When Tom goes on leave, he and the other Heelers are worried by rumours that he may be transferred to Melbourne. Tom does not want the transfer to the city and his unpopular replacement is equally reluctant to stay in a small town. Wayne's attempts to serve a warrant are complicated when his target evades him by fleeing up a tree. Tom's fishing trip comes to an abrupt end when a body surfaces in the river. The unfortunate death gives Tom the leverage to stay in Mt Thomas.