After a security guard is killed in one of New York’s classiest shops, Det. Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes) and Det. Danny Messer (Carmine Giovinazzo) are called to the scene by homicide Det. Jessica Angell (Emanuelle Vangier) to begin processing.
There is not much evidence, but the murder happened close to the dressing rooms. It's a place to start, at least. One bizarre clue turns up when Danny looks at the store videotape. A shadowy figure appears, hidden from the camera. Although practically invisible, crime lab technician Adam Ross (A. J. Buckley) explains their 'ghost' wore a jacket with reflective material which confused the live feed.
'Only in New York', but sometimes the plot is more a reflection of television writers than of cases typically handled by crime lab personnel. Anyway, there is more to this story than meets the eye.
Stella figures out the female thief whom they seek is Ava Brandt (guest star Nelly Furtado), a professional shoplifter. After Adam reviews more videotape, he says she has had experience with a bully. He knows because his father is one.
Finally, A. J. Buckley got some character distinction! This is the deepest thing his character has revealed in three seasons. I have to wonder if Adam's family history is why he became a cop. Not only does he get to help catch bad guys, but he can aid people in trouble.
The killer turns out to be a maintenance worker at the store. He and a clerk were both in on the shoplifting ring with Ava. When the guard caught on to what they were doing, he demanded a cut and died for the effort.
Across town, Det. Don Flack (Eddie Cahill) requires the assistance of Det. Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) and Dr. Sheldon Hawkes (Hill Harper) to unravel a second crime. The scene lies inside a hedge maze, but the bizarre part is the murder weapon. When Hawkes looks at the young man's body, he notices the carotid artery is open. Mac looks around and realizes the victim was backed into a statue with a sword.
Back at the lab, Dr. Sid Hammerback (Robert Joy) helps Mac realize they are dealing with a hazing ritual gone wrong. Once the detectives talk to a couple of students, the plot unfolds. The victim was writing a story for the school paper about a secret society comprised of young men from the most prestigious families.
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