As the novel unfolds it becomes clear that Hemingway's ragtag organization is at the center of a complicated game of war-time counter-intelligence involving the FBI, the OSS, British intelligence, and the two German intelligence organizations operating at that time, the Sicherheitsdienst (SD) and the Abwehr. Lucas goes from a reluctant monitor of Hemingway to an active participant in the Crook Factory's operations.
As the novel develops, it becomes clear that Hemingway's eclectic team is at the core of a complex web of wartime espionage, encompassing the FBI, OSS, British intelligence, and two German intelligence agencies, the SD and Abwehr. Lucas moves from a hesitant observer to an active participant in the Crook Factory's operations.