An after-hours robbery of the Imperial Hotel is interrupted by the publican, Chris Riley. There is a struggle in the darkened bar, and Chris is left with a badly cut hand and a young female robber in a coma from a blow to the head. Tom Croydon wants to clear the matter quickly to save his friend Chris from further trouble, but Amy Fox can see inconsistencies in Chris' recall of the incident. Resentment grows between Tom and Amy as the truth is sought. Threatened with bankruptcy and legal action, Chris faces a bleak future. Still feeling the effects of the departure of PJ, Amy is determined not to be over-ridden by Tom whose pride is bruised after Amy arrests Chris, an event which jeopardises her future as a hotel licence holder. Alex Kirby feels the pressure of bureaucracy and fights a losing battle with paranoia after his in personal integrity has been impugned and he becomes increasingly ostracised by his workmates.