Episode 2 Prisoners' Wives

Hold it! Armed police!

We've found a body. It appears they can place Steve at the scene.

Gem, this is a nightmare.

They've got the wrong man.

I know. Course I know.

So, they didn't let him out on bail.

What are you saying?

Someone, somewhere thinks he's done something wrong.

Looking good, Frannie.

My husband is serving an 18-year sentence for drug-trafficking.

So, was there anything in particular you wanted to know?

That's where they're building it, new football stadium for the Blades.

And your dad is helping to make it.

But, remember, it's top secret. We don't tell anyone.

-What about you? Still behaving?

-Course.

Behind almost every arrest there's a women.

They either know everything and they're lying through their teeth.

Or they're just the stupid ones.

Why is there a gun in your mum's caravan, Steve?

-I didn't, I know it looks like...

-Stop lying to me.

-You can walk away.

-But I love him.

Well, then you'll find a way to live with it.

MUSIC: "Groovejet" by Spiller

DOORBELL RINGS

Oh, sweet Jesus.

Right, come on, kids. Up and at 'em. Breakfast! Anything you want?

As long as it's toast.

Matt, your rugby kit's in the tumble dryer.

And, Lauren, do not accidentally on purpose forget your violin.

Hey, what you doing?

No!

No.

Mrs Miller? I work for Grant and Foxton Ltd.

As per our communication, we're now taking possession

of the following items listed in the confiscation order.

-No, no, no. Paul's paid you now.

-I'm afraid that's not true.

He has. Let me go and call his brief. He'll tell you.

He'll tell you exactly what I'm telling you.

Your husband's defaulted on his payment

and I've a court order to prove it.

All right, lads.

No, you're not doing this. You're not coming in my house.

Excuse me.

We need handbags, jewellery. Designer outfits.

-Audiovisual equipment.

-Can you keep the noise down, please.

Give us a hand.

-What's going on?

-What are they doing?

-They're taking the telly.

-Up to your rooms.

-Mum.

I said up to your rooms. Everything's fine, I promise.

Now, come on, uniforms on.

-Billy, give us a hand, mate.

-Enjoy your job, do you?

It's an honest living.

'This is Sherman and Boyle Associates. All our lines are busy.'

-Mum, what happened?

-By the time you get back. This'll all be sorted.

I'm going to see Dad. He'll fix things.

Someone's made a mistake. Go on, I'll see you later.

'Adrian speaking.'

Adrian, it's Francesca.

'I can't talk to you.'

I've got a house full of bailiffs.

They're saying Paul has defaulted on his payments.

'Francesca, I can not discuss this.'

Adrian!

'Paul has all the facts, you'll have to talk to him.'

DIALLING TONE

This is Bob. He's going to be living with you,

keeping an eye on the place till we come back.

All right?

What?

Next Wednesday. To evict you.

Tina! I need your help.

I know you're in there.

My God, you're doing a runner. What's happening?

-It's all I've got.

-I've got change. Two for Highcross Prison, please.

-Thanks.

-Thank you.

-Car's broken down.

You OK?

And baby?

Yeah.

I think the police were outside my house this morning.

They're watching me.

They probably are.

You best get used to it.

Cos once they get their claws in you, they never really let you go.

No? It's Gavin's favourite, lemon curd.

Maybe he'll see us soon, eh, Basil.

-Hiya, Gary, you doing all right?

-Yeah, you?

-Yeah, smashing, thanks.

Numbers one to 12.

Excuse me.

What the hell, Paul?

I've got bailiffs trying to take my house, a brief who's lost his tongue

and a best mate who's doing a bunk.

As you announced to whole street, Frannie. Very discreet.

Why didn't you just give out their address in Dubai?

I didn't know what was going on. I still don't.

This confiscation order, it's started something.

You told me you'd paid it? You told me, "Ignore the letters, all sorted".

It was, it was running to plan.

They made a confiscation order, we said we can't pay,

bit of legal tap dancing.

So what went wrong?

They started to lose patience.

So, we arranged to sell some of the assets in Spain.

Cover the cost. But it didn't go through.

-Why not?

-Spanish authorities, they got suspicious,

moved in, seized the business.

All the income. Rental, from the villas. It's all frozen.

Can't access any of it.

We're in the shit, Frannie.

So, don't, don't call anyone, Adrian, associates.

You got to keep your head down cos the sky's falling in.

I don't know what to do. Can't eat, can't sleep.

-Every time I look out the window, the police are there.

-Hey.

-They'll give up soon, all right, they'll go away.

-No, they won't.

-Steve, they won't go away until they find the gun.

-Shh, will you.

I found it, they're going to find it too.

