02/04/2024

The Archers

A nervous Harrison thanks Alice for coming to his hearing as his barrister greets him. Alice and Fallon follow him into Police Headquarters. The inquiry panel begins questioning Harrison, laying out gross misconduct allegations against him. And there’s no sign of Harry until he is called as a witness against Harrison. Despite his efforts to speak up for Harrison, the initial questioning is pretty damning. Fallon is not impressed – from where she’s sitting it looks like Harry threw Harrison under the bus. Later however, Harrison’s barrister recalls Harry. He says he has more to add. He wants to take the blame for the entire situation. None of the panel should blame Harrison, he says. He was only trying to protect Alice and Martha. Harry also confesses that he threatened to report Harrison and he fully understands his decision to tell Alice about him.

Harrison is pessimistic about his chances, despite Fallon’s optimism. Alice is relieved that Harry spoke up but Harrison says being a good colleague or a good person makes little difference. The panel finds he breached standards by disclosing confidential information but accepts he did so because he was concerned about a vulnerable friend. Although he’s guilty of misconduct, he should keep his job, with a written final warning that will stay on his file for two years. Hugely relieved, Harrison hugs Fallon and thanks his barrister. But none of them have any time to spare for Harry, who waits nearby. Alice stays just long enough to thank Harry but says she, too, has to go.