The story begins on the day that Eben refuses to go fishing with his benefactor, Van As. Eben's rejection breaks the shackles of a decade long agreement between Van As and the Greyling family.
Lucy wakes the next morning to discover that Rosie has not come home. Captain Williams arrives at the farmhouse to break the news of the car accident.
The family bury Bertus in a quiver tree forest, hide his car and burn his belongings. Thorne invites them to breakfast so he can announce an offer on the house.
Eben's trailer burns to the ground. Ishara chases Van As away and accuses him of stealing her cat. Van As recalls Hugo from the Greyling situation but Hugo has unfinished business.
Ishara and her young love, Johnny, track down Freddy and force him to return to Desert Rose. His exile ten years earlier is a mystery and has left behind many secrets
Thorne falls off the bed and breaks his neck. Jana escapes the hotel room without being seen. Williams investigates Thorne's accidental death and finds a link back to Jana.
Hugo tries to get away with Lucy but he is thwarted by Piet and Freddy. Freddy tracks down Hugo and has a violent encounter with him in a bath. Freddy nearly drowns but gets away only for Williams to arrive and confront Hugo
Layla hears about Williams' shooting and goes into labor. Van As and Hugo return to Desert Rose to 'take care' of Freddy. Ella returns to an icy reception from the family. Lucy discovers that Jana has been having a long-standing affair with Gus.