26/08/2014 River City

-I'm leaving you.

-No, Tattie.

-Don't!

-We can have a clean slate.

-It's too late.

You know, I thought the two of you might be at it

but I convinced myself that it wasn't true

because you promised me you would never lie to me again.

You promised me.

You can see what she's like.

She just flits onto the next one. You're better than that.

Is everything OK?

No. No, it's not OK.

OK, we collect the tickets at the airport. The taxi's on its way.

You really don't have to come. I'll be fine. Someone's meeting me.

We both know things aren't great over there.

-My place is by your side.

-Look, Dan, you really don't have to.

I know, but I want to.

-DOOR ENTRY BUZZES

-That'll be the taxi.

Come on, let's go!

Glasgow Airport, please, as fast as you can.

Well, despite the circumstances, I'm glad I'll get to meet Dimitri.

-He sounds like an amazing man.

-Yes. He is.

I know you're upset Christina couldn't come with us

but you're here for her.

What was that about? The woman outside?

Just a protestor. Dimitri worked for the government.

He held a few unpopular posts.

This house used to be so full of life.

-How long were you here?

-Six years.

I looked after Mascha when Dimitri was away working.

Then when I fell pregnant, they asked me to move in.

Nobody wanted anything to do with me or my baby.

Heaven knows what would have happened to us without them.

HE COUGHS

And is this your young suitor? Welcome.

It's an honour to meet you, sir.

Tatiana and her secrets. I only heard about you last night.

Do you realise what a gem you have in this wonderful lady?

-Yes. I do. She keeps reminding me.

-I do not!

And where is Christina?

I'm so sorry but she can't get away this week.

She will phone as soon as she can.

She sends her love, of course.

I'm sorry.

Don't be. She's young, full of life.

This is no place for a godchild.

-Please, please. You should be in bed!

-Later. I want to sit with you.

Come, come. No tears. No pity. I've had a good life.

I miss Mascha so much. I'm ready to go.

I apologise for the welcoming committee.

I can't believe she's still here!

Absolutely, she never misses a day. Astonishing.

-What's she there for?

-She's a sad, misguided soul.

-But what's she protesting about?

-Me.

I held various security posts over the years.

A difficult job, difficult decisions.

I'll be facing divine judgment soon,

so forgive me if I'm not too bothered about protestors.

-So who's the photo of?

-Her son.

He disappeared, no-one knows what happened.

But she finds comfort in blaming me and my colleagues.

-She is ridiculous.

-She's harmless.

The way she looked at Christina as I took her to nursery,

-it used to scare me.

-What?

She's been protesting since Christina was a child?

-15 years?

-Exactly.

Wherever he is, I doubt that's what her son wanted.

-But surely...

-HE COUGHS

Come on, back to bed.

Please, Dan, you must not concern yourself.

We have other things to talk about.

So, what after university? Has she plans?

Or has some young man swept her off her feet?

No, not yet. She's having too much fun.

Beauty and brains.

Tell her I'm very proud of her.

I can see your social conscience is troubling you.

-Please, let's leave it.

-Why? I've nothing to hide.

What happened to her son?

Apparently he and another boy were protesting.

She claims they were taken by the Security Service.

-Did you investigate?

-No need.

My staff told me they had nothing to do with it.

They would not lie to me.

Dan, this has nothing to do with you.

My country has a difficult history.

-And a difficult present.

-I was a medic in Somalia.

I know about difficult history and what it means to the present.

So, you were a guest in someone else's war.

I wasn't a guest, I was...

And I am sure you had to make instant decisions in the most

appalling circumstances, decisions which still haunt you.

Can you leave us now?

You still like your men naive.

Easier to manage.

-I'm sorry about that.

-But he is good to you?

And Christina?

-They don't really know each other yet.

-But, yes. Good.

But I would have liked to have seen Christina

one last time, just to say goodbye to her.

You will tell her how proud I am.

Of course I will. HE COUGHS

-Go.

-No!

I don't want you to watch me die. Please.

He is sick, dying! And you interrogate him about the past?

-Now he's had to be sedated!

-I'm sorry but...

