Episode 3

Who the hell are you?

Mike.

We met the other night.

Silver Road.

You and him, you're in this together?

Have something to eat.

You'll feel a lot better.

You nearly bloody killed me!

That doesn't matter now.

All that matters is that we come to an understanding.

Which is?

You sell the house, transfer the money to an account, the details of which we'll provide, and in return we'll keep quiet about what you've done.

Are you insane?

I'm not selling my house.

You'd prefer prison?

A driving ban.

Two people in hospital.

One of them a child in a coma.

I'm not doing it.

Fine.

You'll go to prison.

Lose your kids, everything.

Fuck you.

DISTORTED VOICES ECHO MERLE: Come on, let's go to Mummy.

BOY:Mum!

We have to contact Jensen, the solicitor, get your money back.

Fi, are you listening?

We can't hang around.

Mummy, what's for tea?

TOBY:How has your morning been?

The usual.

Raffia mats, coasters, you know.

What are you doing tonight?

I've got a date.

Anyone interesting?

He thinks he is.

I'm counting the minutes.

WOMAN:Mrs Lawson...

Yes?

DS McGowan.

I'm here about your stolen car.

Two people were injured.

Both in hospital.

The driver fled the scene.

God, that's terrible.

And you think it might be our car?

We don't have the registration.

Just a general description.

A black Audi A3.

But we have to follow up every lead.

Of course.

Do you remember if you drove the car on the eighth?

Er, no.

No, I don't think I did.

I always get the Tube into work.

What about your husband?

They had the number plate?

FI: No, just the make and the model.

Two people were injured.

A little girl.

That's awful.

I know.

Apparently, they just drove off and left them there.

Can you imagine anyone doing that, just leaving, not checking if they're OK?

I gave them your number.

They'll probably be in touch with you, too.

Yeah, no problem.

I'll...

I'll talk to you soon.

TOBY:What do you think?

Not a scratch on her.

How's your car?

In good nick?

I got rid.

Bad move.

If you make an insurance claim, that alerts the police.

The first thing they do in a serious collision is check for stolen vehicles.

I've got nothing else to say to you.

Not very flattering, but I think it does the job.

WENDY:You'll need this.

From now on, we'll only call you on the burner.

So, I reckon the house is worth about two mill.

Maybe more.

I had a look around 93, the Reeces.

Lovely couple.

It's on for 2.3, but they'll be lucky to get that.

You've been round their house?

It's on the market.

You just call the agent.

Talking of which, you need to ring these guys.

They're an agency specialising in off-market sales.

Ask for Rav.

Get him to do a valuation and set up an open house.

While the wife's at work, obviously.

It'll all be very discreet.

I'm not selling.

But even if I wanted to, I couldn't.

My wife would never agree.

There's ways of doing it without her knowing.

She's the co-owner of the property.

She'd have to provide consent, sign forms.

It's impossible without her.

Just leave that to me.

All we need is her passport.

I'm not selling my house!

BRAM OVER PHONE SPEAKER: It all happened so quickly.

I panicked.

I shouldn't have run away.

I should have done the right thing and called the police.

Do what we say.

We'll wipe the recording, the photo, se t you up with a fake passport.

I'm not doing it.

PHONE LINE RINGS WOMAN: Emergency.

Which service?

Police.

Hello.

I have some information on the car that drove away from the accident on Silver Road.

An Audi A3.

Black.

Yes, I've got the registration.

It's B...

DOOR BELL RINGS Hey.

Hey.

No, I didn't!

Yes, you did!

No, I didn't!

They're excited about the conkering.

Yeah, me, too.

Make sure they wrap up warm.

Well, you look gorgeous.

Thank you.

Going anywhere nice?

I don't know.

Play it by ear.

Listen, I was thinking, maybe we should consider getting the house valued.

What?

Just test the water.

The prices are at an all-time high.

SHE SCOFFS It's clear you're finding this whole thing a lot easier than I am.

What?

