Short straw
(Book)

Ed Eagle, Santa Fe?s pre-eminent trial lawyer, first introduced in Woods?s earlier novel, Santa Fe Rules, finds himself in extreme domestic difficulties. On the morning of his fiftieth birthday, as he is about to open his elegant new law offices, Eagle learns that he is in the sort of trouble usually reserved for his unluckiest clients. Quickly marshalling his resources, which include two private detectives, an accused murderer and an ace ex-IRS agent, he begins a campaign to save his law practice, his wealth, his reputation and his self respect from the astonishing actions of the person closest to him. The action takes his team across the southwest, deep into parts of Mexico where no one can be trusted, least of all the police, and through the lush, southern California world of the very, very wealthy, from the delights of exclusive spas and secluded hotels to the ever-present dangers of the U.S.-Mexican border, pitted against a wily and completely ruthless adversary. Full of double-crosses and unexpected twists, Ed Eagle?s life is one of heightened risks?and pleasures.