In 1985 Will Sanders questions why the Red Cross may still be distributing tainted blood when safe, heat-treated product is available. Margaret Sanders battles the prejudice surrounding AIDS.

In 1987, hemophiliacs untouched by AIDS believe blood products are safe. But one company's heat-treating process proves flawed and seven more people, five of them children, are infected. Brash and outspoken hemophiliac, Jim Krepke joins the fight. Will has a victory while Ben seeks direction. Alice and Peter try to pull themselves together.

Over the early 90's, victims of tainted blood begin to come forward and pressure the government with lawsuits. With Margaret's help, the Hemophilia Society works tirelessly behind the scenes for compensation. Lucky to avoid HIV, Ryan Sanders suffers through the side-effects of treatment for Hepatitis C. Peter meets Darby and despite his HIV, they fall in love. Having finished the archival history, Ben starts work on a more personal book but it causes further rift between him and Peter.