Conspiracy of Violence

The dour days of Cromwell are over and London is freed from the strictures of the Protectorate, but many have lost their livelihoods. One is Thomas Chaloner, spy for the Secretary of State, John Thurloe. His erstwhile boss, knowing he has many enemies at court, recommends Thomas to Lord Clarendon, in return that Thomas keep him informed of any plot against him. But what Thomas discovers is that greed and self-interest are uppermost in men's minds whoever is in power, and that his life has no value to either side.