When he was a young man he interviewed Edwin Lemaster, a writer of spy novels and a former CIA agent. In a drunken moment, Lemaster hints that once he toyed with the idea of becoming a double agent for the Soviet Union. Bill publishes this little snippet in his interview. It marks the end of his career as a journalist. The flack starts flying, pressure is brought to bear, and Bill ends up as a PR hack, a profession he despises. The years pass and Bill and his father (who used to be in the diplomatic service) attend the funeral of one of his father's old colleagues. The funeral is crowded with retired secret agents and Bill feels old desires stirring. He resolves to re-open his investigation into the possible treachery of Edwin Lemaster.