With Li Li in tow, Emily seeks something new at the home of Daoist martial arts, but surviving the trip may require more of her old skills.

A plum assignment to the Defense Attaché's office in Beijing ought to signal the beginning of easier times for Emily Kane. But dangers remain, even though tensions within China after a failed coup attempt seem to have subsided, and when an acquaintance in the Chinese intelligence service asks a favor, both their lives may be on the line. Li Li Tang longs to be reunited with her uncle, but If Emily is caught bringing her over, he will appear to be a traitor, and she'll be branded a spy.