Stick or Twist Holby City

Haven't you heard? It's the new me.

-And what was wrong with the old you?

-Well, it was old.

Come on.

And what about your daughter?

I last saw her ten years ago at her mum's funeral.

She's got a new life now, mate.

She doesn't want to know, I'm sorry.

Come on, Ellie. Come on, don't do this.

You need to call Edward.

Oh, God!

You all right?

Don't know.

Deep breaths.

Serena?

-I can't.

-It's OK.

-I just can't.

-Maybe it's too soon.

-I'm sorry.

-Don't be.

Look, I'll run you home.

-No. I'll walk.

-It's miles.

-Good.

-I'd rather...

Please. I just want to be on my own.

I'll call you later.

Yeah, Steve, bed number seven for this gentleman, please.

Erm, Lou, lady in two needs to go for a CT. Thanks.

-Ah, hello.

-Hi.

-Welcome back.

-Thanks.

-No Serena?

-No. No.

Was she all right about you coming in today?

Well, I couldn't stay away for ever.

I'm sure Ric will call in on her later.

-Send her my love.

-Will do.

What's all this?

It was for Elinor.

Who from?

Different staff, some of Serena's patients...

Right.

We weren't sure whether we should send them on or not.

No, no. The house is like a florist as it is.

Starting to look a bit tired.

Yeah. I know how they feel.

Doing anything nice at the weekend?

Got plans to sort my knicker drawer out.

Do you need a hand?

-Perv!

-HE CHUCKLES

Do you fancy getting together?

Maybe...

How about Saturday night?

Hi.

Hi.

Right, I'll see you out there.

-Arty?

-Hello, my friend.

-It's all right, I've got him.

-It's good to see you.

Well, I wish I could say the same about you.

I'm fine.

-You don't look it.

-Just a few scratches.

Right, what happened?

I was outside my flat this morning, and I think I fell.

You think?

One minute I had the key in the lock,

and the next I am in an ambulance.

You weren't out all night on the tiles, were you?

No. No tiles.

Here, Bernie, look who it is.

-Sorry?

-It's your poker player mate.

-Of course.

-She has ice in her veins, this one.

Sorry, I have to get to ITU.

You couldn't have a little look at him for me, could you?

Could I refer you to my previous statement?

I just want him to have the VIP treatment.

-Er, just give me a minute.

-OK.

I will wait for you as long as you like.

Is she all right?

Not really. But you've got enough to worry about.

Hi. This is Gayle Travis.

Sacha Levy.

We meet at last.

Yes, Gayle transferred from St James'

to avail herself of our services.

-Ah.

-My original surgeon got a job in the States, and I didn't like

the look of her replacement.

Is it Jack Hoolahan?

Chinless wonder, handshake like a wet fart.

He hasn't got a great reputation.

Unlike this guy.

Sorry?

People seem to think you're the top man for tumours.

Well, I'm glad to hear it.

So, here I am.

And very welcome you are, too.

Give me a shout if you need anything.

Will do.

-We'll leave you to get settled in.

-Thanks.

Get you.

What?

"Top man for tumours".

Who knows? Maybe it's even true.

Well, if you give me the bag, I'll get it logged in for you.

I'd rather keep it with me.

We'll just put it in a locker with all your stuff.

Not the bag.

-Why, what's...?

-It stays here.

-At your own risk.

-That's fine.

So, what's in the bag?

-SINGSONG:

-Wouldn't you like to know?

Yes, which is why I'm asking you.

Draw the curtains.

-Eh?

-We need privacy.

Jo, could you pull the curtain round for me, please?

What have you been up to? FLETCH GASPS

Is that real?

It is very real.

-How much is in there?

-A lot.

-Yeah, well, I can see that.

-It's beautiful, no?

-Where did you get it?

-A casino.

You were at the casino?

It was just one night.

You promised me that you'd be taking things easy.

I was feeling lucky.

Well, you got that right.

It was like a dream.

What was it? Roulette? Blackjack?

Card table. Texas Hold 'Em.

I walked in with £1,000,

and I walked out with this.

So you just strolled into the casino with a bag of...

You know me, Fletch.

-You jammy little...

-It was not just luck.

-We really need to put that away.

-No.

Arty, come on...

I don't want to let it out of my sight.

OK, then.

It's your call.

Single incision laparoscopic partial gastrectomy.

It's a brand spanking new procedure.

Not experimental, I hope.

No. Just cutting-edge.

And you've done it before.

I am one of the privileged few.

Sounds like I made the right decision, then.

It's minimally invasive. All the kit goes through one small hole.

It's much more delicate.

They're the hands of a magician.

You know, Dynamo's got nothing on me.

And the scarring?

Using this technique, it's a lot more cosmetically pleasing.

Excellent.

If single incision doesn't work out, we might have to revert to

an open procedure, but that's just worst-case scenario.

OK, well,

let's get this godforsaken thing out of my body, then.

Good. Anyone we need to call for an update?

No.

As with most things, I'm better off dealing with it on my own.

We have a range of support services if...

You don't get to be CEO of a firm worth millions by off-loading

to a counsellor every time you break a nail.

I think a stromal tumour is a little bit worse than a broken nail.

You know what I mean.

Yeah, we walk this earth alone.

Bit OTT for me, but, essentially, yeah.

Breathe in.

We'll do our best to get you home as soon as possible.

He's only just been admitted.

-I know, but...

-And out.

He, erm... He had a bit of luck at the casino last night,

and he's still got his winnings on him.

-Really?

-It is rather a lot of cash.

-Keep it down.

-OK, where is it?

-Good God.

-Yeah!

Luckiest night of my life.

We can't have money like that lying around on the ward.

I did tell him.

You didn't insist on logging it in?

-I tried.

-It's my fault.

Mr Chernik, having cash like that on the premises

-represents a serious security risk.

-Now you're in trouble.

We need to get it in to the hospital safe immediately.

I want it with me.

Mr Chernik...

I'd do as you're told now, mate.

Thank you.

Could you do the paperwork, please, Fletch?

Yep. 'Course.

And the usual bloods, please.

Pulses in his feet are uneven.

I'd like to go straight for a CT scan.

Right, will do.

I see we have a perfect candidate for our stent on the list.

Do we?

-Trachemalacia.

-Good.

-He's on Mo Effanga's books.

-Oh, yeah?

He's down for a tracheal resection.

Well, she's not here, so let's poach him.

My thinking exactly.

Good. Get it done.

-And Valentine?

-What about him?

-He's down to operate.

-Was.

-You're not worried about his reaction?

-No.

This is why we make such a great team.

-Why is that?

-You are so beautifully brutal.

Ha! Am I really(?)

We are the perfect combination.

Yeah, is that so?

It could be the same outside of work, too.

Dream on, Rossini.

I will, Ms Naylor, don't you worry about that.

ARTEM HUMS A TUNE

You enjoyed that, didn't you?

Right, up you get, slowly.

Your gown's open at the back there, mate.

Looks like you're flashing all the nurses.

Only the pretty ones.

You've got a bit of bruising on your back there.

Have I?

Yeah, and it doesn't look like it came from the fall.

I can't remember.

You, er...?

-Something you're not telling me?

-No.

You wouldn't be telling me porkies, now, would you?

-ARTEM SIGHS

-OK. Someone tried to rob me.

What?

After I left the casino.

You're kidding me.

It was dawn. I thought I'd walk home.

With all that money on you?

The sunrise was beautiful.

Why didn't you tell me?

I was afraid you'd be angry with me for staying out all night.

Too right, I would be.

I have been a good boy, honest.

I could marmalise you, you daft old git.

-I'm sorry.

-So you should be.

So, you got anything juicy on the books?

How does a GIST tumour grab you?

Oh, spot on.

I thought you'd be bored, coming to Keller from AAU.

Yeah, me too, actually, but I was wrong to be.

Going to do it SIL.

-Really?

-You OK with that?

I've only ever seen that performed once.

-I've done it a few times.

-Right.

Never had a problem.

Great.

That's the patient. Gayle Travis.

Ah, yeah. I hear she's a big fan of yours.

You've been talking to Essie?

Yeah.

I suppose that's another reason to be working up here.

Sorry?

Well, she's the best nurse in the hospital, by a mile.

Yeah, so...

So, the single incision...

Yeah, it's much neater.

-Are you OK?

-Yeah.

-Is it hot in here?

-No more than usual.

-Have you heard from Cameron?

-No.

Has he started at New Green yet?

I don't know.

-It's weird, not having him around.

-Is it?

Sorry.

I just wanted you to know that, shortly before

Arty Chernik's collapse, he was involved in an incident.

