Book excerpt: When Michael Burroughs arrives on the scene in Virginia Beach from L.A., he floods the East Coast with top-notch product and quickly earns his title as the California Connection—Calico for short. He's also a smooth brotha with a knack for getting whatever he wants out of women. When he meets Jewel, sparks fly and things quickly spin out of control. When Calico shows his true colors, Jewel knows just how to get revenge. Jewel becomes the queen of the streets. She's making money in a major way. The only problem is that she no longer wants to share her throne. Add to this a federal investigation dubbed Operation California Connection, and Jewel could soon be facing her downfall. When the dust settles, Jewel is left with a boyfriend on the run and a federal case pending against her. Jewel is concerned with only one thing, though. She is determined to give her unborn child a good life, one that doesn't involve drugs, lies, and deception. Armed with a mother's love, Jewel uses her street savvy to try to gain back everything she lost, minus the pain. The California Saga is all about revenge and retaliation, even if it means snitching and snaking. It's about money, power, and greed.