As the second installment of "Code of Silence" unfolds, Alison Woods (portrayed by Rose Ayling-Ellis) utters her concern over Liam's (Kieron Moore) absence from a crucial meeting, tasking Cruella with rearranging their appointment. Detective Inspector James Marsh (Andrew Buchan) probes further into Liam's no-show, prompting Cruella and Liam to engage in a hush-hush conversation about swapping something, much to the driver's distress. DS Ashleigh Francis (Charlotte Ritchie) deduces that they might be switching SIM cards, posing a significant dilemma since the authorities had been intercepting the driver's communications. To Alison's awareness, Liam Barlow is now active online, prompting Ashleigh to insist on finding an alternative route. James and his team gear up to explore other avenues of entry.
Returning to her shift, Alison receives an alarming message from Levee Bank informing her of an overdraft. Meanwhile, Braden Moore (Joe Absolom) cross-checks with Antony Bates (Aaron Millard) about his regular SIM card changes. Liam criticizes their lax security measures, while Antony replies that Sara disapproves of frequent number changes due to her pregnancy. This sparks a brief altercation, with Braden landing a couple of hits on Antony.
Alison toils at The Canterbury Tap, where Eithan Lewis (Rolf Choutan) enters, professing innocent intentions to catch up on how she's been. Alison, busy and juggling two jobs to make ends meet, curtly informs him of her predicament. Eithan acknowledges her dismissal from the café, revealed by Samira. Alison reassures him she's fine now, highlighting the disparity in their life circumstances, including Eithan's privileged upbringing with council employment and parental support.
Liam's unexpected arrival at the pub, amid Eithan's presence, adds another layer to the encounter. He pretends ignorance of Alison's work schedule and suggests that now might not be the best time. He eventually reveals his intent to meet Braden, prompting Alison to excuse herself from Eithan's company. Braden's introduction to Alison as the owner by Mark (Colin Hoult) adds another twist. As Alison resumes her duties, she eavesdrops on Liam and Braden's conversation through lip-reading, learning about a clandestine meeting on Braden's turf. Liam is briefed to ensure he isn't tailed and to bring a companion as a decoy. His gaze lands on Alison, who swiftly returns to work. He later follows her outside, inquiring about her well-being and hinting at Braden's role in securing his new job. Liam senses an uneasy aura from Eithan and casually invites Alison out for a drink. She responds noncommittally.
At home, Julie Brooks (Fifi Garfield) urges Alison to report a recent accident to the police. Julie shares her own job news, working for an energy company's text chat service. She expresses the need for access arrangements, including an interpreter for training. Alison expresses optimism about navigating these challenges together. Julie then tasks Alison with discussing the new landlord with Eithan.
Alison firmly believes that celebrating their success should precede any other endeavor. She plans to unwind with the champagne she sneakily secured from the café, savoring it at a later juncture. Making her way to the station where she performs her cleaning duties, Alison takes the initiative to research a forensic lip-reading training course. To her astonishment, it costs a whopping 4,500 pounds and spans 17 weeks.
As she approaches DS Francis, she learns that James is currently in a meeting with the assistant chief constable, advocating for additional funding for surveillance operations. Alison, perceptive as ever, suspects that they might require someone closer to their inner circle—perhaps an informant. She casually mentions her recent stint at a bar situated near Liam's flat, realizing Francis has deduced her employment at The Canterbury Tap.
James grills her about any potential interactions with Liam, reminding her that Braden, none other than the pub's owner, is deeply intertwined in their investigation. DC Ben Lawford, with his keen eye for detail, has been monitoring Liam's every move. They are already aware of Liam's hospital visit with Alison, prompting her to recount the bicycle mishap. James acknowledges that Alison's actions indirectly caused Liam to skip an important meeting, lamenting that she jeopardized the entire operation. Alison counters that without her, they would be in the dark, emphasizing that she was merely earning a meager minimum wage. She insists that she can be a genuine asset to their cause.
James, however, worries about her safety and opposes her continued presence at the station, even suggesting that she be released from her canteen duties. In a confidential moment, DS Francis admits that this situation reflects poorly on her, given that she pushed James to incorporate Alison into their operations. Francis vows to discuss the matter with Gary.
Upon returning home, Alison is surprised to find Liam accompanied by Julie. Julie immediately understands why Alison hesitated to report the recent incident to the police. Liam reveals that he fixed her bike, and they've been casually chatting about her. Seeking some privacy, they step outside. Liam expresses his hope that she would join him for a drink now that her bike is in perfect condition. He further invites her to accompany him to London the following night. Intrigued, Alison agrees.
Meanwhile, James informs the team that they won't receive additional funds for surveillance. Francis shares that Liam has been working as a software developer, often relocating for his job.
She has barely managed to extract much information from him. James persists in urging them to continue their search, emphasizing the necessity of finding an alternative entrance. When Alison joins Liam, she discovers that he possesses two phones and is employed as a software engineer. He asserts that he is engaged in digital security work for a prominent local businesswoman, adding that she compelled him to sign a non-disclosure agreement, thereby prohibiting him from discussing it further.
