Cameron, working the night shift, discovers Marcellus out of his tank and trying to slip through the propped back door. While attempting to corral the octopus with a broom, Cameron breaks a step stool, hits his head, and worries he’ll be fired. He keeps trying to coax Marcellus back without touching him.

Tova arrives unexpectedly, small and in a walking boot, and immediately takes charge. Calling, “Marcellus, it’s me,” Tova climbs onto the table, lets Marcellus wrap her wrist, and guides him over the open tank. Cameron slides the lid, and Marcellus drops into the water and disappears into his den. Tova tends Cameron’s cut, then introduces herself as the injured cleaner; Cameron explains he’s the temporary replacement. Tova mentions she may be away from the job longer than planned, while Cameron reflects that his lead on Simon Brinks has gone cold.

Tova asks for discretion: Marcellus often wanders at night, and while Terry suspects, he doesn’t know for sure. Because Marcellus is old and a loose animal is a liability, full knowledge could mean the tank would be locked down or worse, euthanasia. Cameron weighs the risk to his job and debts against Tova’s plea and the octopus’s fate, then agrees to keep the secret.

With the crisis over, Cameron jokes, “Conscience does make cowards of us all.” The line stops Tova; she says it was one of her son’s favorite Hamlet quotes, revealing a tender connection to her loss. Their shared moment seals their pact and subtly ties Cameron closer to Tova’s world.