The second episode of the seventh season of "FBI" kicks off with a harrowing scene of a couple being violently murdered in the sanctuary of their own home. Elsewhere, amidst a different ambiance, Gemma and OA attend a glittering charity gala, hosted by Gemma's esteemed father. The evening takes an unexpected turn for OA as he reconnects with his former comrade, Clay Vos, whom he served alongside as platoon leaders. The nostalgic reunion leads Clay to extend an invitation to the couple for dinner the following night.
The morning after the gala, Scola returns to active duty, pleasantly surprised to find that his new partner, Sophia, already knows his breakfast preferences. However, their camaraderie is cut short as they rush to the grim scene of the Flemings' murder.
OA and Maggie swiftly discover that the 911 call originated from within the house, with an anonymous caller claiming responsibility for the brutal killings. A nosy neighbor offers a crucial clue, mentioning a suspicious van parked outside the house the previous night. This lead propels the investigation towards Mike Holland, a disgraced former trial lawyer who spiraled into bankruptcy two years ago and is now homeless. The Flemings had to forcibly evict him from their home after returning from vacation.
In a separate storyline, Jubal receives a call from his ex-wife, who seeks his advice on saving for their son's college fund. Meanwhile, Scola and Sophia track down Mike, who is found taking a shower. Scola is momentarily taken aback when Sophia abruptly splits from him to confront Mike. Mike confesses to entering the house and finding an open window, which he closed on his way out after calling the police.
The team verifies Mike's story, finding his fingerprints on the window. However, a startling revelation unfolds when they discover another set of fingerprints belonging to Paul Gordon, a man supposedly incarcerated. How did his fingerprints end up at the crime scene?
Further investigation uncovers that Paul and his roommate, John, had escaped from prison the night before their escape was discovered during the morning roll call. OA and Maggie rush to the prison, while Isobel coordinates with authorities to track down Paul and John. Meanwhile, the team learns that Fleming's house once belonged to John, suggesting that the fugitives might be searching for something he left behind.
Back at the prison, OA shares his dinner plans with Clay with Maggie, who admits to feeling jealous. She desires a deeper connection with the people she cares about, including Gemma. OA apologizes, assuming Maggie was too busy. He expresses excitement about reconnecting with Clay, who once saved his life.
Returning to the case, the prison warden, Melissa, guides OA and Maggie to Paul and John's cell. The prisoners had shaved the window bars in secret, possibly smuggling in the tools needed for their escape. Elsewhere in the prison, Scola and Sophia talk to Maximilian, Paul's former roommate, who reveals that Paul and John became close quickly. Rumors suggest that John is hiding stolen money, which has made him wealthy. Maximilian also notes that John became increasingly unstable after his last visitation.
The investigative team delves into the matter and uncovers a critical piece of information: John's ex-wife had visited him five days prior to his escape. She informed him of her intentions to relocate to Washington, taking their daughter Naomi with her. This revelation signified the end of their cherished routine visits.
The team springs into action, initiating a trace on John's ex-wife. Yet, fate had other plans. They arrive at her new residence to find her deceased, with no trace of Naomi in sight. The team's swift actions, however, lead them straight to John, who is promptly apprehended.
John protests his innocence, clarifying that his prison break was solely motivated by an attempt to persuade Angela from relocating. Unfortunately, the plan took a nosedive when Paul deserted him soon after their escape. Paul, driven by greed, stole a car and abandoned John in search of a supposed stash of money John claimed to have hidden in his former abode.
When Paul came up empty-handed, he turned his wrath on the Flemings and subsequently tracked down Angela. Realizing she knew nothing about the money, he brutally ended her life. By the time John reached Angela, it was too late; Paul had already spirited Naomi away.
Now, John desperately implores the FBI to rescue his daughter. He confesses his lie about the money; it was a fabrication that never existed. Paul, if he learns the truth, will undoubtedly kill Naomi. Maggie persuades Isobel to release the funds, while Sophie and Scola piece together the puzzle, realizing Paul will soon contact John.
Sure enough, the ransom call arrives, with Paul demanding John meet him with the ransom money. In a moment of lapse in judgment, Sophie suggests a bet among the team on John's honesty. Maggie corrects her promptly, and Scola assures them they'll soon find their grove.
With the funds secured, John and the team rush to the pier to confront Paul. In a stunning revelation, Paul doesn't materialize; instead, Melissa appears. A heated exchange ensues, ending with Melissa seizing the money. The team shadows her, hoping she'll lead them to Naomi.
Melissa guides them to Paul, who callously executes her after securing the ransom. Love, it seems, is a fleeting illusion! The team gives chase, but Paul's escape is cut short by a car collision. Despite their efforts, the team is compelled to return to square one in their search for Naomi.
Their investigation into Melissa uncovers a boat owned by her grandfather. Based on a well-calculated hunch, they search the vessel and, fortunately, discover Naomi, whom they swiftly rescue.
Later, Naomi turns away from her father, refusing his embrace. Maggie had earlier spoken with her, ensuring she wished to see her dad for one last time. Post-case, Sophie informs Scola of her request for a transfer. She doesn't want her career to begin by filling Tiffany's substantial shoes.
The episode concludes with OA and Gemma enjoying dinner with Clay at an upscale restaurant. As Gemma steps away to the ladies' room, Clay asks OA to assist him in planting a listening device on a nearby table. Clay insists OA owes him a favor. Initially resistant, OA eventually agrees to distract the waiter while Clay plants the bug on an adjacent table. Clay works in private security, and one of his clients is scheduled for a meeting at the restaurant the following day. Clay justifies his actions as counter-surveillance.
