Coronation Street: After Hours (1999) - full transcript

Still no word from the police?

I just... I can't shake this feeling

that summat terrible's happened.

But you don't know that.

Yeah, I know what Ray's capable of,

and I know he hates my guts.

What if this is his sick way

of getting pay back?

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

It's the police.

FRONT DOOR CLOSES

Have you found him?

Sorry?

Kev - is he all right?

I'm just here to take a statement

about the bribe you witnessed?

What's wrong with you people?

Don't you talk to each other?!

My boyfriend is missing!

I'm sorry.

I know nothing about that.

Well, ask Ray Crosby!

He's in custody, isn't he?

Ask him what he's done to my Kev!

Is it just me...

or is the atmosphere

a little frosty?

SHE LAUGHS

Oh, come on,

I know you're angry with me, but...

can't we just put it on...

LAUGHING: ..ice?

Put it on ice!

I'm going out of my mind here,

and all you can do is tell jokes.

Well, it beats tearing

each other down.

Or have you not finished

highlighting my many failings?

No, don't tell me - cold shoulder.

SHE LAUGHS

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

LAUGHING: Tip of the iceberg!

What's the matter with you?

Have you not been listening

to a word I've said?

Oh, get off your high horse.

Anyone would think

you'd led the perfect life

the way you go on at me.

Well, let me tell you,

you've done a few crappy things

in your time, an' all.

Well, I didn't go into business

with a sex offender

or swindle my neighbours

out of their homes!

But you have cheated on your wife

and served time for assault.

Oh, and this is my favourite,

fathered a love-child

with a girl half your age

while your wife had breast cancer.

Yeah? You see?

Two can play at this game.

Yeah, well, whatever I've done,

I've followed my heart.

You only followed the money.

And why's that, 'ey?

Because you're selfish, and greedy,

and it's all you care about.

SHOUTS: Because it's all I've got!

You think I wanted this life, hey?

Do you not think I look at you

and wish I had everything

that you have?

Yeah, of course I love the money

and the success, but guess what?

Never loves me back.

MAN ON TV: 'Cyprus is an island

in which sea?'

LEANNE GROANS

SHE SIGHS

How long have I been asleep for?

Si, do you fancy a brew?

We're out of teabags.

Oh. Right, well, it's OK.

I've not chucked this lot,

so I can squeeze a cup out of it.

So that's what we've come to now,

is it?

Double-dipping teabags?

Si, it'll get better.

Not while you're making

premium-rate calls

to a telephone psychic, though.

How dare you log into my account!

Well, who do you think's gonna pay

the bill, 'ey?

The money fairy?!

Actually, no, don't answer that.

You must be living

in cloud-cuckoo-land

if you think these psychics

are actually speaking to Oliver!

Well, I don't care what you think.

I know they are.

And if you don't like it,

you know where the door is!

What's up?

I've got news... about the pews.

Do I have to respond in rhyme?

HE LAUGHS

No, the, erm...

the Church Council went for it.

So, erm, we're on.

Great, well,

I've already lined up a buyer.

He's offering six grand for the lot.

£6,000?

Aw, that's so much more

than I thought.

What's he gonna do with them all?

Just strip them down

and sell them on as garden benches.

Oh. So, people can enjoy the view...

from their pew!

I'll keep you posted.

Yeah, do!

RINGING TONE

Hey. Just the man!

I've spoken to the Archdeacon,

and he won't accept a penny less

than seven and a half.

'Ey, come on, pal. It's a steal.

Oh... why aren't they

telling us anything?

It's been over two hours now.

Now, there's no point

in getting into a flap

until there's something

to flap about.

Oh, how can you be so calm?!

Don't you even understand

how serious this is?!

Yes! As a matter of fact,

I do understand!

I do not choose to pace up and down

and pester the doctors all the time,

but it doesn't mean

that I'm not incredibly frightened.

You're not the only one who stands

to lose somebody that they love.

Yeah. I'm sorry.

DOOR OPENS

EVELYN GASPS

FIZ GASPS

Oh, thank the Lord!

Are you OK? What happened?

We've been worried sick!

Was it your heart?

What are you doing up?

All right,

let the boy get a word in!

Look, I'm fine. It wasn't my heart.

It was a reflux thingy.

I can't remember the name of it.

Heartburn, was it?

Because I could've saved us all

a trip to hospital if it was.

I always carry Rennies

in my handbag.

It was more serious than that.

I've never felt pain like it.

And I know -

I've never experienced childbirth.

Oh, you big dafty.

We thought we were gonna lose you.

You can see why she's worried.

Well, it's obvious, isn't it?

Kevin's left her,

and I can't say I blame him.

You must've noticed,

she's got some mouth on her.

Hm! My bet is, he's in cahoots

with that sister of his,

and they've both done

a runner with my money!

And don't you think

he'd have brought his son with him

if that were the case?

Yeah, well...

maybe he didn't get chance,

or maybe Debbie wouldn't let him.

I mean, she doesn't exactly

strike me as the nurturing type.

