A Shade Too Far Doctors

Are we going to sit here all day?

No. Just give me a minute.

We've got to go in at some point.

Yeah, and face the firing squad.

Oh, will you give it a rest?

We got through the first panel, we'll get through this one.

How can you be so sure?

It was your idea to start fostering again.

Yes, I know that!

But I've been going over and over it in my head.

-Well, don't.

-And there's no way I can make what happened look good.

We're great foster parents. They know that.

Before Marnie, maybe, but now...?

-Oh! Right, I'm going in.

-Please, wait.

-All you have to do is be yourself.

-After what I did?

That was the PTSD. You're getting treatment.

You've got it under control. There's no problem.

-Would you buy that?

-Yes!

Because if I was interviewing me, I don't think I would.

What was so important that you had to interrupt me at work again?

Put your hands out and shut your eyes.

-What?

-Come on.

-No.

-Just do it.

-You're such a child.

-Eesh!

What are you doing?

-Cute, huh?

-No. They're ridiculous!

Yeah, maybe. But women are so into this stuff.

-Seriously?

-Are you kidding?

Ever since the book? And the films.

-You did see the films?

-No.

-OK, that's just weird.

-Take them off.

Middleclass women will pay through the nose for bondage gear.

-We're going to make a bomb!

-We?

I can get this stuff dirt-cheap. As much as we need.

-There is no "we".

-There's no overheads.

We flog it to posh women in their own homes.

In six months, we'll have enough for a deposit on a flat!

Right, so, not only am I going into business with you,

we're also buying a flat together?

All right, you can get your own flat, whatever.

Did you do this?

There's just one thing.

You might have to model the gear.

-What?

-You don't have to do anything kinky.

Well, unless you want to.

Karen? Rob? I'm Nathan, your new social worker.

-Where's Jane?

-Gone, I'm afraid. Greener pastures.

Right.

Um...will you be coming in with us?

-I've been through your file.

-That's it?

There's nothing to worry about.

Easy for you to say.

Except...

What?

The woman who was supposed to chair the panel? She's been reassigned.

-And...?

-The bloke who's taken over, he can be a bit tricky.

But I'm sure it'll be fine.

I don't stand a chance.

It's not just about you. They assess you as a couple.

Why did this have to happen to us today?

I'm sure we'll get by.

-Excuse me.

-Yes?

-I'm looking for Kayleigh Jackson.

-Who?

Oh!

-Huh!

-Sorry, I was just...doing something on the computer.

Like you do.

-Sorry, who was it you wanted?

-Kayleigh Jackson.

That doesn't... Oh!

No, wait. Ayesha's cousin?

Er...yeah. Can you tell her Leon's here?

-Leon. That's a lovely name.

-Thanks.

She is here, is she?

Oh, yes, I think so.

Would you like a coffee while you wait? Or a cold drink?

I'm good.

So, um...?

-Oh, yeah. No, I'll go get her.

-Right.

Er...Miss Pitman?

Mrs Tembe, I'm going to have to cancel our lunchtime meeting today.

What?! Why?!

There's something I need to do.

-Well, can you not reschedule?

-No.

It leaves little red heart shapes.

It stings a bit, but they are cute.

Gross!

If you're going to get all up yourself, I'll model the gear.

But then I get a bigger cut.

I haven't said I'll do anything yet, and I'm at work.

KNOCK AT DOOR

There is a man at reception. Leon?

-Oh, that's my partner.

-Oh! Lucky you!

-Business partner.

-Oh, right.

I thought I was going to be your business partner?

You AND him.

-What does he want?

-He wants to see a nurse.

-Why?

-He has ingrowing toenails.

At least I think that's what he said.

Send him in.

Mrs Hollins?

-That's me.

-These are lovely testimonials.

-They're some of the best I've read.

-Thank you.

You've obviously made a real difference to the children you've fostered.

We both have.

I'm sure.

But as is so often the case,

it's the women who make the lasting impact.

Not always.

Hopefully I can be the exception that proves the rule.

Mm.

My only interest here today is for the children,

and whether they would be safe in your care.

They have...they...they will be.

For the most part, yes.

-Karen and Rob are...

