Garrett Drimmer, a struggling steel mill worker and single dad, has a chance encounter with Dannie Furlbee, a recent high school grad from the wealthy part of town. Meanwhile, private investigator Jake Noveer clashes with former colleague Police Chief Peter Trask and becomes more entangled with the Furlbee family than expected.

Popular West Braden Elementary School teacher Ms. Carol reaches her breaking point with a student. With Jake's help, Rook begins to find her confidence as a cop until a police confrontation goes awry. Dannie's first night babysitting Carrie doesn't go as planned.

Grocery store cashier Chelsea Wyler finds herself at odds when her con artist father, Charles, unexpectedly shows up back in her life. Meanwhile, she finds comfort in local bon vivant Randall Abatsy. A mysterious order at the mill leaves Jake suspicious of Bud and what else might be happening at Carl Steel.

Housekeeper Jenny Ludlow helps Bud through his troubling time. Jake and Trask finally begin to see eye to eye when Jake's investigation brings them a promising yet controversial lead at Carl Steel. Dannie starts to believe that Garrett isn't being completely honest when it comes to Carrie.

Real estate developer Wilson Furlbee finds his business at risk when rumors about Bud's mill begin to circulate. The Braden Police Department makes some headway in their investigation, concerning not only Terri Mitchell but her young son, Ricky. While tensions bubble at the Furlbee household, Dannie finds out a disturbing truth about Garrett.

Young Cooper Shaw tries to hide what she knows about the Seven Bloods case from Ricky; Cooper makes a startling new discovery; Ken Fry gets caught in a lie and is forced to face the consequences; Rook's eagerness gets her into trouble with Trask.

Bud promises to help out his worker, Dante Jenkins, but Ken Fry's re-emergence puts their agreement in jeopardy; Chelsea is betrayed by both her father and Abatsy; Garrett comes clean to Dannie while confronting her about her own secrets.

Bud realizes he's made a grave error and turns to a reluctant Garrett for help. The mystery of the Seven Bloods is finally revealed.

After a bombshell from her family, Dannie is forced to reassess her future. Tensions run high as Bud and Goot feel Jake closing in on them.