How long was it since the Department had mounted an operation? Too long. Now it has a job on its hands. Uncertain evidence suggests Soviet missiles being put in place close to the German border, while vital film has gone missing and a courier is dead. The Department has to find an old hand who will prove its mettle. Fred Leiser, a German-speaking Pole turned Englishman, once a qualified radio-operator, now something in the motor trade, must be called back to the colours and sent East...