Moving on.

Well, you're the one going on a date.

I'm not selling the house.

If you want to get nasty, then we can forget trying to be civilised and just put the whole thing in the hands of the lawyers.

Is that what you want?

It's the last thing I want.

I don't even want a fucking divorce.

I love you.

TOBY:He sounds like a great dad.

He is.

He's just... not so hot on the husband front.

Marriage is difficult.

We're all just making it up as we go along.

Tell me about your kids.

I don't know anything about them.

What do you want to know?

What are they like?

Do they get on?

Yeah, not bad.

Sam's a bit feisty.

Yo u know, competitive, like me.

Claire's always got this knack of calming him down.

She knows just the right thing to say.

And what are they into?

Music.

Claire's into that whole post-punk girl band South London thing.

FI CHUCKLES She does me a playlist.

Updates it every week.

Even when I don't get to see them.

You don't see them often?

The divorce was pretty toxic.

My ex makes it difficult to be around.

I had to fight for every minute.

Well, I think they're very lucky to have a father like you.

I'll tell them that.

I've had such a lovely weekend.

Me, too.

I should have a shower.

I promised Bram I wouldn't be too late.

Don't feel used.

HE CHUCKLES PHONE BUZZES Hello?

WOMAN:Mr Lawson?

Yeah.

DS McGowan, Serious Collisions Unit.

Your wife gave us your number.

Er, yeah, right.

She said you were going to be calling.

Just tidying up.

Habit of a lifetime.

We should go away sometime.

I know this gorgeous hotel.

Great spa.

Room service.

No tidying up.

That sounds nice.

Only if it feels right.

Room service... always feels right.

Maybe we should go to your place next time.

Yeah, I'd love to.

When the builders are out, we'll spend the whole weekend.

What happened?

It was an accident.

He hit me in the eye.

Let me see.

Let me see.

It's OK. We just need to get some water on it.

Hiya.

It's not Dad's fault.

Oh, what's happened?

What have you done?

We had a slight accident.

I'm sorry.

I'm really, really sorry.

Don't be angry with Dad.

Please, Mum.

I'm not angry with anyone.

Go and watch some TV.

I'll bring you some ice cream, OK?

How was your weekend?

Not bad, thanks.

I was with someone.

His name's Toby.

I've been seeing him for a while.

I just thought you should know.

Yeah.

Thanks for telling me.

I appreciate it.

I just don't want any lies.

Jensen's address.

He's in Crystal Palace.

Why don't you phone him?

I tried.

He's not picking up.

What are you going to tell the boys?

Nothing.

Not yet.

I don't want to worry them.

But their father's missing.

I'm aware of that.

Where is he?

What's happened to him?

You tell me.

You saw him last.

BOY:Mummy...?

Yes, darling?

Do we have to have a sleepover?

It'll be fun, I promise.

Now, you be good now.

I won't be long.

MAN:I've been through this with the buyer's solicitor and with Mrs Lawson herself.

I'm Mrs Lawson!

I've met Mrs Lawson.

Sh e came here with her husband.

My husband?

Signed the contract.

Provided her passport.

Proof of address.

She's a fake.

That's me, right?

You can see that.

SHE SIGHS HEAVILY Did you even check?

I've explained, there has been no error on our part.

Beyond that, I cannot discuss this matter.

I have to respect client confidentiality.

Well, where's the money?

I have to ask you to leave.

You, listen to me.

That is every penny I have in this world.

I have two children.

My husband has disappeared.

Without that money, I have nothing.

Now, I was told you can ring-fence it, you can stop it going out.

It's too late.

It's been deposited in the seller's bank account.

I got confirmation just before you arrived.

Where?

Which account?

I might still be able to get it.

Was it just his name on it?

I'm sorry, but I can't help you.

The money's gone.

There's nothing you or I can do to get it back.

SHE SIGHS HEAVILY She's pretty.

Kind of.

You know, in a mumsy sort of way.

