Sparks Doctors

MRS TEMBE HUMS A TUNE

Whaa!

Oh, no!

HORN BLASTS

Unbelievable! Why paint spaces on the ground if you're going to park across all of them?

HORN BLASTS

SHE SIGHS

HORN BLASTS

HORNS BLAST

-Hey, sign that.

-Huh?

-Tash's birthday.

Morning.

Amazing, isn't it, how many birthdays?

Mm. I felt like all mine had come at once last night.

I was on a winning streak.

-HE CHUCKLES

-Casino, yeah?

-Mm. Blackjack. I love it.

-Mug's game.

-Yes, well, I'm on the up.

-For how long?

Well, when I'm not, I'll stop.

Anyway, a little harmless fun never hurt anyone. You should know that.

-Another day, another collection?

-Tash's birthday.

-Oh.

-Wow, that's generous.

-Well, easy come, easy go.

-She all right?

-Hm.

Honestly! The cheek of some people!

Ah, Dr Carmichael.

What on earth is going on?!

There is a fault with the wiring.

Mind your feet!

-And you are?

-Busy, love.

Oh, charming!

It is just around the reception...at the moment.

-But they will have to check everything.

-Which will involve what, exactly?

-Me, getting on with it.

-Why wasn't I told about this?!

Because I only found out when I nearly blew myself up!

Right, coming through.

I don't suppose you own a white van, by any chance?

Me? No, love. Mine's the Bentley.

How convenient!

Oh! Hi, Jim, I was just coming to knock for you.

Do you fancy having lunch with me later?

It will be like a date.

Come on, mate, let's reignite that old Jaskey magic.

Jimmi, Haskey - Jaskey! Yeah?

There's some stuff that I thought we could talk about.

-Stuff?

-Yeah, you know, the thing I wanted to talk about the other day.

Oh, yeah, the thing you wanted to talk to me about the other day

and then you didn't want to talk to me about.

Yeah. I've changed my mind and I would like to talk about that stuff now, over lunch.

-Al, come on, mate, you're doing my head in!

-Well, that's a bit strong.

Come on, man. We can go to the Icon.

I'll let you pay!

Hot waitresses!

-So, it was just, like, a one-off?

-Mm-hm.

-Spur-of-the-moment type thing?

-Yep.

You must have fancied him for a while, though.

I hadn't really thought about it.

Oh, come on!

It was just a heat-of-the-moment thing, you know.

Just like that?

Yeah. I don't know, maybe it was the casino.

It can have an effect like that, can't it?

Emma, it's Letherbridge, not Monte Carlo.

What are you trying to say?

That there's more to it.

There has to be.

Between me and Jimmi?!

What about when you work together?

Well, we do, every day.

Won't it be a bit weird?

We're grown-ups. I'm sure we'll cope.

Dylan! Yeah, look, we've had a problem.

With the Ukrainian guy.

Dr Shevchuk?

Blagdan.

We signed him up last Monday.

He screwed up on some meds last night at St Phil's.

Aminophylline. To an asthmatic.

No, no, not the dose. Too quickly.

But she's stable now, though.

But it was touch and go for a while.

Cardiac arrhythmia.

Yeah, they're blaming his English.

Well, yeah, it's not as if he's fluent.

No, but there's no way they want to go public.

Karen? It's Valerie.

You do realise it's like an obstacle course in here?

And what about the dust?!

There is nothing can be done about that, I'm afraid.

Any danger of a cup of tea up here?

WHIRRING Oh, good grief!

I am so sorry about...

Why don't you just come through?!

Watch out for this, and the dust!

Excuse me? Excuse me?!

-How long is this going to take?

-Well, it's hard to say.

-And why is that?

-Because it's a two-man job

and the last time I looked, it was only me here.

Well, can you not get someone else to go...?

I said, can you not get...?!

Just between us, yeah?

-Yeah. What's it about?

-Emma.

-OK. What about her?

-She's gambling.

-Right?

-I think she might be going a bit overboard.

-What makes you say that?

-You're the expert, can't you have a chat with her?

-Out of the blue?

You can find a way.

-I don't think she'd listen.

-Why?

Well, because I'm the last person to be preaching, aren't I?

OK. Fine, whatever.

Well, how do you know about all this?

It's all she talks about.

So, you've seen her, you've been with her?

Yeah. Just the once.

OK. What happened?

It doesn't matter. Forget it.

J...?

BANGING

Well, goodbye.

I'm sorry, Mr...?

-Colin.

-Colin.

Is there any way you could do all of this just a little bit more quietly?

