What would you do if there were no one you could trust and everything you once believed is false? Eiko Mueller's life spirals out of control with her husband's embassy assignment in Ceylon. In 1969 on this tropical island, the duty starts out just like any other until the Ceylon switches from democracy to socialism. She is a pawn in a nation-against-nation chess match for power and control. But unlike in real chess, this pawn has assets and survival skills beyond measure.

The Soviets and Chinese vying for a toehold in the Indian Ocean recruit local political figures for the upcoming election, as well as informants. At a reception for the new American ambassador, Eiko learns several democratic ministry officials plan on fleeing the country if they side loses. A startling revelation, but the Americans continue the act of business as usual.

After several attempts are made on her life, another Marine is washed up on shore after being tortured to death, her husband is kidnapped, a kidnapping and assassination attempt on her children, and political unrest rising with bombs and bullets whizzing. Eiko starts calling in markers and uses some of her well earned influence to stop the madness.

After the general election, the Socialists take power. Demonstrations begin outside the US embassy and death threats begin again. The demonstrators bomb the American embassy and stab a local police officer. The country explodes as the government imposes martial law.

When the decision comes to close the Embassy, she makes one of the hardest decisions of her life- fleeing the country with her children leaving her husband behind in dangerous territory.