Episode 7 of Season 3 of "Dark Winds" opens with Chee in a desperate race against time to reach Joe, who remains isolated in the untamed wilderness. Realizing the urgency of reaching Coal Mine Canyon, Chee mounts his horse and sets off, determined to bring Joe back safely.
It isn't long before Chee discovers Joe's truck, its contents stripped bare by vandals. Despite this setback, he manages to follow Joe's cryptic instructions and locates him lying helplessly on the ground. Chee swiftly applies a tourniquet to Joe's injured leg, who, in his weakened state, urges Chee to press on and apprehend their fleeing suspect.
Chee's pursuit proves fruitful as he quickly spots the hooded figure, dispelling any notions of wild beasts lurking in the shadows. A tense gun battle erupts near a car as Chee closes in, ultimately resulting in the suspect speeding away, leaving Chee dust-laden and defeated.
Joe awakens in the hospital to find Gordo by his side. It transpires that the assailant had used a horse tranquilizer on him, a narrow escape that leaves Joe pondering the enigmatic question of why he was spared when the killer had shown no such mercy to Halsey at the police station. Joe speculates, based purely on intuition, that Roberto might be behind the murder.
Evicted from his home, Joe finds himself with no other option but to see this investigation through to its conclusion. The complexities of the BJ Vines saga only deepen Joe's resolve, with the man now inextricably linked to Joe following their shared ordeal.
Back on the road, Chee catches up with Joe and fills him in on the truck looting. Piecing together the clues, Chee deduces that George could be the culprit, perhaps the same individual Joe encountered that fateful night in the wilderness. It seems George has boarded a train bound for Reno, which departs every Friday morning, providing a crucial timeline and future location for the suspected perpetrator.
Meanwhile, Bern trudges back to the station, determined to uncover the truth by developing her photos. To her astonishment, it transpires that Ivan is actually in Spenser's pocket, shedding light on why the Border Patrol has been reluctant to interfere with his illicit activities. This revelation intertwines with the cryptic PIG clue, which unexpectedly pertains to the smuggling modus operandi of the drugs. It isn't the tankers, contrary to initial suspicions; rather, it's the pipeline. These Inspection Gadgets, resembling bowling balls, serve as conduits for the drugs, explaining their elusiveness to authorities. If Bern intends to dismantle the operation, she must outmaneuver Ivan, aware that such a move will hurl her into a whirlwind of scrutiny and attract unwelcome attention. A colossal target will be painted on her back. She must proceed with utmost caution, concluding that the only ally she can rely on is fellow officer Garza.
Switching gears to Joe, he unearths the origin of the arrowheads, tracing them back to a clay polymer mold, which has been spray-coated. Far from being mere chunks of coal, they seem to hail from the archaeological dig site. Dr. Reynolds, who initially dismissed them as "worthless souvenirs," is proven wrong. This authentic Folsom Arrow appears to have been deliberately planted, with fragments strategically chipped off at the site to perpetuate the charade. So, why did Reynolds orchestrate this deception? It emerges that he is a fraud, having spent decades attempting to validate his theory. When he realized his failure, he resorted to fabrication. Ernesto and George piece this together, confirming that the hooded figure haunting the wilderness is none other than Reynolds himself.
With Ernesto's demise, George stands as the sole remaining witness, rendering it impossible for Reynolds to flee with an eyewitness still breathing. Capturing George would not only lead them to Reynolds but also bring the entire case to a close. Meanwhile, Agent Washington makes an appearance to confront Emma. Skeptical of her alibi, he endeavors to uncover the truth from her lips. Emma, complying with the procedure, steps into the station to deliver her official testament. She revisits the tragic loss of their son and how Joe, consumed by grief, has been struggling ever since. Nonetheless, she confirms Joe's unwavering presence with her throughout the night. Yet, this revelation ultimately propels her to sever ties with Joe, realizing that staying in his vicinity is too heart-wrenching to bear.
Elsewhere, at Spenser's ranch, Bern arrives to find the property eerily deserted, save for one critical detail. Unbeknownst to her, hostages are held captive in a secluded chamber. Tragically, Bern's misplaced trust in Garza proves fatal, as she falls into the trap and finds herself ensnared alongside the hostages.
