A old man whom Spenser and Hawk knows is shot. They discover that the killer are a couple who comes from an affluent background, which they hide behind. It turns into a cat and mouse game for Spenser and Hawk, who are determined to take them down.

New District Attorney Rita Fiori tries to prosecute Spenser for blackmail.

A small fishing family hires Spenser to investigate the death of their father. Spenser suspects a rival fishing family, the Almeidas.