Sons and Daughters logo
    Written by: Ray Kolle   Produced by: John Holmes   Directed by: Peter Andrikidis

Roger sits down. Katie comments that she didn't get to know him very well when her mum worked for him. Roger explains that that was because she was busy with her last year at school. He asks her if she's at uni now, but Katie explains that she's taking a year off. She adds that she didn't want to be a financial drag while her dad was getting back on his feet. Roger asks how Mike is doing, and Katie replies that he has a lawnmowing round, now - and she helps him. Roger laughs, but Katie indignantly insists that she's stronger than she looks. Roger remarks, "In a lot of ways, I suspect..." He then continues that she's definitely got initiative; he admires that. Katie tells him that the thing is, she doesn't want her mum and dad to have any outside pressure right now; they've just got back together and she'd hate to see anything that happened while they were separated spoil things for them. Roger says, "Of course." Katie goes on that he was so nice to her the times she met him in Perth; she thought she could take a chance and talk to him about it. Roger tells her that he's glad she did - he'd hate to see anything disrupt a happy marriage; he remembers how disappointed he was when his broke up; he'd never interfere with anyone else's. He then tells Katie that she has really grown up - he can see a career in the Diplomatic Corps., the way she handled things today. Katie explains that she wasn't sure what to say. Roger replies that she knows what not to say; that's often more important. He then suggests that she could offer him that drink again and tell him what she's been up to...

There's a knock on the front door at Toorak, and Amanda runs downstairs to answer it. At the same time, Wayne comes out of the lounge room. He tells Amanda that it'll be Patricia. He then more bitterly adds that he doesn't know why he said she could come. Amanda tells him that he did, and he wasn't nasty to her when she called; she's proud of him. Wayne opens the door and Patricia says a cheery, "Hello!" The three of them head into the lounge room, and Patricia asks if Jill is back yet. Amanda replies that she isn't, yet. Patricia says she'll catch up with her later. They sit down, and Patricia explains that John told her that they're thinking of renting out the house; she wondered if they'd rent it to her. Wayne looks at Amanda in surprise, and then asks Patricia why she'd want to live there. Patricia explains that she's always loved the place - it holds lots of happy memories for her, of Margaret and Stephen; she'll be comfortable there. Amanda points out that it's so big. Patricia tells her that she'll have David with her; they don't want to live in each other's pockets - she wants to get him out of Margaret's flat. Wayne says he doesn't think it's a good idea. Patricia tells him that she understands how he feels - she knows things haven't been the best between them, lately, but Margaret's death made her see things a little differently: how stupid they are wasting their time trying to get at one another; she doesn't want that anymore - she wants to be friends with her family - and if he was to rent the house to her, he and Amanda can use it as a home away from home; she's happy for them to do so. Amanda says she can't see why not. Wayne, though, pointedly tells her that they should discuss it first - privately. Patricia offers to leave, but Amanda tells her that she and Wayne can dicuss it now. They go out into the hall, leaving Patricia looking pleased with herself. Wayne closes the lounge room doors behind him, but when Amanda starts to speak, he points to the living room. They go in there and Wayne closes those doors as well. Amanda snaps, "For heaven's sake," and she asks Wayne how good he thinks Patricia's hearing is. Wayne says he doesn't trust her. Amanda tells him that they can see how she's changed - Margaret dying has really knocked her about. Wayne retorts that that's what she wants them to think. Amanda asks if anyone would use their own sister's death. Wayne tells her that Patricia would. He goes on that he doesn't want her back in their lives; he wants to cut right off from her. Amanda points out that they're all involved in the business now. Wayne admits that they're stuck with her for that, but they don't have to make things worse for themselves. Amanda tells him that just because Patricia is living there it doesn't mean they have to have anything to do with her - the agent can handle everything. She adds that she was so pleased when he was pleasant to Patricia; she doesn't want him to spoil it now. Wayne insists that there's no way she's changed. Amanda tells him that he doesn't know that for sure. She then adds that if he can do it, so can she. Wayne reluctantly says, "Alright." He then adds, though, that she's not to say he didn't warn her. Amanda assures him that she won't. The two of them hug. As they do so, Wayne says he wonders what Patricia wants to see Jill about.

