April 1997

Wednesday 2 April 1997
Tonight saw some storylines steadily moving towards fruition and others starting off. Things began once again in the garage with Chris starting his day by packing away his sleeping bag and getting ready to start work.

Before he could even pick up a spanner though he had an early morning visitor in the shape of Tony's mother Natalie. She was looking for Kevin but he was still not back from Scarborough as he and Sally were nursing his sick mother in law. Chris informed Natalie that he would be back around dinner time. Satisfied with this answer she informed Chris she would return around that time.

The cafe was also getting ready to start up a new day but today would be a little different. Roy was ready to start work but unfortunately his physical health wasn't. He was coming down with a nasty cold and was in no state to serve customers. Gail noticed this straight away and informed Roy to go back up to his flat and get to bed. Roy was hesitant about leaving the business which had become like a baby to him. However Gail insisted she could cope and informed Roy if things got to hectic she would draft in Audrey.

The McDonald household had become an even bleaker place today with Andy's mood now loking a darker shade of black. Jim of course was still vainly trying to talk to his son but even normal conversation was nigh on impossible at this point. Andy was content to respond to questions with short sentences or even grunts over the breakfast table.

Gary and Judy Mallett seemed to be getting their marriage back on track following some of the recent disputes they had over the death of Joyce. It would seem the first thing to start functioning again was their sex life as they appeared to have had quite an *ahem* active night.

Mike Baldwin meanwhile had now fully locked his sights on to Don Brennan and was not letting go. Audrey was advising caution for Mike because careless talk would more than likely cause the upmost trouble in circumstances like these. However despite this possible danger Mike intended to hunt for Don anyway.

In the cafe Audrey was eyeing up a friendly looking trucker type called Ron. According to Gail he had been a regular client at the cafe but in the last few months he had hardly been in the cafe at all. He spoke to Gail and explained he had been working in Grimsby for a while. Of course he filled Audrey with pride by complimenting her on how youthful she looked. This of course began some of the famous Audrey flirtation and it was most definitely reciprocated.

Andy was in the cafe reading the paper when Martin came down to offer his support on matters regarding his study. Andy was his usual unpleasant self with Martin and any offers of help were being rebuffed. Andy was now full into his 'I hate Uni and I want to Quit' mode.

Natalie turned up at lunch time for Kevin at the garage and in no uncertain terms said she wanted to have a word with him about 'this and that'. Her manner was a bit stern for his liking and you could see the fear almost etched into his face as he worried about what she wanted. In essence she wanted a drink with him at the Rovers but it was clear from the way she was eyeing Kevin up she wanted a little bit more. Once in the Rovers though there was the usual chit chat but the subject soon got on to how Natalie and her husband had split up recently and as a result she would be taking a keener interest in the garage.

Mike sat patiently in the Rovers waiting for Don with a timid looking Alma at his side still urging caution. Don didn't show but Ashley did only to face a barrage of questions from Mike about Don's whereabouts. Ashley was unaware of his landlord's whereabouts however.

Derek was showing signs of stress although he was trying desperately to hide it. Apparently Norris had taken on a new rep who was as sleek and dynamic as they come with a degree to boot. He was like I say worrying Derek but him being the cool customer he is he was hiding it well.

Judy and Gary had finally cooled their ardour long enough to discuss that fact that despite their frenetic efforts Judy was still not falling pregnant. It was time they agreed to see a Doctor and have some tests done.

Mike meanwhile finally tracked Don Brennan down to his home and collared him outside for a frank talk with him. Mike explained that he knew it was Don who had set the fire and how he had been the one out to ruin his life. Don made a few feeble attempts to deny before coming out in hushed tones and admitting that he in fact had set the fire. He continued by telling Mike the joy he was deriving from seeing Mike suffer and the ecstasy involved in knowing Mike was going to go down for something that he hadn't done. He imagined how Mike would spend his time inside prison knowing that it was Don who had put him there.

The conversation ended and Mike was left on the doorstep his usual visage gone replaced by the frown of a worried man.

 

Friday 4 April 1997
Starting tonight with Jim planning to make Steve's weekend out of prison the best in living memory. Jim was indeed well into the spirit of things but Andy was his usual miserable self and refusing to be neither use nor ornament. All this added to Jim's frustration with his once studious son and to make things worse they were both keeping Fiona's engagement secret from Steve.

Steve meanwhile was adapting nicely to a bit of freedom and was taking the opportunity to enjoy some home comforts. He was enjoying things like home cooked food and the pleasure of having a bath all to himself.

Mike Baldwin was meanwhile sat at home feeling somewhat frustrated at his inability to pin the fire on it's true culprit Don Brennan. He had of course informed the police but they were in his eyes being a bit slow to react to the situation.

Don however was getting a visit from the police that day, the same detective who interviewed Mike had decided to pay a visit to Don. He sat nervously fielding the officers question and as time went on he gradually seemed to build enough confidence to start building a personal story of hardship for his captive audience.

Don explained how Mike and he didn't get on he explained however that Mike had a grudge against him. This was something of a reversal of the truth but then Don wasn't too worried about that at the moment. He explained all the events that had occurred since Christmas with his letter to Alma and his suicide attempt. At time things looked a bit shaky for him as some questions about his alibi made him fumble a bit but in the end the police came away with nothing concrete.

Mavis was telling anybody who would listen that it was her birthday soon and she was trying to arrange a little get together for the event. Most people invited seemed strangely uninterested about this especially Emily who seemed to be bordering on the rude when she spoke to her friend.

In the Cafe, Audrey was once again covering for Roy who was ill with flu, he did manage to crawl out of bed to go to the Doctor but that was all we saw of him. Audrey meanwhile was flirting again with Ron the trucker who she started flirting with the other day. This time however Audrey was taking things a tad further explaining how Italian food turns her on. Gail looked on in astonishment as her mother went about her flirtatious ways.

Fiona was preparing for her engagement party, it was started with some disappointing news. Her brother Lee was not going to be able to make the party due to a car breakdown. Also Alan was going to be late to the party on account of working pressures. All adding to the disappointment for the bride to be.

Derek was showing more and more signs of stress due to his working environment. He had been posted on an early morning run to Birmingham which he had to set off for at 5:30 a.m. Derek was annoyed by having to do a job that should have been left to a junior salesman. Mavis urged him to calm down and not to get so worried but Derek is Derek and when he gets a bee in his bonnet nothing will settle him.

Jim meanwhile was getting his sons ready for a night out on the tiles, Steve was still unaware of Fiona's engagement which is precisely how Jim wanted the situation to stay. However that wouldn't be the case as the loud mouths of Judy and Gary Mallett informed Jim and Steve and Andy they were on their way to Fiona's engagement party.

Steve was surprised but regained his composure quick enough to decide to go and pay Fiona a visit and wish her all the best for the future. Amazingly enough Steve did manage to show a degree of maturity which seemed to suggest prison might have changed him in some way for the better.

It's a pity that Andy couldn't follow his example because he was of course hitting the bottle like a man with four arms and two mouths. Alan turned up and found himself stood next to young McDonald and innocently asked how Liz was. Andy took this badly and began slobbering on about how Alan had ruined his life and wrecked his chances of getting on at University. His mood became more abusive and he made things worse by spilling his drink all over Fiona.

That was the last straw for Alan and he wanted Andy out of the house, Andy responded by throwing a feeble punch at Alan who then grabbed him and manoeuvered him into a vicious look arm lock before man handling him outside.

Fiona followed Andy outside along with Steve who took him under his arm and led him home. However not before he gave Fiona a parting warning about the kind of life she was possibly getting into with Alan as her husband.

