No 28
The intruder has his hand over Holly's mouth to try and stop her from screaming, but she produces some kind of spray and gets it right in his eyes, causing him to let go and back away. She turns around to face her assailant - it's Max!

MAX: Ow.

Holly is glad that Max is safe, and asks where he's been.

MAX: I was with Carter. He made me go with him in exchange for telling me where Sadie was.
HOLLY: So is that how the police got tipped off?
MAX: Yeah. Carter said if I joined his gang, I'd avoid payback.
HOLLY: Okay - and all the messages we got from you?
MAX: Yeah, Carter took my phone. I skipped the first chance I got. Sorry if I gave anyone a scare.
HOLLY: Your dad's here. I need to give him a call.
MAX: No, you can't. No one can know I'm here. Otherwise Carter will grab me again, and...
HOLLY: You need to at least tell Andrew.
MAX: No. No cops, okay? If Carter knows I snitched, then he'll target everyone. I can't let that happen (...) I've got a plan. I just... I need your help. I need you to grab my passport.
HOLLY: You want to leave the country?
MAX: Yeah. It's in my bedroom, and I didn't want to go back. I figured everyone would be there. And I came here because I knew Karl and Susan were away... and I trust you.

Holly smiles. But at this point they hear voices outside - it's Karl and Susan, discussing what Roxy said about Terese questioning her competence. Max realises they're home from Italy after all, and Holly rushes him into her bedroom to hide.

Holly returns to the living area and greets Karl and Susan, plastering on a smile and offering them a tea - while hiding the spray she got Max with behind her back!

Penthouse
Paul is back from America and sucking face with Terese. They talk in soppy voices to each other about how glad they are that he's home. Paul asks how Nell is doing; Terese explains that she's planning on getting a train to Colac tonight to see Big Kev, which Toadie is hoping will give him a morale boost.

PAUL: And what did she think when you told her I was coming home?
TERESE: Uh, she was okay. I didn't want to push her, considering everything that's going on (...) Maybe you should see her before she goes? Test the water?
PAUL: Yeah, actually, you know what? There's something I'd like to talk to you about.
TERESE: Oh. Is there now? (...) Well go on, tell me. Don't keep me in suspense!
PAUL: First things first.

They suck face some more. But then they both get text messages - Terese from Susan, who wants to talk to her about something important, and Paul from Shane who is on his way over. Terese heads off to meet Susan.

Lassiter's Complex
Aaron and Roxy are outside the pub chatting about Susan. Roxy thinks she 'deserves to put her feet up', but Aaron points out that she loves Eirini Rising. Roxy thinks if she were Susan, she would want to take it easy.

No 28
While Karl makes tea in the background, Susan talks to Terese, and asks her upfront whether she's doubting Susan's ability to perform her job.

TERESE: No - no, of course not! Where's this coming from?

Lassiter's Complex
Aaron accuses Roxy of meddling.

ROXY: No. I'm just... I'm just doing what's best for everyone.
AARON (sceptical): Is that right? That's your motivation?
ROXY: What else would my motivation be?

No 28
Terese asks Susan if Roxy has said something to her, but Susan sidesteps the question, saying she's just been thinking about all the mistakes she supposedly made before leaving for Italy.

TERESE: But Susan, we've discussed that.
SUSAN: Well, just so you know, if you are having doubts, I would understand.

Lassiter's Complex
Aaron has put two and two together - Roxy is keen to come back to Erinsborough, and 'all of a sudden, Susan is terrible at her job'.

AARON: Bit of a coincidence, don't you think?
ROXY: ... Might go order some hot chippies!
AARON: Rox...

But she's gone!

No 28
Terese has now gone, and Karl assures Susan that she seemed fine.

SUSAN: Thank you, darling. You've always been my biggest supporter.
KARL: Yeah. But not the easiest patient?
SUSAN (laughing): Yeah, well, we're home now, so hopefully things can go back to normal.

They toast this sentiment with their mugs of tea, but Karl is still looking a little troubled.

No 32
On the patio, Sadie is fussing over Byron, seemingly pleased about his desire to resume his career in law. But Byron says it's just an idea at this stage; there's still a lot to consider, such as his stake in Yorokobi. Andrew is here too and thinks it's good that Byron has got his passion for law back.

BYRON: It's nice to do some legal stuff, and also help out Mum and Lana.
HOLLY (appearing from nowhere): Hey, I *knew* he wasn't sleeping with her!
SADIE: Holly!

Andrew leaves, and Holly sits down. She asks if Byron or Sadie have been into Max's room since he left, as it looks like his things have been rearranged. Byron says Shane was here earlier, but they don't know if he took anything.

SADIE: Why all the questions?
HOLLY (evasive): I'm just looking for clues of where Max might be hiding out.
BYRON: Well, if you want to swap notes with Shane, I'm pretty sure he's heading to Paul's.

