When Ned discovers Kirsten has returned to take Mickey he remains calm, hoping they can work out the best solution for their son. Kirsten coerces Ned into letting Mickey go shopping with her and she makes to steal away with him until her conscience kicks in and she returns Mickey to Ned. Kirsten pleads her case, hoping Ned will willingly transfer Mickey’s care over to her. While Ned begins to doubt his right to be Mickey’s permanent caretaker, Janae reminds him that Mickey needs his father too. With both parents reaching an impasse, Kirsten threatens legal intervention, but Ned welcomes it, resolving to fight for his rights and Mickey’s welfare.As Steph prepares for Election Day, Harold arrives home keen to broker her interest in his latest charitable scheme: assisting ex-prisoners assimilate back into the community. Steph’s supportive but Harold faces opposition from Lou and Toadie who don’t want criminals in their backyard.Despite quitting his Vet Science studies, Riley can’t deny his love of animals. Working with his dad for the day he rescues an injured dog in the street, impressing both Steve and Bridget with his instinctive ability to calm and care for the wounded animal. Miranda and Steve’s concern for their son’s well being increases when he emotionally shuts down.Toadie’s worried that Stonie’s will-power to keep his promise is waning. Falling off the wagon, Stonie gets in touch with an old mate and secretly indulges his addiction. Plagued with guilt, he later discards the evidence of his guilty secret in the bin.

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