I'm going to go to the caravan, and get rid of it.

No. No chance.

-Why not?

-Why not? Because you're six-month pregnant.

Because it's too risky.

Oh, and this isn't risky? Sat here, doing nothing.

You made a mistake.

It were an accident and you didn't mean to do it.

Steve, I just want this all to go away.

-You know, I want you home.

-I know.

And I will do anything to make this happen, OK?

OK.

What are those chains?

What, darlin'?

They've all got chains hanging out of their belts.

Eh, Mase. Look at me, look at me.

How many crisps do you reckon I can fit in my mouth?

Check out your mum.

Do you like my new specs?

MASON GIGGLES

So, why didn't you warn me?

You know, give me a chance to sort things out?

Frannie, it's business.

I know and I know you like to keep things separate, but you haven't.

I am the one left with the mess.

I can't take any money out of the bank.

I've got £10.50 left in my purse, that's all I've got.

It'll be all right. I'll find a way.

Come on, Fran.

They want the house. They're coming back with an eviction notice.

Jesus, are you not listening? If I could do something, I would.

Oh, no, you can't have it both ways.

You're telling me you will fix things,

then you're telling me you can't.

Let me at least try?

I mean there must be something I can do, someone I can talk to.

Let me in.

Talk to your dad. See if he can help you.

Build a bridge.

Nothing's changed, Frannie.

I take care of business. You've just got to sit tight.

Do as you're told.

Bet you'll be glad when you get your car back, eh?

My car's not in the garage. It's, er, it's in a police compound.

They've taken it away.

Are they, are they allowed to do that?

POCA. Proceeds of Crime Act. They can take what they want.

It's pay back time.

I need to get rid of something for Steve.

-No, no. You don't ask me that.

-I don't know...

I'll talk to you, get the bus with you.

But we do not have this conversation.

I've spent 20 years not knowing about my own husband's business,

so I definitely do not want to know about yours.

Water.

What?

Destroys evidence. DNA.

CSI.

How do?

What did Dad say? What's he going to do?

There's not a lot he can do.

Course there is. Dad'll fix it.

He's not going to leave us like this, is he?

Got this from the bursar. Skiing trip.

-They need the second part of the payment.

-Matt, please, come on.

At least they left the PlayStation.

Yeah. Cos that's really useful without the telly.

So how much does Dad owe the police?

2.3 million.

Do you want something to eat?

'Leave your message after the tone.'

Hi, it's me.

Erm. We've emptied all the cupboards, eaten all the party food.

I'm full of crisps,

and I'm tired and pissed

and I'm scared, Paul.

I don't know what to do

And the kids, they still think you can fix it.

But you can't.

And I don't have the answers.

And..

'Press one to delete. Press two to save. Press three to re-record.'

You know what gets me. You shut me out

And you treat me like I'm an idiot.

But I'm not, I can do things.

I'm actually a very strong, independent and capable...

Shit.

And you're not going to like this, you're going to go ballistic.

But everything's changed and I can't

I can't, I w...

I won't sit in an empty house doing nothing.

Because that's the scariest thing.

BEEP

So, what sort of skills have you got?

I have some retail experience. I've worked on a cosmetic counter.

And when was that?

19...

-..91.

-Anything more recently?

So, we're looking at a bit of a gap in your CV.

Well, I have been a homemaker.

Right, well, some of those skills are certainly transferable.

Let's see what we've got.

For a barrier room, put on new disposable gloves, apron,

start with everything clean. Clean water, cloths, the lot.

FRANCESCA SIGHS

You're slow.

This shift, you're supposed to do four wards and two side rooms.

I'm sorry?

You should be. And you'll need to re-do this. Use scrubber.

It's in sluice room.

HE LAUGHS

Need some help?

Please, I'll drive.

-You ready?

-Yeah.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

You ready? Yeah?

Go for this, you want to go faster?

-Yeah?

-No, argh.

-Argh.

Jesus.

There you go.

Ah.

GEMMA WIMPERS

KNOCKING ON DOOR

-Why the hell are you here?

-Why do you think?

This is my house, my son is sleeping in there.

Just sell me the gear and I'll go.

Are you not listening to me? Get out of my house!

What's your problem? You mad bitch!

Hey! You've got a real problem, you know that?

You best watch yourself, love. I know where you live!

BANGING ON DOOR

-Out late tonight.

-Oh.

I...

I've...lost my...dog.

I'll keep my eye out.

I've not had a rollie since I was 18.

Oh, my God. That is absolutely...

Fantastic?

Disgusting. Eurgh.

Oh, I'm having a head rush.

So, have you been a cleaner before?