-But there was an incident

and there have been concerns,

and we do have to look into that.

We've got nothing to hide.

I certainly hope not.

And I very much hope we can give you a second chance.

I didn't say I'm not interested.

Kay showed you my business plan!

-Your business plan?

-It could have been mine.

That makes more sense.

You really reckon you can make this kind of money?

-I know I can.

-Someone's confident.

Well, I've got a fantastic wholesale deal

and it's pretty much an untapped market.

Mm. Parties like this have been going for years.

And the internet is full of that kind of rubbish.

True, but a lot of women can't quite make the leap.

They need that little nudge.

And that's where you come in.

-Me?

-We get them together with friends.

Get a few drinks down them, have some laughs, give them a show.

What kind of a show?

Something with a bit of edge.

Before you know it, they'll be maxing out their credit cards.

See, I was listening.

And, so, why do you need me?

Because you could sell it to them. You have edge.

You see, the women we're pitching to,

they just need to be tempted out of their comfort zone.

-You think I'm edgy?

-Definitely.

Why don't I buy you lunch? I can answer all of your questions then.

-You're paying?

-I always do.

-All right. I'm free at 2.00.

-Fantastic.

Oh, can I leave a couple of bags here until then?

-Why?

-It's just I've got to pick up a shipment from the warehouse

and my car's full. It'll only be for a couple of hours.

-I suppose.

-You're a doll.

I'll buy you a drink after work, make up for it.

Getting a bit ahead of yourself, aren't you?

Am I?

HE CHUCKLES

You're suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder

as a result of an incident at work. Is that right?

-Yes, that is right.

-Would you like to talk about it?

There's nothing more to say that I haven't already.

Has it affected your work in any way?

It's taken me time to adjust.

-In what way?

-To come to terms with it.

-Sort myself out.

-That's all?

And the added pressure of fostering baby Marnie,

did that affect your work?

No.

He's very professional. He has got an excellent record.

And very impressive references,

but there's something here that doesn't quite add up.

-Something missing.

-Are you suggesting that Sergeant...

I'm not suggesting anything, Mr Westwood,

I'm just trying to get to the bottom of this.

And if Sergeant Hollins is unable to talk about what happened to him,

then perhaps there are things he's not facing up to.

Things perhaps he's keeping from us.

-I want a place of my own.

-Don't we all!

Then let's do this! It would only be evenings and weekends.

-You trust Leon?

-Totally!

-Keep your voice down.

-I'm telling you, we can't lose.

Which means we definitely will.

Sergeant Hollins is a great foster parent. So is Mrs Hollins.

How long have you been their social worker?

Since...this morning.

So you don't exactly know them well.

No, but seeing as we're desperate for people like them...

There are good reasons why the threshold for foster parents is so high.

Sergeant Hollins measures up.

Not in the case of baby Marnie.

-That was because of his PTSD.

-And he's better now.

We will be hearing from Sergeant Hollins' doctor, yes?

-Yeah.

-He's on his way.

If his PTSD is under control

and his medication won't impact on his ability to look after a child...

It won't.

The wellbeing of baby Marnie was all Sergeant Hollins cared about.

-Same with all the kids.

-He couldn't have cared more.

And it shows. Hannah's becoming more settled all the time,

Barney's kicked his dependence...

That was mostly to do with Rob.

And Adam can't say enough good things. He even wrote a song

about the Hollins and posted it on the internet.

And I'm sure it's very entertaining, but this is neither the time nor the place.

-I wasn't suggesting...

-Nothing alters the facts

of what happened with baby Marnie,

or Sergeant Hollins' subsequent behaviour. Does it?

-Come back in three days and I'll change the dressing.

-Thank you.

Nurse Lee, have you had a chance to look at the new rota?

Not yet, but I will. Promise.

What are those?

Supplies. I haven't had a chance to unpack them yet.

Why are they in those bags?

It's a recycling thing.

Oh, er...Dr Carmichael, are you sure you cannot reschedule?

Positive.

Right.

Just make sure you clear them away.

SHE SIGHS

If anyone should find it hard to forgive him, it's me.

It's my reputation he ruined.

He knew my memory was my weak point and...

..he used it against me to cover his own mistakes.

And you still trust him?

