my dreams...
Lying in bed...
..Zeenat beside me.
Our large, white bed.
The windows are open...
..and the jasmine's coming in on the air.
(CLATTERING)
(Kitchen.)
CHARLES: Get some light on the place.
(MATCH STRIKES)
(BLOWS)
It's all right.
Put the knife down.
Put that knife down.
Roshan... it's all right.
Give it to me.
(KNIFE CLATTERS)
Whicher?
It's safe, he's not armed.
(GUN CLICKS)
Oh, God!
What the hell are you doing?
Get me something to stop the bleeding!
(HYPERVENTILATES)
Captain Shore! Move!
We need to get a doctor fast or he might die.
Out of the question. No one can know about this.
We can't just cover this up.
You need to go to Scotland Yard. No.
No, Father, we had an agreement. If this gets out, that's it.
For God's sake, Charles! Don't you think I know that?
It was self-defence. It was point blank!
You could see he wasn't armed! Sir Edward?
He shouldn't have broken in. He was armed with a knife.
After everything that has happened Charles's reaction was understandable.
But we need to send for a doctor. No!
We've no choice! Do you know anybody who can be trusted?
(DOORBELL JANGLES)
Come in.
A boy's been shot. He's in a bad way. I see.
I can't explain. The people concerned...
I just have to ask you to trust me. Show me where he is.
Just in here. Mrs Piper is a nurse.
She has experience with bullet wounds.
Thank you for coming.
The bullet will have to come out.
We need to boil some water. We'll need cloths.
I have some bandages.
And light, as much light as we can find.
Are you all right?
(WATER POURED) Will he live?
I don't know yet.
Would you be prepared to sit with him? Yes.
We're obliged. We'll be downstairs should you have need of us.
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
What are his chances?
The bullet missed his heart and lungs so that's something.
But his breathing's strained.
We should prop him up. Can you find me another pillow?
Yes, of course.
(DOOR OPENS)
What are you doing in here? We needed another pillow.
(DOOR OPENS)
Mrs Piper... Charlotte.
Charlotte. I have to go somewhere.
Can you stay with him? Of course.
You can't leave him alone.
I won't leave him.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
I know it's early, but I need to speak to Miss Khan.
Miss Khan has gone. Gone?
The maid heard the children about half an hour ago and went in to them.
The woman's gone. Her things have gone.
What do you know about her?
How long has she worked for the Gilbraiths? They took her on before they sailed.
Why? I've just ordered a check of the valuables.
She won't have taken anything. Not from this house.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Yes? Can I help you? I need to speak to Mrs Shore.
Mrs Shore?
Wait! You can't just barge in here!
Mr Whicher? Where are the children? Which room?
They're along there. Why?
Why? Mr Whicher, What is it?
Mr Whicher!
Oh, no.
No, it's... No, but...
Well, that's impossible. They...
Where else can they be?
Mrs Shore? Is there anywhere else they could be?
What on earth's going on?
Mr Whicher? The children are gone.
Gone? No, no, they must be in the house somewhere.
I don't think so. Mrs Johnson, kindly summon the staff so that we can search the house.
Of course, ma'am. Wait!
Tell them not to touch any doors to the outside. Any windows.
Not until I've had a chance to take a look.
I think you'll find the house is quite secure. Just tell them.
I think we need to send for Sir Edward, and your son.
MRS JOHNSON: Oh.
Who's been outside this morning? I don't know.
The kitchen maid was the only one up apart from me. It's possible she...
Ask her if she's been outside, please.
She didn't go out. Right. Thank you.
Kitchen, back to work.
When did you last see them, Mrs Shore?
Before I went to bed. About ten o'clock.
I thought we'd be safe here.
Oh, God.
Oh, Charles.
He'll blame me for this.
He'll blame me for this as well.
GEORGINA: Mr Whicher!
It's been forced, hasn't it? Yes, it has.
The catch was old and the wood's a little rotten.
We always meant to... SIR EDWARD: Georgina!
That's not possible. They must be here somewhere.
Charles, there's no point. The latch on one of the dining room windows has been forced.
Mr Whicher. They left through the back door.
The garden gate is open.
That doesn't make sense. I wish I'd heard him.
Who? The Indian!
