In the previous book (PI Inc.), Patrick Ireland was one of Chicago's best detectives until he was seriously wounded while trying to end a war among rival juvenile gangs. Put on permanent disability, he retires to Miami and buys into a private detective agency. Along with acquiring extensive computer facilities, designed by the previous owner Andy Jackson (a geek among geeks), he also inherited Andy's right-hand man, Alejandra Maria Sanchez de Torrez (Sandy). She proved such an asset in the detective agency that, after six years, Detective Ireland turned over the reins of PI Inc. Investigative Agency to her and went to being the security officer for the condominium where he lives.