In 1975, Nicholas Cameron, working for an American Bank in London, uncovers evidence of fraud and reports it to his colleagues, including his American boss, who informs a CIA agent. After the death of his Russian mother, Nick discovers his Cossack heritage, and that he has a half-brother in Russia. He also learns about the dramatic events at the end of the war, the 'betrayal' by the British, the terrible effects on the Cossacks, and the creation of Nick's family, British and partly Cossack. Nick is tasked by the bank to use his Russian skills in Moscow. Before he leaves for Moscow, Nick becomes involved with the American Ambassador's daughter, Joanne, spending a passionate night with her. The CIA agent has tracked down Nick's half-brother, and asks Nick to deliver a package in Moscow. Nick ends up arrested and spends ten years in a Russian gulag. Nick's eventual escape is aided by an unlikely ally: an ex-Nazi convict who reveals the tragic fate of the Cossacks, and grants Nick access to a secret Swiss bank account. With his brother's help, Nick assumes a new identity in Italy and becomes known as the Count of Monteriggione. After accessing the secret bank account and buying a farm, Nick investigates the financial markets and discovers that his former colleagues have built a successful finance company with mysterious origins. He returns to London to uncover the truth, get his revenge, and find Joanne.