Lovejoy (1986–1994): Season 6, Episode 1 - Fair Exchange - full transcript

The Tabors, an expatriate Polish couple down on their luck, have a valuable painting to sell but disregard Lovejoy's advice to put it at auction. For reasons of family pride they prefer a private sale to a public auction, and Charlotte buys the painting. The beautiful Mrs. Tabor tries to seduce Lovejoy and later arrives at the already inebriated Lovejoy's lodgings with a fur coat, a bottle of champagne, and nothing else. That same evening a burglar breaks into Charlotte's house, takes the painting and leaves her with a concussion. Looking out the window, she sees Lovejoy's pickup crashing into the fence and speeding away. Lovejoy wakes up to the police in his bedroom and finds the events of the previous evening difficult to remember. They discover a dented fender on his truck and the stolen painting in the house. When Lovejoy gives the sexy Mrs. Tabor as an alibi, she denies everything. The loyal Tinker pawns his Cartier watch for bail and the falsely accused Lovejoy tries to find the real thief.

Would you stop doing that, Beth.
You're giving me a headache.

- We're not going to fit in there!
- Yes, we are.

- You have a computer at the wheel here!
- Lovejoy!

They're beautiful!
I don't know what to say, Gordon.

I mean, I thought
you were still married.

Of course I'd like to see you.

It's just... Well, it's been such
a long time. Where are you phoning from?

Hold on... Come in!

The wonders of technology.

All right, Beth?

- Brain like a computer?!
- You haven't paid for it.



I will once this lot pay me.

There'll be tears before bedtime!

O ye of little faith!

I mean, the restaurant want this
gong for their centrepiece.

It cost three grand, which I don't
have, so I gave the owners a cheque.

Now I'll cop five grand from Planet
Pinewood, take the cheque back,

and give them three grand in cash.
It's good business.

What can go wrong?

You see, Mr Banner,
if we tilt it sideways, we can...

- No, keep it there...
- I'm telling you, it won't fit.

Mr Banner...

All we need do is unscrew the gong
from the frame and then we can...

And what am I supposed to stand it on?
A chair?! You should have measured it!

The window!
We can get it through the window.



If you expect me to take out that
window, you got another think coming.

We open tomorrow.

- Get that thing in or get out of here.
- Mr Banner! Telephone!

Mmm-mmm-mmm...

Brain like a computer?

I just do a bit of freelance
advisory work now.

Write a couple of columns for the
big auction house brochures.

Insure your inheritance,
that sort of thing.

I'm impressed, Charlotte.
You've done incredibly well.

It's preview day.
We have a sale tomorrow.

I thought your insurance
company went public.

It did... and crashed.
Luckily I was well out.

Still, cost me my marriage.

Yes. I'm sorry.

That rather depends on you.

Miss Cavendish?
Excuse me.

There's a Mr and Mrs Tabor to see you.

Be fair, I did
ask you to measure it.

We did! You told us
to measure the gong and we did.

You didn't tell me there
was a frame round it.

You didn't ask! If you'd have asked us
to measure the frame, we would have done.

It didn't have one in the films, did it?

Of course it didn't.
That's the magic of cinema.

Now, come on, be sensible.
How else is it gonna stand up?

- This is ridiculous.
- You're telling me!

Look, Mr Bridges, the problem is this.

Planet Pinewood don't want it.
I don't want it. You don't want it.

Surely we can come to some
sort of an arrangement.

We already have done,
and cheap at the price. ?3,000. Look,

if you can't sell it, Lovejoy,
tough tittie. That's your problem.

That's quite remarkable.
She could almost be your sister.

Perhaps you have some
Polish blood in you!

Not unless it's Polish Home Counties!

It is very striking, though. Are you sure
you don't want to put it in for auction?

We've thought about it,

but I'm afraid my wife would
prefer to sell it privately...

if possible.

I think you'd find it would fetch
considerably more at auction.

I know. I know.

I have told Anna that, but...

Well, there are personal reasons.

I know it's not good business.

Um... how much were you hoping for?

Oh, yes. It's the original gong, Tommy.
I can guarantee you that.

Yes. Yes, it is big.
That's part of its charm.

- Lovejoy, you were supposed to sign...
- Later, OK? ...It's a steal, Tommy.

- Lovejoy! Lovejoy!
- Hold on, Tommy.

