When a prominent surgeon is kidnapped, suspicion falls on the surgeon’s wife and her lover. But before the New York City police department can launch an investigation, special agent of the FBI, Kate Sutherland steps in, asserting federal jurisdiction, and removes the investigation to Federal Plaza. Kate soon learns that the ramifications of the kidnapping will be played out on an international stage. Kate meets Max Mann who introduces himself as a professor at the Kennedy School. This encounter leads to a passionate affair during which Kate begins to suspect Max’s other identity. Fault lines appear as turf disputes between the CIA and the FBI boil over with serious consequences for Kate. To further complicate matters, Israel’s Mossad deals itself into the game as a major player. The machinations of these contesting forces produce a startling outcome.