Trey returns to the Cohens because he is under Sandy's legal supervision while he awaits trial. Because Ryan doesn't believe that his brother is guilty, he and Seth decide to go "under cover" in order to find the real culprit. Julie is also thinking about covers, but she intends on rocking Caleb's world beneath them. Instead, he says that he wants to meet with his lawyer and, in response, Julie goes over to Lance's hotel room. Although she turns down the murder offer, she kisses her ex goodbye and a camera takes a picture of the smooch. Later, Caleb decides to give the marriage one more chance, but appears to be up to something, most likely related to the precarious picture.
Meanwhile, there's a Death Cab for Cutie concert that night, but Seth won't be able to make it because Reed wants to have a meeting with him and Zach. Summer is none too pleased. At the meeting, the graphic novel duo is invited to a party the following night in there honor. Conversely, Carter is not honored by the presence of Erin on a trip a wine tasting. Therefore, while Sandy must remain with Trey, Kirsten - who is rumored to "crush Carter" - accompanies her co-worker on the story.
Ok, now follow along with this: Marissa joins the under cover sting. She believes that Kyle, the girlfriend of the od's girl (Jess) supplied her with the drugs. Her and Ryan set up a sting at the following night's water polo party. Once there, Marissa arranges a drug deal with Kyle, only for the police to swoop in and arrest their man. On a similar note, Kirsten and Carter are under hotel arrest at the wine tasting hotel because they drunk too much. Fortunately, a car is arranged to take them home and Kirsten agrees to get out of there.
Summer, meanwhile, wants to leave the graphic novel party because she isn't a fan of the important people talking her boyfriend into new ideas and angles for "Atomic County." In a completely non-sensical move, Zach smiles deceptively as he drives Summer home and they leave Seth to be wooed further by the comic book people. At the end of the episode, a pair of kisses take the audience by surprise: Ryan and Marissa finally make up after dropping of Trey; and the elder Atwood is taken aback by the presence of Jess in his apartment. She offers herself up b/c "Kyle is out of the picture" and Trey says he is most definitely interested.
"The OC Confidential" File: