In the fourth episode of Tracker, Reenie and Colter reunite to embark on a mission to locate a runaway teenager. Erika Kennedy, a close friend of Reenie, had entrusted her teenage son, Noah, to a specialized institution named Shelter Stone, hoping it would help him overcome his substance abuse issues. Initially, Noah's progress seemed promising, but his recent disappearance has left Erika fraught with worry.
As Reenie and Colter delve into the mystery, they encounter the school's principal, Gilroy, who informs them that the school's security team led by Tom Ritter is already on the hunt for the missing student. Erika's anxiety is palpable, but Reenie reassures her with words of encouragement, highlighting the prowess of the detective on the case.
Colter's detective skills come to the fore as he examines Noah's room, deducing that the teenager might have a girlfriend. Erika is oblivious to any such relationship. To expedite their investigation, Colter establishes a rapport with Jonny, Noah's friend and the last person to see him. Initially hesitant, Jonny eventually confesses that he witnessed Noah engaged in a heated argument with Zeke, a member of the school's maintenance staff, appearing visibly shaken.
Upon reviewing the security footage from the school's gate, Colter discovers a startling revelation: Noah was seen in the backseat of Zeke's car as it exited the premises, hinting at a possible kidnapping scenario. This discovery prompts Colter to delve deeper into Noah's past, unearthing his phone records from the preceding night. Multiple calls to a number registered to Lisa Jefferson suggest that she might hold the key to the mystery.
Upon arriving at Lisa's house, Colter is horrified to find visible signs of domestic abuse, leaving her bruised and battered. Lisa reveals that her ex-boyfriend, Ray, a dangerous drug dealer, has been harassing her despite her repeated refusals. When quizzed about Noah and Zeke, Lisa describes them as acquaintances from her past, revealing that Noah was once her boyfriend. She confirms that Noah had sneaked out with Zeke to meet her, dispelling any suspicions of kidnapping.
Colter learns that Noah and Ray had a confrontation at a local bar. The bouncer reveals that Ray had been relentless in his pursuit of Zeke's truck, ultimately chasing them into the woods. As Colter drives along the trail, he stumbles upon a gravely injured Zeke, lying beside his overturned truck with a bullet wound. Evidence of Ray's pursuit is evident, as the truck has been forced off the path, leaving a trail of blood. This blood trail leads Colter and Ritter deeper into the woods, following the telltale signs of Noah's injuries as his blood coagulates on the ground.
With the clock ticking and Noah's life hanging in the balance, Colter urgently requests backup from Teddi and Velma, summoning law enforcement and an ambulance to their location. As the trio presses onward, the tension mounts with each step, leaving the fate of the missing teenager hanging in the balance.
As the duo parted ways, they arranged to reunite at the designated spot. But it was Noah who unexpectedly emerged with a gun pointed at Colter, his heart pounding as he wondered if Colter was one of Ray's henchmen. Colter, however, remained serene, gradually earning Noah's trust. Tenderly caring for Noah's wounds, Colter made plans to escort him back to safety.
Their journey was abruptly interrupted by the sight of Ray, bloodied and wounded. Colter quickly dialed Bobby for assistance while hastily bandaging Ray's injury, asking Ritter to keep a watchful eye. Noah and Colter pressed onward to the truck, but Ray, with bloodshot eyes, caught up to them with relentless pursuit.
Despite Colter's attempts to reason with him, Ray opened fire as Noah tried to flee, only to be struck in the shoulder by Colter's retaliatory shot. The police soon arrived to apprehend Ray, and Noah was reunited with Erika, his relief palpable.
The next morning, Reenie and Colter bid farewell to their temporary haven. Before departing, Colter commended Principal Gilroy for the exceptional work the school was doing. Noah's remarkable survival for 24 hours in the wilderness, unarmed and injured, was a testament to his resilience and a feather in Shelter Stone's cap. And amidst the chaos, it was hinted that the bond between Reenie and Colter had begun to blossom, foreshadowing a possible deeper connection in the future.
