Episode 3 of The Recruit kicks off with Owen emerging from the river, dripping wet. As he steps out of the water, three agents approach him, inquisitive about the attack he narrowly escaped. They offer to assist him in uncovering the identity of his assailant, but only if he reveals the reason for his presence in Vienna. Owen, however, remains distrustful and insists on returning to his hotel. One of the agents warns him against this, and they all disperse, leaving him to his own devices.
He promptly purchases fresh clothes and charms a vendor, convincing her to let him use her backroom to change. Within the confines of the privacy, he dials Max and interrogates her, wondering if she was somehow involved in the attempted murder. Max reminds him that she is his sole confidante and that the last person he encountered is likely the perpetrator. Owen refuses to name Xander and instead informs her that if the hearing scheduled for later goes favorably, she may be transferred to a federal facility. Max insists that the deal is to secure her release from prison, or she will start revealing names in two days' time.
Owen books a flight back to the United States and meets with Nyland. He fabricates a story about being mugged and warns Nyland that Max possesses the capability to expose a considerable number of their assets, both locally and in Russia, potentially jeopardizing all intelligence-gathering operations in the region. Nyland tasks him with attending Max's hearing and ensuring its smooth sailing.
As he exits, Owen encounters Lester and confesses his paranoia. Lester cautions him that everyone is a potential threat and he must remain vigilant at all times. Meanwhile, Max frantically attempts to contact the American Embassy, seeking information on who Owen encountered in Vienna.
At the courthouse, Owen's path crosses with a woman he encountered at a motel in Phoenix. She is present for an emergency hearing regarding the murder of her father, a crime that Max was responsible for and shows no remorse for. The judge grants the request to transfer Max to federal custody. Owen calls Amelia to express his gratitude for her assistance in ensuring Max's case is handled federally and they arrange a dinner.
In the new federal prison, Max encounters Cora, a woman from her past. Cora blames Max for her imprisonment, yet Max has no choice but to approach her in search of a phone. Cora agrees to procure a phone for her but makes it clear that they are not friends. Later, we learn that Max was running an illegal safe house and once helped Cora. However, Cora disregarded the rules and brought a man to the house who brutally assaulted Max, nearly killing her. Max tracked down the man, killed him, and took the bag of money he possessed.
During their dinner, Owen broached the subject of having the charges against Max dismissed with Amelia. She advised him that he must approach the Attorney General to achieve this. The evening took an awkward turn when Hannah and her new beau unexpectedly showed up at the same restaurant. Disappointingly, Owen failed to offer Amelia a ride home and instead invited her for drinks with his friends. Offended by his apparent double-booking on their dinner date, Amelia left in a huff.
Later, Owen met Terence for a drink and chanced upon Sarah, whom he had intended to ask about the subpoena but had never gotten the chance. Sarah revealed that the only way to nullify the subpoena was by providing incriminating information against his boss. Unexpectedly, Owen received a call from Nyland summoning him to Beirut.
As he headed back to the office, Owen rang Max to inquire about Beirut. She prompted him to reveal who he encountered in Vienna, and though hesitant at first, he described Xander to her. She confessed that she dubbed him the "Pastry King" and possessed ample dirt on him. She also cautioned him that the key to survival in Beirut was to steer clear of the Americans.
Upon reaching the office, Nyland ordered Owen to accompany Lester to Beirut to ensure one of their agents, Dave, settled his child support obligations. During their flight, Owen probed Lester about Xander, learning little more than that he was a skilled but arrogant agent.
However, their plan to surprise Dave in Beirut was foiled as he awaited them in their hotel room. Dave promised to sign the child support documents later and deliver them to the hotel. Lester and Owen were suspicious of how effortlessly it had unfolded, and their suspicions were justified. They decided to visit him at the base and persuade him to sign the documents. After he finally agreed, they departed Beirut.
After his return, Owen apologized to Amelia. Nyland informed him that the Attorney General awaited him in his office. The Attorney General was displeased with Owen's request to free a foreigner who had committed murder during an election year. Nevertheless, Owen remained resolute, insisting that there was no other option.
Meanwhile, Max devised a clever way to relay a message to Xander through his favorite pastry shop.