-But nothing!

This is the last time I will ever see him and you take over!

Accusing him, insulting him.

He's an elderly man on his deathbed and...

I'm sorry I upset you and Dimitri.

But I don't understand why you're not more troubled.

-The woman's child disappeared.

-You're right! You don't understand.

-What was her son protesting about? What did he do?

-How would I know?

She stood outside your door for years and you didn't even ask her?

No. Why would I? I had my own child to look after.

You're being ridiculous, painting Dimitri as some monster!

Why can't you accept that you don't know

what you're talking about?

I'll see Dimitri alone.

SHE SHOUTS IN UKRAINIAN

Another few hours' delay at least.

Do you want something to eat?

Look, I'm sorry.

I don't know what I expected when we got here, but it wasn't that.

-Why didn't you warn me?

-There was nothing to warn you about.

He was some sort of Secret Police Commander!

Why are you assuming he is the evil villain?

Does it ever occur to you that you could be wrong?

That he is entirely innocent?

-He said...

-You would believe some mad woman on the street!

Why did you even speak to her?

You saw what she did. But you believe her!

The woman's English wasn't great,

but all she wanted to know was where her son was so she could bury him.

I'm sorry but you're too close to him.

Too close?

I don't understand how you could have looked away.

Have you ever been homeless, penniless and pregnant?

Then you don't know what you are talking about.

But you're a mother! You must know how she feels!

-Where have you been?

-I crashed out on Tam's sofa.

The gig went on later than they thought, four encores!

-Then we had a few beers.

-A few? Look at the state of you!

Nothing that a shower and a snooze will no' sort!

Well, make sure you have one before you sign on.

Brilliant gig, it was heaving.

They've got loads more gigs booked, right up to Christmas.

-Bully for them.

-What's wrong with you?

One night out and your head's stuffed with nonsense.

It's not nonsense! You're always telling me to get out the flat and do something!

Correct, and I'm always telling you to get a job, but you're no' so keen on that.

SHE IMPERSONATES HIM: "They've loads of gigs, Ma!"

They have! And Tam says the whole scene's picking right up as well...

The what? It's a job you need, not a scene!

Here I am, up at dawn scrubbing floors at my age!

And me with a bad back too! Gigs, my arse.

HE STRUMS GUITAR

And you can quit that racket until I'm out the house!

PHONE RINGS

SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN

He's dead.

I'm so sorry.

Come here.

I'm sorry, madam, I'm going to have to ask you to come with me.

This way.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Could Dr Daniel Hunter

please report to the Information Desk in Arrivals?

Dr Daniel Hunter to Information, Arrivals.

-How long will it take?

-An hour or so.

-We both need to get to work.

-So, you're not just her boss, then?

I mean, to join her for a day-trip to Kiev,

this wasn't a business trip?

-No. I'm also a friend.

-Close friend, obviously.

Yes, we're good friends.

And Tatiana's husband couldn't go with her to Kiev, so I volunteered.

Neither of us wanted her to be alone.

That was very kind of you.

I heard there was a fond parting in the Arrivals Hall.

You were spying on us?

Hardly. It was a public display of affection.

Tatiana had just received a phone call

telling her that the man she regarded as a father had died,

so, yes, I comforted her.

-Thank you for your time, Dr Hunter.

-That's it?

-For you, yes.

And when will Tatiana be able to leave?

-When we've confirmed her situation.

-What do you mean?

The spot check is to re-establish that she has the right

to remain in this country.

What? Of course she's got the right to remain here.

You are free to go.

I really have to get to work now.

My colleague has contacted your work on your behalf.

So, you only went to Kiev for the day?

That's a long way for a few hours.

Yes. It was an emergency.

What kind of emergency?

A close family friend was very ill.

-He died a couple of hours ago.

-I'm sorry.

-It was expected.

-It still hurts, though.

And you were travelling alone?

Yes.

So why didn't your husband go with you if it was a family matter?

He hates flying and I didn't want him to fly twice in one day.

-So...can I leave now?

-No.

Your tickets were paid for by Dr Daniel Hunter,

your boss and close friend who accompanied you.

