On a drizzly afternoon, Stephanie runs into Secundus ("Secco") Frome, an old school friend. On the bus, remembering teenage shenanigans-including a near-romantic moment at a school disco and tales of Black Moroccan smoking and ghost hunting-their chemistry rekindles. But disaster happens when the bus smashes beneath a low bridge. Secco and Stephanie, on the bottom deck, survive the crash, whereas many of their fellow passengers are killed. Secco and Stephanie are rescued by a sympathetic couple, Derek and Marsha, who offer comfort with tea and whiskey in the mayhem that erupts as emergency services descend on the tragedy. Reunited by circumstance, the two visit a rowdy Clifton party and finally act on their long-buried passion. Something happens the following morning that will change their lives forever.

Secco is hospitalized after a car accident, bonding with nurse Becci and physiotherapist Grant. Relocated to a safe house in Congresbury, their fragile peace is shattered by stalker Victor, whom Stephanie kills in self-defense. Remanded to prison, Stephanie faces danger as a fake lawyer poisons her cellmate Annie, exposing sinister ties. Meanwhile, Officer Julia and Alicia escape kidnappers. Fleeing to St Malo, France, Secco and Stephanie work on tourist boat Moody, befriending locals Pierre, Bâton, and Elodie. Their travels span Italy and Portugal. In Morocco, Pierre and Elodie board a plane to Kenya, betrayed by the pilot. Returning to St Malo, they find the Moody gone, sparking a chase where Bâton distracts arresting officers.

Inspector Bryan commandeers the Moody in Morocco, vanishing. The ending is a conclusion with a taste of ambiguity, allowing the reader to draw conclusions regarding freedom, loyalty, and redemption.