Two small children, newly-orphaned, are separated - one sent east and one sent west, their names changed, and their vast fortune stolen. The story begins fifteen years later when they begin their search for each other, their only clue: a box the boy had with him when they were separated. Unknown to the boy, now wearing rags, hidden in the box is a treasure worth more than a king's ransom. It is July, 1984. Retribution has just mounted a swift horse and is cantering into the fast lane . . . But the killing has already been scheduled for today.