Summary

It is the opportunity of a lifetime for Kate Chandler, the chance to cut seven rare and priceless sapphires and solidify her reputation as a world class jewel cutter. But something goes horribly, tragically wrong during what should be a simple transfer of goods. The sapphires vanish without a trace. Missing also is the man she trusted to transport the gems: her brother Lee, who now, quite possibly, is dead. And suddenly Kate is on the run, pursued by federal agents who suspect her of being the criminal mastermind of a cunning bait-and-switch.

Special agent Sam Groves is one of the best of the best, an essential member of the FBI's elite crime strike force and the perfect man to lead the hunt, since he could never be scammed by a beautiful confidence woman. But there is something troubling about this assignment, because someone else is chasing Kate Chandler as well.

Only Kate suspects the awful truth: that she's unwittingly stumbled into a conspiracy of deceit, betrayal, and cold- blooded murder that goes far beyond a simple jewel heist. And a chilling, threatening voice on the telephone only confirms her worst suspicions. Getting Sam Groves, the FBI agent who's her constant shadow, to believe her is a step in the right direction—but it may be one that's too little and too late in a bloody game where terror dictates her every move and the rules are constantly changing. Because the order has already been passed down to a ruthlessly efficient assassin that Kate Chandler must not be allowed to live...