17/12/2013 River City

I want to celebrate today. The house is sold,

everything is in order... The house is sold? You never told him?

I need a letter from my former employer

saying I was made redundant.

I'll be there when I'm needed - your father was fantastic to me.

Take this. There's ?250 there.

Thanks, Jimmy. Will you check on my dad when you get a minute?

I phoned the house, but there's no answer.

You are not responsible. It's my decision.

Edward!

Oh, no, oh, no, oh, no, oh, no.

'This is DC Will Cooper.

'Sorry I can't get to the phone right now. Please leave a message.'

Hi, Will, listen.

Your dad's really not well.

I've got him an ambulance,

but you're going to have to come and meet us at the hospital.

Give me a phone when you get this. Right, OK. Bye.

SIREN WAILS

Is he going to be all right?

Yeah, he's going to be fine, don't worry.

Robbie.

Dad! Let them do their job. He's in safe hands now.

Come on, let's go over here.

I can't understand it.

Where did you say you found him? On the bed.

I phoned an ambulance right away.

I was so worried that he'd died.

I'm still shaking.

Come on.

Why are they taking so long?

He recovered from his stroke. He'll pull through this as well.

Robbie, you don't know that.

When did you get to the flat, anyway?

I'm not sure. I got held up with a client.

I specifically asked you to check up on him. It's Christmas.

We were rushed off our feet.

What, too busy to do the one thing I asked?

Sorry. I'm sorry. You're not to blame.

I should have never left him while he was ill.

You did everything you could. Apart from be there when he needed me.

I went to work, and I should have been with my father.

Don't do this.

I was so desperately trying to make up for lost time

I drained every last bit of energy out of him.

You wanted him to be happy. What's wrong with that? No.

I should have seen the signs. He was clearly exhausted.

You have got to stop torturing yourself. This wasn't your fault.

Then whose fault was it?

Look...you've not eaten.

I couldn't face food.

Look, you know, even though we're not together any more,

you don't have to go through this by yourself.

I'm still here for you.

I can't get my head around it.

We were just starting to get to know each other.

You've been at work all day.

Why don't you go home and get a wee sleep?

I'll stay here and, if there's any changes, I'll phone.

If you don't mind, I'd just rather be on my own for a while.

Of course.

I meant what I said.

You don't have to go through this by yourself.

Robbie?

FRONT DOOR CLOSES

I saw you cross the road. Listen, how's Will's dad?

No change, as far as I know.

What, and do the doctors know what's wrong with him?

No' yet.

Listen, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news,

but we're fully booked tomorrow,

so it's all hands on deck in the morning.

I'm no' sure if I'll even make it in.

Robbie, it's the week before Christmas!

Look, I can maybe shuffle your clients about, but that's about it!

Look, Kelly, I've got a lot on my mind right now.

I don't have to worry about a cut and a blow-dry.

Are you sure you're all right? I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

I'm really worried about Will.

Well, maybe I could try to get cover for tomorrow,

but it's best to keep yourself busy,

specially when there's nothing you can dae.

Right, look, you're no' going to stay here yourself.

I'm gonnae take you for a drink.

Look, for the shock, if anything. Naw, you're all right. Naw!

Come on, let's go.

I said move! OK.

MUSIC: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

# Have yourself a merry little Christmas

# Let your heart be light

# Next year all our troubles will be out of sight

# Have yourself a merry little Christmas

# Make the Yuletide gay

# Next year all our troubles will be miles away

# Once again as in olden days

# Happy golden days of yore

RADIO: # Faithful friends who are dear to us

# Will be near to us once more

# Some day soon we all will be together

# If the fates allow

# Until then we'll have... #

SWITCHES RADIO OFF

Right.

Christmas dinner. Tray, cake...crackers.

Presents, cards.

Mr Cooper? Yes.

Er, we've received the test results and it seems your father

hasn't suffered a stroke or a seizure as we had first feared.

OK. What did happen?

It appears he'd taken a potentially fatal dose of insulin.

If he hadn't been brought here so quickly,

we may have been too late to save him.

Even so, he remains critical.

I'm his carer. I administered his insulin yesterday.

What if I gave him the wrong dosage? What time was this?

