Danger lurks around every corner and police officer Eddie Scarlett needs to stay focused on capturing a serial killer before someone else dies. A hot, sexy, blue eyed stranger is not a distraction he can afford ... or can he? Eddie Scarlett, one of NYC's finest cops, is a tarnished hero. According to the scum on the street, Eddie is handsome, hot, and dangerous, but he has a heart as black as death. He’s called a back alley cop because he does undercover work for the NYPD, making him familiar with every back alley in the city. When a crime spree breaks out, Eddie meets what he thinks is a whore with beautiful blue eyes. During their first encounter, they slam together like two taxis on Broadway. Before their relationship can even get started, Eddie has to go undercover. It’s the kind of case that will test the resolve of a tough cop, forcing Eddie to forget his blue-eyed lover, his own identity, and even his common sense to melt into the city’s back alleys and capture a master killer wielding a cold blade.

Tarnished Hero

Just as the guy was about to pass their table, he happened to see Carl, and stopped. With a smile, he said. “Hey, Carl, how you doin,’ man?”


When he extended his hand in friendship, Carl jumped up and put out his own hand. “Hey…uh…sorry, I forgot your name.”


“It’s Joe. Joe King. Hey, don’t be embarrassed. I forget people’s names all the time. In fact I’m the worst.”


“Oh, uh, Joe, I’d like you to meet Vinnie Torrio, a friend of mine.”


The minute that Joe’s gaze fell on Vinnie, his smile fell, and the two men stared at each other. “A friend of yours…did you say?”


“Well…more like a colleague, really. Vinnie this is Joe King. He’s new around here.”


“Joe King, huh?” Vinnie said, savoring the name on his tongue as he stared into Joe’s eyes. “Good to know you…Joe King.” With an awkward thrust of his hand, he extended it in friendship.


Chapter 11