The one you've worried about. It can't be him.
He's been at my house since last night.
Sir Edward. There's something I must tell you. What is it?
It's Zeenat. She's in London.
I spoke to her. Zeenat?
It was before you told me the truth about the children.
She was working as a governess for a family under an assumed name.
When I went back to the house this morning, she'd gone.
You bloody fool.
She must have been watching us and seen us move the children.
Oh, my God! You useless bloody fool.
Zeenat... When did you realise this?
A few hours ago. I saw a photograph in the boy's bedroom.
Why didn't you tell us?
Because I didn't want her to go the same way as her brothers.
Because I don't believe you'll stop at anything! Who do you think you are!
Charles!
You've cost us valuable time.
Whatever's wrong with your head, it clouds your judgement.
This is exactly why I threw you off the Force!
KATHERINE: My boys. I've lost them.
If they're with their mother, we know they won't come to any harm.
That's something. You can't know that!
I have to go to the docks. Charles, no!
You can't go asking around the docks for a woman like her.
I'll go to the docks. You? You're not needed.
I know what she looks like. And what the children look like.
Go then! No!
If there was anybody else I could turn to, I would.
(CHATTER IN INDIAN LANGUAGE)
I'm told the Cadogan is the next ship to sail for India.
Is she one of yours? CLERK: She is.
She sails tomorrow at three, all being well. I'm looking for a woman.
She's travelling with two children, they're very young.
There are no children registered to travel.
Are you sure? I was going through the list earlier on.
There are only 24 passengers.
Almost all are soldiers. Certainly no children.
All right.
I wondered if you'd seen this lady? No, sorry.
Are you sure? Sure.
Have you seen this lady? No, sorry.
Are you sure? Yes.
(TRAIN STEAM WHISTLE)
Sorry to trouble you. Have you seen this lady?
Have you seen this lady?
Excuse me. Have you seen this lady? Haven't seen her.
(LAUGHTER)
Have you seen her?
(LAUGHTER ECHOES)
No.
Get your filthy hands off me! (RAUCOUS LAUGHTER)
(BABY CRYING)
(STEAM WHISTLE)
(HORSE WHINNIES, MAN CALLS OUT)
Nothing.
(SLAMS DOOR)
The more I think about it, the less likely it seems that she would try to get them on a ship.
Not yet at least.
We should circulate their description to every force.
That's absolutely impossible.
As soon as you do that, questions will be asked.
The press will come to hear of it... But we have to do it.
Don't we?
Well, surely it's better to get them back, even if people learn the truth?
I don't understand.
Papa, I thought you'd come to care for them?
I've seen the way you are with them. Of course I care for them.
Caring for them is beside the point. How can you say that?
Sir Edward will not allow the good name of this family to be destroyed.
His career to be destroyed.
Everything he's worked for, everything we've..
I will not allow it to happen. CHARLES: They're my flesh and blood.
How is he? There's been no change.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry I left you here alone all day.
I'm quite all right. They brought me up some food.
You should go home, get some rest.
You're exhausted.
I had a boy.
His name was Jonathan.
After he was born...
..my wife er... she was very low.
I never really knew why.
I don't think she did.
She was er... she was a lovely girl.
I tried to make her happy.
I should have tried harder.
Much harder.
And er...
I'd just joined the Force and er...
I was working all hours trying to make my mark.
Trying to make a...better life for us.
Yes.
I came home one evening and er...
..and they weren't there.
So I...I waited...
..and I went out looking for them.
It's funny how you... you think you're going to find them.
That something's...going to lead you to them..
some understanding, some love.
Some of the boys from the Yard came out to help me look.
They found her...
They found her on the tracks.
(TEARFULLY) The boy, he'd um...
..he'd been thrown clear.
But the fall must have um...
..must have killed him.
(SOBS)
I'm sorry.
Don't.
Erm... It was just erm...
It was just the searching. Of course.
It's all right.
(DOOR OPENS)
(THUDDING)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS)
I don't want to cause any trouble. I just want my children.
The children?
The children aren't here. Please don't lie to me.
Which room are they in? They're my children. No matter what you've been told.
(GASPS) Mrs Shore, it's all right.
It's all right. Where are my children, Katherine?
