♪ ♪ Inspector Blake, I presume.

FITZROY: I think he's impressive.

BLAKE: I have found private investigators do not compare to professional police officers.

I do not use them.

I do not need them.

CLARENCE: I heard the news about Inspector Wellington.

He's made his decision to stay in New York, and we must respect that.

I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better.

(voice trembling): He's not coming back.

(Eliza crying) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (thunder cracks) (whimpering) (click) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (people laughing and talking in background) (glasses clinking) Thank you.

MAN: Thank you.

Thank you very much.

WOMAN: Thanks, darling.

IVY: To Barnabus, on a well-deserved promotion.

Chief clerk-- can you believe it?

Congratulations.

Bravo, Mr. Potts.

Congratulations.

Thank you, my dear-- thank you.

Mmm-- not one.

Five other mortuaries he's in charge of.

(exhales): Three, my dear, not five, as I believe I've mentioned before.

(chuckling) You're very kind to take us out for dinner, Mr. Potts.

And the menu looks quite delicious, particularly the Chateaubriand.

It is my pleasure, and please feel free to choose anything at all.

Up to a cost of three shillings each.

(piano playing in background) That wine is rather expensive, my dear.

Perhaps you wish to savor it rather than... Barnabus, the most exciting thing that's happened to me all week is saving a spider from the kitchen sink.

I've been looking forward to this dinner all week, so please let me enjoy myself.

(Barnabus sighs, Ivy chuckles) With the compliments of the gentleman at table six, madam.

Oh, for me?

Oh.

(whispering): They're from the Guild of Private Detectives.

That's the chairman and the deputy chairman, no less.

Uh, just to be clear, this is not going on my bill, is it?

Would you excuse me a moment?

Of course.

Mm.

Gentlemen, I, I wanted to thank you for your most kind gesture.

You are most welcome, Miss Scarlet.

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Edmund Fletcher.

I'm chair of the Guild of Private Detectives.

And this is our deputy chair... Archibald Spilsbury.

Oh, please.

Thank you.

Well, this is most fortuitous.

We were only discussing you this morning.

You, you were?

Miss Scarlet, we would very much like you to join our number.

(chuckles) Well, that would be an honor, indeed.

The patronage of the guild would be most welcome.

(Fletcher chuckles) There is one small matter we need to discuss before confirming your membership.

It concerns the new detective inspector of Scotland Yard.

Inspector Blake?

Yeah.

What about him?

He is intent on sticking to the ludicrous notion of not using private detectives.

We must take action.

Fortunately, we have an ace up our sleeve.

You, Miss Scarlet.

I'm sorry, I don't, I don't understand.

Inspector Blake has refused to meet us to discuss his misguided policy.

But we believe you have crossed paths with him several times already.

Uh, the role of detective inspector is increasingly political, requires a whiter-than-white reputation, and yet, Inspector Blake has been alone with you on several occasions.

♪ ♪ You didn't just happen to be here this evening, did you?

Make an accusation of lewd behavior on his part.

Uh, perhaps he suggested certain favors in return for employment.

Or tried to force himself upon you.

♪ ♪ Do this and you'll be granted membership of the guild with all the benefits that comes with it.

Forgive me if I toast your health with water.

Uh, unfortunately, I'm teetotal on the direction of a doctor who is determined to take all pleasure from me.

(chuckles): So.

Miss Scarlet, do we have a deal?

No, we most certainly do not.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (church bells ringing) (knocking on door) Morning.

Morning.

Thank you.

(footsteps approaching) You're supposed to be dressed and ready for school.

I don't like it there, Papa.

The girls are mean.

♪ ♪ If you go to school, I promise we shall have dinner together this evening, and I shall tell you everything about my day, including all the bad men that I arrest.

Promise?

Promise.

(softly): Go on.

(sighs) (pan sizzling) (knock at door) Good morning, my jewel.

Barnabus, just in time.

Breakfast is ready.

(exhales): It's the first day in my new role as chief clerk, and a much-needed stock-take is required at Aldgate Mortuary.

So, I came by to inform you I will not be partaking in breakfast this morning.

Well, I've made it now.

Well... (exhales) There's a hole in this sleeve.

