ANNOUNCER: ... was presented by Jane Stewart. Now before the repeat of this morning's "In Our Time" we have a few moments, so you may like to hear of a new series starting ...

JULIAN: (hoarsely) Come in! It isn't locked.

SALLY: How do you feel now?

JULIAN: Rough!

SALLY: You sound it! Can I get you anything?

JULIAN: Thanks, I was thinking about a refill of coffee and whisky - everything's out in the kitchen. Make something for yourselves while you're at it.

SALLY: Right.

JULIAN: How did it go?

KEVIN: Pretty awful.

JULIAN: How?

KEVIN: Too many of the usual loud-mouths. They were just belting out slogans, shouting down anyone who tried to make a sensible point. It put everyone else's backs up. Skinner's lot seemed completely reasonable by comparison. They hardly needed to say anything for their own case - the vote went their way practically by default.

JULIAN: Oh, lord!

KEVIN: So what do we do now?

JULIAN: I think we've had it on that one.

KEVIN: Not like you to give up.

JULIAN: I know, but there's no use beating our heads against a brick wall.

KEVIN: It isn't just the cold getting you down, is it?

JULIAN: It doesn't help. Very depressing.

KEVIN: Was there anything decent on the box?

JULIAN: The usual rubbish. But quite an interesting radio programme.

KEVIN: Oh? What about?

JULIAN: Using genetically-modified crops in manufacturing pharmaceuticals.

KEVIN: Hell!

JULIAN: Maybe. But it needn't be.

KEVIN: Don't tell me you're going soft on it.

JULIAN: No, but if we're automatically against everything people will take no notice when there's something really objectionable. I think we'd better be very careful about attacking this one.

KEVIN: Go on.

JULIAN: I had a fit of sneezing and missed a bit of it, but it sounded as though quite a lot of care was being taken.

KEVIN: Huh!

JULIAN: A lot of the programme was about some international agreement on controlling it. Incidentally, there's a local connection - part of the work was done by someone at the university here.

SALLY: Oh? I wonder if my editor might be interested.

JULIAN: There's no harm in mentioning it to him, if he doesn't already know.

SALLY: What's the chap's name? I suppose it is a chap.

JULIAN: Yes. Kendrick - Dr. Ian Kendrick. Actually, I had another idea -

SALLY: Yes?

JULIAN: I wonder if he'd come and explain the business to us.

KEVIN: Why on earth should he be bothered? We're pretty small beer.

JULIAN: He might be persuaded - now, if Sally gets an interview with him for the paper, then ...

SALLY: Then what?

JULIAN: Well, you can look pretty stunning when you want to. You could try giving him an eyeful ...

KEVIN: Here, steady on!

JULIAN: I'm not suggesting a striptease ...

KEVIN: I should damn well hope not!

JULIAN: Just put him in a friendly mood.

SALLY: I suppose it might work. But first I've got to get my editor interested.

JULIAN: Try the same method?

SALLY: He'd run a mile! No, I think he'll probably bite - especially if I put it to him that it combines national and local interest. Then if I get an interview it's just a matter of working on Dr. Kendrick ...

IAN: Hello. Miss Henderson, is it?

SALLY: Yes. I'm sorry I'm late - I missed a turning and got stuck at road works.

IAN: They're a devil if you don't know the way round. I get caught myself, sometimes.

SALLY: I should have allowed for delays.

IAN: Don't worry - there's no hurry, at least as far as I'm concerned. But why are we standing here on the doorstep? Come through, won't you?

IAN: Do make yourself comfortable. Would you like a coffee - or something stronger?

SALLY: No, thank you - I think we'd better get on.

IAN: Right. Now what's all this about? Your editor or whoever it was seemed rather vague about it. In fact completely vague.

SALLY: Sorry, I was out on another job, the editor was out too and I had to ask his secretary to make the appointment. There wasn't time to explain. But it's about this GM treaty with the Japanese that's been in the news ...

IAN: For goodness' sake don't call it a treaty! They insisted that it was nothing of the sort. We had the devil of a job getting them to accept the word "agreement." They're very hot on shades of meaning.

SALLY: Sorry - I'll make a note of that.

IAN: I didn't realise you went in for international matters.

SALLY: Not as a rule, but there's a local angle. I believe you were involved in the talks that led up to it, weren't you?

IAN: As a technical adviser, yes. Not a negotiator - that was a job for the political types, thank goodness.

SALLY: Yes, so I understand. But from what's come out it seems that the technical aspects were crucial - that success or failure hinged on convincing your opposite numbers to accept a particular approach at a working level.

IAN: It was an essential step, certainly. We had to satisfy them before the diplomats came into it.

SALLY: So I wondered if you could explain the issues in a way that our readers would understand.

IAN: Huh! I very much doubt it.

SALLY: Why? Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so abrupt.

IAN: I think actually it's I who should apologise. It's a reasonable question. I'm afraid this is liable to seem terribly patronising, and I don't mean it that way, but I've generally found that people without a scientific background seem to have a mental block against technical ideas - especially where there are emotive issues involved.

SALLY: I think that's important in itself. Could you expand on it a bit?

IAN: I'll try - I hope without insulting you. I presume your own background isn't scientific?

SALLY: Not in the least. But I've tried to take an intelligent interest.

IAN: That's a good start, anyway. With a lot of people, in my experience, if you try to explain a technical issue at however basic a level, they accuse you of "blinding with science" and trying to throw them off the scent of some horror. If you simply give them the result, of course, you're covering it up. Either way you can't win.

SALLY: Isn't that a rather sweeping generalisation?

IAN: Perhaps, but ... Sorry, we seem to be getting off on the wrong foot. My fault. Can we go back a step or two?

SALLY: I suppose you've had some bad experiences. But don't you think the Press could help in putting the ideas across? Explaining them in terms that people actually understand?

IAN: To be fair, it sometimes tries - quite often, in fact. But even with serious papers, the results are usually pretty dreadful. They never seem to get the story right.

SALLY: (almost singing) What, never?

IAN: (recognising the allusion) Hardly ever. So you're a Gilbert and Sullivan fan, are you?

SALLY: I was in a production of "Pinafore" only a few weeks ago.

IAN: As the gallant captain's daughter?

SALLY: No such luck! In the chorus.

IAN: While I suppose the lead was taken by a lady of mature years and ample dimensions who had to drop an octave for the top notes and would have been far better as Little Buttercup.

SALLY: How did you guess?

IAN: I've been involved with amateur groups - not singing, I might say. Ah, well ... But we digress. I'm afraid that on anything at all controversial, most of the Press is inclined to give a very - well, unsatisfactory account. Especially if the writer has an axe to grind, as they usually seem to.

SALLY: Don't you think even journalists are entitled to an opinion?

IAN: Of course they are - so long as they distinguish it from fact. But that distinction tends to get badly blurred. It may not always be deliberate, I suppose ...

SALLY: What do you mean?

IAN: Well, some opinions get spouted so often that people mistake them for facts. And I imagine journalists are as human as anyone else.

SALLY: That's a more flattering view than we sometimes get!

