Previously
- Lauren tells Mark she doesn't want Dimato brought to justice at her late husband's expense
- Brad asks Lauren to consider what Matt would have done had Mark asked him to come forward
- Lauren has a change of heart, and tells Mark her children deserve to know the truth too
- Paige tells Amber the baby could be Daniel's, but she's worried it's not
- Amber flashes back to kissing Josh in the bridal suite
- Georgia is caught by Nick in his room, but has successfully copied his hard drive
- Karl tells Georgia the hospital is firing her, and that he's stunned by her actions
- Paul publicly announces that he's been diagnosed with leukaemia, much to Nick's horror
The Waterhole
Naomi and Paul are surrounded by local journalists. Naomi promises to keep them updated about Paul's condition. After they've dispersed, Terese comes over to talk to Paul.
TERESE: I don't know what to say.
PAUL: Well, there's a first for everything (!)
TERESE: Look, I'm really proud of the way you're being so open about this.
PAUL: Because it's a lesson in public humility?
TERESE: No, because it's giving people a chance to help you.
Paul goes off to talk to Nick, who looks very worried about the announcement he just made. Paul says it would have come out eventually. Initially Nick thinks he's referring to the fact that Georgia has looked through his computer files, but Paul wasn't aware of that - he explains about Sue Parker getting wind that something was up, and says he went public in order to avoid her prickly questions.
Nick says Paul shouldn't have to deal with the publicity when he's got such a fight on his hands with the illness, but Paul admits it's a relief to have come clean. But as they're talking, Daniel approaches and overhears the conversation. He looks horrified to hear the news of Paul's leukaemia.
No 32
Lauren has called a family meeting with Paige, Amber and Bailey, telling them she has something to impart that won't be easy to hear. She then goes on to explain how Matt agreed to look the other way in exchange for a pay-off from Dimato (though doesn't mention his name).
AMBER: Dad wouldn't do that. Who's saying this?
LAUREN: He told me himself.
She explains that's why Matt went on long service leave, to allow Mark to pursue the case without implicating him. What's more, Lauren says that Matt's corrupt actions could now come out publicly, since Mark is going to reveal Matt's involvement in order to help him secure a conviction. Lauren says it's the right thing to do and what Matt would have wanted, but Bailey marches out of the room.
Suite 1 Eclipse Apartments
Paul, Naomi and Daniel are discussing Paul's leukaemia. Daniel's upset that Paul's only just told him, and threatens to move back in to support him - but Paul insists there's no need for that, saying he's in good hands with Naomi and Nick. He apologises for shutting Daniel out, and says it won't happen again. They hug. Paul says he needs to face up to some facts about his illness, and says he needs Naomi's help.
No 32
In the back garden, Amber is cleaning the pool while talking to Paige. Amber's deeply upset about Matt having accepted bribes, but Paige reminds her how tough things were for him at the time.
AMBER: I don't blame him. I mean, I don't feel angry at all.
PAIGE: What do you feel, then?
AMBER: When I found out that I was pregnant, and there might be a question over who the father was, I thought Dad would've been so disappointed in me. But then I thought, maybe he wouldn't have been. He made mistakes like the rest of us. He was human too. All I know is he would have loved being a grandad. I really miss him.
Amber breaks down in tears, and Paige hugs her.
Harold's Store
Mark is having a coffee with Federal Agent Greta Jackson, his old witness protection handler - whom he's told about Matt's involvement with Dimato, and his own role in having kept it quiet. Jackson can't believe Mark didn't report it, but Mark says he wants to reveal Matt's involvement now in order to get Dimato put away.
Jackson tells him that without a confession from Matt, his evidence won't be enough - but Mark suggests that a statement from Lauren might do the trick. Jackson says it will have to be done officially, meaning that Mark will be in the firing line for covering for Matt. Mark says he understands, but confirms that it's a price he's willing to pay to take down Dimato.
No 26
In the back garden, Georgia explains to Kyle about how Karl told her she'd been fired. Sheila turns up, and tells them about Paul's leukaemia, and how Nick's been treating him. This appears to get Georgia thinking. Sheila agonises over whether to pop round to see Paul with some cooked dinners, and suggests they all go round to the penthouse to show their support.
