Emmitt K. Edwards, a sleazy criminal who profited from the pain of others, was a fabulously wealthy, lonely recluse as he stood on the stoop of death's door. Decades earlier his wife was murdered in an unsuccessful attempt on his life. His children fled into witness protection. His life was reduced to hiding in his faux antebellum mansion surrounded by the trappings of his wealth, and his private security. When death finally snatched him, he left behind a king's ransom and a grotesque secret. Jack Hare, an experienced trust officer, and Abby Jackson, a young, new estate planning attorney in the community, are selected to settle Mr. Edward's estate. Immediately there's a physical attraction, but they are timid due to emotional scarring from previous shockingly, horrific romantic relationships. Their excitement about their possible budding romance and their unique opportunity to administer this immense estate is suddenly eclipsed by the surprising deaths of Mr. Edwards' close associates. As they learn about Mr. Edwards' life and his heinous criminal activities, they suspect these deaths are connected and intentional...and they may be next. When Mr. Edwards' grotesque secret entraps them, Abby and Jack encounter a maze of decisions and obstacles which they must courageously navigate using their intelligence, desire, and might to escape with their lives.