XIII and his friends, still in hiding from the NSA, now have the riddle from all three silver watches - and Maximilian's gold is within their reach. But the treasure is well hidden. Not to mention that $15 million is enough to attract a lot of unwanted attention. Meanwhile, in Washington, an increasingly desperate Frank Giordino can feel the noose tightening around his neck - and men are at their most dangerous when desperate. All he needs is someone to bring him the right information...