What are you talking about?

She's gorgeous.

No.

This is gorgeous.

Yo u need to sort an open house.

Quick.

Fi's going to be away for half term with the boys.

We'll do it then.

Cash offer, quick sale.

Do you do everything Mike tells you?

What's he got on you?

He doesn't treat you well, I can tell.

He doesn't appreciate you.

What do you know?

I've seen you together.

He doesn't respect you.

Don't you think you're better than that?

Look... you're getting in way over your head.

Bl ackmail.

Covering up a crime.

You could go to prison.

Oh, I'm scared.

Listen to me.

You're a beautiful, intelligent, young woman.

You don't have to do what he tells you.

Maybe me and you, we could...

There are other options.

Partner up with you?

Split the cash?

Well?

I wouldn't do that.

Mike's like a brother to me.

I could never do anything to hurt him.

He's using you.

And you're not?

BOY:I want to sit there!

Keep an eye on Roger for me.

Make sure he doesn't burn the house down.

Will do.

Are you sure you're OK about this?

Yeah, fine.

FI: It just seems a bit unfair.

It's your weekend.

You're missing out on the boys.

I can't wait to be shot of them, to be honest.

You're doing me a favour.

Bye.

Have fun.

CAR ENGINE STARTS Bye, Dad!

Bye, Daddy!

BRAM:Yes, the neighbours are great.

Very friendly.

It's the type of place where people look out for each other round here.

Yeah, properties on this street very rarely come up.

Especially ones of this quality.

And what about schools?

A brilliant little state primary just around the corner.

All the kids go there.

It's warm, relaxed, but it's ambitious.

You know, the mums round here, you miss a day's school, they start fretting about Oxbridge entry.

It's so gorgeous.

Aye, erm... my wife's got an eye.

Let me show you the garden.

Your boys must love this.

I built it for them.

They were here helping with their little plastic hammers.

It's a great house to bring up a family.

We've been very happy here.

CHILDREN WHOOP AND SHOUT Let me go!

ADULT LAUGHTER KIRSTY: So, when are we going to meet him?

FI: I'd be embarrassed.

That bad?

No, of you lot.

Sitting around, drinking and cackling, checking Zoopla 24/7.

What would he think of me?

Well, he might prefer us to you.

Where does he live?

Brixton.

A house or a flat?

I don't know.

What, you haven't been there?

No, he's got the builders in.

Oh, are they any good?

Have you got a photo?

Nothing I can show you.

Now, can we stop talking about this?

Why are you being so coy?

I'm not.

You are!

Is he hideous?

Have you gone down-market on the rebound?

No, the opposite.

Ooh!

Is there potential, long-term?

Well, spill!

Come on!

Details!

Details!

We are three married women.

We need some vicarious thrills.

Mm.

It's so beautiful.

Can we sort this out, please?

If not for me, for the girls.

I don't know how to.

Forgive me.

Tell me what happened.

The truth.

He didn't invite me over.

He wasn't expecting me.

I just showed up.

Why?

Why would you do that?

I was meeting Adrian.

Our anniversary.

We hadn't been getting along for a while.

I'd had a few drinks at a bar when he texted.

Said he couldn't come.

Work.

A one-line text.

I was so angry.

I walked back down to the house and I felt so... ..reckless.

I wasn't in my right mind.

I walked past my door and went on to yours.

I saw Bram through the window in the living room.

And before I knew it, I was ringing the bell.

It was like I wanted to blow everything up just to feel alive.

I'm sorry.

I am so ashamed.

I've destroyed this.

You and me.

And for what?

Nothing.

You haven't.

I just...

I just need time.

Whatever you need me to do... just tell me.

Bram and me was a crazy, mad moment.

And it's gone.

And there's nothing to stop you getting back together.

If that's what you want.

The survey's come back and there's a problem with the roof.

They'll go ahead if we knock 30 grand off the price.

But it's still going to take a couple of months.

TOBY:Do it.

I want this done and dusted and you gone.

# Away in a manger # No crib for a bed # The little Lord Jesus # Laid down his sweet head # The stars in the bright sky # Looked down where he lay... # How did you do that?

Oh, you'll be all right, wee man.

Here, look...

HE BLOWS Go and be with your brother.

I'd better get them home.

I know...

I know this is asking a lot.

But do you think I could have the boys over Christmas?

Just for the day.

It would mean a lot to me.

Well, why don't we spend Christmas together, the four of us?

Just... one more time at the house... as a family.

What am I going to tell the boys?

How the hell do I explain that?

Their dad's gone.

Their house is gone.

The whole world that they knew has just disappeared.

I thought... you could take one of these.

I had some issues sleeping a little while back.

They're pretty strong, so just take one.

They'll help.

Yeah, and then what?

What happens when I wake up?

I have nothing!

FI SOBS Don't.

Please...

I'm scared.

I'm so scared.

I know.

I'm going to help you, whatever it takes.

Anything.

WENDY:I can't find him.

I've checked the flat again, he isn't around.

I've been everywhere.

What are we going to do?

FI: Toby!

I'm on it.

What's the matter?

What's happened?

Night-night.

FI: Peace!

I thought that was all right.

It was nice.

It didn't feel like anything had changed.

Well, at least we're still talking and not fighting, that's something.

Yeah...

It's not enough.

I mean, look at us... ..and our beautiful boys.

I'm such a fuck-up.

It's not all your fault.

Maybe if we talked.

If I paid more attention to you, rather than all of this.

Had some of those difficult conversations.

I understand why you are like you are.

And this... Toby.

Do you understand him?

I think so.

Is it different?

Yes.

Better?

It doesn't matter.

You're the one I chose.

I knew who you were and I chose you.

You needed me and I needed you.

And sometimes I think... What?

..I still do.

Let's go upstairs.

BOY:Mum...?

Wait, wait.

We can't.

Not now.

Why?

The boys.

They're fine.

Let's not make this any more difficult than it has to be.

What do you mean?

This.

We don't want it to get messy.

Messy?

This is messy.

This...

This is us.

I love you.

I love you with all my heart.

And I haven't stopped for a minute.

Not for a second.

Ever since...

Ever since the moment I met you.

Don't you love me?

What else matters?

We've got our boys.

We've got each other.

Nothing else counts.

It's two days.

Christmas away from the world, it's... ..it's not real.

It could be.

Just... ..listen.

Just listen to me, OK?

Just keep an open mind.

What about... if we did something crazy?

You know, sell the house.

OK, just sell it.

A quick sale.

We'll... We'll take the boys out of school.

Just take a year, take a trip, and be together as a family.

What?

Sell the house?

Just... Just go off and take the kids out of school?

Yeah, why not?

What then?

Do we just come back?

Maybe.

I don't know.

How?

And then the prices go up.

We'll never find a place like this again.

All of the years we put into it.

It's just a house.

Just a house?

This is our house.

It's perfect.

It's...

It's the most perfect place in the whole world.

It's ours!

It's yours.

Ours.

Really?

So, what's mine?

The lamp?

The bed?

The furniture?

What?

You were never interested.

Of course I'm not.

All I'm interested in is us.

You and me and those boys.

That's it.

Well, life is not that simple.

You said you loved me.

Well, it's not enough.

It's not.

I'm sorry.

I think you should go.

Go, now?

Yeah.

I don't want to sell the house.

I don't want to... Just go away.

With me?

Yeah.

This was Christmas.

That's it.

Fi, I... Say goodbye to the boys.

Just go.

You can see yourself out.

I'm sorry.

BEDROOM DOOR OPENS Where's Bram?

I don't know.

Well, we need to find him.

We need to find him now.

How?

Have you checked the flat?

No, not yet.

Well, let's go there.

Come on.

Fi...

I'm going to help you.

We're going to sort this out.

I promise.

