Howard's Way (1985) s06e01 Episode Script

(Church bell rings) (Organ plays) - Is he coming? - I've been to the yard, his house, the pub, he's nowhere to be found.
- He did know it was today? - Course he did.
I made a point of reminding him only yesterday, time and place.
I'll throttle him for this.
(Sighs) We'd better go in.
Name this child Thomas Leo.
Thomas Leo, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
- Amen.
- Amen.
We receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock.
And do sign him with the sign of the cross in token that hereafter, he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
And manfully to fight under his banner against sin, the world and the devil, and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end.
- Amen.
- Amen.
(Cries) Hi, Jack.
Mind if I come alongside? Oh, you're back then.
Thought we'd seen the last of you, Ken.
Just had a bit of a holiday, that's all.
- Licking your wounds? - Something like that, yeah.
But now I'm back, fighting fit.
Reckon you'll get Leisurecruise back, do you? We'll see, we'll see.
Listen, I was sorry to hear about Tom.
- Bay of Biscay, wasn't it? - Yeah, yeah.
- How did Jan take it? - How the hell do you think? Same as we all did.
Anyway, Ken, what do you want? You didn't haul out here on a Sunday afternoon for a pleasant chat, did you? (Laughs) That's what I like about you, Jack, always make a person feel welcome.
No, it's about this trailer-sailer.
It's a cracking little boat.
I know that.
I helped to design it, didn't I? Whatever happened to the original drawings? Er, haven't you got them? No.
Maybe they're still in the office.
I'll have a look.
Good, I'd appreciate that.
Well, have a good fish.
Yeah.
Oh, and give my congratulations to Leo! What for? I understand he's become a proud father.
Oh, yeah.
Oh, no.
- Where's Mum? - Upstairs.
I'll go and find her.
Bye-bye.
- How are you feeling? - Yeah, fine.
It's just that I heard someone in there, you know, say how much Tom would've loved all this.
Oh, sorry.
I thought all this part of it was over.
It's going to take time.
I know.
Abby, you're not mixing and you're not drinking.
- Here, let me have a go.
- Go to your grandfather, there.
Come on.
Right I think we ought to go back in.
I'm just slipping away.
I've said goodbye to Abby.
So soon? Charles and I have avoided each other so far, so I'll quit while I'm ahead.
You and Abby must come for dinner soon.
Chance would be a fine thing! I'm sure you'll find plenty of baby-sitters in there.
Bye, Jan.
Leo.
- How am I looking? - You look lovely.
Seems no time at all since Leo was that age.
- You knew the family then? - Oh, yeah.
I was always bumping into Tom up and down the river.
- There we are.
- Careful of his head.
I have held a baby before, Gerald.
- (Baby cries) - Shush, shush, shush.
That is definitely a Frere nose, if ever I saw one.
What do you think you're doing, Charles? I should've thought that was obvious, Kate.
I am looking at my grandson.
I out-rank you.
He is my great-grandson.
Give him to me.
Yes, of course, darling, I know.
You're completely in your element, aren't you, Kate? Yes.
I love children, especially at this age.
Did you never want any? Oh, yes.
I'm sorry, my dear, I didn't mean to pry.
Tactless of me.
Isn't it wonderful, Abby looking so well and fit, after that ghastly accident? There was a time in that hospital when I was afraid she wouldn't pull through.
- It can be very strong, the will to survive.
- Yes.
Where have you got his name down for, Leo? - Sorry? - Which school? - I've no idea.
- I should give it some serious thought.
Hi there.
Hi.
(Woman) That's right.
Oh, yes, oh, yes.
- Jack.
- I'm sorry, Vanessa.
It It looks as though I'm a bit late.
Thanks.
Well, well, well.
The return of the prodigal.
Different combination, Ken.
A wise precaution, it seems.
- What have you done with my desk? - Burnt it.
- You did what? - And changed the locks.
- You were breaking and entering.
- I left some plans in here and I want them.
I told you to clear your things out months ago.
You chose not to.
- It wasn't convenient.
- You ran off, tail between your legs.
- Don't push your luck, Laura.
- But I always do, Ken.
The trouble with you is, you take things too personally.
It's business, that's all.
I won, you lost.
Life would be easier for you if you'd accept that fact.
