In perhaps his last story, Paul Thomas, the intrepid investigative journalist, is retired and looking forward to a quiet life. But events intervene and while in Spain with his car club he finds himself entrusted with a dangerous parcel. He seeks help from an old friend and they visit steam fairs in both England and Germany as they try to find the parcel's rightful owner. He is pursued and threatened by agents of three nations' secret services. His life is put in danger. Unable to see a way out, he prepares to die.