As the curtains rise on the fourth chapter of "Code of Silence," Detective Sergeant Ashleigh Francis (Charlotte Ritchie), with a hint of caution in her voice, informs Alison Brooks (Rose Ayling-Ellis) that discretion is key in their choice of parking spot. Intrigued, Alison inquiries about the potential sentence Liam (Kieron Moore) might face if entangled in a conspiracy charge. Ashleigh responds by hinting at a slim chance of redemption for Liam, contingent upon Alison's assistance in thwarting the gang's armed escapade. Ashleigh's concern lingers over a possible emotional entanglement between Alison and Liam, which Alison swiftly dismisses, asserting her clarity of purpose and role-playing prowess.
Upon Alison's arrival, Liam seeks forgiveness for his abrupt kiss and subsequent disappearance, explaining his absence as a visit to a friend and revealing his new residence. Alison probes if his actions are job-related, perhaps a bid to shield her from his underworld dealings. Liam remains tight-lipped, prompting Alison to agree to a single, pivotal question: whether violence looms on the horizon. Liam reassures her with the cryptic adage, "Brains always prevail over brawn." Desiring daily reunions, Liam remains steadfast in his silence about his undertakings.
At the precinct, Detective Constable Ben Lawford (Nathan Armarkwei Laryea) updates James (Andrew Buchan) and the team on Cnahdra Baskhi, the logistics mastermind for Amir Joshi. Ashleigh reveals the family's tie-up with Croesus International Vaults, suggesting the jewels' probable hiding spot. Their trail leads to Sammy Turner, a software engineer at Croesus, pinpointed through a bar transaction. The auctioneer confirms the jewels' auction within five days, while the gang's communication blackout alarms James, who speculates they're fine-tuning their heist elsewhere.
Eithan Lewis (Rolf Choutan) delivers a somber update to Alison, dashing her eviction appeal hopes and promising to confront Julie's company for rescinding their offer. They decide to keep this quiet to avoid raising Julie's (Fifi Garfield) hopes prematurely. When Julie joins them unexpectedly, her warm embrace towards Eithan contrasts with their guarded conversation. In private, Julie expresses gratitude for having a supportive partner like Alison.
Later, at The Canterbury Tap, Alison encounters Joseph Holhurst (Andrew Scarborough) and Helen Redman (Beth Goddard), who enter for a drink. Helen, aware of Liam's connection to Alison, initiates a conversation, her curiosity piqued by Liam's interest in her. Alison, having learned discretion, avoids probing questions. Helen reveals Liam's invitation for a work trip, funded by her, prompting her to scrutinize Alison. Helen inquiries into Alison's past employment and living situation, learning about her father's absence.
After this encounter, Alison confronts Liam about their impending trip, sharing her conversation with Helen, painting a vivid tapestry of intrigue and emotional undercurrents in this gripping episode of "Code of Silence."
Liam announces with excitement that Helen is leading them to an exquisite hotel, sparking curiosity. Subsequently, Alison shares the thrilling news with Francis and James, filling them in on the impending adventure. Liam harbors hopes that the trip will be a harmonious blend of professional endeavors and leisurely moments. As Alison ponders over her attire, she confides in James and Ashleigh that Liam has kept their destination under wraps. Meanwhile, Liam orchestrates a meticulous plan to ensure everyone's safety during this mission, hinting at potential dangers.
Recognizing the need for discreet inquiries, they suggest Alison approach Liam for further details. In a grand gesture, Liam picks her up dressed impeccably in a luxurious suit, arriving in a stylish car. Admitting his anxiety about her potential change of heart, Liam reveals that they'll adopt pseudonyms at the reception, necessitating Alison's cooperation. Ashleigh informs James that they've discovered the Joshi family's residence at the prestigious Mayfair Regency Hotel, prompting James to defend his capabilities against her perception of him as a novice. Assertively, he underscores his seasoned skills, honed over years.
Shortly thereafter, Liam and Alison arrive at their destination. Using the alias Jack Standford, Liam secures their reservation at theHawthorne Estate Hotel and is pleasantly surprised by an upgrade to the Milton Suite. As they settle into their lavish accommodations, Liam reveals his hacker prowess as the reason behind their upgrade, and invites Alison to accompany him for dinner, gifting her an exquisite dress. Hesitant to accept due to its grandeur, Alison senses that Liam's operation is nearing its climax.
Ashleigh's inquisitive message arrives, prompting Alison to wonder about her whereabouts. While Liam is momentarily absent, Alison embarks on a stealthy pursuit but is diverted by the attentive receptionist. Later, joining Liam for dinner, Alison catches sight of Amar Joshi and his entourage arriving. Utilizing her exceptional lip-reading skills, she provides Liam with invaluable insights, explaining her unique talent.
Liam shares his hacking origins, stemming from a humble beginning with an old PC at the library. He recounts his legitimate coding work in London last year and the influential yet tumultuous mentorship under Danny, who was entangled with Helen and her circle. Danny's inability to execute the current mission led to Liam's involvement. Liam delves into his past, revealing a foster family he deeply cherished until their tragic loss, and the ring he wears as a token of their bond.
