Synopsis: Phil's in hospital after Grant nearly killed him (due to the affair with Sharon), so Sharon foolishly visits Phil. The Vic staff anxiously speculate on the future. Art and Sanjay discuss the racists running for office. Alan and Robbie have a word with the dog lover. Cindy and Ian interview people for the chippie. Kath runs into Sharon at the hospital and gives her a dressing-down!

Directed by Gwennan Sage.

Text in braces {} is unclear. I tried my best, but, especially with Bianca, it can be hard to work out what people are saying sometimes.

The Cockney English verb (and noun), "kip," means sleep. And a "gaff" is a place (e.g. a store, a flat, a house). "Taking the mick" is tormenting/teasing. A "punter" is a customer. A "chippie" is a fish and chips place.

CHELLE = MICHELLE = CHELLE
KATH = KATHY = KATH

approx. 42 scenes.

22 characters: ROBBIE, MICHELLE, SHARON, NIGEL, GRANT, BIANCA, RICKY, PAT, DAVID, CAROL, ALAN, ART, PAULINE, CINDY, IAN , KATH, DEBS, STEVE, SANJAY, GEOFF, BINNIE, and PHIL. And Wellhard. Cast list (cast.htm 3K)

When I printed this transcript, it took 37 pages.

Transcribed via microcassette and copious notes.

[Early Morning, the morning after the previous episode. ROBBIE walks through streets, back alleys, to the Arches (Phil's garage). Happy. He has a small plain white oval-ish package.]

MICHELLE
Why didn't you tell me?

SHARON
I was too upset. Thought you'd be angry with me.

MICHELLE
Of course I wouldn't have.

SHARON
Didn't get much sleep last night.. Kept thinking about what Ian said. The damage I've done.

MICHELLE
I thought you wanted me to have a word with Kath first.

SHARON
No, I couldn't wait.

MICHELLE
Bet you wish now you had.

SHARON
Wish he'd only let me talk to her.

MICHELLE
Well, you can't blame him.

SHARON
[pause] No. I suppose not. You're right: it's far too early to try 'n' speak to her. I gotta concentrate on gettin' back to normal.

MICHELLE
Yeah, good. It's--ju--gonna take a bit of time you know.

SHARON
Yeah.

NIGEL
Morning. Thought you' gonna sleep all day.

GRANT
[pause, looks up and then returns to staring into space, which he continues pretty much throughout] Only got to sleep a couple o' hours ago.

NIGEL
Yeah. Sorry..
Do you often get those nightmares.

GRANT
[pause] Sometimes..

NIGEL
Look um.. Don't worry about last night; I understand.

GRANT
[pause] Do you.

NIGEL
[pause] Well, I mean, it's not--not--surprising, is it--you had a shock.

I mean, you didn't know what you were sayin', did ya..

You didn't mean what you said. [deals quietly with his anxieties about Grant]

GRANT
[pause] Shouldn't you be gettin' ta work, Nige.

NIGEL
Yeah, but.. Well, I mean, if you're all ri--

GRANT
I'll be fine.

NIGEL
Right. [leaves]

BIANCA
{Why you le'im come here now.}

RICKY
I ain't gonna be here all day, am I? I wanna pop off to the hospital in a bit.

BIANCA
Trust my brother to pick the ugliest dog in Britain for a pet. Mind you it's two of a kind, i't'n' it? Why d'you {stop to playin' to 'im?}

RICKY
Means a lot to him, don't it?

BIANCA
Why. [seeing ROBBIE arrive, to ROBBIE] Yeah, we're all right.

[ROBBIE comes in delighted and at ease to see his dog. RICKY and BIANCA are happy watching.]

ROBBIE
Hello, boy! How're ya doin'? Hope you enjoy your breakfast.

BIANCA
Mom'll go mad, if she knows you been wastin' good food on 'im.

ROBBIE
Yeah, he deserves it, all right? Don't you, Wellhard? [pause while he feeds and pets him]

After all you've been through..

PAT
I'm just worried about him--that's all.

DAVID
Mum, he's nothing to do with us anymore.

PAT
Go on! He's Frank's son! He should be living at home with us.

DAVID
I don't know if he wants to go home with us.

PAT
Well, maybe if you two buried the hatchet, he might come home.

DAVID
I'm not sure I want him.

PAT
Oh, don't be so stubborn, David--you know you need him.

Well it's hardly as if that part-time mechanic you've got is any good.

DAVID
Oh, Nick's all right..

PAT
Ha! You could've fooled me..

