Detaining my client for being a bit late could be seen as harassment.
He's on bail for serious drug offences.
I'll warn him about being late.
Do you have to take it further?
He's due here at nine.
He's 20 minutes late. I don't see the sky falling in.
But it's a breach of his bail conditions.
Never run late, eh, Officer? Not three times in a week.
And if he did, I'd want to know why.
Sergeant Croydon. Mr Walters.
Alright, release Mr Walters' client.
But if he does it again, he's up before the magistrate.
Mt Thomas police.
Okay, try not to touch anything and we'll send someone straightaway.
Can we clean up now? No, we have to look around first.
Must get ready for lunch.
We'll need a statement from you and your daughter, Mr Chen.
But customers will be expecting... (speaks in Chinese)
(replies in Chinese)
Put a sign on the door.
We can't pretend this didn't happen.
Ah, Lucy, isn't it?
Mr Chen.
It was you who called us?
Dad wasn't going to.
You work here, too? Yeah.
This is my boyfriend, Ben.
We'll need to take photos of that before you clean up.
How'd they get in?
Kicked the window in above the back door.
Anything taken?
Not that Mr Chen's prepared to tell us about.
The restaurant is Dad's whole life.
He starts at 10 a.m. and most nights closes after midnight.
I have build very good business for my daughter to take over.
My customers are very happy.
So, you've never had any trouble?
No.
(speaks in Chinese)
He thinks he has to put up with the racist yobbos and their cat jokes.
Any particular yobbos?
That group in the other night.
They came in after the kitchen had closed.
They insisted on being served.
Dad cooked up a big order.
He's always trying to please.
But then they refused to pay.
Did they give any reason?
Said the food was no good.
Went on about Siamese cats.
My food is always freshly cooked.
Why didn't you report it?
They have too much drink. Make their tongue lose control.
You're a very tolerant man.
They went when I asked them to go.
Can you give me any names, or a description?
No.
(speaks in Chinese)
I can tell you.
TOM: Middle-aged and balding?
Could match half the town.
Never heard of an anti-Asian group around.
Let's keep it that way.
Could always try the RSL.
An organisation of which I've been a member since before you were born.
Sorry, boss.
Can I get a signature?
Thank you.
Sounds like our balding gentleman and his friends were a bit full.
I'll try the pubs.
They asked me to open the kitchen at 11.30 at night.
Any idea where they went? I suggested the roadhouse.
But Danno mentioned Chinese. Danno?
Dan Benson. He was here with a mate and his wife.
Excuse me.
We're looking for a Dan Benson.
Not supposed to talk on duty.
I'm Detective Egan and this is Detective Hasham. Mt Thomas police.
Mr Benson.
Don't look much like a cop to me.
Could you tell me where you were around 11.30 last night, sir?
I could. Dunno if I want to.
Just answer the question, please, sir.
I know me rights, so mind your bloody manners.
Were you at the Golden Star restaurant?
The old chow complain, did he?
His name is Mr Chen.
I'd like you to come to the station.
You know, some of us work for a living.
40 hours work for 40 hours pay.
You can either hop in the car
or I can charge you with hindering a police investigation.
ROSE: This way.
NICK: Mt Thomas 607 to VKC.
VKC: Go ahead, 607.
Request permission to switch to back channel to converse with Mt Thomas.
VKC: Switch to back channel, Mt Thomas 607.
Do you copy, Mt Thomas?
Switching channels now.
What is it, Nick?
Is the boss around?
Yes, he is.
I've...er...been involved in a bit of a prang.
Is anyone hurt?
No, but could you organise a tow truck for the other vehicle?
Get the details. Tell him I'm on my way.
Nick, the boss is on his way.
Is he in a good mood?
No, I'm not.
Where are you?
The roundabout on Derby Street and Park Crescent.
Come on, Patterson. I'll need someone to carry the paperwork.
What happened at the restaurant?
Me, me mate and his missus wanted chow, but it wasn't up to scratch.
So you complained?
Told the girl the meat tasted funny. Sent it back.
What did she say?
Gave me some lip, said there was nothing wrong with it.
Did anyone else taste it?
Max. He reckoned it wasn't beef - and he used to be a butcher.
