Quinn continues to dig deeper into Beck's hidden life by forming his own friendship with Beck's rich best buddy, A.J. Varland (Brendan Penny). Meanwhile, Ethan prepares to go back to work; Jen considers accepting a proposition from Adrien; and by rejecting the advances of a VIP guest, Nicole inadvertently puts her career at the Varland Resort on the line.

Quinn and Ryan learn something shocking about the alleged blackmail scheme against Beck; Adrien's “generosity” becomes a point of contention between Ethan and Jen; and Nicole is offered a new position at the Varland Resort.

Quinn suspects his uncle knows more than he's saying about Beck's involvement in the blackmail scheme.

Quinn's investigation of his brother's blackmail scheme brings him face to face with a dangerous biker and lands him in jail. After Ryan bails him out, Quinn accuses him of hiding information about Beck's blackmail deal and Ryan reveals a shocking story about Beck and a hit and run accident. A.J. embarrasses his father in front of potential investors and finds himself suddenly living on the streets. Ethan enlists a reporter, Adam Lawson, to do a profile article on his late son, hoping to expose Varland's exploitation of Beck, unaware of the reporter's history and feelings for Jen.

Against her better judgment, Nicole procures an escort for a married VIP. But when the man dies from an overdose of passion, Ryan's skillful lies to the man's wife convince Nicole she can never have a relationship with Ryan. Quinn is devastated when he discovers that Carrie has taken a down and out A.J. to her home for a shower, thinking the two have become a couple. Ethan, too busy with his discovery that Adrien Varland is buying out the local businesses around his Tavern, has no time for Jen's emotional needs, sending her to seek comfort with Adam Lawson. Adam's interviews raise his suspicions about the Coroner's report on Beck's death. And Shelby Varland, worried that Adrien may be suspicious of her affair with Beck, makes a startling discovery.

Upset over Carrie, Quinn discovers a cute waitress who only has eyes for him. Adrien invites Nicole to accompany him on a business trip to West Virginia to buy a horse. But Adrien has more on his mind than business and horses. Nicole entrusts Carrie with money to pay some bills but a desperate A.J. convinces her to loan it to him. Ethan and Jen learn that Adam Lawson's magazine won't print his article exposing Adrien unethical treatment of the McKayes. An upset Ethan, convinced that Jen had Adam kill the article, turns to Lisa for comfort, finally falling into her inviting arms. A terrified Shelby, certain that Adrien knows of her affair with Beck, makes plans to leave town.

Ethan, wracked with guilt over his one night stand with Lisa, fires her. Carrie's relationship with A.J. goes south when she has to track him down to pay back the money she loaned him. A.J., cut off from his father's money, has been dealing drugs to earn cash. Unaware of his drug dealing, Jen invites A.J. to stay with the McKayes until he can get things straightened out with his father. Quinn's relationship with Isabelle heats up, but Carrie has a way of popping up and distracting him. Despite Ryan's warnings, Nicole is only too happy to take Adrien up on his offer to join him at a business party that turns out to have some very kinky overtones. Her aroused passions send her back into a surprised Ryan's arms for a one night stand.

Quinn, Isabelle, Feeney and Carrie are teaming up for Whistler's annual underground scavenger hunt but Carrie, finally realizing she really likes Quinn, is uneasy about Quinn and Isabelle's budding relationship. Despite a one night stand with Ryan, Nicole makes it clear they're no longer an item. Adrien, his obsession with Nicole growing, continues to subtly woo her. Ethan is not happy to learn that Jen has re-hired Lisa to help cover for a sick waiter. Quinn discovers that A.J. is dealing drugs in the McKaye home and throws him out.

Just as Quinn decides that Isabelle is the girl for him, Isabelle realizes he's still got a thing for Carrie and breaks up with him. Carrie, who feels she's lost her chance with Quinn, discovers a surprise that Beck has left for her. Ethan and Jen are shocked to learn that their block has been re-zoned for resort use only. Knowing Adrien manipulated the City Council, Jen accepts Ryan's offer to lend them money to fight it. On the business front, Adrien's resort is going through an audit. Financiers are attempting to determine the true value of Varland Enterprises as Adrien pursues his dream of building a mega resort. And Adrien finally makes an openly romantic advance on Nicole. A.J., back on the street dealing drugs, has a deal go wrong and is badly beaten. Out of options, a contrite A.J. returns home to his father who takes him back. Ryan finds the missing Shelby hiding out at a seedy motel. He doubts her story that Adrien is trying to have her killed until he spots Kaliciak making a late night clandestine payoff to someone in a dark parking lot.

Ryan swings into action to find out the truth about what happened to Beck. Quinn helps Carrie through a difficult situation, bringing their relationship to a head. Adrien is undermined by someone close to him

Ryan finds himself under the suspicion of murder and must turn to Quinn for help. Adrien's business is in jeopardy and the McKaye's hold the only solution. Nicole makes a shocking discovery about her family.

The mystery of Beck McKaye's death is revealed.