The episode kicks off with Bonehead (played by Bobby Schofield), Jamie Phelan (portrayed by Jack McMullen), and Blink (embodied by Hebron Tedros) lounging around, indulging in drinks, and sharing camaraderie. Jamie's mind wanders back to a heated altercation, his face darkening as he voices his relentless desire for Michael Kavanagh's (played by James Nelson-Joyce) disappearance, regardless of the method. Bonehead cautions that it must be executed with finesse. Blink, ever the practical one, reminds them of his preference for hard work over violence.
Jamie, his voice rising with urgency, accuses Michael of stabbing Ronnie Phelan (portrayed by Sean Bean) right through the heart. Bonehead balks at the notion of undertaking such a task without Blink's involvement. Jamie, probing further, inquires if Blink knows someone reliable for the job. Blink, steadfast in his resolve to stay out of harm's way, vows silence. Jamie, exasperated, orders him to leave. Bonehead persists, urging Jamie to demonstrate his resolve by eliminating Michael coldly and decisively, as a way to prove his mettle. Jamie, seeking reassurance, asks if Bonehead can procure an untraceable firearm and ensure its disposal post-deed. Bonehead agrees, promising to arrange for a converted gun and assuring Jamie that this act would serve as justice.
Elsewhere, Elaine reaches out to Michael, requesting a meeting and denying possession of any weapon. Reluctantly, he unlatches the gate, ushering her into a house vandalized with defiant graffiti. Michael informs her that Jamie is behind the destruction. Elaine, aware of Jamie's bitter accusation against Michael for Ronnie's demise, queries his innocence. He vehemently denies the charge, dismissing Ronnie as a treacherous snitch. She stands her ground in Ronnie's defense, prompting Michael to warn her of impending graffiti as a message. Elaine pleads for Jamie's safety, offering to compensate Michael. He claims half of her money as his rightful share, to which Elaine retaliates by warning that harming her would necessitate his elimination too.
Later, Elaine confides in Rachel Duffy (played by Laura Aikman), revealing her intent to steer Jamie away from his vengeful path. Rachel doubts his willingness to relent, suggesting that Jamie yearns to fill Ronnie's shoes. She proposes seizing control of their business, noting their grip on the finances and Michael's powerlessness without them.
Meanwhile, Banksey (played by Mike Nobel) reaches out to Michael, confirming a pizza order as a cover. Michael retrieves a Kevlar vest from a closet, hinting at impending danger. In another corner, Rachel informs Bobby Duffy (played by Kevin Harvey) and Elaine of their debt to the Amigos. She outlines her plan to invest in more cocaine, with Bobby suggesting Michael as their most reliable connection due to the Amigos' trust in him. Rachel assures him they can source another supplier, though Bobby expresses skepticism, particularly towards Jamie's loyalty after betraying Ronnie. Elaine echoes his sentiments. Rachel proposes setting boundaries for Jamie, believing he might heed their advice. Elaine concurs, yet Bobby insists Melissa Sullivan's (played by Darci Shaw) involvement is crucial for their success.
Michael dials Diana Williams' (portrayed by Hannah Onslow) number, his concern evident in every tone. She reassures him with a calming voice, affirming her safety but omitting the fact that she is accompanied by Cheryl Crawford (played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson). Cheryl interjects, suggesting that if Michael harbors any fear regarding Jamie, Diana should make a clean break and never look back. She reveals that Davy Williams had expressed his desire to exit their endeavors, anticipating a substantial sum in return. Diana, her affection for Michael unwavering, professes her love.
Elsewhere, Jamie trails Michael to a gas station, lurking in the shadows as Michael fuels his vehicle. Patiently, he bides his time until Michael steps out of the convenience store, at which point he unleashes a hail of bullets. Michael narrowly escapes, abandoning his car at L. Murphy & Son garage before climbing into Bonehead's ride. They speed to a secluded car park, where Jamie unfolds his audacious plan: to acquire a shipment of cocaine from Amsterdam and liquidate it within a fleeting 72 hours. Bonehead, mindful of the consequences, underscores the urgency to discard the incriminating car and firearm. Jamie hands over the gun, strides out of the vehicle, casts his gloves into a trash bin, and slips into a pristine white car. Meanwhile, Bonehead conceals the gun in the glove compartment and speeds off.
Elaine rings Jamie, urging a meeting to devise a strategy against Michael. Bobby, puzzled by Jamie's prolonged silence, wonders aloud about his whereabouts, prompting Rachel to suggest they inquire directly. He mocks her suggestion.
Detective Sergeant Barney Stiles (portrayed by Shaun Fagan) slams a bag onto the table, facing Michael. Their conversation is a barbed exchange, each criticizing the other relentlessly. Michael recounts the events leading to the attempted assassination. Detective Inspector Tony Burrows (played by Nick Moss) questions his loyalty, wondering if he's a snitch. Michael retorts, questioning the purpose when he has no intention of calling his lawyer. Burrows scorns him, likening him and those associated with him to vermin. Stiles wonders if Diana is aware of Michael's dealings, to which Burrows extends his contempt, branding her vermin too for her connection. Michael storms out.