Er, 9am. I stayed with him until my shift started at 2.

If you had given him too much, he would have lost consciousness

and succumbed within 15 minutes or so.

You were with him long after that, yes?

Yeah. In that case, he must have

misjudged the time. Taken it himself.

People in his condition can suffer loss of memory.

The next 24 hours are crucial.

The longer he takes to regain consciousness,

the more chance of some compromised brain function.

But he will wake up, right?

We've done what we can for him.

I'm afraid we just have to continue to wait.

Thanks.

DOOR CLOSES

PHONE RINGS

Iain Dawes.

Oh, hello, Will.

He's what?!

Any change? No.

What do the doctors say?

Still running tests.

So they don't know yet what caused the coma?

Not yet.

They said it may take some time.

Iain...the other night, when we were drinking, you said,

"Whatever happens in the future, you've done your best."

And you have.

You've done everything possible to make your dad comfortable.

No. You...

The bit about...

whatever happens, you'll be there.

As I said, he was good to me.

I wanted you to know I haven't forgotten.

That's why I'm here now.

Look, I've been here all night. I could really do with a shower.

If you like, I'll sit with him.

Would you? I won't be long. Of course. Take all the time you need.

Thanks.

So, what time's Jamie picking you up?

You make it sound like it's a date.

He's going to be here any minute. I'm going to be late back tonight,

by the way. We've got three office parties.

DOORBELL RINGS Oh, that'll be him.

Hi, Jamie, come in.

Hi, ladies. Hi, Jamie.

We've heard a lot about you. Likewise.

Let me guess - Leyla?

Which makes you Nicole?

Zinnie was telling you had a baby girl.

That's right.

Cute.

Hope you're ready. Don't want to dock your wages. Just coming!

OK. See you tonight.

It's nice to have met you.

Likewise. See you. See you. Have a good day.

DOOR CLOSES

You all right?

Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just a bit tired.

No wonder. You've been cooped up in here for days.

Why don't you take Grace out for a bit,

get some fresh air? Nah, I'm good.

Nic, you don't look it.

You know, when Adeeb was a baby

I used to walk with him in his pram for miles.

It'll do you good to get out the house for a bit.

Yeah, I suppose.

Great.

Right. I better get going too.

Bye, Grace!

Have a nice time, you two.

MUSIC PLAYS

OK. Bottles, nappies, BabyGros.

Grace, you would think we were going to the moon.

GRACE CRIES

Not already.

Come on, then, let's get you fed.

Here we go.

Ssh, ssh.

Right. 10, 20, 30...

That's the kids away to school. Oh, morning, Gran. Morning, hen.

Oof. You rob a bank? Nuh.

Jimmy gave her money for Madonna's Christmas. Ssh. 40, 50.

Right. That's Madonna's present.

She's getting a Princess Castle.

And I'm sorted cos Big Bob is picking me up

one of they cool light-up dog things for Cal's Christmas.

Mind the carry-on with that one

about that Bat-Car or whatever it was? The Batmobile.

I loved that toy.

Right, we need a tree.

There's a guy selling them down at the subway.

Mair money? It never ends. Right...

10, 20, 30, 40, 50.

You're no' half organised this year.

Usually, it's a mad dash on Christmas Eve.

I need to plan things carefully, and even then...

You always get us there one way or another, Ma.

Mind that time she was floggin' DVDs doon the Barras?

I saw Mission Impossible before Tom Cruise did!

Shh, I'm trying to think here. I'll take care of the trifle, hen.

I make my own.

They shop ones are no' the same.

Aye, not enough sherry in them? Have you no' got your work to go to?

I wish! Things are deid the now.

Right, we'll no' bother with the crackers, they're a waste of money anyway.

And mind and get the drink from the cash and carry.

Nae brand names, keep it cheap and cheerful. How much booze will we need?

Oh, no' very much.

Me and your gran don't take very much, do we? Aye, right!

Anyway, I better go. I need to juggle Robbie's clients. Aye.

That was a shame about Will's dad. Aye.

You think you've got problems but there's ay somebody worse aff, eh?

No' by much, but.

Right, I better go myself. How, where you going?

I'm going to see your Uncle Bobby about ordering the Christmas dinner.