DAVID
All right, Mum, all right--I'll have a word with him, offer the olive branch, is that okay?

PAT
Thank you Dav--

DAVID
And don't hold your breath. I don't think he's gonna take it.

PAT
You don' know 'til you try, do ya?

Right. I better get in the Vic. See ya later.

DAVID
Yeah, see ya.

CAROL
Did you and Robbie enjoy your fry-out, then?

ALAN
What?

CAROL
Oh, don't think I didn't notice the bacon and the sausages are gone from the 'fridge.

ALAN
I was late this morning. I skipped breakfast. And I ain't seen Robbie..

CAROL
Well, I thought he'd gone up early to go out 'cause he was gonna help you set up.

ALAN
I see.

CAROL
Ww--you don't think he's run away again, do ya?

ALAN
Nah, of course not. He's probably gone off somewhere. It might a been about that dog.

CAROL
Oh.

ART
Hey, have you seen this?

PAULINE
What?

ART
Old Newman died.

PAULINE
Who?

ART
Newman. Councilor Newman.

PAULINE
Mmm. Who's he when he's at home. [sits down with him about now]

ART
Well, he's our local councilman for this ward.

PAULINE
Never heard of 'im.

ART
Well, you should a done--he's always in The Gazette for doing things.

PAULINE
Like what?

ART
Well, now, opening places, visiting schools, that sort of thing. You know, you should take an interest in local politics. It is important.

PAULINE
So when did he die?

ART
A couple of months ago. They just announced the date for the election.

PAULINE
Oh. So why didn't you know about it when it happened if you're so up in it all?

ART
I don't know--I must have missed it.

PAULINE
Well, if you're so interested, why don't you go for it yourself..

ART
Ha.. Do you think so?
Councilor Fowler. Ha.. Sounds good, doesn't it.

PAULINE
Hm.

CINDY
Right, then, that's the kids sorted?

IAN
Yeah. You're sure Pat doesn't mind havin' them.

CINDY
Well, let's just say she'll be as pleased as I'll be when we get some staff.

IAN
Yeah, well, she won't have long a wait, will she.

CINDY
All fixed, then.

IAN
Yeah, we'll be interviewing all day.

CINDY
Uhhh--you are?

IAN
Yeah..?

CINDY
Uh, well, what about me?

IAN
Ah, uh, yeah, you'll have to hold the fort, love.

CINDY
Oh, terrific..

IAN
Look, Cindy, you want us to get some staff, don't ya.

CINDY
Yeah.

IAN
Yeah, well I've gotta carry out interviews, haven't I?

CINDY
Yeah, well I wanna see 'em, too.
Don't want you employing some flirty teenage girl, do I?

IAN
Yeah, 'n' I don't want you employing some muscle-bound male model, otherwise you'll be working there full time.

CINDY
So you've seen him?

IAN
No, the agency's sending over a selection.

CINDY
People with experience?

IAN
Hope so.

KATH
Hi-ya.

DEBS
Hi, ah, how're ya doing today.

KATH
Fine: what can I get ya?

DEBS
[to show she's tired, she slumps on the counter] Coffee, please, maybe it'll perk me up a bit before work.

KATH
Tired?

DEBS
Yeah, a bit. Never sleep as well when you're not in your own bed, do ya?

KATH
Where're you kippin' then?

DEBS
Me Mum's.

KATH
Oh.

DEBS
Yeah. Me an' Clare went there last night.

KATH
Poor ol' Nigel--he must've had a terrible time without you.

DEBS
Oh, I don't know about that--only for a few days.

[PAULINE comes in.]

PAULINE
Hi Kath.

KATH
Hi-ya.

PAULINE
Got a minute?

KATH
Yeah. Sixty every hour. What can I get ya?

PAULINE
You seem a lot better.

KATH
Yeah.

PAULINE
Um. Nellie said you went to see Phil.

KATH
No such thing as a secret around here, is there?

PAULINE
You sure that was a good idea?

KATH
Yeah; I feel a lot better now I've seen him.

PAULINE
Right--well, anyway, if there's anything I can do for ya, give us a shout, ya? [she's leaving]

KATH
Well, uh, you could actually look after the cafe for us for a couple hours later on.

PAULINE
Yeah, sure!

KATH
I promised I'd go back an' see Phil again.

PAULINE
Right.

[KATH turns away from PAULINE as PAULINE leaves--KATH has a Cheshire grin on.]

