Josie Baylor-Bates has a full plate caring for a troubled teen, but it's about to get fuller when her ex-cop lover, Archer, is accused of murdering his disabled stepson - a son Josie never knew he had. When Timothy Wren died at California's oldest amusement park it appeared to be a tragic accident. But now Timothy's biological father and the district attorney are out for blood. Is this a criminal action with merit, a vendetta or is there a big cash settlement in the offing?

For Josie the stakes are higher - it's personal. Racing against time to prove someone is framing Archer, her faith in him is tested by his honesty regarding his feelings about his stepson. Finally, she finds the truth lies with not in Archer's words but with a long-forgotten silent witness.

"This story was inspired when I heard a stepfather talking about rights and responsibilities. It seemed his honest feelings about his stepchildren were rewarded with legal action and vilification. I wondered what would happen to a person who told the truth even though the truth seemed heartless. Is it better to make a promise and not live up to it or be upfront about our too-human limitations?" Rebecca Forster

"Fast-paced with a chilling conclusion." - D.W. Buffa