Episode 3 Nick Nickleby

My dad died and left us in debt. What happened to you, Mrs Smike?

Sit down.

I said let her go!

She's made it. She's free!

My uncle, he's the only one who can sort this out.

All that remains is for you to sign.

I think I will go and see the lovely Katerina first.

-What do you want her for?

-For Hawkovsky.

She might need a little cajoling. There's a job going here.

-Here?

-Ms Knag is happy to train you up.

Just like your father really. Very naive.

You screwed him over?

Goodbye, Nick Nickleby.

'Nick had been up all night, trying to come up with a plan

'to get out of this mess and get back at Ralph.

'I'd been doing likewise,

'every night for as long as I could remember.

'We both failed, miserably.

'So I decided it was about time we helped each other out.'

BUZZER

-Excuse me. Do you work here?

-No.

I'm a friend of Nick Nickleby's.

I suggest you contact the police.

Are you Uncle Ralph? Nick said that you'd help him.

I have to get to work.

Why? This work. What's it all for?

So I don't end up like you.

Squeers?

Good morning, sir.

Where's Noggs?

We went out. To celebrate.

I was telling him about us catching Nick,

then I can't remember anything...

except a kebab.

-BUZZER

-Get rid of her.

Not today, thank you... Oh.

It's CRAaPU!

The Care Review Assessment and Policy Unit.

Apologies. One moment.

Come on, tidy up, they can't see us like this.

You'll ruin everything.

I don't do prison food.

Come on.

I don't understand.

I've made the charges disappear.

Now you're free to get back at Ralph.

I thought you were on his side?

Apparently not.

And he's never going to know that this was me, is he?

What are you scared of, Newman?

Look after your sister.

My sister? What's he done to her?

I've got to get back to work. Good luck, Nick Nickleby.

Mrs Smike!

You're very lucky, Kitty Kat.

There are lots of girls who want to work here.

Thanks to your uncle, you've jumped the queue.

Uncle Ralph didn't really say what the job was.

It's very simple.

We do whatever it takes to keep our members happy.

Cool. I can do that.

But, you know I'm not old enough to serve?

This is a private members' club. We make our own rules.

The first rule is,

forget all the things you've been told you can't do.

Are you sure this is the right way?

Used to live around here. Care in the Community, they called it.

How did you find Ralph's office?

Mariah googled him, they dropped me off. I feel sorry for him.

I don't.

He seemed lost.

I could kill him. If he's done anything to Kat...

We've got to find her. Come on.

Mr Cheerybles. Is this a routine inspection?

Or is there any particular reason...?

Any reason would be confidential,

hence if I said it was routine, there could also be a reason.

But it could also be routine.

Yes. But we both know my bid is being considered this week.

I cannot say whether I know or do not know anything about any bid.

I am merely here to assess your management systems, I will

then undertake an inspection of your flagship care home later today.

Well, I'm sure you will find everything is in order.

Please, take a seat.

He's going to Dotheolds Hall.

-What? When?

-This afternoon.

Get up there and make sure it passes. Come on.

I won't let you down, sir.

-Sorry I'm late, I had to...

-I don't care where you've been.

Just go and get me the books for the care homes.

We're being inspected.

You'll be wanting the clean versions then?

Just go and get them. Now.

What are you doing here?

I've come to get you and Mum out of here.

-But why aren't you...?

-We're going, now.

I'm not going anywhere.

-What's wrong with you?

-Ralph's not who we thought he was.

-Why, what's he done?

This is all his fault. Everything. He screwed Dad over.

-Made him lose all his money.

-How would he do that?

I... I don't know exactly. I just know he did it.

Why don't we go and talk to him?

No. He can't know I'm here.

Why not? What have you done, Nick?

You think everything's my fault? I've come here to help you.

You're going to lose me my job!

Noggs told me to look after you.

I can look after myself just fine, thanks.

-I've got to go.

-You've got to come with me.

Where to, Nick? Have you got us a place to stay?

We can talk later, after my shift.

I hope you won't miss your train.

I'd like you to see Dotheolds Hall at its best.

One can usually tell a good home at a single glance.

Happy residents, you see.

But don't you think, if she got away, maybe we can too?

Squeers isn't here.

I suppose we could maybe... break out.

We can't break out. We can't even make a telephone call.

We can't just sit here.

Why ever not, Mr Cobbey?

I'd love to sit on my backside all day but I'm too busy,

taking care of you ungrateful lot.

Can't we do something different today? Like we did with Nick.

Singing's banned. You can blame him and Mrs Smike for that.

