Herman and Charles engage in an exhausting battle of wits as Herman continues to pile pressure on the Thai police to prosecute the suspects, while Charles perfects his escape plan.

The fallout from Gautier’s escape threatens Herman’s diplomatic career. Charles attempts to set up business in France, a place that holds powerful memories for him.

Charles and Marie-Andrée arrive in Paris and attempt to set up a new life. Meanwhile, Herman makes a dangerous gamble in his investigation which finally brings a breakthrough.

The net begins to close around Charles and Marie-Andrée in India, but the final chapter of Herman’s pursuit of Sobhraj stretches long into the future.