Heartstrings Doctors

TV: 'Horrifying injury... '

DOOR OPENS >

'..and their darkest fears.

'The most dangerous job in Britain just got tougher...'

TV OFF What...?

HE SCOFFS

Feeling better, are we?

It still hurts. And I feel really sick.

Yes. That'll probably be the cheese and onion.

Oh...

Fell for that, didn't I? Hook, line and sinker.

Come on, what's going on?

Nothing.

Oh, I get it.

Look, nobody wants to go to school on their birthday.

Some birthday!

I'm sure your dad hasn't forgotten. He's just tied up with stuff.

He'll probably come...

he'll maybe come round later with something.

Maybe he won't.

I can't just let you bunk off.

Morning!

You startled me!

Actually...

it has just turned afternoon.

I was not aware that you would be in today.

No, I'm not, but...

I was just a spare part at home. Moping around.

I thought I'd come and do some paperwork.

Just take my mind off things.

It's my third chemotherapy session today.

I know.

I know it's stupid, but I can't stop thinking about it.

That is understandable.

I am sure it's going to be...

It'll be fine. I'm just a natural fretter.

Right. Let's get this lot sorted out.

Martin!

I'm not signing this!

But you agreed.

I've changed my mind, haven't I?

Your solicitor can tell the court to go stuff it!

I'm not trying to stop you seeing him.

Never could keep your nose out of what doesn't concern you, could you?

Always there, hovering, waiting to interfere.

This is about Adam. Not you, or me.

He's my son!

I'm not going to forget that just because it suits you.

Managed to forget his birthday, though, didn't you, eh?

It's just a consent order - he wants to stay here for now.

I'm not signing it.

Show some common sense, man!

Martin!

You've taken enough from me already!

CAR ENGINE STARTS

And finally...

whether the current Joint Needs Assessment needs...

Further review. Yes. Thank you very much, Mrs Tembe.

An excellent summary. I'd be lost without you.

These meetings at the CCG can get so over-complex.

I am sure you will steer a productive path.

Only because I have such a superb administrative team behind me.

Your organisational skills are second to none. Really.

Thank you.

I hope you've given some thought to that position I pointed out to you.

You'd be a great fit.

I have been busy with the minutes.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely would not want to see you go.

But you really should think about spreading your wings.

I will take the time to look at it later.

Good.

Right. Onwards and upwards.

Based on your notes, Mr Coulter,

I'd have to say I'd advise you to go ahead with that operation.

I intend to, just not yet.

The cardiologist strongly recommends you...

I'm as fit as a fiddle otherwise and he knows it.

I accept that I need the op, but there's no rush.

Is there really no-one else who could take care of your grandson?

Nope.

How old is he?

12.

He's a good kid.

Sharp as a pin.

Even so, taking care of him on your own...

He's no trouble.

Right now, he has to have a bit of stability, security.

And it's not coming from his dad.

Ah, your ears must be burning.

-No. Why?

-I've just been singing your praises.

All your absolutely invaluable and sterling work has not gone unnoticed.

It's great to have such a dedicated team working alongside me.

Oh, that's a lovely thing to say!

I'm just so glad to be part of it all.

-I really love working here.

-It shows. And long may it continue.

This job is such a positive thing in my life at the moment.

I meant to ask - how is it all going?

-The treatment, I mean.

-Oh, it's fine. I'm ploughing on.

It all seems to have gone much better than expected,

so that's good.

You're not finding it too exhausting?

Chemo can be pretty draining.

Yes, it can be tiring.

To be honest, I dread it. It's horrible.

-Especially on your own.

-You've been going alone?

Well, Ayesha came with me the first time, but, well, everyone is so busy.

I can't expect them...

The staff there are fantastic, but they are rushed off their feet.

You shouldn't have to deal with this alone.

I'm not looking forward to today, but I will manage.

Right, that's it. I'm coming with you.

-No, but you can't.

-Of course I can.

But what about work? You've got far too much on.

Oh, it can wait.

After all the support you've given me, it's time I paid a bit back.

-No, I can't put you out like that.

-I'm not giving you the choice.

Give me a knock when you're ready to leave, yeah?

School secretary said you phoned.

Said you were picking me up from school?

I'm really sorry, mate. I lost track of time.

-Got a lot on, you know?

-I can go back.

No, it's your birthday, Ad.

No school on your birthday - that's like...

a law. Or it should be.

-I'm hungry.

-OK. Sit down. I'll see what I can rustle up.

Go on.

In just a moment, your life can change.

I always think it must be the worst thing, for a parent to lose a child.

It's a life sentence.

Not a day goes by when I don't think about losing Ella.

I can still see the face of the drunk guy who smashed into us.

If only she'd been driving instead of in the passenger seat.

-Was Adam in the back?

-Mm.

Not so much as a scratch on him, thank God.

I wasn't surprised when Martin blamed me, but...

it wasn't my fault.

There was nothing I could have done.

That's when he started drinking.

And that was when Adam came to live with you?

Uh-uh. No, he turned up just after Martin lost his job.

Martin gambles too.

Long bouts of it.

He's in serious money trouble.

It sounds like Adam is in the right place for now.

