As the curtains rise on this installment of "Black Snow," Sean Cosgrove (Benedict Samuel), perched on the sandy shore, dials his mother, Julie (Kate Stewart), pleading for assistance. He promises to await her at their cherished, secret retreat. Meanwhile, Samara Kahlil (Megan Smart) stumbles upon a digital cache of photographs on a computer, her suspicions immediately honing in on Sean as Zoe's potential murderer. Detective James Cormack (Travis Fimmel), however, cautions against premature conclusions, revealing the existence of images featuring scores of other women. Among them, Samara recognizes one face. James urges her to ascertain if the woman granted her consent and to delve into the entity known as Sapphire Futures.
Later, James checks in with Samara, who unearths that Sapphire Futures is but a facade company. He postulates that the mystery owner might very well be Zoe's killer. Elsewhere, Matt Thorpe (Toby Carey) brings in a substantial sum confiscated from a fugitive suspect. Julie, reuniting with Sean, learns that the computer housed pictures of Zoe, which Sean claims she participated in willingly. Furthermore, Sean reveals a folder filled with incriminating financial records that could spell trouble for Julie, alleging she orchestrated these maneuvers in secret, tasking him with keeping the receipts. Julie scorns him, comparing him unfavorably to his father. Sean emphasizes that the folder is encrypted, warning that involvement of their cyber team could spell disaster.
Angie Zhang (Renee Lim) calls James, lambasting him for the commissioner's wrath triggered by his alert on Sean Cosgrove. Upon realizing James's predicament, Angie reluctantly agrees to lend a hand in smoke him out. James and Samara then pay a visit to Gita (Amali Golden) and Leo Jacobs (Dan Spielman), seeking insight into Sapphire Futures. Samara reveals their suspicion that Sean might be intertwined with the company. Leo, who had enlisted Sean's assistance with their taxes and digital systems, finds it hard to believe Sean could harm Zoe.
Back at the precinct, Samara announces she's located Mandy Neilsen, but the latter is reluctant to venture to Moorevale. When James receives forensic findings, Samara insists Nadja examine them. Samara is dispatched to interview Mandy, while James heads to an encampment, requesting Val's brief company.Then, he imparts to Nadja (Victoria Haralabidou) the devastating news that Zoe never actually left. The DNA test results conclusively affirm that the body discovered is indeed Zoe's. Nadja is devastated, her heart refusing to accept the grim reality. Sam seeks Mandy out to discuss the tragic discovery of Zoe's body. Mandy verifies Brad's alibi, recounting how he consumed an entire bottle of rum and succumbed to a deep slumber on the couch, giving her the opportunity to count the $10,000 Zoe had entrusted to her. With this money, Mandy fled Brad's clutches. She unburdens herself to Sam about their eviction and how the local council's rezoning of the land from rural to residential had changed everything.
Later, Nadja pays a visit to Julie, who has heard whispers about the search operation at Xanadu. Nadja vents her frustration, accusing Julie's son Sean of being a liar. She claims that Sean took the incriminating photo, threatened Zoe, and ultimately ended her life. Julie, disturbed by these allegations, retreats indoors to ask someone to summon the police. An enraged Nadja pounds on the door, vowing to kill Sean.
In a poignant flashback, Leo and Julie engage with the locals about Mont Vista, while Zoe inquiries about Mr. Big, Councilor George (Andrew Blain), who happens to be with Julie. She learns that George wields considerable influence, controlling a significant number of local votes. Meanwhile, Will (Josh McConville) hesitates to join Zoe (Jana McKinnon) and the others for group photos, preferring instead to converse with her about her impending trip. Zoe expresses optimism that she'll return in time for Christmas.
Later, Zoe catches up with Sam (Alana Mansour), attempting to mend fences by giving her a gift. She wishes to confide in Sam about Cody and Sean's place, but Sam brushes her off, hurrying back inside. Undeterred, Zoe slips the CD into the mailbox before heading home. At home, Nadja receives flowers from Leo, and Zoe announces her intention to cancel the party. Nadja, trying to cheer her up, offers to invite Yasmin and ensure Sam's presence.
Zoe proceeds with her final show, reflecting on Cody and resolving to do what he would have wanted her to do. Post-show, Sean confronts Zoe on the street, demanding the return of his camera. He threatens to expose her to everyone unless she complies, unaware of why she cares so much when he's already seen her nude countless times. Zoe visits Julie to protest against Sean possessing the photo on his laptop. morals.Zoe confronts her, revealing her knowledge of the bribery scheme to rezone the Mont Vista land. She brandishes a threat, vowing to expose the scandal to the entire town of Moorevale unless she is allowed to erase incriminating photos. Julie, visibly shaken, warns Zoe that the revelation would decimate her family's business. She insists that Jacobs Enterprises would crumble, and her family would be unable to survive the aftermath. When Leo pays Julie a visit, she excuses Jess for a break and inquiries about Joseph's arrest. Leo, shifting gears, asks if Julie was aware of Sean's obsessive stalking of Zoe. Julie dismisses it as absurd, accusing Samara of contaminating the investigation with biases. She defends Sean and Zoe's past relationship, stating that their intimate life is unknown to outsiders. Leo mentions that Sean and Julie had left the party together and probes into Sean's whereabouts after she retired for the night, casting doubts on her understanding of her own son.
Elsewhere, Sam informs James that the fraud squad has had its eyes on Julie and Sean for years. Mia texts James, alerting him that she's located the elusive car he's been searching for. He decides to leave immediately to inspect it. James waits outside, his eyes peeled on the vehicle. Will pays Gita a visit as she sifts through paperwork, informing him that the police have been probing into Mont Vista. Gita remains steadfast in her belief that everything is above board, while Will admits his uncertainties. He muses that while Leo is ruthless, he is far from foolish. James spots someone lurking near the targeted vehicle and greets Ritchie (George Mason), who promptly takes flight upon recognizing him. James engages with the woman in charge, learns that Ritchie's payments were current until the week's end, and offers her additional funds for the coming weeks, requesting a call if Ritchie returns. He collects a cigarette as evidence. Angie updates James that Sean will report to Moorevale Station the following day. James reveals that he's found his brother alive and adds his DNA to the file, a precaution in case of emergencies. He visits Doctor Nina Hirsch (Ella Scott Lynch), who is displeased by his inebriated state. James confesses his aversion to the process, admitting it stirs up unsettling emotions within him.Nina endeavors to unravel the mystery behind his early morning thirst for alcohol, while James dismisses the conversational aspect as mere humor. Detective Noori, specializing in fraud cases, reaches out to Samara, revealing that Sapphire Future is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. The director listed is Enrique J. Lopez, a bartender who also heads another enterprise known to be associated with Sean Cosgrove. Sean's blunder lies in his reuse of the same frontman, leaving Noori confident that they are on the verge of uncovering the truth. Meanwhile, Thorpe observes Samara as she departs.
Sean arrives back at his home with Julie, confirming that he has consulted with their lawyers. Julie reassures him that she has always shielded him and insists that everything will work out fine. Flashing back, Zoe phones Susie at the bank to inquire about the availability of her funds. Susie confirms that the money is at her disposal. Zoe proceeds to conceal part of the cash in a box stored in her car's trunk, while the remainder is tucked away in a bag. She entrusts the bag, along with a mysterious 'present,' to Mandy, cautioning her not to reveal its contents to Brad.
Subsequently, Zoe meets with Joseph Rua, alias Vinnie Bennett, to collect her party favors. Believing her father is in too deep with Mont Vista due to Julie and her cronies being deceitful, Zoe expresses her concerns. Joseph counters that Zoe's parents have been getting away with such tactics for years. Zoe insists otherwise, but Joseph, still haunted by Cody's fate, considers the entire toxic situation. He advises Zoe to warn Leo, who might heed her words. Zoe expresses her eagerness for the party to conclude. Joseph suggests that a final night of madness might serve as a fitting end before her disappearance.
Returning home, Zoe finds Will and Nadja hard at work. She seeks her mother's assistance in selecting an outfit for the party. In a private moment, Zoe confides in Will about breaking into Sean's place to retrieve the camera. Will, harboring a deep dislike for Sean, listens intently. Zoe further reveals that she witnessed Julie bribe a councilor regarding Mont Vista, believing Leo should be informed of Julie's true colors. Will concurs, though he doubts Leo will listen to him. He suggests Gita might be the one to tell, prompting Zoe to inquire about Gita's residence.
Upon arriving at Gita's place, Zoe is surprised to hear her father's voice echoing within. Gita, desperate to keep her affair concealed, implores Zoe in earnest not to reveal it to Nadja and vows to put an end to it forthwith.
In the unfolding moments, Gita attempts to reach Leo, who finds himself serenely by the pond. Meanwhile, James' gaze falls upon two children playing, one of them mischievously placing the other inside a refrigerator. This scene stirs haunting recollections of his own past, where he was branded by his father as a "little savage." As Tommy (Nicholas Hope) strolls down the street, James, seized by an urge, grabs a shattered bottle and advances towards him. Yet, a moment of clarity dawns upon him; he halts, regains composure, and hastily retreats. Hiding in seclusion, he inflicts a self-wound with the bottle, a gesture steeped in emotional turmoil.
Later, James reconvenes with Nina, gratitude etched on his face for her willingness to meet him once more. He insists, with conviction, that suicide is not an option for him. Apologizing for his behavior the previous day, he unveils that he has encountered his brother Ritchie, who fled from him as if he were a和恐惧的怪兽. James surmises that Ritchie's fear stems from the person James once was. He recounts the harrowing sight he witnessed today and confesses to having once imprisoned his brother in a cupboard, intending to shield him but potentially exacerbating their situation.
Elsewhere, Nadja catches up with Seb, insisting that she had to be there that fateful night. The sights of lights and music triggered a panic attack within her. Seb attempts to lighten the mood, suggesting she missed out on a lively party. However, Nadja is resolved not to miss out on any more of Seb's life.
In another corner, James and Samara interview Sean, who claims he absconded because he suddenly remembered a prior commitment. James probes if Sean harbored jealousy towards Zoe's relationship with Joseph Rua. They delve into the photograph where Zoe's body was discovered, with James asserting that they will uncover the connection between Sean and Sapphire eventually, urging him to confide now. Sean feigns ignorance, claiming never to have seen the photo before. James retorts that the original resides on his laptop, to which Sean dismisses as a mistake. Returning to verify, James and Samara discover the laptop missing, sending James into a fit of frustration as he tries to ascertain its whereabouts. Later, Samara informs him that Thorpe, inadvertently, had dispatched the laptop for disposal.
