Gideon Davis, whose behind-the-scenes negotiating skills have earned him the role of peacemaker in conflicts around the globe, knows more about hush-hush discussions in Capitol corridors than he does about hand-to-hand combat. What's more, he's sworn off guns in the aftermath of his parents' tragic death when he was a young boy. But his more practical, tactical skills become vital when he's called upon by family friend and government big-wig Earl Parker in an effort to bring in a rogue agent - Gideon's own brother Tillman.

Gideon is transported from a DC awards dinner to the jungles of the oil-rich nation of Mohan where Tillman has promised to give himself up. But on his arrival in Mohan, plans go immediately awry and he must evade hostile locals to make his way to the Obelisk - a state-of-the-art oil rig which has been seized by terrorists. Both Tillman and Parker are aboard the rig - one as a terrorist, the other a hostage.

With the help of rig manager Kate Murphy, Gideon launches a rescue operation. But those he'd counted on as friends are enemies. If he is to succeed, and save the world from catastrophe, he must uncover the true loyalties of those nearest and dearest to him and learn the truth about the events of his past.