The fascinating case history of Elinor Nicol,
Scotland Yard's expert lip reader. Nicol (not her real name) was deaf from age 4,
and consequently developed the ability to precisely lip-read, and thus make
out inaudible conversation. Her talent has helped put away IRA bombers,
drug dealers and murderers, and also helped the community in other ways:
"I also work in hospitals, interpreting what is being said by people who cannot do anything except move their lips very slightly. I did one where a woman who was recovering from an operation simply wanted her family to shut up when they came to visit her, to stop asking stupid questions. I was able to pass that message on. She was very grateful, although I am not sure her family was quite so pleased."