Ep 18. About Face

In CSI: Miami season 9 episode 18, titled "About Face," the team gets an opportunity to work with a well-known artist, Valera, who is doing a project for an upcoming art festival. She invites them to view her latest artwork, which turns out to be a sculpture of her own head. However, to their horror, the head is cut off, and her assistant is found dead in the studio. The team immediately begins investigating the crime scene and looking for clues to solve the murder.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes evident that the killer was someone who had access to the studio, and there is a possibility that the killer is linked to Valera's past. The team uncovers a connection between Valera and a wealthy businessman who has a reputation for being ruthless. The businessman had commissioned Valera to create an artwork for him, and when she fell short, he threatened to ruin her career. This revelation leads the team to question the businessman and his associates, who all deny any wrongdoing.

The team also interviews Valera's ex-husband, who was abusive towards her during their marriage. He was also unhappy with her decision to pursue her career in art and blamed her for their failed relationship. The team finds out that he had visited Valera in her studio a few days before the murder, but he denies any involvement in the crime.

Meanwhile, Ryan is dealing with his personal life as he tries to reconnect with his father after years of estrangement. He finds out that his father is in town and decides to meet him. However, the reunion does not go as expected, and past issues and resentments surface, causing Ryan to question whether he should forgive his father or cut him out of his life for good.

As the investigation progresses, the team discovers that Valera's assistant was involved in the artwork project and had a deep admiration for her. He had hacked into her email and found out about the threats from the businessman. He decided to take matters into his own hands and killed Valera's assistant and decapitated her sculpture to get the attention of the authorities. He confesses to the crime, and the team is able to close the case.

In the end, Ryan decides to give his father another chance and agrees to meet with him again. Valera's artwork is displayed at the art festival, and the team appreciates the beauty of her talent while remembering the tragedy that brought them together.