I've just spoken to him to confirm your version of events

and his version does not confirm your story.

Yes. I'm sorry. I should have said.

Dan is a friend and when Bob couldn't come with me,

-he volunteered...

-To pop over to Kiev?

And when I checked your address with Dr Hunter,

it didn't correspond with the address that you gave

for you and your husband. What's that about?

Right, Mrs O'Hara.

Let's start again and this time, take into account we're not stupid.

You big, lazy galoot!

Oh, in the name of the wee man!

Hi, it's Dan here. Sorry but it's an emergency.

Can you get me Bob O'Hara's mobile number, please?

So where exactly are you living in Shieldinch?

6, Montego Street.

So, not 20, where your husband is living?

Your husband is your sponsor.

Your working visa was granted because of your marital status.

So, are you separated?

-Very recently separated.

-How recent?

-A few weeks. It's a trial separation.

-And you're living with Dr Hunter?

-At the same address.

We're just friends.

Bob and I have been through some difficult times

and we need some space to sort ourselves out.

Dan has a spare room.

I need to discuss your case with my colleagues,

then we will go through a few background questions

which we will confirm with your husband.

Right, so...you'll need Bob's number.

We have it in our records, unless that has also changed.

The landline's the same but his mobile has changed.

-It's on my phone.

-Good.

When we sort out the situation, you'll be on your way.

-Your phone's been going bananas!

-How's your back?

Torture! Did you get to the Jobcentre?

Aye, ach, there wasn't anything there.

-I might give Tam a phone about a gig.

-Forget Tam!

You need a proper job. So get out and knock on doors.

You're supposed to be moving on, not living in the past.

-What are you talking about?

-You know fine well!

-No, I don't!

-DOORBELL RINGS

I'll get that, will I?

You must be jiggered, son, doing sweet Fanny Adams!

-What do you want?

-Where's Bob?

Come back here! Don't you push your way in here!

-Why are you not answering your phone?

-Eh?

I've been trying to reach you all morning.

-Is Tattie all right?

-No. She's been detained by immigration.

She needs you to call them and tell them you're still married.

Ah! What did you just say? She walked out!

They're not married!

You've got a cheek coming round here telling him what to do!

-This is serious, OK? Bob's Tatiana's sponsor.

-Oh, really?

And she never thought about that when she shacked up with you?

So her visa depends on my Bob?

-Well, you can tell her and...

-Ma! Just keep out of it.

-I will not!

-This is about me and Tatiana.

He's asking you to break the law!

Look, you're not married, son. She left you! Remember?

And he's asking you to lie to the immigration,

to the government, and tell them that it's all hunky-dory.

-Are you that stupid?

-I know it's a big ask.

-Aw, just get out!

-Bob, Tatiana needs your help here.

Tough buns!

The immigration are spot on and he's not lying for that floozy!

Time you left.

Out, out, out! And how dare you come round here and upset my boy?

He's been through enough already.

They've got some nerve. The bare-faced cheek of them!

Just shows you, son, what goes around comes around.

-You might have let me speak for myself!

-How?

So that you would keel over? Do whatever that shameless hussy wants?

-No!

-Yes. Because you still fancy her.

-No! I'm over her.

You're writing love songs for her! How's that getting over her?

What?

So don't come it with me!

So neither of you wanted another child?

I'm sorry, we need personal information to verify with your husband.

We can ask you anything we want.

It's in your interest to answer the questions, and answer them honestly.

So you ask Bob the same questions to see if you can catch us out?

Immigration is a contentious issue. We have to be thorough.

I was pregnant but...we lost her.

I'm sorry. That must have been a dreadful for you.

For us both.

And your daughter is at university?

Yes. In her second year.

-Ironic how often that happens.

-What?

Just when life should be smooth, your daughter leaves home

and you split up with your husband.

What are you suggesting?

That I left him because he'd fulfilled his purpose?

I'm not suggesting anything. I'm stating a fact.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Excuse me.

I'm sorry, but we're having trouble contacting your husband.

Are you sure you've given us the right numbers?

-Of course.

