When Marcus finds himself in a strange town in yet another unfamiliar part of the country, he feels more jaded than ever. Determined to bring his part in the investigation of Terrence Sayers to a temporary halt so he can make a long awaited visit home, he joins his colleagues, Joe, and Barnaby, in the search for the man who is hiding in the village somewhere.
When the finger of suspicion falls upon the rather dubious brother of the village’s lodging house owner, Marcus becomes their newest resident in a quest to discover just how far the brother’s crimes go. However, distracted by Jessica’s delectable beauty, he finds it difficult to investigate each of the strange occupants of the rather unusual lodgings she runs and finds himself spending more time uncovering her secrets than her brother’s. He soon finds himself going to rather questionable lengths to gain her cooperation; including a little seduction.
Strange guests and secretive brothers aside, his life takes a surprising turn when his relationship with Jessica quickly deepens. It becomes evident that the lies he has told her will have to become truths if he hopes to have a place in her life. Will she still want him when she discovers just who he really is, or will the exploits of her brother mean a future between them is impossible? After all, a reputable investigator for the Star Elite cannot be seen to be consorting with a criminal – can he?