This is the second book in the series 'Dreda's Men' and follows the exploits of the men in the Taylian State Security Bureau and their ladies. A post-Napoleonic war romance about 'alpha' militia men and their feisty, strong resourceful ladies. Taylia is divided by civil war. Lady Helena von Vagna's brother has gambled most of her family's fortune away and it is rumoured he has helped the rebels. Her fiancé has deserted her and she toils to save her family farm. She has no desire to be intimate with any man, particularly the irritating, domineering, provoking Militia man Officer Peter Denman who saved her when she was being attacked by bandits. Officer Denman is intrigued by this woman. He tries to help her when she is accused of murder and follows her to the sordid bowels of the city where she is vulnerable to the attentions of pimps and brothel keepers. Lady Felea Whelani, the heroine in the first book, is now married to Francis Dreda, Commander of the Bureau. Their marriage is still tempestuous as Felea finds it difficult to conform to the expected behaviour of a dutiful nobleman's wife. Her telepathic qualities are developing and her visions are now becoming clearer. The enemies of her husband are trying to undermine and destroy him. Can she and Helena prevent them destroying all she values and loves? Can Denman manage to save Helena and claim her for himself? Will she want this ruthless militia officer?