Thurlow Dan is the founder of the Helix, a cult that promises to cure loneliness. The Helix has become a national phenomenon, and attracted the attention of governments worldwide. But Thurlow, camped out in his Cincinnati headquarters, is lonely, for his ex-wife, Esme, and their daughter, whom he hasn't seen in ten years. Esme is a covert agent who has spent her life spying on Thurlow, mostly to protect him from the law ... and now her superiors are demanding results.

Unnumbered pages following the text constitute a reading group guide.