Susan Callahan's life as an archaeologist who specialized in ancient history ticked along without diversion. When hired to consult on the authenticity of works of art she knew where housed in the Smithsonian her life took a dramatic turn. Kidnapped and tossed over the side of a boat to drown, Susan finds herself rescued by a woman named Zea. Because she lost her glasses during the kidnapping she can't see the woman clearly but nevertheless feels drawn to her. After she returned to her safe existence, Susan fantasizes about her rescuer and longs to see her again and tell her how she feels. After five years of letters and messages that lead nowhere she still held the mysterious woman up as her dream lover. A chance encounter at a museum has Susan beginning to let Zea go and move on.