Attractive, sexy, and tough-minded, Cate Fante has just become a federal judge - though she isn't quite sure she belongs.

At only thirty-six, Cate feels as if she's joining the world's most exclusive retirement village. She's intimidated by a job described in the Constitution of the United States. And she worries inwardly that she only looks the part; dark blonde hair in a chignon and a Chanel suit donned like overpriced armor.

But Cate keeps all her doubts a secret. And, as it happens, much else. For Cate leads a dark, double life - one that she doesn't even tell her best friend about - and it comes shockingly to light with a murder in a case before her. Overnight, her secrets are spilled all over the tabloids, her boyfriend dumps her, and her judgeship hangs in jeopardy. And when a killer comes after her, she runs for her life - embarking on a trip that ends in her own mysterious past.