Herb Lawson has just finished a tour in Vietnam. Returning to Hell's Kitchen in New York City, he finds work as an apprentice jeweler and bets heavily with a feared loan shark. Soon after, Herb is contacted by his former Sgt. Matthew Rainwood, who recruits Lawson to become a mercenary in Africa to protect ranchers during the Zimbabwe war of independence. With the help of a fixer, who provides them with arms and intelligence, Lawson and Rainwood help a family of five British expatriates while attempting to adjust to life after and during wartime. Along the way, Lawson must address the consequences of gambling, allegiances, and death. But can he defeat his inner demons?