Right, see yous later. Bye.

Right.

Right, I've got carrots,

cabbage and gravy granules.

Right, gonnae hurry up? You know I'm not meant to be serving you.

And stay back from the camera, you're no' meant to be in here.

Aye, all right! Gie us a break, I'm not even in the shop.

Right.

Right, tatties, stuffin'... Have you got any sprouts?

Aye, that many that I'm selling them. Right, gie us a couple of kilo,

that'll bulk things up a bit.

Remind me not to light up around about you!

And goose fat for the tatties. At 2.99 a tub?

2.99?!

Just make it lard.

Right, when's the turkeys comin'?

Well, delivery's tomorrow mornin',

but the time you're taking, they'll be here before you leave.

Right, put one aside for us. What size? Enough to do all of us.

That's about 40 quid.

But...I'm no' wanting a bloody ostrich!

Just make it a chicken.

Gonnae hurry up before somebody sees you and I get reported. Right.

How much is that gonnae come tae?

It's...50 quid, give or take.

How can you say that with a straight face? I don't make up the prices.

You're the manager! Do you not get staff discount?

Are you kidding me on? Since you left, this place is run like Colditz.

Right. There's 50 quid, that's it paid.

Right.

Want a receipt?

No, I trust you. Right, beat it.

All right. Keep your antlers on.

Cheers, mate. Have a nice Christmas.

Do you know, that yin'll just dae me nice.

What d'you want for it? ?40. But...

How about bringing it doon to 20?

Oh, come on, it's Christmas!

Sorry, hen.

How much for that wee yin there?

Gie me a tenner for it.

Give me it for a fiver.

Go on, since it's Christmas.

Uh-huh?

Yep, all right, we'll see you then.

Thanks, bye.

Thank goodness you're here. It's been mental.

How's Will's dad?

No change. Will's dead stressed with it, better give him some room.

Aye, well, that's probably for the best.

I feel so sorry for him, he's like a wee lost soul.

Just wish there was something I could dae. Like what?

You've done everything you can do. Still...

Wait, are you no' telling me something here? What do you mean?

Robbie Fraser, I know you inside out. So, come on, spill.

Right, Will asked me to drop in on his dad last night -

before he became ill. Aye, and you did. I was late.

I was blow-drying Mrs Galbraith's hair. For 30 minutes. So what?

I just felt bad because I was so reluctant.

Edward's never been easy. He's a man who needs patience. Who'd blame you?

Will, for one. He went aff his heid when I told him.

What if I could have prevented all this? Prevented what?

You said the doctors don't even know what's wrong with him.

The paramedics did say the quicker he got to the hospital the better.

Aye, and if you hadn't got there and phoned them, he could be lying dead.

Robbie, you probably ended up saving his life.

And Will, he's just no' thinking straight the now.

So, come on, grab your scissors and stop worrying about what-ifs.

The way I'm feeling the day, I'll probably end up scalpin' somebody.

Right, don't worry, it's not gonnae be you.

Oh, hello. I didnae know anybody from head office was coming down the day.

I'm just catching up with some paperwork. Come on through.

Mrs Rooney never said.

What can I do for you?

KNOCKING AT DOOR

I want a word wi' you.

All right, Jimmy? Aye, no' bad, aye.

Traffic's a nightmare, with the shoppers and that.

How about you? How's it going at the garage? Dead quiet.

I mean, I've got my regulars

but I cannae compete with the big tyre and exhaust places.

People are being careful with their cash these days, Christmas or not.

By the way, that was good of you to give my ma money

for her and Madonna.

I'd gie her away my heart's blood.

Anyway, Scarlett's in her element this time of year.

You know how she feels about family. Aye.

She was in the mini-market earlier on getting the Christmas dinner.

I thought she was barred? Who knows?

Maybe blood's thicker than water right enough.

I cannae believe they sacked you. This time of year?!

That's a pure sin so, and it is.

Well, they said I should advertise the job in the usual way

instead of just gieing it to you. I'm your sister. That's the point.

But you know my strengths. Why would you take on a complete stranger?

We both know that's not how it works.

I cannae even sign on because I've got my cards.

Welcome to my world.

