When North Irish separatist, Sean Dunnigan, accidentally wounds a bystander during an attack on a sensitive military project, he is torn with guilt. After visiting her in the hospital, ostensibly to assure himself that the victim, Judith Fenley, will survive, he becomes obsessed. When Judith is released from the hospital, Sean approaches her again. Their relationship is cautious at first, but they are soon deeply in love. There are barriers to face. She is a Protestant of English parents. He is Catholic. Little by little, they face their differences: religion, politics, the whole issue of Ulster Independence, his role as a freedom fighter, and how best to end it. Just as it seems that their problems are resolved and a new life lies ahead, however, tragedy strikes. The story ends with a twist from a totally unanticipated angle--a hint that there may be hope for the future.