Never.
You enjoy your time behind that desk because it won't be for long.
Do get out, Ken, you're beginning to bore me.
Oh, really? Well, boredom's going to be one of the least of your worries.
Come on, Vanessa.
You've been having a go at me ever since we got back.
Listen, listen, it was a fine day, I decided to go fishing and simply forgot, that's all.
End of story.
- How convenient.
- Oh, come on! Bill took the trouble to go, probably out of respect for Tom.
No one can take Tom's place.
But right now, Leo desperately needs someone he can talk to, man to man.
- Oh.
I never thought of that.
- No, I don't suppose you did.
How is it that you see things so clearly and I'm so blind? Probably because I'm a woman.
A very special woman.
Good night, Jack.
Don't worry about the wine stain, I'll get it out somehow.
You're not going, are you? It's only 9.
00.
I think we could both do with an early night.
Oh, I bet you won't say that once we've tied the knot.
I didn't know we were getting married, Jack.
Does that mean you've made up your mind about the yard? No, I thought not.
Sweet dreams.
That nightmare again? Only this time, I was on the boat.
It was so real.
It was night, a storm.
Lights of a tug moving somewhere ahead.
The boat was pitching and twisting.
A man on the deck, I went to give him my hand.
He smiled up at me.
It was Dad.
He shouted, "Biscay at its worst!" I looked back, there was this big, black mountain crashing down on us.
Then I was in the sea, all alone, icy cold.
I tried to call out, but no sound came.
It's over.
Hmm, yes Your finances are certainly stretched, my dear.
- But you're hardly in a mess.
- What a relief! That is good news.
There is just one thing which needs clearing up.
What is not mentioned in any of these figures is the further L50,000 borrowed by James Brooke.
I'm sorry? Borrowed? - I don't understand.
- Yes, just before he left.
- Didn't you know? - No, I had no idea.
- Am I liable? - Yes, I'm afraid you are.
- The company is still guarantor.
- What? In view of your increased trading figures, it was perfectly justifiable.
- What am I going to do? - Don't worry, my dear.
The bank is hardly likely to call in the loan.
Thank you.
But still, all my profit will go on paying off the interest.
I have to get rid of that loan.
They're difficult things to get off, roller coasters, aren't they? What you need now is a new injection of capital.
Had you thought of replacing James Brooke with a new partner? Yes.
For all of five seconds.
He hurt you pretty badly, that young man, didn't he? Yes, John, he did.
(Bill) First time Leo's been back, isn't it? You know something, Bill? The office seems damn strange without Tom.
Yeah.
Even the yard feels empty.
- How's it going then, Leo? - Fine, fine.
I didn't come across those plans for Ken's trailer-sailer.
I shouldn't worry.
He's probably got them himself.
Why does he want? Is he going into production? No idea.
But if he does, it certainly won't be with Leisurecruise.
Never thought I'd see anyone get the better of Ken Masters.
You and Avril watch it.
That Laura Wilde is a dangerous woman.
She can't be interested in Relton, Jack, she and Avril are old friends.
Friendship and business are like oil and water - they just don't mix.
Right, Jack, duly noted.
Now, are you sure I can have these? I mean, do they belong to the company? Yeah, officially they do, I suppose, but they were your dad's original designs and I'd like you to have them.
Even if one of them turns out to be a world beater? Even then.
Listen, I'm I'm very sorry about yesterday.
Don't mention it.
Gave us all a good laugh.
Oh, Leo? If you If you ever need someone to talk to.
I'll come straight to you, Jack.
And don't worry about Relton.
Avril's firmly in the driving seat.
(Laughs) Buy your Relton shares? I'm sorry, have I said something funny? - Very.
- It may have slipped your memory, but you've already sold us your Relton holding.
Ah, yes.
Yes, I remember now.
Immediately afterwards, the Hudsons withdrew their support and I lost out on the Malta project, didn't I? - Yes.
Terribly sad.
- I remember feeling bitter about it.
There I was with your cheque and nothing to spend it on.
So, every time the Relton shares took a dip, I bought back in.
- Oh, yes? - And guess what.
I'm back to my original four percent.
I've even got some of your money left over.
Well, what would you like me to do? Applaud? With that size holding, your name should appear on the register.
