Jill is sitting with David and Irene in the living room at Toorak.
She has the evening newspaper in front of her and she grimly comments
that they sure stick the boot in, don't they. Irene comments that
it's amazing how bad they can make things look; she got
the same treatment. She then adds that the good thing to come
out of it is that Jill knows who her real friends are. Jill agrees
that she sure does; Luke's attitude certainly
changed - he was definitely backing off. Irene suggests that she's
just being a bit touchy, and she points out that Luke was happy
to accept the lunch invitation tomorrow, wasn't he. She adds that
Jill can believe her: if he'd wanted to backpedal, he would have
found some excuse. David tells Jill that Irene is right - she's
just getting a bit touchy. Jill retorts that it's hard not
to. She gets up and leaves the room. David tells Irene that he's
glad she's there, as he's not too hot at saying the things Jill
needs to hear. Irene remarks, "Poor kid. It's a tough thing
to have to face."
Terry and Katie walk up to the front door of the O'Briens'. As
they stand on the step, Terry says, "Goodnight - and thanks
for being there today." Katie whispers, "Terry..."
She then tells him that she knows he thinks she's a crazy kid,
but if she has to, she'll wait for him. Terry points out that
she hardly knows him. Katie, though, tells him that it's
the first time she's felt like this about anyone. Terry
comments that it happens to everyone... He then goes on that he
wants her to do him a big favour - for her own sake:
he wants her to forget him. He then turns and walks off. Katie,
looking upset, murmurs, "I can't..."
In the kitchen at the Palmers', Beryl is doing some ironing while
Fiona sits at the table with a magazine in front of her. Beryl
asks her if there are any good recipes in there, but Fiona just
mutters that she hasn't noticed. Beryl suggests to her that she
should go to bed, and things won't seem so bad after a good night's
sleep. Fiona bitterly replies that she doesn't see how
- she'll just lie there thinking about today. She goes on that
she's just so ashamed - Terry and Jill had every right to know
what she was doing; she doesn't blame them for walking out on
her - it's not nearly as much as she deserves; but it was a chance
for Terry, and she couldn't let that chance go by. Beryl says
she knows. She then continues that she put herself in the same
position and wondered what she'd do if it was Kevin; if it's any
consolation, she would have done exactly the same thing. Fiona
smiles, gratefully. The front door suddenly bangs and Terry calls
out, "Anyone home?" Fiona looks shocked. She heads out
into the lounge room and Terry tells her that he thought he should
let her know that he was thinking: it seems pretty stupid, the
way he carried on; he knows she only did it to help him, and that's
all that really counts. Fiona looks relieved.
The next morning, Jill is on the 'phone in the hallway at Toorak,
speaking to Luke. She tells him that she understands perfectly.
She then tells him to take care and hangs up. As she does so,
Irene comes downstairs, calling to David to come on or they'll
be late. Jill tells her that that was Luke - he can't make it
for lunch; he'd forgotten that he had some job interviews... She
then bitterly goes on that she supposes she'll have to get used
to it now; no decent guy's going to want to know her. Irene replies
that, if that is the case, she's better off without
Luke; it sounds like he's a little snob - and she should know,
because she was married to a big one! David comes downstairs.
Jill asks them if they can wait because she wants to come with
them. Looking surprised, David starts to say that he thought she--
Jill interrupts and says she thinks Terry has a chance of getting
off free after Scott Thompson's evidence, and it took a lot of
guts to stand up for her like that; she wants to be there with
Fee when he's released. David comments that he thought Terry had
decided that he shouldn't see Fee again. Jill replies
that he loves her so much and she's his daughter after all; she's
going to tell him that he can see her whenever he wants to. David
looks at Irene.