No. I've not had a job, any kind job for a long time.

-Not really needed to.

-No? So, what do you do all day?

I don't know.

Shopping.

Sometimes, I work out.

Swimming, Bodybalance, spinning.

Spinning?

Yeah, you have a bike but it's fixed to the floor and you pedal it.

Should get a real bike.

Deep clean. The Dream Team.

We can only hope, one day, to be as good as that.

HE SPEAKS IN POLISH

What did you say?

I said you're looking very beautiful tonight, Delaine.

What did you really say?

I said she has sex with hedgehogs.

-Working tomorrow night?

-Yeah.

That's good.

Better go.

Hi.

Are you OK?

I thought you'd be in bed. I were waiting.

I was in the area.

Thought I'd pop by. You said where you lived.

Yeah.

I'd invite you in but they've taken all the furniture

and there's nowhere to sit.

It's OK.

I'm a bit muddy.

I'm assuming you got rid of whatever it was you needed to.

We can't have this conversation.

Just didn't want to be on my own.

One of them nights.

Oh. Yes, yes!

Oh, yes.

Matt's girlfriend. Saskia.

Oh, golly, oh, yes!

Yes, oh, gosh! Oh, golly, oh!

Private school.

Suppose I better go home.

All right, girls? Bit early.

That's Fat Bob. He's a present from the bailiffs.

Oh, God, sorry, I've got to go.

Mum and Dad, bye.

Bye.

I should, I should go.

Thanks for the...

step.

You're welcome.

-Matt?

-Yeah?

Your bedroom window was wide open,

and your sister's room is right next door.

-God's sake, Mum.

-No, it is about respect, Matthew.

I'm going out.

Well, I've not washed those yet.

Course you haven't.

I know why you're being like this.

You're angry and scared and everything's changing.

I'm not scared. But why you saying that?

Just cos you're not getting any.

-I'm going to Saskia's.

-Matt.

Matt.

-I'm sorry.

-What the hell is wrong with you?

Lauren, where are you going?

ALARM RINGS

Hiya. Is it your first time? Who are you here to see, love?

-Gavin Allison, he's my son.

-OK.

-Right, lovie. Don't forget to take your jewellery off.

-Oh.

-Yeah, put it in the locker.

-Thank, thank you.

-Do you want me to? Come here.

-Oh, thank you.

-It's a bit stiff.

-There you go.

-Oh, thank you. so much.

It's my, my first time. It's all a bit of a...

My son Gavin, he wants to see me.

You can't take those in.

Oh. They're his favourite. He likes them with golden syrup

You can buy stuff in there. There's a tea bar.

It's expensive but, you know.

Thank you.

You're very kind.

Right, step through and wait there on the box.

-Arms up. Arms up.

-It's all right.

Right, shoes.

Step through and wait there.

-Sorry?

-Turn around.

-Oh.

Oh. Sorry.

This is Pip, he's just going to have a quick sniff.

Oh. He must smell my Basil.

GENERAL CHATTER

So, what did he say then? Your old man. When you rang him.

Or did you go round?

Fran?

I didn't go to Dad's.

I, er, I got a job.

Went to a recruitment agency,

and I told them I needed something straightaway.

So, er, yeah. I started last night...cleaner.

Well, they call it a domestic operative but that's what it is.

So, yeah, I'm cleaning the bathrooms and the wards at the Ranmoor.

And when were you thinking of telling me?

-I'm telling you now.

-What? You didn't think we should talk about it?

-You didn't think I'd have a view?

-Oh, yeah, I knew you'd have a view.

I knew you'd have exactly this view.

But you don't need to worry. Don't need to be embarrassed

cos nobody will know about it.

It's just a little job.

I told you to sit tight.

What? In the dark. Going hungry.

Paul, I can't sit at home doing nothing.

I've got no money.

No credit, I can't go shopping,

Matt is having an eppy about that skiing trip.

What skiing trip? What you talking about?

So, this, er, this job. Who you working with?

What sort of people?

Just a load of Asian ladies.

Any blokes?

Don't do this.

PAUL SIGHS

Oh, Gem, you clever, clever girl.

My brief says without the gun, they can't do anything,

they can't build a case against me. It's all circumstantial.

It's not going to be enough.

Hey, come here.

What?

Don't you ever put me in that position again.

I'll not. I promise.

You better not.

-Sorry.

-I'm afraid he won't come out of his cell.

What?

He said try again next week.

Oh, right.

Do you want to come with me? Save you sitting here on your tod.

Y-Yes, yes, of course, thank you so much.

I'm so sorry for wasting your time.

When will I be able to ring you?

What are the hours? How do I know when I can get in touch with you?

