Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
A woman is shot during Governor Brooks's campaign appearance, and the attack improves his standing in the polls. Clara Musso, a friend and donor, asks Lightman to handle the investigation carefully. He discovers that the victim, Michelle Daley, had been involved with Brooks and his chief of staff, Trevor Addison. The apparent gunman has made threats, but Torres finds that he does not recognise the weapon used in the killing.
Questions about Michelle uncover an earlier hit-and-run death that Trevor covered up. Michelle claimed responsibility, yet her recorded account does not fit. Lightman's involvement with Clara complicates his pursuit of the truth, especially when she provides an alibi for Brooks's wife Janet. Trevor is then found dead with a note accepting blame for both the cover-up and Michelle's murder. Gillian challenges the note's authorship, preventing the investigation from ending with that convenient explanation.
Clara admits Janet killed the pedestrian while driving drunk and that Michelle was used to conceal it. When Cal confronts the newly re-elected governor, Brooks realises that Janet directed the cover-up and killings. Cal advises him to step down, and Brooks takes his wife's hand before facing the crowd. Clara signs the consultancy back to Cal. Emily also kisses Loker to stop him interfering in her life, prompting apologies between Cal and his employee after Cal lashes out.