CAROL
Oh Pauline, I'm glad I've bumped into you--

PAULINE
Oh, look, Carol, I can't cover your shift for ya. I've promised Kathy I'd do her a favour for this afternoon--

CAROL
No, no, that wasn't it. I just wanted to chat, really.

PAULINE
Which one of 'em is it this time--Bianca?

CAROL
No, it's Robbie.

PAULINE
[quiet] What's he done now?

CAROL
Oh, I don't know. Nothing really. But, well, he's asked about his real dad yesterday an' he's never mentioned him before.

PAULINE
Oh. Perhaps it's a sign he's growing up. Wants to know who he is. Why doesn't Alan have a word with him?

CAROL
Oh, I don't know, Pauline. I just wish I'd've explained things to them when they were little. I mean, it's all a bit complicated now they're older.

PAULINE
Doesn't get any simpler, I can tell ya.

CAROL
I know, it's just I feel so guilty sometimes.

PAULINE
Yeah, well, once they've got a mind of their own, there's not much you can do about it--now what's Robbie gone an' done now--got involved with some girl?

CAROL
Ha! A girl? No, that would be a relief. No, he's all upset about this stupid dog.

PAULINE
Is that all? [like a groan, sort of, and she turns to Launderette's door]

CAROL
Yeah. Stupid i'n't it?

PAULINE
Yeah.

STEVE
So how long's all this gonna go on, then?

CHELLE
All what?

STEVE
Sharon--stayin' out of the way.

CHELLE
Ah. I just think it's better just to keep her head down right now. Or else she might do something silly.

STEVE
So, uh, what's gonna happen in the long run, you know, like with the pub.

CHELLE
[pause] You worried about Sharon or your job?

STEVE
Both.

CHELLE
At least you're honest.

STEVE
So what do you reckon?

CHELLE
What makes you think I know what's gonna go on?

STEVE
You know Sharon.

CHELLE
Yeah. Well, she still has a habit of surprising me sometimes. [goes on with her work]

[SHARON comes down and runs into CHELLE who's just come around to the stairs.]

CHELLE
Hello.

SHARON
Hi: I was gettin' bored up there so I thought I could help you set up.

CHELLE
All right, you?

SHARON
Yeah. [comes to bar area]

STEVE
All right? You workin' a shift today?

SHARON
Oh, not just yet.

STEVE
Oh, that's too bad, about to open.

SHARON
[sees ice buckets on the bar] Oh, it's a good job I am. No one got the ice buckets ready?

CHELLE
Oh, right, sorry, sorry. [grabs them and leaves]

SHARON
Mm, better get a move on, it's opening time..
Oh, I love this time o' day. It's like the Vic is about to wake up.

STEVE
Are you sure you don't wanna work a session?..

SHARON
Ah, not just yet. Like Michelle was sayin': gotta give it some time.

RICKY
Do you know, it's such a wreck, I don't know why he's bothering.

PHIL
Well, it's his girlfriend's car, i'n't it? He told her it could be fixed.

RICKY
David had a car out, too. I had to laugh: it was even worse than usual.

PHIL
[is amused, likes the shop talk] Was he able to sell it?

RICKY
I tell you, he's got this mechanic, Nick, all right, made out to be like right top mechanic--

PHIL
And?

RICKY
He's never there--he bunks off half the day!

PHIL
Sounds like David's missing you for Deals on Wheels.

RICKY
Well, I got a better offer, didn't I?

ALAN
Sanj, watch the stall for me?
Sanjay!

SANJAY
[finished with punter] Sorry, Alan, what'd you want?

ALAN
Ah, never mind.

IAN
All right. So, uh, have you ever worked in the service industry before? .. Serving the public.

GUY
No.

IAN
Right.. Do you know anything about fish?

GUY
No.

ART
How's Sharon?

STEVE
So-so.

ART
Any sign of Grant?

STEVE
Not for a while.

ART
Well, must be like working in No-Man's land?

STEVE
Nah; it's all right.

SANJAY
What's the latest on Phil?

STEVE
I don't know; no one tells us anything.

SANJAY
I reckon he's lucky to be alive. I mean, I wouldn't fancy my chances against Grant.

ART
Yeah, but Grant's not a killer, though, is he?

SANJAY
Oh, you reckon, do you? Well, someone told me, that he was nearly out for murder once. The last landlord here, or something?

ART
Oh!.. That was that poor old Eddie Royal, yeah. Yeah, now--that was Nick Cotton that killed him. It wasn't Grant.

STEVE
The jury didn't think so.

