Lassiter's Complex
We pick up where we left off in the car park, as Nicolette snatches copies of the offending lingerie photograph from gawping extras, assisted by Jane and Byron. Nic is convinced Veronica is trying to ruin every aspect of her life, while Byron is just disturbed by the photo!

BYRON: Once you see it, you really can't unsee it.
NICOLETTE: It's not funny!
BYRON: I know it's not funny. I can't believe you sent a thirst pic to a man - a married man.
NICOLETTE: Oh, please don't make me go over the whole sorry story again.

But it appears she won't have a choice, as David and Aaron approach and see the photos Nic is holding.

AARON: Looks like we weren't the only ones caught with our pants down today!

Jane tells Nicolette she can't put off telling David and Aaron any longer, and advises her to head to the police station when she's done, to report what's happened. David and Aaron look concerned...

Lassiter's Hotel
In Krista's room, Leo and Krista are curled up in bed together having TITTNL™, gazing into each other's eyes.

KRISTA: I knew you were special. From the minute I met you.
LEO: I felt the same way about you.
KRISTA: Really? I was a wreck, remember.
LEO: No. I saw you as a strong, amazing person, going through the battle of their life.
KRISTA: You really saw me as strong?
LEO: You are. And you got through it.
KRISTA: So, this... it's not a one- off in your mind?
LEO: I don't want it to be. You?

She answers him with another pash.

Erinsborough Police Station
David and Aaron are angry and upset about what Nicolette has told them. David says they should have been told the second Isla went missing.

NICOLETTE: It was only for a few minutes, and I wanted to tell you the rest in person.
AARON: Oh, really - which part? The part that Veronica targeted our child, or that you were chasing her husband?!

Nic says she'll try to answer all their questions, as Andrew turns up to speak to them. He says they've received CCTV footage from the Community Centre, so they will review it to verify what happened. Nicolette insists that Isla says she was taken by Veronica. Andrew asks if they can speak to Isla; David offers to take him to the penthouse where Isla is hanging out with Sadie and Abigail.

Andrew says the police are also trying to lift fingerprints from the photos that were left in the car park, which could enable them to charge Veronica under revenge porn laws. David asks Andrew if they can track down Sasha, Veronica's estranged husband, as this seems to be her end goal. Andrew says not, unless Sasha's committed a crime, which Nic confirms he hasn't.

ANDREW: If all this checks out, Veronica will be charged. You've just got to leave it to us.

Harold's Café
Paul comes in with Melanie and Karl, having just come out of Paul and Mel's court hearing for the charges relating to the cover- up of Krista's supposed death. Paul has been hit with a large fine.

PAUL: It could have been a lot worse, as my incredibly expensive lawyer pointed out.
MELANIE: We did the wrong thing, Paul (...) We were asked to reflect on our actions. I certainly will be.
PAUL: Yeah, well, you go on torturing yourself while you do your 300 hours of community service. Meanwhile, I'm not gonna think about it again.

Paul catches sight of Terese out of the corner of his eye, who's sat at a table with Toadie. Disconcerted, Paul cuts his lunch plans with Karl and Melanie short, claiming he has to attend to something; he tells them to put their orders on his account, then leaves.

Toadie and Terese smile over at Melanie; Toadie guesses that the sentencing hearing must have gone well. Toadie then refocuses his attention on what they've been looking at - schematics for the Eirini Rising development - but Terese remains distracted by Melanie's presence, and eyes her warily. Melanie evidently feels uncomfortable too, and she asks Karl if they could just go home. He agrees, and they leave.

Lassiter's Complex
Jane, Nicolette and Byron are collecting up the remainder of the photos, which have also been pinned to pillars around the hotel entrance. Jane hopes Veronica is being arrested - but at that point, they spot Veronica outside the police station, just as Andrew is emerging with David and Aaron.

