Police arrive at the family home to inform Idi that Raza has been arrested at work - charged with the murder of a local man, Frank Cordingley (a colleague of Raza's, from the University - he is a security guard, and ex-soldier - having served in Iraq and Afghanistan). Cordingley is found dead in his flat, following the extraction of a large amount of money from his bank account. A neighbour has identified Raza as visiting the house earlier in the day. Questioning takes place.
Idi does not believe that his son is capable of such an act - but the situation is complicated by Raza's behaviour. He has retreated completely into himself, and is refusing to speak. The police inspector DCI Hammond (female) is convinced of Raza's guilt and wants a conviction to bolster the public's confidence in the system. She is aggressive in her approach and single-minded. Her sergeant, Sgt. Tomas Imanov does not believe that the evidence adds up (despite being the one to uncover Raza's gamblong debts). He is sympathetic to Raza's case, but frustrated by his vow of silence.
Fade in:
INT./EXT. QUIET STREET – EARLY EVENING
Two police officers step out from their car.
We see them walk to the front door of a house a couple of metres from where the car is parked.
As DCI HAMMOND (early 30’s) knocks twice on the front door she looks to SERGEANT TOMAS IMANOV (40’s) as if to say that what is about to happen will be tough for them.
IDI answers the door slowly and seems surprised when he sees two police officers standing in his doorway.
DCI HAMMOND
I’m DCI Hammond, this is Sergeant Tomas Imanov, can we come in?
IDI
Certainly, may I ask what this is concerning?
DCI Hammond
We would like to talk to you about your son Raza
The scene cuts to the three sitting in Idi’s small living room.
DCI Hammond
(To Idi)
Your son Raza has been arrested on suspension of the murder of one Mr Frank Cordingley.
Idi
Raza? A Murderer? Your joking? Please tell me that you’re joking.
DCI Hammond
(To Idi)
I’m afraid to say we are not joking sir. Mr Cordingley was found dead mere hours after Raza was seen exiting his home. In the time between your son leaving Mr Cordingley’s home and when he was found dead, there was a large sum of money withdrawn from Mr Cordingley’s bank account. Do you know for any reason, why Raza may have needed money?
Silence for twenty to thirty seconds.
DCI Hammond
(To Idi)
Sir, I know this must be hard to hear but if you can help us in anyway, we would be very appreciative.
More silence, this time for around ten seconds.
DCI Hammond
(To Idi)
Please sir, we could really do with your help.
Sergeant Tomas Imanov
(To DCI Hammond quietly so that Idi cannot hear)
This isn’t good for any of us, it is blatant that this man knows nothing. I think we should leave him.
DCI Hammond
(To Idi)
Very well, thank you sir, we will be in touch.
Sergeant Tomas Imanov
(To Idi)
We can show ourselves out.
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. POLICE CAR – EARLY EVENING
Sergeant Tomas Imanov is sat in the passenger’s seat whilst DCI Hammond is sat at the wheel.
DCI Hammond
(To Sergeant Tomas Imanov)
Well? What do you think Sir?
Sergeant Tomas Imanov
(To DCI Hammond)
About what?
DCI Hammond
(To Sergeant Tomas Imanov)
The murder of Frank Cordingley.
Sergeant Tomas Imanov
(To DCI Hammond)
Honestly? I don’t believe Raza killed him.
DCI Hammond
(To Sergeant Tomas Imanov)
You must be joking sir. All the evidence points against Raza
Sergeant Tomas Imanov
(To DCI Hammond)
That it may do, but for some reason I genuinely don’t think he did it, I mean what with the arrest and his father’s reaction. Both he and his father seemed shocked. Also from the interview there is nothing he said that gave anything away.
DCI Hammond
(To Sergeant Tomas Imanov)
That may be true sir but we also know that he’s a very well educated man. He’s a librarian for god’s sake! He’s well read and most certainly knows how to lie or let me rephrase that one... He knows how to hide the truth.
FADE OUT
FADE IN:
INT. QUESTIONING ROOM – DAY
Raza is sat behind a desk in the middle of the room.
Enter DCI Hammond and Sergeant Tomas Imanov.
Raza
I didn’t do it! Please, please just let me go. Let me see my father. I must see him!
DCI Hammond
(To Raza)
Calm down. Now I Am going to ask you a very simple question. Did you kill Frank Cordingley?
Raza begins to cry.
Raza
No, I swear I didn’t. Now please, please just let me go home.
Sergeant Tomas Imanov
(To Raza)
I’m afraid we are unable to let you leave. All of the evidence points against you at this moment in time and I’m afraid you are going to have to stay here.
Raza
Please, no, Please!
DCI Hammond and Sergeant Tomas Imanov leave the room. Raza is left on his own with his head in his hands.
FADE OUT