What happens when you accidentally discover something that will change the world? Working on commission for the local museum, artist Darby Greenheart creates a sculpture, the Venusian Fog. But once she turns the power on, the entire sculpture floats above the electrified grid that is meant to make the fog. Darby enlists the services of her good friend, detective Hemlock Shomes, to help her solve the puzzle. Unfortunately, Hemlock is no scientist, and he suggests that Darby consult an expert. When the astrophysicist hired to explain the phenomenon tells his friends about the amazing discovery, the sculpture suddenly becomes a hot commodity in the industrial world. But the artwork belongs to the museum, and Darby refuses to sell it to anyone else. But Cassandra Penumbra, regional boss for a less-than-legal business organization, has been asked to acquire the artwork for its industrial application potential. When she offers to buy the piece for $250,000, Darby is stunned. But how can she accept when the sculpture belongs to the museum? Unfortunately, Cassandra will not take no for an answer, and Darby is suddenly plunged into a reckless, dangerous game in which her morality-and her life-are both endangered.