After reporter Lisa Wallace publishes an article on her mother's cuddle, the hugger resurfaces hinting at a kidnapping. Lisa and Detective David Burkely start investigating, connecting the hugger to the disappearance of a women named Amy Reynolds.

Lisa's article is leaked, criticizing the Gardaí for not acting on Amy's disappearance. David and Detective Brennan chase a lead, Mark Bulger, in Castlemoy. Impatient with the police's pace, Lisa risks her life to uncover what Bulger is hiding.

David tries to get a statement from Teresa and a confession from Bulger, while Lisa investigates if Bulger could be the hugger. Susan pleas for information from the Gardaí when an anonymous caller claims to have information on Amy.

Lisa has to choose who to save: Susan or Mandy? Chris learns new information that takes Lisa to a strange address, where she discovers incriminating information that someone tries to cover up. The hugger calls later that evening for Lisa's decision.

David and Brennan target Gough as the potential hugger while Lisa tries to connect him to the kidnappings. Gill threatens to blackmail David if he continues his investigation of Gough. Lisa faces her worst fear with a hospital call about her father.

The investigation is halted. David confronts Gardaí's top officials to expose Gill and Gough but finds no support. He reveals a long-hidden secret to his family. Lisa and Brennan follow a lead on the hugger, investigating an abandoned slaughterhouse.