The year is 1857, and on the LNWR train to London, a criminal is being escorted to his appointment with the hangman. But Jeremy Oxley, conman, thief and murderer, has one last ace up his sleeve: a beautiful and ruthless accomplice willing to do anything to save her lover. Inspector Robert Colbeck is dreaming of his wedding as he enters Superintendent Tallis's office. There he learns that Oxley, his nemesis, has once again escaped. No matter the cost, he must bring the murderous Oxley to justice once and for all.