IAN: I remember one article, in a quality paper too, where every statement was more or less seriously wrong. You must have seen what it's been like even over a simple matter like dealing with nuclear waste.

SALLY: (scandalised) Simple!!!?

IAN: Yes, in essence. A matter of solidifying the stuff and sticking it down a suitable hole.

SALLY: But surely there's no way of doing it safely?

IAN: That's the - well, I hate using it, but "lie" is really the only word - that the Greens have been peddling for decades. And as one of them said, in another context of course, if you tell a lie often enough, people will believe it.

SALLY: That's a pretty serious accusation - deliberate deception.

IAN: And I don't make it lightly. But one of them admitted it to me once, as justified by the cause. But I'm getting on to one of my hobby-horses, and it's not what you want to talk about, is it?

SALLY: No, though it's interesting. Maybe another time ...

IAN: I'm game!

SALLY: I'm sure you are! But getting back to the treaty - sorry, agreement - what I should like is an account suitable for ordinary people of what it provides and why it was so difficult to agree. Preferably without too many technicalities!

IAN: A simplified version, eh. Well, I'll see what I can do. I suppose you're familiar ...

IAN: ... but once we'd sorted that out it was just a matter of tidying up the administrative detail.

SALLY: Phew!

IAN: Yes, it was certainly a relief. It had taken two or three years' work, but it was worth it.

SALLY: Did it mean your going out to Japan?

IAN: A couple of times, yes, just for a few days.

SALLY: What did you think of it?

IAN: I liked the country and the people. The food was another matter.

SALLY: Why?

IAN: I'm not much of a fish-eater in any case, but raw ... ugh!

SALLY: How did you manage, then?

IAN: By avoiding it as far as possible.

SALLY: How far was that?

IAN: A lot less than most of us would have liked! It was notorious that people who spent any length of time out there came back noticeably thinner than they went.

SALLY: So you weren't sorry your visits were short?

IAN: In that respect, at any rate. On the last occasion we had to spend a night in Tokyo before catching the flight home, and went out to look for a meal - anything but Japanese. We searched for what seemed an age and thought we might be reduced to eating in a hamburger joint or going back to the hotel ...

SALLY: Was it so very bad?

IAN: Quite the opposite - with being on government business, we got the best. It was just too blandly international.

SALLY: And you wanted something different?

IAN: Exactly - but we found a curious little Mexican restaurant that seemed worth trying. It actually turned out to be rather good.

SALLY: We? You took your - er - partner?

IAN: A professional colleague. There was no provision for social companions.

SALLY: A pity. I'd have jumped at a chance like that.

IAN: (facetiously)And I never knew it!

SALLY: I didn't mean ...

IAN: It's all right, only joking. In any case it would have had to be a wife or nothing, and I've never married.

SALLY: Oh? May I ask ...?

IAN: I'd have liked to, but it didn't happen.

SALLY: What went wrong? If I may ask ...

IAN: I don't think we need go into that.

IAN: Hmm. I wonder ...

SALLY: What?

IAN: Miss Henderson, you're an attractive young woman -

SALLY: (taken aback) Thank you, but ...

IAN: - it wasn't a compliment - and I think you're well aware of your assets. You've made quite sure that I should be aware of them, too. So what are you after?

SALLY: (protesting) I beg your pardon!

IAN: Why this attempt at visual seduction?

IAN: I'm not complaining, mind you - far from it. But neither am I fool enough to imagine that you could fancy a man three times your age.

SALLY: I ...

IAN: And I don't think it's just showing off; you don't seem the type. That seems to mean you want something else - something in the nature of a personal favour that you couldn't simply ask for in the normal course of an interview. What is it?

SALLY: Wow! You don't beat about the bush, do you?

IAN: I prefer to be straightforward. How about you?

SALLY: Well, fair enough; I'll try. You've rather taken the wind out of my sails.

IAN: Then would you like a coffee now? After all that talking I could do with one.

SALLY: It's probably a good idea.

IAN: Milk and sugar?

SALLY: Milk, no sugar, thank you.

IAN: Right, excuse me a moment.

IAN: Biscuit?

SALLY: No, thank you.

IAN: Your figure could stand it.

SALLY: Let's not go that way!

IAN: You don't mind if I tuck in? They're my one remaining vice - at least, the only one I'll admit.

SALLY: Of course - go ahead.

IAN: Right. By the way, I'm sorry if I discomfited you just now.

SALLY: It was a bit of a shock - I didn't expect quite that reaction.

IAN: I shan't ask what you did expect! You took it very well.

SALLY: I get worse at the office!

IAN: I can imagine. Right, fire away!

SALLY: Well, you've probably realised that I'm interested in Green issues.

IAN: Yes, I got that impression.

SALLY: There's a group of us worried about the whole business of genetic modification.

IAN: Another one? I'd have thought Greenpeace and so on were quite enough.

SALLY: They're the big movers, of course, but we don't really like their approach. It's too aggressive - too simplistic. I think some people are beginning to see it. By implication they were pretty well rubbished in that government report last month.

IAN: I don't suppose many people would put that interpretation on it, but it did come as a rather pleasant surprise.

SALLY: Of course they get good news coverage, and it goes down well with a lot of the public, but even if they're right in the conclusions we've a feeling that their arguments may not be really sound - that they rely more on prejudice than reality in getting there.

IAN: Hmm.

SALLY: What we want is to have a serious discussion on a scientifically respectable basis, but suited to our level, without making a lot of noise over it.

IAN: Having already made up your minds on the outcome?

SALLY: We have a point of view that we want to put. We think it holds on general principles, but our position will be a lot stronger if it can stand up to genuine objections.

IAN: Fair enough.

SALLY: But the trouble is we don't know how to answer them on their own terms. So we hoped I might persuade you to come and talk to us about this particular topic.

IAN: When?

SALLY: You would? Just like that?

IAN: Certainly, if I can fit it in.

SALLY: Even though you support GM?

IAN: I'm always open to reasonable arguments. After all, there may be some I haven't considered.

SALLY: You seriously admit that?

IAN: Of course. Only a fool believes he's thought of everything.

SALLY: Then there's an awful lot of fools about!

IAN: Very true, sadly - and always has been. But getting back to your point on standing up to informed criticism, it's perfectly valid, but it cuts both ways.

SALLY: I suppose it does.

IAN: Is that all you want?

SALLY: In the first instance, yes. I don't expect a "road to Damascus" conversion - on either side.

IAN: Then you had only to ask. It's the sort of thing I've been trying to do for years. Why all the foreplay - if you'll pardon the expression?

SALLY: The piece for the paper is genuine enough.

IAN: (lightly) That isn't quite what I meant - as I think you know perfectly well!

SALLY: (amused) All right. My father was a professional soldier. He said it was always a mistake to skimp an attack and then have to strengthen it, except as a ploy to trick the enemy. Better to throw in the main force at the outset - less harm done all round.

IAN: So I'm the enemy, am I?

SALLY: We thought so. At least, a part of it.

IAN: An opponent, anyway.

SALLY: A friendly opponent, if that isn't too much to ask?

IAN: If you and your pals will have it so. It suits me. What specifically do you have in mind ...?

JULIAN: For goodness' sake settle down, Kevin. You're making me dizzy, let alone wearing out the carpet.

KEVIN: I can't help wondering how Sally's getting on.

JULIAN: Neither can I, but fretting about it won't make any difference one way or the other.

KEVIN: I wish you'd never thought of the scheme - using Sally as a lure.

JULIAN: I don't see why. It may work. If it doesn't, we're no worse off.

KEVIN: But suppose it works all too well?

JULIAN: What on earth do you mean?

KEVIN: That he thinks she's an easy lay and goes for it.

JULIAN: Are you afraid he'll be totally smitten and sweep her off her feet?

KEVIN: Or worse.

JULIAN: Look, I know we don't like his type's views or their work, but that doesn't make him any kind of sex maniac.

KEVIN: He needn't be a maniac to ...

JULIAN: Or even a philanderer. He's getting a bit long in the tooth for any shenanigans, anyway.

KEVIN: I wouldn't count on it. Look at my uncle Fred.

JULIAN: I didn't know you had one. What about him?

KEVIN: Actually my great-uncle. Never put a foot wrong, for all anyone could tell, until he was over sixty and then went right off the deep end.

JULIAN: How?

KEVIN: Chasing women, of course. Seemed to get even randier as time went on.

JULIAN: He sounds like something out of Tom Sharpe. Tell me more!

KEVIN: That's about all I know. I never met him and Mum was cagey about it.

JULIAN: A pity.

KEVIN: Except that he was eventually found dead in bed with a floosie in Torremolinos.

JULIAN: Quite an exception. Heart attack?

KEVIN: No, the woman's husband found out what was going on and shot 'em both.

JULIAN: Very melodramatic! It's a pity you didn't get more of the story.

KEVIN: It doesn't help.

JULIAN: Well, whatever Kendrick may or may not be doing, wearing yourself into a frazzle won't help.

KEVIN: All very well for you. It isn't your girl friend being used as bait.

JULIAN: She isn't a tethered goat waiting for a tiger. She's a sensible woman, quite capable of looking after herself.

KEVIN: She should have taken someone with her.

JULIAN: That would have wrecked the whole scheme.

KEVIN: I noticed you didn't suggest Sheila for the job.

JULIAN: Of course not. Sheila's a wonderful girl and I love her dearly, but let's face it, she doesn't have the same qualifications.

KEVIN: You didn't tell her that, did you?

JULIAN: She's no illusions about her appearance. If anything too modest. I've suggested time and time again she should take a bit more care ...

KEVIN: Maybe you should take a bit less.

JULIAN: Eh? Well, maybe so. But the point is that if anyone was to do the job, Sally was the obvious choice.

KEVIN: I never did like the idea.

JULIAN: I don't remember your objecting.

KEVIN: When you get going it doesn't make much difference.

JULIAN: (bridling, then correcting himself) Oh, indeed? Well, perhaps you have a point. I shall have to watch it.

KEVIN: And why hasn't she phoned?

JULIAN: Maybe she's still having to work on him.

KEVIN: How far do you think she'd have to go?

JULIAN: Not the whole hog, if that's what you're worried about. The essence of this sort of thing is to tantalise - to hold out a suggestion of something still to come.

KEVIN: How come you know so much about it? Have you ...?

JULIAN: I merely quote.

KEVIN: Ah, there you are!

JULIAN: "At last!" he means. How did it go?

KEVIN: What kept you? And why didn't you phone?

SALLY: A, a traffic jam, and B, I forgot to charge it and the battery's flat.

KEVIN: Was he horrible? I've been so worried ...

JULIAN: That's true. He's been insufferable with it. Talk about a tiger pacing the cage!

KEVIN: It wasn't that bad.

JULIAN: Oh yes it was. If I'd kept my eyes on him you'd have to untwist my neck like a fathom of rope.

SALLY: It's sweet of you, Kevin, but really, there was no need. It was all perfectly civilised.

KEVIN: (darkly) So was Casanova.

SALLY: (mildly exasperated) Really, Kevin!

JULIAN: But did it work? That's the important thing.

SALLY: Well, at one point I thought he was going to make a pass -

KEVIN: There!

SALLY: - but I was completely mistaken.

JULIAN: How humiliating! What did happen?

SALLY: He saw through the ruse straight away.

JULIAN: Damn!

KEVIN: (to Julian) I told you it was a daft idea! (to Sally) Did he turn nasty?

SALLY: Not at all. Quite the opposite, in fact.

KEVIN: So he did try something on?

JULIAN: Kevin, stop playing the jealous lover. It gets boring.

SALLY: There's no need to fret, anyway. My assets, as he called them, didn't seem to excite him all that much.

JULIAN: No Uncle Fred, then.

SALLY: What?

JULIAN: Nothing - just a reference to Kevin's lurid family history.

SALLY: It's a pity, really. I rather fancied myself doing a Mata Hari.

KEVIN: Is he a ... one of those, do you think?

SALLY: No sign of it. I think he appreciates a woman just as much as you do, only in a rather different way. He doesn't go about it like a rampant bull.

KEVIN: (aggressively) Are you saying ...?

JULIAN: Calm down, Kevin. Don't be so prickly. The point is, where do we go now? Can you think of anyone else we might try?

SALLY: There's no need.

JULIAN: What do you mean?

SALLY: He's perfectly willing to talk to us anyway. Quite keen, in fact. All he needed was to be asked.

KEVIN: (exasperated) Then why the hell didn't you say so?

SALLY: You didn't give me much of a chance.

KEVIN: You could have given us a thumbs up or something.

SALLY: And in your state of mind I can guess what conclusion you'd jump to - particularly as I was late getting here.

KEVIN: My state of mind ...!

JULIAN: Come on, Kevin, you know perfectly well she's right. As it was you'd more than half convinced yourself that at the very least she'd been ravished.

KEVIN: There's no need to exaggerate ...

JULIAN: Who was exaggerating?

SALLY: For goodness' sake calm down! There's no need to argue. We've got what we wanted a lot easier than expected, that's all. Why make a drama of it?

JULIAN: Thank you. We needed that bit of common sense. What exactly have we got, now it comes to it?

SALLY: He'll come and meet us here on Thursday evening. For as long as we like, within reason. He suggests you have a list of prepared questions -

JULIAN: I've been making some notes. Or trying to, under difficulties!

SALLY: - though there's no need to stick slavishly to them if a different line looks promising.

JULIAN: Does he want to see them beforehand?

SALLY: If there's any call for detailed information, yes, so that he has time to check the facts. Otherwise he's quite ready to take them cold. And discuss them as far as we like, within reason.

KEVIN: I don't like all this talk of "within reason." What does he mean, within reason? It sounds like a cop-out to me.

SALLY: He didn't define it. I take it he means no nit-picking. And I did say we should avoid technicalities as far as possible.

JULIAN: Right. We'd better get down to brass tacks. I've got some ideas for questions, but what do you think for a starter, Kevin?

SALLY: Oh, and Kevin ...

KEVIN: Yes?

SALLY: If you don't mind, I think you'd better let Julian or me ask them.

KEVIN: (suspiciously) Why?

