The episode unfolds with Jim Bergerac (Damien Molony) confrontationally addressing John Blakely (Stephen Wight), who has been spreading malicious rumors about him. Blakely disputes Jim's accusations, asserting his conviction was secured through deceitful means and wondering aloud about the existence of other冤大头 like himself. Jim retaliates by mentioning Sophie Armstrong, to which Blakely cynically replies that she would desire justice for the true perpetrator. Infuriated, Jim strikes the wall with a punch. Blakely justifies their decision to go to the press by expressing their distrust in the police. Jim, however, suspects a collusion between Blakely and Arthur Wakefield (Philip Glenister).
Elsewhere, Arthur confides in Margaret Heaton (Pippa Haywood), revealing that Julie Wakefield (Timothy Renouf) had left the opera prematurely and that CCTV footage captured his car near their residence on the night Cate Wakefield (Anna Mawn) was murdered. He admits to withholding this information from the authorities and posits that Julien could be Cate's killer. Margaret, puzzled, inquires about Julien's motive. Arthur alleges that Julien had taken out a life insurance policy worth 250,000 pounds on Cate to cover his gambling debts with Rachini Wilson (Preeya Kalidas). Margaret recalls helping Arthur settle Julien's gambling debts. Arthur further claims that Julien fabricated the ransom note, detailing his plan to plea insanity, stating that despite their attempts to assist him, his addiction ultimately prevailed. Margaret, however, has some revelations of her own to share.
Jim, flipping through what resembles a case file, stumbles upon a bottle of alcohol. He pops the lid open and takes a sniff just as Kim Bergerac (Chloe Sweetlove) calls. She informs him that Charlie Hungerford (Zoe Wanamaker) believes they need some distance. Jim insists on speaking with her, but Kim warns him that she doesn't want another fight to ensue. The call abruptly ends.
At Island News, an exuberant Blakely recounts his encounter with Jim to Chloe Havron (Ayesha Antoine), describing him as a man possessed. Chloe reveals that Sophie Armstrong (Ella Maisy Purvis) stands firm in her belief that Blakely abducted her and warns of a potential defamation lawsuit should they publish her claims. Blakely mentions having incriminating evidence stored on an old phone at his childhood home but insists it's too dangerous for him to retrieve it. He inquiries if it would be safe for Chloe to venture there instead.
At the police department, Jim informs Barney Crozier (Robert Gilbert) that the life insurance policy might not suffice to charge Julien with Cate's murder. Barney reminds Jim of Julien's bogus ransom note, while Jim argues that the crime wasn't premeditated. Shortly afterward, Margaret and her solicitor arrive at the station. She confesses to being the driver captured on CCTV, explaining how she left the opera in Arthur's car and drove to the Wakefield residence to confront Cate about her sympathies towards Ellie Robson (Kathleen Cranham). Margaret quotes, "Non Tremare, O Perfido" (Do not tremble, you treacherous one), emphasizing Cate's persuasiveness in convincing Ellis that the sale of Allied Cirocel was a conspiracy. Jim questions if she's shielding the Wakefields or if this was Arthur's scheme. She accuses him of being fixated on Arthur, suspecting that Cate and Ellis were plotting against him. Jim suggests that Cate discovered evidence, prompting their conversation in the nursery. Margaret claims she intercepted Cate just as she was about to leave with Lily, determined to thwart her plans to demolish the Wakefield empire.
Barney and Uma Dalal, alias Sasha Behar, advanced the intriguing hypothesis that Cate might have been the perpetrator of her own demise. Jim, ever the practical one, reminded them of the pivotal fact that Julien and Arthur lacked concrete alibis, while also noting the usher's assertion that the auditorium remained sealed throughout. Uma declared their intention to press charges against Julien, contingent upon Simon's verification of the usher's account. Barney then revealed a forensic twist: four DNA traces, all as yet unidentified, had been discovered within the Wakefield residence.
Meanwhile, Chloe's arrival at Blakely's nostalgic childhood abode was greeted by a 'For Sale' sign wagging in the breeze. Intrigued, she inquired about a viewing with Elaine Blakely (Yvonne Edgell) and Ron Blakely (Timothy Bentinck). Initially resistant, Ron eventually relented. Elaine shared their plans to relocate to Scotland to be closer to their son, Mark. Chloe's curiosity piqued further, she inquired about any other offspring, earning a curt response from Ron. Left to explore on her own, Chloe ascended the stairs, eager to immerse herself in the ambiance of the past.
At the opera house, Simon Calvert (Luke Nunn) grilled the usher, Josh (Dane Williams), seeking reassurance that the auditorium's sanctity had been preserved during the first act. Josh confessed to a brief abscondence at 8:40, to rendezvous with a female colleague in the cloakroom, producing text messages as proof. He had resumed his post by 9:20.