Well, I did ask the nails to go in by themselves,

but they just won't listen(!)

Oh, let me help you with that.

-Oooh!

-Careful!

-Watch it!

Mind out! Come on, this way.

Yes?!

It's thirsty work, this.

MRS TEMBE EXHALES

Am I right in saying you were out with Jimmi the other night?

-A-huh.

-Did you notice anything odd about him?

-How do you mean?

-You know, odd.

-All right, what's going on?

-He's your mate, you ask him.

Or you could try asking Emma.

-What?

-Eh! Eh! Eh! Eh!

What's she talking about? Seriously.

Is that it?!

Fine. What is going on with Jimmi and Emma?

I'm saying nothing!

About what?

So, where's Neanderthal man?

He has gone to move his van, as you asked.

It wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't such a thug!

Well, the good news is, he is nearly finished in here.

If that's the good news, what's the bad news?

He is going to start in the treatment room.

-And where am I supposed to see patients?

-I know.

-In the broom cupboard, I suppose!

-I know!

-You know very well how much I hate it in there!

-I KNOW!

-Hi!

-You frightened the life out of me!

-Sorry!

-What's with the Thelma and Louise?

Look, I've asked you here today because I need some advice.

-Confidential advice.

-What's that about, then?

Not just as a fellow professional, but as the wife of a police officer.

Oh. Do you want a cheese and pickle?

That's very kind.

So...?

Mm.

Oh.

-Well, look who's here!

-Sorry.

-Where've you been all day?

-I told you, didn't I? The solicitor.

-And?

-You know what they're like.

Well, did you get yourself sorted, or not?

See what I mean? You're useless!

Look, it's not my fault.

-Whose fault is it, then, mine?

-No.

Because it's only me in there doing all the grafting, as usual!

-I'm here now!

-Getting me ear bent. I've got a right pair in there!

Here, get on with it.

From all over the place!

Without the proper checks, as far as I can tell.

That poor woman could have died!

And the money they're charging, it is disgusting!

Every trick in the book with them.

I know, but what can you do?

I for one am not going to stand by and let them get away with it.

So, what, are you going to go to the papers?

-I was thinking more like the police.

-Are you serious?!

Karen, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

It's a can of worms. A Pandora's box!

Yeah, and we all know what happened to her!

I'm saying, have you thought about the consequences?

Absolutely.

Like what?

You could lose your job, for a start, which you said you needed.

Well, yes, I do. Mm.

But it's a matter of conscience. It's the NHS!

I know! They're not going to be best pleased, are they?

You'll be, um...a whatsit? A whistle-blower!

Oh, I suppose I will.

Your whole career is on the line.

You might never work again.

No. No, someone's got to make a stand,

or I will be just as bad as them.

Well, you need to get all the proof you can.

-What do you suggest?

-I don't know!

Facts, figures, paperwork.

Otherwise, they're going to make mincemeat of you.

Oh.

-Aw! Do you want half a Scotch egg?

-Yes.

Salad? That's not like you.

The salad, please.

What's going on with you and Emma?

-What are you on about?

-Ayesha said something.

Why can't people just keep their mouth shut?

-Sorry?

-It's between me and her, no-one else.

What's between you and her?

Right, what do you want to talk about?

No!

Come on, you've dragged me here.

You didn't?! You...you and Emma?!

-What?!

-Emma and you?!

-No!

-Wow! Jimmi...

In a way, congratulations. It must have been a while, yeah?

-Do you mind?!

-Do you want to give me the details?

-Never going to happen.

-Come on!

-No!

-Do you love her, are you going to get married?

-Not going to happen.

Al, do you want to let this go? Seriously!

-AL SIGHS

-So, what do you want to talk about?

No, don't worry, Mr Abel, I will...

WHIRRING I'll amend your...

Mr Abel, I will change your pres...

Your... OK, hold on just a minute.

Right, that is it. I have had quite enough of this!

-I am trying to speak to a...

-Hi.

..patient. Hello.

Is there a problem?

Er... No, sorry, I...just was on the phone.

Oh, right. Sorry about that. I'll wait till you're done.

That's very kind of you. I won't be long.

Um...where is the other one? Colin, isn't it?

At the caff, I should think. He'll be back in a minute.

-And you are?

-Steven.

Zara.

Carmichael.

Doctor.

Pleased to meet you. Um...

So just let me know when you're done - phone call.

Absolutely.

Thank you so much.

I am Mrs Tembe, practice manager.

Get back to work.

So, how high were they up, then, the sugars?

Well, they were actually stable, but still high.

So, definite pre-diabetes? Thank you.