Eh, I think you'll find you got sacked for stealing.

They sandwiches were for the skip.

Talking of food, what about that stuff I ordered?

Well, I'll need to speak to them.

Oh, wait a minute. Did you get a receipt?

I didn't think I needed one. You're my brother.

Exactly. They're not going to believe me, are they?

You need to get that money back!

You need to get in that shop and get it oot the till for me! Aye, right!

What about the Christmas dinner? I cannae afford to buy any mair food.

I'm sorry but they've got no proof that you've spent anything and the guy's a total jobsworth.

What am I going to tell Bob and Kelly Marie?

Well, I'm sorry, but with your track record

you're not going to get a kind word out of them, let alone cash, are you?

Kiss your Christmas dinner goodbye.

But...

Wait a minute. What about the present you were going to get for the wean?

What wi'? Buttons? You were meant to give me the cash.

I've got some money here. Well, tough. It's too late.

I've got enough on my plate without worrying about a bloody princess castle.

What am I supposed tae dae? Get it yourself!

Take it this is a bad time?

When's it a good time(?)

The thing is, Scarlett, erm...

it's about the rent.

Raymond, erm...

Listen, I'm boracic - I'm pure skint.

Well, I'm not exactly rollin' in it myself,

what with Christmas just round the corner.

Look, I'll square you up when we get to New Year.

No way, Scarlett, you're three months behind already.

Raymond, I've no' got it.

Look, I'm doing you a favour as it is, letting you pay in readies.

If it was going through the books it'd be costing you more.

How much have you got?

Look, I'm sorry, but I need something today.

I've got about ?100.

Everything else is accounted for.

I promise you, I wouldnae lie to you.

Fair enough, seeing as it's you.

But I need the rest as soon as.

We're all feeling the pinch the now.

All right? Well, I've been better.

What's up?

Look, I don't want to go stirring things,

but Scarlett's way behind with the rent

and I've got bills to pay too, you know.

I'm sorry. I don't know what she's playing at these days. She's always pride and poverty.

Times are tough, Jim, I realise that, but...

Even so, I'll go and talk to her. No, don't.

It'll just look like I've come runnin' to you.

I'll get it next month. But I need it then.

Yep, yep. Got that.

Cheers.

Look, I'm off duty just now, so could you do us a favour?

Take these down to the lab, have them run the prints

and see if they match up.

And get them to step on it, would you? It's for DCI Donald.

KNOCK AT DOOR Come.

Cooper. How's your dad? No change.

Take a seat.

Yeah, I'd hoped to get up before now, but you know what it's like

with only six shoplifting days left till Christmas.

It's a busy time, sir.

It goes without saying, no need for you to hurry back.

If I can do anything, just ask. Thank you, sir.

Actually there is something I'd like to talk to you about, if that's OK?

It's...

rather delicate.

I think you've counted on my discretion before.

Discretion is one thing, sir,

but I need your word that this remains between us, for now.

OK.

I've had the lab run some prints

but I've got to go back to the hospital

so I said you ordered the report.

Oh, you did, did you?

What are these prints of?

My dad's insulin pen.

Sorry, you've lost me.

The doctors seem to think that my dad's had an overdose of insulin,

that's why he's unconscious.

When did you find this out? This morning.

His condition's delayed the diagnosis.

Maybe some sort of mistake with his medication?

No, I checked it personally.

The thing is, sir,

my dad's been depressed lately,

he's been...

He's been talking about taking his own life.

He even asked me to help him do it.

I said no.

You think someone else did?

It's a possibility.

Sounds like you've got someone in mind.

An old friend of my dad has been spending some time with him lately.

They go way back. And you suspect him?

Suspect's a strong word,

I just want to eliminate him from my inquiry.

Whoa, we're having an inquiry?

My dad couldn't have injected himself, sir,

he had to have someone help him.

HE EXHALES

Look, this is a serious accusation - attempting an assisted suicide.

Has this old friend...? Ian Dawes.

Has he been in trouble before?

I doubt it. He and my dad did the bar together.

Well, then his prints won't be on file.

No, I gave the lab a bottle we all drank from.

Mine, my dad's and Dawes' prints... Yeah, yeah, yeah,

I get it. I get it.