NICOLETTE: Why isn't she in custody?
VERONICA: Why would I be? I've done nothing wrong.
ANDREW: We've reviewed the CCTV footage, and it's clear that Isla wandered away from you and Byron. It's unclear what happened next.
VERONICA: I'll tell you what happened next. I found your daughter wandering aimlessly, and then I delivered her to the police.
NICOLETTE: No, no - you lured her away!
DAVID: We spoke to Isla. That's not exactly what she said.
NICOLETTE: She's four years old! She's confused.
VERONICA (smirking): You lose sight of your daughter, I save her - you should be thanking me.
JANE: Why didn't you wait with her at the station?
VERONICA: I knew I would be falsely accused, like I am now.
JANE: Why didn't you tell us all of this before?
VERONICA: Well, you were so busy ranting, I couldn't get a word in.

Nicolette wants to speak to Isla herself, but Aaron says she's stressed out enough as it is. Byron asks Veronica about the photos of Nicolette, but she claims they've got nothing to do with her.

NICOLETTE: Oh, come on, of course it was you!

But Andrew hasn't been able to find any fingerprints, so can't arrest Veronica - who now lays a hand on Aaron's shoulder.

VERONICA (mocking): I'm sure this is all very triggering for you, after Nicolette disappeared with Isla when she was born. I wish you all the best.

Veronica walks away, still smirking to herself. David gives Nicolette a disapproving look.

The Waterhole
Leo and Krista come in for a bite to eat. Paul approaches, grouchily telling Krista she hasn't responded to his emails.

KRISTA: And hello to you too, Paul. It's nice to see you're not in jail.

Unamused, he tells her that they have their council audit coming up in two days - so he wants copies of all documentation sent to him. Krista agrees to get on it; Paul reminds her they need to appoint a new concierge, too. She complains that this is all outside her job description, and reminds him she's still got the pitch for the Lassiter's Lie- In to work on. Paul tells her the scope of her role has expanded.

PAUL: That's if you're up for it.
KRISTA: Challenge accepted.

Leo gets a message, presumably from David, relating to Isla's disappearance earlier. Leo tells Paul that it now seems there's 'a lot more going down'.

No 28
Karl and Melanie have just eaten, and Mel is distracted. Karl asks her if she's worried about her community service sentence, which won't start until her shoulder's fully healed. But she says she wasn't thinking about that.

MELANIE: Toadie said something at that counselling session that we went to. He said, before I left, he loved me so much that he would've done anything for me (...) It gave me a little spark when he said it. Maybe it was hope, or longing, or regret (...) But I loved that spark, and I wanted it to stay. I don't want to harm Toadie and Terese's relationship. But I took him a mocktail, just as an excuse to get in his orbit. To feel it again. And that was wrong.
KARL: Yeah. Well, you know, you're dealing with complex feelings, complex history.
MELANIE: It was still wrong. And Nell called me out on it. And she was right to, because I don't want to be that person.
KARL: (...) Mel, you've faced your last legal charge. Maybe now is the time to start thinking about your next chapter.
MELANIE: I need to move on, I can't be pining for him.
KARL: Yes, you need to find a way to put him out of your mind. Once and for all.

Mel nods and smiles, then asks if Karl can help her with something...

No 24
David, Aaron, Nicolette and Jane are back home, and Isla has already gone to bed. Nicolette implores them all to believe her version of events over Veronica's. Jane cautiously says that they do, but David observes that the situation wasn't helped by Nicolette's lies.

AARON: You know, we actually thought we were a team. Not once did you mention anything about Sasha. Or Veronica.
NICOLETTE: I couldn't. It was hard enough telling Kiri.
AARON: And all those conversations we had about moving away - this whole time, you had another reason.

Paul comes in, anxious to make sure that Isla is okay having heard what happened from Leo. Paul asks if Veronica was involved, which just makes matters worse as David wants to know how Paul knows about Veronica! Nicolette claims she told Paul the other day as she needed someone to talk to.

DAVID: Once again, that could've been us.

Paul asks if he can do anything to help, and David responds with a terse 'no', telling him that the police are dealing with it.

PAUL: David, I know you're angry at me, but the reason I'm here is because I love Isla and I care so much about her.
DAVID: ... I can see that. We all love Isla. But the police are monitoring the situation, so let's leave it up to them.

Paul agrees.

Lassiter's Hotel
Leo has brought Krista breakfast in bed, and they kiss again. But Krista says she needs to get started on the tasks Paul has set her.

LEO: Or you could just pull rank.
KRISTA: I could. But I really want him to respect me. And if this is real between us...
LEO: Well, I certainly hope it is.
KRISTA: ... then it would be nice to have his blessing when we do tell him.
LEO: Yeah. Maybe no rush on that one. But we could think about telling David.
KRISTA: Yeah, I agree. I don't want to keep any secrets from him.

Conversation moves onto the concierge vacancy at the hotel. Leo offers to help Krista write a job description, but she tells him she already has somebody in mind for the role.

KRISTA: And it's a bit controversial.

We soon see why, as Krista meets with Byron in reception, trying to convince him to take the concierge job and flattering his ego, telling him all his old colleagues loved working with him and how much of a 'people person' he is. Byron isn't convinced about working for Paul again, though, especially when he figures out that Paul doesn't even know Krista is offering him the job. At this point, Paul himself turns up.

PAUL: If this is what I think it is, it's not happening.

He reminds Byron of their fall- out over the Reece situation, and how Byron told him to 'shove my job'.

KRISTA: We've all been through a lot, Paul. Wouldn't it be nice if we just wiped the slate clean?
BYRON: Yeah, I dunno about this.
PAUL: I do. We can do better.
KRISTA: We wouldn't be being audited if it weren't for you.

Paul glares at her, then heads into the lift. Krista assures Byron she'll be able to talk Paul round. Plus...

KRISTA: Isn't it kind of fun riling him up?
BYRON: Yeah. That's probably the second favourite thing about this job.
KRISTA: Yeah? What was your first?
BYRON: Getting to know all the lovely guests (...) Okay, I'm kidding. But Paul was a good mentor to me.
KRISTA: See, this could be good for everyone (...) You need a job, and we need a concierge. Come on - just say you'll give it a go.

As Leo approaches, Byron practises his best concierge 'welcome to Lassiter's'. Krista looks pleased that Byron seems willing to get back on board.

Lassiter's Complex
Melanie encounters Nell in the courtyard, and shows her a new dress she's just bought from the shops. Mel explains that Karl has helped her set up a new dating profile, and that as a result, she has a date later tonight.

NELL: That's great... isn't it?
MELANIE: It is! I think. No, it is. Definitely.
NELL: This isn't because of what I said? I didn't want to rush you into anything.
MELANIE: Not at all. It was a nudge, but it was one I needed.
NELL: Well, don't be afraid to be picky!

Mel says her date looks really nice, but admits she's very nervous.

NELL: Name?
MELANIE: Bruce...
NELL: Stats?
MELANIE: Six foot one, dark hair, green eyes, financial advisor.
NELL: Promising!
MELANIE: I know. I just hope he's not disappointed.
NELL: He should be so lucky.

Harold's Café
Leo is telling David about developments with Krista - he says it's early days and that they're keeping their relationship 'on the down low' for now.

DAVID: It sounds as if you're both pretty serious.
LEO: Yeah. I like her, and she likes me, so... it's that serious.
DAVID: And now's the part where you're expecting a lecture from me?
LEO: Or you could just give us your blessing?
DAVID: ... Look, I hope it works out for you both. But please be careful, Leo.
LEO: Of course, I promise.

Veronica comes in and sits at a table, and Leo heads off. David approaches Veronica.

VERONICA: How's Isla today?
DAVID: Really? Still giving us 'concerned bystander'?
VERONICA: What has Nicolette said about me?
DAVID: She told us everything.
VERONICA: Everything? Are you sure about that?

David looks perplexed, so Veronica invites him to sit down.

VERONICA: We were all friends, you know. Sasha, me, Nicolette, Kiri. Nicolette was always the wild card, though. Always the provocateur.
DAVID: She insists nothing happened between her and Sasha.
VERONICA: Yeah, I've heard the spiel. She was just trying to expose him as the 'sleazy church guy'.
DAVID: She also admits that her methods were out of line.
VERONICA: And entirely unbelievable, when you've read them.

Veronica produces an envelope from her bag, and puts it on the table.

VERONICA: I know I'm torturing myself. I can't tell you how many times I've read these. I could almost recite them by heart (...) Read what Nicolette wrote to my husband. And then tell me, who is the innocent party here?

She pushes the envelope towards David...

No 24
David has brought the envelope home and is discussing the situation with Jane and Aaron. Jane says they can't read the email and SMS printouts that David has explained are inside, as it would be an invasion of privacy.

Penthouse
Nicolette is talking to Paul about the Sasha situation. She's grateful to Paul for not telling David and Aaron how long he'd known about it.

PAUL: Yeah, well, as you once said, we could both do with a friend right now, couldn't we?

No 24
Conversation has turned to when Nicolette said she told Paul about Sasha. David thinks it was only the other day.

AARON: And since when were they sounding boards for each other?

Jane announces that she wants to burn the envelope, but Aaron stops her from taking it...

Penthouse
Paul tells Nicolette he won't defy David by getting involved, but that she does need to track down Sasha. She says she could try getting his details from some of her contacts at the church, but admits she's worried about reopening contact with him.

No 24
Aaron and David are reading the first email from Nicolette to Sasha from the envelope, which Aaron says is 'full- on'. Jane stands by disapprovingly, arms folded.

Penthouse
Nicolette tells Paul that Sasha really fell for her, and that she's responsible for that. Leo comes in, and looks a bit bemused to see Paul and Nicolette together. Nic changes the subject to Byron being back on reception; Paul claims that he decided to give him a trial run as a concierge. Nic then leaves, wishing Paul good luck with the hotel audit. Leo looks suspicious...

No 24
Nicolette comes in to find Aaron, David and Jane sitting in silence. She's horrified when she sees what Aaron is reading, and snatches the envelope and papers away.

NICOLETTE: Where did you... Has Veronica been here?
DAVID: I ran into her, at Harold's.
AARON: We've only read a few of them.
JANE: No, *you* read them. I want no part of it.
DAVID: We just wanted to make sure you were telling us everything this time.

Unimpressed, Nicolette goes to check on Isla.

The 82
Melanie is at a table outside the tram in her new dress, waiting for her date, Bruce, to arrive. She gets a text from him, saying he's running late due to a flat tyre, and apologising. She replies, telling him she's happy to wait.

Toadie and Terese approach, talking about the success of the jumble sale, and how construction is starting on the school site. They spot Mel, who looks a bit embarrassed to be sitting alone, and greet her; after discussing her community service sentence, Terese asks if she's waiting for Karl. But Mel explains she's meeting someone, admitting when asked that it's a date.

TERESE: Well, that's great. I'm really happy for you.

Toadie doesn't know where to look, but asks if Mel's early or her date is late. She admits he's late due to a flat tyre, but adds...

MELANIE: Madame Zolga has high hopes.

Conversation dries up, and Toadie and Terese leave, while Melanie continues to wait...

Lassiter's Hotel
Leo arrives at Krista's door all suited up, and suggests they could go out to dinner. He tells her that David has given them his blessing, and he's heard about Byron getting a trial run as concierge. Krista's pleased that Paul has accepted the appointment, and kisses Leo. They go into the room, still pashing, and close the door - but unbeknownst to them, Paul has seen this from the corridor. He looks annoyed.

The 82
Melanie is still waiting, now the only customer left at the tram. We see her text exchange with 'Bruce'; Mel has suggested a rain check, but he's replied saying, 'No, I'm looking forward to it'. Unwilling to wait any longer, Mel texts again, saying, 'Tonight's not our night. I hope you're okay but I'd better head off.'

As she walks along Power Road in the dark, a car appears, tyres screeching - registration plate 'ERNSBRAH'! - and stops near her, before reversing to follow her along the pavement. An obnoxious youth, Slade, greets her through an open window, while a companion films her with her phone.

SLADE (laughing): Hey, Melanie! How's Bruce? Didn't he want ya?

Mel walks in the other direction, and the car speeds past her, the youths laughing - but then U- turns by the tram and comes speeding back towards her. Caught in the headlights, Mel looks terrified...

Coming up on Neighbours
- At the Varga- Murphys', Aunt Chelsea has arrived! And she's got tips for JJ on how to win Sadie over
- Remi seems less than pleased to see Chelsea, and tells Cara she's 'different' when Chelsea is around
- Haz tells Mackenzie he's not good at relationships; she replies that it's easier with the right person
- They gaze fondly into one another's eyes