Novel set in the late twentieth century. The protagonist, Connor Fitzgerald, is a Vietnam War veteran and, years later, a valuable CIA agent. He is married to Maggie and they have a daughter, Tara, who is finishing her studies; she and her fiancé plan to marry soon. Mother and daughter talk frequently on the phone. Both are used to not knowing anything about the missions Connor is given. Presidential elections are to be held in Russia. Zerimski is a candidate. In Colombia, a presidential election candidate has been assassinated; everything points to a professional assassination. As Fitzgerald's retirement draws near, he receives a job offer in another city. He perceives that his boss, Helen Dexter, is trying to lure him away from Washington. In this context, he receives a mission to carry out in Russia.
The book is written with mastery of technique, and captures the reader's attention from the start.