You really have got the bit between your teeth, haven't you?

You're way out of line here,

and you know fine none of this is admissible.

I don't care about the legalities. I can see that.

Look, I know it's a big ask, sir,

but if you could chivvy along the report...

This whole situation is driving me crazy.

I can see that too.

It looks like you've presented me with no choice.

It's kind of a fait accompli, isn't it?

Then you knew that, didn't you?

That's why you sent them to the lab first.

I mean, OK, so the results come back as this friend's. What then?

Then I'll know. Yeah, and I'll know.

I know I said I'd keep this between us,

but I can't sit on my hands for ever if a crime's been committed.

And, of course, the prints could be someone else's.

What do you mean?

You said your dad had to have had help.

Well, it might not be the result you want.

Who found your dad unconscious?

Robbie, but...

No, he called the ambulance. I'm just saying.

This thing might not pan out the way you think.

PHONE RINGS

DCI Donald.

Yes, sir.

Yep, I'll be right up.

DCI DONALD SIGHS

I need to go see the Super. Look, just...

..leave this with me, OK? I'll take care of it.

Thanks. You go and get changed and go back to the hospital.

You're no use hanging about here.

Thanks again, sir.

Don't fancy being the fairy on top of that, know what I mean?

It's the best I could do. If you don't like it, get another one.

No, it's fine, Ma.

Once we get a bit of tinsel and put some lights on it,

it'll look a lot better. PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Hang on a minute, please.

It's for you. Nifty Quid Payday Loans?

Tell them I'll call them later. They said it's important.

Ma... Did you hear me?

Hi, I'm sorry, she's no' in the now.

Can I get her to call you back?

Right, cheers.

What are you up to? I thought you'd paid that loan off.

They companies are a bunch of sharks. Lenny Murdoch's cheaper!

How much do you owe?

Nothing I cannae handle. How much?

No' sure.

You must have some paperwork or something.

What's all this?

Fines.

Bills.

Final demands.

It's no' your problem, it's mine.

Ma, they're no' just gonnae go away.

I'll sort it out after Christmas.

I cannae pay them off in one go anyway! What?!

The interest will shoot up

and you're talking about waiting till the new year!

I've had to be careful since me and Jimmy split up.

Everything's under control now, I promise you. Aye!

It looks like it. This is my family and I'll look after it!

I mean it.

Everything is under control.

Don't worry.

I'm away to get the wean's present.

Bob, everything is going to be all right.

I promise.

BABY GRIZZLES

Ah, thanks, love. There we go!

There we go! Aw, thanks, Malcolm.

Aye, there we are, all right?

Where's Liz? Nature called.

She calls a lot more often these days. Oh, hi, there.

Oh, hey, Scarlett, will I get you a drink?

Splash out. Oh, you're all right, Malcolm. I'm no' stopping.

Ma, can I have a word? Of course, hen.

Erm, listen, I'm in a rush

and the weans are about to come out of school.

Do you want to pick them up for us? Can you no' get them?

I've got to get into the town. Listen, I'm in company, Scarlett.

Me, Malcolm and Liz were having a wee Christmas drink.

I wouldn't ask, but I've got to pick up Madonna's present.

It's still a week to go to Christmas.

Aye, I know, but I meant to get it earlier, but...

Listen, I wouldnae ask...

See you? All right, but I'm gonnae have this first.

Mind you, I'm loathe to leave.

Malcolm keeps forgetting it's my round.

I'll see you later. Oh, no, Scarlett, Scarlett.

I'm selling tickets for the community centre's Christmas raffle.

Actually, I've just given to the chapel.

Well, we're all God's children, Scarlett.

Come on, a fiver for five tickets.

Uh, don't look at me. I forgot my purse.

Thank you, dear.

Oh, thank you.

Right, I'll just give you the five tickets.

I can't count all that.

There you go. Good luck, dear. Thanks.

Right...

Thanks for staying with him. Oh, no problem.

You, erm...

You see Robbie on your travels? He'll be busy at the salon.

Yeah.

Probably just as well.

Nothing he can do here. Tell me, Ian.

Did you think Dad was acting strangely the last day you saw him?