Well, it's night shifts.

-So, you can call me during the day.

-What you're working nights?

-Yeah.

You know what is it, Paul?

Is it me cleaning, or is it that I'm working

or is it just cos I didn't run it passed you?

How about a little, "Well done,

"well done for rolling up your sleeves up.

"Well done for trying to bail us out of this mess."

I told you, my hands are tied.

Yeah, well, mine aren't. And I cannot afford your ego.

You know, I enjoyed it.

Last night.

I was dreading it but I ended up having a laugh.

I had more fun cleaning shit off the floor for money

than I've had in years.

What does that say about my life?

Ladies and gentlemen, time's up.

Thanks.

Thanks for coming.

Well, I'll see you next week.

'Night, night, little monkey, sweet dreams.

'Tomorrow will be a brand new day.'

Shall we say good night to Daddy?

Night, night, Daddy. Love you.

Night, night.

Did you hear him?

I heard him. I definitely heard him.

I didn't hear him.

Well, you weren't listening, he was definitely there.

Come on, go to sleep, little monkey.

MUSIC: "Dangervisit" by Archive

FRANCESCA GIGGLES

Ah!

Argh. Yeah.

Time for lock up.

LOU SIGHS

I can't believe it, you're actually criticising my mop action.

You're outrageous, you are.

You want to hang out? Sometime, after work.

Hang out? How old are you?

If you had any idea why, on so many levels, I can't do that.

What are you afraid of?

I'm not.

It's just, well, trust me,

it's not a good idea for us to go out with each other.

It's OK. No-one is looking at us.

We're nobodies.

Come to mine. I'll make you lunch.

Here.

-You're a liar!

-I'm not a liar, I'm not!

A stinky little liar.

I wouldn't say a fight, exactly.

Then what exactly? If it wasn't a fight.

It was more of a kerfuffle.

A kerfuffle?

Mason told another boy that his dad was working for Sheffield United.

Where is he? Where's Mason now?

We understand that all children need to make up stories,

especially in times of stress.

Which is why we were thinking

that Mason might benefit from talking to someone.

And, luckily, our emotional literacy lady's here today, so...

Where's my son?

I hate Monday mornings.

Now, you throw the ball to me, Mason, and as you let go,

you tell me something you don't like.

Drop the ball, Mason.

-And you must be Mum?

-I'm sorry, she insisted.

Drop the ball and come over here.

We don't need any games or balls or hippies asking us questions.

Come on.

Miss Bell, I can assure you, we're just trying

to support Mason during these special circumstances.

What's she saying? Special circ...

Nothing, Mase, she's not saying anything.

We're only trying to help.

Yeah? You really want to help?

Then why don't you all piss off!

Oh, God.

TELEPHONE RINGS

'Fran, where are you? Fran, pick up. Pick up!

'You should be there when I call.'

FRANCESCA SIGHS

Oh.

How do?

Aren't you going to school this morning?

Told you. Inset day.

Going round to Millie's later.

Ah, right.

I might visit a friend from work. Lunch.

Do you want me to make you a sandwich before I go?

You should get dressed.

Got nothing clean.

Hello.

Hi.

Home, sweet home.

-Would you like a drink?

-Yeah.

MUSIC: "Amazing" by Aerosmith

-Oh.

-Sorry. Sorry.

Let me.

-Do you like fish?

-Yeah. Fish and seafood.

How about carp?

Yeah.

So, I take it off the hook and when I look up, they are all watching me,

all the fishermen with their big rods.

And then, they're shouting.

Like I'm the crazy one for catching a fish and taking it home to eat.

What is wrong with these people? Catching a fish. Putting it back.

It's like you with your bicycle that goes nowhere.

So, what did you do?

I put the carp in my pocket and I run.

And they're all chasing me and I'm very scared

cos if they catch me, it's not going to be good.

But it was also fun, you know?

That feeling you get inside when you know you're breaking the rules.

The moths.

Butterflies.

Those as well.

See you soon.

TELEPHONE RINGS

-Hello?

-Frannie?

-It's Lauren.

-Lauren?

-Your daughter.

Sorry. It's just I was expecting your mum.

-Are you all right? What you up to?

-Nothing. Playing with Pebbles.

Pebbles. Don't tell me, she's climbing up curtain again.

She's not a kitten any more.

No, of course she's not.

So, er, how's your brother?

All right. He's at Saskia's.

-Saskia? That's his girlfriend, yeah?

-Yeah.

You want to put your mum on?

Can't. Not here.

-What do you mean she's not there?

-She's gone out.

-Where?

-Dunno.

You must know where she's gone? Didn't she tell you?

