Following the murder of a young, well-liked man in the small, peaceful community of Pedley, Tom Harrison's world is plunged into turmoil. Determined to protect his niece Brigit from Scorpio, a notorious drug syndicate, he engages in numerous ploys to deter the villains from their unrelenting pursuit. Tom takes the initiative in finding a sanctuary for Brigit, believing that the authorities will not be able to protect her. Following a spate of murders and the eventual kidnapping of his niece, Tom enlists the help of the colourful Hamish O'Connor and Arthur Simpson. It quickly becomes apparent that the syndicate's headquarters are concealed within the town itself, but to gain entry into enemy territory they must unravel a series of arcane and perplexing clues. As the drug underworld erupts in violent rivalry, Tom himself comes under suspicion.