The narrator tells the story of how he didn't know that his wife was living a double life as a CIA agent,until his wife,Susan,runs off with their two, young sons,but leaves their baby girl,Carol Ann,behind,leaving a vague note about how she'll explain everything one day.Narrator then tells readers about how he and his little girl have sightings of said wife,and sons,every once in awhile.Eventually,the author/narrator and his daughter move into an apartment,and narrator falls for an attractive,young woman  neighbor,who he ends up having a serious relationship with,until his wife returns and he must explain everything.