25/04/2017 River City

-I love you, Bob Adams.

-I love you too.

-We've all got baggage we don't want to share at the start.

-I don't.

So she knows that you cannae have kids.

That night with you was the biggest mistake of my life.

And taking you back, that's my sister's biggest mistake.

What's going on?

Your sister here? She had a wean in the jail.

Tried to keep it away from me.

Gie'd it away to some weasel of a guy to raise.

-Charlotte. This is Amber.

-Hi, Charlotte.

You need to get her far away from my Dad. And soon.

For your daughter's sake.

Hey. What's all this in aid of?

Och, you know, got to keep the pennies coming in somehow.

Of course. Need to keep yourself busy, right?

Yeah. No rest for the wicked.

Are you sleeping better?

Sleep's over-rated.

Are you taking those pills I prescribed?

I know it's hard, OK?

Your boyfriend only died a month ago.

-Amber, you can let the mask slip with me.

-I'm fine.

Now, I really should be getting back to work.

OK. Well, you know where I am.

What are you doing here?

I'm just passing. I've got Charlotte in the car.

-What if Lenny sees her?

-I don't care about Lenny.

Well, you should.

And if you care about Charlotte you'll get her as far away

-from here, and him, as possible.

-I need to talk to you.

-No, Fraser, you need to go.

-Please, Amber. We need your help.

I'm in trouble.

Special delivery for Bob Adams.

Hope you dingyed the mayo this time.

-Cheers. You're a life saver.

-We made them together.

Is that right? Cheers, pal.

Look at you, proper wee family.

You'd make a good mum. Wouldn't she, Bob?

-Oh, I don't know about that.

-You're a natural.

-Cheese and pickle. My favourite.

-Do you want to have kids?

We should let Bob get back to work.

-So you don't want to have kids?

-Madonna!

-It's fine.

I don't want to start a family just now.

Good. Cos Bob can't have kids.

Gran said he's a jaffa.

What happened to the money I gave you before?

The wife cleared me out when she left. She took the lot.

I hate to ask...

Just to tide me over till I get back on my feet,

get Charlotte the things she needs.

How's she coping?

She's doing fine. She's a fighter.

Like her mum.

So, will you help us?

OK. I'll get you some money. But you need to leave.

Why the rush?

Because if Lenny sees you he will try and take her off you.

Just lie low until I call you.

Yeah, yeah, it's all under control.

No. There's no need for that. I'll get you the money.

I should have told you myself.

No, it's fine. We've had a lot going on.

-Aye.

-And it's not exactly something you blurt out over

-a romantic dinner, is it?

-No.

-And we've not been together that long, I guess.

-No.

I love you, you know that, right?

-Then why...? Oh, never mind.

-What?

Nothing. It's none of my business.

If it's about us then it is your business. It's all right.

Just...

..why didn't you tell me?

I don't know.

I guess I was...scared you might not want me any more.

Because you do want to have kids, don't you?

-No. Not really.

-You can be honest with me.

Force of habit.

When you said you'd always wanted to have kids

I should have said something but...

it just didn't feel like the right time.

He was wrong, you know. You'd make a great mum.

I'm sorry I can't give you that.

I've got you. That's more than enough.

Come on, where's that smile I love so much?

That's better.

I'll see you back at the flat later.

Aye.

Time to go, Madonna.

We should get you to school or you're going to be late.

-See you, pal.

-Bye.

You's all right?

Aye. Aye, fine.

DOOR OPENS

Amber?

All right, Dad.

When were you going to tell me this Fraser

-character's back in town?

-Is he?

You didn't know?

First I've heard of it.

You're a terrible liar, darlin'? You take that from your mother.

-He just turned up out of the blue this morning.

-Really?

-And did he have Charlotte with him?

-No, why?

-Oh, I don't know.

I just thought you'd want to spend a wee bit of time with your daughter.

Charlotte is better off with Fraser.

