Howard's Way (1985) s05e02 Episode Script

Brake! Ah.
You all right? Yes, yes.
I'm fine.
Can I come aboard? Looks as if you're going to anyway.
(Laughs) - Been up all night? - Yeah.
- You look bloody awful.
- Ah, thanks.
Do you wanna talk? - Nope.
- Well, you're going to.
I'll make some black coffee.
Ah, Mr Urquhart.
Ready for the fray? - More to the point, Mr Thornton, are you? - Ah.
Do have some coffee, Gerald.
I'm afraid that Mr Urquhart is firmly convinced that we're both gonna spend ten years locked up in some dark and dismal jail.
- Oh, I wouldn't say ten.
- (Charles laughs) Ah, yes.
It pays to have a sense of humour on these occasions.
What was the little surprise you said you had for me? Yes, indeed.
Here's a certified list of Diakra directors, and the number of share certificates that each of them holds.
Good heavens above.
But how did you manage to get all this information about a nominee company? And here's a sworn affidavit from the company secretary stating that neither Gerald nor I have ever held any shares in that company.
You mean to say they handed all this over willingly? - Well, let's just say they decided to cooperate.
- Well, thank you very much.
I suppose it never occurred to you to tell me all this before? All this was something you could have done yourself.
Agreed, but I wasn't too sure what I might have found out.
Gentlemen, gentlemen, this is no time for recriminations.
Do you have all your broker's slips, Mr Urquhart? Mr Thornton, I gave them to you over a week ago.
Ah.
(Clears throat) So you did.
Mustn't go losing vital evidence, must we? Well, I have a feeling that a QC of the eminence of our Mr Cosgrove will have an easy ride today.
I certainly hope so.
Shall we go? (Jack) Emma said something about going abroad.
(Tom) Yeah.
Paul De Mitry offered her a job.
(Jack) Oh.
Good company.
If you want to live in frog land.
Still, er, I suppose she'll have a lot to do before she goes, settle things up a bit.
Yeah, no doubt.
Maybe I'll go and see her, get her to change her mind.
Jack, leave it.
- She'll be a great loss to the yard.
- Jack, will you belt up! Oh! Oh, charming, charming.
Here am I trying to help you.
I know how you feel.
No, you don't know how I feel, you haven't got a clue.
I've been up all night trying to sort out how I feel, but you - you know instantly.
Yes, I do.
All right.
Tell me.
Well, as I see it, it's fairly simple, really.
If you'd have felt really very strongly about Emma you wouldn't have been swanning around the Solent all night, you'd have chased after her like a shot.
But you didn't, did you? It was very good of you to give me so much of your time.
Nonsense.
I was really happy to show you round.
- After all, Relton Marine was once yours.
- No, never mine.
My father's, then my brother's.
When I was a girl, daughters didn't count for much.
Well, perhaps I wouldn't be sitting here if you had taken over.
Who knows? It's certainly a very different yard from the one I remember.
Actually, ever since I've been back I've been wanting to call in and yet I was rather scared to.
I wanted to remember it as it was, I suppose.
Silly of me, really.
Everything changes.
- You were obviously very happy here.
- Oh, yes.
I loved wandering through the old yard, the smell of wood and varnish, watching shipwrights and sail-makers at work.
(Sighs) That sort of thing stays with you.
Yes, it does.
Remember the Mermaid was my playground.
Of course I'm preaching to the converted, and that explains the high quality of your joinery.
Thank you.
Oh, I hear you've bought one of Dad's old boats.
The one thing that doesn't change, the Tarrant grapevine.
I expect by lunch time you'll have heard what I had for breakfast.
Yes.
Proud Lady.
I, erm I rather bought her on an impulse.
I hope I did the right thing.
Well, if it's one of Dad's old boats, he'll make doubly sure and do a first-class job on her.
Yes.
Yes, yes.
I'm sure he will.
I'm having her rigged for single-handed.
Really? I wouldn't have thought you'd have any trouble finding crew.
Vanessa.
- Can I ask you to do something for me? - Course.
What is it? Try and talk Dad out of this idiotic idea he's got of retiring.
Jack? But he's in the prime of life.
Are you sure he wasn't pulling your leg? - No.
Deadly serious.
- Don't you worry, Avril.
I'll soon knock some sense into that thick head of his.
Vanessa.
Welcome home.
