Falsely branded a liar and traitor, Alexander Hayes left the battlefield and became an English spy to try to redeem his name and honor. After five years, Alexander is no closer to succeeding in clearing his name. Now his superiors have order him home to find a missing soldier. Since his mother and sister believe he died on the battlefield, Alexander is unsure of his welcome.

When the money from her absent father runs out, desperation drives Cressida Turner to accept help from a suspected traitor. Her father has a history of disappearing, but he always returns flush with money. Cressida adores her father and never questions his erratic behavior. However, that changes when Alex begins looking into her father's life. A picture forms of her father that appalls Cressida.

As Cressida struggles with her new perception of her father, Alex contends with the anger of family and friends. He is tired of the isolation and wants respect and trust. The odds are against him as he navigates through the hostility. With his growing awareness of and feelings for Cressida, Alex increases his search for the truth.

Ms. Linden has written an insightful tale of a man trying to regain his reputation and a woman's disillusionment with the father she idolized. With great skill, she shows the emotional turmoil they endure and their amazing tenacity as the tackle the mystery.