Yes, I do.

Because I know him.

And he did the wrong thing, but he did it for the right reasons.

I'm sorry?

If he should, um...get to be a foster parent again,

it...it won't just be good for him, it'll be good for the child.

In what way?

Everyone makes mistakes, but, um...

most people... Most...most men won't admit it.

And that makes them a bad parent.

Sergeant Hollins made mistakes and he put his hands up.

He, um...he had a serious setback,

but he kept trying to do the right thing

and he got through it in the end.

I admire your loyalty, Mrs Hollins, I really do.

-However...

-I'm not finished yet.

A great parent... A great foster parent

isn't the one who gets everything right.

-No?

-A great parent...

..is the one who can show a kid, through their own experience,

how to deal with life when things go wrong.

Well, I'm sure that's true in theory.

You know, you're nothing like your cousin.

What, you mean I'm not a total flake?

-Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho!

-Are you really going into business with her?

Don't sell her short.

She's got great energy, it just needs focus.

Good luck with that.

You know, the women that we're going to target,

WE'RE going to target, they're just like your patients.

Ordinary, normal people.

Kayleigh will make them feel adventurous.

-So would you.

-By modelling bondage gear?

You've got the perfect body for it.

Are you hitting on me?

Would that be a problem?

You know, if you're nervous about modelling,

we could always have a private session.

Just you and me.

Seriously?

Hey, don't knock it till you try it.

What have I missed?

Leon hitting on me.

HE CHUCKLES

Ah!

-HESTON:

-Please leave a message and I'll call you back.

KAREN SIGHS Still nothing.

-Is he usually reliable?

-Always.

What if something's happened?

I hope he gets here soon.

He's our last hope, isn't he?

I wouldn't say last.

Oh, I could have killed that old fart when he said Rob was lying.

-He didn't actually say that.

-He was just trying to get you off balance.

Yeah, well, it worked, didn't it?

-His bark's worse than his bite.

-He hates us.

I'm sure he doesn't.

Anyway, it's not just up to him to make the decision, is it?

-It's the whole panel.

-So?

They liked your testimonials.

Yeah, he liked what you said.

Do you know, if he has another pop at you, I am going to hit him.

-Karen.

-Please, don't.

You've slept with him, haven't you?

-A little bit.

-And you didn't think it was worth mentioning?

Why? It's over.

So, we're going into business with your ex?

We only did it a couple of times.

-And what happens when you want to do it with him again?

-I won't!

That would be a first.

If you fancy him, go ahead.

-I don't.

-Liar!

But the stuff that he's into is a bit weird, even for me.

My name's Zara Carmichael. Dr Carmichael.

I want to see DI Stanton. So, if you could phone him?

Er...Nurse Lee, have you removed those bags yet?

-I was just about to.

-Ah, yes, well, as soon as you can, please.

-What bags?

-It's nothing.

Oh, are these the ones that Leon gave you?

I saw you getting them out of his car.

Mind you, it's amazing I noticed anything.

I was lost in those dreamy eyes.

Kayleigh, as soon as you get this, you need to tell Leon

that he needs to come and move his bags now.

Why? What's in them?

It's nothing, Valerie. Just drop it, OK?

Are you going to have another go at me?

It would serve you right if I did.

Well, in that case, can we go somewhere a little less public?

We don't need to. I'm going to testify.

OK. Great.

-Can I ask...?

-Not you. It was my son.

-Something he said.

-Really?

How can I be a good role model if I let those...thugs push me around?

I knew you'd change your mind.

No, you didn't.

You never took me off the witness list, did you?

-Nope.

-Don't you think that's a bit presumptuous?

I had faith in you. More than you have in yourself.

How charmingly patronising.

I knew you'd do the right thing.

And I admire you for that.

Well, don't get too cocky. I might change my mind again.

You won't.

Has anyone ever told you how irritating you are?

All the time. Coffee?

-With you?

-Unless you're expecting someone else.

Except, now I have some things to talk over with you.

All right.

We have a canteen. The coffee's not great.

Oh, my...!

Ew!

Oh!

I take it there's still no word from this doctor?

Sorry.

Well, we've waited long enough.