In the corridor outside the courtroom, James Manning tells Terry
that he's making a grave mistake. Terry retorts, "In your
opinion." He then adds that he wants to make a statement,
and that's that. Manning angrily tells him to listen: he's prepared
a set of questions which, following on from Scott Thompson's testimony
yesterday, if Terry answered them carefully, there's no doubt
in the world that the jury will be convinced that he took Fee
in the best interests of the child; the jury will return a verdict
of 'not guilty'; can't Terry see that? Terry ignores
this and repeats that he's making a statement. Manning asks him
what exactly he intends saying. Terry retorts that he doesn't
think it's any of his business. Manning glares at him and then
turns to Fiona and tells her to try and talk some sense
into him. Fiona replies that Terry won't change his mind; she
did a terrible thing to him and Jill yesterday, and she's not
interfering today. Manning snaps, "Then be it on
your head, as well". He warns Terry that if he says
one word out of place, he's going inside for a very long time.
Terry replies that that's the risk he has to take. Manning snaps,
"Exactly," and he storms off. Terry looks at Fiona.
A while later, Manning is addressing the court, and he tells
the judge and jury that the defendant has elected to make a statement
rather than take the stand. The judge says, "Very well,"
and he tells Terry to proceed. Terry stands up, sighs, and then
says he just wants to clear up a few things. He looks over at
Jill, who's sitting in the public gallery, holding Fee. He tells
the court that what he really wants to say is that all that garbage
about Jill yesterday is wrong - they wouldn't find a better mother
anywhere; and the truth of the matter is that he took
his little girl because he couldn't stand the thought of not seeing
her again. He goes on that he knows he's done some rotten things
to Jill, and if the court decides that he has to pay for them,
that's their decision. In the gallery, Fiona whispers to Beryl
that she's got to get out of there, and she stands up. Terry tells
the court that there's nothing he can do to make up for what he
put Jill through - but as far as he's concerned, he couldn't
ask for a better mother for his kid. There are murmurs in the
courtroom. Terry concludes that that's all he's got to say. In
the public gallery, Scott rubs his temple. David looks at Terry
intently. Jill stares at Terry, who looks down at the floor. Manning
announces that that finishes the case for the defence. Out in
the corridor, Fiona sobs to Beryl that there's no hope now, after
that. Beryl points out that he was being honest
- she's sure the jury will take that into consideration. Fiona
sobs, "Yes - in finding him guilty." Beryl suggests
that they go outside and get some fresh air.
Barbara is on the 'phone in the lounge room at Dural, and she
says to tell Terry and Fiona that they're thinking of them. At
the other end, David says he will. He adds that he'll ring again
as soon as the trial is over. He then asks how Gordon's doing.
Barbara replies that he's fine - although he's not getting enough
rest, of course! David tells her that he'll see her later and
they hang up. Gordon, who's playing Scrabble with Liz, asks Barbara
what's happening. Barbara explains that the jury is out and they're
just waiting for the verdict; apparently, they thought Terry had
a good chance of getting off - until he made a statement to the
jury: he stood up for Jill and denied everything Scott Thompson
had said yesterday. Gordon remarks that that would have been one
hell of a decision to make. Barbara tells him that, apparently,
they thought it was the wrong one. Liz comments that
they're both obviously very fond of Terry. Barbara glares at her.
Gordon tells her that it's just a pity to see someone who tried
to do the right thing go under, that's all.
Outside the courtroom, Beryl tells Fiona that there's nothing
she can do - it's just a matter of waiting. She suggests that
Fiona come and have some lunch, but Fiona replies that she couldn't
keep anything down. She bitterly goes on that she wishes to God
that she was with Terry right now. Scott suddenly walks over and
joins them. He asks Fiona for a word - alone. Beryl looks
at him. Fiona tells her to go and get her lunch - she'll be alright.
Beryl walks off. Scott curtly tells Fiona that he thought she
could have stopped Terry cutting his own throat. Fiona retorts
that it was Terry's decision. Scott snaps that he's an
idiot - his testimony would have been quite sufficient
to get him off; now he hasn't got a hope; it's all going
to be so damned embarrassing. Fiona, looking shocked, snaps at
Scott that he is the most selfish, self-centred person she's ever
met: all he's worried about is how it's going to affect him.
