When CIA Agent Alisha MacAleer's cover is blown by ex-lover Frank Reichart, she's forced into a spy game that draws a curtain back on a world she never even suspected existed… The clandestine Sicarii have hired Brandon Parker, the brilliant, estranged son of Alisha's handler, to develop an artificial intelligence capable of enforcing their divine right to rule. No one, not even Brandon's father, imagines he can do it—not until Alisha herself faces one of the AI's battle drones in combat. It's suddenly a race between the CIA, the Sicarii, and Alisha's mercenary ex, to see who can keep—or steal—the AI for themselves. No matter which way Alisha turns, she faces new dangers and heartbreaking betrayals. In the end, she has no choice but to adhere to the cardinal rule… Trust no one but yourself.

Agent Alisha MacAleer has put the past behind her as best she can, but her trust in the CIA is no longer what it was...and the Agency's faith in Alisha is fractured, too. When a mission goes sideways—again—thanks to her ex-lover Frank Reichart, Alisha's loyalties are called into question. Furious to learn that brilliant but treacherous Brandon Parker is back developing the next generation of his sophisticated artificial intelligences, assigned to desk duty, and sure that there are answers that only she can get to, Alisha is left with an impossible choice. She can follow orders, or she can strike out on her own to uncover Brandon's intentions, Reichart's secrets, and the hidden mastermind behind the game she's been drawn into—a mastermind whose identity she suspects, but could never guess. With no support, no resources, and no safety net, Alisha must believe that honor can survive a trial by fire….

All former spy Alisha MacAleer wanted was to lead a normal life, complete with settling down near her family. Then a hail of gunfire followed CIA agent Brandon Parker’s arrival on her doorstep. He’d done the impossible: created an AI, a sentient being with artificial intelligence. The U.S. government and two powerful secret societies–hell, even Europe’s top underworld figure–all wanted it. And Brandon’s arrival made Alisha the last obstacle between them and the AI. The one person who could help had betrayed her years ago. Yet with the exasperating and elusive Frank Reichart on her side, Alisha might have a chance. If Alisha could use him without giving him her trust, she might just make it through this final mission alive…