In the opening of episode 2 of Deadloch, a mysterious figure on a boat is seen slicing tongues, casting a few into the water for the fish, and preserving the rest in an icebox. Cath confronts Dulcie about her secret involvement in the case, but despite Dulcie's apology, her partner has plenty to say through text.
We learn that the second corpse discovered on the shore is Gavin Latham's, Nathan's brother, who was also strangled and had his tongue removed. Dulcie and Detective Redcliffe head to the Sawmill for further investigation. They speak with Phil McGangus, who runs the mill, but he refuses to provide any information.
Vanessa, who continues to be weakened by prescribed medication, is visited by Dulcie and Detective Redcliffe. When they interrogate her, they learn that Gavin and Nathan shared ownership of the mill, making Phil a likely suspect.
Dulcie pays a visit to Margaret, Rod's spouse, to ask about Rod's remains. Margaret tells them that Claire found the body. When Dulcie speaks to Claire again, she notices that she strangely has a sketch of discovering Rod's corpse hanging on the wall.
Abby observes Phil loading cardboard packages into his truck during a stakeout. Detective Redcliffe receives the information from Abby, and the two decide to pursue the car.
The next day, Redcliffe turns down Dulcie's suggestion to dig up Rod's corpse. However, Dulcie makes a call to James, the doctor in charge, to complete the task.
At the funeral, Abby gives Redcliffe information about everyone present. Additionally, Ted's attempt to uncover Rod's corpse clashes with the funeral and sparks a debate with Phil over Dulcie's professionalism.
Redcliffe spots Sam O'Dwyer in a photo at the neighborhood bar's memorial service, commemorating the Latham brothers. As she questions his wife, Victoria, while she works at the bakery, Dulcie steps in to offer an apology. Dulcie explains how her questions had inadvertently stirred up Victoria's grief once again. A heated argument ensues between the two, but Dulcie asserts her dominance in the community.
Redcliffe's gaze falls on a boat in a photograph at the bar, prompting memories of the video. In a flash of insight, Redcliffe and Dulcie realize that it's the same boat featured in Nathan and Gavin's fight clip. Dulcie deduces that Sam disappeared five days after Rod's corpse was discovered, and that Rod's injuries bear some resemblance to those of Nathan and Gavin. It appears that both law enforcement officials now suspect Sam of being the murderer.
To gain a better understanding of the killer's modus operandi, Abby purchases a variety of knives. She reaches out to James and shares her theory that the murderer was using a single knife with two blades. James uses the same theory to woo Dulcie in the sequence that follows.
As Redcliffe browses through Sam O'Dwyer's belongings, she realizes with a shock that she has been staying in his place. Suddenly, a figure in a mask runs out of the apartment, prompting her to give chase.
Sam's boat suddenly catches fire. Dulcie tries to contact Redcliffe to inform her of the news, but the detective drops her phone while pursuing the masked assailant. Redcliffe stumbles and falls into a pothole as the episode comes to an end.