So, you're telling me

you've absolutely no idea

where either of them could be?

Not a clue.

But if I were to guess,

I'd say they'll be sipping rum

and cokes on some beach somewhere,

soaking up some sun.

SHE BREATHES DEEPLY

Do you remember when Mum died?

Course I do.

I don't know how it happened,

but I sort of slipped

into her shoes.

I thought it was my responsibility

to look after you and Dad.

So, I made the teas,

cleaned up after you both.

EXHALES SLOWLY

Sorted out all the laundry.

I was just a kid.

I should've been out with my mates,

partying, getting drunk,

trying my first joint.

SHE SIGHS

Falling in love. Hm!

But instead I was at home...

scrubbing your dirty undies.

SHE BREATHES DEEPLY

And I'm not blaming anyone.

I was a very... willing doormat.

SHE SIGHS

Just like Mum.

But I remember thinking...

.."when I'm old enough

to leave home...

"I'll never ever

be anybody's doormat again."

SHE PANTS

"I'm gonna make something

of myself."

Well, you did.

Me and Dad were so proud of you.

Trouble is...

..no amount of money can make up

for being on your own.

Oh...

And when I finally realised that...

..it was too late.

HER BREATH TREMBLES

What I wouldn't give, 'ey?

To be washing dirty undies again.

VOICE SHAKING:

You... are not alone, Debs.

SHE GASPS

Oh, I am.

There's... there's people out there

worried sick about

where you are now.

Abi...

Jack...

the girls, all your mates.

SHE LAUGHS

Even Sally, I shouldn't wonder.

SHE PANTS

Well, there's not one single person

who'll notice I've gone.

HER BREATH SHAKES,

HE PUFFS

He's lying!

Are Kevin and his sister close?

Well, yeah, quite,

but run off together? That's insane!

Well, Ray said that

Debbie's cleared him out.

Took him for thousands.

Do you think Kevin might have

fancied a piece of the pie?

Are you...?

You've got this all wrong!

Ray has got you wrapped round

his little finger, hasn't he?

I'm only trying

to establish the facts.

Well, here's one for you -

Kevin would never leave Jack.

Are you sure

he hasn't been in contact?

No. Jack's at his mate's house.

He doesn't even know

his dad's missing yet.

I mean,

what am I supposed to tell him?

Well, tell him that

if he is in contact,

he's to phone the police.

Meanwhile,

we'll get the Missing Persons team

to put an alert out

at all ports and airports.

And what good is that gonna do?

The only reason Kevin hasn't been

in touch is because he can't!

He's hurt, or he's...

SHE SNIFFLES

You know,

we're just wasting time here.

If your lot won't find him,

I'll find him myself!

FIZ SIGHS

Reflux eso-pha-gitis.

Blimey, it's a mouthful, in't it?

But it does say here

it's really easily treated

with them pills they've given him.

Yeah, in conjunction

with a healthier lifestyle.

That's what the doctor said.

So, no more of that junk food

you feed him. You can talk!

You're always slipping him

an extra portion of pudding!

He gets one of his five-a-day

in my apple crumble.

It doesn't count when it's stewed

in half a bag of sugar.

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT,

NAIL FILE SCRAPING

Oh, we were just discussing

your change of diet, lad.

Out with the cream cakes,

in with the curly kale.

And a spot of exercise won't harm.

You know,

you need to tone yourself up a bit.

He doesn't need to tone up.

He's gorgeous just the way he is.

Well, doctor's orders, innit?

We don't want another repeat

of today.

No, we don't.

Oof! What a carry on!

EVELYN SIGHS

Right.

I'd best take Cerberus for his walk.

Oh, heck.

I can't...

I can't move my legs!

You what?

I can't move me...

LEGS THUMPING

Oh, yes, I can.

CLEARS HER THROAT

Just... just pins and needles.

Come on, Cerberus.

Never gonna live this down, am I?

Take no notice her.

DOOR CLOSES

And don't let her get you all

paranoid about your health either.

I like a bit of meat on my man!

Oh...

Oh, it's sexy!

Oh, I'm really pleased, love.

What, that I'm not going mad?

No, that your hallucinations will

stop once your eyesight improves.

You don't seem very happy.

HE SIGHS

Truth is...

I like having him around.

HE SIGHS

I know it's stupid, isn't it?

HE SIGHS

Maybe I am losing the plot.

Hey, it's perfectly natural to want

to feel close to Aidan, but...

..you need to focus

on getting better.

Not chasing ghosts.

If I could see his face...

just once...

..maybe I can say goodbye.

Properly.

But you can see his face

anytime you like!

When I want to see Tom, I just...

I close my eyes and there he is.

Singing...

SHE LAUGHS

..too loudly

in his pre-school nativity, or...

or giggling away when I gave him

a bubble beard in the bath.

You must have memories like that

you can draw on.

Course I do.

But they've faded over time.

It's like watching an old cine reel.

When I see him now,

it's in full technicolour.

Like if he was turn around,

he'd be as real as you are now.

Oh...

