Carl Galton, who runs a protection racket, seeks revenge after his brother Mark is hospitalised by Jimmy Chaulker. His father believes he has sorted him out but Carl has very different ideas by burning down his empire.

With Chalker dying of a heart attack and his son on the run, Carl and his gang take over his club. Chalker's former bookkeeper Con agrees to hand over the remainder of the details but collecting needs violence.

Carl wants to strongarm Klein out of business but gangster Tony Slater has already bought a stake in his empire. Meanwhile, Marty confesses to Carl that he's gay and is conflicted while his wife Linda is terrified he will discover her affair.

Marty's cracking up and tries to use his sexuality to goad Carl. Slater arranges a meeting with Carl as he acts as middleman for Dot Fleming and her American backers. Plans to rob Klein's lorry shipment ends badly

Carl's botched lorry hijack leaves Marty dead. Con has been playing both sides against each other and vanishes. Slater invites Carl and Linda to the village fair, believing his claiming the spoils are due.