In any case, the panel have suggested

it might be as well to adjourn and reconvene in...a month or two?

-Why?

-It would give us time to assess your behaviour on the antidepressants.

-He doesn't need time.

-It would be in your husband's interests, Mrs Hollins.

It would give him a chance to demonstrate the stability of his mental health.

Whereas, if we rush a decision now...

I'm sorry I'm late. I had to drop a patient at St Phil's

and I left my phone at the Mill.

Were there no phones at the hospital?

-Sorry?

-Is this is your responsible health care professional, is it?

The main thing is, you're here.

You said in your report that Sergeant Hollins is getting better.

Yes. And I think he should be allowed to continue as a foster parent.

-Yes, well, that's not really...

-His shortcomings and the hardships he's experienced

make him more, rather than less qualified to foster.

-Thank you for that.

-And I think that this court should be about enabling people,

not shutting them down.

Actually, Dr Carter, this isn't a court.

And perhaps you'd like to catch your breath before you start telling me how to do my job?

-I'm sorry.

-Right.

So, you feel we should enable

Sergeant Hollins to carry on fostering?

-Yes. I do.

-And can you give us an absolute guarantee

that his PTSD and his medication

won't impact on his ability to foster in any way?

-I'm not sure I can give an absolute guarantee.

-I see.

-I mean, these things aren't completely predictable.

-Right.

-What do you think you're doing?

-Me?

-I told you not to hit on Eesh!

-I didn't!

She's not a slapper, like me.

You've got a nerve, having a go.

Why? I've done everything you asked.

Really? What about the list of your cousin's patients?

I'm working on it.

You haven't even asked her, have you?

-Not as such.

-That was the only reason we needed her!

All right, keep your hair on.

Did you do this?

Yeah. It's called advertising.

-It's linked to my web page!

-So? I did it on your laptop,

while you were trying to get out of that stupid mask.

This stuff is hot.

I wouldn't say it was hot. Some of it's a bit sexy.

Stolen, Kayleigh. Stolen.

You said that didn't matter!

Yeah, it didn't. Not until you broadcast it to the whole world!

Oh, chill, Leon.

Look, I'm on probation.

The police are monitoring my social media. They'll be looking for me!

So?

You're unbelievable!

Where are you going?!

As far away from you as I can get!

Fine! Eesh and I will do it on our own.

And she won't make me wear that creepy leather thing!

Why didn't you tell me this before?

Operational reasons.

Whatever THAT means!

So, who is this other witness?

La Toya Bartley.

She witnessed another stabbing connected with the gang.

She's on remand, awaiting trial for possession of a knife

and possibly joint enterprise.

If you had another witness, then why have you put so much pressure on me?

She has a history of exclusions from school

and a juvenile record as long as your arm.

If she wasn't a member of the gang, she'd be useless as a witness.

However, her testimony, along with that of an upstanding,

very attractive doctor, will convince any jury.

Attractive?

It makes a difference with juries. It shouldn't, but it does.

Why is she going to testify if she's a member of the gang?

I think maybe she's in over her head and wants out.

Either that or the green-eyed monster.

I'm sorry?

These gang leaders tend to have a blind spot when it comes to girls.

They don't assume they're going to turn on them, no matter how badly they treat them.

Sounds a bit like you and me.

This isn't remotely funny.

No, of course not.

It was like the PTSD had stolen my life.

I know it didn't, but it felt like it came out of nowhere

and robbed me of everything I cared about.

My wife, my family,

my job, the foster kids, everything!

I really thought it was going to destroy me

and I was going to take everyone down.

I'm sure it was a terrible experience, Sergeant Hollins,

but I'm really not sure what relevance it has.

Because it didn't destroy me.

I didn't take everyone down. I didn't go under.

Well, maybe I was lucky, but with brilliant support,

I... We...

..we found a way through it.

A lot of men don't.

I think it's fair to say that lots of foster kids are traumatised?

-Masses.

-And they don't think they deserve help.

They don't think they deserve any pity. And that's exactly how I felt.

I'd have killed for someone like Rob when I was going through the system.

Thank you, Mr Westwood.

Why do soldiers with PTSD prefer the company of other soldiers with PTSD?

I have no idea, but I'm sure you're going to tell me.

