When he is not on his vigilante mission, Bale is a close protection officer in the Metropolitan police, currently assigned to the detail protection of the Minister of Defence, Sir Patrick Sutherland, who is teetering on the brink of a high-profile fall from grace due to his past dealings with the Chinese government.
Nemesis is Anthony Riches’ debut move from historical thrillers into a contemporary setting. Bale is an excellent protagonist – a man whose job relies on his ability to blend into the background, follow whatever orders he is given, and do whatever it takes to keep his principal safe. His job often brings him into conflict with his wife as appointments get cancelled without notice. Also, she doesn’t like finding out that he is putting his own life on the line with each new assignment.
Like the case when Sutherland is sent on a diplomatic mission to Belize that would bring him into conflict with his Chinese connections. Instead, some private military contractors suddenly appear to ramp up the action to a new level.
The story builds to an impressive and entertaining set piece when Bale enlists some outside help and goes full-on assault against Castagna and his goons. The political machinations within government and the Met are as interesting as the action and suspense that unfold and Riches handles both strands of the storyline deftly.