John's words come back to haunt him, while his brother abducts drug dealer Darryl Christie and recruits ex-army comrades for a risky raid. John hears his paralysed former partner's confession.
Hard-up Michael Rebus' rash act in Fife has bloody consequences for his brother John facing a fatal confrontation. Meanwhile, Siobhan finds out who stopped the street attack, and John confesses to contact with criminal Cafferty.
A violent street attack is investigated by DS John Rebus and new detective Siobhan Clarke. However, it's John's family that pose unexpected problems, along with an awkward affair.