Mia Lorimer claims to have been raped in attempt to hide being abused by her husband, Brett Lorimer. Their tenants, Jonah and Linnie Malcolm, are aware of the abuse, but in fear of being evicted, do not report it. With the help of Linnie, Detective Benson gets Mia to confess to being beaten by Brent, and sends her to a battered women's shelter. After Brett is arrested and makes bail, Mia returns to her husband and drops all charges to Detective Benson's dismay. Devoted to Mia's safety, Detective Benson hides in the secret stairway of the Lorimer, leading her to come across another case of spousal abuse and murder.