Ambitious teenager John Ibrahim earns respect when he cheats death and buys into his first nightclub. Naive country girl Kim Hollingsworth takes her first steps into prostitution, starting a chain of events that will rock the Golden Mile.

Corrupt detectives organise an elaborate drug "sting" for their own profit. Meanwhile, senior police fear rampant corruption could lead to a royal commission.

John Ibrahim dodges death after being shot, and gets some powerful career advice from George Freeman. Detective Trevor Haken strikes a profitable deal to control the drug trade in Kings Cross. Kim turns her back on prostitution and applies to join the NSW Police.