"Anvard's upper classes have become quite blasé about the threat of kidnapping. There's even been talk about writing a convention to define ethical treatment of victims held for ransom, and prosecuting only those who don't abide by the rules. What's an honest cop to do in a world in which kidnapping is almost legal? That's what detective Smithson keeps asking himself--especially since his best witness is the one person no one will ever, ever believe"--P. [4] of cover.