In 2006's Double Agent we learned that Sam's daughter - and only remaining family member - was tragically killed in a car accident. Grief-stricken, Sam joined a covert military op, was publicly labeled a terrorist, and was ultimately forced to kill one of his few remaining friends, Colonel Irving Lambert. Afterwards, Sam left the country he'd felt betrayed by to aimlessly wander the Earth.
GUIDES: Tom Clancys Splinter Cell Conviction Walkthrough, PC XBOX 360 Splinter Cell Conviction Game Strategy Guide
Conviction finds Sam on the Mediterranean island of Malta as he receives an unexpected call from an old colleague looking for help. Anna Grimsdattir (A.K.A. Grim) is the technical operations manager for Sam's old boss, Third Echelon. She tells Sam that she's uncovered a plot that threatens the president of the United States, and she wants his help investigating a private military contractor called Black Arrow. To catch Sam's interest, Grim tells him that his daughter's death wasn't an accident. She's willing to help him uncover the truth, but he needs to scratch her back in return.