Returning to their opulent suite, Alison comments on the room's meticulous neatness, to which Liam assures her of twice-daily maid service. Joking about the waste of two pristine beds, their playful banter leads to an intimate encounter. The next morning, Alison awakens to Ashleigh's urgent message, while Liam rouses shortly after, inquiring about her hearing aids, which she admits she couldn't imagine being without.
Liam harbors a suspicion that she must pine for the companionship of someone who understands her circumstances. He convinces himself that mastering British Sign Language (BSL) is within his grasp, given enough time. Alison inquires whether Liam intends to revert to his former life once his current assignment concludes. He responds in the negative, yet believes that's precisely the essence of his mission.
Ben informs Ashleigh that the Joshi family is currently absent from town, yet the auction house persists with the sale of their jewels. The vault's staff remains tight-lipped about any details regarding the Joshi deposit. They have verified Liam's visit to the vault under the alias Jack Stanford last week. Ben wonders aloud if Alison is causing another round of headaches. Ashleigh retorts by hinting at the reasons behind Liam's perpetual scrutiny of her actions. Ben asserts that his relationship with Sara is genuine and heartfelt. Ashleigh, whose ex-partner left her for someone he deemed the "real deal," shares a story of their swift separation shortly thereafter. Ben advises Ashleigh to run a background check on Alison for her own protection. Meanwhile, Alison discreetly deletes Ashleigh's messages from her phone and observes Liam poring over CCTV footage from the motel, where he spots Amir Joshi at the bar. Liam swiftly closes the laptop upon Alison's entrance.
Liam proposes a brunch rendezvous at the bar, but Alison feigns urgency, claiming her mother is attempting a video call. He agrees to meet her downstairs. As Alison exits the motel, Liam keeps her under surveillance via CCTV. She joins Ashleigh in her car, who scolds her for abruptly vanishing. Alison conjectures that Liam is trailing Amir Joshi and his family, having glimpsed Amir the previous night. Ashleigh discloses that Joshi intends to purchase a property in Knightsbridge for his daughter, liquidating her necklace as a life lesson for her. Alison reveals that Liam has gained unauthorized access to the CCTV footage. Ashleigh expresses trepidation about potentially being watched too.
Liam texts Alison to inquire about her whereabouts, prompting Ashleigh's unease. Alison insists she's following instructions to the letter. Upon returning to the room, she spots Amir with his daughter, while Liam lounges nearby. Liam quizzes her about her absence, to which she replies that her mother was distressed over the eviction, reminding him of their respective need for personal space. He proposes they resume their charade, tasking Alison with spying on Joshi's daughter. Pretending to discuss an upgrade with her father, Alison learns through eavesdropping that Amir is discussing a bidding strategy, aiming for at least five million pounds or withdrawing the necklace. His daughter, Reshmi (Tanya Katyal), is displeased with the sale. Alison wonders aloud if Liam is spying on them, to which he suggests they wouldn't even notice if something went missing.
Later, Liam tells Alison that their encounter was unique, and she concurs. She expresses a longing for a life unburdened by their espionage, imagining an eternity in that motel. As Alison departs and returns home, she encounters James and Ashleigh. James realizes Liam was aware of the Joshis' presence at the motel, possibly tracking them. Liam eavesdrops on Alison's conversation with Ashleigh and James, catching snippets about Liam mentioning Danny, his former boss who worked under Helen.
James harbors a desire to delve deeper into Danny's world. Inside the car, Josh confides in Alison, asserting that he never intended for her to share a motel room with Liam. She counters, revealing his actual request was for her to gather intelligence. James fails to foresee the consequences of his actions, seemingly consumed by his mission to bring these individuals to justice. He urges her to halt any endeavors she's embarked upon with Liam.
Elsewhere, Liam convenes with Helen, Joseph, and Braden (played by Joe Absolom), detailing his motel experience. Joseph inquiries about the timeline for acquiring the item, to which Helen responds, "tonight." Helen and Joseph subsequently depart. Mark (portrayed by Colin Hoult) informs Braden that Alison is off duty for the evening. Braden expresses his distrust in her and his burgeoning regret for involving Liam in their operation. Liam insists that this job is his path to freedom, and nothing will derail his plans.
Meanwhile, Alison encounters Eithan, who has arranged a private screening for them. Eithan presents her with a ring, vowing to be a changed man. Alison implores him to reconsider his actions. As she exits, she receives a message from Liam, shortly followed by an encounter with him. Alison concedes that a conversation is imperative.
Liam asserts the right to speak first, unfolding a tale of the necklace and a family encounter at the hotel bar. He entreats her to guard a secret until their mission concludes. The plan, he reveals, is to extract the necklace from a London vault, guarded with the utmost security, and substitute it with a duplicate. No one will detect the switch until it's irreversible. Liam assures her that no harm will come to anyone, requesting her trust. He starts to sing, envisioning a life together, where they can roam wherever her heart desires. Liam places his trust in her, hoping she'll embark on this journey with him, including her mother. He believes she deserves a life filled with genuine happiness.
