Thea discovers Cairn-Hammond employment connection at archives. Finds evidence of Hammond firm auditing files 3 weeks prior (M. Torres visit). Records podcast ep 148. Hammond arrives with cease-and-desist - Thea realizes the rapid response was pre-planned via surveillance, not reactive.
Thea stakes out Warren's house, witnesses his daughter Ellen visiting in scrubs with groceries (new scene establishing Ellen as character), documents evidence burning after Ellen leaves. Financial records investigation at assessor's office reveals Warren's unexplained wealth and Renner connection.
Family meeting where Thea presents evidence to skeptical sisters. Caleb independently discovers Cairn Trust connection to Annie Wren scholarship while working in kitchen. Sisters shift from dismissal to cautious acceptance.
Thea confronts Warren at the Weathered Anchor, records podcast episode asking for tips, then conducts her own investigation: discovers Renner through county records FOIA, finds Augusta building permit in state archives, and verifies Warrens Bangor alibi through masonry institute and boarding...
Thea surveys Warren at the lighthouse, documenting his avoidance behavior at the cemetery sightline. At the York County Records Office, she discovers the 1995 mausoleum work order, Frost's rejected bid, Renner's involvement, and the damning timeline connecting all three suspects.
Thea researches mausoleum construction suspects late at night, introduces Frost, Renner, and Warren Polk. Sunday dinner with sisters ends in dismissal when she presents her theory. Sloane shows fleeting interest in the evidence. Thea resolves to find a different approach.
