Episode 4847

Extended Summary

As the police investigate Miles and VJ’s gruesome discovery of a hand washed up on the beach, Miles puts forward an unsettling theory – that it’s the result of a shark attack. Charlie agrees it’s possible. But until the Medical Examiner confirms this, she strongly advises that they keep it quiet. Miles points out that VJ knows and obviously Miles had to tell Leah, but he’ll do his best.

However, once Leah’s ascertained that VJ seems to be dealing with the trauma of finding the hand, something Miles says also turns her thoughts to the possibility of a shark attack, and that if word spreads, the situation could quickly get out of control. Which is why when Alf mentions the popularity of the upcoming Winter Surf Carnival, Miles feels compelled to tell Alf about the discovery of the hand. Alf in turn tells John Palmer and together the two of them confront Charlie. John warns Charlie that they need to keep the possibility of a shark threat quiet – otherwise local businesses, not to mention the Winter Surf Carnival, will suffer. However, as Charlie feared word travels fast, and the police station is soon inundated with calls from locals wanting to know about the ‘killer shark’.Colleen isn’t helping matters, spreading a story about Madge Wilkins’ nephew seeing a great white shark dragging a guy off his surfboard. Charlie is exasperated. Meanwhile, Leah gets a call from VJ’s school saying that he’s been acting up and asking for her – finding the hand has obviously affected him more than he’s let on.

Nicole witnesses Trey’s difficult relationship with his step dad, and can’t help being sympathetic given what she’s going through with her own father right now. To Trey’s surprise, she even instigates a conversation, and before they know it, the two teenagers find themselves swapping stories about how difficult their respective dads are. They soon discover they have much in common – both dads are ex force, both don’t let them step out of line – and this bonding leads to Trey admitting he’s sorry he messed things up for Nicole and Geoff by cracking on to her. Still, he cheekily points out, she is pretty hot so she can’t blame a guy for trying. Considering both Geoff and Aden’s recent rejections, this flirting goes a long way to making Nicole feel good and they share a smile. Is there a new romance on the cards?

Charlie’s still feeling the pressure, particularly when she receives confirmation from the Medical Examiner that the hand was indeed bitten off by a shark. However, when Jerry from The Coastal News turns up looking for a scoop, Charlie neither confirms nor denies the shark attack rumours, hoping to buy time to sort something out. Unfortunately though, John continues full steam ahead with the organisation of the Carnival, and in the interest of public safety, Miles is forced to reveal that Charlie misled them about the shark attack. Meanwhile, Marine Area Command has been brought in, and to Charlie’s shock and outrage, the person appointed to head the task force investigating the shark attack is none other than Angelo Rosetta.

As Hugo helps Martha out on the farm, he reveals that if his dive business doesn’t pick up, he may end up having to sell the boat and look for alternative work. Martha is shocked – surely he wouldn’t leave the Bay though? Hugo admits it’s not the plan, but he has to make a living somehow. Hugo heads off to prepare for a night recce with the hope that finding new night dive spots might help bring the customers in…and Martha is left feeling troubled that she may lose Hugo out of her life. But it’s only when Alf points out the significance Hugo plays in Martha’s life, that Hugo becomes aware of it. And considering his own growing feelings for Martha, the pressure to ignore them is even greater.

Later, when Martha insists on making them Jack’s favourite lunch, Hugo is left feeling increasingly uncomfortable about the growing comparisons to Jack and the feeling that he is inheriting Martha and Jack’s routines as a couple. But the final straw is when Hugo accidentally glimpses Martha in her underwear and is knocked for six. Overwhelmed by the intensity of his feelings for her, he rushes out, using the excuse of his diving recce to get out of there. Just then, Martha gets a call from Alf, warning her about the shark attack. But in spite of her best efforts, Martha’s unable to get through to Hugo on his mobile and her fears for his safety escalate. She tells Alf she can’t bear the thought she could lose someone else from her life. Alf assures her Hugo’s an expert diver who swims with sharks all the time – he’ll be right. And all Martha can do is hope for the best.