In Deadly Company, Diana Delaney narrowly escaped death at the hands of Ashley Marsh and, Rob, her accomplice. During her rescue, Rob was killed, and Ashley suffered a head injury that led to amnesia. She was confined to a mental hospital for treatment before standing trial for kidnapping and attempted murder. As Deadly Beauty begins, Ashley, who has kept the return of her memory a secret, has escaped from the institution with another patient and disappeared without a trace. Months later, the wreckage of a car and remains of the man she fled with are found at the foot of a North Carolina mountain. Remnants of her clothing are scattered near the crash site. Her bank accounts are still open, her condo is untouched, there has been no contact. At last, it appears Diana and Lance are free of Ashley and her obsession with him...or are they?