NANCY CORNELL, Westlake's oldest and best friend, marries MIKE CORNELL after a whirlwind courtship. Westlake becomes romantically involved with Mike's business partner, STEVE HOFFMAN—only to discover that the two friend's business is jewel theft. With Cole and Frankie's help, Westlake has to save Nancy's and her own life-and nail the two thieves.

Westlake is surprised to discover that Mike's high school has no record of him. Meanwhile, she arrests Tim Vernon, but he refuses to reveal anything about his bosses or the sniper. After he is unexpectedly bailed out of jail by a man named Raymond Robinson, Tim is murdered.

Westlake resumes her search into Mike's background and learns he is using an alias. She scans his coffee mug for fingerprints, but is forced to hide the scanner in the trash to avoid being caught. When Westlake sneaks back to the house to retrieve it, she overhears a conversation between Mike and Steve that reveals their "business" is hardly legal.

When Mike's fingerprints identify him as a jewel thief named Alec Brody, Westlake breaks the news to Nancy, then begins searching through Mike's files. Noticing the name Raymond Robinson, the man who bailed Vernon out of jail, she calls Cole. As he informs her that Steve and Mike apparently robbed a diamond exchange the night before, the men arrive home, and Steve pulls a gun on Westlake.

Still smitten with her, Steve asks Westlake to start a new life with him. When Nancy moves for the door, Steve shoots at her. He misses, then reveals that he shot Vernon and the other coin thief. He then kills Mike and prepares to do the same to Nancy. Westlake pretends she wants to take him up on his offer, allowing Nancy enough time to run outside. Cole and Frankie arrive in the Defender just as Steve drives off with Westlake. Using the holographic projector, Cole makes it appear as if Steve is barreling toward three police cars. He slams on the brakes, and Cole shoots through the door -- wounding Steve and freeing Westlake.
 

Copyright © 1997, 1998 Paramount Pictures.