In the living room at the O'Briens', Katie is showing Roger the computer program that she's working on, and Roger tells her that it looks good. He asks her if she worked it out all by herself. Katie explains that it's her second one - and she's got ideas for lots more, too; she's hoping to sell them to a video games company. Roger asks her if she's had any approaches yet. Katie explains that she's going to finish this game and then start writing off. Roger tells her that he might be able to help with a few contacts, and Katie excitedly says, "Really?" All-of-a-sudden, the front door opens and Heather calls that she's home, adding that she wasn't needed for the tuck shop after all. She suddenly sees Roger sitting next to Katie on the couch and stops in her tracks. Roger looks at her and politely says, "Heather." Katie quickly explains to her mother that she asked Mr. Carlyle over to discuss-- Heather interrupts her, though, and yells at her to go to her room. Katie, looking furious, snaps, "Mum..." Heather just tells her, "You heard me." Katie turns and thanks Roger for coming. Roger replies that he didn't mind in the least. Katie goes. Heather then asks Roger, "How dare you?" Roger comments that that's a slight over-reaction. Heather angrily asks him what he expects; the only reason she gave up her job with him was because she realised what he's like. Roger suggests that perhaps she was jumping to conclusions. Heather retorts that she wasn't - it was obvious that he wanted to seduce Katie. Roger laughs and says he hasn't heard it put that way in years - but then she always was rather old-fashioned. Heather yells at him to get out and don't come back, but Roger retorts that he's there because Katie asked him. He goes on that Katie seems to think the two of them had an affair; he didn't deny it because he thinks Heather chose to let Katie believe it. Heather snaps, "Rather than tell the truth, yes." Roger tells her that she's too protective. He then continues that he wants to get one thing straight: he's there to get his son back, that's all; he still thinks Katie's quite attractive, but he always gets his priorities straight: she has nothing to fear from him. He then tells Heather to think: he wouldn't be around if Luke could be persuaded to return to Perth, would he. Heather warns him not to use Katie to try and blackmail her. Roger retorts that he loves his son and wants him back; he'll do whatever is necessary to get it. He tells Heather to think about that...

Patricia is walking down the drive at Toorak, towards the main road. As she does so, Jill turns and starts coming up the drive towards her. They meet, and Patricia tells Jill that she was waiting to see her. Jill explains that she missed the tram. She then tells Patricia that she was sorry to hear about Margaret. Patricia thanks her. She then continues that she could see Wayne wanted to see the back of her, so she left a message for Jill to ring her. Jill asks her what she wanted to see her about. Patricia explains that she wants to make her an offer: about Robin.

At the O'Briens', Roger says, "Well?" Heather tells him that as soon as Luke turns up, she'll do what she can. Roger tells her that Luke will listen to her. Heather says she doubts it - not if Luke wants to get away from him as badly as Jeff tells her. Roger curtly tells her that if anyone can get Luke to listen, she can; when she was staying with them, Luke looked on her as a kind of mother figure. Heather agrees to do her best. She then curtly asks Roger to go, and she walks to the door and opens it. As he stands just outside, she tells him that she believes him when he says he loves Luke - but why does he have to own him? Roger retorts that Luke has a duty as his son; he intends to see that he carries it out. He walks off and Heather shuts the door. Katie immediately comes out of her bedroom. She snaps at her mother that she wanted to say 'goodbye', but she thought she might embarrass her again. Heather yells, "Embarrass you? How do you how you think I felt, walking in and seeing him there?" Katie yells back that there's no need to treat her like a child. Heather angrily tells her that she had no right inviting him in there. Katie tells her that she only did it for her and dad; she wanted them to be happy. Heather snaps that Katie doesn't understand. Katie snaps that now the two of them are arguing; next, it'll be her and Mike - she couldn't stand it if they broke up again. She goes on that she was only being nice to Roger so that she could talk him out of making trouble. Heather tells her that there won't be any trouble; she only has to make Luke see that he should go back to Perth with his father - so there's no need for Katie to worry about anything. Katie walks off, but Heather looks worried.