Where were you last night, Mr Benson?
At the dogs with me mate.
Max? No.
Monday's me dogs' night.
Max and Celia always stay home.
Celia reckons it's the only time they get the house to themselves.
You know what women are like.
So, who were you with?
A bloke called Joe Wilson.
Did you see anyone at the track who knew you?
I go to look at the dogs, not the people.
Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart.
And after the races, where did you go then?
Between midnight and five a.m.?
I went back to Joe's, had a few, then went home.
What time was that?
I dunno. About three, I suppose.
Can Joe Wilson verify your whereabouts?
If he's sober yet.
Do you know you must give way to the vehicle already on a roundabout?
You weren't on it then. So how did the collision happen?
You came speeding up after I got on. MOBILE PHONE RINGS
Would you like me to answer your phone for you, or are you up to it?
Hello?
Sorry I didn't get back to you.
Yes, I'm still in Mt Thomas.
Some buffoon of a policeman ran into my car.
I'll call you later.
It's all his fault.
I was on the roundabout when she entered without giving way.
This man will take your statement. Don't think you can push me around.
Can you give me the details, miss? Marilyn Spillane. And it's "Ms".
I've got a witness to the whole thing.
Sasha. Lucky she was walking by.
Wasn't quite like that. She was in the car.
You had a civilian in the passenger seat?!
I was just giving her a lift. You know the rules!
You're a sales rep, are you, Ms Spillane?
Who should be with clients, not here.
Just make a brief statement now.
Come to the station tomorrow. So you can scheme against me?
So you can calm down before you make any false accusations.
I'll be there.
You right? Oh, yeah.
I'll go and get a bus.
I should've done that in the first place.
It's not your fault, Sash.
But I got you into trouble. It'll be okay.
I'll give you a ring later, alright? Yeah. Thanks.
Bye. See you.
Get photos of the skid marks.
Righto.
I'll see YOU back at the station.
This had better be good.
Well, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you.
It's no joking matter.
Are you going to attempt an explanation?
I just popped in to see how she's going.
She hasn't been in a car since Billy died.
I was taking her to the supermarket.
You can't drive with a civilian in the car!
I was trying to help her.
Well, help me and spend the rest of today doing paperwork.
Putting a human face to the force.
One day that lip of yours will get you into trouble.
It was a pretty stupid thing to do.
And that stupid thing will go into your accident report,
along with an explanation.
That accident was not my fault!
Your police licence is still suspended until this is resolved.
How long's that going to take?! As long as it takes.
You can work with Patterson and help in the office.
And, Nick...
Yes?
It's a fine line between being sympathetic with someone
and getting emotionally involved.
Her husband only died a month ago.
I just dropped in.
Just keep it in mind.
PJ: How'd you go?
Benson's mate confirmed his alibi.
They were at the dogs in St David's and drinking till about three.
Convenient.
Any prints at the restaurant? Nothing usable, no.
Terrific.
Mr Benson, you're free to go.
About bloody time!
We might need to speak to you again later.
You mean hassle me again later.
WAYNE: Nick not coming in tonight? PJ: He had a few things to do.
What's her name?
Nothing wrong with having a social life, is there, guys?
Hey, boss.
So, where is Nick? Said he'd be in later.
Has he been seeing much of Sasha Peters?
He's been out a lot at night.
Would you say their involvement was friendly or more than friends?
Shouldn't you be asking Nick about this?
I warned him about the dangers of becoming involved
with a woman who's just lost her husband.
Well, if he is seeing her, it's not at home.
Maybe you could have a quiet word sometime.
Boss, four possession charges in St David's overnight.
Someone's selling stuff cheap.
Why sell it cheap when you can make more money?
Market share - same reason Americans sell wheat cheap.
Studying the business pages, Adam?
I might, if I could get my paper! There's your paper.
White with two, thanks, mate.
I hear you've been visiting widows.
You listen to too much gossip.
Attractive young woman loses husband.
Is consoled by sympathetic cop.
It's nice to see you have an imagination after all.
Sympathy turns to comfort. Next thing, you're under the sheets.
Get a grip.
Who are you talking about - you or me?
I'm just saying it happens, mate, that's all.
