An urban vigilante and a mysterious young woman decide someone's gotten away with murder just a little too long.He looks for crimes that fall through the cracks, criminals who do horrible things to those who can't defend themselves and get away with it. His ex-wife was murdered years ago, but until a mysterious young woman magically appears at his apartment, he had no reason to find out who did it or why. Soon the two of them are traveling up and down the length of California in order to bring a killer - and maybe a couple of others who deserve it - to justice.This short story features an early version of the character who became Logan, the urban vigilante antihero of "Logan's Young Guns.""This guy is a hell of a writer" - Lee Child

Nature. Nurture. Murder.L.A. actor Joe Portugal just wants to keep the mealybugs off his cacti, give a little boost to his love life, and maybe make a few commercials along the way. And with a small acting role nailed down, Joe has every reason to mind his own business. But he doesn't. That's because a man who loved orchids has been found dead. And so has a woman who asked for Joe's help.Never one to walk away from a challenge, Joe is plunging into a world unlike any he's seen before--the frenetic, highly competitive world of the orchid enthusiast. And suddenly Joe Portugal--actor, cactus lover, reluctant sleuth--is discovering that solving murder cases among the flora, fauna, and fanatics who thrive in L.A. isn't just a hobby, it's his true calling...especially since a killer has already come calling on him....Includes The Joe Portugal Guide to Orchids.From the Paperback edition.