Two window-washers who want to form a union ask for McCall's help when they are threatened by their murderous employer. Meanwhile, McCall's housekeeper moves into his townhouse temporarily for a few days with her two young sons in tow.

A serial killer is targeting New York's lonely single women who respond to a Lonely Hearts newspaper ad. His calling card is an orchid he pins to the body. Meanwhile, McCall is writing an article about Robert E Lee for a military magazine and trying to help a young actress from being exploited by a pimp.