The episode kicks off with Emma Barnett (Jill Halfpenny) standing on the sidewalk, her gaze fixated on their former apartment, a hauntingly familiar silhouette against the twilight. As she steps inside, vivid flashbacks wash over her—a grotesque bloodstain on the doorframe, a haunting reminder of a bloody handprint. Moving into the half-finished kitchen, she relives the harrowing sight of a figure sprawled on the floor, a knife protruding ominously from their chest, the stain of their demise still lingering.
Two weeks earlier, Emma stands at the window, her thoughts interrupted by a flock of magpies swirling around and landing on the sill outside. John Barnett (Rupert Penry-Jones) calls out to her from downstairs, his voice echoing through the empty rooms. She turns, her eyes scanning the sill one last time before it appears desolate. Meanwhile, in an adjacent apartment, Nick Hewitt (Alex Macqueen), a day sleeper disturbed by the relentless din of construction, throws off the covers in frustration. He strides to the window, yanking the drapes aside to witness JMC Waste Disposal installing a porta-potty outside the Barnetts' residence. Emma watches intently as a worker digs away in the backyard, a solitary magpie perched sentinel-like on a nearby fence.
Lee Hatby (Chris Gascoyne) approaches her, a hint of mischief in his eyes, and inquires about her beliefs in superstitions. She shakes her head, dismissing such notions. He responds by mentioning that if the Abshires refuse to relocate their treasured tree, he'll have to dig an additional 50 centimeters deeper, tacking on an extra two thousand pounds to her bill. She protests the escalating cost, but he leaves the decision in her hands and exits. Her phone buzzes with a text from her father, reminding her of an upcoming meeting.
Outside, John is busy loading plastic containers into a van when Alan Spence (Ray Fearon) strides over to lend a helping hand. John expresses his gratitude, and Alan quips about the purpose of friends, reminding John of their recent spat where he had accused Alan of lying. Alan chuckles, clarifying that he had merely suggested John was prone to exaggeration, adding that honesty isn't always a virtue. Elsewhere, Nick watches Emma engage in a heated conversation with Barbara Abshire (Tessa Peake-Jones) through live security footage. Emma pleads with Barbara to reconsider moving the tree, but Barbara is steadfast in her refusal, issuing threats to anyone who dares lay a finger on it. Derek Abshire (James Fleet), sensing the tension, inserts himself into the fray, insisting Emma back off. Emma stands her ground, preventing Derek from slamming the door shut, vowing to proceed regardless of their objections. Derek, exasperated, slams the door shut behind him and chastises Barbara for her irrational attachment to the tree.
As Nick watches the live security footage intently, he observes Derek approaching Sonia Spence, played by Amy Nuttall, as she disposes of the trash. Derek initiates a conversation by urging Sonia to intervene and halt the Barnett family's extension plans. Though she confesses her disapproval, she asserts that the decision lies beyond their control. Derek counters by suggesting they could persuade the Barnetts to abandon the idea and relocate as originally intended. Surprise flashes across her face as she reminds him they consider each other friends, to which he responds with skepticism. He hints that Barbara is more troubled by the prospect than he is and reassures her that they will heed her input. Intrigued, she inquires about the tree's significance, but Derek evades the question, turning to leave abruptly.
Elsewhere, Lee insists on being paid in cash during a phone conversation with Emma. She protests, reminding him that their agreement stipulated otherwise, promising instead to transfer the funds to his bank account before abruptly ending the call. Joining Terry Dobson, portrayed by Larry Lamb, on a bench, Emma recounts Lee's demand. Terry advises that accommodating Lee's wish might motivate him to work more diligently, dismissing her concerns about enabling tax evasion. He sees the world in such practical terms. Emma wonders aloud if their actions amount to merely facilitating the project's progression without altering its outcome. Terry chuckles, calling her endearing for her naive belief and asking her to vouch for him in a potential investment. When she suggests finding someone else, he reveals his attorney's recent scandal involving backdated real estate documents. Emma queries whether he's asking her to underwrite the project, shouldering the responsibility should he default. Terry reminds her of the favor they did by pushing through the extension and assures her the funds are secured. Emma expresses fear of John discovering her involvement, which Terry dismisses as a potential win-win scenario, handing her the documents before strolling away.
