A modern drama: assets become liabilities, ancient rites mingle with reality, evildoers meet their end from unheralded quarters, none is safe. This Darwinian tale of survival of the meanest unfolds in Bulgaria before the Cold Wars end. The plot culminates in the beginning where the reader glances at Byzantine business in Party circles. Another drama unfolds in Plovdiv and its mountain vicinity, rich history playing vital role. The local tigress brings a few new tricks to the fox chase game: business-only is her MO. In a village, a stones throw from the border a youth matures in the birthplace...