Martin doesn't see it like that.

That's why he's refusing to sign the order.

I can see why he feels like he's going to lose Adam.

If he carries on, he's going to. And everything else besides.

I've tried to help, but I'm the last person he'll take it from.

Sometimes people need to hit rock bottom before they can change.

Well, he's headed there fast.

But he's not going to drag Adam down with him.

-Just had Mr Shannon in again.

-Oh, not fair!

When did you get to corner the market

in hunks with sports injuries?

Well, perhaps they're just drawn to my natural athleticism?

Like I'm drawn to his legs.

They are very sculpted.

-Debs!

-Hi, sis.

Is everything all right?

Yeah, I was just passing.

-Haven't seen you for ages.

-I know. I've got a new job.

-Really?

-Have you had your dinner yet?

-Just about to.

-Do you want to grab something?

Yeah. Just give me a couple of minutes to sort this out.

OK.

Are you all right?

Yeah...just a bit out of the blue for her.

-She said she was passing.

-Yeah.

Mrs Tembe, sorry - the best-laid plans...

I need you to rearrange my schedule for this afternoon.

Oh, I'm sorry. Are you unwell?

No, I'm fine.

So which meeting specifically?

All of them. I've no idea what time I'll be back.

But you cannot miss those meetings. It is crucial!

Not as crucial as the welfare of my staff.

-Valerie needs me.

-Well, I could stand in for you at the meeting.

I am very aware of the issues involved.

No, I think this level of decision-making

requires the actual practice manager to be there.

Thanks for the offer, though.

Look, I've told you. Yeah. I know.

Yeah. Thank you.

Are you OK?

It's the school. Martin has pulled Adam out.

Has he done this before?

-Not for a while.

-HE GASPS

Just take it easy.

Pretty sure Martin had been drinking this morning.

I could smell it on him.

Are you saying you're concerned for Adam's safety?

-I'm saying I've got to find him.

-Steady.

Just...take a seat for a minute.

OK? Yeah?

Can't leave Adam with him.

No.

No, no, no! Damn it!

I just need to concentrate on this. I'll just be one minute.

KNOCKING

Mr Laws?

Who is it?

Just some men.

-Mr Laws!

-Why are you hiding from them?

-They keep hassling me.

-Mr Laws!

What for?

-BANGING ON DOOR

-Money.

Mr Laws?

It'll be a bit quieter in this corner.

Thank you. I should go...

I'll let her know you're here. You take it easy.

PHONE BEEPS

Be nice to switch this off for once.

-But surely you need...?

-I'm not here for work. I'm here for you.

Here.

Try and relax.

Come on, you pile of...

Ow!

Oh! Ah!

Oh, for crying out loud!

Right, you...

-I'm done!

-Dad?

Wait here while I sort this out.

-What about the park?

-You've got legs, haven't you?

Adam?

Adam?

Ad!

ADAM!

Do you remember the time we found the Christmas biscuit tin?

That was so bad - we ate the whole lot underneath Carl's bed.

We were so sick.

And that time you put the fork in the socket?

Blew everything.

Sometimes I honestly think it's a miracle we all survived.

Well, we're all here and we're not that bad.

Mum must have done something right.

I'm just saying, she wasn't all bad.

-Aren't you even going to ask?

-What?

How she is?

Martin!

Adam!

Adam! Martin!

There's no sign.

I don't know what the hell Martin's p...

Oh, God...

It's all right, I've got you!

Should I call the police?

It's OK. Just keep calm.

HE GROANS LOUDLY

Hi. Can I have an ambulance, please?

My name is Dr Vere and I work at The Mill Health Centre.

I just don't understand why you never go and see her.

I'm busy. I work full time.

-Anyway, it's not like you're daughter of the year!

-Fair enough. I admit it.

I avoided her for a while, but I've seen her around on the estate more recently.

-Yeah, because you live there!

-I called in on her over the weekend, actually.

-And?

She's in a right state.

The place is a mess.

Drinking a lot, no food.

I'm really worried about her.

I talked to her about getting some help, but she won't listen.

Not to me.

She's her own worst enemy. Always will be.

I thought with you being a nurse,

you might know who is best to contact? Pull some strings?

-You are not putting this on me!

-She's not well.

I'm not getting into this again!

I've just got settled at work

and I'm not going to screw everything up by dragging in my family mess.

But if we could just get someone to see her.

You, me, Maxi, Sierra, we're all doing OK.

But that's in spite of Mum. Not because of her.

I don't need her in my life. None of us do.

Can't believe you're saying that. Don't you care about her at all?

-Of course I do...

-You're a nurse. You're meant to take care of people that are sick.

She's not sick, she's selfish.

She's going to drink herself to death if we just leave her.

Eesh?

Right.

OK.

I see.

Here you go.

That's very kind, thank you.

-Mm...

-It's from the machine, I'm afraid.

Oh, no, it's not that. I just feel a bit nauseous anyway.

Sorry. I'm not very good company.

Don't apologise.

Just makes it hard to think about anything else.

The trick is distraction.

I thought after seeing your little turn yesterday,

I thought I'd show you what I can do.

Pay attention.

