- DAVID ON PHONE: They're all dead! - MAN ON PHONE: What's the matter? - They're all dead! I came home, and they're all dead. - Whereabouts are ya? - Um, I'm... (PANTS) Every St. - Wha... Every St. - 65 Every St. (GLASS SHATTERS) They're all dead. - Who's all dead? - My family, they're all dead. Hurry up! - Murder-suicide? This bloke flips out, takes out his family, and then himself. - Well, what about him? - Your last name? - B-Bain. - OK. We're on our way. - Hurry up. - OK, Mr Bain. - Hurry up! - Yep, we'll be there very shortly. - My full name is David Cullen Bain. I'm 22 years old. I was born on the 27th of March 1972. I'm a student at Otago University studying the classics and music. - Can you explain the timings and area of your paper run? - Yeah. I s'pose I can. I, uh, left for the top, where I pick up my first bundle at about 10 to 6. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the corner, where Aytoun joins Somerville St. About... 6.22, I'm at the bottom of Every St. Then I did the rest of Somerville St, then Marne St. Then at 20 minutes to 7 exactly, I... was just past Heath St on the way up to my place. - How do you know the exact times? - I wear a watch. I wanted to know how long the run had taken. It was about 45 minutes. I looked at my watch at 6.22. - Did you see or meet anyone else? - There's a lady that lives on Somerville St. I put the paper on her doorstep, and her dog barks. She would've heard me. - What happened when you got home? - I came in the front door and noticed that Mum's light was on. I, um, walked into my room. I didn't turn the light on. I went downstairs and put the clothes in the wash. - After putting the washing on, what did you do? - I, uh, washed my hands of the... of the printer's ink. - In a previous interview, you said you went into the bedroom and turned your lights on. When was that? - Uh... Sorry, um... That was, um... That was before I checked on Mum. I saw the cartridges on the floor, and... then I went... to Mum's room because the light was on. - Can you tell me what you saw and did in your mum's room? - I saw blood on her head... and her face. It seemed to just go everywhere. Dad! Dad! I saw him. He was grey-white. There was, um, blood on his temple. That's when I went to call the police. - Of all the children, who was Dad's favourite? - That's difficult. Um... Arawa would be least. She and he never saw eye to eye. For myself, if I was in a play, he would always come backstage and... say how I stood out. Yeah, he flattered me a lot. - What about Laniet? - I think he got on with her the most. He would do things that he didn't do for us. (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) Captions by Julie Taylor. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2020 (BIRDS WARBLE, GIRLS TALK INDISTINCTLY) - Don't even get me started. - Hey, it's late. I gotta go. - Please. Please? Please? - Laniet! - Don't make me go home alone. Sunday prayer meeting. Kill me now. - I'll get grounded again. - At least your mum doesn't make you be part of some weird cult. It drives me and Dad nuts. Do you smell that? - What? - Weed. Let's go ask for some. - As if. - I will. - Laniet. Don't! - Hey! Um, how's it going? (LOW ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) - Ah. What do we think? - It looks great. I love you. - Uh, your mother's looking for you. - I was studying with Leanne. - Thought you looked smarter. - (CHUCKLES) - MARGARET: Laniet, is that you? As we breathe in, we feel the universal energy flow into our bodies. - What smells so good, Mum? - Mum's bacon and egg pie. - Shush. The sooner we get clear, the sooner we can eat. As we breathe out, we're expelling the bad. (EXHALES) See the colour white in our minds. White for purity. - I see black. - Laniet. - Everyone has a black aura. - Don't be ridiculous, Laniet. You're making up stories. If anyone has a black aura, it's Satan. It's Bel. He's in you, and you need to get clear. (LOW ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) (SEAGULLS CAW) (BALLS BOUNCE, SQUEAK ON FLOOR) - Laniet, about to get a game of five-a-side going. Is, um, everything OK? - Did you know I had an abortion? Ages ago, when my family lived in Papua New Guinea. - Oh. OK. You must have been pretty young. - The father was one of Dad's students from the compound, and they made me get rid of it even though I didn't want to. Guess it kinda messes me up a bit. I even tried to cut my wrists once, but my sister, Arawa, found me in time. - Have you, um... Do you wanna talk to someone about it? - No, it's just... I get a bit down sometimes, so I thought you should know why. - You so should be in the show. - She's got a great voice. - (GASPS) Sing something! Oh, go