No 24
Jane is deep- cleaning the house following David and Aaron's exertions! Nicolette comes in carrying Isla.

JANE: Don't sit on the couch just yet, I haven't had a chance to steam it clean.

Nic looks panicked, and asks if Aaron and David are here, as she needs to talk to everyone. Jane explains they 'ran off with their tails between their legs'.

JANE: Let's just say I caught them in a situation better suited to the bedroom than the breakfast bar.
NICOLETTE: Okay, I'll speak to them later (...) I have to tell you something. And you're not gonna be happy.

The Waterhole
At the bar, David and Aaron cringe about Jane catching them in flagrante. Aaron laughs at the prospect of Jane having a cleaning frenzy back home, and David feels guilty that they've left her to do all the cleaning up. But Aaron is content to 'hide out here and order a bowl of fries'.

DAVID: It is frustrating not having our own space.
AARON: Hmm. You know we're gonna have zero alone time when Mike and Sam get back from the UK.
DAVID: All the better for our steamy weekends away.

They kiss, and Aaron tells David he's missed 'this guy', presumably meaning the less uptight David we've seen in the last couple of episodes. Aaron thinks working with Krista has been good for David. This reminds David that he wants to check on Krista, but Aaron convinces him to stay here, as it's his day off.

No 24
Isla is doing some colouring, while Nicolette fills Jane in on the details of her history with Veronica and Sasha, and the impact it had on Kiri - causing her to break up with Nic and move to Magnetic Island.

JANE: But when it all blew up with Paul and Krista, you let me believe that that was the reason that you left.
NICOLETTE: I let Aaron and David believe it too. It was a convenient excuse.
JANE: This is textbook Nicolette.
NICOLETTE: Oh, I didn't mean for it to get out of hand like this!
JANE: But that's the thing - you never do. And it always does. You continue to put yourself in these ridiculous situations, and then you... then you're shocked when it all blows up, and nobody wants to be around you anymore.
NICOLETTE: ... I'm sorry.
JANE: I don't want to hear your apology, Nicolette. I'm just disappointed by your lack of personal growth.

Sonya's Wall
The jumble sale continues apace, and Leo spots Wendy rifling through a clothes stall, before tentatively approaching her. They briefly discuss Isla showing up safely, but the atmosphere is frosty given Leo's blow- up at Sadie earlier. Leo asks if Sadie's around, and Wendy says she's at home.

LEO: Look, I'm really sorry about how I spoke to her this morning. I should've handled that situation differently.
WENDY: Leo, Sadie loves Abigail, and she would never knowingly put her in any danger.
LEO: Yeah, Abi adores her as well.
WENDY: And Sadie looks up to you.
LEO: Yeah, I'll fix it. I'll talk to her.

Wendy tells him that Sadie will probably have to cut back on her hours looking after Abi once her course starts, and it's important she focus on her studies. Leo agrees, and promises to work around Sadie.

LEO: I just... I don't want to lose Sadie as a nanny.

Wendy softens a little, touching his arm before heading off elsewhere.

Lassiter's Hotel
Remi is with Krista in her room, and asks her if she wants to talk about the situation with Leo. Krista replies that she should've seen it coming; David did warn her about getting involved.

KRISTA: I'm really embarrassed that I misread the situation.
REMI: Hey - maybe it's just time for you to focus on our health and baby.
KRISTA: Yes, Doc. I'm on it.

Remi says she has to go, but suggests Krista should consider telling David what's happened. Krista suspects it will result in an 'I told you so' lecture; and she doesn't want to disturb him on his day off. She assures Remi she'll be fine, and thanks her for all her support. Remi leaves.

The Waterhole
At the bar, Aaron tells David that one means of stopping people walking in on them like Jane did is to start looking for a place of their own. David's worried it's too soon, as Jane was so happy to have them all move in with her.

AARON (laughs): She might not feel the same way after today.
DAVID: No, she might be happy to see the back of us.
AARON: Yeah. Again!

As they cringe at the memory all over again, Remi walks in. She updates David on Krista, saying she's just been with her and that she's not having the best day, and 'struggling emotionally'. Remi thought David might like to know in case he wanted to pop in. David thanks her, and looks worried.

No 24
Nicolette and Jane are talking about Veronica. Nic confirms it was her who left the key at the doorstep. Jane thinks it sounds like Veronica needs professional help - until Nic tearfully drops another bombshell.

NICOLETTE: Veronica took Isla from the jumble sale today.
JANE: What?!
NICOLETTE: It was just for a few minutes. Veronica dropped her at the police station. But before then, we had no idea where she was. We were freaking out looking for her, thinking the worst.
JANE: Well, did you report it to the police?
NICOLETTE: I have no proof! And I suppose I don't want to provoke her. Luckily, I don't think that Isla knew what was happening. But we all need to be aware of what she's capable of.

Nic shows Jane the novel that was found at the scene - 'The Games We Play' by Kelly Brady. Jane immediately gets up and retrieves her coat and bag.

JANE: Where does this woman live?

Lassiter's Hotel
Krista is glumly watching TV in her room, but eventually gives up and lies on the bed. She initially ignores a knock at the door, but it persists, and David calls out to her. Sighing, Krista gets up and lets him in. She admits she's had better days, and that it's about Leo; she misread the situation, thinking he liked her, and was wrong.

KRISTA: Basically, he doesn't trust me with his daughter (...) Don't worry, we talked it out and he apologised and said that he overreacted. He's just being protective of her because of what happened with her mum (...) I got over it. It's more about what Paul said after (...) He said that Leo feels guilty about what happened in his relationship with Britney. And he basically thinks that I'm a do- over, so that Leo can make up for his mistakes.
DAVID: I see.
KRISTA: Makes sense. Sure explains why Leo's being so nice.

Penthouse
Paul is on the phone to Melanie - they're agreeing to go to their sentencing hearing for the Krista cover- up together. David barges in from the lift, and Paul winds up the call.

DAVID: Why can't you leave Krista alone?
PAUL: Krista? Oh, you mean that fragile, sweet- natured little junkie that's got everybody fooled?
DAVID: So it's not enough that you intimidate her over the drink- spiking situation - now you're feeding her some destructive story about Leo using her to make up for Britney's death? It's disgusting!
PAUL: Yeah - firstly, she's lying about the drink. And I can't believe that you're buying into that.
DAVID (angry): Every medical professional who's examined her believes she was drugged. What makes you such an expert?!
PAUL: Life? She's running rings around all of you, David, and you're just all letting her!
DAVID: I know why you're behaving like this. You're sick of the Sinclair influence at the hotel, so you think that belittling Krista somehow gives you the upper hand.
PAUL: She's a liability, David. And I will not stand by and watch her drag my hotel into the mud because she relapses and does something stupid.
DAVID: Can you hear yourself?
PAUL: And regarding the accusation about Leo, that's not on me, either. He called Krista 'Britney' to her face - there's obviously some sort of connection there.
DAVID: So what, you just come up with your own theory, and lead Krista to believe she's being used?
PAUL: Because I happen to think it's true. Surely she deserves to know that she's playing second fiddle to Leo's ex.
DAVID: You might think that you can break Krista's spirit by playing your petty little games. But if you keep messing with her, I will personally let Reece Sinclair know exactly what's going on. And I'm sure she won't be happy.
PAUL: Reece is the CEO of Sincast Corp now. I doubt very much whether she is just gonna drop everything and rush to her sister's rescue, just because she can't handle a few speed bumps.
DAVID: Are you really willing to take that chance? Who would you rather deal with?

Paul looks rattled.

The Waterhole
Aaron is eyeing up a passing bowl of chips when Leo comes in. They chat about Krista; Aaron says David's gone to check on her as she isn't doing great. Leo admits that might be because of him, but declines to elaborate further when Aaron offers to talk about it.

Conversation moves onto No 32 - Aaron asks how long the tenants there have left on the lease. Leo says it's about three months. Aaron puts forward the suggestion of him and David buying the house back from Leo, if he'd be open to it. Leo says he'd be happy to discuss it if David's keen on the plan. Aaron heads off, just as Leo gets a text from David, asking for a chat with him.

A residential street
A car pulls up and Jane gets out, marching towards one of the houses like she means business, followed by Nicolette. Veronica is just about to get into her own car.

VERONICA: Jane. What a lovely surprise.
JANE: How dare you try and kidnap my granddaughter?
VERONICA (scoffs): Excuse me?
JANE: You should be arrested.
NICOLETTE: I told Mum everything, so there's no point pretending.
JANE: I understand that Nicolette behaved in an unethical manner with your husband, and she does know better, and I am not happy about it. However, it doesn't hold a candle to you trying to lure Isla away from her family!
VERONICA (mocking): If that happened, you must have been terrified.
NICOLETTE: Yeah. I was.
VERONICA: It's awful, isn't it? The uncertainty. Thinking something is wrong.
NICOLETTE: So, what, you're just gonna act out every single thing that you think that I did to you?
VERONICA: Who knows what might happen while we're waiting to hear from Sasha?
JANE: You come close to our family again, and we will call the police.

Jane and Nicolette head back to the car. Veronica looks inscrutable.

Lassiter's Hotel
Krista is in her room when Paul knocks on the door. He's on his way to his sentencing hearing, but wants to talk about work - specifically the Lassiter's Lie- In event Krista has proposed (originally David's idea), which he wants to hear more about.

KRISTA: Is this a trap, where you set me up for some massive professional fall?
PAUL: No, no, it's genuine.
KRISTA: So what happened to the 'it's time you left town' speech? You were certain that I was gonna relapse and wreck Leo's life.
PAUL: Yeah, well - I can deal with you or Reece regarding the hotel. I'd rather it be you. But you need to prove yourself, and this is the perfect opportunity.
KRISTA: Okay, so this is about my sister, then?
PAUL: No, no, it's about me and what's good for my business. You get a good pitch in front of me, I'll back off.
KRISTA: And if I don't do it?
PAUL: Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me. I'm not even sure you're up to it.
KRISTA: You sound like my father.
PAUL: Really? In that case, prove us both wrong - get the job done.

The Waterhole
David and Leo have convened to discuss the Krista situation. David is incredulous that Leo referred to Krista as 'Britney' - Leo explains that he was thinking about Britney earlier in the day, hence the slip. Nonetheless David asks if Paul was right in what he suggested, about Leo using Krista to make up for his errors with Britney.

DAVID: Krista and Britney share common ground, and maybe you're subconsciously trying to stop the same thing from happening to Krista and her baby.
LEO: Look, I feel bad for Krista, and everything that happened with Eden. And yeah, the fact Dad had something to do with it makes it even worse.
DAVID: Which all plays into Paul's theory.
LEO: I don't pity her! Krista is her own person. She's a strong woman. She's gutsy, smart. She's got everything going for her -
DAVID: Look, I really need you to think about what's best for Krista, before you get too carried away. Can you please do that?

Leo doesn't respond.

Harold's Café
Haz is randomly In This Episode™ and in the kitchen, and staring mournfully at photos of Trevor which he has stuck to the fridge! He removes the photos and puts them in the pocket in his apron, then takes some tomatoes out of the fridge. Not sure what any of this is supposed to signify...

Meanwhile at a table, Nicolette excitedly tells Jane that she's 'in total awe of my lioness mama' for standing up to Veronica. Jane says she won't stand by while Veronica harasses the family.

JANE: It doesn't mean that you're off the hook. I'm still appalled by your thoughtlessness.
NICOLETTE: Well, I guess I'll always be a stuff- up to you, right?
JANE: You have brought this on yourself.
NICOLETTE: I had no idea that Veronica's behaviour was so unpredictable. You can't put that on me!
JANE: I'm not, but... you put yourself right in her firing line. So when are you going to tell David and Aaron?
NICOLETTE: Soon! David has a lot going on with Krista.
JANE: Well, you can't put it off. They need to know.

Lassiter's Lake
David and Aaron are sitting on a bench; David is stressing about Krista. Aaron assures him he's done everything correctly, and that Krista is an adult who can make her own decisions.

DAVID: I know. I just hope Leo stays away.

Aaron tells David about his idea about buying No 32 back from Leo, and explains Leo is open to the idea. David asks if they can even afford it. Aaron thinks they can, as they're both working.

AARON: And hopefully you can talk Leo into selling it back to us at the same price.
DAVID: Well, it would be nice for us to have our own house again, and not have to worry about people coming and going.

They agree they'd have to talk to Nic and Jane about it first. But Aaron says Jane would understand it's something they need to do for their family. Excited at the prospect of having their own place again, David agrees to get the ball rolling. They hold hands, and Aaron puts his head on David's shoulder.

Lassiter's Complex
Jane and Nicolette are walking towards the car park, Jane still a little frosty with Nic.

JANE: I think I'll cook Isla her favourite dinner tonight.
NICOLETTE: Pasta with no sauce?

Jane smiles. Haz is approaching the car park too, and is surprised to find a printed photograph on the windscreen of his car. It's a picture of Nicolette in red lingerie! Nicolette and Jane find the same photo on their car, too, and Haz looks sympathetic as they all assess the entire car park to see that the photo has been affixed to every car windscreen! Extras who've found the photos gawp at Nicolette, recognising her from the image. Nic looks upset...

Lassiter's Hotel
Leo comes to see Krista in her room. She's in a good mood following a gym workout, and asks if they can forget about everything that happened today, insisting that it's 'all good'.

LEO: I just want to say I'm sorry about Dad. I heard what he said about why we're... friends. And it was totally out of line.
KRISTA: Yep, no more apologies - please. Besides, it's good for me to know where your head's at.
LEO: But that's what I'm trying to say, Krista. None of it's true. He just... he made up some crazy theory to mess with you.
KRISTA: I know Paul doesn't like me. But what he said makes sense. And I don't blame you; I mean, I'm constantly trying to make up for the stuff that I've done in my past...
LEO: I'm serious. I don't think about you like that.
KRISTA: ... So you're not just hanging out with me and being supportive because I remind you of Britney?
LEO: No.
KRISTA: I'm not some charity case?
LEO: Of course not. You're a survivor, Krista. The way you've risen above everything you've just been through - not everyone can do that. I think you're remarkable.

Krista stares at him for a while, then steps forward and kisses him on the lips. Leo looks taken aback, and she apologises.

LEO: Are you sure this is such a good idea so early in your recovery?
KRISTA: No. I just, umm... I thought you felt the same way.

He takes her hands.

LEO: Is it what you really want?
KRISTA: More than anything.

Leo responds by leaning in for a second kiss, and before long it's a full- on pash- athon...

Coming up on Neighbours
- Karl tells Melanie she needs to find a way to 'put him out of your mind'
- At the tram, Melanie tells Toadie and Terese that she's meeting someone; 'like a date?' asks Terese
- Leo tells Paul and Krista there's 'a lot more going down' than Isla just wandering off
- Nicolette confronts Veronica about the photos; she claims it wasn't her
- At the café, David asks Veronica exactly what it is she's asking of him