The two central characters, Louise Copperfield and Charlotte Hoar, are connected by the same man, their high school teacher David Bannister. As adults, they react in different ways to their early sexual experiences; one with emotional difficulties for which she blames herself and the other with feelings of worthlessness. Louise is stalked by someone who wishes to destroy her through a series of spiteful attacks. When Frank leaves her, she finds the Family Court is not sympathetic to her claim for the custody of Alexander. .Alone and depressed, Louise is haunted by her memories of David Bannister's actions on an innocent girl. As her depression worsens, she loses her job as a nurse. A friendly priest gives Louise purpose and she begins to fight back, helped by the man she realises she truly loves.