Hostage to Fortune Doctors

MRS TEMBE: Well, I have found great comfort in the church

in situations like this.

What? When your girlfriends attack?

Is there a psalm for that?

Al.

She was only bluffing. Mandy was never in any real danger.

-But she thought she was.

-Yes.

Poor thing. - She must have been terrified.

Well, she's not turned up for work again

and she's not picking her phone up.

We have to do something.

-Maybe we should go round there.

-I don't think so.

-You think it's too soon?

-We could call her.

-She's not answering her phone.

-How do you know?

Howard just said.

Has Dr Tyler spoken to her?

He couldn't get through either.

I think Heston's right. We should leave her alone.

No. We need to keep a tight rein on this.

So you think we should go round there?

Well, we don't want her to know we've been talking about her.

Right, so you're giving us a definite maybe?

There is no harm in giving her some more time.

She's a strong girl, she'll be fine in a couple of days.

-Where are you going?

-I left something in the car.

So, what are we going to do?

Absolutely nothing, apparently.

Alistair.

I can ask the reverend to speak to her.

That's a great idea.

I think we should take a professional approach.

Maybe we could ask Oliver?

Daniel's therapist, he could talk to her.

-I think Eva Shepherd would be better.

-Who?

She specialises in complicated grief therapy.

She's cutting edge.

Do we need to go that far?

We need to do something.

Yes, but it has to be right.

We can't just go rushing in.

Apparently not.

Denman Pharmaceuticals?

We're a new firm.

You're sure the appointment was today?

I think so.

Reverend Viv is very professional.

I'm sure she is but Mandy doesn't need people

turning up on her doorstep.

Oh, no, it's next week.

I'm supposed to be in Wolverhampton today.

-Well, that explains it.

-I'll never get there.

You couldn't give me twenty minutes, could you?

Sorry.

-Wait.

-Do you mind?

Fifteen minutes. I really need this.

I've only just started.

Ten.

You won't regret it.

-Sorry.

-That's all right.

-You've really never heard of us?

-No.

We're going to be huge.

We made a killing from the health reforms.

-I probably shouldn't say that, should I?

-Probably not.

All the things I'm supposed to say.

The things I'm not supposed to say. It's a nightmare.

It's all in here.

Farm machinery?

What?

Sorry. That's from my last job.

Why don't I show you what I've got?

Why don't you do that?

Oh, no! Wrong case.

Let's do this another time.

I'll get the right one. Won't take a minute.

Are you all right?

It's my back.

You should get that looked at.

These stupid cases. Give me a minute.

I'll get the right one.

I really am very busy.

I'm sure I can sell you something.

No.

You couldn't carry these to the van for me, could you?

My back is killing me.

Mine isn't that great either.

Please? Then I promise I'll leave you alone.

My father's lost his job, my mother's left us.

I'm the only breadwinner. I have to make this sale.

Well you won't be making any sales if you don't get your back fixed.

I know.

Get some painkillers. Talk to your GP.

See if he can arrange some physio.

I will.

KNOCK AT DOOR

KNOCK AT DOOR

What do you want?

I've bought cake.

It will go really nicely with a cup of coffee.

I'll put the kettle on while you get dressed.

I'm not getting dressed.

You want the whole neighbourhood to see you dressed like that.

Why are you here?

I'm here to help.

Come on, Marquez, just give me five minutes?

PHONE RINGS

Who is that?

I don't know.

What do you mean?

I can't answer the phone. You tied me up.

It's probably one of my colleagues wondering where I am.

You've not really thought this through, have you?

It's got a Find My Phone app.

Once that's activated the police will be here in minutes.

So, come on, what are you going to do?

Right.

# I'll know when my love comes alone

# I'll know then and there

# I'll know at the sight of her face

# How I care

# How I care, how I care... #

I can do this all day.

Do you mind telling me why I'm here?

You wrote a review of my father's restaurant.

That's it?

That's what this is about?

It ruined his business.

That's ridiculous.

After that recession we were just about hanging on.

Then you wrote that review and my father had to sell up.

Because of my review?!

He hasn't worked since.

Well, I'm sorry. Honestly, I really am.

But that's no excuse for assault and battery.

Battery?

Yeah, you hitting me.

You're lucky it wasn't my father.

-He said he wanted to kill you.

-Did he?

But I've got a better idea.

I'm sure he was speaking metaphorically.

He wasn't speaking for anyone.

When people say they're going to kill someone,

they don't mean it literally.

He was in the Bulgarian mafia.

They don't say things they don't mean.

Fine. Whatever. So what is this brilliant idea?

I'm going to film you cooking.

I'm going to make it just like a real restaurant kitchen in here.

Why?

All the pressure, all the noise.

And when you screw it all up,

I'll send the video to the Letherbridge Gazette.

See how you feel, losing a job you love.

I don't work for them any more.

You what?

I gave it up last year. Sorry.

Doesn't matter. I'll put it on the internet.

Every restaurant review site I can find.

And then everyone will see what a fraud you are.

This is absurd. I'm a critic, not a cook.

Critics aren't expected to cook.

I don't care.

I'm going to do it anyway.

I'm going to untie you now, but I'm not afraid of using this.

I've hit people before.

I know.

How?

I'm one of them.

Oh, yeah.

Al, if you don't go, I'll call the police.

Go for it.

I mean it.

It's 999.

Yeah, hello, Police, please.

I've got an intruder in my garden.

No, I want him arrested.

Yeah.

Thanks.

They're on their way.

You didn't call the police.

Stop being so childish.

You're the one being childish.

Go away.

Can I at least have a cup of tea? That cake was really dry.

You ate the whole thing?

Just the chocolate.

Star anise.

Coriander seeds.

Szechuan pepper.

You have a very well-stocked kitchen.

Wait a minute.

Pepper, coriander seeds, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fenugreek.

It's supposed to be a five-spice mix.

-And?

-That's six. Six spices.

Well, the fenugreek was my idea.

The key is to lightly toast them before crushing.

You sure you never worked in a restaurant?

A friend of mine has one.

Does he let you in his kitchen?

Once or twice.

I've only ever worked in my dad's kitchen.

Do you cook?

I've always wondered what other kitchens are like.

I should get my friend to show you around?

You'd do that?

Yeah. Maybe we should film this there in a real restaurant.

-Would he let us?

-He might.

You could get the other chefs, to say what they think of me.

Yeah.

Give me your phone and I'll ring him.

Eh!

Wait a minute.

I know what you're doing.

I'm not stupid.

No?

Just cook.

What are you doing?

What happened here?

None of your business.

You're not going to clean it up?

No, I haven't had time.

Or maybe you just don't want to.

Maybe if you did that, you'd have to move on and start your life again.

But, no...

it's much more fun just to wallow in all of this grief...

..isn't it?

Faster! Faster!

I've got 16 covers waiting for fried seaweed!

-What?

-Don't talk!

Are you searing those breasts or making love to them?!

If you give me a chance.

You idiot! What do you think you're doing?

We haven't got all night.

This is ridiculous. People only do this in bad cookery programmes.

How would you know? You've never worked in a restaurant.

Real chefs work under massive pressure.

Dozens of covers who all want perfect dishes, right away.

-You think that's easy?

-No.

-And they have to make money doing it.

-I am aware of that.

You wouldn't make anything the way you cook.

Call yourself a chef?!

A two-year old could do better with a set of spoons and a teapot!

I know you don't want me here,

but dealing with me is going to be a lot easier

than what the others are cooking up.

What others?

Everyone at work. Everyone.

People are talking about me?

Strictly speaking it's more bickering than talking.

What are they saying?

Kevin is just really worried about you.

Howard's concerned that you're going to top yourself,

which means that he'll have to find a replacement.

Naturally Mrs Tembe thinks you need God.

It's none of their business.

Hey, come on...

It's really impressive, the way you're doing this dignified

suffering-in-silence victim thing,

but Mandy we both know you are loving it being the centre of attention.

It's really impressive the way that you're doing it.

It's very, very sweet, it just seems a bit passive aggressive for you.

I am not passive aggressive and I am not wallowing in grief.

You define yourself by grief.

You'd be lost without it.

Will you just go, please?

The others have got these theories about impacted grief,

chronic depression, yadda, yadda, yadda.

-Do you want to know what I think?

-No, Al, I don't care what you think.

I think you're emotionally stunted

and this is you taking the coward's way out.

DOOR SLAMS

This isn't bad.

I can really taste the coriander seeds.

You like it?

Mmm.

You realise the camera is still running.

This isn't quite what you had planned?

Doesn't matter.