You don't really believe that?

Back off, Dad. I am doing this my way.

OK.

-What's that supposed to mean?

-Nothing.

-What are you going to do?

Dad! Dad!

Are you OK, Daddy?

Yeah. I'm fine.

Have you two not got any work you need to go to?

Yeah, I'm just heading back there now. Thanks for the concern though.

It's nice to feel welcome.

So, have you still heard nothing from Faith?

No, no, she decided she didn't want my help in the end.

Well, you can't force her.

Ah! Look at that rock!

We've got a wedding to plan. Have you told AJ?

Not yet.

I assume you won't be wearing white.

All right, Dad. Another day in paradise.

Daddy needs the toilet.

Yeah, all right, Katie.

Don't take it out on her.

Is everything all right over there?

-Yeah, yeah, it's fine, thanks.

-Daddy needs the potty.

Well, we know the drill, don't we?

Let's give your dad some privacy, shall we?

Thanks, Frankie.

Say hello to Auntie Amber, Charlotte.

Hello, Auntie Amber.

Why don't you sit here, sweetheart?

Look, Daddy brought your drawing things.

Why did you bring her here?

Well, I couldn't leave her in the car.

SHE EXHALES Have you brought the money?

-What's this?

-It's the best I could do at short notice.

Murdoch empire struggling, is it?

Well, it'll have to do for now. I'll get more to you when I can.

And when will that be?

I don't know. I'll be in touch.

But I need the money now.

You need to get out of here. Lenny knows you're about.

He will try and take Charlotte. So take the money and run.

-So that's it? I'm on my own?

-I never said that.

If you hadn't got in contact with me in the first place,

Charlotte and I wouldn't be in this mess.

KNOCKING AT THE WINDOW

I have to go. I won't be long.

Are those Lenny's guys?

Look after Charlotte for me.

Where's Daddy going?

He's just gone out to speak to some people.

Let's see if we can catch him up, shall we?

OK, Charlotte. Let's go.

Come on.

That's all she said?

Aye. Just said she was fine with it, but...

she's probably packing her bags right now.

How many times have we been here?

She loves you, man.

This is different. All the other times, stuff could be fixed.

There are other ways to have a baby.

Adoption or...

-Fertility treatment?

-Aye.

Aye, cos it worked so well for me and Stella, didn't it?

Naw, I cannae go through that again.

I'm sorry. I know how much you want to be a dad.

No, look, I'm sorry.

-I shouldn't be bending your ear about this stuff.

-It's fine.

If I'm honest, I'm not sure I was really ready to be

a dad when Cassie got pregnant.

Aye, well, I am ready.

Ready, willing and unable.

Too soon?

Have you been on the bevvy?

I just mean...

You know, after all these years.

All these failed relationships, and then you finally meet

"the one" and...

Is this your idea of a pep talk?

-Sorry. I'll shut up now.

-Aye.

I got your message. What's so urgent?

Come on.

Lenny can't know she's here.

Thanks for this. I didn't know where else to take her.

That's OK. But what's the plan now?

She can't stay here forever.

I just need to keep her away from Lenny till Fraser gets back.

I need to get to the surgery but let me give you some spare keys

and you can just let yourself out when you're ready, OK?

Thanks again.

Say thanks to the nice lady.

She's a bit shy.

That's OK. I'll see you later.

Where's Daddy?

Don't get upset. He'll be back soon.

I promise.

I tell you what. Why don't you watch some TV?

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

Auntie Amber just needs to pop out for a bit.

No?

-Well, what would you like to do?

-Draw.

Good. Excellent.

Paper, I've got some paper.

OK? What's wrong now?

There's no colours.

You left them at the cafe.

Why don't I go and get them for you? OK?

KNOCK AT THE DOOR

What are you doing here?

Ellie asked me to drop this off.

She's away on some course. Should be back this afternoon.

-Right. What are you? Plan B?

-Looks like it.