SANJAY
Yeah, well, that doesn't mean he wasn't guilty, does it?

ART
Or that Grant was!

STEVE
[to MICHELLE] Looks like we did the right thing opening up. Sharon'll be pleased.

MICHELLE
I've seen her happier..

SANJAY
Yeah. I feel sorry for Nigel.

ART
Nigel?

SANJAY
Yeah, I mean, he's got Grant stayin' with him, doesn't he.

ART
Does he?

SANJAY
Yeah. I wouldn't wanna be in his shoes..

[GEOFF walks in and goes to MICHELLE, who's behind the bar. He has a decent haircut, he looks good.]

GEOFF
Hello stranger! Remember me?

MICHELLE
Uh, no. Can't say I do; would you remind me? [they kiss]

GEOFF
Two days an' you've forgotten what I look like.

MICHELLE
Let me see, I thought you were gonna be at college?

GEOFF
It's lunchtime. I wanted to see ya. Well you look pretty busy.. Are you sure you're not taking on too much?

MICHELLE
I, promised I'd help Sharon out. But can I get you a drink while you're waiting, it's a bit--

GEOFF
Uh, no, no, I got a seminar at two. Maybe I'll pop out later--

MICHELLE
Oh, well, try about half past three, it should be fine then.

GEOFF
Good of you to fit me in! See ya later. [cheerily leaves]

DEBS
Hi.

NIGEL
Hi! [they kiss]

DEBS
Brought you a sandwich. Cheese an' pickle all right.

NIGEL
Oh, lovely.

DEBS
You okay?

NIGEL
Yeah.

DEBS
Coping?

NIGEL
Miss you.

DEBS
[they hug] Oh, yeaaah, miss you too. Ooo.

NIGEL
Ah, well, this is really romantic, i't'n it? Secret lunchtime meetings over cheese and pickle sandwiches. [they chuckle]

DEBS
[inaudible]

NIGEL
Is Clare all right?

DEBS
Yeah, fine. Not much happier.

NIGEL
Oh, that's the most important thing--uh.

DEBS
And Grant?

NIGEL
Great. Just great.. [sounds doubtful and DEBS senses it]

PAULINE
Oh! Morning Councilor. D'you have a good day?

ART
[chuckles] Yeah. Thirsty work managing a reference collection on this {barrio}. So I went and had a quick drink before lunch.

PAULINE
Oh, yeah? Our Michelle there again, was she?

ART
Yeah. She looks as if she's rushed off her feet.

PAULINE
Well, it's no more 'n she deserves. She got no business bein' there anyway.

ART
Oh, this wants some mustard on it. [He'd gone and sat at the table and now gets up, goes to the kitchen. She's in the living room by now and he calls from the kitchen.] You know, I reckon some new blood on the council is just what's needed.

PAULINE
Yeah, you'd look good in a gold chain.

ART
[chuckles] A lot you know--that's the Mayor.

PAULINE
Well, you may as well aim high. If you get Mayor, I could use the official car for me shopping.

ART
Ha, ha, ha.

BIANCA
What's with them?

RICKY
Ah. That is David's latest disaster.

BIANCA
It go?

RICKY
No, not at the moment.

BIANCA
I bet you could make it work. [hands him his lunch]

RICKY
I'm a mechanic, not a magician.

BIANCA
Nice you working here again, though.

RICKY
Yeah.

BIANCA
I like a man in oily overalls.

RICKY
Yeah, an' one who's earning.

BIANCA
An' that an' all. An' by the way, the lunch cost me three quid.

RICKY
Three quid? [readily digs for it in his pocket, hands her three quid coins] There you are.

BIANCA
Ah. [kiss and then is leaving]

RICKY
Oh. You gonna charge me for that'n'all?

BIANCA
[smiles as she leaves]

IAN
Well, it's gonna be odd hours, uh. Do you have a family?

WOMAN
Yes, but I really don't see that it's any of your business.

IAN
No, I'm just aware of the pressures of having a young family, that's all.

WOMAN
Are you saying I can't have this job because I've got children?

IAN
No. No, of course I'm not, it's--uh, right, you say you've--uh--worked in similar establishments?

WOMAN
A fish and chips shop, yes. My husband and I ran one for five years, on Old Orchard Way. Of course, it was a much larger place than yours, an' we did quite a wide menu.

IAN
[bored] Oh, is that so.

WOMAN
Oh yes. You need to offer more than just fish these days. Chicken. Pasties. Maybe Chinese vegetable rolls.

IAN
[tired/bored] Really.

