After his earlier phone call, Jack visits Sally to bring her up to speed on Johnny Cooper’s prison break. There’s no way of knowing exactly how he escaped or who helped him, but one fact remains: before leaving he was mouthing off to his fellow inmates about avenging his brother Rocco’s death. Believing her to be a likely target, Jack recommends that Sally leaves town but is forced to rethink his plans when reminded that, with the new term due to start the following day, the school can’t be without its Principal. With Ric, too, adamant that he’s not about to be chased out of the Bay, it’s clear that Jack has a fight on his hands when it comes to protecting his friends. Needless to say, helped along by the gossip-mongering Colleen, news of Johnny's escape is quick to spread; fears are only heightened when Summer Bay High – still very much a battleground for Aden and Geoff – becomes subject to increased security measures. Before the day’s out everyone’s worst nightmare looks set to become a reality: having got his hands on a car, Rocco ditches his old clothes and dons a disguise before continuing on his way towards town; he's one step closer to achieving his goal. Better togetherHaving talked to Rachel about all her options and expectations, Cassie at last feels that she has some perspective, even if still confused as to what to do about Henk: does she want him out of her life or by her side? With Cassie still unaware that the man in question has already made the decision for her, it falls to a reluctant Ric to break the news when he later goes to collect her from hospital. Although she tries to stay strong, admitting that she wasn't sure whether or not she could ever get past everything they’ve been through, Cassie can’t help but feel alone: how are people going to react when they discover the truth? Painfully aware of how much Sally has on her plate with the possibility of Johnny’s return, and clinging onto Rachel’s advice of seeking counselling before attempting to talk things through with her friends and family, Cassie explains to Ric that she’s leaving for Sydney, where she’s been booked into an HIV clinic. Ric instantly offers to accompany her, ready to offer the support she so desperately needs – and knowing that, with Jack keen to remove him from the equation in light of the Bay’s recent developments, he’ll be free to leave with no questions asked.

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