Book excerpt: Weeks have passed since the initial events of the conflict that joined Thomas Mc-Carthy with his roommates and fellow Peace Keepers, Lisbeth Moore and Katarina Contigas, together in destiny. That time marked the beginning of a mysterious series of events the trio is now destined to repeat for lifetimes on end. Newly promoted to the rank of detective in the Chicago Police Department, Tom has landed in the middle of an ongoing FBI kidnapping investigation. Sixteen-year-old Natasha Patel has disappeared, and all eyes are now on chief suspect Nikolous Tiernay. Aware that he alone has access to the information that would rescue the young woman he has yet to meet, Tom must juggle the investigation, mastering changes in his talent with plants, and a budding relationship with Natashas aunt, Anne Morretti. Furthermore, he must protect his secret at all costs. He must not betray his identity as a Peace Keeper to the FBI. Torn in many directions by multiple allegiances, Tom ultimately realizes he will have to do far more than simply be a part of the investigation if he hopes to locate either Natasha or Nikolous in timeand end the second stage of the conflict of lifetimes that Lisbeth has set back into motion.