How do you mean?

Someone tried to mug him.

What?!

I noticed some bruising on his back.

And he's only just told you this now?

I just wanted to keep you in the picture.

Get Dr Digby to take a look at him.

I think he'd prefer it if you did it.

I can get Dr Digby to take a look.

Breast cancer at 17.

Mm. Some girls have all the luck(!)

A double mastectomy at that age -

I can't imagine how tough that must've been.

Did me a massive favour.

How's that?

Made me realise there was no time to waste.

Which is what brings me here, Mr Levy.

Asking you to save my neck.

I had a look at your scan, and the tumour is in quite a tricky spot.

It's not that tricky.

So you're aware that it is an intricate procedure?

I've covered that in detail.

-Yeah, I know, I'm just...

-Just what?

Er, OK, I'll let you get on.

Thank you, Mr di Lucca.

-Got to show them who's boss.

-Yeah, exactly.

Otherwise they start taking liberties.

'So, did he just come out of nowhere?'

Must have followed me.

Did you recognise him?

It was all a blur.

You fought him off, though, didn't you, mate?

As a boy, I was a champion boxer.

-Really?

-The skills - they never leave you.

You know, the casino's probably got him on CCTV.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, you should phone the police about that.

Maybe you could identify him.

I don't want any trouble.

I'll do it for you, if you want.

You're very kind, but I just want to go home as soon as I can.

Is there anyone who can keep an eye on you?

I am OK on my own.

-Still nothing from your daughter?

-No.

You all right there, mate?

Yeah, fine.

He looks after me, this boy...

He looks after us all.

Hey.

-What was that all about?

-What?

Earlier, with Gayle Travis. Why were you trying to spook her?

I'm concerned about the position of her tumour.

-Well, I'm not.

-Given how low it is down her pelvis,

-are you sure you can get proper access laparoscopically?

-Yes.

My worry is you won't get a good enough view.

-There's minimal body fat to get through.

-Even so...

-I'll be doing the hard work.

-Yeah, I know that...

I mean, you'll just be holding my coat.

That's a bit unnecessary.

And Gayle is happy to take this route.

Well, just as long as you've given her the full picture.

She has every confidence in my surgery skills.

Look, I can see that, but what if you have to abandon the SIL,

open her up and she's left with a massive scar?

Well, in my opinion, there is very little chance of that happening.

Raised expectations are a dangerous thing.

Shall I tell you what my expectations are?

My expectations are that you will assist me

in theatre, and we will remove this tumour as planned...

-I just wanted...

-..because this is beginning to sound like you have

no faith whatsoever in my professional judgment.

-That's not what I'm saying.

-Now, would you prefer it

if I gave this job to Mr Mayfield?

No.

Good.

Are you OK, mate?

Yes. Yes, I'm fine.

HE SIGHS

Do you think he knows?

Do I think who knows what?

Sacha...about us.

Well, there's something not right.

Maybe we should tell him?

-We could, but...

-What?

..I just don't want to hurt his feelings.

Maybe we should knock it on the head, then.

Do you really want to do that?

No.

Me neither.

Any news on Arty's scan?

Just about to talk him through it.

Well, do you mind if I tag along?

If you insist.

-What is it?

-It's all right, it's only us.

Just wanted a chat about your test results.

OK.

The superficial injuries from your fall and the mugging

haven't left any lasting damage.

So that's good.

However, there are some other areas of concern.

Right...

Firstly, you're septic, due to a urinary infection.

Is it serious?

We can give you an antibiotic to deal with that.

And that should sort that right out.

More worryingly, the scan has revealed a large...

abdominal aortic aneurysm.

That's... Well, that's a just a bit of a mouthful, innit?

It's a swelling in the aorta,

which is the large blood vessel leading away from your heart.

Right...

It's about six centimetres in diameter,

which is a considerable size,

and it's been there for some time.

Is it dangerous?

Yes.

There's no telling when an aneurysm will rupture or start to leak.

You can fix it, though?

We can...we can operate, can't we?

You're far too weak at present.

We'd like to get the infection under control.

Hopefully, we can deal with it before it ruptures.

So this couldn't happen while we wait?

You just concentrate on rest and recovery.

I couldn't die, or...?

N-No, no-one said anything about dying.

And leave me to deal with the problem.

So no playing poker with him over there, all right?

