DCI Elaine Hope barely survived her last case. Someone is still determined to put an end to her. But could the culprit be one of her London Metropolitan Police colleagues? Detective Chief Inspector Elaine Hope still bears the scars 8212;both physical and emotional 8212;of the devastating assault that nearly ended her life nine months ago. Now, she wants two things: to salvage a police career in tatters, and to get payback. But who is the ultimate culprit? Is it Anton Srecko, capo of the brutal gangsters who attacked her? Or is it someone within the London Metropolitan Police, who failed to send backup when she most needed help? Put on desk duty while she recovers from the attack, Elaine runs her rogue investigation in secret. Despite the crime chart on her bedroom wall, a slate of clandestine informers, and a list of likely suspects, she hits a maddening dead end. Meanwhile, former members of Elaine's team, Detectives Philip Bull and Simon Costello, find the