Ex-humanities professor Oliver decides to visit crossword compiler Aristotle but finds his cottage burned down. Reporting him has a missing person he meets WPC Diane Priest. She learns he is Orkney and reluctantly joins him on his odyssey.
Oliver and Diane head to Shrewsbury to make inquiries about Griffiths death. A fire later breaks out at 19th Hole Developments. Diane's policeman ex-husband tells them to leave town while the intimidating Mr. Baxter starts following them.
Heading to Lindisfarne, Diane visits a police station to make inquires about the death of Adrian L. Walsh. Like Baxter, he worked at a subsidiary of the Farquar Group. Joined by son Michael the trio make for Baron Kite's ancestral home.
Baron Kite claims he is just a figurehead chairman of the Farquhar Group. Oliver and Diane flee for their lives under attack from an helicopter gunship leaving Baxter shocked. Michael stole their code book so hacker Cathy can send a virus.
Oliver's quest for Aristotle ends when he discovers the grave of compiler Mary Scott. Diane receives a fax with the names of the Farquhar Group but hands it to Baxter with arrests following. He worked undercover and is the new Aristotle.