HE LAUGHS

15 minute obs, please, Fletch,

and as soon as there's an improvement, you let me know.

You, my friend...

are nothing but trouble.

I know Ms Effanga had planned to perform a tracheal resection.

-Lovely woman, Mo.

-I know.

Heart of solid gold.

But we have an alternative surgery we'd like you to consider.

Are you from Rome?

No.

Most romantic city in the world.

I prefer Venezia myself.

Never in a million years.

Anyway, we have developed a stent

we can put in for you, instead of having to do the big operation.

-Stent?

-It's an innovation we have been working on.

And Mo's OK with it?

It's something we introduced in her absence, so...

-Would you be operating?

-Yeah.

And Mr Valentine?

No, with Ms Naylor, one of our best surgeons.

That wouldn't be Jac Naylor?

Yes.

-OK.

-You want to go ahead?

Definitely.

Fantastic. You won't regret it.

I'm sure I won't.

Right, let's see how you're doing.

Is the infection getting better?

DEVICE BEEPS

Not yet.

How long will it take?

Uh, I don't know, it's hard to say.

-I am a little bit scared, Fletch.

-Yeah, I know you are.

I really could die from this thing.

Will you pack that in?

-Maybe my luck ran out after all.

-HE LAUGHS

-Not a chance.

-How can you say that?

Because the aneurysm was all ready to go "bang".

Now, if you hadn't have taken the tumble,

it might have happened to you at home.

I suppose so.

Instead, you're surrounded by a team that are ready to fix you right up.

-HE LAUGHS

-I didn't think of it like that.

-See? Your luck's holding.

-As long as you are here.

Now, that's the spirit.

Would you do me favour?

-Yeah, anything.

-Could you call my daughter?

Are you sure about that?

I have to speak to her.

HE SIGHS

I'll try, but I just don't know if...

I know it is probably pointless.

I-I just don't want you getting upset.

I promise to keep calm.

The way it ended at Christmas...

There are things I have to say...

..just in case.

I'll give it a try for ya.

Well?

He took some persuading, but...

But you won him over with your continental charm?

Always works in the end.

I suppose I should say "well done".

-Ah, the axis of evil.

-Aw, flattery will get you everywhere.

-Just saw the revised list.

-He's opted for the stent.

-Without a word of consultation?

-He's Mo patient.

Yeah, and she's not here.

Oh, you're finishing each other's sentences now?

-BOTH:

-No.

HE LAUGHS

You know, sulking really doesn't suit you.

Oliver?

Would assisting Mr Rossini put the smile back on your face?

-Excuse me?

-Not particularly, no.

Well, it wasn't really an offer, it was an order.

-But I thought...

-Listen, he has to get involved

-somewhere along the line.

-Do I?

May as well be today.

I heard about Arty's triple A.

He's sitting there waiting for a bomb to go off.

Yeah, he must be petrified.

Is there nothing else that she could do?

Doesn't sound like it.

Come on, brainbox, surely you can come up with a plan B?

I'll have a think.

-Anything. You know, no matter how obscure.

-OK.

Hello.

-What are you doing here?

-Hiding.

Who from?

No comment.

Still battling with your surgical nemesis?

Always.

Although, irritatingly, he does come up with some very good ideas

for a total arse.

Medicine's one thing - what about loyalty?

Well, I'm afraid medicine wins that one for me every time.

I guess that's where you and me differ.

What's wrong?

-Nothing.

-Liar.

I think there might be something going on between Essie and Raf.

What makes you say that?

Dunno, just a hunch.

I take it you're bothered?

It's nothing to do with me.

That's not what I asked.

I suppose so.

Wow, talk about grand passion(!)

It's not like I-I want her back.

Well, then.

This chat's been a great help.

-Glad to be of service.

-THEY LAUGH

I know you want to play it safe, but I think

what Morven's come up with is a winner.

Go on.

Well, given the position of the aneurysm,

if we took an endovascular approach,

we can employ stents to exclude it.

Right...

Even with the sepsis, his chances of surviving

less invasive surgery are way higher.

The problem is, the position of the aneurysm -

next to such vital vessels -

means we'd be risking paralysis,

bowel ischemia, kidney failure.

He's already been through pneumonia and urosepsis.

Whatever the approach, Morven,

there's a very strong chance he could die in theatre anyway.

So the alternative is to do nothing?

Sitting it out isn't doing nothing.

I'm scared that if we wait, he'll die.

It's got to be worth the risk.

Giving him a fighting chance has got to be better

-than doing nothing at all.

-As I've already explained...

-Yeah, we've been here before, haven't we?

-Sorry?

Why are you not trusting my instincts this time?

Why does he matter so much, Fletch?

I don't know.

Maybe it's because he's got absolutely nobody else

looking out for him?

We get lots of patients in the same situation through our doors.

He just reminds me of my dad.

-Let me think about it.

-Seriously?

It's not a yes.

HE BREATHES HEAVILY

HE BREATHES HEAVILY

HE BREATHES RAGGEDLY

-Need a lift?

-I'm fine.

Come on.

If you insist.

So what does your company do?

We're in aviation.

You're an airline?

No, we engineer parts for planes - landing gear, that sort of thing.

That's impressive.

Yeah, we like to think we're good at what we do.

So how big is your workforce?

Globally, a couple of thousand.

What, and you're the boss?

Yup, that's me. SHE GROANS

I'm surprised you didn't get this done privately.

Why?

You're the best there is,

and I pay my taxes.

Fair enough.

-Gayle?

-Mm?

-You OK?

Last-minute nerves.

-No need.

-Stupid.

I'm Dynamo, remember?

Has my colleague put you off?

No.

Cos, you know, there's no time for second guessing.

Now you're taking liberties.

-I was joking.

-"Taking liberties"?

-It was what you said earlier...

I am about to have life-threatening surgery.

Yes, I know, and it's a surgery that I would like to perform.

-I'm just another box to be ticked for you, aren't I?

-No.

-Please, please...

-To get your stats up?

-Gayle...

Leave me alone.

Please.

FLETCH: Look, I would really appreciate it

if you'd just hear him out.

This could be the last opportunity you have to...

You will?

Uh, OK, I'll...I'll put him on now.

No, no, stay where you are. HE GROANS

Hello?

Hello?

-Sydney!

-HE LAUGHS

I'll leave you to it.

Wonderful to hear you.

-OK, you're on.

-Eh?

-Let's get him prepped.

-Yeah?

Yeah, you're right...

it's a risk worth taking.

I'm sure you know your stuff,

but I'd rather discuss the op with Jac Naylor.

-I'm afraid Ms Naylor is unavailable.

-Well, there she is now. Jackie!

-Gabriel.

-Hello, stranger.

You two know each other?

Er, you could say that.

We went to uni together.

When she says "together", she means (together).

-No. No, no.

-You were...?

-Student lovers.

Lucky boy.

We were nothing of the sort.

-We got through a whole lotta lovin' back in the day.

-Really?

-Matteo.

-You two aren't...?

Oh, God, no.

Can't see a ring on that finger.

Jac is an independent woman.

-Always was...

-Well, enough about me.

-..and deeply scary.

She hasn't changed.

HE LAUGHS The other students

used to call her JACULA.

-Did they?

-But to me, she was always Ginger Nut.

Ginger Nut?

It's a biscuit. Do they have them in Italy?

Do you know, I can imagine you two together in your Doctor Martens.

I'm more of a loafer man, myself.

-So you were a medical student?

-Business Studies.

Well, I would love to stand here all day and reminisce, but...

Are you not going to stay and talk me through the op?

No. No, I'm going to leave you in Mr Rossini's capable hands.

Tara a bit.

What a woman.

OK. There's a slight change of plan.

-Oh, what's that, then?

-I will be leading the op.

-Eh?!

-Unfortunately, Ms Naylor cannot.

-No, no, no. No.

-Excuse me?

Look, I got into this because of Jac.

If she's not on case, then you can forget it.

How'd it go with Sydney?

I said the things I wanted to say.

-Good.

-Whether she wanted to hear them...

Did you tell her that you loved her?

Yes.

That's all that really matters.

Keep your children close, Fletch.

They are too important to lose.

-I've got some good news.

-What?

I think we've got a way round the waiting game.

-I don't understand.

-Ms Wolfe has agreed to take you into theatre.

-But I thought it was too dangerous.

-This is a different kind of surgery.

She said...I was too weak.

Yeah, but doing it this way means

that we can sort the aneurysm before it sorts you.

I don't know...

What?

What are my odds?

Well, they're better than lying here waiting for the worst to happen.

