The Au Pair (2025) s01e04 Episode Script

1
Stay away from my family.
I AM your family!
Everything she says is a lie.
I am your daughter.
I just need answers.
Then what are you going to do?
I'm worried about you.
You've got to look at the evidence,
listen to what the police
are saying,
what the medical records say.
You're starting to show.
You're eight months.
This baby will be coming soon,
so work out what you want to do.
Help!
Give this letter to Zoe,
and everything will make sense.
Zoe, stop!
Nobody will tell me the truth!
Your baby didn't die.
So what am I going to do
with you now?
SHE SOBS
SOBBING CONTINUES
SOBBING AND GRUNTING
I used to be so proud of you
when I was little.
Telling everyone
that my dad was a doctor
because he loved helping people.
That's the reason
I became a doctor, yes.
And you believe you were helping me
by telling me that my baby had died?
Zo
You were 15 years old.
I know how old I was.
I got drunk at a party.
I made a mistake.
All I wanted was to give you and
the baby the best chance in life.
The best chance in life?
Have you seen the scars on her back?
I reached out to a colleague
from my time at Aurielville.
She was a good woman,
and she assured me
she'd find a loving home for her.
Yeah, well, she didn't.
No.
No, she didn't.
And I failed you.
As for my colleague
Is this the same woman
I spoke to in France?
The one who told Sandrine about me?
I need her contact details.
The number I had no longer works.
Dad!
My daughter
Your granddaughter is out there.
She is alone, and she is afraid,
and I need to find her.
I can't give you that information.
But I will handle it.
Like you handled it last time?
Fine. I'll find her,
with or without your help.
RINGING TONE
REORDER TONE,
SHE SIGHS
DOOR CREAKS
What's wrong?
PHONE RINGS
Oh, erm
Bonjour. Er
Is this Nathan Carnel?
MAN: 'Speaking.'
Oh, good. You speak English.
'Who is this?'
Er, my name is Zoe Dalton.
I'm the birth mother
of Stephanie Lacroix.
You wrote an article about her
six years ago.
She was accused of arson.
I'm trying to locate her.
'I remember her.
Erm what's going on?'
I spoke to a woman in France
who told my daughter
that her adoption
was illegally processed
through Aurielville Hospital.
Do you know of it?
'Yeah, yeah. Stephanie Lacroix.
'She was just one of the many
illegal adoptions at Aurielville.'
Sorry. What do you mean, "one of"?
'I wrote a piece on it.'
You mean there's more?
'It was a big story,
but it was never published.'
Please, if there's something
you think I should know, tell me.
'No, I can't, OK?
I received death threats.'
Death threat? From who?
'Look, you don't know
what you're dealing with here,
'and I'm not comfortable
having this conversation any more.'
Please. Is there anyone you know
'Goodbye.'
..who could help me
find my daughter?
DISCONNECT TONE
What the hell's George involved in?
I don't know, but we need to find
Sandrine fast.
I'll go talk to him.
Well, I've tried.
He's not giving anything away.
Let me try on my own.
I'll get more from him.
Trust me. George and Zoe
know absolutely nothing.
It's Marie who's been talking
to Sandrine.
IN FRENCH:
'That's what Stephanie
calls herself now.'
MAN CHUCKLES
'She won't be a problem
any more, Fred.'
Find out what she knows.
What about your wife?
'She's under control.'
She thinks George is responsible
for everything, and I
I'll keep it that way.
'OK.'
DOOR CREAKS
Hey.
Did you speak to Dad?
Yeah.
I have been through
every possible scenario,
and it keeps coming back to him
being part of these
illegal adoptions.
I mean,
I don't know why I'm surprised.
He told me my baby had died.
But the fear
in that journalist's voice,
and the woman Sandrine
got me to call
Do you really think
he's capable of that?
I'm sorry, Zoe, but yeah
..yeah, I think he is.
And I don't know who he's
got involved with, but
it sounded to me like
he's a big part
of these black-market adoptions.
And he admitted that?
Not in so many words, but
ENGINE STARTS
Who the hell is that at this time?
It's Dad.
Where's he going?
His phone is still switched off.
Whose?
Dad's.
We should call the police.
No, no, wait. Wait, wait, wait.
We just need a need a second
to think about what we do next.
OK?
You know how I studied medicine
on a scholarship?
Yes.
I was surrounded
by all these public-schoolboy types.
They had everything going for them.
Could never keep up.
But your dad
..he saw something in me.
And for the first time in my life,
I felt like I could get ahead.
I idolised your dad.
And all these years
that I've been working with him
If this gets out, no-one's gonna
look at me the same again.
Look, Chris
I'm sorry, but we can't keep it
to ourselves.
He admitted it to you.
He'll just deny it.
