Accusations are levelled at the police when a convicted killer gets the chance to appeal his sentence.Detective Inspector Pat North is assigned to the re-investigation of an eight year old murder case in which James McCready was convicted of killing his partner, Gary Meadows. McCready has always claimed that the stabbing was a tragic accident and when fresh evidence comes to light he wins the support of gay barrister and MP Robert Rylands, who sets about stirring media interest in the case as he campaigns for an appeal.When North discovers that her partner, Detective Superintendent Mike Walker led the original police inquiry, their fledgling relationship is put to the test, particularly when she starts to suspect that he is covering something up. Could Walker have tampered with evidence to frame an innocent man? McCready wins the right to an appeal and his case is looking strong. Will Walker unearth the fresh evidence he needs in time to save his career, his relationship and his reputation?