When you have time, could you darn it?

Again?

What have you been doing?

Well, if I told you, you'd only worry.

Mr. Potts.

Miss Scarlet.

I really do not have time to eat, my dear.

Very well, off you go, then.

POTTS: Ladies.

(clears throat) Sit down, have some breakfast.

I don't have time, either-- must go.

Well, will you be home for dinner?

Lizzy!

(groans) (knocking at door) Good morning, Inspector Blake.

Are you aware of the convention of knocking, Miss Scarlet?

But I did knock.

You were then supposed to wait to be invited in.

I have an urgent matter to discuss with you about the Guild of Private Detectives.

I'm here to give you a warning.

They are far from happy about your current policy regarding private investigators.

(sighs): Please tell me you're not here on their behalf.

(exhales): Nothing could be further from the truth.

But, well, the guild have money and influence.

They've taken against you and will stop at nothing to undermine your position.

Why are you telling me this, exactly?

Well, I thought you should know.

So, you're giving me this information out of the goodness of your heart.

There's nothing you want in return.

Absolutely not.

Well, of course, it benefits me to be on good terms with a detective inspector.

And there we have it.

If you must know, they insulted me deeply.

The guild chairman and his lackey asked me to-- asked me to make certain accusations about you.

What kind of accusations?

(people talking in background) FLETCHER: It is good, indeed, to finally meet you, Inspector.

I did try a number of times to make your acquaintance, but, uh, sadly, you were unavailable.

We have something in common.

You and I, uh, we both served in the Royal Engineers.

(laughs): Best years of my life, even with the, uh, war wounds.

(chuckles) I believe you served in Africa, too.

I did not come here to share war stories.

I came here to make myself crystal clear in person.

I will run my division in whatever way I see fit.

And no threat or attempt at blackmail will have any effect on any decision I take.

I do hope I've made myself clear, Mr. Fletcher.

(chuckles): Oh, I see.

Uh, the lady detective has paid you a visit.

I trust this is an end to the matter.

I'm afraid it's not.

Try to look at it from my perspective.

I have been chairman of the guild these past 17 years, and in that time, I've enjoyed the full support of all our members.

2,000 of them, no less.

And above all, my duty is to ensure that their businesses thrive.

If I fail in that duty, then I look weak.

I cannot afford to look weak, Inspector.

My heart bleeds for you.

You have a daughter, do you not?

If for some unfortunate reason you were to lose your job, she would feel the consequences, too.

And as a father, surely you must be concerned about her welfare.

Very well.

I shall hire a private detective, starting tomorrow.

Glad to hear it.

I'll, uh, see a list of the preferred... No need.

I have someone in mind.

The lady detective.

Unfortunately, Miss Scarlet is not a member of the guild.

Yes, that is unfortunate.

♪ ♪ MAN: Get your "Morning Herald."

"Morning Herald" here, hot off the press this morning.

(coins clinking) (people talking in background) Miss Scarlet.

Oh, Inspector Blake.

You're early.

Extremely early.

I received your telegram last evening, and I'm here to be of service.

What case shall I be working on?

Background checks for a new clerical office?

We also need you to interview and assess the candidates for their suitability.

We need women who are experienced and, more important, trustworthy.

They will be dealing with highly confidential files.

I set up a similar office in Bristol, and it worked rather well.

Here is a list of the candidates.

They'll be here at 11:00.

Well, but this isn't quite exactly what I was expecting.

I thought you'd hired me to work on an actual case.

This room will be vital to the smooth running of Scotland Yard.

It will free up my detectives from administration duties.

Miss Scarlet, is that a scowl?

No.

No, it's not a scowl.

I'm merely thinking.

This is the job I'll hire you to do.

Do it or don't do it.

It's up to you.

My name is Cynthia Quinn.

I'm 24 years old.

I've worked in three offices, two solicitors, one accountancy firm, all of which would have no hesitation in their recommendation of me.

And you've had a similar clerical role before?

I have.

And you've trained in shorthand.

Absolutely.

And you've worked full-time before.

Many times.

And I see here that your previous positions... Where shall I put the others?

What others?