Do you want me to help you with that?

I don't need your help.

And you can take that thing with you too!

-Ellie said you'd say that.

-And what else did Ellie say?

That you were a right royal pain.

But for some reason she seems to think you're worth the effort.

That girl, she still cares. Even when she's not here.

And I am under strict instructions not to leave here until you

at least give this thing a go.

-Do I get my pension with it as well?

-They're not just for old people.

No, no, they're all the rage down the clubs I hear, AJ.

-Come on, what's the worst that could happen?

-Seriously.

Do you really want to send me back to Ellie

having failed in my mission?

Tell you what, I'll give you some space and I'll pop out and

I'll come back from the cafe with some cake.

Great idea, cake. Solves everything, AJ.

Whatever.

What have you done with him?

-Who?

-Don't play games with me.

I think you're going to have to give me a bigger clue here, darling.

-Fraser.

-What about him?

-Two of your goons just bundled him off.

-Not guilty.

-Don't give me that, Dad.

-It wasn't me, I said!

You should be more worried about who's looking after Charlotte

while that joker's getting himself into bother.

Snatching Fraser will not get you Charlotte.

Make them bring him back. Now.

Are you OK?

Oh, what have you drawn?

Can I see?

It's OK. You don't have to show me.

I want my daddy.

Please. Don't cry. It's OK.

He'll be home soon. Please don't cry.

Do you want some sweeties?

OK. OK. I'll pop out and get them for you.

You just sit tight, OK? I won't be long.

Bob's really cut up about it. He couldn't even face lunch.

Poor Bob.

He thinks Kim might leave him.

Haven't we been here before?

I just...wish there was something I could do.

I know, babe.

I mean, if there was something I could do to help.

You know, help them to achieve their dream of being a family.

You mean like help them along a bit...

-give them some of your boys?

-Yeah. Exactly.

-I know it's a lot to ask.

-It is.

I suppose it could work.

So you don't think it's a stupid idea?

I wouldn't say stupid exactly. Crazy. Impulsive. Ill-conceived.

Pardon the pun. But definitely not stupid.

And not to mention noble. Brave.

And just about the most beautiful thing I ever heard.

So you're OK with it? I'm confused.

I'm fine with it. 100%.

-Where are you going?

-To tell Bob the good news.

Right. And don't you think that Kim ought to know too?

I guess.

You can't just, like, blurt something like this out.

-No?

-No. It has to be done properly.

Invite them over for dinner tonight.

You're amazing, you know that?

It has been said before.

Somebody's got a sweet tooth.

-Are they for that wean I seen you with earlier?

-What?

The wee red-headed little lassie I seen you dragging along the street.

Friend's kid. I'm babysitting.

-Not kidnapping?

-What?

You never know with your family.

Look, can I just pay for these, please?

And where's the poor thing now? Left her on her own?

Some mother you'd make.

What are you and Kim doing tonight?

Sitting in front of the telly with my ma, probably.

HE IMITATES BUZZER

Incorrect answer.

Are you all right?

You're coming to ours for dinner tonight.

I don't think that's a good idea after today's bombshell.

-Doubt she'll be in the mood.

-Trust me, mate, it's a great idea.

Me and Cassie have a very exciting proposition for you.

OK, I got you quite...

Charlotte?

Charlotte?

Charlotte!

Charlotte!

Charlotte!

-I was watching that.

-I need to study.

-Yeah, well, go and do it in your room?

-I've been there all day.

Well, what about somewhere else?

And miss out on your sparkling conversation?

What is wrong with you these days?

Have I done something to offend you?

-Frankie? What's your problem?

-My problem?

Yes. Please enlighten me.

My problem is that I am cooped up in here with you.

Well, that's easily solved, love. Go to your room, the library.

Anywhere else but here.

Does this mean you're finally going to get up out of that chair?

Or maybe you just like daytime TV?

Charlotte? Charlotte!

Charlotte!