Pick a card, any card, but don't tell me which one.

Adam!

Adam! You'd better be in there!

What the hell do you think you're playing at?

You scared the life out of me!

Who are you?

Dr Vere from The Mill Health Centre.

I presume you're Martin?

What's going on? Are you not well?

-I'm fine.

-No, um, Adam's grandad.

Oh, the old man called you!

I should have guessed.

If you'll let me explain...

No, let me explain!

I'm looking after my son and I don't need anyone else interfering.

Debs!

Wait!

I'm sorry, OK?

I don't want to have an argument

and then not see each other again for ages.

Me neither. I'm sorry.

I've missed you.

Let's meet up properly over the weekend.

Take Sierra out to that new pancake place.

-That sounds good. Message me, yeah?

-I will.

Look, I know I shouldn't be pressuring you about Mum,

but if you could just look in on her....even for five minutes?

Think about it, yeah?

I really need to speak to you, Martin!

Your father-in-law is in hospital.

I'm sorry. It's a possible heart attack.

What? What - just out of the blue?

No, he's been ill for a while.

But the pressure of coping with this...situation

could have made it worse.

-He never said anything.

-Maybe he thought you had problems of your own.

If you are struggling to cope with your own life,

maybe you should think about how you're going to manage Adam's too.

Dad?

I'll leave you to it.

Well, in that case...

Ah.

That must be your card!

How did you do that?

-Do you want to get me thrown out of the Magic Circle?

-That was very skilful.

Just smoke and mirrors.

Couldn't have done it without my fantastic assistant.

Do you ever get angry? I know I would.

I don't know.

You must have thought to yourself, "why me?"

Well, yes.

I'm young - relatively. I've never smoked or drunk too much.

I've taken care, looked after myself.

It does just seem so unfair.

I mean what have I done to deserve this? Really?

Nothing. Nothing at all. You should be angry.

It will help you fight it.

Reckon you saved my life, Doctor.

Oh, no, that was the paramedics.

That's not what they said.

So you're going to have that operation?

I haven't got much choice.

I want to stick around a bit longer.

What about Adam?

They rang my niece in Derby but that's a no-go.

She's got her own problems.

I'm sure that something can be sorted out.

His dad can't look after him.

You don't mean the social services?

It would only be temporary. Until you're better.

I was talking to Martin.

He asked me to refer him for counselling for alcohol and gambling problems.

He's outside with Adam.

Wants to talk to you, if that's OK?

I'll see you later.

Take it easy.

Thanks, Doctor. You too.

How are you feeling?

Another in a long list of stupid questions.

This can't be that money you owe me.

You'll get every penny of that.

It's the Consent Order.

It's all signed.

And I'm sorry.

Sorry it's taken so long.

Hey.

Is he going to be OK?

I'm sure he will be.

Your grandad is as tough as they come.

I meant my dad.

Did you argue again?

I told him I was sorry.

For what?

Everything. Everything I've done. And not done.

It's only because you miss Mum.

Yeah. But we all do.

And now we have to stick together as a family.

So am I going back to live with you?

Is that what you want?

It's all right, Ad. I understand.

I want you to move back, but only when you're ready.

And to be honest, I'm not ready yet either.

Listen, Grandie's going to talk to the social worker.

They're going to find you somewhere to stay.

It won't be for long, I promise.

I'm going to get myself sorted out.

OK.

You know what Grandie's like - he'll bounce back in no time.

And after that, you can decide.

He's been asking after you.

I'm not going anywhere.

I'll be right here, I promise.

Go on.

Are you OK?

Not really.

But I will be. I have to be.

He needs me.

I think they both do.

Um...I'd better get back.

Ring and make that appointment.

Thanks.

Good luck.

You said you liked a challenge.

-Have you had any more thought to fundraising?

-No, not really.

But I would like the profits to go towards research for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

-I've had an idea, but...

-Oh, what is it?

Might need to run it past Daniel first.

I'll let you know. See what we can conjure up.

Do you know, I totally underestimated you until today.

I hope you won't mind me being so direct,

but you are one of the kindest, loveliest, most sincere

-and considerate people I've ever met.

-Nonsense!

No, really. What you did for me today...

I told you before - you're part of a team.

I'm just paying you back for your hard work and commitment.

Well, you turned what felt like a complete negative

into a complete positive.

In my book, that makes you a complete hero. So thank you.

Oh!

Oh...

I knew I should have taken you straight home.

I forget each time just how much it takes out of me.

Of course. Just sit there, take it easy.

-I'll be fine.

-Mrs Tembe? Could you call a cab, please, on account?

Don't waste your precious energy arguing with me.

I'm not sure actually how much money we can raise.

Don't worry on that score.

We've got plenty of business contacts with bulging wallets. You'll be just fine.

Well, as long as you think I can pull my weight.

Course I do. I have every faith in you.

Good night, was it? Sweet Prince.

You're not my daughter! You're nothing to me now!

Who you are is a 40-year-old man.

If you wanted to live fast, die young

and leave a good-looking corpse,

then I'm sorry, mate, but you've left it too late.

Are you sure that you even want this, Logan?

"This"?

Me, you, us.