Reclusive mathematician Stephen Ezard returns to England after years in China, finds his brother's widow, and becomes entangled in a plot involving a new national database (TIA) and a terrorist scheme.
Stephen Ezard returns home from China for his brother's funeral and finds himself drawn into an intrigue when he tries to determine the circumstances of his death.
Stephen continues his search for Yasim as two groups track his movements, TIA marketing intensifies at Parliament, and an unexpected illegal debarks at the port.
Russell saves Yasim and Stephen against his better judgment, the government becomes suspicious of Stephen, an unexpected player joins the game.
Stephen deals with a rival for Yasim's affections and sudden homelessness after his identity is removed from the database.
As Stephen finally pieces together the conspiracy, Michael's illness worsens and another moves to tie up all the loose ends.
