In July 1992, Colonel Mark Cook, recently arrived to take charge of the British UN peace-keeping forces in Zagreb, met Dr. Monica Topic. She showed him the ruined local orphanage, and when she became dangerously ill, he promised to rebuild it. Despite the fact that he was married with children, he had fallen in love with Dr. Topic. Beginning to raise the money, he arranged for squaddies to clear the wreckage of the old building. Through the interest of Martin Bell and other journalists, Cook gradually focused attention on the orphanage. Becoming increasingly involved, he resigned his commission, and told his wife of his relationship with Monica. As the new orphanage begins to take shape, he must decide whether to stay in Zagreb or return to England.