Warning: Episode may contain strong language, violence and sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.

PREVIOUSLY…

• The attraction between Ben and Emma grew, and they arranged their third date.
• Emma told Tom that she believed he had an STI and encouraged him to tell his wife, Kate, that he was having an affair.
• Natalie, who is blackmailing Julia over the secret about Nick’s biological parents, foiled an attempt by Julia to get out of it and upped her price from £20,000 to £100,000.
• James and Natalie gave in to weeks of temptation and slept together, with James unaware of what pressures Natalie is subjecting his wife, Julia, to.
• Lee told Jack he didn’t want to have children and, in doing so, put an insurmountable strain on their marriage.
• Tom was almost caught by his young son sending an explicit image from his secret phone. He hid the phone in the bedroom wardrobe and, when questioned by Noah, said he was hiding a birthday present for Kate.
• Noah told Kate about the secret present hidden in the bedroom wardrobe.

Greystone Downs Farm,
Glendale

Three days had passed since six-year-old Noah Spencer had innocently let slip to his mother, Kate, that her husband, Tom, had hidden her birthday present in the bedroom wardrobe. Tom hadn’t given her a gift on her birthday, and though she tried to brush it off, for days a nagging feeling of curiosity mingled with suspicion lingered in the depths of Kate’s mind. Could it be possible that Tom had indeed hidden something and just forgotten to give it to her?

Kate’s fingers danced along the polished wood door of the bedroom wardrobe, her heart quickening with each passing second. Noah’s words echoed in her mind like a persistent melody: “He put it in there. I saw him.” The tone of her son’s voice had been genuine, and Noah wasn’t one for lying. Kate now found herself unable to resist the urge to explore.

With a determined grip, Kate tugged the wardrobe doors open, the hinges creaking softly in protest. Inside, clothes were hung neatly or were folded into satisfying stacks. Kate pushed dresses aside, lifted folded jeans, and methodically searched through pockets.

Minutes felt like they stretched into eternity, and although Kate scoured every inch of the wardrobe, the search yielded nothing more than empty space. Disappointment began to settle over her.

Kate reached for the final item – a pair of Tom’s old jeans, the same pair that she was unaware he hid his secret phone in. She sighed heavily and pursed her lips. The number of times she had told her husband to throw them out would have to be in the hundreds, yet there they still were. Kate unfolded them and stuffed her hand into the back pocket, the same pocket where Tom’s old Samsung would be hidden. Nothing.

Kate admitted defeat. She was out of options and ideas. Perhaps Noah had been mistaken. Closing the wardrobe doors with a gentle sigh, Kate leaned against the wooden frame, her mind awash with conflicting emotions.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Pineview House,
Glendale

As the clock ticked away the seconds, Charlotte Sinclair’s nerves tangled tighter with each passing moment. She sat at the kitchen table, her laptop open and her fingers tapping restlessly on the table top. Her interview with The Kent Gazette about mental health within the veterinary field was due to go live at six o’clock, and it was now two minutes past. The anticipation clawed at her insides.

“You’ll wear a hole in the table,” Mark, Charlotte’s husband, joked as he brought her over a glass of wine and kissed the top of her head in support.

Charlotte leaned into Mark’s kiss and softly stroked the hand he sat supportively on her shoulder. She gulped down the wine, emptying her glass.

With every refresh of The Kent Gazette’s website, hope and dread warred within her. Each click brought a surge of anxiety, as if the fate of her future hung on the arrival of a single article. It didn’t, of course it didn’t, but reality didn’t quell the feeling. The interview she had given and the words she had carefully said now lay in the hands of a young reporter and an editor, waiting to be released into the world.

And then, with a final exhale of apprehension, the page refreshed. Alongside two new articles – one about the commencement of upgrades to London Road and the other about a genealogy project being conducted by prisoner’s – there it was, her interview, emblazoned across the local newspaper’s homepage as the main story. A picture of Charlotte sitting at her desk looking serious was under a bold headline, “VETS IN CRISIS.” Mark squeezed his wife’s shoulder and leaned in closer to the laptop screen. Nervousness flooded through Charlotte as she clicked on the link.