I'll just edit out the good bits. Still make you look like a prat.

Isn't that what you did with your review?

I may have been a bit...selective.

You know what would go really well with this?

Apricot teriyaki sauce.

Unfortunately I left mine at home.

I made some yesterday. It's in the fridge.

What are you doing?

You!

Mandy If you're there, can you pick up?

Or just give me a call when you get this?

Just wondering how you are. I hope everything's OK.

I'm stuck at work all day so ring me if you need me.

What did you think you were doing?

You said you wanted to kill him.

I told you he didn't mean it.

What do you know?

After what you did, you deserve to die.

Your son has told me what happened to your business.

I completely understand why you're so upset.

It's a horrible thing and I am very sorry.

No, you're not.

-But it can't just be my review.

-No?

I am prepared to write a retraction.

Will that bring my restaurant back?

You said you don't work there any more.

Well, I don't, so it'll be a sort of op-ed piece.

Everything that comes out of your mouth is lies.

You don't speak.

Do you know what the penalty for kidnapping is?

If they catch you they will send you to prison for 10-15 years.

Do you want that?

-No.

-You didn't think about that, did you?

It's like all your stupid plans.

I'm not stupid.

No? What are you going to do then?

You are going to kill him?

-What?

-Because you can't let him go.

No, no, no, no. I think we can come to some sort of agreement here.

He's seen your face.

And mine.

Mand, I'm sorry about what I said.

I was just trying to get a reaction.

I do understand what you're going through.

You don't understand anything.

You need to move on.

Go out, get drunk, pull some girl, get your leg over.

What? You're giving me dating advice?

What was so special about Freya, anyway?

You were only together about three weeks.

From what I hear she was a bit of a scruff bag.

How dare you?!

If anyone needs dating advice, it's you.

It's a fair point. Shall we talk about it?

You can't kill a man for writing a bad review.

Why not? You killed my business.

You ruined my life.

So maybe I ruin yours.

I'm sorry for what I did, I really am.

More lies.

I should never have written that review.

I shouldn't have written any reviews.

I was a terrible food critic.

And that makes it all right?

No, but I can help you. I know people. Influential people,

who can invest in a new restaurant.

I wouldn't touch your money.

Why not?

I don't need him.

Dad, we could start over.

So you're back to square one. No harm done.

Today the bank said they will give me a loan.

For a new restaurant?

This was for you. For your future.

That's wonderful.

But now it's too late, because you did this.

Because you are stupid.

It's not too late.

It's too late for everyone.

You know, you have no right to talk about me or Freya.

You don't know the first thing about us.

So tell me.

When it comes to inappropriate feelings you take the gold medal.

Or have you forgotten about Jas?

That was different.

The only difference between you and me

is that I'm completely normal and you're a raving maniac.

Things with Jas were blown completely out of proportion.

Really?

Is that why she left so suddenly?

Nothing to do with me.

Are you sure?

Yes. Cos I asked her and she told me.

What else would she say?

You want to know the truth, Al?

You are an arrogant, misogynistic slob

and no-one likes you.

All your sarcasm and flippant comments,

they're just a smokescreen to hide the insecure little boy

you really are.

Well, I think you're being a little bit harsh.

Do you?

I'm not stupid.

You are an idiot.

I kidnapped him, didn't I?

You think it was easy finding where he worked?

And look where that got us.

We don't have to kill him. I'll smash his kneecaps.

No.

That'll keep him quiet.

You could do that?

Yes.

Go on, then.

No please, don't.

No, don't. Don't.

Some hard man.

Like all your friends.

Idiots. Crime is not for you.

He's right.

You don't speak.

I'm agreeing with you.

You are expert on crime now? Crime, cooking, what else?

I just think he should listen to you.

He's a good cook. He should...

Good? He has talent. Huge talent.

Exactly. He should be cooking.

You hear that? It's not just me saying. Everyone saying.

But no, my kitchen is not good enough for you.

All you ever do is criticise me.

I have contacts.

A chef should have thick skin.

A chef should work harder.

I have a friend who could help him.

More lies. You think I am stupid?

No.

Then shut up or I rip your tongue out.

Do you really think I have got talent.

Get the van.

Dr Carter left the Mill this morning with a drugs rep.

I did not think anything of it at the time,

but he was carrying the man's bags.

Mrs Tembe, drugs reps can be a pain but very seldom life-threatening.

