In this, the second instalment of the van Tonder series, we are introduced to a young Esopus van Tonder - from his time in the military, to his induction into the newly formed Unit 1, and the initial makings of the legendary detective he would one day become.
The year is 1979 and Unit 1 is serving on security detail for their former commander and front runner in the upcoming national elections, Jimmy Jacobs, who had spent two years in an enemy internment camp after a mission had gone awry.
Esopus must fight to keep Jacobs alive when an assassin makes him his target. But who could be coming after this war hero? Is it the Soviets? Maybe the government themselves, trying to get rid of their political rival? Or is there something more sinister afoot?