The Tamarind Seed

Judith Farrow is grieving her husband’s death and has just ended an affair with a married RAF officer. This personal instability makes her receptive to extraordinary attention when Sverdlov appears.

On vacation in Barbados, Judith meets Soviet attaché Colonel Feodor Sverdlov and their relationship begins to take shape. The encounter plants the seed of international intrigue in her life.

Judith is captivated by a local legend about tamarind seeds forming the image of a slave's head. Sverdlov dismisses the story as mere folklore, highlighting the tension between myth and espionage.

Back in London, Judith receives an unexpected gift from Sverdlov: an envelope containing a tamarind seed. The seed becomes a tangible link to their Barbados meeting and a possible symbol of his interest.

British intelligence officer Jack Loder begins tracking a Russian spy codenamed 'Blue' and learns his assistant MacLeod is having an affair with Margaret, the wife of diplomat Fergus Stephenson. Loder warns Judith to contact him if Sverdlov resurfaces.

Sverdlov, stationed at the Soviet Embassy in Paris, suspects his boss's distrust and steals the 'Blue' file to use as leverage for asylum in Canada. He arranges a romantic stop in Barbados to meet Judith.

Golitsyn's agents launch an assassination attempt on Sverdlov at London Airport, but he escapes with his life. The incident underscores the peril and reach of Soviet security operations.

Sverdlov travels to Barbados to meet Judith and their affair deepens, culminating in a consummation of their bond. The romance unfolds amid constant surveillance and the shadow of danger.

A group of Soviet agents disguised as businessmen attacks the Barbados bungalow with napalm and gunfire, triggering a chaotic firefight. British agents intervene, most attackers die, the 'Blue' file is destroyed, and Judith is left traumatized by Sverdlov's presumed death.

Loder informs Judith that Sverdlov’s death was a cover and that he was whisked away to Canada by MacLeod just before the explosion. Judith learns that Sverdlov is alive and begins to process the shifting loyalties around Blue.

Loder identifies 'Blue' as Fergus Stephenson, a diplomat who can be manipulated with controlled information for Moscow. The Soviets eventually decide he is a double agent and kill him, heightening the danger surrounding Judith and Sverdlov.

In a Canadian mountain valley, Judith and Sverdlov meet again and share a lovers’ embrace. The reunion signals a fragile personal bond surviving the spy games, with an uncertain future ahead.