on. Her whole family are ridiculously talented. - I like being backstage. It's more fun and less hassle. - Laniet. Oh, come on. - (HUMS) - # Oh, starry-eyes am I # knowing that when I try # to forget you, # love pulls me out of my shell. # I put my heart upon the shelf, # hiding inside my self. # What am I doing? # No use faking, # fool for taking. # There's no more escaping you. # - DAVID: Hi. - Oops. That's my ride. I've gotta go. (GIRLS CHUCKLE) Later. - See ya. - Bye. - (LAUGHS) - Mum wants to see you. (DOOR SHUTS) She's in your room. - I am waiting for an explanation. You do not bring drugs and alcohol into this house. - It's not even mine. - Don't lie to me! - I'm not. I'm looking after it for a friend. - What friend? Why can't you be more like your sister? Or David? You are so full of Bel, just like your father. Very well. - Mum? Mum, what are you doing? Mum! (SCOFFS) I told you that it's not even mine! - And I don't believe you, so it's going. (TOILET FLUSHES) - You bitch. - Don't you use that language with me. - You fucking bitch. - Get out! Would you just get out of my house?! - It's Dad's house, remember? He pays for everything. - How do you think he would feel if he knew what you've been up to? - Fine. Then I'll move out. - Laniet. Laniet! - It's none of your business, David. - Go on, then. Go. See if I care. Nobody's stopping you. (DOOR SLAMS) What is wrong with that girl? (BIRD CAWS) - ROBIN: Ah. There she is. - LANIET: Dad, what are you doing here? - Well, I had to ask around to find you. - Yeah. I meant to call, but... you know. - Who are these people? Are they friends? - Um, yeah. Thanks. I didn't have anywhere else. I don't have any money for food or rent. And I went to go on the dole, and they said that I was too young. It's nearly Christmas. - I know, love. - I thought about going home, but Mum... (CHUCKLES DRILY) She drives me crazy. She's so unreasonable. - Yeah, well, you two are far too alike to get on. Well, first things first ` we'll find you somewhere more suitable to live in until we get things sorted out. - Probably too soon to go home, eh. - Oh well. - It's just through there. - So, how did you want to do this? - We usually take a month upfront, and it's just $30 a week. - Oh. - (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) (DOOR OPENS) - LANIET: hello? Is anyone home? (DOOR SHUTS) It's only me. - DAVID: Hey. - Hi! Um, is... Mum...? - Oh, no, she's out with Auntie Jan. Um, I got a new silencer for my gun. - Cool! Um, Dad said you might give me a hand with some of my stuff. - Um, Mum's been working on plans for the new house in here. Gives her space to think. So leave the desk, Um... What else do you want? - Just clothes and... blankets and stuff. And maybe the lamp. - What about the doll's house? (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) - (CHUCKLES) Nah, probably not. Remember when you and Dad made it for me? I thought it was so cool. Everyone got on heaps better then ` you and me especially. - Yeah. Um... (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) - Um, could you lend me some money? I'm so hungry. I'm actually starving. - No, you're not. You always exaggerate. I know that Dad's paying for you. - Only my rent. Just a 20. Please? - You should apologise to Mum and come home. - Why do you always have to take her side? - Well, you always take Dad's. - Yeah, cos he loves me. - We all love you. Let's just get your stuff into the car. - I'm so broke all the time, but I can't get youth benefits cos my mum won't sign the form. - What about your dad? - Doesn't want Mum to go spare, I guess. (SIGHS) Anyway, I'm never going home. Ooh, what about this? Escort wanted. Experience an advantage. - Laniet! - What? I have experience. - (LAUGHS) You so wouldn't. - Wouldn't I? - Wha... - ROBIN: We've found a lot of parents really want to help their children with their homework, but they find it too difficult, particularly maths. You know, there are three types of mathematician ` those who can count and those who can't. (CHUCKLES) (PHONE RINGS) Um, so, consequently, I'd like to propose that we start adult night classes in the new year. - Robin, it's for you. It's, uh... - Oh. Excuse me a moment. Everything all right? - Uh, not really. Um, could I come stay with you? - Uh... I'm afraid that's not practical. I'm still sleeping in the van, love. - Um... I'm so hungry, and everything is going wrong. - Why don't you go to the dairy and get something to eat? Just put it on the account. - Please? - I have to go now, love. Um... I'll come and see you in the weekend. You're in my prayers. Laniet. - Yeah, whatever. (DIAL TONE BEEPS) - Have you ever done any kind of sex work before? - It doesn't bother me. - Thing