On any given day, the case of a child trapped with a cruel, abusive parent could land on the docket of Judge Orella Bookings. Her passion, dedication, legal acumen, and skillful manipulation of the court system’s protection for the helpless could prove to be fatal if a vindictive parent is involved. Hell hath no fury like a parent scorned.

         One such parent—a systematic killer—insists the judge responsible for separating a child from family must die. Orella suddenly finds herself at the top of a murderer’s hit list with only one escape plan—flee Manhattan to the safety of an estate in Miami owned by Kathy Stockton, her best friend.

         Kathy is obscenely rich and knows people in high and low places. With the aid of friends who include police detectives, private investigators, and FBI profilers, Kathy is determined to do everything in her power to protect her friend.

          Safely tucked away in the beautiful setting of Coconut Grove, Orella relaxes and indulges in her favorite pastime. Unfortunately, her safety is an illusion, because no one can protect Orella from herself.  Led by a sense of false security and overwhelming self-confidence, she becomes restless and unwittingly sets into motion a series of events that invite the killer straight to her door.