As the Coronavirus ravaged the world economy with the yawning chasm of inequality between rich and poor getting deeper and wider no one seemed to notice the movement south into Africa of swathes of Al-Qaeda hardened committed fighters. It was a unique opportunity to regroup and prepare for the final knock- out blow to the Great Satan and her allies whose economies were already on the ropes.

Is life a game of chance? Or is there a guiding hand? Racked by guilt and shame can we truly be forgiven and find healing and even love?

Money man Winslow Kirk looks for answers to these questions as he steps out of his comfort zone into the heart of Africa in search of his granddaughter Eleanor whom he allowed to be given up for adoption following a tragic boating accident. A threat note from the world's number one terrorist who is coordinating the threat to Western countries sharpens his resolve. Can he find Eleanor and will she forgive him? After his wife's death and his own cardiac illness he begins to muse about what really matters. Like a grain of sand slipping between the two shells of an oyster it irritates and itches. Could a new mysticism emerge like a pearl? Helped by epidemiologist Willow Carr who initiated Camp Hopeful a retreat for HIV positive young people in Uganda Winslow's life changes beyond recognition. On the banks of Lake Albert in Uganda Eleanor is abducted and taken to a terrorist safe haven in DR Congo. Can he rescue her and receive her forgiveness? Helped also by Kaluki a simple pygmy in the Ituri Forest of DR Congo and teenager Kiabo, Eleanor's new friend and the leader of Camp Hopeful, Winslow discovers that finding a new faith and mysticism takes on fresh meaning and with it a surprising prize.