February 11, 1779 - Kealakekua Bay, Hawai'i: The clash between two civilizations culminates in death. The Great Englishman's corpse disappears until his men demand its return, a demand that is not honored for four days. Finally, with full military honors, Cook's coffin is dropped into the deep blue waters off the coast of Kealakekua Bay. But did the coffin actually contain Cook's bones? Present day - Kealakekua Bay, Hawai'i: Nicole Blake sets out to fulfill a deathbed promise - find Cook's bones. Shadowed by CIA operative Eric North, she begins to wonder how many near-death experiences she can survive. And there are other pressing questions. How long can she continue to stay a step ahead of Eric? Who else is after Cook's bones? Why are the bones so valuable? Will Nicole be able to fulfill her promise, or will she be just one more unsolved mystery?