That's him! Morning.
- Friend of yours? - Hardly.
It's Inspector Daniel Morris.
Fraud squad.
- Oh.
Chief witness for the prosecution.
- Mm-hm.
Don't worry, Cosgrove will soon make mincemeat out of him.
Ah.
Speak of the devil.
Here's the great man himself.
Excuse me a moment, gentlemen.
Gerald.
- Will you relax? - I'm trying.
Oh.
You smell like a bunch of violets.
What the hell is it? Musk.
Avril gave it to me.
I found it in the back of the drawer.
Here.
What do you think of it? - You should have left it there.
- (Laughs) Morning, gentlemen.
(Jack) Oh, hello, Ken.
What can we do for you? It's more of a question of what I can do for you.
Ah.
Well, go on, then.
Surprise us.
You interested in designing a new cruiser, Tom? Top end of the market.
Sail or motor? Well, motor, naturally.
I'm introducing a whole range of cabin cruisers with the emphasis on luxury and comfort.
Something that will do 20 knots and the ladies don't spill their G&Ts.
In other words, powerful but docile.
There's a whole market for a boat like that.
So, you're going into production, then? Yes.
Yes, I certainly am.
You interested, Tom? I could be.
Who gets to make the prototype? Well, the Mermaid Yard.
I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else.
Hang about, Ken.
Lf, er, if you're going into production, you'll need a large temperature-controlled building for the laying up and curing, plus a well-equipped joinery shop.
All of which you do not have.
All of which is currently under negotiation.
Yeah, well, when it's signed and sealed, Ken, that will be the time to start talking.
- I see Jack's full of his usual enthusiasm.
- Listen.
I've had so many guys come in here and talk about mythical 60-footers, - than you've had hot dinners.
- I'm not talking about dreams, Jack.
This one's for real.
Cheer up, Mr Urquhart.
It's always a good sign when the judge asks to see counsel in chambers.
- Is it? - Oh, yes.
Well, generally, that is.
Excuse me.
That man's perpetual cheerfulness unnerves me.
What's a synonym for imprisonment? Well, it rather looks as though the moment of truth is here.
Good.
About time.
Well? How is he? Oh, he's fine.
He's back working at Relton.
So young Leo and I are still in competition.
Ken, Leo is never going to race powerboats again.
Well, neither am I.
I won the world championship, proved I can do it.
Now for once in my life, I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.
No, I meant we'll still be professional rivals.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
- Well, well, well.
- Sorry? That guy at the bar.
He owns some boutiques.
- Does he now? - Mm.
- How many? - Three, I think.
What's his name? Ah James something.
I met him at a party last year.
Brooke.
That's it.
James Brooke.
His name stuck in my mind because one of his boutiques is called Apres Mr Brooke, would you believe? (Laughs) Like it.
So what sort of stock does he carry? Oh, I wouldn't worry.
He's not exactly competition to you.
Why don't you introduce us? I don't know him.
I only met him once.
In fact, I thought he'd gone bust.
Why? I don't know.
I'll ask around.
Yes.
Do that, will you, Ken? I mean, you almost went to the wall yourself once, didn't you? Oh, never again.
I've learnt my lesson.
No, from now on, I'm going to do it my way.
But your Mr Brooke could be just what I'm looking for.
Look, take it easy.
I'll find out what I can about him and let you know.
My God, I've got to go.
See you around.
- Bye now.
- Bye.
(Knock at door) Come in.
Abby, you said you'd meet me at the hospital.
I've been hanging around there since 11 o'clock.
Sorry.
I'm really sorry.
I forgot what was happening today.
- What's that supposed to mean? - I'm expecting a phone call.
- Hello? - Hello, Abby.
It's me.
How did it go? Judge threw it out.
No case to answer.
That's wonderful news.
Tonight you and I are going out to celebrate.
No, I've got a better idea.
Invite Leo.
(Laughs) And then he can drive and I won't have to worry about drinking.
OK, I'll tell him.
I'm sure he'd love to.
When will you be back? I'm not sure.
I have to go to the office first with Charles.
There's one or two things I've got to sort out.
Look, I'll I'll see you later.
Bye-bye.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Everything all right? - Yes, fine.
- Did you give her my love? No, I rather thought you might be able to spare the time to do that yourself.
Oh, hello, Inspector.
Don't you think an apology is in order? Afraid I can't oblige, Mr Frere.