You were supposed to
sign this two weeks ago.

I'm gonna lose my place at college.

And I'm losing three grand.
Now, later, OK?

Now, where was I, Tommy?
I said five grand.

I'm not an unreasonable man.
Let's make it four-and-a-half grand

and I'll get my YTS
trainee to wash your car.

Make us a cup of tea.
What do you think of that, Tommy?

Tommy? Tommy?!

It's about all I'm good for, innit?

Ohhh! Would you believe it?!

Thank you for a lovely supper, Gordon.

Hm-mm. Do you know,
I could murder a cup of coffee.

Let's not rush things, Gordon.

I mean, I still think of
you and Jean as friends.

Well, you know what they say.
Friends should always be lovers too.

That is a seriously bad
chat-up line, Gordon.

Sorry. I'm afraid I'm
seriously out of practice.

- There's someone else, is there?
- Not so as you'd notice, no.

Oh. OK.

Come to supper tomorrow.
Goodnight.

Goodnight.

- It's 12 foot and it's in its own frame.
- Can you sign this?

Not now, Tink. Sorry about that.
No, it's not Ming, sir,

but in an Indian restaurant, who's
going to notice the difference?

I'd like you to hold this thought, sir.

We may be a small company, but we
pride ourselves on our integrity.

I'm pleased to hear that, Lovejoy.

You'll have an explanation for this
dud three-grand cheque, then, won't you?

This account, it doesn't exist.

Lovejoy Holdings closed seven years ago.
Luckily, Mr Bridges checked.

- I offered him the gong back.
- He doesn't want King Gong!

He wants his money.
Is he going to get it or not?

It's business.
I'm not trying to rip him off.

You buy, you sell, you buy it back,
you sell. It's rolling-credit business.

It's fraud. You've got four days, Lovejoy,
the time it'll take this cheque to clear,

- four days, or you're nicked.
- Do me a favour, Dennis.

I am! By rights, I should be
nicking you now. Have a nice day!

- Lovejoy, can you sign this?
- Not now, Tink! Gongs come first.

If you don't get in touch with her college
supervisor, she could lose her place.

If I don't sell the Jolly Bronze Giant,
I might lose this place.

Hello?

I thought this was supposed to
be a romantic dinner for two.

You were thinking with the wrong
part of your anatomy, Gordon...

All right?

What do you think this is?

Let me try a wild guess!

- It's a gong.
- Close - but no cigar.

This is the Rank gong as used
by Bombardier Billy Wells

in all those classic British films.

I don't want it.

I didn't ask you to buy it yet.

- No, but you will.
- Is there some sort of problem?

No more than usual.
Lovejoy, this is Gordon Fitzalan.

- How do you do?
- I'm just hunky-dory, Gordon.

So I can't tempt you,
not even for auction, eh?

- Well, it's hardly an antique, is it?
- It will be by the time I get rid of it.

Lovejoy, I've got something I want
to show you. Come in and have a drink.

- Charlotte, we do have guests.
- It's all right, I'm house-trained.

You know, I'm beginning to think
I'd be better off out of it, anyway.

Maybe me dad was right.

No.

I mean, what sort of career
prospects have I got here anyway?

An A-level in ducking and diving?

Fat lot of good that is.

You can't learn about
life from a book.

It's not just the
college business, Tink.

If I really felt like he
appreciated me, it'd be different.

He does!

You know the trouble with Lovejoy, Beth,

he's just too damn proud to ask for help.

Yeah?

Well, I'm beginning to think he wouldn't
even notice if I wasn't around.

It's very nice.
Polish, 18th-century. Orlowski.

And you're going to put it into auction?

My wife was hoping to
sell it privately.

Um... call me an old cynic, but that
doesn't make a great deal of sense.

I don't understand.
What are you suggesting?

I'm suggesting that you could get a lot
more money for this painting at auction

than you could by selling it privately.

You're quite right, Mr Lovejoy.

We have been rather less
than frank with you.

It's pride, really.

My father was part of Polish aristocracy.

In fact, this painting is one of the
few things of value we have left.

It may be foolish, but we'd
prefer our friends didn't know

we've been forced to sell off
what was left of our heritage.

Oh, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to pry.

Please. I would have had
exactly the same reaction.

That's why we're so adamant that
anyone interested in the painting

must have it independently
authenticated and valued.

