Previously
- Toadie suggesting that the RSRs should put on a concert on Christmas night.
- Elly trying to clarify what Chloe was up to by kissing the guy in front of her.
- Chloe admitting her feelings for Elly in a letter.
- Leo fearful the Renshaw's are going to come after him.
- Paul confirming that Mannix won't be coming back.
- Leo hearing from Delaney Renshaw and trying to tell her he has a girlfriend.
- Delaney blackmailing Leo.
Lassiters sauna
Despite trying to say he didn't grass them up, Delaney has the proof that it was Leo who did grass her dad and uncle up, however she admits that she was relieved that he stood up to them. Delaney interprets this as meaning he is the one that she needs in her life.
DELANEY: You can protect me.
"We just need to stick together," she adds while reaching for Leo's hand, but he is quick to pull his hand away and tries to get her to accept that he is with Terese. She isn't having a bar of it and gives him a couple of days to break up with Terese.
Number 28
Susan has been roped into help organise the concert and she is discussing things with Bea and Elly when they get a visitor - Liz! "Surprise," she yells as she walks straight into the house and they fake that they are surprised at their visitor. "What are you doing here?" Susan asks, and Liz explains that since she missed out on the engagement party, she decided to visit for Christmas instead.
Penthouse suite
Leo is telling his dad all about Delaney and what she knows, and his advice is to call her bluff. With Delaney being young, Leo doesn't thing she will handle being rejected well and he doesn't really want to tell Terese either. Despite their recent issues, Paul agrees to help tell his son with whatever plan he comes up with and his first suggestion is to try and bribe Delaney.
Lassiters brasserie
And looks like the first of those bribes comes via Ned when he delivers Delaney a glass of champers along with vouchers for the spa, the restaurant and unlimited use of the chauffeur during her stay! Ned denies all knowledge of why he's been asked to deliver her the things.
Number 28
While Susan makes the tea, Liz tells them all about her visit to the retreat. Liz does seem to have turned over a new leave during her 2-day stay at the retreat as she starts handing out the pressies, including an engagement one for Elly. Elly looks completely overjoyed (not!) to hear that her mum plans on assisting her with wedding preparations!
Lassiters Complex
As Piper puts up posters advertising the concert, Xanthe comments (before she rushes back to work on seeing Terese) that apparently everyone is "talking about it" on Facebook.
Terese confirms that Delaney is in town and Piper wonders if they need to be worried but Terese isn't sure, however promises her daughter she will say more when she does herself.
Leaving Piper, Terese storms over to where Paul and Leo are chatting, demanding to know about the vouchers issued to Delaney.
TERESE: Why are we treating her like a VIP?
LEO: Its probably best that I explain.
Number 28
Liz eventually reveals to her sister why she is in town - she wants reassurance that her girls are coping "living under the same roof as an attempted murderer!" "What?!!" a stunned Susan asks, and Liz makes it clear that she isn't judging... but "a man nearly died at your hand and you did drag my daughters into a conspiracy." Susan knows that, adding that she wishes "none of it had ever happened."
LIZ: I understand, we all make mistakes, but heaven forbid that the worst happens, and you go to jail, then you won't have to worry you see, because I'll be here to keep the family together!
Rotunda
Leo tells Terese what happened with Delaney in the sauna, but she is more peeved at him going to Paul and asking for the special treatment for Delaney. "She's not a bad person," he tries to say, she just has "some weird ideas at the moment" and Terese is quick to say, "about you!" Leo reassures her that Delaney knows fully that he is with her although admits he is worried that she will "make a scene," but Terese thinks he's already sending Delaney mixed signals. "Can we just get through the next couple of days?" Leo asks and Terese is after reassurance that there isn't anything else he hasn't told her. "No," is his reply and asks Terese to keep Delaney out of her mind as she will be gone soon.
The Waterhole
Chloe approaches Elly in the bar to ask if she's read the Christmas card she gave her (no) so explains that when she does, it will explain the crazy things going on in her head. Chloe heads off and is quickly replaced by Liz demanding to know who was talking to her. Elly explains who she is and that she will do intros later.
Harold's café
Piper, Xanthe, Dipi and Shane run through what's been organised for the concert and what needs still to be done.
Meanwhile, Ned is trying to get the truth out of Leo about Delaney after telling him that she was suss about the vouchers he handed over.
NED: Everyone knows a bribe when they see one.
Ned does add that she was more than happy to take the vouchers though and wants to know the truth, but the only thing Leo is saying that its under control because is doing his damnedest to not worry Terese.
Leo heads off to be replaced by Bea and Ned tries to get her to sign up for the Christmas concert but the only think she has on her mind is lunch with her mum.
BEA: And don't forget she is crazy!
NED: I told you I don't have the best track record with meeting the parents.
BEA: It doesn't matter, whatever happens, its not your fault... I apologise in advance!
The Waterhole
And Liz wastes no time hugging Ned and declaring that he is "so handsome" when she meets him! Mark gets the same treatment too and declares that she can't wait to be a hands-on granny!
LIZ: You are both so strapping!
At the bar, Liz is surprised Chloe isn't here and asks if they are friends (yes) so Liz asks why it appeared they were uncomfortable around each other. Elly doesn't go into specifics, simply saying they had words yesterday before asking her mum to drop it.
Lassiters foyer
Terese agrees to Dipi and Shane's request for the loan of staff to help set up the concert. She is also pleased to hear that Sonya will be home for Christmas too before saying goodbye to them to go deal with Delaney who is standing at the reception.
Its like a game to see who is going to crack first as Terese calls Xanthe to book an appointment for Delaney to have a massage!
The Waterhole
Liz is regaling the two couples with tales of what she got up to in the retreat including something called Trataka (which involves staring into someone's eyes without blinking) which she practices on Ned. He isn't very good and blinks after a couple of seconds and after she tells him he has "soulful eyes," he quickly stands up to go buy another round of drinks! Mark hurriedly goes to help Ned and it allows the girls to make their displeasure of Liz "flirting with our boyfriends!"
LIZ: It's called a spiritual connection.
She doesn't think they'd understand but the girls decide that its time lunch was over as they have some last minute Christmas shopping to do, and head to the bar to let the boys know.
Number 28
Susan isn't home when Liz gets back, and noticing the mail lying on the table, goes though it until she finds the card from Chloe before opening it and being shocked at what is written!
Number 24
Liz comes over to hand Chloe back the card she wrote. "Did Elly send you?" Chloe nervously asks, and Liz thinks they will both be very grateful that she hasn't seen what was written.
CHLOE: You shouldn't be reading other people's mail.
LIZ: And you shouldn't be making a play for your brothers' fiancée.
"I'm not and I said that," Chloe protests, she was simply expressing herself. "I know a play when I see one," Liz confidently replies back and thinks Chloe is being very selfish (because Elly wants to have a family) dragging her daughter into her suffering.
CHLOE: You are way out of line.
LIZ: Yes look, I know it probably sounds harsh but I'm actually trying to look out for you too because if Elly knew how you felt, she'd turn her back on you and so would Mark. So, I think the very best thing for you to do is to tear that up and never mention it again alright.
The Waterhole
Its bad news for the concert - the singers Ben suggested can't manage but Liz immediately says that Bea will do it! "No," pleads Bea, and Susan asks if she can sing and Liz describes her as "amazing." Elly is astonished to hear that her sister can sing (and that she was a busker) and somewhat reluctantly Bea gives into their pleas.
Elly breaks off from the family to go tell the newly arrived Chloe that she's not had a chance to read her card yet. Chloe lies and says she actually left it at home and says it simply said she was sorry about the other night and that she really values their friendship. Elly replies that she does too before re-joining her family and not seeing Liz give Chloe the evil eye look.
Penthouse suite
Paul is surprised at the visitor to the penthouse - Delaney, supposedly there to thank him for the special treatment she is getting. She wants to know why it feels like he is buttering her up and he tries to say he's simply treating an old friend of Leo's very well.
DELANEY: Right, so this has nothing to do with Mannix then?
Paul feigns that he knows what she is talking about but she's sure he remembers him.
DELANEY: He was threatening to turn Leo in for dobbing on my dad and then you got rid of him.
PAUL: (nonchalantly) What are you talking about?
DELANEY: Well maybe this will remind you.
She then gets out her phone and plays a recording of Mannix saying that it was Paul and that "he did it for Leo."
Paul's demeanour has totally changed now and asks where she is going with this? First, she explains how she has this recording - apparently after Paul dumped him, Mannix found a payphone and called asking for help "and to record him."
PAUL: Ever the opportunist.
DELANEY: Well he knew he didn't have long. Minutes after he make that recording, he died.
PAUL: What?! No, that's preposterous!
DELANEY: Well its true okay. I didn't know what to do, so I called one of my dad's friends and he took care of the body.
PAUL: And you've conveniently sat on this until now?
DELANEY: Well I was travelling with my mum and I didn't think I should get involved.
Paul wants to know what changed her mind, so asks what she wants.
DELANEY: Okay, here's the deal. You help me with Leo and no-one finds out you're a murderer.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Susan showing Liz something that was left on the doorstep.
- Delaney telling Leo that she needs him.
- Leo telling Terese that it's gotten complicated.
- Leo discussing with Paul how they can get more leverage.
- Delaney warning Leo.
- Terese wanting to know what is going on.
- Delaney telling Terese that her and Leo were always meant to be.