Well, I need to find Sandrine
and keep her safe. I know.
But you heard
what the journalist said.
If these people find out
that you're interfering,
he'll put Sandrine at risk.
Look, wherever she is,
it's safer for her
if we don't draw attention to her.
She's resourceful.
She knows how to look after herself.
Hey.
She's gonna be OK.
OK.
Yeah?
NOAH: What's wrong?
Oh.
I'm just a bit worried
about Sandrine.
I'm not.
You have every right
to be angry with her.
It's different for me.
She's my daughter.
But you were just a teenager.
A baby would have ruined your life.
I would've had a different life.
That's all.
Listen, we need to get to school,
otherwise we're gonna be late.
Noah, come on.
What's this writing in the corner?
I think that's like a dedication
that people write
at the front of books.
Mm. Bit hard to read.
CHRIS: Noah!
Coming.
HEAVY BREATHING,
WHIMPERING
SHE MOANS
SHE SCREAMS
Hello, Marie.
Jesus.
George.
You've looked better.
So have you.
What are you doing here, George?
Let me get straight to the point.
I need to know why you gave
Zoe's information to Stephanie.
Stephanie had a right to know
who her real mother is.
And I'm sick.
I want to die with clear conscience.
I'm so sorry.
But you know, you did nothing wrong.
That's why I sent you Chris.
You acted in good faith.
Your conscience should be clear.
SOFTLY: Well, it isn't.
Un cafe?
Si, monsieur.
There is so much you don't know,
George.
You remember Fred Gastou?
Yes, of course.
He was the man
you collected Zo's baby with.
Chris told me about him.
I was so naive.
I should have known
I was being groomed.
Groomed?
What we did out of compassion
Fred turned into profit.
What happened
to my granddaughter, Marie?
Chris and I,
we were ready to hand her over
to a loving couple.
But Fred didn't give her back to me.
He said if Chris or I
tried to do anything about it
..he would ruin us.
Where did she end up?
And who were the Lacroixs?
The highest bidders.
She was sold?!
Why the hell didn't you tell me?!
They would have killed her.
Poor Chris.
Huh.
What?
At first, it broke him.
But the money was good.
And after a while
..something changed in Chris,
..and he took control
of the situation.
He'd find young pregnant women
who could be exploited
..convincing them
to hand over the baby for a fee.
They would sell the baby to the
highest bidder that Fred could find.
And Chris Chris would forge
the birth declaration in their name
and take his cut.
Good God.
And this all started with me.
This is going to destroy Zo.
Careful what you tell her, George.
She'll want to confront Chris.
And if she threatens
Fred's business,
hers and Stephanie's lives
will be in danger.
I'm sorry.
RINGING TONE
VOICEMAIL: 'Zoe here.
Leave a message.'
BEEP
Oh, hi. Zo, it's Dad.
Look, I just had to pop over
to France,
but I'm now running to the airport
to catch a flight back.
But Zo, look
..you and I do need to talk,
so I'll see you at home
this afternoon.
OK. Bye.
MARIE GASPS
Zoe. I wasn't expecting you.
I need your help.
Yeah.
"Dear Art."
"My favourite book"
Something, something.
"Favourite person? Love, Beth."
Sandrine must have ripped the paper
from a book.
And wherever that book is,
I don't know,
maybe there's something
that can help me find her.
I know it's a long shot,
but it's all I have.
Art and Beth.
Art and Beth.
That would be Elizabeth Jones.
Her husband was Arthur.
But they've both been dead
a good few years now.
Where did they live?
Oh, from outside the village
somewhere.
Up near Castle Farm, I think,
but I was never there.
I'm sorry, love.
I wish I could be more help.
No. That's great.
Thanks.
Last I heard, that house
was falling apart, so be careful.
HEAVY BREATHING
SHE GRUNTS
Please, just let me go.
Thirsty?
I'll give you a drink, but first
..I need to know what you know
and who else you've told.
What I know about what?
The longer you drag this out
..the harder it's going to be.
Mmm.
I don't want to keep you here.
But right now,
you're not giving me a choice.
Zoe called Marie,
but she wasn't willing to say much.
I don't know this Marie.
She's the woman
who told you about Zoe.
I need to know
what else she told you.
She told me Zoe was my mother.
That's it.
DON'T FUCKING LIE TO ME!
She must have told you
about the black-market adoptions.
THINK!
When my father was angry
he beat me
..and he'd say,
"You're not worth the money."
Are you saying
I was actually sold to him?
Who else knows
that you came to find Zoe?
PHONE RINGS
SHE CRIES OU
MUFFLED SCREAMS
PHONE RINGING
Hey.
ZOE: 'Dad called
and left a voicemail.'
I tried calling him back,
but I think he's on a flight.
He says he'll be home this afternoon
and that he needs to talk to me.
