The Tenth Tier: a novella

In a society where death is orchestrated by the government, the Tiered system keeps people honest. It keeps people from running. It keeps people scared. Lawrence Nero will never forget the day six years ago when the mysterious Captain Black appeared at his home to "retrieve" him. Lawrence didn't go. Now his little sister, Amy, is volunteering to die for the same government agency that has been after him since he ran. The same organization that wants him dead at Tier Ten-a Tier no one understands and everyone fears. David Frome, Amy's neighbor, is a Bureau employee who believes in his work. He's also desperate to win Amy's heart-until the Bureau assigns him to be her retrieving Agent. Dezzie Newton is a student in the aftermath of a personal tragedy that completely upended the future she imagined for herself. Now, her life is careening inexorably toward a government career that offers security found nowhere else. As Amy's termination nears, each one searches for answers. Where will their loyalties lie? How much is one life worth? And what is the Tenth Tier?