Rob investigates a series of sinister animal thefts when he is called to the scene of a horseriding accident. Meanwhile, Aunt Peggy takes advantage of Blaketon's absence at the Aidensfield Arms by hosting a poker tournament, but he returns early from his golf trip and bars her and David from the pub. Elsewhere, Joyce Jowett irritates the officers at Ashfordly by constantly complaining about bad smells and noisy lorries, and the atmosphere is awkward between Helen and Rob following their night of passion.