 

Sunday 6 April 1997
It was something of an eventful episode tonight with a lot of developments happening to some of the characters. It looked like Chris had now found himself some accommodation with the obliging Angie. It looked like these two would make a formidable pair as house mates because Chris wouldn't be intimidated by Angie's sometimes off the wall behaviour.

The McDonald household was setting up for something of a big day as Jim was readying the household for something of a family reunion in Steve's honour while he was out for the weekend. There was to be a meal at the house with even Liz in attendance for the event. The problem was going to be keeping Andy sober and keeping his flapping mouth shut for the duration.

Mike truly thought he was going to be getting the better of Don Brennan today as he planned to trick him into giving him a second confession. Mike had set up a supposedly discreet microphone clipped to his shirt and a recorder in his pocket. He told Alma he was going to see Don and secretly record the conversation between them and thus go to the police with evidence of Don's misdeeds.

Unfortunately for Mike this didn't quite come off as he planned. He walked up to Don's door bold as brass and put across a very humble pie image claiming he wanted to find out the reason for Don's malicious torching of his factory. Don wasn't stupid though and saw through Mike's little plan and also noticed the microphone beneath Mike's tie. It would seem the wily old fox Baldwin was well and truly foiled.

In the Rovers, Andy was sinking the pints like a man with hollow legs while his brother was something of a model of restraint. Steve told Andy he had to be back at the prison for 6 'o' clock and being sober was something of a requirement in the eyes of the prison services.

Mike was in the pub as well talking to Ashley and trying to win him over in an effort to get some information about Don from him. He bought Ashley a pint and offered him a cigar. He then explained how Don had confessed to setting the fire which made Ashley angry. Needless to say Mike was getting nothing from Don's loyal friend.

On the other side of the bar, Tricia was complaining about not being able to go out on a date with her new boyfriend. Jack however relented and told her it was O.K to arrange something with him for that night. As it happened Jack found himself quite taken with the new man in Tricia's life on account of his fondness for the occasional flutter on the horses. Jamie was harder to please and a chocolate egg brought as a present for him wasn't going to win him over easily.

Andy and Steve wandered home in time to for lunch after their sabbatical in the Rovers. The atmosphere was unpleasant to say the least with Andy making no effort whatsoever to be pleasant in the presence of his mother. Jim of course was trying hard and for that matter so was Liz while Steve seemed glad of some non prison food in his belly.

The meal passed quietly until Andy blew up angrily and decided it was time to go for a beer. Liz sent Steve after him in an effort to calm Andy down but Andy was on his way to a pub, any pub looking to sink some more beer. Andy was now in his usual state of drunken apathy but still decided it was time to cause some trouble. While Steve was getting the beers in, Andy decided to drape himself over a couple of women at the bar and try chatting them up. Unfortunately there was a boyfriend involved and he returned and wasn't happy about this.

There was a scuffle with andy fancying himself as something of a fighting man. The usual scuffle of pushing and shoving ensued with steve trying to break it all up. It all went pear shaped at this point though because a punch was thrown which missed it's target and caught Steve flat in the nose. He went down like a sack of potatoes and stayed down much to the horror of Andy.

He eventually got Steve to his feet who by this time was looking a bit worse for wear with blood pouring from his nose like a fountain. It took some effort to get Steve out of the pub because he was having trouble standing on his own two feet by now.

The next step for Steve was the hospital where he and Andy who was still acting boisterous faced the bedside manner of Martin Platt. Andy got bolshy with him while Steve collapsed again. It would turn out that he had got a fractured cheekbone. After all this happening it was plain to see Steve wasn't happy with his brother.

Derek meanwhile returned from Birmingham on his sales trip in triumphant mood. he had clinched the deal he was looking for and the only fly in his ointment was the fact that he had a knew neighbour in the shape of Chris.

Don meanwhile was sat at home drinking beer and looking like he might have had one too many. Ashley came in and explained his little run in with Baldwin. Don then let the drink loosen his lips a bit too much because he started talking about the fire and foolishly confessed to Ashley that he had been the one who had started it. This left Ashley in something of a quandary as to doing the right thing or standing by a friend.

 

Monday 7 April 1997
An episode with tragic consequences tonight but starting with a happy setting in the Wilton household. Mavis was celebrating her birthday with Derek bringing her breakfast on a tray and wishing her the happiest returns of the day. Derek had other agenda's to look at today including finding other ways to push his new salesman competitor Simon's nose out of joint in the office. Derek did indeed however promise to be home early to celebrate his wife's birthday at the party they had planned.

Andy sloped downstairs following his night of drunken debauchery which had ended so badly for his brother Steve the day before. Jim was of course bristling with anger as he had just spoken to Steve on the phone. It would appear that the fight that Andy had caused would possibly affect how soon Steve got out of prison. Jim snapped at Andy and told him he should feel ashamed of himself for his behaviour. Andy however let it all breeze over him in his usual nonchalant manner that has become the norm for him these days.

Ashley was faced with a dilemma as he faced Don over the breakfast table today. Don sat down holding his head and explaining that he couldn't remember a thing about the night before. It was just unfortunate for Don that Ashley did remember a few things from the night before. He remembered that Don had confessed to firing the factory of Mike Baldwin. When confronted with this information Don tried to write it off as something said in the midst of a drunken stupor but Ashley didn't seem to happy with the answers he was getting and throughout the day would begin doing some detective work to find out more. He would end up questioning the likes of Gail and Martin about Don and Mike's cheque red history.

As the day went on the usual congregation began to gather in the Rovers, Tricia was grateful to Jack and Vera for the babysitting duties they had bestowed upon her the night before. Jack was definitely encouraging her relationship with Ray after all he seemed like a nice enough man. Andy was of course propping up the bar and finding himself on the receiving end of a wise old sage lecture from Jack. He listened as Jack explained how he would have liked the chance to go to college. He admitted he was no brain of Britain but to be given the chance would have been nice. Andy however wasn't listening in fact as of that day he had quit and would not be taking his finals.

Mike was also in the Rovers fair bristling with rage at the sight of his arch enemy at the bar enjoying a drink. Alma of course was wanting the peace kept between two warring factions. There was of course the usual grizzling between Don and Mike before Mike left the pub. Over at the cafe meanwhile Audrey could do with a cold shower as she once again chatted up the trucker Ron.

By the evening Ray had turned up for a night in with Tricia and Jamie not forgetting Brad. He really seemed to be taking a shine to the kids and in return in the short few weeks he had been known to them he had been accepted as almost a father figure. The 'family' sat and watched a video and it was all very genial and pleasant.

Meanwhile poor Derek was going to be unable to keep his promise of being home on time. He was out in the middle of nowhere and reckoned he would be about an hour before getting home. This upset Mavis who already had something of a strained party underway. Alec was looking for an escape route after only five minutes much to Rita's amusement. Emily it has to be noted was conspicuously absent.

Derek continued on his way and the journey appeared to be going uneventfully until he approached a junction where he pulled up next to some green welly brigade type in a rather large Toyota Off Roader. Of course Derek was in his rather tiny Paperclipmobile which couldn't compare with the toff in the off roader. He and his wife had a good snigger at Derek before driving off. However the event wouldn't stop there because as they set off from the junction Derek unwittingly but clearly cut up the other driver.

What followed was a case of road rage as the off roader chased after Derek in his tiny car. Lights flashing and horn honking the two cars had something of a mini duel on the road until they both pulled up at the side of the road.

Both men got out of their cars and began arguing, it quickly derided into a stream of insults that the two men comically levelled at each others mode of transport. The off roader type then walked over to Derek's car and ripped the plastic paperclip from the roof before stomping off to his car and driving off.