Well, I need to get the keys.

Where are you going?

To the flat.

Toby, this is Merle.

Merle, Toby.

Hi.

Terrible business.

Mm.

Any thoughts... on Bram?

Where he could be.

Me?

A friend of the family.

He hasn't been in touch?

No.

I'll come with you.

No, it's fine.

I'll take her.

Look after the boys.

FRONT DOOR CLOSES Strap in.

CAR ENGINE STARTS WOMAN:Mr Lawson... Serious Collisions Unit.

I'd like a word.

Did you drive the Audi to the conference?

No .

I told you, I got the train.

Why was that?

I was on a ban.

I got caught speeding a couple of times back in February, so my wife's been the only driver since.

You didn't mention that before.

I was embarrassed.

Neither did your wife.

She didn't know.

Doesn't know, I hope.

We're going through a divorce and... things are a little tense.

How did you travel back from the conference?

Train.

And when you got home... do you remember seeing your car parked in the street?

No.

But, to be honest, I wasn't looking.

I'm sorry, I know that's not very helpful.

OK. Maybe you'll remember something when your car is found.

I hope so.

Well, look, it's late and I've got plans.

So, if there's nothing...?

Of course.

I'm surprised you've come out for something like this.

I thought a stolen car would be a little low on your priorities.

It's not just a stolen car, Mr Lawson.

It's a manslaughter case.

What?

There was a little girl in the car.

An eight-year-old.

She was in a coma.

Never recovered.

She's dead.

TOBY:Happy Christmas.

I'm so sorry, I haven't got you anything.

Oh, don't be silly.

Open it.

It's that hotel I told you about in the Chilterns.

You've booked it?

Yeah, just a couple of nights.

We can change the dates if you're not free.

Look... No strings.

If you don't fancy it, fine.

But I think, af ter the year you've just had, you need to think about yourself for once.

A couple of nights away, a bit of country air.

We don't even have to talk.

Yo u can just sit in the hot tub and sip mimosas all day, whatever you need.

Thank you.

You're very special to me.

I just want you to be happy.

Whatever it takes.

Why don't I drive you home?

Thanks for the lift.

Do you mind if I use your loo?

Sorry, I should have gone in the restaurant.

Er...

Stunning.

You've got such good taste.

Thank you.

Aw, that's a nice pic!

Do you mind if I have a quick look upstairs?

I'll be quiet as a mouse, but I'm so nosy.

We should... Toby... No, we can't.

Not now.

DOOR BELL RINGS Le ave it.

Stay here.

I'll get it.

Just stay here.

Bram!

I have to talk to you.

What are you doing?

The boys are asleep.

FOOTSTEPS ON THE STAIRS This is Toby.

Toby, Bram.

Nice to meet you.

Bram!

Bram, stop!

No!

You stay the fuck away from my wife!

You don't touch her!

You don't come anywhere near my wife!

Do you understand me?!

BOY:Daddy!

Boys... Go back to bed.

It's OK.

It's all OK.

I'll be right up.

I want you out.

Get the fuck out of my house before I kill you!

OK, calm down.

I'm really sorry about this.

Bram, just go.

No, I'm not leaving you with him!

OK, I need to sort this out.

I'll call you.

If you touch her, you do anything stupid... Toby, come on.

FRONT DOOR CLOSES What the fuck?!

How dare you?!

Some bloke in our house.

Some bloke in our house.

Our kids upstairs asleep!

Well, they're not asleep any more, are they?

What was he doing here?

He was here for three minutes.

He came to use the loo.

Do you even know who this guy is?

Who is he?

I've told you, I've been seeing him a while.

For how long?

Oh, does it matter?

Where did you meet him?

None of your business.

Are you sleeping with him?

Obviously.

Do you love him?

Oh...!

Do you love him?

I don't know!

And if I did, I wouldn't tell you, would I?

You told me this afternoon you loved me.

Yeah, well, that was a mistake.

Oh, was it?

Yes!

