Kurt Lingstorm is doing an archaeological dig under a church in Jerusalem which is believed to be built on top of the home where John the Apostle lived with Mary, the mother of Jesus. He uncovers a secret burial niche and needs an expert on first-century Christianity. He knows who he wants to bring in to help him. Michael O'Brien is a priest and archaeologist who specializes in this area. He is brought in by Kurt and the Cardinal in charge of Holy Shrines. The attraction between the two men is instant but they must also deal with the burial niches and a Vatican representative to Jerusalem who is less than priestly and is blackmailing two of Kurt's team members to steal from the site.