A father's secret mission becomes a desperate fight for his son's survival amidst the chaos of World War Two. In 1939, Alfred Kendall is sent on a clandestine operation to Prague by British Intelligence, bringing his young son Hugh along as a cover. When Hitler's forces invade Czechoslovakia, Alfred is forced into an impossible choice by the Czech Resistance: leave Hugh behind as collateral to secure his own return to England. Stranded in Nazi territory, Hugh is taken in by a seemingly benevolent Nazi colonel, Helmuth Scholl, but Scholl's suspicious son, Heinz, casts a shadow over their fragile arrangement as the war escalates.

The premise sets up a tense historical thriller with elements of espionage and a coming-of-age story for young Hugh. The narrative likely explores the moral compromises and dangers faced by civilians and agents caught in the early days of World War Two. The conflict between Hugh's precarious safety under the Scholl family and the looming threat of war suggests a focus on suspense and character development. The story appears poised to examine themes of loyalty, survival, and the impact of conflict on individuals, particularly children.