MacNair and Brodie have the explosives and they know how to use them. They await orders from above. But who is the mysterious Leader and when and where will he reveal himself?
MacNair has been infiltrated into the outer fringes of the secret Scottish revolutionary movement to find out the identity of ""An Ceannard"" - The Leader. But he is himself under suspicion.
Hamish has been killed in the ambush set up to capture the Scottish delegation on its way to Hexham. MacNair's cover has been blown by Brodie and he is being taken to secret headquarters in the north.
Mackie has given Henderson's confidential letter to Lord Thorganby at the Conservative Party Conference. At the peak of the political outcry Scullard is found drowned at Blackpool Pier.
Hart has been murdered in France. The Liberation Army has taken over part of the West of Scotland and Lord Thorganby has been abducted. Brodie blows up Clovulin Bridge to prevent MacNair escaping.