Previously
- Paul tells Leo he's having trouble trying to raise the money to buy Terese out of Lassiter's
- He decides to give his old mate Des a call, to see if his bank would be able to help
- Jane asks Clive if Danielle is still interested in him; 'I've kept her at bay,' he replies
- Susan and Karl are thrilled at Toadie's engagement news, but Amy is less enthused
- Zara sows doubt in Harold's mind about the engagement too, saying Mel declined the first time Toadie asked
- David agrees to Andrew's proposition to wear a wire in a bid to snare a corrupt prison guard
- The guard in question soon shows his colours by arranging some alone- time for David with Dan Waskett
- Emma McIver holds Freya, Nicolette and Kiri hostage; they must patch up her gang associate, or David dies
No 24
Emma continues to insist that Freya do an impromptu operation on her associate Austin, who is still slouched on the sofa, now seemingly unconscious as a result of his gunshot wound. Kiri asks Emma who they could hear with David during the phone call from the prison.
EMMA: A friend, waiting for instructions.
She points the gun at Freya, Nicolette and Kiri.
EMMA: My guy dies, so does yours.
FREYA: ... Well, Nicolette's a doctor.
Emma motions to Nicolette to take a look at Austin, telling her not to do anything stupid.
Erinsborough Police Station
A very irate Andrew is on the phone to the prison, trying to get someone to check on David.
No 24
Freya's phone starts ringing on the side in the kitchen, and Emma sees that Levi is calling. Meanwhile, quietly, on the sofa...
NICOLETTE: There is no way we can save him here.
FREYA: I know, but just stay with me until I figure something out.
EMMA (shouting): Shut up, and get to work!
Nearby, Kiri looks traumatised. The phone continues to ring.
EMMA: Why's that cop calling?
FREYA: Ah, he'd just be following up about my case. It's a coincidence.
EMMA: You'd better hope that's true.
Still pointing her gun at them, Emma starts typing a message on her phone. Freya moves suddenly.
EMMA: What do you think you're doing?
FREYA: Emma... we've done everything we can.
EMMA: Maybe I haven't been clear enough? Here's what I tell them to do if you don't save Austin's life.
She shows them the message she's been typing, intended for Dan Waskett at the prison. 'KILL HIM,' it reads. Her finger hovers over the 'send' button...
Warrinor Prison
David is lying on the floor, while Dan Waskett waits for contact from Emma.
DAN: Still no word back yet. I wonder if that's a good or a bad thing, huh?
Erinsborough Police Station
Andrew is still on the phone to the prison about David.
ANDREW: What do you mean you don't know where he is?! He's an inmate in your prison! I don't care about the evacuation, he's in danger. Find him!
No 24
Nicolette tries to reason with Emma, saying Freya isn't lying about Austin's condition.
NICOLETTE: He's going to bleed out; he needs major surgery.
FREYA: You can come and look for yourself if you don't believe me.
Emma looks rattled, and continues to point the gun at Freya, who moves out of the way so Emma can approach. Emma gasps as she sees the extent of Austin's injuries - but at this point, Freya makes her move, and tackles Emma to the floor. Emma fires the gun, as Nicolette and Kiri dive for cover. Freya overpowers Emma on the floor, then takes the gun and points it at her. Nicolette and Kiri seem unharmed.
But Freya then checks Emma's phone.
FREYA: ...she sent the text.
Warrinor Prison
Dan Waskett has received the 'KILL HIM' text, and has a terrified David up against the wall, ready to do Emma's bidding. But at this point, a guard, Jon Dew, rushes into the area, followed by a number of colleagues. Dew screams at Dan to get on the ground, and he eventually complies, while other guards tend to David nearby.
No 28
Harold is looking at the Ramsay Street history book, and lingers sadly on a page dedicated to his late daughter Kerry, who is pictured on her wedding day to Joe Mangel. He then looks at another page, of photos from Joe's later wedding to Melanie. Among them is a picture of Joe and Mel along with Glen, bridesmaid Christina, and Joe's son Toby. Harold is looking at this page less fondly...
Levi emerges from his room, and asks if Harold heard a bang. Harold admits there were a couple, guessing it might've been a car backfiring. Levi hopes so, but tells Harold to stay indoors just in case, then goes to investigate...
On another page in the history book, Harold looks at a photo of Toadie with Sonya, Nell and Hugo, captioned, 'one big happy family'. Harold sighs pensively.
No 24
The ambulance is on its way for Austin, but for Freya, the adrenaline is still surging, as she continues to point the gun in Emma's direction. Levi bursts in, and struggles to convince Freya to put the gun down.
FREYA: No, it's David. He might be dead.
LEVI: It's okay, baby, give me the gun.