My gut is telling me "no".

I thought you'd jump at the chance.

I always listen to this.

It never lets me down.

I wouldn't be saying all of this if I didn't think it was for the best.

What if Sydney decides to come and see me?

(That's what this is about!)

And I die before she gets here.

I didn't think the phone call went that well.

She could still come tomorrow.

Did she say that?

You don't know for sure.

-Even so...

-Maybe it's better...

if I wait.

-I really think you should go for it.

-Not now.

-But why?

-Not yet.

Sorry.

Well, it's your call.

We've got a problem.

Gayle Travis?

She wants you off the case.

You're kidding me.

What happened?

Nothing.

She said you used inappropriate language.

-She's pretty hacked off about it.

-What on earth did you say?

-Did she tell you?

-No.

-Then I'm not going to, either.

She wants Raf to take over.

-You're stealing my patient?

-I know it's not...

I'm the reason she came to this hospital in the first place.

-Yeah, we realise that.

-Do you seriously think

-that I deserve to be taken off this case?

-Of course not.

We know you're not the type to deliberately insult someone...

-Thank you.

-..but it didn't sound like she'll change her mind.

-Well, then, I'll apologise.

-I don't think...

-Let me deal with this!

-Sacha...

-Listen, Ms Travis...

-Get him out of here.

-I am so, so sorry.

-It's a bit too late for that.

-I'm the best doctor for this surgery...

I should have stuck with St James'...

-You cannot allow something like this to cloud your judgment.

-Mr Levy...

Will you just let me handle it myself!

Look, I detest official complaints

but if you don't walk away,

I will make this a matter for your CEO.

Sacha, give it up.

-Our stent patient.

-What about him?

-I think you should be in theatre with me.

-No can do.

Such an intricate new procedure needs the skills

-of the finest surgeon in the hospital.

-You'll be fine.

Please, I would like you to lead.

Has he changed his mind?

He is having doubts if you're not...

Have you pulled out of the operation?

-I want to go back to the thing Mo recommended.

-Because of me.

I want the organ grinder, not the monkey. No offence.

-Don't be ridiculous!

-Anyway, what's so important that you can't do it?

Something came up.

I thought you'd make me a priority.

-Sorry.

-Ah, well.

So, that is it.

All right! All right!

I'll cancel my other commitment.

You'd do that for me?

If it gets you into theatre.

It most certainly will.

Excellent.

Um, I just had a word with Arty Chernik about his op.

And?

He turned it down.

-Why?

-Nerves, I think.

-Right.

-I did try and talk him into it.

-So, we wait.

-Look...

You couldn't have a word with him, could you?

-It's his prerogative.

-But you might be able to make him see sense.

-I don't think so.

-Please, Bernie...

-No, we have to respect his decision.

-But I...

-And I need you to focus on your other patients.

-What a mess.

-I don't know what's got into him.

He's lucky that she didn't make it official.

I'm really worried about him.

He's definitely sussed what's going on.

(Saturday's a yes, by the way.)

Great.

What's Saturday?

Oh...

It's, um...

Go on.

We were we were planning...

A dirty weekend?

Sacha, please...

You must take me for such an idiot.

Not at all.

You couldn't find someone on a different ward?

We were going to tell you.

But you couldn't find the right moment.

-Ah, well...

-Sacha...

-No, no.

It's none of my business...anyway.

-Best-looking girl at college, was Jackie.

-Yeah?

When I met her,

-it was like someone set off a grenade in my chest.

-Really?

Yeah, no-one ever lived up to Ginger Nut.

-She was a hard woman to please?

-But worth the effort.

And difficult to get close to?

-Until you suss what grilled her bacon.

-Sorry?

That's pancetta in your case.

Very difficult to get close to.

What was your secret?

White roses. And Ronan Keating.

-Who is Ronan Keating?

-Singer. Irish.

Part of a boyband before pursuing a lucrative solo career.

You are a mine of information.

I'll never forget making sweet, sweet love to the sound of Boyzone.

Gabriel, you are one of the most

fantastic patients I've ever treated.

You're not so bad yourself.

You decided against surgery?

Yes.

It's not like you to avoid a gamble.

I am sorry.

Don't apologise.

I think I have upset Fletch.

-It's your decision.

-He has been so kind to me.

You've made quite an impact on him.

I don't know why, I am not a special man.

He seems to disagree.

