When old friends Anne and Josh Steele ask Frank Doy to look after their son, Tom, Frank can't say no; he is in terrible danger. After a drink-driving incident that took Tom's friend's life, the victim's gangster father holds him responsible and wants him dead. Frank takes his charge to an isolated cottage in wintry Northumberland, but trouble soon follows. As the lonely village is held siege during a blizzard, Frank fights to protect Tom. In the process he unravels a story at odds with the Steeles' version of events - of a dangerous business partnership turned sour, and a young man placed in jeopardy by family loyalty. The struggle returns to Teesside, where the Steeles' business empire is based. On a sinking ship off the River Tees, Frank must negotiate a deal to keep Tom - and his parents - alive.