The accidental death of MP Norman Cole precipitates a hung parliament allowing a core of extreme right-wing politicians to seize power.  Telford, a high ranking but unworldly public servant is approached by Cole's wife who believes her husband was murdered and asks him to investigate on her behalf.  The reward for this, he hopes, will be her love.  Despite the bizarre and threatening nature of his investigations, he remains convinced that the "scribbled note" about the meeting with "N" holds the key to what he seeks.