SALLY: We agreed we're opponents on this issue, but that we'd try to keep the discussion friendly.

KEVIN: Friendly? With people like him? You must be joking.

JULIAN: Look, it's all very well insisting on keeping your Green integrity, but we can't save the world by ourselves. If we antagonise everyone who doesn't already agree with us we shan't get very far.

KEVIN: That doesn't mean having to hob-nob with the devil.

SALLY: But he probably believes quite sincerely that he's acting for the best. In fact I'm sure he does.

KEVIN: Come off it! How can any sane person believe any such thing? He's more likely in the multinationals' pockets.

JULIAN: Kevin, I'm not being moralistic, but it's a bad tactic to assume that an opponent's ethics are worse than your own.

KEVIN: Why, when they obviously are?

JULIAN: Apart from anything else, because what's obvious often turns out to be quite wrong - and then you've queered your own pitch.

SALLY: And you can at least be civil. I've tried to show him that although we disagree, we want to put rational arguments - that we're not a bunch of mindless fanatics.

KEVIN: (getting progressively angrier) Why should he think we are?

JULIAN: If we behave like reasonable human beings, he shouldn't. That's the whole point.

KEVIN: "Reasonable" again! Are you saying I'm unreasonable?

JULIAN: Cool it, Kevin. Don't keep looking for insults where none's intended. It weakens your case. And it makes sensible discussion impossible.

KEVIN: If that wasn't an insult ...

SALLY: We're not saying you're really unreasonable, Kevin, but sometimes you give that impression.

JULIAN: Plenty of people we know are in fact unreasonable, after all ...

SALLY: And Kendrick's obviously come up against some of that kind.

KEVIN: You're taking his side, are you?

SALLY: I'm not taking any side - on that, at any rate. We want a sensible discussion. And that needs courtesy on both sides.

JULIAN: And your indignation does tend to run away with you. You're inclined to get too heated in argument.

KEVIN: (by now irate) And why not? To hell with courtesy with people like him set to ruin the world. Surely that's enough to be heated about?

JULIAN: Yes, but if you lose your temper you're practically admitting that we haven't a rational argument.

SALLY: In any case we're asking him to help. He isn't obliged to - he's doing us a favour.

KEVIN: A favour? It's the other way round. You said he was keen to come. We're doing him one.

JULIAN: That's our good fortune as well as his. Don't ruin it. We'll get nowhere if you start yelling at him.

KEVIN: (yelling) I never yell!

JULIAN: Well, thank you very much, Dr. Kendrick. It's very good of you to give up your time like this.

IAN: You're very welcome. I've often tried to get just this sort of session, but with no takers.

JULIAN: I'd have thought people would have jumped at the chance.

IAN: I thought so, too, at first, after all the ritual complaints about a lack of information. But it's amazing how quickly people lose interest as soon as it's offered.

SALLY: Why's that, do you suppose?

IAN: It looks as though they prefer to cherish their prejudices. You can understand it in a way. After all, if you've become strongly attached to your opinions, you don't want them shaken.

JULIAN: (glancing at Kevin) I see what you mean.

IAN: It's very refreshing to find people ready to listen, and to discuss the issues rationally. But you've been very quiet, Kevin. Hadn't you anything to say?

KEVIN: (with a sour glance at Julian) Questions enough. But the others can put things better than I do. I need time to sort my ideas out.

IAN: They may be all the better for that. If you'd like another session when you're ready, I'd be very happy to ...

JULIAN : That would be a good

KEVIN: (together with Julian) ...There's no need ...

IAN: (after a brief pause) Hmm. Do you have a casting vote, Sally?

SALLY: I think we'd better talk it over and let you know - if that's all right?

IAN: Certainly. I'm pretty well booked up next week, but after that I've a fairly clear ten days - so far. In case it starts to fill up, you'd better let me know as soon as you've decided.

JULIAN: Of course. If I come back to you in a couple of days, will that be soon enough?

IAN: Should be. Right, until then ...

JULIAN: Thanks again. Good night.

IAN: Good night.

JULIAN: Well, Kevin, what was all that about?

KEVIN: All what?

JULIAN: Suddenly turning awkward.

KEVIN: What do you mean?

JULIAN: Turning down an offer to answer questions that you yourself said you had. Come to think of it, exactly like the bigoted characters that Kendrick mentioned.

KEVIN: I simply decided I didn't really want the answers - at least any that that stuffed shirt would give.

JULIAN: Kevin! Those were exactly the kind of answers we wanted.

KEVIN: And you believed he'd give them to us straight?

JULIAN: I don't see why not.

KEVIN: More fool you, then.

SALLY: What's got into you, Kevin? Why go to all the trouble of getting a recognised expert to answer our questions, and then refuse to believe him?

KEVIN: He said he wasn't an expert on the most important questions.

SALLY: Well, that suggests honesty, doesn't it?

KEVIN: No, only ducking responsibility.

SALLY: Would you have believed him if he'd claimed to know more than he did?

KEVIN: Of course not.

SALLY: So he can't win either way.

KEVIN: He doesn't deserve to.

JULIAN: I'm afraid that sounds very like "I've made up my mind, don't confuse me with facts."

KEVIN: Don't you start. Whose side are you on?

JULIAN: On the side of the environment. That's the whole idea, remember?

KEVIN: And you think I'm not?

JULIAN: I don't think anything of the sort. But you're too wedded to fixed ideas of what is or isn't good for it.

KEVIN: I'm not a politician - I can't change my ideas just for convenience.

JULIAN: Not even the convenience of getting things right?

KEVIN: Are you suggesting we've got it all wrong?

JULIAN: Not all, by any means. But there may very easily be more to it than we've really considered.

SALLY: Even Kendrick said that he might not have thought of everything.

KEVIN: Oh yes? I didn't hear it.

SALLY: You weren't there. It was when I first went to see him.

KEVIN: First? So there've been other times, have there?

SALLY: No, there haven't. Stop jumping down my throat. I simply meant at our first contact.

JULIAN: And getting back to your one real point, if he isn't actually an expert in his own right on some aspects, he's worked with people who are. He's bound to know far more than any of us about these things.

KEVIN: Maybe. But I just think we should assume that if he can pull the wool over our eyes, he will.

SALLY: Kevin, that's simply prejudice. Exactly what we're supposed to be avoiding.

KEVIN: And where has sweet reason got us? Nowhere.

JULIAN: We've only just started.

KEVIN: Not us. The whole Green movement.

SALLY: Now that isn't true. Look at all the controls that have been set up.

KEVIN: But people like him can still talk their way round them. Or buy their way ...

JULIAN: Better be careful where you say that sort of thing, Kevin. It's probably actionable.

KEVIN: Let 'em sue If they feel like it. What good would it do them?

JULIAN: Very little, but none at all for you. For goodness' sake stop sulking.

KEVIN: I am not sulking!

SALLY: Look, I think we do need to ask him some more questions, if only who else to approach about those where he can't give a first-hand opinion.

JULIAN: There's no need for you to be involved, Kevin, if you don't want to.

KEVIN: You're not leaving me out of it!

JULIAN: (exasperated) For goodness' sake, Kevin! What do you want? One way or the other, make up your mind!

