Racketeer Harry Starks sees Teddy Thursby, an impecunious peer of the realm with a predilection for young men, as a means of joining the Establishment, legitimising his business dealings, and obtaining real status and power. And when Teddy suggests an opportunity overseas, Harry is keen to invest.

Ruby Ryder is just the sort of faded celebrity that Harry likes, so when he turns the club into an erotic revue, he employs her to choreograph the strip shows and liaise with the corrupt Inspector Mooney over the porn racket. Ruby's problems start when she takes a shine to Harry's latest plaything, Tommy.

When one of his former rent boys is found murdered, Inspector Mooney infers that Harry is responsible. With the help of low-life speed dealer Jimmy, Harry determines to find the truth but could it really be Harry that is to blame for the boy's death?

In the final part of the dramatisation of Jake Arnott's acclaimed novel, Harry Starks is now in prison serving 25 years. When a naive young criminologist called Lenny meets Harry, he is enthralled by him but their ensuing friendship has repercussions for them both.