It was a brutal killing. Among the bullet-torn bodies lay Abruze, possessed of valuable information on the opium fields in Indochina, and living on a generous retirement pension from the Mafia, for services rendered. Another body belonged to an important AXE agent.

The only lead was a terrified girl, who knew more than she was willing to admit, and less than her pursuers required. After her were a group of undisciplined thugs who would stop at nothing; the Mafia with Communist deals and big money at stake; and Nick Carter.

A desperate chase was on. To whoever reached her first it was a matter of life and death.