But when Lacey discovers that James is working for Eric, will she keep quiet?
When Maxine overhears a troubled Charlie accusing Mason of still being involved in incel forums, she stops the confrontation and comes up with a plan to help her brother move on. Enabling Mason to give his class a talk to encourage them to understand what radicalisation is.
Later, Mason educates his class on how easy it can be for vulnerable people to be groomed and what signs to look for in people if they think a friend is being taken down the same dark path.
Afterwards, Mason asks Maxine why she is planning on going to visit Eric in prison and be reminded of the trauma he caused. Will it give her the closure she needs?
Wanting to return the act of kindness his sister showed him in helping with his problems at school, Mason is unsure if visiting Eric is going to do Maxine more harm than good and wants to make sure she is doing the right thing.
Later, Lizzie has doubts about Mason’s idea of pretending to be Eric to help get his sister ready for the potentiality of facing the real thing if she goes to visit Eric in prison. When put to the test, Maxine feels triggered. After composing herself, she thanks her little brother for preparing her.
Meanwhile, still being blackmailed, James tells Eric he has tried to warm Maxine’s cold feet by convincing her that visiting the inmate in jail is the right thing to do.
Back in the office, James is relieved to hear Maxine is going ahead with attending the prison and Lacey overhears his call to arrange a visit for his client.
Calling the prison, Eric lets them know that he'll be bringing Maxine to visit, but no one must know they’re working together. However, his plan comes crashing down when Lacey confronts him on what she overheard.
No longer able to deny it, James admits he’s being blackmailed by the inmate. When her pleas to get her boss to do the right thing fail, Lacey threatens to take matters into her own hands and tell their colleague herself.
ith his freedom on the line James gives her an ultimatum. To keep quiet or be sacked. What will Lacey do?
Hollyoaks continues Mondays to Fridays at 6.30pm on Channel 4 with first look episodes available weekday mornings on All4 and weekday evenings at 7pm on E4
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