As political conditions continue to deteriorate in the Middle East, Vatican officials urge archeologist John Christopher to accept the position as ambassador-at-large to the upcoming negotiations. As a former official at the American State Department, he is familiar with the problems of the region, and personally acquainted with many of its leaders. The sudden disappearance of one of Washington's most powerful congressmen transforms what Christopher expected to be a routine negotiation into an intricate web of faith, murder, and deceit.