January 1997 in Glitter City. There's a place down near the docks that's a favourite with international sailors. It's called "The Magic Market"; it's a strip club.

Susan Carlisle is a dancer at the club, and is a popular choice for the vistors. What very few know -- either alive or dead -- is that she's the Retainer of Afterliving's Fist of the Velvet Glove.

Her co-worker and acquaintance is Afterliving Lady Kaarina who finds being a Stripper a good way to handle the groceries. She's got big plans for a dance studio and Retainers of her own.

When well-loved co-worker suddenly vanishes without a trace, the pair team up to crack the case. However, this is Glitter City, and nothing is ever simple or obvious.

Add to the complications what was supposed to be a purely professional theatre kiss that gets them both yearning for more, and soon the pair are more than partners in crime.

Can the new lovers stay ahead of the on-rushing weight of history? As professional killers, old foes, and new villains begin to threaten everything she holds dear, Susan has to question herself and Kaarina ... where do the lines of love, loyalty and obligation get crossed, for good?