19/08/2024

Don James, Alistair’s boss, is annoyed to have to be dealing with a complaint about the Ambridge practice. Alistair apologises, explaining that Denise’s marriage was almost over when they started a relationship. Don does not want to know the details but reminds him that Head Office should have been made aware. He discloses that the complainant reported that Denise and Alistair were distracted by each other when treating a dog. To Alistair’s relief, Don confirms that he would not be disciplining them. Both he and co-owner Doug Lovell highly value them and know they would always give their full attention to an animal. He reminds Alistair that he and Doug are also life partners and that it works well for them. Later, Jim and Alistair decide to celebrate by inviting Denise for steak and a game of chess, and Jim hints that perhaps they might want to have more of their own space.
George appears to be resigned to handing himself in to the police, as Will tells Emma he is up and showered. Emma shares that she hates lying to Ed, and is scared of everyone’s reaction once the truth is public. Back to collect George at Number 1 The Green, they discover him missing, along with his bag and some clothes. Terrified, they spend the day contacting taxi companies and George’s friends, as he is not answering his phone or responding to messages. Finally they receive a message from their son: George is safe with somewhere to stay, and will call them tomorrow.