Episode 2 of Season 2 of "Surface" kicks off with Eliza immersed in a vivid dream about Tess. Upon awakening, she promptly dials a number, instructing her associates to delve into the affairs of her former friend.
Elsewhere, Tess convenes with Callum, producing her mother's death certificate and highlighting its discrepancies. She draws attention to the ties between the certificate and William Huntley, along with the myriad murders he's rumored to have orchestrated. Callum, however, cautions her that these are mere hearsay without concrete proof.
Despite his reservations, Callum agrees to collaborate with Tess, revealing a contact close to Quinn Huntley who might possess pivotal clues. He underscores that Tess, given her connection to Eliza, stands a better chance of gaining proximity to William Huntley than he does.
Tess subsequently visits Eliza, recounting how her life in the United States crumbled and her subsequent need to return home. Her enchanting charm works wonders, as Eliza extends an invitation to her upcoming family gathering.
That evening, Tess stumbles upon a series of digits. Rather than dialing, she opts for the modern approach – a quick online search. Yet, it yields no incriminating results. Later in the episode, we uncover that these digits were actually coordinates leading to a secluded woodland area southeast of Huntley House.
Meanwhile, Callum finds himself tailed but manages to slip away by hailing a taxi. He escapes his pursuer temporarily and rushes back to his hotel, where he bumps into Quinn Huntley. Interrogating Quinn about his unwelcome shadowing, Callum reveals their long-standing acquaintance. When he inquiries about Tess, the ambiance shifts dramatically, with Quinn curtly dismissing him.
After the incident, Quinn promptly calls Richard, urging him to address the situation as it's evident that Callum has significantly unsettled him. Meanwhile, Eliza sends Tess a message, furnishing her with the coordinates to the Peninsula Hotel, the venue of the impending gathering. However, Tess's phone is confiscated, and she finds herself whisked away in a car to an underground parking lot—the actual locale of the event. Upon her arrival at the penthouse, Eliza informs Quinn that she deliberately invited Tess to witness firsthand what lay ahead. Notably absent from the guest list is William Huntley, much to Tess's disappointment. As she begins to circulate among the guests, she strikes up a conversation with Grace, mentioning her attendance at Cheltenham. Naturally, this isn't true, and Eliza, watching intently, calls Tess out on her fabrications, though not directly in so many words. In a private moment, Eliza confesses that she's conducted thorough research and is well aware that Tess harbors numerous secrets. Moreover, the girl she's currently seeing seems to be a far cry from the authentic Tess she once knew, now merely "putting on an act."
Eliza inquiries about Tess's activities, only to receive a cryptic response hinting that the reality is far more intricate than Tess is prepared to disclose. Meanwhile, Callum is informed that Emma's online footprint is remarkably sparse. As he rides the subway, Phoebe calls him from the office, an act somewhat implausible to anyone familiar with London's underground lack of mobile reception. Nevertheless, she divulges that Matthew Lewis, a family practitioner residing in the countryside, once served as Huntley's physician before passing away years ago.
Suspecting he is being tailed, Callum finds himself in a scuffle, striking a stranger in the face just as the police arrive. News of his aggressive behavior swiftly reaches Quinn, who sends Callum a mocking message, reinforcing the magazine's stance against violence.
At the magazine's office, Claire attempts to reach Phoebe but instead gets connected to a French speaker. Fortunately, a bystander steps in to translate, though the resolution to this mix-up remains unseen.
After learning of William's illness, Tess prepares to depart the party. However, her exit is abruptly halted when she spots James unexpectedly in attendance, causing her consternation and dread. Oh dear!
