The department is still reeling with the recent departure of Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, creating a tough transition for the newly appointed head of Major Crimes, Captain Sharon Raydor. But there is little time for adjustment as the department rushes to reach a plea bargain when a string of grocery store robberies turns fatal. After proving to be a valuable source for the case, undercover police detective and military veteran Detective Amy Sykes is transferred to Major Crimes. Meanwhile, Raydor takes a big step to protect teenager Rusty Beck after he runs away from his foster family.

Clues and facts become hazy when the crew investigates a deadly car accident at a nightclub. Meanwhile, harsh truths surface when Raydor tries to locate Rusty's mother.