Episode 4198

Australian Air Date: 31st May 2006

Summer Bay says farewell to a friend. As Zoe continues to evade police capture, Peter’s mental stability is brought into question.

Extended Summary

The chase is on! Peter and Jack chase after the black clad figure – Peter draws his gun, yelling for them to stop or he’ll shoot – they keep running towards the trees, Peter shoots and the person goes down. They rush over and pull the balaclava and are shocked to see it’s a guy – not Zoe! Barely conscious, he’s moaning and bleeding heavily – they call and ambulance and head to the hospital. Peter runs along side the trolley, realizing the seriousness of it all – this guy might die! Rachel jumps in to help – Peter stresses that they need him alive. Who the hell is this guy? Tracey arrives at the scene, she and Jack try to keep Peter calm as Rachel reports that the bleeding has stopped, but it’s still touch and go. Peter loses it – they can’t afford to lose him! Rachel wants him out of the hospital now! He reluctantly leaves, a man on the edge. Tracey leads him back to the Station, Sally is there and tells him about the light bulb with ‘tick tock’ on it – she wants to know what’s really going on! He tries not to alarm her, but she’s not a fool. He comes clean and reveals what he knows about Zoe – she’s not dead after all. Sally is stunned! He asks that she doesn’t tell anyone – but Sally insists her family know – either he tells them or she will! With no choice, Peter heads to Summer Bay House with Sal and tells them all that Zoe is back. He stresses how important it is that this doesn’t get out to the rest of the town. Peter’s interrupted by a call from Jack – the shot victim has woken!

At the hospital, Peter questions the guy, but he’s too scared to respond. Frustrated, Peter grabs him by the collar, demanding answers! Jack and Tracey are quick to pull Peter off, calming him down. The guy says it’s okay – he’ll talk if they can protect him. Agreed. He reveals he was hired to do all this stuff – deliver letters, packages, the light globe. He was sent to the warehouse by the contact, he says her name is Maxine Trood. He’s never heard of Zoe McCallister or Eve Jacobsen before. He doesn’t even recognize her photo. Back at the Station, Peter adds ‘Maxine Trood’ to the whiteboard. At least she’s on her own now, her partner caught. Peter thinks the name is familiar, but can’t think where from. Tracey sends Peter home for rest, he reluctantly heads out. Peter makes his way along the corridor of his apartment block, turns to his apartment, closing the door behind him. Pan across to Zoe’s apartment door – right beside Peter’s – if only Peter knew!

No one has seen much of Hyde since the arrest, accept for Kim. Beth wonders how Barry is coping with it all. Irene can’t be near him – she’s too angry and upset. Beth drops by to visit him. He opens up to her about how hard this all is, seeing Kim go through the torment too. He takes all the responsibility, but feels terrible about the pain he’s caused everyone. Later that night, Hyde stares at a photo of he and Irene in happier days – he picks up the phone and calls Morag. He tells her he wants to live in the city until his trial, it’s too hard for his family and friends – they shouldn’t have to suffer for what he’s done. Morag tells him she’ll look into it. Beth drops by to see Irene – she’s not doing well, but doesn’t let on to Beth, as Morag announces that all is looking well for Hyde’s transfer to the city – all are stunned, especially Kim and Irene – they had no idea he wanted to relocate before trial! Kim races up stairs to talk to his dad – he’s finishing writing a letter.

Hyde explains his reasoning, he wants Kim to remember the good times, for it not to be tainted by this situation. Kim does his best to talk him around, but it’s no use, Hyde’s made up his mind. Kim, Morag and Hyde load the car – Kim and his dad have a big hug – Hyde’s glad he could be a part of his life for 18 years, so is Kim. Hyde hands him a letter, asking that he give it to Irene. Hyde and Morag drive off as Kim watches on, sadly. Kim moves into the Diner and leaves the letter for Irene on the bench – will she read it? She hesitates a moment and opens it. Inside is the photo of the two of them and a letter.

It is a heartfelt goodbye – apologizing for what he did and how the feelings he had for her were the strongest he’s had for any woman. Irene can’t help but cry. Kim sits sadly, staring at the ocean as Rachel comforts him. Irene walks along the beach staring wistfully at the photo of her and Hyde, then we see Hyde, looking out the window just as the car passes the sign “You are now leaving Summer Bay”. Goodbye Barry Hyde.