How about a walk? Outside?

No way. A health and safety nightmare!

You just stay put.

Why wouldn't she believe me?

Cos then she'd be here sitting on a bench instead of there

in that nice club.

Though it mightn't be all that nice really.

What do you mean?

Just a feeling.

-So what do we do now?

-Stop him!

-How can we? He's too powerful.

-Not him. Him. Quick!

I had heard that nobody would help you in London,

but I knew that it could not be true.

We're not from London.

I am Mrs Khenwigs. This is my son, Muzz.

We are indebted to you both.

Not at all.

You're bleeding.

It's nothing.

-Let me see.

-Are you all right?

He just clipped me a bit. It'll be fine if I don't put weight on it.

I feel terrible. Absolutely terrible.

We'll be all right.

You must come to our home, let us take care of you.

We should all take a cab and go there right now.

If you insist.

Good. Well, go on then, get a cab.

Oh. OK.

They are not royalty, Maddy.

I don't want them to leg it when they see the state of this place.

They know we have no money. That is the deal, isn't it?

They give you money. The boy gets to stay here.

He's not "the boy".

His name is Muzz and he's going to be your son-in-law.

Please, don't remind me.

You might like him.

Mrs Khenwigs says he's lovely, funny, charming,

and great with kids.

People marry first, fall in love later...

-Sounds like a child's tale.

-Why don't you go and lie down

if you can't bring yourself to be welcoming?

What if someone finds out?

No-one's going to find out, Dad. It's going to be fine.

Very nice. And strong.

You'll make our members very happy.

So I bring them drinks. I talk to them.

You listen to them, fascinated. You laugh at their jokes.

And that's it?

Well, that's up to you.

What do you mean?

There are no limits, remember?

If you want to go home with them, that's entirely up to you.

I think it's safe to say I won't.

It's different up close.

They may look like old men, but they're very powerful.

You might be surprised.

I don't think so.

Maybe after a couple of these.

It would take more than a couple of those to lose it to some old codger,

no matter how powerful he was.

You mean, you haven't...?

Wasn't in any hurry to, not with the morons at school.

You want to get it over with, Kitty Kat.

It's no big deal, after all.

Why don't you do the next one on the list, the White Russian?

I'll update your uncle on your progress.

All going well?

When I said I could get her to sleep with Hawkovsky,

I didn't realise she was still playing with Sindy dolls.

What?

An innocent. Pure as the driven...

Oh. What difference does that make?

Don't tell me you haven't done this sort of thing before.

It'll take more than a day.

Yes, but the dinner with Hawkovsky is tonight.

I have every confidence in you, Ms Knag.

As long as the extra effort is reflected in my fee?

-Yes, yes, whatever it takes.

-Uncle Ralph?

I was just talking to Ms Knag - apparently you're a star pupil.

Yeah... Could I have a word, in private?

Yes, of course, darling.

What seems to be the matter?

Nothing. It's just...

I keep wondering, did Dad never come and see you, before he...?

What brought this on?

I just think if I had a brother, who was good with money,

I'd go to him if I was in trouble.

You know, we weren't very close.

I'm not very good with people.

He did come to me, but he'd run up a lot of debt,

he thought the stock market would solve all his problems.

I did warn him against it, but, er...he wouldn't listen.

Couldn't you have helped - told him where to invest or whatever?

Yes, but if I take a risk a lot of money, nobody gets hurt.

But he had a family, you see.

I told him he should never put that in jeopardy.

It's too precious.

-He could be really stubborn.

-Yes.

He was a passionate man. That was his failing really.

Subdue your appetites, my dear, and you've conquered human nature.

How are you enjoying the job?

Yeah, it's cool. I really like Ms Knag.

Yes, well, you can learn a lot from her.

-You could go a long way, you know.

-I'm back!

Mum?

Did you enjoy the spa, Mrs Nickleby?

It was heavenly, Ralph. Heavenly! But so quiet. I nearly went nuts.

Thank goodness I managed to cadge a lift with a Ukrainian truck driver.

Couldn't understand a word, but we chatted all the way.

You don't mind, do you, Ralph?

No, not at all, but I'd hate for you to miss out.

You could have some treatments in your room?

She deserves it, doesn't she?

You might as well, Mum. I'll be working.

As long as I can have the telly on.

They had no telly. Imagine!

DOORBELL

HE GRUNTS

-Maddy, my lovely!

-Mrs Khenwigs!

Even more beautiful than before.

-Maddy?

-Nick? Where's Muzz?

