Hugh Marlowe is a man with a plan. After spending five long years in prison thanks to partners who left him in the lurch with some stolen loot, he’s getting out—and he’s going to get his money. But his former friends want it too. And that means Marlowe must go on the run. The small village of Litton seems like the perfect spot to lay low. And working for a local farm collective is the perfect job to hide his true identity. But trouble finds Marlowe anyway when his employer comes under pressure from a local big shot who doesn’t appreciate competition of any kind—and is willing to burn out whoever stands against him. Desperate to keep his head down, but unable to stay out of a fight to help those who have become his new family, Marlowe is going to have to take on all comers—both old and new—if he ever hopes to be truly free. Before took flight, Jack Higgins was spinning tales of violence and betrayal, loyalty and love, and battles big and small in his ascent to becoming the preeminent architect of the modern thriller. is one of his early tales of suspense, and a sign of the outstanding talent that continues today with , , and countless other bestsellers.