The Melcovitch Coverup

Book excerpt: The Melcovitch Coverup is a Ludlum-esque adventure centered upon a terrorist cell deeply buried in a fringe, Boston Catholic Shrine. The story begins with a murder the police mysteriously pass off as a suicide. But, Daniel Ross, the slain man's guilt ridden friend, is not fooled and sets out to investigate the many discrepancies in the police version of events. To his surprise his quest is obstructed at every turn by the very officials he thought he could trust. The police, FBI and officials from Homeland Security all know about the terrorist cell but are unwilling to root it out or prevent its ultimate mission, a planned, political assassination, the frightening partnership a devil's pact between arch enemies now threatening the very fabric of society. To survive this deadly, new "arrangement" and the jackals who finally turn their sights on him, Ross must overcome and abandon outmoded scruples, his innate sense of decency, honor and fair play - all inculcated by the very system the enemy seeks to destroy - and learn to lie, deceive and commit murder. No longer an innocent American he must master the rules of the new game. In addition to themes of deceit, betrayal and revenge, The Melcovitch Coverup also concerns friendship both old and new and love poorly chosen. For, in his gripping journey, Ross falls in love with a seductive assassin, their unique relationship part of the ultimate lie that almost destroys him.