Charlotte!

-Hiya.

-Can you take me home, please?

Um, home.

KNOCK AT THE DOOR

-What?

-Sorry to bother you, boss. I've got a bit of a situation.

What have you done?

Found this wee one wandering the streets.

-You lost, sweetheart?

-I'd like a taxi, please.

-Oh, right?

-A taxi on account.

Oh, I don't know if we've got many cabs on account.

I always get taxis.

Is that right? Where do you want to go?

Home.

And where is home exactly?

Here, sit.

Does your mummy know where you are?

What about your daddy?

-What's your daddy's name, sweetheart?

-Fraser Crozier.

I'll deal with this, Pete.

OK, boss.

-And what's your name, wee one?

-I'm called Charlotte.

Charlotte. That's a very, very pretty name.

Dad...

Charlotte!

Did you take her?

Behave yourself. She wandered in here off the street.

-You shouldn't run off like that.

-No harm done.

And you shouldn't talk to strangers.

Come on, let's get you back to your daddy.

Hey!

Tell me you're not seriously thinking of giving her back to him?

Amber!

Daddy!

HE BREATHES SHARPLY

Frankie.

Frankie!

What the hell are you doing?

I just needed to get out for a bit.

Away from me then, yeah?

Not everything's about you. Will you just help me up?

-What's the magic word?

-Is this just a bit of fun for you?

I feel impotent as it.

-You should feel used to that by now.

-What is wrong with you?

I don't know, but whatever it is I've got you to blame for it,

don't I?

Oh, that's right. Blame everybody else but yourself, as per usual.

You're behaving like a toddler. Everybody can see right through you.

What is it? Because your mummy and daddy don't pay you enough attention?

You try being in that chair for five minutes.

Try being in my shoes.

Try feeling completely useless.

Then we can talk about being hard done by,

-you selfish...

-I wish you'd died over there!

-Yeah, well so do I!

Is my daddy going to be OK?

He'll be fine. The doctor's making him better now.

He just fell over.

Why are you still here?

Don't tell daddy I ran away.

Och, no, it'll be our little secret.

Was it because you missed him?

Charlotte.

Are you OK?

-I'll live.

-Who did this?

Let's just say it wasn't the boy scouts.

-Happy?

-It wasn't me.

Actually, can you do me a favour?

Could you take Charlotte for a bit.

I don't think that's wise.

Good idea.

Just until I get myself cleaned up.

This must be scary for her.

OK. Sure.

Go with Auntie Amber. Daddy will come and pick you up later.

-You didn't really mean that, did you?

-Did you?

Frankie?

No.

-Did you?

-Not really.

I know this is hard on all of you.

I know I'm a burden.

Your mum, she treats me like I'm one of you kids.

-I'm not a kid.

-I know.

Maybe you should start behaving like an adult and tell her how you

feel instead of pretending everything's OK.

When did you get so wise?

I know a lot more than you think.

I miss this. Me and you.

I just want the family to get back together again.

What are you going to do about it?

Not much I can do like this, is there?

-That's the spirit.

-Well, what would you have me do?

You could man up for a start.

Everything all right?

Well, that was quite a performance.

I don't know what you mean.

We both know your beating wasn't down to me.

Amber doesn't, does she?

And if she's happy to believe that it's her father that's

responsible for this, then who am I to tell her otherwise?

What are you doing, sniffing around here all of a sudden?

It's funny you should ask.

I've got a little bit of a problem, and I think you can help me.

Got myself into a bit of debt with the wrong people.

And I need to pay them off. Today.

And how can I help exactly?

You can give me the money.

LENNY LAUGHS

You know, I think that beating has destroyed part of your brain.

You can give me the money or you're never going to see Charlotte again.

Have you forgotten who you're messing with here?

Someone who'd do anything to have his granddaughter in his life.

It would be a shame if Amber never got to see Charlotte again

when they'd started to bond.

