Derek Hislop. A harmless, lonely guy willing to do anything for the right girl. So why would someone go to the extremes of torturing him to death... with a branding iron? What did he do for love and why did it cost him his life? Homicide is drawn into the dark world of sex-slave trading, where intimidation guarantees silence. When Derek's girlfriend is found beaten, bound and gagged, the team must break through the circle of fear to uncover the cruel hand behind the scenes. The return of journalist Kim Charlton causes tension between new guy DSC Nick Buchanan and Matt. Journos and cops have different motives when seeking the truth, and certainly different methods. Nick sides with Kim when she proposes a risky plan, but will her strategy put more lives in danger?