BOND FELT SOMETHING HARD PRESS INTO HIS SPINE... At the same time a thick voice said softly, urgently, just behind his right ear: "This is a gun, Monsieur". It is silent. It can blow the base of your spine off without a sound. Withdraw your bet before I count to ten." "Un." Bond turned his head. There he was, leaning forward, smiling broadly under his black moustache as if he were wishing Bond luck. "Deux." Bond looked across. Le Chiffre was watching him. He was waiting, waiting for Bond's hand to gesture to the croupier, or else for Bond suddenly to slump backward in his chair...

A message from Bond's past M sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind the organization with the aid of the girl with the dragon tattoo.