In the lounge room at Toorak, Jill is excitedly telling Wayne and Amanda that she couldn't believe her ears! Wayne growls that he bets she couldn't. He asks why Patricia would make an offer like that. Jill explains that she wants to put Margaret's money to good use and she feels guilty about Robin; putting up the money for his therapy is the only way she can help him. Amanda says she thinks it's terrific - Patricia really has changed. Jill says she knows she's said some terrible things about Patricia, but it's taken a load off her mind. She then adds that she'd better get over to the hospital and tell Dr. Jackson the good news; she'll call in and see Patricia on the way back to thank her properly. She gets up and goes out. Amanda comments to Wayne that it's about time something good happened to her. Wayne, though, asks when Patricia has ever been good for anyone. Amanda asks him not to be like that. Wayne, though, says he thinks he'd better talk to Patricia; she's not going to get her hooks into Jill. Amanda tells him to keep out of it, but Wayne says he can't: Patricia is up to something and he's going to find out what. Amanda sighs in annoyance.

Jeff leaves school to head home, wheeling his bike along. He passes a wall, and as he does so, he suddenly hears a voice yelling from behind him, "Jeff! Jeff!" He turns round and sees Luke Carlyle walking towards him. He looks delighted to see him, and they shake hands. Jeff comments that he thought Luke would never get there. Luke says he thought the bus would take forever! Jeff tells him that he's sorry he couldn't get the money for a 'plane ticket. Luke assures him that the main thing is that he's there. He adds that he can't tell Jeff how good it is to be away from his father. Looking worried, Jeff replies, "I've got something to tell you. You're not going to like it..."

Wayne arrives at Margaret's apartment, but as he stands in the doorway, Patricia tells him that she doesn't know what he's talking about. He walks in and Patricia shuts the door. They both go and sit down. Wayne retorts, "Don't give me that." He adds that she might have fooled Jill and Amanda, but not him. Patricia wearily tells him that she's been through too much lately to cope with his nonsense, so if he doesn't mind... Wayne, though, tells her not to bother playing for sympathy; he knows her too well. Patricia impatiently asks him what it is he thinks she's getting out of helping Robin, then. Wayne retorts that there are two ways she can go with Margaret's death: be sensible and get on with her own life; or decide to get everyone who she believes is responsible for Margaret being on that 'plane when it crashed: Gordy, Fiona, him, Beryl Palmer... Patricia snaps at him that he's not making any sense: because she supposedly blames all of them for Margaret's death, she wants to help Robin?; that's logical to him, is it? Wayne tells her that she's trying to buy Jill - get her on-side so that she can use her against them. Patricia, looking bemused, tells him that she'd better give him the name of her psychiatrist, because he needs him! Wayne, though, retorts that it's got her rattled that someone knows what she's up to. Patricia says she supposes she can't blame him for being suspicious, but all she wants is a chance to prove herself. Wayne tells her that she's not getting any chances with him - not after the way she treated him and Amanda. Patricia asks if this means she can forget about renting the house. Wayne replies that no, it doesn't - he'd prefer to know exactly where she is; that way, he can keep an eye on her - and every move she makes, he'll block. Patricia smiles and tells him that she just hopes he finds out in time how wrong he is about her...

Jeff and Luke are still standing outside the school. Luke complains to Jeff that his father always manages to be one step ahead of him - but he's not going back; he'd like to stay out of sight for a while and then his father might think he made a mistake. Jeff says he doesn't think he'll give up that easily. Luke comments that it's not very fair on Heather and Mike. He then says he supposes he'd better go and talk to them - get them to understand his side of it. Jeff assures him that his dad will understand. Luke asks him if he's sure...

