A trip to Canberra with the widow of the murdered NSO agent leads Malik face-to-face with an old foe. But his absence from Major Crime causes problems as the squad investigates a mysterious crossbow killing. Inspector Wright juggles professional and personal problems, as her own brother is the target of a hitman.

Inspector Wright and the Major Crime team unite to track down the men behind the attempt on her brother's life, at the same time trying to prevent Wright's father from seeking vigilante justice. Meanwhile, a respected transplant surgeon is murdered. Malik's wife, fed up with his obsession with work, makes a startling decision.

When a truck driver is killed and a haul of fertilizer stolen, Malik and Skerritt fear a possible terrorist attack. The race is on to find the men responsible. Is this event connected with the car bomb that killed Agent Angleton? Malik knows he must do everything in his power to stop another catastrophe, including using his connections in the Muslim community and putting his life on the line.