But you're right.

It won't do me any good

in the long term.

It's got to stop.

VOICE SHAKING: I didn't realise

you were so unhappy.

Huh.

QUIETLY: Why would you? 'Ey?

SHE SIGHS,

HE EXHALES

I do a very convincing impression

of being a cold-hearted bitch.

SHE PANTS

Besides, it's...

It's enough to know

that you are... happy.

Finally.

I know I give Abi

a really hard time, but...

..she's the best thing

that's ever happened to you, Kev.

Never let her go.

HE PANTS

I have to pinch myself.

HIS BREATHING QUIVERS

I think I don't deserve her.

Hey!

You've found a penny...

SHE EXHALES

..but she's found a pound.

And don't you ever forget that.

You're right.

You always did look out for me.

You still do.

And I'm the older brother.

It's supposed to be

the other way round.

Remember that time I came home

from school with no trainers?

Before... before we moved here.

HE GASPS

I got jumped by some lads

from school.

Y-y-y-you walked three miles

in your bare feet...

just to get home.

I thought

I'd get some sympathy.

Dad went nuts.

He...

He said I should've put up a fight.

And I'd better grow up quick, cos...

HE GASPS

..the doctor's just told him

Mum might not survive the night.

He blurted it out... just like that.

That was just... just Dad's way.

I couldn't sleep that night...

..thinking if I closed my eyes...

HE BREATHES RAPIDLY

..she might not be alive

when I wake up.

And...

HE BREATHES RAPIDLY

..you said y-y-you'd stay up

with me.

Did I?

You...

You sang Abba songs...

..to keep us awake.

Over and over,

like a broke record.

BOTH LAUGH

I'm sorry...

..I've not been a better brother

to you.

HE BREATHES RAPIDLY

Hey...

Hey, no. You...

SHE PANTS

You don't have to be sorry.

Was...

It's me...

it's me that should be sorry...

..for getting you involved

in all of this mess!

SHE GASPS

I wish there was a...

there was a way

I could make it up to you, Kev.

HE GASPS

QUIETLY: ..but I don't think

I'm getting out of here.

HE WHIMPERS

AND BREATHES RAPIDLY

Don't even talk like that.

I'm so cold.

I'm so cold, it...

it hurts.

And I'm tired. Are you tired?

I am so tired.

BOTH GASP

You...

..are not gonna die!

HIS BREATH QUIVERS

I'm...

I'm not...

I'm not gonna let you die!

HE BREATHES DEEPLY

Help!

THUD

Help!

Please!

I found her laptop,

but I can't get in it.

SHE SIGHS

This is hopeless.

I don't even know

what I'm looking for.

SEB: 'Receipts, travel documents...'

THUDDING

Shut up a minute. I can hear summat.

THUDDING CONTINUES

Seb, I'll call you back.

PHONE BEEPS

THUDDING CONTINUES

Please stop.

THUD

It's...

It's no use.

Someone... must be able to hear us!

No...

SHOUTS: Help!

No...

I don't...

I don't feel so...

DROPS BAR

Debbie?

Debbie!

Stay with me! Stay with me, please!

HE EXHALES

Hello?

PHONE RINGS

Hiya.

SEB: 'So what was it? The noise?'

Oh, dunno. It must've come

from outside. It's stopped now.

I think I've found summat, though.

'What?'

I'm not sure. I'm coming home.

PHONE BEEPS

I got those herbal ones you like.

Oh, the ones that taste

like dishwater?

Well, they do.

Look, I'm sorry

about what I said earlier.

Aw, I'm sorry too, Si.

I'm really sorry.

I hadn't realised

how much I'd spent.

If you want me to stop, I will.

No, no.

Of course

I don't want you to do that.

Not if it makes you happy.

Look, I just...

I want to understand.

Do you really think these psychics

are speaking to Oliver?

Look, I know it sounds mad,

but, yeah, I do.

When I speak to her, I mean...

She knows things that

she couldn't possibly have know.

Like...

like that Oliver used to fall asleep

listening to his music box,

and that he had dinosaurs

on his pyjamas.

Do you not think that

they could just be lucky guesses?

We... Well, yeah, I suppose

you could argue that, but...

..when I speak to her, it's like...

It's like he's in the room with me.

Just like you are now.

And...

'Well, it's the closest I get

to holding him in my arms again.

'And I know my boy's gone.

'And I'm never gonna him back.

'Not really.

'But it's that overwhelming feeling

of love and closeness.

'And I'm not ready

to give up on that.'

CLANGING

'Not yet.'

TOILET FLUSHES

HE BREATHES DEEPLY

It's my turn...

..to look after you now, sis.

HE GASPS

I won't let you down.

GENERATOR HUMS

KEVIN SINGS:

# If we change your mind

# I'm the first in line

# Honey...

# I'm still free

# Take a chance on me

# If...

# You need me

# Let me know... #

HE PANTS

# I'm gonna be around... #

HE GASPS

# If you've got no place to go... #

HE GASPS

# If you're feeling down. #