If you want my advice, you should stay away.
Oh, that's choice coming from you, a man known for his sensitivity.
What would you like me to do?
"Sorry your husband's dead, dear.
"Good luck with the rest of your life."
Can't win whatever you do, mate.
No.
I'm glad someone agrees with me.
Mind you, she's an attractive woman.
PJ.
Just got a call from Mr Chen.
Another break-in? Assault.
Sounds like Danno doesn't know when to quit.
It's no big deal.
Someone was waiting for him outside.
He jumped me then took off.
Did you recognise him?
No, it was too dark. I couldn't see.
LOUD SIZZLING SOUND
(shouts) Let's go outside.
Where were you when this happened?
You listen to me, Ben.
If you're covering for someone, they might come back.
I'm not covering for anyone. You must remember something.
Build...hair.
Lack of hair?
I don't know.
You don't know?
You don't know, or you're just too frightened to tell me?
I don't want Lucy getting hurt.
Do you understand?
Thank you for all the trouble.
Please accept this food as a token of our appreciation.
Thank you very much, Mr Chen.
Thank you.
He didn't say what it was.
Looks like black bean sauce.
Smells alright.
Try some. Tell me what it's like.
Nick, front counter.
Hi.
Are you busy? Yeah, sort of.
I was wondering if you could drop over, have a chat.
You okay? I'm just having a bad day.
I could do with a friendly face.
I'll call by after work.
Can you wait till then? Yeah, sure. Thanks.
Very thoughtful of you, Cooper.
Compliments of Mr Chen, boss.
Soy sauce?
Ben wasn't very helpful.
He's protecting his girlfriend.
Do you think it was Benson?
Beating up a kid would be his style.
Bring him in? No, give him a longer leash.
Okay.
Nick, you got a minute?
I know what you're going to say.
Good. I don't.
With respect to you, what I do in my time is my business.
Not if you're walking into a minefield.
She's an old friend.
Who's leaning on you heavily. That's the idea of friends.
Look, I'm only saying this because I've been there myself.
It happens to most officers at some stage.
We deal with people when they're vulnerable.
We see them at their worst.
That intimacy can sometimes fool people into believing
there's something there that isn't.
We're not involved.
It's just social.
Well, that's all.
Oh, ah, tell Cooper to bring in the soy sauce, would you?
SIREN WAILS
I'm going to the hospital with Dad.
Can you stay? Yeah, sure.
He's going to be alright. How do you know?
We should've stopped them.
See if you can find the weapon. There might be some prints.
Yeah, righto.
Did you see his face? It looked real bad.
Ben, Mr Chen said the money was gone.
How much does he keep on the premises?
Three or four thousand, more on the weekend.
Lucy said something about stopping them.
Who was she talking about?
She thinks it must've been the same guy.
Was it?
Ben, was it the same guy who bashed you?
I can't say. They'll come after me.
Ben, whoever did this will go to jail for a long time.
You don't understand.
Try me.
It was that Benson guy. He jumped me outside.
He said if I told anyone he'd get Lucy.
Could you identify him?
Yeah.
I stay to do some accounts.
Then I lock up and went home.
I remembered I left some food out so I went back.
The back door was open.
Any cars parked outside?
I was worried about the money.
I rushed inside to see if it was still there.
I turn on the light.
The money was gone.
I ran back to the kitchen.
That's when they hit me.
Was there more than one person?
(speaks in Chinese)
It's okay. Almost finished.
I'll get you a cuppa.
Before my wife die, Lucy was studying Science at university.
She gave up her study to help me in the restaurant.
I'm teaching her everything.
She will take over the business.
Is that what she wants?
Sometimes, young people are in too much of a hurry.
I'm worried that because of this trouble
she do not want to continue the family tradition.
I hope you find these men and set her mind at rest.
Can you manage the restaurant without him?
Ben will have to cook.
It's going to be pretty hairy.
How long before your father will be well enough to go back to work?
I don't know.
It could be quite a while.
They said Dad might lose sight in his eye.
We're about to charge the man who assaulted Ben.
Who?
Ben didn't tell you?
Dan Benson.
Did he say anything else? No.
