Wilson, chief of the Australian Spy Agency, posts Tony Jones to Buenos Aires to investigate the funding of terrorists in South America. He mysteriously vanishes with an accomplice, an enigmatic 'old lady' Joan Davis. Together they expose, capture, or eliminate the extortionists, and belatedly inform Wilson. He unenthusiastically orders Jones to Chile to continue his mission. The stakes escalate as Jones is captured by the terrorist Patriotic Front and a ransom is paid, deepening the mystery. Newly freed Jones and Davis do the impossible and their fearless man infiltrates the Front. Discovery means instant death. The reward is priceless. Wilson learns only what Jones chooses to reveal. He and Davis prove to be brilliant, unpredictable, disobedient operatives. The next to face a fear campaign is Santiago. A showdown looms. Jones and trusted allies confront the terrorists. Davis stars in a related subplot. When they reunite, their combined efforts bring the terrorist plot to an end, but the story is far from over. The action ignites in Sydney on their return, where recalcitrant Jones faces unforeseen consequences. The surprise ending stuns the assembled staff of the ASA, Wilson and the reader.