At a cozy café, PC Gallagher, played by Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, complements Beth Barnett, portrayed by Megan Trower, on her exceptional photography skills, an opinion echoed by her agent friend. Beth admiration for her work leads to a conversation about her photography's infrequency. Gallagher explains that photography captures truths life often obscures, inadvertently touching Beth's hand before quickly withdrawing and apologizing. Beth inquiries about Gallagher's career trajectory, prompting her to share her lineage of police officers. Beth reveals her father's unemployment and her mother's skeptical stance towards law enforcement.
Meanwhile, John expresses gratitude to Alan and promises a pint in return. Alan suggests they celebrate immediately, but John has prior engagements. Nick interrupts, requesting a private word with John. Once Alan steps away, Nick gripes about his rudeness before presenting a petition for enforcing parking permits, to which John responds by noting Emma's prior signature and preparing to depart. Nick teases the possibility of interesting security footage catching John's attention.
Elsewhere, Sonia peers over the Barnett's fence, observing a worker digging. Alan grumbles about John's gesture of a pint for his assistance. She informs him of an upcoming school conference, planting a kiss on his cheek before departing. As he looks up, his gaze lands on John watching from an upper-floor window, adding an unexpected twist to the scenario.
At the cozy diner, Emma pores over some documents, her brow furrowed in concentration. Tempted by curiosity, she reaches for John’s phone only to be greeted by the mechanical voice of his voicemail. Meanwhile, an unseen figure watches her intently from the shadows of a nearby parked car.
Elsewhere, Nick flicks through security footage on his device, revealing Sonia stepping out of his house at precisely 2:04pm on June 13th. John's eyes narrow in confusion as he inquires about the significance of the video. Nick, with a hint of triumph, pulls up another clip, this one capturing an intimate scene between him and Sonia in her shared bedroom with Alan. John's tone sharpens with warning; the footage could spell trouble, even arrest. Nick counters defiantly, insisting his CCTV system is limited to the street. John, striving to reassure, hints at a plausible explanation. However, Nick's admission of posting the footage to the street group chat shifts the atmosphere. John's voice rises, accusing Nick of attempting blackmail, labeling him insane, and demanding he cease his harassment of John and his family. Nick, undeterred, hints at possessing more incriminating videos before John storms out in frustration.
Back at their home, Emma inspects the progress on the extension, her mind elsewhere. Lee, covered in dust, informs her that the concrete pour is scheduled for Monday and requests a two-thousand-dollar advance to pay the workers. Her phone buzzes with a message from Terry, inquiring about her decision. Ignoring the digital intrusion, she agrees to hand over the cash to Nick and slips into an adjacent room clutching a framed family photo. Terry's texts continue, the pressure mounting with each message.
Beth, immersed in scanning her cherished photographs, is interrupted by Emma's knock. With a nod, she invites her in. Emma admires Beth's photography, then delicately broaches the subject of Beth's cryptic remark about not knowing something. Beth feigns ignorance, but Emma persists, pledging confidentiality and genuine interest in Beth's perspective. Emma apologizes for her distant demeanor and revisits Beth's earlier comment about Marcus leaving due to Derek and Barbara's neglect. Beth counters with a revelation: Marcus confided in her about Derek's violent behavior towards both him and Barbara. Beth accuses Emma of seeking leverage against the tree issue. Emma, desperate, invites Beth to join them for dinner that evening.
A loud thud echoes through the house, drawing Emma's gaze to the window. Lee and his assistant are manhandling a door frame onto a tarp, their efforts causing the commotion. Over the fence, Alan stands, watching intently. Unnerved, Beth sends a discreet message about Emma's odd behavior.
Moments later, Emma approaches Alan with a bottle of wine, an apology for the construction racket. He protests, insisting it's not necessary, yet reluctantly accepts the gesture. Emma confides in him about John's mysterious absences and ignored texts, and Alan, softening, offers to share the wine with her, their conversation blending into the fading light of the day.
As Emma steps into Alan's house, Nick hastily adjusts his attire, a look of concern etched on his face. He promptly scans through the security footage, searching for clues. Emma engages Alan in conversation about his kitchen shelves, admiring their craftsmanship. Alan boasts of his former life as a carpenter, claiming to have designed them himself with meticulous care. She playfully suggests he might consider giving their own shelves a makeover, but he firmly declines, citing a policy against mixing business with pleasure. He jokes that John is indeed fortunate to have her by his side, brushing off her mentions of his occasional absences as mere trivia.
