After Dr. Ellen Sanders, a prominent Washington D.C. surgeon, is handpicked to operate on the President of the United States, rogue FBI agent Duncan Carlisle and armed intruders suddenly take her and her family hostage. Scared and bewildered, Ellen soon learns the reason: unless she assassinates the President during surgery, her captors will kill them all.

Duncan threatens Ellen that she must convince the President to keep her on as his surgeon after he decides to go with another doctor, or there will be consequences. Also, Ellen meets Duncan's daughter and gains insight into his life.