Ric’s final hopes of proving his innocence are destroyed. Amanda goes to extreme lengths to protect her relationship.
Extended Summary
The blackmailing continues and Amanda realises there’s no escaping Ethan’s demand to steal drugs from the hospital. Amanda seeks help from Kelli, who advices her not to tell Peter. Amanda arrives at the hospital, nervous as hell but sets about creating a stir to distract the staff and steal the keys to the drugs room. Checking the coast is clear, Amanda grabs the drugs and bolts around the corner, colliding with Peter as she goes. Looking utterly flustered, Amanda clutches onto her bag and makes a quick exit… that was way too close for comfort!
Amanda later meets Ethan at a secluded part of beach and hands over the drugs but Ethan makes it clear this is only the first of many more demands to come. Amanda is mortified, knowing Ethan has her between a rock and a hard place. Amanda returns home feeling utterly defeated and reaches the decision she has no other choice but to come clean and tell Peter everything. Peter and Dan arrive at Amanda’s House. Amanda braces herself to spill the beans but Dan proceeds to rabbit on about how in love Peter is and how excited he is about the wedding. Amanda has a change of heart and decides against telling Peter the truth in fear of hurting him. Poor Amanda realises there’s no easy way out of this mess.
With Ric’s trial only a day away, Ric and his family do their best to remain positive. Cassie and Matilda try to brighten up Ric and distract him whilst Sally, Brad and Alf are out. It’s a wistful moment as they come to terms with the fact this could be their last time hanging out together in a while if things don’t go Ric’s way at the trial. Suddenly, they are interrupted by call on Ric’s mobile. He answers it and is met with a voice telling him they know who killed Rocco. Ric listens on, absolutely stunned. He puts down the phone and explains to the girls that Mick is coming over and he knows information about Rocco’s murder.
A nervous looking Mick arrives at the door and Ric is desperate to get the info. Mick explains he used to be a part of Johnny’s gang and was present when Dave, another gang member, killed Rocco. Ric can’t believe what he’s hearing but Mick declines Ric’s request to testify in court. Mick says he wants an air ticket to escape in case Johnny finds out he’s dobbed. Cassie and Matilda watch on, a little skeptical and question why Mick hasn’t been to the police. But Ric is desperate and promises Mick he’ll bring the goods to the Surf Club later in the afternoon.
Sally, Alf and Brad arrive home and Ric frantically fills them in on the latest developments. They too are skeptical and don’t want Ric to get his hopes up. Ric is blinkered in his determination and manages to convince Alf to at least meet Mick at the Surf Club. It could be his one and only hope of proving his innocence. Alf reluctantly agrees. He and Ric head down to the Club and Mick is waiting at the Bar. But once Ric approaches, Mick stares at him blankly, pretending he’s never seen Ric in his life. Ric is thrown and suddenly he realises he’s be conned. Ric’s blood starts to boil and Alf steps in before things get out of hand. Mick then adds that Johnny wishes him luck for tomorrow at the trial. Ric is furious and disheartened that any chance of proving his innocence has just disappeared.
Ric returns home, angered by the thought he is going down for a crime he didn’t commit. Matilda listens on but suddenly her emotions overwhelm her and she races from the house. Realising he’s mouthed off too much, Ric goes after her. Matilda breaks down, as Ric takes her in his arms. Ric reassures Matilda how much he loves her and there’s nothing to fear – he promises he’s not going anywhere… But is it a promise Ric can keep?