Oh, so what’s this all about? I’ve got a meeting at noon. If George is ill, just tell me now. No, it’s not George.
It’s Theo. What about him? George thinks he’s been abusing Todd. Silence.
Then, almost to himself, he muttered something about sausages. Sausages are not the only fruit. That’s a classic, that is. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, someone corrected.
Yeah, I know. I was joking. I may not be well read, but I was joking. He glanced down at the plate in front of him.
Should I even be eating these? The marathon’s long over, my friend. We never have to mention it again. You can get as fat as you like, and I’ll still love you.
A dry laugh. What’s the betting George bangs on about yesterday’s misunderstanding when he gets you on your own? If he does, I’ll put him right. Very few people get my sense of humor, as you’ve just proven.
And the more I think about it, what a sad state that is. With George, though. It’s none of his business. You don’t see me commenting on his relationship, do you?
Is Christina right for you? Isn’t she a bit course? Why on earth would you want to marry her? He didn’t say that about me, did he?
No. Good. I might just show him the back of my hand and see how he likes that. Right, sit yourself down, fat boy slim.
If it was above board, we’d all have been at that wedding. None of us saw them on the day because Theo made it happen behind our backs. Todd’s smile was glued on. And Gary and Maria were there, which I resent, by the way.
Exactly. Now, why Gary and not you? Because Gary is Theo’s friend, not Todd’s. Not that Theo even likes you.
Cheers. Well, she is Todd’s ex-girlfriend, to be fair. Nobody cares for them, do they? Todd’s been keeping me at arm’s length, to be fair.
And whose idea was that? When were you and Todd an item, anyway? What was it, 1850? It was a long time ago, yeah.
It’s just so horrible to think Todd’s been suffering. He’s been really down in the dumps. But I thought that was because of what happened with Billy, which I’m sure it is as well. Yeah, fine.
I just thought of another one. Remember when Theo went missing? The day we’d been at Canal Street and he just disappeared. They all remember.
Todd got arrested instead, didn’t he? The business with the coffee table. Yeah, I never believed that. The door was off its hinges.
There was blood everywhere, I’m telling you. And Todd’s not violent. Unless he was driven to it. No, it was Theo.
No question. Only poor Todd couldn’t speak up. So we got it wrong. No, we didn’t get it wrong — the police got it wrong.
Todd used to be so confident. Cocky, even. When’s the last time you heard Todd tell a joke? Not for ages.
Always going around in black. Do you remember when Theo smashed that glass at Christmas and blamed Todd? And the presents, of course. The tickets that clashed with their mini break.
I’m serious, we should minute this. Why, though? Why would Theo do it? Power.
Control. Happens all the time, doesn’t it? You throw a stone in Manchester, you hit an abusive relationship. Not just Manchester.
If this has been going on from the beginning, then this is about their love. Later, she asked her back before Maggie snitches on me. Do you know what? I’ll walk with you.
So will I. You okay? What are you all doing here? Is this you back from the market?
Yeah, I had brunch with the boys at the fishmonger. Brunch. Now don’t blow your stack. And don’t mention oysters to me.
I’ve already told you. We recommend a stout? No, you recommend bankruptcy. Did your father sign off on this?
Not as yet. Oliver, Rome is burning. Your brother’s been groomed. We need oysters on the menu like a hole in the head.
Just give them a chance. If people want a fancy bistro, they can walk down the street. They already are. Everybody knows about Will.
This morning, Eva said Sally crossed the road just to avoid a conversation. I’d say that’s force of habit. Lord knows I’m tempted myself sometimes. I’ll ask Amy what the locals are saying.
Head of the grapevine, is she? Well, her uncle was sleeping with the enemy. Are you making light of this? No, seriously.
He’s around there all the time. She’ll know everything about anything. What are you? Infatuated?
She’s my friend. Well, as long as that’s all she is. I really don’t understand your beef with her. She’s a diamond girl.
