A Russian chess champion comes to stay at Ashfordly Hall, and Lord Ashfordly asks Craddock for a permanent police presence during his stay, giving an exceptionally devious burglar the opportunity to wreak havoc in Aidensfield, and the crime spree soon reaches Ashfordly Hall, leaving Bellamy and Ventress to face Craddock's wraith. Meanwhile, Vernon and David are thrown into a panic when they discover Greengrass is not returning to Aidensfield and has decided to sell the cottage, whilst Jackie goes on a trip to London to continue her sordid affair with Adrian Miller, leaving Mike suspicious.