It's your call.

SHE SOBS

-Where's Charlotte?

-Watching TV in my room.

-So he's not came back for her yet?

-Just leave it, will you, Dad?

-You know he's playing you?

-Dad!

He's up to his eyeballs in debt. That's why he got the beating.

Then he just tried to get money out of me.

He's using Charlotte as a bargaining chip.

Fraser wouldn't do that.

Open your eyes, darling. I'm trying to help you here.

No. You're trying to control me, as usual.

Charlotte needs to go back to her father now.

You're her mother! Does that mean nothing to you?

What do you think?

Ever since I saw her again... I can't get her out of my head.

I lie awake every night thinking about her.

Imagining some perfect family life. Playing with her.

Helping her do her homework.

Hearing her call me Mummy for the first time.

Now's your chance.

I gave birth to her in prison and then gave her away.

-You were scared.

-She'd never forgive me.

-Of course she will. You're her mum.

-She deserves better.

What Charlotte deserves is to be with her mother.

You're wasting your time, Dad. Just drop it, yeah?

I'll take care of the food and you can write the speech.

-Speech?

-Yeah. It's like a proposal.

An indecent proposal.

But a speech. Really?

Yeah. Really.

-And you're sure you're OK with this?

-Why wouldn't I be?

You know, the idea of me fathering a child.

Yes. Absolutely.

And you're absolutely OK with me sleeping with Kim?

Jeez, Angus. You don't actually have to do the deed.

You know that, right?

-HE SIGHS

-Don't I?

You see, I did wonder why you were so cool with it all.

Obviously, I don't want to... with her or anyone else.

I know.

So, how does it work exactly?

Let's just say it'll be nice for the turkey baster to have

an outing before next Thanksgiving.

What kind of exciting proposition exactly?

I don't know. That's all he said.

Careful, Bubba, they might be inviting you to a keys in

a bowl kind of shindig.

Those sort of things don't go on around here, do they?

Are you kidding? Shieldinch is the swinging capital of Glasgow.

Really?

But not Cassie and Angus, surely?

You never know what goes on behind closed doors, do you?

And Angus was acting pure weird.

And she's American. So anything's possible.

We're just pulling your leg.

Ha-ha, your face by the way. That's a cracker.

So you don't really think they want to swing?

No! We're just joking. Even for BoGus that's a step too far.

I'm an idiot.

No, you're not. You're perfect.

Lenny.

This should tide you over.

-Regular access, we said.

-Well, that was the deal.

Only...the things is...

if you want it to be regular,

I'm going to need this to be regular too.

-Once a month should cover it.

-Don't push it, pal.

Just look on it as five years of overdue child support.

Selling your daughter. That's low even for you.

I don't need lessons in morality from Lenny Murdoch. That's the deal.

You take it or leave it.

We'll leave it, thanks.

Amber...please, come on, just give me a chance to explain.

Nobody wants to hear anything you've got to say.

Amber, please.

Dad, could you give us a minute?

Well?

Maybe attempting the 100-yard dash on your first day

was a tad ambitious.

-I'm sure it will get easier.

-Medical expert, are we now?

My life is like Groundhog Day. Nothing ever changes.

Nothing gets any better.

You made it to the door today. That's progress.

Not sure Frankie would agree with that.

Frankie will come round when she calms down.

I just want things back to normal.

Who am I kidding?

It's not like things can ever be the same again, can they?

-What things, exactly?

-Everything.

Me. The kids.

Me and Lorna.

I think maybe Frankie's got a point.

Maybe you do need to man up.

-Do you think you could help me with something?

-Sure.

MOBILE RINGS

Hi. Aye, sure... When?

Well, I could pop up now? OK, see you then.

I have been summoned upstairs to Annie's inner sanctum.

Make sure you come back down when you're finished.

Yeah, I won't be long.

I'd lost my job. And I needed the money...

for food, for bills.

New school shoes for Charlotte.