Diamonds are not all they’re cracked up to be. They flatter to deceive. Oh, whatever. Where are you going?
I’m making a suite at the Hilton. More jokes. I thought you were revising. How many weeks till your exam?
It’s a witch hunt. She is a witch, so there’s no argument there. Is she to rob him of his education as well? Provoking him is not going to help.
Don’t you dare speak to me like that. Wasn’t I changing your nappies only last week? Not really. More like 26 years ago.
You’re full of cheek today. Your father’s sleeping off a hangover. Eva Peron is at the hairdresser’s, and Glenda’s god knows where. I’ll go get those oysters.
Then he was there. Hold your horses. Hear me out. Get out.
Just for two minutes of your time, I owe you a massive apology. Unaccepted. You deserve to know the truth. Get out.
No, I know the truth. You want me out of the picture? It’s not going to happen. You’re bang on.
But I knew it wasn’t you. And they’d never believe me if I told them who did it. Now it’s time to go. I’m dropping charges.
I’m only where they are right this minute. What do you mean, you know who did it? Yeah, I know who did it. I just hope he’s not on the front desk.
What are you talking about? DC Green. Kit Green. She knew all about it.
Gave them a short while they locked you up instead. But it gets worse. She offered me a night in the sack if I promised to stay quiet. We met up yesterday.
Same hotel as last time. But I wouldn’t go through with it. So she clubbed me. No.
That’s not how it happened. Anyway, let him finish. Don’t worry. I won’t tell the police about that.
Nor will I dob you in. With a bit of luck, he’ll leave you now. I’ll be waiting if he does. Always there for you, Bernadine.
Stop it. Get rid of him if he doesn’t get rid of you first. I thought that was a lot to take in. You’re probably still going to deny it.
Because it isn’t true. Any of it. That may well be the case. It is the case.
Well, it might just be what you’re telling yourself. I think I would know if my husband was abusing me. Some people don’t. They convince themselves things are going to improve.
When they get back from holiday, or when they’re married, or when they start a new job. Oh, you’re an expert in abusive relationships now? I had no idea. Where did you study?
I make no claims, but you’ll be surprised what I’ve absorbed doing this job for more years than I care to remember. I cannot believe this is what you were discussing behind my back. But we’re your friends, Todd. We’re your family.
You’re a colleague, mate. I am more to you than that. I can explain every one of those incidents, every example you gave. Right.
Well, let’s start with the night you were supposedly in London. I was in London. You know what? I’m not doing this.
It’s insane. Or yesterday. I told you he was joking. All right, this whole come and live at home stuff — I’m not going back, because I am married.
Theo and me, we will be fine. We’re going to have the odd bump in the road, but who doesn’t? Either way, I’m not a battered husband. No one said he was battering you.
Good. Because he isn’t. I’ve got work today. Too busy for this.
So you’re in Theo’s corner then. All right, firstly, there’s no such thing as divorce, yeah? And secondly, you were fine with him yesterday. Now George has had a word in your ear, you think he’s the devil?
When you guys were at the registry office, did Todd seem like all his dreams had come true? I don’t know. He was smiling. What kind of smile?
What do you mean, what kind of smile? Was he smiling with his eyes? Eyes don’t smile. I’ll ask Maria.
All right, wait. Tell me about the time he cut his face again. Don’t cold shoulder me. I’ve told you everything.
And he massively exaggerated. Kit barely touched him. It was a heart attack. It was you that let them cart me off.
You sat there and said nothing. We held tight because we knew they’d let you go. How could they find evidence when there wasn’t any? Because innocent people go to jail all the time.
You should watch the news sometimes. Have that happen? No? What would you have done?
No, your honor, my husband is innocent. Oh, well, in that case, open the doors, set the mug free. What was I supposed to do? Throw my own son to the wolves?
Where are you going? To the police. Don’t tell them. To make sure he’s dropped the charges.
And then what? You’ve got your key. Ah, it’s you. Who were you expecting?
Nobody. Is he in? I should think so. All good?
