The novel begins with Bernard Samson visiting his old friend and ex-SIS colleague in Washington named Jim Prettyman as part of an investigation regarding a substantial amount of missing agency funds.

All his allies start losing interest in the investigation, and after digging deeper Bernard is sent to America once again.

In California, he meets Bret Rensselaer, who Samson believed had died after a shootout.

Bernard's escape from the Military Police buys him time to seek an explanation from the Berlin Station Chief, Frank Harrington, before disappearing into the night.

Publishers Weekly gave a positive review, writing that "Deighton mesmerizes the reader...The suspense is inexorable.