IAN: Sally! This is a pleasant surprise.

SALLY: I'm sorry to disturb you ...

IAN: Don't worry - I'm only doing my tax return. And any excuse for a break is welcome - particularly when it's in such a charming shape.

SALLY: Now don't start that again! I'd have phoned, only ...

IAN: Come on through, anyway.

IAN: Make yourself at home. Coffee?

SALLY: No, thanks. I haven't much time.

IAN: Not a social call, then.

SALLY: No.

IAN: (tidying papers) How some people can spend their whole lives working on this stuff beats me. It bores me to tears.

SALLY: Plenty would be glad to afford being bored by them.

IAN: I suppose that's true. I've been lucky that way. But what ...?

SALLY: I've brought a draft of my piece on the GM treaty - sorry, agreement - in case you'd like to look over it - I thought I'd better after your comments about the press never getting a story right.

IAN: Thanks, I should. It's very thoughtful of you -

SALLY: I'd have had it done earlier only other jobs kept cropping up and I had to cover them first.

IAN: You've been pretty quick anyway. When do you need it back?

SALLY: The sooner the better. Not more than a week, if you can manage it.

IAN: I thought for a moment you were going to say tomorrow morning! I shouldn't need all that long. Shall I drop it into your office?

SALLY: That'll be fine. And ...

IAN: Yes?

SALLY: There's one other thing ...

IAN: A second meeting?

SALLY: I'm afraid it's rather difficult ... Look, you've given up a good deal of your time and I'm really grateful for your help ...

IAN: But ...?

SALLY: You see, we discussed what you told us the other day, and there were some things that I'm sure we ought to follow up ...

IAN: Yes?

SALLY: ... only Kevin has suddenly gone very strange. You probably remember the confusion over whether we wanted another meeting or not.

IAN: Yes. It did strike me as a bit odd.

SALLY: Afterwards he said in effect that he wouldn't believe a word you said, and turned generally awkward.

IAN: Ah.

SALLY: I don't understand what's got into him. He's usually dead keen for discussion - almost embarrassingly argumentative at times.

IAN: Hmm. So it seems out of character.

SALLY: Exactly. I thought he'd be full of questions and objections.

IAN: Well, I'm no Poirot, and the little grey cells don't get any brighter with age, but I couldn't help noticing - forgive me if I'm rushing in where angels fear to tread - he's very fond of you, isn't he?

SALLY: I think so, but I don't see what that has to do with it.

IAN: Don't you?

SALLY: You surely don't think he's ... jealous?

IAN: I scarcely know him, of course, but it looks a distinct possibility.

SALLY: But that's ridiculous! It isn't even as if ...

IAN: As if I amounted to any sort of competition? Go on; you might as well say it; it's true enough, after all. However much I might regret it - in a purely general sense, before you start getting alarmed!

SALLY: Sorry, anyway. I do put my foot in it at times. But in any case, he doesn't own me. And even if he thought he did, I haven't given him any cause to fret.

IAN: You wouldn't need to. Jealousy isn't rational, Sally. Or rather it has a twisted logic of its own.

SALLY: In what way?

IAN: Once the seed is sown - and a mere nothing can do it - everything seems to confirm and nurture it. Even the most innocent trifles can take on a dire significance. It's a horrible state to be in.

SALLY: That sounds like personal experience. Sorry, that's me rushing in now.

IAN: Yes, I've been through it. So I pity any poor devil who's got into its grip. It's like a knife twisting in the guts.

SALLY: Come to think of it, he has been a bit edgy at times when we're in company. He gets so intense! I often wish he could be a bit cooler, or at least more detached. More like Julian, say.

IAN: (unemphatically) Don't.

SALLY: Don't what?

IAN: Wish for that. Rightly or wrongly, I think I'm a fair judge of character, and I'd say Kevin's the worthier. Even if it sounds hopelessly pompous to say so!

SALLY: I rather think Kevin might agree with you, on the quiet.

IAN: No bad thing, within limits.

SALLY: What do you mean?

IAN: Humility's a virtue, right enough, but it doesn't mean denying real qualities. It's best based on a true assessment. From the little he did say, Kevin struck me as very sound. I'm not so sure about Julian - possibly more surface than substance, though that's itself a superficial judgement on very little evidence. This is strictly between ourselves, of course.

SALLY: Naturally.

IAN: And I could be completely wrong. I've always had a prejudice against the smooth admin types. Er ... Pardon me if this seems an impertinence, but do you mind if I ask a personal question?

SALLY: It depends how personal.

IAN: Just how serious is your attachment to Kevin?

SALLY: How do you measure it? But serious enough to want it made permanent.

IAN: Well, that seems fairly conclusive. Do you know if he wants the same?

SALLY: Obviously.

IAN: I'm afraid it isn't obvious at all. Has he said so?

SALLY: Not in so many words ...

IAN: What has he said, then?

SALLY: ... he's made it clear enough when we've talked about the future - especially if anything that does look like competition appears on the scene.

IAN: Hmm. You know him far better than I do, of course, and you're probably right, but it isn't necessarily so.

SALLY: Why ... ?

IAN: I'm afraid plenty of men can get absurdly possessive for very dubious reasons, sometimes over little more than a passing fancy for a woman. Often it's just a form of injured vanity ...

SALLY: Kevin isn't like that.

IAN: ... or at least a lack of self-confidence. Do be careful.

SALLY: In what way? I don't quite follow.

IAN: Well, I dare say he'd make a devoted husband, but devotion can turn dangerous. I think there's a real risk - not a certainty, as he could snap out of it, but definitely a risk - that he'd always be suspicious of any other association, however innocent.

SALLY: Yes ... I see.

IAN: And that could make things very difficult for both of you. However happy you are as a couple, you can't go through life isolated from the rest of the world.

SALLY: Hmm. Now you mention it, there have been moments ...

IAN: Can you talk to him about it?

SALLY: It never got to the point where I felt I had to.

IAN: It looks as though it has without your noticing.

SALLY: Perhaps. But I'd have to choose the moment.

IAN: Yes, you would, very carefully indeed. Otherwise he'd take it as confirming his suspicions.

SALLY: I suppose he might.

IAN: And you'd better get advice from someone with a good deal more experience in these things than I have.

SALLY: An agony aunt?

IAN: If there's no one else. But better if you could find someone who knows both of you well ... What about your parents?

SALLY: Afraid not. Dad died a few years ago, and Mum ...

IAN: Yes?

SALLY: Don't get me wrong. She's a dear soul and I think the world of her, but - well - she always gets the wrong end of the stick the moment I try to broach anything serious, and then there's no shifting her from whatever completely false conclusion she's jumped to.

IAN: Hmm. My own was rather like that. More heart than head. It can cause real problems. Still, there are probably other people you could try ...

KEVIN: Look here, Kendrick, you've got Sally in there, haven't you?

IAN: She is here, yes, but ...

KEVIN: What the hell do you think you're doing here?

SALLY: Having a civilised conversation - until you arrived. Let go of me!

IAN: (entering) Kevin! What the dickens do you think you're playing at?

