Episode 4153

Australian Air Date: 29th March 2006
Writer: Sarah Walker
Director: Geoffrey Nottage

Amanda protests her innocence as she faces a life behind bars for murder. As the mystery over Ric’s part in Josh’s murder deepens, he and Cassie sadly accept that their relationship is over. More residents of the Bay become suspects in Josh’s death.

Extended Summary

Amanda is handcuffed and lead to a cell, deeply traumatised. Dan is stunned – how could she do this?! Dan wants to hear Amanda’s version of events and pleads with Peter to let him talk to Amanda alone. Peter hesitates, before giving in, on the proviso Dan tell him anything and everything Amanda says relating to the case. Dan enters the room and when face to face with Amanda, is angered that she was prepared to take Ryan away from him. Amanda is distressed. She didn’t think things through but pleads for Dan to believe in one thing – she is innocent and desperate for his help…but what will he do? Peter is disappointed and stunned that Dan is now convinced Amanda is innocent. Peter can’t believe she has him wrapped around her finger with her act but Dan remains adamant his gut feeling is right despite the evidence against her is piled high. Harper interrupts with the news that Amanda was caught on a red light camera at the time of the murder. She is innocent! Amanda is relieved and doesn’t know how the remnants of the cut up magazine used for the death threat made its way in to her bin. The killer is still out there!

Ric is brooding over his break-up with Cassie, when Belle comes in. Belle insists he’s better of without her, but Ric can see where this is going and insists they are just friends. Belle is disappointed. Cassie walks in and spots the two of them together. Belle is intent on stirring things up and that she does. A scrag fight erupts! Things calm down when Belle leaves and Ric and Cassie reflect on their problems. For the first time, Ric explains that his relationship with Cassie is a reminder of the happy times they shared when Flynn was in their lives. Now that has been taken away from them. Cassie understands and they both sadly accept their relationship is over.

The Diner is a buzz with the news that Amanda is innocent and the hunt for the killer continues! Leah falls silent. Peter picks up on her mood, insisting that if she knows something about the case, she should tell him. But what will Leah decide?

Dan is comforting Amanda after her ordeal, when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Peter, and Amanda is instantly alert – she’s had enough for one day! Peter assures Amanda he not there to bother her – it’s Dan he needs to speak with. Dan is confused and Peter grimly informs him he is needed at the station for questioning to the murder of Josh West. Dan is reeling. He doesn’t deny his threats towards Josh but never did he take it any further. Dan comes to the realisation that the only person who could have mentioned anything to Peter was Leah. Dan is released from the interview but a big question mark remains over his head.

Dan is hurt and rips into Leah – how could she do this to him? Leah is rattled by his outburst. Peter arrives at the Diner and apologises to Leah, insisting he had no intention of telling Dan she was his source of information. Dan just put two and two together. Leah is still of the firm belief Dan didn’t do anything but felt it was the right thing to do to report his possible connection. Peter is stumped and expresses he would be closer to finding the killer if only they could find who was responsible for leaving the remnants of magazines in Amanda’s bin. He is confident that person is the killer. Ric overhears in the background. He is clearly troubled, as his thoughts flash back to his actions last week of carefully cutting out the magazine letters – revealing the page with the words…YOU ARE DEAD! The very same threat Josh received before his death! Did Ric murder Josh?