The Machine produces the Social Security number of Joey Durban , a former soldier. On returning from Afghanistan, Joey joined a gang of former soldiers who have taken to robbing banks.

Reese takes the case of Theresa Whitaker , a girl who supposedly died with her family two years previously.

John Reese, a former CIA agent and Army Special Forces soldier turned homeless alcoholic, has a struggle with a group of hot-headed teenagers on the subway.