No. 28
Des snaps at his mother that he's had just about enough of this; whatever she thinks, Bradley is his son. Eileen is going through her handbag, but she exclaims that that's funny - she had a copy of Bradley's birth certificate right there, and... She turns to Andrea and snaps:

EILEEN: You took it.

Andrea retorts that she didn't even know Eileen *had* a birth certificate; and why would she touch Eileen's handbag? Des tells his mother to apologise to Andrea and Bradley and get out of there. Eileen, however, retorts:

EILEEN: Apologise? What for? I have done nothing wrong. This woman has tricked you. She has lied to you about her son's age so that you will consider him an indiscretion and give him a home.

She goes to call the taxi company to see if they've found the certificate. Des, however, stops her. Andrea asks Des in an upset tone why Eileen is saying all these things. Des tells her that his mum can't resist sticking her nose in his business. He orders Eileen out. Eileen tells him curtly that if she can get *one* copy of a birth certificate, she can get *another*. Des snaps at her to mind her own business. Eileen marches out, angrily. Des and Andrea comfort an upset Bradley.

No. 26
Helen is lying on the couch, reading, when there's a rapid knocking on the front door. She opens it to Eileen, who heads inside and asks to use the telephone. She adds that it's a fine thing when a son won't even let his own mother use the 'phone. Helen asks what's happened. Eileen says that if she can just find the missing birth certificate, it will prove to everyone that Bradley is not, and cannot be, Desmond's child. Unknown to Eileen, Lucy is sitting at the kitchen table, listening to every word...

Ramsay Street
A car pulls up in the street, driven by a dark- haired guy wearing sunglasses. He stares at No. 28...

No. 28
Andrea emerges from Bradley's room and Des asks how the boy is. Andrea replies that he'll be OK. Des then says bluntly:

DES: Andrea, *is* he my son?
ANDREA: Des, I know that she's your mother, but how can you possibly believe the things that she's saying?
DES: She said she had his birth certificate.
ANDREA: Look, I told you: the birth certificate is marked 'Father Unknown'. I didn't put your name down because I wanted to protect you.

At that moment, Bradley emerges from his room and asks if he can go and see Lucy. Andrea tells him not to be too long. Des says to Andrea that if there was anything he should know, she *would* tell him...? Andrea insists that she's told him everything; there's nothing else.

Ramsay Street
The man in the car watches as Bradley emerges from No. 28. He murmurs to himself:

MAN: Found you.

No. 26
Bradley knocks on the front door of No. 26 and Lucy answers. She steps outside, telling Bradley that Mrs. Clarke's in there. Bradley asks her to hide something for him, and he hands her an envelope. She takes it and tells Bradley that she doesn't want them to send him away. Bradley replies that he doesn't want to *go*. They hug and Bradley walks off.

Ramsay Street
The man in the car watches as Bradley walks back from No. 28 - but the postman is also now in the street and the man curses in annoyance.

No. 28
Andrea is looking through a photo album when Bradley arrives home and finds her crying. He asks her in concern what's wrong and she smiles through her tears that she's just a little upset. Bradley tells her that he'll always look after her. Andrea smiles that he'd better - he's a good son... sometimes. She then says:

ANDREA: You took that letter from Mrs. Clarke, didn't you?
BRADLEY: She said it was proof that Des isn't my dad. I didn't know it was my birth certificate until afterwards.

Andrea tells him that it was wrong to steal, and she makes him promise never to do anything like that again. She hugs him, going on that Eileen isn't going to let them rest until she sees them leave Ramsay Street altogether - but if this thing with Des falls through, there might still be a way they can stay...

Office of the Daniels Corporation/No. 28
The 'phone rings in the office and Zoe answers it. Andrea comes on and asks Zoe if she could mind Bradley if she's late home this evening. Zoe nods that that's fine. Andrea then asks to speak to Paul. Zoe hands over the 'phone and Andrea says to Paul that she wondered if they could have a drink after he finishes work. Paul says:

PAUL: Sure. How about Lassiter's? I know there's a nice place there called The Waterhole. We could have a drink after 5 if you like.

Andrea thanks him and they hang up. Paul smiles that it seems like his luck's changing. Zoe remarks to him that she hopes Des approves, otherwise he could end up in another brawl! Paul, however, tells her that Des has already assured him that Andrea is a free agent. With that, Zoe heads off home, leaving Paul looking thoughtful.

Coffee Shop
Shane is sitting at the counter as Daphne serves some customers. Zoe comes in and asks Daphne for a word. Daphne stares at her and then suggests that they go into the kitchen. *In* the kitchen, Zoe starts to say that she knows Daphne probably doesn't want to speak to her-. Daphne, however, interrupts and tells her that Jim has explained everything to her - so why don't they forget it? Zoe asks in relief if they can be friends again. Daphne smiles that she guesses so! Zoe hugs her, beaming that she's fantastic! She then asks if that means she can be bridesmaid again. Daphne, however, says:

DAPHNE: Sorry. It's not that I don't want you, but the wedding's off.
ZOE (shocked): Oh no...
DAPHNE: Just for the time being, until we get the problems with this place sorted out.

Out in the main shop, Jack Lassiter comes in and asks Shane if his young lady's around. Shane calls to Daphne, who emerges from the kitchen. Shane introduces her to Jack, who tells her that Shane can't stop talking about her! He then says he understands they're kicking her out. Daphne nods coolly that it'll happen as soon as the lease runs out. Jack then invites her and Shane for a drink tonight and he heads out. Daphne asks Shane what *that's* all about. Shane just shrugs:

SHANE: Search *me*!

Ramsay Street
The man in the car watches as Andrea retrieves the mail from No. 28's mailbox and then walks off down the road.

Coffee Shop
Des is sitting at a table with Eileen and he asks her wearily what the emergency is *this* time. Eileen tells him that she had to talk to him away from that woman: Andrea has him completely under her thumb. Des mutters that that's rubbish. Eileen goes on:

EILEEN: Look, I spoke to Andrea's mother in Perth. She had no desire to discuss her. She didn't even take an *interest* in *Bradley*.
DES (murmurs): Yeah, well, there was times I wish you felt the same way about *me*!
EILEEN: Oh please, Desmond! Listen, I talked to some of the neighbours in Perth. They said Andrea had been thick as thieves with a young man before Bradley was born. His name was McKinley. This was all hushed- up of course.
DES: Is that it? Can I go now?
EILEEN: No, wait! I called every McKinley in the 'phonebook. Only one man seemed interested. He asked a lot of questions. He took my name and my telephone number, but he never called me back. I think it was him.
DES (snaps): What if it *was*? You've got no right to pry into people's lives like that. It's none of your business, mum.
EILEEN: I thought you'd be pleased that I have proved that Andrea's out to take you for everything she can get.
DES: *What* proof?
EILEEN: Bradley's birth certificate. It proves he was born months before she even *knew* you.
DES (coldly): Look, I am happy the way things are and I don't want to know about your snooping.
EILEEN: But you have no obligation to that woman - *or* to her child.
DES (angrily): I told you before, that's for *me* to decide. Now, just butt out of my life, OK, mum?

Eileen stands up, turns to Daphne and cries that that's what you get for helping your children: ingratitude. She storms out. Daphne hands Des a coffee and he murmurs that he supposes she heard all of that. Daphne sits down and tells him that Eileen's told her about it already. She asks if McKinley *could* be Bradley's father. Des, however, says it doesn't make any difference to him: having a kid around has made him realise how much he wants a family; it may be the only chance of having a kid he's *got*. He stares at Daphne and murmurs that things could have been different if they'd got married...

Outside the Waterhole
Jack is sitting outside the Waterhole when Andrea wanders up and says g'day. She tells him that she's looking for Paul Robinson. Jack replies that he hasn't seen him, but she's welcome to wait - a beautiful woman is always a good excuse to avoid checking the books! Andrea grins that he's a bit of a flirt! Jack laughs that his wife used to say he was incorrigible - but she knew that despite his eye for the ladies, there was only one woman in his life. Andrea says:

ANDREA: And what... now you're a widower?
JACK: *Now*... yep. But I've got some happy memories. But she wouldn't have wanted me to be alone. I mean... Annie was that sort of woman.

Andrea smiles that any woman who married him would be very lucky to get all of Lassiter's. Paul rocks up at that moment and Jack leaves him and Andrea to it, telling Andrea to drop in any time! He heads off. Paul then tells Andrea that he's glad she rang, but he's got a call coming from America in about 15 minutes, so does she mind having a drink in his room?

Ramsay Street
Bradley emerges from No. 28 and rides down the path on his skateboard. The man in the car goes to climb out - but at that moment, Zoe emerges from the house and tells Bradley that Des wants him inside. The man closes the car door again in annoyance.

No. 28
Bradley heads inside and Des suggests they have a man- to- man talk. The two of them sit down on the couch and Bradley says glumly:

BRADLEY: You want us to *go*, don't you?
DES (surprised): *Go*? Why would I want you to go?
BRADLEY: 'Cos of what *she* said.
DES: That's what I'm trying to tell you. My mother - that's your grandmother - well, she flies off the handle and says all the wrong things. I don't take any notice about all this talk about birth certificates and little pieces of paper.
BRADLEY: So you don't believe her?
DES: I believe you're my son, and that's all that matters.

He pauses before adding:

DES: There's one other thing. Well... a dad should love his son and, um... well, I love *you*.

Bradley smiles at him, happily.

Paul's hotel room
The 'phone rings and Paul answers. He listens and then says he'll wait there. He hangs up and tells Andrea that the party in the States won't be able to call for another couple of hours. Andrea smiles that she doesn't mind. Paul suggests that they could relax... and enjoy themselves a little. He kisses the top of her head, gently. Andrea asks if this is going to be more than a one- night stand. Paul asks what's wrong with a one- night stand. Andrea replies:

ANDREA: Nothing - if that's what we both want.
PAUL (smiles): I see. And what exactly is it you want, Andrea?
ANDREA: I want a man that I can really care for. Someone that would care for me *and* my child.
PAUL: This caring would lead to marriage, right?
ANDREA: Yes. Yes, it would.
PAUL: Oh wow... I really thought you were just out for a good time, you know?
ANDREA: Well, it's just that after so many letdowns in life, I now know what I really want: security.
PAUL: Yeah, well, you've got the wrong guy there. I tried marriage once and, well, I wouldn't even *consider* trying it again.

Andrea gets up and says she's sorry she wasted his time. As she goes to leave, Paul stops her and says:

PAUL: Andrea... Money means security, right?
ANDREA (warns): Don't push your luck, Paul.
PAUL: Just listen to what I've got to say, will you? You may be able to do a job for the Daniels Corporation.
ANDREA: Doing what?
PAUL: Well, look, we want to buy Lassiter's and the old man's given us the option, but right now he can't make up his mind on if and when he'll go bush again.
ANDREA: So where do *I* fit in?
PAUL: Well, he obviously likes you... and I'd like you to get to know him a little bit better. Talk to him; nudge him in the right direction.
ANDREA: To the Outback?!
PAUL: Got it!

Andrea asks how much this would all be worth. Paul tells her that she'll get five in advance. Andrea says:

ANDREA: And after I get him to leave?
PAUL: Another fifteen.

He pours them both a drink. After a few seconds, Andrea says:

ANDREA: OK. Bradley needs security. This is a start.
PAUL (smiles): Good girl!

No. 26
Lucy heads into No. 26 to find Eileen sitting on the couch, knitting. Lucy asks her bluntly what she's doing there and Eileen tells her that Scott let her in while she waits for Helen. Lucy then says:

LUCY: I don't like you.
EILEEN: I beg your pardon!

Lucy tells her coldly that she just doesn't want Des to be Bradley's father. Helen comes in with some bags of shopping and admonishes:

HELEN: Lucy!

She tells the girl to apologise, but Lucy refuses and Helen orders her to her room. Lucy glares at Eileen and then storms off. Helen tells Eileen that she's very sorry. She goes on that Lucy thinks the world of Bradley. Eileen replies that *she* doesn't *dislike* him; it's just that mother of his, trying to secure a place for herself with Desmond. Helen comments that she thinks Eileen is underestimating Des. Eileen retorts that she thinks not. Helen suggests to her that she leave things for a while and see how they work out. Eileen, however, says coolly:

EILEEN: I thought *you'd* understand. Apparently *nobody* does. If you'll excuse me.

With that, Eileen walks out, leaving Helen to sigh heavily. Lucy joins her and comments that *she* doesn't like what Eileen is doing either. Helen admits that she doesn't, but she tells Lucy that that doesn't mean she can be rude to her. Lucy hugs her and says:

LUCY: I'm sorry, but I don't want Bradley to go away. He's my best friend. She hates him - I *know* she does.

No. 28
Bradley is watching TV when Andrea arrives home. She asks where Des is and Bradley replies that he's having a shower. He adds happily that Des said they could stay; isn't that great? Andrea, however, says gently:

ANDREA: Look, darling, I know Des would like us to stay, but Eileen will just keep on interfering and making things so difficult for us that we have to go.
BRADLEY: I don't *want* to go. I want to stay *here*.
ANDREA: Well, we can't. Look, darling, I said I would work something out and I *will*.

Bradley just glares at her and walks out.

Ramsay Street
Bradley picks up his skateboard and skates off down the street. He suddenly jumps off the board, which keeps rolling until it comes to rest against a man's foot - that of the guy from the car. The guy picks up the skateboard and says:

MAN: Hello, Bradley.
BRADLEY (demands): What are *you* doing here?
MAN: I just happened to be in the area, that's all. How about you and I go and have a bit of a chat in the car?
BRADLEY (backing away): I don't want to talk to you...