Archie, a seasoned mercenary, owed much to his pal. In their earlier days of service together in the British Army, they had agreed to care for each other should the need arise and to be proxy fathers for their children should they die. How do you say no to someone who is holding your hand with desperate strength and asking for your help? Archie has to make a choice between two equally unwelcome options. Should he take up arms and attempt to recover his comrade's dues, or should he reject the idea of operating in the role of debt collector with little or no formal support? His professional mind screamed that he should not be daft enough to attempt it-to venture once again into the heart of darkness, the corrupt and violent world of Africa. His friendship for this man who had shared most of his life said that he should give it a try.