The development engineer of a technology company in Brugg suspects the Chinese partners, whom the company boss has proudly engaged, of having spied on his developments. He discreetly turns to the Federal Intelligence Service. Elliott Kern is given the task of investigating the issue. However, this must be done secretly, because the federal authorities and the Swiss economy dread provoking China. Kern investigates, and when a murder occurs, he is again integrated into the team of the Aargau Cantonal Police, which eventually succeeds in solving the crime. Elliott Kern was formerly with the FBI. He lives with his mother in Aarau and admires the philosopher Michel de Montaigne.