Two years have passed but the circumstances surrounding the death of a sailor visiting the Greek port of Artemesis refuse to be laid to rest. The Port Policeman, Vassilis, finds his job on the line unless he can discover the truth behind the drowning. But the cost of re-opening the investigation may endanger his life and jeopardize his long friendship with the local doctor, Michaelis. Characters from the last two books are drawn back into the story and the shadow of the elusive stranger, Sergeii, is cast over them all.