Apart from betting on the nags?

Not sure, how do you mean?

You didn't notice if he was down or depressed? You were there.

He seemed on top form.

Mind you, he's a stubborn sort.

A hard, hard man to read.

Why do you ask?

Just wondered, that's all.

Listen, you can leave now if you like. I don't want to hold you back.

No, no, no. I'll keep you company.

After all, he might wake up any second.

This is a nightmare, isn't it? I know. Oh, thank you.

Uh, excuse me.

MOBILE RINGS

Hello? 'Hi, Cooper, it's me.'

Hold on.

I need to take this. I'll be back in a minute.

Sorry, sir, I couldn't speak. Dawes is in there with my dad.

That's fine. Listen, I've just got the lab report back.

There is a print on the pen distinct from the three on the bottle.

'Who else had access to the flat?'

Nobody, apart from Robbie, obviously.

I told you this could open a can of worms.

'You still there?'

Yes. Yes, sir.

'Like I said, I can't just sit on this.'

Robbie's got nothing to do with this, sir. He couldn't have.

Maybe not, but somebody did.

'I'm going to make some enquiries.' But, sir...

Don't worry, I'll ca' canny. You get back to your dad, OK?

Thanks again, Mrs Baxter. You have a good Christmas, now, eh?

Ah, Mr Fraser. Sorry to disturb you.

Just wondered if I might have a word.

As you can see, we're a bit busy the now. Sorry.

Look, I won't keep you long.

Why do you want to talk to me?

Why don't you let me buy you a cup of coffee and I'll tell you, OK?

There you go, that should help keep out the cold. Thanks.

I'm sorry to drag you away.

Just, I needed to have a word in private.

Aye, so you've said, but what about?

Erm, hmm...

Well, there's no easy way to put this.

It's seems Will's dad might have tried to commit suicide.

He'd taken an overdose of insulin, which resulted in a diabetic coma.

I take it Will knows?

He hasn't said anything to me.

I think he's having a bit of trouble trying to take it all in.

Nae wonder!

I cannae believe that.

The old guy's quite a character, eh?

Will says he can be very stubborn.

That's one way of putting it. Hmm.

He does hold some strong opinions, doesn't he?

What do you mean?

Just, I hear he's not got a particularly modern outlook.

Take you and Will, for instance.

What about us?

He was dead against your marriage. Do your in-laws love you?

I'm divorced.

What are you getting at?

It was very good of you to give up your flat for his dad,

especially considering you can't stand the guy.

Who knows? Maybe there's hope for you and Will yet.

That's none of your business.

Of course, if you did want to get back together,

having the dad around might be a bit of a nuisance.

If you've got something to say, then say it.

Will's father's a proud man.

Maybe he figured it was better to go out with a bit of dignity.

So he needed to help things along.

Did he ask you to inject him?

What? It's a simple question. He asked Will, did he ask you?

He couldn't say anything, because he was unconscious when I got there.

And I would never have done that, not ever.

So you say.

But then, you would, wouldn't you?

Look, I realise you've been placed in a very difficult position.

You probably thought you had the best intentions.

I didn't do anything. Why would I?!

Come on, let's face facts. You couldn't stand the guy.

Maybe you were more than happy to give him a helping hand.

He is a cantankerous, ungrateful, moany, old homophobe,

but I didnae want him deid.

So why did you help him administer the insulin, then?

How many times do I have to tell you? I didn't.

Your fingerprints were on the insulin pen he was injected with.

Of course they would have been,

because I picked up the used pen, but...

Have you been in my flat?

No, course not.

Then how did you get the insulin pen, and how did you know

they were my prints that were on it, because they wouldn't be on file?

Let's stick to the point, here.

The point is, someone has been in my flat and if it wasn't you...

..it was Will?

Look, DC Cooper was merely trying...

I know fine well what DC Cooper was trying to do.

And you can tell him from me... Do you know what? Forget it.

I'll tell him myself.

HE SIGHS

I was just going to go and get a coffee. Did you want anything? No.

Thanks, I'm good.

OK, I'll be back in a minute.

