Following the successful conclusion of another immensely demanding negotiation in south London, Superintendent Alex Lewis and his partner Pip head for a much-needed break in the Scottish Highlands. But, the morning after their arrival on the Castle Craigie estate, they find themselves caught up in an attempt by an armed gang to kidnap a well-known Scottish Earl. In the desperate hours that follow, Alex and Pip must call on all their years of negotiating experience to save not only the life of the Earl, but their own lives too.