Phillip Brown's sister discovers a dead man, shot in the back, behind the dress shop she where she's employed. Sarah Brown begs her brother to find out who has shot the man as the shop owner is fearful and harassed, caught up in the dead man's crimes. The investigation leads Brown to danger from a notorious dockside fence. While uncovering the murder, his supervisor demands he investigate thefts at his home, the man convinced his servants are thieves. Brown uncovers the true culprit with the help of the daughter of the owner of the Wiest Cannery.

Virginia Wiest has recovered from a frightening abduction and returned from a long European holiday where she has allowed herself to heal, if she could only dismiss Phillip Brown, her rescuer, from her mind. She is able to help him discover who is selling artifacts from his supervisor's home through her society contacts. But there is no doubt Phillip Brown will be furious with her when he finds out she has placed herself in danger on the docks in an effort to keep him safe.

This historical mystery includes a Happy for Now (HFN) conclusion.