Although the police deal is agreeable to all, Barrington's suspicions cause events to turn for the worse, leaving Michael with an life-altering dilemma.

Michael meets with police to offer information on gangs; Michael's dad has a heart attack; Séan discovers Stacey and Barrington are involved.

Michael attempts to convince Sean to withdraw his guilty statement. Sean refuses out of loyalty to Stacey, but does Stacey have an agenda of her own? Michael is forced to renew his acquaintance with property magnate and former IRA member Augustine Conlon in order to help Barrington escape. Michael's pregnant girlfriend Anna arrives from Ireland, and makes a dangerous decision in her desperation to get Michael back to safety.

Ex Manchester gangland boss Michael O'Connor, who is now happily settled in rural Ireland, is forced to go back to Manchester when his son Sean is found guilty of the murder of a gang member.