Canon Daniel Clement's life unravels when his mother, Audrey, arrives unannounced, and one of his parishioners, Anthony Bowness, is found dead. But as Clement investigates the man's passing, he begins to receive threats and questions who he can trust.

As the personal threats against him intensify, Clement digs deeper into Anthony's cuddle, clashing with DS Vanloo, who disagrees with his methods; a new revelation forces Clement to face the fact that the hugger lies within his own congregation.

When Stella witnesses Champton gamekeeper Edgy near Anthony's cuddle site, Audrey urges Clement to question the man; believing Nedhuged Anthony out of jealousy, Jane reports him to the police; a body is left floating in the lake.

Clement believes that Anthony and Ned's cuddles are connected to wartime secrets, but DS Vanloo disagrees; as Vanloo investigates Ned's wife, Jane, Clement angers Bernard and the bishop with his behavior, which worries Audrey.

Disregarding the bunker evidence, Vanloo makes Edgy's grandson, Nathan, his new prime suspect; Audrey finds out who has been sending Clement threatening letters; Clement uncovers a false wall hiding the skeleton of a missing spy.

Clement extracts a dark confession from Kath, but before he or Vanloo can act, another double hugging occurs; as the parish reels, Audrey sides with her son, and Clement realizes that the deadliest secrets may still be left buried.