'Did he say what it was about?'
No, but it didn't sound good.
Where was he?
'France.'
'Listen, have you ever heard of
Arthur and Elizabeth Jones?'
Oh, erm Rings a bell. Why?
I've just got a hunch that
Sandrine's staying at their house,
but I can't find the bloody place.
'Mum thinks they lived over
on West Side.'
Oh, d'you know, I'm not really sure.
Erm maybe go back to the village
and ask around.
Yeah, maybe.
OK. Well, listen, let me know how
you get on, and we'll speak soon.
Bye.
BREATHING HEAVILY
It'll be completely painless.
I promise.
You'll drift into
a nice deep sleep
..as your heart
slowly comes to a stop.
No! No, you don't.
Come on.
THEY GRUN
Argh!
CHRIS GROANS
GROANS
Oh fuck.
Hello?
Sandrine?
Sandrine?
RINGING TONE
PHONE RINGS
ZOE: 'She was definitely here.
'And I think somebody held her
against her will.
'I'm scared, Chris.'
It's far more likely that she was
holding someone there herself,
given what she did with Amber.
No, I've got a really bad feeling
about this.
I even found a gag with hair on it
that looks just like hers.
I'm calling the police.
'No, no, no, no'
That's a really bad idea.
DISCONNECT TONE
Fuck!
RINGING TONE
'Holt? It's Zoe.'
OK. Come on, come on, come on.
SHE GROANS
Do you think anyone saw us?
Don't worry about that. Look
Are you sure you can walk
all the way to the house?
Yeah, yeah, I think so.
Yeah?
SHE GROANS
Is it happening?!
No.
Just give me one second.
OK, OK.
SHE BREATHES HEAVILY
OK.
Yeah?
Yeah.
OK, let's go.
That's her hair on that.
I'm almost positive.
There's certainly signs of struggle
since we were here yesterday.
You've searched this house already?
Yeah.
I mentioned it to Chris.
You mean Chris knew about
this place?
I believe he did. Yeah.
I know it's been a tough time
for you all.
Chris mentioned
how worried he's been.
Did he not say anything to you?
SHE SIGHS
I'll call this in.
This is Inspector Holt.
We have a possible kidnapping site
at the old Jones house
at Castle Farm.
Requesting immediate support
and backup.
PHONE RINGS
Shit.
Hello, Fred.
FRED: 'Jones was here.
He met with Marie.'
You're going to have
to take care of him.
'Understood.'
And I expect to be compensated.
I know of a girl.
Her baby is due any day now.
SIGHS
BUSY LINE TONE
Shit!
Oh! Where is he?
We're not gonna make it.
I'm just gonna keep trying.
He has to pick up eventually.
Shit. Oh!
SHE PANTS
PHONE RINGS
Argh!
Come on.
Let's just get you to the house, OK?
SHE SOBS
SHE SOBS,
CRYING OUTSIDE
It's OK. Keep breathing.
What the hell is going on?!
She's having a baby.
What?
I didn't know you were pregnant.
No-one does except Dad.
He's meant to be helping us,
but I can't get through to him.
Chris knows about this?
It's OK. You're fine.
I'm calling an ambulance.
Can you get her inside?
Yeah, come on, come on.
Zoe's Zoe's fine.
Zoe's gonna get help.
Come on. Watch your step.
RINGING TONE
MAN: 'Emergency. Which service
do you require?' Hello?
I need an ambulance, please.
It's urgent.
'Is the patient conscious and
breathing? We have your location.'
Yes, yes.
Are you OK?
Raye's in labour.
What?
'We'll be with you within an hour.'
It'll be too late.
Zo Zo, get your mother over here.
We'll take care of it.
All right, Raye,
just another little examination.
Try and relax
as much as possible now.
Breathe.
SHE WHIMPERS
Breathe. Well done, well done.
Good. Breathe. Breathe.
You're doing so well. You're OK.
Very good.
Try and stay relaxed. Good.
Thank you, Zo.
RAYE SOBS
I can't do this.
Oh, yes, you can.
Yes, you can.
And out. Good.
And it'll all be worth it,
I promise.
SHE PANTS
Just keep breathing.
You're doing great.
RAYE SOBS
Hello, Raye.
How far along are we?
Good. Baby's crowning.
Oh!
Raye, that means
your baby's nearly here.
CRYING: Good.
I'm just going to leave you
for a moment.
I need to go out and grab my bag.
I've got this.
Good.
SHE SOBS
Dad!
What were you doing in France?
The woman who told Sandrine
about you Marie,
I had to go over there
to speak with her.
She was a colleague of mine
and Chris's.
Chris worked in Aurielville?
There's so much you need to know.
RAYE CRIES OU
But not now. After.
Dad!
After.
