In present day Chicago a theoretical physicist realizes the ages-old dream of building a time machine. Guarding himself and his career from probable ridicule, he proceeds in secret. Even after he has successfully tested his theory and device he jealously retains control of the project until he can satisfy his own personal and scientific curiosity. Determined not to create paradox by meddling in the past, he travels to 1924 Chicago and finds himself inexorably drawn to intervene in the Leopold and Loeb kidnapping and murder case, with unexpected and unintended results. Chastened, he nonetheless yields to the scientific principle of a balanced and complete experiment by traveling to the near future. There he finds out things about himself and his work that are difficult to accept. Subsequently, he finds that his beloved machine can even be an instrument of temporary resurrection. Forced to decide between sharing his discovery and burying it, he comes face to face with personal issues of guilt and the need for forgiveness.