A tragic accident rocks the Bay. Rachel’s past comes back to haunt her. Ric becomes the victim of workplace bullying.
Extended Summary
Ric is in a quiet mood as he prepares himself for his second day at work. Sally offers to make him lunch, he declines, he isn’t sure what to make of his new work mates after they stood him up last night for drinks.
He heads off to work and meets the second year apprentice, Dom. He gives Ric a jokingly hard time about being stood up by the guys last night and assures him that it happens to everyone. Dom then ‘accidentally’ spills a tin of grease on Ric – he can’t believe it – Dom is seemingly apologetic, but Ric isn’t convinced. Later that day, Ric is working in the grease pit taking instructions from Dom, when Dom ‘accidentally’ allows Rick to burn himself. Once again, Dom apologises, as Ric grimaces in pain. Dom moves off smiling as Ric inspects the red welt on his arm. He fills Belle in on the days antics and she isn’t impressed! Ric says it’s normal for the new guy to be given a hard time, and nothing to worry about. Belle makes Ric promise to say something if it happens again. Next day at work, Ric meets the boss, Ray, for the first time. He notices a scratch on one of the cars and Ric knows it was Dom who did it. Dom says Ric was working on the car, giving him no chance to defend himself before Ray starts ripping into him. Dom grins to himself. That afternoon Ray berates Ric once more before leaving. Ric decides that he has to say something to the guys and lets them know that he can take a joke as well as the next guy – but enough is enough. Dom lets him know that the new guy needs to learn his place – this leaves Ric rattled.
Rachel decides she is sick of waiting for the board to come to her with their decision. She gets a fire in her belly, and tells Kim that she is going to them instead – she wants an answer about her career! Kim is behind her 100%. She calls Olivetti and he agrees to meet with her – finally she’ll have an answer! Her confidence sways at the thought of her entire future being in the hands of the board, but Kim consoles her with a loving kiss. That afternoon, Rachel heads into Olivetti’s office. She makes a firm plea for a decision one way or the other concerning her future. The board have a meeting scheduled in a few hours and he’ll get her case discussed. Rachel is to return in half an hour when she will be given an answer! Rachel waits anxiously and eventually Olivetti calls her in. He lets her know that despite the alleged harassment from Dr Helpman, the board cannot condone a relationship between doctor and patient and therefore she can no longer practice as a psychiatrist. Rachel is devastated! She heads to the gym and fills Kim in on the outcome. She needs to decide what to do with her life. Kim does his best to comfort her as her mobile rings – it’s Olivetti. The board wants to see her again! Curious, she returns and Olivetti informs her that Dr Young gave her a glowing report and they can offer her a position as a Junior Registrar in the Emergency Department. Olivetti tells her to take some time to consider the offer. Rachel is thrown! She accepts the position and asks why there was such a turnaround in the board’s decision? Olivetti explains that the new Regional Director of Emergency intervened and the position offer came directly from him. As Rachel asks who the new guy is, the door opens and she turns to see her father (Robert Armstrong) – the new Director of Emergency!
Cassie is still giving Sally attitude about Sal’s reaction to her getting drunk with Macca at the party. Sal tries to let her know she wants to get to know Macca, he is Cassie’s new guy, and Sal is willing to give things another shot. Cassie and Macca abruptly exit leaving a worried Sally. Will her relationship with Cassie ever be the same? The pair head to the Diner and Cassie bemoans Sally’s decision to throw Macca out of the house – she didn’t even try to get to know him! Macca can see it from Sal’s perspective and knows how much she means to Cass – he doesn’t want to cause friction. Cassie is left with food for thought as Jack and Martha enter. Macca apologises to Jack for throwing the party after he said not to. Jack still isn’t impressed. Martha asks her brother if he has found a place to stay – he hasn’t – Martha suggests he bunk at Jack’s. Jack isn’t thrilled with the idea, but agrees if he hasn’t anywhere else to go.
Sally enters the Diner and Macca gets Cassie to invite her to join them. Sally accepts the offer, glad that Cassie has made the effort. Macca later takes his things to Jack’s place. It’s clear Jack isn’t too keen on Macca, there is something about him that just doesn’t feel right. Macca senses the tension and asks Kim if he should just leave – Kim reassures him that it’s all good – it will just take some getting used to. Kim then answers a call, pale, and explains there has been an accident involving Dan!