This story unfolds against the twin backdrops of the emerging women's suffrage movement and the dark underbelly of Victorian Edinburgh. Louisa, in the course of her work with the city's neglected and vulnerable children, unwittingly encounters the illicit trade in young girls. This discovery leads her into peril, whereby her very life and virtue are at stake.
Galbraith, the ruthless proprietor of the Gideon Gentlemen's Club and procurer of young girls for the pleasure of his wealthy patrons, has plans to punish Louisa for daring to bring the police down upon his premises and lucrative business. Louisa's fate is far from safe.