Dying of the Light

Evan Lake is introduced as a once-celebrated CIA agent, renowned for his intelligence prowess and recognized as an Intelligence Star recipient. However, his days of glory are long behind him as he is now confined to a mundane desk job at Langley, reflecting a stark contrast to his former accolades.

Lake vividly recalls a violent operation in Africa where he was captured and subjected to extreme torture by the notorious Muhammad Banir. The traumatic experiences inflicted upon him during this time, including severe head trauma, continue to haunt him, forming the crux of his relentless pursuit for the truth.

Despite official reports claiming that Banir died in the explosion during Lake's rescue mission, Lake refuses to believe it. This skepticism drives him to obsessively seek information, convinced that Banir is alive and still posing a threat.

As Lake struggles with frontotemporal dementia, the agency sees him as a liability, heightening his frustrations and sense of isolation. He grapples with significant memory loss and confusion, further complicating his already tumultuous search for justice.

Meanwhile, in Bucharest, Abdi, a Kenyan citizen, finds himself being chased by law enforcement due to a USB drive that contains critical information. His desperation leads him into a thrilling car chase to protect both his life and the crucial drive.

The Romanian Intelligence Service retrieves the USB drive but discovers that its contents have been compromised, leading them to seek help from the CIA. Milt, Lake's loyal protégé, uncovers a troubling shipment of experimental drugs tied to a clinic in Bucharest.

As Milt investigates further, he discovers that the drugs are intended for a mysterious Kenyan client facilitated by an intermediary, Dr. Wangari. This alarming revelation raises suspicions about Banir's involvement and strengthens Lake's resolve to find the truth.

Overwhelmed by frustration and disbelief from his superiors regarding his findings, Lake takes the bold move to resign from the CIA. Determined to pursue the truth on his own terms, he prepares for a journey that will force him to confront his past.

Lake decides to travel to Romania, with Milt agreeing to accompany him despite his own reservations. This journey signals Lake's refusal to surrender to his condition and marks a critical point in his quest for answers.

In Romania, Lake and Milt meet Michelle Zubarain, a former journalist with a tangled history with Lake. With her keen insights and knowledge of the ongoing operations, she plays a pivotal role in uncovering the connection between Professor Dr. Iulian Cornel and Banir.

During a tense meeting with Professor Cornel, Lake learns of the professor's coerced ties to Banir. Pressure mounts as Aasim, one of Banir's operatives, witnesses the interaction, complicating Lake's pursuit of the truth.

The next day, Lake, Milt, and Michelle return to Cornel's office in hopes of unraveling more secrets. They secretly observe a meeting between Cornel and Aasim, but when Aasim catches on to their presence, it risks exposing their mission.

With the help of Michelle, Lake assumes the identity of the professor and travels to Mombasa under the guise of academic exploration. There, they navigate the treacherous environment surrounding Banir's operations, which tests Lake's resolve.

Lake faces Banir, and the once-dominant foe now appears frail yet triggers painful memories. Overcome by his past trauma, Lake retreats, leaving Banir confused and raising the stakes on their ongoing conflict.

While resting at a hotel, Lake and Milt are ambushed, resulting in Milt being hit but not fatally. Lake retaliates, eliminating the assailants but sustaining gunshot wounds, illustrating the escalating dangers surrounding their mission.