-This is a serious situation, Mrs O'Hara.

I'm aware of that!

If your husband disnae respond this afternoon,

we'll be forced to return you home to Ukraine this evening.

What?

You can't! Scotland is home now.

I'm sorry, you've admitted that you and your husband are separated.

Your visa is no longer valid.

You can, of course, appeal our decision from Kiev.

But we will keep trying your husband.

Whatever happens, we will talk to him.

No, I'm not family but I'm a concerned friend and colleague.

Tatiana is an employee of mine.

She is a vital member of the team at the health centre and...

Yes, I'm aware we have to have the proper documentation for our staff.

-DOORBELL RINGS

-No. Yes. Right. I will.

I'm coming.

-Christina?

-I've had a phone call from the immigration!

Can you explain to me

why Mum's about to be kicked out of the country?

And what the hell she was doing in Kiev?

Your godfather was very ill. Your mum wanted to see him.

What?

How is he?

I left your mum and Dimitri alone to chat.

-He was sedated when we left.

-I could have gone! My visa's safe.

You're gonnae have to speak to her.

-Does Bob know about Mum?

-He's not interested in helping.

PHONE RINGS

Just butt out. Nothing to do with you.

Nothing to do with me? You live under my roof.

She broke your heart and you've been sulking about the flat for months.

But one night on the beer

and you're back writing love songs for the trollop!

I told you, I wrote that song ages ago.

-I sang it at our wedding.

-Look, you've got to move on, son.

I know. But I've got no job, no money, no wife.

And how's writing love songs going to help?

I'm fed up thinking about it, I'm fed up talking about it.

At least with my music I can forget.

I can be writing about being somebody else,

or pretend to be somebody else.

You shouldn't be dwelling on it, son. It's over, history.

I know! It's not even as if I miss Tattie.

I miss being Bob and Tattie.

But I know she's away! Credit me with some sense.

I would if I ever saw any evidence of it!

Is this the same rammy the two of you were having when I left?

Aw, look at you! Come here!

You weren't at home, so I guessed you'd be here.

-She looks great! Doesn't she, Bob?

-How are you?

-Oh, we're fine.

I'm guessing we're not the reason you're here, are we?

I'm sorry.

The plane leaves at 17.50.

You can't mess with the immigration, no' these days.

So I'm sorry, hen,

he's not gonnae be locked up for somebody that walked out on him.

Yeah. I know.

They're not gonnae chuck you out? You're all right, eh?

Yeah. I'm OK because you're legally my dad.

But I'm not OK because I'll be here

and my mum will be in another country.

-I don't blame you for hating her...

-Hey! I don't hate your mother.

I wish I did, I'd maybe feel better.

She never deserved someone as good as you.

-You never said a truer word.

-I couldn't help if I wanted to, pet.

He can't lie. He's useless.

I can tell he's lying before he opens his mouth.

-But...

-And if he did, he could end up in jail.

How are you gonnae move on from a prison cell?

And it's not your fault she's in trouble. So man up!

I'm sorry, Christina.

Don't apologise. Molly's right.

This is my mum's mess. Not yours.

Och, maybe it wouldn't hurt to have a word with them.

-Are you OK?

-Aye. What am I gonnae do if...?

Mr O'Hara, you're a hard man to pin down.

I'm sorry, I left my mobile in the house

-so I didn't get any of your messages.

-He's always doing that.

Why have you detained my wife?

I didn't really understand the messages.

-She still is your wife, then?

-Aye.

When interviewed, she said you were separated.

Aye. Well, it's a trial separation. We're trying to work through things.

Give each other a bit of space.

Which is what I told the guy who phoned me.

But I need to hear it from your mum's husband.

You mean my dad?

So, how long has your marriage been in trouble?

We've not really had that much luck from the get go.

First we lost our baby, which was rough.

Then this yin is away to the university.

And we're that proud of her.

We miss her. Me losing my job didn't help,

and Tattie's was the only wage coming in.

Not that she ever complained, bless her, but...

Mr O'Hara, how long have you been separated?

-A few weeks.

-And what's the situation now?