They want to be with someone who's had similar experiences

and understands what they're going through.

Unless you have experienced that level of trauma,

then you have absolutely no idea

the tricks that it plays on your mind.

The things that it makes you do.

This is all very fascinating,

but I really don't see what relevance it has.

When we started fostering, I thought

that I knew what the kids were going through, but I didn't.

I do now.

Boy, I get it now.

Yes, well, you've certainly given us a great deal to mull over.

If you could give us a few moments to discuss our decision?

-Where's Leon?

-Gone.

What do you mean, gone?

For good. He's not coming back.

Well, you're going to have to get his bags out of my room. Mrs T's on my case.

I can't. The stuff is hot.

-You are kidding me!

-And I don't mean sexy.

I know what it means, Kay.

-Did you know?

-Sort of.

And you let him stash them in my room, at my work?

Er...Nurse Lee?

What is this?

Oh!

That is for use with Play-Doh.

For cutting out shapes. Little heart shapes.

You said they were nursing supplies.

-Did I?

-I asked Eesh to keep it for me.

I'm starting up a business. Kids' toys!

-Children's toys?

-Yeah.

Please, do not bring your private life into work.

I try not to, Mrs T.

Oh, look, dressing up. All part of the game.

-Oh!

-VALERIE CHUCKLES

You people must think I was born yesterday.

Get them out of the building!

AYESHA SIGHS

Sorry to keep you waiting,

and thank you all for your insightful and moving contributions.

However, when it comes to making our decision,

we have to limit ourselves to the facts.

And I wasn't entirely convinced by Sergeant Hollins' account

of his actions or his struggle with his PTSD.

When even his own doctor can't guarantee that there will be no risk...

-That's not what he said.

-IF I could finish, Mrs Hollins?

Thank you.

However, taking everything into consideration,

the panel have convinced me to make a recommendation

to the ADM and, in short,

they've agreed to allow Sergeant and Mrs Hollins to foster again.

-Yes!

-However, you will be carefully monitored.

-Yeah.

-Absolutely.

And if anything goes wrong, there will be no more chances.

Of course!

THEY LAUGH

Thank you.

There's signs the gang's cracking.

Once we get a conviction, they'll be finished and we'll have won.

-This isn't about winning.

-Isn't it?

This is about survival.

This is about teaching my son

not to let people terrorise him and ruin his life.

-Same thing.

-Not for me.

And you should know that Daniel doesn't agree.

Is that a problem?

I'm putting my relationship at risk by testifying for you.

I know, and I appreciate it.

Do you?

You're strong enough to pull through.

Lots of people wouldn't be.

You're one of the best witnesses I've ever come across.

And a truly remarkable woman.

-You didn't meet him on a business course, did you?

-Not exactly.

-Kay?

-All right, it was the JobCentre!

Why do you even bother lying?

-It is a good idea, though.

-What?

Yeah, I saw the business plan. You left it on the counter.

-And that makes it OK?

-You really think it could work?

-Well, I'd buy this stuff.

-Really?

Yeah! There's nothing wrong with spicing up your life.

-It's worth money, Eesh!

-And it's stolen.

Well, you could get a new supplier.

-We could just keep one bag.

-No!

-We'll come back later.

-Kayleigh!

-I didn't say anything!

-You can't, anyway. I called the cops.

-What?!

-I told them the stuff was here.

-What's happened to you?

-I'm doing you a favour.

You need to remember where you come from.

-Did you really call the police?

-Of course not.

-I'm glad you came to see me.

-I'm sure.

If you ever need to talk, about anything, it's my personal number.

Any worries, anything at all, just call me.

Thank you.

I've got you 24-hour surveillance front and back.

Panic buttons linked directly to the station. Nothing will get through.

You said that before, so why should I trust you now?

Because you have to.

-Do I?

-Yeah.

At this stage, you've got no choice.

I was wondering if you could give me a pill?

-Are we talking painkillers?

-No.

How did you get those bruises? Lily?

It's nothing.

It doesn't look like nothing.

You're not in any trouble, are you?

Every other practice is going to do it.

So, if we don't, the CCG will penalise us.

So, yes, we need to do it now, while we still exist.