I'm glad you caught the jerk.
The victim stated you assaulted him outside the restaurant.
It's not true!
You also threatened to assault him again - if he told anyone.
I was home in bed the whole night.
Would you have any objection to officers looking around your house?
Bloody oath I would!
Even though you have nothing to hide?
I don't care. Do what you like.
I had a few things to touch up.
Like the walls of the Golden Star?
Maybe I WAS going to pay the chow back.
But only because you were blaming me.
Someone else got there first.
So, you admit you were there last night?
Up the road.
I saw the ambulance and police cars so I went home.
Or broke in to get the money.
Surprised by the old man, hit him over the head.
Then you went home.
No way.
I'm charging you with assault and intention to cause malicious damage.
I'm not saying another word until my solicitor gets here.
There you go, Mags. Thanks, Adam.
(mutters) Here she is, queen of the roundabout.
You can handle her, thank you, Maggie.
Yes, how can I help you?
I'm here to make a statement.
Before you do, could I have a word?
Please.
I'm not changing my statement.
I've been looking at the photos of the cars and skid marks.
Senior Constable Schultz and the witness claim they were here
before you entered the roundabout.
You claim they hadn't entered. That's right.
But their skid marks are parallel starting back here.
Yours start outside the roundabout.
He was moving fast.
So, he travelled about 25 metres in the time it took you to travel five?
I suppose so.
Requiring him to be travelling at a speed of about 300 kmh.
I see.
Perhaps you'd like some extra time to make your statement.
Perhaps I was mistaken.
Perhaps you were.
Constable Patterson will find some forms for you.
Have a seat.
Ms Spillane has decided to change her version of what happened.
How did you manage that?
Geometry.
You're back on traffic duty. Good on you.
That's traffic, not taxi.
I hope our discussion from yesterday is well remembered.
Sergeant Croydon.
Mr Walters, back again so soon?
You have another of my clients in custody.
Oh?
Mr Benson, boss.
Oh, rich and varied clientele you have, Mr Walters.
Being judgemental is a luxury a duty solicitor cannot afford.
As I'm sure a man in your position would appreciate.
Doyle, tell PJ that Mr Walters is here.
He is implicated in the first assault.
There's no corroboration.
He admitted intention to cause malicious damage.
You have this on tape, do you?
No, but I did make notes of the conversation.
You have nothing and you know it.
He hasn't admitted anything.
He denies all knowledge of the original break-in and both assaults.
I'm not copping anything.
You've heard my client.
Mr Chen, is there anything else you can remember?
Clothing, hair colour.
It all happened so fast.
We found the weapon used to assault you, but we need more information.
Sorry.
Your hiding place, how long have you used that?
Only a few nights.
Who else knew about it?
Only Lucy.
Ben not here to help?
He's in the kitchen going mental.
Will you be able to manage?
Dad would never forgive us if we closed.
He'd say it was an insult to the customers.
Your dad said you were the only one who knew where the money was kept.
Ben and me.
Why are you asking?
Just routine.
You don't think we had something to do with it?
I do think there's something more to this than you're telling, Lucy.
Isn't there?
What happened to the money?
We couldn't pay them back, so they stole it.
I couldn't stand this town any more.
Everyone knows everything.
Where were you planning on going?
To Melbourne.
Ben and I were going to get married.
We knew Dad'd freak so we weren't going to tell him till afterwards.
And you needed the money?
Ben's brother, Lex, deals a bit in St David's.
Deals in what?
Speed, pills, grass.
Ben had this idea to rip off his stash and sell it.
He said Lex could afford it.
What went wrong, Lucy?
Ben got the stash and went to Melbourne to sell it.
The first person ripped us off.
Then Lex found out it was Ben.
Said he needed the money urgently.
We couldn't get it.
So Lex put the screws on you and Ben?
At first Lex said it was the guys that he buys the stuff off.
Then Ben found out it was Lex.
When he told me, he begged me to keep quiet.
I didn't know what to do.
We couldn't pay him back.
I'd never have got involved if I knew Dad was going to get hurt.
You can't make me stay here without an explanation.
I said you'd get one.
What's he doing here? Same as you - helping.
We said we'd get the rest of your money...
