Detectives Goren and Eames investigate the murder of an embalmer found in ritualistic fashion with strange markings on his chest.

During the investigation, Goren and Eames learn the victim had received an anonymous phone call a few weeks ago from a man saying embalming was not something God looked at favorably. They first suspect cultists, but that is not the case since the man wouldn't have desecrated the body. Important clues includes a passage described in the Book of Exodus (9:8-12) and fake DNA evidence.

Later, the discovery of several corpses at a crematorium that were never incinerated lead them to a family man claiming to have a consulting business, but suspected of being a clever hitman with a penchant for perfection, until Goren attempts to prove his guilt by setting up a scheme that plays on his fear of making a mistake.