As the narrative of "The Crow Girl" unfolds, young Victoria (portrayed by Isabella Astbury) spends time with her solitary companion, Martin Ryan (played by Smylie Bradwell), whom she claims to have shielded. Victoria entraps Martin within a makeshift refuge, causing him to scream out in desperation for assistance. Victoria then relates how he mysteriously vanished, leaving her once again engulfed in darkness.
DCI Jeanette Kilburn (Eve Myles), waking beside Alex (Raphael Sowole), finds herself entangled in the unfolding mystery. Meanwhile, Sophia Craven (Katherine Kelly) awakens to find her door ajar, the sound of construction echoing outside. She swiftly closes the door but not before noticing a peculiar cross-like object lying on the floor.
Lou Stanley (Dougray Scott) informs Jeanette of the discovery of a deceased black male, accompanied by a bag resembling those found with previous victims. Lou has requested access to a list of staff and students, as well as all CCTV footage, and draws their attention to Peter Drake (Will Barton), the school principal, who is nearby. Lou reveals that Carl Lowry was found at his home by his cleaner and is now in ICU, apparently poisoned.
Sophia stumbles upon a recording playing, with the word "lies" scrawled across her papers. She reads her own words, describing her house's proximity to a graveyard. Nearby, Amar (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva) stands beside Besim (Jaye Ersavas), both preparing to board a van. Jamal (Basel Osman), arriving late, joins them.
Peter Drake engages in conversation with Lou and Jeanette, insisting that they have no clue who could be behind these actions. When Peter learns that the victim is a teenage boy, he is questioned about scandals at Beecham College. Jeanette asks if he knows Carl Lowry or Davie White, to which Peter inquires about their implications. He admits acquaintance with both but reveals that the rugby field cameras, though present, are not operational.
Lou and Jeanette outline their requirements to Peter, later arguing about the matter in private. Mike Dilliston (Elliot Edusah) informs them that the body is being returned to Eva. Sophia, attempting to locate Victoria, finds no one answers her knock at the door.
Lou discusses policing with Mike, while engaging in conversation with another man, with Mike observing from a distance, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding tale.
Mike stands firm, asserting that compensating the man is unacceptable. Lou counters by suggesting that Mike could gain invaluable insights from him. Meanwhile, Victoria discreetly monitors Madeleine Burkeman, alias Chloe Sweetlove, at the farm. Madeleine stumbles upon a cigarette, oblivious to Victoria's watchful gaze.
At the precinct, Jeanette addresses the team, updating them on the recent revelations from Beecham College. All students have been accounted for, but their target seems to be preying on vulnerable young adults. Jean underscores the urgency of the situation, highlighting that the three suspects were photographed at a recent Leaders of Commerce gathering. Mike briefly exits the room and returns with news from the missing persons unit—they might have identified the second victim as Hasan Rahimi, an Iranian who has been missing for eighteen months. Jean emphasizes that their primary focus remains Carl Lowry, yet Lou and Mike venture to inform Hasan's relatives, Marjan (played by Lisa Zahra) and Hakem (portrayed by Aso Sherabayani).
When Lou breaks the news at the station, revealing the uncovered body, Hakem erupts in denial, insisting it's not their son. Mike informs Jean of the developments, hinting at a recurring pattern involving missing refugee children. Jean concurs, noting a disturbing trend of unaccounted young asylum seekers. Mike reveals that hostels are overflowing with asylum seekers and proposes interviewing hotel staff to uncover any anomalies. Meanwhile, Jean delves into Carl Lowry's files, noticing that Lou was the arresting officer in a rape case filed by Ursula Wilson, which was later withdrawn.
Bringing Lou into her office, Jean quizzes him about his interview with Ursula Wilson, who accused Carl of rape in 2019. Lou defends himself by saying he interviews numerous individuals annually. Unconvinced, Jean decides to confront Ursula without Lou's presence. As Amar and his companions arrive, Besim informs Amar that an IV is necessary, assuring him it will alleviate his pain. Ursula (played by Ashling O'Shea) offers Jean hemp milk, prompting Jeanette to inquire about the 2019 rape report.
Ursula recounts that at the tender age of 18, Carl set his sights on escorting her out. She admits to her naiveté during that time. Carl, accompanied by one of his companions, led her to a hotel. To avoid suspicion, Carl coerced her into pretending to be his daughter if anyone inquired. Ursula attempted to flee, but Carl promptly secured the door. She suspects that Carl administered Lidocaine to her. Reluctantly, she declines to identify Carl's accomplice, recalling their dismissive words—that no one would lend her credence due to her profession as a prostitute. Ursula expresses gratitude towards the diligent efforts of the police officer involved.
In the confines of a car, Jeanette ponders dialing Alex's number but ultimately decides against it, opting to call Sophia Craven instead. Meanwhile, Madeleine, adorned with makeup at her residence, attempts to sneak out unnoticed but is intercepted by her father, Ben (played by Michael Lumsden). She fabricates an excuse about visiting Charlie's place for a gathering with friends, to which Ben does not object. Jeanette reconnects with Sophia, offering an apology for her behavior the previous night. Sophia, who reveals her bisexuality while currently in a relationship with a man, mentions that Lance is married. She also confides in her search for a missing patient, voicing her concern. Jeanette, in a moment of weakness, inadvertently touches Sophia's leg before swiftly apologizing.
Madeleine arrives at Charlie's party where Jacob (portrayed by Malek Alkoni) approaches her. After a brief conversation, Madeleine agrees to accompany him back to his residence. Victoria observes this exchange from afar. Once they arrive, Jacob initiates a kiss, but Madeleine shows little enthusiasm to reciprocate. Superintendent Verity Pound (played by Victoria Hamilton) discovers Jeanette still at the office and reveals her familiarity with all the suspects. Jeanette confesses her suspicion that the men might be responsible for the victims' deaths. Verity cautions that all possibilities remain open until proven otherwise and urges Jeanette to return home.
Amar prepares for his impending fight, reluctantly facing Jamal, who ambushes him from behind. Jeanette returns to Alex's place while Amar engages in a fierce battle with Jamal, eventually breaking into a scream of despair. Upon waking, Madeleine finds Jacob asleep beside her and leaves his bed in a state of discomfort. Amar witnesses Jamal's body being removed and attempts to flee the facility, only to be halted by Besim. Victoria, driving her car, calls Jeanette to inform her of another discovered body in Ferrets Wood. She halts her journey to pick up Madeleine, who, upon entering the car, shares the location of a nearby farm. Victoria learns her passenger's name—Madeleine.
