John Pearce is hiding in Gravelines with his mysterious companion, known
to him as Oliphant. Although they find a crew willing to take them back
to England, they learn on the journey that Pearce's old enemies, the
Tolland brothers, are still active on the route, and may have been
responsible for the murder of Catherine Carruthers.
Back in England their problems continue: Pearce must seek to mend fences
with Emily Barclay, in a relationship in which nothing is simple. And
just as things may be looking up, it seems Henry Dundas has another role
for him and Oliphant: a mission to North East Spain...