Chicago Police Sergeant Joe Donegan came to the department with a plan. To him, the police badge is like a license to steal, a free ride, an easy way to get whatever you want, whenever you want it, without the repercussions of normal society.

And Donegan knows where to strike, knows which criminals will give in to him, without fear of them turning. When Donegan walks into a northside tavern expecting his take, he gets more than he bargained for. City Alderman Skip Murphy is walking out with a barmaid, Sophie Novak. And when Sophie disappears, Donegan volunteers to aid in the cover-up, as always, for a price.