In Powers That Be, a middle-aged man who has had quite a bit of success takes time off from his work to spend time with his shy goddaughter. She has a surprising empathic power that takes her and everyone else by surprise. What's even more shocking is the secret that she's been carrying for far too long. The secret involves touchy subjects that can ruin both of their lives. Along the way, he will have to mingle with interesting people, such as his curvy ex-wife, a sporty stepdaughter, and a mysterious exchange student who seems oddly out of place.