Philip Nicholson's novel features his popular character Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion, in his first appearance. In Italy, wealthy families often hire bodyguards to protect family members from the threat of kidnapping. Creasy's life is shattered when Pinta is kidnapped by the Mafia, despite his efforts to protect her. He is wounded during the kidnapping and as he lies in a hospital bed Guido keeps him informed of the goings on. But, unknown to all, Creasy was in fact alive and makes it back to Gozo.