With elections looming, the British government rolls out Operation Virtus, a massive investigation tasked with tackling the issue of illegal immigration into the UK. As punishment for previous insubordination, DS Raymond Jackson is assigned the apparently mundane task of collating information on behalf of this cross-divisional operation. In addition, he is ordered to simultaneously handhold a greenhorn throughout the process in the form of new recruit, DC Jason Stephenson.
But when DI Rosie Blake mysteriously disappears and a new, potent grade of heroin starts hitting the streets, Tarnside police force suddenly find their resources stretched to the limit. As increasing numbers of users become victims of an accidental overdose, it becomes clear that it is a race against time to prevent more people dying.
Then an horrific murder is committed.
In short order, the local force receive an outrageous ransom demand - one million pounds for the safe return of their officer.
A local, small-time street dealer and a young, homeless girl with a speech impediment hold vital clues ultimately separating life from death. Manning a skeleton team and with limited experience, DS Jackson is caught in a race against time to decipher the connections.
In the end, he will have to take a leap of faith...