In Friction, Judge Holly Spencer has been on the bench for less than a year, and she's trying to prove to the governor that she is worthy of the appointment and gain his support to retain her seat in the upcoming election. Texas Ranger Crawford Hunt has had a difficult five years, both personally and professionally, since his wife was killed in an accident. Now he finds himself in Judge Spencer’s court fighting for custody of his five-year-old daughter.
When a masked gunman opens fire in the courtroom during Crawford’s custody hearing, killing the bailiff before turning his gun on the judge, Crawford doesn’t hesitate. He shields the judge from the gunman, dragging her under her desk and covering her with his body. Something spooks the gunman, who runs away before shooting Crawford or the judge. The damage to Crawford’s career and custody case, however, has already been done.
Crawford and Holly work together to try to figure out who the gunman is, how he escaped, and why Crawford is the number one person of interest in the shooting, while also fighting the attraction sparking between them. Meanwhile, Crawford is served a restraining order to keep him from seeing his daughter. Under immense pressure to keep both Holly and his daughter safe until the real killer can be found, Crawford takes chances with his safety and his heart.
Readers of Catherine Coulter and Iris Johansen will enjoy this offering from Sandra Brown.