Christopher Paget (abridged)

Eyes of a Child Ricardo Arias is found dead in his apartment, the gun that killed him wedged in his mouth. The physical evidence might confirm suicide, but there is no doubt that it strongly suggests murder. Degree of Guilt Mary Carelli, one of the most powerful women in TV journalism, is charged with the murder of America's most eminent novelist, Mark Ransom. The Lasko Tangent William Lasko is a self-made multimillionaire who's got an eye for wealth and influence, the ear of the president, and a talent for using both to get what he wants.

Self-made millionaire William Lasko has an eye for wealth and the ear of the President and a talent for using both to get whatever he wants. But the Economic Crimes Commission wants to bring the corrupt, untouchable Lasko down, and they enlist the services of straightlaced U.S. Attorney Christopher Paget to do it. Paget has to walk a tightrope, gathering enough evidence to nail Lasko without alienating the White House, knowing full well that men like Lasko make their own rules - including the elimination of enemies like him.

Powerful, glamorous television journalist Mary Carelli is charged with the murder of famed novelist Mark Ransom. However, she pleads self-defense against rape. Christopher Paget, Mary's attorney (and former lover), prepares to shock the courtroom with revelations about Ransom's past as a twisted sexual predator. But as the trial unfolds, Paget is in for some surprises of his own. He learns that Mary may not be telling the whole truth about the rape, and may well have a secret motive for murder. Meanwhile, newly disclosed tapes of Ransom force Mary to confront ugly secrets about her own past, including testimony at Congressional hearings 15 years earlier that led to her stardom and helped Paget bring down the President.