Oo-ey.

You two know each other?

I had heard London had no community, but I knew it could not be true.

This is my friend, Mrs Smike.

Hello, Maddy.

Yeah. Can I just...

Would you mind waiting here a moment?

Mrs Khenwigs, come in. Muzz.

I think she likes you.

What's Nick doing here?

We were attacked.

They came to our aid and now they are injured.

Have you called the police?

I did not think it was a wise idea given our arrangements.

Yeah. Good thinking.

If the attacker had taken the bag, your money would be gone.

You should be grateful to Nick and Mrs Smike.

We just don't want anyone to know what we're doing.

They will have no idea.

You and Muzz are young and in love. Everyone can see that.

You'd better come in. Mrs Smike, let me help you.

How was your emergency the other day?

Fine, thanks. I'll pay you back.

No, I didn't mean - I tried to text, see if you were all right,

but my phone...

I'm fine, thank you.

Now my fiance's here.

You don't mean... Muzz?

They've come for the wedding.

Congratulations.

Daddy!

-Is something wrong?

-No, I've just missed you.

Haven't you brought us back any new recruits?

London must be full of old biddies.

I've been a tad preoccupied, Franniekins.

Come inside. It'll be nice and quiet.

They were getting a bit uppity,

but I've stuck some sedative in the custard

so they'll be zonked out in no time.

Stop!

-We'll have proper custard today.

-What's proper custard?

-An inspector is coming to visit from CRAaPU.

-What's CRAaPU?

Never you mind. Just be on your best behaviour.

Take this away. Stash the powdered stuff in the cooler.

-Find some vegetables.

-Where from?

-Anywhere. Come on! We don't have long.

An inspector.

If you were worried, you should have just called. Cheerybles is harmless.

-The deal is not in danger.

-Are you sure about that, Ralph?

Absolutely. My manager has sailed through hundreds of inspections.

Really, everything's under control, Verisopht.

This inspection might be a bit tougher than usual.

-There's been an e-mail.

-An e-mail?

Came in through on the inspection unit's website.

It makes allegations about your flagship home and its manager.

Appears to come from some relation of yours. Nick Nickleby?

My nephew. A delinquent, totally unhinged.

Rest assured, the allegations will carry no weight,

seeing as he is in prison.

Well, nothing to be worried about then.

Mr Hawkovsky, welcome back. This is our new girl, Kat.

Yes. We have met.

What was all that about?

Nothing. Well, Mum called him a pervert, but he is, isn't he?

Shame on you, Kitty Kat.

A lot of bad people have reason to ruin a man like Vladimir Hawkovsky.

So...he isn't a pervert?

He's a fascinating gentleman -

the perfect example of what I was talking about.

Why don't you go to dinner with him tonight?

I don't think I'm ready.

I do. Just relax, have a martini, go with the flow.

You'll soon be having fun.

And you do owe it to him. After your family offended him.

He prizes his honour very highly.

OK, yeah. That'll be cool.

Good.

Make yourselves at home. If you need anything, just ask.

We are your humble servants.

We're fine, thank you.

Maddy, dear, would you make some tea for our guests

after their ordeal?

Yeah, course, the kettle's on.

And some more cakes perhaps? For Muzz.

You know how he loves his cake.

Yep, Muzz loves his cakes.

Right away, if you don't mind?

The meals on the plane were so very small.

-I'll give you a hand.

-No, thanks. I can manage.

Such a lovely girl. They say girls from London are too wayward.

But Maddy is an angel.

Yeah.

She needs to improve her domestic skills, though.

I should have asked her to bring a duster.

Muzz has terrible allergies.

HE SNORTS

Would you mind pouring the tea, Mrs Khenwigs?

I really must see your father, Maddy, dear.

-It's been a very long time.

-I'm afraid he's sleeping.

I think I'll have a little lie down myself,

after this long flight and all this excitement.

Maddy, dear, take good care of our guests?

Thanks for this.

It wasn't my idea.

Bit mad, isn't it? Us meeting again in a city this big.

Do you want to stop talking so I can do this or what?

Stop smiling. You're going to make it split even more!

I've had the worst few weeks...

I don't know why I'm smiling, do you?

Stop it.

Why don't you do this? I'll see to Mrs Smike.

We tell the inspector everything. What happens to us -

the cooler.

Squeers won't let us speak.

He won't be able to stop us, not with the inspector right there.

This is our chance to escape. We can do it, Mr Bolder, together.

MOBILE RINGS

We've got it all in hand, sir.