WOMAN
Oh, absolutely! Really, Mr. Beale, I've a wealth of experience an' lots of ideas. I'm sure I could really make something of your place.

IAN
Yeah. I'm afraid the position we're offerin's rather a junior one, though.

BINNIE
Oh, it's gone mad in here, i'n't it?

MICHELLE
Yeah. I just think it's people wantin' the latest gossip, you know?

BINNIE
Yeah.

[PAULINE comes in.]

PAULINE
Michelle, can I have a word, please. [they go to the back]

MICHELLE
Something wrong?

PAULINE
I don't like seein' you behind this bar all day.

MICHELLE
Sharon needs me now.

PAULINE
Yeah, an' what about Kathy?

MICHELLE
To be honest, Mum, I don't think Kathy wants anything from me right now.

PAULINE
Well, other people need you, you know. What about Vicky?

MICHELLE
It's all right: Mark an' Ruth're helping out.

PAULINE
An' Geoff? He can't be too pleased--

MICHELLE
No, well Geoff understands..

PAULINE
What about all the plans you have, now you have your degree?

MICHELLE
Mum, I'm all Sharon's got right now.

PAULINE
Well, sometimes you have to put yourself first. Sharon needs you more than you need her. She's holding you back.

MICHELLE
That's not true.

PAULINE
Anyway, I thought you'd have learned your lesson after the last little turn-out in here. Remember? You ended up in hospital.

MICHELLE
Yeah, well, that won't happen again.

PAULINE
How do you know that. You know what that Grant Mitchell's like. How do you know he's not gonna come through that door any minute an' start throwing his weight about. Where would you be then?

MICHELLE
[not listening to any more of this] You don't want a drink then?

PAULINE
No. Thanks. I'm going to the cafe; Kathy needs my support. [leaves. They're both a bit irritated with each other.]

CAROL
Alan. About Robbie--

ALAN
Yeah--

CAROL
I was just thinking--

ALAN
[distracted by something in the direction of the Arches] I reckon I know what's goin' on.. [hands her the apron] There. This won't take long. [leaves]

CAROL
Alan?

CINDY
No luck, then?

IAN
No, not so far.

CINDY
Do you know if the agency's takin' the mick sending us totally unsuitable people?

IAN
You're tellin' me. I mean, they're either too stupid to walk and talk at the same time, or they're so ambitious they wanna take the gaff over.

CINDY
Yeah an' nothing in between.

IAN
Oh, it might take a turn up.

CINDY
[sigh] Hope so.

IAN
Well, if not, just have ta struggle on, won't we?

CINDY
[lightly testy/anxious] No we won't Ian, One way or another, we're gonna get some help.

ROBBIE
Told ya I'd be back. No one's gonna hurt ya this time; I swear it.

ALAN
[comes up and coughs to make ROBBIE notice/look]

ROBBIE
[turns, pause] Came back.

ALAN
Yeah, I can see.

ROBBIE
So, what'd ya wanna do now?

ALAN
Give him back again.

ROBBIE
We can't do that, Alan! Why'd ya think he runs away in the first place? Because his owner kicks him around--that's why.

ALAN
What'd ya mean?

ROBBIE
Well, look! [pointing out dog's shoulder/back area]

ALAN
I never noticed these before..
You reckon his owner did this?..

ROBBIE
Yeah--of course he does. When he gets him home, he probably gives him a good hidin' for running away in the first place.

ALAN
What makes some 'un do something like this..

ROBBIE
[disgusted] He's just scum, Alan. Please, please, don't let us give him back to 'im, please.

ALAN
An' you said this bloke 'as at the bettin' shop yesterday?

ROBBIE
[tired] Yes.

ALAN
[resolved] I want a word with this Dog Lover.

CHELLE
Oh, ya puttin' a face on?

SHARON
Yeah. Gettin' a bit tired o' lookin' like Death warmed up.

CHELLE
I know what ya mean. Geoff's comin' back later; maybe I should make a bit of effort.

SHARON
I see--he been neglected.

CHELLE
You know what he's like--can be a bit demanding at times.

SHARON
Yeah, I bet.

CHELLE
I got Mum on my back, too. They're both as bad as each other. Pushin' me to get a job, givin' me advice left, right, and center..

SHARON
Only doin' it 'cause they care about you.

CHELLE
Oh, I know, I know, but, ever since I left college me Mum thinks I shoulda grown out of the Square--all this.

SHARON
Includin' me.

CHELLE
No, I didn't say that.

