James Bond must investigate a mysterious murder case of a British agent in New Orleans. Soon he finds himself up against a gangster boss named Mr. Big.

Elsie is a fiercely independent, equally opinionated pensioner with a drink problem and reliant on daily help including Jermaine, a black, sexually ambiguous carer. Initially, their relationships is combative but he wins her over with his non-conventional ways. When Jermaine disappears without a word, Elsie is determined to find out what happened to him.