Following an unprecedented event where Viking apparition Sveyn Hansen manifests enough of a presence to save Hollis McKenna's life, the resulting security videos of her barely visible "guardian angel" cause a flood of interest in the Arizona History and Cultural Museum from spiritualists, cable-television ghost hunters, and exorcizing priests. Hollis must somehow deal with the influx, while still preparing the Kensington collection for the upcoming opening of the museum's new wing, and wondering all the while how much of the Viking's presence might be detected and proved. At the wing's opening gala, Hollis's ex-boyfriend of ten years shows up unexpectedly, claiming his short-lived marriage was a mistake and he wants to reunite. Though skeptical of Matt's ability to commit to her, Hollis knows that Sveyn, a mere apparition with no control over where or when he manifests, offers her no future of any kind. But as Sveyn's connection with Hollis deepens, he begins to manifest in real ways-regaining his physical senses, and catching other people's notice. When the true nature of her complicated situation comes to light, Hollis discovers how dismal her situation actually is... until a nearly-fatal accident changes everything.
