The episode kicks off with Joe Leaphorn (portrayed by Zahn McClarnon) grappling with the grim aftermath of Michael Haley’s (played by Phil Burke) demise, struggling to make sense of it all amidst the clean-up efforts. Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) re-enters the station to find Agent Sylvia Washington (Jenna Elfman) at the helm, albeit not in charge of the Haley investigation. Joe seems engrossed in his thoughts, lost in a world of his own, until Sheriff Gordo Sena (A Martinez) interventions, suggesting he take a much-needed break. Joe responds that Sylvia wouldn't sanction his absence from the case. Their discussion is abruptly halted by the arrival of the Medicine Woman, who has come to purify the station. She requests Joe’s company for a ride home once her task is done, emphasizing the importance of some quality time together.
Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) awakens to the sight of Ivan Munos (Alex Meraz) in his best light. She expresses her desire to inspect an oil refinery in Juarez. He firmly declines, reminding her of their lack of jurisdiction in Mexico. She counters by suggesting it as an unofficial weekend getaway for the two of them. Reluctantly, he agrees but warns that should anything peculiar arise, he'll whisk her away from the scene.
During his meeting with the Medicine Woman, Joe unburdens himself about the legend of the Devil and monsters roaming the earth. He confides in her his belief in a dividing line within a man's heart, one that separates humanity from monstrousness, and admits he thinks he may have crossed it. She inquiries if he's been encountering monsters and proceeds to reveal that such visions often stem from a profound imbalance in one's life.
Rosemary Vines (Jeri Ryan) enters the station to inform Sylvia of her marriage to her late sister's former brother-in-law. She also urges Sylvia to speak with Emily Quinn, who reportedly witnessed a police car departing their residence on the night BJ Vines (John Diehl) disappeared, adding an intriguing layer to the mystery.
Joe and Chee venture into a restaurant, presenting the waitress with a snapshot of Halsey and inquiring about his whereabouts. She instantaneously recognizes him, recounting how he shared a table with an eerie companion. Meanwhile, Ivan and Bernadette check into their honeymoon suite, wasting no time in making the most of their luxurious accommodations. Post-coital, Bernadette opens up to Ivan about her previous employer, detailing the origins of her demeanor. Ivan, in turn, expresses his fondness for her exactly as she is.
Upon returning home, Joe discovers Emma Leaphorn (Deanna Allison) awaiting him, her presence a stark contrast to his desired solitude. He confesses his efforts to shield her from the ongoing turmoil, but she replies that she is now deeply entangled, her suffering parallel to his. She declares her desire for him to leave, an ultimatum that hangs heavy in the air until Sylvia arrives with a search warrant.
Sylvia and her officers spend the subsequent minutes scrutinizing Joe's property, while Ivan and Bernadette engage in a discourse about the refinery. Ivan suggests abandoning their pursuit and returning home at dawn. Later, in their room, Bernadette receives a call from Chee, who updates her on the enigmatic individual associated with Halsey. She identifies him as Robert C. De 'Budge' Baca (Raoul Max Trujillo). Chee spends the remainder of the night indulging in alcohol, ultimately requiring a lift home from Shorty Bowlegs (Derek Hinkey).
Sylvia concludes her search of the Leaphorn residence, cautioning Emma that she might face charges as a co-conspirator. Emma opts to remain silent, her resolve unwavering. Joe, seeking solitude, drives into the heart of the desert, where he ponders over the Cata and Bowleg case files. The clues seem to converge upon Reno, revealing it as the epicenter of their inquiries.
As Shorty assists Chee back home, Chee imparts his wisdom on women to the younger man, who advises Chee to rest and regain his strength for the search ahead – a search for his missing son.
By now, nestled comfortably in his cruiser, Joe drifts into a peaceful slumber, only to be abruptly awakened by eerie howls and unsettling animal calls echoing from the darkness outside. With a sense of unease, he disembarks from his vehicle to comb through the surrounding area, yet his search yields no tangible results. Moments later, exhausted, he retreats back into the cruiser's comforting embrace, sinking once again into slumber.
Elsewhere, Ivan and Bernadette catch a glimpse of Budge engaging in a clandestine money exchange at the refinery. Though their presence is noted, they slip away unnoticed, narrowly escaping detection.
The subsequent morning, Joe seeks out Chee, inquiring about Shorty's missing toolbox. Chee reveals that Shorty has been insistently requesting its return. Joe shares his discovery of the toolbox in the barn and speculates that George Bowlegs (Bodhi Okuma Linton) might have pawned the tools to finance a trip to Reno. Joe devises a plan to confer with Roger (Ernest David Tsosie) and also learns from Chee about Bernadette's revelations concerning Baca.
Meanwhile, Bernadette and Ivan deliberate on their next course of action, while Joe makes his way to meet Roger. Roger informs Joe that a youthful figure has been a frequent visitor all week, peddling various items. The child was even present that very morning, prompting Roger to offer him a shovel, noticing the boy's apparent exhaustion from digging through the desolate desert sands. Joe surmises that the diggings might be uncovering coal.
A fleeting scene depicts George engrossed in his digging in the vast, arid landscape. Joe, driven by curiosity, sets off in pursuit. Upon reaching the campsite, Joe catches a glimpse of a shadowy figure in the distance. Restraining his instinct to fire, Joe instead decides to follow the mysterious individual, leaving the episode on a cliffhanger.
