The Cardinal Rule: Author's Preferred Edition: 1 (Strongbox Chronicles)

When CIA Agent Alisha MacAleers cover is blown by ex-lover Frank Reichart shes forced into a spy game that draws a curtain back on a world she never even suspected existed... The clandestine Sicarii have hired Brandon Parker the brilliant estranged son of Alishas handler to develop an artificial intelligence capable of enforcing their divine right to rule. No one not even Brandons father imagines he can do it--not until Alisha herself faces one of the AIs battle drones in combat. Its suddenly a race between the CIA the Sicarii and Alishas mercenary ex to see who can keep--or steal--the AI for themselves. No matter which way Alisha turns she faces new dangers and heartbreaking betrayals. In the end she has no choice but to adhere to the cardinal rule... Trust no one but yourself.