- It doesn't.
- I took a leaf out of Charles's book.
Nominee companies.
So, the status quo has been restored.
Why exactly are you telling us all this, Ken? You want Relton back, I want Leisurecruise back.
I thought we could be of service to one another.
One vital difference - you're strapped for ready cash, I'm not.
- However, I'll give it some thought.
- I thought perhaps you might.
- Good day, gentlemen.
- Cheerio, Ken.
It's all right.
(Laughs) Well, ten out of ten for effort.
Oh, forget him.
He's there when we want him.
Now then, Jack Rolfe.
Thanks, but I just couldn't fit it in at the moment.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
OK, well, thanks for thinking of me.
Yeah, bye.
- Was that a commission? - Yeah.
That's the third one I've had to turn down.
Always the way, isn't it? Yes.
Babies do tend to dominate the scene, don't they, once they arrive? - Are you getting any sleep? - Not much.
- How's Leo coping? - He's fine.
It's Daddy I'm worried about, he keeps going on about getting a nanny.
What's wrong with that? You could get back to your photography and still see plenty of Thomas.
I don't like the idea of just handing him over to a stranger.
I don't want to do that.
- (Thomas cries) - He's early.
Sounds like wind to me.
Why not bring the little fellow down here? OK.
The Tarrant boat show? First time I've heard about it! Course it is, you're the first people I've told.
Hang about, hang about.
Are you saying you're organising this? Yeah.
Something I should've done years ago.
I mean, think of all the boat builders there are in this area.
And all the boat owners that come down week after week.
It's a captive audience.
And no transport costs - all you have to do is sail your boat up to a pontoon.
It's a perfect venue for your Orkadian, Jack.
How big is this show of yours going to be? Well, put it this, Vanessa, I'm after quality, not quantity.
Restricted to the Tarrant area - not too big, not too small, a sort of family affair.
Ken, Ken.
What is it going to cost me? Yes, well, I've been thinking about that.
And just between ourselves, this is what I'll do.
Oh, here we go.
Here we go.
No, please, please, listen.
In order for this to be a success, it needs proper PR and advertising.
And that's where Vanessa comes in.
I'm not talking about a national campaign.
Just a few adverts in the yachting press Ken, Ken, you still haven't told me what it's going to cost me.
Nothing.
You handle that side of things and you exhibit for free.
- Sounds reasonable.
Vanessa? - How many moorings do we get? Three.
Make it four and you're on.
You're a hard woman, Vanessa.
You will understand, Miss Rolfe, that when a man is fortunate enough to possess such a beautiful lady, then only the best is good enough.
Believe me, Signor Cadorna, I understand perfectly.
When I was a young man, time was of no importance.
Now I become impatient.
I want to enjoy her company as soon as possible for as long as possible.
(Laughs) You think perhaps that I am foolish to fall in love at my age, huh? Not at all.
So, Miss Rolfe, ten days.
And I want those estimates on my desk, together with a firm completion date.
Understood? - Perfectly.
- Good.
Good.
You and I will do much business together.
- Goodbye.
- Bye-bye.
(Avril) No wonder Signor Cadorna's fallen in love with her.
Mind you, she doesn't look like that now.
She's in a really sorry state.
She needs a complete refurb, over a half a million pounds.
That's a big order.
Relton's not equipped to do this kind of work.
No, but we oversee, chase up, make sure delivery dates are kept.
So, who's actually going to do the job? - I'm not sure yet.
- I know one thing.
Jack would give his eye teeth to get his hands on a boat like this.
I imagine he would.
(Machinery whirrs over Jack's speech) led all the other crabs into the basket! (All laugh) It's a funny story, yeah.
Oh, hello, Charles.
15 minutes I've been waiting here.
I'd better get back to work, Jack.
We've been waiting in the Jolly Sailor.
We always go there lunch time.
We expected you there.
I see.
Well, what I have to say won't take long.
No, Vanessa, please, there's no need for you to go.
- In fact, I would prefer you to stay.
- As you wish.
Now I fully appreciate what the loss of Tom must've meant to you, both personally and for the running of this yard.
Which is why I've bent over backwards to try to be patient.
But time is now up.
This marina development can't wait any longer.
- So I want an answer and now.
- Well, you'll hear very soon.
