As the third episode of The Lowdown unfolds, Lee and Francis exit the library, leaving Tweedledee and Tweedledum (Henry and Waylon) to ponder over a fitting nickname for our protagonist. They make their way to meet the realtor, Nikki, to inspect a dilapidated property in a seemingly rough neighborhood. Despite its state, Lee decides to take the plunge, driven by the ongoing investigation.
His inquiry with Nikki reveals that Dale's study books have been sold off, fueling Lee's conviction that they hold the key to Dale's demise. He sets out on a mission to retrieve them.
Next on Lee's trail is Ray, who confesses to having lost the bid to an enigmatic individual named Catalina, described as an "old antique rat" by Ray. Her wares are said to be peddled in Lake Keystone, hinting at their next destination.
The gang sets off (Francis, Lee, and Ray in tow) for the books. Lee manages to snag a sheriff jacket and presents himself at Catalina's houseboat, posing as a lawman with a mission. Instead of the books, he finds himself facing a stinging blow to the back of the head amidst cans of caviar and the clandestine world of an illicit caviar operation.
The leader of this underworld, Marlon, is a quirky character who instantly sees through Lee's impersonation. He's been passing off paddle fish eggs as the real deal in his caviar trade.
To earn his freedom, Lee is forced to tell a "tale of woe" laced with meth-fueled tall tales, all while emphasizing how Francis is his world. It works, and with a poetic ode to Catalina, Lee earns his release and races back to his daughter.
Elsewhere in the narrative, Francis encounters Catalina and manages to assert her independence for a brief moment. However, her foot slips, and she seizes the opportunity to slip away with Dale's books while Catalina is fetching them some tea. Alas, Catalina swiftly catches up and seizes the box, burning all the books to send a chilling message.
Meanwhile, Marty is offered a lucrative job as Donald Washberg's security detail, but with a catch—he must first do him a favor by delivering a package ($10,000) to Betty Jo's place. Yet, there's more to this than meets the eye.
As Pearl contemplates leaving and staying at her friend Avery's place, given Betty Jo's indifferent attitude towards Dale's death, it soon becomes apparent what this money is for. It's essentially a payout, as Donald is taking over Dale's property and placing her in a more "manageable" situation.
Thanks to the prenup Betty Jo signed for the family trust, Donald gains control of the property, and there's little she can do to combat it.
At the cafe, Allen's unpleasant dealings with Betty Jo cause him to ruffle some feathers with Marty.
As the episode concludes, Lee returns to Francis and Ray, shocked to see the burned books. Intriguingly, Francis comes through for him, having taken what was inside the books before they were consumed by flames. The letters within seem to hint that Donald may be part of the reason Dale is no longer with us.