VETS IN CRISIS

By Sienna Hawkins

Veterinarians are often perceived as healers of animals, but behind the stethoscopes and exam tables lies a profession grappling with its own silent epidemic: mental health struggles. As trusted carers to beloved pets, veterinarians face a unique set of challenges that can exact a heavy toll on their psychological well-being.

As a veterinarian, for Kent local, Doctor Charlotte Sinclair, navigating the challenges of the profession is a daily reality. From the emotional weight of euthanasia to the financial pressures of treatment costs, the Glendale vet says the demands can take a toll on mental well-being.

“The long hours and constant stress of making life-or-death decisions only adds to the burden,” Doctor Sinclair says. “It all adds up.”

Unfortunately, discussing these challenges isn’t always easy.

“There’s a stigma surrounding mental health in general, but especially within the veterinary field, leading many professionals to suffer in silence,” she adds. “The fear of being perceived as weak or incapable often prevents open conversations about struggles.”

This sense of isolation can be deeply troubling, pushing some colleagues to leave the profession altogether, while in other instances it can have tragic consequences.

“I’ve had colleagues who’ve left the profession because they couldn’t cope,” Doctor Sinclair says. “And sadly, we’ve lost some to suicide. It’s heartbreaking.”

Doctor Sinclair says there needs to be better mental health support for her and others in her profession.

“We need more mental health resources, better work-life balance, and a culture shift that encourages openness and support,” she says. “Veterinary schools need to prepare students for the emotional realities of the job, and clinics need to provide ongoing mental health training and support.

“While the road ahead may be long, initiating conversations about mental health is a crucial first step. By sharing experiences and advocating for change, we can work towards a profession where mental well-being is prioritised and supported.”

Doctor Sinclair hopes that by sharing her experiences, we can initiate that conversation and save lives.

“If sharing my experiences can help even one person, it’s worth it.”

Charlotte let out a long, deep exhale, and her shoulders relaxed. It was good. Really good. Sienna had understood and written a piece that captured the importance of the issue perfectly.

“It is brilliant. You’re brilliant,” Mark said, massaging his wife’s shoulders as he kissed the top of her head. “I’m so proud of you.”

Charlotte’s eyes glistened with tears of pride, and she sat in silence, absorbing the moment and allowing herself to just feel.

-:-

In the kitchen, Mark’s daughter, Natalie, stood by the sink, pouring herself a generous glass of wine. The champagne-coloured liquid glinted in the light, a tempting escape from the tensions that hung in the air. Natalie disliked her stepmother immensely and couldn’t have cared less about her pathetic little article. In fact, she had told her as such just a few moments earlier when Charlotte, trying to include and bond with her stepdaughter, had asked if Natalie wanted to join them to read the interview when it went live.

As Natalie was about to take her first sip, the door swung open, and the raven-haired nineteen-year-old tensed as her father entered. “Princess Charlotte needing another glass? Is it that bad?” she said rather cruelly.

Mark ignored his daughter’s poisonous comment and snatched the bottle of wine from her. “We’ll be out of your hair in a few days.”

Natalie looked at her father with a frown, his announcement catching her off guard. “Why? Where are you going?”

“I’m whisking Charlotte away to Portugal for a few days,” Mark said, his voice tinged with a hint of excitement. “It’s a surprise holiday for our one-year wedding anniversary.”

“Portugal? Thrilling,” Natalie said dryly with a roll of her eyes. A realisation suddenly dawned on her. With her father and Charlotte away, the house would be empty. A sly grin spread across Natalie’s face as she considered the possibilities. It was the perfect opportunity to once again seduce her married boss and Charlotte’s brother, James Harrington-Jones, without fear of interruption or discovery.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Bluebell Cottage,
Glendale

Lee Campbell trudged wearily down the stone path that cut through the front garden of Bluebell Cottage as a chattering of starlings whistled and trilled from a nearby oak tree. The smell of freshly baked goods clung to him, an unwelcome reminder of the long day he had spent toiling in his bakery, Bake My Day.

