The Eiger Sanction

Jonathan Hemlock lives a seemingly tranquil existence as an art professor and mountaineer. However, this peaceful facade masks a tumultuous past that will soon come to haunt him.

Hemlock is pulled back into the world of espionage through the machinations of a menacing figure named Dragon. Dragon has a history with Hemlock, having been his handler at a covert government agency named C2.

Dragon's agenda is fueled by a desire to avenge his comrade Wormwood's death. He feels a strong personal attachment to Wormwood and sees retribution as his only path forward.

Faced with the threat of Dragon revealing his collection of rare paintings to the IRS, Hemlock reluctantly accepts a dangerous assignment. The stakes escalate when Dragon offers him double his usual fee in return for his compliance.

After a trip to Europe, Hemlock meets Jemima Brown, a C2 courier who seduces him and steals his earnings along with a letter that could protect him from the IRS. This unexpected betrayal intensifies Hemlock's dilemmas.

Hemlock is tasked with infiltrating an international climbing team set to ascend the treacherous north face of the Eiger in Switzerland. He poses as an American member while attempting to identify his target, who is noted to have a limp.

Upon arriving in Arizona, Hemlock trains under a rugged climber named Ben Bowman, as well as a mysterious Native American woman. The training serves as a crucial stepping stone for the challenges that lie ahead.

Miles Mellough, a former ally of Hemlock, becomes aware of his plans and enters the fray, positioning himself as either a threat or a potential ally. Mellough's tactics involve deceit and psychological games as he tries to unearth Hemlock's vulnerabilities.

Hemlock takes decisive action against Mellough by luring him and his henchmen into the unforgiving desert. In this violent confrontation, Hemlock enacts brutal revenge, finally freeing himself from Mellough's machinations.

Reunited with Bowman at the Hotel Bellevue des Alpes, Hemlock prepares for the climb with an eclectic group of climbers led by the arrogant Karl Freytag. The ascent proves to be fraught with peril as unexpected challenges arise.

During the difficult climb, tragedy strikes when a team member loses their life due to adverse weather conditions. This incident forces Hemlock to make critical decisions to ensure the remaining climbers' safety.

As the climbers come close to reaching their goal, disaster befalls them in the form of a rockfall, leading to even more fatalities. Hemlock faces immense pressure as he navigates the chaos.

Hemlock narrowly escapes death when Bowman, his mentor and the target, returns injured to assist him. Realizing Bowman's identity adds a layer of tension as he grapples with betrayal while trying to survive.

As the stakes escalate, Jemima Brown re-emerges, hinting at deeper truths and complicated dynamics. Hemlock is left to ponder whether he can trust the people around him amidst a web of manipulation.

Facing mounting pressure and conflicting motivations, Hemlock must navigate the treacherous landscape of espionage, betrayal, and his own conscience. The time has come for decisive action that could alter his fate forever.