Feodorovski tries to arrange a meeting with Philip W. Sinclair, Ambassador to Switzerland. Feodorovski was making this offer in the firm belief its discovery would guarantee world peace by continuing the balance of power.

Slater’s hiatus had been offered because of Slater’s and the Agency’s realization of the intense emotional pressure that had – finally – almost crippled him. The offer had been for three years at full pay. The offer had been made due to his highly valued services as a counterintelligence agent and in the belief that Slater was irreplaceable. It had continued for five years and Slater felt obliged to accept.

Almost immediately Slater found himself faced – alone – forced to commit an act totally against the person he believed himself to be and contrary to his concept of the Intelligence Mission and its primary role.

What happens next is Slater’s attempt to deal with a role he had never believed he would or could perform, encountering very interesting people and revealing what really goes on in the world of espionage.