SHARON
It's true, though.
You know I really appreciate what you been doin'.

CHELLE
What're friends for?

SHARON
Yeah, but ya gotta get on with your own life. I don't wanna take advantage; so I'm got meself together.

CHELLE
It's good to hear you gettin' positive again..

SHARON
Yeah. I mean, once I've had a chance to get things sorted out with Phil, I'm sure--

CHELLE
Sharon. The last time you tried to sort things out with Phil is when all the trouble started..
I don't think he'd appreciate it much, either..

SHARON
Yeah, you're right. [she looks like she's hiding her real opinion]

ROBBIE
Look, maybe this isn't such a good idea. I mean, we might be here all day..

ALAN
{yuzhu lats a flag} He'll be back.

ROBBIE
Yeah, wha'about Mark's stall?

ALAN
I reckon this is more important, don't you?

ROBBIE
Yeah?

ALAN
Look, I don't care if we gotta wait here 'til Christmas, we ain't lettin' this drop; the guy's a bully. An' he ain't gettin' away with it.

DAVID
Nick? You there?

RICKY
Oh, blime--it's you.
[grumpy] If you're looking for that mechanic of yours, he ain't here.

DAVID
I knew you'd see sense eventually.

RICKY
You what?

DAVID
I'm really pleased to see you back, mate.

RICKY
I ain't back. I'm helpin' Phil out.

DAVID
Oh, right..
I was uh, I was hoping you'd changed your mind, like.

RICKY
Oh, yeah. Give me one good reason why I should do that.

DAVID
Listen, Ricky. Mum is really worried about ya. She wants ya to come home and work with us again.

RICKY
[disgusted] Oh, ya--don't give me all that family loyalty stuff. Only thing you care about is yourself, David.

DAVID
[sort of sternly] That is not true.

RICKY
Yes, it is! If you weren't stuck with some two bob mechanic who don't know his way around an engine, you wouldn't give a monkey's about what I was doin' or where I was living!

DAVID
[more resigned than angry] All right, all right. I think you've made your point.

Anyway, I'm gettin' on over the road.

RICKY
Oh. I suppose Pat told ya, did she?

DAVID
Nooo..

RICKY
You two always stick together.

DAVID
Ricky, it is not like that, mate.

RICKY
Listen, I've got myself somewhere to live an' I've got myself a job, all right? I don't need you or Pat.

DAVID
All right mate.. [motions he surrenders, his hands up, leaves]

KATH
So how're you feelin'?

PHIL
A bit better. Uuuh. They're gonna do another scan in a bit.

KATH
Oh, I picked the wrong time, you know--

PHIL
No, no, don't go. It'll only take a few minutes.

KATH
Well, perhaps I'll get a coffee or something when you're gone.

PHIL
[pause] Has anyone seen Grant?

KATH
No. You know the police let him go?

PHIL
Yeah, Ricky--he told me.

KATH
[pause] Why did you lie for him, Phil?

PHIL
W--What happened in the Arches is between me an' Grant. An' no one else.

KATH
But he could have killed ya!

PHIL
It wasn't Grant's fault.

KATH
[pause] No, you're right there. [pause] I think I know who to blame.

BINNIE
God, this is so weird. Everyone wants to talk about the same thing. "How's Sharon." "Has Grant been in."

STEVE
You think this is weird, you should try living here.

BINNIE
Has she said anything to ya..

STEVE
No.

BINNIE
What's she gonna do?

STEVE
What'd'ya mean?..

BINNIE
Well, Grant co-owns this place, doesn't he?..

STEVE
Yeah.

BINNIE
Well he ha'ju'gonna let her carry on like this, is he?

STEVE
What'd'ya mean.

BINNIE
Well, he won't just give it away.

STEVE
[pause] Look, Sharon won't give up the Vic. Not without a fight.

BINNIE
Well she won't have any choice.

STEVE
Of course she will. She could buy him out.

BINNIE
Oh, what with: she couldn't afford it.

CHELLE
[comes up from the basement] You don't know Sharon: she'd do anything to hang onto this place.

[SHARON has come downstairs, sees they're not on this end of the bar, sneaks out. In the Vic, GEOFF walks in and only sees STEVE and BINNIE at the other end of the bar and not coming over to serve him.]

GEOFF
[amused] Excuse me? Any danger of gettin' any service in here?

[CHELLE pops up, unaware. She'd been doing something down under the bar.]

PAT
Well? How'd you get on?

DAVID
With what?

PAT
Ricky, of course.

