As the curtains draw close on the thrilling climax of "Code of Silence," Julie Brooks, portrayed by Fifi Garfield, receives the harrowing news of the shooting. Detective Inspector James Marsh, played by Andrew Buchan, inquiries about Ben's whereabouts among his team. Detective Sergeant Ashleigh Francis, embodied by Charlotte Ritchie, strives to unravel Braden's mysterious disappearance, to which James gently urges her to seek refuge and recharge. Ashleigh, steadfast in her resolve, insists on staying, acknowledging the scarcity of leads they currently possess. James reflects on his earlier oversight in not heeding DS Francis's insights concerning Alison, portrayed by Rose Ayling-Ellis. Detective Constable Nia Caballero, played by Dedun Omole, informs that DS Sara Burns, portrayed by Lucinda Dryzek, is at the hospital, where Ben has successfully undergone surgery. James vows that Ben's bravery shall not be in vain.
Alison is granted permission to visit her mother, where she reveals the somber news of Liam's absence. James and Ashleigh are introduced to Julie, and Ashleigh vows to secure a safe haven for them until Braden is found. She updates Alison on Ben's surgical outcome. James posits the idea of Alison sending Liam a message, hoping he might respond, thereby aiding in his location. Upon dispatching the message, Alison inquiries whether the gathered intelligence suffices for arresting Helen and Joseph. James affirms they are bringing them in for interrogation, acknowledging that progress will be incremental.
Braden Moore, portrayed by Joe Absolom, approaches Molly Heath, played by Madison Stock, pleading that Danny would want her assistance. He confesses Liam duped him into believing they could outmaneuver the police, only to find himself duped in turn. Danny had recommended him, Braden reveals, adding that someone betrayed Danny over a ransomware scheme. Alison and Julie are relocated to a secure residence, guarded by DC Oliver Whittock, played by Azan Ahmed. Ashleigh urges Alison to return home but she persists, querying about Mark, who might hold pertinent information. Ashleigh, though reluctant, accompanies Alison to the hospital to visit Ben.
Sara, less than pleased to see Alison, is met with immediate apologies. She chastises Alison for her indiscretion with a suspect and for failing to adhere to instructions. Nia informs James that Liam's phone has been activated and pinged a tower in Budapest, a revelation James finds dubious. He wonders why a tech-savvy individual would allow such easy tracking. Meanwhile, Liam is shown engrossed in computer activity elsewhere. James and Sara interrogate Helen Redman, portrayed by Beth Goddard, accompanied by Alexander Romney, played by Steven Blake, who advises Helen to remain silent. Helen reads a prepared statement expressing shock at the hotel incident, distancing herself from Braden. Joseph Holhurst, played by Andrew Scarborough, is questioned separately, disclosing that he introduced Helen to Chandra Bakshi. Chandra, portrayed by Sheena Bhattessa, recounts meeting Braden Moore at the ice rink, insisting she would have reported him had she known his intentions.
Helen steadfastly denies any acquaintance with Braden's scheme, her tone laden with sincerity as she inquiries whether they have questioned Liam's sweetheart, Alison. She ventures a cautious suggestion, hinting that jurors might discount Alison's testimony due to her deafness, casting a shadow of doubt over her potential as a credible witness. Ashleigh and James concur, deciding it's prudent to allow events to unfold while they shore up their case. Suddenly, James' phone buzzes with news of a confirmed sighting of Braden in Faversham. Their minds instantly leap to the conclusion that he must be hiding at Danny Heath's place.
Meanwhile, Alison confides in her mother, revealing she borrowed a phone not only to order a meal but also to discreetly inform Eithan Lewis of her whereabouts. She acknowledges the gang's relentless pursuit, aware that escape is not an option. Pouring her heart out, Alison admits to her mother her burgeoning affection for Liam, lamenting how he manipulated her for his financial gain. Julie, ever the realist, gently reminds her that Alison, too, had her own motives in engaging with Liam.
James receives foster care records from Manchester, just as Eithan arrives at the safe house to ensure Alison's wellbeing. Amidst recounting her ordeal with Liam and their hotel encounter, Ashleigh interrupts James with the startling news that Braden has vanished, despite Molly's affirmation of his earlier presence. Molly, clueless about his whereabouts, now faces the prospect of being brought into the station for questioning.
James meets with Alison to relay the unsettling development – Helen and Joseph have been released, with the authorities laying the blame squarely on Liam and Braden. He cautions her that her evidence might falter in court, with defense lawyers likely to scrutinize her involvement and her relationship with Liam. Mark remains tight-lipped, offering no insights. Delving deeper, James inquires about Liam's foster care experience, learning of a family he held in high esteem until the patriarch's untimely demise a couple of years ago. The trail grows colder as they struggle to find traces of Liam Barlow but stumble upon Liam Gray instead.
James presents Alison with a photograph of Charlie Fletcher, and her eyes widen in recognition – this was the man Alfie had killed, Liam's foster father whose ring adorned Liam's finger. The necklace, a symbol of revenge against Charlie, had been taken by Liam. Just as James exits, Alison's food arrives, but she's puzzled as she hadn't ordered it. Oliver jokes that perhaps she had subconsciously ordered it for her mother, but Alison discovers a hidden phone amidst the packaging, bearing a message suggesting a clandestine meeting at a familiar location.
