This book follows two stories through to the end when they come together in a dramatic finale. The story of the Government sponsored 'Handymen' who do dirty work for the ministry when required, no questions asked. Their story progresses through three generations to the present (1991), where their original terms of reference have been corrupted. Jonathan Mason's story begins in 1991 where he meets Alison. At the same time he discovers documented evidence that Lawrence of Arabia's death was no accident. Once he begins to try to authenticate this he finds that his life is suddenly under threat. The pace quickens as his liaison with Alice begins to turn to love and he is forced to deal with the people who are following him. This culminates in the final scene where he visits the Headquarters of the Handymen.
The incidents described that are attributed to the Handymen have mainly been culled from news stories from the past, some of which may be familiar to readers. Obviously names and places have been altered to preserve anonymity.