Following his shocking discovery on the banks of the Thames, Inspector Marlott visits the house of artist and printmaker William Blake, who is on his deathbed but receives Marlott as a prophet of things to come. Later, Marlott confers with Nightingale, a local policeman who has been keeping watch on The Fortune of War, a public house known as a place where body snatchers gather. The pair set up a cunning sting to capture a person of interest who may be able to help them with their investigation.

Marlott takes a terrified Pritty on their assignation to meet the men who kill for money – they find themselves in the tunnels under Smithfield market, which run from the Fortune of War pub to St Bart's Hospital.

Flora has returned to Marlott's lodgings, but now she is back Marlott intends to use her as bait for the murderous gang, much against Nightingale's wishes.