Derek stood open mouthed with rage at the actions of his opponent but was powerless to do anything as he drove off. He was about to get into his car and continue his journey when he was suddenly gripped with pain. He staggered and fell into his car clasping his chest before suddenly slumping on the seat motionless. Slowly the shot of his car panned away and we were left with only the music from his car radio to play us out.

 

Wednesday 9 April 1997
Following on where the last episode ended at the Wilton household, Mavis was now understandably worried as time had really moved on and Derek still hadn't shown up. Everyone was slowly filtering out of the house and going home feeling the party was over.

They were interrupted by someone at the door, it was none other than Norris flanked by a policeman. They had come to deliver the news that Derek would not be coming home now or ever again. The police officer explained that Derek had suffered a heart attack. Mavis was in a suspended state of disbelief. She asked if Derek was O.K and if his chances of recovery were good. The policeman shook his head and explained the attack had been fatal.

Meanwhile the Baldwin household was one of doom and gloom but for different reasons. Mike was hitting the bottle although not to Andy's proportion and sitting there feeling despairing about his future. He was sure that this was one kicking he was not going to get up from and it was only a matter of time before the police charged him for a crime he didn't commit.

The assembled guests at the Wilton household were dispersing and heading for the Rovers. Angie and Chris almost put their foot in it as they tottered up the door expecting to go in on a jovial note and crash the party. Instead they joined Alec and everyone else in the pub, the news swept a wave of disbelief over the regulars. Although it surprised me how little it did to dampen the atmosphere full stop for the evening. The men folk gathered round and began comparing the states of their own health.

One comic moment was Fred, Jack and Alec at the bar all claiming they wouldn't go the way Derek had done. They were sure their respective health was sound even though they all had a whisky and a cigarette on the go all at once.

Mavis was still in a state of disbelief, she was taking the news well for the time being but insisted on going to the hospital to identify her husband. Rita of course was her rock in such a time of need and accompanied her to the infirmary. The two old friend now hd something more in common with Rita mentioning how she felt after Len's death and later on following the death of Ted.

Andy cam home again half cut but there was no argument from Jim this time, he tried to tel his son that throwing away his education as rash but Andy's new improved self destructive bent was well underway and not stopping for passengers.

The next day saw Alma once again having to listen to Mike's sorry for himself attitude rearing it's ugly head again. He was making noises about selling up his remaining assets and leaving the country. Alma was at the end of her tether so decided she would amuse herself at the cafe of all places. There we saw Audrey taking her regular spot alongside Ron the trucker with her flirting kicking into overdrive.

Tricia and Vera had words following Vera's disapproval of her new boyfriend Ray. Tricia claimed that Vera was merely trying to hang on to her new grandson fearing that he would vanish from her life the way young Tommy had done in the past. Jack stood back away from this argument but advised Vera to watch her mouth for fear of saying the wrong thing and driving Tricia away for good.

Ashley was trying to speak to his Uncle Fred throughout the episode about his current moral dilemma. Fred was too busy 'mourning' Derek at the bar with his cronies. One nice touch was Ashley blanking Maxine completely when she walked in to the Rovers. This was much to Fiona's amusement and Maxine's annoyance.

Mavis's grief was finally starting to sink in, Rita had stayed with her through the night and was helping to fend off the numbers who were offering condolences every two minutes. She sat there and explained to Rita all the things she had loved about her husband. She had loved the way he had been so enthusiastic about everything in his life. He had been her rock and although they had argued he had been her literal other half. Fighting back the tears Mavis whispered how she was going to miss her Derek.

It's not to say that she was without any bitterness though, Emily came round to offer condolences and to apologise for her somewhat unpleasant behaviour in the recent days leading up to Mavis's birthday. Mavis gave Emily decidedly short shrift as she did to Norris when he came round on an errand to drop off the gift that Derek had been bringing in his car when he died.

Mike was the latest person to hear about Derek, he like everyone else did a quick tap on the chest to make sure his own heart was beating about right and pondered his own mortality. He then received a phone call from the police. They wanted to see him the next day and it looked like it might be time for charges to be pressed.

Mavis sat down finally in the quietness of her home and unwrapped the gift she had received from Derek. It was an ornate silver heart locket with a verse of adoration inscribed in the back of it. Essentially Derek's last words to her were on that locket and inside was a picture of him and her together. Mavis read the verse aloud and then finally broke down in tears.

 

Friday 11 April 1997
A good strong episode starting with a worried Mike Baldwin preparing to go and see the police today about the fire in his factory. He thought that today might be the day he was charged so as a precautionary measure he decided to go and see his solicitor in an effort to help him in his hour of need. Alma wasn't sure this was a good idea thinking it was almost like an admission of guilt but Mike wasn't taking chances.

Judy Mallett called to see Mavis in an effort to offer her condolences following the death of Derek. Judy was fighting back the tears as Derek's death reminded her of the recent loss of her mother. She broke down and cried as she spoke of Derek fondly recounting him to be one of life's 'good guys'. The two shared a common bond of grief and after Judy had composed herself she left for work.

As she left Norris Coleus was on the doorstep with a bag of personal effects for Mavis that had belonged to Derek. Mavis was giving Norris very short shrift and after a while her anger boiled over and she called him a hypocrite. She partially blamed him for Derek's death with Hawthorne's efforts to squeeze him out of the company. Norris retorted by claiming they were merely trying to ease Derek's burden of work as he got older but Mavis wasn't wearing his excuses.

Mike meanwhile was by now at the police station with his lawyer, a young hard nosed woman called Frankie who it quickly became clear was not going to take any nonsense from the police officer who had been giving Mike grief since the investigation started. In the interview room Frankie quickly took the police officer apart claiming that Mike had effectively been harassed by the police in their enquiries. She claimed that Mike had been shown as the only suspect and he should not be harassed any further. Frankie also insisted that the police be co-operative towards the insurance company to speed things up when it came to paying out.

Mike it would seem was off the hook for now but the enquiry into the fire was still open and the police would be looking further into the incident in an effort to find the true suspect. Mike was delighted with the result and bought Frankie lunch to celebrate.

The men of clan McDonald were set to hear some home truths tonight courtesy of Liz herself. She had been sick and tired of taking flak from them and was now hitting back. She was actually big enough to admit her own mistakes and how she had made a mess of her life. However she wasn't prepared to take the blame for Andy and Jim's failures and said as much. Jim sat there perplexed as she ranted on and on while Andy nonchalantly took another swig from his can of beer.

Maxine was going against her personal men ethics and chasing Ashley who was wisely keeping her at arm's length following her bad treatment of him before. Uncle Fred was doing his best to put Ashley right with his advice and told him life was too short to turn offers like Maxine down. By the end of the episode he had relented to Maxine's wishes and it looked like they were back on as a couple.

Audrey had something of a close shave in the cafe when her flirtatious behaviour with Ron the truck driver. Audrey was left to lock up the cafe when on turned up late for a sandwich. It soon became clear that Ron wanted more than a sandwich and began getting amorous. Audrey tried to fend him off but it soon became apparent that she was getting out of her depth. At this moment she got a last minute rescue from Roy who staggered downstairs still reeling from his illness.

He managed to cool Ron's ardour by claiming Audrey was his mother and that it was time for her medication. Ron was slack jawed and could hardly get out of the cafe quickly enough. Roy had something of a dizzy spell following his heroics and almost fell over in shock. What made the scene funnier was the fact that when Gail returned and Roy had recovered he wittered on about how Ron's type weren't fussy at all about what type of woman they went for...any age or condition would do.

Vera was clearly trying to put Ray off forming a relationship with Tricia as she felt threatened that if Ray was around Brad wold be removed from her life like little Tommy had been. However Tricia was so happy with Ray at the moment I don't think anything could drag them apart.

