As war ravages Europe, John Holmes Johnson is torn between his love and concern for his native England and an equally powerful love for America. He is slowly recuperating emotionally and physically from several near fatal blows and the loss of a loved one the year before. As a result, he throws all his energy into the work of establishing his newly formed detective agency. Frank and Harold Webb, owners of several properties in Metropolitan Kansas City, hire his agency. The detectives have barely gotten started on the case when Harold is killed and his hotel burned to the ground. In the weeks following the disaster, there are threats against the Webb family, the detective agency, and Harold's widow is attacked, endangering her unborn son. Holmes also receives death threats. His dog is found murdered and then there is an attack on his home. Before it is over, John Holmes and his small staff find themselves embroiled in a violent feud with the militant leaders of a fanatic religious cult. There are more deaths on both sides and new alliances formed before the violence is brought under control.