How and why did Leo Harting, an employee of the British Embassy in Germany, disappear? Is it really true, as they believe in London, that under the guise of this petty official, who, thanks to his charm, won the favor of almost all diplomats and even their wives, a KGB agent was hiding for many years, who has now simply gone to his own people? At first, the emissary of the British intelligence services, Alan Turner, who is entrusted with the Harting case, is also inclined to this version. But gradually the investigation leads him to the shocking truth... Veteran of the British intelligence services during the Cold War, Ned, having invited the legendary George Smiley to a meeting with the cadets, together with him he recalls the most interesting episodes that took place during their “secret service to Her Majesty.” Stories in which dangerous operations coexist with funny events, tragedy sometimes turns into farce, and minor mistakes lead to the most incredible consequences.