Yeah. Great. Your room period and all that. Well, I’ll come in with you, shall I?
Yeah. Shh. Hello. You never clean that bathroom.
All right. Hello, Gareth Aldridge. How are you, Gareth Aldridge? Come in.
Let me put the kettle on. Oh, yeah? Yeah, won’t say no. I’ll do.
So, what do you know? What do I know? You know, I can’t stand it when people ask me that. Loads of stuff.
Where do I start? All the little things we say to each other. How you doing, Lynn? How you winning?
So, how’s married life? You know. No regrets so far. Good.
Glad to hear it. Sorry, Gareth. I can’t remember — do you take sugar? What’s Daniel’s latest take on it?
Haven’t seen him in a day or two. Ah, she won’t get away with it. People get away with all sorts, constantly. They do.
And if it’s true, your brother has to say so in his own time. Make him feel comfortable, like he can trust you. Don’t put him under pressure. Talk about other things.
And then, when he feels safe —
Amy, can I ask you something? Oh, sorry. Were you just in the — No, nothing serious. It’s my brother sleeping with his teacher.
Oh. Look, I can catch up with you later. It’s Theo. Guess he won’t Thursday now.
No, I think he was just giving us some space. Danielle used to do the same, you know. When the lads came over, let the boys talk. Two days into a marriage and he’s already hiding in the bedroom.
And his hands were shaking when he made the tea. Yeah, they were. He’s a nervous Nelly, isn’t he? And I think all the accusations about George — don’t think it isn’t affecting him, all the business.
Yeah, but this has nothing to do with that, does it? Is everything okay? Well, I don’t know. That’s what I’m trying to ask you.
Did George tell you about yesterday? No. Sarah did. Sarah?
If I find out it’s true. Find out what’s true? Remember what I did to Noah. I’d like to see you try.
I’m onto you, Theo. We all are. I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, Gary. I told you about our Liam getting bullied at school, yeah?
Yeah, you did. Terrible. There’s nothing worse. I think you’ve got your wires crossed.
Well, for your sake, I hope so. It’ll blow over. Yeah. It resolves itself one way or another.
What is it the Buddhists say? It’s not change that’s painful, it’s resistance to it. That makes sense. Just a bit of upheaval.
Then you can get back to your normal life. Exams, A-levels, future. Sounds good. For everyone involved.
Maybe. You’ve got to stop putting her first. Think of yourself. It’s just difficult.
I know it is. Bite the bullet. You reckon? Well, you’ve got to, haven’t you?
You’ve got to. Saints alive, they want oysters. I’m going for a run. Wait, Will.
Take our orders at them. A pint of stout and half a dozen oysters. Did he say something? He was about to.
Maybe we should just turn him upside down and shake him until the truth comes out. Yeah. You’ll have made all his day. Oh, he’ll say anything once.
Oh, here he is. Well. I think you’re right. She’s gone cold.
What did Gary say? Listen. So. I’ve got some exciting news.
Do you remember that pal of mine who offered me a job in Belfast? Hegley. Well, he’s looking for another project manager, and I’ve accepted. Crown Saloon, Kelly’s Cellars, Bittles — they live their lives in the dust, honestly, and it’s near the university.
You’ll love it. Vintage shops, lovely bars. What about my job? Do people die in Belfast, too?
And with your experience, who are writing to a funeral home? Yeah, and a scandal-free one at that. And the kids? Oh, Toddy.
Something like half an hour away. Costs half of six months for a ticket. It’s so close you could go by human cannonball. You could climb into a pea shooter and I could blow you across the Irish Sea.
When do we thank him? Say it. Next couple of weeks. Give them notice, start looking for a place.
I used to live there in my twenties, didn’t I? That’s how I know Costi. Could ask Ben Driscoll for recommendations. Yeah?
Yeah, he could. What do you think? Hey, we’ll never be happy here with people sticking their noses in, will we? Why not?
In Belfast, we can breathe again.
