Gary Harders' conviction two years previously should have been the end of the investigation. A clear-cut case of murder, and he had confessed to the crime and accepted his sentence without complaint. But now, the man's conviction was about to be overthrown, but why? And why is Harders saying that his confession was police coercion? His prints are on the murder weapon, but Forensics has found another set.

Not only is there proof of either the Forensics department's incompetency or conspiracy, but Commissioner Alwyn Davies is getting tough on crime, draconian tough.

Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Cook and Chief Superintendent Richard Goddard are under pressure to take sides, aware that joining with Davies ensures promotion, but at the cost of their souls.

Davies has powerful backers, persons willing to make a deal with the devil. Violent putdown of those who disrupt the streets and removal, permanently in some cases, of the most violent criminals.

The plan has merits, but where will it stop? Who will say it's time to ease off, and what's the Russian mafia got to do with it? Too much from what DCI Cook can see, but he's powerless.