Pushing open the cobalt blue front door, Lee was met with the familiar sight of home – a quaint space adorned with modern furniture and framed photographs capturing moments of joy shared between him and his husband, Jack. But tonight, just like the last few days, there was an unspoken tension hanging in the air, thick and palpable.

He found Jack in the kitchen, clad in his police uniform. The sight of him sent a pang of guilt coursing through Lee’s chest. Jack was about to embark on another night shift, risking his life to uphold the law, while Lee would most likely spend the night snorting another line.

“Hey,” Lee murmured as he approached his husband.

“Hi,” Jack replied, his tone curt as he avoided Lee’s gaze.

Their interactions had become strained ever since Lee had admitted his reluctance to have children. It was a conversation they had danced around for weeks, each hoping the other would eventually come around to their point of view. But tonight, the elephant in the room loomed larger than ever.

Lee swallowed hard, and he reached out tentatively, his hand hovering in the space between them before dropping back to his side. There was a palpable distance between them, a gap that seemed impossible to bridge.

“I’ll pack you some dinner for tonight,” Lee offered.

“Don’t worry about it,” Jack said with a slight shake of his head, his expression unreadable as he grabbed his bag. “I’ll just get something from the station.”

Lee watched on helplessly as his husband moved about the kitchen in a way that seemed deliberate to avoid him. It was a stark reminder of how much they had drifted apart in recent months, their once vibrant connection reduced to mere cordiality.

As Jack made his way to the door without another word, Lee’s heart sank. The awkwardness between them was suffocating.

“Take care,” Lee said softly, his voice barely audible over the sound of the closing door.

As Jack disappeared from sight, Lee was left to wonder whether their marriage would survive.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

The Oak & Vine,
Glendale

Ben Granger and Emma Blake settled comfortably into their seats at a cosy table by a bow window of The Oak & Vine that looked out onto the village green. Across the table, their eyes met, sharing a silent exchange filled with excitement for the evening ahead. It was their third date, and there was an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air. The previous two dates had been filled with laughter, deep conversations, and a growing connection between them.

In the corner, a local band played a range of cover songs, and Emma found herself unconsciously bobbing her head along to the beat. Ben smiled.

“What?” Emma asked, looking up from the menu as she caught Ben’s smile.

“Nothing.” Ben shook his head, a broad smile on his face, enamoured by how cute Emma was. As he returned his attention to the menu, Ben’s mouth watered. “I’m thinking the cottage pie,” he said, already sounding unsure of his decision.

“I might go the fish and chips,” Emma replied, sounding equally as unsure in her choice.

Carol Kennedy, landlady of The Oak & Vine and also Ben’s aunt, sauntered over to the table, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Well, well, well, what do we have here?” she teased, shooting her nephew a wink and tapping her pen against her order pad. “The dynamic duo gracing my humble pub with their presence.”

Emma grinned, raising an eyebrow at Carol’s theatrics and wise to her antics as the village pub didn’t offer table service. “Oh, Carol, you know we couldn’t resist the allure of The Oak and Vine’s famous ale.”

Ben chuckled, nodding in agreement. “That and the charming company, of course, Aunty Carol.”

Carol laughed, her vibrant personality filling the room. “Flattery will get you everywhere, sweets. Now, what can I get for ya?”

“A cottage pie, fish and chips, a pint of lager, and a glass of Shiraz, thanks, Aunty Carol,” Ben said with a smile, handing her back the menus.

Carol grinned. “Excellent choices, sweets.” With a wink, she sauntered off to the bar.

Left alone once more, Ben and Emma found themselves lost in each other’s company. Their fingers brushed against each other as they reached for the breadbasket, sending a jolt of electricity through both of them. They exchanged a shy smile, their cheeks flushed with a mixture of nerves and pulsating attraction.

“So, tell me,” Ben began, breaking open his bread roll and lathering it in Lurpak butter, “what’s something that would shock me about you?”

Emma’s mouth tightened. She knew Ben was just being playful and trying to get her to open up about her past, something she had been reluctant to do before for obvious reasons, but she couldn’t help but feel that he would come to regret that question. Emma cleared her throat and forced a smile. “To quote Victoria Beckham, ‘would it shatter your illusions if this angel had a past?’”

