The story of two officers, enemies from opposing armies who strike up an unlikely friendship which grows into a strong bond which lasts a lifetime. A tale of intrigue and corruption, played out against the backdrop of post-war Berlin and Amsterdam, in which the major players indulge in a cash bonanza gained from diamond smuggling and gambling. One of them continues in a life of crime, while the other chooses the path of respectability and becomes a well known horse breeder and trainer. Their loyalty to each other remains undiminished and yet, each in their own way, betray their family. The river cruiser 'The Lady Anne', rescued from near dereliction from a canal in Amsterdam has been instrumental in their wealth creation schemes and is the constant thread that runs through their lives. The boat becomes a catalyst between the generations.