Ronald Azzolina

When the Shark Bites Ronald Azzolina

Matt Keane is a former banking executive struggling with personal financial problems, and a divorcee trying to maintain ties to his stepdaughter, Lindsey. Economic necessity forces him to accept a position with ICS, a little known Boston area consulting firm. Unknown to Matt, the company is part of a sophisticated financial operation with an innovative expansion strategy. And Matt is key to that strategy's success. Anthony Valerian is the company's collection agent. A freelancer who once worked for his organized-crime uncle, he now collects debts for a select clientele, hiding his ruthless techniques behind an urbane image. He and Matt were childhood friends who grew to hate each other after Matt discovered an unforgivable secret about Valerian. Matt gradually learns the truth about ICS through his romantic connection to Robyn Harmon, whose father owns a summer resort in Maine. The elder Harmon borrowed from an ICS affiliate using the resort as collateral, and can't pay the loan when due. Knowing this, and as a way to fund their expansion plans, the ICS group has contingently sold the resort to the Russian Mafia, who have their own ideas about its use. Drawn into Robyn's fight to hold onto the family company, Matt must battle Valerian's terrorism - which spreads to Lindsey - ICS's blackmail, and a vindictive ex-wife who doesn't want him to have anything to do with her daughter.