(talking in background) (exhales) (bell ringing in distance) There's just so many of them.

And more come tomorrow, and the day after that.

That was just the interviews.

God knows how long the background checks will take.

I thought this is what you wanted, Inspector Blake to hire you.

And it is.

And I'm trying my best to do as he asks, to play by his rules, forge a working relationship.

I can't help but feeling that this specific task is, well, not exactly beneath me...

Beneath you?

(chuckles) Do you know what I did today?

Ironing, then laundry, then more ironing.

So, sitting in Scotland Yard at a nice, shiny desk, interviewing clever, ambitious women is not the worst thing in the world.

And you should be pleased.

You're helping those young ladies make something of themselves.

Whatever happened to, "In my day, you found a nice man and settled down"?

I'm allowed to change my mind.

(sighs) You don't seem yourself lately.

Is all well?

Yes.

No.

I don't know.

Barnabus has got his new job.

You, you're always up to something different.

But me... Every day's the same.

You see, now I've worried you.

This is why people should keep things to themselves.

I'm going to make dinner.

What can I do to cheer you up?

I know.

I'll cook us dinner this evening.

I thought you wanted to cheer me up.

(bell ringing in distance) Ah... (talking in background) Ah, good morning, Miss Scarlet.

Oh, Detective Fitzroy, how are you?

Very well, thank you.

You seem to have your hands full at the moment.

Hmm.

If you need any assistance, let me know.

Oh, you wish to help me interview a group of attractive young women.

Oh, no.

No, that's not... (chuckles) (stammering): I, I was merely...

I would never...

OFFICER: Sir?

Message from Inspector Blake.

(chuckles, clears throat) I'm to meet him at 25 Girton Street.

That address sounds familiar.

It's the Guild of Private Detectives.

A dead body has been found.

Whose?

You say he was found by a clerk.

What time?

OFFICER: 8:00 this morning, sir.

BLAKE: Thank you.

Continue taking statements.

Sir.

(footsteps approaching) FITZROY: Sir.

Good, you're here, I... Why have you brought Miss Scarlet?

I've had recent dealings with this man.

I've come to help.

My question was addressed to Detective Fitzroy.

I believed she may be of assistance, and as, as Miss Scarlet said, she's had recent dealings with the deceased, and... We will discuss this later.

This is Fletcher's appointment book.

I want to speak to everyone he met yesterday.

Yes, sir.

And send word to the city mortuary.

I want a full list of the poisons they can test for.

FITZROY: Right away, sir.

Poisons, you say?

That would explain the sickly-sweet smell.

Yes, I know.

And no other signs of trauma apart from this puncture wound.

From a syringe, I would guess, but there doesn't seem to be one present.

Again, I know.

ELIZA: Chateau Lemaître.

The man had expensive taste, which is curious, since he didn't drink.

But you didn't know that, did you?

Miss Scarlet, if you do not return to your duties, the duties that I'm paying you for, our contract will be terminated.

Is that understood?

Very well.

You know where I am if you need me.

I do-- and I won't.

♪ ♪ (people talking in background) Morning, Arthur.

Morning, Ivy.

The usual?

Am I that predictable?

Hmm.

See you tomorrow.

Thank you.

(people talking in background) (whispering): I think she's lost.

Are you here for the interview?

(women chuckling) (door opens) Miss Kingston.

(clears throat) The butcher's is next door.

(women laughing softly) (laughing softly) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (breath trembles) (bell ringing in distance) Thank you again for coming in.

It was nice to meet you.

Ooh, I'm sorry.

Is now a good time?

Uh, yes.

I have no more interviews until tomorrow.

Just a few more days of this and we'll be done, thank goodness.

Well, it is paid work, after all.

That's not the point, Clarence.

I had hoped for the opportunity to dazzle Inspector Blake.

Dazzle?

Yes.

To show him my worth.

To put down a marker for future engagements.

Well, there are many ways to dazzle someone.

I, for one, cannot fail to be impressed with a well-presented audit.

Numbers-- they can have a poetry to them.

Anyway, I'll get back to the matter in hand.

I've been working on the background checks for yesterday's candidates, and most of them have come back clean, but there is one applicant that caught my attention.

