The second episode of Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole begins with a couple discovering that their upstairs neighbor has been murdered when blood starts seeping into their kitchen through the ceiling. They call the police, and Harry is summoned to the scene.
After Ellen's death, Harry returns to his old habits of alcohol addiction, undoing his progress with sobriety. Rakel is unable to continue the relationship and ends things with him. At the station, the Chief warns Harry to remain sober while on duty.
At the crime scene, Harry examines the body of a woman who has been shot in the head while in the shower. He determines that the murder took place only hours earlier. Meanwhile, Harry and Beate examine the gunshot wound and the injuries on the victim. They conclude that her finger was cut off while she was alive, leading to significant blood loss that caused the leak.
Harry questions the neighbors who alerted the police. The man lies about his wife's anxiety and explains how they noticed blood dripping through the ceiling. He claims that the victim, Camilla Leon, was killed by her "lover," while the woman suggests that someone may have been hiding inside the apartment.
Elsewhere, Harry struggles to process Ellen's death and leaves her a voicemail, promising to catch Tom, whom he believes is responsible.
The next day, Harry files a complaint against Tom with the Deputy Chief, Agnes Sjølid. She warns him about his addiction and demands evidence. Harry explains that Ellen was found dead in the cabin while Sverre's body was missing, alleging that Tom staged the scene. Agnes allows him to investigate but instructs him to keep it secret.
Over the next few days, Harry reviews the evidence from the cabin and listens to voicemails. He is later found drunk in his apartment when the Chief calls to remind him about Ellen's funeral. Harry puts on his uniform and attends the service.
Meanwhile, Oleg enquires about Harry from Rakel, who reassures him that Harry will soon be visiting. After she departs for work, Oleg ventures to the police station to meet Harry. Tom encounters him and leads him to the bar where Harry is imbibing. Harry hurls a volley of accusations at Oleg, causing him to flee in terror, leaving behind the house key he intended to give Harry. Tom retrieves it.
Back at Harry's apartment, the Chief confronts him about his conduct at the crime scene, revealing his growing concerns within the department and announcing his intention to dismiss Harry, pending Agnes's approval.
Later, Beate calls Harry from the forensic lab, informing him that the murder weapon has been discovered. She attempts to discuss the case, but Harry asserts that Tom has been assigned to lead the investigation. Beate mentions a startling revelation: a red, star-shaped gemstone was found beneath Camilla's eyelid, shocking Harry.
That night, Tom visits Rakel's house using the spare key Oleg dropped. He stealthily surveys the premises while Rakel and Oleg are asleep. Rakel awakens to a noise but Tom escapes before she can see him.
Unable to sleep, Harry continues his search for evidence against Tom. He delves into the case data and discovers the car plate number and address of Roy Kvinsvik, who provided Ellen Sverre's location. The next morning, Harry meets with Roy, who identifies Tom as a police officer. Harry calls Agnes and suggests recording Roy's statement in a public place.
Later, Harry meets with Agnes and the public prosecutor at a restaurant to record Roy's statement. However, Roy backs out, disappointing Agnes. She criticizes Harry for failing to build a strong case and shuts down the investigation into Ellen's death.
Meanwhile, the department holds a press conference, declaring Ellen's death an accidental shooting during a suspect confrontation.
Harry is consumed by guilt and blames himself for failing to expose Tom. He visits Rakel's house but remains outside. Nearby, Tom leaves a star-shaped gemstone as an alms for a woman on the street. A distorted voice speaks of a guiding star and a five-pointed cross leading followers.
One night, unable to sleep, Harry calls Beate to discuss Camilla's case. He shares a dream involving an ancient myth with gemstones and ghosts. Beate dismisses the idea, stating that she does not believe in ghosts, as the episode ends.
