The Ashfordly station is up for inspection, and Blaketon wants everyone to be on their toes, which means the herald of a new, busier, routine for the chain-smoking Alf Ventress and the laid-back Phil Bellamy. However, strange happenings on Kirlby Moor prompt Nick to investigate the disappearance of a fisherman and a banker, and he also has to deal with a drunk who has a reputation for exposing himself in public. Meanwhile, Alan Maskell tries to get his life together by starting a business. Trouble arises when he is rejected a loan from the bank, whilst Kate clashes with Ferrenby over how to deal with a fragile women who has just had a baby.