Cynthia Quinn.

Cynthia Quinn?

She was one of the first applicants that I interviewed.

In fact, she was the best candidate so far.

There are irregularities in her work history.

Miss Quinn cites three previous employers, all of which seem to be legitimate, registered at Companies House.

But on further investigation, I discovered they are, in fact, bogus.

In what way?

Well, the companies are registered, but they do not actually exist.

And the, um, paperwork provides a trail that leads back to a private detective business.

Malone's Investigation Agency.

Well, that wasn't mentioned on her list of previous employers.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ BLAKE: So, you're the deputy chairman of the guild.

And have been these last ten years.

I confess in all that time there's been nothing so shocking as the events of these last few hours.

Mr. Fletcher was not just my superior.

He was my friend.

When was the last time you saw him?

Uh, last night at his office.

He was seeking reelection as chairman.

He and I were discussing his campaign.

His campaign?

That is perhaps too grand a word for it.

The election is every four years, but it was always a fait accompli with Edmund.

He won every time, no matter who stood against him.

According to his diary, you were the last person to have a meeting with him.

Did he mention an appointment with anyone else?

Not that I recall.

I left his office at half past eight.

Uh, as far as I knew, he was heading home.

A bottle of wine was smashed on the floor of his office.

But as I understand it, he didn't drink.

Ooh, not for years.

He picked up some tropical disease in Africa, which gave him a slight hand tremor.

Alcohol seemed to aggravate it.

Could it have been for someone else?

A visitor, perhaps?

It's possible.

He was a generous man.

Can you think of anyone who might have wished to do him harm?

You think it was murder?

I believe you used to be a detective, Mr. Spilsbury.

You'll be aware I have to consider the possibility.

Edmund was well liked.

He grew the guild from a handful of members to over 2,000 strong.

He's a great man.

Was a great man.

You mentioned he was seeking reelection.

I take it there would be some kind of vote.

It was supposed to be tomorrow evening, although that may be delayed.

As acting chairman, I will have to make that decision.

You are now acting chairman.

Will you yourself stand for election?

I will.

But only in memory of Edmund, to continue his legacy.

Do not read anything into that, Inspector.

He was my oldest friend.

We served together in Africa.

He saved my life.

What of the other candidates?

Who else is standing?

(inhales): There is only one.

And in truth, he may be somebody you may wish to speak to.

A man who's been forthcoming in his criticism of Edmund's time in office.

Who might that be?

♪ ♪ (people talking in background) CLARENCE: Thomas K. Malone.

You know he got Mr. Nash's premises for a bargain.

He was a tough negotiator-- astute businessman.

He's an untrustworthy snake who I had the misfortune of dealing with in France.

And if Cynthia Quinn is working for him, my guess is that he'll aim to put her into Scotland Yard to gain access to classified information.

Well, that is terrible, obviously.

Though Mr. Nash did do something similar in Bow Street some years back.

(chuckles): Why doesn't that surprise me?

Did you find out anything else about Malone?

As it happens, I did.

His agency seems to be thriving.

And as such, he's decided to stand for election as chairman of the guild.

♪ ♪ DRIVER: Whoa.

(horse neighs) (knock at door) (knock repeats) Come in, Miss Scarlet.

I do hope this is related to the task that I'm paying you for.

A, a check on one of the clerical applicants has revealed links to a detective agency.

And this is why I do not use private investigators.

I know the agency in question.

Well, at least the owner.

He's an American gentleman-- and I use that word advisedly-- who goes by the name of Thomas K. Malone.

Malone.

Who also happens to be... ...standing for election to be chairman of the guild.

Yes, I know.

I was just on my way to speak with him.

Oh, well, then, it's vital that I come with you.

I don't think so.

Well, uh... ELIZA: You're being unreasonable.

I'm being perfectly reasonable.

There is no reason at all for you to accompany me.

I came straight to you with this information, when I could have gone to see him myself.

Is this some kind of attempt to prove yourself to me in the hope of future employment?

I resent that suggestion.

Hm.

I'm simply trying to help.

Thomas K. Malone is a serial liar.

I have met liars before-- it comes with the job.