A short while later, Jeff and Luke are sitting in the O'Briens' lounge with Mike, but Mike says, "No - it's the wrong way to do things, just taking off like that." Luke replies that he guesses it's natural that Mike feels that way, as a father, but he doesn't know what it's like for him: his father won't let him have his own life; he couldn't live. Mike says he's sure Roger was doing what he thought was right for him. He adds that Luke should have stayed and talked it out. Luke tells him that it wouldn't have worked; his father has only got one point of view: his. He continues that he guesses he comes across as pretty weak - a twenty-year-old too scared to move sideways because of his father. He goes on that Mike doesn't know how it was; his father is so incredibly strong; as far back as he can remember, he had his whole life mapped out; after a while, you get into thinking that that's the way it's really meant to be. He continues that this isn't the first time he's tried to get away from him - he did it when he was seventeen - but he ended up back there, so this is his second try; it's not easy... Mike says he supposes it isn't. Jeff chips in that Luke's father made Luke study Law, but he wants to be a doctor. Luke explains that his father said he had to be a lawyer so that he could work with him - bending the law to suit his business deals. As he says this, Katie comes out of her bedroom and stands out of sight, listening to the conversation. Mike asks Luke if his father is mixed up in something illegal. Luke replies that he isn't - he's too clever to do anything actually criminal - but he sails very close to the wind; he needs someone to show him where the loopholes are - but that's not how he wants to spend his life. Mike tells him that he doesn't blame him. Jeff says to his father that he told Luke that he could stay with them. Mike says, "Did you?" Jeff goes on that Heather really likes him. Mike comments that she should have discussed it with him. Luke interrupts and says it's alright - he won't stay; he just wanted to meet Mike and explain. Mike asks him where he's going to go, and Luke admits that he's not sure. Mike then asks him how he'll manage for money. Luke assures him that he'll manage, but Jeff tells his father that Luke has only got the money left over from his bus fare. Luke explains that he plans to get a job straight away and a place of his own. Mike points out that he'll need a roof over his head until he does; he'd better stay with them for a while. Upon hearing this, Katie, who's standing out of sight, looks worried. Luke tells Mike that he doesn't want to cause them any hassles with his father. Mike tells him that he thinks he's old enough to decide where to live; he can meet his father there and put his case. Luke glumly says he doesn't think there's much point, but Mike tells him that he doesn't know that; when his father sees him settled, he might come round a bit. Luke shakes Mike's hand and tells him that he's very grateful. Katie walks into the room and asks her father for a word. Jeff tells Luke that they can put up another bed in his room. Mike and Katie walk into the kitchen, and Katie tells her father that he shouldn't have let Luke stay; from things her mum has said, she thinks she's going to try and get him to go back to Perth with Mr. Carlyle. Mike tells her that Heather will change her mind when she hears about how things have been for the boy. He adds that she's not to worry about it. He returns to the living room and offers Luke a beer, leaving Katie looking annoyed.

A while later, Heather is coming up the path, carrying two bags of shopping, when Katie comes out to meet her. Heather asks if something's wrong. Katie explains that Luke's there. Heather just says, "Oh." Katie continues that Mike told him he could stay. Heather replies that she'll just have to speak to Mike, won't she. She heads inside.

In the living room, Mike opens a can of beer. Luke says he'd better go and have a shower and change his clothes; he feels like he's been wearing those ones for a week! Heather and Katie come in. Upon seeing Heather, Luke stands up, and Heather asks him how he is. He tells her that he's all the better for seeing her! The two of them hug. When they pull apart, Luke tells her that he's sorry that his father has been round giving her a hard time. Heather suggests they talk about it later. Mike chips in that Luke will be staying with them for a while. Heather comments, "So Katie was saying..." She then turns to her daughter and suggests that she get Luke something to eat. Katie, Jeff and Luke all head into the kitchen, leaving Heather to tell Mike that Luke can't stay. Mike asks what the problem is. Heather replies that they've got to make him go back to Perth with Roger. Mike tells her to wait until she hears what Luke has to say for himself. Heather replies that it's none of their business. Mike insists that he's not tossing the boy out without a very good reason. Heather retorts that there is a very good reason. She adds that she never told him the whole truth before, but she will now - as long as he promises not to lose his temper...

Jill is at Margaret's apartment, and she tells Patricia that she's made an appointment for her to go and see Dr. Jackson and make the arrangements. Patricia says that's good - the sooner they get started on his therapy, the better for Robin. Jill remarks that she didn't think Patricia would want to help after she caused that blow-up between her and Stephen at Woombai. Patricia explains that she's partly responsible for Robin being where he is; now she's in a position to help - and she hopes it might improve things between them: they used to be good friends, and she hopes they can be again. Jill tells her that of course they can. Patricia goes on that she needs all the friends she can get at the moment. She adds that she knows Jill is going through a bit of a rough patch as well, and she asks how things are with Fiona. Jill replies that she calls her about a dozen times a day, but the detective agency doesn't have any leads yet. Patricia says she doesn't understand why they didn't call in the police. Jill explains that it's because Terry is Fiona's son. Patricia asks if she's saying Fiona talked her out of it. Jill replies that it was her fault that the whole thing happened; she knows Terry will be looking after Fee. Patricia replies, "If he can..." She then quickly says she's sorry - she didn't mean to worry Jill any further. Jill replies that at least she's feeling better now that she knows Robin is being taken care of. Patricia tells her that she's glad she accepted her offer. Jill asks why wouldn't she? Patricia explains that she could have thought she had an ulterior motive like Wayne did - he was there earlier, making all sort of stupid accusations. She adds that Jill knows Wayne: he can't give anyone the benefit of the doubt. Jill tells her that Amanda has been trying to get him to change. She goes on that she doesn't think Amanda will be too happy to hear about him having a go at her. Patricia replies that she hopes it doesn't cause problems between them...

