The ninth episode of Season 1 of "Ballard" kicks off with Ballard receiving the eagerly awaited DNA analysis results from the lipstick. To his surprise, the DNA did not match Sara's but belonged to a woman named Naomi Bennett. This revelation prompts an intensive investigation into Naomi's background, sparking speculations that she might be the killer's accomplice. However, these theories are swiftly dismissed when they uncover that Naomi is, in fact, a victim herself – the sole survivor of their ruthless killer's spree.
Ballard promptly updates the Captain, who instructs them to head to Madera to speak with Naomi. The Captain also cautions Ballard to brace for potential repercussions stemming from the Olivas case. As Ballard exits, she bumps into an acquaintance who mentions whispers about higher-ups considering her reinstatement to the Homicide division.
Ballard and Zamira embark on the journey to Madera, eager to meet Naomi. But their hopes are dashed when they find Naomi deeply traumatized, barely able to recount her ordeal. With compassion, Ballard gives her some time to consider assisting them.
Later, Ballard and Zamira retreat to a bar to discuss their next steps, contemplating a gentler approach with Naomi. They don't want to push her too hard, too soon. They also reflect on the closure they've finally achieved in the Olivas case.
The following morning, they revisit Naomi, extending an invitation for her to join them in L.A. They all harbor hope that the trip might jog her memory. Naomi hesitantly agrees, but even after being confronted with evidence, she struggles to recall anything useful. The attack left her in shambles, and revisiting the trauma proves overwhelming. Nonetheless, they begin to piece together the days leading up to Naomi's attack, determined to uncover any clues that might lead them to the killer.
As the investigative heat intensifies, Jake Nelson pays a visit to Ballard, seeking her cooperation in addressing the press. Jake's political adversary is leveraging his support for the Cold Case team as a wedge to undermine his reputation. Though initially reluctant, Ballard consents to a joint interview with Jake, aiming to redirect the narrative and reclaim the initiative.
Meanwhile, Martina approaches Ted, requesting his scrutiny of her statement regarding the Manny case. Laffont, relentless in his pursuit of Gael, stumbles upon a promising lead concerning a suspicious individual named Casey, who harbors connections to two of their victims. Unfortunately, this lead soon fizzles out, revealing Casey, despite his violent past, as an imposter in this saga. Exhausted from a grueling day, Ballard retreats to the comfort of her home, where she immerses herself in her bulletin board and confides in Tutu her growing fondness for the Cold Case team, expressing her firm resolve to remain away from the pressures of Homicide.
After meticulously reviewing Martina's statement, Ted offers her an apology, acknowledging Manny's less than admirable character. Martina and Collen find solace in Ted's belated understanding and empathy.
The ensuing morning, Laffont and Zamira escort Naomi back to her former apartment, where haunting fragments of her assault slowly resurface, though the perpetrator's visage remains elusive. Simultaneously, Ballard's segment in the TV interview takes an unexpected turn when the interviewer raises speculative whispers about her potential replacement. It transpires that Jake had contemplated stepping in as the team's leader following Ballard's assault.
Later that evening, Aaron confronts Ballard, delivering a heart-wrenching breakup. He reveals his yearning for more, yet respects her inability to fulfill those desires.
On the subsequent morning, Ballard rejoins Zamira and Naomi at Naomi's old workplace. Observing that salon employees park their vehicles around a nearby corner, Ballard shrewdly instructs the team to broaden their search perimeter.
By broadening their investigative scope, they delve into the past, revisiting the events of the year 2000. Naomi's memory is jogged by the mention of ongoing construction during that era. Ballard engages in conversation with the building manager and secures a roster of subcontractors who were active on the construction site back then. In a stunning revelation, Naomi spots Gary Pearlman, Sara's father, among the subcontractors' names. The killer that Jake has been relentlessly pursuing for years has been hidden in plain sight all along. Without delay, Ballard contacts Ted, who happens to be at Gary's residence, and relays the information. Ted attempts to maintain composure, but he has already inadvertently mentioned to Gary about their discovery of a living victim. Realizing that his cover is blown, Gary brandishes a gun at Ted, who swiftly draws his own weapon in response. The episode concludes with Ballard on the phone with Ted, the sound of a gunshot echoing ominously in the background.
