The ultra-secret government department Sector Three is not above manipulating reluctant agents.
Obliged to the Sector for their help in settling an old score, Robert Lane finds himself recruited for another mission.
Doreen Caxton, the daughter of outspoken politician Lord Forthmere, rejects her father's financial help and works as a BIA stewardess. When it is proposed that Lane investigates her disappearance he declines on the grounds that the situation is a police matter. When he is informed that she was an undercover anti-drugs operative working for the Sector he ttravels to Milan, where she was last seen.
His enquiriesare helped by Doreen's friend, Nadia, and attract the attention of Santoni, the head of a heroin ring. Lane is captured and narrowly escapes with his life. He discovers that Doreen has been seen in Malta and follows her.
He is soon aware that he is being watched constantly. Attempts are made to persuade him that Doreen has committed suicide, followed by attempts on his own life when he remains unconvinced. Under interrogation a captured agent of the opposition reveals her whereaboutsand Lane finds her, knowing he is walking into a trap.
The rescue is successful, although she is in a drugged state, but no sooner is the mission over than Lane learns of Nadia's death at the hands of Santoni. He returns to Milan grief-stricken, but thirsting for revenge.