Yeah, looks that way. Thanks.

Well, not necessarily.

Come on, mate, we've both seen enough Type 2 cases.

Yeah, more every year.

Hm. This is just another one for the list.

So, um...what, it's going to be salad from now on, then?

Yep. Breakfast, dinner and tea.

-It doesn't have to be that bad, does it?

-Doesn't it?

No. I mean, you know, lifestyle change, some healthy exercise.

I don't like exercise.

-And you have to cut down on bacon sandwiches.

-I do like bacon.

And on the alcohol. I mean, the real ale especially.

AL SIGHS

It's so depressing, I could weep.

Come on, we'll get through it.

How's your salad?

Green.

Sorry.

-Here, let me help you.

-Thanks a lot.

-Ta, love.

-How long till I can use this room again?

As long as it takes.

-Oh!

-Oh, for...!

-Sorry.

Five minutes you've been here!

-I'm sure it was an accident.

-Yeah, he's good at them.

Well, clear it up, you numpty!

-Argh!

-Oh, for crying out loud!

-Will you get off my back?!

-Then stop acting like a pillock!

Actually, I think if anyone's behaving like a pillock, it's you!

-The feeling's mutual.

-You have been a pain in the neck since you got here

and I for one will not put up with your appalling manners

and bullying behaviour for a minute longer!

-Oh, is that right?

-Yes, it is!

What on earth is going on here?!

Nothing. It was just an accident. Let me have a look.

No, it's fine.

I don't know how you put up with that dreadful man.

It's like he's escaped from a zoo!

I've got no choice. He's my dad.

Yes, I fully understand.

No, it should never have happened.

And besides, he's not on our books any more.

Yes, I realise that.

But it's not going to be in anyone's interests

to start shouting about it from the rooftops, now, is it?

No, I didn't mean it like that, all I'm saying is it's not going to...

-Sorry, I didn't mean to...

-Ah, it's just the way he is.

He loves me really.

He doesn't give that impression.

I think it's this place making him worse.

-The surgery?

-Uni.

I was supposed to be here last year.

-Doing what?

-Electrical engineering.

Not hanging off of ladders and lugging wires about.

So, what happened?

I mucked it all up.

Got my girlfriend pregnant just as I was about to start.

I see.

I needed to make money and this was the only job I could get, really.

-Mm. Not ideal.

-Not at all.

It was the last thing I wanted. Or Dad, to be fair.

Do you think that's why he's being so horrid to you?

Can you blame him?

Get hold of Dylan, tell him it's sorted.

I'm meeting them now for a slap on the wrist.

Oh, and you'll need to cancel on Sohail.

Tell him I'll meet him on Monday. Pen! Pen, pen, pen!

Make it after Monday, yeah? I've got those people...

-Jim.

-Hmm?

-You going to the casino again?

No, once was enough.

Oh, really? What about Emma?

It's up to her if she wants to lose all her money.

-Well, you took a bit of a gamble there yourself, didn't you?

-Huh?

Thinking you could keep that sort of thing secret round here.

-You're a dark horse, aren't you?

-Really?

-News travels fast round these parts.

-Doesn't it just?

Well, if you want to play the field...

So, what, is it...official?

What if it was?

I don't know. I think it's a little bit inappropriate,

you know, what with her being a work colleague and all.

At least she's not a colleague's wife, eh? So don't even start.

All right. Fine.

I just hope it doesn't affect any partnership decision.

Why should it? Look, it's done with now.

-It was a one-off.

-OK. Is that how she feels about it?

I asked you for some help for Emma, not for me.

All done?

Uh-huh.

Well, I think Steven did rather a good job, don't you?

It's not the Blackpool Illuminations, love.

It would be nice to give him some credit, though.

What for? Not breaking anything else?

He didn't mean to do that.

There's a lot of things he didn't mean to do.

And you're just going to keep punishing him for that, I suppose?

Oh, right. Been giving you his life story, has he?

We had a chat, yes.

The ol' sympathy vote? Well, it won't work with me, love.

He's been an idiot and he knows it.

-We all...

-With all due respect and all that...

can you keep your nose out?

I would definitely go for him. Yeah, go for it.

Good luck.

-Hello, Valerie.

-Hi.

How's the new job going?

I wonder if I could have a word.

Yeah, of course. What about?

In private.

Go through.

What now?

I just don't think you're being very fair, that's all.

-It serves him right.

-For what exactly?

Chucking his life away on that little...

How can you even speak like that

about the mother of your own grandchild?

It's not like she ever lets him see the poor little mite.

She don't want to know us. Got what she wanted and ran.

Oh, come on. Surely it can't be as simple as that.

Don't stop her taking his money, though, does it?

So that's it. He'll never make anything of himself now.

Spends all his time on solicitors and trying to get access to Lily.

I'm sorry to hear that.

All those years studying.

He could've been somebody, done something.

Not like his old man.

That's all anybody wants, isn't it?

A better life for their kids and their grandkids.

How about you?

Yes, of course I do.

But that shouldn't stop you being proud of Steven.

And why's that?

For making the sacrifice.

He hasn't got much choice, has he?

For fighting to get his child back?

Colin, I know that this hurts,

but you can't keep taking it out on Steven.

Or the whole world, for that matter.

VAT...

So, that'll be for Customs and Excise.

That one?

Well, it's a double-booking.

Look, they've charged twice for the same person, see?

They do that all the time.

How...did you get hold of these?

-I copied them.

-Right, I thought you might have.

It looks like you're running out of ink.

Well, I've got some more on here.

Of course, you can never find them when you want them.

Oh, here we are. CVs.

Oh, that's Snowball, next door's cat.

Oh, look at his little face.

Now, I know for a fact that some of these things are wrong.

That woman's age, for starters...

And that university doesn't exist.

Right...

Oh, and that's Dylan, the MD.

Doing what?

Well, nothing, really. But you can see how shifty he looks.

I'm sorry, I had to take photos of photocopies.

Had to do it in rather a hurry.

-Those are passports.

-Right.

These people, they all work there?

Oh, yes.

That's the man who can barely speak English.

Nearly killed that poor woman at St Phil's.

Hmm.

Will you excuse me for a minute?

Can I...?

-Yep.

-OK.

Won't be long.

Thanks for the tea, love.

Don't leave it so long, next time.

-I had a little look at the university website.

-Oh, yeah?

Electrical engineering.

And?

Night classes. What do you think?

It's up to him, love.

But I do think he needs a bit of encouragement - from you.

-Is that everything?

-What do you think, Steven?

Night classes? Term is just starting.

-I don't know...

-Why not?

It's the time, isn't it? If I'm studying all night.

-You never start till lunchtime anyway.

-And the money. We're struggling as it is.

We'll manage. Tell you what, I'll cut down on the cafe.

-You can't just say that.

-It's all right. We'll manage.

Go on. Give it a go if you want, son.

Yeah. Thanks a lot. I'll take a look.

I do hope you get to see Lily again soon.

Both of you.

Well, you have certainly changed your tune.

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

-Bye.

-See you. Oh! What are you up to tonight?

Erm... I haven't decided.

Cos I hear you've taken a bit of a shine to the casino.

I would come with you. But you know what it's like.

-Once it's got hold of you.

-No, actually I don't.

-No?

-Daniel.

Surely you of all people are not going to lecture me.

I wouldn't dream of it.

-Because the idea of you teaching me morals is well...

-Whoa!

Look, all I am doing is what everybody recommended I do.

-Including yourself.

-What was that?

Get out a bit more. Do something different.

This isn't exactly what I had in mind.

I don't see why not. I'm within my limits. I'm in control.

Of course you are now.

Cos you're in what they call the winning phase.

Please, don't patronise me.

-But you will start losing sooner or later.

-Will I?

Yeah...and when you do,

it's going to be a lot harder to walk away.

Take it from one who knows.

Thank you.

But just for your information. One, I am not a child.

Two, I never bet beyond my limits.

And three, I'm not the addict!

Goodnight.

So, do you think we have a case?

-Is anyone else involved in this?

-In what way?

Acquiring the information.

-Oh, no, it's just me.

-Good.

I wish you would have talked to me before you went ahead and did all this.

Why's that?

-Because this will never make it to court.

-Really?

Unless, of course, your employers decide to bring a case against you.

-What for?

-Breach of confidentiality.

There will have been a clause in your contract.

-So what does that mean?

-That means that you now leave it up to us.

-Or what could happen?

-I'm just trying to protect you.

-Could I go to prison?

-I didn't say that.

-Because I don't think I'd get on very well in prison!

-No.

What have I done?

-So you're a...

-Author.

-Hedgebrooke? It's my novel.

-It doesn't ring a bell.

Grandad's here, too. He insisted on wearing a tie.

-Can I have your name, please?

-Valerie.

-Valerie what?

-Valerie Pitman.

-All right, Mrs Pitman.

-Miss.

Miss.

Why don't you throw yourself in at the deep end, Jimmi?

Wow - it's like listening to a mirror.