Not good enough.
You've been fobbing me off like that for months.
- Give him 48 hours.
- What? Who the hell's the governor here? Charles deserves an answer and so do I.
What? Is this a joint ultimatum, or something? You take it how you like it.
Now listen to me This is my yard, and I'll make up my own mind in my own good time.
OK? 48 hours.
OK, Ken, let's try a close haul.
I told you she was close winded, didn't I? Yes, you're right.
- Here, have a go yourself.
- OK.
I bet this takes you back to your dinghy-racing days, doesn't it? Yes.
She's really responsive.
Oh, yes.
And fast in a really stuff breeze.
But docile enough for Dad, Mum and the kids.
Well, what do you think of her? - I think you're onto a winner, Ken.
- Absolutely right, Avril.
This one is going to be a winner, it's going to sell like hot cakes.
How would Relton feel about manufacturing her? Could make your company a lot of money.
- Not to mention Ken Masters.
- (Laughs) Well, everyone's got to earn a crust.
You're talking about a lot of capital investment, extra staff, someone to oversee the project.
I could handle that side of things.
Come on, Ken, you'd have to spend all your time at the yard.
Oh, rent me an office somewhere.
A quality hull, built and manufactured by Relton will see us both in profit.
- A healthy profit.
- All right, I'll think about it.
But no promises.
Fair enough.
- Shall we head back? - Why not? Pity to waste time enjoying ourselves.
- Ready about? - Uh-huh.
Lee-oh! How very interesting.
The main thing is, Avril, do you like the idea of a Tarrant boat show? Basically, yes.
Providing it's properly organised.
Of course it will be.
I've got Vanessa to do the PR and advertising.
If she can't make a person come to a boat show, nobody can.
How many berths shall I put you down for? Hang on, Ken, how much is it going to cost me? - Nothing.
- Since when have you become a charity? The fact of the matter is, someone's let me down.
But I noticed you've got a lot of empty pontoons.
- What about them? - Make them available and you can exhibit for free.
- I'd want four berths.
- Fair enough.
OK, you've got a deal.
Will Laura be exhibiting? Somehow I think not, no.
- Hello there, Jack.
- Hello, Ken.
- You pop up everywhere.
- Man on the move these days.
Be in touch, Avril.
Bye, Jack.
What was that all about? My business, Dad, not yours.
He wants you to exhibit in this boat show of his, right? - Yes.
- Why didn't you say so? Because, Dad, I'm not a little girl who has to tell you everything that's happened each day.
- Have I ever made you do that? - No.
No, you didn't really, did you? So, now you're here, what can I do for you? - Not a lot.
I'm in the doghouse.
- That's nothing unusual.
Vanessa? Yeah, it's ultimatum time.
She doesn't want me to sell the yard.
Neither do I.
I think you'd be a fool to give up the Mermaid.
That's just the sort of emotional response you get from women.
You want to escape from the past and not for an emotional reason? No, I'm just taking a look to the future and my retirement.
Rubbish.
- What's that you've got there? - Just some work we've taken on.
Hey! That's the Xanadu.
- 1925.
- Yes.
What do you want to do? Hold another meeting? Yeah.
What do you mean, work you've taken on? Complete refit.
It's going to cost over half a million pounds.
So when do you want to hold this meeting? Tomorrow.
Avril, Avril.
You're not equipped to do that sort of work.
- You haven't got any craftsmen.
- We're only overseeing the job.
- I'm not sure who'll do the work.
- It's obvious! That boat's got to come to the Mermaid Yard.
Dad, after tomorrow, there may not be a Mermaid Yard.
Besides, there's a deadline.
- So, what time? - 11:00 at the yard.
- Can't do, unless it's here.
- Yeah, fine, fine.
- Where is she lying now? - Gibraltar.
Just about seaworthy, waiting to come over.
I think I'll ask Sir John Stevens along tomorrow.
Oh? What do you want him for? Well, he is my financial advisor.
Besides, I think I might need him.
So, Dad, as I've still got rather a lot of work to do Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah.
See you tomorrow.
- Dad? - Hm? Oh, I'm sorry, Avril.
(Ring tone) Jan Howard here.
If you'd like to leave a message after the tone, then I'll ring you back.