That could be arranged.

- Er... I take it you are qualified?
- Yes!

I know a man who is. 150 - cash.

- 150? A bit steep, isn't it?
- Nice meeting you all.

Anna, Mark, Gordon...
Bring it over tomorrow, Charlotte.

This is early 1790-92,

but no' a bad wee piece of work.

You could get 20 grand for this today.

20 grand? Excuse me a sec.

Right, we're quids in, kid.

You buy for 12,
we sell for 20 - life is sweet.

Who says I want to sell it?

If I buy this, it won't
be just as an investment.

It'll be because I love it.
I'm going to keep it.

Charlotte, we're talking about
eight grand profit here. This is business!

Typical! You know your trouble, Lovejoy?

You can't see past your wallet.
There's more to life than money, you know.

You would say that, wouldn't you?
You're the one driving an XJS.

It's not my fault you're
driving a pick-up truck.

Charlotte, you're supposed to be
in the business of selling antiques,

not collecting them.

Don't tell me what I'm supposed to be!
It's my painting.

No, it's not.

You haven't bought it yet.

If that's a threat, Lovejoy,
do your worst!

Charlotte, I didn't mean it like that.

I didn't mean it like that, Doogie.

Life's a bummer, Lovejoy...

and that's a fact.

And there goes your lift.

Hello?

- Charlotte?
- Lovejoy?

Mm-hm.

What are you doing here?
How did you get in?

The door was open.
Everything all right?

Yes, yes, fine.
Why shouldn't it be?

Well, Kate said you weren't feeling
well, that's why you left early.

Yes. Yes, I've got a bit of a headache.

- I was having a lie down.
- In your tennis gear?

- Hmm?
- In your tennis gear.

Yes! I thought the
exercise might do me good.

Did it?

Not really. Look...
Anyway, I've got a...

Well, I just wanted to apologise about
our misunderstanding this morning.

And I also wanted to ask...

Charlotte, darling,
got any hair conditioner?

Oh...

No hurry, darling. See you in a minute.

I know what you're thinking,
Lovejoy, but you're wrong.

We were just playing tennis.

Ask him where he hides his racquet!

Beth?

Beth!

Beth!

Oh, hello again!

What a wonderful place!

Do you live and work here?

Helps keep the expenses down.

You're not married, then.

Um... no.

No, I'm not.

Do you want to see me?

Yes.

It's really very embarrassing.

I should have brought my husband,
but... well... I...

I wanted to thank you personally
for your help in selling the painting.

- Did Charlotte buy?
- ?12,000 - cash.

- It's a great relief, I can tell you.
- I'm very pleased.

Thank you.

I should go.

That's bad timing.

Another time.

Hello?

Lovejoy? Dennis.

Oh, Dennis...

What's happening, Lovejoy?

Work-wise, very little,
but my social life's interesting.

Yeah. About the gong.
I've just left Bridges.

He is not a happy camper.

The gong...

I'm working on it.

Yeah? Well, work on it by Friday.

That's your deadline.
I'll be seeing you, Lovejoy.

Oh-h!

Did you ask Charlotte?

It was not an opportune time.

I didn't think she'd want to mix
business with pleasure.

- You haven't shifted that gong yet.
- Oh, Lord!

What else can go wrong?

Oh, brace yourself.

- What's this?
- Beth.

She jacked it in.

- Oh, no!
- Yeah.

She feels that I did not
appreciate her enough.

Did you call the college?

Oh, Lovejoy!
What are you going to do?

I'd slit my wrists if I
could afford a razor.

Oh, come on! She's part of the team.
You've got to do something.

Why don't you telephone her?

Tink, I'm just about up to here
with advice at the moment.

- I know you're trying to help but...
- Lovejoy...

Will you just leave it, Tink!
Just leave it!

I'm sorry.

I had to come.

- What time is it?
- 11 o'clock.

It's all right.
No-one knows I'm here.

What a surprise, eh?

Is it?

I thought...

You said, "Another time."
I thought you wanted me to come.

Yeah, I...

I did say that, didn't I?

That's a nice... a nice fur coat,
Anna.

- I hope it's not real.
- It's fake.

But underneath...

Um...

Anna...

You're a very...
very beautiful woman,

but...

I think we have
just one problem here.

You're married, right?

And your husband's a very...
He's a very big fellow.

I'm sorry.

- Sorry...
- Hmm?

I can't help it.

He'd kill me if he knew.

I can't help it.

I can't help it...

Do me a favour!

What's going on?

What is going on?

Dennis?

- What's going on?
- That's what I'd like to know.

Five o'clock this morning, Lovejoy,

someone breaks into Charlotte
Cavendish's house,

knocks her down and steals
a valuable painting.

- Charlotte?
- She's fine. Concussion, that's all.

Just listen - haven't got
to the good bit yet.

We have reason to believe
you were there last night.

That's a joke, Dennis.

- Do you see me laughing?
- A joke...

We have a witness saw your van
at the scene of the crime.

- It's a lie, an absolute lie.
- Really?

It was Charlotte Cavendish herself.

I think you'd better get dressed,
don't you?

I suppose you're going to
tell me the fairies did this.

The paint matches the paint
on the Cavendish gatepost.

Now, what's going on, Lovejoy?

I mean, this isn't you.

Dennis...

I was here.

And then...

It's a total blank. Dennis,
this is the truth. I really mean it.

Mr Hardwick, sir. He had it shoved
behind the back of a wardrobe, sir.

Read him his rights.

Excuse me!
Are you calling me a liar?

That's exactly what I'm calling you.

Look, he was with me last
night, and that's the truth.

Excuse me.

What are you doing?

Providing an alibi.
Just back me up, whatever I say.

Um... if I could make a suggestion?

Take Pinocchio here for a walk
outside till she calms down.

We don't want her joining
Lovejoy in the cells, do we?

- Dennis, she's only trying to help.
- Well, she's not. She's lying.

Look - we've got a witness,
evidence, motive.

He needed the money
to pay off Bridges.

If you really want to help him,
get him to tell the truth.

If he's got an alibi, that's great,
believe me. Otherwise, he's going down.

- Can we see him?
- Officially, no.

Five minutes.

Long time no see.

Yeah.

We've got to stop
meeting like this, eh?

I'm sorry, Lovejoy.

No.

It was me, not you. I'm sorry.

- You didn't do it, did you, Lovejoy?
- Of course I didn't.

At least, I don't think I did.

Most of the evening's
a total blank to me.

- What about this alibi?
- Anna Tabor.

She and her husband sold
the painting to Charlotte.

She turned up with some
champagne to say thank you.

So?

She's got a very novel
way of saying thank you.

- What do you mean? You?
- Yeah.

Well, I think so.

I must have, mustn't I?

But now you know why I
can't say anything.

I mean, if her husband finds out,
he'll kill her... and me.

You're going to have to tell them.

Well, at least we got
the painting back.

Yes... but at what cost?

Darling, the man's a waste of space.
Deserves everything he gets.

He tries to force you to sell the painting
so he can get a cut, and when you refuse,

- he knocks you down and steals it.
- Is that true?

- Of course it's true. The man was livid.
- I was talking to Miss Cavendish, sir.

Did Lovejoy actually try and
get you to sell the painting?

Yes.

Her name is Anna Tabor.
She's married.

I didn't want her husband to find out.

It should never have happened, Dennis.

In fact, I'm not even
sure that it did.

And she can confirm your story?

Yeah, just be discreet.
I don't want her husband to know.

Lovejoy said what?!

Look, I'm sorry, but I have to ask.

If anything did happen, believe me,
it won't go any further.

Mr Hardwick, I am a
happily married woman.

I am not in the habit of sleeping
with complete strangers.

- Yes, of course I understand. It's...
- Do you?

What's more, I do not take very kindly

to my name being used as
some sort of sleazy alibi,

especially behind my husband's back.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

In view of the serious
nature of this offence,

we feel justified in imposing
an exclusion order, Mr Lovejoy.

You are to make no attempt to approach
or contact Miss Cavendish in any way.

Bail is set at ?1,200.

Well, 1,200 quid!
How are we going to come up with that?

You can't, Tink!
It's your pension.

Lovejoy'll never accept it.

What the eye don't see,
the heart don't grieve.

I'm sorry!
You really can't be serious!

This character Lovejoy robs Charlotte

and now you want her
to stand bail for him?

We need him out on bail to
prove he didn't do that.

We've got surety.
We're not asking for charity.

Good! Because I'm afraid
you're not going to get any.

Gordon, please!

Tink, I saw the van.

He had the painting.

You don't really think
he did it, do you?

Well, what else can I think?

I'm sorry. I can't. Look,
Gordon says it wouldn't be legal.

Never turn your back on
a friend, Charlotte,

cos when you eventually turn
back, they ain't gonna be there!

I'm sorry.

Just a second.

You said you had something as surety.

I'm sorry, I don't understand.
Why would you want to help?

I don't. I just want to
have a look, that's all.

Mm...

Cartier.

Right, how much do you want for it?

Hold on!
I don't want to sell it.

I want to use it as surety.

Beggars, unfortunately, can't be choosers.
I'll give you 1,200.

Well, I don't know how you
did it, but thank you.

That's all right.

What's the plan?

Don't ask me. All I remember is a
woman in a fur coat with no knickers.

- That's not what you said before.
- Just a figure of speech, Tink.

She stood there with a bottle of champagne
in one hand and two glasses in the other.

The rest is a blur.

- Maybe she slipped you a Mickey Finn.
- I don't know why she'd have to.

I was half-cut and wasn't
exactly playing hard to get.

What other explanation is there?

I don't know.

Maybe she's frightened of her husband.

- I don't believe that.
- You would if you saw the size of him.

- I'll have a word with her.
- No, you won't.

You can't.
You're housebound.

And we don't want no more interfering
with the witnesses, now, do we?

Don't worry, I'll be tactful.

Look, we're both in a hurry, so excuse
me for not beating about the bush here.

I mean, we're both women
of the world, right?

If you feel you need a bit
of extracurricular activity,

good luck to ya, only
trouble is, though,

if you keep lying about
it never happening,

Lovejoy's gonna go down for
something he didn't even do.

Let me tell you something.
That man deserves everything he gets.

Not content with stealing the painting,

he tries to soil my reputation...
Mark!

Mark!

Miss Taylor here is a
friend of Lovejoy's.

She's convinced I was with him
on the night of the robbery.

Look, he's innocent.

It's all right, Miss Taylor.
I know what Lovejoy's been saying.

My wife already told me.

And that's how I know he's lying.

You see, Anna was with me
on the night of the robbery.

It was our anniversary.

We had a celebration dinner sent up
to the room. Check it if you like.

Yeah. Dinner for two.
Champagne and roses, the works.

Must have more money than sense.

What do you mean, she
won't speak to me?

I just want to explain something
to her, Gordon. Gordon?

I've had enough of this harassment.
I'm phoning the police.

Gordon!

Don't try and stop me, darling.
It's for your own good.

- This is my house. I live here!
- I'm sorry, darling. Are you upset?

Stop bossing me about!
And stop calling me bloody darling!

- Lovejoy!
- I'm off to Charlotte's right now

- to sort this Gordon geezer out.
- What about your bail?

They'll be adding murder
to it in a minute!

Hang on. Hang on!

If I was the last person to drive
this truck, how come my feet

are at least six inches off the pedals?

Mark Tabor!
He's at least 6 ft 6 if he's an inch!

You're saying that he stole the painting
from Charlotte and dumped it on you?

Why? Because he found out
you'd been with his wife?

I'm not sure if I was. I think you're
right. I think she slipped me something.

And anyway, how did he know
that Anna was with you,

if he was robbing Charlotte
at the same time?

Why are they both telling lies?

Lovejoy, she's sticking to her story.

Right, get in.

Well, just as I thought, they've gone.

- Did they leave a forwarding address?
- Oh, yeah!

Care of the Lenin Shipyards, Gdansk.
Do you believe that?

Right, Lovejoy, home.
It's past your bail time.

Tinker, first thing tomorrow,
you do the Polish Embassy,

see if anyone has heard of them.

I'll try the boys in blue.

Um... who's in charge
of this investigation?

Well, you can't do it.
You're persona non gratia mate.

- Grata!
- You know what I mean.

I hate to say it, but she is right.

And this van will have to go, an' all.
It's too conspicuous.

The Tabors will recognise it.

Yes, diamond earrings.

We found them whilst we
were cleaning the room.

Mrs Tabor must have dropped them.

Oh, that's terribly
kind of you, Constable.

Oh, um... the hotel manager
was in a bit of a panic

after mislaying their
forwarding address.

Sussex Farm...

Lowestoft.

Thank you.

Hello?

Tink.

Get this.
Count Tabor does exist

but he definitely had no daughter,

so whoever Anna Tabor
claims to be, she's lying.

I haven't had the last one yet.

At least you're travelling in style.

- Arthur Codling, who's he, anyway?
- Purveyor of fine fish.

It smells like something died in here.

Oh, stop complaining.
It didn't cost us anything.

They might not see us coming,
but they'll certainly smell us. Eh-up!

I knew it!

Who's lover boy, then?

What's in that package?

OK, Lovejoy, they're on the move.

Who's going to be mother?

He's shutting up shop.

- I'm going down.
- I'll join you.

Hey! No offence, Tink, but it took
you a half-hour to get up here.

You're a liability, mate.

Now, you stay here and have your tea.

This is a job for youth.

There's somebody out there.

Come on!

I'll check the studio.

I've told you. There's no-one out here.
Stop panicking!

Sssh.
This is a job for grown-ups.

So there I was, quaking in me boots,
and along comes Superman here!

- You're sure it was the Orlowski?
- Yeah.

Except how could it be, cos the
police took it back to Charlotte's.

We saw it.

No, they must have a
copy, for some reason.

Beth... you're a genius.

Tinker, don't you ever take this girl
for granted again. Come on. Come on!

It is very simple.

You find a gullible punter,

then you spin them a yarn

and then you offer them the
Orlowski cheap, for cash.

Not only that, but you
insist that they keep it

and have it authenticated and
valued for their own peace of mind.

The punter thinks they're getting
such a bargain, they snap it up.

- Then you steal it back.
- Really! This is a total fabrication!

- The police found the painting on him.
- I'm coming to that bit, Sherlock.

Not only do you steal it back again,

you also lead a trail of incriminating
evidence pointing to a fall guy - me.

Are you saying the Tabors stole
the painting and set you up?

- Exactly.
- Oh! This is ludicrous!

The Tabors sell a valuable painting,

steal it back and then leave it
where the police can find it?

- What exactly are they going to gain?
- Absolutely nothing.

Except if the painting that the
police find isn't the original one,

which this isn't. This is a fake.
It's been switched.

What?!

You think about it, Charlotte.

Why should you be suspicious of this?
You've had it authenticated, haven't you?

You're just pleased to have it back.

Well, it's unbelievable!

How did you find out
about all of this?

I didn't. Beth did.

Darling, darling, this is total nonsense.

The painting is genuine.
I'd stake my life on it.

Would you like to put your
money where your mouth is?

- What?
- ?1,200?

What are you talking about?

It's a private arrangement
between Gordon and myself.

- Fine. ?1,200.
- You're a good sport.

Just hold on a minute!
What exactly do you think you are doing?

There's only one way to find
out, Gordon, isn't there?

Beautiful.

Look at the craftsmanship.
The colours and the patina of ageing.

Perfect.

Bent as a nine-bob note.

Yes!

- Hang on! You said it was perfect.
- It is.

Pardon my ignorance, but
I work in insurance.

If it's so bloody perfect, how
can you tell it's a fake?

Oh, I can't.
Not from the painting.

It's the stretcher on the back.

It's what keeps the canvas taut.

Orlowski always had his stretchers
handmade by the same local carpenter.

Now, yon carpenter was very proud
of this and he initialled them all.

He hid them under here.
This one's missing.

Oh, big deal!

He probably forgot or it got
damaged or lost, or something.

- Oh, aye, that's possible.
- Well, there you are, then.

Yeah. The trouble is, though,
the initials were on the original

when I valued it earlier this week.

Right. That's it. Cough up.

What?

Tink's Cartier watch.

Let's have it.

- Can't we do this later?
- No. You lost. Let's have it.

I don't understand. Will someone
please tell me what's going on?

- Tink, is this?
- Yeah.

Mr Clean here forced Tink
to sell his Cartier watch,

so we could raise Lovejoy's bail money.

Gordon!

- I don't believe I'm hearing this.
- Yeah! And he told us not to tell you.

Well, come on.
Don't try and tell us you don't have it.

He doesn't... I do.

He said it was a present.

I believe this is yours, Tink.

Darling...

- Look... it was just business.
- Business?!

You've got gall, I'll give you that.

Darling, please, don't be silly.

Do me a favour, Gordon. Don't call
me silly and don't call me darling!

Fine. I'll give you a ring.

No! Don't call me.

OK. I'll see you.

God, I thought he was different.
What a fool you must think I've been.

No more than usual, Charlotte.

It's part of your charm.

I didn't believe you.
You could have gone to prison!

I still could.

1850, English, that's quite nice,

Mr Douglas, quite nice.

If I wanted a view, I'd
look out my window.

Look at the price, man!

Na, there's nothing here, I tell ye.

- Alan Tennyson.
- Oh, aye.

- Finlay Dill.
- Can I be of any help?

I rather have ma doots.

We're down from Scotland. Mr Douglas has
bought himself a hoose in the Trossachs.

He'd like to fill it with real paintings.
Cheap.

In that case, perhaps you'd be better
off looking somewhere closer to home.

Oh, I know, but Mr Douglas likes
a particular kind of portrait.

He'd like people to think that they're
his ancestors, you ken what I mean?

He's trying to buy himself a family tree?

Aye, pathetic, isn't it?

See you, Dill. I'm not paying
you to chatter! Move yourself.

- Right, sir.
- What price range are we discussing here?

Price is no object, just so long as
he feels he's getting a good deal.

Do you ken what I mean?

- Coming, Mr Douglas.
- Good.

I don't like it.
It's too close to home.

So we'll wait until they
get back to Scotland.

Look, they're a couple of mug punters.
It's simple.

You slip in the Mickey Finn and
your brother does the business.

Just like Lovejoy.

Be at their hotel at four...
and bring the original.

Aye, it's no' bad.

Still, 12,000 quid - it's a bit pricey.

Mr Tennyson, the man who owns
the gallery where we had it valued,

seemed to think it would
be worth a lot more.

Aye! He said you were in a rush to sell.

Yes, it's sad to have to give
up part of one's inheritance.

Still, what can we do?

Look, we'd obviously insist you had it
independently authenticated and valued.

Oh, that's not the problem.

It's what I'm paying him for.
No, it's the price.

Well...

11,500.
We couldn't possibly accept less.

Done! ...So, is it kosher?

Well, I think it is,

but I'd like to have a wee look at it.

Of course.

Good idea, aye.

I think a wee dram's in order.

Is this some kind of a joke?
It's a fake! A copy!

If that painting is 18th century,
I'm an Englishman!

- What?! Are you sure?
- Aye.

This is ridiculous. I mean, Mr Douglas,
he's obviously not qualified.

Oh, he's qualified all right.

- Are you two trying to rip me off?
- No, of course not.

Mark... Mark?

I'll have the law on you.

- Mark, say something.
- I'm sorry.

There has been some sort of mistake.
Something has happened.

- This is not our painting! No!
- We'll have to check this out.

What?!

Where?

Lowestoft?
What's he doing in Lowes?

Now, you listen. You tell him...
Beth?

Beth?

Lovejoy!

For Christ sakes!
Your brother forges the bloody things.

Are you telling me he can't tell which is
the original? Get back here, and quick!

Come on, come on!

You stupid idiot!

This has to be the one.

It has to be here!

Well, don't just stand there!

National Gallery, or have
I got the wrong address?

- Lovejoy!
- The very same.

You, er, you lost something?

You bastard!

Yea-eah!

Yea-eah!

Tinker!

And, of course, you're going to have
a logical explanation for all this?!

I'm afraid it's rather lost its charm.

But thank you for getting it back.

Hmm.

Well, what are friends for, eh?

I really am sorry, Lovejoy.

I feel absolutely terrible about this.

Things aren't all bad.
Tink got his watch back,

plus 1,200 quid, and
you got rid of Gordon.

Yes, but what about the gong and
the money you still owe Bridges?

Yeah, that is a problem.

But if you're serious about
losing interest in the painting,

- there is something you can do.
- What? Anything.

Well...

Do you remember Mr Vonk, that collector
Scotch Doogie told us about?

The Belgian chap?

The one who'd pay 20 grand for
the Orlowski, and no problem.

Lovejoy, are you
suggesting I sell this

and we split the difference?

- Charlotte, would I suggest such a thing?
- Yes.

You're right.
He's in the kitchen.

Quite fond of gongs, too.