In a North Sea storm a drilling rig sinks, taking with it the ten kilos of hashish that Calum Bean has hidden in its superstructure. When the bankrollers decide that Cal's kneecaps are a reasonable forfeit, his cousin, renegade army officer Seb MacCoinneach, comes to the rescue.

But Seb has an agenda of his own. Turned down by the SAS, in fierce competition with his dead brother and in a bitter feud with his father, he masterminds a plan that will make fools of all those who have rejected him. Spurred on by his half-sister Madelene, a ruthless manipulator, he stars upon a lethal game in the name of freedom. And he needs Cal with him.