The Truth Hurts (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781532035906)

Retired hit man Carlton Westerfield can't stay away from San Antonio, or trouble. Returning from an extended vacation in Rio de Janeiro, he resumes his business relationship with Faustino Perez, a local drug kingpin. He also hopes to continue the off-beat romance with Perez's half-sister, Paula Hendricks, but it's not going as smoothly as he'd hoped. Despite her promise of full disclosure during their getaway to Brazil, Carlton still has a lot of questions--and doubts--about their fragile relationship.

Those doubts disappear when she is kidnapped by rival drug trafficker Brujido Ramos, and Carlton's only concern is getting her returned quickly and unharmed. With prodding from Perez, Carlton agrees to be the bagman to deliver the hefty ransom, and for a while, it appears that his skill as a mechanic-for-hire has solved the problem--until the newly rescued Paula drops another bombshell on him. Then Perez brings in a bigger player in the drug trade--a friend since childhood--who proposes a partnership in their illegal endeavors that will derail competitor Ramos, who has his own sinister agenda. The results leave Carlton struggling to learn the motives of everyone involved, including his own.