Once Sheila's gone inside, Kyle says Paul must have been Patient X. Georgia's already figured that out, but says she thinks there may be more going on. Georgia goes back to looking through Nick's files on her laptop, but Kyle encourages her to let it go.
Suite 1 Eclipse Apartments
We see what Paul wanted Naomi's help with - she's shaving his hair off for him.
Harold's Store
Lauren is trying to convince Bailey to have counselling, but he isn't interested. Mark approaches, and once Lauren's confirmed that Bailey knows about Matt's involvement with Dimato, explains that Greta Jackson has said she'll try to bring Dimato's case to the attention of the attorney-general. If she's successful, Mark may need a statement from Lauren by tomorrow morning.
BAILEY: Do you do any of your own police work?
LAUREN: Bailey!
BAILEY: No, Mum, he's forcing you to give evidence while dragging Dad's name through the dirt, because he can't catch a criminal on his own!
MARK: Trust me, I hate this situation just as much as you. If I could think of any other way to bring down Dimato...
BAILEY: Have you even bothered to check?
LAUREN: Bailey, that's enough.
BAILEY: No. My dad was a good guy, who never hurt anybody. And you're kicking him when he can't fight back - you're pathetic!
Bailey marches out.
No 32
Daniel is telling Amber about Paul keeping his leukaemia diagnosis a secret, and starts comparing it to Matt keeping secrets from his family. He argues that both should have told their loved ones that they were in trouble, so they could have helped them.
DANIEL: I know we've said that we will never lie to each other. But promise me, if you are ever sick or in trouble, you will tell me? Please, I need to hear it - no secrets?
AMBER: No secrets.
They hug, while Amber looks appropriately guilty.
Lassiter's
Nick is busy deleting files from his computer, when Terese comes in. He snaps at her for barging in, but doesn't hide what he's doing - he admits that catching Georgia poking through his things has made him jumpy about his privacy. Looking concerned, Terese invites Nick round for dinner, but he says he has too much work to do.
Terese sits down and begins to flatter Nick for how incredible he's been with his treatment of Paul. She says her phone has been ringing non-stop with people wanting to get financially involved with Nick's work.
TERESE: I'd be surprised if this centre isn't fully funded already. Look - this is all coming together. So Georgia is the last thing that you need to worry about.
No 32
Amber is telling Paige how guilty she's feeling for keeping news of the pregnancy from Daniel, especially after their agreement earlier not to keep secrets. Nonetheless, Paige strongly advises her to wait until she knows who the father is before telling Daniel anything.
AMBER: I don't know if I can keep it from him for that long.
PAIGE: Well you've kept that night you spent with Josh a secret. And for good reason. You tell Daniel the truth, and you'll have to tell him about that too.
AMBER: Maybe he'll be okay with it; we don't know. Daniel has the biggest heart in the world.
But Paige thinks this could tip Daniel over the edge, and repeats her advice that Amber has to wait.
PAIGE: It's the kindest thing you can do for him right now.
Suite 1 Eclipse Apartments
Nick is telling Paul about the positive impact the announcement of his leukaemia has had on the cancer research centre, including lots of donations.
PAUL: Ah, good. Then it was worth going public.
NICK: What goes around comes around, you know.
At this point, Sheila barges in uninvited, with a very unwilling-looking Kyle and Georgia! Naomi, who's been in the other room, is surprised to see them - but Sheila explains that they've just popped round to offer Paul their support and some meals for the freezer. Sheila asks Paul to let them know if there's anything they can do.
PAUL (to Georgia): Well actually, yes, there is one thing you can do for me. I want you to stop this ridiculous vendetta against Nick.
KYLE: Oi, she's here to support you!
NICK: It's okay, Paul.
PAUL: No, no; I've had enough. Now you've been a rock to me; you've been a true mate when I've needed you. He's got a job to do, and he doesn't need to be hounded while he's doing it. Are we clear?
GEORGIA: Yeah. I won't get in the way of him treating you. Good luck; I should go.