Ben laughed. “Did you really just quote Victoria Beckham at me?”

Emma shrugged playfully, a wide grin dancing on her face and her eyes sparkling. “It’s a good song. I don’t care what anyone else says.”

“So I guess that’s it then,” Ben replied with a smirk. “The thing that would shock me is that you think Victoria Beckham is a good singer.”

Emma laughed heartily and shook her head. “Believe me,” she began. “I’ve got stories that will leave you gobsmacked.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Greenview Cottage,
Glendale

Lee walked along the garden path that snaked its way through the beautiful front garden of his parent’s cottage with a heavy heart. Alone at home, the awkward encounter earlier with Jack had played on his mind, and he needed someone to talk to; he needed his mum. Lee hesitated at the front door for a moment, knowing that once he said what he wanted to say, there would be no going back, before finally knocking.

After a few moments, the wooden door, painted black, swung open. Marion Atkins’ face lit up. “Lee!” she exclaimed, surprised yet delighted to see her son. “What a wonderful surprise. Come in, come in.”

“Hi, Mum,” Lee greeted, forcing a smile as he stepped inside the cosy living room. The scent of home enveloped him, bringing back memories of happier times.

Marion closed the door and turned to face Lee, concern etched on her features. “Is everything alright, darling? You look…” Marion’s voice trailed off as she searched for the word to perfectly describe the vibe radiating off her son. “Troubled.”

Lee let out a long, deep sigh and sunk into the nearest armchair. “I don’t know, Mum,” he confessed, running a hand through his cropped black hair. “I just needed to talk to someone.”

Marion settled into the seat opposite, her concern immediately growing. She had never seen her son look so down, so lost. It worried her. “You know you can always talk to me, Lee. What’s on your mind?”

Lee looked around cautiously. “Dad not around?”

“No,” Marion said as she shifted in her seat, refusing to let her anger and doubt trouble her at such an important time. “He’s in London. But what’s going on with you? You can tell me, Lee. Whatever it is, you can talk to me.”

Taking a deep breath, Lee met his mother’s gaze. “It’s Jack,” he began, the weight of his words heavy on his tongue. “He wants kids.”

Marion’s eyes widened in surprise. Her heart leapt with joy. “Oh, Lee, that’s wonderful news… isn’t it?” She said, trying to get him to muster up some enthusiasm before quickly realising it wasn’t a happy announcement.

Lee shook his head with a downcast look, a heavy knot forming in the pit of his stomach. “I don’t know, Mum. To be honest, I don’t think I want kids,” he admitted, the confession leaving him feeling raw and vulnerable.

Marion swallowed, the complexities of Lee and Jack’s marriage suddenly striking her. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on her son’s knee. “It’s okay to feel that way, darling. Having children is a huge responsibility, and it’s not for everyone.”

“Yeah, but what if it’s a deal breaker for Jack? What if we can’t find a way to make it work?”

Marion’s heart ached for her son. “I’m sure you and Jack can work through this together, darling. You love each other, don’t you?”

Lee looked away, unable to meet his mother’s gaze. Marion’s stomach dropped at Lee’s hesitation.

“That’s the thing,” Lee confessed, his voice husky. “I don’t know if I do love him anymore.”

Silence filled the room, heavy and suffocating. Marion’s heart shattered into a million pieces as she watched her son struggle with his emotions. She had hoped that Lee, once reckless and party-loving, had settled down and found his happily ever after with Jack, but now she couldn’t ignore the cracks that were beginning to surface.

“I’m so sorry, darling,” Marion sighed softly, unsure of what to say to make the situation easier. “I wish I had the right words to make it better.”

Tears welled up in Lee’s eyes as he looked at his mother, a mix of sadness and resignation reflected in his gaze. “Me too, Mum,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. “Me too.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

The Oak & Vine,
Glendale

Ben leaned back in his chair, a contented smile playing on his lips as he listened to the live band’s rendition of classic tunes. His gaze wandered around the room, taking in the diverse crowd. Then, his eyes landed on two elderly couples gracefully swaying to the beat of “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.

“Would you look at that?” Ben exclaimed, nodding in their direction. “Isn’t that something?”

