A Novel. Jack Johnson is both lucky and unlucky. He survives the Vietnam war as a decorated helicopter pilot, marries the girl he left behind, and lands on his feet at Australias leading advertising agency, as a launch pad to spectacular success in the industry. Lucky, you might say. But luck can change. Jack is hit with a bogus criminal charge that chases him into the Great Australian Desert, in a quest for Lasseters fabled gold reef. But Jack is not the only one looking. A mysterious Chinese company called Triple Eight is buying up leases in the desert, and people are dying. Back home, he leaves not only a heartbroken wife but a beautiful