The story begins at Joe Burkett's funeral, held three days after his murder. His wife, Maya Stern, a former Army captain and combat helicopter pilot, stands quietly in thought. To her right are Joe's close family members, and to her left is Lily, their two-year-old daughter. Shane Tessier and the rest of Maya's old platoon friends quietly stand behind her.

Joe's funeral attracts a big crowd because he was well-liked and wealthy. However, Maya senses that some people are there out of morbid curiosity about her husband’s murder and her own connection to an international war scandal. Some offer condolences respectfully; others make insensitive remarks. Maya tunes out everyone and reflects on her memories of meeting Joe, their marriage, and the birth of Lily.

After the service, the Burketts invite Maya to their home, but Maya politely declines. Eileen, a friend, suggests driving her and Lily home, then gives Maya a hidden nanny cam cleverly disguised as a digital photo frame, hopeful that the nanny cam will make Maya feel safer and more relaxed, allowing her to see her daughter whenever she wants.

Later, Maya is visited by NYPD homicide detective Roger Kierce, who is investigating the circumstances surrounding her husband's murder, which occurred in Central Park. Maya says that she and her husband used to meet there regularly. Kierce probes into the details, questioning the nature of their meeting. He challenges Maya's statement about a phone call between her and Joe, but Maya states that the details are irrelevant.

The discussion then shifts to the description of the two masked assailants that Maya mentioned in her statement to the police. Maya's military background comes into focus, and Kierce questions her about the gun used in the crime.

Maya defends herself against suggestions of involvement in the crime, highlighting her expertise as a sharpshooter. She asserts that even "blindfolded," it would not have taken her three shots to kill a man from that distance. Kierce agrees and eventually requests to see Maya's guns, particularly the Smith and Wesson 686, the same type of gun used in the murder. Maya complies, and Kierce takes the weapon for further investigation.

As an army veteran, Maya finds it hard to connect with the typical expectations of motherhood, feeling out of place in the "mommy world." Her war experiences make her see the world differently, emphasizing the challenges of transitioning from the intense, fear-driven atmosphere of a war zone to a more peaceful life.

Even though Maya does not need the money and could stay home with her daughter, she finds comfort in her job as a flight instructor. While taking a break, she gets a text from her nephew, Daniel, revealing that his sister, Alexa, does not want her to come to her soccer game.

Maya goes to the soccer game anyway and encounters Coach Phil, a domineering and arrogant figure. They clash over the coach's decisions, and Maya ends up pulling down his shorts in an act of defiance. The incident leaves an impact, as Maya realizes that Alexa and Daniel now understand their aunt will always stand up for them.

Later, while driving Daniel and Alexa home, Maya becomes suspicious of a red car following them and notes the license plate. She reflects on her sister Claire's house, which feels different since Claire's death, which, like Maya's husband's, seemed to be a failed robbery.

Eddie, Claire’s husband, seems uncomfortable with Maya's presence and tells her he might hold her responsible for everything. He asks her to leave for a while, hurting Maya with his accusations. Flashing back to the past, it...