A serial killer is stalking Cardiff, writing the word “Torchwood” in his victims' blood. A chemical analysis of hairs found at the scene shows that the murderer had his memory wiped using the retcon drug at some point. Worried that retcon may have a delayed psychotic effect, Jack reluctantly agrees to let Gwen use the resurrection gauntlet which led to the undoing of Suzie Costello. Questioning the victims, they learn of a man called Max, who seems to have been a friend of Suzie's. With the clock ticking, Jack is faced with the grim prospect of allowing the gauntlet to be used one more time: to revive their traitorous former colleague.