But it isn't that simple. When Adam and Dash go to talk to the boxers about the latest pick-pocketing incident, they are met with stirring and resistance. The situation culminates in Adam accepting a challenge from one of the boxers, Jimmy Cutlass, in what amounts to a grudge match. Tom is furious and forbids it. Dash and Nick, who both abhor boxing and see it as senseless and dangerous also strongly disapprove. But Maggie, PJ, Zoe and Chris can't see anything wrong with it - especially if it can be turned into a charity match to raise money for new mats for the local Blue Light Gym.
Adam decides to go ahead with the match. Tom is goaded into giving it the reluctant nod when cornered in the pub, and suggests that they could fake the whole thing to avoid injuries. Adam refuses; when he steps into that ring he's going to be punching for real.
And for real it is. Adam loses his head and knocks Jimmy out cold. His elation in winning soon becomes guilt and concern as Jimmy lies unconscious in hospital with possible brain injuries. Adam feels even worse when the pick-pockets are discovered: they are not the boxers, but a man and woman who travel around the shows to steal.
Jimmy disappears from hospital. Adam finds him wandering dazedly down the road. As Bonnie guesses, Jimmy set Adam up to hit him as an excuse to get away from the boxing life. Adam, who can understand only too well the constraints of being part of a close-knit family (the police force) is totally sympathetic. Close ties can smother you.
Back to the Episode Synopsis Page