Karen, what are you doing? Something I should have done a long time ago.
I have given you everything you said you wanted. I want you out. Now.
I think you might have just saved the country.
I made a mistake when I was young, a really stupid mistake, and I've regretted it every day of my life,
and then I met you, and I...
I thought you could fix me.
What does she want? She wants Elke to be a part of her life.
Elke. Dad said you were my real mum.
Is that true?
I'm sorry you found out this way. It's not what I wanted.
What about my real dad? What was he like?
He was young.
I just wanted to know...
Know what?
Why did you give me away?
Oh, sweetheart.
It's complicated.
Why?
Well, I wasn't much older than Claire when I had you.
Can you imagine Claire being a mum?
She'd be all right.
Well, Claire's a lot smarter than I was,
and I had problems.
What problems?
Problems that meant I couldn't look after a baby.
I wasn't a good girl like you. I...
I was wild.
I drank, and I took drugs.
My parents couldn't control me.
So did they decide I should be adopted?
They did.
But I agreed it was for the best at the time.
I would never give my baby away, no matter what anyone said.
And if I could do it again, neither would I.
Where is she?
I'm so sorry, Mum. No, don't be. It's OK. Everything will be all right.
How about some hot chocolate? Good idea.
Sweetheart, I just need to talk to Roza for one minute, OK?
It was a closed adoption. You shouldn't be anywhere near her. I'm sorry. I just—
What, this whole thing? Lunch, those fucking handbags — what, some sort of trap?
No, it wasn't. You don't understand. Damn right, I don't.
A child's mother would never put her in this position.
Can't you see the damage you could do?
Where is she? I'm just about to take her home.
What did you say to her?
Just that I missed her.
Jesus, Roza. What are you trying to do to us?
Well, she came to me. What was I supposed to do?
You were supposed to stay out of her life forever. That was the deal.
Karen. No, fuck off, Simon.
You weren't fit to be a mother then. You're certainly not fit to be one now.
You back off.
She's right. I'm not fit to be a mother.
If you're looking for sympathy, you won't get any from me.
Imagine this from Elke's point of view.
Oh, the last thing I want to do is hurt her. What did you think would happen?
Please, tell me you at least told David.
And?
David is behind me 100%.
Oh, no. Did I miss it?
Hey. You sold me out.
Yeah, well, um...
You were using me. That's hypocritical.
Roza, I've been trying to connect with you, but you just fob me off every fuckin' time.
It hurts, you know?
I'm sorry.
Have you got anything for me?
Oh my God, Roza. I had no idea. Yeah, no one did.
And her adoptive dad, he's the doctor that's been in the headlines for murder.
Holy shit. Did he do it? 'Course not.
Hey, go easy, babe. It's primo.
He's a good dad, you know? Mm-hm.
I mean, who gives away their baby and then barges into their life years later and ruins it (?)
Roza. I've let David down.
I've let Elke down. I've let you down. Such a fucking waste of space. Roza, stop. Stop.
Roza?
Sorry, who?
Keep her cool and keep talking to her.
I'll take care of you, babe. I promise. Just—Just hang in there, OK?
Listen to me, just— Hey, it's me. I need a favour.
I said not a word. I can't do it on my own. Lock the door behind us.
What happened? She overdosed. Cocaine and what? I don't know, but—
but these were in her pocket.
Simon, I can't get involved in this. Come on, Paula, please.
I need your help. You know me better than that. Didn't know what else to do.
We need cooled IV saline, ondansetron,
and draw up full loraz, just in case. OK.
Are they the family? Uh, he's not too popular with the wife at the moment,
but he seems close to the brother. Mm. Seems close, although Pat Greville at the boys school
he went to reckons the brother never visited him once.
The wife —
wouldn't be the first woman to wreak havoc on a cheating husband.
What, she outs him as the murder suspect?
The whole neighbourhood, the whole country talking about her? No, no. She's not the type,
and she wouldn't do it to her kids.
What if she's the killer?
Karen?
Come on. The book club — she's got multiple witnesses.
Revenge for his affairs would definitely include attacking one of his girlfriends.
And diverting suspicion by leaking his name.
Let's have a look at the wife.
Why now? What do you mean?
I mean, why has crazy rich bitch Hallwright decided to fuck with us now?
You and Dad are in a shit fight. Claire.
Well? She's had 13 years. She's not a bitch.
No, of course she's not.
But she is Elke's birth mum.
We just have to deal with that.
What's going to happen?
I don't know, sweetie. But we'll work it out together, OK? You don't need to worry about it.
Will I go and live there?
No. No, of course not.
This is your home. Forever and ever?
Absolutely.
Oh my God.
Oh my God. Where am I? Hey, you need to calm down, OK?
Get away from me.
You overdosed. Nobody else knows.
As in nobody. We need to keep it that way.
You can take her home soon, but check outside first. The media's crawling all over me.
Your bodyguard talked to your husband. He thinks you've got a tummy bug.
Thank you.
Obviously, I'm grateful, but if you think you can use this against me...
don't.
Hey. Thought I'd take Claire to a movie today, if that's OK with you. Yeah, great idea.
What are you gonna see? Some fluffy romcom, apparently. Yeah, I know.
Well, if it makes her feel better, I'm happy to take one for the team.
Hey, how's Elke?
How would you be if Roza Hallwright turned out to be your mother?
Oh, there are worse people.
Are there?
Oh, yeah.
Oh. God, sorry. Nah, don't worry about it. I turned out OK.
For a 44-year-old single male living next to his sister-in-law's laundry.
No, you're fine.
You know, honestly?
I always thought Simon was the star, and...
here you are...
being a bloody rock. Ooh.
Hey.
Elke is yours.
I can't compete with the Hallwrights.
We going?
We certainly are.
Later, Mum. Have fun.
What?
That two-faced bitch.
She doesn't deserve to be a part of Elke's life. I know, but we have to be careful.
We're not...
If there's a challenge for Elke, we can use it then.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I just didn't know how to— I just...
don't want any more apologies, Simon.
Oh, if I could turn back the clock. To when?
When you first cheated on me?
To when you got caught?
Or when we met? Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Funny way of showing it.
Did you...
ever even love me? Oh, Karen, of course.
You're beautiful, smart. You're an incredible mother. That's a CV, Simon.
I'm talking about love — if you loved me.
The things that happened to me...
The things I never told you.
Look at our girls, Karen.
Our two beautiful girls, and I can't imagine how anyone could...
There was no love.
No one showed me how it was done.
What I had with you and the girls is what I always wanted. Then why ruin it?
Cos something's missing in me. What?
I don't even know.
You guys all good?
Better than I was an hour ago.
Don't tell me the band's getting back together. No, no.
Just trying to sort out a few things with the girls.
Why don't we have dinner tomorrow? All of us. What do you say?
Yeah, I suppose that could work.
Night. Night.
How's my favourite Prime Minister-in-waiting?
Oh, never mind me. How are you?
Yeah, I feel better than I have in a long time. Really?
I was worried. Oh, darling, you've got the whole country to worry about.
Well, the bit of it I'm in today is proving somewhat less than friendly. In what way?
A mill town. Used to be, anyway. Then someone decided we were too proud to accept Chinese investment,
so now half the town's gone and the rest are on the dole. Go figure.
I'm sorry.
I miss you.
Gotta go. I'll call you soon.
There you go. Thanks, Paula.
Simon Lampton. Yeah, Simon. My name is Arty Cole.
I would very much like to meet with you, as soon as you could manage it.
Sorry, who is this? Arty Cole. I'm a journalist,
and I have something that I think you need to see. It's about Roza Hallwright a-and your daughter.
Hello? Uh...
Simon?
I can come right now.
Uh, Dr Lampton. Thanks for coming by. You mentioned my daughter.
I'd like to know why. Sure, um, come in.
Sorry about the cold calls. I just needed to get your attention quiet— Just tell me what this is about.
That didn't happen.
I was there. You were spying on me?
I don't have to spy on you, Dr Rhymes-With-Hampton.
You're everywhere. No. I'm after the Hallwrights — the Hallwrights and all their skeletons.
This is...
not what you think. Roza and I? No.
Then, perhaps you would care to explain two very different families, all but strangers until recently.
You're wasting your time. Oh, I've wasted a fair bit of it lately, looking up Mrs Hallwright,
her wild youth.
It made me think that maybe you could fill in some of the blanks.
You're right. My family has just met the Hallwrights. They're on another stratosphere to us.
There's nothing else going on. OK. Then you can try explaining that when these pictures go viral.
Please, you can't.
Why? Hmm?
I looked up the public records. There is nothing that shows your wife giving birth to Elke.
My daughter is 13.
13. Her life at the moment is pretty fucking shitty, so I'm asking you—
I am begging you. Please, do not do this to her.
You— She really is Roza's daughter?
Once again, the Hallwrights hoodwink the whole country. Look, I'm sorry, mate,
but the people need to know this. If you think you can threaten my child, my family, you're wrong.
You'll be hearing from my lawyer in the hour,
and I hope you have a shitload of money for one of your own.
You think you can bully me, huh? David Hallwright tried, and look. Still fighting. You hear me?
I know people, OK? One call, and you—
Shit, you all right?
Ambulance, please. 6B Nelson St.
You OK with Simon dropping by in the middle of the night like that? Wasn't so bad.
Really?
I just keep thinking about him in that home, what it must have done to him.
Can you imagine Claire or Elke in a place like that?
Worked out OK, though, didn't it? Not exactly. Oh, he went to uni.
