Emir Goodspeed's murder spreads like wildfire through D.C., catching others in its burn, while D.C.-powerbroker Ed Ramsey seduces his next victim: an art aficionado named Shannon Witmer.
Cross raids a home connected to Emir's murder. The suspect escapes, but leaves behind a piece of evidence so unique, it limits the list of suspects to an elite D.C. few.
With Cross hot on his heels, Ed Ramsey sets up a new locale to perform his kills, as the Cross family continues to be tormented by a mysterious someone connected to Deirdre Nolan.
Cross and Elle dine at Ed Ramsey's house for his annual birthday soiree. But the night's twists take a dark turn, when Cross realizes that Ramsey's next victim is in the house.