The Sucker List Doctors

Howard, it's me.

I'm sorry it's short notice, but I won't be in today.

Something's come up...

'The drain by the back door stinks'

and fix that kitchen drawer that keeps sticking.

Blimey, I've got a day off work, not the whole week.

Well, the porch needs painting,

cupboard under the sink really needs sorting out.

All right, all right.

I don't want you to get bored.

Oh, thanks.

Anyway, they said that they would be here any time between six and eight.

And it's not like you can watch the telly

until they repair the digi-whatsit-thing.

PLEASE make sure that you don't miss it because tonight is the

grand final of DIY Superstars!

Well, if you're such a big fan of DIY...

Ooh, hello. It's the postman!

Oh, right, thanks.

Perfect timing. Got the house to myself.

Digibox on the blink.

Wait a minute, mate!

This is for number...47.

You've got to be kidding.

Emma, I didn't think you were...

I'm not.

I just wanted to say... you were right.

About?

I lost perspective...

..because Dave and I have a history, so...

-Right.

-You can see why I trusted...

Well, how I got myself into a particular position...

Emma, are you OK?

This isn't about me.

Let's just say that I'm a little more aware of what

O'Neil may have gone through.

What happened?

Nothing.

I went to Dave's yesterday to talk to him,

try and convince myself that...

FOOTSTEPS GROW LOUDER, THEN FAINTER

And because of our history, he assumed...

..quite forcefully.

But I... I managed to get away, so...

It was nothing like O'Neil went through.

Emma...

I should get going.

No. You need to tell someone.

Well, I'm telling you.

No, you need to tell Driver.

You have to.

What you're describing here is...

It's attempted rape.

Fiscal Security Services. My name's Connie, how may I help?

Yeah, my name is Mr Rob Hollins, and I've received

a letter from you today saying that my name's on a sucker list.

Right, yes. I don't think we would have called it that.

No, but the criminals would.

It's a hit list for the con men.

That's correct.

Because you have previously been a victim of fraud,

a criminal gang was keeping your name on a database.

We thought you should know.

Thank you very much, but I think there must have been

a mistake, because I would've known if I'd been a victim of fraud.

You'd be surprised.

No, I wouldn't be surprised, no.

cos I'm not the sort of person who gets fooled.

Not now, not ever.

So if you can just take my name off the list.

I'm afraid it's not our list, it's the criminals'.

But the criminals aren't sending me letters, you are.

Mr Hollins, I realise this must be upsetting...

I'm not upset, I'm annoyed.

Right. But, really, you have nothing to worry about.

The letter's a courtesy.

You don't have to do anything,

except perhaps be a little more careful in the future.

I am careful. Ow!

I'm not sure it's a route I want to go down.

It's not like there's any actual evidence.

There's the testimony of two respected professionals.

But that doesn't guarantee a conviction.

And I don't think I could bear to go through that.

Could you be happy knowing that he got away with it?

Knowing he could do it to someone else?

I need to talk to O'Neil.

I'm not sure...

There's things I said.

You don't want it to look like you're comparing stories.

Jimmi, I don't know what I'm going to do.

What if I'm overreacting?

You don't really believe that, do you? No, listen.

Let me talk to Driver. Please.

She can help.

Can't you just take my name off the list?

Mr Hollins, the gang is in custody. Why does it matter?

Because... Because...

Who else gets to see it?

No-one. Just the investigating police team, and both legal teams.

I am a police officer and maybe the gang were trying to discredit me.

Right.

What? You don't believe me?

No... I mean, yes.

It just doesn't seem very likely.

Well, maybe they made a mistake.

Well, yeah. They got arrested.

Are you taking this seriously?

I assure you we are,

but with respect, we're just going on the information we received,

and police officers are only human.

What's that supposed to mean?

Mr Hollins, I have only respect for the police.

I'm just saying, I can understand why an officer might not want

to admit they've made a mistake.

Mr Hollins?

I think I want to speak to your supervisor.

I am the supervisor, Mr Hollins.

All I'm saying is,

as a police officer, it's not very good for my name to be on that list.

It makes me look like a proper idiot.

There are 10,000 names on the list. No-one will ever know.

I can't stress enough, you really have nothing to worry about.

Well, can you tell me what kind of fraud it was?

Who were the investigating officers?

I'll see what I can find out and call you back.

Yes, can I have a table for two, please?

Preferably somewhere away from the window?

Yeah, somewhere private.

OK, that sounds lovely.

Oh, and if I had some flowers delivered,

would you be able to hold onto them?

PHONE RINGS

Um, yeah...

DOOR CLOSES

Rob?

Karen, we've just received a letter from the Fiscal Security Services.

Apparently our details have managed to get themselves

onto a criminal database.

A database of what?

'A database of people being targeted'

by con men. It's called a sucker list.

Well, you're blaming me? Charming.

No, I'm not blaming you.

I just need to know what you've done.

'Have you bought something over the phone,

-'or been on some dodgy website?'

-What are you saying?!

They've got to have got my details from somewhere!

Your details? So it's your name on the list, not mine.

'Obviously I haven't given 'em.'

-Who's the sucker now?

-'I haven't got time for this.'

One of the neighbours has got the same letter

so I'll pop round there and see if she knows anything about it.

No, no, what about the repairman? What about my grand final?

I'll call you later. OK? Bye.

KNOCK ON DOOR

The last time we met I behaved badly.

It's one thing not believing me.

It's another prejudicing any chance I have of getting a conviction.

I know and I'm really sorry.

Sorry doesn't help me.

He tried to do it to me.

You were right.

OK? You were right.

Would you like some tea, Mr Hollins?

No, no thank you.

As I was saying, I'm just trying to find out

how my wife's name got onto that list.

She probably just bought something over the phone,

or maybe somebody called at the door...

Since my husband died, I've been very careful with my money.

I mainly spend it on my cats.

Yeah. Cos they can be very clever, you know. They...

Have you had anyone round to do any repairs on the house recently?

Anybody been to read the meter?

I always ask to see identification.

Do you? It's just that you didn't ask me.

You're not going to burgle me, are you?

Er, no, I'm not, no.

Well, then there's nothing to worry about.

There are lots of people out there just waiting to take advantage.

You think I can't look after myself

because I live on my own, and talk to my cats.

No, I don't, no...

I'm teasing.

Oh, right.

Well, if there is anything that you can remember...

I suppose it's all probably a big mix-up.

Yes, it probably is.

But I think you ought to be a little bit more careful

cos, don't forget, your name is on the list.

Like your wife.

Yes.

I always thought he was one of the good ones.

I'd never seen him like that before.

One minute he was charming and easy going, and the next...

He's grabbing you and telling you you're worthless?

KNOCK ON DOOR

Whatever it is, it can wait.

No, it can't.

Well, you'd better sit down, then.

So...Zara, how are things at home?

No, I don't think so.

No, it's just that... I know that you and Daniel are

back under the same roof...

and I heard him on the phone this morning.

Is Howard giving you enough to do?

No, it sounded like he was trying to organise a date.

Fancy restaurant. Flowers. I just thought you ought to know.

I already do.

Really?

Yeah, and I'm encouraging him.

You are?

Only this morning I was saying to him,

"You should get out more, start playing the field."

He's having lunch with me, you idiot.

No, I knew that.

You're having a date?

Shall I go and speak to Howard about your workload?

Ooh, is that the time?

MOBILE PHONE RINGTONE

Yeah?

Have you finished my list?

Karen, I've got more important things to think about.

All right. What did the neighbour say?

It's not hard to see how it happened.

Frankly, she's a pushover and she's lucky the gang are locked up.

They're all in the nick?

So what's all the fuss about?

What if they sold the list on?

And, anyway, my name shouldn't be on it in the first place.

You're just trying to get out of painting the porch.

No, I'm not. This is serious, you know.

Have you heard of identity theft?

Who'd want to be us?

Maybe I should speak to Angela again.

No! What about the digi...

PHONE BEEPS

MOBILE PHONE RINGTONE

I'm doing it! I'm doing it!

Doing what?

Jimmi's already talking to Driver.

That's good. Did he examine you?

It didn't get that far.

I got away.

Bruising?

But you can tell them what happened.

Our word against his.

Yes.

With the evidence from my rape, all that should be plenty.

You think so?

You're not having second thoughts, are you?

I...

There's a pattern of behaviour. Once we get started,

maybe more women will come forward.

I bet you he's done this before.

What if they don't? What if it is just you and me?

That'll have to be enough.

I'm not sure it will be.

Mostly the gang deal in fake shares, land sales and investments.

'Not on my salary, they don't.'

They also set up fake charities.

Well, my wife gives money to Children In Need,

but I've got two kids at college.

I don't have any spare cash.

They can be very persuasive,

make it sound like you can't lose.

Yeah. I know what a con man sounds like.

So you're saying there's no way someone could have fooled you?

None at all.

Then how are you on this list?

That's what I want to know.

SHE SIGHS

Oh, sorry, am I keeping you?

Mr Hollins, in my experience no-one is foolproof.

Not even police.

Oh, here we go.

-Everyone's got an opinion.

-I wasn't...

Everyone thinks they know what it's like to do our job.

-I appreciate what you're saying...

-I don't think you do.

I'm not asking you to do something very complicated.

I just want my name taking off the list.

All right. If it's that important.

For a small administrative fee we can

remove your name from the database.

Is that something you'd be interested in?

