The squad investigates the ""Letterhead Beatings"" in which several people have been assaulted, tied to their beds, and the first letter of their last names is carved into their foreheads. Palermo is certain there is a message here, but his inability to solve it in time to prevent further victims compounds his burn-out. When the letters add up to spell A-L-E-R-M-O, the solution appears. Palermo realizes the attacks are personal.

Chris and T.C. discover she's pregnant. T.C. proposes marriage, but Chris refuses to ""get married at the end of a shotgun."" Each fantasizes about impending parenthood, but just as they're settling into the idea, they learn that Chris is not pregnant after all.

Palermo hosts the daughter of his high school sweetheart, a young aspiring actress. A night of dinner and wine lead to lovemaking... and serious morning-after regrets from Palermo, who is already suffering from a mid-life crisis. This and the Letterhead Beatings make him question his current path in life. A