James Brooklands is charged with the death of a woman and her two children whom he struck with his car. Brooklands was using his mobile phone at the time and didn't have a valid driver's license. His barristers now argue that their client has had a complete mental breakdown and is unable to proceed with his defense. Sitting in the Civil Court, Deed finds himself hearing a case where Jo Mills and and his ex-wife Georgina Channing are the opposing barristers. The case involves a brain tumor patient who is suing her cellphone company. The government is very concerned at the effect this could have on industry and Deed finds himself under great pressure to recuse himself. Deed also finds himself having to deal with a new presiding judge, Monty Everard, with whom he has clashed in the past. Everard, he learns, will be presiding at Jo Mills' disciplinary hearing.

Judge Deed hears the case against a sitting Member of Parliament, Alan Roxborough, who is accused of the attempted murder of his one-time male lover as he tried to recover indiscreet letters he sent to him. Jo Mills is slowly getting into the government's good books and is asked to prosecute the case. Deed's good friend Row Colemore, who is fast approaching retirement, tells him that he has concerns about the quality of police evidence. Both Deed and Mills soon realize however that there seems to be a conspiracy underway to ensure an acquittal in the case. Deed continues his psychotherapy as he attempts to deal with his inability to form lasting relationships with women. He relationship with his therapist however takes an interesting turn.