An abandoned Southwark warehouse burns next door to a women's shelter for victims of spousal abuse. Within it lies the charred corpse of a female body burned beyond all recognition. At the same time, workers at Guy's Hospital anxiously discuss the disappearance of a hospital administrator—a beautiful, emotionally fragile young woman who's vanished without a trace. And in an old, dark, rambling London house, nine-year-old Harriet's awful fears won't be silenced—as she worries about her feuding parents, her schoolwork . . . and the strange woman who is her only companion in this scary, unfamiliar place. Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid—lovers and former partners—have their own pressing concerns. But they must put aside private matters to investigate these disturbing cases. Yet neither Gemma nor Duncan realize how closely the cases are connected—or how important their resolutions will be for an abducted young child who is frightened, alone . . . and in serious peril.