Book excerpt: Seasoned detective, Jason Carmichael, is assigned the task of determining the controversial death of a fellow deputy in the mountains east of Sonora, California. Assertions of suicide, a possible accident, or a drug-related hit plague Jason since there is no conclusive evidence to prove either. Sheriff Owen Wheeler assigns a gutsy, self-confident woman as an aide to Jason. Attractive and married, the woman demands the deceased deputy be, at least, afforded the dignity of an official burial. An act she feels will finally bring him home. Having this woman at his side was not Jason's choice, but soon finds out what his life would be without her. A tiny circle is Jason's only compelling evidence to solving the case until their paths cross with that of a rogue cop who makes an unsolicited remark while being questioned as part of another wider investigation. Will Jason condemn this rogue or thank him?