is I need someone I can do doubles with. You know doubles? You, me and the client. - Yeah, yeah, doubles. - I was at a parlour up in Christchurch, and a lot of guys wanted it. It's where the money is. Do you reckon you could handle that? - I'll try anything. (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) - MAN: Whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo! Suck my balls! (CAR HORN HONKS) - Don't worry, babe. I'll be right there with you. - Uh, this is near where my dad teaches. Taieri Mouth. He'd be so mad if he knew what I was doing. - Why would he? Unless he was the client. - (SNIFFLES) - Sorry. Bit of a joke. But you do meet all sorts in this job. Families, eh? Lots of girls get into the game cos of crazy family shit. Like, my mum's boyfriend raped me. Might as well get paid for it, eh? - Bad stuff happened to me too. - What kind of stuff? - Like my dad, when... we lived in PNG, um,... (SNIFFLES) I couldn't sleep because I was so scared that he would come into my room. - Lame. - (SNIFFLES) He still tries it on, you know, so I had to move out. - Fair enough too. - (SNIFFLES) - There's some make-up in my bag. - (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Thanks. (DOG BARKS) (BIRDS WARBLE) (DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE) - Don't worry. I'll look after you. - I'm good. - Brian, hi. - Hey, Sharon. TJ: Have I done enough to wear the jersey? Gotta sweat out that fear because this is bigger than me. I do it for my fans and my family. ION4 hydration. Sweat it out witih Powerade. - You did really well today. Real professional. - Thanks. - Oh, I was gonna say those stretch marks on your tits and tummy ` you should try rosehip oil. It's amazing. I piled on all this weight a few years ago, and then when I lost it, I had terrible marks, but now they're gone. - I wasn't fat; I was pregnant. - You didn't say you had a kid. - In PNG, but my parents made me give him up. Do you wanna see a photo? I'm not supposed to talk about it, but sometimes it's hard. You know? I miss him so much. I was only 11 at the time, so I couldn't exactly look after him. - 11. Shit. You poor thing. What about the father? - Anyway, thanks for today. Bye! (PIANIST PLAYS 'I AM THE VERY MODEL OF A MODERN MAJOR-GENERAL') - # For my military knowledge, though I'm plucky and adventury, # has only been brought down to the beginning of the century. # But still in matters vegetable, animal and mineral, # I am the very model of a modern Major-General. - CHOIR: # But still in matters vegetable, animal and mineral, # he is the very model of a modern Major-General. (PIANO CONTINUES, ENDS WITH FLOURISH) - WOMAN: Very good. - You did really well. - Oh, I dunno. - Oh, no, no, you did. You're improving all the time. - I think you're the one who should be singing the lead. - Oh, yeah, well, I'll get my turn. You will too if you keep at it. It's all about persistence. - Hey, Dave. DCB. - Hey, guys. How's it going? - Yeah. We were just wondering ` haven't seen Laniet round the theatre recently. What's, uh`? What's she up to? - She's just busy. - Mm. My brother says she's, uh, always busy. (BOTH LAUGH) - Those guys. It's always like that around here. Just joking and playing pranks and stuff. - Um, who's Laniet? - My` My sister. - SHARON: All week ` nothing. - LANIET: What, no work at all? - Blame the economy. - Well, maybe could you lend me a few of your regulars? I really need the money. - I'm just getting by as it is. I gotta go. I'll call you if anything comes up. - Yeah, thanks. Bye. (ROCK MUSIC PLAYS) - Laniet, right? Darren. I met you at a party out in Kaikorai Valley. - What about it? I know Sharon too. - You, um... You working tonight? - Yeah, if you want. Um... We could go back to your place, but it's 50 bucks. - (CHUCKLES) I don't pay for it. But I know plenty who will. Got a business proposition for ya. Have you ever seen... one of these? Take it. Go on. I can set it up. Blokes call you. I drive you to the job, look after ya, make sure no one gets too rough. We split the money. What are you drinkin'? - Chardy. - Comin' up. (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) - (INHALES) (COUGHS) - MAN: Laniet! Laniet, someone here to see ya. - Coming! - She's just in room 14, mate. - I'm David, by the way. David Cullen Bain. - Uh, Terry. - How do you know Laniet? - I don't really. I'm just up from Invercargill for a few months for work. - Did she tell you she's only 17? - (LAUGHS) Good to know. (DOOR OPENS, SHUTS) - Hiya! - Is that a new jacket? I thought you said you didn't have any money. - I've been getting a bit of work, you know, just casual. Uh, we should go. - Yeah. - Bye, Terry! Don't wait up for me! - ROBIN: Blessed be God