In the Rovers, Mike was at the bar looking like the cat that had got the cream. He was in jubilant mood following the news from his solicitor earlier today. It was clear that he was waiting for Don to turn up so he could crow to Don about his latest victory. He got the chance as well because Don came in and before you knew it Mike was gloating. He told all in the pub about how thanks to Don he was getting his insurance pay out. Don of course denied it but as Mike walked out of the pub laughing pure molten rage was tearing through Don.

 

Sunday 13 April 1997
It was a night centering on two storylines in the Street, firstly Mavis and her preparation for Derek's funeral the next day. She was still bearing up with remarkable strength even though everyone around seemed to be waiting for her to crack.

The other storyline that took some precedence tonight was the decline of Don Brennan. He sat in his home in nigh on complete silence pondering the events of the previous night. In his eyes Baldwin had exacted yet another complete victory over him now that he was getting his insurance pay out from the factory.

Ashley tried to buck his friend up a little but it was no good, Don's mood was sinking faster than the Titanic. In fact it soon got so bad that Don became destructive. Picking up a cup of tea he slung it across the room in temper. He continued by breaking up the rest of his belongings in the room including chairs and ornaments. Ashley implored him to stop but it was no good. Don continued unabated in his little rampage while Ashley ran off seeking help.

In the Rovers there was something of an atmosphere between Vera and Tricia due to the presence of Tricia's new boyfriend Ray. He had invited Tricia to spend the night over at his house which was an idea which didn't impress Vera at all. In fact it was something she was trying to oppose with all her might. However that was difficult as Jack was encouraging Tricia and Ray's relationship.

It was a hive of activity at Mavis's house with Angie helping Mavis get her funeral dress sorted using her skills with needle and thread. Alec was doing a bit of fetch and carry work when it came to organising the food. He didn't realise he would be lumbered with the bill though and when he discovered he would have to stick his hand in his pocket he nearly joined Derek in the hereafter. It seemed like a constant stream of well wishers were encamped on Mavis's settee including the likes of Martin and Emily Bishop who were there to offer sympathy. Norris Cole was an unwelcome visitor who came to inform Mavis that Angela Derek's ex wife wouldn't be present at the funeral.

Ashley rounded up Jack in an effort to bring aid to Don Brennan who had by now calmed down sufficiently to be spoken to. Don was once again contemplating suicide judging by the tone of his voice. He was by his own admission a beaten man who had lost to Baldwin. Jack tried to instill some fire in his old friend's belly telling him to strike back at Baldwin by seeing a solicitor with a view of accusing him of slander. However it was no good because Don had sunk as low as he could get.

Meanwhile Tricia had gone to see Ray's house which was in no uncertain terms a palace compared to what she had been used to. Ray was inviting Tricia to stay over for the night. She was unsure at first whether she should but with Jack's blessing she took Brad and the away was hers for the taking again much to Vera's annoyance.

Everything was more or less in place for Derek's final farewell tomorrow. The food was prepared and Mavis as ready as she would ever be. As the episode ended it cut away showing her finally letting whatever strength she was holding on to slip away and the tears began to flow again.

 

Monday 14 April 1997
Tonight was more or less devoted to the final farewell to Derek Wilton, the day of his burial was on hand and Mavis's house was a hive of activity. The old regulars were helping with the final preparations for the wake with Emily looking after the food duties aided by ever dependable Rita.

Tricia was back from her night out at Ray's house with disapproving glances all round from Vera. She was one of the few who wouldn't be attending the funeral service as she would be home looking after Brad and in her own words she claimed she didn't know Derek that well anyway.

Poor old Mavis also had to face the ever scathing tongue of Derek's disapproving sister Edith. From the offset the air crackled with an atmosphere of conflict as these two enemies locked horns over the subject of the late Mr Wilton. Mavis meanwhile was trying to recruit Ken to say a few words about her husband which was an idea he didn't relish.

The funeral cars pulled up and it was time for the off so to speak nobody seemed to know where the church was so it was a case of shooting after the funeral car as fast as possible and more a case of dragging as many people out of the pub as they could for the event.

There seemed to be very little respect paid to derek when the actual event got under way. The assembled ranks of Weatherfield's finest were sat in the pews listening to the beginning of the service. Mike Baldwin was about as interested in the funeral as he was in the subject of knitting. His mind was purely thinking about business and how he could get started again much to the annoyance of Alma.

Don of course was at the back of the church with Jim McDonald bristling with rage as he looked upon his sworn enemy. In fact i'm sure they stuck Jim with Don just to keep him in check and make sure he did nothing stupid.

The time came for the nominated party to make a speech and everyone was expecting Ken to stand up and make a move. Instead however Mavis looked on in horror as Norris Cole got up to speech leaving Ken dumbfounded as to what to do.

There was little option but to let Norris speak on and say his piece, he spoke well of Derek or Dirk as he always referred to him but seemed to be doing an unintentional hatchet job on Mavis in the process. He mentioned how Mavis had left him alone at the motorway services where they had first met and cemented their friendship. He then lingered on some of the minus points in their relationship for instance when Mavis had forgotten Derek's 60th birthday. All in all like I say something of a hatchet job which attracted more than a few puzzled stares especially from the likes of Jack.

Meanwhile in the Street, Tricia was talking to Ray about a subject they had obviously discussed at some length. It was clear that he had asked her to move in with him and she was seriously considering the move. She had been more or less chatting openly about the subject with Sam behind the bar and was now picking and choosing what she would say to Vera when she returned.

Meanwhile Steve received a visit from Andy who seemed preoccupied with pouring out his troubles to his brother. Steve was unsympathetic towards him though and said as much. Andy's comparison to having a gun pointed up his nose for a few minutes to a year in prison didn't hold water for Steve who was angry at the way his brother was behaving and the consequences it had pushed on him. Andy of course wasn't listening and stormed off.

Back at the Wilton house the house was a heaving mass of people all on the surface offering their condolences to Mavis but beneath the veneer of congeniality they were telling it how they felt it was. Many of the residents looked on Derek and Mavis for that matter as a joke with little credibility. It was almost painful to watch as characters who should have known better tore strips of a man not there to defend himself.

Don was of course hovering in the background and in a sinister fashion was tailing Alma round the house. She wanted nothing to do with him but he leered at her and compared himself to her as someone who Mike had his wicked ways with. He asked Alma if she wanted to help him bring Mike down which Alma obviously declined. She then quickly left the house eager to get away from him.

Mavis ended the night the true winner striking back at all those who had called her husband. She announced that she knew what people thought of her and her husband. She explained how she knew she was thought of as a joke as was Derek. However she didn't care because she knew how much she and Derek loved each other and that was all that mattered.

 

Wednesday 16 April 1997
A touch slow tonight with Alma being on edge thanks to her confrontation with Don Brennan the night before. Mike tried his best to assure that she had nothing to fear and that he would make sure she was O.K. Alma put on a brave face but it was clear that she was still feeling a tad wary.

In the Rovers, Tricia had some news for the Duckworths about her relationship with Ray and how it would soon affect them. She was intending to move in with him but knew that Vera would be upset so she held off telling the Duckworths for now. Jamie however was fully aware of what was happening and was not at all happy about the move. He had made a happy little life for himself at the Rovers and the prospect of moving away made him somewhat annoyed as well as upset. He anticipated that the relationship would fold like all the ones had before it.

Mavis was back int he Kabin and doing well to keep a lid on her emotions so soon after her husbands death. She was trying to keep busy in the wake of the funeral and coming into the shop was she thought the best remedy. Emily came in to offer her support and assistance that Mavis was going to need when it came to clearing Derek's belongings away.

