Having ended an affair with married colleague Philip Burden teacher Paula Denny still other problems, including drop-out brother Callum, who squats in a garage and a rat infestation in her cellar. To rid herself of the latter she calls in odd-job man James and has sex with him, unaware that he has a pregnant wife and family, living in squalor with him. He is also haunted by the apparition of a little girl. Discovering the affair James blackmails Philip, setting up a meeting which leads to a fight and a death. As a result Paula is questioned by the police. Written by don @ minifie-1

Returning from Philip's funeral Paula receives an unwelcome visit from his accusing widow Diane before discovering things have been stolen from the flat, prompting her to tell Garda officer Mac about her suspicions over James. Mac's colleague Gemma interviews Morgan, who lives with James and his jealous wife Crystal and has a child by him and shortly afterwards Paula finds James' calling card on her car windscreen. As a result Mac pays the household another visit and finds Morgan locked in a cupboard and no sign of James whilst Callum is rushed to hospital after an arson attack on the garage where he squats. Mac, despite being married, becomes overly involved with Paula, saving her from an assailant who nonetheless escapes. Written by don @ minifie-1

James is arrested whilst Paula takes drastic action when told that Callum will never come out of his coma. The injured Mac returns to work against orders and discovers that James had a sister Mary, who disappeared in 1995. He visits James in custody and learns that their father locked them both in a cellar, where Mary apparently died - but cryptically adds that he saw her again when he met Paula. James is released on bail and goes to see Paula but she is ready for him and about to carry out her revenge on him. Written by don @ minifie-1