A five-year-old abused girl dies during a field trip to a Naval museum in Washington, DC. Harm, taking a strong personal interest, investigates. He and LCdr. Coulter find many answers plus the victim's twin sister. Bud passes the bar exam.

Bud receives a promotion from lieutenant (junior grade) to full lieutenant; then Bud Sr. enters in uniform, announces that the Navy has recalled him to active duty to try him at a court-martial (for larceny and wrongful disposition of government property), and he asks Bud to defend him. Harm prosecutes, Bud defends, and Bud Sr. assaults and batters a government witness. Bud proves to be a vigorous and aggressive adversary at trial. Bud and Harriet throw a wetdown party at Murphy's Tavern.