Emma followed his eyeline, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight. “Oh, wow! They’re so cute!”

Feeling the rhythm coursing through his veins, Ben’s inhibitions dissolved with each sip of his third drink. Suddenly, he felt an irresistible urge to join them on the dance floor. With a mischievous grin, he stood up abruptly and extended his hand towards Emma. “Come on,” he said with a cheeky grin. “Let’s show ‘em how it’s done!”

Emma blinked in astonishment, momentarily taken aback by Ben’s boldness. “I’d have never picked you as a dancer.”

Ben winked and swirled his hips like Elvis. “I’ve got moves you don’t know about!” he said, the words overly suggestive. “Honestly, I’m not. But I’ve had some drinks, and it looks like fun.”

With a spark of excitement ignited within her, Emma found herself unable to resist Ben’s infectious enthusiasm. With a mixture of trepidation and exhilaration, she placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her towards the dance floor.

The band transitioned seamlessly from “Twist and Shout” into “Dancing Queen” by Abba. Without missing a beat, Ben pulled Emma close, their bodies swaying in perfect sync with the music. For a moment, all else faded away, leaving only them locked eye-to-eye.

Emma couldn’t help but laugh as Ben spun her around, his movements surprisingly graceful. In that moment, she let go of her reservations, allowing herself to be swept away by the music and the magic of the night.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Ashbourne House,
Glendale

In the opulent drawing room of their sprawling mansion, James Harrington-Jones lounged about on a mixed wool blend Chesterfield sofa, scrolling through Facebook on his phone, while his wife, Julia, sat opposite him in a matching armchair, looking intently at her iPad. The large TV, fixed to the panel-lined wall, played “Gogglebox,” but neither James nor Julia paid any attention.

James’ phone buzzed in his hands. It was a string of WhatsApp messages from Natalie.

Hey boss
Guess who has the house all to herself for a few weeks?
Think some overtime is in order 😉

A mischievous smirk tugged at James’ lips as an image came through of Natalie’s reflection in a mirror wearing nothing but a skimpy set of lingerie. James quickly composed himself, casting a cautious glance towards Julia.

Julia observed her husband’s subtle reaction with suspicion. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to James’ response than met the eye. Suppressing her unease, she returned her attention to her iPad, where a pending payment of £100,000 to Natalie awaited her approval.

Her finger hovered over the “process” button as the weight of the secret that she was about to pay to keep buried threatened to suffocate her. Julia hesitated, struggling to settle on a decision. She didn’t want to reward Natalie’s behaviour, but she also didn’t want to run the risk of the truth being exposed. With a heavy sigh, Julia decided to err on the side of caution and cancelled out of the transfer. She wasn’t ready to give up the fight just yet.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Oak Cottage,
Glendale

Sat at a small rustic table in the back garden of Oak Cottage, Nick Harrington-Jones and Jasmine Atkins enjoyed the summer’s evening and picked at a charcuterie board as they planned the final details for their upcoming engagement party. The air was filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the soft chirping of birds provided a serene soundtrack to their evening.

“What about a three-sixty photo booth?” Jasmine asked without looking up from her phone as she scrolled through Pintrest looking at party ideas.

Nick frowned. “A what?”

“You know, one of those cameras that spins around you while you stand on a platform in the middle.” Jasmine looked back at her clueless fiancé as a smile licked at the corner of her lips.

“Oh, yeah,” Nick agreed with a nod. He still had no idea.

Jasmine’s attention returned to her phone as she did a quick Google search to get an idea of the price. “They don’t seem to be too expensive.”

“Go for it,” Nick said and popped a prosciutto-wrapped ball of bocconcini in his mouth.

Jasmine’s phone chimed with a notification. She glanced at the screen, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

DNA UPDATE: DNA BEING EXTRACTED

“Oh god, they’re extracting our DNA,” Jasmine said, excitedly tapping the notification before her eyes scanned the progress chart within the ancestry company’s app.

“Won’t be much longer now,” Nick replied with a mouth full of food. “Then you’ll have to bow down to me and my royal bloodline.”