Yes, but I, I know the man, I spent time with him.

You'll get to the truth quicker if I'm there to call out his lies immediately.

And I will also add that I'm offering my help free of charge.

(sighs) Is that a sigh of irritation or acceptance?

Both.

Very well.

If you accompany me, I must insist on three things.

I accept.

May I at least say what they are?

Well, you may, but I'll agree with them.

Do not speak unless I ask you to.

Do not show any reaction when the suspect is speaking.

Do not do anything at all unless instructed by me.

You have my word.

And I'm very much looking forward to watching you work.

Do not try and charm me for your own advantage.

I do not do that.

If you say so.

(horses approaching) (keys jangling) Mr. Malone?

No, he just left.

Really?

And you are?

Depends who's asking.

Detective Inspector Blake from Scotland Yard.

That is him-- Thomas K. Malone.

I did not ask you to speak, Miss Scarlet.

Eliza Scarlet.

Well, I'll be damned-- we're old friends.

Friends do not handcuff each other to filthy pipes in a basement.

Sorry-- please carry on.

Let's talk inside.

BLAKE: How long have you been in London?

Hm, six months, give or take.

I worked for an agency in Boston, then came here to set up my own shop.

In fact, I believe these were your old premises.

Nash and Sons.

(chuckles): Not that he has any sons.

He's a wily old fox, that one.

But he gave me a good deal on this place, so I can't complain.

And when did you join the Guild of Private Detectives?

Mm, a few weeks after setting up, I guess.

I thought it might be good for business, but it's just been a waste of time and money.

£100 a year and for what?

Do you want a drink?

I'm going to have one.

I've finished work-- thought I had, anyway.

Can I bill you for this?

You can try.

(drink pours) So, let me guess.

You're here to ask about Fletcher, right?

He dies suddenly, and I'm standing against him in the election, and you want to know if I killed him.

Amongst other things.

Well, if I did kill him, I'd deny it.

And if I didn't-- which I didn't-- then I'd also deny it.

(sips) (clears throat softly) I got into wine in France.

At least some good came out of being there.

You got me pretty good.

I spent two weeks in a cell before they set me free.

ELIZA: If you're looking for an apology, Mr. Malone, then you have a very long wait.

(exhales) BLAKE: What were your movements last night?

I was here, working on my election speech.

And before you ask, yes, there are people who can vouch for me.

My entire staff.

But for the record, I did not like Edmund Fletcher.

A washed-up has-been lining his own pockets.

The guild needs someone in charge who knows what they're doing.

Someone with integrity, and vision.

And that happens to be you?

Mm, I've been talking to the other members, and they're ready for someone new.

And by the way, if I'd been in charge, I'd have convinced your friend here to rethink his ban on private detectives.

Hey, come to think of it, how come she's working with you?

ELIZA: I'm not working with him.

I'm working for him.

Mr. Malone, as a man of vision and integrity, let me ask you about Cynthia Quinn.

She's an employee of yours.

Hm, Cynthia, yeah, what of it?

Well, Cynthia Quinn... ELIZA: Cynthia Quinn applied for a position at the new clerical office at Scotland Yard.

Hm, it's a free country.

Nothing to do with me.

Look, this is a waste of time, mine and yours.

You know who you should be speaking to about Fletcher's death?

Archibald Spilsbury.

17 years he was deputy chairman, taking Fletcher's crap, dealing with the mess he created, waiting for him to step down.

You ask me, he got tired of waiting.

(sips) (swallows) ♪ ♪ Noticed the wine he was drinking, Chateau Lemaître.

Same wine that was found at... At the crime scene, yes, I noticed.

ELIZA: It can't just be... A coincidence-- I agree.

But he may have a point about Archibald Spilsbury.

I assume you're going to...

I am.

Where are we going now?

Well, I have further leads to follow up.

You may go wherever you wish.

I'll meet you later at Scotland Yard, and we can, um, run through our next steps.

There is no "we," Miss Scarlet.

I believe I have been quite clear on this.

(chuckles) Is it pride?

Is that it?

You can't, you can't risk someone else solving your case.

If so, that's, uh, rather petty.

