Try a Little Tenderness Doctors

MUSIC: "Broken" by Jake Bugg

# I'll wait here

# For you... #

MOBILE RINGS

# For I'm broken

# Down

# Coming down

# This town

# For my heart lies

# Far away where they took you down

# Led them over to your house

# Where I'm broken

# Down by the people

# If they let you breathe

# Don't give a damn if you still can't see

# Still my heart... #

Junk mail. Bill. Bank statement.

Do you know, I can't remember the last time I got an actual letter?

When was the last time you sent a letter?

SHE HUMS

Someone's in a good mood.

And I intend to spread my cheer with a selection of home-made fancies.

Ooh! What have we got?

Almond slices and macaroons. Help yourself.

-Dr Clay?

-You know I can't resist your baking, Mrs Tembe.

Someone's been busy.

I was inspired by my little cookery lesson with Mr Robson last night.

Morning! All ready for your inspection?

-Inspection of what exactly?

-Your security features. Locks.

Alarms. Lights.

This is the first I'm hearing about it.

My office did confirm the details with Captain Bellamy. And look...

it's there on my work order, in black and white.

Well, if it says it on his work order...

Thank you, Dr Clay. Now, you just go about your normal duties.

You won't even notice I'm here.

Can you help me?

Yeah. Are you here for an appointment?

No. I went to his office, but they said he was here.

Who exactly is it you're looking for?

My knight in shining armour.

I'm sorry.

Erm, you have me at a disadvantage.

Last November? The Platinum Pussycat Club?

Agnieska?

So, you have not forgotten?

How could I?

But how did you find me?

You told me everything about your job at the university.

-Head of Security.

-Well, it's good to see you again,

but as you can see, I'm on duty.

And I would not have come all this way if it was not important.

But...

..we need to talk.

You said it was your birthday.

Thought I'd have a treat. Weekend in London. Buck Palace.

Madame Tussauds.

You came in with some friends.

Met them in the hotel bar.

Insurance salesmen, up for a conference.

They suggested a pub round the corner.

Five bars later, they dragged me into this club.

Lucky for me, you sat at my table.

Where you happened to be working as a lap dancer?

I am new to this country.

I do what I have to.

As soon as I saw you, I could tell you were different.

You did not try to grab me.

There was no lust in your eyes,

only...

-..kindness.

-Hmmm. Too kind for his own good sometimes.

I don't even remember asking you back to the hotel.

And I'm not in the habit of going home with customers.

Hmm!

You were so kind, gentle.

I did not think I would see you again.

-I gave you my number.

-I lost it.

That's convenient(!)

And then, a few weeks later...

..I realised that I was pregnant.

There was only one possibility.

-You.

-You what?!

All them fellas tucking tenners in your G-string

and Barry's the one that catches your eye?

Is there somewhere we can go? Somewhere...private?

-Um, well, I suppose so.

-No, no, no, no, no.

He's not going anywhere.

You can't just come in and drop this on him.

He needs time. Don't you?

It has been a bit of a shock.

This is where I'm staying.

Please, do not wait too long.

He has one flaw.

Only one?

If it was anything else...

-Is he tight with his money?

-No.

-Never puts the toilet seat down?

-He won't argue.

-What?

-No matter what I do to provoke him, he just won't bite back.

-Surely that's a good thing?

-No.

-Why ever not?

Well, because every relationship needs a good row now and then.

You're the first woman I've ever met

who actually wants to have more arguments.

I just need to be sure.

Why are you picking holes in him?

Anyone would think you didn't want it to work.

I have put an extra sugar in it.

Ta very much, Mrs Tembe, but I must crack on.

Safety and security wait for no man.

But you have had a terrible shock.

You don't think this is the first time a young lady's accused me

of fathering her child, do you?

Player like me, it's an occupational hazard.

Not interrupting, am I?

-Oh, Mr Robson.

-Fire escape's next on my schedule.

