The handsome Ben Thomas is one of four deputies to the Director of Education in a town hall in the south of England. His main interests are his feud with Andy Patfoul, an Inspector; his pursuit of Linda Foxton, his would-be girlfriend; and his love of intrigue.
This leads him into the clutches of a powerful politician who wants Ben to take part in an ambitious scheme to renovate the city. He also becomes involved with a devious priest. He humiliates the headteacher in an interview and his wife suspects his affair with Lindy. He appoints a useless candidate to Andy's team. His father-in-law evicts him from his home. His enemies are meeting each other. Ben needs a miracle!