The Scapegoat Page #7

- You'll just have to be patient, Mr Spence.

- It'll only take a moment.

Let them do their job.

You heard what the doctor said.

- I need to speak with her.

- Later. You've done everything you can.

- How is she?

- She's going to be all right.

Johnny found her in time.

- Thank God.

- Do they know what happened?

- No, not really. How is everyone?

- Yes, gone at last.

I don't think anyone

suspected anything.

- Do you know, I just saw something rather odd.

- What's that?

That artist...

Do you remember, we met her together,

the one from France?

What about her?

I just saw her in reception.

She looked terrible, like she'd been in a fight.

- Are you sure it was her?

- Yes, of course.

She's gone now.

That's what was so odd.

I asked the nurse where you were, she got up and left.

That's how I noticed her.

Oh, God...

- What? What's the matter?

- Can I take your car?

- Of course.

- Stay with Frances.

Don't leave her alone with anybody,

and I mean anybody, not even... me.

I'll be back as quick as I can.

I told you what would happen

if you came back.

- Wait, please.

- Why?

Because I'm not Johnny.

There are two of us. We...

He's someone I met and we swapped places

because of the way we looked,

and I know that sounds absurd.

You are the ticklish one.

Yes, I suppose I am, although that might be

hard to prove at the moment.

I knew you were different

the moment you touched me,

but I did not believe

it was possible.

I didn't mean to deceive you.

Is that because of me?

No, because of me.

- I'll survive.

- Do you know where he is?

He just tried to kill my...

He tried to kill Frances.

I need to find him.

He went to his foundry last night.

Thank you.

Who are you really?

A teacher.

Who are you really?

A mother.

I had to leave my child behind when I fled.

I think it's time to go home.

Don't you?

I'm not sure I know

where home is any more.

Don't worry, you will.

Mr Standing...

You'll have to excuse me.

I'm just finishing a rather primitive supper.

You look quite

the country gentleman.

So, how did you find me?

Bella.

Of course. You have been busy,

haven't you?

Yes. I'm afraid I lost my temper with her,

but you can hardly blame me.

You've taken our little experiment

further than I expected.

Your effect on Frances

was quite remarkable.

I don't think I've ever

been kissed like that before.

I congratulate you. You certainly

made everything much easier for me.

- What did you do to her?

- I didn't have to do anything, thanks to you.

She's always been very persuadable, but,

of course, you already know that.

I can't blame you.

I'd have done the same. In fact, I did.

I assume you're here

about the money.

Don't worry, you'll get your share.

Frances's father is a very rich man.

I can afford to be generous.

There is no money.

She's not dead.

Not possible. I gave her enough to kill a cow,

appropriately enough.

I want you to go away

and leave her alone.

Oh.

So you want it all, do you?

That's a little greedy,

but no more than I expected.

You've become almost as

good at being me as I am.

- I'm serious.

- Yes. So am I.

Now, take off those clothes.

We're going to have to change back.

- No.

- I mean it!

I don't need you. I need my clothes.

Now, take them off.

So you're going to kill us both?

- Was that always your plan?

- God, no. Do I look like an idiot?

I never even thought you'd make it to the house,

let alone into my bed.

No. I had you bleating your unlikely story

to a baffled country policeman

then being sent on your way.

But I did get curious,

so I rang the house after a couple of days.

When Charlie answered and said I was out,

but would be back in an hour,

I realised the walls

had been breached,

and I had the perfect opportunity.

You're not the only one.

This last week has been

the most extraordinary of my life,

and I love your family,

every single one of them.

- You have no idea how lucky you are.

- Oh, God...

You are pathetically sentimental.

My family are too selfish

to love anyone but themselves.

I've lived long enough with them to know that.

Now, would you hurry up?

What will you do with me?

Ashes to ashes and all that.

There'll be no trace of you

by morning.

Darling, what happened?

I've had such terrible dreams.

You're safe.

Have I disappointed you again?

You've never disappointed me.

You're the most extraordinary person

I've ever met,

and I'll never forget a moment

I've spent with you,

and, whatever happens,

I want you to know that I love you.

What's the matter?

You're shaking.

Don't worry about me.

Just rest.

Rest and get strong.

Sleep.

You've changed.

Do you know that?

Have I?

I don't know.

You seem harder.

To me at least.

You never loved me at all,

did you?

I don't think I did.

So you have changed.

You don't even pretend any more.

Paul wants to take me abroad.

France, Italy, everywhere.

He's suddenly full of ideas

for the business.

- He thinks I can help him.

- I think that would be very good.

- Really?

- Yes.

Well, I've never travelled.

I've never been anywhere,

what with the war and everything.

I'm terrible at languages.

- What use would I be to him?

- You'd be just what he needs.

You looked so strong together today

at the lunch.

He really loves you.

You know that?

I'm still bloody furious with you,

you know.

I know.

- Stay with her.

- Of course.

- She's asleep.

- Where are you going?

To see Mary Lou. I made a...

I made a promise.

Frances will be all right.

Yes, I know.

I don't think I knew what it meant to

have a brother until today.

Thank you.

How is Frances?

Better. Sleeping.

I read the note she left.

She must have felt so alone.

It made me think about

what you said about Alice,

having no-one to turn to.

You're right.

When it mattered, we all failed her.

Including me.

I've decided to accept your offer.

- You'll take over the foundry?

- Yes.

- I'm glad.

- There would be a condition.

- Anything.

- That you never set foot there again.

- Paul and I will be in charge.

- I completely agree.

What will you do about finance?

Come on, there has to be

something here we can sell.

She's asleep.

Please don't wake her up.

Eep-eep.

Good night, Mr Rabbit.

Tell me what she saw this afternoon.

I said you were helping her mother.

That's what she believes.

Thank you.

But it wasn't you she saw,

was it?

What do you mean?

I know Johnny better than anyone.

He loved me.

In his way, but as he grew older,

I faded like a photograph.

I became invisible to him.

But he wasn't to me.

I saw everything that he did.

And then something changed.

The child sensed it.

Said you smelt different.

I didn't believe it at first,

but, this afternoon,

when you found her on the bed,

I saw your face.

Then I was sure.

I'm leaving.

I came back because

I made a promise

I would tell Piglet first

if I ever had to go away.

Please tell her one day

that I tried to keep it.

Is he coming back?

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