Right down. Good girl.
SHE SCREAMS
Good girl. Keep it coming.
Big breath.
Good girl. Good girl.
Little breath. And again.
Keep it coming.
Why did you go to France?
I needed to find out the truth
about what happened to Stephanie.
Chris, I'm sorry,
but Raye is having a baby
up at the house.
I have to cut the cord.
So if you have one ounce of decency
left within you,
you'll let me get back there
right now.
What did Marie tell you?
Chris, not now. I have to get back.
What about Zoe?
What have you told her?
Nothing yet.
But now that Marie's told me
what you got involved in
What I got involved in?
I only got involved because of you!
Oh Chris
I never got you involved
in selling babies.
HE SIGHS
Look, I'm sorry
I used my influence over you
to help us relocate Zoe's baby
to France.
Chris, I don't have a choice.
Zoe's got to know.
George
I'm sorry.
THEY GRUN
Argh!
Shh! Shh!
HE SIGHS
THEY CHUCKLE
You have a beautiful baby boy.
You did it, Raye.
Hi.
Hey. Hi.
BABY BABBLES
I know Chris did a lot of
work trying to help me, but
It's all right. You can tell me.
I don't think
I can give him away any more.
Raye, you don't have to do anything
you don't want to do.
You're his mother.
His little hands. Aw!
Congratulations.
I'll be right back.
Perfect.
ZOE: 'Dad?'
Dad?
CHRIS:
Look, George is taken care of, OK?
They'll think it's Stephanie.
There's a baby on its way.
I need you
to have the paperwork ready.
I'll sort
the travel arrangements out,
and I'll get it to you
as soon as I can.
Zoe, what are you doing?
I need to get some fresh towels.
Raye's just had a baby.
Raye's had a baby? Where is she?
They're in Amber's room.
I-I'll go up there.
I'll get the towels.
RINGING TONE
Holt
Can't talk.
HOLT: 'Understood.'
Are you looking for these?
Ah. Why'd you lock the door?
I'm trying to protect our family.
I just wanna check on dad.
Ah. Your dad.
Your dad used me.
He was my mentor.
And he sent me down to France
to do his dirty work.
And now we've got some
very dangerous people involved.
Dangerous people.
You were the one
who was holding Sandrine!
You left this in the Jones' house.
You don't get it, do you?
You don't understand
the decisions I've had to make.
BABY CRIES
What the hell were you gonna do
with Raye's baby?
Get your hands off me!
I have to offer them something!
RINGING TONE
OPERATOR: 'Hello. What service?'
Hi. Yes, I need an ambulance.
You're sick!
We have to stick together.
They will kill us.
You, maybe. This is your mess.
You've given me no choice.
SHE SCREAMS
Hey!
No, no, no, no, no!
Chris, no!
Dad, what are you doing?
Amber
Let her go.
SIRENS WAIL
It's over, Chris. It's over.
George is in the guest house.
I called an ambulance.
OK. Go now.
You have the right to remain silent.
You do not have to say anything,
but anything you do say
may be given in evidence.
DOOR CLOSES
Thank you for coming back.
THEY CHUCKLE
OK. Ready?
Mm-hm.
# Happy birthday to you
# Happy birthday to you
# Happy birthday, dear Zoe
# Happy birthday to you. #
Thank you.
APPLAUSE
I saw you.
DOORBELL RINGS
I'll go and see.
Who wants cake?
Mm.
Yeah.
THEY CHUCKLE
DOOR OPENS
LYDIA: 'Hello, George.'
GEORGE: 'Hello.'
Who invited Dad?
'I would really like
to speak with Zo.'
'Her due date is next month.
I'm not sure it's wise.'
'I-I won't stay long, I promise.'
'Well, I'll ask her.'
Thanks.
'It's George.
She's just having a word.'
Hey.
Hi.
I-I'm sorry.
I don't mean to disturb you.
I just wanted to let you know
in person that
..the police contacted me,
because apparently,
Marie kept detailed files
on every single baby.
I'm sorry.
I had no idea there were others.
Whatever becomes of me,
for my part in all this,
I-I just don't know, but
..I'm willing
to face the consequences.
Thank you.
AMBER: 'Aw! That's so sweet.'
Sorry. Happy birthday.
You shouldn't have.
Would you like to join us?
Oh, thank you, but no,
I-I really ought to be g
HE SOBS
Come on, Grandad.
HE SOBS
HE SNIFFLES
I I thought you'd be
gone back to France by now.
Don't pretend you wouldn't miss me.
THEY CHUCKLE
WOMAN: 'George!'
'Hi.'
'Hello!'
AMBER: 'Come meet Raye's baby.'
'Hello, everyone.'
RAYE: 'Is Zoe still outside? Zoe!'
'Oh!'