Dalton Constantine McQuaide, a divorced business consultant and resident of St. Augustine, Florida found himself alone and buried in his work. His marriage had ended because of an illicit love affair with, Sophia Modigliani, his administrative assistant. She, too, eventually left him and returned to Italy because of guilt she felt over the breakup of his family. Four years later he discovered that Sophia was fighting for her life while his was hanging in the balance. His unrequited love continued to haunt him as a ghost from the past. Despite his emotional turmoil, he continued to work and run McQuaide and Associates. Eventually, a consulting job took him to Charleston, South Carolina where he met some unusual characters. On his way home one night back to St. Augustine he ran into trouble he'd never dreamed possible. He was eager to return home because of a letter he'd received from Italy in his absence. While he continued longing for Sophia, the highs and lows of his life emotionally intensified and became filled with suspense and intrigue.