DCI Julie Ashton is presented with a very unusual case, not the actual case as such, but the people involved.

Professor Eugene Algernon Blackthorne, a doctor of law, and opted out, now a trumpet player in a syncopated band. Julie had to literally translate for her officers, his words, being flowery, and old fashioned.

Seven very cleaver musicians made up the band, with ten degrees between them, including doctorates, and as Julie had said, burnt out, at twenty-four.

Skins Malone, the percussionist, as the professor had told Julie that; "His demise, t'was as he hit the high hat, in a final, flurry."

Julie realised that he meant Skins was dead, murdered. She now had to get them to relate their past, but getting their names was almost impossible, until she threatened them with jail; a night in her cells only worked, partially.

It took all of her patience and skill to find out that the band were all in danger of meeting their deaths by a drug gang.

The gang from Blythe did not want them to testify as witnesses to them dealing.