Got the wife, kids, dream home.
And he was looking pretty good until not so long ago.
You can't hide all that childhood stuff, Ford. It's gotta come out somewhere.
Maybe that's why— He cheated?
Look, he's starting to open up and talk about how he feels.
Do you believe him? Do you think I shouldn't?
He—
He's my brother, Karen, and I love him,
but he's fucked up.
You need to look after yourself,
and the kids.
You know? Just be careful. That's all I'm saying.
Mum. It's the police. They wanna talk to you.
Karen Lampton speaking.
Did you suspect him of having an affair with Julia Stevens?
She isn't his type. Wasn't his type.
So you know what type he's attracted to? Must hurt.
Of course it does.
And make you angry.
About him, the many types of women he's been involved with.
This isn't the first time this has happened, right?
So, we both know he's cheated on me more than once. Can we move on?
Why am I here?
You said that you were at book club the night Julia Stevens was killed, right,
and that you walked home afterwards. That would have taken you past Julia Stevens' house
not long before she was murdered. Me and 10 other women.
Still.
You think I did it?
Did you? No!
Did you attack Mereana Costas? I don't even know who she is or where she lives.
If you have anything more to ask me about these terrible attacks or the ridiculous notion
that I would publicise my family's troubles on that stupid blog, I want a lawyer present.
Well?
Am I free to go?
Yeah? What's wrong?
Why would anything be wrong? Um, cos your wife kicked you out, and the cops are all over you.
Where are you anyway? I'm at the hotel. I'm fine.
OK, I know you better than that. I'm gonna come over. No, I told you, I'm fine.
Hi.
Everything all right? Yeah, I just— I just got a new job, so peachy, yeah.
Kids are good too.
What about you? What did the cops want?
The things they were saying. I think they're getting desperate.
And just the pressure they put you under.
No wonder Simon's being unbearable.
Uniforms just called in a dead journo at the bottom of some stairs in Mt Eden.
Nosy neighbour said he'd just had a very interesting visitor.
Don't you dare say I told you so.
You've gotta be fucking kidding me. I didn't do anything. I swear.
He fell.
Are you sure he's dead?
So, what are you gonna do? Everything that ties me to him, what happened, is here.
Then let me get rid of this for you. No. Yeah, yeah.
The cops find evidence in forensic or whatever, and they connect this to you,
with all the other stuff hanging over you, then you're fucked. No.
You know, the cops hauled Karen in today. What? Fuck!
Maybe you should get in there first.
Front up. Tell your side of the story.
The cops are really gonna believe me (!) Elke will end up front-page news.
Hello. Simon Lampton.
Hello?
Who is this?
Mereana?
Mereana, is that you?
Hello?
Shit. Shit.
I don't know what you're playing at, but if you're ditching that stuff, don't. I want it back.
I'm dealing with this my way.
Open up, Dr Lampton. Police.
If you don't open the door, then we're coming in.
I'm not saying anything without my lawyer.
Why? You've got nothing to hide, have you?
Are you sure you've never met Arty Cole before today?
No. Never.
And he just called you up out of the blue? Yes. Told me to come and see him.
So, why did you? Well, he pestered me into it.
We talked. Nothing came of it.
When I left, he was very much alive.
Are you sure about that?
Why would I lie?
I asked Pat from Northland Boys' Home if she though you were a liar.
What did you say to her? That you're a person of interest in relation to one murder,
another suspected murder and now— You didn't need to talk to her or my wife.
I need to find whoever killed Julia Stevens.
I need to find out what happened to Mereana Costas, and I need to know how Arty Cole died.
He's got an axe to grind with the Hallwrights. He wants dirt on them.
Why would Arty Cole think he could leverage you into getting damaging information out of Hallwright?
Look. I told him I couldn't help him, and I left.
End of story.
Fuck me.
What now? Cole sent me more photos of Mrs Hallwright
in a compromising situation with a man who's not her husband.
Send me the photos and close it down.
I can't keep spiking this shit. It's too good. Close it down.
Your wife. Is that Simon?
Yes.
When were they taken?
The night before last. She's a time bomb that just keeps on ticking.
Yeah, that's right, Sergeant. He just threw his laptop and stuff into the bin.
Yeah, I was gonna call you earlier, but, um, I was driving, so...
Oh, he's tall,
uh, dark haired,
yep, driving a Lexus.
Mm-hm. Yeah, yeah. OK. You're welcome. Thanks.
You have to admit this goes way beyond coincidence now.
As I told you— Think about all the people involved — Stevens, Costas, Cole.
Look, I know you cared about Mereana. I know you care about your family.
Do the right thing, and stop lying. I'm not lying.
Whatever you're hiding, I'll find out about it eventually.
You can save us both a lot of pain and torture.
Doesn't that violate the doctor-patient relationship?
Something's really out of whack here.
Where does this fit in?
It's his kid.
Oh, Jesus.
Why wasn't I told about this? She almost died, sir.
Oh, this just gets better and better.
You're not going to believe this. Simon Lampton is at the police station,
answering questions about the death of Arty Cole.
Cole's dead? Shit.
Would you give us a moment? Yeah.
We're one point in front in the polls, but if Lampton breathes a word about Roza,
it will destroy you. Is he really in a position to say any—
Of course he isn't. In fact, right now, he needs us more than we need him.
You could help him. Too fucking right.
To what do I owe this pleasure? I've been thinking a lot lately about
what you said last time we spoke. About policing numbers? Among other things.
Have you seen the latest poll results, by any chance?
You have every reason to feel confident, I'm sure. And so do you.
That's why I'm calling.
Yep.
You wanted to see me? Yeah. Come in. Close the door.
Have a seat.
Yes. I met Roza Hallwright a few times. Without her husband.
And with him.
Why do you ask? Cos I think I know why Arty Cole thought he could blackmail you.
He couldn't.
Well, you would say that, wouldn't you?
It's not what you think. Then what is it?
I want my lawyer. Simon, has it ever occurred to you that I can help you?
Can I have a word? One minute, sir. Now.
We have an eyewitness that places him at the scene.
Look, he's lying. I just— I just need time to prove it.
No, you've already spent enough time on him. Let's cast the net a little wider, eh?
But— You've done a good job, Marie — It's noted —
but the evidence just isn't there. Sir— You can't hold him.
Sir, if Simon Lampton walks away, then I have not done a good job.
Well, we're no longer going down that road. You're just gonna have to step back for the moment.
With respect, sir, I think we need to take this to DC Evans. Already have.
You've spoken to her? Yeah. Uh, I don't get it.
You don't have to get it.
And neither do I, for that matter.
There's a long game being played here. By Jane?
Just shut it down.
You're free to go.
Sorry? I said you're free to go.
Piss off.
You do get around, Dr Lampton.
Just as well you have someone looking out for you.
You? David Hallwright.
Get in. I'll give you a ride.
David wants you at his house, now.
And we need Karen.
Douse it with salt, if you want.
See? He came.
Hey, bro. What's up?
Sorry, I missed your call earlier.
Hey, Claire Bear.
So, I had an interesting day at the police station.
In fact, I'm starting to see why they get under your skin.
Can I have a quick word?
Now? After what she's just put you through? Why?
Must be about Elke. Well, we can bring out the drugs, right? We can use that against her.
Everything OK?
Yes.
Can you just keep an eye on the girls?
Now? Yeah.
Sure.
OK, well, can we— Let's get this over with.
We'll see you there.
We want to publicly announce that Roza is Elke's birth mother.
Oh, no, that is just never gonna happen. Never.
You overdosed. You can't even look after yourself, let alone a child.
Simon, we're going.
I helped you.
As I just helped you.
Simon.
Sit back down, Karen. I suggest you take some time to consider what's really best for everyone here.
Actually, the only thing I need to consider is what's best for my daughter.
Over my dead body will you turn her into an election issue. Simon.
So, have you told your wife about poor Arty Cole?
What are you talking about?
There are photos. I did not do anything, but it looks like I did, and...
the journalist who took them is now dead. Photos of what?
Of Roza, of me...
and of Elke.
You bastard. The photos don't really matter, Karen.
What matters is that Simon was the last person to see the man who took them alive.
Oh, and the fact that they were taken while your wife was trying to kill herself with cocaine —
that's of no concern to you? We're keen to move on with the next chapter of our lives,
and Elke's very much part of it. She doesn't want a drug addict for a mother.
She doesn't want a prison inmate for a father.
And I'm sure Elke will understand it was the pain of being separated from her that drove me to it.
The whole nation will understand if need be.
Oh, you people are...
Don't. Don't.
Do you have any idea
what it takes to be a mother?
Thank you, Karen. I'm about to find out.
You're a monster.
Hey. Hey. Hey.
I'm sorry, Simon, but Karen doesn't want you here any more.
What the fuck are you up to? Hey, hey, hey. Calm down. Calm down.
Where the fuck is Cole's computer? I put it in a skip way out west.
Just covering your tracks, bro. Really?
Yeah. How did the cops get them? Cops?
I don't know. Maybe someone saw— They saw the photos. The only reason I'm here is because
Hallwright pulled some strings.
Oh, well, lucky you, eh?
Story of a lifetime.
I'm really sorry I wasn't better at covering your arse.
Just wouldn't wanna be in your shoes. That's all I'm saying.
Yeah? Well, you seem pretty fucking comfortable in mine —
living in my house with my wife and my daughters.
Karen doesn't wanna be your wife, and you're on pretty thin ice with your daughters.
I mean, it looks like I'm the only ally you got.
What the fuck are you doing?