At the O'Briens', Mike snaps that he'll flatten the mongrel if he so much as looks at her. Heather explains that that's the very reason she didn't tell him before. Mike angrily asks how a bloke Roger Carlyle's age would want to take up with a kid like Katie. Heather tells him that if they can get Luke back to Perth, it won't be a problem. Mike retorts that they shouldn't let Roger Carlyle blackmail them. Heather points out that it's for Katie. Mike asks her what sort of girl she thinks Katie is; she wouldn't be interested in him in the first place. Heather tells him that she's seen the way Roger works - he's already had a string of young girls; he sweeps them right off their feet; Katie is young and she'd be flattered: Roger is an attractive, sophisticated man. Mike snaps, "He's older than me. Katie wouldn't give him a second look." Heather points out that they don't know that; it's better not to risk it. She goes on that that's why she gave up her job: so that she could get Katie right away from him and she'd never have to know. Mike snaps that he's not giving up on this - and he's not giving Luke his marching orders. Heather, looking worried, warns him that he doesn't know Roger Carlyle. Mike realises that she really is scared of him. Heather tells him that she knows what he's like. Mike, though, insists that there's no way he's backing down.

Wayne pours himself a glass of mineral water in the lounge room at Toorak. He asks Amanda if she wants one or if she wants something stronger. She doesn't answer. Wayne comments that she's hardly spoken to him since he got back. Amanda snaps at him that he had to do it, didn't he - even though she asked him not to. Wayne tells her that it's best if Patricia knows that somebody's onto her. Amanda snaps at him that he said they were going to concentrate on them; this is supposed to be their second honeymoon. She goes on that she's never cared much for Patricia, but the woman's just lost her sister. Wayne tells her that Patricia has pulled the wool over her eyes - she's up to something. Amanda asks him what proof he's got. Wayne replies, "Her track record." Amanda says she just can't believe that, while she's still in shock, she's going around plotting against everyone. She adds that Wayne always sees the worst in her; she's beginning to think that he'll never change. Wayne suggests they forget it; they've only got a couple of days before they go back; they should try and think about them. Amanda nods.

Jill tells Patricia that Amanda has talked to her a bit: a lot of the problem was Andy. Patricia asks if Wayne's jealous of him. Jill replies that he's only jealous of the amount of time Amanda is spending with him. She continues that, anyway, they determined to make a go of it; they think having a baby might help. Patricia replies that she can't see how - it seems to her that a baby would just tie Amanda to Wayne; it would make it more difficult for her if she did want to leave. She reminds Jill of the terrible time she's going through because of Fee. Jill admits that she hadn't thought about it like that. Patricia suggests that maybe she should point that out to Amanda - it'll be for her own good. Jill says she doesn't think it's anybody else's business. Patricia quickly agrees that of course it isn't - she's quite right...

A car pulls up outside the O'Briens'. Mike is doing some gardening and he stands up as Roger gets out of the vehicle and walks towards him. Roger politely says, "Afternoon," and asks if Luke has turned up yet. Mike growls that yes, he has. He adds that there's no use Roger hanging around, though - Luke isn't going back with him. Roger insists that he just wants to talk to the boy. Mike retorts that he didn't like what Luke had to say about him - and even less what Heather told him. Roger more menacingly comments that he hoped Heather would be sensible enough not to go running to him with her nonsense. Mike asks him if he's saying he's not interested in Katie. Roger retorts that he's only interested in one thing: getting his son back - he didn't invest twenty years in him to have some 'nobody' putting him on the wrong track. Mike snaps, "You get out of here - and you stay away from my daughter." Roger laughs and tells Mike that girls like Katie are two-a-penny. Mike suddenly pushes Roger, and Roger takes a step back. He then holds up his hands and explains that he doesn't settle things with his fists. Mike snaps at him to just go. Roger makes to return to his car, but as he does so, he warns, "You've made a very silly mistake..." He walks off as Mike glares at him.

 

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