Angus Slater eagerly takes the chance to escape life in mid-seventies London by accepting a post in Panama. He is captivated by his colleague, Teresa, the exotic, politically aware niece of the Foreign Minister, and she soon becomes his window to Panama's society and life. It is a turbulent time in this small country's brief history. The charismatic General Torrijos, dictator and de facto head of state, knows time is of the essence: he must obtain a successful conclusion to negotiations that will lead to the eventual return of the Canal to Panamanian sovereignty. The right-wing American Senator, Todd Cartwright, is not prepared to see the Canal lost. It is theirs, they built it, they paid for it, why should it be handed over? He knows the General is a wily opponent and that ultimately it is his charisma and stature that bond the disparate groups of Panamanian society together. He knows he must act swiftly and decisively to sabotage the negotiations for the return of the Canal. The maelstrom of events whirl around Angus and Teresa, as they find themselves drawn into the politically charged atmosphere and come face to face with the realities of the Senator's plans - plans that will change their lives forever.