Emma Norton is a baby girl born with a very rare genetic disorder which is normally fatal within a year. The hospital in London where she has been taken wants to switch off her life support “in her best interests.” But Emma’s parents, Anne and Kevin Norton, have been offered a new, experimental treatment by a medical specialist in Hungary. They want Emma to be given this last chance to live. The hospital refuses and goes to court to stop Emma from receiving the new treatment and to authorise the ending of life support. In court, Emma’s parents try to seek justice for their baby daughter. But the court rules in favour of the hospital and authorises the ending of life support.

Events seem to be following a grim pattern seen in similar, earlier cases. Emma’s fate seems to be sealed. However, an American billionaire has taken an interest in the case. He contacts the Hungarian specialist, who appeals to him for help. The billionaire therefore engages a specialist in a very different profession: hostage rescue . . .