And now you've... you've crossed the line.

Don't ever do that again.

You want to come around, you phone ahead, or the whole arrangement's off.

We forget this whole, stupid bird-nesting thing and we go face-to-face in court.

And believe me, I will win.

Is that what you want?

SHE SIGHS Just go.

Fi... No, I need to check on the kids.

I'll do it.

No.

You need to leave.

Unless there's anything else you want to say.

You could start with, "Sorry."

Well, that was all rather unpleasant.

What the fuck do you think you're doing?

It's nothing personal.

She's my wife!

We need to get her out of town.

What?

I'm taking her away for a couple of days.

A little hotel I know.

Yo u know, treat her nice, spoil her.

What woman can say no to that?

You're taking her away?

Ye ah, so you can sell the house.

You know, move all the stuff out.

It's strictly business.

You're fucking my wife!

We have to close the deal.

I'm sorry, mate.

I really am.

The police have been here.

Asking about the accident.

All the more reason to get this done and get you safely out of the country.

The girl's dead.

The little girl, she died.

Yeah, I know.

You know?

Why didn't you tell me?

Well, how could I?

You're not stable.

Look at you.

Who knows what you'd do?

She's dead!

A child!

We killed a child!

Don't you care?

It was an accident.

You are fucking sick in the head!

You're twisted!

Do you know what it's like to have a kid?

HE SIGHS Do you?

I mean, have you got any idea what her parents are going through?

And I did that!

Me!

And I'm never going to get over it.

Never!

If they find your car, that's 20 years for you.

20 years.

I don't care.

Oh, you would, believe me.

Have you ever been in prison?

I have.

I don't think you'd like it too much.

I'll take that risk.

Where are you going?

The police, to confess.

What are you going to tell them?

No-one saw my car.

I have an alibi.

You'll be confessing to manslaughter.

You'll go down.

Just you.

What about I call Fi... and tell her who you really are, just tell her everything?

You think she'll believe you?

It 'd be your word against mine.

And I've got a phone full of messages from you.

From some bloke called Mike.

My name's Toby.

At least, that's what Fi thinks.

You know, the other night in bed... ..she looked into my eyes and she told me she loved me.

She's not going to believe you.

She's not going to believe some... some freak who comes into her house and attacks her boyfriend.

Why would she?

All right.

Let's see who she believes.

Fine.

Fine, look, let's just call the whole thing off.

The house sale, all of it.

I'll just move in.

The divorce comes through, I'll be there.

A new daddy to your little boys.

I quite fancy that, actually.

Why just take a man's house when you can have his wife and his whole family?

Is that what you want?

Is it?

TOBY:The money's gone?

Yes.

You're sure?

Totally sure?

There's no way it could be in another account?

No.

And Bram hasn't tried to make contact with you?

No, I've told you, his phone's disconnected.

Well, where else could he be, then, apart from the flat?

Think.

I don't know.

I've tried everywhere.

His work, his mum.

What about friends?

Other relatives?

What about abroad?

Is there a favourite place?

You know, somewhere he knows people?

I don't know.

I just... SHE SIGHS I don't understand why he'd do this.

Money?

He doesn't care about money.

Revenge, then.

You saw what he was like with me.

He was violent, out of control.

He was jealous.

He wouldn't steal the house just because of that.

And besides, it would take him months to plan this.

There's a woman involved.

Another woman pretending to be me.

Maybe he fell in love.

He said he was in love with me.

Maybe that's what he wanted you to think.

He's got a track record.

We know he has.

Your friend Merle.

That other woman when you were young.

He's done it before.

What about the boys, would he try and contact them?

How do you know he cheated on me before?

What?

You said, "Merle.

That other woman."

Yeah, that's him.

He did the dirty on you twice.

He could do it again.

I didn't tell you that.

About the other woman.

That... That was a stupid fling when we were young.

It was a one-night stand.

I've never mentioned that to anyone.

So?

So, how do you know?

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