Back at the Blakely residence, Chloe's detective work bore fruit when she unearthed John's phone, tucked away in a wardrobe, just as he had promised. However, her investigation was abruptly curtailed by Ron's stern command to vacate the premises.
Elsewhere, during a therapeutic session, Jim's concentration was shattered by a text from Simon, informing him of Josh's temporary desertion of his post. Pete Benedict (Aidan Mcardle), observing Jim's distracted state, inquired about the injury to his hand. Jim confessed to having punched a wall during his visit to Blakely's hostel. Pete perceptively suggested that Jim's anger might be a smokescreen, diverting him from confronting the grief stemming from Rachel's demise. Stirred by this insight, Jim abruptly terminated the session, his emotions in turmoil.
At Island News, Blakely asserted with conviction that Ron was deliberately keeping Elaine at arm's length. To bolster his claim, he unveiled a haunting photograph of a blindfolded girl confined within a building, with Ron's car unmistakably parked outside, visible through a windowpane. He alleged that the police had framed him by planting incriminating evidence in his vehicle, absolving Ron of any wrongdoing. When Blakely was questioned if the victim in the photo was Sophie, he hesitated momentarily before reluctantly nodding in affirmation. Elaine accused him of deceit, insisting he wasn't innocent as he claimed. Blakely, however, stood firm in his assertion that Jim was the one who had orchestrated the evidence planting. Elaine expressed regret for agreeing to pen the article, prompting Blakely to slam his hand down on the table in frustration, struggling to regain his composure. She emphasized that Sophie was just a child, to which Blakely responded by raising his voice, insisting he had already served his time for his alleged crimes.
Over at the Wakefield estate, Margaret imparted to Arthur the disturbing news that she had been charged with perversion of justice by the police. Arthur, attempting to find a silver lining, remarked that at least the authorities now knew he hadn't murdered Cate. Margaret revealed that Jim suspected her of covering for Blakely. Arthur promptly dialed Louis Steet (played by Peter De Jersey), demanding that he publish the story the very next day. Louis, however, declined, citing compelling evidence pointing to Blakely's guilt and warned Arthur against becoming entangled with him. After ending the call, Arthur began scheming to pin Cate's murder on Margaret, asserting that Jim had been right about her unwavering loyalty. Margaret, puzzled, inquired about the implication of his words.
Meanwhile, at the police department, Pete updated Uma on Jim's visit to Blakely's residence and his subsequent outburst. Jim, engrossed in studying a photograph Cate had sent to Ellie, noticed something peculiar about the aquarium. He summoned Poppy (Anya Williams), a forensic technician currently at the crime scene, and tasked her with searching the aquarium. Barney, Uma, Simon, and Kara Molloy (played by Celine Arden) gathered around as Uma tried to intervene, but Jim insisted she wait. Poppy's meticulous search revealed Cate's second phone hidden in the aquarium. Displeased, Uma removed Jim from the case, instructing him to go home and focus on being a father. Barney observed Jim, blowing out his cheeks in exasperation. Later, a defeated Jim returned home, where Kim texted him an invitation to Tomassi's for Friday. He took a heavy gulp of whiskey, drowning his sorrows.
Elsewhere, Arthur derogatorily labeled Blakely as a despicable predator who preyed on young girls. Blakely corrected him, clarifying it was just one girl. Arthur, after providing Blakely with Jim's address, hinted at offering him a fresh start and employment.
Charlie reveals to Kim that she has enrolled her at St. Bernadette’s School for Girls, to which Kim responds by inquiring about her friends. Charlie reassures her, saying she can easily forge new friendships. Kim, however, retorts by mentioning that Jim was right about Charlie's intention to take control, and storms off. Meanwhile, Jim awakens just as Kim returns home, to whom she relates the news about St. Bernadette’s. As they embrace, she detects the scent of alcohol, notices the empty whiskey bottle, curses him, and storms out. Blakely watches the drama unfold from a nearby vantage point.
Shortly thereafter, Molloy informs Jim that the only two contacts in Cate's phone are Ellie and Fred, who possess an untraceable prepaid phone. Cate's texts reveal constant complaints about how poorly she is treated by Margaret. On the night of the opera, she had planned to flee with some crucial documents. Molloy speculates that Cate was terrified of Margaret. He then calls Charlie to learn that Kim is missing. Noticing the alcohol on Jim, Molloy offers to drive him home.
Later, at the police department, Jim and Charlie use CCTV footage to track Kim's journey to the graveyard. Kim, voicing her longing for Rachel, has already left by the time Charlie and Jim arrive. Overcome with emotion, she breaks down in tears. Jim confronts her, but the groundskeeper interrupts, informing them that Kim left with a man.
In an undisclosed location, Kim is restrained. Blakely declares, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay," adding a chilling undertone to the already tense situation.