Okay, settle down.
How could you hurt Dad?!
NICK: What do we know about Lex?
Bit of form. He might lead us somewhere.
Rightio.
There's a few things you forgot to tell me about yourself, Ben.
Like what?
Trafficking a prohibited substance.
Being knowingly concerned in drug offences.
Interfering with an investigation.
You're looking at a big sentence.
I'd like to know about the first break-in.
It was a warning so I'd get the money.
From who?
Lex.
Do you normally go round bashing people to get money?
Who says I do?
Your brother.
He wouldn't dob.
We already know that you're a dealer.
Up to your elbows in debt.
And that Ben ripped off your stash.
Got any proof?
Two officers are executing a search warrant at your house.
You can't do that.
I have to be there.
Not if your girlfriend's at home.
You broke into the restaurant.
You knew that by getting at Lucy, you'd pressure Ben to get the money.
The racist graffiti was a decoy.
Prove it.
Shouldn't be too hard.
We found fingerprints at the restaurant from the first break-in.
We can suspend this interview.
Take your fingerprints.
See if they match.
So what if they do?
I'm in and out of the place all the time.
I eat a lot of takeaway.
(dry) Well, that would explain why we found fingerprints
on the window above the back door.
Unusual place.
Unless you kicked it in.
I was only going to put the wind up Ben.
And when that didn't work, you hit him.
He doesn't know how rough these guys play.
DOOR OPENS
But you do.
That's why you went back there last night to get the money.
It wasn't me.
Recognise this?
I didn't mean to hurt the old man.
I was only after the money.
Ben told you, didn't he? No.
It wasn't hard to find.
Wasn't hard to find?
In the roof?
Above the kitchen pantry?
Come on, Lex!
Okay, okay.
(tearful) Ben told me.
I thought Mr Chen had gone home.
When I heard him come back, I tried to sneak out but he heard me.
I needed time to get away.
So you hit him?
If I didn't get the money, they would've made an example out of me.
Who would've?
Give me a break.
Tell us who your suppliers are and we might be able to.
I'd like to keep my arms and legs.
You think they'd protect you?
No!
If they do another operation, they might be able to fix it.
Mr Chen, we've charged the man who assaulted you.
You got him? Yes.
Lucy will explain.
Ben, can I have a word?
(speaks in Chinese)
Lucy! (speaks in Chinese)
You're in serious trouble, Ben.
You and Lucy planned this burglary with Lex, didn't you?
No, we had nothing to do with it.
We know you told Lex where the money was.
Now, I can think of half a dozen charges
that I can go after you and Lucy with.
(sighs) Alright.
I told Lex where the money was.
But Lucy knew nothing about it.
Oh, that's another charge.
Conspiracy to commit burglary.
It's not looking good, Ben. Take a seat.
Now, I want the names of the people Lex was buying...
I don't know their names!
You must've seen Lex with someone.
Give me what you can.
It may help your trial when it comes up.
Lex has a cleaning business.
He let it slide after he got into dealing.
Sounds like the perfect front.
He never talked about it much.
Did he ever mention any customers?
There was a place I dropped him off once...
An office, a private house?
No, some place on Parson's Road, an office. Some legal place.
ADAM: There can't be that many.
Here we go, Parson's Road.
Ah, I know who it is - just moved premises.
G. Walters, solicitor.
How long has Walters been supplying you?
Your brother knows more than you think, Lex.
That bloody idiot.
You're the idiot if you wear this alone.
We'll get Walters whether you help or not.
The magistrate might be sympathetic if he knows you co-operated.
We'd arrange to meet.
He'd give me the stuff, I'd give him money.
That's all I know!
When are you due to meet him again?
Tomorrow morning.
That's why I needed the money.
Be rude to keep him waiting.
Van's arriving.
NICK: Standing by.
WAYNE: In position.
What are you doing?!
You're under arrest for drug offences.
You're not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so and...
Walters is in custody.
Do you understand?!
Yes!
Mrs Walters. Yes.
I'm Constable Doyle, this is Constable Cooper.
We have a warrant to search the premises. Thank you.
Won't be easy for a man your age to find a job, Sergeant.
You won't even get security work when I'm done.