She angrily goes on that she thought he was bad enough when she
put him out out of her life before, but he just topped
himself. Scott retorts that he didn't want an analysis, thankyou.
Fiona growls that she bets he didn't. She continues that
she fails to see that he'd have any friends - or at least, the
sort that stick by you, no matter what happens; in fact,
she'd be surprised if his own family would want to have
anything to do with him - except out of duty. Scott cooly says
there's no point in hanging round there any longer - the results
are obvious; as far as he's concerned, Terry is going
to get exactly what he deserves. He walks off.
Gordon and Liz are still playing Scrabble in the lounge room
at Dural. Liz puts down some letters, and Gordon incredulously
queries, "Z - A - X. Zax?!" Liz explains that it's an
instrument for cutting a slate. Gordon tells her that she's having
him on, and so Liz picks up the dictionary, flicks to the back
and shows him the word spelt out in black-and-white. Wayne comes
into the room and Gordon tells him that Liz has got a mind like
a steel trap! Barbara also come in and suggests to Gordon that
he go and sit outside, as it's beautiful out there. Gordon replies
that he doesn't know about sitting, but a walk would
be nice. He adds that Liz hasn't seen out there, has she? Liz
teases him that he just wants to get out of being beaten again!
Gordon says he supposes she knows all about plants as well! They
head outside. When they've gone, Wayne comments to Barbara that
he has to say that Liz is working out better than he thought -
Gordy is improving by the minute; he didn't think she'd take the
job so seriously. Barbara angrily asks why she wouldn't
- she's getting paid for it. She storms off, leaving
Wayne standing there smiling gleefully.
At the Morrell apartment, Amanda is on the 'phone and she says
to the person at the other end, Guy, that she can't wait. She
then adds that she bets she can prove him wrong - just wait until
tonight! She hangs up. Lynn, who's sitting on the couch, gives
her a look of disapproval, Amanda asks her if she's making her
jealous. Lynn retorts that she came to stay because of the way
Amanda felt after Wayne attacked her - but all Amanda has done
is carry on with a whole lot of old boyfriends. Amanda replies
that she's enjoying herself, that's all. Lynn says she can understand
that, but it makes it hard for her, Amanda bringing them
home so late, and usually drunk; it's unsettling for Davey, being
woken up all the time. Amanda, looking surprised, says she doesn't
see why she can't relax a bit. Lynn tells her that she can;
she just doesn't think she's going the right way about it, that's
all. Amanda snaps that she doesn't see what makes Lynn
an expert, all of a sudden. Davey starts crying, and Lynn stands
up and says she's going to take him to Irene's; she can see if
any letters have arrived; maybe they can have a talk when she
gets back?
At Dural, Barbara angrily tells Wayne, who's reading the newspaper,
that it's got to stop - sooner or later, Gordon is going to find
out about Liz and it's going to have a terrible effect on him
- and Wayne can't deny that Gordon is getting very fond of the
girl. Wayne assures her that his father won't find out. He goes
on that, once Gordon is better, he and Liz will realise that they're
not suited for each other and they'll split up; Gordon will be
disappointed but he'll get over it. He adds that, anyway, Barbara
should be glad that Liz is having such a good effect on him. He
returns to reading the paper. Barbara snaps that that's true for
the time being, but there's always the chance that-- Wayne suddenly
makes a noise of surprise, and Barbara impatiently asks what the
matter is now. Wayne replies that, if what they say there
is true, they could be left without a cent to their names. Barbara
impatiently asks him what he's talking about. Wayne hands her
the newspaper and she starts reading it.
At the courtroom, the Clerk of the court asks the jury foreman
how the jury finds Terrence Hansen on the charge of abduction:
guilty or not guilty? The foreman replies, "Guilty."
The judge then addresses Terry and tells him that there is no
doubt in his mind that Terry took his daughter from her mother's
custody without malice - his affection for the child is obvious;
nevertheless, in doing so, Terry broke the law, and therefore
must pay his debt for the crime he committed. He goes on that,
throughout the trial, he's been impressed by Terry's personal
integrity, and this is backed up by his record of service in Vietnam.
He continues that his job, however, is to uphold the law; the
minimum sentence for abduction is two years, but considering the
mitigating circumstances, he has decided to sentence Terry to
one year's imprisonment, with a three-month non-parole period.
He adds that he further recommends that, with Terry's rural background,
he serves his sentence at a suitable prison farm. As she hears
this, Fiona starts crying. Terry just stares straight ahead. The
Clerk calls, "All stand." Everyone does so, and the
judge walks out. Murmurs of discussion start filling the room.
Beryl points out to Fiona that it's not as bad as it could
have been. Fiona, though, sobs that he still has to go to jail.
A few minutes later, outside the courtroom, Beryl tells Fiona
that she must look at it the right way: she expected him to get
at least two years. Fiona, though, sobs that, if he hadn't
said anything, he would have got off completely. Beryl
points out that she can't be sure of that - and Terry did do a
very decent thing; Fiona must be proud of him. Fiona agrees that
she is. She turns to look at Jill, who's standing a few feet away,
with David and Irene. Jill says to the two of them that she couldn't
believe it when Terry made his statement. David comments that
he's got a lot of guts. Irene remarks that it's a pity he has
to go inside. Jill suggests that maybe he's finally paying for
what he did to her. Irene agrees that maybe he is.
Jill goes on that she always said she'd never forgive him, but
she supposes she has to say she has now. Terry suddenly
emerges from the courtroom, handcuffed to a police officer. Jill
tells him that she really thought he'd get off; she brought Fee
along so that he could hold her, and she was going to tell him
that he could see her whenever he wanted. Terry smiles at her.
He then looks sadly at Fee and holds her hand with his free hand.
Jill tells him that they'll visit him - wherever he is.
Terry smiles and says, "Thanks." He then looks at Fiona,
who smiles back at him, sadly. Terry turns to Katie and gives
her a wink and a smile, and the police officer then leads
him away. Fiona bursts into tears.
At Dural, Wayne is on the 'phone in the lounge room. He hangs
up and Barbara asks him what the accountant had to say - is it
as bad as they thought? Wayne replies, "Yep." Barbara
asks how it could have happened - it was a very safe
investment and they didn't do anything silly. Wayne snaps that
there's no point in discussing it yet - they've just got to make
the best of what they've got left. They suddenly hear the front
door bang, and Barbara mutters that Gordon mustn't know at any
cost. Wayne replies that Liz can help with that. Gordon and Liz
come into the room, but Liz tells Gordon that it's time for his
nap. Gordon comments that she's as bad as Barbara is!
Barbara suggests that he do what he's told, then! Gordon gives
in and goes. Wayne says he'll put the newspaper in the incinerator.
Liz asks what's going on, and Wayne explains that there's something
in the finance pages that Gordy mustn't see under any circumstances.
He adds that, if his father asks for the finance pages,
she's to put his mind on something else. Liz assures Wayne that
she'd hate to upset Gordon - he's a really nice man. Barbara growls,
"Yes, he is." She walks off. Alone with Wayne, Liz says
she doesn't think Barbara knows how lucky she is having
Gordon. Wayne replies that Barbara can be an old battleaxe but
she's got reason to be a bit off at the moment. Liz asks what's
so serious. Wayne replies that it's to do with the business -
nothing for her to get involved in. He then asks her
if she can amuse herself for a while, as he has to talk to Barbara.
Jill opens the front door at Toorak to find Scott standing on
the step. He tells her that he knows how she must be feeling,
but he thinks it's imperative that she give him a few moments.
