The calm after the storm of the 911 terrorist attacks on the US moves from curious observation to full obsession as former FBI agent William Besson plots a nuclear attack on New York City. Convinced that an attack of such proportion will unite America against a common enemy and foster a sense of mutual aid and support among its citizens, Besson sets about bringing his plan to fruition.The successful theft of a nuclear bomb sets the plan in action and triggers an FBI manhunt and investigation. Andrea Jansen, lead agent for the FBI investigation, seeks counsel from a former agent and romantic interest, Besson himself.As the clock ticks toward the destruction of New York City, Besson has a change of heart but finds things are no longer in his control - the plan has taken on a deep and sinister life of its own.