Still reeling from the double blow of his wife's murder and his son's abduction, retired Navy Commander Deke Mallory suddenly finds himself called back into action by the President of the United States. Mallory is abruptly plunged into the dark world of CIA operatives, terrorism, and military insurrection.Mallory discovers that the Republic of Costa Verde has been infiltrated by a secret cabal, the Kohorte, that plans on a takeover of Central America. Costa Verde erupts in battle as supporters of the new and old governments clash. Meanwhile, treachery abounds as loyalties are questioned and moles are revealed.With a global menace looming and time running out for his son, it is up to Deke Mallory to expose "The Hidden Empire" - if he can live to tell the tale.