You had $5000 on you.
Alleged to be payment for illegal drugs.
According to whom - the cleaner? Yes.
This is harassment.
You're letting personal animosity interfere with your job.
We have a signed statement implicating you
in trafficking illegal drugs.
From that pathetic junkie?
What was the money for?
Told me he was in trouble, needed a loan, so I helped him.
Hardly an offence, Sergeant.
Unusual place to repay a loan.
He claims it was payment for drugs.
Who do you think the magistrate will believe?
How could you think Gregory was involved?
Because of certain information we received, Mrs Walters.
Mum, what are they looking for?
Someone's been telling fibs about Daddy.
Go outside and play.
Mummy said to go outside and play.
Why can't I talk to Gregory?
He's still being questioned at the station.
I'll check outside.
Lex is convinced he kept supplies here.
Either that or he's leading us on a wild goose chase.
I'll send Schultz and Patterson to help.
Take as long as you need.
MAGGIE: You can't narrow it down to inside or out?
Negative.
Lex only picked up there once and Walters made him wait in the car.
Alright. Go and give them a hand.
PHONE RINGS
Mt Thomas police.
He's kind of busy right now.
Hold on a minute.
Who is it? For you.
Senior Constable Schultz.
Sasha, I can't talk to you now.
Can I call you later?
Righto.
PJ: Interview concluded at 1700.
Do you have any complaints about how you were treated while in custody?
Yes, I do.
I'll notify the District Inspector.
You can also tell him I haven't been charged or told for how long,
or on what basis, you intend to keep me here.
Until we've completed our investigation.
Any word from the house? No. I can't hold him much longer.
I don't want to lose him. Well, we just might!
Perhaps he's not stupid enough to keep it there.
We'd better find something.
Do you want to play with me?
I can't just now.
But you've got some lovely toys.
Daddy brings me presents when he goes away on trips.
You're a very lucky girl.
What's your name? Anne.
Anne, can you think of any special places Daddy likes to keep things?
Like a secret hiding place.
Daddy's too busy to play.
But he bought me this doll's house.
Did he? It's very nice.
Sure you don't want to play? I'm a bit busy, Anne.
That's what Daddy always says, but he still plays with it.
Does he?
Even when I'm not here.
You can't hold me any longer - I'm going.
Sit down, Mr Walters.
You can't stop me walking out of here unless you charge me.
We're ready to do that now.
With what?
Possession of commercial quantities of prohibited drugs.
Possession?
Like to play with dolls, do you, Mr Walters?
I didn't think you'd come. I said I would.
Sorry, I'm being such a pain.
No, I said if you wanted to talk to someone, just give me a call.
You were just being polite.
(laughs) No, that's not one of my strong points, Sash.
Come in.
Would you like a beer?
Yes, that'd be nice.
Last night, I had this nightmare.
About the accident.
Billy was calling for help and I couldn't move.
When I lost Jennifer and Zoe, I used to dream about them all the time.
I don't think you ever get over losing someone you've loved.
Sometimes I still dream of living together as if nothing happened.
Did you have anyone to talk to about it?
I didn't really want to, Sasha.
But you must've since then.
Nick, it's not too late.
We'll need to question you further in light of the extra charges.
After my solicitor gets here.
You could make life easier for yourself,
depending on what information you provide about your drug connections.
It's the big boys the drug squad will be interested in.
I have a wife and family, Sergeant.
How do you feel about Jenny now?
Oh, she's there. She's always there, but she's in the distance.
Like it's another lifetime.
You've come a long way.
I didn't have much choice, Sash.
You could still be drowning your sorrows, blaming the world...
Making myself miserable. (laughs) Yeah.
That's what I like about you, Nick, you're so straight.
(laughs) How am I supposed to take that?
You know what I mean.
You get on and do things.
No mucking around.
Speaking of which, I should...
Yeah, I've wasted enough of your time.
Hoi.
Alright, then, it wasn't wasted.
I've been doing all the talking.
Hmm, it's nice.
I feel like I'm finally getting to know you.
Would you like to stay for dinner?
SUBTITLED AT ATN 7 BY: Kerrie McKay, Trish Moreno, Jill Zerbini