Later that evening, as they venture out, Julie sends Alison a message informing her that she is preparing a meal. Alison promptly informs her mother that she will be returning home late. Meanwhile, Alison catches sight of Liam conversing with a man who mentions having what is required for Mayfair. It transpires that the family vault is situated in the basement. Shortly thereafter, Alison is introduced to Sammy and Maya. Liam and Sammy excuse themselves, leaving the girls to chat among themselves.
Maya reveals to Alison that she has only just met Liam. Alison keeps a wary eye on Liam's conversation with Sammy while making small talk with Maya. Maya shares that Sammy works for a security storage company that safeguards valuables for extremely wealthy individuals. Sammy repeatedly assures Maya that he will soon earn enough money to buy her a genuine diamond ring.
Upon Sammy's return, he suggests they depart. However, Maya and Alison persuade them to stay for additional drinks. Alison attempts to glimpse the name on Sammy's bank card but manages to see only the first name. When they finally leave, Alison informs Liam that he should not drive. He instead takes her to a dining establishment.
Reminiscing, Alison mentions that her father used to bring her to a flower market in London, which is one of her only vivid memories of spending time alone with him. Unfortunately, her father wandered off during that visit. Alison admits that life has been challenging without him, especially since her mother lost her job. Her father either ignored or was unwilling to confront these difficulties. Alison also reveals that she has been laid off from two jobs.
Liam inquires about her team, prompting Alison to share that she was once skilled in gymnastics and had aspirations of winning a gold medal. When Liam steps away from the table, Alison seizes the opportunity to sneak a look at the blueprint in his bag. She attempts to take a picture but narrowly avoids being caught.
During their taxi ride back, Liam asks Alison if she could decipher his conversation with Sammy.
She speaks sparingly, while Liam remarks that she seems inquisitive, peppering conversations with numerous questions. Alison emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant, fearing she might miss crucial developments if she doesn't. With a hint of humor, she teases Liam about having secrets he wishes to conceal. Liam vows to keep a close watch on her and inquiries about seeing her again. Alison responds that walking away from this situation is intricate. Liam decides to reach out to her via text. That night, as Alison recharges her hearing aids, she discovers a message from Liam. She promptly texts DS Francis, inquiring about the possibility of a meeting.
The following day, Alison meets with Francis and updates her on her recent endeavors. She delves into her discussion with Sammy about Mayfair, suspecting that Sammy might have shown Liam a floor plan and hinted at a vault located in the basement. Alison speculates that they could be compensating Sammy for his insights. She expresses her desire to assist, confident that they underestimate her capabilities, as many often do. Francis ultimately decides to accompany Alison back to the station.
James implores her to grasp the gravity of the situation. Alison assures him of her understanding, emphasizing that she's already immersed in her role at the bar and intends to stay. James would appreciate it if she kept him informed of any noteworthy observations made during her shifts. DS Francis clarifies that they will establish safety measures, with her serving as Alison's point of contact. James cautions her against endangering herself, warning that this job can lead to deep regrets, a fate he doesn't wish upon her.
Alison seeks out Eithan to apologize, requesting a heart-to-heart conversation. She admits her desire for his assistance regarding the house, inquiring about its future. Eithan discovers that Hollis & Byrne Developments have submitted a pre-planning application, seemingly aiming to redevelop the estate into luxury apartments interspersed with affordable housing. This revelation concerns Alison greatly. Meanwhile, Ben informs James that they've narrowed down their search to three high-security storage facilities and vaults employing biometric technology.
Nia Caballero, alias Dedun Omole, reveals that Antony has been scouting potential warehouse spaces. Meanwhile, Liam ventures into a fortified vault, presenting a forged identification to the receptionist and requesting a bulletproof container. The facility boasts an array of sophisticated security measures, including motion sensors, weight-sensitive vaults, and several proprietary innovations. The attendant grants Liam access through a retina scanner.
Elsewhere, Alison makes her way to The Canterbury Tap for her shift. Her keen eyes catch Braden on a phone call, accompanied by a camera. Intrigued, Alison attempts to use the surveillance system to eavesdrop on his conversation, but to no avail. Instead, she cleverly adjusts the camera angle to keep him in view.
Shortly after, Liam enters and greets Alison, noting that she hadn't replied to his text messages. Alison, citing her busy schedule, brushes it off. Braden emerges to converse with Liam, instructing Alison to step away as he prepares to secure the area. Alison promises to text Liam later and surreptitiously keeps tabs on their discussion through the CCTV feed.
Their conversation underscores the vault's unparalleled security, featuring an airlocked system buried deep underground, guarded by personnel stationed at every entrance. Liam is reminded that the guards' duties fall outside his purview.
Alison, sensing the gravity of the situation, hastily sends a message to Francis, filling her in on the developments. Unfortunately, Braden catches her glancing at the monitor while texting, prompting suspicion. He confronts her, inquiring about the recipient of her message. He then turns to Liam, questioning the depth of their acquaintance. Liam demands Alison's phone, instructing her to unlock it.
Upon inspecting her phone, Liam finds only a message from her mother, confirming to Braden that there's nothing incriminating. With a sense of relief, Alison is permitted to leave shortly thereafter.
