Swimming Pool

Excuse me, but aren't you Sarah Morton?

It is you. I recognize you.

Look, I'm reading your latest novel.

I love it.

I'm a big fan of inspector Dorwell. I've read all your books...

You must have mistaken me with someone else.

I'm not the person you think I am. Excuse me.

Excuse me. Good morning. What would you like?

Whiskey, please. Ice?

Yes.

Yeah. And after that in all the directories.

And we will renew. Most definitely. That shouldn't be a problem.

Just a minute. Hello, Sarah. How are you?

Could be better. Is John in? Yes, but he's in a meeting.

Who with?

Terry Long. Who?

Uh, just...

Yeah. I'm in the process of drawing up the

contract now and it should be with you shortly.

Yeah, I'm absolutely sure.

Now, you're on what's called 'a roll'.

You must keep the momentum going. Take a short holiday, but nothing too long.

Sarah.

Um, let me introduce you. Sarah Morton, Terry Long. Terry Long, Sarah Morton.

I'm pleased to meet you. My mother adores you. She's read all your Dorwell books.

Right. Well, Terry, always a pleasure.

We'll speak very soon. And congratulations again on that award.

I'm sure it's the first of many. Oh, geez, John.

Very nice to have met you.

And do hurry.

My mother's awaiting the arrival of the newest Inspector Dorwell book.

So what award did that little shit get?

The Manchester book critics.

Hardly the booker prize, I know, but it's not bad for a first novel.

The "little shit", as you call him, has talent.

I just hope he sells.

I trust you taught him your favorite motto. And what motto's that?

You know damn well. You drilled it into me 20 years ago.

"Awards are like hemorrhoids. Sooner or later every asshole gets one."

Did I say that?

My God, you're jealous, aren't you?

You don't look after me anymore.

Just because I give a little fledgling some

encouragement does not mean that I am neglecting you.

Besides, you've never had any problems finding inspiration for the Dorwell series.

You write with such remarkable ease I wonder you need me at all.

Okay, Sarah, what's the matter?

Can't be money. You're rolling in it.

It's incredible. The only thing you can find to talk about to me is money.

I don't give a damn about money...

Or success!

- I just want to find... - An inspiring plot.

No. You don't understand.

It's... it's got nothing to do with inspiration.

I'm... I'm fed up with murders...

And investigations.

Why don't you confound your critics and write something completely different?

Put Dorwell on the shelf, as it were.

You didn't like the last one, did you? I knew it! And you haven't told me.

That's simply not true. You know I've loved the Dorwell series right from the beginning.

As well you might... Considering the money they make you.

Do you like France?

I like frogs' legs.

So what?

My house.

Why don't you go there for a while, hmm? Breathe some fresh air.

It's free, it's out of season, the weather's glorious.

There's a swimming pool.

Would you come and visit me?

Well. I have got my daughter.

But maybe I'll come for a weekend.

- Are you Marcel? - Yes.

Hello, I'm Sarah Morton.

- How was your trip? - Very nice.

- May I carry this? - It's on wheels.

- I'll take the small one. - Thank you.

My car is just outside.

Okay.

The bedrooms and bath are upstairs,

the kitchen's on the left.

I'll let you take a look around.

I turned on the hot water and gas.

If you need anything, you've got my number?

- Yes, John gave it to me. - Good.

To go to the village,

you can take the footpath I showed you...

Or use the moped in the garage.

The keys are in the ignition.

Thank you, Marcel. Good-bye.

Good-bye, madame. Enjoy your rest.

Bonjour. Bonjour.

What can I get for you?

- Um... - An aperitif?

No.

Uh, maybe something lighter?

How about a panache?

No. Just a cup of tea.

Very well.

- In Marseilles. Bus service is drastically reduced.

But the metro is running at 75%.

It's the second strike in two weeks...

And passengers are growing weary...

Hello? Hello, father. It's me.

Are you all right? Yes, I've arrived safely.

How is the house? The house is lovely.

The weather? The weather's gorgeous.

How is the weather in London? Doesn't stop raining.

Are you all right? Yes, I'm okay.

Have you met anyone? No, I haven't seen anyone.

You shouldn't stay by yourself. Try to get out.

Father. Yeah...

Look, father, if there's a problem of any kind, ask Mrs. Smith for help.

All right? I don't need anyone's help.

Yes. You take care now.

You too. All right. Bye-bye.

Good-bye.

Hello? Sarah!

John, how are you? I'm very well.

I should be asking you that question.

So, tell me, how's everything going, darling? Did Marcel come and fetch you?

Yes, but listen. I have just one thing to say to you, and that's thank you.

You were right, as usual. Your house is a little piece of paradise.

And I've already begun working. So soon?

Yes. The idea kept running through my mind while I was on the train.

You know, one of those stupid things that just latch on and won't let go.

Really?

I don't know where it's heading, but... so, what's Dorwell up to now?

Well, I'm not ready to talk about it right now.

But I think it might be quite funny. Anyway, I'm going to wait until I'm sure.

Well, that's marvelous. Well, I'm glad you're happy.

Have you been out and about yet?

No. I'm just enjoying the peace and quiet here.

Good.

Yeah. So, when are you thinking of coming?

Um, I don't know.

I'm not sure. It... it depends on the work, you know.

Um, look, I'm sorry, sweetheart. I've got another call coming through.

Now, you take care, and call me when you're ready to read me something, all right?

Right. Fine.

Good-bye, John.

You scared me!

Who are you? What are you doing in my house?

Your house? This is my house!

I should be asking you.

Are you English? That's correct.

I'm Sarah Morton. I'm a writer.

And my publisher, John Bosload, is letting me this house.

So you're daddy's latest conquest.

You're his daughter?

So what? Didn't he warn you?

No, he didn't tell me you'd be coming.

I'm not surprised. Is he here?

No. I'm here on my own. And I'm here to work.

Maybe he'll come and visit.

I'm glad he's not here.

Are you going to be staying long?

I don't know. I don't have much work these days.

So, which bedroom did you take?

The one upstairs overlooking the pool. Of course.

That's the best one. Well, I'm gonna unpack.

Sorry.

Hello. Leave your name,

number and any message you might have...

And I'll get right back to you.

Bastard! You could have told me your daughter was coming to your house.

How do you expect me to work now?

It's Sarah. Good-bye.

I couldn't get through to London. Is there anything to eat?

Yes. Go and look for it in the kitchen.

Personally, I'm gonna go back to bed. I have to work early in the morning.

Fine. Good night. Sarah, right?

Right.

I'm Julie.

You're not too hot?

Sorry. I woke you up.

No. I was just dozing.

You must be working too hard.

You should have a swim in the pool. The water's cold. It'll wake you up.

Well, thank you for your advice, but I absolutely loathe swimming pools.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

I prefer the sea too.

The ocean. The crashing waves.

The feeling of danger. That you could lose footing at any time and be swept away.

Pools are boring.

There's no excitement, no...

no feeling of infinity.

It's just a big bathtub.

It's more like a cesspool of living bacteria.

Oh, that? No, it's just a bit of dirt and leaves.

So. What are you writing? A romance novel?

God, no. I write crime fiction.

Oh. Yeah. That's how he makes his money.

And that's how he can afford to buy a beautiful

house in France for his daughter to enjoy.

What about you? Are your books selling well?

- I can't complain. - What is this one about?

Murders and a police investigation.

In the Luberon with rich English tourists.

Listen, if you don't mind, I do have work to do.

Okay. I leave you alone, Miss Marple.