As the top hostage negotiator for the Los Angeles Police Department, Tom Bennett takes his job seriously - both on and off the clock. After his wife dies in a tragic accident for which he blames himself, Tom shuts out anything that might remind him of her, including their young son, Casey. Years later, at what starts out to be just another routine negotiation at a convenience store, Tom quickly begins to realize that something about this standoff is different. After entering the store to talk down the hostage takers, Tom discovers that his estranged son has orchestrated this entire event. He must then face an embittered Casey in a violent, emotional standoff that has everyone's lives on the line.