Soon after, Valerie's covert status is leaked to high-profile Washington journalists. Is it an unfortunate coincidence or a coordinated campaign to retaliate against her husband for his very public disagreement with the government? With her cover blown and her overseas contacts now left exposed and vulnerable, Valerie is pushed to the breaking point as her career and private life begin to implode. Friends become indignant, then distant. Valerie receives anonymous death threats and Joe's consulting business dries up as a result of the concerted smear campaign against them. After 18 years serving the government, Valerie—a mother, a wife and a field officer with an impeccable record—now struggles to save her reputation, her career and her marriage.