jmc

Define $E$ and $F$ to be the feet of the perpendiculars drawn to $AB$ from $C$ and $D$ respectively. Since $EF=CD=9$, we find $AF=(21-9)/2=6$ and $AE=AF+FE=15$. Also, from the Pythagorean theorem, $CE=DF=\sqrt{10^2-6^2}=8$. Again using the Pythagorean theorem, $AC=\sqrt{C{E}^2+A{E}^2}=\sqrt{8^2+15^2}=\boxed{17}$ units.