Amanda is driving her car along a near-deserted road. Mitch is sitting in the passenger seat and Amanda asks him how far they've got to go. Mitch retorts that it isn't far. Amanda asks where they're going, and Mitch replies, "Barney's shack." Amanda snaps at him that she can't just go walkabout whenever she feels like it. Mitch ignores this, instead going on that it's a great spot - she'll love it. Amanda suddenly changes gear and slows the car down. Mitch angrily asks her what she's doing, and Amanda retorts that this is ridiculous; she's turning back. As the car comes to a halt, Mitch growls that he told her: they're nearly there. He then points to a nearby sign and continues that the turnoff is just near it. Amanda sits there, not responding. Mitch persists that she's come this far; she can't back out on him now. Amanda mutters that she doesn't suppose she can... Looking reluctant, she pulls the car away again. Mitch watches her as they resume heading down the road. Amanda suddenly glimpses a telephone box at the side of the road. She looks at Mitch and then changes gear as the car speeds up.

A short time later, Amanda pulls her car up outside an old shack, apparently in the middle of nowhere. Mitch gets out, takes his canvas bag and his jacket out of the back of the car and runs round to the driver's door. As Amanda sits there, not moving, Mitch asks her if she doesn't want to see inside. He opens the car door for her, going on as he does so that Barney showed him the place last week; he said he could use it whenever he likes. He walks over to the shack's front door, reaches up to the edge of the overhanging roof and takes out a key. He comments that it's not the most original place for hiding it.

The two of them head inside. Mitch turns on the lights and Amanda looks round. She immediately remarks that he wasn't kidding when he called it a shack. Mitch retorts that it's not the Hilton but it keeps the weather out. Amanda suddenly cries that she can't stay there. Looking surprised, Mitch asks why not. Amanda explains that she's expected for dinner tonight - some girls asked her out and if she doesn't turn up, they'll be worried. Mitch tells her to let them worry - she's safe enough where she is. Amanda snaps that he hasn't even told her what this is in aid of, yet. Mitch retorts that he just thought they needed space to sort things out; to be by themselves for a change. Amanda retorts that that's fine - but they can do it at her place, not there. Mitch, though, snaps, "No." He goes on angrily that someone is always poking their nose in: Fiona... Brandon... even Barney, lately; he wants it to be like it was at Woombai: just him and her. Amanda looks worried, but Mitch tells her to relax - nothing will happen to her - except for the odd mozzie bite, maybe; he might even teach her how to catch trout! Amanda doesn't look impressed.

At Dural, Gordon is talking on the 'phone at the bar in the lounge room, while Wayne stands behind the bar, a smirk on his face and a drink in his hand. Gordon is talking to Karen, and he tells her that he's afraid she'll just have to accept his decision on the matter. Karen, though, snaps that she accepts nothing - they made an agreement and decided that she should stay on as Managing Director. Gordon tells her that, sometimes, you have to alter to circumstances - Wayne was astute enough to find a backer and, frankly, he thinks it's in the company's best interests to take advantage of it. Karen angrily asks, "What about my interests? There is such a thing as business ethics." Gordon curtly points out that it was hardly ethical when she tried to force Wayne to sell his shares to her son. He looks at Wayne and goes on that Wayne told him about it, in case she's wondering how he found out; if you make rules, you've got to play by them. Karen snaps that she can always get her lawyers to argue the point. Gordon tells her to do what she wants; the matter's closed, as far as he's concerned. He hangs up, and Wayne slurs, "That's telling her." Gordon tautly comments, "Better me than you?" He then asks his son if he doesn't think he's had enough to drink. Wayne, though, slurs that a man's got a right to celebrate when he's out from under the thumb, hasn't he? Gordon stares at him and asks him what he means by that. Wayne slurs that he means there are no more women around to run their lives for them: no more Barbara, no more Katie, no more Amanda and no more Karen. He raises his glass and smiles, "Cheers!" Gordon sharply suggests to him that he save his self-indulgence until the money comes through - the way he's behaving at the moment, he couldn't convince anyone that the company is worth investing in. Wayne slurs that his backer hasn't got any choice. Looking surprised, Gordon asks, "Why?" Wayne quickly replies that it's because she's so convinced it's a secure investment that he probably couldn't talk her out of it if he tried...

David has arrived in Sydney and he's at Fiona's flat with her and Barney. He tells them that he's sure Charlie knows where Pat's hiding; the trouble is that, for once in her life, she's keeping her mouth shut. Fiona laughs bitterly and then asks David if he can't talk to her and explain how important it is for Patricia to come back and prepare for the trial. David explains that he's told her that already, but it didn't make any difference. Barney chips in that he should take Charlie by surprise, then. Fiona tells him that it wouldn't work with Charlie, but Barney insists that it's the secret of winning any battle, as far as he's concerned: get Charlie to drop her guard and then hit her with questions. David, looking thoughtful, says it's worth a go, he reckons. Fiona smiles and tells the two men to leave it to her. She walks over to the 'phone. David comments to Barney that Fiona's great, isn't she?! Barney laughs that if anyone can organise it, she can! He offers David a beer and David says he'd love one. On the 'phone, Fiona gets through to Charlie and asks her how she is. Charlie exclaims, "What a surprise!" She then tells Fiona that she's well and she asks her how she is. Fiona replies that she's fine. She then goes on that she was wondering what Charlie's doing this evening, as she's having a few friends coming for dinner and she wondered if Charlie would like to join them - a little thankyou for the party the other day. Charlie says it sounds terrific, but Sylvia O'Neil has invited her to her place tonight. Fiona suggests that maybe Charlie could come over tomorrow morning, then. Charlie, though, replies that she's tied up until lunchtime. Fiona suggests they have lunch, and Charlie accepts this invitation and tells Fiona that she'll see her then. Fiona hangs up. David comments, "Not 'til tomorrow, huh?" Fiona explains that it's the earliest Charlie can make it. She then adds that maybe it's just as well - Amanda is due in a little while and she doubts very much that them questioning Charlie about Patricia will be quite what she's expecting for dinner...

At the shack, Amanda is sitting at a small table, which is covered with a red-and-white checked cloth. Mitch puts a plate of baked beans down in front of her and comments, "Trust Barney to be organised! Who else would have left emergency rations here?!" He sits down with his own plate of beans, but Amanda just stares at hers. Mitch says they'll be stuffing themselves with grilled trout tomorrow, he reckons. Amanda ignores this, instead asking him bluntly how long they're going to stay there. Mitch retorts that it'll be for as long as it takes her to see that he's not the crim he's made out to be. Amanda retorts that she never said he was a crim. Mitch, though, growls that she probably thinks it - just like all the others. Amanda cries that they're worried about him, that's all. Mitch snaps that all they're interested in is making sure he doesn't get an even break. Amanda snaps back that his outbursts of temper don't help much. Mitch insists that he's trying to keep his temper under control, and he tells Amanda to look at him - he's normal enough now, isn't he? Amanda sourly points out that normal people don't go dragging someone off by knifepoint. Mitch looks down at the sheath attached to his arm and says, "What?" He then goes on that she's got it all wrong - the knife isn't for her; it's for him - she's his last chance; if she runs out on him now, there'll be nothing left, so he may as well kill himself...

It's the middle of the night, and Amanda is creeping around a darkened bedroom at the shack, apparently looking to escape. However, as she heads towards the door, she turns to stare at Mitch, who's sleeping in the bed next to hers, and appears to have second thoughts.

The next morning, Charlie waltzes into the flat at Dural and hands Patricia a bag, telling her that she's brought her something to nibble on. Patricia grunts that it's better late than never, she supposes. Charlie, looking surprised, says she thought Wayne would have organised breakfast. Patricia growls that he's too busy congratulating himself on getting his hands on her money. She then adds that Charlie has arranged all that? Charlie assures her that it'll be through this afternoon. She then hands Patricia a personal stereo and some tapes, explaining that she brought them as Patricia can't watch tele. Patricia sits down on the couch, wincing as she does so. Charlie asks her how her knee is, and Patricia groans that it's agony. Charlie asks her if she's sure she shouldn't have treatment; she can make her a doctor's appointment. Patricia, though, retorts that it's too risky. She tells Charlie to just make sure she gets that cheque through this afternoon. Charlie says, "Leave it to me!" She then says she doesn't suppose Patricia would like to hear about Sylvia O'Neil's new diamonds...? Patricia stares at her, and Charlie muses that she didn't think so! She heads out. Patricia puts the headphones on.