KEVIN: Don't you dare talk to me like that!

IAN: : Then stop acting like a stroppy teenager. Either be civil or ...

KEVIN: You keep out of this. It's between Sally and ...

SALLY: Kevin! What on earth's got into you?

KEVIN: I'm not having that old whatsit messing you about.

SALLY: You're the only one messing about. For goodness' sake behave yourself.

KEVIN: Don't you start! I'll behave as I damn well like.

SALLY: Don't you realise? You just can't go around barging into people's homes like a commando raid on a terrorist cell.

KEVIN: Don't try to tell me what I can or can't do - when I'm worried sick about what's going on inside.

SALLY: And what did you suppose that was?

KEVIN: Obviously you were up to something.

SALLY: Up to something? I was leaving him my piece for the paper to check if I'd got it more or less right. What possible harm is there in that?

KEVIN: Come off it! You could have been in and out in ten seconds if that was all there was to it.

SALLY: Oh, so you were spying on me, were you?

KEVIN: Suppose I was - why shouldn't I want to know what you're doing?

SALLY: Why on earth should you? I do have a life of my own.

KEVIN: But it doesn't have to mean being closeted with Kendrick.

SALLY: What's wrong with that, anyway?

KEVIN: I don't trust him.

SALLY: Why? Did you imagine he'd got me bound and gagged ...

KEVIN: No, but ...

SALLY: ... or that we were having it off on the sofa? Why do you always have to assume the worst?

KEVIN: I'm not going to have you behaving like a tart.

SALLY: How dare you!

KEVIN: Sally!

SALLY: (furious) Don't you ever make a remark like that again!

KEVIN: (slightly chastened) I didn't mean you were doing.

SALLY: I should hope not indeed. The very idea!

KEVIN: I just think it's better to be safe than sorry.

SALLY: Safe! You were about as safe as a charging rhinoceros. I thought you had more sense. You haven't even the feeble excuse of being drunk.

KEVIN: Oh, stop lecturing. Come on -

SALLY: (remembering Ian) I'm terribly sorry about all this, Dr. Kendrick ... Dr. Kendrick? Are you all right?

KEVIN: Never mind him. Let's get out of here.

SALLY: Shut up for a moment - I don't like the look of him.

KEVIN: I never did.

SALLY: He doesn't seem to be breathing.

KEVIN: Just pretending. Scared to face me - or playing for sympathy.

SALLY: Kevin, you pig-headed idiot, this is serious. He's really hurt.

KEVIN: He can't be ...

SALLY: For heaven's sake, if you won't do anything useful yourself, get someone who will - call an ambulance!

JULIAN: Well, your piece looks good. It goes well with Kendrick's obit.

SALLY: (dully) Thanks.

JULIAN: Putting them together gives it quite a boost. Gives you a boost too. Your own by-line - quite an achievement for a junior.

SALLY: I'd have preferred to do without that kind of boost.

JULIAN: Yes, of course, but ...

SALLY: In fact I wouldn't have handed the piece in at all, only the editor insisted on having it.

JULIAN: I should think so. "Famous GM expert's final words" - what editor could resist it?

SALLY: Ugh! His heading, not mine. It horrified me. Not even really true.

JULIAN: Could have been worse. At least they're his last published words.

SALLY: As far as we know.

JULIAN: Anyway, think what one of the tabloids would have made of it.

SALLY: Don't!

JULIAN: And of course it would have wanted a shot of you in your Mata Hari kit. Or a lot less. Hmm ...

SALLY: No chance. Kevin would have had a fit. Give it a rest, Julian.

JULIAN: That's a point. Where is he? I haven't seen him for days, and when I rang he was rather short with me.

SALLY: He's very upset about the whole business.

JULIAN: Surprising when he'd taken such a dislike to the fellow.

SALLY: Well, it was a nasty shock, realising he was dead.

JULIAN: It must have been.

SALLY: What are you getting at?

JULIAN: I'm not getting at anything. Why so prickly all of a sudden? There's no need to jump down my throat.

SALLY: Sorry, my nerves are a bit on edge.

JULIAN: I thought news reporters were hardened to unpleasant events.

SALLY: They may be, in time. I haven't been at it very long, remember.

JULIAN: I suppose not.

SALLY: And I'm not sure I'd want to be hardened all that much.

JULIAN: Don't tell me you're going in for the bleeding heart stuff.

SALLY: Huh! Not likely. People who write that sort of guff must be really hardened. It's utterly cynical. I don't want to lose the ability to feel for people's pain.

JULIAN: (gently) Be careful, then. You're likely to get badly hurt yourself.

SALLY: (surprised) Are you all right?

JULIAN: Yes, of course. Why?

SALLY: You actually sounded sincere then.

JULIAN: As if I were ever anything else! (In mock remonstrance) You grieve me, Sally.

SALLY: That's more like the usual Julian.

JULIAN: So all we need is to get back the usual Sally and the usual Kevin.

SALLY: Yes.

JULIAN: Perhaps you'd better go and see what's up with him.

SALLY: Maybe.

JULIAN: That doesn't sound very enthusiastic. What's going on?

SALLY: I don't know. I hear he's been off work for three days. He's been pretty distant with me, too.

JULIAN: Have you had a row?

SALLY: Not really. Though I was pretty sharp with him when he burst in on my talk with Dr. Kendrick.

JULIAN: With reason, I imagine. Tact isn't exactly his strong point.

SALLY: I know. But I've called him names over his bluntness often enough before, and it's always been like water off a duck's back.

JULIAN: Effect of shock, then?

SALLY: If it was as simple as that I'd have thought he'd be over it by now. Or at least the worst of it.

JULIAN: This gets worrying. I really think you ought to try and see him. I'll come with you, if you think it'll do any good, although ...

SALLY: No, I think it's best if I go alone. But thanks all the same.

JULIAN: Right. Will you come back here and report, or ...?

SALLY: No, but I'll ring when I've got some news. Whatever it may be ...

KEVIN: (waking with a start) Uh? What ... Who is it?

SALLY: (off) It's me, Sally. May I come in?

KEVIN: Yes - it's not locked.

SALLY: (entering) You sound as though you've just woken up.

KEVIN: I have. Suddenly felt knackered and flaked out.

SALLY: Are you all right?

KEVIN: Yes. Except that I haven't been sleeping at nights. Then I'm fagged out during the day.

SALLY: (noticing the bag) Are you going away?

KEVIN: What does it look like?

SALLY: There's no need to be like that.

KEVIN: Sorry.

SALLY: You weren't meaning to slope off without even saying goodbye, were you?

KEVIN: Of course not.

SALLY: The way you've been lately, I'm not sure there's any "of course" about it.

KEVIN: Sorry. Actually, you're right.

SALLY: Oh?

KEVIN: I did rather hope to get away without your noticing - for a while, at least.

SALLY: Then how long are you going for?

KEVIN: I'm not sure.

SALLY: You must have some idea.

KEVIN: Well, actually ...

SALLY: Yes? Actually?

KEVIN: I probably shan't be coming back.

SALLY: What, not at all?

KEVIN: That's right.

SALLY: But why?

KEVIN: Oh, for goodness' sake!