So I thought if I could just get one big win.

It's pathetic, I know.

Then I started chasing my losses.

And before I knew it, things were out of control.

I swear I was only ever thinking about Charlotte.

And were you thinking of Charlotte

when you tried to blackmail my father?

Yes. Because that's how desperate I am. You know me, Amber.

This isn't me.

I'm no use to Charlotte if I'm laid up in some hospital somewhere.

Or worse.

Please, I'm begging you, help me.

Take this. Pay them off.

Then come back and get Charlotte.

So, how's business?

Fine.

I'm guessing you didn't invite me over to discuss the price of coffee.

No.

I just, I wanted...

It's not like you to be stuck for words.

Alex and I are engaged.

So, you'll be wanting a divorce then?

I just wanted you to know.

Well, now I do.

-What happened? Where's the money?

-I gave it to him.

I bring you his head on a plate and you still let him off the hook.

-Just drop it, will you, Dad?

-No. I'm not going to drop it.

This is my granddaughter we're talking about here.

Yeah, and my daughter.

Well, thank you, thank you for remembering at last.

You think it's all right that he wanders off with Charlotte

even though you know the kind of man he is?

She's your blood, Amber.

She's my blood.

-I'll have a word with him.

-Dad! Wait, please.

I know what I'm doing. Trust me.

That is a great dress. Is it new?

No.

Well, you look beautiful.

So, Bob said Angus had some big announcement?

Oh, did he now? Well, I don't want to steal Angus's thunder.

But you're right, it is big.

In fact, I'd go as far as to say it's huge.

And you'll be very pleased.

Now if you'll excuse me, I got to go check on dinner.

-Crisp?

-What flavour are they?

Fancy prawn cocktail.

Seafood is sort of an aphrodisiac, isn't it?

I'm good, thanks.

Saving yourself for the main course? Very wise.

-Are you all right?

-I think your mum was right.

-Then tonight's about to be very interesting.

-Bob...

I'm kidding. Relax. There's no way that's happening.

Dinner is served.

THEY LAUGH NERVOUSLY

There you go. What do you think?

Well, it's hardly The Ritz, is it?

Can't even run to a proper table.

It's the gesture that counts.

Yeah, you're right. I appreciate what you've done.

I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have asked, you know, given...

Given the fact that my marriage is officially over?

Look, just because Annie's chosen to live the rest of her life with some

square-jawed petty gangster, doesn't mean I have to be bitter, does it?

I'm sure Lorna's going to love this.

I think it might take maybe a bit more than a few flowers and

a candle.

She can't bring herself to look me in the eyes these days.

I guess it must be difficult. Given what's happened to you.

I think it's more than that.

She doesn't love me any more.

You don't know that.

Do you still love her?

Well, I guess you're going to have to fight for your woman, soldier.

At least you've still got a chance.

Thanks, AJ.

You know, I always thought you were too good for that Annie one.

Really?

I always thought you thought I was a bit of a wet blanket.

Yeah, you're right, I did, but...

turns out I was wrong.

Look, I'll leave you to it, yeah? Good luck.

Cheers, mate.

-That was delicious.

-Yeah. Amazing.

Afters, anyone?

Oh, I don't know. I think I'm full.

I'm sure you've got room for a little extra something.

-More wine?

-Aye.

-No, thanks.

-You trying to get us drunk?

-Absolutely.

Got to make hay while the sun shines.

I'll just stick to water.

-Oh, Angus, we need some more music.

-On it.

Excuse me.

SHE LAUGHS NERVOUSLY

MUSIC PLAYS

What the hell's this?

It's eh...that music.

You know, with the dancing. The Rat Pack.

-Swing.

-Bingo.

Since when do you like swing music?

You don't know everything about me.

Angus got really in to it when we were in the States.

I'm more of an old soul kind of girl.

You should give swing a go. It's good to mix things up.

Right. Time for afters.

What are we having?