Are the drugs working yet?

The infection is proving very tough to shift.

-I am so tired...

-We may need to use a stronger antibiotic.

Do you think it will help?

I'm afraid there are no guarantees.

-OK. Could you do something for me, Doctor?

-Yeah, course.

Could you call this woman?

I have to speak to her urgently.

It's only been a couple of weeks.

You don't have to explain.

It's just casual.

How very sophisticated!

That's why we haven't told you.

You don't look very well.

I'm fine.

So, is it true about the complaint made against Sacha?

There's no official complaint.

OK, but he has been binned off this case,

hence why I've been called in early?

Just leave it, Dominic.

That's a yes, then.

Let's concentrate, shall we?

Your ex is prepped for theatre.

-You don't actually believe that clown, do you?

-Why would he lie?

He's a fantasist. Nothing ever happened.

Even when he played the sweet sounds of Boyzone?

OK. It was one poxy night, that was it.

He has never forgotten you.

Well, all I can remember are his loafers.

Tassels,

no socks.

Oh, God!

Ronan Keating.

-I know who it is.

-Looks like his CD.

-Big fan, are you?

-No, but you are.

Not really my thing. That was all him, actually.

Still, the flowers.

Well, he snuck out to the local garage while I was asleep

and when I woke up he was standing at the end of the bed

holding the white roses, like a nightmare.

So, you don't like the music and you don't like roses?

You did this?

Surprise...(!)

-SHE SIGHS

-You're a very sad man.

ALARM BEEPS

You all right, Arty?

I will do...

what you suggest.

Sorry, mate, not with you.

I will have the surgery.

-Are you sure about that?

-Yes.

Because I do... I think it's the best thing for you.

Everything is in order now.

Right...

I will take whatever cards I am dealt.

It's a royal flush, I'm telling ya.

HE SIGHS

MONITORS BEEP

Found the tumour. It was even trickier than on the scan.

-I told Sacha it would be tough to get to.

-But it's doable?

That's a good question.

OK...

Walking the small bowel.

No other growths. Cutting device, please.

HE TAKES DEEP BREATH

-Is there a problem?

-I'm starting to wonder if this was a bad idea.

Mr Levy. You shouldn't be in here.

How's it going?

I'm not sure I can get the whole thing out.

Yes, you can.

-I'm thinking of reverting to an open procedure.

-No, no. No, look.

This was the patient's choice.

-We can't let her down.

-I am not confident in this procedure.

You hold your nerve.

INSTRUMENTS CLATTER

Are you OK?

Has the air-con...?

-CRASHING AND CLATTERING

-Someone help him!

Take over.

-'Fletch?

-Yeah?'

-If I don't make it...

-Eh, no more talk like that.

..I want you to know how grateful I am.

Thank you, son.

-I hope you didn't think I was prying, earlier.

-Sorry?

When I asked about Cameron.

No.

No, not at all.

I just wish he would have given it longer here, you know?

So do I.

ALARMS SOUND

-BP's dropping.

-Aneurysm's ruptured.

Right, we need to get this bleed under control now. Scalpel, please?

Some people will do anything for a bit of attention.

Did he excise the tumour?

Let's just focus on you, shall we?

Perfect.

We're looking at the future.

Our future.

I have to admit, the stem cell was a stroke of genius.

-We should go for a drink tonight, talk through our plans.

-Nope.

Soon as I've got this, get the suction in. Clamp, please.

MONITORS BEEP

Dammit...

Defib pads!

ALARMS BEEP

Charge to 200.

-POWERING UP WHINE

-Clear.

THUD

-No output.

-Again.

POWERING UP WHINE

Clear...

THUD

-FLATLINE TONE

-No output.

-Again.

Come on, Arty.

-POWERING UP WHINE

-Clear.

THUD

Sacha?

-Hello.

-What happened?

-I don't know.

-You're burning up.

-I haven't felt right all day.

-But why didn't you say something?

I'm going to need to examine you.

Can I just take a quick look at your...?

-What's that?

-It's nothing.

Well, it doesn't look like nothing.

That's post-surgical.

-Yep.

-What condition did you go into theatre with?

I'd rather not say.

I understand. But I'm treating you now and I need to know.

Sacha?

I had liposuction.

Why?

Why do you think?

Well, I wish you'd talked to me about it.

I can't any more, can I?

What have you done to yourself...?