Ooh, let me think about it... Yes!

Your reputation is that important?

Yes, it is.

No-one is foolproof, Mr Hollins.

I've told you before, it's not our list, it's the criminals'.

Why did you bother telling me if you're not going to do anything about it?!

I'm just being realistic.

Really? Did Cartwright put you up to this?

No!

Look, I hate the fact that he fooled me

and that I've been making excuses for a rapist.

Then do something about it!

Look, we both had consensual sex with Dave in the past.

And my sexual history is pretty colourful.

Irrelevant!

It should be, but his lawyers will use it.

We both know how few rapists are convicted.

So what? We tell all rape victims not to bother,

that it's not worth it?

No.

Look, if a detective and a police surgeon can't come forward

to report their sexual assault, then what are we saying?

But we know what will happen in court.

They'll say he rejected you, and you were out for revenge.

We'll look like bitter women,

and then he'll get away with both crimes.

Do we really want to put ourselves through that?

Yes.

KNOCK ON DOOR

ROB SIGHS

SIRENS BLARE ON TV

MOBILE PHONE RINGTONE

Hello?

-KAREN:

-'You better not be skiving off.'

Oh, the words every man longs to hear from his wife.

'What about the porch?'

I'm just finishing it.

'Really? What's that noise?'

What noise?

SIRENS BLARE ON TV

Oh, I think that must be a police car passing.

Well, several cars passing actually.

'I don't believe you.'

Karen...

'Don't you dare. I know you're telling porky pies because...'

Hello!

Now there's two of us,

they can't just sweep it under the carpet

He needs to be held accountable for what he did.

Mmm. And I would feel exactly the same in your position.

I'd want to take apart the man and his career slowly

and painfully like pulling the legs off a spider.

Well, good.

But it wouldn't work.

The ruined career would be yours, and Cartwright just walks away.

You can't be serious.

I do understand how frustrating this is, and believe me, I hate it too.

Is this what you think too?

Come on, Sonia. You know I'm on your side.

Look, I have the greatest respect for both of you,

more so now that I know what you've been through,

but, in the eyes of the law,

you're unreliable witnesses.

As far as the court is concerned, it's indecent assault.

-If...

-That's all you'll get, if you get anything at all.

If I hadn't fought him off, then...

Yeah, I know. But where's the evidence?

We only saw each other five minutes ago.

I know. Have a seat.

Isn't this the place that served you the dodgy crayfish?

I don't think so.

I think it might be.

I think I'd remember something like that.

Another move from the Daniel Granger playbook.

Don't you think we know each other too well for this sort of nonsense?

I can have them taken away.

I suppose...they can stay.

Not during lunch.

It's a stopwatch.

David said that we're to limit the time that we talk about Joe.

Fine.

David also said...

"David said, David said."

How are we going to get anywhere if we can't think for ourselves?

You didn't have to check on me.

Somebody's got to wait for the repairman

and you're popping up the road every five minutes.

I've got everything under control.

DOORBELL RINGS Finally.

Oh, hello. Can I help you?

"My name is Adam. I am deaf.

"I have never heard the sea or listened to music."

Aww!

"I am selling calendars to raise money."

Well, we should have one. We can get both, I'll get one for...

Hold on.

Have you got any ID?

What charity are you collecting for?

He's deaf.

I'd like to know what charity he's collecting for.

-And really he should have a licence.

-Don't be such a meanie.

I've seen these scams before, haven't I?

How do we know he is who he says he is?

How can you be so cynical?

Look, see, now, you've scared him off.

No, he's legged it because we were onto him.

Or, at least, I was.

You're the one on the sucker list, not me.

What if I decide to pursue this anyway?

I would advise against it.

Of course. Think of the paperwork.

You have a promising career.

OK, you rub people up the wrong way, but so do I.

You could go far.

But if you pursue this complaint and you lose,

no-one's going to want to work with you, no-one will hire you.

Then I can take them to court as well.

Come on, Sonia. You're smarter than that.

She's right. I know it's appalling,

but you have to do what's best for you.

What's best?! What's best?!

You know what I mean.

So Dave gets away with it?

What I can do is this.

I will end Cartwright's career at Midlands Central

and I'll put word out amongst the force at large.

I will make him all but untouchable.

It might not be justice, but I will make sure he no longer has

the perceived respectability of being a police officer.

That's the best I can do.

OK.

Detective Inspector O'Neil?

OK then.

Take as much time as you need, Sonia.

He's always losing that bunny. What number are we on now?

Three?

Four, because there was another one that we lost.

Another one when we went...

Anyway, it's lucky we've got spares, otherwise...

-Well, Joe won't sleep without his bunny.

-No.

ALARM RINGS

What's that?

It means we have to start talking about something else.

Right.

-David said.

-Just like that?

