1968-Hank Somers, a highly regarded project consultant, has restarted an assignment interrupted by the Arab-Israeli War. But Hank never expected that his project-to help structure an organization to manage private companies sanctioned by the Iraqi government-would lead to adventure and intrigue in the coming months. Although the industrial minister is friendly, he warns Hank of elements in the government hostile to American involvements. Two coups in Baghdad result in the Ba'ath Party taking power, placing Hank's team under intense scrutiny, and making their security increasingly uncertain. Hank gets assistance from Mustapha Barzani, head of the Kurds, to plan a flight out of Iraq for his team and relatives of Iraqi officials. But during the exit journey, Hank, an Iraqi team member, and an American intelligence agent are captured and tortured in a Kirkuk police post. Hank and his associates only have two choices-attempt to escape yet again or die trying.