Despite a marriage in difficulties, Jane Jackson returns for a holiday to Singapore with her husband, Roger, who is on another tour of inspection of independent schools with the same group of inspectors and their partners. Hoping to avoid company during the daytimes this time, Jane is first drawn to helping Mei Lau with her troubles, and then falls for Guy Paterson, with disastrous results. They and others become entwined in events that spiral out of control. Struggling with her conscience, Jane has to delve deeply to avoid destruction as she recalls events for the ensuing police investigation.