What if he has taken Dr Carter somewhere?

He probably has. Swanky restaurant, all expenses paid.

It cannot be a coincidence that Dr Carter and Dr Haskey

have disappeared at the same time.

Why not? That's a normal day around here. Keep calling them.

-But...

-I am not calling the police.

Thank you.

You're right, I do have some problems.

Some?

And I'm happy to talk about them.

No, you're all right.

But I'm not the one whose life is in crisis.

Al, your whole life is in crisis.

How many more people are you going to hurt

while you indulge in this ridiculous self-pity?

Who, exactly, have I hurt?

Lois.

She hurt me.

She seduced me.

Tell me one reason why not to kill you.

Because I'm very sorry, for what I did.

I should not have written those things about your restaurant.

And?

I don't want to die.

You are as stupid as my son.

When I was young I knew these people from Bulgarian mafia.

I could have been one of them.

That is not life.

Not for me.

Not for my son.

Understand?

Maybe, subconsciously, I wanted Lois to be Freya.

Subconsciously?

All right.

Perhaps there was a part of me that knew what I was doing.

Better.

You don't know what it's like, Al.

Most of the time I feel like half a person.

My whole life is defined by Freya's absence.

I can't get past it.

So are you going to spend

the whole of the rest of your life in mourning?

No.

Then you have to find a way to move on.

I have tried.

I don't want anyone else.

I put up all these walls to keep people out.

Then Lois came along.

And you tried to make her into Freya.

Which isn't exactly moving on.

I imagine everybody's thinking

that if I hadn't encouraged her

then she wouldn't have tipped over the edge.

So, yes, it's all my fault. Are you happy now?

No, I'm not.

But the question is - are you happy

and what are you going to do about it?

Why do I have to give myself up?

Because you are not Bonnie and Clyde.

-I'm not going to press charges.

-Of course you are.

No, seriously. I'm prepared to forget the whole thing.

As soon as we are gone you are going to tell everyone.

You are going to make a big story -

how brave you are, how clever you are...

-All lies, like your review.

-Not at all.

If you trust this man you will end up in prison for a very long time.

I don't want to go to prison.

You have no choice. They will catch you whatever you do.

This way, they may go easy.

Can't you do something?

No. Not this time.

But you are my only son.

Whatever happens, the restaurant will be there for you.

I suppose you want a lift?

-I can walk.

-Get in.

So I can tell them you'll be coming in on Monday morning?

You can tell them what you like.

But you will be coming in.

Come on, Marquez, positivity.

Tell me you will be at work on Monday.

If I am, I am. If I'm not, I'm not.

All right.

I'm going to take that as a yes, yes?

Look, I understand that your pride won't let you admit...

Al.

All right, until Monday.

I will...

I'll bring cake.

Where on earth have you been?

I have been trying to call you all morning.

My phone was broken.

You could have let us know where you were.

Actually I couldn't.

We've got a backlog of patients, half the doctors have gone AWOL.

-What happened to you?

-It's a long story.

Oh, I'm sure it is, Heston,

and no doubt you'll keep us entertained for hours

with your clever, witty antics, but right now we have got a crisis.

Is that what I do?

Sergeant Hollins?

Heston, I've just had a call from the station.

They want to be absolutely sure that you won't make that statement?

Statement?

The kid's going to be let go if you don't.

What kid?

He is insisting he kidnapped you.

-Kidnapped?

-He exaggerates.

It was that drugs rep. I knew it.

He didn't tie you up, then?

Sort of.

Did he interfere with you?

No, it was nothing like that.

-Wasn't like what?

-What were you doing with him anyway?

It was a kind of cookery lesson.

-Cookery lesson?

-I don't want to talk about it.

Will somebody please tell me what's going on?

Maybe later.

Everything all right?

Where have you been?

I specifically said for nobody to upset Mandy.

Hey, I did not upset her.

I find that hard to believe.

I sorted her out.

How?

Well, the doctor has his methods.

We talked it through and she'll be moving on.

Moving on? Where?

Chill out, Howard.

Mandy Marquez will be back at work Monday morning.

She will be bright and she will be chirpy.

Will you make me the happiest man?

Will you marry me?

It's good, really, isn't it? You can sit in silence with someone.

Although that's a first, coming from motor mouth Karen.

People will be asking questions.

No!

I can't drive the car. I need you with me.

Let's see what you've got.