When an old college friend pays Alex Calder an unexpected visit, he is drawn once more into the City's shady underbelly. For Kim is married to Todd, son of South African newspaper tycoon Cornelius van Zyl. Todd wants Alex's help to investigate the mystery of his mother's murder 18 years previously.
It was assumed Martha was shot by guerrillas, but the recent discovery of a letter sent shortly before her death now suggests a crime far closer to home. When an attempt on his life puts Todd in a coma, Alex vows to uncover the truth. Then a sudden blast shatters his world.