Zeenat, the children disappeared from their grandparents' house yesterday.
We thought it was you that had taken them.
Roshan...?
No, it wasn't Roshan.
Zeenat, Roshan's been injured.
He's lying in that room across the hall. What?
Come with me and I'll show you.
(SHE SPEAKS BENGALI)
MRS PIPER: His pulse is strong. I think he's going to be all right.
I swear to God, tell me where my children are.
She doesn't know where they are. Put the gun down.
What in God's name...? Where are my children?
I don't know. Why would I know? You stole them from me.
Who's got them? No one!
Put the gun down, Charles. Did you tell him he could take the children?
No. I would never have told him that.
Is that what he told you? I didn't even know he was leaving India. He kept it from me.
Shut up! Shut up!
And then, when I realised at the last moment, he locked me in a cellar.
He didn't even let me say goodbye. Is this true?
So you sent your brothers to hunt me down! I couldn't stop them.
You dishonoured me. You know what this means to my family.
No! I swear to God I'll do it! Tell me where they are!
She doesn't know. Stop this!
Don't, Father! Charles.
You know what they do to women in my village whose husbands abandon them?
Did you really not care?
Asim expected me to shut myself away.
Never see the sun again.
Is that really what you wanted for me? GEORGINA: Husband?
You're married? CHARLES: No.
Yes! We're married. It wasn't a marriage.
He followed me back to my village. He begged my father for my...
It wasn't a marriage! You stood there, in front of all those people.
In front of Allah, and you made vows.
Do you really think my father would just let me go to you like a prostitute?
You loved me.
You love me.
Where are my children, Zeenat?
And when he brought her out from England...
..I let her share our lives.
And then...I let her share our children.
And this...
this is how you repay me?
Well, now I know.
You have no honour...no honesty.
You're a liar and a coward.
(GUN CLICKS)
(SOBS)
(GUN CLATTERS)
Charles! Wait!
For God's sake, you were a soldier! To aim your gun at a defenceless woman!
I wasn't going to fire. And I was never a soldier. That was your dream, remember?
I thought I'd reached the limits of the shame I could feel on your account.
Really? I think your shame is boundless. Who else could have taken the children?
No one. She must have had someone with her.
Another brother. No!
She'd tell me the truth. Even now, even after everything I've done.
It might have been what Katherine wanted, but it was me who took her children from her.
me who locked her in that cellar.
I'm paying for it now.
I've been trying to work out who else could have possibly got the children from the house
without any kind of commotion.
Those poor children, they must be very frightened.
Very confused.
Yes.
Did you see this?
They were obviously happier in India.
They belong there.
Perhaps, whoever took them...
..thought they were doing what was best for them.
They have a mother who loves them.
Who's risked her life to be with them.
We'll have to go to the police. If I go to Commissioner Mayne...
How can we? We can't.
There's no need. I know where the children are.
Because I took them.
Mrs Johnson knows a woman who said she would take them to India for me.
To an orphanage. A very good orphanage apparently,
where there are lots of children like them.
How many times did I write and tell you not to bring them here?
They don't belong...in this family.
Those boys may look white enough now,
but who's to say what they'll look like in ten years' time?
You and Katherine might still have children of your own. Have you thought of that?
What a burden those boys would be to you then.
Where are my grandchildren, Georgina?
The woman's taking them to France and sailing on from there.
They're getting a train to Dover. At what time?
Seven.
(STEAM WHISTLE)
WHICHER: James! William!
CHARLES: William! James! ZEENAT: Boys!
Come here! James! William!
Mama! Oh!
(SHE SOBS)
Oh!
Oh, my boys!
I've missed you. Boys.
BOY: We've missed you.
(LAUGHTER)
No!
ZEENAT: James... Come here. No!
ZEENAT: William. (LAUGHS)
Zeenat? Yes?
If you'll agree to return to India, we'll pay you a monthly sum.
You don't have to return to your village. You can write to the boys as often as you like.
After everything that has happened...
..you think you can buy my children from me?
No. No.
We... No, we just have to find a way to put this behind us.
For the boys' sake. Get on with our lives.
That won't be possible. Not yet. There's a body in the morgue.
There's a young man lying upstairs, shot through the chest.
