Episode 6473

Extended Summary

It’s a new day as Duncan strolls along the beach, mulling his disastrous reunion with Alf the night before. He connects with Tori, out for a run, and they both debrief about family woes. As Roo approaches, it’s only now Tori realises Duncan’s family is the Stewarts. Tori leaves to give the siblings time alone. Roo apologises to Duncan about Alf’s reaction, but Duncan reassures he’ll do whatever it takes to sort things out with his Dad. Later, at the diner, Duncan is embraced by Marilyn, Irene and John but Alf remains cool. When Duncan finally gets Alf alone, he’s not remotely interested – he’s got nothing to say to Duncan. Irene, Marilyn and John witness the icy exchange and let Roo know. Roo tries to shake Alf out of his bitterness. Duncan has flown half way around the world, the least he can do is meet him half way. Alf finally thaws, and goes to chat with Duncan over a beer. Duncan’s heartfelt mea culpa concerning their stand-off over his wife, makes an impact with Alf. Roo’s pleased as lunch becomes a pleasant, relaxed family catch up. Maybe father and son will be reunited after all?

Matt comes to work to find Justin in a foul mood – his family’s rejection of him taking its toll. Matt’s sympathetic and Justin’s morning brightens when Ash, reluctant, gives him positive feedback about his work – seems he’s already an asset to the business.

Tori’s runs into Kat, finding out she’s the other partner of the garage. Tori expresses her surprise and dismay about Justin somehow having the money to invest in the garage, invertedly setting off Kat’s suspicions.
Kat confronts Justin, who quickly shuts it down, blaming family issues for Tori’s lack of knowledge about his money situation.

Kat confronts Justin, calling him out on the lie that he could’ve saved that money on the run. Justin rebuffs but doesn’t convince Kat – Kat then takes her grievance to Ash. Ash also offers a wall of denial, but Kat chips away and eventually Ash crumbles – telling Kat the whole truth about Andy and his dirty money. Ash pleads his case – the business was about to fold if he didn’t bank Andy’s ‘gift’. While the garage is Ash’s livelihood – he was also trying to protect Kat’s investment. Ash had no choice. Kat reminds him he’s now an accessory to Andy’s car rebirthing proceeds. Kat should arrest him on the spot, but heads off to wrap her heard around it all – she’s going to take some time. Justin finds Tori on the beach and without going into detail he confesses the money isn’t his – he’s just doing Ash a favour. Tori believes him, but it doesn’t matter – the trust relationship between them feels irrevocably damaged.

Meanwhile, Marilyn and John find themselves preoccupied with Jordan’s upcoming 16th birthday, which Marilyn only just discovered via social media. They’re determined to give him a fabulous celebration but he’s embarrassed and self-conscious. He snaps at them – forget it. Jordan later reveals the reason that he’s not psyched about his birthday – his dad used to say that they’d celebrate is 16th in a big way. It’s tough now that he’s not around anymore.
John and Marilyn are heart-broken for him but would still like to do something special for him, He agrees, leaving them elated. John and Marilyn secretly agree that a trip to the Gold Coast is the way to go. However, the Palmers are shocked when their travel plans are disturbed by an unknown, unexpected visitor: Aaron – Jordan’s father, who just got out of gaol and now wants to be reunited with his son.

Surprises abound, when Duncan feels relaxed enough to reveal he has a 5 year old son. Alf is floored, but not in a good way – accusing Duncan of only being here to worm his way back into Alf’s will. Father and son are now further apart than ever before.