At nearly 18, easy-going Benedict Juliard has no stronger ambition than to ride in steeplechases as an amateur jockey. His father, George, driven towards a life of public service and politics, asks his son to enter into a pact that neither of them will commit any act that could destroy the father’s growing reputation and career. Ben agrees, but five years later finds himself targeted in a vicious attack, and as George makes his ambitious drive toward the Prime Ministership and occupancy of 10 Downing Street, Ben is plunged into a frightening morass of lies and treachery.