Women Who Dare Intrigue, Danger and Passion One summer in New Orleans-- Madeline Johnson is determined to uncover the truth about her brother. His last words--a cry for help on Maddie's answering machine--contradict what the New Orleans police are telling her. The cops seem in a real hurry to close the case, and the one detective who may be able to help is about to go on vacation. Alex Batiste's vacation plans are set. His daughter's come to stay with him and, along with the usual teenage problems, the girl--encouraged by Alex's ex-wife--has a bad attitude toward her father. So police work is the furthest thing from Alex's mind. But it's not that easy to get the beautiful Maddie out of his mind. Apart from her persistence and her unwavering belief in her brother--traits he admires--she seems to know all the right things to say and do around his daughter. Now helping Maddie is becoming more than simply doing his job.