Jasmine rolled her eyes, a broad grin crossing her face as she picked up a small tomato and playfully tossed it at her partner. “You’re such an idiot,” she chuckled. “And who says I’m not the one that has the scandalous family secrets?”

“You’re right,” Nick said with a raised brow. “Maybe we both have scandalous family secrets that are about to explode.”

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Village Green,
Glendale

Ben and Emma left the revelry of The Oak & Vine behind and stepped out into the warm night air. The soft glow of fairy lights, draped across the village green in preparation for the upcoming village fete, welcomed them and cast a magical aura over their path. As they strolled hand-in-hand beneath the twinkling lights, Ben couldn’t help but steal glances at Emma.

“You know,” Ben began, breaking the comfortable silence between them. “I’ve had a really lovely time tonight.”

Emma’s eyes sparkled with the reflection of the fairy lights as she turned to him, her cheeks flushed from dancing. “I have too. It’s been nice getting to know you these past few weeks.”

They shared a smile, their steps falling into sync as they traversed the familiar path through the village as Ben walked Emma home. He couldn’t shake the feeling of contentment that washed over him. The simple pleasure of Emma’s company warmed his heart.

Their conversation drifted effortlessly from one topic to another, laughter mingling with the night air as they reminisced about their clumsy attempts at dancing in the pub. Ben couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory of Emma trying to teach him how to twerk, something they agreed neither one should attempt ever again.

As they reached Emma’s doorstep, a gentle breeze stirred the leaves overhead, casting playful shadows across their faces. Emma turned to Ben, her eyes soft with affection.

“Would you like to come in?” she asked, a hopeful nervousness in her voice.

Ben felt a rush of warmth flood his chest at her invitation. With a nod and a smile, he accepted. The air between them grew heavy with anticipation. With a longing glance, Emma leaned in, her lips brushing against Ben’s in a tender kiss that ignited a fire within him. She took him by the hand and led him inside.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Greystone Downs Farm,
Glendale

Kate and Tom found themselves nestled comfortably on the sofa. Their sons, Harry and Noah, were already fast asleep in bed after a long day of mischief and giggles, and their eldest, fifteen-year-old Ava, was ensconced in her room, most probably watching Tik Toks.

Tom stretched out his legs, letting out a content sigh. “This is nice, isn’t it?” he remarked, glancing over at Kate.

Kate nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s perfect,” she agreed, leaning into him, her head resting against his chest as she wrapped an arm around her husband’s torso. “Just us, finally getting a moment to relax.”

Tom draped an arm around Kate’s shoulder, cuddling her as she snuggled into him.

“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you,” Kate began, twisting to face Tom. “Noah said something peculiar to me the other day.”

Tom raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Oh? What did our little troublemaker say this time?”

“He claimed he saw you hiding something in the wardrobe. He was convinced it was a present for me.”

Tom’s stomach dropped, and he tried to hide a heavy gulp. He forced a chuckle that Kate believed. “Ah, busted,” he teased. “Wait here.”

Tom disappeared from the room briefly before returning and presenting his wife with a small velvet box.

Kate’s eyes widened in surprise as she sat up and took the box from her husband. Her heart skipped a beat. Slowly, Kate opened it to reveal a delicate locket nestled within. “Oh, Tom…” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Open it,” Tom said, trying desperately to act normal. When Noah had busted him returning his secret phone to its hiding spot, Tom knew it wouldn’t be long before his young son blabbed to Kate and he was forced into buying her a birthday gift.

Kate removed the gold necklace from the small box, lifted the latch on the side, and opened the gold oval-shaped locket. On the left was a small photo of Tom, while on the right was a tiny photo of Ava, Harry, Noah, and Buster the border collie. Tears welled up in Kate’s eyes as she gazed at the locket, touched by her husband’s thoughtfulness. “Thank you,” she murmured, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his cheek. “It’s lush.”

Tom tenderly secured the locket around Kate’s neck and, a comfortable silence settled between them as their attention returned to the episode of “Bridgerton,” a show Tom couldn’t stand but one he knew Kate adored.

Kate’s gaze drifted towards the staircase, a mischievous glint in her eye. “You know,” she said, her voice with its rich Welsh accent low and suggestive, “we could take this upstairs for some special alone time.”

