Hospital
Karl tells Zeke that he's only trying to do his best by them - they're his priority. Zeke thinks he wouldn't be taking Katya away if he cared so much. But it isn't in Karl's hands - she's in a lot of trouble. Zeke knows that but he is certain she only took the cars because Guy made her - she won't go away again. Susan soothes him, saying Karl is a bit upset, and promises they'll do their utmost to get Katya home. Karl frowns.

Scarlet Bar
Janae is decorating a leafless tree plant thing with tinsel and baubles when Chris comes in. Janae pretends that this is her new job - they're good to her here and always listen to her ideas. Chris is happy for her and starts to leave but then Janae calls her back and comes clean, which is just as well as Chris has still to find another apprentice. Janae apologises for acting up and Chris thinks she was too hard on her - it was just that Janae didn't give the impression she was that interested in cars. Janae asks if she's being offered a second chance and jumps at the chance to return.

Number 26
Janelle is doing sit ups with PersonalTrainer™ Ned. She doesn't see point in fitness. Bree and Stinger turn up the heating full blast and spy on them. Janelle asks Ned about him getting a real job like Stu - might bring him better luck with the ladies. Ned is more concerned about the heat in the room and Janelle laughs of the cliché. Ned whips off his top, continuing to whinge about 'the heat', and Janelle orders him out. Ned is confused and, when Janelle accuses him of cracking on to her, he accuses her of the same thing! She shows him out.

She tells Stinger and Bree that they'll have to find a better distraction than Ned (Steiger is twice the man he is). She suddenly has a brainwave; mansion shopping. She decides to invite Toadie along as it's no fun without a Rebecchi nose to rub it in.

Garage
Chris tells Janae that she heard about Rex and it's not the first time a chick has had a rough time of it in this business. Janae says the police are doing what the can. Chris thinks it's swines like Rex that give mechanics a bad name.

Pepper appears, still with atrocious sunburn, with a present for Chris; she thought it would be nice for Chris to dress like a girl for once at their girls-only lunch. She promises to pay for dessert and Chris decides to make a start on getting ready.

Pepper asks Janae to return the favour Chris did her by ensuring Janelle stays clear of Steiger. Janae laughs at the thought of Steiger and Janelle but, seeing how serious Pepper is about it, pledges her support. Pepper is glad - if all goes to plan at lunch she'll get her parents back!

Number 28
Susan finds Karl in the midst of packing up Katya's belongings and is annoyed that he made the decision without consulting her. Karl retorts that she made it clear his opinion counts for nothing at the hospital so he assumed the same about her's. Susan accuses him of being unreasonable, leading Karl to remind her that Katya's been arrested; it's time to realise how serious this is. Susan is convinced she was forced into those crimes. Karl points out the fact she brought a gun into their house.

SUSAN: Our house? The last time I checked the house was in my name; Susan Kinski.

Karl had thought they were in equal partnership but he must have been wrong. Susan apologises - she shouldn't have undermined him in front of Zeke but she was only trying to protect him. Karl points out that Zeke will find out eventually and will resent them for lying to him. Susan reiterates her promise to Alex - to keep the kids together, no matter what. Karl reminds her guns etc hadn't come into that conversation! He loves the kids but he's prepared to be the bad guy to keep them all safe. For the good of the family Katya has to go!

Number 26
Toadie promises Janelle that he'll help out with her househunting, before calling on Susan. Susan has a request - she wants him to represent Katya. Toadie is reluctant - they should get someone with more experience on criminal matters. Susan thinks it's a straightforward case but Toadie points out that the matter of why Guy was blackmailing her and Katya's past could bring up more charges and turn the jury against her. Susan looks very unhappy so Toadie quickly agrees to it - but warns that Katya could end up worse than she is now.

Number 30
Pepper isn't chuffed to find Steiger has been up all night doing surveillance and hasn't even showered. She is still determined they go out for lunch, though, and borrows one of Frazer's jackets to spruce up his look a little. As Pepper sprays body spray on him, Steiger gets the idea that she might have invited Chris along too. Pepper admits she has but promises it'll be fun. Besides Chris hasn't been out on a date in ages - she only hangs out with her housemate. Pepper thinks she can't be over Steiger.

Mansion
Toadie, Janelle, Stinger and Bree are shown around a big mansion by a real estate agent. Janelle is in awe and the agent suggests showing them something smaller but Janelle likes the space - not everyone can live in a cupboard.

JANELLE looking to Toadie: No offence.

The kids love it and are happy to hear the place will be fully furnished. Janelle thinks money can buy happiness after all.

Scarlet Bar
Karl tells Susan that the Timmins have dropped the lawsuit and Susan says she'll get onto Toadie and get him to do likewise. Susan tells him that he was right about Katya; she knows he loves the kids and wants to be an equal parent. But she can't shake the feeling that she's failed both Alex and the kids. Karl reassures her that Katya not coming home doesn't mean she's given up on her or failed Alex. Susan doesn't think Rachel and Zeke will see it that way - how will they tell them?

KARL: Together.

Meanwhile Steiger and Pepper await Chris's arrival. Steiger manages to deduce that Chris has no idea he's having lunch too - just as she walks through the door. Steiger is obviously impressed that Chris is all dolled up (but she feels uncomfortable). Pepper just wants a pre-Christmas lunch with both her parents and the Steigers agree to it.

While Pepper's away Chris and Steiger laugh about Pepper's scheming. All of a sudden Steiger takes Chris's hands in his and says he should've never let her go - he hasn't met anyone that comes close to her.

STEIGER: I wanna give us another go. If you'll have me back.

But before Chris can respond Pepper appears with champagne.

Hospital
Ned tells Katya that he understands why she kept her past from him but can't get over her doing all that stuff behind his back. Katya is sorry and Ned is too - the old Katya is gone and won't be coming back. He gives her the watch she gave him and tells her it's over.

Mansion
Janelle thinks the neighbours won't know what's hit them when they see their new cars and personalised number plates. The agent mentions that the head of the Australian division of Porsche lives across the road (and they have personalised plates too). Janelle thinks there must be others they can get one over but then Toadie tells her that Australia's seventh richest man lives next door (and the Timmins don't even make the list). Bree thinks it'll be like living in the OC without the stupid accents.

But Janelle is deflated; what's the point in living somewhere where their wealth doesn't incite jealousy? In Erinsbrough they're royalty but they're just another face around here. It's their time to shine and stick it to all those who doubted them. Back to Ramsay Street!

Scarlet Bar
The Steigers reminisce about a past holiday and Steiger is upset when he realises he missed out a lot due to work. He apologises to Chris for putting work before the family but she tells him not to say sorry to her - he was the one who missed out.

STEIGER: Don't I know it.

Chris pats his arm and Pepper smiles.

Hospital
Zeke tries to think of ways to get back at Ned for Katya but she thinks Ned has a right to be angry. Karl and Susan arrive, wanting a word with Katya, but Kat wants to speak first. She looks at Zeke as she tells him she can't come back home right now; it's not fair to put them in that danger. Susan tells them about Toadie representing her and promises her that they'll be here for her, no matter what. Zeke, clearly upset, storms out.

Scarlet Bar
Toadie, having done his family duty, leaves and Bree and Stingray notice Steiger having lunch with Pepper. They decide to implement phase two of Operation Stop Cop™.

Pepper tells Steiger that lunch was very promising but he's unsure. Pepper thinks Chris showed all the right body language. Bree and Stingray walk in again and bump into Steiger, who asks after Janae. Bree says she's very resilient, like all Timmins women; tough and uncompromising and hard to get along with. Stingray says he wants to kill them at times (but wouldn't as that's illegal). Once Steiger has gone Janae comes over and her siblings fill her in on their scheme.

Pepper comforts Ned, who's all down in the dumps about Katya. She thinks there's no point on holding onto something that was never there (like her and Frazer). He'll find someone eventually.

Number 28
Zeke takes the stockings down from over the mantelpiece and Karl asks where the presents will go. Zeke thinks Christmas sucks - he lost Alex last year and Katya this year. Soon he'll be the only one left. Karl looks on the bright side; Kat won't be gone forever and he has him, Rachel, and Susan. In time he'll come to understand why Karl did what he did.

Zeke wants to know why he cares so much when he's not his real dad. Karl doesn't want to replace Alex but still sees Zeke as a son. He looks on the Kinski kids as he does his own kids. He loves them. He takes Zeke's stocking and tells him that one of the great things about being a family is Christmas as he hangs it back up.

Garage
Janae pretends to be annoyed when she finds Chris finishing off the car she was working on. A woman walks in - it's the real estate agent we saw with the Timmins earlier. Chris introduces her to Janae as Carol - her housemate. Chris sends Janae off to get her a juice.

Once Janae has gone Carol asks her about the lunch. Chris tells her that Allan was there and he must've thought it went brilliantly - he asked her for a second chance. Carol strokes her head as Chris says how awful she felt for him.

At this point Janae strides up to the garage but then sees what's going on and decides to hide by the door. Chris says she was too nice and now Steiger thinks he's in with a chance. Pepper will be just as disappointed, if not more.

CHRIS: Why do I always make things worse for myself?

Carol promises her that things will work themselves out, then kisses her. Janae, unable to hide her surprise, quickly grabs her bag and starts to walk away. Pepper is walking towards her - all happy with the way things are going - and Janae makes a quip about some things starting to make sense. Pepper wants to get onto phase two of her plan and asks if Chris is around but Janae stops her from going in, saying it's so messy and greasy. Pepper gives her a weird look and Janae tries to get her to go for coffee with her.

PEPPER: Janae, what is going on?