In the early 1980s, Mason Skiles, a former U.S. diplomat, is living a quiet life in New England after a traumatic incident in Beirut, Lebanon ten years earlier. He is unexpectedly drawn back into the chaos when the CIA enlists his help to negotiate the release of a kidnapped friend and fellow diplomat, Cal Riley. The mission is of paramount importance due to Cal's high-security clearance and the sensitive information he possesses. Upon his return, Mason grapples with haunting memories of his past while navigating the volatile political environment of war-torn Beirut.

Mason quickly discovers that the situation is far more complicated than it initially appeared. Various factions within Beirut are vying for power, and the line between ally and adversary becomes increasingly blurred. He must rely on his wits and negotiation skills to untangle a web of political intrigue and personal vendettas. As tensions escalate, Mason faces moral dilemmas and questions of trust, all while under constant threat from different militant groups. With lives hanging in the balance and time running out, he must piece together the clues to uncover who is truly behind the abduction and why.