Tom’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, a grin spreading across his face. “I like the sound of that,” he replied, his voice tinged with excitement. “But first, I just need to go lock up the barn. I’ll be right up.”

With a wink, Tom rose from the sofa and made his way through the farmhouse, leaving Kate with a playful smirk dancing on her lips. Once outside, he made his way across the farmyard to the old barn. Tom slid back the heavy barn door, and a waft of hay mixed with animal hit him as he stepped inside. He walked a few paces and came to a stop before a newly installed key box. Tom punched the security code into the touchpad, and the box made a mechanical sound as it unlocked. With a thumping heart, Tom removed his trusty old Samsung phone from the new hiding spot he had been forced to find after Noah had caught him. He quickly composed a message and hit send.

With a satisfied smile, Tom returned the phone back into the key box, securing the secret device once more, and locked it.

As he turned to head back to the house, Tom couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of what awaited him upstairs. But beneath the surface, a nagging sense of guilt lingered. He hated what he was doing but felt unable to stop. He felt anxiety rising within as a headache began to emerge.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Greenview Cottage,
Glendale

Marion sank into the plush sofa, and the clink of her wine glass against the coffee table echoed in the silence of the lounge room. Alone with her thoughts, Marion couldn’t shake the nagging worry that gnawed at her insides. She worried for Lee and Jack’s marriage, and she worried for her own.

Her husband, Ed, was supposed to be in London for a business meeting. But something about his sudden overnight stay felt off, especially since they lived just an hour’s drive from the capital. It wasn’t like Ed to be away for the night on short notice, not without a clear explanation. He had quit his job and was in the final days of working out his notice period, so Marion failed to see what could be so important that it required an overnight stay.

With a sigh, she reached for her phone and hesitated, her thumb hovering over Ed’s contact entry. What if he was just caught up in meetings? What if she was overreacting? But the knot of unease in her stomach that had been there for weeks now refused to loosen its grip.

Pressing the call button, Marion held her breath as the phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times. Then, the automated voicemail message greeted her, and her heart sank. Ed’s soothing, deep voice was absent, replaced by a sterile recording.

Frustration bubbled up within Marion, mingling with the anxiety that had already been building all evening. She wanted answers and reassurance that her fears were unfounded. But the unanswered call only fuelled her doubts further.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Brooksville Avenue,
Queen’s Park, London

Ed rang the Ring doorbell of the Victorian terraced house he frequented often and stepped back, awaiting an answer, as he looked down the road towards the expansive Queen’s Park. Hues of vibrant orange, dusky pink, and electric purple stained the small clusters of clouds in the evening sky above the capital as a few miniature stars began to emerge from the encroaching darkness.

The front door, painted a canary yellow, unlocked and creaked open. A young girl, no older than eight, flew out of the house and wrapped her arms around Ed’s legs like a lasso, trapping him and almost making him fall. “Pop!” she said excitedly and squeezed him tightly. “I’ve missed you!”

A broad smile broke across Ed’s face as he stroked the young girl’s frizzy black hair. “I’ve missed you too, sweetheart,” he said with genuine affection. Ed looked up and smiled at the thirty-something woman leaning up against the open doorway, her arms folded across her chest and her head shaking softly as she smiled at the young girl’s obvious affections.

“Come on, Gracie,” the woman said with a motherly authority. “Let Pop go so he can come inside.”

Gracie dutifully followed her mother’s orders and took Ed by the hand, leading him down the small stone garden path and inside the house. “I’ve got so much to tell you, Pop!” she said, guiding him into the living room as the woman closed the front door behind them.

–  G L E N D A L E  –

Willow Cottage,
Glendale

In the dark stillness of night, Glendale was illuminated in a blaze of urgent blue flashing lights as an ambulance silently slowed to a stop outside the home of ninety-two-year-old matriarch Audrey Granger.

NEXT TIME…

• Has Glendale lost a beloved local?
• A drunken incident changes the course of Neha’s life.
• Julia manipulates Nick’s concerns for her own advantage.
• Emma has some news for Tom.