What is the main conflict in Along Came a Spider by James Patterson?

Along Came a Spider is a novel centered on Washington D.C. police detective Alex Cross. Cross and his partner are investigating a group of murders in the poor section of the capitol when they are suddenly pulled away to investigate a high profile kidnapping. Despite his anger at his boss's priorities, Cross finds himself drawn into the kidnapping plot, crossing boundaries that find him accusing his lover of murder. Along Came a Spider is a novel of mystery, romance, and social responsibility that is as thought provoking as it is entertaining.