David said.

Easy for him to say.

What are we supposed to talk about? Patients?

Well, you could tell me something that you've never told me before.

Well, that's not possible. We already know everything.

-Do we?

-I hope so.

It's when we start keeping secrets that the trouble starts.

Maybe I should stay.

Yeah, it should be pretty exciting watching this paint dry.

Oh, no, you know how the fumes affect you.

You don't want to be nodding off during the grand final.

Well, make sure you get it done by the time I get back.

Yes, dear.

Number 57, mate? About the TV?

The door's open.

I'll be two minutes.

Boss. They said I should wait for you here.

You're in the wrong chair.

Boss?

You should be on the other side of the table.

-I don't understand.

-I think you do.

By the time I've finished with you, the only way you'll be

seen in uniform again is as a strippergram.

I know what you are.

Mrs Hopwell, I really don't think this is a good idea.

-Do you have a pen, Mr Hollins?

-He doesn't have any official ID.

At best he's a beggar, at worst, a con artist.

Such a sweet-looking boy.

Look, if it really is young people with disabilities you want to help,

there are lots of charities out there.

Why give money to a faceless organisation that probably

spends half of it on paper clips?

Well, there's my ID, where's yours?

There's no need for that.

Otherwise I might have to take you down the station.

Mr Hollins! I need you to leave.

-But...

-Now, Mr Hollins.

-RADIO:

-# Don't stop me now... #

I thought so. Right. I'll take that.

Oi!

# If you want to have a good time, just give me a call... #

And turns out she was allergic to peanuts,

because her whole face started to swell up.

-No!

-Yeah, they had to cut her braces off

so that she could breathe properly!

No. And was this one of the reasons that you became a doctor?

I think I still wanted to be a footballer

or an astronaut at that point. It was very traumatic.

I didn't... I didn't kiss another girl till I was 13.

Poor you.

She ended up in A&E, but did anyone consider your feelings?

Exactly.

Daniel Granger's kiss of death!

Why haven't I heard about this before?

Well, cos I think we found better things to do than talk.

That sounds about right.

-What?

-It's been a long time since we made each other laugh.

Dessert?

Mmm. Absolutely.

What I do with my money is my business.

I never asked for anything back, it just made me feel good.

Don't you care that these people might be taking advantage of you?

-Don't you want to know the truth?

-No.

I don't have any family to spend my money on, so I do this instead.

I'd sooner be happy and taken advantage of

than suspicious and cynical, whatever you say.

I just think that you need to be more careful...

And you need to go. Your workman is here.

I know, I just let them in.

Oh, no...

Oh, no, no, no, no, no!

It happened to me.

I was 25, pushing for CID.

Uniformed inspector decided to try a little sexual bribery.

Did he...

I said 'tried'. I used to carry Mace in those days.

I hate this.

Me too.

But don't worry, I will ruin his career.

That's not enough.

No.

What happens now?

Back to work.

And O'Neil?

Same for her, if she wants to stay, though it wouldn't surprise me

if she looked for a transfer.

What, fresh start?

Well, it's her choice.

And in the meantime, if any of my officers

are anything less than professional and courteous,

they have me to answer to.

I've taken your name off the database.

You won't get any more mail from us.

Thanks.

You don't sound very thrilled, considering.

Sorry. It's been that kind of day.

The sort that makes you realise that you're not as smart

as you thought you were.

I should warn you these phone calls

-may be recorded for training purposes.

-What?

I may have to play that back later.

Not every day you get a policeman apologise.

Oh, great. I appreciate your help.

No problem.

Now, is there anything else I can help you with?

DOOR SLAMS

Rob?

Yeah, my wife is just about to give me hell.

Have a nice day then!

Did they come? Is it fixed?

Yeah, it's fixed.

Where's the telly?

It could have happened to anyone...

Oh, what about my grand final?

Where is the telly?

What are we going to do with these?

We can't take them back to the Mill.

No. People will talk, won't they?

What are they going to say?

It's very confusing.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Fancy a snog?

Is that a move from the Zara Carmichael playbook?

It worked in college.

I bet it did.

PHONE RINGS

Sorry.

So annoying, people who don't turn off their phones.

I will destroy it at the first available opportunity.

Now, where were we?

What is it?

I hate to say it,

but I think that David might be right.

About what?

About doing things differently. About waiting.

The man's clearly a quack.

No, I think he's right. I think we should wait.

Really?

Really.

How long for?

Three weeks.

Three whole weeks.

You know about David's rules.

You won't be able to resist me.

Bring it on.

I don't want another argument.

Then go away.

I know what you're trying to do.

-What's the date?

-1996.

PHONE CLICKS

Mum, are you all right?

You need to pull yourself together.

-Shall we tell them?

-Yeah.

We're back together.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd