Edgar, Anthony, and Macavity Award-nominee Author. Billy is back on the beat for the San Francisco Inquirer. But his problems are hardly behind him. A man's in jail, accused of murder. But did he do it? By aiding a beguiling woman, Billy stumbles on evidence that could exonerate the defendant, who only months before was one of the town's top fight promoters. One big problem - the victim was Billy's secret lover, and he has no desire to help set her killer free. Once his reporter's instincts kick in, Billy can't let go of a twisted trail that leads from the Tenderloin fight clubs to the Hall of Justice. Clues are unveiled, allegiances formed, friendships betrayed.

Billy wonders if he's nothing more than a shadow boxer futilely sparring with phantoms. And if he discovers the truth about the murder and the shocking facts behind it, will he come forward - or bury the evidence?.