Jake Maroc is an agent for the Quarry.
The Quarry is a secret government intelligence agency created by a President fifteen years before the start of the series, dedicated to fighting those foreign enemies who seek to foment chaos in the international arena, whether another country or private individual. As his personal strong arm, the men and women of the Quarry answer only to him. While it is fairly large, based on the number of operatives it has, it has managed to remain below the public's radar. It is quite well known by its adversaries but it still unknown to the average citizen.
Maroc is one of the longest serving, and one of the best, agents of that the Quarry has had. Maroc is half-American and half-Chinese trained by the best martial arts instructor in Hong Kong. Being of two worlds, Maroc had understanding that few other agents can. He also has incurred the distrust of many who want him to choose one side forever.
As the series opens, Maroc is living in Hong Kong with his wife Mariana, hunting for a man who has been his nemesis for many years and whom he has sworn to kill, a fellow martial arts expert named Nurichen. The conflict these two have make up a large part of the first book but behind their conflict are the actions of the KGB, the Red Chinese, and the Quarry. Who is the leader and who is the pawn becomes a very grey area.
The second book takes an even harsher turn against Maroc and his family as the powerful forces see an end in sight and want to make sure that they are in control when that end comes.