and blessed be his kingdom. Lord, we thank you for the food we eat and the family we share it with. In the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. - ALL: Amen. - And I just wanna say how lovely it is to have Laniet back with us tonight. - Thanks, Dad. Love you. - So, how's the flat? - It's good. Great. Um... Everyone's really nice, and we hang out and stuff, so... - Uh, would you be interested in coming to school camp next year and help with the children? - Yeah, sure. Sounds good. - Reminds me ` I have something for you to look at. I saw it in a health food shop the other day, and I thought of you ` training to be a naturopath. - It's in Christchurch. - It's not the end of the Earth. And you come out a fully qualified herbalist. - I'll think about it, definitely. Um, so what's everyone doing for Christmas this year? I thought maybe we could go away together to the beach, like we used to. - Well, your father isn't going to be here for Christmas. - Why not? - Uh, I'll be in Otaki, helping your grandmother and uncle paint the house. - Your father will be spending Christmas with his family, and I will be spending it with mine. So it works for everyone. - That's not fair. - It's not really any of our business. - It is so. - ARAWA: OK, calm down, Laniet. - You calm down. - Can we please just have a nice meal without any arguments? (VEHICLE APPROACHES) (ENGINE STOPS) - Well, here we are. - Why do you let Mum push you around like that? Why do you never just stand up to her? - Hmm. Well, uh... That's between your mother and me. Things'll work out in the end. (LOW ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) (DOOR SHUTS) (DOOR OPENS) (GATE CREAKS) - DARREN: How'd you go? - He was old and creepy, and his breath was terrible. - Did he pay? - Yeah. - Well, then... 20 for you. - No, there's 60 there. - You still owe me 20 for weed. - Don't be a bastard. - Don't ask for credit as refusal may offend. - Can we go? - Yep. Back to mine. - Can we not tonight? I'm not feeling very well. - You know, you should be nicer to me, Lani. You wouldn't want me to have to tell your mum now. Would you? - You're hurting me. Oh! OK, OK. (CHUCKLES RUEFULLY) It's so fucked, you know? (SNIFFLES) I mean,... I don't have any other choice, right? I have to live, don't I? I can't just go back home. - Why not? - Don't even get me started. So much shit and... (SNIFFLES) (SIGHS) How's your daughter? - Um, she's good. (CHUCKLES) - You must miss her. I had a kid too. Did I tell you? (SNIFFLES) (SNIFFLES) He's beautiful, isn't he? (SNIFFLES) One of Dad's teachers he was training back in PNG... Yeah. He and I had this thing, and then my dad found out, and that's why we had to move back to Dunedin. Cos my dad's jealous, right? Cos he wants me all for himself. No wonder I'm so messed up, and... no wonder (SNIFFLES) my mum hates me. (SNIFFLES) I screw guys for money, you know. - Yeah, anyway, I... I should... - Um, I'll do you for free if you like. (SNIFFLES) (SNIFFLES) - Uh, it's... it's probably not a good idea, eh. - Just putting it out there. - Anyway, I should... Early start and everything. - Or` Or we could just talk. Um... I just really don't wanna be alone right now. (LAUGHS) (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) - She says she's not feeling well. - Oh. Well, we had an arrangement. She was gonna come with me to the school. - Yeah, well, that's what she said. - Could you ask again? - Sorry, mate. (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC CONTINUES) - God give me strength. God give me strength. (VAN DOOR SHUTS) (POP MUSIC PLAYS SOFTLY) (DOOR OPENS) - Laniet? Hi! - Hi. - How was your Christmas? - Oh, I didn't do much. Hey, you wanna shout me a BLT or something? - Oh, um... Can't. I'm broke. - It's OK. My David's gonna come pick me up. He's gonna talk to Mum about letting me come back home. Oh, here he is. - Hi. - Hello, handsome. - Hey, Leanne. How's it going? - Good. You? - Yeah, great. Well, I'll probably see you round the theatre. Um, you ready? - Yep. (LOW ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) (MUSIC SWELLS) (MUSIC BUILDS) Why did you bring me back here? Um, I thought we were gonna go see Mum. - Look, now's not a good time. Mum's really stressed out because... cos Dad won't pay for the new house. Have you got a boyfriend? - No. - Well, what about that guy that's here ` your flatmate? - We're just friends. Why? Are you jealous? Let's do something. Take me to the movies like we used to. Please? - Look, I can't. I've got rehearsal. We're doing The Tempest. - Stink. - Look, I'll... I'll help you make things up with Mum, OK, so that when the new house is built, there's a room for you. Things are gonna be different. Dad's