Pam Robinson and Marian Wortham have been best friends for years, but recent incidents where Marian feels that Pam has stepped in needlessly has erected a wall between them. Pam initiates a meeting to clear the air. As that conversation progresses, Marian reveals that she is seeking a transfer from Washington to Houston. "That's where M.D. Anderson is located," she explains. "I have a malignant tumor in my colon."
Along with her daily responsibilities, Pam must invest time in course work and testing in pursuit of a master's degree. It is a requirement imposed by the Attorney General as a condition for keeping her job. His view for her is political science even though her education and expertise are in the chemistry field.
Failure to recover a vital piece of evidence in Topeka leads to self-doubt, an emotion that has haunted Pam throughout her career. Assurances from ATF Director Rick Conroe help keep her on track in both her job and her educational endeavor, but are they enough to ensure success in either one?