Jill suggests that he'd better come in, then. Scott steps into
the hallway and Jill closes the door. She then says, "Well?"
Scott tells her that he knows how upsetting and embarrassing it
must have been for her, hearing her background discussed like
that - so he'd like to try and make it up to her. He continues
that he knows things are going to be difficult for her now that
things aren't the same for her and Fiona; Fee is his grandchild,
and naturally he does feel some responsibility for her, so he'd
like her to accept something. He takes out a cheque and hands
it to Jill, who stares at it in astonishment. She then angrily
snaps that he's got the biggest nerve she's ever come across -
he's got the cheek to think he can offer her money after what
he's done to her; he thinks he can buy her. Scott insists
that it's for the child, but Jill snaps that that's rubbish -
it's to make him feel better. She angrily tells him that
she wouldn't take money from him if she was starving.
Scott cooly remarks that she's being a bit melodramatic, but Jill
snaps that too right she is - because she's got something he'll
never have: her pride. She then orders him to get out,
and she opens the door. Scott tells her that she's a very ungrateful
girl. Jill just snaps at him again to get out and stay away from
her and her daughter. He goes. Jill sighs heavily.
The front door opens at the Morrell apartment and Lynn comes
in, carrying Davey. Amanda sarcastically comments that it must
have been quite a stack of mail, as she was gone long enough.
Lynn doesn't respond to this. Instead, she tells Amanda that she's
had a think on the way home and if Amanda is going to keep behaving
this way, she thinks it would be best if she and Davey go back
to Melbourne. Looking surprised, Amanda says she thought Lynn
was her friend. Lynn retorts that she thought she was
too, but Amanda isn't making it very easy. She goes on that she
knows it's difficult for Amanda at the moment, and she knows she
needs to let a few things out, but she doesn't think it's right
for her or good for her - and it's not good for Davey.
Amanda retorts that he's too young to know anything. Lynn replies
that he's old enough to sense things. She tells Amanda
that that's it: if she doesn't start getting her act together,
she'll spend the rest of her time in Australia with her mum and
dad. She heads off to her bedroom to put Davey to bed, leaving
Amanda looking worried. There's suddenly a knock on the front
door and she answers it to find Wayne standing there. She angrily
snaps that he's all she needs. Wayne tells her that it's
important that they talk. Amanda warns him that Lynn
is there, in case he's got any ideas. Wayne, realising what she's
implying, insists that he was drunk the other night;
he didn't know what he was doing; he wouldn't hurt her for the
world. Amanda growls that he's always got an excuse.
He walks into the apartment and shuts the door. He tells Amanda
that he's sorry and he means it; he's truly sorry. Amanda asks
him what he wants. Wayne replies that there's been a spot of trouble.
He then pauses before asking who he's kidding: they've got a disaster
on their hands and they've got to keep it from Gordon. Amanda
sourly comments, "Blown something again, have you?"
Wayne explains that the two major investments of the company have
gone bust; they need money to hold the creditors off - at least
until they can sort out the mess. Amanda points out that
Barbara has got her own company; can't she help out?
Wayne replies that of course she can, but it won't be enough.
Amanda points out that it looks as though he'll have to dig into
his own pockets. She adds that he got as much as her
from Dee's will. Wayne tells her that he put everything he had
into the company... A look of realisation dawns on Amanda's face,
and she murmurs that he's come to her for help - he wants
her money to bail him out. Wayne tells her that he's got a right
to it - and he's still her husband; she wouldn't have
the money if it wasn't for him. Amanda snaps that he's
asking her for money after what he did to her; no way
- what she's got left she keeps, and she's going to keep it for
herself. Wayne tells her that they're desperate
- if Gordon finds out, it could kill him; he needs her help. Amanda
realises that he really means it. Wayne assures her that he does.
A sly smile begins to cross Amanda's face as she tells him, "Then
you're going to have to grovel for it..."
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