Molecular biologist Donald Allinger is recruited by the FBI to infiltrate a spy cell operating within the secret biological warfare defense laboratory at the U. S. Army's Utah Dugway Proving Grounds. Working for North Korea, the agents are seeking classified information about U. S. efforts for detecting bioterrorist attacks. In preparation for his assignment, it is not long before Allinger and his female FBI handler fall in love. His assignment takes him through unexpected turns that lead him to South America and the Middle East. In the course of his exploits, he stumbles across information about an imminent bioterrorist attack on a California city using biological materials supplied by North Korea. He travels to Dubai for a "chance" encounter with a high-level female North Korean biological warfare official that he had previously met. With the assistance of sex and alcohol, Allinger is able to obtain information about the bioterrorism attack. As he collects evidence against the Dugway spies, Allinger's exploits become more and more perilous until his cover is blown. He is kidnapped and tortured by North Korean agents, leading to an explosive conclusion.