Jackie Ullerich

At Risk: Passion and Peril at Sea Jackie Ullerich

A cruise along the Mexican Riviera is the setting for a disparate group of passengers who dine together nightly. In that intimacy, they reveal aspects of their lives and family backgrounds which set in motion events ranging from unsettling to horrific. As an instigator of these happenings, Jack Watkins, a retired military officer, resorts to threats and intimidation as a neo-Nazi sympathizer. He and his wife, Joanne, appear as an imperfect couple whose relationship deteriorates further as Jack perceives his wife as an obstacle to establishing a stronghold of white supremacists. In contrast, Patty and Ben Redford exemplify a stable and loving marriage. However, as events draw Ben-a university professor and FBI consultant-into Jack's vortex of evil, evasions on Ben's part and misunderstandings between the couple chip away at their once rock-solid relationship. Each character is tested; but most at risk is Tracy Bradshaw, a young socialite who, in her husband's absence, reflects on her need for major changes in her life. Contemplation gives way to complications as Tracy is attracted to the ship's pianist, Marc Frias, who shares her affinity for the arts. In more treacherous territory, she becomes the target of a hate group when they learn of her Jewish background. As events unfold, the light ambience of shipboard's life dims-then darkens-as Tracy's sense of unease escalates into full-blown terror. Her focus now shifts from concerns over her growing relationship with Marc and marital and career issues yet to be resolved, to what takes priority over all else-staying alive. At Risk leaves you no choice but to read on and a compelling need to discover: What happens next?