There's a knock on the front door of Fiona's flat and Fiona answers it to find Charlie standing there. She invites her in and tells her that she's so glad she was able to come over. Charlie smiles and says she doesn't see why they shouldn't socialise just because the air is a bit chilly between Fiona and Patricia! Fiona smiles and remarks that she can't argue with that. The door to one of the bedrooms suddenly opens and David comes out and says, "G'day, Charlie." Charlie stares at him nervously and asks him what he's doing there. David retorts that he wants to know where his wife is and he reckons she can help. Charlie turns and glares at Fiona, growling that this is why she invites guests over, is it? - so that they can be interrogated like common criminals. Fiona stands there, looking guilty. David snaps at Charlie to just tell them what she knows. Charlie retorts that she told them: she doesn't know anything, and even if she did, she certainly wouldn't tell him. David yells at her that this isn't a game, but Charlie yells back at him not to think he can bully anything out of her. Fiona chips in that, perhaps if they told the police that Charlie knows where Patricia is hiding... She picks up the 'phone as Charlie stares at her, looking worried. David tells Charlie that Patricia's trial is in two weeks, and if she's not treated and given time to prepare her defence, she'll be up against it all the way. Charlie suddenly cries that it's so dangerous for her at the moment. David snaps back that she'll have round-the-clock police protection. On hearing this, Charlie muses that she's sure Patricia would love dearly to come out of hiding... Fiona asks her if she'll tell them where she is, then. Charlie, though, suggests that perhaps it's better at this stage if she simply passes the message on - Patricia is the one who has to decide. David reluctantly accepts this, but he tells Charlie to make sure she gets her to call him; he's sure he can talk her around. Charlie says she'll do her best...

A while later, Charlie is at Dural, and, as he escorts her into the lounge room, Wayne slurs that he's been expecting her. Charlie asks if Gordon is in, but Wayne replies that he's seeing the heart specialist; he should be out most of the afternoon. He then smiles nastily and tells Charlie that if she holds the bag she's carrying any tighter, she'll give herself cramp! Charlie retorts that it's got Patricia's cheque in it - it was cabled through a while ago. Wayne smiles that that's very efficient. He then asks Charlie if he can fix her a drink, but declines. Wayne tells her to suit herself. Charlie goes on that, actually, she has a feeling that Patricia might not sign the money over to him now. Wayne stares at her and she explains that she ran into David - he's looking for Patricia and wants her to go back to Melbourne with him. Wayne asks her if she told him anything. Charlie indignantly retorts that of course she didn't - but knowing how much Patricia loves him, she wouldn't be surprised if she goes with him - which means she has no reason to give him any money. Wayne points out that Patricia will also be putting herself back in Roger Carlyle's sights; has she thought of that? Charlie retorts that David said something about police protection. Wayne laughs and tells her not to kid herself: Carlyle could hire plenty of people good enough to walk straight past a police car. Suddenly looking worried, Charlie says she doesn't know what she's supposed to do. Wayne tells her that it's simple: don't even tell Patricia that David is in Sydney. Charlie looks shocked and cries that she's always been so honest with Patricia. Wayne asks her if she wants Carlyle to get her. Charlie retorts that of course she doesn't. Wayne tells her that she'd better make sure she doesn't breathe a word about David, then...

A short time later, Patricia is standing at the bar, signing the cheque. Wayne smiles as she growls at him that there's his money and that, by the look of it, he's already done his celebrating. Wayne slurs that it so happens that he's celebrating something else - but she's not to worry: he won't stop yet. Patricia snaps at him to just make sure he sticks to his side of the agreement. Wayne assures her that he will - although there's been a slight change in the terms: the price has gone up. Patricia glares at him and snaps, "Oh no you don't. We've got a deal and you're going to stick to it." Wayne slurs that she's got the contract there... Patricia snaps, "Don't push me." Wayne slurs that he isn't; she just doesn't have any choice. Walking round the bar, he puts his arm around her and slurs that he wonders what Roger would say if he knew she was being such a stinky - he'd probably ask him where she is so that he can come round and give her a good talking to. Patricia pushes him away and growls that she should have known better than to trust him in the first place. Wayne suggests that she just look at it this way: women have been giving him a lot of hassles lately, and he figures he's due for some compensation; quite honestly, he couldn't think of anyone more qualified to pay up. He then indicates the lounge room door and Patricia storms out.

David is talking on the 'phone to Charlie, and he asks her if she did everything he told her to. Charlie assures him that she talked her head off, but Patricia kept insisting that the best thing was for him to go back to Melbourne and not worry about her. David asks frustratedly what Patricia expects him to do; he's not leaving Sydney without her and that's all there is to it. He then asks how he knows she'll even come back for the trial. Charlie quickly tells him that she'll definitely be back for that. David asks what's stopping her from coming back with him, then. He adds that Charlie did tell her about the police protection...? Charlie replies that she told her word-for-word. She then continues that she's sorry, but she thinks he should do as Patricia suggests: go back to Melbourne and wait for her there. She quickly adds that she must dash as she's late for an appointment, and she hangs up. At the boarding house, David turns to Fiona and says, "I have to find her - somehow."

Mitch and Amanda walk into the shack. Amanda is smiling. Mitch comments that it's too bad about the big one that got away. Amanda holds up a couple of fish and comments that what they did catch won't even feed one of them. Mitch looks around and remarks that there's no more tin food left, either - it looks like they'll have to duck into town and pick up a few supplies. Suddenly looking thoughtful, Amanda tells him that there's no point in them both going - she might use the time to tidy the place up a bit; it could use a woman's touch. Mitch shrugs and mutters, "If you like." He then adds that it might be a good idea anyway, because if she's not there when he gets back, he'll know she doesn't care about him - or what happens to him... Amanda nervously assures him that of course she'll be there when he gets back. Mitch tells her that they'll have to wait and see, won't they... He heads out. Amanda reaches into the pocket of the shirt she's wearing and takes out some coins.

At Fiona's, David tells Fiona and Barney that Charlie couldn't do anything to convince Patricia. Barney asks, "Now what?" David says he doesn't know - but he can't give up. Fiona suggests that maybe they ought to try and contact some of Patricia's friends - they might be able to pick up something from them. David, though, says no - Charlie is their only hope. Barney asks David if he's thought of following Charlie. David says he hasn't - he doesn't think he's the cloak-and-dagger type. Fiona chips in that Charlie knows him too well anyway. The 'phone suddenly starts ringing and Fiona goes to answer it. As she does so, Barney tells David that part of his army training was keeping out of sight of the enemy; he reckons that with his help, David could keep out of sight of Charlie. Fiona picks up the 'phone and STD pips sound. She says, "Hello?" From the 'phone box that she spotted on the way to the shack, Amanda cries, "Fiona? It's me." There's no response, though, and she bangs on the box in frustration. In her flat, Fiona says, "Hello?" No one says anything, though, she so looks at the 'phone and then hangs up. David calls out to ask who it was, but Fiona says she doesn't know; some crank caller. Out in the bush, Amanda hangs up in frustration, leaves the 'phone box and suddenly notices her car coming down the road towards her. She quickly runs and hides behind the 'phone box so that Mitch doesn't see her. When he's passed, she starts running...

Mitch carries a box of groceries into the shack and calls to Amanda, "I hope you've got a good appetite." There's no answer, though. Beginning to look annoyed, Mitch calls, "You in here?" He rips out the knife from its sheath on his arm, but at that moment, Amanda walks in through the front door, carrying a bunch of wild flowers. Mitch angrily asks her where the hell she's been. Amanda indicates the flowers and explains that she's been out collecting them - she thought they'd brighten the place up a bit. She asks how the shops were. Mitch mutters that there wasn't much to choose from, but he managed to get a few little extras for her. Amanda places the flowers in a jam jar with some water, rests this on the table and comments that the flowers brighten the place up already. Looking round, Mitch suddenly growls that he thought she was going to clean up in there while he was away. Amanda nervously explains that she lost track of time getting the flowers. Mitch asks her suspiciously how he knows she wasn't trying to contact some of her friends along the way. Amanda tells him that she wouldn't do anything to make things worse for him - believe her. Mitch growls that it's good to hear her say that. He then suggests that they'd better get lunch organised before they starve to death.

A while later, Mitch puts two plates of food down on the table and he tells Amanda that everything will work out for them now that they're away from the others. He then asks her what she thinks about moving to a spot like this when they've settled down - it wouldn't cost much and it's still pretty close to the city. Amanda stares at him and then snaps that she thinks they'd better get something straight: she'll stay up there with him for a few days, but she's not about to pack her bags and move in with him for good. Mitch growls that he thought she cared about him. Amanda retorts that she does, but it's not the same as-- She breaks off before continuing that you can't force someone to love you by threatening to kill yourself if they don't - it doesn't work that way; you have to let it happen at its own pace. Mitch snaps at her that that's not what prison taught him: in there, if you wanted something, you didn't stand around waiting for it to happen; you went in and got it. Amanda snaps back that it's different out here. Mitch growls at her that now he's a free man, he's expected to do the right thing, is he?; well, he'll tell her about doing the right thing. He goes on that he remembers a bloke they used to call Curly - he tried to do the right thing: he thought things were a bit crook on the inside - screws on the take, that sort of thing - so he decided to clean the place up a bit; they found the poor mongrel strung up in his cell one morning; they called it 'suicide'. He snaps that it was one of the biggest lessons of his life: it taught him to look after himself and stuff the rest of them. Amanda sympathetically says she didn't realise it was so bad... Mitch snaps that once you do time, it's not easy to let things slip back into place natural-like; that's what he's trying to say - he's not telling her things to make her feel sorry for him. Amanda gently says she knows; but still... the way she used him... she'll make it up to him - she promises. Mitch nods.

Wayne is still drinking in the lounge room at Dural when there's a knock at the front door. He slurs, "I'm coming," and he goes to answer it, stumbling as he tries to open the door in his inebriated state. Karen is standing on the step and Wayne slurs, "Well, if it isn't the Foxy lady." Karen marches into the house and snaps that she wants to know who his mysterious lady is. Wayne smiles nastily and slurs that he bets she does; it's a pity he's not going to tell her. Karen snaps that she's still a shareholder in the company - she has a right to know who's keeping them afloat. Wayne slurs that there's no way. He then indicates the door and slurs, "Why don't you just toodle-oo?" Karen snaps at him incredulously that Gordon thinks he's the man to run the company... She then asks where Gordon is, as she might get some sense out of him. Wayne growls that he's out - not that he could tell her much anyway. Karen asks if he doesn't know either. Wayne retorts that only he knows, and he's not going to tell her. Karen glares at him and snaps, "Good God - they should never have let you out of kindergarten." Wayne retorts, "Yeah, yeah..." He then asks her impatiently why she doesn't just leave. Karen snaps that she's beginning to think Katie is brighter than she thought; well... a little more adventurous, shall they say. Wayne stares at her and she goes on that she heard he walked in on Katie and Alan the other night; it seems that Katie isn't innocent as Wayne thought, is she? Wayne snaps at her that he doesn't have to listen to her. He storms out into the hallway, but Karen persists that the truth hurts. Wayne yells at her, "Go to hell." He heads out towards the pool. In the flat, Patricia suddenly becomes aware of raised voices, and she listens as Karen yells at Wayne that she might not be as innocent as Katie, but she would have been a damn sight more faithful. As the two of them stand by the pool, Wayne - still with a drink in his hand - snaps that he doesn't care what she would have been - he just wants her to get off his back and leave him alone. Karen, though, yells that, no, he's not getting off that lightly - she wants him to know just how pathetically brainless he really is. Patricia watches from the window in the flat as Wayne slurs at Karen that he was clever enough to rope her in the other night, wasn't he? Karen suddenly lashes out and slaps him. Wayne, taken aback, starts staggering backwards and he falls into the pool. Karen yells, "I owed you that." Suddenly finding himself unable to swim with so much alcohol inside him, Wayne starts flailing around and he cries, "Help me..." Karen just stands and stares at him. Patricia carries on watching from the flat. Wayne cries, "Help, somebody. Help..." Karen turns and starts walking away. Watching her go, Wayne cries, "Come on, Karen... Help me..." Patricia turns away from the window, looking disinterested, and she returns to the couch, where she puts on the headphones and switches on the personal stereo. Wayne cries, "Help me... Karen... Help me..." With no one there to help him, Wayne goes under the water...