(Bleep) Er, hello, Jan, it's Jan.
No message.
(Laughs) Abby, we're home! - Abby? - (Thomas cries) (Huffs) Now look what you've done.
Just when I'd got him to sleep.
Sorry.
Where's Abby? She's out.
She won't be back till late.
- Why? What happened? - She's dining with a publisher.
He wants to discuss a commission with her.
That's a bit of a waste of time, isn't it? She's been turning work away.
Not any more.
It's a splendid idea of yours, Gerald, that she should have a nanny.
Coming, my darling! I'm coming, Thomas! I'm sorry, I'm afraid I haven't had time to cook your dinner.
- Dining on your own? - Yes, that's right, Ken, on my own.
Excuse me.
- Mind if I join you? - Actually, I would rather you didn't.
Jan, there was more to that James Brooke business than you knew about.
- I behaved badly.
- You behaved appallingly.
- I don't want to discuss it, all right? - Yes, I'm sorry.
But if there's any justice in this world, you'll agree I've had my comeuppance.
Now please, take pity on an ex-company director, down to his last penthouse.
You see? You almost smiled then.
I'm doing you some good.
I'll have the grilled plaice, please.
And a bottle of Krug and two glasses.
- What are you celebrating? - Dining with you, of course.
Did you get my letter about Tom? Yes, yes, thanks, I did.
A tragic loss, tragic.
Yes.
So, what have you been up to all this time? Oh, this and that, you know.
If I tell you something, I want you to promise you won't dare breathe it to a living soul.
- I went into a retreat for a week.
- You? - Hm.
- (Laughs) I don't believe it! Yes, it's perfectly true.
Well, I say a week, I left after three days, deafened by the silence.
But it did make me look into myself.
And you know, I've hurt you a lot in the past.
The one woman in the world I care most about.
Ken, please.
Thank you.
Believe me, it'll never happen again.
Will you change the subject? Blackmail, that's what it is, bloody blackmail! Don't be ridiculous, Jack.
You're overreacting, as usual.
Am I? What do you call it? She dangles this boat in front of my nose, then says if I sell the yard, I don't get the contract.
- That's blackmail in any language.
- Dad, it's simply a statement of fact.
Of course I want you to do the work.
You're the obvious choice.
But if you sell the yard to Charles Frere, you won't have a yard to work in.
- She's a lovely boat, Jack.
- Oh, don't you start.
Listen, I'll sell to Frere on the understanding that he delays completion for say nine months.
How's that? This job could take over a year.
If I know Charles, he'll want that site bulldozed flat - by the end of the month.
- But Remember my father went into that yard too, Jack.
(Hums) Oh, suits your image, Ken.
- Yes, definitely downmarket.
- I'm busy, Laura.
What do you want? Ah, the Tarrant boat show.
It's about your mark, I'd say.
What's it to be next? Car boot sales? Don't mention the word "boot".
Might give me ideas.
- You wouldn't dare.
- Don't tempt me, Laura, don't tempt me.
Really, I come in the spirit of friendliness and all I get is abuse.
Say what you've got to say and go.
The fact is, Ken, you rather worry me.
Good.
Better get used to the idea.
Here you are, down on your luck, with this ridiculous idea that one day - you'll gain control of Leisurecruise.
- Believe me, I will.
It's a pipe dream, Ken.
Not only do I control my holdings, but Vicky's as well.
Yes, I heard she'd gone.
They found the body yet? She's quite happy, working for her uncle Sir Alan.
- We parted very best of friends.
- Novel experience for you, Laura.
So, here we both are.
Me in full control of Leisurecruise and you with virtually no liquid working capital to speak of.
Don't tell me you're going to offer to buy my shares? That's what I like about you, Ken, you're so perceptive.
- At what figure? - Market price.
Plus, say five pence a share? Don't forget to charge the cost of this trip against the company.
You won't get a better offer.
Bye-bye, Laura.
- By the way, I came across these.
- What are they? The plans and specifications for that little boat.
- I do hope you sell a lot of them.
- Oh, don't you worry.
I will.
Well, we seem to reached an impasse.
However, I think I may have the right answer.
Yeah, well, if you have, I'd be glad to hear it.
As I see it, you want to sell the Mermaid Yard, continue in boat building and come out of the deal with cash in hand.
