Senior Sergeant James Roxby in the small town of Durrell, detailing an initial violent encounter that suggests a dangerous past catching up to him. Further sections reveal Roxby's background, from his family's arrival in Australia and his military service, including time in the SASR, to his transition into the Victoria Police and his involvement in a clandestine unit led by Commander Damien Burgess. The narrative follows Roxby and his partner Piet Retief as they investigate illicit activities, including a significant drug and tobacco operation linked to a Federal Member of Parliament, showcasing their methods and the perilous nature of their work. Ultimately, the excerpts culminate in Roxby's return to Durrell, where he faces new threats connected to his past, setting the stage for further conflict and resolution.