The Child in Time Page #5

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- Erm, yeah. Why not?

- Good.

- Are you writing at the moment?

- Yes. Yes, I am.

- A book?

- Yes.

Of course, a book. About what?

Can you tell me, or

would you have to kill me?

No, it's about a boy who

wants to become a fish.

Oh, what kind of fish?

Well, a colourful fish,

a tropical fish actually.

How lovely. How far have you got?

He holds his breath under

the water for about 43 seconds

- in the bath tub, so...

- Excuse me, Mr Lewis?

My name is Joanna Buckley,

I work at Number Ten.

The Prime Minister would

like to see you, please.

- The Prime Minister?

- Yes.

- What, here? Now?

- Yes, he's not far.

Looks like I'm out-ranked.

Another time maybe?

Er, yes, definitely. Another

time. That would be nice.

You address him as Prime Minister,

unless he tells you differently.

- Right.

- He's just here.

Mr Lewis, thank you so

much for sparing the time.

Prime Minister.

The Home Secretary.

- His children are avid readers of yours.

- Oh, thank you.

Oh, it's nothing to do

with me, it's their nanny.

Important work, happening

on your committee.

Well, I hope so. Hopefully.

It's vital that someone

like yourself is involved.

We've a mutual good friend, I believe.

- Charles Darke.

- Yes.

- When did you see him last?

- Oh, er...

- Some time ago? We had dinner.

- How was he?

He was Charles.

Erm, can I ask why?

Did he mention... discontent at all?

No. No, he was on good form. Erm...

We talked books.

- He was himself.

- Will you be seeing him any time soon?

I'm sure.

Yes, I'll... I'll visit

him once he's settled in.

Right. I'd like to know how he is.

In... in himself.

In... in confidence.

Could... could you do that?

I can't... I can't spy on him, no.

And we wouldn't dream of asking.

But you can let concerned

colleagues know how he is, can't you?

Charles is important to me, personally.

And I believe to the country.

OK.

Good man. As soon as you can manage.

I'd very much appreciate your opinion.

Right.

BELL RINGS IN DISTANCE

Charles, don't bolt your food.

- You'll give yourself indigestion.

- Sorry.

- Had a good day?

- Hmm.

Very.

I got blisters on my hands, look.

Oh? Well, don't do too much.

It doesn't hurt.

I'm building a shelter. It's like a den.

I thought about...

Like a tree house, but

then you'd need ropes,

pulleys, tools, none of which you're

going to find on a desert island,

or a jungle forest.

Yes, well, you'll have to

watch out for wild cats.

Wolves.

I mean, you don't have to force it.

Is it forced at all?

Your behaviour?

Or is it natural?

That.

Natural.

What are you looking at?

You.

- What are you going to do about it?

- SHE GIGGLES

What was that?

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