Miami's best-dressed serial killer is back and on the prowl - as least he would be if he could shake his permanent shadow. Ever since their paths first crossed, Sergeant Doakes hasn't let Dexter Morgan out of his sight. Dexter may well be the Miami PD's blood-spatter analyst, but Sgt. Doakes has a pretty good idea of how Dexter likes to spend his free time and he's determined to catch him in the act.

Dexter hasn't killed in months and is getting twitchy. To throw Doakes off his scent, he's spending more time with Rita, his girlfriend. But no matter how many cosy nights they spend in front of the TV, Doakes is still watching.

Then a body turns up and Doakes and Dexter will have to work together...if they can trust each other. It's a devil's pact and one of them will have to be the bait...