Alibi

The protagonist, Assistant District Attorney Hammond Cross, from a prominent family, sees an opportunity for career advancement. To escape the pressures of his father Preston and his rivalry with Steffi, he attends a country party where he meets attractive psychologist Alex Ladd. Their instant attraction leads to a passionate night of laughter and intimacy, but anonymous - she disappears until morning, leaving only a phone number. Hammond, assigned to the case, realizes that Alex is a key witness: she was at a hotel that night, near the crime scene.

The investigation reveals Pettijohn's enemies: the lovely, cynical widow Davee, her faithful housekeeper, corrupt business partners and Alex's half-brother Bobby Trimble, a con man who blackmails the victim. Alex, with a traumatic history of abuse and patient protection, becomes the prime suspect - a police sketch resembling her, and her presence at the hotel supports the charges. Hammond, in love, becomes her alibi, but this threatens his career and integrity. Steffi, jealous and ambitious, doubts his loyalty, while Smilow digs into the past of everyone involved.

Tension builds through false leads: hotel food poisoning, missing security records, assassination attempts on Alex, and revelations of elite corruption. Loretta Boothe, an ex-cop, helps Hammond, and Smitty, a shoemaker, provides key insights. The twists reveal betrayals: Bobby's schemes, Preston's shady dealings, and Steffi's dark side. Hammond faces a dilemma – love or justice? Alex, faced with the past, fights for the truth.