This is an unexpected surprise.

You said I should get myself organised.

And you thought you would strike while the iron was hot.

An admirable quality.

I don't want to let you down. So, if Dr Tyler's free?

-Oh, Dr Tyler's not on duty this morning.

-Right.

-There is only Dr Clay.

-It's only a check up.

I don't suppose it matters who I see.

I'm sure she's a nice girl.

-A very nice girl.

-But you did meet in a lap-dancing club, Barry.

That's only temporary. She wants to be a nursery nurse.

No, no. My point is...

-you hardly know her.

-So?

So, how do you know you're the only man she slept with at the time?

I see where you're coming from, but you don't have to worry about me.

That night, it's all a bit of a blur.

My so-called mates had me buying drinks until the early hours.

I woke up with a hangover, an empty wallet and a strange girl in my bed.

I might have been a fool that night, but I won't be suckered again.

How much do you drink in an average week?

I don't really drink right now.

-Are you on any medication?

-No.

What about non-prescribed drugs?

I used to do a bit of puff but that was ages ago.

-Are you working?

-No.

You looking for a job?

Yeah, yeah, but well, you know, it's not easy.

You might have more luck looking further afield.

What's that mean?

There's not many opportunities in Letherbridge.

I'm not interested in moving right now.

-And, anyway, how's that any of your business?

-I'm just saying.

In fact, what's any of this got to do with my health?

Sorry.

I thought I was coming in here for a check-up, not the third degree.

Do I know you?

ALARM

Sorry. I've lost where I've written down the code.

ALARM STOPS

Barry, maybe you should take the rest of the day off?

Impossible.

Say what you like about Barry Biglow but I'm always professional.

But if you cannot remember four simple numbers...

Maybe I will go for a little walk.

Clear the old thinking space.

Is everything all right?

Yes. No problems.

Well, that is good news.

So are you ready for our next cookery class?

Raring to go.

I am going to try to find something a little more challenging.

Mm! Bring it on!

OK, I'll see you soon.

-Hello.

-Hi. This is a nice surprise.

-What are you doing for lunch?

-What are you offering?

I know this bakery. Serves great falafels.

Thought you were more of a steak and chips kind of man.

Meat, veg - it's all good.

To be honest, I had my heart set on tapas at the Icon.

Oh, OK. Shall I go and grab a table?

I thought you wanted falafel?

I'm easy.

As long as I get to spend time with you.

You know what, the bakery it is.

I'll just get my coat.

Hello.

Ooh! Hiya, how can I help?

-POLISH ACCENT:

-I am looking for someone. I believe she came here.

Her name is Agnieska.

I see I have come to the right place.

And you are?

I'm her brother. Pavel.

Since she found she was pregnant, she has been confused.

Very upset. Last week, she vanish.

The whole family are very concerned for her and baby.

-Right.

-So if you could put our worries to rest...

If you could let us know that she is receiving expert medical care.

I'm sorry - patient confidentiality.

All I want to do is take her home.

Where she and the little one can be safe.

Even if we knew where she was, we couldn't tell you.

I understand.

Thank you for your time.

Everything OK?

-ENGLISH ACCENT:

-Did you think I wouldn't find you?

'Please, Marcus. Can't you just forget me?'

Forget you? Who's been paying your bills while you can't work?

There are plenty of other girls. Younger girls.

'You were my best earner.'

-But the baby...

-'Will be sent home and you'll back to work.'

Your regulars have missed you.

'So...

'why don't you just tell me where you are

'and we can forget this ever happened?'

-Barry! There you are!

-Is it Agnieska? Is something wrong?

There was a man here, looking for her.

Said he was her brother.

Ah, right.

Well, it's good to know she's not having to deal with this on her own.

And I suppose I will have to face the family at some time.

No time like the present, I suppose.

If you hang on a bit, I'll come with you.

It was me and my inability to hold my liquor that created this pickle.

Time for me to man-up.

