Steve Hennessey is still on the run. However, Kenny, a small-time crook and criminal colleague of Steve’s, is facing an attempted murder charge after a bank job went wrong and he wants to make a deal with the cops. Kenny used to use the Hennesseys’ safe house whenever the heat "got a bit tropical" and he is sure that is where Steve is hiding now and offers Peter Faithful the address as part of a plea bargain.

Life is rough for Shirl Hennessey. Her son, Steve, is dead, shot by police. Her other son, Mal, is facing a possible life sentence for murder. She is left at home with her daughter, Rhonda, daughter-in-law Kirsty and their children. However, when she is arrested for shoplifting and possession of a pen pistol, Shirl sees a chance to get the break she needs—a short stint in jail away from life's pressures.

Shane, the youngest of the Hennessey brothers, ends up before magistrate Glenda de Bono for a second time when he is arrested and charged over a vicious assault and burglary. It was almost a year since de Bono put Shane on a good behaviour bond after he stole a car and became involved in a high-speed police chase.