Eirini Rising
Karl and Susan come out of the building into the courtyard. Susan thinks Colton will be a good addition to the team as assistant manager, but Karl is distracted by the sight of Darcy. Karl asks how Darcy is doing at the Quill Hotel, where he's apparently moved to since Terese asked him to vacate the house.

DARCY: Well, it's very comfy. But it's not forever. Just until I work out next steps.
KARL (goading): Okay. When exactly are you opening your new health centre?
DARCY: We're just looking at potential locations now.
KARL: This is with Anthony Halsworth?
DARCY (sharkish smile): Yeah. That's right.

Susan looks uneasy as Darcy walks indoors. She suggests to Karl that Darcy opening the health centre will be good, as he'll be 'off doing his own thing'. But Karl says he thinks it's strange that Darcy is going back into business with Halsworth. Susan reminds him that they don't know exactly what happened between them previously. Karl agrees and changes the subject, suggesting they head to Paul and Terese's.

Harold's Café
Wendy serves Andrew a coffee and he goes to sit at a table. Jane is at the counter reading a magazine, and has been watching them. It's clear to Jane that Wendy is feeling concerned about the state of her marriage.

JANE: He called you 'love'. That's something.
WENDY: Yeah. He just seems so flat.
JANE: Well, time is the greatest healer. That's what I'm hoping for, anyway.
WENDY: How are you holding up?
JANE: I'm okay. Which means you are too, and so is Andrew.
WENDY: Yeah. I just hate that I'm to blame for us being so off kilter. I know that he's got his biological family on his mind too (...) I just keep finding him staring at that family tree.

Jane senses Wendy is holding something back, and asks her.

WENDY: I might've found an email address for his biological sister.
JANE: Wendy!
WENDY: Well, I haven't reached out. Yet.

Jane has to head off because Sadie has called a meeting about Amanda's will, but before she goes, advises Wendy...

JANE: I know you want to see Andrew smiling again, but... maybe just think before you act.

Wendy nods glumly.

No 24
Jane has joined Byron, Sadie and Nicolette for the meeting. Sadie says she wants to update them all on what's happening.

NICOLETTE: On what you're doing with our family's inheritance, you mean?
JANE: Nicolette, let Sadie speak.

Sadie explains that Russell, Amanda's solicitor, has started setting up the beauty scholarship trust that she wanted. This will take a couple of weeks, at which point they'll begin to advertise it. But Byron coolly tells her it would be best not to get too attached to that idea.

BYRON: We're lodging our challenge to the will this week.
SADIE: You're really still doing that?
NICOLETTE: Well, of course he is! That will is a hot mess, and Mum deserves better!
SADIE: I'm just trying to honour Amanda's wishes.
NICOLETTE (scoffs): Right.

No 22
It seems Paul and Terese are hosting a bit of a gathering, and Susan and Karl are the first to arrive. They are waiting for the 'guests of honour' to arrive but we aren't told who. While Karl joins Paul in the living room, Susan heads into the kitchen and asks Terese how she's doing.

TERESE: Well, now that cyclone Chelsea has blown out of our lives...
SUSAN: Not to be confused with the storm that we're getting tonight...

They gaze ominously out of the window!

TERESE: I'll be alright. Although, there was one thing that Chelsea said to me, which I dismissed at the time but it's been on my mind. She said that I was underestimating Paul's regret about his children.
SUSAN: What's that supposed to mean?
TERESE: Well, I don't know. But it felt like it was some kind of warning.
SUSAN: Oh, it's just more game- playing. She can't hurt you now.

In the living room, Karl is telling Paul about how he's had the supplements that Darcy has been giving him tested, but this time they really are just supplements. However, he has learned that Anthony Halsworth, Darcy's associate, lost his medical licence last year. Paul thinks it's strange therefore that Darcy would go into business with him, and Karl agrees.

PAUL: Do you still think that he had something to do with Amanda's death?
KARL: I... I just can't shake the feeling something's not right.

At this point Leo, Krista and Abigail arrive. It seems they've been told it's a housewarming to celebrate Paul moving back to Ramsay Street, but in fact...

TERESE: It's a party for you!
PAUL: You couldn't go to Europe without a little send- off from us.

Everyone looks pleased about this.

Piano Bar
Darcy is sitting in the outdoor area, anxiously watching his phone. Tess turns up to meet him, and Darcy thanks her for coming.

TESS: It was a very nice bunch of flowers you sent.
DARCY: (...) Does this mean that we're, like, friends again?
TESS: ...
DARCY: Well, this is the second meeting you've come to. I think that must mean something, right?
TESS: I don't know why I'm here.
DARCY: Well, maybe because you still see the good in me, or... or maybe because you haven't forgotten how good we were together.

Tess looks both wistful and slightly incredulous. Darcy offers her a drink, and she hesitates, but eventually agrees.

No 24
Wendy comes round to see Jane. Against Jane's hints to the contrary, she admits she's emailed Andrew's biological sister, Gretchen, who replied straight away. She wants to meet up today, and is going to stop off in Erinsborough on her way home from work. Wendy hasn't told Andrew; she doesn't want to get his hopes up, and they're meant to be at No 22 for Leo and Krista's party. Jane gently suggests Wendy put Gretchen off till another time.

WENDY: Yeah, maybe. Maybe. But then, you know, I won't be able to get it off my mind. It's gonna be 3am, I won't be able to sleep... and then Andrew will wake up, and then - well, I'll have to tell him everything. And what am I gonna say? I mean, I haven't even heard Gretchen out. What do you think?
JANE: I think you should breathe! But, really, it is your decision.

Wendy briefly considers it - and then decides to plough ahead with the meeting, and pretend to Andrew that she had to stay back late at work. Wendy thanks Jane for her 'genius' input (!) Jane laughs awkwardly and then shows her out! Jane shakes her head, chuckling to herself, as she closes the door.

No 22
The farewell party has really kicked off now, as Andrew, Nell and JJ have joined. Susan wants to hear about Leo and Krista's itinerary in Europe. Krista tells them they are stopping off in Singapore en route, then heading to Zurich to see her mother and Fallon.

LEO: AKA, get the awkward stuff out of the way first.
KRISTA: Yeah. Hopefully it'll be healing for everyone. And then we're going to Rome for the wedding, and Reece is gonna meet us there.

Paul is a bit put out that no one from Leo's family will be in attendance, but Leo points out that all of them were at the first wedding. After that, they're headed to Paris to see Mackenzie and Haz.

LEO (to Paul): There was one thing we actually wanted to chat to you about. Our homecoming.
PAUL: What, you want another party?
KRISTA: No. Umm... we'd like the penthouse. If it's available.
LEO: We'd like to move in.
ABIGAIL: Can we, Grandad?

Paul pretends to consider it, frowning, before telling Abby that yes, of course she can!

TERESE: Oh, well, listen - here's to musical houses!

And naturally, everybody enthusiastically raises a toast to that!

Karl tells Susan he's going to pop out and get another bottle of wine...

No 24
Byron is on the phone to Nicolette; he's struggling to find her birth certificate in a file he's rifling through, and tells her to 'keep checking the boxes' as he needs to get it certified by tomorrow for their plan to contest the will.

Jane and Aaron are in the kitchen, and Byron asks Aaron if they can get a statement from him, testifying as to Amanda's cognitive issues, noting any times where she was clearly impaired. But Jane doesn't like the sound of this, and tells Byron to stop.

BYRON: Mum, no. Nanna never put you first. And what she did with her will - it's just not right.
JANE: Well, that may be the case. But I don't want you and Sadie to end up hating each other over it.
BYRON: Look, Sadie broke up with me. She's the one that's determined to stand by this stupid will.
JANE: Okay, well, I am saying this as your mother. Because I'm afraid that if you go through with all of this, then you're gonna end up regretting it for the rest of your life. Isn't your relationship with Sadie worth more than whatever principle it is that you're trying to defend here?

Byron looks conflicted.

The Pavilion
The storm Susan mentioned is really whipping up; grey clouds gather and the trees are swaying in the wind, as Wendy meets Andrew's birth sister, Gretchen, for a coffee. Gretchen tells Wendy she's been waiting for someone to contact the family for years.

WENDY: Have you always known about Andrew?
GRETCHEN: Mum and Dad told us, when we were young.
WENDY: And they stayed together after they put Andrew up for adoption?
GRETCHEN: They were just teenagers when he was born. Dad had just joined the navy. Anyhow, then they went on to have my brother and I.
WENDY: I couldn't find out much about your parents. So, it's Steven and...
GRETCHEN: Mum was Barbara. She passed a couple of years ago.
WENDY: I'm so sorry. Andrew will be, too.
GRETCHEN: ... Can I ask why you contacted me, and not Andrew?
WENDY: Oh, this is... this is a huge thing for him. And I wanted to find out more about you, before I encouraged him to do the same.
GRETCHEN: You're protective.
WENDY: I just... I love him very much. He'll be devastated to find out about Barbara.
GRETCHEN: ... Then he'd be devastated to learn about Steven, too.

Wendy looks at her questioningly.

Piano Bar
Darcy is sweet- talking Tess, claiming he's trying to be 'a better version' of himself.

TESS: Why are you telling me this?
DARCY: Because you make me better. I think you know that. I think that's why you're here.
TESS: You've been on my mind a lot lately.
DARCY: Same.
TESS: But even if I was open to something - you're here, and I can't move back.
DARCY: Well, what if I was to say we could start afresh somewhere else?
TESS: But aren't you opening up a health centre nearby?
DARCY (shrugs): It doesn't have to be here. It could be anywhere.

Meanwhile, Karl has turned up indoors via the hotel foyer, and greets Taye. Karl says the Waterhole has sent him over here as they're all out of the pinot noir he wanted. Taye goes off to have a look in the back to see if they have any. While he's waiting, Karl wanders outside, and is concerned to see Tess and Darcy chatting away and sharing a toast...

The Pavilion
The storm continues to gather as Gretchen explains what she meant.

GRETCHEN: After Dad left the navy, he wasn't able to hold a job longer than six months. He was always blowing up at the boss, or not turning up because he was on a bender.
WENDY: Is he still drinking?
GRETCHEN: Oh, yeah. And he's a nasty drunk, too. Angry and vindictive. That's why I don't see him anymore. I don't want my kids around that.
WENDY: Yeah, no, I understand. I mean, I wouldn't want that either.
GRETCHEN: I'm sorry. It's probably not what Andrew was hoping for.
WENDY: Well, what about if just the two of you met up? And you could maybe leave your father out of it?
GRETCHEN: That sounds lovely. But what do I say when he asks about Mum and Dad?
WENDY: You're right. I can't ask you to lie to Andrew. Which means... I either break his heart, or leave here and pretend this never happened... I was trying to do a really beautiful thing. Umm... I'm sorry for wasting your time, Gretchen.
GRETCHEN: I'm just glad he has someone in his life that loves him so much. You haven't wasted my time, Wendy.

Wendy smiles at her, but then the two of them glance up into the sky as the wind begins to billow even more violently in the trees. A distant shot of Melbourne shows a sheet of grey cloud amassing above the city.

No 22
At the party, the curtains are billowing too and Jane, who has now joined the festivities along with Aaron and Isla, goes to shut the window. She asks Andrew if he's expecting to be called into work given the weather; he admits he might be, as it looks like a big storm.

ANDREW: Jeez, I wonder what's keeping Wendy? She must be held up at Harold's or something.

Jane shrugs awkwardly. Meanwhile in the kitchen, Aaron is regaling Leo, Krista, Terese and Susan with a story about his date with Rhett.

AARON: So anyway, Rhett was just all over me. He was coming at me from behind...

Nell and JJ, who have just popped through to get some food, look bemused as they overhear this, and Leo asks Aaron if he's still talking about croquet! Aaron explains that this is when Colton turned up, and Terese is surprised, asking if Aaron is the real reason he's come to Erinsborough. Aaron assures Terese that the job is probably the main reason!

Krista enquires whether Karl will be returning to work any time soon. Terese hopes they can start discussing it before long. Susan gets a text; one of the awnings has fallen down at Eirini Rising, so she volunteers to go and sort it out, and asks Terese to tell Karl when he returns with the wine that she'll see him at home, suggesting he's probably got chatting to someone in the pub. Susan leaves.

Piano Bar
The wind is howling as Karl continues to watch Darcy and Tess from his vantage point at the door to the outside area. He already has the wine he's come for, and Taye is surprised that he's still hanging around. Karl claims he's enjoying the piano music (!)

TAYE: Okay, Holly told me this day would come. Look, our vibe is more New York, not the Tamworth twang thing you've got going on.
KARL: What?
TAYE: If you're hanging around to pitch your services, the answer's no.

Karl looks embarrassed. At this point, Tess comes in and is surprised to see Karl, who asks where Darcy has gone; she tells him he has gone to the bathroom.

TESS: Did you know we were here?
KARL: No, no - but since I've got you for a moment - has he told you the latest news about the new health centre?
TESS: Umm, he's still trying to open it. Hi, by the way (!)
KARL: Yes, sorry - hi. Yeah - do you think it's strange that he's going into partnership with Anthony Halsworth?
TESS: What? He didn't mention it - I mean, they hate each other.
KARL: Okay. Okay, I don't want to put you on the spot, but there's something I need to ask. You were with Darcy the day Amanda Harris died, right?
TESS: Amanda? Oh, the lady Susan called about?
KARL: Yeah, yeah. How long were you with him that day?
TESS: I don't remember. I went to the wrong café, I was running late. I'm surprised he waited. What's this about?
KARL: Uh, can I call you later so we can talk privately about a few things?
TESS: Karl, you're scaring me...
KARL: It's okay. But please don't tell Darcy we spoke, alright? I'll call you later.

Tess agrees to this, and Karl hurries off. But Darcy has come back just in time to see Karl go, and looks very worried...

No 22
There's a brief shot of lighting crashing in the now darkened sky above Melbourne, before we return to the party. Karl is back too, and telling Paul about his conversation with Tess; he didn't want to press her further, as he was worried Darcy would see them together. Paul seems to have picked up on the point about Tess having gone to the wrong café, and thinks it's 'a bit strange'. Karl says he'll call her later tonight.

Wendy arrives, all wet from the rain that is now coming down outside. Sadie has joined the party too in the interim, and Andrew asks Wendy where she's been; they've been worried. Wendy apologises and puts her lateness down to 'one of those days', without elaborating further. She asks Sadie how things are with Byron.

SADIE: He's being an absolute jerk.

A loud thunderclap takes everyone by surprise. Andrew and Sadie go to get Wendy a drink, giving Jane an opportunity to swoop in and surreptitiously ask Wendy how her meeting with Gretchen went.

WENDY: Well, long story short - I think it's better that Andrew doesn't know that I met up with Gretchen.

Another crash of thunder reverberates around the living room, and this time it triggers a power cut, leaving everybody sitting in the dark. Looking out of the window, JJ confirms that the lights have gone out in the whole street. Terese goes to get some candles, but Leo whispers to Krista that they ought to head home now, and thanks everyone for coming but suggests they all go and get an early night.

ABIGAIL: Then we go on holiday!
KRISTA: Then we go on holiday!

Everyone cheers.

No 24
The power is out here too, but Byron is stubbornly working by candlelight and his laptop's battery, determined to make progress with challenging Amanda's will. Nicolette is with him, and insists to him that they're doing the right thing.

BYRON: Yeah. Mum's been hit hard. Lodging this objection is the least that we can do.
NICOLETTE: She's gonna thank us in the long run.

Jane comes in with a torch, soaked through from the rain; she tells them Aaron will bring Isla back soon.

NICOLETTE: Was Judas at the party?
JANE: Please don't call Sadie that.
NICOLETTE: Well, I can think of a few other names, but they're not as nice.
BYRON: Can you two please just stop?
NICOLETTE: Why are you having a go at me? She's the one on Sadie's side.
JANE: Look, I am not on any side. And I'm sorry, Byron, if I was a bit harsh earlier. It's just that you love Sadie so much.
BYRON (sadly): Sadie's the first person I ever saw a future with, and... and she just blew up our relationship like it was nothing.
JANE: Well, I don't know that that's true.
BYRON: It is, Mum (...) I have to face the facts. I loved her more than she ever loved me.
JANE: Oh, darling.

Jane comforts an upset Byron, as the rain and lightning continues to batter the street outside.

No 28
The storm continues to rage across the city, as Karl stands in the dark at home, preparing to call Tess on his mobile. But before he can press the call button, there's a rap at the door. He goes to open it, and Darcy walks in.

KARL: If you're looking for Susan, she's at Eirini.
DARCY: I've come to see you.

Lightning crackles from beyond the door, briefly illuminating a haunted- looking Darcy as he walks inside.

DARCY: You know what, Karl? I thought that you and I were good friends again. At least, that's what you've been telling me. And all those things you accused me of - you took them back, right?
KARL: Well, I realised I was mistaken.
DARCY: Hmm. I find that hard to believe. I was thinking, 'Oh, he's just saying that to get me on side' - and I was right.

Darcy looms closer, the pair of them now only visible due to the candlelight from the kitchen worktop.

DARCY: You haven't been taking the pills, have you?
KARL (smiling): No. I only wanted them so I could get them tested.
DARCY: And you approached Tess behind my back.
KARL: What did she tell you?
DARCY: Everything. She said you've been asking questions about the day Amanda died. Which I find highly offensive.
KARL: What were your movements on that day?
DARCY: Meeting Tess.
KARL: Ah. Why the confusion about the meeting place?
DARCY: Because things happen. What, you've never gone to the wrong place meeting a friend before?
KARL: Why are you going into business with Anthony Halsworth?
DARCY (laughs): Money! I need his capital.
KARL: Right. But you can't stand each other, according to Tess. And you didn't mention Anthony to her today.
DARCY: What are you suggesting?
KARL: I think you were trying to get money out of Amanda.
DARCY: I didn't! Look, Amanda made Sadie her trustee.
KARL: Yeah. So your plan failed. But something's not right here, Darcy - you're being very cagey. There are toll roads between here and the Dandenongs. Perhaps you could provide your e- tag statements to the police?
DARCY: Sure. Sure! I'll bring them up on my phone. Maybe that'll help ease your worried mind.

Darcy suggests they could do with some more light, and Karl goes to light some more candles.

KARL: Believe me, Darcy, I am getting no pleasure out of this.

But as Karl is turned away, Darcy pulls a syringe from his jacket packet.

DARCY: Neither am I.

Lightning momentarily bathes the room again, as Darcy grabs Karl and sticks the needle in his shoulder!

KARL (crying out): Darcy! What... what...?
DARCY: I didn't want to do it, Karl. I didn't want to do this. Easy, easy...

He appears to support Karl as he begins to lose his footing and falls towards the floor. Karl is spluttering, his mouth open in horror.

DARCY: Just relax. Relax. There you go.

Karl is now making choking noises and gasping for air. Whatever Darcy has injected him with has rendered him unable to speak, or seemingly to move.

DARCY: I love you, Karl. And I love Susan. I wanted us all to be a team again.

As Karl continues to groan and gasp on the floor, Darcy stands up.

DARCY: I just wish you'd minded your own business.

We cut to black as the storm rumbles on.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Wendy asks Andrew if he's thought more about finding his birth family; he says he's putting the idea to bed
- Susan gets home and is horrified to find Karl unresponsive on the floor; Darcy begins to call an ambulance
- The next day, the street is littered with storm debris; Jane tells Terese about Karl's collapse
- 'I'm so sorry, Susan,' says Remi at the hospital, as Susan and Holly look horrified