My idiot nephew reported you. That's why they're inspecting.

'You need to deal with it, Squeers.'

You can trust me, Mr Nickleby. I'll take special measures.

HE SPLUTTERS

How long have you and Muzz known each other?

Ages. Since we were children. Isn't that right, Muzzy?

HE GRUNTS

It must've been love at first sight.

No, he wouldn't look twice at me. I had to wait.

How long were you married?

I've never been married.

Oh. I thought you were Mrs Smike?

That was a clerical error.

I'm used to it now.

You can get used to anything, if you have to.

HE YAWNS EXTRAVAGANTLY

Do you have to, Maddy?

BABY GURGLES OVER MONITOR

I've got to... Sorry.

Did you know she had a baby?

Daddy?

Special measures are in place. Our little insurance policy.

The inspector's here.

Are you ready to do your thing, Franniekins?

Brilliant, let's go!

HE SNORES

What's her name?

Maia.

Hello, Maia. I'm Nick.

Can you say Nick?

She can't say anything. You're wasting your time.

Am I?

-I'm getting married in 48 hours.

-I arrived just in time then.

Muzz is a good man. He's funny. Kind.

-We are talking about the same Muzz?

-He's just a bit jet-lagged.

What do you think, Maia? Do you think your mummy loves Muzz?

You're out of order, Nick. Here! What I owe you. Take it and go.

I don't want that. I want to know why you're doing this.

Mrs Khenwigs?

You must be Maddy's dad.

I assumed you would be...

Aren't you from Jhelum?

You haven't met her before?

Who?

Mrs Khenwigs.

So you're not...

I'm Mrs Smike. Nice to meet you.

You must be excited about the wedding?

Yes...

I must be.

I wish I could do something.

But I am no use, no use at all.

Is someone making you do it? Your parents?

My mum's dead and my dad's dead against it. It's my decision.

Then it doesn't make any sense.

He'll be a rubbish dad and a rubbish husband.

And I - I know we hardly know each other, Maddy, but I...

They're paying me. OK? Is that what you wanted to hear?

They get to stay here and I get to keep a roof over her head.

I can keep my dad alive a bit longer.

I've tried everything else. I've tried...

You have to go now. Please.

PANPIPE MUSIC PLAYS

We find this kind of thing benefits the residents' mental,

physical and spiritual well-being.

They seem well, Mr Squeers.

But I would like to speak to some of the residents in private.

No trouble at all, Mr Cheerybles.

Just make sure you ask them about the business with Nick Nickleby.

I'm not aware of any business with any Nick Nickleby.

But if I was, what would I be asking them?

Just to tell the truth, about what he did.

It would form a key part of the healing process.

Her dad told me.

I'm sorry.

We should go. Don't ask me where.

A nice bench maybe?

Are you OK to walk?

With a bit of help.

So it was Nick Nickleby himself who was perpetrating the abuse?

He were twisted, vicious.

We were all scared of him.

If that were the case, and I'm not saying it is or it isn't,

why would he make these allegations?

Mr Squeers was going to sack him. Nick wanted revenge.

You won't be downgrading Mr Squeers, will you?

He really is a five-star manager.

I can't say one way or the other, obviously,

but thank you for telling me the truth.

HE COUGHS

Outstanding custard, Mr Squeers.

I'll send you the recipe.

And if you have any beloved relatives in need of care,

you know the best place to send them.

I shall file my report tomorrow. You will be sent a copy.

Tomorrow? Doesn't it take months?

It can take months, or it can take hours. It all depends.

On whether a government committee is waiting for it?

Oh... I really...

Couldn't say?

Quite so.

Safe home, Mr Cheerybles.

Oh, you're going to be very pleased with me, sir.

Hiya, Mr Noggs.

What are you doing here?

-Come to see Uncle Ralph. Is he in?

-Yeah, but he's...

Oh, and what you said to Nick.

Tell him he should look after himself.

Well done, Squeers.

You've put yourself in line for the role of national care home manager.

Got to go.

Sorry, I should have waited.

You look nice.

I'm having dinner at the club with Mr Hawkovsky.

Oh? He will be pleased.

Feel I owe it to him, after how we treated him last time.

A very mature decision.

You remind me of me, when I first came to London.

You leave yourself open to opportunities,

there's no telling what you might achieve.

Here, I got this for you.

I was thinking about what you were saying earlier.

About you not being good with people.

And I just wanted to say...

I think you're all right.

Anyway. I'd better go.

Kat? Thank you.

You lose something, you find something.

Might take time.

But you've got plenty of that.

