An action-thriller based on a CIA contractor's life experiences. Although Mick McReady is a fictional character, the story is based on actual experiences. After a fight with his stepfather, Mick is convinced he has killed the man, and he becomes a runaway at age 13. He finds a deserted railroad shack and turns it into his home. With no other means available, Mick turns to burglary to survive.
Mick's new home is just outside the village of Linndale, Ohio which is a haven for underworld types. While always concealing his runaway status, Mick becomes friends with boys in the village. They introduce him to sports, girls, and fast cars. Tony, one of the mafia types, takes a liking to Mick and puts him to work running errands and doing odd jobs for the organization. For the next few years, Mick learns about fast cars and girls. He and one of his village buddies create a thriving driveway auto repair business that specializes in building hot rods. Mick develops a real need for speed and loves drag racing.
After a breakup with a girlfriend, Mick heads west to California to start a new life. He is sixteen years old and very streetwise, but he has no formal education. By all accounts, he is headed down the wrong path in life. When Mick arrives in San Francisco, he is overwhelmed with the cost of everything. He calls Tony, his mafia friend back in Linndale, who puts him in touch with a San Francisco kingpin. Before long, Mick has his own hot rod shop and is doing quite well. Mick still has a need for speed, so he builds what he believes is the fastest street dragster in California. He never loses a drag race, and the cops can't catch him.
He meets a young lady named Loretta. She is aware of his problem with racing, but together, they get involved with water skiing. Speed is required in the sport, but there are no police chases. Things are going well for Mick and Loretta until Mick has an automobile accident, and the police discover many outstanding tickets and warrants for his arrest. He escapes prison time by enlisting in the Navy. Loretta eventually joins Mick while he is serving, and they have their first child. Of course, the Navy and Loretta straightened out Mr. McReady. Wrong! He still uses drag racing to supplement his income. But the drag racing ends along with his navy career after he is involved in a severe helicopter crash. He loses multiple fingers on his right hand and is discharged. This is a life-changing event for Mr. McReady.
He first obtains his high school GED and then enrolls in a community college. Mick discovers that he is dyslexic and has a difficult time with his studies. After several semesters of terrible grades, Mick finds a study method that works for him. Not only does he start bringing in high grades, but Mick excels in mathematics. He struggles writing papers for his classes, but Loretta helps him with these tasks. Mick obtains a master's degree in mathematics in five and a half years. This projects him into a career with the CIA.
Before long, he finds himself working at Area 51 on top-secret projects and becomes the "go-to guy" whenever technical problems arise. Mick comes to the rescue when the astronauts are having issues with the lunar lander simulator. When President Reagan needs to be briefed on our nuclear defense capabilities, Mick was the man chosen for the briefing. When the Agency suspects a mole is stealing secrets from Area 51, Mick is chosen to out the mole. Mick is given an assignment in Sausalito, California that leads to car chases, hand-to-hand fights, and deadly firefights. He meets a beautiful but lethal Mossad agent that could cost him his marriage or his life.
Does he succeed in outing the mole, does he fall in love with the Mossad agent, and what about Loretta? You will just have to read the book to find out for yourself.
