A member of the plot to kill Hitler, Alex von Kierich survives the war to become respected director of the Survey, an international agency in Washington, but resigns and returns to Germany amidst rumours that he was involved in atrocities Edward West was his assistant and friend and believes in his integrity, though his faith is shaken by the suggestion that Alex might have had an affair with his wife Jane is now dead and Edward retired and as he tries to come to terms with his past, he is disturbed by Rose, a young woman who reminds him of Jane and a letter from Alex, prompting him to go in search of the truth