Small Favours Doctors

# The falling leaves... #

Keith?

# Drift by the window... #

Keith?!

Keith?

Are you coming?

Work, work, work,

that's all he ever thinks of.

Hello, could I speak with Mr Keith Gossman, please?

So, Mr Potts, Dr Carter's just been called away on an emergency.

So you can either see the replacement doctor this afternoon

or a nurse right now.

What would you like to do?

I'm going to have to hurry you...

-I'll see the nurse.

-Good choice, Mr Potts.

PHONE RINGS

Hello, Campus Sur...

Mrs Trenchard, you need to see a doctor...

Hello, dear. Renee Gossman. I got a call.

Sorry, I'm just dealing with...

They said I had to see Dr Carter.

Why have I got to see Dr Carter?

Could you just wait your turn, Mrs Gossman?

He must have designs on me, cos I'm not ill.

I'll be with you in a moment. If you'd just like to take a seat?

-Boiled sweet?

-No, thank you.

Suit yourself. You're just like my son.

He never has time to eat.

No wonder you youngsters have got no attention span.

I need a favour.

Heston's out on an emergency

and I need a doctor over at the Campus to clear the back log.

Al?

No, I'm snowed under all day.

I thought you were only doing paperwork?

Paperwork can wait, can't it? Good man.

Yes, good man, Al.

Oh, I'm glad I caught you before you go out on patrol.

Daniel and I wanted a favour.

We both would like the afternoon of the 13th off, it's Joe's birthday?

Ooh, the 13th. It's Letherbridge's Real Ale Festival.

We've got 53 of the finest ales these united kingdoms have to offer.

Be the perfect occasion for a second-year-old's birth...

Probably wouldn't. I'm just going to shut up...

Shouldn't be a problem.

I can't believe that Joe's nearly two!

Are you going to put him into pre-school

or are you going to do it next year?

What?

What is this obsession with pre-school?

I had Mrs Green yabbering on all morning

about whether she should send her son

to Goldingtons or Banyons or Hogwarts, for all I care.

I'm sorry, how old is her son?

18 months.

She's already got him a tutor for "school readiness",

whatever that is. Sounds ridiculous.

Why has nobody told me about this?

Surely the other mums must have mentioned something?

I don't hang out with other mums.

All they talk about is nappies,

and how to hide vegetables in toddlers' dinners.

What about your NCT group?

They weren't my kind of people.

-Oh?

-They used to arrive wearing sweat pants,

and then sit in a huddle

and giggle.

All right, Sarge?

Yeah.

Oh, am I pleased to see you.

It has been one of those mornings.

Oh, well, you have finished now.

You go to lunch and I will get ready for this afternoon.

It should be easier.

We've got two doctors, so I've given the re-appointments

to Dr Carter, and Dr Haskey will do the drop-ins.

Thank you. You go and enjoy your lunch.

Oh, I'm going to go to the park.

I've got a new edition of 30 Minutes.

I am going to immerse myself in scandal -

who's going out with who, who's in rehab.

And I've got a cheese sandwich.

Well, that sounds... Well, yes.

And there'll be no interruptions.

PHONE BEEPS

Ooh, before I go, shall I book you an appointment with Dr Carter?

Oh, no, I haven't got time today.

I've got to go to Amberley Pharmaceuticals. Do you know it?

Well, I've seen their logo on our boxes.

My son works there. He's doing ever so well.

-Oh, well...

-Mind you, they work him all hours, you know.

And he's all I've got since me husband died.

-Would you like a boiled sweet?

-Oh, yes, please.

There we go.

So did you say you were in a bit of a rush?

It's working out the best route.

Do you know the buses?

I tell you what, I'll take you.

It's on my way to the park.

OK, I know I'm late and probably not at my best.

So, if you want to tear a strip off me...

I wouldn't expect you to be firing on all cylinders.

-Is that it?

-Is that what?

You've been through a lot.

Why would I want to make things worse?

Grab yourself a cuppa. Settle in.

Why did you take all those?

They're for taking, aren't they?

Yeah, but you're only supposed to take the ones that...concern you.

At my age, everything concerns you.

'Ere, this is just for cancer, bereavement

and under the pinny stuff.

Haven't you got anything for bunions?

Have you got bunions?

No, not yet.

Hello!

Don't get your hopes up. This is serious.

Do you realise that some of Joe's contemporaries are getting coaching?

What are you talking about?

When Joe starts school, the other kids will be reading The Hobbit

while he struggles with Chip and Kipper.

OK, what do you want to do about it?

Bare minimum, we need his name on a waiting list for a good school.

We need to take some time off work and attend the open days.

We haven't started discussing schools yet.

We're running out of time.

What are your thoughts on Winterfields?

Winterfields? We don't have to go private, do we?

Let me have a chat with a couple of the guys at the golf club.

Recently, a couple of good schools were mentioned,

and if I'd been paying attention,

I could tell you the names. I wasn't.

I want what's best for our son.

And I don't?

Isobel is going to a state school.

And that's fine, isn't it?

You're just dismissing private education.

Oh, I see. So you want me to make a distinction between my kids?

No, I'm not saying that...

Isobel's school is fine, right?

I suppose.

Good.

Lunch? My shout.

Sorry for the delay, crisis averted.

Miss Pitman has rescheduled the appointments,

so everything is in hand.

There's no Renee Gossman. Didn't she come in earlier?

Yes, but she had somewhere to go to

and Miss Pitman very kindly offered her a lift.

-Did they say where?

-No, I'm afraid not.

Maybe we should give her a ring.

Is something wrong, Dr Carter?

It's probably nothing.

'I'm sorry, but the person you've called...'

Voicemail.

'Please leave your message after the tone.

'If you want to re-record your message, press one.'

TONE BEEPS

Valerie. It's Dr Carter. Could you give me a ring

as soon as you get this? Thanks.

I'll call back later.

What's all this about?

Right.

Now, I know Rob Hollins well.

And if I'd have told him I was going to do this,

he would have fled the scene.

Because he's a no-nonsense, no fuss kind of copper.

Oh, no...

But it's all right to flee the scene when you don't want praise.

But it's not all right to run when lives are in danger.

And that's exactly what Rob didn't do.

He didn't run.

He stood his ground in a very dangerous situation the other day.

He did more than that.

So, I would like to commend Rob Hollins' bravery

for tackling a dangerous armed suspect.

And I'd also like to say that such actions are looked on favourably

when we consider promotions.

Not promising anything, mind.

Speech!

Actually...

..I will say a few words.

Stop the car!

What's the emergency?

Call of nature, sorry.

I thought you'd seen a child run into the road or something.

It might not be a crisis to you, but you'd feel differently

if I drenched your upholstery.

Thing is, my waterworks have got a mind of their own.

Now, if I drink tea or coffee I have to go more.

Even Huw Edwards set me off once.

Now, what does your modern medicine say about that?

-Just go.

-Yes.

-You're going to go in the street?

-No, I'm going behind the hedge.

I have got standards, you know.

And the final thing I'd like to say is,

if I'd known that this was the best way to get ahead in the force,

I would have ditched the wife and kids years ago.

Because it seems to me

that they don't want bobbies who are distracted

thinking about what the missus is cooking for tea

or what their kids are up to. No, I'm living proof

that they would prefer it

if you didn't have a life outside.

Thank you.

APPLAUSE

Back to work!

I don't think they'll let you in without an appointment.

Oh, don't worry. My son Keith does the same job as his dad -

may he rest in peace. Someone will recognise me.

I'll just wait for a few minutes, just in case.

You've dropped your sweets on the floor.

Hey! Oi!

I want to see my Keith. I've had enough of this.

-Who?

-Keith.

-Keith who?

-Keith Gossman.

-Oh, come on, we've been through...

-He does work here.

Oh, yeah? And what? I'm the Invisible Man, am I?

Go, I'll get the dogs on you!

Go on, last warning, right? Hop it!

GLASS SMASHES

Drive!

-What?

-Drive!

Oi, stop right now!

Stop!

Aren't you going to turn round? We should be burning some rubber.

Nobody is burning my rubber until I know what's going on.

I want some answers.

They'll catch us, you know.

Us?! I'm not even supposed to be here!

I was just doing you a favour.

They'll think you're my getaway driver.

I panicked.

Now, tell me what you've done.

I lobbed a bottle of pee over the boss' car.

What?

How did you even get that into a bottle?

I've got a funnel.

And I used to be a fast bowler for the Letherbridge Ladies Eleven.

And, after some of those innings, throwing a bottle of urine is...

We were going to visit your son. How did that turn into this?

Me and the security guard had a difference of opinion.

Right, I'm going back.

No, I'm driving you directly to the police station.

There's probably a very specific offence, throwing wee on a car.

Do what you like.

What about earlier at the surgery? Would you have done that to me?

Don't be ridiculous. You make me sound unhinged.

Right, you two. Out!

Are you going to write minutes?

-It's a list.

-Of what?

Private schools - hear me out - in our area,

along with their Ofsted reports,

estimated journey times, all that jazz.

-I thought we'd agreed on state schools.

-I know what we said,

but the circumstances are different for Joe than they were for Isobel.

The end result is that they're treated differently.

But they'll both end up getting a good education.

Look, we're both partners, we're doing well.

Why shouldn't Joe have a private education?

It'll be a great start for him - building networks,

building confidence, great facilities.

Got it all worked out, haven't you?

Yes. And, who knows, he may even learn to birdie a niblet,

or whatever it is you do on the golf course.

Ha-ha.

By keeping us here, he's making us sweat.

Columbo used to do that.

I'm not taking the blame. I don't even know what's going on.

It's easy. When we stopped at that tree,

I passed some water into my bottle.

So this was planned. Why was this planned?

In case they wouldn't let me in.

They wouldn't let me in last time I came.

I had to make a protest, dear.

Cos this is a pharmaceutical company?

No, because they lied about my son.

Wouldn't let him see me.

They make him work all hours

and they won't let me phone him.

They worked my husband like a dog, too.

And nobody knows what's going on in here.

-That's awful.

-Mmm.

Right, then. Time for you to answer a few questions.

To be honest, mate, I'm getting itchy feet.

Because I'd much prefer to be out there nicking the villains.

No, I wouldn't have come back to work

if I wasn't ready for a call-out.

So whatever comes in, you let me know, yeah? OK, bye.

Just give him a chance to settle back in, yeah?

You heard him.

So what are you going to do? Feed him to the wolves.

I'm doing it for his own good.

-Why can't I see my Keith?

-Why can't she see Keith?

This is my interrogation.

You answer my questions.

Why did you throw that...device at my car?

I didn't know it was your car. Whoops.

What animal rights organisation do you work for?

We don't work for an organisation.

That's not strictly true.

I work for The Mill health practice in Letherbridge.

But it's not really an extremist organisation.

I think I need to spend a penny.

What, so you can commit another wanton act of destruction?

If I don't go soon, I might commit it here.

She has got bladder issues.

Go on, then. It's down there.

-Thank you.

-Come straight back.

-Yes.

We're not really extremists.

Extremists don't always wear balaclavas, you know.

Protocol says I have to report this to my superiors.

Oh, no, please don't report us.

Look, I'll wash your car, how about that?

Get all the wee off.

You know she only did it because she wants to see her son.

OK. Just this once.

I'll get a bucket.

Please. What is the big secret?

Why won't you let her see her son?

How can I?

He doesn't work here.

HE SIGHS

OK, seeing as you don't think the Izzy thing is a problem...

I never said that.

..I'll put it in terms you do understand.

That's how much money we've got tied up in the practice.

This is the amount I have to pay in maintenance.

This is how much we've racked up in debt.

-Wow, we've turned into Greece!

-Yeah. And outgoings are here.

And that's without you succumbing to your shoe addiction.

So you're saying we can't afford it?

That's exactly what I'm saying.

Look, Zara, you went to private school when you were seven.

Why don't we review it when Joe's seven?

We'll be back on track by then.

-Does that sound reasonable?

-I suppose so.

In the meantime we could

put away a few thousand a year - we could afford that -

towards his university fees or his first deposit.

Thanks.

OK, I will look into the state option.

Now, are you going to get us both another drink in?

Assuming, that is, that they take payment in buttons.

Oh, thanks for the help.

I'm sorry, but I'm a martyr to chilblains if I get wet outside.

What are you doing now?

I've decided the stealth approach is the best answer.

There is no point doing this, is there?

No, you're right. I am a bit short. Would you give us a leg up?

No, I mean, Keith doesn't work here, does he?

You don't know what you're talking about.

The guard told me. Why would he lie?

Why would he... Well, have a look.

Barriers, security guards. I mean,

it's hardly transparent, is it?

You've obviously got a grudge against this company.

No. But I know there's something going on there

and if you won't help me find out, I'll find someone who will.

-Where are you going now?

-Home.

I don't think he's fit for work.

Yeah, well, he's not his usual self, is he?

He's been through a lot recently.

Not least facing down a guy with a gun and a branding iron.

It sounds brave. It is brave.

The thing was, he just couldn't stop.

-Adrenaline can take over sometimes.

-He couldn't control himself.

Is that what you're going to say in your report?

If I say what actually happened,

they might do something to help him.

Or it might make things worse.

-KNOCKING ON DOOR

-Yes.

I am sorry I'm late back.

Where's Mrs Gossman?

Oh, I've had it up to here with that woman.

She has led me a wild goose chase all lunchtime.

I haven't even opened my magazine.

That's as maybe. It was very irresponsible of you

to go off with a vulnerable patient. Didn't you get my voicemails?

I'm sorry but I don't think

I should be the one in trouble here, Dr Carter.

Just tell me what happened.

She wanted to see her son.

I felt sorry for her. It was hardly a kidnapping.

Keith Gossman died when he was six months old.

She thinks he's 42 and doing the same job her husband did -

same firm, same everything. But it's all invented.

An idealisation of what he might have become.

So she really thinks that Keith's still alive?

Her husband died recently and it may have triggered these delusions.

But she refuses to see the big picture.

She doesn't ask, "Why don't I see him?"

She just keeps making excuses.

She says that he's all she's got.

She told me she'd lost her anti-psychotic pills,

so I asked her to come in.

I feel bad for letting her go now.

-I'll get them.

-That would help.

So these tablets will stop the delusions?

Help her remember that Keith's gone?

That's the plan.

Are you all right?

If someone gets comfort from thinking they're not alone,

should we take that away from them?

I think everyone should be able to hold on to their beliefs.

"Sergeant Hollins had little regard for procedure,

"refusing to wait for backup".

-OK.

-He went into a highly dangerous situation...

Sometimes you have to use your instincts to save lives.

"He displayed a reckless disregard for his own safety

"and the safety of others."

I just thought you should see the full picture, sir.

Yes, well, we're happy with the outcome.

An experienced officer behaved heroically and saved a woman's life.

There were no fatalities.

With respect, you weren't there.

He used excessive force to overcome a suspect.

The woman involved never mentioned excessive force being used.

She wasn't in a position to judge!

You were in the forces, weren't you?

I dare say that got a bit hairy at times.

But you worked together as a unit, you relied on solidarity.

The last thing you would have wanted

was for someone who was watching your back

to doubt your judgment.

Like I said, we're happy with the outcome.

I think you need to do another draft.

Have you come to say sorry?

Hang on. You were the one who walked off.

Any normal person would have stopped me.

Let's not start that again, eh?

I don't normally cook for him,

but it was his birthday.

He went off to work without even looking at it.

That's the hold they've got over him.

Still, you've made your feelings quite clear

the way you make about that.

So, what did you want?

I wondered if we could have a cup of tea together.

I don't suppose you've brought a bit of cake?

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Yep.

Case notes of the shoplifter with the bloody nose.

Interesting speech.

Yeah. Heard any news about Sian Marden?

Still under observation at St Phil's, as far as I know.

St Phil's. I've spent that much time there recently.

Next time I go, they'll charge me rent.

You're thinking of seeing her, then?

Maybe you should just go straight home.

I don't think his car's been quite so sparkling before.

-You know you can't go back there?

-Mmm.

Dr Carter asked me to give you these.

I don't need any pills.

He thinks you should take them.

To stop the delusions.

Cos Keith isn't coming home, is he?

What do you mean? He'll be home any time for his supper.

Look, he's got his washing on the line!

His shirts and boxer shorts.

Do I look like someone who wears shirts and boxer shorts? No!

They'll help you see things the way they really are.

Maybe...

Maybe it's time to let Keith go.

# And soon I'll hear

# Old winter's song

# But I miss you most of all

# My darling

# When autumn leaves

# Start to fall. #

Hi.

Hello.

I just thought I'd come and check you were OK.

No, it's good to see you. Come in. Are you allowed?

Who's going to stop me?

Well, you...

You look OK to me.

-I'd better be...

-Oh, please stay!

It'd be lovely to talk to you.

I'm going a bit mad in here.

And, anyway, how many people get the chance

to thank the person who saved their life?

Don't, I was only...

There's no "only" about it, Rob! That's what you did.

I look at my wedding photos

and I just wish I could have seen what he was going to become.

Yeah, well, there's no way of predicting

what's going to happen from this day to the next, is there?

I look at my wedding photographs and...

Well, at least my wife looks happy to be with me.

She should have counted her blessings

and not done the dirty on you.

It's not really like that.

It's... It's a long, long story.

Everything changed after the accident.

And the fact is, you know...

I'm not really the hero that you think I am.

I should have taken your call a lot earlier than I did,

and I didn't because I was hung-over.

I'm not surprised with what you've got going on at home.

And when I went in, I was like a bull in a china shop.

I was reckless.

I really, really...

didn't care what happened to me.

You were brave.

Fearless. And if you hadn't...

You've been there for me.

You've saved my life, twice now.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

I'll see you soon.

What are you doing?!

Mr Palmer said he's tired of waiting.

Roll up, roll up. The amazing forgetting woman.

You're such a liar.

I'm not surprised Mum left you. She was right. You're pathetic.

I had to do it, man. I told you!

-You were right.

-What?

-I said you were right.

Sorry, it just doesn't sound like the Karen I know.

No!