Vladimir Karpiski and Joannes Volpieren, two members of the terrorist group known as the Red Brigades, immigrate to Canada under false pretense. The first wants to live as a model citizen, the second founds The Rampant Lion, a criminal organization specializing in theft and industrial espionage.

Fifteen years later their paths cross.

When several industrialists find leaks in their security, they hire the services of a private company, Invicta, run by Malcolm Clark, an ex-chief of police. Soon after the design of the Jungfrau Watch, a jewel of a renowned artistic collection, is stolen. After consultation with the victimized parties, Invicta sets up a fake laboratory, aimed at attracting the thieves’ attention by advertising décor items activated by innovative fuel-efficient cells not yet patented.

Insistent rumors reach Invicta: members of The Rampant Lion hide among those of a legitimate non-profit organization and often meet in a secluded place called the Endless Trail, owned by Richard Attlee. Malcolm Clark persuades a beautiful woman, Ludmilla, to contact Richard and find how much the man knows about the secretive, criminal activities that take place in his equestrian compound. Love sparkles between the two.

Joannes Volpieren, who was once in love with Evelyn, the wife of the Jungfrau Watch’s creator, and as brutally rejected, carries out a long-term meditated revenge and kidnaps Guendy, Evelyn’s daughter. Even if the abduction is a police matter, Malcolm helps out by following different, promising avenues. Karpiski, who had changed his name to Stefanich when he immigrated to Canada, is hired by Invicta and put in charge of managing the phony laboratory.

One day Volpieren recognizes the presence of Karpiski (who he had never met) when he hears his characteristic melodic voice, and threatens him and his family if he doesn’t go back to work for him. Stefanich refuses. Volpieren kidnaps his two boys, thus pressuring Stefanich to become part of his criminal organization.