Freya eventually relinquishes the gun to him.
No 32
Aaron is about to head to the pub, and asks Jane if she's okay to look after Isla. She says that's fine, but Aaron can tell she's troubled.
AARON: You okay?
JANE: I thought listening to a podcast might help, but... there really isn't anything to guide you when your partner has betrayed you, and your son turns out to be a... can't even say the word.
Aaron agrees that Byron's escort exploits have come as a surprise.
JANE: I thought I knew him. And I thought I knew Clive.
AARON: Jane, Clive wouldn't have actually done anything with that woman.
JANE: Either way, he was tempted, which... feels just as bad. Thank you for trying to make me feel better, but I think I'm just gonna need a bit of time with this.
AARON: Yeah. Don't forget we're all here for you, okay?
Lassiter's Complex
A rowdy party seems to be underway outside the pub, as Paul and Leo come across Aaron in the courtyard. Paul gets a message from Des, saying his bank isn't able to give Paul a loan in order to buy Terese out of the hotel. Leo points out that Terese isn't pushing for a quick settlement.
PAUL: I just don't want to take advantage of her sympathy at the moment.
Paul gets annoyed at the shouting from the revellers outside the pub, and yelps in pain when one of them pops a cork from a champagne bottle, which hits him on the bum! But when Paul turns around to confront the culprit, a smile of recognition creeps across his face.
PAUL: Shane Ramsay!
SHANE: Paul Robinson.
Paul laughs.
The Penthouse
Shortly afterwards, Paul and Shane are having a drink upstairs.
SHANE: Right on the bum. Priceless.
PAUL: Yeah, don't you worry. I'm already plotting my revenge.
SHANE: Come on, it was funny.
PAUL: Don't worry. I will forgive you, but only because it was such a brilliant surprise (...) An original Ramsay, back on home turf, after, god, how many years?
SHANE: Uh... thirty-four, give or take.
Leo comes in, as Paul mentions to Shane that Harold's in town.
SHANE: Yeah, Charlene told me. I've got to say, Ramsay Street's been on my mind a lot lately.
LEO: So, you're a relative of Roxy's?
SHANE: Second cousin, yeah.
PAUL: Ratbag gene runs deep, don't you worry.
SHANE: Mm, you can talk.
LEO: I can see the famous rivalry is still alive and well!
PAUL: Yeah. This one here - he used to be the original Romeo of Ramsay Street.
LEO: Still is, from what we saw downstairs!
SHANE: Well, just for the record, I was hanging around waiting for you - your receptionist said that you would be right back.
Shane's about to go and get his bags, but Paul tells him he'll have them sent up - and adds that Shane must stay here with him in the penthouse. Leo gets a call from Georgia, David's lawyer.
PAUL: David's my other son. He's in jail at the moment.
SHANE: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, I...
PAUL: It's a long story.
But Leo has good news for Paul.
LEO: David's getting out! (...) He's got an emergency hearing in the morning, and he won't be going back inside.
Paul is thrilled, and hugs Leo.
No 30
Toadie, Melanie, Nell and Hugo are all in the living room, while Amy and Zara are in the kitchen. Conversation turns to the wedding, which Toadie and Mel now only have three weeks to organise.
ZARA: Do you really have to rush it?
TOADIE: Callum's already booked his flights, so there's no turning back now.
AMY: You know, why wait when you're in love?
MELANIE: Well, that's what we think, too.
Toadie asks Amy if there's any news on her baby plans. She says she's 'deep in the research phase'. Toadie tells her to let them know if she needs any help.
AMY: I will. More importantly, what can I do for you?
MELANIE: Well, tomorrow's agenda is to work up a to-do list.
AMY: Okay. Well, I am at your service.
MELANIE: Thank you. I was thinking, maybe we should ask Harold if he wants to help, too?
TOADIE: Absolutely. Yeah, I'm sure he'd love to be involved.
Zara looks less sure about that, as Toadie tells the kids it's time for bed - and Melanie follows them all out, agreeing to Nell's request of a bedtime story.
AMY (to Zara): Don't say anything.
ZARA: I didn't!
AMY: I am on board with this wedding!
ZARA: Whatever you say (!)
But Zara adds that Harold won't be as keen to help as Toadie and Mel think.
Harold's Café
The next day, Harold and Jane are discussing the drama with Emma last night. Jane says she hopes everyone will feel much better when David comes home today. Harold says it'll hopefully be the start of a brighter chapter for them all. Jane agrees, but then immediately bursts into tears. Harold hands her a napkin and gives her a hug!
JANE: I'm such a sook! (...) Let's just say that yesterday was a very trying day all round.
Shane then surprises them both by turning up, and hopes Jane's tears aren't at seeing him! But she assures him not, and gives him a hug. Shane and Harold shake hands.
HAROLD: You didn't tell me you were coming down?
JANE: Do you two see each other?
HAROLD: Well, our paths do cross now and again up in Brisbane.
SHANE: Scott and Charlene's barbecues bring us all together.
Harold asks what brings Shane to town; he says he has some spare time on his hands at the moment. Jane queries whether he might be 'between jobs', but Shane assures her 'everything's sweet'.
SHANE: Well, this place certainly looks a little bit different than when Daphne used to run it. Hope the coffee's still as good?
JANE: Oh, it certainly is.
SHANE: I hear you're going out with my old mate Clive?
JANE (rattled): Mm. That's right.
Shane asks if they have time for a catch-up, but Harold has to rush off to see Susan and Karl - he explains to Shane that they own Des Clarke's old house. But Jane agrees to stick around for a coffee with Shane.
Erinsborough Police Station
Aaron, Paul and Leo are being briefed by Andrew about David's situation. Paul's annoyed that this is the first he's heard about the sting on the corrupt guard.
ANDREW: Even though it didn't run to plan, the fact that he helped was enough.
PAUL: And just exactly whose idea was it to risk my own son, eh? I mean, I'm glad that he's free and he's safe, obviously. But yesterday afternoon, we were told that we couldn't do anything. So, what, this was already in the works?
ANDREW: We had to keep it confidential. We couldn't risk David getting in even more danger.
LEO: So it's official? David's sentence is non-custodial?
ANDREW: Five years, suspended. But he still can't ever practise medicine again.
LEO: Well, besides that, we're so grateful. Thank you.
At this point, David comes in with a police escort. He's walking stiffly from his injuries, but looking very happy to be out. He embraces Aaron, and says he just wants to be with his family.
No 30
Toadie, Melanie, Amy, Zara, Nell and Hugo are sitting around the table, discussing wedding plans. Susan, we learn, is officiating.
MELANIE: And Madame Zolga's coming! She has already foreseen the whole event, and said we are gonna need her there.
TOADIE: Ah, well, if she's foreseen it...
We learn the ceremony will be at Lassiter's Lake, but that the hotel ballroom is booked so they're on the hunt for reception venues. Amy volunteers to help, but conscious of Amy's mixed feelings about the wedding, Zara objects, saying Amy can't do any more - she'll be too busy making outfits. However, Amy insists she'll be fine - and what's more, says she's had sufficient interest from RSRs to throw an engagement party, today!
MELANIE: *Today*, today?
TOADIE: We can't throw a party at such short notice.
AMY: Uh, we can, and we will. Just think of it as my contribution to your love ceremony.
Toadie asks if Amy's invited any of his family from Colac; she hasn't yet. Toadie says he'd better contact them, and asks Melanie if she's up for meeting the clan.
MELANIE: I'm game as I'll ever be. Hey, did you hear anything from Harold?
AMY: Uhh... no, actually, I didn't.
MELANIE: I texted him twice to invite him over for breakfast. And yesterday I invited him for lunch, and he didn't turn up. Have you noticed anything weird about him?
ZARA: I've been getting a vibe.
MELANIE: You did?
ZARA: I think he might not be into this wedding. Sorry.
MELANIE: Oh, that's settled. I'm gonna have to get to the bottom of this.
Amy gives a satisfied-looking Zara a disapproving look.
Harold's Café
Jane and Shane are still chatting, reminiscing about the time they got stranded in the bush together.
JANE: It is funny now.
SHANE: I wasn't laughing when I was thumped by Mike.
JANE: I can't quite believe that he thought we got together. Although I think you did kiss me not long after that.
SHANE: Well, I hope Clive's not the jealous type as well. Why don't we have dinner with him tonight, find out? Paul too?
But Jane makes an excuse, saying she's going to stay in tonight after what everyone's been through. Terese and Glen come in, and are introduced to Shane; Terese explains she's Roxy's aunt.
SHANE: Paul's ex-wife?
TERESE: ... Yes.
SHANE: I'm sorry to hear about your break-up.
TERESE: Oh, it's been a year.
Shane remarks that he can see the 'family resemblance' between Glen and Paul, which brings the awkward conversation to an end; and Glen and Terese go to the counter to order.
GLEN (quietly): Has Paul been gossiping about us?
TERESE: Somebody has.
No 28
Melanie has come to see Harold to work out what his problem is.
MELANIE: Are you avoiding me?
HAROLD: ...
MELANIE: I know it's been a long time since we've seen each other, but I really thought you'd want to be involved in the wedding plans.
HAROLD: Oh, I don't think I'd be of any use to you...
MELANIE: Oh, I was hoping that you might be able to raise a toast at the reception?
HAROLD (laughs): I'm no good at public speaking.
MELANIE: Really? Well, maybe you could do some ushering? You just have to greet and seat?
HAROLD: ... My legs. They're not what they used to be, you know?
MELANIE: Alright. What's going on? Is it to do with the wedding? Are you not happy about it?
HAROLD: ... I have my reservations.
MELANIE: Why?!
HAROLD: I... I'm worried about the children.
MELANIE: Nell and Hugo?
HAROLD: You hurt my grandchildren deeply when you left Joe, and I don't want history repeating itself.
Melanie looks surprised.
The Waterhole
A weary-looking Paul is picking up a bottle of wine from the bar, when Terese and Glen come in. Terese remarks to Glen that Paul looks 'shattered', and goes to check on him despite Glen trying to dissuade her.
TERESE: I'm sorry, I don't want to intrude. I just want to say how glad I am that David's home.
PAUL (wistful): Thanks.
TERESE: I really care about your boys. I always will.
PAUL: Yeah, I know that.
TERESE: ... Okay, well, take care of yourself.
The conversation ends awkwardly, and Paul makes his exit. At a table, Glen looks concerned.
Lassiter's Complex
Shane is walking through the courtyard. He hesitates outside the hotel, looking pensive, before walking inside.
The Penthouse
Paul and Leo are with Abigail when Shane comes in. He tells Paul that he has a proposition for him.
SHANE: It's actually the reason for my visit. I was hoping it might take a little more of the load off your shoulders... I want to buy into Lassiter's.
PAUL: What, as an investor?
SHANE: As a full and equal partner.
PAUL (incredulous): You realise that would take a fair chunk of capital?
LEO: We're talking millions.
SHANE: ... It's not a problem. I don't advertise it, but I've done pretty well for myself. Cryptocurrency.
PAUL: (...) How on earth does a chippie trade up into cryptocurrency?
SHANE: Call it a rags-to-riches story if you want to. Anyhow, I want to make a major investment (...) As I've gotten older, I've thought a lot about Erinsborough. I want to reconnect with the place, put some roots down. What better way than to partner with a Robinson?
Paul smiles, still surprised by the proposition.
No 32 / No 24
In the No 32 garden, Freya gives David a hug, as Aaron, Byron, Nicolette and Isla look on.
DAVID: You were all so brave; I can't thank you enough.
FREYA: No, can you please just live happily ever after with your perfect family? That's all we want.
AARON: I think we can manage that, can't we?
David heads indoors to take a nap, and Byron decides to head home before Jane comes back. Nicolette thinks he should stay and try to reconcile with Jane, but he says it's too soon, and leaves. Nicolette gets a phone call from Kiri, who's at home, and passes Isla to Freya so she can take it. Kiri still looks pretty shaken after their hostage ordeal.
NICOLETTE: How are you?
KIRI: Yeah, I'm... umm, I was just thinking about yesterday. You were incredible.
NICOLETTE: I guess it was just instinct.
KIRI: Well, you've got good instincts. I just wanted to call to thank you. For thinking of me.
NICOLETTE: Well, it's... what you do for the people you care about.
Kiri smiles.
Harold's Lakeside
Jane is having a cuppa when she gets a phone call from Clive. She switches her phone to silent. Paul and Shane come around the corner, discussing Shane's offer. Paul says it's 'intriguing', and Shane hopes he's taking it seriously. Shane suggests the three of them have a catch-up, but relations between Paul and Jane are still not great, and Paul makes an excuse to leave, promising to talk to Shane later.
SHANE: What was all that about?
JANE: Oh, it's probably not something you need to hear about on your first day back in Erinsborough.
SHANE: You guys aren't friends anymore? Don't you share a grandchild?
JANE: Yeah, we do. And we almost didn't, thanks to Paul's machinations.
SHANE: What are you talking about?
But Jane declines to elaborate.
SHANE: Jane, I've just offered to buy into Lassiter's. Now before you ask, I can afford it. But... if there's a problem with Paul, I need to know about it before I go into business with him.
JANE: ... Can you handle the truth? Because not everyone appreciates it these days.
SHANE: I need to know anything relevant about working with him.
JANE: Well, the truth is - going into business with Paul is the worst decision you could ever make.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Susan and Karl are thrilled when their son Malcolm pays a surprise visit
- Toadie's mum Angie is also back in town, and gives Melanie short shrift as they are introduced
- Terese tells Shane about Paul's deliberate sabotage of Fashion Week to oust her from the hotel
- Shane looks at a web page for Tim Collins & Associates on his phone