"A jolting thriller, it is the story of Merec and his victim, Sarah. A seemingly unstoppable terrorist and human killing machine, Merec has recruited, utilized, then exterminated countless personal murder squads. Unaffiliated with any known political or religious organization, he chooses his jobs for pleasure; he is a man who defies any conventional notion of what is human.".

"At Merec's command, all the elderly residents of the Willowridge Rest Home - save one - are massacred. He releases a detailed video of the slaughter to the media that is aired on national television. America is shocked by the carnage - and mesmerized. One victim, Sarah, a younger woman recuperating from a car crash, confounds Merec's cynical expectations. She offers her life in exchange for another's. Fascinated by her refusal, Merec kidnaps Sarah to continue the game.".

"Videos of a captive and progressively beaten Sarah are released to the media, and Americans are outraged - and eager to watch. Inspired by her stoicism and bravery, a vigil in her honor is planned at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral to be broadcast nationwide - an opportunity for which Merec has made his own arrangements to show off his hostage as never before.

Unaware that she has become a national celebrity, Sarah discovers that living on the razor's edge has given her an unexpected purpose - and an illicit sense of freedom."--BOOK JACKET.