Stephen stands and stares at Patricia and Matt in shock. After
a few seconds, he turns and walks out of the room. He heads slowly
towards the front door, a thoughtful look on his face as he does
so. When he reaches the front door, he turns and looks round at
the apartment for several seconds, still looking worried. He then
turns the lights off, opens the door and leaves. Patricia and
Matt continue sleeping, ignorant of Stephen's visit.
Back at Dural, Stephen pours himself a drink at the bar. As he
does so, Gordon comes in and remarks that he thought
he heard someone moving around down there. Stephen tells him that
he didn't mean to wake him. He offers Gordon a drink, but he declines.
He then comments that Stephen didn't stay long at Patricia's.
Stephen replies that he didn't get there - he changed
his mind halfway and turned his car round and came back. Gordon
asks him if he wants to talk things over, but he declines. Gordon
tells him that he'll leave him to it. As he heads out, Stephen
murmurs that he'll be talking to Malcolm in the morning - about
a divorce.
At the Morrell apartment, Matt stirs and wakes up. He looks at
Patricia lying next to him and then reaches out and gently touches
her arm. She murmurs, "Stephen?" Matt quietly tells
her to go back to sleep, but Patricia, now slightly more awake,
asks him what he's doing there. Matt tells her that he's going
back to his own bed. Patricia murmurs that she's so tired... She
falls back to sleep. Matt strokes her hair and then gets up and
out of bed. As he stands there, he looks down at her, longingly.
He then leaves the room.
Doug is on the 'phone at the Palmers', and the man at the other
end asks him if he's Doug Palmer, David Palmer's father. Doug
says he is, and he asks the man what he wants. The man replies
that he's Russell Hobson, from the Daily News. Doug immediately
snaps at him that he's the third reporter to ring this
morning, and he'll tell him what he told the others:
'no comment'. He slams the 'phone down and walks into the kitchen.
Lynn, Kevin and Rosie are in there, and Doug snaps that reporters
don't give two hoots about anyone's privacy. Kevin points out
that they're only doing their job, and he reminds his grandfather
that he wanted to be one at one stage - a reporter or
journalist. Doug snaps at Kevin that, seeing as he's so understanding,
he can answer all their questions from now on, because
he won't be there. Rosie asks him where he thinks
he's going, and he snaps back that he's going where he should
have been from the word go: Woombai. Lynn chips in that she doesn't
think there's anything he can do, but Doug tells her that he can
stop pesky reporters from worrying Beryl. He adds that he'll go
and pack his things right now. When he's gone, Kevin
says he reckons his grandfather has just found an excuse. Rosie
agrees that he's been busting to get up there ever since David
landed in hospital. Lynn asks Rosie if she'll go as well, and
Rosie smiles as she replies that someone has to stop
him getting under everyone's feet! She heads off to give Doug
a hand with his packing, leaving Kevin to comment to Lynn that
at least someone will be up there with Beryl. Lynn, though,
suggests that Beryl has enough to worry about without
the whole the family under her feet. Changing the subject, Kevin
says he'd better get going - not that Wayne will be there to say
anything if he's late. Lynn asks him if he knows when Wayne is
coming back from Sydney, but Kevin replies that he didn't say.
Lynn then asks Kevin if he was serious about searching the Morrell
house for the Power of Attorney form. Kevin retorts that they
can't trust Wayne as far as they can throw him. Lynn
points out that with the estate frozen, it hardly matters. Kevin,
though, replies that it's the principle of the thing
- he's going to search the house from top to bottom and find that
piece of paper; if Wayne thinks he can get away with ripping people
off, he's got another think coming. He kisses Lynn and heads out.
Lynn sighs.
At his hotel, Wayne angrily asks the investgator he's hired if
this is all he's come up with. The investigator starts to say
that, in the time he had... but Wayne interrupts and snaps that
if they're going to stop Helen Green testifying, they need to
know more than how much she owes the building society. He asks
about about medical reports, and the investigator replies that
he should have them later this morning. Wayne snaps at him to
make sure there's something in them that he can use.
The investigator points out that he can only report what he finds,
but Wayne snaps at him that he's being paid good money to deliver
results, not excuses; he doesn't want Helen Green in the witness
stand. The investigator says he'll do his best - if the material
comes through, he'll send it straight across.
Patricia joins Matt at the breakfast table at the Morrell apartment,
and he offers her some orange juice, which she accepts. As he
pours it, she tells him that she's sorry about last night - he
came over to talk to her and ended up nursing a neurotic! Matt
laughs and says he's the only person allowed to use words
like that! He then continues that she's not neurotic.
Changing the subject, he asks if he can use the 'phone, as he
needs to ring Fiona; after all, he did come over last night to
find out about Jill. Patricia remarks that he got a bit
sidetracked! Matt tells her that it would help if he can tell
Fiona where Jill is. Patricia replies that she didn't
mean to be contrary - she was just in a foul mood. Matt
tells her that she isn't now, so where is she?
Gordon and Stephen are sitting at the breakfast table at Dural,
and Gordon asks Stephen what his plans are for today. Stephen
just replies that he has a few things to attend to. Fiona suddenly
comes in and says a very cheerful, "Good morning!" Looking
surprised, Gordon remarks that she's as bright as a button, and
Fiona explains that she's had a lot of good news: Terry rang -
David's improving, and it looks like he's going to be alright;
and Terry's eyes are fine even though he got chlorine in them.
Stephen grunts that he should still give up fighting in the swimming
pool, and Fiona says she agrees. She then continues that Matt
called, too. Stephen, looking annoyed, asks what he had
do say. Fiona replies that Jill is definitely with Scott - Patricia
told him. Gordon asks her if she's going over there, but Fiona
says she isn't, adding that it's best if she keeps out of the
way. She continues that Matt can find out what's going on - he's
promised to call her when he's talked to her.
Matt is standing on the doorstep of a house, talking to Scott.
He introduces himself and explains that he's a friend of Fiona's
and he wants to speak to Jill. Scott warily starts to say that,
if it's anything to do with Fiona... but Matt asks him to just
find out if Jill wants to see him or not; if not, he'll leave.
Scott tells him that she's in the back garden, and he invites
him through. Jill is sitting in the garden, and Scott tells her
that there's someone there to see her who says he's a friend.
Jill looks at Matt in surprise and then tells him to sit down.
Scott tells her to call him if she needs anything. When he's gone,
Matt asks Jill if Scott is her lord and protector! Jill replies
that he's someone who isn't hassling her. She then continues
that she supposes Matt is there to give her the big lecture about
keeping the baby. Matt, though, says he isn't, and Jill
comments that wonders will never cease. Matt then tells her that
he came to see if she has a couple of hours to spare. Jill asks
what for, but Matt says it's a surprise - and if he told her,
she probably wouldn't want to come. Jill asks him how she knows
she can trust him. Matt replies that he doesn't think he's given
her any reason not to. Jill muses, "So far..."
She agrees to go with him.
Patricia is on the 'phone at the Morrell apartment, talking to
Malcolm Crosby. She tells him that of course she understands.
She then thanks him and hangs up. Seeing the expression on her
face, Charlie asks what's wrong. Patricia tells her that Stephen
wants a divorce - that was his lawyer. Charlie says,
"You're joking..." She asks on what grounds, but Patricia
retorts that you don't need grounds these days - just twelve months'
separation. She continues that, after all she's been through for
him - she knows she shouldn't have openly gone against him, but
she thought it wouldn't matter because he loved her so
much; she just can't believe it... Charlie points out
that it's not the first time he's talked about it, but Patricia
replies that she thought he was just trying to frighten
her; she didn't think he'd actually start proceedings.
Charlie comments that she thought Patricia told her that she can
get on perfectly well without him. Patricia tells Charlie
that she doesn't understand - she loves him.
Matt and Jill pull up outside Dural, and Matt says, "Here
we are." Jill looks deep in thought, and takes a few seconds
to respond. Matt asks her if she's OK, and she nods. Matt remarks
that it's a bit of a change from a couple of hours ago. Jill asks
him what he expects. She then adds that she really appreciates
what he did - she just didn't think it would be so awful.
Matt tells her that it's the only way she could see-- Jill interrupts
and tells him that he did the right thing. She gets out of the
car to go and see Fiona. As she heads for the front door, Stephen
comes out. Jill asks him if Fiona is around, and Stephen replies
that she's in the flat. Jill goes in. Seeing Stephen, Matt gets
out of the car and says, "Morning." He then asks Stephen
if he's got a moment, but Stephen, looking annoyed, retorts that
he doesn't have time to talk as he's on his way to an appointment.
Matt gets back in his car.
In the flat, Jill cries to Fiona that she's given her such a
hard time. Fiona cries that it cuts both ways. Jill tells her
that she didn't mean all those nasty things she said to her, and
Fiona replies that neither did she. They hug tightly, and Jill
cries that she's been so stupid. Fiona, becoming emotional, laughs
and cries as she says, "No tears!" Jill recovers her
composure and explains that she couldn't let them do it to her
- she's not going to get rid of her baby. Fiona smiles and says
that's made her so happy. She asks how come, and Jill tells her
that she's got Matt to thank. Realising that Jill has been standing
all this time, Fiona tells her to sit down. Jill then continues
that Matt went to an incredible amount of trouble for her - he
took her to a private hospital where they carry out terminations;
there was this lady there - it was awful; she watched her go through
exactly what she was about to; she doesn't know what
her situation was, but she realised it's not right for her
- she couldn't do it, simple as that. Fiona listens and then tells
Jill that it's best that she try and put the whole business behind
her. Jill says it won't be easy having the baby. Fiona assures
her that she'll be around to make sure that everything
works out fine. Jill points out that there will be problems. Fiona
says she knows - but between the two of them, they can beat them!
Jill smiles happily.
In the kitchen at the Palmers', Lynn gives Rosie a 'get well'
card from her and Kevin to pass on to David. Doug comes in carrying
a pillow, and Rosie incredulously asks him if he's taking it on
the 'plane. Doug indignantly asks why not. Rosie grabs it and
takes it back to the bedroom to get a clean pillowcase! Looking
put out, Doug picks up a suitcase and takes it out to the car.
Alone with Lynn, Kevin takes a piece of paper out of his jacket
pocket and hands it to her, asking her what she thinks. Lynn ask
what it is, and Kevin replies that it's a receipt for a safety
deposit box - he found it in Wayne's room this morning. Looking
shocked, Lynn says, "Kevin..." Kevin ignores this and
says it proves that he's right. Lynn asks how, and Kevin continues
that he reckons it's where Beryl's Power of Attorney is. Lynn
points out that he's only guessing, but Kevin tells her to look
at the date - it's the day he and Gordon fronted Wayne; he reckons
Wayne went straight out and bought it; when Beryl gets back, he's
going to show her the piece of paper and they're going to force
Wayne to let her see what's inside the box. Lynn says, "If
he agrees." Kevin retorts that he'll look guilty
if he doesn't - and if he does, he'll be caught out;
either way, they get to show up Wayne for the con he really is.
Wayne is at the Morrell apartment in Sydney, and he asks Patricia
where she is. Patricia just retorts that she's in Sydney. She
then continues that Jill isn't the slightest bit interested in
seeing him. Wayne asks if she said that. Patricia replies
that she's sure that's how she feels. Wayne turns to
Charlie and asks her if she knows where Jill is, but
Charlie replies that she's staying right out of it. Wayne warns
Patricia that he doesn't think she realises the position she's
in: she's only living there because of his good nature
- he could have her tossed out right now. Patricia starts
to ask if she's right in thinking that, if she doesn't tell him
where Jill is... Wayne interrupts and snaps that she's got it.
Patricia says, "Sorry. No." Wayne tells her that she'd
better start packing her bags, then. Patricia retorts that that's
fine with her. Wayne smiles and smugly comments that
it's interesting how things turn full circle: six months ago,
she was at rock bottom; then she caught Stephen; and now she's
back to rock bottom. Patricia smiles and warns him not to gloat
too much: as he so aptly put it, things do turn
full circle. Wayne, looking annoyed, tells her to just be gone
by the time he gets back. He leaves. Patricia looks worried.
Alice is standing with Tony, watching John as he sweeps the verandah
at the Woombai homestead. She asks John what sort of role he's
got organised, and John replies that he'll be working with a couple
of horses that Alan Pascoe has bought for the riding school. As
he sweeps, a black object suddenly flies off the verandah and
onto the ground by where Alice and Tony are standing Alice bends
down and picks it up - it's a wallet. She looks at it and then
runs off. Tony calls out, "Mum..." John asks what's
wrong. Tony explains that the wallet was Joe's - he must have
dropped it when he got a lift in the truck.
Inside, Tony tells his mother to stop worrying about it. Alice,
though, cries that it's twenty years - it would have been their
wedding anniversary next month; she can't stop thinking about
it - it's not that easy; there were good times... Tony
says he knows... Alice continues that it's just that, sometimes
in a marriage, things don't work out the way you expect them to.
Tony tells her that they've got to start thinking about what happens
now. Alice says she knows - that's why she's decided
to go back to Melbourne. Looking shocked, Tony cries that she
can't. Alice tells him that it's within her bail conditions,
and she's got to - she's got to see Shirley and Dennis.
Tony reminds her that they're being looked after, but Alice cries
that she's got to explain to them how it really was. Tony tells
her that he'll come with her, but Alice says no. She continues
that, because of them, the Palmers have--; the least
they can do is try and help them. Tony points out that
John is there, but Alice continues that, besides, she knows where
Tony is, so it's one less worry she's got. She tells him to be
a good boy - don't let her down.
Wayne walks into his hotel and asks the receptionist for his
room key. After she's handed it over, the receptionist tells him
that there's a parcel for him, which was left by a Mr. Hammond.
She hands it over, and Wayne opens it.
At the Morrell apartment, Charlie tells Patricia that if there's
anything she can do to help, give her a tinkle. Patricia thanks
her and Charlie goes. Matt, who's also there, remarks that it's
nice of her to offer to put Patricia up. Patricia, though, replies
that it's completely out of the question - she'd be living next
door to Stephen; and if she didn't bump into him, there's
Margaret. Matt asks her what she's going to do, and Patricia glumly
replies that it'll just have to be a cheap room for the time being.
Matt tells her that there is another alternative. Patricia thanks
him for the offer but adds that, if it means moving in with him...
Matt interrupts and tells her that he's just back from giving
a seminar in Brisbane; he's been invited to do do the same thing
in Perth, so why doesn;t she come with him for a break - it would
do her good, and there are no strings attached - he promises.
Patricia warily says she doesn't know, but Matt tells her that,
if she's worried about him coming on heavy, who stayed there last
night and let her sleep in peace? He continues that he cares about
her and he doesn't want to spend the whole week without seeing
her. Patricia tells him that she can remember Stephen giving her
exactly the same speech; he talked her into going away with him
and look what happened. Matt points out that it's just a chance
for them to get to know each other better. Patricia gives in and
agrees, saying, "As long as that's as far as it goes."
She adds that it'll do her good to get away - if she doesn't,
she'll probably go round the twist - and she doesn't want to give
Margaret the satisfaction of seing her going under. Matt says
he can't imagine that! Patricia continues that she'll handle Margaret
and she'll get Stephen back too - she doesn't know how, but she
will; she still loves him. She asks Matt if he understands
that, and he assures her that he does. Patricia asks if the offer
is still open. Matt replies that she knows he always goes for
the long shot!
The receptionist at Wayne's hotel has dialled the number of Dural
and is telling Margaret that there's a call for her. She hands
the 'phone over to Wayne, who tells Margaret that they've struck
gold: the information he's just got is going to blow the Hamilton
house sky-high; there's no way they're going to lose
any of their money now...
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