The Fourth Order

National security, terrorism, and human rights-these explosive issues lie at the heart of Stephen Frey's riveting new thriller, a high-octane novel of suspense, revenge, and intrigue. Dynamic chief financial officer Michael Rose is looking to add an exciting and profitable new dimension to energy conglomerate Trafalgar Industries via the major acquisition of CIS, a global information technology company. But it's far from a done deal, thanks to fierce resistance from CIS, and from certain members of Trafalgar's own board, to Rose's takeover proposal. But Rose isn't about to sacrifice his best shot at the score that could land him in the CEO's chair. While swiftly scaling the corporate ladder, Rose has played the big business power game expertly enough to know he has the moves to outmaneuver the opposition. But what Rose doesn't know is the truth about his latest adversaries at CIS-that they are linked to an organization hell-bent on a twisted mission and are lethal to anyone who stands in their way. The Order, an ultra-secret shadow government agency, was founded by high-level administration officials in reaction to the assassination of President Lincoln. Nearly 150 years later, the group was galvanized anew by the worst act of terror ever perpetrated on American soil-and pushed to dangerous extremes by the specter of fear . . . and the taste of power. The Order had always been sanctioned to manage national security at all costs, by any and all means, without consequences. But behind the sleek veneer of CIS Technologies, the fourth and newest incarnation of The Order not only maintains the ultimate nationwide surveillance and intelligence-gathering system, but conducts officially licensed covert operations rife with torture and murder-all in the name of freedom. The mission cannot and will not be jeopardized, even if innocent lives must be sacrificed. Unfortunately Michael Rose doesn't yet realize that his hardball tactics have made him the Order's number one hard target, and his penchant for playing to win has brought him unwittingly into a deadly duel with an enemy more powerful than he can imagine. In a world where the rule is kill or be killed, Rose's rep for sealing deals might just seal his fate. From the Hardcover edition.