Episode 4323

Australian Air Date: 22nd November 2006

Rocco turns to an unlikely source to help bring Johnny down. Peter jeopardises his career to protect Drew. Amanda attempts to mend Drew and Peter’s relationship.

Extended Summary

Back at the party, Belle has filled the others in on Drew taking off and they are all concerned he is in danger. Lucas suggests they call the cops but Belle stops them – she has another idea…

Peter is safely at home from the hospital but his mind is still churning with thoughts of Drew and his harsh reaction towards his relationship with Amanda. Amanda offers her loving reassurance that everything will be okay. Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door and Peter and Amanda are both surprised to find Belle standing there, as she prepares to tell them all.

In no time, Peter and Amanda are in the car speeding along, looking for Drew. They are sick with worry when they spot a car on the side of the road. They race over to find Drew slumped at the wheel, passed out drunk. Peter takes a moment and then decides to remove Drew from the car and leave. Back at home, Peter comes off the phone to the station, having reported seeing a stolen car. He knows what he’s doing is against the law but he can’t bare to see Drew in any more trouble. The next morning Drew emerges, feeling sick as dog. Peter attempts to talk about Drew’s actions but he doesn’t want a lecture. Peter is taken aback by Drew’s lack of remorse. Drew insists he doesn’t want his father’s help and storms out, leaving Peter crushed by the extent of Drew’s hatred.

Later, Amanda visits Drew. He is home alone and when he opens the door to find her standing there, he doesn’t want to hear anything she has to say. Amanda ploughs on with an apology for hurting him so much but she can’t deny her feelings for Peter and perhaps that’s why she was attracted to Drew in the first place. She insists Peter is scared of losing him and begs him to give his father another chance. Later that night, there’s a knock at the door and Peter is surprised and hopeful to find Drew. Drew hands over a bag of his belongings and after some hesitation, Drew thanks Peter for looking after him last night. It’s a small but significant gesture and Peter couldn’t be happier.

At the Summer Bay House, Martha is all upbeat about meeting Ash for lunch. As she leaves, Alf clocks Morag’s reaction. He insists she needs to let it go but Morag still believes Ash is up to no good. Rocco mopes downstairs and out the door, leaving the others to wonder what he’s so down about. He heads for the Surf Club but is alarmed when Ash arrives holding up a missing persons picture of Tom. Rocco tries to cover and insists he’s never seen the guy in his life. Ash senses Rocco may be hiding something and hands over his card insisting he should call with any info. Rocco takes it – but will he come clean?

Later, Rocco meets up with Johnny and the gang to talk about the upcoming robbery. Rocco is instantly alarmed when Johnny insists this is the first of many more jobs. Rocco is sick to the stomach, realising there may only be one way out of the gang.

…Rocco waits nervously at home until Ash arrives. Ash is pleased Rocco rang but Rocco is adamant he can’t tell him anything unless Ash can promise to protect him. Ash insists he will. Rocco spills the beans on Johnny’s plans for the robbery. Ash insists that will be the perfect chance to catch Johnny red-handed and Rocco will be freed from the gang. Ash assures Rocco he’s done the right thing but Rocco certainly hopes so, otherwise he is a dead man!