If I were being petty, I would mention that you blatantly ignored everything I asked of you during our meeting with Malone.

And for your information, I am not returning to Scotland Yard.

I have one more appointment, then I shall be heading home.

Home?

I have a life outside of work, Miss Scarlet, as I'm sure you do.

(pounds ceiling) DRIVER (urges horses): Hup!

(horse nickers) (bell ringing in distance) POTTS (chuckles): Oh, this is the most wonderful evening.

What more could one ask for than good company, a nice glass of wine, and a very taxing game of gin rummy?

Yes, it's just what the doctor ordered.

I mean, I do not exaggerate when I say being in charge of three extra mortuaries is... Three times the work-- yes, Barnabus, you have said.

Is, uh, is everything all right, my dear?

Have I done something to upset you or...

It's been a long day, that's all.

For us all.

We shall speak no more of work.

Shall we, Miss Scarlet?

Although... (chuckles): That is a shame.

By a strange quirk of fate, your name was mentioned today, Miss Scarlet.

And, um, well, I made a most humorous observation.

Oh?

Yes.

When Inspector Blake came by to pick up the postmortem results on a Mr. Fletcher?

The chairman of the Guild of Private Detectives.

The same gentleman who sent over the, uh, bottle of champagne to us at the restaurant.

The same gentleman you threw the wine over.

(laughing): So, I said to the inspector, "I'm surprised Miss Scarlet isn't a suspect!"

(laughs uproariously) (cackling) That was the humorous observation, you see?

Yes.

I gathered that.

Did the postmortem reveal what poison was in his body?

It did-- that is classified information.

I'm working with the inspector on the case.

There were several likely candidates for poisons.

I'm, I'm merely wishing you to confirm which one.

Miss Scarlet, I cannot reveal... Was it strychnine?

No.

(chuckling) Hydrogen cyanide?

No!

And you cannot... Dear God, the pair of you!

Just tell her and have done with it!

Physostigma venenosum, also known as the Calabar bean-- but that's, I will say no more!

And the puncture mark on the back of Fletcher's hand, it was from a syringe, wasn't it?

It was.

Excellent.

It's your turn, my dear.

(sighs): Yes, I know it's my turn, Barnabus.

♪ ♪ Morning, Clarence.

Morning.

I have some news.

I discovered that the poison used to kill Mr. Fletcher is a rare and ingenious one.

When placed in food or drink, it's slow-acting, taking hours, if not days to take effect.

Death occurs by cardiac arrest, making it impossible to distinguish from natural causes.

However, Mr. Fletcher was killed by an injection directly into his bloodstream.

He would've died in seconds, so, the question is... Why are we talking about a case that Scotland Yard is working on and we are not?

The question is, why go to the effort of getting a rare, slow-acting poison only to inject it straight into the victim's body?

It leaves a visible puncture mark and high levels of poison, making murder much easier to detect-- I've been doing some digging.

And I discovered that this poison, known as the Calabar bean, grows in the same area of West Africa where Fletcher and Spilsbury served in the Army.

It's intriguing, is it not?

It is intriguing, but it doesn't change the fact that this is not a case we've been hired to work on.

Clarence, this is our chance to prove ourselves.

Eliza, it is not that I don't admire your tenacity, but there is an equal chance that conducting our own investigation will antagonize Inspector Blake.

But a gamble worth taking, is it not?

Well, I... Good, then we are agreed.

Now, I intend to investigate Mr. Spilsbury further.

(exhales slowly) No syringe was found at the crime scene.

So, if he's involved, then perhaps he stored it somewhere.

In the meantime, I have a task for you.

Oh, dear.

This poison is extremely rare and hard to come by, so, you must talk to someone who deals in the more exotic end of the black market.

Exotic being a euphemism for dangerous?

Oh, he's, uh, far from dangerous.

♪ ♪ (people talking and laughing in background) Mr. Gibson?

Who wants to know?

I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm here on a matter of urgent business.

I only deal with people I know, and I don't know you.

I, I'm an associate of Miss Scarlet, who I believe you've met on a number of occasions.

I've never heard of her.

Right, um... (lowers voice): We are looking for a list of suppliers of a particular poison.

The Physostigma venenosum.

