Charlotte Loughty is about to graduate college and is still plagued by the disappearance of her childhood best friend. The darkness left by his absence lights a fire in Charlie. Four years of college, armed with a degree in criminal justice and journalism, and she’s bound and determined to make a difference in the most crime laden cities in the United States: Chicago. Not only does Charlie want to help put a stop to the rampant war on drugs and sex trafficking, but she’s determined to figure out what happened to her friend.

Yuri Volkov and his family had to abandon...

Charlotte Loughty is about to graduate college and is still plagued by the disappearance of her childhood best friend. The darkness left by his absence lights a fire in Charlie. Four years of college, armed with a degree in criminal justice and journalism, and she’s bound and determined to make a difference in the most crime laden cities in the United States: Chicago. Not only does Charlie want to help put a stop to the rampant war on drugs and sex trafficking, but she’s determined to figure out what happened to her friend.

Yuri Volkov and his family had to abandon their suburban life in the middle of the night right before his fourteenth birthday. Yuri’s father wouldn’t let him tell Charlotte they were leaving or where they were going. Yuri listened, even at a young age he knew it was the only way to keep her safe. He’s the eldest son of Ilya, leader of the Russian Mafia, and it’s not easy. Yuri is afraid for his life and the lives of his mother, father, and two younger brothers and best friend. Yuri will do anything to protect Charlie even if that means he never sees her again.