A New York Times bestseller
C.J. Box is the winner of 2009's Edgar Award for Best Novel

After years of trying for a child, Jack and Melissa McGuane's dream came true with the adoption of their daughter Angelina. But just nine months after bringing her home, they're plunged into a nightmare when a call from the adoption agency reveals that their child's biological father - an 18-year-old boy - never signed away his parental rights. Now he wants Angelina back and the law's on his side.

Worse, the boy's father is a well-connected federal judge prepared to use the full weight of his influence to make it happen: Jack and Melissa's attorney won't even touch their case; Jack's job is suddenly and inexplicably under threat. On the other side of the law, the boy runs with Sureno13, a dangerous street gang. Together, father and son wage a harrowing campaign of intimidation and harassment.

Jack and Melissa know that the boy and his father have no love for Angelina, what they don't know is why they want her so badly. With 21 days until they are legally compelled to hand over their daughter, just how far outside the law are they prepared to go to find out?