We found each other, didn't we?

All those years I had to wait.

Are you all right, Mrs Smike?

Just a bit tired, that's all.

Let's go back to Kat. See if she can get you a room at the club.

Wouldn't that mean asking Ralph?

What choice do we have?

I can sleep where I drop, me. Care in the Community!

SHE SPLUTTERS

No, not any more. Come on.

I spent the whole day with Kat. She's as ready as she'll ever be.

Yes, well, that's up to her.

We only agreed that she'd go to dinner after all.

So you don't want her to sleep with him anymore?

As I said, that's her decision. Nothing to do with me.

She can take her chance.

I thought you wanted to keep Mr Hawkovsky happy?

He's expecting more than a peck on the cheek.

What about my extra fee?

Given the distance I've managed to take her in one day.

You'll be paid more than enough for a few hours' work.

More than you're worth.

I'll be in my room. Let me know when it's done.

Whatever you say, sir.

I'll be going to work soon, Mum.

You enjoy yourself, love.

I'd pop down and support you, only I have been wrapped, peeled,

pummelled, pricked, hot stones on my back, candles in my ear,

mud everywhere. Oh, I'm exhausted!

You just rest, Mum. I'll be fine.

Her first time?

I didn't think it was fair,

Mr Nickleby making out you'd get your way easily,

when he knew full well it wasn't the case.

I could easily slip something into Kat's drink to relax her.

I will relax her with my wit, with my stories!

Girls do not need drugs to fall for Vladimir Hawkovsky.

This one will, trust me.

If you want a result, there's only one way to guarantee it.

As long as you're willing to make it worth my while.

For her first time, money is no object.

I'll put it in her martini.

-By the time she's had her hors d'oeuvre...

-I can have my main course!

That way everyone will be happy.

Ralph will get his contract, I'll get paid, and you'll get Kitty Kat.

And she will get the best night of her life!

THEY CHUCKLE

That's my sister you're talking about.

Thanks, Mrs Smike.

I think we'd better be going.

The boy just went mad.

Said she was his sister, so I'm assuming he must be...

Nick Nickleby.

There is some spell about that boy.

Noggs, I'm at the club. Get down here now!

Woah. What happened?

Your brother, after everything I've done for him.

Do not let her see me like this!

Dinner is cancelled for tonight. Go to your room.

MOBILE RINGS

I can only apologise, Vladimir.

You can do more than that!

What the hell are you playing at? What's wrong with you, Nick?

-I did it to protect you!

-From what?

-That pervert from the papers!

-You don't know what you're talking about.

-He was going to drug you!

-Come off it.

-It's true, dear, we heard him.

Why can't you just believe me for once?

Because all you ever do is beat people up.

Oh, but when Uncle Ralph bankrupts Dad, that's fine with you?

He explained all that to me.

Oh, yeah? Or did his money do all the explaining?

-I've been working to support Mum and me.

-You have to...

Don't tell me how to run my life when you can't even run your own.

SHE COUGHS

If you cannot get rid of him, I can send my people.

No, Vladimir, I can take care of it. It will give me great pleasure.

And the crazy old woman?

Yes. It goes without saying. Anything else?

Your niece. No more games.

No more silly little dinners, no more drugs in drinkies.

Just me, the girl and a bed, tomorrow. Otherwise no deal.

-Drugs?

-Your Ms Knag says Kat needs them to relax.

It is I who needs relaxing after this!

I could have been killed.

Don't worry, Vladimir, just go and get some rest.

I'll take care of everything. I promise.

Have you got somewhere to stay tonight?

-Why don't we go back to Maddy's?

-Who?

The girl from the CV.

It wasn't like that.

Here. Take a cab.

I'm not taking your money.

She shouldn't be out in the cold, Nick.

I have to go. Take care of yourself.

What's happened?

I've spoken to the police.

Nick Nickleby was released this morning, all charges expunged.

At my say so, apparently.

I wondered - should I show the police the file in my safe,

-have you locked up for life?

-No, Ralph, please -

you know I only did that for you.

Or should I show it to your victim's family?

But then I thought no, no...

He's a friend of mine after all.

Perhaps I should give him another chance.

I'm sorry. I'll do anything.

I want Nick Nickleby buried.

Time to go home.

Animals.

I'm sorry. You're nothing more than a bargaining chip.

Uncle Ralph would never...

"Uncle Ralph". Grow up.

You'll have the girl tonight.

I'm sorry, Ralph, I can't do it.

Know thyself, Newman.

GUNSHOT

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd