Eminent Persons

The Port Deakin councillors sacked earlier under accusations of fraud and money laundering are finally brought to trial before Laura. It becomes apparent to her, and all involved, that the entourage of legal eagles - headed by an old associate of Laura's, Q.C. Hilary Tonks - have the case so manipulated and under control there is nothing they can do to prove the obvious guilt of those charged.

Max is quick to realise all is not right and he works hard to figure out exactly who is financing such an extensive case, while Morton Tregonning lurks suspiciously about, adamant he too, wants justice to prevail.

It's not only Laura's impotence to deliver legal justice which riles Max. After a disastrous dinner where he can't resist needling the pretentious Hilary and ruffling the unrufflable Warwick, Max attacks the company Laura chooses to keep. An emotional argument ensues which catapults Laura into accepting Warwick's proposal of marriage...far from what Max had intended. He's left devastated.

Laura's even more furious when Max publishes an emotionally charged article written by Miranda about the case over which she is presiding.

At home Laura's furious and put out to discover she's not included in the list of eminent local people chosen to address Rupert's class at school. Kevin's speaking, as is Phrani, and even Bob Jelly has been asked. Much to Rupert's horror Laura heads off to the school to find out why. Along the way she also discovers a fraudulent thing or two Rupert has been up to.

Heather Jelly is excited to discover she's been offered a real estate award. Bob's peeved, assuring her it's of no real consequence - that a pre-existing date with Sid Farley is of more importance to him than accompanying her to the award's night. Buoyed by her parents, Heather grows to realise the significance of what she's been offered. Shunned by his wife, Bob plummets to an even deeper low when confronted by Morton and threats of possible jail sentences he intends to instigate against Bob.