When Tim Mallon unexpectedly meets Boris Smirnov, an old acquaintance from his university days, he has little comprehension of the consequences this encounter will set in motion. Tim is intrigued by Boris's partner Lena, an attractive girl from Berlin who appears to tolerate the humiliation and harsh treatment Boris heaps upon her. When Boris suggests that Lena comes to stay with him, Tim cautiously agrees to the suggestion.
During Lena's stay, an idyllic relationship develops between them and Tim gradually finds that he is falling in love with his guest. One thing does puzzle Tim – Lena's reluctance to talk about her past life. What is the secret she does not wish to reveal? When Lena is abducted from Tim's doorstep and taken back to Berlin, Tim decides to travel to Berlin to try and find her and in the process solve the mystery surrounding her.
When he starts making enquiries in Berlin, Tim finds he is drawn into a web of intrigue and suddenly finds his life controlled by outside forces. Who can he trust, and can he extract himself from this vulnerable situation?