You'll have to wait and see.

If they come back naked, I am out of here.

-What are you doing?

-Getting some ham.

Daddy tells me to go to the fridge when I'm hungry.

Does he leave you alone a lot?

Doesn't your daddy make you stuff to eat?

-No. Why not?

-He's away lots.

-Will he be back soon?

-Yes.

Tell you what, why don't I make you some dinner?

What do you like?

How about fish fingers and spaghetti?

Hoops?

Yes. Hoops.

-I like them.

-I like them too.

We're going to skip dessert.

Ah, yeah, Kim's got a bit of a headache.

OK, um, but before you go, there's something I wanted to say.

So, it's like this. We all like our lives.

I mean, we're happy the way we are.

But sometimes you want something more.

Something different. Something new.

But that can be a scary prospect.

The fear of the unknown.

Can we handle it?

Because what we've got is good

but we know that it can be a whole lot better.

It's like this dessert. Great on its own but...

But what it really needs is...

..some ice cream.

So I'm just going to go to the shop and get some.

Angus!

I'm sorry, excuse me.

This is nice.

Yeah.

It was Frankie's idea, actually.

Really?

She thought it would be good for us to spend a bit of time together.

So you two didn't come to blows today?

Yeah, it was close.

Let's just say I think we reached what is known as an understanding.

You'll need to tell me your secret.

I'm sorry. I thought I could do it but...

But what?

But there they were, looking at me, and it all seemed really real.

What if I can't...

you know, perform...on demand.

Don't over-think it. You'll be fine.

Just relax. And remember... you're doing this for Bob.

Are you guys leaving?

Aye, we thought we should get out your hair. Thanks for tonight.

-Bob, I pure love you.

-All right, don't say anything else.

Please, please just hear him out.

Bob, I love you.

And there isn't anything I wouldn't do to make you happy.

So there's something I want to suggest,

to propose to you.

-I want us to...

-Mate, listen...

we really like you and all that but...

we're just not into you, like... in that way.

-In what way?

-Swinging.

-Oh!

-What?

-No.

We don't want to be swingers.

I want to make your baby.

Make a baby for you.

Be your baby donor. Problem solved.

Problem solved? So it's Angus to the rescue, is that it?

No...

I want to make you happy.

By sleeping with my girlfriend?

You see it's funny, I thought that as well.

But apparently I don't even need to go near her.

What's wrong with you?

Come on, Kim.

Thanks for giving her the once-over.

You don't think he neglects her, do you?

I don't see any signs.

And there was no trace of bruising or trauma.

I don't think he's been abusive.

But I couldn't say.

She seems to spend a lot of time on her own,

-which is not good.

-No.

What?

I left her on her own today.

I didn't even think twice about it,

I was just trying to keep her away from Lenny.

Anything could have happened, Annie.

She'd walked right out onto the street.

-It was your first day on the job.

-And my last.

It was just one mistake that you made because you were trying

to keep her safe.

Fraser's had what,

five years of experience and he's still leaving her on her own.

There's no excuses for that.

Maybe Fraser's not the person that should be looking after her.

Maybe Fraser's ex could take her in?

Or maybe her mum could?

-I'm not fit to be a mother.

-Says who?

Me. I made a right hash of it today.

Oh, I'm not so sure. Charlotte seems really happy at the moment.

I mean she's confused, and that's to be expected.

And very enamoured of her spaghetti hoops.

Well, that's all I would eat when I was a kid.

She's obviously inherited your stubborn streak.

Motherhood doesn't come with a manual. You screw up.

And then you screw it up again.

And then, eventually, you get it right and they stop hating you.

If you're lucky.

Things still no good between you and Harry?

I'm sure your mother didn't always get it right.

I know mine didn't.

I'm not ready.

None of us are.

You just have to deal with it when it happens.

And there's a scared little girl and she needs you to pull

yourself together and step up.

More wine?

