Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
In 2002, Rust follows missing-child cases back toward schools supported by Billy Lee Tuttle. Joel Theriot, now drinking heavily, describes abuse allegations that his former ministry failed to address. Rust also visits the surviving child rescued from Ledoux's compound. Her memory of a large man with facial scars strengthens the possibility that other offenders remained free, but his questioning overwhelms her and brings a reprimand from his superiors.
Rust refuses to drop the school inquiry and confronts Tuttle, whose complaint helps secure his suspension. Meanwhile, Marty begins an affair with Beth, the young woman he once encountered at the Ranch. Maggie discovers the messages on his phone and decides to end the marriage. She visits Rust and sleeps with him, then explains that she meant to hurt Marty. Rust is angry at being used, and Maggie tells her husband what happened.
Marty attacks Rust outside the police station, where colleagues eventually separate them. Rust leaves the force, ending the partnership as well as the immediate investigation. The 2012 interviews return to that rupture, but Maggie refuses to give the detectives its full private explanation and defends Rust against their insinuations. Marty also stops cooperating when their questions focus on Tuttle's death. On the road afterward, Rust follows him and asks for a conversation. Marty agrees, although he checks his gun before they continue.