Episode 4271

Extended Summary

Jack and Rice are reeling from the discovery that the hair found at the crime scene matches the DNA of Peter Baker. Jack insists it can’t be right, considering he has Peter’s liver, so therefore the only logical explanation is that someone is trying to frame a dead man – but why? Adams comes off the phone from Jimmy at forensics with the news that the evidence (piece of Peter’s hair) found at the Bob Radcliffe crime scene some months ago has been checked out by someone posing as a police officer. But Jack is stunned when Adam’s reveals this person’s name is Dave Elder…uh-oh…could the fire man be the pyro?

Dave is hauled into the station for questioning but he remains adamant he knows nothing. Dave angrily defends himself and insists that whoever is trying to frame Drew is now trying to frame him as well. Jimmy from forensics is brought in to identify the man posing as a police officer, but from the line up, Dave is not identified. Jack and McGrath are thrown – if it’s not Dave then who could it be? Jimmy sifts through police records in an attempt to identify the man they are searching for. Suddenly, he is distracted by a picture on the wall of Constable Evan Rice receiving a bravery medal. To everyone’s shock, Jimmy announces he is the guy they are looking for. Oh my god – Rice is the pyromaniac?!

The search is on to find Evan Rice, who has done a runner from the station. Jack and McGrath, who are still astonished are slowly piecing together the clues. Meanwhile, Rice is frantically packing up his belongings back at home, knowing full well he is about to busted. Jack and McGrath pull up out the front of Rice’s apartment and approach with caution. When there is no answer at the door, they barge in, but much to their frustration, Rice has escaped! Jack and McGrath search through the apartment and find kero and photos of Drew – it’s the last nail in the coffin for Rice. At that moment, a call comes through on the radio – Rice’s vehicle has been spotted. Eventually, the officers catch up with Rice after a speeding car chase. Rice panics and flees from his car but the others are on to him quickly and bring him to the ground. The game is over and Rice is well and truly busted now!

At the station, Rice is being interrogated, at first, he is reluctant to speak but eventually he agrees to do so, on the proviso they will protect him. Jack and McGrath are curious – who does he need protecting from? The mystery thickens as Rice explains he was forced to frame Drew for the fires and if he didn’t abide by their demands, then his life would be over. Rice is charged with arson and accepting bribes. Jack makes one final plea to Rice for names of who has been behind all of this. Rice remains tight lipped but issues the final chilling statement that Drew is in more danger than anyone could possibly imagine!

Drew approaches Lucas, who has just emerged from the surf. Dean passes by and overhears the other two talking about him. Dean cuts in and warns them to mind their own business. Lucas is suspicious that Dean may have something to do with trying to frame Drew – after all, he’s obviously hiding something. Drew takes this in thoughtfully and moves off on a mission to find out more. Later, Drew catches up with Lucas to deliver the news he’s found some major dirt on Dean. Apparently, he was expelled from his last school for setting the principal’s car alight. Lucas is stunned that Dean has a history of lighting fires and Drew begins to wonder if Lucas has been right all along. But what will they do now? Lucas and Drew are later confronted by Dean and much to their surprise, Dean reveals that the pyro has been caught. Drew is confused as to why Rice would want to frame him but is oblivious to the true danger that is lurking…

…It’s getting late and Drew is on his way home in the dark. Suddenly, someone rushes up behind him and clobbers him over the head, knocking him out cold. Drew lay on the ground – dead still….will he survive??