Prodigal Son Author:Jack Chapman With a contract on his life after giving evidence against former associates, retired gangster Harry Peck is guarded by an emotionally vulnerable policewoman, Alex Shaw, whose career is overshadowed by the unsolved murder of young delinquent, Shaun Barrett. Accompanying Peck into hiding is his senile mother Lilly who lives increasingly in the pas... more »t. Lilly Peck's new surroundings prompt suppressed and sinister memories about Harry's childhood. When Harry interferes in Alex Shaw's work he is targeted by neo-fascist thug, Eddie Spencer, step-father of the murdered delinquent, the police have arrested heroin dealer, Shiv Mitra. for Barrett's killing but Harry Peck insists his local gangland connections say Mitra is innocent. Peck's unwelcome interest in Alex Shaw involves her in an investigation that ends with an attempt on both their lives, and prompts dangerous revelations from Lilly Peck about her secret past. Harry's search for his roots becomes intertwined with Alex's efforts to stop the sins of the parents corrupting Shaun Barrett's young step-sister, Kim. Alex finds her certainties about right and wrong shattered when Harry Peck persuades her to take the law into her own hands.« less