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 progresses, it becomes evident that Hemingway's loose network is at the heart of a complex wartime espionage operation involving the FBI, OSS, British intelligence, and two German intelligence agencies, the SD and Abwehr. Lucas transitions from a hesitant observer of Hemingway to an active participant in the Crook Factory's activities.