After he investigates the theft of two horses from her stables, Katie begins a relationship with police officer Nick Henshall (Michael McKell), despite Andy's reservations. When Andy interferes in their relationship causing Katie to dump him, Nick makes silent calls to Katie's house phone and burgles her home, stealing a bracelet her father had given her. Andy is blamed for the incidents and following another confrontation with Andy in the street following a romantic meal with Katie, Nick tries to frame Andy further by starting a fire that kills Terry Woods (Billy Hartman) and Viv Hope (Deena Payne). Nick ensures that Andy is blamed due to his previous conviction for arson and manslaughter and convinces Katie that Andy was responsible. When Nick discovers that his colleagues are onto him, he convinces Katie to come away with him. Katie learns that Nick started the fire when she discovers her stolen bracelet at his house. She also finds newspaper clippings revealing that his wife died in similar circumstances. Nick explains that he was unable to save his wife after their house was petrol bombed by some criminals he had imprisoned. He then tells Katie that he had started the fire and committed the burglary and silent phone calls because he had wanted her to need him to rescue her and keep her safe. When Katie tries to escape Nick panics and takes her hostage at gunpoint. Nick considers killing Katie and himself but she convinces him to spare her and he commits suicide, shooting himself allowing Katie to flee the house unharmed. Katie is traumatised by the events and feels guilty that she ignored Andy's warnings. She asks him for a reconciliation but he turns her down, hurt that she had believed that he was responsible for the fire. Katie leaves to stay with her mother in Greece whilst she recovers from her ordeal.