As hooded penitents march their floats through the cobbled streets, a man runs for his life, determined to keep an ageold secret. But time has just run out.

When former art thief Tom Kirk hears of the torturous crucifixion of a long-time friend, he immediately abandons his enquiry into the theft of a priceless Da Vinci and turns his attention to the murder...

As hooded penitents march their floats through the cobbled streets, a man runs for his life, determined to keep an ageold secret. But time has just run out.

When former art thief Tom Kirk hears of the torturous crucifixion of a long-time friend, he immediately abandons his enquiry into the theft of a priceless Da Vinci and turns his attention to the murder.

Over in New York, Special Agent Jennifer Browne’s forgery case is threatening to explode into a scandal that strikes at the heart of the global auction business. With the body count rising and a tabloid hack trailing her every move, she follows a lead to Paris where she comes face to face with Tom.

Realising that both cases are connected, Tom and Jennifer are swept into a conspiracy that dates back to Napoleon - and survives in a series of coded messages concealed by the Emperor himself. Messages that lead to a shattering secret.