MUSIC: "Winter Wonderland" by Dean Martin

# Winter wonderland

# Wonderland

# Sleigh bells ring Are you listening?

# In the lane, snow is glistening

# A beautiful sight

# Oh, we're happy tonight

# Walking in a winter wonderland

# Gone away is the bluebird

# Here to stay is a new bird

# He's singing a song as we go along

# Walking in a winter wonderland

# Well, in the meadow we can build a snowman

# And pretend that he is Parson Brown

# He'll say, "Are you married?" We'll say, "No, man"

# But you can do the job when you're in town

# Later on, we'll conspire

# As we dream by the fire

# To face unafraid the plans that we made

# Walking in a winter wonderland

# Wonderland, Wonderland. #

Scarlett.

I spoke to your ma earlier.

She said you were getting my Donna's present. Aye, I was.

Well, where is it? I never got one. Ross'll do it. What?

I looked everywhere, Jimmy,

but I couldnae find one for love nor money.

Talking about money, what happened to the cash

I gave you for the wean?

I put my Donna's money aside.

There it is if you don't believe me.

And what about Christmas dinner?

Aye.

Your brother told me. And I heard you're behind with the rent.

HE SIGHS: Nae wonder you're hanging your heid, eh?

See, in future, I'll make my own arrangements for my daughter.

I'm doing the best I can. Yeah, that's what worries me.

Is something up?

Right, you two, away and wash your hands, tea is nearly ready.

Come on, hurry up.

I'll be telling Santa!

Right...

What's happened?

Come on, hen. Talk to me.

I don't know what to do, Ma.

I'm too scared to appease my own family.

Oh, for heaven's sake! What have you done?

I've run up a pile of debt and I cannae pay it off.

Oh, thank the saints!

For a minute I thought you'd killed somebody. I'm not kidding, Ma.

Everybody has debts this time of year. Yeah, but not like me.

I'm up to my eyes in it. Worse.

What...? How did all this come about?

Well, I lost my job. So I was skint.

So I took one of they quick loans. Then I took out another one.

They're both after me and I can't pay them back.

Can Kelly-Marie or Bob not help you? They've got enough trouble paying their digs.

I cannae ask them for any more. You've looked after them long enough.

I'm their mother. That's what I'm supposed to do,

that's what I should always be doing. Now I'm just...

I'm just a waste of space.

That is not true, Scarlett, and you know it.

I lost the money for the Christmas dinner.

I can't get my Donna's present. What would you call me?

Oh!

GROANING

Edward. Edward!

Well...I just had a visit from your boss.

You sent him to interrogate me!

I didn't send anyone anywhere. You had my fingerprints checked out.

That's not true. Then why did Donald come and see me?

I was just trying to find out what happened to my dad.

You started playing detective and decided it must be me. No.

You never crossed my mind,

Donald thought he found your prints on the insulin pens.

I lifted it when I was tidying, not because I helped him commit suicide.

I never would have accused you of that.

No, you leave your boss to do the dirty work.

Look, all I know is that Dad must have had someone help him,

he couldn't have done it by himself. You still suspect me.

No, no, Donald...you were the last person in the flat.

Yeah, I tried to kill him.

Then I phoned an ambulance. Makes sense(!)

My dad had just gone in a coma, I wasn't thinking straight.

Are you so blind you can't see he did it to himself?

Or do you not want believe it? He couldn't. He's not capable. Will.

Your dad has woken up. The doctor is with him now.

He's what?

I'm glad. You two deserve each other.

You are barking up the wrong tree.

You gave us a fight there, Mr Cooper. Good to have you back.

I'll look at the rest of your results and return shortly.

Dad.

How is he? Groggy. It'll be some time yet before he comes round fully.

Give us a few moments and you can come and sit with him, if you like.

Thanks.

Come on, let's get out of their way.

If you want to take a wee seat and grab a magazine.

'Hi, it's Robbie, sorry I can't take your call.

'If you leave a message, I'll phone you back.'

Here, I'll be back in a minute.

DOORBELL BUZZES

Hey, hi. Hi.

Thanks. Listen, I'm really sorry to bother you,

but the salon is chock-a-block and Robbie's gone AWOL.

I don't suppose you could help us out this afternoon. I'd love to, yes.

But I don't have anyone to watch Grace.