Oh, no, I think I've had enough.

-You never could hold your drink, could you?

-I can so.

Yeah, right. There was that time in Paris, do you remember?

Oh, don't.

Off your face on absinthe and abusing the gendarmes.

And you threw me over your shoulder

and carried me all the way back to the hotel.

Well, we can safely say there'll be

no repeat performance of that tonight.

Oh, sorry.

It's OK.

Those were the days, eh?

Yeah. They were.

Greig, I'm sorry.

No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...

-I should get to bed.

-Lorna, wait.

I know... I know you only chose me over Andy out of some sense of duty

and that's OK. I can accept that.

I can admire it even.

I just...

I need you to know that I haven't stopped loving you.

And I'm going to get you back.

Greig, I can't promise anything.

I don't need you to. I can wait.

It's not like I'm going anywhere, is it?

Good night.

Night-night.

Can you believe him?

He meant well.

He just went about it badly.

Really badly.

Swingers.

THEY LAUGH

If you think about it, it really is a sweet gesture.

And a pretty amazing thing for him to offer to do.

You really do want to have kids, don't you?

We could always adopt.

Not with my record.

Or there's assisted conception?

No. I've been down that road. It killed my marriage.

OK.

Whatever you want.

I'm just going to make a cup of tea.

Do you want anything?

I think I might head to the pub for a quick one.

Can I get you another drink?

The silent treatment now?

What's the matter? Got no homes to wreck tonight?

What do you want from me, Frankie?

Do you know what, I haven't decided yet.

But when I do, you'll be the first to know.

-All sorted?

-Yeah. Thank you.

We should get going.

-I think it's best if Charlotte stays here tonight.

-Sorry?

She's had a tough day and I think it would be best for her if she

-stayed here.

-Did Lenny put you up to this?

Oh, no, I figured out you were a useless father all on my own.

All these years I stayed away because I convinced myself

that Charlotte would be better off with you,

that you could give her a better life than I could.

But I was wrong.

So, what, you spend one day with her and you think that you're

suddenly fit to be her mother?

A convicted murderer with a gangster father.

You seriously think Charlotte's better off with you?

A pathetic, snivelling liar who neglects her and is also

prepared to sell her to pay off his gambling debts?

You gave her away. You abandoned her.

You suddenly think she'll be willing to go with you?

You can pick Charlotte up in the morning and then we'll talk.

Oh, that's not your call.

Oh, I think you'll find it is. Because you owe us.

What?

You didn't think I would just give you that money, did you?

Come on, Fraser, you know me better than that.

We can discuss repayment terms in the morning.

Usual Murdoch rates apply.

-You bring me Charlotte now.

-Or?

Or I'll call the police.

I think they'd be pretty interested to hear about you kidnapping

-my daughter.

-Our daughter.

Don't think it will go down too well, not with you being on licence.

Go ahead.

I'm sure they'd be very interested to hear about

your extortion attempts.

999, which service do you require?

OK. OK.

I'll bring the car round.

Safe to approach?

Sit down, you muppet.

OK. Listen. I know you're angry. And I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to overstep the mark. I just...

..wanted to do what I could to help my best mate.

And I know it was a stupid idea.

So just forget it, eh?

Aye. You did overstep the mark.

And it is a stupid idea.

But...

if the offer's still there...

-Are you serious?

-Do I look like I'm joking?

We're going to make a baby.

You won't be getting a penny back from me.

And you won't be seeing Charlotte again unless you keep on paying.

You can't let him get away with this.

I don't intend to.

The way I see it you've got three choices.

You fight him in court, you pay him off

or you remove him from the equation.

-Are you threatening me?

-I don't make threats.

I can't give you any more of these until the course is finished.

I'm her favourite niece. We've got a special relationship.

What are you doing here? What is that?

-The examination.

-It's today?

You walk out that door and don't even think about coming back.

-TYRES SCREECH

-Whoa!

-Robbie!