Episode 4143

Australian Air Date: 15th March 2006
Writer: Susan Hore
Director: Scott Hartford Davis

Amanda and Josh become each other’s worst enemy. Ric’s hatred of Josh reaches boiling point. Rachel is given a sleazy proposition that could ruin her career.

Extended Summary

Josh is doing some serious back pedalling but despite his best efforts to convince Amanda his fling with Sandy was to protect their reputation, Amanda races out of the room, hurt and humiliated. Back at home, Amanda drowns her sorrows with a stiff drink. Josh arrives and reassures Amanda his actions meant nothing – his heart belongs to her. Amanda begins to soften to his sweet talk but as he moves off to the bathroom, Amanda’s curiosity is piqued when Josh’s phone rings and the caller ID displays the name ‘Cindy’. Who the hell is Cindy? Josh covers with the excuse she is a work colleague but Amanda can’t believe she ever trusted Josh – she just called Cindy who confirmed she certainly isn’t a work colleague! Amanda snaps and tells Josh he’s out of the deal. Josh is bemused but Amanda has the upper hand, after all, Tiverson company is in Amanda’s name! Josh gives her a second chance to back down but Amanda stands firm. Josh storms out, leaving Amanda with the threat that she is going to regret her actions! And that she does, when she returns home to discover her kitchen blackened with smoke. Her heart breaks as she notices the charred remains of a drawing Ryan painted for her. Amanda realises the fire has been deliberately lit and lashes out at Josh, still in disbelief he has sunk to such low levels. Josh insists this is only the beginning and gives Amanda has 2 days to change her mind, or Dan and Ryan will suffer. What is she going to do now?

Rachel struggles to hide the fact she has a new man on the scene. Nurse Julie is quick to pick up on the tell tale signs – the spring in her step and twinkle in her eye. Rachel is careful not to give anything away…but Dr Helpman has heard the conversation and his suspicions are aroused. He fishes for information but Rachel is quick to remind him her mind is 100% on the job. Kim hobbles into the hospital with a suspected broken toe, thanks to one of the lawn bowls ladies who dropped a dumb bell on his foot. Rachel is nervous, given her earlier run-in with Helpman, but can’t resist the electricity as Kim takes her hand. She plays it safe and refers him to Nurse Julie…but unseen by Rachel, is Dr Helpman, who has been watching from a distance – his suspicions are confirmed and he’s not happy! Helpman confronts Rachel in the corridor, deliberately berating her in public for not doing her job properly. Rachel is utterly humiliated. Nurse Julie encourages Rachel it’s time to make an official complaint, or else he will bully her out of her job. Rachel confronts Helpman and tells him she feels forced to make a formal complaint against his behaviour – not only for her own benefit, but for all of the other women he has harassed! He is momentarily stunned but fires back with the fact that he has also done his homework and her relationship with Kim will certainly have her struck of the registrar. Rachel is speechless as Helpman moves to her side – his close proximity repulsing her. Helpman suggests there’s only one solution – sleep with him and her secret will be safe!

Sally is sorting through a pile of bills bearing the words ‘Final Notice’. Flynn’s life insurance has not arrived and Sally is resigned to the idea she will need to go back to work to make ends meet. She does her best to hide the weight on her mind, as Ric appears, dressed in his suit and ready for his presentation at the council. Sally is supportive of Ric’s decision to apply for a business grant to start his own cleaning business – but his confidence is dampened by the thought he must face Josh first for the approval. In an effort to boost his spirits, Sally gives Ric one of Flynn’s ties to complete his outfit. Inside Josh’s office, Ric ploughs through his presentation. Josh berates him, commenting on his silly business ideas and shabby attire, making particular mention to Flynn’s tie which gets Ric fuming inside. Ric returns home, utterly gutted but to add insult, Josh appears to personally inform Ric his application was not successful. Furthermore, he has taken it into his own hands to organise Ric’s work for the dole and given his idea for a cleaning business, felt it fitting to place him as a cleaner in the school! Ric is fuming. Later in the night, he spots Josh’s car and is about to take to it with a rock, suddenly a voice comes from behind him …busted! Ric spins around, expecting the worse but is surprised to see Belle standing before him. She’s back!