-Can you...

-HE SIGHS

..just carry on with the examination, please?

Of course.

Nope! Nope...!

Ah! See, I told you I knew where it was!

HE CHUCKLES

He's gone, hasn't he?

We did everything we could.

-Did he bleed out?

-He arrested before we could get it under control.

This is my fault.

I shouldn't have talked you into doing the op.

If I didn't think it was worth the risk,

I would never have taken him into theatre.

I feel like I pushed him into it.

You were trying to save his life.

-Have they taken him down to the mortuary yet?

-No.

I thought you'd want to see him first.

Thanks.

You complete and utter numpty.

No grapes, then(?)

Having pointless surgery is one thing...

-Who said it was pointless?

-You only had it last week!

And then you jumped straight back into work like nothing's happened!

-That's what you did.

-I didn't have an abscess!

Have you just come to cheer me up?

You must've known you had an infection.

Just thought I was coming down with something, that's all.

Do you have a death wish?

Do you know that my dad was in his forties when he died?

So, that's what this is about?

You should go into counselling.

What's wrong with you?

What's right with me, more like?

You are...

Sacha Levy for God's sake.

You are everyone's favourite hug machine.

I get to go back to a ward

where everyone thinks I reside several Circles Of Hell

beneath the Antichrist,

-apart from one clueless loser.

-What, the Italian?

-Does he like you?

-Apparently.

He really likes you?

So he keeps saying.

Do you like him back?

We're supposed to be talking about YOU.

What is going on?

I'm lonely.

Nothing ever seems to last.

I've been with women who thought they loved me

but it never worked out.

And then I found Essie.

And she's the one.

And even we couldn't make it work.

And the thought of growing old alone...

..just fills me with dread.

You've got way too much to offer for that to happen.

Yeah, I'm not so sure any more.

HE STIFLES A SOB

Promise me, you will never, ever do anything like this again.

HE TAKES A DEEP BREATH

OK.

I think I might have something that could cheer you up.

It would have been white roses, but I destroyed them.

I love you.

Goodnight, mate.

-He made a will, you know?

-Did he?

-Just before he went into theatre.

-On the back of a betting slip?

-No, he made me call his solicitor. I was a witness.

-Really?

He left you his winnings, Fletch.

No.

It's a lot of money.

He had to count it for him.

That can't be legit.

Well, Legal will have to check it over

and it's worth keeping in touch with the NMC, but I...

..think it's fine.

He said to spend it on the kids.

Hey, how're you doing?

Can't believe how good I feel.

-How's the breathing?

-Best it's been in ages.

Well, with any luck you should be out of here in a day or two.

It's a bit embarrassing seeing you in this state.

-Well, you're not in a state any more.

-Thanks to you.

You're too kind.

-Jac...

-Yeah.

-When I get back on my feet again, do you think...?

-Don't.

No?

Let's just leave the past where it belongs.

Hey.

Hey.

Am I nearly done on these antibiotics?

-I'm not sure.

-Cos I really want to go home.

I can check with Dom.

How's Gayle Travis?

Fine. It was a total success.

See, I knew Raf could do it.

Are you going to be all right?

Depends what you mean by "all right".

I still love you, you know?

I know.

-No. I'll get these.

-No, it's my shout.

I'm sure Arty would've wanted me to buy you a drink.

Well, I won't argue with that.

-I didn't go the cashpoint this morning.

-Typical!

-Sorry.

-No, don't be silly. Keep it.

He kept saying today was his lucky day.

I think he wanted to give you the last of his luck

before his time ran out.

I feel like I barely knew him.

It's not how long you know a person,

-it's the difference you make to their lives.

-Do you reckon?

Yeah.

-And you were there for him at the end.

-I know, but...

That obviously meant a lot.

To Arty.

Arty.

HE KNOCKS

For our next encounter with the Board.

You did this?

Obviously, I wouldn't submit it until I had your permission.

"The Digby-Naylor Stent". I don't see the name Rossini anywhere.

-I'm just happy to be part of the bigger picture.

-Really?

This is about medicine, not glory.

What about Berlin?

That was a mistake.

-You deserve the recognition for something you started.

-True.

So, you approve?

It's better than a Ronan Keating CD.

I know. I am an idiot.

-A persistent one.

-I am not embarrassed to show you how I feel.

No, I see that.

What you do about it is out of my...