Charles, I'm going to have to take you to Scotland Yard.
What? Papa?
You're not serious?
I didn't kill Asim Jabour. Then you can mount a defence.
But I think, and I'm sure Mr Whicher agrees, that there are charges to be answered.
We cannot set ourselves above the law. Papa. Papa, please.
He has to account for what he's done.
KATHERINE: Charles... It's all right.
I've made my mistakes, God knows.
If only you'd shown a little more faith in me.
Sent me out some money when I needed it. The business wasn't dead.
It wasn't. Not yet.
I could've started again... And failed again.
That's all you see when you look at me, isn't it? A failure.
Go and say goodbye to your boys.
We'll go to the Yard together.
Forgive me.
But I thought you'd want to know, Roshan is awake.
Your shoulder. Sorry.
It's fine. It'll be fine.
Captain Shore, he's going to be arrested for what he did to you.
And on suspicion of murdering your brother.
There will be justice.
Mr Whicher...
Charles didn't kill Asim.
Why do you say that? I met my brothers at the docks.
It was the night we planned to take the boys.
But then Asim said something and I realised he was going to...
..he was going to kill Charles.
Pratihinsa.
We were on the quay.
We were arguing. Asim was shaking me.
Roshan... was trying to pull him off.
I don't know where the men came from. One of them hit Asim with something heavy.
The others tried to grab Roshan, but he ran away.
(SPEAKS BENGALI)
I managed to hide.
I saw them take Asim's money, and then they took his gold amulet.
The one he wore always around his neck.
Then they pushed him into the water.
One of the men, I saw his face. I knew him from the ship.
A sailor. Can you describe him to me?
Red hair. He had red hair.
Here!
Scotland Yard. Sir Edward!
(APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS)
I'll see that the man is arrested. There may be other evidence against him.
With luck you may not have to testify. Thank you.
You should have gone to the police at once.
How could I? Without making...
We didn't come here for any of this.
Sir Edward, that only leaves the matter of the shooting.
I want... I forgive.
Hm?
I forgive. He wants what I want.
Nothing more.
(DOOR OPENS)
(BOYS LAUGH)
I should never have forced him to come back.
When the business failed, I told him if we didn't go home, I'd go alone.
I threatened him with scandal.
I just wanted...a fresh start.
Without her.
A chance to be a normal family.
That's understandable.
Now I've lost everything.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(MEN FINISH SAYING A PRAYER)
Do you believe in life after death, Mr Whicher?
I wish I could.
The police have charged the ship's carpenter.
They found the weapon he used to strike Asim.
They found this.
They want to know if you can identify it?
(SNIFFLES)
Asim.
I should have...tried to pull him out.
I should have called for help.
I should have done something more, but I was too afraid.
None of this is your fault.
Don't take guilt upon yourself.
It's a heavy weight to carry.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr Whicher, for everything.
I shall never forget your kindness.
Hello. Hello.
Are you going to the Strangers' Home? Yes, for a few hours.
The money's where you left it, Mr Whicher.
I didn't allow myself to become involved in something so...dubious
in the hope of financial gain.
I know that. I know.
But I...
It just didn't seem right that I should be paid and you shouldn't.
Mrs Piper...
If you'd like me to give notice, if you'd rather I left, I understand.
You must...you must do what you want to do.
(GULLS CRY)
Now, darlings.
You're going to go on a very exciting adventure.
Come here.
I love you both.
Come with me.
Go and wait over there.
(HE SOBS)
Come along, boys.
Take care.
Bye, Grandpa! I wonder if I'll ever see them again?
I'll pay for their schooling. Charles will visit.
And when they're old enough, they'll decide where they want to be.
I think you've seen us at our worst, Mr Whicher.
It's been a difficult time, for everyone.
You were wrong, you know, about Commissioner Mayne.
I've never heard anyone speak so highly about any officer.
After the business in Wiltshire, he thought you would recover given time.
Suggested you be given another chance.
It was I...
I needed a scapegoat. Government always does.
Come and see me on Monday and we'll see about getting your job back on the Force.
They need men like you.
No, sir.
Thank you.
But I think I work best on my own.
(DIGGING)
Thank you, Charlotte.
Survivors.