Episode 3 of "Towards Zero" kicks off with the ensemble gathered around the breakfast table the following morning, an idyllic scene shattered when Sylvia stumbles upon Mr. Treves' lifeless form. It becomes apparent that he was asphyxiated in his sleep, with the inspecting officer uncovering a cufflink perilously close to the deceased. Promptly, the inspector confines everyone within a room and summons Macdonald to aid in the inquiry.
As the police delve deeper into the mystery, Neville's jacket surfaces as a crucial piece of evidence, yet Leach refrains from premature accusations, maintaining an open mind. He elucidates how Neville's possessions were incriminated, amid Thomas' almost manic insistence that Neville bears responsibility for the heinous act. Neville, however, vehemently denies any wrongdoing, contending that he is the victim of a setup orchestrated by an adversary.
Leach's investigation intensifies as he interrogates the suspects and delves into Thomas' haunting narrative about his brother's demise, which Neville and Audrey dismiss as a heart-wrenching accident. Convinced that each suspect harbors a potent motive for murder, Leach persists in his quest for truth. Gradually, Audrey emerges as the primary suspect, her status as an outsider staying with her ex-husband and his wife casting aspersions on her innocence and hinting at a potential frame-up of Neville.
Audrey's suspicion deepens when Leach notices traces of powder on the jacket and the pillow used in the murder, tying her to the crime due to her missing compact from the previous day. Under questioning, Audrey concedes that Neville was absent from her side when she awoke, whereas Neville steadfastly maintains their shared presence throughout the night.
Shifting gears, Leach ventures to the beach, where with Sylvia's assistance, he unearths a hook, sparking suspicions of an outsider's involvement. They deduce that the perpetrator gained entry through an unsecured window, explaining the housekeeper's drugged state.
The investigation takes a new turn when Leach uncovers Kay and Morel's shared criminal past. Initially drawn to Neville for his fortune, Kay unexpectedly fell in love with him. Similarly, Macdonald confesses to his own criminal record.
A startling revelation occurs when Leach discovers Sylvia in possession of Audrey's compact, to which Sylvia claims she found amidst Audrey's belongings. This unexpected twist compels Leach to reconsider his investigative strategy, adding yet another layer of complexity to the unfolding saga.
As Leach engaged in conversation with the meticulous housekeeper, she presented him with a scrapbook filled with newspaper clippings chronicling Neville's life, revealing him to be an exceptional swimmer who had once boldly conquered the Gulf passage. This intriguing fact sparked a competitive fire in Leach, who dared Neville to a tennis match. During the match, Leach couldn't help but notice Neville's evident discomfort when moving his shoulder.
At this precise juncture, the lab results arrived, confirming that the compact powder found on the jacket was indeed from Audrey's makeup compact, with Neville's fingerprints clearly imprinted upon it. The truth began to unravel for Leach like a tightly woven tapestry. It was all a meticulously crafted game orchestrated by Neville, echoing the deceptive maneuvers that unfolded when Peter met his untimely demise. Just as Audrey had once strategically planted Kay's compact in Neville's car to expose his infidelity and secure her divorce, Neville was now orchestrating his revenge. He had seduced Audrey after his marriage, setting her up with fabricated evidence following a murder he had committed, cleverly framing himself in a way that would ultimately implicate her. His ultimate goal was to publicly disgrace her and ensure she faced the ultimate penalty for a crime she didn't commit.
Neville had callously ended Mr. Treves' life because Treves had played a pivotal role in getting Macdonald arrested, which could have potentially reignited the old case and cast suspicion on Audrey once again. Leach elaborated further, painting a chilling picture of Neville's diabolical plan: he had removed Lady Tressilian's bell to silence her cries for help, drugged the unsuspecting housekeeper, feigned his absence at a pleasure hotel, and swam across to his aunt's room using a hooked rope to carry out his heinous act. He then discarded the rope into the ocean, unaware that the tides would eventually bring it back to haunt him.
Upon hearing the devastating revelations, Audrey's anger erupted, and a fierce struggle ensued between her and Neville. The fight laid bare the vengeful motives behind Neville's actions, fueled by the bitterness of their divorce. In a moment of clarity, Neville confessed to his crimes and was subsequently apprehended. Kay and Morel left together, seeking solace in each other's company, while Mary chose to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Thomas, meanwhile, attended to his unresolved affairs.
The episode drew to a close with Macdonald and Audrey walking out of the house side by side, seeking a fresh start. Leach, having found a new sense of purpose, decided to adopt Sylvia, embracing a future filled with hope and redemption.