It's also known as the Calabar bean.

I deal with legitimate works of art sold with full provenance, not poison.

Miss Scarlet informs me that you have diversified your business and you now provide a more eclectic range of products?

(chuckles): She also tells me that you are a cautious man, and that I will need to make it worth your while.

Financially speaking.

Yes, uh, perhaps I could provide some information, if the price is right.

My secretary deals with payments.

Your secretary?

A recent appointment to ensure the smooth running of my new diversification.

(chuckles): Oh.

So, um, who might provide that particular poison?

I've never heard of it.

No, but I just paid you for the information.

Yeah, and the information is, I've never heard of it.

Then I shall have my money back.

No refunds.

But I... Take it up with my secretary.

On your way out.

(whimpers) (keys jangling, lock turning) (people talking and laughing in background) ♪ ♪ (window opens) (door opens) (footsteps approach slowly) Mr. Spilsbury?

I have a revolver and I'm not afraid to use it.

BLAKE: Is that true?

(exhales) (smacks lips): No.

What are you doing here, Miss Scarlet?

Well, the same thing as you, I imagine.

It is anything but the same-- you have unlawfully broken in, whereas I have a search warrant.

Can you see the difference?

Well, if you'd stop being so stubborn and allow me to assist you, I wouldn't have to.

MALONE (screaming): Help!

Please!

It's coming from downstairs.

Help!

Down here!

Wait here.

(door opens) Help, please!

(grunts) Malone.

(sighs) (people talking in background) (sighs) This isn't the first time I've found you bound and gagged, Malone.

Perhaps you should rethink how you conduct your business.

It's not my fault.

It was Spilsbury.

He asked me over to discuss the election.

He said he was thinking of conceding.

We sat down, had a drink, and before I knew it, he'd hit me over the head and knocked me out.

Then I woke up down here.

I guess he wants me out of the way for this evening's vote.

(groans) So you would be a no-show, and he would be elected to chairman as default.

The man's a viper.

Where is this vote?

♪ ♪ (applauding) Thank you-- thank you, one and all.

I hope to prove myself worthy of being your new chairman.

And I do so in memory of my dear friend and colleague Edmund Fletcher.

May he rest in peace.

MAN: Hear, hear.

(others applauding) ♪ ♪ (bleating) All right, let's go.

CLARENCE: Good morning, gentlemen.

Oh, what do you want?

These are your business premises, I believe.

It's very clever-- an unremarkable exterior hiding... (voice catching): ...an Aladdin's Cave of contraband inside!

I said, what do you want?

I've been making some inquiries about you, Mr. Gibson.

Just wish to confirm if what I discovered is correct.

And what's that, exactly?

You are known to the black marketeers of London as Archibald Gibson, but you are, in fact, Stanley Grimsdyke of the town of Northampton.

So?

The town where your wife lives.

A wife who believes you to be dead.

(chuckles): It was, um, boating accident, wasn't it?

Have you spoken to Gladys?

Not yet, but that is my intention.

She's not a difficult woman to find.

The only female butcher in the South of England.

She can break an entire cow carcass single-handed, I believe.

(chuckles): So... Perhaps you could rack your brains and furnish me with that list of possible suppliers of the poison that I paid for yesterday, or else Mrs. Gibson will discover that she's no longer a widow!

(chuckles) I'm sure she'll be delighted to be reunited with her beloved husband.

(both chuckle) Have you got a pen?

(birds twittering) (knocks) Good morning, is...

Uh, is Inspector Blake in?

(footsteps approaching slowly) Miss Scarlet.

What an unexpected pleasure.

Good morning, Inspector Blake.

Would you like to come in?

Oh, um...

Yes.

Thank you.

How many times have I told you, young lady, you are not allowed to answer the door?

120, Papa.

(Blake chuckles) Mrs. Bambury's waiting to make you breakfast.

You be a good girl, and I promise I will read you more of this at bedtime.

(dishes clanking in background) I'm, uh, sorry for disturbing you at home, Inspector Blake, but I have some information to share with you that cannot wait.

I went to your office, and they... Well, they told me you were running late.

I, I didn't know that you had children.

Just the one.