Penthouse
Shane is filling Paul in on Max's disappearance and his reasons for leaving Queensland in the first place. Paul says he wouldn't have gone to New York if he'd known about all this, and asks if there's anything he can do to help. Shane gives Paul Max's passport, which he's presumably just taken from No 32, and tells him to hang onto it.

PAUL: What, you think he might tree and flee the country?
SHANE: Well, he wanted to once before. So he could come back for it.
PAUL: Okay, so why don't you hang onto it?
SHANE: If we don't turn up any leads here, I'm going to Yvette's.
PAUL: What, you think he might head over to his mum's?
SHANE: It could be his next stop (...) I don't want to have this on me. It's best that it stays with you.

Paul takes the passport, and Shane goes to leave.

Lassiter's Complex
Aaron brings Roxy her order of hot chips, but isn't going to put it down until she tells him what she's up to with Susan! He also threatens to talk to Susan instead.

ROXY: Aaron!
AARON: (eats a chip)
ROXY (outraged): Ugh. Fine! I want Susan's job.

She reaches for the chips, but he pulls them out of reach.

AARON: Does this mean you're gonna leave Kyle and Jhett?
ROXY: No! Of course not. I'm just... bored in Darwin. I thought, maybe if I got a job here, then we could all move back together.

Aaron relinquishes the hot chips.

AARON: So you're gonna go and target Susan?
ROXY: Well, in my defence, I did find a resignation letter on her laptop, and therefore that means she must be quitting at some stage.
AARON: Even so, that doesn't mean that you can stuff up someone else's life just to fix yours. Rox, you need to come clean.
ROXY: No! Auntie T's gonna pop a wing nut.
AARON: Yeah, well, Susan might too. But these things have a way of coming out. Rox, I think you know what you need to do.

Roxy eats her chips miserably!

Harold's Café
Paul is taking to Jane; they both wish they could have done more to help Max if they'd only known the full story.

Paul spots something Jane's looking at on her computer. It's a comic strip, depicting a classic 1987 blow- up in Ramsay Street (from Episode 552) between Jane's gran, Mrs Mangel, and Harold's late wife Madge, which culminates in Mrs Mangel whacking Madge with a newspaper! Harold and Henry, Madge's son, are also depicted in the scene.

PAUL: Is that your gran? *The* Mrs Mangel?
JANE: Yeah! Arguing with Madge, as usual. It's a graphic novel, 'The Story of Erinsborough'.
PAUL: Wow! Those illustrations are really good.
JANE: Mm. Did you get to the one with you and the Alessi twins?

We see artwork depicting a scene from 1992 (from Episode 1686) where Paul's ex- wife Christina confronted him over his almost- affair with her twin sister Caroline, which she overheard him talking about on a baby monitor. Paul's sister Lucy and gran Helen are also depicted in the scene.

PAUL (chuckles): Oh! Not my finest hour. But I tell you what, the likeness is very good, though, isn't it?
JANE: Yeah.
PAUL: You know what? This has given me a bit of an idea.
JANE: Well, I will be giving this student top marks. She really is a very talented girl.
PAUL: She certainly is! Who are we talking about, exactly?

Jane smiles.

No 22
Nell rushes into the kitchen to tell Terese that she got an A+ for her graphic novel project. Terese is thrilled, and gives her a congratulatory hug. Paul comes in, and having heard from Jane who produced the project, already guesses what they're so excited about, offering Nell his own congratulations.

PAUL: Actually, I saw some of your amazing artwork on Jane's laptop.
NELL: Yeah, and you're okay with it?
PAUL: I thought you captured me pretty well!
TERESE: You made him look younger.
PAUL: Hey, hey! Listen, I was also thinking, how would you feel about an exhibition?
NELL: Sorry, what?
PAUL: Yeah, a public showing of your work at Lassiter's.
NELL: Are you being for real?
PAUL: Yeah. I reckon we could probably roll it out next week. Put some posters up around the place - I mean, just images. Not naming names. So, would that be a yeah?
NELL: Yeah... yes! I have to go tell Dex. Paul, thank you. This is... huge!

Nell is delighted, and hugs Paul, before rushing off.

TERESE: That was lovely!
PAUL: It was well deserved. Anyway, I've been looking for some fresh ideas to bring the punters in, so...

Terese asks what Paul was wanting to talk to her about earlier.

PAUL: Well, while I was away, I got to thinking. And, you know, I realised that some of the best years of my life have been spent here - with you, and Roxy and Harlow and Ned.
TERESE: Yeah. It felt like a real family.
PAUL: Mm. And I think that we could have that feeling again. You and me and Nell (...) I'm saying I'd like to move back to Ramsay Street.

Terese is lost for words...