You can disapprove all you like, Dr Clay.

You are not going to change my mind.

I didn't say anything.

You didn't have to. It is written all over your face.

How much do you actually know about him?

I know that he is a lost soul.

Do I think that I can help to guide him back into the light?

I truly hope so.

You can get a lot out of helping someone else.

KNOCK ON DOOR

KNOCK ON DOOR

Agnieska. It's me. Barry Biglow.

I did not think you would come.

If you want nothing to do with this child, I would not blame you.

But I need money. For the baby.

Then I can find somewhere, somewhere far away.

And you will not see me again.

Is that all you want from me? Money?

I cannot expect any more.

I know it's not going to be easy...

..but I'm willing to try.

To try what?

To be a family. For the baby's sake.

The money's going to be tight but I can do more overtime.

I can get another job.

Stacking shelves, or cleaning toilets.

Anything, as long as I can support our child.

You are a very good man, Barry.

No. I'm not.

I'm just counting my blessings.

See, I've never been very lucky in love.

So I've had to accept

that I'd never hear a child say that magic word - Dad.

OK, so this is no fairy tale.

A one-night stand that I can't even remember.

But I promise I'll do my best to make it work.

What do you say?

Oh! See. What did I tell you?

Best falafels this side of Cairo.

Er...mine tasted like cardboard.

-Really?

-Worst I've ever had. I wouldn't give it to a dog.

-Sounds like you're some kind of connoisseur.

-Of course not.

I know you're a chickpea lover,

-but do you want to know what's on my weekly shopping list?

-I've no idea.

Crate-reared veal,

foie gras and ducks' tongues.

Each to their own.

Each to their own?

Oh! Adam, what do I have to do to get a reaction out of you?

Chop down a protected tree? Pummel a baby seal to death?

Why don't you just - I don't know, shout at me! Or scream.

Or have a tantrum. Fight back!

Where did all this negative energy come from?

-You hate it?

-It's awesome.

What?

You're so passionate. I love it, it's fantastic.

Aw!

Before I go, there's something I need to tell you.

A confession, really. You see, I'm not the head of security.

I don't own a Porsche.

There's no holiday home in the South of France.

I made it all up.

Why?

I didn't think you'd like the real me.

We only spent a few hours together

but you are willing to take us both on.

That's worth more than a sports car or a fancy villa.

Marcus.

-What a pretty picture.

-You must be the brother. Pleased to meet you.

-Get your things. We're leaving.

-Hang on a minute.

-What?

-Agnieska's under my protection now.

-Your protection!

You idiot.

Don't you realise I'm doing you a favour?

-How?

-Marcus...

You think you're the first?

You do not have to do this.

I've chased her all around the country.

I will come with you.

You care about this one's feelings!

Then you'd want him to know the truth.

The truth about what?

She's tried this trick on two other men already.

You're just the first one who didn't slam the door in her face.

-I don't understand.

-You do not listen to him.

I'm not her brother. I own her.

Paid good money to have her brought into the UK.

She's paying me back by having sex with men.

Men like you.

I didn't have to buy her.

No, you didn't.

Your friends did, though.

They thought it would be one big joke, only the joke was on me

when her belly started growing and she couldn't earn any money.

Now she tells me she doesn't want to be a whore any more.

Wants to play happy families.

You've got 30 seconds.

You threatening me?

Your choice.

I do not write off my business investments without a fight.

Thank you for trying, but he is right.

He will not give up and you cannot protect me for ever.

I can if you move in with me.

You don't mean it. Not after what he said!

I'll take you there now. You'll be safe.

Our baby will be safe.

I know it's no palace but as soon as I've got more money coming in,

-we can look for somewhere better.

-It is nice.

I've got a bit put by.

Enough for a cot, nappies - everything the baby's going to need.

There's a good nursery just down the road, and a park with swings, and...

Did you not hear Marcus? I was not just a dancer.

Yeah. The past is the past.

