As the episode of "DI Ray" unfolds, Ross Beardsmore (Ian Puleston-Davies) announces that Police Conduct has initiated an inquiry into the previous day's happenings, prompting the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to infiltrate the department with meticulous scrutiny. DCI Kerry Henderson (Gemma Whelan) stands firm, insisting that the firearms operation adhered strictly to established protocols. Kerry and DI Rachita Ray (Parminder Nagra) brace themselves for the necessity of providing detailed statements to the IOPC regarding the operation.
Beardsmore meticulously scrutinizes every questionable decision DI Ray has made, casting aspersions that she poses a risk to herself and those around her. Sharan (Syreeta Kumar) confronts DI Ray at the hospital, demanding to know why she remained passive during the crisis. DI Ray seeks solace in a conversation with Zehra Abidi (Viss Elliot Safavi), who reassures her that the feelings of survivor's guilt she harbors are a natural response. DI Ray confesses that she believes she should have been in a more proactive role, recalling the discovery of a trafficked girl tranquilly confined in a closet. Despite accusations from a teammate of recklessness, Ray remains unconvinced of her own impulsiveness.
Ray opens up to Zehra about her emotional turmoil following the recent events, prompting Zehra to inquire whether this is the reason behind her casual approach to relationships with men. Ray admits it helps her maintain control. She reassured the young girl that she had nothing to fear and was not alone in her plight. Meanwhile, Ethan departs from Ray's residence after a sexual encounter, leaving her to learn that Rav's shooting has garnered media attention. Ethan informs her that Kerry is aiming for the position of Detective Superintendent.
Later, Ray listens to a voicemail from Hiroka, a stark warning that her job hangs by a thread. Kerry introduces her to Amara, discussing strategies to combat the escalating gun crime epidemic. Ray laments the dearth of resources, while Amara, who is campaigning for mayor, listens attentively. At her desk, Ray watches an interview with Sajna Agarwal (Aroop Shergill). When prompted to identify individuals from a set of photographs, Sajna points out Frank Chapman and Priya Mochani (Priyasha Kumari), revealing that Frank had approached their door. Ray briefs the team on this revelation. DC Liam Payne (Sam Baker-Jones) presents information about Sajna's passport, revealing she entered the country on a temporary tourist visa. Ray vows to pester the National Crime Agency (NCA) until they provide the necessary assistance.
Detective Constable Charlene Ellis (Witney White) revealed that the test results had come back, conclusively proving that Sajna was not Rav's child. Ray pondered over Rav's earlier statement about Frank's desire to embark on a business venture with him. DS Kwesi Edmund (Peter Bankole) noted that Dawn had never mentioned encountering Frank Chapman before. Rachita Ray expressed her urgency to converse with Priya and Dawn. When Dawn was summoned, she confessed that Frank had requested a photograph of the child, prompting inquiries about whether she had disclosed this to Rav and Priya. Kwesi grilled Priya about Rav's protective demeanor towards the girl, while Clive Bottomley (Steve Oram) demanded to know how the child knew Dawn and what her involvement in this saga was. The team was determined to uncover the reason behind Sajna's entry into the country, but Priya remained tight-lipped.
Charlene updated that they were still scrutinizing data from Priya's burner phone. Kwesi added that Frank had secured a council tax bailiff contract worth at least three million pounds, with an option for a two-year extension, which had unfortunately been thwarted. Clive informed Ray that South Asian-owned businesses had been vandalized with graffiti reading "Justice for Megan," warning that the situation would escalate unless Rav's innocence was proven. Amara addressed the media amidst chaos unleashed on the Mochani enterprise. Ray was informed that all bullets matched, raising suspicions that Rav might be the shooter in all three incidents. Kerry insisted on consulting the prosecutor to charge Rav and Shiv promptly upon his revival. Ray, however, remained unconvinced of Rav's culpability and pushed for a search for the vintage firearm used in Frank's murder at his home. Kerry cautioned against playing games with weapons.
Suzie (Lauren Drummond), conveniently, discovered concealed bullets in her home and promptly called someone to inform them of the missing gun. Clive stumbled upon information about Lou Kirkby, with Lisa Kirkby saved in his contacts. A mysterious man met Suzie, informing her that there was no trace of the gun. It transpired that Frank had been arranging a meeting with Mochani while being chauffeured around, and he had been trailing a business associate, ultimately deciding to handle matters personally. Later, Ray witnessed Kerry instruct Ethan to end their relationship. Upon returning home, Rachita found her mother awaiting her, who sternly advised her not to bury herself in work as an escape.
