Linchpin

Lysandra Carlisle is about to have the worst week of her life.

It's been almost a year since Lysandra was arrested for breaking and entering into the Department of Planetary Affairs (DPA). Mercenary turned government agent, she has left her life of crime for something she never knew possible: stability, tranquility, boredom.

Thankfully, a meteorite crashes in rural India. Amidst reports of miraculous healings and strange lights, Lysandra is chosen for the DPA team that goes abroad to investigate. Their orders: bring the Elbie back to the United States. As entities made of pure energy, the Elbie must reside inside human hosts to survive on earth. For some people, being a host is a great benefit. For others, it is a nightmare.

While investigating the crash site, the team is attacked. Outmanned and outgunned, Lysandra calls for help from the last person on earth she wants to see: Esben. She has spent the last several months trying to forget him, but seeing him only strengthens the love she has buried.

They are both captured by an old enemy of the DPA who has plans for the newly arrived Elbie. When Lysandra gets in his way, she is given a monstrous choice: turn over innocent lives to save Esben's and betray the DPA or Esben dies. Either way she loses.