It's the day of Luke's release and the Shadwick's are apprehensive. Nikki makes herself scarce whilst Ryan accedes to Luke's request that he picks him up from the prison alone. Luke is nervous about going back to the Close, even though he wasn't found guilty. On the journey, he insists that Ryan stops the car where he declares that he can't face bumping into Nikki. He wants to go to Ireland and asks Ryan to lend him the fare (as if Ryan's got any spare cash!).
Ryan tells Luke how much Niamh and Joey are looking forward to seeing him again, and eventually talks him out of the idea of going to Dublin. However, in so doing, Ryan tells Luke about his daughter. (Prediction: how long before Luke lets something slip about this to his parents, eh?)
When Ryan drives into the Close, Luke is dismayed to see that the house is decorated with balloons and banners - something which he had specifically wanted *not* to happen. Surely, he didn't *really* expect Niamh to let the occasion pass lightly, did he?
Over at the bungalow, Margi is watching the reunion celebrations through the window.
Talking about the Mussies, Niamh had reason to describe Matt as a "genius" today with the arrival of his GCSE results - 2 Cs and 1 D. Matt was also chuffed - he can go to art school now (or at least I think that's what he said!)
Jacqui Dixon grabs a word with Katrina on the parade. Trine says just how fed up she is with Susannah's demands and that she's thinking about jacking in nannying for her. Jacqui tries to think on her feet and ends up offering to pay Katrina some additional cash, without Susannah knowing, if she'll stay on - it's all down to the pressure of getting the Millennium Club and The Shelf up and running, she explains.
Later, when Jacqui tells Katie what she's done, Katie is concerned and tells her that she'd be better off looking for a replacement nanny (again, behind Susannah's back) since no-one knows for definite that Katrina *isn't* harming the kids.
Whilst others are discussing Susannah's childcare arrangements, the lady herself is having it away with Greg in the woods. Having started by telling him exactly how much she missed him while he was on holiday, she continues with:
"I love these times with you."
Greg agrees: "We should have more of these."
"Not possible. But I wish it was" mourns Susannah.
"Do you mean that?"
"Of course I do."
(Oh, pass the sick bag, someone - please.)
Back on the Close, Jerome and Nikki emerge from the alleyway which leads from the parade and are greeted by the sight of the Mussie's house festooned with balloons and ribbons. It's too much for Nikki, who turns round and heads back towards Bar Brookie.
Ryan appears at the front door, sees Jerome and *demands* his money for the car repairs.
"That's diplomatic isn't it?" says Jerome, scornfully, motioning towards the decorations outside the house.
Ryan ignores his comment: "All I want is me money. I don't care what that whining slag says."
Jerome lands a punch on Ryan's chin which causes his lip to bleed (where was Leo?!), and the developing brawl is broken-up by Luke who drags his brother away.
"Don't you *ever* call her a slag again" insists Jerome.
"I *want* me money" Ryan shouts back as Jerome walks towards the alleyway.
"What was all that about?" asks Luke.
"He's trying to con me. Well, he won't get away with it" is the reply.
Doctor Darren has been trying to call Vic. She's not taking calls and he leaves four messages for her. Later, she turns up at his surgery.
"What were you trying to do when you 'attacked' me last night?" she asks, grinning.
As Darren tells her that it was something he's been working up to for nine years, Vic coolly locks the surgery door and says: "Kiss me again."
This time they don't quite manage it and decide that they'd be better off meeting for a drink later after Darren's completed his house calls. Something, though has obviously clicked - Vic feels intrigued and very flattered.
"I think we should just see what develops" she says. "Something like this can't be rushed."
After their romp in the woods, Greg and Susannah are both refuelling their cars/vans in the petrol station and making eyes to each other at the same time. Jessie sees this, and after Susannah has driven off, tackles Greg on the forecourt.
"You're married" she points out.
"Yeah... well, I'm gonna sort that out" decides Greg, ominously.
"How?"
"I'm leaving Margi"
Hmmm!
Summary © 1999 Graeme Selway
Brookside and all related materials are © Mersey Television 1982-2001