Palfrey's assistant, Blair, gets recruited by another department to investigate a suspected Soviet agent--a Czech-born woman with whom Blair once had an affair. But Palfrey believes the department may have hidden motives for requesting Blair's aid.
A former British agent who defected to the Soviet Union makes an unannounced return, threatening to embarrass both countries. Under instructions to silence him, Palfrey decides to up the stakes.
A tell-all book alleges that the British government assassinated an Iranian general in the 1950s and helped topple a regime. Ordered to prevent its publication, Palfrey suspects a government cover-up.
A disgruntled former government official believes that double agents still work in the intelligence service--and threatens to tip off the press unless something is done. The Coordinator assigns Palfrey to head him off.
On advice from the CIA, Palfrey surveils an American aerospace engineer suspected of passing the Soviets classified information about an Anglo-American defense project. It looks like the case may unearth the mole, but can Palfrey trust the CIA?
A contact at the Soviet embassy informs the Coordinator that one of her agents is "playing a double game." Since she doesn't hold this agent in high regard, the Coordinator tells Palfrey to look into it--but he suspects a set up.
