Inspector Lynley and DS Havers investigate the murder of Eric Ramsey, a doorkeeper at the House of Lords. Ramsey was found floating in the Thames badly beaten with his hands bound behind his back. Their investigation reveals that Ramsey was a gambler and had gotten into severe debt in a multi-level marketing scheme. He had also opened a bank account that now held 15,000 pounds. A second murder leads Lynley to believe that the murders may have to do with the awarding of a major defence contract. Havers has taken to meeting men via an introduction service.
—garykmcd