When Sam falls in love with Deptford thug Derek and Anne’s best friend Kathleen takes her own life they discover they are linked not just by a world of drugs and revenge - they also share the friendship of the uncanny and enigmatic Deborah. Seamstress sailor story-teller and self-proclaimed centenarian immortal Deborah slowly reveals to Anne and Sam her improbable fantastical life a history of hidden Deptford and ultimately the solution to their crises.