Detective Kevin Corcoran begins to question the motives behind strongholds of the Five Points community, and he solicits coppers of the Sixth Precinct to suss out the truth. In a collision of public and private spheres, Robert Morehouse's marriage creates strife in his business ventures. The Freeman family struggles to maintain their freedom and well-being while confronting bigots in their community.

On the move, evading retaliation, Detective Kevin Corcoran works to remain hidden while seeing through events he set in motion. Old loyalties are tested and unlikely friends are made as the people of Five Points and uptown struggle to maintain their foothold in a city driven by vengeance. A catastrophic national event shatters the hope of smooth post-war recovery for not only the people of New York City, but also the United States at large.