- How? - Sell to Relton Marine.
You must be joking! The proposal is this - the Mermaid Yard, with you as its managing director, shall become a subsidiary of Relton Marine.
In return, you get a block of Relton shares, a lump sum in cash and a seat on the board.
And naturally, Vanessa would continue with PR and advertising.
- And your staff remains as is.
- Just a minute.
Let me take this on board.
I'd carry on as before, only with a fancy name on my door, - and I'd get paid a salary, right? - Right.
And on top of that, I'd get shares in Relton? - Correct.
- Plus a bag of gold, Jack.
Well, Dad? Thomas Leo.
No, no, as a matter of fact, he's my grandson.
Thank you very much, Headmaster, that's very kind of you.
Tell me, how is the fund for the new science lab progressing? Really? Well, if that's all you need, I'd be happy to put a cheque in the post to you right away.
Not at all, it's a pleasure.
Goodbye.
Well, that's that settled.
Oh, good.
Tell me, you are going to tell Abby and Leo? Of course.
In time.
By sending their son to a school like that without it costing them a penny.
What parent wouldn't be grateful? And after that, I suppose, a good degree and a couple of years at the Harvard Business School? Do I detect a note of censure in your voice? It's just that you always resented your father running your life for you.
Strange how the pattern seems to be repeating itself.
I just want what's best for the boy.
I'm going for a swim.
Well, thank God you have finally made up your mind.
Yeah, with a bit of pushing and shoving.
And a lot of shenanigans.
- How do you feel about it? - Me? Fine.
- Avril's a clever girl.
- Clever? Devious more like! Jack, when are we going to start working on the Xanadu? - Got a little extra job for you.
- What's that? Well, I'd like you to be liaison between Relton and the Mermaid.
Liaison? Don't you mean trouble-shooter? Keeping to delivery dates is not my father's strongest point.
- I'm not sure that it's my scene.
- You're a major shareholder, it's in your own interests.
Think about it, but don't take too long.
- How does it feel, Jack? - How do you mean? Not owning the yard any more.
Well, kind of empty, I suppose, after all these years.
- Now it's all gone.
- Jack, that's nonsense.
The yard's still there and it's still in the family.
You'd have felt a lot worse if you'd sold out to Charles Frere.
Yeah, I suppose you're right.
Don't know what Charlie's gonna say when I tell him.
Don't worry, Dad, I'll tell him for you.
I'll be damned if I let Avril get away with this.
- Charles - I have put a lot of time and money into this marina project.
I won't let all that effort go to waste.
You do remember I had my doubts about Jack selling to us? Thank you for that comforting thought.
I was hoping for a positive reaction.
In the face of such a fait accompli, I don't see what else we could've done.
Don't you? I damned well do.
We take over Relton Marine, so we automatically acquire the Mermaid site.
Charles, this feud with Avril is getting out of control.
- It's clouding your judgement.
- Oh, no.
I'm seeing things very clearly right now.
Avril believes she's absolutely secure.
That's the very time that we strike.
OK, Jenny, now jibe her.
Good.
Pull her round and heave to.
- Handles her very well.
- Yeah, she does, doesn't she? - Her face looks familiar somehow.
- Yeah, she's a local girl.
Walked into the office looking for a job as a sales demonstrator.
Have you had a chance to look at my costings? Yes, I tried to fault them, but I'm afraid I can't.
- Good.
So, we've got a deal then? - Yes, Ken, I think we have.
I suggest we start off at ten a month.
I'll have to sell a lot more than that, Avril.
Let's just wait until hope turns into a reality, shall we? Fair enough, you're the guv'nor.
When was the last time you had to say that? Not for quite a while.
How did I do, Mr Masters? - You've got the job.
- Great.
But it's just for the show.
Yes, you did explain that.
Can we talk about commission, please? You certainly believe in getting straight to the point.
Well, yes.
It saves so much trouble later on.
Alright, let's head back and talk about it.
You look as though you've got a full evening's work ahead of you.
- Who let you in? - No one.
Your staff has all gone.
The door was wide open.
Very lax security, Jan.
Yes, I must do something about that.
I hate the idea of unwelcome visitors wandering in off the streets.
Oh, why the unfriendliness? - I come bearing gifts.