Oh, yeah. She went out for lunch or something.

Someone from work.

Right, I'll speak to you later.

Oh, ah.

Francesca, what's the matter?

FRANCESCA SOBS

Sorry.

-I don't know...

-It's OK. You don't have to feel guilty.

I do. I do have to feel guilty.

I have a husband. I'm married.

My wife. My daughter.

And your husband. Where is he?

He's...

I shouldn't have used you.

I've just been having a really bad time.

I'm going to work the week out, I'm going to find another job.

-You don't have to.

-I do.

Sorry.

FRANCESCA SIGHS

HE EXHALES

Mum?

Mum?

Are we going to have to move?

Looks like it.

Will I have to change schools?

Probably, yeah.

If we're really short of money and everything, can I sell my violin?

Not on your life.

Come here.

I'm not being fair to your dad.

He tries to do the best for us but...

..it's hard for him too.

Stuck in there, powerless.

It's all out of his control.

He can't show how much he loves us.

Is Lukasz in tonight or did he call in sick?

Oh, hi, I'm a friend of Lukasz.

-He didn't come into work.

-Upstairs.

-Is he all right?

KNOCKING ON DOOR

HE SPEAKS IN POLISH

Your husband.

Oh, God. I'm sorry.

Do you need a doctor?

My wife is coming. She's a nurse.

She'll take care for me.

You can go.

Cuts, bruises, he could barely move.

Teach him to touch my wife then, won't it?

He had nothing to do with it. He was just a bystander in our mess.

Try saying that with his cock in your mouth.

I didn't do anything. I didn't sleep with him.

But you wanted to?

Yeah, course I did, cos I've not been touched in six years.

Nothing happened.

You can dress it up all you want. You still cheated.

Yeah. You still got someone beaten up so you could feel better about yourself.

I feel fine.

That's not who you are.

That's not the man I married.

DOOR SLAMS

Right forefinger in the reader.

Take it out.

Hello, love.

Oh, Gavin, you look so pale.

Are you ill? If you're ill, you need to see a doctor.

Someone needs to see you.

Are you eating? What's the food like?

-Mummy swore at a teacher.

-Mason!

-You did.

Eh, Mase, why don't you go and have a play?

Catch a fish for me and your mum?

-What you been up to?

-Nothing.

-Oh, don't lie.

Look, remember what we said, yeah? He needs his mum.

So no spinning out, shouting at teachers.

-Straight and narrow until I'm out.

-I am.

-Well, you better be.

Otherwise what's been the point in all of this?

I never asked you to, all right?

It was your own stupid fault for taking it out my pocket.

I could've dealt with the police. I didn't need you stepping in.

-Lou.

-Rescuing me. Doing my time.

And you know why I am?

Eh?

Cos I love you.

And I love him.

And I'd do anything to keep you together.

Big drama in the street.

Next-door-but-one cat's gone missing.

Think it's the foxes. I've heard them over the back,

they've been making that squealing noise, you know.

I mean, I know next-door-but-one are very upset about their cat

but that's the thing about a fox, isn't it?

-Natural predator. What can you do?

-Are you happy now?

Please, Gavin.

This is all your fault, Mum. I'm in here cos of you.

I get it. The money goes and it all turns to shit.

Oh, this is nothing to do with the money.

I wish it was, cos then we could fix it.

What? What? So, this is it?

You just chuck it away? 18 years of marriage.

You call two hours a week a marriage?

Do y'know every conversation, every minute I've had with you

in the last six years, we've had a table between us.

And I'm sick of it.

I'm sick of the small talk and the crisps

and you sat there, smelling of cheap Lynx like some teenager on a date.

No.

No, you can't do this, you can't.

Come in here and talk to me like this.

Who the hell do you think you are, Frannie?

I don't know.

I'm just, er, someone who...

shops and cleans and...

..waits in for phone calls and...

..someone whose life is getting smaller and smaller every day.

Someone who visits her husband, week after week, year after year

and has absolutely nothing left to say.

Gavin? My son, I think he's in trouble.

They're all in trouble, why do you think they're in here?

They're getting social services onto me, thanks very much.

I haven't said anything.

-It is our responsibility to investigate.

-Investigate this.

You are the one that needs to grow up.

Yeah, I am doing. We need help.

I didn't raise my daughter to be some gangster's moll who knew

the price of everything but the value of bugger all.

I don't need any help. Not from her. Not from no-one.

No, you don't need it, but it's OK to ask for it now and again, Lou.

Andy?

Anybody there?

-He'll protect me if I...

-If you what?

Make it worth his while.

Drugs. A visitor would have to bring us some in.

-Inside you.

-No!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd