Two Little Boys Doctors

Silas?

HE GROANS

Silas!

Got you!

Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!

Where shall I put these?

I was going to put them in the back.

It's all right, I'll do it.

No, I'll do it, later.

Dad, I'm not going to keel over from picking up a few tins.

I'm back in school on Monday. Look,

I'll be fit again soon,

but you, well you're still going to be old, aren't you?

So I should stop YOU lifting stuff.

What are you doing?

Mr Palmer said he's tired of waiting.

He'll get his money. Just keep away from my shop.

Lunchtime, yeah?

Or it's going to get worse.

Dad?

What's happened?

Nothing. It's just a bag split.

Let's bunk off.

Yeah, cos your boss would love that(!)

Debra's never happy. Her moods swing from grumpy to Darth Vader.

It's only a temp job.

Ooh, look at that.

Very nice, yeah.

No,

the job.

I'd love to work in a place like this.

Why don't you apply?

Are you joking?

Cos you were just telling me how great your boss was.

My head would explode from the stress.

"Is this skirt too short?"

"Does my bum look big in this?"

Everyone would be picking bits of brain off their clothes.

They'd have to get everything dry cleaned.

Right, when you put it like that...

I'm probably better off hiding in an office with Darth Debra.

Drum roll, please.

Brrrrr!

Ta da!

What's this?

It's a present.

I sent our article to the BMJ, and they decided to publish.

Ah, that's brilliant!

I'm going to be famous.

Well, I didn't use your name.

I just said "a Letherbridge woman".

Ooh, that's very mysterious.

You must be dead chuffed as well.

It's a dry academic journal that no-one reads, I'm over the moon.

I'm going to pop out and get a copy.

Better still, you can read it on the website.

Oh!

Wow. Thanks, Al.

No, thank you.

Special Constable Bellamy.

I understand you had some trouble earlier on.

We had a bit of an accident.

Your neighbour said you were having an argument with a young lad.

Raised voices.

He also said this wasn't the first time it had happened.

It's nothing I can't handle.

And by handle you mean...?

I mean, it was a misunderstanding.

I don't want to take it any further.

Well...

If you change your mind...

Are you in trouble?

It's nothing to worry about. It's just business.

What business?

PHONE RINGS

Is that Mojo?

You've got your secrets, I've got mine.

Are you OK?

-I wasn't...

-I know about the article.

What article?

-It must be weird reading about yourself like that.

-Yes, a bit.

Knowing all those other people are reading it too.

Well, not that many.

Probably a few.

It is in the papers.

Too long, mate.

Easy. I don't want to catch them cheese straws.

Churg-Strauss, and you can't catch it, genius.

So how'd you get it then?

No-one knows.

Still, pretty cushy gig,

lying around for six months, just checking out them fit nurses, eh?

Yeah, breathing through a tube, watching doctors panic. It's mint(!)

So what have I missed?

Nothing really.

Angus got a tattoo.

Yeah?

Yeah.

His girlfriend's name.

Except he spelt it wrong,

and they broke up, like, two weeks ago.

Ouch. What else?

Not much.

I got kicked out of school.

No way.

Yeah, but it's all right. Mum's always out of it, so...

had to get a job.

Doing what?

I'm a hit man, innit.

A hit man?

Right.

Done anyone I know?

I work for a loan shark.

You being serious?

Yeah.

If people don't pay up on time,

he sends out one of us lads to remind them.

There something you're not telling me?

Come on, mate. We don't keep secrets.

It's your dad.

No, you're lying!

I'm not.

Wait, that was you this morning?

He told me he wasn't doing it any more.

That's parents for you, bro.

My mum, your dad.

We just can't trust them.

How much?

A lot.

PHONE RINGS

Hi.

Sorry. Debra doesn't like me being on my mobile, so...

Well, I was thinking about that job in the clothes shop.

Oh, yeah? Well don't let me stand in your way.

-Yeah, right, can you imagine? I'd be worse than you.

-Thanks.

No, I didn't mean...

No, you're right.

At some point I know I'll mess up and say something embarrassing.

Listen, everyone worries about saying the wrong thing. It's normal.

More normal than hiding in a toilet from your boss.

It's not so bad.

There is moisturiser.

What about taking risks?

They'd be lucky to get you, with your dress sense.

No-one dresses like you do.

So I'm a freak?

-No, I didn't mean...

-FOOTSTEPS

I've got to go.

Hermione?

You're supposed to be my best mate.

No exceptions.

That's what Palmer says.

Who's Palmer?

Bloke I work for.

Says there's no place for mates in business.

So what about us?

You should come work for him.

No.

Why not? You work off your dad's debt,

and we can watch each other's backs.

It's not like you're going to have to hurt anyone.

How do you work that out?

It's psychological, innit? Like acting.

You're just sending a message.

No chance.

Fine. Think you're too good for it, do you?

No.

It's cool for a dropout like me.

But you, you reckon you're going places, innit?

What? I never said that.

I just don't think I'd be any good at it.

It's not easy for me either, you know?

I do it cos I have to. No options.

I'm trying to help you, man.

Don't bother!

So what now?

My dad'll find the money.

He's done it before.

He'd better.

There's outstanding paperwork from Tuesday night's shift.

That really is outstanding.

I've completed my part.

If you could look things over and sign it off.

Absolutely.

We wouldn't want to leave any of those boxes unticked, would we?

Marshell's Mini Market, Hurstbrook Road.

What about it?

They've been having some trouble, teenage lads.

But the owner won't talk to me.

No surprise there, then.

I think he's being threatened.

How old are the lads?

Neighbour said they were 14, 15.

Well there's a money lender who works that area, called Palmer.

He uses young lads as enforcers,

that way they don't get into serious trouble if they get caught.

Sounds charming. Have you had any experience with him?

Ask your inspector. I'm really busy.

Yeah, well, it's all there in the footnotes. Thank you, mate.

Al...

Your article is in the newspapers.

I know. Sometimes they pick these things up.

I guess we just got lucky.

-Yeah, the thing is...

-Al, congratulations, mate.

-Thanks, mate.

-And Karen, you make a great case study.

-Thanks.

You know the other person you talked about, how did you find him?

Fascinating story...

Hey!

Karen, I hear you're going to be famous.

Yeah, well, they didn't use my name, so...

I bet they'll still want to meet you though.

You reckon?

Yeah, definitely. People will come from miles around.

"Roll up, roll up. The Amazing Forgetting Woman."

That's not funny.

Sorry.

There was a disturbance at the mini market earlier on.

You know anything about it?

Not me.

Shouldn't you be at school?

Look, I'm not interested in arresting you.

I haven't done anything anyway.

It's your boss I want.

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

I think you do. His name's Palmer.

Palmer?

Can't say it rings any bells, you know?

You know he'll drop you at the first sign of trouble.

No trouble round here.

Is this really what you want to do with your life?

You know you've still got a chance to make something of yourself.

You've got no idea, have you?

So tell me.

Are we done?

HE COUGHS

-You don't have to watch me all the time.

-I'm not.

Such a liar.

What do you mean?

I know you borrowed money.

So have you been gambling again?

No.

I can't believe it.

After what happened last time...

HE COUGHS

You don't sound well.

I'm fine.

Maybe I should drive you to the hospital.

You just want me out of the way, don't you?

So you can pop down the bookies.

Admit it. That's all you care about.

There was a young lad hanging around outside.

-I just wanted to make sure everything...

-It's not a good time.

Right, I'm taking you to the hospital.

You need to see a doctor.

Maybe I can help there.

Hi.

How are you feeling?

Better.

I was hoping you'd come in.

Listen, about what happened yesterday.

There's no need to apologise.

There is.

I crossed a line and I've never done anything like that before.

It can't happen again.

Rob, it's all right.

It's not all right.

This job is about a relationship of trust.

And I hate anyone who breaches that trust and takes advantage.

I want to show you something.

This Letherbridge woman.

Is it Karen?

Oh, I thought something like this might happen.

Rob, I'm so sorry.

I had no idea that's why she'd cut you out.