- I never accept gifts from Greeks, or strangers.
We don't have to be strangers, you know, when we could so easily be partners.
Laura, you are the last person in the world that I would even con I think you ought to hear me out, Jan.
Alright.
I could do with a laugh at the moment.
Go ahead.
Good.
Right now, I'm looking for ways to diversify my business interests.
You've built up a very fine company and I've no doubt you're looking for ways to expand.
But something tells me the sudden departure of James Brooke could have created a financial crisis.
May I remind you, Laura, that if it hadn't been for your muck raking, - James might still be here.
- Oh, I doubt it.
You two were never really suited.
Out.
Get out of my office! Jan, I think you're being rather unreasonable.
If you set foot in my office once more, you're going to find out just how unreasonable I can be.
As you wish.
Oh, by the way, I hear he's in San Francisco.
He's got a new girlfriend - very young, very beautiful.
Liaison Director.
Bit of a grand title, isn't it? Oh, don't tell me - Avril's idea.
- That's right, Jack.
- Liaison Director.
Well, what will she come up with next? What are you proposing to do? Apart from sitting in my office busy liaising? I expect I'll be chasing up you and Bill most of the time.
- You'll be doing what? - Making sure you quote reasonable deadlines and delivery dates.
- And seeing that you keep to them.
- I don't believe I'm hearing this.
- It'll keep the customers off my back.
- Don't be ridiculous, Bill.
Leo's into bar boats, he knows damn all about wooden ones.
Neither did my father when he first came here.
- Yeah, well, he was different.
- I know I can never take his place, but one thing I can do is make sure this yard goes forwards instead of back.
Isn't that the way he would've wanted it? - Maybe.
- Oh, come on, Jack.
You and Tom used to have some right old barneys.
Great, I'll just be carrying on the family tradition then.
See you, boys.
Not long ago, you took him on as an apprentice.
- Now he's telling you what to do.
- Just let him try.
On display on pontoon number two is the unique sailing dinghy the Skua, produced by Ken Masters Enterprises in partnership with Relton Marine.
Don't miss the fine range of boats from Relton Marine on pontoon one, in particular, the award-winning Barracuda and the Spring.
Also on pontoon one is the export award winner Orkadian, a unique fishing craft, designed and built by Jack Rolfe of the Mermaid Yard.
The main sheet comes through here, then it goes off She sleeps six easily and there's a very spacious galley.
Do you see? Will you be doing the cooking? With a boat like this, you can go out for day's fishing and feel safe.
I've had her out in a force eight.
Couple of reefs, she was docile as a kitten.
You've got a nice little two berth cabin in there.
Something else - in rough seas, she handles like a boat twice her size.
With the plate down, she draws 3ft 6", so that makes for a stiff boat.
And with the boom only 6ft long, she's also very forgiving.
A very forgiving boat, sir.
All the controls come back to the cockpit, so no dangerous foredeck work.
And this engine will take you anywhere.
Diesel, of course, 27 horse.
Very economical to run.
Always safe with diesel.
Petrol on board's never worried me.
She's a four stroke, which makes her very quiet.
Yes, sir, she is finished to a very high standard.
Wouldn't expect anything less from Relton.
With a boat like this, you can trail her anywhere - Lake District, South of France.
The lucky ticket number draw will be at 5:00 on the last day of the show.
The winner will receive a free sailing day in the Ken Masters Enterprises' Skua - Here you are, Jack.
- No, thanks.
- Oh, Bill.
How's it going? - Couple of time wasters.
- Tea, Bill? - Oh, thanks.
- I've talked myself dry.
- It's been worth it though.
I think I'll take a walk, see how the others are getting on.
If you wish to visit the Tarrant Boat Show later in the week, please retain your ticket to obtain a special discount.
Thank you very much, Mr Crane.
Wisest decision you ever made.
- See you in a couple of months' time.
- Goodbye.
- How's it going, Ken? - We've taken a lot of orders.
We'll have to step up production.
This is for you, Ken.
Thank you, Mr Jenkins.
- What's all this about? - It's a case of Champagne.
A little thank-you for selling so many of my boats.
What the hell are you talking about? The rights on that boat belong to me.
I do hope he hasn't involved you, Avril.
Enjoy it.