Two weeks prior to the heist, Episode 5 of "Dark Winds" unearths the underlying motive behind Devoted Dan's money laundering scheme. After wrapping up a commercial shoot alongside his wife, Dan indulges in a flirtatious encounter with a young woman, eventually leading her to his van. Meanwhile, a Native American mechanic swiftly contacts Frank and James, who proceed to burst in, capturing incriminating photos of Dan in a compromising position. It becomes evident that extortion, orchestrated by these individuals, forces Dan into servitude for the Buffalo Society. Now, let's delve deeper into the narrative.
Agent Whitover arrives with intentions to apprehend Nakai, but Emma intercedes, citing his ongoing recovery as grounds for postponement. Despite this, Leaphorn escorts Nakai to the station in hopes of extracting some answers. Chee, on the brink of departure, bids an uncomfortable farewell to Bernadette, who becomes visibly emotional upon hearing his words, "I have nothing here." His promotion to the D.C. office is officially confirmed by Whitover. Bernadette confronts Leaphorn for withholding information about Chee's transfer, fearing it might jeopardize her safety.
As Leaphorn confronts Nakai with photos of Anna and Tso, victims of James' wrath, Nakai taunts him, reminding him of his inability to save his own son. Surprisingly, Nakai also confesses to Leaphorn that his son's demise was no mere accident. Chee, en route out of town, halts to assist an elderly man, which sparks his suspicion regarding Dan when the latter boasts about his brother's inexplicable acquisition of a new Buick, despite limited resources.
Leaphorn dives deeper into Nakai's claims by questioning Guy, who finally comes clean. He inquiries about Guy's unexpected absence from work that fateful day. Enter Lebeck, a geologist who discloses the discovery of uranium in a well-shaft, uniting two fathers in their quest for closure. They offer mutual solace and apologies. Back at the station, Bernadette collapses at her desk, paralyzed with shock as Ada strolls in and releases Nakai. Chee's suspicions are validated when Dan openly acknowledges his involvement in money laundering.
An astonishing revelation unfolds—Whitover had already been privy to Dan's predicament, aware of both the extortion and laundering activities for weeks. Chee places a call to the Flagstaff office, seeking information on Dan and the Attcity/Tso murders, only to find no records on either case. Leaphorn visits BJ Vines, querying him about the drill site. Vines reveals that the Buffalo Society has been acquiring land surrounding his mine but remains tight-lipped on the rationale behind these purchases. Leaphorn mentions Edwin Yazzie, and the scene seamlessly transitions back to Bernadette, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
She awakens to the stark realization that Nakai has vanished, only to be met with another startling revelation: a streak of silver has invaded her raven mane, and the lines of age have etched themselves more prominently upon her visage. Leaphorn, promptly apprised of the dire circumstances, rushes back to his home without delay. He urges Emma and Sally to seek temporary refuge at Guy's place, fearing that Nakai may come after his offspring. However, Emma's confession that James is the father of her child sends shockwaves through the room. She collapses into tears, imploring Leaphorn to stay by her side. Their heated discussion about Joe Jr. ensues, but Leaphorn's resolve remains unshaken, and he departs.
Bernadette seeks the wisdom of Anna's grandmother concerning Ada's dark arts, who advises her to seek out the lock of hair Ada possesses—the very conduit through which she exerts her control. Meanwhile, Chee uncovers that Whitover had removed a critical file from the records, revealing that James Tso was indeed interrogated in connection with the murder. He attempts to contact the station but finds it deserted.
Leaphorn embarks on a quest to track down Nakai and Tso, while Bernadette ventures to Ada's abode. Inside, she discovers not only her own hair but also an assortment belonging to others, confirmation of Ada's sinister practices. However, Ada's sudden return plunges the scene into chaos as she launches an attack on Bernadette. In the tumult, flames engulf the house, consuming it and claiming Ada's life. Bernadette narrowly escapes with her life, noticing that the witch's curse has lifted, restoring her to her natural state. Miraculously, Wanda also awakens from her coma, freed from Ada's malevolent influence.
Whitover arrives to assume custody, but Bernadette hands him a rifle, and together they set off in pursuit of Nakai. Leaphorn, following Nakai's trail, eventually locates them. Lying prone with his rifle, he gazes up at the star-studded night sky, pondering the uncertainties that lie ahead.