Of course. Sorry, I forgot. Place is running like a fair over there.

I'd really like to help.

Leyla will be back soon if you give me an hour or so.

No, sorry, I need someone now. I'll try Robbie again.

All right, Grace, you be good for your mummy, OK?

I'll see you later. Bye.

GRACE GRIZZLES

Thank heavens he's awake.

What's wrong?

He's awake, but I'm not sure he'll be as happy as you about it.

What do you mean? And...

What did you mean before when you said I was barking up the wrong tree?

I think you know, Will.

I couldn't help overhearing before.

Robbie had nothing to do with your father's overdose.

And you know what happened, do you?

Your father injected himself.

He couldn't, he's not capable.

Your dad is the most stubborn man I've ever met.

If he wanted to, he'd find a way. You don't know that.

I'm sorry, Will, but he told me. He what?

Why didn't you tell me?

Tell you what?

That he was having suicidal thoughts, you knew that already.

He'd asked you to help him out before.

Don't bury your head in the sand, Will. It's time to face the facts.

But... Why, why now?

That's something you're going to have to ask him.

Mr Cooper? Yes.

OK.

Is that you, Will? Yes, Dad. It's me.

Looks like I'm still here. The doctors say you're going to be fine.

Doctors, what do they know?

Don't they understand I wanted this over and done with?

But why? I'm here for you. To do what?

Watch, as I waste away to some dribbling idiot

who can't take care of himself? It doesn't matter, you're my father.

It matters to me.

I decided to die on my terms by myself.

Without involving everybody else.

And that's it? You were just going to...

without saying goodbye?

Did I not enter into your plans at all?

You still don't see it, do you, son?

I did it for your sake.

For me?

I watched your mother die by inches,

I couldn't stand you seeing me like that.

My pride is all I've got left.

Unfortunately I failed. Dad, don't say that. It's true.

I couldn't face a future where I'd be....

forced to rely on other people, not even you.

I asked you to help me.

But you refused.

So...I took matters into my own hands while I still could.

May I?

As you know, my dad is back in the land of the living, but...

Apparently that's not what he wanted.

You're angry, and you have every reason to be,

but I didn't mean to hurt you.

Things...just got out of control.

I never thought for one second you'd help my dad.

But Ian Dawes may have

and that's the only reason why I had the insulin pen tested for prints.

Please, Robbie, you've got to believe me on this.

And once Iain Dawes was eliminated, I was next on your list.

Because that's logical. It wasn't like that. Oh, was it not?

Robbie, you've got to...

You had the suspects in mind and, when those prints came back,

and they weren't Iain's, they had to be mine. It's not what happened.

And then you get your boss to follow things up unofficially.

I didn't. You blamed me. But then again, what's new?

You've got it all wrong.

When you used me as your punchbag, I put up with it.

But this, this is the worst thing you've ever done.

Robbie, you're making a mistake. My only mistake was marrying you.

And believing anything you've ever said.

Pack up your things. I want you and your father out of my flat.

And out of my life.

Look, Mum.

I told it would be a lot better with some tinsel and lights.

It'll look even better once the Christmas presents are under it.

Right, I'll get the rest of the decorations from the loft.

And we got the booze in, so will you sit down, put your feet up

and I'll get you a glass of red wine. Do you want one as well, Gran?

I'd love one, hen. Merry Christmas. What's that, Dad?

Oh, I don't know, darling.

Santa just told me to put it under the tree. I'll do it. All right.

I know a guy who knows a guy who...knew somebody else. Here.

Think I'll see you go hungry at Christmas? Thanks.

Whatever.

Look, I'll see you later, eh. Bye.

Jimmy, why don't you join us for a drink?

Um...maybe a quick one.

Bob, pour Jimmy a whisky. Aye, nae bother.

Look at them all, hen. What more could you ask for Christmas?

Here, Jimmy. Cheers, wee man.

I wanted to let you know I'll be out of the flat by tomorrow.

Is the forensics finished in there?

Everyone needs someone to turn to.

It seems to me that, for you, that person is Robbie.

What is it, what do you want, Grace? What is it? Nicole.

You know what you need - a night out.

Come and meet me tonight after my shift. You've never even been there.