Ten years ago, Flip Farriday was nothing more than a smalltown patrolman. Then came his big break. A shocking crime. A teenage culprit. And Flip is the one who put the guilty young man behind bars, catapulting himself to the role of captain. Ten months ago, Veronica Hollister's father-a former preacher-sent her on a mission to Meridian Penitentiary. She was meant to learn a lesson. And maybe to teach one, too. But now, she's face-to-face with a living nightmare. Ten hours ago, confessed killer, Ellis Black, broke out of prison with a pretty little hostage in tow. He's got a plan. A dark and vengeful goal. And there's nothing-nothing at all-he won't do to to achieve it. The policeman. The preacher's daughter. The convict. Good doesn't always triumph. Evil can be more than what it seems. And a few souls can't ever be redeemed... But sometimes, in a complex world, the question is simple. Who will come out on top?