Bear continues to struggle
Meanwhile, Bear discovers April in tears, and she confesses her fear that the police may prosecute her for previous misdeeds. Her openness prompts Bear to share his anguish over Ray’s death, with April reassuring him that everyone cares deeply and stands by him.
April attempts to comfort Bear, reminding him that Ray was a wicked individual. Overwhelmed and bewildered, Bear becomes emotional. When Paddy returns home, he rushes to support his father, finally recognising that Bear requires professional support.
Paddy consoles a remorseful April, reassuring her that Bear’s emotional collapse wasn’t down to her, before disclosing his intention to arrange counselling for Bear, notwithstanding the potential complications. Throughout the counselling sessions, Bear experiences overwhelming guilt.
At the same time, a troubled Dylan reveals his intense self-hatred to Paddy, declaring himself a “curse” and maintaining he must depart from the village. Similarly, a self-loathing April dismisses Rhona’s assertions that she is a victim of exploitation, insisting she deserves punishment for drug dealing.
Victoria is horrified by Robert’s secret
Victoria receives official confirmation that John’s death has been declared a suicide, yet her feelings of guilt persist. Victoria is overwhelmed with remorse over their scheme to sell the farm to Joe and contemplates confessing everything to Cain, despite Robert’s objections.
Subsequently, Joe calls Robert, eager for any updates on progress. Joe then puts pressure on Robert regarding accelerating the farm sale, warning that he’ll plant incriminating evidence himself if Robert fails to comply with Joe’s demands.
Vic is shocked after overhearing their clandestine conversation. Victoria challenges Robert, who confesses to concealing identification documents at Butlers.
Victoria deduces that Joe exploited the footage of her killing John to coerce Robert into submission, and Robert explains he could decline in order to shield her. Victoria finds Robert’s admission difficult to process and announces she’ll hand herself in to stop Moira from being unjustly jailed.
Joe Tate puts pressure on Vic Sugden to sign the contracts straight away, warning he’ll make her video public if she declines, but Vic demands to take the documents home to review them, leaving Joe frustrated. The following day, Joe turns up at Keepers and issues an ultimatum: Moira’s signature on the sale documents is required within six hours, or he will hand Victoria’s video to the authorities.
Cain is desperate
Cain attempts to physically compel Bear to report to the police to assist Moira, but Dylan catches Cain aggressively handling Bear and quickly steps in. Cain is shaken when he spots newspaper reports about Moira’s murder charges and stays unwavering in his commitment to shield her, whatever the cost.
Sarah carefully enquires about his well-being, but Cain maintains that Moira’s situation is their sole concern. Sarah accompanies Cain to his hospital appointment. The consultant outlines that the treatment will involve a radical prostatectomy, which visibly concerns Sarah despite her encouraging demeanour. Left by himself, Cain braces himself to confront cancer without Moira but grows agitated and crumples up the hospital leaflet, questioning whether he possesses the strength required.
