In 2005, John Harrington collected evidence against the clients he realized were part of the Irish mob in Boston, and eventually he created the record for the most indictments/convictions from one single source. That made him the 'ace of spades' for any remaining mob members still on the outside, which is why he and his family were swept into the Witness Protection Program on his son's 15th birthday.

 

Without warning, John, Joyce, and Michael Harrington of Boston, becamse Sam, Judith, and Marcus Crandall of Sacremento. It was a struggle to adjust, particularly for Marcus.

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The story begins thirteen years later and is told from Marcus's viewpoint. He wants to finally mend fences with his father, but the chance comes differently than he expected. 'Judith' is late for dinner ... 'Sam's' phone rings, and a voice shatters the past thirteen years with one sentence: "We don't want Joyce."

 

A cross-country rescue mission doesn't end when Joyce escapes. WITSEC is over for them. They want their lives back, and they won't get them without a fight.