While visiting Hawke's old Vietnam buddy Greg Stewart, Dominic & Hawke become unwitting pawns in a potentially deadly custody battle between Greg's mother, Martha (June Allyson) and ex-wife Rainey. Rainey refuses to sign over custody of their infant son to Greg, and Mrs. Stewart holds Rainey hostage at their estate until the papers are signed. Even worse, the sinister Sheriff Waldren is on Mrs. Stewart's payroll. 

While visiting a friend, Hawke excuses himself to get a cup of coffee. In his absence, his friend and the secretary are executed mob style. Hawke is shot, but manages to escape. Santini Air is ravaged in a search for something that as yet has not been disclosed.