Cooper (Coleman), a deputy director of the CIA, wants to take over the director position. Standing in his way is Ross (Durning), whom Cooper plans on eliminating by implicating him in a failed drug-smuggling operation in Morocco and forcing him to resign. Ross, meanwhile, simply sits back and watches the antics unfold. When one attempt after another fails to yield any usable information, Cooper orders Richard killed, eventually attempting to kill the man himself. Richard remains completely oblivious to the plot, and settles down with Maddy once Cooper is removed.