In the summer of 1987 in Romania, Coronel Nicolae Mollica has just murdered the communist party treasurer. He has no fear of being caught until he notices tourist Maria OSullivan taking pictures that may include him. Photographs are retrieved but not all of them. The vacationing OSullivan family has now become embroiled in a matter of national security.

Now, the OSullivans and twenty-four other Americans on a tour bus are in great danger. They find themselves accused of murder and trapped behind the Iron Curtain. Tour guide Peter Korzo has run up against Mollica before; he knows what the man is capable of, but he is willing to risk his life to escape with his new American friends.

Mollica will stop at nothing, however, in order to remain in power. His indiscretion cannot be revealed, so with the help of the Romanian Secret Police and a nation of informants, he hunts the OSullivan family. He must have the photo but now he also wants Maria. He lies when he offers her safety and freedom for her family in exchange for a night of sex, Will she accept his offer?