There were other men.

-I won't abandon you.

-Stop!

I promise I won't let either of you down.

You have to listen!

That night...

..we sat and we talked for hours.

You told me everything about your work, your friends.

You asked me about Poland, my family.

And then you fell asleep.

The reason you don't remember us having sex,

is because it never happened.

The truth is, I do not know who the father is

but I do know it is not you.

I...I thought I could go through with this, for my child, but...

I cannot.

So why come looking for me?

Is it because I've got "desperate mug" written all over my face?

I need money. To get away from Marcus.

To start again, somewhere he will not find me.

I'm so sorry.

Ah!

PHONE RINGS

-Hello. Campus Surgery. How may I...

-'Nurse Marquez!'

-Barry. What is it?

'Code red. Urgent assistance required.'

Right, OK, OK. Take a breath.

'The baby. It's coming. ETA any minute now.'

-What? Are you sure?

-'Waters breached. Contractions.'

-'Lots and lots of screaming.'

-Oh, no! Jimmi!

-Where are you?

-'My house. In the kitchen.'

Can you call an ambulance, please?

-GASPING

-Ah!

That's it! One more effort!

'Can you see the baby's head?'

Argh!

That's it.

And push!

'Push!'

Keep going.

What's wrong?

-Nothing. You're doing really well.

-'Barry, what's happening?'

Shoulders still aren't free.

'You've going to have to try and manipulate them.'

-I don't think I can do this.

-'You have to. If you don't...'

OK. Tell me what to do.

'Feel for the shoulders.

'Get a firm grip. And then you're just going to gently twist.'

-Now?

-'No. As soon as the next contraction comes.'

OK.

'That's it. That's it.'

'That's it, that's it.'

-Push, push!

-'Now, Barry!'

-That's it.

-That's it, that's it.

-'Keep pushing.'

It's coming! Yes, yes!

Keep going.

It's out! Amazing!

SHE GASPS

What is it? What's wrong?

Come on, little one. Breathe!

Barry?

Barry, talk to me.

'Breathe.'

BABY CRIES

Well done, Barry.

Looks like you didn't need me after all.

Nurse Marquez gave me step-by-step instructions.

Don't listen to him. He was wonderful.

Healthy little boy.

Barry. One day you will meet the right woman.

What about you? You can't go back to London.

What choice do I have?

Dr Clay's gone contacts.

Charities which specialise in caring for vulnerable mothers and babies.

APPROACHING SIREN

Right. Let's get you to the hospital.

Check you and the baby over and then I'll get on to them.

Come in.

That's me all done, then.

Could you not have finished up tomorrow?

I've got a full schedule for the rest of the week.

Is everything OK?

Yes, yes. All security systems are functioning A-OK.

I wasn't talking about the window locks.

How are you?

Never been better.

It's not every day that you bring a new life into the world, is it?

She wanted to call him Barry. I convinced her not to burden the lad.

What's wrong with Barry?

I'll say good night then.

Mrs Tembe?

Er, what is it?

It's a number for the National Offenders Management Service.

They can offer some support to Mr Robson.

Charities are cut to the bone. Stretched to the limit.

But their staff have specialist training to deal with ex-offenders.

You do not need specialist training to know when a lost soul needs help.

Mrs Tembe, it's not your job.

And what if I choose to make it my job?

Then I'm sorry, I think you're being foolish. So please be careful.

Dr Clay.

If you cannot understand what I am trying to do,

then I ask you to keep your nose out of my personal business.

Yeah. Er, d'you know what? You're right. It's none of my business.

Don't worry, I'll keep my nose out.

Are you happy to discuss your medical details in front of your daughter?

Of course she is. It's my baby she's carrying.

I'm here to see the nurse. It's about my bite.

Oh! Which one?

Would you stop having little digs!

You're eight months pregnant.

And if I have to keep on at you to be sensible, then I will.

He's just so...

So what, you're finishing with him?