After being passed over for Detective Superintendant and giving notice, Jane briefly reunites with a very old flame who is now a famous crime writer. But, again, Jane breaks off the relationship and she accepts a new job as DCI in Metro Vice. DCI Tennison has new bosses who think she can be micromanaged. Jane reunites with former nemesis, DS Otley, and other old comrades, but Jane finds she is no longer the enemy. The Incident Room is full of humor and raucous moments...but is it business as usual? The former DCI, Lyall, was apparent scapegoat when a new mandate, Operation Contract, did not yield the desired arrests. The supposed objective, clearing the streets of rent boys and other youthful offenders, is said to be the #1 priority. Jane senses disturbing undercurrents; she learns there is a mole within Metro Police. Jane, Otley and other officers investigate the murder of a rent boy, which Jane sees as a normal, logical extension of their duties. But, when Jane gets disproportionate flak from both the D. Super and the Commander, she smells a cover-up. This scent is confirmed when journalist, Smithy, claims the dead rent boy promised her newspaper a juicy story implicating both a high-ranking Metro Police officer and a Member of Parliament (M.P.) in criminal activity. So, Jane circles the wagons to limit the flow of information. Jane is moody: she gave up smoking and chews gum with feverish intensity. Jane tries to clear her head, to do some simple math...but this proves more difficult than usual. And, when Jane pays a visit to her physician, she learns math is really not her forte!