You should have said something. Why didn't you?

Because it's not your problem.

They've put her in the paper, like that,

like she's a freak show.

It's pathetic, isn't it?

That I still care about her.

Maybe I'm kidding myself.

Maybe I should just cut my losses, move on. I don't know.

You'll get through this. Both of you.

Maybe, maybe not.

You will.

You are the last person in the world that should have to.

I wish there was something I could do for you.

I'd better go.

I'm really sorry that I can't see you again.

It's all right.

I'm being discharged.

It's not that I don't...

I know.

I know.

Take care, Sian.

You too.

Silas, if you want to come through I'll see you now.

What are you doing?

I thought I'd come with you.

Dad, I'm 16.

Don't worry, Mr Marshell, we won't be long.

Can I have a word?

I want to talk to you about Palmer.

Don't know him.

There may be a way out of your situation.

IF you were prepared to make a statement.

I can't do that. Anyway, he's been nowhere near the shop.

So you do know him?

Silas is ill and he needs his father to step up, not make things worse.

If things have got out of hand, you need to take responsibility.

It's not that simple.

I understand that, believe me.

But there's no shame in asking for help.

SILAS COUGHS

Don't leave it too long.

PHONE RINGS

Right, well, the good news is

I don't think you need to go back to St Phil's.

I told him I was fine.

But maybe your dad can find someone else to help in the shop

until you're better. When are you going back to school?

-Monday.

-OK, I think you should leave it a week or two.

I'm not waiting any longer. I'm bored out of my mind.

Silas, if you push it too much

you're going to end up back in hospital.

I wish everyone would stop telling me how to live my life.

It's my body, and I know what it's capable of.

PHONE RINGS

-'Hi.'

-Sorry about before.

My boss wears these massive platforms,

you can hear her from miles off.

That's OK. Where are you now?

'The photocopier room.'

My job gives me such a reduced will to live

sometimes I have to come in here and blow it up to a larger size.

Listen, I wanted to apologise too.

No, it's nice. Shows you care.

That this isn't just a quick fling.

Yeah, exactly.

I'm so glad that you're not one of these obsessive career women.

What,

you don't think I care about my career?

That's not what I meant.

I've got to go.

Hermione?

No, I've just got to go.

Look at the state of this place.

It's probably not as bad as it looks.

How are we going to pay him back now?!

I'll think of something.

I'm going to lose my best friend because of this.

We're going to lose the shop, the flat.

That's not going to happen.

How can you say that?

I'll fix this.

You won't, you'll just make it worse. You can't help yourself.

Silas, I'm not gambling.

That's not why I borrowed the money.

Right, so why?

I can't tell you.

You are such a liar.

I'm not surprised Mum left you.

She was right. You're pathetic.

I thought I was going to lose you.

When you got sick it happened so fast.

I shut the shop, and I lived at the hospital.

I had no savings, the bank didn't want to help.

So I went to Palmer, and I borrowed the money to keep going.

I knew there was going to be interest, but...

You should have said something.

I couldn't.

Because it was my fault.

No! All you did was get ill.

I will fix this.

Do you hear what I'm saying?

Silas!

Bro, I got your message.

I had to do it. I told you.

Why did you smash up the shop?

Blame your dad, not me. Even you said it, he's a loser.

Don't say that about my dad!

Calm down. I'm sorry.

Can you get me a job with Palmer?

Yeah. Course.

You sure?

Yeah. Come on, let's go.

I wanted to meet him.

Nah, it was the same for me at first. It's not personal.

It's just he's got a lot of money about the place.

You serious?

Yeah, shoe boxes. Bit like my nan.

But don't worry, he'll look after you.

Cheers, Mojo.

It's all right, you're my mate, innit.

Number 47. Old lady.

Shouldn't be too hard then.

Exactly. Smash up the front.

Leave a calling card.

Calling card?

Your spelling's better than mine.

Go on.

Run!

Oi!

DOG BARKS

Come here!

-No!

-Leave him alone!

Karen, are you all right?

Who wants to know?

Me, I do. I was just...

Just tell everybody I'm fine. The show's over.

I'm completely normal.

OK, sorry.

Sorry, do I know you?

We met the other day, briefly. Can I have a word?

I don't know who you are, or what you're after...

-I'm not after anything.

-I've just about had enough of being treated like a dog with two heads.

-If you're a journalist...

-I'm not a journalist.

-Where is he?

-Mr Marshell, he's not in there.

Dad!

Are you all right?

Yeah, I'm fine. They were just checking me over. How's Mojo?

He's still out cold.

Can I see him?

Yeah, for two minutes. And then we're going down the station.

What about Palmer? Isn't he the one you're after?

Yeah, but where's the evidence?

Mojo says he has money stashed all round his house.

Even if we knew where he was that's hearsay. Not enough for a warrant.

So my best friend is lying in there because of him?

You not going to do anything?

Go on, two minutes.

What if I made a statement?

All right, Boss.

Yeah, you'll never guess what?

Old lady paid up, innit.

Yeah.

What's the number again, Sorry?

I think I'm, like, number dyslexic.

Safe, safe.

All right, yeah, laters. Laters.

See you later, mate.

We've got him down the station,

he says they've been harassing his gran for a month.

Not Silas. He was in hospital until a week ago.

The truth is, Karen,

I didn't just meet you the other day.

I knew you ten years ago.

And I thought you were pretty much the luckiest woman in the world.

I didn't have much to compare it to, but...

When I looked at you with your two kids and your kind husband,

who was mad about you and still is...

That's all I ever wanted.

I still do.

Why are you telling me this?

I want to warn you.

That Rob might not hang around for ever.

Someone could take him from you.

He loves you, and he'll never betray you, but...

this...

situation, it's...

It's hard on him too.

Just don't wait too long, eh?

That's all.

Have you seen him?

No.

It's Silas. He sent me a text.

I think he's in trouble.

Right, come on.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Are you Palmer?

I'm the new guy, working with Mojo. I've got money, look!

It's all in there.

Where's my money?

Mojo's in hospital.

Where's my money?

Just give me a minute. I can explain.

You thought you could trick me?

No.

You're that kid.

The one whose dad owes me money.

Yeah.

Guess he should have listened to my warnings.

Maybe he'll listen this time.

-What?

-Police. Nobody move!

Ray Palmer, I'm arresting you.

You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence

if you don't mention when questioned anything you may later rely on in court.

Anything you do say may be given in evidence.

I'm so sorry, Dad.

It's OK. It's going to be OK.

That was a pretty stupid thing to do.

Even considering his medical condition.

We got the money.

Let's hope it's enough to get Palmer on a money laundering charge.

How's his mate doing?

He woke up.

Better go and tell him.

PHONE RINGS

Karen?

I got your message.

Yeah, I read the newspapers. I was worried.

Are you still there?

-You were right.

-What?

I said you were right.

Yeah, sorry, it's just doesn't sound like the Karen I know.

Shut up.

That's more like it.

I didn't like it, I didn't like reading about myself like that.

I wish I'd listened to you.

'Me too.'

I was only trying to protect you.

I know.

I just wanted to say thank you.

Any time.

If there's anything else I can do for you...

I've got to go now.

Karen? Karen?

MUSIC: "Real Real Gone" by Van Morrison

You did it!

They're interviewing on Monday. Just in the nick of time.

Great. Listen, about earlier, I'm sorry about...

No, you were right, I needed to stick my neck out.

Yeah, absolutely.

Listen, it doesn't matter whether you get it or not....

Just quit while you're ahead.

I'm going to be thinking about this all weekend.

How many feet is it possible to get in one mouth?

Look, I could help you get ready.

Or I could distract you. Or I could do a bit of both.

Whatever you prefer.

Jimmi, you gorgeous man. I love you.

I shall twist them around my little finger. You watch.

Hello, Miss Figgis, may we have a word?

Stuff having a word.

Where's my clock?

You mean you haven't got Joe on a list yet?

Not yet, no.

For heaven's sake, Zara.

What have you been doing?

I'm going to report a theft.

-And you're going to be arrested.

-Ladies.