Bob Jelly is contemplating suicide. As if discovering that his real in-laws are Meredith and Harold wasn't a sufficiently bitter pill to swallow, Katrina Fennessy, the woman behind the setting up of a Community Bank in Pearl Bay, has disappeared, taking with her the savings of the entire town - including Bob's.
While Bob ponders the method of his departing the mortal coil, Max takes matters into his own hands. His efforts are rewarded and, with help from Sergeant Grey, Katrina is caught red-handed and remanded in custody. Bob hears the news just in time and rushes to her cell.
The locals are oblivious to all this. They are prepared to accept a slight delay in the Bank's opening and the entire town operating on barter, as a minor inconvenience. When word gets out that Katrina has been arrested, they are ready to burn her at the stake - along with Bob. Matters aren't made any better when Bob provides surety for Katrina and Laura grants her bail. Laura's decision is unpopular and the townsfolk decide to take matters into their own hands.
Rupert is also into high finance after deciding that lack of money is a home wrecker and the reason for his parents not getting back together. He muscles in on Trevor's paper delivery round but he endangers their friendship when he tries to take shortcuts with his new responsibility.
Released on bail, Katrina plans her escape, asking for Bob's help to organise a plane ticket and a false passport. She professes her innocence and her deep attraction for Bob and puts pressure on him to flee with her to Vanuatu. Bob must choose between disgrace and dishonour at home and living the high life overseas.
Laura and Elena's friendship blossoms, and Elena invites Laura and Jack to dinner. The dinner party is awkward and Laura can't help but compare Elena and Max's apparently perfect relationship with her failed ones.
A special moment for Elena and MaxMax has been exercising his investigative skills and discovers Katrina placed the town's money on the stock market. Thanks to her insider trading it has made a handsome profit. Sergeant Grey has to decide whether to pursue Katrina and leave the town penniless or drop the charges and let the town receive a windfall. Bob finds he is no longer villain but hero.
Laura confronts Max over his interference in Katrina's case - but her tirade is interrupted by shocking news about Elena. The fragile nature of life and love is brought home to Laura and she seeks comfort from Jack.
