National bestselling author Allison Hobbs delivers a powerful novel about a father and son whose relationship is challenged after the son is suspected of crimes in his new neighborhood. Ten years ago when Malik Copeland was a hopeless addict, he signed away the parental rights to his son, Phoenix. It cut him to the core when his ex-wife allowed her new husband to adopt Phoenix and give him his last name.
After getting clean and sober and moving across the country, Malik meets Sasha, a professional and business owner who is the single parent of a young child, Zoe. Together, they build a life together and Malik adopts Zoe. He is a caring stepfather and doting husband, and life couldn't be better.
Out of the blue, Malik receives a call from the mother of his now thirteen-year-old son, telling him that the boy wants to get to know him. Malik and Phoenix establish a long-distance relationship, and after a visit during spring break, Phoenix decides that he wants to stay with his father--permanently.
Phoenix moves in and the Copelands are one big happy family. Malik's life feels complete as he and his son continue to bond. Handsome, intelligent, and well-mannered, Phoenix is a joy to be around, and Sasha and Zoe adore him.
Over time, however, Phoenix begins to exhibit antisocial behavior, and Malik fears that his son's congenial persona is merely a façade. And when a young child goes missing, evidence points to Phoenix and Malik has to ask himself how far he'll go to protect his own flesh and blood.
