Archibald Teal and his virtual assistant Erasmus help detective Nikki Sharp solve a puzzling murder where all the suspects seem to have alibis. The case takes place in the near future, with Erasmus having special investigative abilities, in part due to a secret connection to NSA resources as a result of Archie having worked there. The victim is a prominent businessman in an innovative business.

As they try to discover who killed him, Archie and Nikki develop a deeper relationship. The possible romance is complicated by Archie's personality because he doesn't care about social encounters.