We're trying to work things out. She's moved in with a friend.

I still see her and I speak to her every day.

This is the same friend that your wife went to Ukraine with?

Aye. Dr Dan.

He's a gay pal of hers.

I didn't want her going over there herself,

because it's that dangerous.

Mr O'Hara, do you know that lying to a government official

is against the law?

Me and my wife have just separated.

I'm just trying to sort things out and keep my family together.

Most marriages go through troubles, why can't me and Tattie

just be like any other couple and try and get back on track?

If my marriage was over, I wouldn't even be here.

Why would I care?

Sorry, Tattie. I left my phone in the house again.

You cut it fine.

You daft thing! I knew that would be it.

I know. I'm so sorry.

So, what now?

We will keep in touch with you both. In the meantime,

Mrs O'Hara, I suggest you remain in this country.

Of course. Then I'm free to go?

-Dan.

-You OK?

-Yeah.

-I can't thank you enough, Bob.

-No bother.

Maybe they'll put us adjoining cells, eh?

But you know what you said about us...

Wait a minute.

Do you think I did all this for you for me and you to get back together?

No, but I...

I did this so that Christina didn't have to live

thousands of miles away from her mother.

-I'm sorry.

-Bob, we've all been through hell today,

so maybe it's best...

And you can butt out as well, you sanctimonious clown!

I know I was nothing more than a visa to her.

Don't kid yourself on that you're more than a roof over her head.

Bob, I'm sorry.

I don't deserve your help, but I am so grateful.

Well, make the most of it. Because I tell you what,

I wasn't lying to the immigration. We were separated. But see now?

I want a divorce as soon as possible

so you can sort out your own visa. Pint, please, Graeme.

Well done, son.

He was always so good to me.

He and Mascha loved you dearly.

At least I got to tell him how much he meant to us.

You should have told me! I could have gone over instead of you.

It all happened so quickly. I didn't want to upset you.

Mum, I'm not a kid!

And I wouldn't have dragged everyone through this mess.

I didn't realise it would be a problem.

I was in a lecture when I got a phone call from the immigration!

You must have known what would happen when they found out you'd dumped Bob.

It was just bad luck.

No, Mum, it's not bad luck. It's you!

Going through life without a thought for anyone else!

Why did you have to embarrass Bob in the pub?

-Talk to him like he's an idiot?

-I never meant to hurt him.

No, you never do!

If you put your brain in gear before you opened your mouth...

-Christina, we've all had a tough...

-Excuse me?

-Why would I want your opinion? You're not my dad!

-Christina!

Why did you have to rush into living together?

The two of you could have waited a few months,

given Bob a chance to deal with it!

Have you any idea how hard it was for Bob to go to the airport and face them?

But he did it to save your skin.

How can you use people and then move on without a thought?

-That's not what happened.

-Really? It's not?

Because that's exactly what happened from where I stand.

-Where are you going?

-To see Bob, to check he's all right.

Tattie, if we're going anywhere with this relationship

we need to be honest with each other.

-What was I supposed to do?

-Tell me the truth!

If you didn't want me there, why didn't you say?

-Because you didn't ask me!

-I shouldn't have to!

Last night you were in bits, sobbing because you were losing

the closest thing you had to a father!

-Of course I was upset.

-You should have told me about Dimitri.

Why? You wouldn't understand! We come from different worlds.

And you're not the only one who's been shocked today.

How could you confront him like you did? He was dying!

-And you were heartless!

-Why are you still defending him?

-What are you hiding?

-Nothing!

Come on, Tattie! I saw the way you were with each other.

-What are you so scared of?

-Why does it matter so much to you?

Because you don't trust me and I want to know why!

Because I'm not proud of it!

We were lovers.

You were nursing his wife and sleeping with him.

We both loved Mascha and she never suspected.

She lived and died with an adoring husband at her side.

It sounds sordid but...

I loved him and he loved me.

I was a stupid young girl and Dimitri was this handsome, powerful man.

So, when did it start?

When you moved in? When Christina was a baby?

What? Before you moved in?

A couple of months after we met.

Dimitri was Christina's father.

She knew he was dying and never told me.

Aye, she should have said something,

but I can see why she didn't want you running away over there.

How can you defend her?

Well, because she was thinking about you.

She never thought I might want to say goodbye to him myself!

So you never told Christina Dimitri was dying

because you were scared he'd make some deathbed confession?

-Yes.

-And you denied him the chance to say goodbye to his only child.

It will...

It will only upset Christina.

She disnae know, and that's how it will stay.

I know she's not perfect but she's your mother.

She's the only one you're gonnae get.

Don't get me wrong, I'm chuffed that you care,

but I'm big enough to look after myself.

And I'm still legally your dad, so I get to tell you

I don't want to be the reason for the two of you falling out.

Away round and see her and make peace, eh?

I want Christina to keep her precious memories

of a loving godfather.

Doesn't it eat away at you?

It's not about me.

But Dimitri? It never bothered him?

Denying his only child?

Of course it did.

So when I had the opportunity to come to Britain...

..Dimitri agreed it would be for the best.

The longer Christina was near Dimitri,

the harder it would be for us to keep the truth hidden.

I couldn't do it. No way.

It's the choice I made.

I could have had an abortion, forgotten it ever happened.

But I couldn't do that.

I'll never regret having Christina.

Never.

Bob's fine. He even made excuses for you being such a bitch.

-I never meant to hurt him.

-But you keep doing it.

I'm sorry.

Stop apologising and grow up!

I'll miss him.

You meant the world to him and Mascha.

He told me to tell you how proud he was of you.

He never missed sending a birthday card or Christmas card.

We don't talk about it cos he's never been around.

Not having a dad that wanted me...

..Dimitri sort of made up for that.

Are you OK?

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm OK.

-Morning.

-Morning.

-I hope I didn't wake you last night.

We ended up talking past midnight. She's almost forgiven me.

I was going to bring this through to you in bed, but you beat me to it.

Thanks.

Christina's gone. She had to get back to uni.

Listen, I've been thinking.

When the divorce comes through, why don't we marry?

What?

-Are you serious?

-Of course I am.

Look, it's the obvious solution to the visa problem.

And maybe it's where we're heading anyway.

-That's a big decision, Dan.

-I know.

You take as long as you need to think it through.

I know I've let you down.

And I disappointed you too. I need to get over myself.

We've all got a past. You did what you had to.

I'd better get in. See you later.

-All right, mate.

-Bob.

Thank you.

# I've got a toothbrush and toothpaste

# A flannel for my face

# Pyjamas, a hairbrush, shoes and a case

# I said to my reflection Let's get out of this place

# As the church and the steeple belong on the hill

# The billboards and the buildings

# Memories of it still Keep calling and calling

# But forget it all I know I will

# Tempted by the fruit of another

# Tempted by the truth to discover

# What's been going on... # Thanks, pet.

# Now that you have gone

# There's no other

# Tempted by the fruit of another... #

SONG FADES

Hello! What's the emergency?

I've been on the immigration website.

There are some hoops to jump through before we marry,

but it's definitely our best shot.

It's a wonderful gesture, that you would still do that for me.

So when the divorce comes through we'll get married.

Listen, I love you and if I marry you it will be for love.

I never want you to doubt that.

So the answer is no.

I don't want my marriage to be a solution to a problem.

I don't want anyone to think it's just a means to an end.

But we need to make sure that you can stay here.

Yes. So when Christina left I called an immigration lawyer.

I have to stop running away from my problems,

expecting someone else to sort out my life.

Months ago, you took my hand and told me to jump and you wouldn't let go.

I still want you.

I still need you...

..but I have to do this.

And I won't let go.

You can't kick off at us

just because you're mad at Katrina's folks.

But you can go running to Sandra complaining about me, can't you?

So you think Will and Robbie are just doing it

because they're getting paid for it.

I don't want to ruin another kid's life

because we're stuck doing things by the book.

Are you sure this is Finn we're talking about here?

The only reason you fostered me is because of Will.

Cos Will's on a mad guilt trip about some other kid,

taking on me, trying to make himself feel better, eh?