Lunchtime saw Natalie come sweeping into the Street in her flash red BMW with the idea of whisking Kevin away for lunch. The flirting from Natalie's corner came out thick and fast and while Kevin didn't seem to notice Natalie was after him the broad smile on Chris's face indicated he had read the situation perfectly well.

Hence Natalie took Kevin to the Rovers on the pretence she wanted to know more about the way the business worked. She suggested coming round to Kevin's house to study the books one evening while Sally was away. Kevin didn't think it was a good idea but still didn't suspect that he was in the presence of a prime maneater.

Mike meanwhile had taken on the print shop as his new premises across the road from Don Brennan. He and Mike had another mini confrontation on Don's doorstep which Mike in his usual cocksure fashion won. He gloated as he explained how his recent pay out at the hands of his insurance brokers had made life very sweet for him again. This of course prompted another bout of anger fuelled drinking from Don.

Jack tried to reassure his pal that everything would be O.k but Don was listening to no one and simply insisted that Jack leave his house and leave him to get on with his life.

Tricia explained her departure to Jack that afternoon, he took the news calmly and knew that she had to move on in life and if she saw a chance that she could find happiness she should grab. Both parties acknowledged however that telling Vera would not be easy. In the end it was Jack would break the news to a crestfallen Vera as well as ensuring Jamie things would be alright when he moved.

Andy was drinking hard and fast again much to despair of his father, his pint rate was now reaching incredible proportions and he seemed capable of sinking a pint in seconds.

Chris prepared a meal for Angie, he was demonstrating his cooking skills and was not found wanting in that department at all. Angie however had been doing some research into Chris's past. She had discovered some things that didn't quite add up. For instance Chris had been working in a war zone and according to what Angie had discovered foreigners weren't allowed to operate in such conditions. Chris casually bluffed it out but could he be lying about his exploits ?

Alma was ending the day in the Rovers drinking with Gail while Mike was wining and dining his lawyer Frankie. Alma ordered a cab which just happened to be with the firm Don was working as a radio operator. He heard the name Baldwin come over the radio and his ears pricked up, he insisted on taking the job to Coronation Street despite being banned from driving.

He arrived in the Street to find Alma waiting, without looking at the cab driver Alma got in and the cab drove away.......

 

Friday 18 April 1997
The hour episode kicked off with Alma catching a cab through the streets of Weatherfield and discovering to her horror that the driver of the cab was none other than her husband's nemesis Don Brennan. She hid any signs of fear initially but was obviously wary of Don and took care to inform him of the risk he was taking by driving while banned. Don wasn't bothered he merely claimed there was no one else to do the run so he took it instead.

The scene then cut to the Rovers which was to be another main set piece of the evening with Jim McDonald buying not one but two bottles of whisky to take out with him. Gary Mallett commented on what was to be something of a copious intake of alcohol that night and effectively got told to mind his own business for his trouble.

Meanwhile Vera was fretting over the fact that her beloved Brad was soon to be moving out along with Tricia and Jamie. She was convinced that fate was going to conspire to rob her of another grandchild and she tried to convince Jack to make her erstwhile daughter in law stay at the pub.

Meanwhile Mavis had visitors in the shape of Audrey and Gail, they were there offer sympathy and support to the recently bereaved widow Wilton. Or rather Gail was there for that purpose as Audrey was clearly wanting to be somewhere else. As Mavis pottered to the kitchen to make tea Audrey desperately was looking for an excuse to leave and go to the pub.

Back in the cab driven by Don things were still relatively quiet, Don himself seemed to be merely intending to take Alma home and was driving sedately through the streets giving Alma only minimal cause for concern. However as they got nearer Alma and Mike's flat Don didn't stop and take the appropriate route which instantly fired Alma's nerves. Don made it clear at this point that she wasn't going home.

Jim arrived home armed with the two bottles of whisky, he intended to sit down with his very cocksure son Andy and for the two of them to drink themselves stupid in an all night session. In truth this was an exercise in calling his son's bluff. There was much goading from Jim as he tried to get Andy to drink with him, maybe even match him drink for drink. Andy backed off claiming competitive drinking was not his style but Jim started without him anyway pouring large measures and throwing them back with gusto.

Audrey and Gail had finally escaped Mavis's tender mercies and had made their way to the Rovers where they sat in with Rita and Alec. Audrey expressed relief to be out of Mavis's house and was all set for a night on the double G & T's to relax her strained nerves.

Over at Angie's place, she and Chris were enjoying something of a night indoors. Chris had made the meal and was now washing the dishes he was clearly interested in more than a quiet evening's worth of stimulating conversation judging from the way he was eyeing up Angie. In fact after he had dried the dishes one of the first things he did was make a pass at Ms Freeman. This was not a wise move as Angie told him quickly where to get off. She insisted that a meal and doing the dishes would not grant him right to get into her bed.

Don had by now pulled up in a secluded spot of wasteground. Alma was by now frightened especially with the way that Don was beginning to talk to her. His mood was darkening and he was spilling forth venom about Mike Baldwin. Alma initially tried to defend her husband but it was not a good move because it only served to make Don angrier. He spouted about the injustices done to him by Baldwin. Alma was in tears by now and Don ordered her out of the car. It was quite frightening to watch as Don dragged her forcibly from the car and the two of the tumbled to the ground. It was clear that Alma was fearing being raped which had been something that hadn't come to mind for Don until that point. Alma managed to break free and scramble up a nearby embankment with Don in pursuit.

Alma managed to make her way over the top of the embankment and flee into the night leaving Don alone by his car. Alma's escape was to be short lived however as Don soon tracked her down stumbling about on a pathway. He pulled across her blocking her path and bundled her into the cab again.

All this time Mike had been wining and dining Frankie his lawyer unaware of the danger his wife was in across the city. There was a great deal of flirting going between the two with Mike the wily old dog that he is doing his fair share. In fact there was a good deal of mutual admiration between them as well.

The tables had turned at the McDonald household with the once cocky Andy now looking on at his father in horror as he downed drink after drink in what turned out be a bizarre 'vengeance' game against his son. It was payback for the disappointment that had been heaped on him from his son since he left his studies. Andy was shocked by his father's behaviour to the extent that he backed down and told Jim he would return to college providing he didn't drop back into his old drinking ways.

In the Rovers everyone especially Audrey was drinking a bit more than the usual. The jokes were flying round and the subject seemed to have settled on the subject of death. Most likely the cause of this was the recent departure of Derek Wilton. Fred Elliott announced his own wake before he had died while everyone else seemed to be in very joking mood.

All apart from Vera who was in the back of the pub sat in despair due to the fact Tricia was leaving. She found friendly comfort in the form of Judy Mallett who gave her something of a rallying pep talk telling her that things would be O.K and Brad and Tricia wouldn't be far away.

Alma was still in the clutches of Don Brennan who had pretty much ended his rant and rave mode and had calmed somewhat. In fact there seemed to be moments of lucidity coming from him as he talked quietly with his captive. In light of what he had done there appeared to be glimmers of remorse showing. Alma was truly terrified by what had happened so Don decided to drop her at home. Alma promised not to tell anybody what had happened but Don wouldn't believe her.

In fact his calm mood was suddenly replaced by another bout of angry behaviour as he suddenly started ranting and raving about how she would tell everyone what had happened and how he would end his days in prison. Enraged to the point of no return he put his foot to the floor and screeched off into the night with Alma in the seat next to him. She tried to wrest control of the steering wheel from him but instead this caused the car to go screeching off the end of the keys into the canal.

We watched as the car slowly sank beneath the surface.....

 

Sunday 20 April 1997
Starting with Don's borrowed cab screaming down the keys and finally plunging off the edge to a supposed watery grave as we saw last episode. We watched again as the car upended and sank beneath the surface taking it's two occupants with it.

Two passers by who were almost mown down by the car watched in horror as the surface of the water returned to still calm. However it didn't remain still for very long because up from the depths like a modern day creature from the black mascara lagoon we saw Alma come bobbing to the surface.

Disorientated by everything that had happened she struggled and flailed around on the surface until a rescue was provided by the passer by. She was dragged from the water and sat back on the keys while she recovered somewhat. While all that was going on another man was in the water and dragging Don Brennan out of the car and to comparative safety.

In the Rovers, everything was continuing on from the night before with Kevin ending a night of bachelor like freedom in the Rovers while Chris his assistant continued his sulk over being blown out by Angie Freeman. Judy Mallett had a chat with Tricia about Vera Duckworth and her resentment towards her and the children leaving the pub to be with Ray. It seemed like Judy was playing confidante to everyone these days.

Police and Ambulance services were on the scene now to ferry Alma and the unconscious Don Brennan to hospital. Alma was hysterically insisting that she not be in the same ambulance as Don such was her fear of him and what he might do to her. The police woman involved tried to reassure Alma that everything was going to be O.k but Alma was seriously panicked. She made her first attempt at explaining events of the night telling the officer that Don had tried to kill her.

The Rovers was by now closing and everyone was making their way home. Martin was invited into Angie Freeman's for a coffee which was an offer he readily accepted. Angie wasn't after a fling or any such behaviour but more of a chance to whinge about her lack of success in relationships.

Judy and Gary got home and chatted about the future with or without children before going upstairs to scrub Gary's back in a bout of bath time frolics.

Mike meanwhile was still unaware of his wife's near death experience and was still wining and dining Frankie his solicitor. The flirtation game was still going after they had drained the bottles of wine dry and were now moving on to coffee and cognac.

Alma's condition was stable in the hospital, she had suffered cuts and bruises and a mild case of hypothermia. The nurse was tending her cuts when once again the police woman entered the room. She was attempting to call Mike but his mobile phone was switched off. Once again attempts were made to find out what had happened to her and Don and once again Alma explained he had tried to kill them both. It seemed clear that Alma wasn't being taken clearly and this only made her agitated.

It was at this point Martin Platt was called as he and Gail were relatives of a sort. Martin was just home from the pub and heading off to bed when he got the call from the hospital. He was flabbergasted to hear of Don's latest attempt on his own life and explained he would be over straight away. Gail came over all conscience stricken and decided to go with him while they got Audrey over to look after the kids.

Mike was also just home from his night out to be greeted by a message on his answering machine explaining that he had to ring the hospital quickly regarding his wife. Mike's face melted into horror at the prospect of something happening to his beloved wife and before you knew it he was at her bedside.

Alma yet again tried to explain her story and even Mike seemed to doubt her word briefly. However when she explained in more detail what had happened this only served to fire his anger and set him in a vengeful mood against Brennan.

Martin and Gail arrived and were also shocked to find that Alma had been involved in the accident. Luckily Martin intercepted Mike just before he tried to throttle the unconscious Don Brennan in an adjoining private room while Gail tried to win an Oscar for heartfelt acting by pleading with the nurse to let her see Alma.

The night ended on a promising note though as Tricia blearily made her way downstairs long after closing time at the Rovers presumably to feed Brad. She was disturbed by a sound of clinking glasses in the bar and called out to see who was there. She tentatively stepped into the bar only to be confronted by a man whose expression gave away the fact he barely remembered her...Terry Duckworth.

 

Monday 21 April 1997
Carrying on the from where the episode left off on Sunday we entered tonight in the darkened Rovers where Tricia was facing Terry Duckworth the father of her child. She seemed to melt instantly in his presence while he looked down on her with barely a hint of recognition playing across his face.

Terry was once again looking for some place to stay and the Rovers was the place indeed. He had some keys to the pub which he had retained from his last visit which explained how he gained entry to the premises. There was of course a lot of explaining to be done and Terry was surprised to find he was now father again. He wasn't immediately forthcoming with information about where he had been in the previous months and by now Jack and Vera were downstairs wanting to know some answers as well. Jack of course maintained his usual healthy distrust of Terry while you could see the potential melting of Vera's heart happening all over again. Tricia was by now falling slightly under his charm.

Alma was home from hospital a little earlier than Mike and the hospital staff had wanted. Still obviously in shock from her ordeal at the hands of Don Brennan she wandered round the flat clearly agitated with nothing capable of calming her down. Mike insisted on sitting with her through the night as she faced up to what had happened.

Don was receiving no such care and consideration though as Gail now refused to have anything to do with her ex father in law. Martin was being a little more compassionate to the man's problems but all in all Don's reputation which had already been at the pond life level had just sunk below the surface for good. Gail and Martin visited Alma and Mike during the day and Gail finally unveiled the secret of Don's abhorrent behaviour towards Denise Osbourne years ago. Gail realised she should have said something at the time and expressed her regret about keeping quiet especially as the results could have been so nearly fatal.

Angie and Chris were still at odds with each other although this was not the fault of Angie as she was trying to make amends for their argument the other night. Chris however needs to grow up somewhat because he insisted on acting childishly and spurning the hand of friendship by acting cocky and belligerent.

Mavis had a traumatic time of it tonight following a fellow allotment owner walking into the Kabin to have a cross word with Derek over the lack of upkeep of the allotment in his absence while he was on holiday. It was down to Mavis to tearfully announce that Derek's gardening days were well and truly over to which the allotment keeper apologised profusely for his blunder.

Jack had something of a day out with Gary Mallett and rolled back into the pub a little worse for wear that afternoon. He was greeted with the news of Don's actions for a start off and the disappointment that his son was still hanging around.

Strangely enough Terry rather than doing a runner from the scene of his actions was strangely keen to hang around and seemed to be taking a shine to Tricia and Brad. It all stank to high heaven though and he was soon feeding Tricia what seemed to be a definite cock and bull story about his exploit since he saw her last. He made out that he had felt nothing but a strong attraction for Tricia since he left but circumstance had kept him from returning to Weatherfield.

Tricia took all this in and seemed to be falling for his lethal charms, she seemed keen to get know the roguish Duckworth all over again and poor old Ray who she had been planning to spend her days with seemed the furthest thing from her mind now.

 

Wednesday 23 April 1997
Tonight kicked off with a worn down looking Jack at the breakfast obviously pondering over events of the last few days. The return of his wayward son Terry had sent Tricia's brain cells on a downward spiral as it was obvious she was now besotted with him. That was much in evidence as she bounded downstairs only to eager to take him a cup of tea in bed. That's right folks Tricia had succumbed to temptation and had spent the night in bed with Terry.

Elsewhere in the Street, the little tit for tat battling was still going on between Angie and Chris. Although it has to be said he was doing the majority of the provoking. She announced she was going to be away for the day in Leeds on an assignment to do with her work.

While that was going on Kevin's man eating partner was on the prowl taking advantage of the absence of Kevin's wife Sally. Natalie's latest idea was to come round to Kevin's house that evening and cook him and Rosie a meal. Needless to say subtlety was hardly her strong point and Kevin had finally twigged what her intentions were and he was embarrassed by it all.

Don had now been sectioned which meant that Ashley was the one facing the bills in his absence. He feared an ever mounting pile of mail on the doormat and took his worries over to Gail and Martin's house. Gail was pretty much dismissive towards the lad while Martin explained it was something he was going to have to sort out himself for the time being.

Mavis had a cup of tea with one of the allotment owners, the old gent meant well but his words of comfort at times merely served to poke at Mavis's still fresh grief.

Mike and Alma were back in the Rovers with everyone gathering round to ask after Alma's well being. Needless to say she was recovering well and the only sound we heard from the pair of them was Mike complaining about Don and the fact that he might get a light sentence due to the state of his mind at the time of his stunt driving with Alma.

Terry had more or less made himself comfortable at the Rovers and Tricia was looking more and more like she was under his spell with every passing scene they spent together. It has to be said Terry was leading her a real song and dance convincing her that he was serious when it came down to be a committed father and a stable partner in her life. Jack tried to throw a spanner in the works by mentioning Tricia's relationship with Ray in front of Terry. That little effort didn't work because Tricia simply shrugged of the relationship calling it a casual little affair.

In fact things were about to take a turn for the worse in that department as that dinner time Ray would turn up at the Rovers looking for Tricia only to find her speaking to Terry over a drink in the bar. Terry and Ray almost came to blows as Tricia effectively blew Ray out. He tried to convince her that Terry was a no hoper who would let her down but Tricia's head was truly turned.

The evening wore on and Chris returned home with a girlfriend in tow, he was greeted by Angie who had got home much earlier than expected. It made for an uncomfortable situation because Chris proceeded to take his girlfriend upstairs to his bedroom. After they came downstairs and he sent his girlfriend round the corner to get some chips Angie marched up to Chris and blew her top. She didn't like the fact that they were carrying on upstairs while she was in the house while she was there. Chris put it down to jealousy which Angie found laughable.

Kevin spent the evening in the Rovers with Natalie his business partner after he managed to carefully manoeuver her away from cooking a meal for him and Rosie at his house. The night wore on and ended with her getting more than a little tipsy and Kevin eventually ringing for a taxi to take her home. Whatever plans of seduction she had lined up for him that night were out the window.

Ashley confided in Fred Elliott about Don's confession regarding the fire. Fred told Ashley to keep his mouth shut about the matter and as far as the mounting pile of bills that were being amassed Fred reckoned Ashley would be better off out of the house and finding somewhere else to live. Mainly because Don was now behind on his mortage payments to the extent he was now six months in debt.

Tricia desperate to resolve matters with Ray went to see him at his house for something of a chat. She explained how she hadn't known about Terry's impending return and tried to explain to Ray that she was in love with Terry and not him. Ray was devastated but kept his emotions in check and took great care to remind Tricia that while she and Terry were deserving of each other, her children didn't deserve being raised by such a lout as Terry.

Terry meanwhile showed a return to his old ways as he tried to chat up Sam as she passed through the back of the pub. He also set about systematically going through the drawers in the pub living room. He was on the look out for money and after searching behind the fireplace he located a cash box and sat back with a smile on his face.

 

Friday 25 April 1997
Terry's little charade continued tonight as he started the day at the Rovers playing the good son role to the hilt. As we already know he had discovered where Jack kept the float for the pub. It was this which would eventually prove to be his downfall. However for the time being he was content to play along with the role he had created for himself as loving father and partner to Tricia. This meant he had to take them out for a walk to keep up his 'clean' image. I must say it was almost painful to watch in the way that Tricia fawned over Terry oblivious to his true nature.

Poor old Ray turned up on the doorstep of the Rovers in an effort to resolve his differences with Tricia. He was upset because he felt he had said some things to her that he regretted. However the only chance he got to see her was with Terry and as a result he got a mouthful of abuse from the unpleasant young Duckworth.

There were developments elsewhere as Natalie once again turned up at the garage eager to speak to Kevin. He had finally admitted that he was aware of her attraction to him. Chris egged him on saying he wished he had Kevin's problems with women but Kevin wasn't impressed. Natalie was there to arrange a meeting with her partner for that evening under the pretence she wanted to talk business with him.

Mavis was highly strung tonight as she entered the Kabin to start her working day. She was avoiding Derek's associate from the allotments as much as possible but today it was unavoidable. He came in basically to ask Mavis if she wanted to have a drink with him that evening. Mavis was upset by this notion with Derek hardly cold yet and she vented her distress on the poor man leaving him standing there looking shell shocked.

The main twist in the plot came tonight with Jack preparing the takings to be paid into the bank. Rather than waiting till morning for normal banking hours he decided to put the money in the overnight safe. At this point a very eager Terry Duckworth stepped forward with a view to taking the money to the bank for his father. Jack showed definite hesitation on the subject but Vera badgered Jack to let him go with the money. Eventually Jack buckled and handed him the package with nearly 3000 inside it.

The night continued as usual in the bar with time passing and Vera getting more and more worried about where her son was. Jack seemed strangely calm about the matter rather like a man with an ace in the hole. In fact he proved that he indeed have such an ace as Terry walked back through the door fuming.

It would turn out that the package was only full of pieces of paper and there was no money at all. Jack had swapped the payroll for a dummy package to fool his son. It was obvious that Terry had ripped open the package planning to do a runner and discovered that he had in fact been tricked. Terry then tried to cover his back by saying the package didn't feel right which is why he had opened it. Vera swallowed the story but a gloating Jack didn't.

Harsh words followed as Terry realised he had been rumbled and his mood began to blacken. Of course Tricia defended him like the fool she was and she reckoned they would be best off running away together. Terry at that point dropped Tricia like a hot brick claiming she would be going nowhere with him. Tricia was mortified by this information and threw herself at Terry begging him to take her with him.

Making a bad situation worse in walked Ray who witnessed what was going off and promptly landed a heavy punch right on Terry's nose. After Terry picked himself up off the floor he quickly left the pub.

Meanwhile the night had been wearing on for Kevin as Natalie prepared to make her advances. Kevin fielded her off though explaining that he and Sally were very happy together and he wanted nothing to spoil that. Natalie explained that she didn't want anything to spoil anything but realising that she had embarrassed Kevin decided to leave. As she left the house she touched Kevin's cheek tenderly which unfortunately for Kevin was something that Kevin witnessed.

 

Sunday 27 April 1997
The aftermath in the Duckworth household, Terry was long gone and a new day was dawning in the Rovers with a weary looking Vera reflecting over how she had been stung by Terry again. Tricia was there also hanging her head in shame over how she had been so quick to betray her new found family and her new partner Ray. She spoke of moving on which was a prospect which horrified Vera as she considered how she might never see her precious grandson again.

There was a crisis on at Sunliners which required Alec's attention first thing on a Sunday morning. Dreary was already in the office cleaning the place from top to bottom and making sure the place was presentable. The reason for this was that Sunliners were sending a head honcho up to the Weatherfield branch to keep tabs on how Alec was doing and how the branch was performing. Needless to say Alec was mortified by the prospect of having his affairs probed by one of the higher echelons of the travel industry.

Fred Elliott started a ruckus in the Rovers come dinner time as he and Ashley sat down to one of Betty's Hot Pots. Heaven forbid as he took the first bite only to declare the meat in the stew was tough and chewy. At first it looked like he was on a sales drive to get his own meat used in the famous recipe. However it soon turned out that others including Audrey were finding fault with the meat and it looked like Vera would have to change her buying habits to Fred Elliott.

Martin came home with news of Don Brennan, it would seem he had been transferred from the hospital to a prison cell. Martin thought the move was unfair and unwise considering Don's mental state but Gail was completely unsympathetic. Later that day Gail would inform Mike and Alma about the news much to Mike's joy and Alma's upset. She would fear the repercussions of being the star witness at the inevitable trial.

Kevin tracked down Rita and explained how what she had seen at his house the night before had been completely innocent. He explained his love for Sally could never be jeopardised by an affair and Rita seemed happy with what he had said and agreed nothing more would be said about the subject.

