Harry and Nikki deal with the case of a young woman who is found dead in an animal shelter. Her dead body has obviously been posed and the autopsy reveals she may have been tortured before death. Information from police intelligence suggests that they may be dealing with a group of radical animal rights activists. It all becomes quite personal for Harry when Nikki is taken prisoner. It's also a difficult time for Leo who has been asked to appear before a medical council hearing and testify on the propriety of a close friend's medical research. Harry has been offered a prestigious chair at an American university, but has had difficulty discussing the issue with his colleagues, especially Nikki.

Harry and the police desperately search for Nikki as they continue to find more bodies. The animal rights activists' target is a well known pharmaceutical firm that is undertaking research on behalf of the government. Leo finally decides on a course of action in testifying at the medical council hearing.