The abduction of a prominent member of the London County Council introduces Reid to Councilor Jane Cobden, the first woman appointed to the LCC - because it appears the kidnappers are radical supporters of Cobden's aims. Long Susan is taken by force to the gang's hideout, and she soon finds herself growing sympathetic to her captors' lives and aims.

An Irish bomber is sprung from prison and barely a day later a prominent opponent of the Home Rule movement is murdered. Chief Inspector Abberline is convinced that the Irish Republican Brotherhood is active once more and orders Reid to send the Irish DC Flight undercover into Whitechapel's Irish community.