
Funny how a seemingly insignificant decision can have such life-altering consequences. Surely Joe Pike couldn’t possibly have envisioned that a quick stop to put air in his tires would set in motion a chain of events that would eventually involve the L.A.P.D., F.B.I., Mexican and Bolivian drug gangs, and a highly motivated hitman.
And yet, that’s exactly what occurs when Pike notices two gang members enter a sandwich shop across the street from the gas station he just happened to choose for a little routine car maintenance. Pike’s former stints with both the Marines and L.A.P.D. have trained him to be very aware of people’s body language, and it’s clear to him the thugs are looking for more than a sub.
Sure enough, when he decides to investigate he finds the two viciously assaulting the shop owner. Pike intervenes, running one thug off and holding the other for the police. When the shop owner’s niece, Dru Rayne, arrives on the scene sparks immediately fly and Pike finds himself drawn to her in a way he’s not felt in a long time. So much so, he decides to take responsibility for making sure Dru and her uncle aren’t bothered again.
When a brick is thrown through the shop’s window the following day Pike goes to the source and brokers a truce with the head of the gang, then assures Dru the matter has been taken care of. Joe Pike doesn’t make promises lightly, and so he takes it particularly hard when not only is the shop vandalized again, but Dru and her uncle disappear. When Pike enlists best friend and private investigator Elvis Cole to assist in the search for Dru and her uncle, Cole quickly turns up information that suggests the two are not who they claim to be.