In the fall a woman's body is found at the Calabasas landfill. She is remarkably attractive and unblemished. She's also dead. She is naked except for a red chemise. She has been placed with care but there is nothing to identify her by. Captain Roberts of the LAPD has called in Carrick to help with this suspicious death.

All leads end up nowhere. But it appears she's not the only woman found dead at the landfill. Back on New Year's day of two thousand a woman was similarly found. She too was unblemished, attractive and left with care. Both of these women had recently had intercourse before their deaths. The cold case from two thousand was handled by Carrick's mentor, retired detective Armando Ferrari.

With the help of the FBI, Carrick learns that there are an additional three cases where women, deceased and having recently had intercourse ended up dead in public areas. Carrick believes this to be an international prostitution ring of sorts.

The security guard at the landfill appears helpful, but when he turns up dead is that the end of the trail of clues? Or perhaps Carrick has other avenues to explore. From Moscow to LA these crimes seemingly involve the LAPD Chief of Police and Carrick's ex-wife's current husband.