The mounting frustration and pressure for Jim to prove himself and make things work as a detective and a person creates more tension with his colleagues and Karen as they collectively investigate the murder of a young boy. Jim's insecurities also begin to seep into his personal life at a dinner party with Christie's coworkers when out of jealousy; he threatens his wife's boss whom he believes was trying to flirt with her. His behavior puts additional strain on the marriage as it brings up unresolved issues for Christie about his past infidelity.

The 8th precinct is distraught when one of their detectives from the anti-crime unit is found murdered. Carl Desmond was shot in the head and his body was thrown in a dumpster. His colleagues and grieving widow, Mary Beth suspects that his murder was an act of revenge by someone he had previously put away. Karen is put in charge of the case, as she and the rest of the detectives must tread carefully in the investigation into the murder of one of their own.

When Mary Beth's past infidelities come to light, Tom and Marty investigate a married man named Don Bellamy whom she was having an affair with. While going in a different direction, Karen and Jim put their reputation on line with other cops at their squad when their main suspect is Carl's partner, Eric who had put in a request for a transfer a week before the murder. In the midst of the investigation, a frustrated Jim confronts Marty who is purposely making things difficult for him by rearranging the squad so that he would walk