The plot finds Bosch juggling two investigations: one an old cold-case murder that was reactivated by a new lead from DNA evidence, and the other the death of a politically-connected power broker in a fall from a hotel balcony.

Pell agrees to an interview, reporting that during his childhood his mother dated a man known as "Chill" who sexually abused him and beat him with a belt – accounting for the transfer of his blood to Price's body.

The victim is the son of Irvin Irving, formerly Bosch's nemesis at LAPD and now a member of the Los Angeles City Council.

Due to unusual marks on George's body indicating he'd been in a choke hold shortly before his death, Bosch initially suspects homicide.

Bosch believes a former police officer, who now co-owns a taxi company, sneaked into George's room and committed the murder.

Bosch learns that George's friendship had ended due to his backroom dealings, he was experiencing depression caused by his son leaving for college, and his marriage was failing.

Bosch and Chu return to the Price investigation, identifying "Chill" as Chilton Hardy, Jr., a man with a minor criminal history.

Bosch receives a warning from his former partner, Kiz Rider, who now works as an assistant to the chief of police: the Hardy case is being delayed until after the city council election as part of an effort to defeat Irvin.