MarthaisatlastaQC,makingherseniortoReader.TheirfirstcasetogetherisdefendingtaciturnthugBrendanKay,musclefortheinfamouscriminalFarrfamily,accusedofhalf-blindingamotoristwhofellfoulofbossJodyFarr.MarthabelievesFarr'sinfluentialsolicitor,sharpMickyJoyandFarrareconspiringtostitchuptheinnocentKayforacrimeFarrcommitted.BattlingagainstbothformidableprosecutorCarolineWarwickandheadofchambersAlanCowdreyforFarr,MarthafindsthatReaderprovestobeanultimatehelptoher.Healsohasasolocase,defendingkillerFatimaAli,referredbyfemalesolicitorGeorgeDuggan,whoresistshiseffortstopursueherromantically.