In a world of dwindling civil liberties, Kerry O'Malley and her husband, controversial author Connor O'Malley, immigrated to the United States a decade ago to publish Connor's politically-charged science-fiction book. Kerry has since become Lieutenant of the Chicago Police Department's Crime Scene Investigation team. She utilizes the Choice system, a computer network that registers the thoughts of willing citizens, to keep the city safe. Most believe that the Choice system has allowed America to retain freedoms absent elsewhere in the world. Connor is a skeptic, and his outspoken views have led to his success. Now wealthy, the O'Malleys live in comfort and freedom with their two children in an idyllic Chicago suburb.
One autumn day, their comfort is shattered. While Kerry delves into an organized crime plot with national security implications, the O'Malleys are violently attacked. The subsequent investigation leads Kerry to an enemy she has long worked to eradicate. A meeting between the crime boss and the CSI Lieutenant leads to more questions than answers. This exciting, action-packed adventure is the first installment of the O'Malley family's epic efforts to save the very idea of liberty.