Charlie Draper robs the jewellery shop in Ashfordly, but when he tries to escape he is hit by a car. While he lies unconscious on the street his partner grabs the loot and Draper's gun and drives off. Draper's old partner in crime is Jack Wetherby, but he has gone straight since he came out of prison - or so he says. Meanwhile Draper is recuperating at the hospital under the watchful eyes of Sleeping Beauty, sorry PPC Nicholson. Famous cricket player Vinny Sanders has a car breakdown just outside Aidensfield, and he moves in at the Aidensfield Arms while the car is fixed. His stay makes Oscar Blaketon is beside himself with joy and Blaketon organizes a match between The Aidensfield Arms and another pub with Sanders playing for the Arms. David is alone at the garage when a consignment of petrol is delivered and pours it into the garage tanks. If only he could remember what goes where. To top it all the fuel may be stolen.

Rosie does the shopping for Miss Edgar. One morning she finds the old woman tied to a chair when she comes to deliver the groceries. Miss Edgar says the assailant posed as a representative from the Council and drove a grey van. It may have been the same van that forced Louise Parry off the road and nearly did the same to David in the brown lorry. David sees to the needs of Miss Parry getting her to the Aidensfield Arms and has Bernie pick up her car. She also asks him to deliver a letter to Dr. Trent's husband Matthew personally. He soon becomes their secret messenger. Meanwhile more victims of the man in the grey van are discovered. PC Walker believes he has information vital to the case, but when Sergeant Nokes refuses to listen to him he does a little investigating of his own among his father's old friends. There is a new constable at the Ashfordly police station. His name is Geoff Younger and this is his very first posting.

John Atkins is angry at Oscar Blaketon blaming him for losing his complaint against his neighbour Viv Chivers who wants to extend her house. Atkins even threatens Blaketon in public. And somebody really IS out to get Oscar Blaketon. First a photograph of him is destroyed and the matter escalates when somebody tries to sabotage his car. But it cannot be Atkins who has an alibi. Ellen Taylor comes to Aidensfield in search of her son Barry whose last sign of life was from the village six months ago, and she asks Oscar Blaketon for help. Its Aunt Peggy's birthday and David wants to surprise her with a dinner for two at the Aidensfield Arms. But his surprise is spoiled by her old flame Maurice whom she has not seen for 20 years and the old flames are still burning. Phil avoids the pub after breaking with Gina and she asks Oscar and Rob Walker to have a word with him.