Book excerpt: Jess Jameson's life changes significantly when he receives a distress call from his childhood buddy informing him that an old friend may be in need of legal counsel. Jess learns that the friend is his former high school sweetheart, Lacey Monroe. She was found next to the body of her husband and may be a suspect in his brutal murder. Without hesitation Jess packs a bag and informs his wife that he will be out of town indefinitely. He reminisces about his life and the girl he left behind on the trip to Kings Crossing. He encounters a cantankerous Lacey who makes it perfectly clear that she wants nothing to do with him. His heart skipped a beat when he first saw her and he is determined to win her trust. Nothing is easy with her but he convinces her to let him help her, and in doing so enters into her world which has been one of secrets and lies, and denial for the last two decades. One such secret is life altering. He believes that Lacey is innocent and that a killer is lurking amongst the colourful characters that inhabit her domain. As unresolved feelings come to the surface there is no going back for either of them. Jess vows to keep her safe as she may be next on the assassin's list. He will risk his life for her as it is the only way he can save himself....