"You have always been told that there is only one way to retire from The Family (the mob) – in a pine box, if you are fortunate enough for someone to find your body. However, there is another way...if you have enough experience in The Game and enough courage to try. It's a simple magician's trick of smoke and mirrors. Just create the chaos, misdirect attention, take advantage of hidden agendas, and don't get caught! So, with the plot to dethrone Al Gammbini, the most vicious mob boss since Al Capone, his missing accountant, a triple family war brewing, and over a billion dollars up for grabs; the game board is set for Checkmate by Deception.
The adventure begins as a fortune in precious metal ore is discovered on the ranch of an almost bankrupt horse racer/trainer (George McNeal) but before Al can “deal” with George, he becomes involved in a bizarre accident that intertwines their lives and leaves him working against The Family.
Lyle Peterson, once the shining star of the police department, has become the department's drunk after witnessing his best friend, a judge, and their star witness, assassinated in a brazen courtroom execution, compliments of Al Gammbini. Falcon James, a new detective, instead of being assigned to a top unit has been shackled to Lyle with the understanding that if he doesn't turn Lyle around they will both be fired. Together, they help each other over-come their problems and focus on arresting Al for a murder that he didn't commit.
As tensions in The Family increase and war seems inevitable, one of the members uses the confusion to steal The Family's money and frames Al and his missing accountant for the theft. The Family now stripped of their assets, turns its attention to George McNeal's ranch; forcing Al to choose between his former life of wealth and power, and his new friends. Ironically, the mystery Player in The Family realizes that if they ever catch Al, they may discover the truth, and ruin his retirement plans. The only way that he can safely retire with the riches that he has stolen, is to help Al by secretly matching wits with The Family in a Game of clandestine plots and countermoves which escalates until there can only be one winner, and death to the loser. "
Breida Blik, Resident Scholar
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