A British plane crashes in America, sparking off a national emergency and a diplomatic crisis.

The British Embassy in Washington is besieged by British nationals seeking sanctuary from the Governor of Virginia's draconian policy to round up all British Muslims in the state.

James Sinclair is on the run after the assassination of his brother-in-law, Eshan. The murder has put Mark Brydon in such a position that Downing Street wants his head and is being recalled. However, he refuses to resign and he then receives a phone call from Secretary of Defense Lynne Warner telling him she has asked personally for him to stay.

After thoughtful consideration, Mark has decided to go with James Sinclair's plan and broker the negotiations between the US and Eshan Borisvitch. He could replace Usma at the head of the Tyrgyztan's Government which finally will bring peace to the small country.

Special Agent Blake is closing on Christopher Styles as one of the men in the car accident with Jane was carrying a Department of Defense ID.

Jane finally reads the letter Luke left for her before he was executed. She visits his old roommate who has kept something for him. As she perused through the information, she realizes that this could be worst than any political scandal the history of mankind has faced.