just not gonna be a part of it, so... you may as well accept that. - Hiya. Uh, can you put them on my account? - Yeah, will do. - Thanks. - Your father paid your account the other morning, so we're all sorted. - Great. Um, can I have a pack of regulars as well, please? We're having an affair, you know, me and my dad. - What? - It's been going on for ages. And Mum found out and kicked me out, so I think he feels a bit guilty about it. Probably why he pays my bills and that. Could you actually make it two packets of regulars, please? And a lighter ` the red one. - Have you, um...? You should tell the police about your father. - Yeah, maybe. - Well, they can protect you. - I don't know if they'd believe me. - Ring 'em right now if you like. - Another time maybe; got some stuff to do. - Well, you should think about it. Seriously. - Yeah, I will. You're so right. Um, thank you. (ENTRY BELL BUZZES) - DARREN: Here she is. Ready to rock and roll? - Can I have one of those? - Knock yourself out. (MELANCHOLIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) We should get a move on. - What'd you say? - I said we should move; the client's waiting. (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC CONTINUES) (ENGINE STARTS) - You know what ` Darren, um,... I'm not doing this any more. - What are you talking about? - This. (CHUCKLES) You can tell my mum; I don't care. I'll tell her myself and a lot more too. - Hey! - Piss off! - Lani! - Laniet. (KNOCK ON DOOR) Laniet, are you awake? - Hey, Terry. - Hey. Your dad's here. Do you want me to tell him you're not home again? - No. He's my dad. He loves me even if nobody else does. (ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) - Ah. What do you think? - Which room is mine? - Well, any one you like. - I love it. - Well, it's going to be a few weeks before the current residents move out, but then it's ours. Think I can get used to not sleeping in the van. - (CHUCKLES) It will be so great to get out of town and live in the country. I've been a bit of a mess, to be honest. - Yeah, well, it's all sorted now. And there'll be plenty to keep you occupied helping with the kids. - What about the weekends? - Uh, your mother and I haven't come to a resolution yet. - Could I keep my room at the boarding house? Arawa said she could get me a job with her at the museum cafe, and I don't really wanna be out here on my own. - No, that sounds like a fine plan. - Yes! (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) - Paul! Hey, Paul! Wait up. That was so cool. I was just thinking about school, and next minute, here you are. Wow. - How've you been, Laniet? - Good. Great, yeah. Um... I just wanna let you know that I'm doing much better. Uh, I know that I was kind of a pain in school. But I'm really trying to get my shit together. - Well, I'm glad to hear it. - Uh, during the weekends, I work in town, and during the week, I live with my dad. And I'm staying out of trouble.... - (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) - ...and away from the weed, so, you know... - It all sounds good. Well, it's nice to see you. - Yeah. David's still on me about moving back to Every St, but I dunno. I just... wanted to let you know that I was doing OK. - Well, I'm glad it's all worked out for you. - Me too! (CHUCKLES) Um, I'll see you round. - Take care. - I always do! (SLOW ORCHESTRAL MUSIC) - Kia ora everybody back home in New Zealand. So, today is Laniet's 9th birthday, and here she is with her little birthday hat on. - ROBIN: You look lovely. - And she's decided she wants to play a game. What game did you choose? - Um, Pin the Tail on the Donkey. - One,... two,... three. Are you feeling dizzy? - A bit. - Four,... five! OK... (DOOR OPENS, CREAKS) (DOOR SHUTS) - Oh, you poor boy. Uh, the police just want to ask me a few questions. I'll be right back. - They said that Laniet was a prostitute. Why would they say something like that? (PHONE RINGS) - Hello? Yeah. Nah. Um... Laniet won't be coming in to work today. Yeah, there's been a... a family tragedy. - Here's a towel and a flannel, and we'll see about getting you some spare clothes. - Oh, I could just go round to the house and get my things. - I don't think that would be appropriate, dear. - All right, David. I'll, um, be off now. - Oh. Where are you going, Uncle Bob? - They want me to identify the bodies. - W-Would you like me to come? - It's OK, mate. It won't be necessary. - Back in a moment. - Is he all right, do you think? - He's very quiet. I would've thought he'd be a little more... emotional. - People grieve in different ways, I guess. - Yes. Yes, I suppose they do. - (SIGHS) (ORCHESTRAL STRING MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES)