HAT DANCE: An Emilia Cruz Novel, Chapter 1

The is the first chapter of the second book in the continuing Emilia Cruz series. Emilia is the first and only female detective on the Acapulco police force. In HAT DANCE, Emilia will hunt for a violent arsonist and hunt for a missing girl. But when both investigations unravel, she'll start making deals. But the one she makes will the devil could be her last . . .
Emilia Cruz Encinos
An Acapulco native forced to grow up too fast, Emilia Cruz has been a cop for nearly 12 years and a detective for two; a strong Latina in a squadroom that didn’t want her and is still trying to break her. But Emilia isn’t afraid to defend herself and get what she’s rightfully earned. She’s a good liar, a fast thinker, a determined investigator and a mean kickboxer.
She knows that many women in Mexico don’t get the chances she’s had and the proof is in a log she tracks of women who have gone missing. Her dedication has been all-consuming, leaving her little time for love.

Kurt Rucker
A native of New York who grew up on a farm, Kurt is a quietly confident man who enlisted in the US Marine Corps, went to war, and then to college where he “studied hotel and restaurant management so I’d never have to go back to that farm.” He manages Acapulco’s most luxurious hotel, serves on the prestigious Acapulco Hotel Association board, and speaks fluent Spanish. Kurt moves easily in any environment, from Emilia’s uncle’s garage in a poor neighborhood to the mayor’s boardroom. A competitive triathlete, he is very different from any other man Emilia knows.