Keeper of the Flame 1942 American military leader and war hero Robert Forrest, universally beloved and respected within the country and thus touted as Presidential material, has just died in a freak car accident on his sprawling estate, where, during an unexpected rainstorm, the car he was driving plunged over a ravine as he didnt notice the washed out bridge While the nation mourns, the national reporters descend on his small hometown to write the story of the incident One reporter who wont is renowned Steven OMalley, who wants instead to write an in depth piece on the man to preserve his status within the public consciousness Although happy to use official documents and records, OMalley wants most specifically to speak to his wife, Christine Forrest, which may be a difficult task as she has refused to grant any interviews as a very private person OMalley is able to meet with Christine in person, and although she is reluctant to oblige his request at first, she is convinced by Roberts aide, Clive Kerndon, to cooperate with him so as to control the agenda As OMalley begins his research, he begins to think that Christine and others around her are hiding something about Robert andor his death OMalley is determined to discover the truth, which he believes may have something to do with Roberts mother, afflicted with dementia and hidden away in a big isolated house on the estate Christines cousin, Geoffrey Midford, who does not hide his disdain for Robert andor Jason Rickards, one of Roberts servants, or one of Jasons children, Jason who was once Roberts superior in the military before he was permanently injured in battle and saved by Robert in the process