The callous murder of a young environmental protestor in a seaside resort provokes widespread condemnation, creating a highly-charged atmosphere. Into the ferment walks Joe Brewster, ageing ex-New York cop, still stinging from his last job and ill-equipped to deal with local lore, sentiment and even the local dialect. He is soon caught up in a world of migratory geese, discoveries of ancient Viking settlements and the clandestine intentions of a foreign businessman. Meanwhile, the discovery that someone has hired the services of a Russian hitman pushes Brewster further into the web of intrigue. When his own life becomes endangered Brewster realises that he will have to fight dirty if he is to survive in this foreign land.