You had a very clever counsel.
Good morning.
- He's not going to give up.
- I don't give a damn whether he does or not.
- He's going to keep digging, digging, digging.
- Gerald.
Perhaps you didn't hear the judge correctly.
The case is over.
We won.
Yeah.
So we did.
(Ken) John.
Show Mr and Mrs Burton the 195.
I think it's in the forecourt.
Right you are.
If you'd like to come this way.
I'm sorry, Inspector.
You were saying? I was about to say, Ken, I don't take kindly to being made to look a fool.
Especially in court.
I passed on the information I was given in all good faith.
How did I know they were gonna come up with an affidavit? It was probably false.
Quite probably.
But Diakra Holdings being a nominee company, we weren't able to double-check, were we? So initially we had to accept your word.
It wasn't good enough, Ken.
- You mean they weren't even committed? - No.
Lack of evidence.
(Sighs) My guv'nor is not best pleased with me.
Or you.
Or your friend Jeremy Beecham.
Officially I'm now off the case.
And unofficially? Like you I believe Charles Frere has swindled his shareholders out of L5 million and I intend to nail him.
- I'm sure you'd like to see that happen, Ken.
- Oh, yes, of course.
I think the interests of shareholders should be protected at all times.
How very public-spirited of you.
Now, then.
What did come out in court is there are only two directors of Diakra Holdings, Mr and Mrs James McDonald.
I don't believe this for a moment.
I think they simply front this company for Frere himself, probably passing on the money to yet another nominee company.
- Also owned by Frere? - Exactly.
Very difficult to prove, but not impossible.
Only I would require cast-iron proof.
And I do mean cast iron.
- Well, as you say, that's not impossible.
- Quite.
Only this time, do double-check everything.
I'd hate you to let me down again.
It would be terrible if I ended up having to investigate you, wouldn't it? Oh, don't worry.
You'll get the information you want.
- Was I interrupting something? - No, no.
- A client of yours? - Oh, just a friend of mine wanting a favour.
- Now, what can I do for you? - I'd like you to attend an unveiling.
Oh.
Sounds promising.
An offer no man could refuse.
Come on, then.
Morning, Alison.
Oh, James.
Someone's been asking for you.
Thank you.
Hello.
- Hello.
- Are you having a problem finding something? Not really.
I was just admiring your range.
Oh.
Are you looking for something in particular? No, er Actually, I was doing a bit of spying.
Spying.
(Clears throat) Do you mind if I enquire who for? For myself.
You see, I'm the opposition, the enemy.
The name's Jan Howard.
James Brooke.
How do you do? I'm delighted to meet such an attractive enemy.
Do you already have a boutique or are you just starting out? Not really.
I've been going for some time now.
Wait a minute.
I knew that name rang a bell.
- Jan Howard.
You're Periplus.
- That's right.
You're right.
You really are the enemy.
I think you know that you and I started about the same time, but you've really taken off.
Thank you.
I notice that you're using the same layout and decor in all your boutiques.
I like that.
You really have been spying.
Why don't I buy you a drink? Oh, for heaven's sake, Gerald.
You really are becoming paranoid.
The case is over, finished, done with.
Now please forget the damn thing ever happened.
Oh, yeah, very easy for you to say.
While you were swanning around the Mediterranean, busily enjoying yourself, did you ever think about what I was going through? - You know damn well I did.
- It didn't seem like it from this end.
Three times I put through a call to you and not once could you be bothered to phone back.
Because there was no need.
I knew exactly what was happening.
- How the hell was I supposed to know that? - You weren't.
I've told you before, trust has to work both ways.
What it boils down to is you lost faith in me.
Yes, I damn well did.
You know, once I would have trusted you completely, but not any more.
So don't you ever put me in a situation like that again, otherwise you'll regret it.
- Is that meant to be a threat? - No.
It's a warning.
And if that's something you can't live with, you'd better have my resignation here and now.
- You want some coffee? - No, thanks.
Right.
I'm glad you've got that off your chest.
Now, I'd like your opinion on the marina development in the Mediterranean.
I suggest we have a working lunch and carry on till late tonight.
No, we won't.
I'm taking Abby out this evening.
Well, I'm sure she won't mind.
The point is I do.
I wish to celebrate the fact that I'm not in prison.
You may have taken that for granted, I never did.
