The secretary of state has been murdered in his home. It looks like a robbery gone wrong. It seems the prime suspect is the politician's gardener. But in Washington, D.C., nothing is as it seems. Justice Department lawyer Ben Hartwell is assigned the unenviable task of finding the truth. His greatest obstacle--and ally--is the lawyer for the accused. Together they uncover a lifetime of political intrigues, private indiscretions, personal ememies-and questionable ties to the Chinese Government--in the victim's high-level career. But was the secretary of state merely a puppet in a vast conspiracy? And if so, who cut the strings? The answers could expose America's darkest secrets--and silence anyone who digs too deep.