Welcome to hell, Shelton! Vietnam veteran Wayne Shelton has never been interested in leading a normal civilian life. As a man for delicate missions, he skillfully applies his tactical expertise in the service of financially potent clients. The eccentric billionaire Horace T. Quale offers Shelton a considerable sum to help a French truck driver escape from a high-security prison in the fictional former Soviet republic of Kalakschistan. There are enormous financial interests at stake, as the truck driver's imprisonment is linked to a trade embargo. Shelton accepts the mission and assembles a team of trusted associates. However, the mission turns out to be far more dangerous than planned. The Belgian bestselling author Jean Van Hamme and his compatriot Christian Denayer have created Wayne.