Detectives Goren and Eames investigate the murder of a recently paroled bank robber who is found slain in a park.
During the investigation, Goren and Eames check out the victim's sister who has a romantic connection with a mysterious man living a double life while telling his family that he is an economist for the United Nations. As his world of lies unravels, murder seems to be his only way out.
As the detectives close in on the suspect, they find that everyone involved in the case has been living a delusion. Then, Goren learns the tormented man wants the approvalof his children. Goren must stop him before more murders are committed.