This 90,000 word novel involves the life of a fifty-something black woman who, following a short-lived and devastating marriage, finds work in the King County system, ultimately as Court Stenographer. She encounters belligerent youth, judges like Horatio Morgan and inept defense attorneys who challenge her ethical and moral values. A convicted felon escapes custody, then terrorizes and threatens the life of everyone related to his conviction, including the court stenographer. Having previously worked with aggressive youth in the King County Juvenile Service Center, Shirley decided to find ways to legitimately defend herself. This ultimately proves to be instrumental in foiling an attempted robbery. It also serves to save her life in a later encounter with the escaped felon. While on vacation in a tropical paradise and away from the often hostile environment of her workplace, she meets a man who desires for her to spend all her mananas with him. It could be like a dream come true, but it would mean moving to another country and learning another language. In the end, it could be well worth it - in more ways than one."