Gus Dury is back on the drink. But when his friend, Hod, asks him to investigate the hanging of an Edinburgh University student, Gus can't resist. Especially since the victim's mother has promised a big-money reward. As Gus goes undercover at the university, taking a janitor's job, he soon uncovers a similar ritualistic hanging which took place in the 70s. Gus moves into very dangerous waters as he begins to discover who is really behind it all - and he becomes the next target for the executioner.