Early one morning, two bombs explode in an East London street. Forewarned of the attack, Thomas Pitt of the Special Branch arrives in time to chase the bombers to a tenement in Long Spoon Lane. There, two men are arrested and one shot dead - but who fired? As Pitt investigates, he uncovers truths more disturbing than the acts of a few misguided idealists. There's a web of corruption within the police force and all the clues point to Inspector Wetron of Bow Street as its mastermind. But as head of the sinister Inner Circle, Wetron has powerful allies in every sphere.