SYNOPSIS:

When an Appeals Court Judge is shot, liberal Justice Edwin Burke is assigned the case as it goes to trial. In quick succession, it goes to trial and he convicts and sentences the defendant to death. The defense counsel asks for a stay of execution. As usual, Ned (Edwin Burke) says he'll consider the request.

Ned's new neighbor, Ray Klosey attends the funeral of the deceased judge. Klosey plans to get close to Ned to make sure the execution goes through. He installs a compromised security system in his home, spies on the family, and then turns up the heat.

Ned visits with the deceased judge’s wife Adriana, to get more info on the murderer, Graham's background. Ned calls and stops the execution. He is later embarrassed because the sentence is further plea-bargained down.

At Ned's request, the family invites Klosey to dinner who it turns out is a gourmet chef. Ned assures Klosey the public anger over the capital punishment decision will blow over.

But unknown persons threaten the judge and his family. Suspicions are raised, Ned has the DA check with the FBI. His son gets a gun, then he gets an ultimatum calling for Graham's death within 48 hours, and is told to get in line. The DA informs Ned there is no FBI involvement and then he gets killed in a staged car accident.

Klosey, almost discovered, kills the real estate agent. Ned’s young son discovers the dead agent in Klosey's home next door. Ned uncovers a bug and phone tap in his home. He gets rid of the security equipment that Klosey had installed.

Klosey continues to attempt to influence the judge and his family by ingratiating himself as the execution date approaches. But at the same time, he arranges a series of suspicious events that spook Ned and the family.

Klosey watches Peg, Ned’s wife in the backyard pool. Then Klosey asks Peg to teach him how to do water aerobics. She pulls back realizing there's an attraction. Klosey cooks for them and they all get to know each other too well. Klosey incites further public anger via radio and the press.

Ned finds his car scratched, his tires slashed, threatening phone messages and his windows broken. A bomb destroys their car. Klosey assures Ned he will help him find the guy. Rachel, Ned’s daughter is kidnapped by Klosey who disguises himself as an old man.

FBI agents brief Ned but the family feuds about killing Graham to pay the ransom to the kidnapper. Prison officials put Graham in the gas chamber. Guards strap Graham for execution. The FBI doesn’t seem very cooperative.

Klosey sets up the final battle in Ned’s home where he attacks them and they must fight for their lives as Graham is losing his. Klosey had a diabolical plan to set Graham free because of key information he possessed.

In a surprise ending, Klosey is killed.