Episode 6457

Extended Summary

Andy meets up with old contact, Simmo. Simmo is suspicious given past interactions but Andy sells him on the idea of using the garage as a chop-shop. At the garage, Andy lets Ash know how much he appreciates everything he has done for him lately. But when Simmo shows up with a luxury car and Ash is intrigued, Andy is quick to deal with it, encouraging Ash to take some time off.

Alf and Roo clash once again over the Bait Shop. He wants it closed now! Roo gets an inkling of why this is so important to her dad. She finds Justin and sheepishly apologises for having to let him go. She suspects Alf is fearful of losing control and becoming irrelevant. Justin understands but is gutted to be out of work again.

Meanwhile Brody has closed up Angelo’s for the day, making plans to give the restaurant a makeover. Phoebe is excited to help and they playfully toss around ideas. Justin shows up looking for a free fed. After learning about his work situation Phoebe encourages him to try again at the garage. Justin is reluctant given his previous clashes with Ash but Brody says he’s got to suck it up – he needs the work. Justin relents and as he leaves, throws out a potential name for the restaurant – Salt. Phoebe and Brody are surprised but they don’t hate it. Later, the pair continue to tease one another into the afternoon when Kat witnesses it, and is left to wonder if there’s an attraction there.

Simmo is impressed with the work Andy performs on the car and they make a deal to continue the arrangement. Justin turns up at the garage to follow up on Phoebe’s advice and witnesses Simmo handing Andy an envelope stuffed with cash. Justin can tell something’s dodgy. Later, Ash finds Justin and makes it clear he will never employ him, regardless of Phoebe’s vouch for him. Justin no longer cares – he doesn’t work anywhere that isn’t legit. Justin shares what he saw at the garage. Ash doesn’t buy his claims about Andy but is left unsettled. Ash confronts Andy, who acts insulted. Part of Simmo’s money is in the office, which appeases an apologetic Ash. But Andy is left increasingly guilty for putting the garage and Ash at risk. At the diner, Ash is trying to apologise again to Kat about using the garage for Andy’s bail but Kat is annoyed – he can’t keep going behind her back and then just grovelling after. Kat wants to remain strong in her position but Ash charms her. Kat asks how Andy’s going and Ash tells her how he’s pulling extra hours and working hard. Kat decides that if Ash trusts Andy, then she does too. The couple make up and enjoy the afternoon together.

Tori confronts Nate over the way he spoke to Mason, accusing him of being too harsh. Nate counters that Mason missed his ward round, kept making jokes and didn’t report Alf’s fall. Tori thinks none of that warrants Nate yelling at Mason, and suggests Nate is letting his personal life influence how he treats the interns. Nate is insulted at the comment and storms off. Tori remains livid and tells Mason how Nate accused her of favouritism, until Mason points out she was using her influence for his benefit. Mason’s over what Nate said so why shouldn’t she be? Tori isn’t convinced but Mason performs much better as an intern after that, impressing Nate.

Mason is stunned when Lara shows up at the hospital. Nate observes her kiss Mason, as Mason quickly makes it clear she needs to leave – Lara was expecting a warmer welcome. He overhears Tori approaching and panics, practically manhandling Lara back into the elevators. She pouts, as he promises to meet up later. Mason is left relieved by the near miss with his older sister. Nate and Tori finally manage to see things from the others’ perspective and clear the air. However, Tori has to cover her unease when Nate mentions that Mason’s ‘girlfriend’ showed up at the hospital.

On his way to find Lara, Mason notices a tearful Evelyn. He puts off meeting Lara and offers a sympathetic ear. Evelyn explains how she attempted to take up her studies again – desperate to take back some control of her life. Unfortunately, it only reminded her of how amazing her life once was. Mason offers comforting words and they share an intimate but platonic moment… which is misread by a passing Lara.

Now believing she understands why things have been so weird between them, Lara accuses Mason of dating Evelyn. He tries to make her accept the truth but all Lara can see is someone who isn’t committed enough to their relationship. It breaks her heart but she has to end it. Desperate to keep hold of her, Mason is forced to blurt out the truth – his family are in witness protection.