I really have rather a lot to catch up on.
Yes, you have, but I'm clear.
So I would suggest that you forget lunch.
See you later.
(Laughter) Anyway, I'd like to thank everyone for all the hard work they've put into building this, the first of a long line to be called Sea Arrow.
(Guests) Sea Arrow.
(Cheering) - What do you think? - It's got a good colour density, good finish.
- I'm impressed.
- You should be.
- There's a big market for this type of boat.
- Yes, I know.
Still just a bare hull, though, isn't it? I don't sell to the do-it-yourself brigade.
Course, if it was all fitted out, it would be a different matter.
Perhaps that's something we should talk about.
I also have access to European distribution.
Why do you think I brought you down here today? Ever since I arrived, that old buzzard over there has been glaring at me.
Not your PR man, is he? You'd better come and meet him.
Perhaps he thinks you're a spy.
- What did you think of the speech, Jimmy? - A waste of time.
And champagne.
They'll be useless all afternoon.
- Who's this? - Oh, Dad, I'd like you to meet Ken Masters.
- (Coughs) - I was just telling Laura how much I admired Sea Arrow.
So you should.
That's a damn fine boat.
25oz lay-up to the hull, 20oz topsides.
You won't find any give in that deck.
Er, Dad, Ken runs Leisure Cruise.
They have distribution outlets in Europe.
Middle man, eh? Don't need middle men around here.
We sell direct.
(Coughs) Always have, always will.
(Coughs) - I'm gonna have a kip.
Call me about three.
- Yes, all right, Dad.
I thought you said you were in charge.
I am.
Don't be misled by that little performance, Ken.
I run this company.
I just choose to let him think that he's still important.
- If you want to talk to anybody, it's to me.
- Strange.
I thought it was you that wanted to talk to me.
So anyway, when I heard him say L16, of course I jumped at it.
Piled them into the car and drove them back to the shop.
In a week I'd sold the lot.
However, a week later, the invoice came in.
I'd misheard it all.
It wasn't L16, it was L60, and I'd bought 50 dresses at a net loss of L2,000.
- What a disaster.
- After that, quick killings were definitely out.
It was just the same when I started off in Periplus.
- I had one assistant - What are you doing here? - Tom, over here.
- Oh, there you are.
You're looking perky.
It's surprising what an hour in a sauna can do for you.
Let me introduce.
This is James Brooke.
Tom Howard.
- How do you do? - James.
Howard.
Are you two related? Once removed.
(James) Once I'm sorry.
Uh Look, I was, er I was just going, anyway.
I'm sorry.
Very nice to see you.
- I'll see you soon.
- Bye-bye.
Nice chap.
Haven't seen him before.
Where does he come from? - Heaven.
- Oh, really? I didn't notice the wings.
- Do you want a refill? - No, thanks.
Listen, Tom.
I think I've cracked it.
- Expanding Periplus you mean? - Yes.
You see, James has got three boutiques, all in wonderful locations.
They're prime sites.
Ah.
And he wants to sell.
No.
At least I don't think so.
He's in a bit of trouble at the moment.
- Now, he's full of ideas - Wait a minute.
You've lost me.
If he doesn't want to sell, what good is he gonna do you? I'm talking about a merger.
- A merger? - Yeah.
Is that Is that his idea? No, no.
I wouldn't mention it to him just now.
But what do you think of it? In principle, I mean.
First of all, I mean, what do you know about him? Not a lot.
Ken says he'll keep his ear to the ground, you know.
But I do know his boutiques, Tom.
You don't seem too keen on the idea.
Overly cautious.
Yes, it's not like you.
Yes, you're right.
I'm sorry, er I'm being too protective.
I really must learn to step back.
What's wrong? - Oh, nothing, nothing.
- Liar.
What is it? Emma's left.
Oh, Tom, I'm so sorry.
It wouldn't have worked.
Are you so sure about that? Yeah, there was too much of the past.
I couldn't wipe the slate clean.
No.
No.
Correction.
Not couldn't, I didn't want to.
Why not? Jan, I can't turn my back and pretend that we never had a life together.
- Tom - OK, things may have changed but I still care.
About you and the kids.
And perhaps that's too much for any woman to accept.
No.
I don't think it is.
I'll have the Dover sole, er, and chips.
Oh, and, er, don't forget the wine list.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
Right.
Now we've got all that out of the way, let's get down to the main item on the agenda.
Oh, got an agenda now, have we? Yes, I have.
What is all this rubbish I hear about you retiring? Me retiring? Ridiculous.
- Who ever told you that? - Jack.
Ah.
Ah.
You've been talking to Avril.
Yes.
Yes, well, er You know, she, er Well, she gets things a bit mixed up.
Do stop waffling.
OK, I admit it.
It crossed my mind.
Why? Well, the yard's running very smoothly, making a lot of money.
I thought I'd sit back and, er, enjoy life.
- And did you? - What? Enjoy life? - Not a lot, no.
- (They laugh) Oh, dear, oh, dear.
What the hell am I going to do with you? Ah.
Now, there I do have a few suggestions.
Jack, you are one of the best boat-builders in the country.
And you were a first-class designer.
For heaven's sake, Jack, when did you last design a brand-new boat? Oh.
Oh.
Got the knuckle-dusters out now, have we? Oh, er - Orkadian.
She's brand-new.
- Oh, come on.
She's hardly a new design.
Successful, I grant you.
Very successful.
And she's selling like hot cakes.
Even so Oh, what do you expect me to do? Design a boat with five sides? The site covers several acres, there's more land than we need.
Good Lord.
Jack Rolfe.
I haven't seen him for years.
- He and my father are old friends.
- Really? - You were saying about this piece of land.
- It's just behind the factory.
There's enough space there to build a joinery shop and a fitting-out shed.
Yes, I know that, I've seen it.
What's that got to do with me? Simple.
I'll sell you a couple of acres.
You put up the buildings, I'll make the hulls, then I'll just wheel them through as and when you need them.
- What do you think? - No deal.
I'd be completely dependent on your company.
That is not the way I work.
I rather feel we've been wasting one another's time, Ken.
Oh, I don't think we have.
Very well to talk about building a luxury cruiser, but the bottom line is that I have the means to do it and you don't.
Who knows, maybe I'll build a luxury cruiser.
I hope it matches up to the one Tom Howard's designing for me.
Oh, yes, Laura.
All signed and sealed.
So instead of trying to frighten me off, do you wanna hear what my bottom line is? I can't wait.
For the right price, I'll buy out the whole of Wilde Mouldings, lock, stock and barrel.
Nice lunch, Ken.
Thanks.
At least hear what I'm gonna say.
Tell it to the waiter.
I'm sure he'll be fascinated.
Good lunch? No, not really.
I just had a salad, went for a long walk.
That's very healthy.
How's Polly? You heard from her lately? Oh, she's fine.
Fine.
Having a great time out there.
How about getting William back? Well, you know Polly, she won't say anything unless she's absolutely certain.
- Well, it wouldn't be fair to Abby.
- No.
No.
I just hope to God my father and Hudson don't gang up together.
What you mean share William between them? A ghastly thought.
Yes.
Quite.
You know, we really must find something for Abby to do, - take her mind off things.
- Good idea.
Have a read of this sometime, let me know what you think.
- The Malta marina development.
- Mm-hm.
But right now the top priority is Relton.
You know, it was a shrewd move of Avril's, lobbying the shareholders that you sold out to.
Yes, but it's the board and the small fry make up the balance.
Not as difficult as you might think.
Ah, yes.
While you were away, Ken Masters has also acquired a stake in Relton, four per cent.
Surely he's not thinking of putting in a bid for the company.
No.
More of a bargaining lever, really.
All the same, that could be of some use.
So it's gloves off for Relton, is it? I rather thought it would be.
Oh, yes.
Relton's mine.
I intend to get it back.
As to the method, well, I think I'll leave the gloves on.
For the moment.
(Laura) Dad.
George, have you seen my father? I can't find him anywhere.
I don't suppose you will, Miss Laura.
- He's gone fishing.
- What? - Graham was telling him about the sea bass.
- You bloody idiot! You know damn well he's not supposed to exert himself.
When did he go? Soon after you left.
- Where? - Graham.
- Guv'nor say where he was going? - No.
Still, I don't expect he'll have gone too far.
Get Chris and the boat quickly.
Jan.
Good to see you.
Been here long? About ten minutes, but don't worry, Ken, Victoria has been looking after me very well.
We've been comparing notes.
What about? Oh, I was just telling her how I managed when I was your secretary.
I see.
She's a charming woman.
Vicki? Mm.
Very efficient too.
Oh, yes, I'm sure.
So to what do I owe this honour? James Brooke.
- What about him? - I'm thinking of going into business with him.
- My God, I thought I moved fast.
- Listen, Ken.
Those boutiques of his are in superb locations.
Properly run, they could make a fortune.
I've met James now and I think we could work well together.
Just a minute.
Have you reached an agreement on this? Oh, no, not yet.
Oh, don't worry, I don't intend losing control.
Well, I'm glad to hear it.
Oh, hell.
I was meant to find out all about him, wasn't I? That's why you're here.
Don't worry.
I can always ask around myself.
No, I said I'd do it and I will.
Top priority.
- All right.
Must dash.
- OK.
- Take care.
- Yes.
Bye Vicki.
Oh, my God! Call for an ambulance.
Don't fuss, girl.
I'm all right.
Oh, yes.
You look it.
- (Coughs) - Where are your pills? Back home.
Oh.
How stupid can you get? - Can you sit up? - Yeah, yeah.
Course I can.
Just leave me be.
I'm all right where I am at the moment.
What happened? - Bloody conger.
- What? 30lb breaking strain on that line.
I pulled him up, though.
When he'd decided he'd had enough, he snapped it like a piece of thread.
Dad, you know perfectly well that the doctor said no fishing.
That's the sort of claptrap you get from someone who don't fish.
Give us a hand.
You're not going anywhere.
- OK? - There's an ambulance standing by.
Good.
Tow us back, will you? - You know something, girly? - What? Lying here I had time to think.
What about? That bloke who came around.
What, Ken Masters? Yeah, that's the one.
You know what he's after.
Buying us out.
You don't have to worry about that.
I am not selling.
You're a bloody fool, girl.
Look, small businesses like ours go to the wall every day of the week.
You sell while the going's good.
Yes, all right, all right.
We'll talk about it later.
I don't need no bloody business as a monument.
Just vanity, that is.
I could have danced all night I could Why did the music stop? That's what I want to know.
Why did Why did the music You know, I - I used I like dancing, you know.
I used to be a very good dancer.
The fantail and Your mother would have enjoyed this evening.
I'm really very sorry, you know, that Polly's not here.
Thank your lucky stars she's not.
Why don't you go up to bed? No, no.
It's far too early.
Far too early.
Sit down.
Sit.
- Tonight is a cebrelation.
- (Laughs) (He sighs) You know, I haven't been as drunk as this in 25 years.
Really? Well, you certainly made up for it tonight.
I was convinced I was going to be on bread and water.
- Don't encourage him.
- What is he on about? - Come on, Daddy, get on your feet now.
- No, no.
There you are.
Sit down.
Stop bumping up and down all the time.
Now, listen.
Listen.
I know something that Charles doesn't know that I know.
I know.
It's - it's - it's a very big secret.
- Yeah? - Mm.
Very interesting.
Go on, up we go.
Is he drunk or something? I haven't told you yet.
OK.
Tell us and then you can go to bed.
McDonald.
Mm? Used to work for Charles.
Accountant.
Years and years ago.
You see, you didn't know that, did you? Didn't know that.
Well, keep it underneath your - I know you, don't I? - (Laughs) I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going to bed.
I could have danced all night.
- Coffee? - Great.
- That's a very good idea.
- I'll bring one up.
That's even better idea.
I could have danced, drunk all night - Ah, good morning, Tom.
- Morning.
- Coffee? - Yeah, fine.
I've been meaning to ask, Charlie Frere's boat, how's it coming along? I've done all the preliminary work, I'm just waiting for his lordship to reappear.
- Why do you ask? - I thought if you got a bit of time to spare, you might run a few ideas of mine through that machine of yours.
- What ideas? - Orkadian Mark II.
- You mean a stretched version? - A bit more than that.
- But in principle, what do you say? - Yeah.
That should work very well.
- What else? - Listen, Tom, I've been thinking.
- All new designs are specifically for fibreglass.
- Right.
And the reason they go for plastic is because of low maintenance.
I mean, given the choice, most yachtsmen would prefer a wooden boat.
Jack, how often have we had this argument? Yeah, but supposing I came up with a wooden boat that was as free of maintenance as a plastic one.
You mean completely coated in epoxy? Yeah, yeah.
Inside and out.
It's got to be a winner.
A wooden boat, it would work out very expensive.
- What sort of sizes are you thinking of? - Well, I don't know.
How the hell do you expect me to come up with figures for a boat that's still inside your head? If you ask me, Tom, that machine of yours isn't half as clever as you crack it up to be.
Well, I've just got to go and see.
Hello.
Oh, hello.
- What can I do for you? - You don't remember me, do you? Er, no, I don't.
No.
Laura Wilde.
Laura Wilde? Jimmy's daughter.
- Oh, Jimmy's daughter.
- (Laughs) - How are you? Nice to see you.
- I'm fine.
Oh, this is my This is my partner, Tom Howard.
- Laura Wilde.
- Hi.
- Pleased to meet you.
- Come on, sit down, Laura.
How is the unsociable old sod? - He's not too good, I'm afraid.
- Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
I must get up and see him sometime.
Yes, he'd like that.
But, erm, I wouldn't leave it too long, though.
Oh.
What can we do for you, Laura? Tell me about Ken Masters.
Oh.
How much time have you got? Why do you ask? I hear you're designing a new luxury motor cruiser for him.
Who told you that? He did.
Well, I thought it was all signed and sealed.
Well, we've talked about it in principle, yeah.
Just a minute.
It's all coming together.
Ken Masters is thinking of buying out your father, right? Right.
And I'm not selling.
You're not? I run the business now.
Bloody hell.
They're all at it! Laura tread carefully.
What do you mean? - With Ken Masters.
- Oh, I tread carefully with everyone, Jack.
Seems I did him a bit of a disservice.
How do you mean? No one's got a bad word to say about him.
I think you've fallen on your feet there, Jan.
The question is, Ken, is he in the market to do business? By all accounts, yes.
He overstretched himself recently at the bank.
Nothing serious, he's clear now.
But the good thing is it might make him vulnerable.
Well, I'm seeing him this morning.
Let me know how it goes.
I will.
Oh, Ken.
Thanks.
Well, what do you think? Couple of hours in the job and you want a valued judgment? No, just first impressions.
Go on, stick your neck out.
OK.
Providing I can change all my ideas tomorrow.
Right.
The powerboat division.
Well, first of all, we need the services of a world-class driver, and I don't think we're going to find one on the Solent.
Ken Masters seemed to do all right.
Only because all the sensible ones packed it in.
If we'd had smooth water, neither of us would have stood a chance.
Hm.
Point taken.
Go on.
As I see it, there's no sense in going in for that championship unless we're sure we can win.
And for that we need a catamaran with at least 1200 horsepower.
You're talking of a heavy investment, Leo.
Yeah, and a lot of prestige.
If you don't mind me saying so, Avril, Relton could do with a higher profile.
Barracuda is doing very well, but with some extra publicity we could sell a lot more.
- (Knock at door) - Come in.
Hello, Avril.
I'm sorry, am I interrupting? Well, I'll, er I'll call back later.
Good to see you again, Leo.
- You well? - Yeah.
Fine.
Good.
It's been a long time.
Yes.
Where have you been? Just on holiday.
New places, new ideas.
Actually, it was really very stimulating.
Only wish you'd been with me.
- You really have a very short memory, Charles.
- Ooh, no, on the contrary.
I remember all those good, exciting times we had together.
But I also remember all the hurt that I caused you.
I regret that deeply.
Please don't worry.
It won't happen again.
Now, what can I do for you? Straight down to business, eh? (Laughs) I see.
Very well, then.
I've been doing one or two calculations, and it seems to me that you're not as secure as you might be from any would-be predator.
Really? And who's planning to take over Relton, Charles? (Laughs) Oh, believe me, Avril, I have absolutely no objection to you running Relton.
I told you before you've done a damn good job.
I'd just like to make sure that you're protected.
Very thoughtful of you.
Well, it's not entirely unselfish, I do admit.
I still have a large stake in Relton, I'd like to see it safeguarded.
And I'm sure you've got a ready-made solution up your sleeve.
- Mm-hm.
- Right, then.
Let's hear it.
Well, it's quite simple, really.
We'd bring Relton back under the umbrella of Frere Holdings.
Well, you'd still remain in complete control.
You'd still be totally independent of the parent company.
We'd merely act as your protector.
And everyone lived happily ever after.
You're in a very vulnerable position, you know.
Your success has drawn attention to Relton.
Now, if any predator were to subject you to an aggressive takeover bid, you wouldn't have the capital to fend them off, would you? Unfortunately, shareholders do like their bit of profit.
But luckily I've got you to ward off all my enemies for me.
Hurrah, hurrah.
Think about it.
Seriously.
Did you just say what I think you just said? Yes.
And do you mean it? Yes.
Well, what do you think? I think you're a very fast lady.
- Right, what's that, Arthur? - 2.
40 to you, Jack.
Oh, really? There you go.
- Exactly 2.
40.
- Ta.
There we are.
- Penny for 'em.
- Hm? - Oh, nothing.
- You were miles away.
- Was I? - Mm.
Actually, I was thinking about Avril.
Avril.
Why? No reason.
You're very lucky to have a daughter like her, Jack.
Oh, thank you.
You still haven't answered my question.
- What made you think of her? - I don't know.
I should have kept quiet.
Let's leave it, shall we? Cheers.
- Now what have I said? - Nothing.
Then why have you gone all moody? You never did understand women, did you, Jack? No.
Well, I mean, what man does? But I do understand they generally answer one question by asking another.
For a Piscean, where's all this amazing intuition you're supposed to have? Jack, if things had gone differently, Avril could have been my daughter, couldn't she? Just a bit of wishful thinking, that's all.
- Now let's forget it.
- Oh.
Oh, I see, yeah.
- Yeah, she would have rather liked that.
- Forget it! Oh.
OK, OK.
- So what are we going to do this afternoon? - What's wrong with working? Oh, I did that all morning.
No.
I've got one or two ideas I'd like to bounce off you.
How about taking out a boat? A quiet sail, just the two of us.
I've got a much better idea.
You can come and give me a hand in the garden.
Well, don't look so glum.
It will do you the world of good.
Well? I don't know.
James, you have to remember my shops are freehold, yours aren't.
Yeah.
True.
(Sighs) Look, why don't we let the accountant sort out all the details, hm? You mean you agree? Yes, I do.
Oh, but that's wonderful.
This calls for some champagne.
Let's just see if this thing works out before we go splashing out.
Here's to us.
No, no, no, Oliver.
Of course I understand your loyalty to Avril.
Yes, yes.
That goes without saying.
It's just that It's just that I'd hate to see you caught in the crossfire, that's all.
Well, how about lunch? Er, hang on.
Yes, 15th looks clear.
I'll get my secretary to confirm.
Right you are.
Love to Melanie.
Bye.
Confederated? Yes, Oliver Mitchell.
And? Not sure.
Wants to talk about it.
I suspect he'll probably wait and see which way it goes.
Yeah.
Pity.
They hold a very healthy seven per cent.
I know.
- Charles, I'd like to speak to you.
- Quite all right, Fiona.
- Look, if you two want to be - No, no.
I'd like you to be here.
I'd like you to hear what I have to say.
- I'm rather busy at the moment, Avril.
- It's all right, Charles, it won't take long.
This morning you made proposals concerning the future of Relton.
Well, I'd like to give you my answer in two short words.
No way.
Ah.
After you left my office, you telephoned at least two members of my board and tried to subvert them.
All right, Charles, if you want to take over Relton, then you're gonna have to fight me for it every inch of the way.
Oh, I shall, Avril.
See, this is business.
I intend to regain control of Relton.
And if I have to break you in the process, believe me, I will.
Good.
Thank you, Charles.
Now we both know exactly where we stand.
Do you always keep a spare costume on board? It was just one that someone left behind.
Well, Ken Masters, you've wined and dined me, what now, I wonder.
Well Why don't we just sit and relax, see what happens.
Not trying to seduce me, are you? Not that I object, of course, but I'm still not selling.
Just supposing you remained as managing director of Wilde Mouldings.
Healthy salary, share of the profits.
What would you say then? (Laughs) - Does that mean yes? - No.
Just pleasure.
I think we'd better both cool down for a while.
Why don't we go in for a swim? Oh, yes.
Good idea.
You go and test the water first, hm? Hold onto that.
Come in, Laura.
Water's wonderful.
I thought it would be.
Ken, I've had an idea.
What's that? Why don't we join forces and merge the two companies together? (Laughs) You must be joking.
(Laughs) Laura.
What are you doing? Giving you time to think it over.
- Have a nice day.
- Laura! Laura!