When Howarad and Felton are summoned to a grisly crime scene, Howard snaps and heads home to the Chesapeake Bay. Back home, she's soon investigating the murder of a local conservationist. Howard suspects a local oysterman may be involved. She soon finds herself investigating friends, family and an old flame, Chick Tawes. Back in Baltimore, Giardello assigns Pembleton as Felton's temporary partner. To their shock and amazement, they work well together and come to an understanding.