With the U.S. seemingly linked to a terrorist bombing in a Baltic nation and a Russian troop buildup just over the border, the covert Gray Outfit sends Thomas Laker to untangle the mess. But after a second attack leaves him out in the cold, Laker's on his own.

Five thousand miles away in Miami, Laker's partner and NSA codebreaker Ava North is investigating the murder of a fellow agent. When tracks lead to a Cuban-American billionaire in bed with the Jersey Mob, Ava's superiors want her to lay off. Not a chance. Though oceans apart, Laker and Ava discover their separate missions are tied to one explosive plot. The only way out is to breach all protocol and play by their own rules . . .

JOHN LUTZ IS . . .

"A MAJOR TALENT." --John Lescroart

"AMONG THE BEST." --San Diego Union

"IN RARE FORM."--New York Times Book Review

Includes the bonus short story "Paranoid Enough for Two," finalist for the Edgar Award