Episode 8143

Extended Summary

Xander runs into Bree and Rose by the surf club, commenting on the original flatmates being back together. He tells them everything’s on track for the presentation. Moments later, John appears wondering why Xander’s dawdling while collecting a delivery and complaining about the lack of plates and napkins. Bree and Rose wander off, with Rose noting she’s been working on the Vita Nova case without any leads. Back at the hospital, Justin tries to convince Leah to go to the presentation but she doesn’t want to leave him while Vita Nova are still out there. Jordan, who has been hovering in the room, says he’s going to be there. Justin quickly agrees that Jordan can keep an eye on him and convinces Leah to go.

John tries to get Xander to set up the screen and lectern but quickly leaves it to him when Roo comes in. He tells her that Alf would appreciate the speech better coming from her than him, giving her his notes and dashing off. Roo talks to Marilyn, who says she knows why. Roo heads outside and tells John the speech should be by him. John says Alf can’t stand the sight of him and wouldn’t like a speech from him. Roo replies that Alf might be the sheriff but John’s the deputy, and it would be appropriate for the speech to come from him. She returns his notes…actually the crossed out cards.

Leah arrives at the Diner and Irene cheerily asks her about Justin, before asking her to give her cake a look over. Leah thinks it’s fine while Irene think it’s wonky and wants everything right for Alf. She eventually admits she’s thinking about the sentencing hearing. Leah apologises for not checking in on her and they decide to discuss it on the way to the surf club.

When they get there, Irene remarks that she’s only met her lawyer, Greta, a couple of times but she’s good with words. Xander hands out napkins and Bree and Rose comment on how harassed he looks. Marilyn and Roo discuss the speech. John announces the eagle has landed: Alf’s on his way. Mali enters, followed by Alf, prompting everyone to stand up and applaud. Alf asks what’s going on and John tells him it’s his distinguished service award. Alf acts suitably surprised, to Mali’s relief.

Alf, with Roo by his side, watches a slide show, which shows various shots of him on the beach and ends with one of him in his SES uniform with Sam. John talks about Alf’s decades of service and how the beach is a family, one with mad uncles, crazy cousins and people you’d like to disown. (Alf quietly asks Roo what he’s on about.) John presents Alf with a plaque and with a jacket with the surf club logo on it, going on to talk about how Alf is the head of their family and community and has offered a welcome to anyone that comes through the door…unless they’re a flaming galah.

Later, Alf is looking out at the beach when Roo finds him. She jokingly wonders how he can have done decades of service when she doesn’t look any older. Alf comments he had more hair when he started and notes he didn’t do it for a jacket. Roo says the Bay would crumble without him. That evening, up in Salt, Leah is taking photos. Xander tries to avoid John but John congratulates him on the organisation and gets compliments from Marilyn and Mali on his speech. Alf asks Marilyn to take Roo (who is downstairs) home. Xander gives Leah some cake for Justin and also some for Jordan. Bree notes she doesn’t know Jordan and can usually put a name to a face. Rose looks suspicious and decides to check on it. Leah goes with her.

Jordan heads towards Justin’s room. The police guard gets what seems to be a personal call and goes to look in the locker. Jordan goes into the room, saying he was waiting until it was quiet, and takes Justin’s phone and call button before declaring “The end is near.” He tries to push a pillow down on Justin’s face as Justin struggles.

John, Xander and Mali chat about Rose’s exit. Alf calls for everyone’s attention for a speech. He thanks John for his speech and everyone else for thinking he deserves it, and says you don’t join a surf club for accolades but to be part of something and to give back to the community. He notes he’s had a chance to do that in the best place. Mali tries to propose a toast to Alf but instead Alf proposes a toast to all of them.

Leah, Rose and a security guard arrive at Justin’s room to find the policeman unconscious and Justin on the floor. Justin confirms Jordan’s Vita Nova and says the guard interrupted him. Rose tells the guard to make sure no-one comes into the room and takes Leah with her to identify Jordan. In a nearby room, Jordan is changing clothes and hears Rose calling her sargeant for back-up and ordering a lockdown.

Irene finds John clearing up downstairs. John admits he’s glad it’s over, while Irene admits she’s got nothing to distract herself with now. John decides to head home while Irene goes up to see Alf. She checks her phone and finds several missed calls from Greta Hunt and a text saying she needs to speak to her first thing.

Jordan cautiously makes his way out of the supply room and sneaks towards the lift but Leah sees him and alerts Rose. Jordan flees but runs into and is grabbed by another police officer, who handcuffs him. Rose tells him that he’s under arrest for attempted murder and assaulting a police officer. Next morning, Rose tells Justin and Leah that Jordan wasn’t good at covering his tracks: They found Vita Nova’s compound and made lots of arrests, finding evidence linking them to the first murder attempt including Justin’s car. She thinks the cult’s finished this time. Justin says if that’s the case, they can start planning their wedding.

By the coffee cart, Irene phones Greta, saying she got her message, and is horrified by her news. Alf turns up looking for a black tea before going to Merimbula; Martha says she’s better. He picks up on Irene’s mood and she explains her sentencing is tomorrow.