Mannion probes the apparent suicide by hanging of a congressional lobbyist who was about to reveal the names of top officials involved in the exchange of sexual favors for votes. The reporter she was giving the news also has a history with Chief Mannion's family almost becoming Mannion's son-in-law five years ago. Also, a school teacher fights for health care reforms for students and families.

An old black man is murdered around midnight after visiting the Korean War Memorial. The investigation reveals that he may have been connected to a jazz singer's death in the 1950s, which also involves Ella's uncle. He is Ella's long-lost uncle. In the meantime, Mannion refuses to let Sherry move into Ella's old office.