SALLY: Kevin!

KEVIN: I'm sorry.

SALLY: You don't seem the same person lately. What's the matter?

KEVIN: It's that business with Kendrick. It just goes round and round in my head and nothing will drive it away - not for more than a minute or two. It always comes back.

SALLY: I see.

KEVIN: It's utterly maddening. At night there's no getting away from it at all.

SALLY: Sleeping pills?

KEVIN: I daren't.

SALLY: You surely wouldn't ... Good lord!

KEVIN: If only I could go back a week and play the whole thing differently!

SALLY: We all have those moments. But you can't. And it would probably turn out just the same anyway. Your temper ...

KEVIN: I suppose you're right. But it doesn't help very much.

SALLY: What would?

KEVIN: I don't know! If only ...

SALLY: What?

KEVIN: Oh, I don't know. Nothing.

SALLY: One thing's certain - running away from it won't help.

KEVIN: I'm not running away.

SALLY: That's true, I suppose. You'll be taking it with you, just as surely as that bag. More surely, because it's inside you.

KEVIN: If only there was some kind of left-luggage office for unwanted memories. Or a "Delete" button in the brain.

SALLY: Pity there isn't. We could all do with it.

KEVIN: Not everyone has this much to dump.

SALLY: Perhaps. But I imagine everyone has something that registers ten on their personal scale. Even if it's only falling over the cat that morning.

KEVIN: Some cat!

SALLY: Perhaps ... They say confession's good for the soul. For the mind, too. Could it be worth trying?

KEVIN: To a parson? You know what I think of them. I couldn't.

SALLY: Well, a counsellor, then. It seems to be the in thing these days. Whatever the problem.

KEVIN: I dare say. But I don't see that it would help me.

SALLY: It must do some good. Otherwise ...

KEVIN: I'm sure it does - for the counsellors.

SALLY: What do you mean?

KEVIN: It must give them a mighty good opinion of themselves.

SALLY: That's a thoroughly cynical remark - more like Julian.

KEVIN: Maybe he's right.

SALLY: All right, let's look at what happened. You pushed Kendrick and he fell. You could do that a thousand times and no harm would come of it.

KEVIN: But this time it did. There could hardly be more.

SALLY: Yes, but he could easily have tripped over that rug with no one else there at all.

KEVIN: Maybe. But it happened this time because I pushed him.

SALLY: It was an accident, Kevin. It isn't as if you meant him any harm.

KEVIN: Isn't it?

SALLY: What do you mean?

KEVIN: When I went to that house, Sally, I had murder in my heart.

SALLY: Now you're really exaggerating.

KEVIN: I'm not, Sally. I didn't recognise it at the time, but it's as plain as a pikestaff now.

SALLY: You're imagining it.

KEVIN: No, I'm not. I wanted to kill him, and because of what I did he died. I'm as guilty as if I'd clobbered him with an axe.

SALLY: Come off it. You didn't clobber him deliberately, and you obviously didn't have an axe or anything like it.

KEVIN: That's not the point. I ...

SALLY: The very worst a coroner might decide is manslaughter, and it's goodness knows how many times more likely to be accidental death.

KEVIN: Sally, you're missing the whole point. I'm talking morally.

SALLY: Look, Kevin, we've all done things we're desperately ashamed of. However much we'd like to, we can't do anything about them now, not directly. The past is - well, past. It's unalterable. Punishing yourself won't change it.

KEVIN: It may even the balance a bit.

SALLY: No it won't. The harm you've done - and I won't pretend it's trivial - that will still be there.

KEVIN: That's exactly the trouble.

SALLY: It's the same for all of us, one way or another. The only way we can really hope to even the balance is by doing a bit more good than we're strictly obliged to.

KEVIN: I suppose that's a possibility. But it'd have to be a damn sight more than "a bit."

SALLY: Yes, in this instance. So there'll be no more talk of going away?

KEVIN: I'm sorry, but I have to.

SALLY: Why?

KEVIN: Because there's too much here to remind me.

SALLY: You'll have to stay for the inquest, anyway. We'll both be needed as witnesses.

KEVIN: Oh, that. I hadn't thought ...

SALLY: You can't just skip off. That would certainly give people nasty ideas.

KEVIN: I suppose so. But then ...

SALLY: What about your job?

KEVIN: I've chucked it in.

SALLY: Kevin! That's stupid.

KEVIN: Maybe, but I've done it.

SALLY: (slowly making up her mind) Would it help if ...

KEVIN: If what?

SALLY: ... if I came with you?

KEVIN: You couldn't!

SALLY: Why not?

KEVIN: Your own career's just taking off. You can't abandon it now.

SALLY: I could - if you wanted me to.

KEVIN: Sally, you're marvellous, but you mustn't.

SALLY: Why not? If it's worth giving up yours ...

KEVIN: It's not that. Don't you see?

SALLY: What?

KEVIN: I'm trying to get away from reminders. You'd remind me of what's happened more than anything else could.

SALLY: I hadn't thought of that.

KEVIN: I'm sorry.

SALLY: Hmm. Where will you go?

KEVIN: I've relatives up in the Highlands. I've arranged to stay with them for a while.

SALLY: Is that really wise?

KEVIN: Why not?

SALLY: You won't have the city bustle to take your mind off your worries.

KEVIN: I've usually found that the hills calm my mind.

SALLY: Let's hope they do. And after that?

KEVIN: I'll see what turns up.

SALLY: I'll miss you, Kevin. More than I can say.

KEVIN: I'm sorry. I'll miss you, too. Maybe, if I can sort myself out ...

SALLY: Yes?

KEVIN: Oh, it's no use. You'd do better to forget me.

SALLY: Now don't start the noble renunciation stuff. This isn't a romantic novel. And it doesn't suit you.

KEVIN: You're probably right. You usually are.

SALLY: So let's just wait and see how things turn out.

KEVIN: Okay.

ELLEN: But of course I shall ... You don't suppose I'm going to miss this, do you? ... Nonsense, I'll be there as soon as I can make arrangements... I'll let you know when. 'Bye!

BILL: What was all that?

ELLEN: (slightly flustered) That was Jack. Marion's gone into premature labour ...

BILL: And you're going to help out?

ELLEN: Of course.

BILL: Right, I'll check the car.

ELLEN: There's no need for you to come. I'm quite happy going by rail.

BILL: You want to be there before the christening, don't you?

ELLEN: The service isn't that bad.

BILL: Maybe not, but your travel sense is. Especially when you're excited or worried.

ELLEN: Bill, you really are the limit! Just because of that one occasion ...

BILL: Anyway, with three connections to make, the chances of catching them all are pretty slim.

ELLEN: They're usually OK ...

BILL: Oh, come on! When was the last time you got there without any problems?

ELLEN: (unable to think of one) Well ...

BILL: This time particularly, you can't afford to waste time. Even if you don't end up at the wrong end of the country.

ELLEN: (weakening) But what about Kevin?

BILL: It'll do him no harm to look after himself for a while. He's not a child.

ELLEN: Maybe not, but would he? You know what a peculiar mood he's been in.

BILL: He won't starve.

