Suspect Zero

FBI Agent Thomas Mackelway faces a significant setback in his career after being placed on a six-month leave and demoted. His downfall is attributed to a previous incident where he violated the civil rights of a serial killer, which significantly impacts his current standing within the FBI.

Following his demotion, Mackelway is transferred to Albuquerque as part of his reassignment. This move is supposed to distance him from the consequences of his prior actions, but it sets the stage for a new, unsettling investigation.

Mackelway's first task in Albuquerque revolves around the mysterious murder of a traveling salesman named Harold Speck. Upon arriving at the crime scene, he discovers Speck's lifeless body, adorned with a strange ‘zero mark,’ which raises alarms within the FBI.

The manner of Speck's murder and the state line implications prompt the FBI to take over the investigation. Given the peculiar circumstances surrounding his death, Mackelway's involvement becomes critical as he begins to piece together the clues.

As Mackelway digs deeper into the case, he uncovers the gruesome details of two additional murders connected to Speck. Shockingly, each victim bears the same unsettling ‘zero mark,’ indicating a possible serial killer on the loose.

Mackelway's investigation leads him to discover that Raymond Starkey, the serial killer he previously mishandled, is also among the victims. This revelation adds complexity to the case, as the series of murders seem to target those with a history of killing.

Initially, the murders seem to be random; however, as Mackelway continues his investigation, he begins to identify a pattern. It becomes evident that someone is methodically eliminating known serial killers, raising critical questions about justice and morality.

Mackelway encounters a potential lead in the investigation: Benjamin O'Ryan, a former FBI agent. O'Ryan’s specialized training in 'remote viewing' becomes crucial, as it allows him to perceive events through the eyes of the perpetrators, offering unique insights.

The discovery of O'Ryan's talents unravels a complex web of deceit, leading Mackelway to confront moral ambiguities in his pursuit of justice. O'Ryan's involvement suggests that the method behind the killings may be more elaborate than initially thought.

As Mackelway inches closer to the truth, the stakes in the investigation steadily rise. The closer he gets to exposing the killer's identity, the more danger he faces, highlighting the risks inherent in the pursuit of justice within a corrupt system.

Mackelway ultimately finds himself in a tense showdown with the individual responsible for the murders. This confrontation forces him to reckon not only with the killer’s motives but also with his own past decisions and the broader implications for justice.

Throughout the investigation, Mackelway grapples with difficult moral dilemmas. The unfolding events challenge his perceptions of right and wrong, pushing him to navigate a world where justice is intertwined with violence and revenge.

The investigation concludes with the resolution of the case, providing some closure to the victims' families while leaving lingering questions about the nature of justice. Mackelway reflects on the events that transpired and the impact on his life and career.

In the aftermath of the case, Mackelway continues to deal with the emotional and professional repercussions of what transpired in Albuquerque. The haunting memories of his investigation and the intricate dynamics of crime linger, shaping his future.