Men are dying in Chicago. Not ordinary men, but rich men, powerful men, men who control the city. They are being murdered, quietly, skilfully. Dek Elstrom's ex-father-in-law, a major player in everything Chicago, is likely to be one of them. Amanda, Dek's ex-wife, wants him to investigate. Dek doesn't want this case -- but Amanda persists, and Dek finally agrees, because that's what he always does with Amanda. He learns quickly that Amanda's father...

An extortion letter arrives at Crystal Waters, one of Chicago's wealthiest gated communities. It makes no specific threats, gives no instructions, demands only that $50,000 be gotten ready---chump change for an enclave where the cheapest house is worth three million. It's easy to see it as harmless---a note from a nut. Then a mansion explodes. The homeowners panic, and want it hushed up. If word gets out that a bomber is targeting Crystal Waters,...