Right as I'm about to die, I realise all the myths are fake. There's no white light at the end of the tunnel. My life isn't flashing before my eyes. All I can think about is how much I want to live.

I moved to New York City a month ago to become the best journalist the world had ever seen. To find the greatest stories never told. And now, here I am – Henry Parker, twenty-four years old and weary beyond rational thought, a bullet one trigger pull from ending my life.

Five minutes ago I thought I had the story all figured out. I knew both of these men – one an FBI agent, the other an assassin – wanted me dead, but for very different reasons. Now I know that if the truth dies with me tonight, many more people will die as well.

I can't run. Running is all Amanda and I have done for the past seventy-two hours. And I'm tired. Tired of knowing the truth and not being able to tell it.

Just give me a chance to tell the story, and I promise it will be worth it.

"A first-rate debut from an author who dares to take the traditional thriller in bold new directions" – Tess Gerritsen

"A stellar performance" – Publishers Weekly