In a small New England town, the tragic death of a war hero and influential figure triggers a series of events that reveal dark secrets and hidden tensions. Prominent journalist Stephen O'Malley arrives to cover the funeral of this esteemed leader, but soon realizes that public admiration conceals a complex web of relationships and manipulations.
The hero's widow, the enigmatic and captivating Ellen, becomes the center of attention, subject to admiration and speculation. As O'Malley delves into the life of the deceased, he uncovers a world of hypocrisies and a past that undermines the perfect image the community has revered. Conversations with key figures, from friends and allies to rivals and enemies, reveal the complexity of the hero and those around him.
The story intensifies as Stephen and Ellen develop a tense relationship, defined by the quest for truth and the struggle to protect the legacy of a man who, despite his glory, was plagued by internal demons. As secrets unravel around him, O'Malley faces a moral dilemma: expose the truth and risk the image of an icon or protect the memory of a man who may not have been what everyone believed. With a touch of suspense and emotional drama, the plot explores the complexities of fame and sacrifice in a society unwilling to let go of its myths.