The sudden and surprising assassination of three American officials in Colombia.

Many people in many places, moving off on missions they all mistakenly thought they understood.

The future was too fearful for contemplation, and beyond the expected finish lines were things that, once decided, were better left unseen.

Tom Clancy's thriller is based on America's war on drugs . . . and the covert - and shocking - U. S. response.

"The issues raised are real ones, and a jump ahead of the headlines." The New York Times

"Rousing adventure...A crackling good yarn." The Washington Post