Sheriff Hudson observes Ryan Stevens, the former sheriff, at the inmate phone, barely upright after being brought in early Tuesday and sleeping off a bender until Wednesday. Hudson reflects on Ryan’s fall from grace: a year-long spiral into alcoholism that culminated in a recall five months earlier, after which Hudson was elected sheriff. Hudson takes over from a deputy and escorts Ryan back to his cell.

Inside the holding area, Ryan asks how long he was out and Hudson tells him nearly thirty hours. When Hudson says Ryan will soon be processed, Ryan protests, expecting the usual protection. Hudson refuses, explaining that this time Ryan hit someone with his truck while drunk.

Ryan, confused and frightened, asks about the victim. Hudson bluntly tells him the female runner is dead. The reality sinks in slowly for Ryan, who begins to sob and apologize, while Hudson privately acknowledges guilt for having previously let Ryan off on multiple DUIs, believing that leniency enabled the tragedy.

As Hudson stands there, he hears the deliberate click of heels approaching. Sarah Morgan arrives, impeccably dressed and composed, escorted by a deputy. Hudson bristles at Ryan having called her and recalls his longstanding distrust of Sarah despite her public work.

Sarah addresses Hudson as “Deputy,” and he corrects her to “Sheriff.” She then asserts Ryan’s constitutional rights, noting that speaking to him without counsel is improper. Hudson, sweating under the pressure, concedes and leaves, allowing Sarah to meet with her client.