Deno (played by Shobu Kapoor) asserts that her journey demanded an exertion beyond that of her peers. Ray persists in her contention that she remains a scapegoat for the shooting incident involving a suspect, adding that she is meticulously compiling evidence to build a compelling case against the police force. Meanwhile, Debo harbors numerous desires to voice her concerns but is weighed down by an array of responsibilities. She cautiously advises Rachita to tread lightly before stirring up trouble in their environment.
At the precinct, Liam reveals to Kwesi a discovery he made while scrutinizing the Mochanis' affairs. They have recently established a company, Virtue Secure, poised to function as a bailiff enterprise. Notably, Virtue Secure is the very entity that submitted bids for council bailiff contracts, perhaps shedding light on why Frank and Rav maintained contact. Liam ponders over the influence the Mochanis might wield within the council, allowing them to outperform the Chapmans.
Clive engages Lisa in a conversation about Lou, inquiring if she is privy to his plans to depart the country. He speculates on whom Lou might be fleeing from. Lisa responds by stating that Lou believes the blame falls on him, yet she refrains from elaborating further. Ray converses with Kerry, who remains tight-lipped about her visit to Ethan. Charlene has pinpointed a phone number that Priya has been in contact with over recent weeks, revealing it to be an unregistered burner phone active in various neighborhoods, including an affluent area.
Upon Kerry's departure, Charlene informs Ray that the burner phone has also been traced near the police station. They decide to keep this information under wraps, fearing it could implicate a corrupt officer within their ranks. Ray retreats to her vehicle to contact the Force Intelligence Bureau, intending to submit an application for intercepting the phone number. She is convinced that a rogue officer might be communicating with a suspect, and she intends to uncover the truth.
Ray catches sight of Clive engaging in conversation with Beardsmore in the vicinity. As they later find themselves in the car, Ray inquiries about Clive's recent demeanor, aware of his peculiar habits of sleeping in his vehicle and repeating the same attire for work. Clive confesses that Sam has evicted him from their shared space. In a compassionate gesture, Ray offers him a temporary refuge on her sofa. Almost immediately, Lou arrives, prompting them to usher him inside for questioning. Lou attests to his whereabouts at The White Horse pub in Digbeth during the time of the murder, further disclosing that he attended Frank's funeral out of a morbid curiosity to confirm his demise, lamenting that Frank's venomous mistress still lives on.
Ray contacts her team at the station, instructing them to investigate any romantic entanglements Frank might have had, fearing for the safety of the woman Lou holds such venomous contempt for. That night, Clive unveils a photograph of his partner, Sameena, to Ray. Rachita inquires whether Clive has shared with Beardsmore the incident where he met Martyn alone. Clive steadfastly denies any discussion regarding her. Seizing the moment when Clive steps into the bathroom, Ray delves into his phone, uncovering incriminating messages exchanged with Peter Lexmand, Martin Shanklin, and Trevor Calfripp. Among their chatter, they mention talking about eliminating "Pakis" and scheming to bring down Rav and dispatch Ray. Rachita swiftly captures an image of these messages on her phone, murmuring to herself that it's understandable why Sam would evict him.
Ray visits Ethan, suspecting a deeper motive behind his proximity to Kerry, believing he might have used her to gain access to Kerry. Suzie, meanwhile, rummages through items and stumbles upon photographs of Rav with Dawn, along with a letter from the West Central County Council denying the renewal of their bailiff contract. At the station, the team strives to uncover more about Frank's toxic lover, while Clive arrives tardy. A social worker joins them to discuss Sajna's initial interview, highlighting that towards the end, Sajna began clutching her stomach and rambling in Punjabi, expressing her illness. Ray ponders if someone else might have prompted her to behave thus, seeking consent for further medical examinations.
DS Owen Brooks from the NCA reaches out to Ray, informing her that recordings are available for her review. As she listens intently to the recording, Suzie confronts Councilor Amara Dhawan with the letter. In the audio, Amara reveals to Priya that Frank is deceased, instructing her to maintain silence. Priya, unfazed, responds by advising Amara to focus on her campaign amidst the turmoil.
