Best Laid Plans

It seems that after countless setbacks, life is finally going to plan in Pearl Bay. Right next to Phrani's new café, Max and Carmen have established an office for their newspaper, `The Oyster", both of which are within the walls of the new beach front co-op. Even Laura is at peace with her life.

Enter bulldozers. The town is thrown together in their fight to save MacGettigan's boatshed from demolition. Baffled and angry that the local council would sell such an historical landmark - which doubles as Max's home - the town looks for answers. It isn't long before the collective finger is pointed at Bob Jelly. Offended and outraged, Bob sets about proving his innocence, a task made particularly difficult by the fact he is one hundred per cent guilty.

In the midst of the chaos, Karen returns from a six week overseas trip. Almost immediately, she begins to reassess Pearl Bay and her place within it. Even Angus has difficulty reconciling the Karen who left and the one who came back. Convinced the role of constable is no longer for her, Karen quits the police force - and Angus.

As Max watches the destruction of his home, Laura is sympathetic. Guilty that her professional obligations prevent her participating in the protests at the boatshed, Laura offers Max her couch. Remembering later her kids are spending the night with their Dad, Laura realises she and Max will be alone in the same house. All night.

With memories of Dan and Elena laid to rest with the stripped down shed, Laura and Max feel ready to move forward. Yet, even in the aftermath of such a monumental event and more importantly, a passionate moment with Max, Laura finds past lessons hard to forget and insists their relationship remains platonic.