The desperate US ambassador to the UN called a favor from the FBI to help his estranged son, a human rights activist, who was arrested in Burma and faces an atrocious sentence for ruby theft. Neal, who grew up fatherless, convinces reluctant Peter to condone dodgy means against the Myanmar junta. After finding out the true master thief, Andrew Collins, Neal has an irresistible fake made by Mozzie as a trap for greedy Burmese ambassador Kyi, but it can only work if they find a way around the inviolability of his diplomatic pouch confided to his assistant Suu.

When Peter is kidnapped by an old nemesis, Neal must race against time and defy the FBI to save him.