ELLEN: And you know I hate to have anyone messing about in my kitchen...

BILL: Oh, that's it, is it? I see. Well, Elsie McDonald could do with a bit of custom in her B and B ... She'd look after him well enough.

ELLEN: It's a thought ... But I don't like turning him out.

BILL: You're not. It's only for a few days - I hope! If it's more I'll have to come back anyway.

ELLEN: All right, we can see what he says.

ANNOUNCER: ... but before that, the Met Office has issued a Severe Weather Warning. Heavy snowfalls are expected over north and central Scotland, with blizzard conditions especially in the Grampians. Walkers are strongly advised to stay off the mountains until an all-clear is given. That is the end of the Met Office warning.

JULIAN: Sally! You just caught me.

SALLY: Thank goodness I did. I tried to phone, but couldn't get through.

JULIAN: There's a fault on the line. What's up?

SALLY: It's about Kevin -

JULIAN: You've heard from him?

SALLY: Not directly. But about him.

JULIAN: Go on.

SALLY: You look as though you're going out - do you have time?

JULIAN: For this, yes. We may as well sit down a moment. Would you like a drink of some kind?

SALLY: No, thanks.

JULIAN: Right, fire away.

SALLY: Well, there was a call at the office from the police in Aviemore.

JULIAN: The police? What's he been up to?

SALLY: There was an avalanche in the Cairngorms yesterday - did you hear about it?

JULIAN: Yes, on the news last night.

SALLY: It seems that quite a few people were caught in it, and he was one of them.

JULIAN: Is he ...?

SALLY: Not dangerously hurt, thank goodness, but a broken ankle and a bit of concussion that left him confused.

JULIAN: Hardly surprising. He was lucky to get away so lightly.

SALLY: Yes. Not everyone did. Two or three dead, I gather.

JULIAN: (slightly exasperated) And after all the warnings against going into the hills in those conditions! Putting other people in danger as well as themselves. I'd have thought Kevin would have had more sense.

SALLY: Don't jump to conclusions! Apparently he was one of the "other people" - just happened to be in the area and helped out.

JULIAN: Ah. Apologies to him.

SALLY: Well, to cut a long story short, when he was dug out, he didn't have any identification on him, but before he came round they found my business card in his pocket. The editor thinks there's a story in it - apparently he pulled out a couple of tourists who'd have been frozen or suffocated otherwise.

JULIAN: With a broken ankle?

SALLY: I think that must have been in a secondary fall - the story was a bit confused. Anyway, I'm travelling up tomorrow.

JULIAN: Will you be all right by yourself? I could ...

SALLY: Thanks for the thought. Another time I'd have been glad of company, but as it is ...

JULIAN: Yes, I understand. Well, thanks for letting me know. Give him my good wishes, and keep me posted. But now ...

SALLY: Yes, of course. I'll be off - sorry to have delayed you -

JULIAN: I'm glad you did.

SALLY: Right. Have a good evening!

ELSIE: Will you be all right now, Mr. Andrews?

KEVIN: Yes, thanks, Mrs. McDonald.

ELSIE: Comfortable?

KEVIN: As near as I can be. Please don't go to any more trouble.

ELSIE: I'm afraid that leg'll hurt for a good wee while.

KEVIN: Could be worse.

ELSIE: Aye, there'll be some who might well wish they could feel a hurt or two.

KEVIN: I'm afraid so.

ELSIE: And would have been more but for you, they tell me.

KEVIN: I don't really remember much about it.

ELSIE: You'll be needing to rest, I think. Those newspapermen ...

KEVIN: Only doing their job, I suppose. But they are a nuisance. And I hardly slept at all last night.

ELSIE: No surprise in that. Well, maybe you will now. Just call out if you need anything - I shan't be far away.

KEVIN: Thanks.

ELSIE: Oh, you're awake. I didn't want to disturb you ...

KEVIN: You didn't, thank you. I'd just woken up.

ELSIE: ... only there's a young lady to see you. I told her you were resting and she said there's no hurry. Shall I ask her to wait?

KEVIN: No, let her come in. I'm as presentable as I'm likely to be!

ELSIE: You're sure you don't mind?

KEVIN: Not at all. If it's who I think -

ELSIE: She just said she was a friend.

KEVIN: Then it probably is. I do want to see her.

SALLY: Kevin! Thank goodness you're all right. I've been so worried ...

KEVIN: It's good to see you, Sally. Though it's a devil of a long way for you to come. How did you wangle the time off? And the fares must have cost a bomb ...

SALLY: Actually it's on expenses. The paper wants your story.

KEVIN: To hell with the story! It can wait.

SALLY: How are you now? They told me you had a broken ankle, and a good deal of bruising. How do you feel?

KEVIN: Marvellous!

SALLY: (astonished) What?

KEVIN: Not just marvellous - bloody marvellous!

SALLY: Wow! That's a bit different from the last time I saw you.

KEVIN: I told you a spell in the hills would do me good.

SALLY: Yes, I dare say it would, but this is ridiculous. Quite apart from the little matter of your being laid up. What on earth's got into you?

KEVIN: I don't know, but it's a lot better than when you asked me that before.

SALLY: When was that?

KEVIN: When I crashed in on you and Dr. Kendrick.

SALLY: Ah, so you're giving him his title now. That's an improvement, at least.

KEVIN: Never mind that. I was asleep just before you came ...

SALLY: Yes, I'm sorry to have disturbed you.

KEVIN: It's all right, I'd woken naturally. But I had a really peculiar dream.

SALLY: A nightmare? Hardly surprising.

KEVIN: No, not like that at all. Well, a bit, at first. It started off with that scene in his place, going round and round, but then it shifted to goodness knows where. I don't know how it was supposed to be, but we were talking together. I tried to apologise for what I'd done, but he wasn't having it ...

SALLY: I'm not surprised. Apologising is hardly enough after what happened.

KEVIN: No, you've got me wrong. He said I didn't need to. Not that it wasn't serious, but I'd paid my debt with this business in the avalanche.

SALLY: That's a thought. So it's forgive and forget, eh?

KEVIN: Not forget. He was very hot on that. "Remember never to let jealousy get the better of you again."

SALLY: Sounds pretty good advice.

KEVIN: (mischievously) So you'd better not give me cause for it, had you?

SALLY: Oh, so we're back together, are we?

KEVIN: If you'll have me.

SALLY: (teasing) I'll have to think about that. You can't just switch me on and off like a light.

KEVIN: (anxiously) I haven't completely put you off, have I?

SALLY: Not completely. I think I may perhaps come round to you in time.

KEVIN: Not too long, I hope ...

SALLY: Say about five minutes. Oh, by the way -

KEVIN: Yes?

SALLY: I don't know what prompted me, but I asked about your job. It's still vacant.

KEVIN: That's incredible - why ...?

SALLY: Apparently no one could stick it for more than a week or two.

KEVIN: Hmm. Harry could be a cantankerous old bugger at times, right enough. But I got on well enough with him - just ignoring his moods.

SALLY: Oh, Kevin ...

KEVIN: Yes?

SALLY: It's wonderful to have you back again!

KEVIN: Mind my bloody foot!