The episode kicks off with George Graham (portrayed by Jason Priestley) standing before the parole board, passionately pleading for his freedom. He recounts his troubled childhood and how it led him down the path of deception. He further shares how his time behind bars has ignited a desire within him to give back, particularly to his daughter. Following his heartfelt appeal, he is released into the custody of Max Mitchell (Vanessa Morgan) and Ricky Wilson (Fletcher Donovan).
Elsewhere, Cole Ellis (Giacomo Gianniotti) is engrossed in work on his boat when his phone rings, interrupting his thoughts. It's Chief Li (Terry Chen) on the line, informing him that the authorities have apprehended his brother's killer.
In the meantime, at Max and Ricky’s apartment, the trio is caught up in conversation when Max receives a message from Cole. She promptly heads to the precinct, leaving Ricky and George to catch up on old times.
Upon her arrival, Max finds Chief Li interviewing Billy 'O Brien/Zippo. Billy confesses to shooting Daniel Ellis but remains tight-lipped about his employer. Cole, dissatisfied with the interview's outcome, demands that the department delve deeper into uncovering Billy's hirer. Commissioner Russo (Karin Konoval) assures him that the case remains open but warns that persistent probing could jeopardize Billy's murder conviction. Frustrated, Cole storms out, prompting Max to remind the higher-ups that Cole has a point. Russo responds by reminding her that their dream team is now disbanded with George's release. Max volunteers to stay on and assist with the case. However, their discussion is cut short by Russo’s driver, who informs her that the car is ready.
Later that evening, Max visits Cole on his boat, bearing comfort food. Cole admits to having little appetite and expresses his determination to pursue the truth. He wishes aloud that he could converse with Billy. Max cautions him that such a meeting would be nearly impossible without detection, but she lacks the means to facilitate it. Desperate for solutions, Cole and Max eventually turn to George, urging him to return to prison.
George and Ricky oblige, using George's connection with Davis (Andy Nez) to gain access to Billy. Under the threat of being tossed off the prison roof, Billy caves, revealing that his employer made him wait for Daniel between 12th and Mill Street. The employer also instructed him to make it seem like a mugging. Billy reveals that Reggie Babs was the one who offered him the job, but unfortunately, Reggie passed away six months prior. George relays this crucial information to Cole and Max. Cole decides that their next course of action is to confront Tyson (Malcolm Sparrow-Crawford). Tyson had claimed to be playing basketball with Daniel on the night of his death, but the new information contradicts his statement.
As Cole confronts Tyson, he resorts to deceit once more. In the blink of an eye, Cole confides in Max, revealing his anticipation of Tyson's dishonesty but emphasizing his true intention: to engage with him and tail him discreetly. Together, Max and Cole shadow Tyson to a Jazz Club under the proprietorship of Elena Ramos (Erica Cerra), a woman with no criminal past but a son named Samson Ramos (Dylan Schombing), whom Daniel had once worked alongside.
Eager to uncover more about Samson, Cole seeks out Cynthia Smith. Cynthia unveils that Daniel had once saved Samson from the clutches of addiction, ultimately guiding him to abandon drugs. Before long, Daniel had Samson mentoring other youngsters at the community center. The day subsequent to Daniel's demise, Samson appeared, searching for his mentor. Troubled, Cynthia phoned Daniel's residence, only to be informed by his mother that Daniel had been relocated to live with his aunt out of town. She also recognizes Tyson but mentions that, being older than Samson, they were not acquainted.
Returning to Ricky's abode, Cole and Max deliberate the case with Ricky and George. With some effort, Ricky locates Samson. Cole decides to jet off and converse with Samson directly, while Max adopts a stealthy approach, infiltrating the club. Meanwhile, George contacts Carmen (Madeleine Kelders) at the club, feigning the identity of a talent scout from Jackson, who, captivated by her demo, wishes to place her on a cruise ship as a singer. Though she cites a performance that evening, his persuasive skills convince her otherwise. In Carmen's stead, Max excels on stage, so impressively that Elena hires her on the spot.
However, the ambiance takes a dubious turn with the arrival of Roman Locke (Aleks Paunovic) at the club. Max subtly captures a photograph of him. Swiftly, Max relays the information to Ricky, who warns her that Roman is a notorious and prominent crime lord in the city. As Ricky and George make their way to scout Tyson's quarters, the intrigue deepens.
Cole pays a visit to Samson, yet Samson remains steadfast in his silence. As a gesture of potential future openness, Cole hands him a phone. Meanwhile, at the club, Max receives a disappointing update from Cole—his attempt to gain Samson's trust has failed. Hardly has the message settled when Samson himself rings the club, reaching Elena while Max listens in. Max swiftly texts Cole, hinting at a nascent plan.
Drawing Elena aside, Max delves into the nature of Samson's calls. Elena unravels bits of Samson's past, revealing she once sent him to live with his aunt to shield him from trouble, only for new predicaments to arise there. The conversation is abruptly cut short when Elena is summoned away, presenting Max with an opportunity. Seizing Elena's phone, Max covertly urges Samson to unburden himself to the authorities, assuring him of his inherent goodness.
Later, Cole reconvenes with Samson, who accuses Cole of being responsible for his brother's demise. Elsewhere, George and Ricky find themselves in a perilous situation as they break into Tyson's residence. Their illegal foray takes a drastic turn when Tyson returns unexpectedly, followed shortly by an unknown assailant who shoots him at the doorstep.
In a harried phone call, Cole informs Max that Roman orchestrated the hit on his brother, with Samson, supposedly present, overhearing the incriminating conversation. To Max's relief, Samson has agreed to testify; now, only Locke remains elusive. Max's tension eases momentarily as she spots Locke right before her eyes, reassuring Cole that their quest is nearly over. Cole, before terminating the call, cautions Max to stay vigilant.
As if on cue, Elena approaches Max, her tone grave. She reveals that she knows Max's true identity as a cop and warns her of impending danger. With these haunting words, the episode concludes, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
