In the tradition-bound culture of the FBI, Karla Davis is considered a "female" agent first and "special" agent second. When she uncovers evidence of a Mafia infiltrator at the highest levels of the New York headquarters, she is rebuffed by male supervisors. Undeterred, she launches an unauthorized investigation, confiding in her mentor and her lover, both experienced agents. Opposed by a quarry always one step ahead of her, an elite team of assassins determined to protect the infiltrator, and a monolithic institution disdainful of individuality, Karla enters a labyrinth of deceit, murder, and personal betrayal.