Davie McCall is nearing the end of a long prison sentence following the events of Blood City. As well as forcing him to grow up fast, prison has introduced him to a new cast of criminals and unfortunates. Fellow inmate Sammy tells him that he knew his father, bringing back painful memories for Davie. Meanwhile, Davie's old adversaries, detectives Frank Donovan and Jack Bannatyne are investigating the brutal murder of a young female student. Davie's old flame, reporter Audrey Fraser is putting together a series on the drug trade in the West of Scotland for the Daily Record.