A fast paced prison story of suspense told from the perspective of the administration. Warden Daniel Justice and his leadership team have worked hard to reform their prison from the typical American institution of abusive punishment, violence, corruption, and dysfunction. The story plays out over a long weekend in September, in which the Monday September 11th.. On this weekend the prison is being evaluated for accreditation by the American Correctional Association. An Inmate serving 15 to Life decides this is the perfect time to execute an escape. The Duress Circle refers to a circle of concrete next to the sidewalk crossing no mans' land to the prison proper. Prisoners or visitors escorted to or from the prison must stand in the circle apart from their escort to prove he is not under duress. The story begins as the sharpshooter in the Tower looks through the scope of her rifle at people in the duress circle and wonders if she could shoot to kill.