No 28
Susan and Karl are preparing to head to the pub, and ask if Holly wants to come.

SUSAN: We're gonna get a really nice bottle of red, now that Karl's off his painkillers.
HOLLY: Thanks for the invite, but I really feel like a night in.

Holly hurries Susan and Karl out of the door while they're still trying to talk to her! As soon as they're gone, Max emerges from her bedroom. He apologises for putting her in an awkward position, and Holly says he should consider talking to Shane. Max insists he can't.

MAX: But I do need you to check his hotel room for me.
HOLLY: What?
MAX: Yeah. And if my passport's not in there, then maybe try the penthouse.
HOLLY: Are you kidding?!
MAX: Look, you said Dad was meeting Paul, and he's got form. When I was a kid and I'd get in trouble, my dad would punish me by hiding my gaming console at his mates' places.
HOLLY: Breaking and entering?
MAX: You used to work at Lassiter's - you must know where all the swipe cards are.
HOLLY (sighs): Okay, fine, I'll do it.
MAX: For real? Thank you. Oh, one more thing...
HOLLY: You want me to hijack a plane and fly you out of the country?
MAX: No. But I think it's too risky me being here, for both of us. Maybe you could find a hotel room for me too?

No 22
Terese and Paul are talking about his proposal to move back in. Terese would love him to in principle, but says it's not that straightforward, because of Nell. She might not be ready for that step, and they'd also have to seek Toadie's approval. Paul thinks it would be worth asking, at least. But Nell herself has appeared via the back door, and is listening to this conversation unseen, before eventually walking in to join them.

NELL: Now I get it. You don't like my art at all. The exhibition was just a bribe. Well, count me out.
PAUL: Nell, it wasn't a bribe.
NELL: I'm so gullible! I can't believe I actually fell for it.
PAUL: No - honestly, I meant every word I said. The offer is genuine.
NELL (to Terese): If you want him to move in, go for it. It's got nothing to do with me.
TERESE: Sweetheart, this is your home! I would never make a decision without considering you.
NELL: Just do whatever you want.

Nell strops out.

PAUL: I swear, the exhibition was not a bribe. I am genuinely interested in supporting her art.
TERESE: I know. But you can see how it must feel to her.

Paul looks frustrated.

Lassiter's Complex
Jane comes across Nell in the courtyard, and congratulates her on her good mark for the graphic novel project and her forthcoming exhibition. Nell thanks her, but says the exhibition won't be happening.

NELL: It was a bribe.
JANE: I'm not following.
NELL: Paul wants to move in with Terese. So he made up the exhibition so that I'd go along with it.
JANE: Well, if that was true, then you'd have every right to be furious, but... no, Paul was raving about your work long before he knew it was yours.
NELL: Yeah, right.
JANE: No, I wouldn't lie about such a thing. I got this distinct impression that Paul was genuine, about wanting to give you the recognition that you so richly deserve. It's a fantastic opportunity, Nell.
NELL: ... It would be amazing. But what do I do about Paul wanting to move in? It's not like I can hold this against him now.
JANE: Well, I'm sure Terese will respect your feelings.
NELL: She loves him. I just don't want to see her get hurt again.
JANE: No - no, none of us want that. Paul and Terese, they... just have a way with each other. But even so, you shouldn't feel pressured. It's really up to you.

Nell looks conflicted.

Penthouse
Nell has come to see Paul, and explains that Jane has made her realise Paul was genuine about the exhibition.

NELL: I'm really sorry I was so rude to you.
PAUL: No, that's okay. I kind of get why you jumped to the wrong conclusion. So... are we back on?
NELL: I'm in. I think we've had the wrong idea about each other. I should've given you the benefit of the doubt.
PAUL: Yeah, same goes for me, I suppose. Guess we just don't really know each other that well.
NELL: We will. Once you've lived with us for a bit.
PAUL: ... Are you saying you're okay with me moving in?
NELL (smiling): Yeah. Call it a trial run. And I think Terese would be happy.
PAUL: Thank you, Nell. Thank you. Must have taken a lot of guts to have this difficult conversation. I've got a feeling this might work out quite well...
NELL: Well, don't get too excited. Dad still has to agree, and he's not your biggest fan.
PAUL: Yeah. Oh, well, let's hope Terese can work some of her magic, hey?

While this conversation is still ongoing, Holly, who has seemingly been hiding in a cupboard in the penthouse (!), furtively shows her face. She hides again when Nell passes towards the lift to leave, and then quietly re- emerges...

The Waterhole
Roxy has joined Susan and Karl over their bottle of wine and is confessing to attempting to oust Susan from her job!

ROXY: I am so sorry. I was desperate for a reason for Jhett and Kyle to move back here.
SUSAN: I wrote that resignation letter after I had a fall. I'd lost my confidence, that's all.
KARL: And it was a long time ago, too.
ROXY: I know, I get that. It was way out of line - I am sorry. Look, Susan, you are really good at your job, and I'm sorry for making you doubt that. And I'm gonna call Auntie T right now, and I'm gonna tell her everything.

Roxy gets up, places a consolatory hand on Susan's shoulder, then wipes her brow as she walks past Aaron - who gives her a smile and a thumbs- up!

KARL: Can you believe all that?
SUSAN: At least she owned up.
KARL: Well, it doesn't give her an excuse, does it?
SUSAN: See, this is what happens when people are dishonest.

Karl looks shifty.

Penthouse
Holly is still creeping around, but has found Max's passport. Paul is on the phone to Terese, laughing about Roxy's attempts to sabotage Susan! Terese isn't amused and is more worried about what Susan will think. Holly steps on one of Abigail's squeaky toys as she creeps towards the lift, causing Paul to break off his conversation and look around the place, but Holly manages to hide behind some shelving and isn't spotted.

Paul resumes his chat with Terese, and Holly calls for the lift. It pings, again confusing Paul, but Terese is demanding his engagement over the phone.

PAUL: Why don't I come over to yours, and you can vent about Roxy in person?

Holly sneaks into the lift, and the doors close without her being seen.

Lassiter's Hotel
Holly takes the passport to Max in the hotel room she's managed to arrange for him, and he declares her 'the best'. But she warns him they're 'cooked' if Paul finds out he's here. Max says that's not a problem - this time tomorrow, he'll be in Fiji. He has a friend there who runs a resort and can law low there until he figures out what's next. Holly says nothing, but looks sad and worried.

MAX: Holly, look, if I stay, everyone I care about will be in danger. And that includes you.
HOLLY: You care about me?
MAX: Does it even matter now? I thought you'd be glad to see the back of me anyway.
HOLLY: Well I'm not. I missed you.

There's another moment brewing between them, but Max pulls back again and asks if there's any chance he can get some food. Holly says she'll see what she can do, and leaves. Max sighs but looks determined to see through his plan.

No 22
Paul and Nell deliver the news to Terese that he can move in, provided that Toadie shares Nell's enthusiasm. Terese is delighted and hugs Nell, while Paul goes to make Nell a hot chocolate for her train trip back to Colac.

NELL (to Terese): It's gonna bit a bit weird having him here, though. I mean, this is our family home - you and Dad, me and Hugo...
TERESE: Yeah, but it was once his home too.
NELL: Yeah, a long time ago.

At this point there's a knock at the door. It's Toadie, looking sombre. Nell knows what he's about to say before he says it.

TOADIE: Grandpa passed away this morning in his sleep. It was... it was very peaceful. I'm sorry, babe.

Toadie hugs Nell, and they both cry.

The Waterhole
Shane is having a drink at the bar as Andrew updates him on the investigation. They've widened the CCTV search for Max and put out an interstate alert too. Shane thanks him.

At this point Holly comes in and orders some food and drink for Max. She doesn't interact with Shane and Andrew but overhears the next part of their conversation.

SHANE: Let me buy you dinner.
ANDREW: No need. I'm just doing my job.
SHANE: Yeah. And I gave you a hard time about it.
ANDREW: I get it. You just want to find your son.

Shane nods despondently.

Meanwhile, Susan and Karl are still working through their red wine at a table. But Susan notices that Karl has barely touched it, and suggests getting a cork to take the bottle home.

KARL: Susan... I feel partly responsible for this mess with Roxy. I'm sorry I kept you away for so long. And I am sorry for being a grumpy patient.
SUSAN: Well, I'm just glad to see you're back on your feet. Pun intended. Besides, marriage, it's all about making sacrifices for each other.
KARL: Is this your way of saying my time will come?
SUSAN: Exactly.

They laugh, and Susan heads to the bar to ask about the cork. But while she's gone we see the real reason Karl isn't drinking - contrary to what Susan said earlier, he's still taking painkillers, and looks furtive as he pops some pills in his mouth...

Back at the bar, Holly continues to listen to Shane and Andrew's conversation while she waits for the food.

SHANE: I just don't know what I'm supposed to do now. Or if Max is even alive.
ANDREW: Hey, don't worry, mate. We're gonna find him.
SHANE: Will we?

Holly can't stand listening to this anymore and approaches, telling Shane there's something he needs to know...

Coming up on Neighbours
- In the hotel room, Shane is reunited with Max, and angrily tells him how scared they've all been
- Terese tells Toadie about Paul's hopes to move back in at No 22; Toadie doesn't look pleased
- Krista confesses to Leo that she thought she and Fallon would have been closer
- Leo replies that Fallon's been pretty good at opening up to him
- Later, Krista sees Leo with his arm around Fallon and looks concerned