Det. Insp. Resnick is troubled by a court case involving a molested child but befriends sympathetic social worker Rachel Chaplin. He and his team investigate the murder of Shirley Peters believing it was her ex-boyfriend.
After second woman is murdered, a number lonely hearts letters are discovered which link it to the Shirley Peters case. Charlie Resnick's relationship with Rachel Chaplin causes a bitter breakup with her boyfriend Chris.
Charlie Resnick is convinced that William Doria is the "Lonely Hearts" murderer. He has a history of sadomasochism and knew both victims. Rachel is being stalked be her ex-boyfriend and believes that he could harm her.