The episode kicks off with Mickey Fitzpatrick (Amanda Seyfried), her voice imbued with intrigue, recounting to Truman Dawes (Nicholas Pinnock) the revelations imparted by Paula (Perry Mattfeld). She confesses her hesitancy in escorting him to Dock McLathcie’s (OT The Real) establishment, stemming from a fear of what Kacey Fitzpatrick (Ashleigh Cummings) might have divulged to Dock about her past. This confession triggers a nostalgic reverie, transporting her back to 2005, when Gee (John Doman) led her and youthful Kacey (Evelyn Davis) through the doors of the Police Youth Club. Amidst the bustling crowd, Kacey dashes off with a youthful Paula (Maggie Toomey), while a nascent Mickey (Cate Elefante) crosses paths with Officer Simon Cleare (Matthew Del Negro), their encounter etched in her memory.
Later that night, under the soft glow of dinner lamps, Mickey imparts to Thomas Fitzpatrick (Callum Vinson) the somber news: their father will be absent from his birthday celebration. The next day dawns, and Truman finds himself once again at the residence of Mr. Winton (Russell G. Jones). Winton reveals a grim tale: Dock’s former supplier’s derelict building has been reduced to ashes. Truman’s curiosity piqued, he inquires about a policeman misusing his badge to prey upon women. Winton’s response, tinged with cynicism, suggests it might be more fruitful to ask which officers haven’t resorted to such depravities.
Mickey then ventures to the coffee shop featured in a surveillance video, her eyes scanning the crowd with purpose. She engages the barista, asking if he recognizes the individual captured on screen. He shakes his head, oblivious to the figure’s identity. When she requests to review his security footage, he reveals a tale of misfortune—his camera was sabotaged a week prior, yet he neglected to file a report. To illustrate his plight, he shows her the footage that explains his oversight, painting a vivid picture of neglect and chaos.
Mickey recounts her coffee shop escapade to Truman, who in turn shares his visit to Winton. However, their chat is cut short when Mickey is interrupted by a domestic disturbance call. The call draws her to a residence where a harrowing scene unfolds: a man is brutally assaulting a woman alongside a helpless child. The assailant soon turns his aggression towards Mickey, prompting her to subdue him with her Taser and subsequently make an arrest. As the dust settles, Jeaniene Green, a social worker, arrives on the scene and takes custody of Colleen Kelly's (played by Jillian Louis) children, an occurrence that triggers a poignant flashback for Mickey.
Returning to the precinct with her prisoner, Mickey receives a call from Truman. He informs her that his contact at the Delaware Police Department has uncovered a secret bank account belonging to Jimmy Scanlon, unknown to his wife. Moreover, Jimmy had been receiving substantial payments from a company named SOK Holdings. His final text, from a woman named Melissa, hinted at a meeting at their usual rendezvous point. Truman assigns Mickey to investigate if Jimmy has a history of solicitation charges, while he delves into SOK Holdings and Jimmy's financial dealings. Mickey's search yields no results, but she briefly encounters Eddie Lafferty (played by Dash Mihok), who confesses his self-doubt amidst constant scrutiny from Sergeant Ahearn (played by Patch Darragh). Mickey encourages him to stay the course and adhere to procedure.
Later, as Gee indulges in a poker game with his buddies, Mickey interrupts to invite him to Thomas' birthday party. He readily agrees. The melodic strains of Twohey's (played by Don Sparks) banjo ripple through the room, evoking a nostalgic flashback for Mickey to 2007 when she attended a concert with Officer Cleare, only to be disappointed by Kacey's no-show. That very night, she returns home to find Kacey, intoxicated, having shattered a window. Gee unfairly places the blame solely on her shoulders.
While assembling gift bags for Thomas' celebration, Truman updates Mickey on his findings concerning SOK Holdings. Mickey suggests enlisting the help of her friend, Dr. Aura Williams (played by Britne Oldford), leveraging her husband's connections to uncover Jimmy's involvement with SOK. Truman cautions her to tread carefully, but Mickey assures him of her trust in Aura. Their conversation naturally segues into the decision to check in on the next of kin of the deceased girl, adding depth and urgency to their investigation.
Some time thereafter, Mickey engages Aura in a conversation about enlisting her husband to investigate SOK Holding. Aura readily concurs to discuss the matter with him and also presents Mickey with a token to forward to Thomas. Following this exchange, Mickey pays a visit to the Yoons' abode, leaving a message for them to reach out.
At Thomas' birthday bash, Mickey encounters two parents who casually mention Thomas' absence from school the ensuing semester. She hastily attributes it to her professional commitments and the necessity for Thomas to be nearer. This encounter triggers a回忆 flood of 2009, where Officer Cleare exhorted her to prioritize her education, despite Kacey's influence. Emerging from her reverie, Simon unexpectedly arrives at the party, sparking a full-blown altercation in full view of the guests. The dispute escalates to a physical scuffle between Simon and Gee in the parking lot. To her astonishment, Mickey catches sight of Simon with another woman and a child.
Later that night, Mickey expresses her remorse to Thomas for the disturbance at the party. He inquisitively asks why Gee harbors such animosity towards Simon. She responds by revealing that Gee harbored similar resentment towards her own father. Soon after, Mickey receives a call from Mrs. Yoon (Chuja Seo). She attempts to persuade Truman to accompany her but he deceitfully claims to be dining with his daughters, while secretly indulging in gambling.
Mrs. Yoon confides in Mickey that Taylor Yoon (Emily Hong) has ceased communicating with her, believing her to be judgmental. She expresses ignorance regarding the names Melissa or Jimmy. While perusing old childhood snapshots, Mickey realizes that Taylor was once a member of the Police Youth Club.
Post her meeting with Mrs. Yoon, Mickey returns to the Police Youth Club, where she is engulfed by another memory from 2009. In this vivid flashback, she catches Paula and Kacey smoking and tries in vain to persuade them to come inside, only to be mocked for her prudishness.
Snapping out of her memories, Mickey scrutinizes the annual photos from the Youth program and contacts Truman, urging him to meet her. Upon his arrival, she shows him Taylor's yearly photo from the Police Youth Club. Intriguingly, it transpires that Elizabeth O'Connor (Isabelle Poloner) was also a part of this club, with Simon serving as their mentor. This revelation marks the cliffhanger of the episode.