Elsewhere, Jamie informs Elaine, Melissa, Bobby, and Rachel of his refusal to back down, outlining his intention to procure a cocaine shipment from Amsterdam. Rachel, cautious, insists they won't fund him until they understand the specifics. He chuckles, explaining his blueprint to import the drug from Amsterdam and sell it swiftly. She suggests acquiring from the Amigos instead, but he dismisses them as too sluggish and costly. Bobby reveals that Michael has already dealt with them, to which Jamie responds by shifting the debt blame onto Michael, though Elaine disagrees. Jamie lays the blame for Ronnie's demise at Michael's feet. Melissa urges him to listen to their reasoning. Rachel proposes repaying the Amigos and severing ties with Michael. Jamie stands firm on dealing with the Albanians.
Bobby's phone buzzes; it's Michael, inquiring about their location and Jamie's presence. Bobby informs him they're at Elaine's, to which Michael replies cryptically, asking Bobby to tell Jamie he missed, and ends the call abruptly. Bobby relays the message, querying Jamie's intentions. Melissa and Elaine chastise him, prompting Jamie to confess his actions.
Michael confides in Banksey about being the target of a shooting incident, involving the police in the aftermath. Banksey, in response, volunteers to eliminate Jamie, but Michael stands firm, insisting it's a matter he must handle personally. Banksey persists, urging him onward. Meanwhile, Bobby cautions Jamie to lay low temporarily, an advice Jamie summarily rejects. Melissa interjects, reminding him of his family's welfare. Rachel steps in, announcing their intention to oversee the business operations in his absence. Elaine chimes in, sharing her insight into why Ronnie kept Jamie at a distance. Rachel poses the question of whether they ought to settle the debt with the Amigos, to which Bobby affirms.
Elsewhere, Banksey retrieves a firearm from a secluded shed. Ricardo Guzman (Daniel Ceriqueira) calls Michael, informing him that Bobby and Rachel are preparing to pay off their debt and disclosing his dissociation from representing them anymore. Michael exhorts Ricardo to accept the earned money and assures him that their agreement will be upheld that very day. He proceeds to request another order, pledging payment. Ricardo then instructs Rachel to facilitate the money transfer, which is swiftly executed, thereby finalizing their dealings.
Banksey entrusts the car keys and the gun to Michael, assigning Freddie (Adam Abbou) to await him in the vehicle. He issues an ultimatum, threatening to sever ties with the gang if Michael fails to act. Michael assures him of his commitment.
In a separate scenario, Lesley Williams (Leanne Best) phones Diana, charging her with explaining to Michael that her actions were driven by a desire to save herself. Concurrently, Elaine hands Alfie Phelan over to Jamie, urging haste.
Nearby, Michael parks his car behind Jamie and Melissa. A haunting flashback washes over him, showing Diana revealing their embryos. Melissa inquiries if Jamie intends to confront Diana should Michael go into hiding. Michael overtakes Jamie and halts at a red light. Oblivious to Michael's identity, Jamie grows impatient as the vehicle ahead fails to move when the light turns green. Donning a mask, Michael reverses his car, floors the accelerator, and slams into Jamie's. Emerging from his vehicle, he trains a gun on Jamie and Melissa.
Moments later, a frustrated Michael pounds the steering wheel repeatedly, his anger and turmoil palpable.
Stiles pays a visit to Cheryl's abode, only to be informed by Diana that she has stepped out momentarily. Aware of her status as Michael's sweetheart, he unburdens himself to her about the harrowing shooting incident. Just as she begins to close the door on him, curiosity piqued, he inquires about Lesley's whereabouts. Diana, however, promptly slams it shut.
Moments later, fate orchestrates a chance encounter between Diana and Michael at a cozy coffee shop. Michael confides in her his desire to sever all ties, a revelation that Diana finds hard to swallow. She argues passionately against disbanding their relationship or their roles as pseudo-parents. Michael insists that his concerns for her transcend romance, yet she confesses a startling truth: she fatally stabbed her father and framed Lesley for the crime. In a tender moment, Michael avows his love for her and declares his intention to walk away from their tumultuous life together. He further reveals that he had reconsidered eliminating Jamie on their behalf. Tears streaming down her cheeks, Diana reluctantly agrees to flee with him that very night.
Elsewhere, Jamie unfolds the harrowing tale to Bobby, Elaine, and Rachel, leaving Bobby puzzled as to why the assailant spared Jamie. Melissa, when questioned, denies catching a glimpse of the attacker's face. Jamie, however, stands firm in his conviction that it was Michael. Elaine proposes they confront Michael to seek clarification.
Meanwhile, Michael finds himself in a confessional mood with Ricardo, acknowledging his inability to carry out the hit. Ricardo, unrelenting, reminds him of their pending drug shipment, to which Michael replies with a denial of any such commitment, coupled with an apology. Diana interjects, expressing their yearning for a life free from gang entanglements and desiring to be left in peace. Ricardo, unmoved, orders Michael to contact Banksey. Under Ricardo's directives, Michael places the call, instructing Banksey to pull over and exit his vehicle. As Banksey and Freddie oblige, their car erupts in a blazing inferno. Ricardo, pleased with the turn of events, demands that Michael settle half of the debt by the following day and congratulates Diana before exiting the scene.
