An industrial accident paves the way for Michelle "Mitch" Santiago, former homicide detective now working for DataFlex Laboratories into the dark side of white collar crime and industrial espionage. Shari Stiletto steals research files for a multiple virus detection process from a Thomas Grant's, President of Virus Detect, free standing computer. But she also unknowingly takes files previously stolen from the Venezuelan government for an unpatented synthetic fuel process by Grant. In quick succession the files are stolen again. Grant discovers an electrical surge at the lab has destroyed backup files. Needing both sets of research for very different reasons he connects with the underworld to retrieve them offering a substantial reward. The result is warfare between bounty hunters. He goes to DataFlex, for help in finding the virus data. He does not want the police involved or investors know. The Venezuelan government has a team seeking the fuel research while both intimidating and protecting Stiletto. . Santiago deals with the underworld, foreign espionage, and murder after rescuing Stiletto in Algodones, Mexico and hiding her. As Grant's world crumbles he seeks revenge, takes Santiago prisoner and tortures her. He has Santiago, he wants Stiletto. His rage kills him.