DAVID
I tried. I really did.

PAT
Did ya?

DAVID
Yup. I went in there as nice as pie--and he didn't wanna know.

PAT
All right then--what'd'a say to him?

DAVID
I said I wanted him to come home, I offered him his job back. Ppppth--No helping some people.

CHELLE
I'm sorry about earlier. [sits down]

GEOFF
Oh, that's all right. I just wanna spend some time with ya.

CHELLE
It's just a bit difficult right now when I'm lookin' after the Vic for Sharon.

GEOFF
Yeah. An' who's looking after you?

CHELLE
I'm all right.

GEOFF
[doubtful] Mmmm.
I worry about you, you know.

CHELLE
I'm not a child.

GEOFF
Yeah, what happens if you get interviews, I mean..

CHELLE
Well, I'll make arrangements, I don't know what you're fussing about.

GEOFF
Mmm--It's a lot to take on--all this bar work.

CHELLE
Oh no, the Vic's the easy bit. It's just all the other stuff that's difficult.

GEOFF
[sighing] Yeaaah--How is Sharon.

CHELLE
She's hangin' in there. She's shell-shocked, I think.

GEOFF
Has Grant been in again?

CHELLE
No; I think he's made his point.

GEOFF
[pause] He must be feeling pretty confused.

CHELLE
He must be!--

GEOFF
[surprised] Yeaah.. Well, think about it, put yourself in his place.

CHELLE
I can't believe you're actually taking his side..

GEOFF
I'm not.

CHELLE
Yes you are; you're actually feelin' sympathy for him.

GEOFF
Whaa--I'm just tryin' to see i'from his perspective. I mean, you gotta try an' understand his feelings a bit.

CHELLE
Well, he do'--he doesn't have any feelings. He's a thug and a bully.

GEOFF
Oh come on, don't be simplistic--Miche--

CHELLE
No! No, not in this case! An' anyway, you don't know anything about 'im! You don't know what he is, what he's done, or what he's capable of.

GEOFF
Come on--he can't be that bad!

CHELLE
Believe me, he is.

STEVE
[comes over] Michelle.

CHELLE
Mmm.

STEVE
Have you seen Sharon? I need her to unlock the uh--storage cupboard.

CHELLE
Isn't she upstairs?

STEVE
No--I've just gone up there.

GEOFF
[doesn't see the significance of what MICHELLE's taking in] She must'a gone out.

[MICHELLE's alarmed, knows what this means and rushes off.]

SHARON
Um, excuse me..
Um, I'm looking for Philip Mitchell.. I was told he was here.

NURSE
Are you a relative?

SHARON
No.
[realizes] Well, yeah, I--I--I'm his sister in law.

NURSE
He's gone for a scan.

SHARON
What?

NURSE
A brain scan.. It's routine after a head injury.

SHARON
But, is there a problem?

NURSE
It's just a check, really. There's no need to worry.

SHARON
A--how long will he be?

NURSE
Not long; you're welcome to wait.

SHARON
Thanks. [cautiously goes over and sits on a chair by his bed.]

[In the hospital hall, we see KATH waiting and walking slowly back to Phil's area of the hospital. She goes through a door to another hall--but we don't know that at first--it looks like the doors to where Sharon is--all the doors look alike.]

DL
Iiiii should a guessed you 'ad him..

ALAN
[goes up to him again] I want a word with you.

DL
[to ROBBIE--he scarcely acknowledges ALAN] Just hand over my dog.

ROBBIE
What--so you can kick 'im around again?

DL
Wha?

ROBBIE
[sneering, quiet]{???} Torturing harmless animals.

ALAN
Did you do this?

DL
An' who are you.

ALAN
Me? I'm 'is Dad..

DL
Oh, yeah? Who's he, then, the white sheep of the family?

ALAN
[grabs DL's jacket by the neck and holds on. DL is surprised and yelps.] Listen Mack, I'll call the R.S.P.C.A.

DL
What're they gonna do? Sell me a sticky-badge?

ALAN
[pulls up the jacket] They'll make sure you never kick another animal again.

DL
Oh yeah?

ALAN
Yeah..
An' do you want me to show you what it's like to be the one with the bruises?

ROBBIE
Yeah, an' I don't think Wellhard wants to stay with you anymore, mate.

ALAN
An' I think you'd better go, yeah? See, we've only just got our dog, an' if he went for ya, I wouldn't be able to control 'im. [pushes DL, letting go of the jacket.]

[DL steps back a few paces with the push. His tone's changed to sour grapes and fear.]