Georgia marches out, and Kyle rushes after her - while Naomi quickly moves to get rid of Sheila too!
No 32
Mark calls round to see Paige, saying he just wanted to check on her. He explains about the run-in he had with Bailey earlier, and feels bad about what he's putting their family through - but Paige tells Mark he's just doing his job. He recalls how he put her through a lot with his involvement in the case against Dakota Davies, too, but Paige tells him it's ancient history.
PAIGE: As for what's happening now, Mum said it would've been way worse if it weren't for you.
Paige promises to talk to Bailey; but she reminds Mark that the time the family got to spend with Matt before the accident were because of him. Mark says he likes how Paige puts everyone else's feelings before her own, and they have a fond moment, before Mark gets up to leave.
Harold's Store
Mark comes in to meet Greta Jackson again. She says she's spoken to Sergeant Frost, who she managed to convince not to fire Mark. However, he will be reprimanded.
JACKSON: You're lucky you've got some good work behind you. Pull anything like this again, you're finished.
On the Dimato case, Jackson will only say that the situation is 'evolving'.
Naomi comes in, and Mark gets up to talk to her. He's realised that Naomi has known about Paul's illness the whole time, and that this is why she was talking about life and death the other day. Mark says she should have told hm, but Naomi reminds him she signed a confidentiality clause when she took on the job for Paul.
MARK: I thought you were gearing up to make some kind of declaration about us.
NAOMI: No! Not that I... Oh, what, so you've never kept a secret in your job?
MARK: I just wish I could've been there for you.
Naomi says she's fine, and that it's been nice to feel needed by Paul. Mark asks for the full story over dinner, but Naomi's forgotten about their date - and says she's too tired, after a very long day. Mark understands, and lets her go, but looks put out.
No 32
Bailey is mouthing off to Amber and Paige about what an idiot Mark is, but Paige tells him he's out of line.
BAILEY: He was my dad, not yours - you don't get a vote.
AMBER: Bailey, what's wrong with you?
BAILEY: What's wrong with you? Amber, why aren't you as angry as I am?
AMBER: Because Mum's right. Dad would want the criminal getting caught, no matter what.
BAILEY: You don't know that. None of us do. I mean, this morning we thought Dad was some good-cop family man, but that was a lie!
PAIGE: Is it possible that Brennan isn't the person you're mad at?
AMBER: Bails, just because Dad screwed up, doesn't mean he didn't love us. Look, I know this situation sucks, but we need to stick together. If we keep fighting we're not gonna get through this.
Lauren comes in, and tells Bailey the counsellor has a slot free this evening. But he tells her he isn't going, before marching off to his room.
The Waterhole
Mark is getting takeaway lasagne with Sonya, having decided to spend the evening with her now Naomi's cancelled their arrangement. Mark also tells Sonya about how Naomi's known about Paul's illness for weeks - which he says must mean that her distractedness around him wasn't about their relationship or 'the L word' at all, and that things are on the up. He doesn't look entirely convinced.
Suite 1 Eclipse Apartments
Naomi's about to head home for the day, but before she goes, she gives Paul a present she's bought him - comprising a baggy sweater for lounging around in, and a hat to keep his head warm! Paul is pleased with his gifts, and says Naomi could stick around if she wanted to. She barely hesitates before agreeing to stay and have dinner with him.
No 32
The next morning, Amber finds Daniel already awake and looking pensive - he explains he can't sleep for worrying about Paul. He's also got Matt's death on his mind.
DANIEL: It shouldn't be this hard. It shouldn't always be bad news. We should set a new date for our wedding.
AMBER: Do you really think that now's the right time?
DANIEL: Yeah, I think now's the perfect time - give everyone something to look forward to. I think they need that. I think maybe I need that. What do you think?
AMBER: Well, erm... I think they already do have something to look forward to. They just don't know it yet. I'm pregnant.
Unmissable Drama
- Daniel is thrilled that Amber will be having 'our baby'
- Paige tells Amber that 'these things always get out'
- Amber has something to tell Lauren
- After he declares her a 'pretty cool chick', Tyler and Imogen kiss