Meanwhile, Alan confides in her his suspicions about Sonia, hinting at her mysterious behavior that mirrors John's disappearances. Suddenly, the air is rent by Derek's furious shouts. Both rush to the scene, where Derek stands in confrontation with Pawel, the Polish worker, over a fence dispute. Pawel curses in his native tongue, escalating the tension. Emma steps in to mediate, explaining the minor adjustment needed for the fence. In a fit of rage, Derek hurls a shovel at Pawel, who dodges just in time. Lee steps forward, sternly warning Derek to lay hands on his tools no more. Derek retaliates with threats of reporting Pawel to the Council and the authorities.
Elsewhere, Gallagher snapshots John and Sonia's tender moment outside Aidan's Kitchen, her camera capturing the essence of their affection. Excitedly, she phones Beth, sharing her newfound inspiration for photography. She promises to reveal her work to Beth at the opportune moment. As she hangs up, her lens focuses once again, this time capturing the intimate kiss between John and Sonia.
Back at her place, Emma attempts to reach John, but her calls go unanswered. Distracted, she lifts a steaming lid, and the scalding vapor sears her arm. She rushes to soothe it under the faucet when a knock interrupts her thoughts. Expecting John, she swings the door wide open, only to find Terry standing there, a look of unexpectedness on both their faces. Emma expresses her apprehension about John's reaction if he were to find Terry there. Terry counters that he had been trying to reach her via texts, to no avail. He questions the ramifications for her if he defaults on his commitments, hinting at their strained relationship. Disheartened, Terry reminds her that he is, after all, her father.
Beth's eyes widen in surprise at seeing Terry. He requests a hug, which she grants reluctantly, inquiring about the real reason for his visit. He claims a desire to visit his favorite granddaughter, to which she responds dryly that she is his only granddaughter. Emma chimes in, recounting Terry's colorful past. He attempts to mend fences by presenting Beth with cash as a belated birthday gift. However, Emma stands firm, refusing to sign any papers and urging Terry to leave.
As Nick reviews the live security footage on his screen, his eyes widen in disbelief as he witnesses a masked figure vandalizing his camera with brute force. Meanwhile, across town, Sonia absently picks at the remnants of her meal, her thoughts elsewhere. Nick relates to her Emma's suggestion to revamp their kitchen shelves, cautioning her about potential dissatisfaction that could ensue. He trusts that Emma wouldn't hesitate to voice her opinions candidly. Sonia, gratitude shining in her eyes, thanks him for the dinner and excuses herself from the table.
Elsewhere, Emma confronts John about his unexpected absence, while the melodic yet intrusive notes of Derek's jazz music seep through the adjacent walls. John expresses a desire to converse but Emma urges him to disregard the distraction, inquiring about his whereabouts that day. He feigns a casual stroll to escape the din of ongoing construction. Beth interrupts their conversation, sharing an anecdote about her cop friend admiring her photos online. Gallagher then sends Beth a picture of John and Sonia at Aidan’s Kitchen, prompting Beth to leave the table abruptly, wordless. Barbara, overwhelmed, clutches her ears and rocks her body rhythmically in an attempt to drown out the noise.
Sonia, isolated in her grief, weeps silently. Noticing her distress, Barbara rises to turn down the volume, but Derek dares her with a challenging glance, preventing her from touching the controls. Emma fills John in on her inspection of Nick's CCTV footage, her tone serious. He inquiries if she spotted anything remarkable, to which she responds it was initially for reviewing parking permits until a brick, carrying an ominous message, shattered their window. John scans the surroundings but finds nothing suspicious. From her bedroom window, Sonia catches sight of him, her tears momentarily halted by the drama unfolding outside.
Attached to the brick is a dead magpie and their wedding photo, accompanied by a chilling note reading, "Two for joy." Unbeknownst to them, Sonia's pregnancy test lies positive on a nearby table. Alan, concerned, asks if she heard the commotion outside. Beth, still perturbed by the photo, sends a probing message to Gallagher, seeking clarification.
The scene is a tapestry of emotions, where secrets intermingle with unspoken truths, and the fabric of relationships is stretched to its limits.