Jack went to the house of Ray in an effort to have a little chat with him, he explained how he bore him no malice for dotting Terry and explained how he would always be welcome in the Rovers Return. There was no hard feelings between them and Jack was glad of that.

Harvey Nuttall turned up on the scene looking to squeeze a favour out of Alec Gilroy. He was looking to recruit some new acts for one of his pubs and Alec was the choice for the matter. Alec explained he was up to the task but he would have to wait a few days because of head office intervention possibly sniffing around thus hindering his ability to conduct non-Sunliners business during Sunliners time. Unfortunately for Alec, Harvey mentioned this to Jack later on in the Rovers. That looks sure to create trouble for the beleaguered Mr. Gilroy.

Ray came to the Rovers eager to patch things up with Tricia who had spurned him only a couple of days ago for Terry Duckworth. He had not come to gloat or heap loads of venom on the woman but instead offer her the chance to start again with a clean slate. Tricia who was truly ashamed at what had she had done bravely declined his offer claiming that if she could hurt him so easily now it would only happen again and that was something she didn't want. As a result it was time for them to go their separate ways.

Alma mentioned to Mike that rather than setup a new business would it not be possible for them to retire somewhere nice and hot rather than go through the cut and thrust of the rag trade. Mike however was not keen on the idea. In fact he was offended because he thought Alma saw him as a man past his prime unable to hack it in the modern world of business.

 

Monday 28 April 1997
A mood of despondency hung over the Rovers tonight as Vera and to a lesser extent Jack mourned the departure of Terry from their lives. They looked back upon his past and reminisced about how he hadn't always been a cold hearted thug but at one time a sweet little boy. Tricia was another miserable face to add to the list as she was not only miserable but feeling guilty about almost selling out the Duckworths.

Alec was preparing his little corner of the Sunliners empire for inspection from the head office representative. As a result Alec had the place looking ship shape and bristol fashion ready for his arrival. However before the man from Sunliners could set foot through the door there was another visitor due. It was none other than Jack fresh from the Rovers and with something of a plot in his mind. Jack, you see knew how Alec was trying to keep Alec's fiddle work quiet from the Sunliners organisation.

As a result Jack explained that if Alec didn't supply him with a top name act then he would make sure he had a few friendly words with his boss when he turned. The prospect of this made Alec green at the gills especially as the aforementioned boss walked through the door at that moment in time. Jack was quickly bustled out of the shop as the Sunliners representative Adam Newbold walked in.

Angie was in good spirits today as she had a dinner date with someone who could help get her career back off the ground. The atmosphere that morning seemed amicable but a little prickly between her and Chris but all the same he wished her well for her appointment.

Over at the garage there was something of an atmosphere as well, Natalie had repsonded to a phone call from Kevin asking her advice on a business matter. She came over to help him sort out the problem but her usual charming self was hidden beneath a very cool exterior. Kevin however it has to be noted was not nearly as apprehensive around her as he been previously, it seemed the attention he had been relieving had finally made an impression on him and he seemed a little more sure of himself in her presence.

Ashley was due at the jail today to visit his old landlord Don Brennan who was now languishing at her majesty's pleasure. Don seemed quite relaxed and a great deal calmer than he had been only a few nights ago when he had tried to drive into the keys with Alma. Ashley had brought him some bills to look over which Don did assuring his young lodger things would be O.K.

Meanwhile Angie's dinner date was none other than Mike Baldwin, she was wooing him with her new business plan and quite frankly selling herself as the best thing since sliced bread. Mike was a seasoned hand at dealing with this side of the business and while he didn't dismiss Angie out of hand he approached her ideas fairly but with some caution. He said he would let her know how he felt about her ideas soon enough.

The Sunliners inspection was over and all it seemed was fine with young Adam Newbold, all apart from one thing. Whilst perusing the books he had discovered a Joyce Smedley on the books and he hadn't seen a Joyce Smedley present in the office. Apparently Sunliners liked to meet and greet every single member of the staff rather than take a faceless approach to business. Alec realising he was in trouble here bluffed and said Joyce was away because she was ill.

Adam Newbold was insistent about the matter and explained he had other business in the area for the week ahead and would return to meet her on Wednesday. This would be tough considering Joyce had now been dead a few months. After Adam left Dreary was astonished to hear how Joyce was still on the books while Alec put it down to a clerical error.

Not to be deterred Alec went to the Rovers to make peace with Jack explaining how he would be quits with Jack if he supplied the act of his choice and to boot a little favour. He asked Jack if Vera would pose as Joyce Smedley on Wednesday morning.

At the prison, Don and Ashley were still talking and Don explained he had a favour of his young lodger. Don explained about the fire and how the keys were still in his house kept almost as a trophy of his victory over Baldwin. He asked Ashley if he would get rid of the keys for him to cover up any evidence of his involvement in the crime against Mike. Ashley declined saying he would anything for Don but not that as it would make him an accessory. He then left the prison side stepping a few questions from the police who were on their way to see Don even as he left.

When the police came to see Don he assumed that Ashley had spilled the beans about his involvement in torching the factory. As a result in an act of vengeance against Ashley he told the police that Ashley had started the fire at the factory claiming that he had wanted to protect Don from the danger of being at the scene of the crime where he could have been injured by the explosion or left unable to escape because of his lack of leg slowing him down.

 

Wednesday 30 April 1997
It all started with Alec panicking about the impending visit from Adam Newbold. He was in trouble because Adam was coming to see Joyce Smedley R.I.P and up till now his first and foremost imposter nominee for the job Vera was refusing to play ball and get involved.

Not even Jack's intervention could help matters and Tricia was out of the picture due to the fact she was too busy getting Jamie to school and sorting out her own problematic life.

Angie was playing games with Mike when it came to the deal they were trying to set up between them. He was obviously keen and Angie was aware of this so she kept him at arms length. She mentioned how she might be better off with a more hip business partner which got Mike a little hot under the collar. In the end though games are all she was playing to get herself better terms with Mike. Alma meanwhile was still looking for her dream home with Mike in Florida.

Natalie was playing it cool while Kevin was warming it up. She was now playing hard to get while he was obviously attracted to her. It didn't help that people around him were making jokey comments about Sally which made him quite highly strung.

Ashley spoke to Fred about Don and the keys and listened to his Uncle's sage advice. Fred reckoned he would be better to get out of the house and hand the incriminating evidence into the police desk. Ashley decided that he would do just that and clear the mess up once and for all.

Meanwhile in the Rovers, Rita discovered from Vera what Alec had been up to with Joyce still being on the books after her death. Needless to say she was outraged at Gilroy's behaviour and stormed round to see him straight away. She gave him a piece of her mind and was just in the midst of tearing strips off him when in walked Adam Newbold.

Before anything more could be said Adam went up to Rita and introduced himself. He thought she was Joyce and luckily for Alec she played along with the role to perfection. After a very brief visit Adam then left the shop seemingly happy with everything he had seen.

Meanwhile Ashley was getting ready to go down the police station when he was collared by the police and taken in for interview. Everything it seemed conspired to make Ashley look as guilty as sin. Making matters worse was the fact that he hadn't been exactly honest when he had made his original statement. In truth Don had really dropped him in it blaming him about starting the fire at the factory unit.

Rita meanwhile was now in the pub being thanked profusely by Alec. Rita would have revenge though because she was going to make him use the back pay that belonged to Joyce to pay for a memorial plaque in her honour. Something which Judy and Gary couldn't afford.

Ashley meanwhile was released much to the relief of Fred although in the words of the police officer he was by no means in the clear just yet.




Written by Adrian Carter

 

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