DL
You're welcome to 'im.
He's only a worthless mongrel.
Heh-heh. No one refused a home with your family, ha. [goes away fast]

ART
God--These are up everywhere. I--uh--

SANJAY
Yeah. Looks like it.

ART
They're all {???}. I've a mind to go down an' rip 'em all off.

SANJAY
No point, I mean they'll only come back tonight an' put new ones up.

ART
.. Well, I don't know why they bother. I mean we don't hold with racists 'round here.

SANJAY
If only it were that easy.

ART
What'd'ya mean?

SANJAY
Well, I reckon they're gonna get in at the next election.

ART
Wha--on the Council?

SANJAY
Yeah.

ART
Never! A bunch of ignorant racists like that?!

SANJAY
Yeah. Trouble is Arthur, they're not that ignorant these days. They're quite clever.

ART
How?

SANJAY
I mean, they're claiming that the Council's housing policy is racist. They say all the Asians an' blacks get first call.

ART
That's rubbish.

SANJAY
Arthur, you know that, an' I know that, but there's lots of people 'round 'ere who go for it.

ART
[won't believe what SANJAY's so sure of] Oooooh, I don't think so.

SANJAY
Yeah--Arthur, you tell people what they wanna hear, you get their vote! An' right now, people're looking for Someone Else to blame for everything.

ART
No, not 'round here Sanjay! We won't let that happen.

SANJAY
I hope not--I really do.

ROBBIE
So what we gonna do now?

ALAN
What d'you mean?

ROBBIE
I mean, that bloke was a real pushover, weren't he? Now we got Mum to deal with.

ALAN
Don't worry about it; leave your Mum to me. I know how to handle her.

IAN
You solved it?! How?!

CINDY
Female Intuition.

IAN
Uh--d--so where is he?

CINDY
[secretive fun] I don't know if I should tell you that.

IAN
Oh come on, love, tell me, tell me, please.

CINDY
Well, let's just say, "He's the perfect man for the job."

IAN
Uh--so where'd you find 'im?

CINDY
Well, you know that chippie down Victoria Road?

IAN
Uhhhh.. The one run by the old Chinese couple.

CINDY
That's the one.

IAN
Right.

CINDY
Well, he works there.. Or he did..

IAN
So why's he wanna come work for us?

CINDY
I offered to match his present salary plus ten percent.

IAN
Ten percent?

CINDY
Oh Ian! He knows the business; it'll be worth it, believe me!

IAN
Yeah, I--I do believe you love, I do..
[having fun, not very angry] You could o' said five percent.

CINDY
[hits him in fun] Ge--he.

ROBBIE
[shouts and runs over in joy] Wellhard's come home, Mum!

ALAN
We had a bit of business to sort out.

CAROL
Oh yeah?

ROBBIE
[happy] Yeah, but it's all sorted now, i'n't it, Alan.

ALAN
[quietly] Yeah.

ROBBIE
I mean, his owner won't be expectin' him back anymore, will he!

[much calmer, more seriously] Can I keep him Mum..

CAROL
Yeah, yeah, of course you can. Tell you what--get 'im inside an' get him something to eat--he looks a bit hungry.

ROBBIE
Gooood.. [starts heading inside]

CAROL
Oh, and, uh, Robbie? When he's fed, you can give him a bit of a bath, aye?

ROBBIE
Yes--Whatever you say. [continues home]

CAROL
I think you owe me a bit of an explanation..

ALAN
Yeah.

NURSE
Looks like you got company.

PHIL
[irritated, pauses] What you doin' here?

SHARON
[hesitant, protesting, urging in some way] .. If I can just.

PHIL
Sharon, you shouldn't even be here.

SHARON
I had to.

PHIL
Look. Can't you see what's happened--everything has changed--

SHARON
No--I just need to tell you somethi--

PHIL
[he personally needs her to be gone] Look, Sharon, we got nothing to say to each other, all right--

SHARON
Phil, please--I--

PHIL
Sharon, just go, will ya?

SHARON
Sorry, so sorry. [rushes out]

[Guess who SHARON runs into out in the hall. KATHY is right on it.]

SHARON
Kathy--Kathy I'm so sorry--

KATHY
Oh, grow up, Sharon.

SHARON
Kathy, I need--

KATHY
What!? .. What do you need? I don't even know how you can show your face around here. .. Uh. .. Don't you realize what you've done? ..
This is all your fault!

-boom- -boom- -boom-boom-

Last Updated: 1 March, 1998