Rogue Agent

In the 1990s, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) launched a substantial bombing campaign across England, targeting various locations as part of their ongoing fight for Irish reunification. This wave of violence instigated reactions and countermeasures from the British government.

In response to the IRA's activities, the British security service, MI5, initiated a program to enlist freelance spies from the public. This unconventional approach aimed to gather intelligence on suspected IRA affiliates, involving ordinary citizens in the fight against terrorism.

Set in 1993, we meet a young man driving to his agricultural college in Shropshire. As he listens to the radio, he becomes intrigued by the news of an arrest, which indicates that his college is being monitored for IRA-related activities.

The young man reveals his secret identity as a participant in MI5’s amateur spy program. He takes the initiative to recruit two women, Sophie and Mae, along with his fellow student Ian, to assist in their mission against the IRA.

The newly formed team embarks on a clandestine operation to find evidence of IRA activities. They search an Irish student's home and gather crucial intelligence but soon realize their safety is at risk when their identities are compromised.

After discovering that they've been compromised, the group is forced to flee the college in a panic. This marks a turning point in their mission, emphasizing the dangers entailed in their undercover activities.

Fast forward nine years, Alice Archer celebrates a work victory when she unexpectedly meets Robert Freegard. Although she initially rebuffs him, a later visit to his luxury car dealership leads her to reconsider his advances.

Alice and Robert's relationship flourishes as they go on a spontaneous trip together. However, suspicions arise for Alice when she receives calls from Sophie, causing unease about Robert’s true identity.

Alice decides to hire a private investigator due to her growing concerns about Robert. She uncovers discrepancies in his identity and confronts him, leading to a shocking revelation about his secret life as an MI5 spy.

As doubts persist, Alice learns more about Robert's troubling past, including allegations of harassment against a woman named Julie Harper. This information deepens her mistrust and sends her on a quest for answers.

Sophie reaches out to Alice to recount her harrowing experiences with Robert, detailing the coercive tactics he used that led her to cut ties with her family. This revelation solidifies Alice’s resolve to further investigate Robert's manipulations.

Alice, fueled by Sophie's revelations, delves deeper into Robert's past and discovers he has exploited multiple victims, including Jenny, an American psychology academic. The stakes are raised as Alice realizes Robert's manipulations have far-reaching consequences.

Teamwork ensues as Alice collaborates with Sophie’s parents and a police officer to track Robert down. They learn about Robert's hideouts, motivating Alice to act decisively in rescuing Jenny and thwarting Robert’s plans.

In a high-tension confrontation, Alice faces Robert, which escalates into a dramatic standoff. A collision with Alice’s car ultimately leads to Robert’s arrest, bringing a much-needed end to his harmful reign.

With Jenny rescued and reunited with her family, the narrative concludes with Alice embarking on a new chapter in her life. As she reflects on the turmoil at the lighthouse, Robert remains in his cell, still concocting lies and schemes.