Seizing the opportunity, Alison slips out unnoticed, her heart pounding as she heads to the designated spot. Liam awaits, revealing he's planted a tracker on DS Francis' car. Alison expresses her distress over potential harm, accusing him of using her hearing aids for espionage. Liam, unrepentant, reminds her of their mutual exploitation – she slept with him for information, and he used her for his schemes. He further accuses her of betrayal, hinting at her involvement in orchestrating the bike accident.
Alison, once feeling validated by someone finally hearing her voice, wonders if the necklace theft was motivated by Charlie. Liam insists that money is Helen and Braden's sole concern, a sentiment he shared with Charlie. His care for both Charlie and Alison is evident in his return. Yet, beneath the veneer of concern lies a web of deceit and manipulation, tightening around Alison as she grapples with the reality of her entangled life.
Liam earnestly requests Alison's company, revealing he's found a buyer for the necklace in Panama. Alison counters by suggesting he turn himself in to the police, testifying against Helen and Joseph. However, Liam balks at the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence. Instead, he outlines a daring escape plan to Brazil, a sanctuary where they can evade capture. Alison accuses him of ruining everything, but Liam contends that their misdeeds were a collective effort. She persists in urging him to confront the authorities, but Liam remains steadfast in his refusal, and Alison, equally determined, declines to accompany him.
Elsewhere, James pays a visit to Dawn Fletcher (Donna Coulling), who mentions the arrival of another boy the next day. Inquiring about Liam Barlow, Dawn feigns ignorance. James threatens to obtain a search warrant, prompting Dawn to confess that Liam was Charlie's favorite. She maintains that Liam is a decent kid and expresses ignorance of his plans. When pressed, she admits she doesn't know his whereabouts. From his car, James calls Ashleigh, informing her that Liam has been at Dawn's. Ashleigh mentions a reported carjacking potentially involving Braden.
Julie stumbles upon a note from Alison and hastily informs Oliver, while Alison is engrossed in grilling Mark (Colin Hoult) at the bar about his knowledge of their predicament. She attempts to enlist his cooperation with the police, but Mark is adamant about not crossing paths with dangerous figures like Braden. Suddenly, Alison is confronted from behind. Meanwhile, Liam receives a chilling video message showing Braden holding Alison hostage. Ashleigh learns of Alison's abduction, and Dawn discovers Liam hiding in her house.
Braden keeps Alison at gunpoint, while Liam confronts Dawn, insisting that justice for Charlie can't wait for Alfie's eventual release. He reveals his motive, claiming he did it for Charlie. Dawn insists she never intended for him to take such drastic measures. Liam vows to retrieve the necklace from Helen to secure Alison's release, promising to flee on a plane afterward. He just wants to bid Dawn farewell. She urges him to surrender to the police, but Liam begs her not to call them, fearing for Alison's life.
James initiates a search for Liam and Alison, as Liam proceeds to the rendezvous point. He meets Helen, presenting the necklace but refusing to hand it over until he sees Alison. Helen suggests they travel in her car, leading Liam to Braden, who holds him at gunpoint, mocking his softness. Alison expresses her distrust, and Liam confesses he manipulated Danny into the ransomware scheme, ultimately framing him to gain access to Helen Redman and Braden Moore, the duo responsible for Charlie's death. Liam pleads for Braden to lower his weapon before revealing the necklace, eventually handing it over to Helen in exchange for Alison's freedom.
But Alison realizes they intend to betray Liam. Using sign language, he communicates something crucial to her just as armed police raid the premises, arresting everyone involved. Outside, Liam removes a wire and presents it to an officer, while James checks on him, assured that Helen's confession is recorded.
James is well-aware of Charlie's virtuous nature, and Liam openly confesses that his actions were solely motivated by his devotion to Charlie. Alison seeks Liam out, eager to confront him. She inquiries whether he sacrifices himself for her sake, and Liam responds, affirming that every bit of it was worthwhile. Alison confesses to having been swayed by his proposition, emphasizing her love for hard work and her earnest desire for others to recognize her potential. Shortly thereafter, Liam is escorted away in a police cruiser, his fate sealed.
Two months fly by, and Alison, accompanied by Ashleigh, Ben, and others, treads the path to the courtroom. Liam is ushered into the defendant's dock, where he humbly requests Alison's visit, hoping they can hone his sign language skills together. Without hesitation, Liam pleads guilty to the charges.
Later, James discovers Alison busy packing her belongings, and she reveals their plans to relocate to a new apartment. James shares news of Joseph Holhurst's arrest for money laundering, noting that Hollis & Byrne has subsequently suspended him. Moreover, James delivers the outcome of the review board's decision—Alison has been rewarded generously for her diligent work, a whopping 50,000 pounds, a figure that brings a glimmer of hope to her eyes. She expresses her gratitude, acknowledging how much it will aid them.
James then presents her with a brochure for the Forensic Expert Lipreading Course at the University of Canterbury Marlowe, hinting at the high demand he foresees for her unique skills.
