An abandoned Southwark warehouse burns next door to a women's shelter for victims of spousal abuse. Within it lies the charred corpse of a female body burned beyond all recognition. At the same time, workers at Guy's Hospital anxiously discuss the disappearance of a hospital administrator - a beautiful, emotionally fragile young woman who's vanished without a trace. And in an old, dark, rambling London house, nine-year-old Harriet's awful fears won't be silenced - as she worries about her feuding parents, her schoolwork... and the strange woman who is her only companion in this scary, unfamiliar place. Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid - lovers and former partners - have their own pressing concerns. But they must put aside private matters to investigate these disturbing cases. Yet neither Gemma nor Duncan realize how closely the cases are connected - or how important their resolutions will be for an abducted young child who is frightened, alone... and in serious peril.