Oh, what's your daughter's name?

Sophia.

How old is she?

What is this information that cannot wait, Miss Scarlet?

Oh, my, um, my assistant tracked down a man who trades in rare poisons, including the extract of the Calabar bean.

(sighs) And yes, I know this is not my murder case.

And yes, you've told me many times that you do not need my help, but I wanted to show you that... Well, once I'm involved in something, I am committed to see it through to the very end.

For better or for worse.

You're relentless, Miss Scarlet, I'll give you that.

Spilsbury's not the murderer.

I'm inclined to agree.

He's admitted assaulting Malone, but there's no evidence of anything else.

I know who bought the poison that killed Fletcher.

♪ ♪ So, I'll make it double that we're working to, if it's all right, right?

Of course.

Yeah?

We're gonna run a top establishment here, right?

Get on that as soon as possible.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, what now?

I, I've given my statement, there's enough... Cynthia Quinn, I am arresting you for the murder of Edmund Fletcher.

♪ ♪ My men searched your lodgings and found a syringe wrapped up and discarded under your bed.

It contained the residue of the poison used to murder Edmund Fletcher.

I swear I didn't kill him.

I've known him since I was a kid.

He served with my father, and when my father died, Mr. Fletcher helped my mother where he could.

I never would've harmed him.

Then why did you buy the poison?

I worked for Mr. Fletcher.

Did bits and pieces for him.

Following someone here, report on someone else there.

Then one day, he told me to get a job with Malone.

He hated that man.

"American upstart," he called him.

He was terrified that Malone would knock him off his throne.

He made a good living as chairman, not least 'cause of all the kickbacks and the bribes.

So, he wanted you to report back on Malone and give him any dirt.

Malone might be a weasel, but there was very little to report back about.

Apart from the fact that he drinks a bottle of wine a day.

♪ ♪ The bottle of wine found by his body was for Malone.

So was the poison.

(exhales) I took the bottle from Malone's drinks cupboard, and got the poison, as ordered by Mr. Fletcher.

He intended to inject the poison through the cork.

It would be slow-acting, and Malone would be dead in a few days by what would seem to be natural causes.

So, what happened?

Mr. Fletcher had a hand tremor, and as he went to inject the cork, his hand slipped, and the stupid bugger injected himself.

It was awful!

And you were there and took the syringe.

I didn't want it to get tracked back to me.

(breathes deeply) Why apply for a job at Scotland Yard?

(sighs): That was Malone.

He wanted to pay me to report back on any confidential cases.

It's a good way to get new business.

(chuckles) You're an industrious woman, Miss Quinn.

When you grow up as I have, you'll do anything to get by.

♪ ♪ BLAKE: Her story was compelling, to say the least.

ELIZA: Do you believe her?

She had no motive for murder, and Fletcher paid her well.

And for a woman like Cynthia Quinn, it was all about the money.

You did well.

But...

But nothing.

That was the entire sentence.

Oh.

Well, thank you.

Oh, I have something for you.

Actually, for your daughter.

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."

It was my favorite novel when I was a girl.

There are no pirates like "Treasure Island," but, um, it's quite the adventure.

Thank you.

She has, in truth, struggled in her new surroundings.

New home, new school.

Her nanny struck her this morning.

We've had words, and now she's with our neighbor Mrs. Bambury.

May I ask... What of her mother?

My wife passed a few years back.

I'm so sorry.

I know what it is to lose a mother so young.

(knock at door) (door opens) The clerical office is ready for you, sir.

I trust you selected the very best candidates?

Certainly.

On behalf of Scotland Yard, I would like to welcome you all to our new clerical office.

I hope you find this a fair and decent place to work.

All we ask in return is hard work, discretion, and trust.

I look forward to working with you.

So, once again, a warm welcome to Scotland Yard.

(click) ♪ ♪ POTTS: Are you aware of the Thames Reaper?

ELIZA: Four murders in three months.

It's a puzzle to solve, and that puzzle's more likely to be solved working with you.

Working for me.

It was you who broke the story of the Thames Reaper.

BAILEY: I wondered, might you be free tomorrow evening, to dine?

Oh!

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♪ ♪