Ms. gardiner's non-fiction novel is set amidst the glitter and intrigue of power politics not only in the nation's capitol but in the commonwealth of virginia. the scandal of the small business administration that again rocked the nation upon the heels of the watergate fiasco is a story of loyalty, dedication and a betrayal of both, by a man whose ruthless ambition eventually landed him in a federal prison. the book centers around a man with little education, who through lying and intimidation, rose to a high position and who, aided by an unethical presidential appointee and organized crime, found his way upscale. a man who lied about everything without compunction did so for he possessed a charm and arrogance that guaranteed his success. the tragedy is that he hurt and destroyed others in the process, including dedicated civil servants. the lives of many 'little' people were left dangling. they had no voice! in spite of past threats on her life and that of her children, the author dares to write this revealing chapter of her public service life's exposure to white collar and organized crime elements that are often not just happenstance within the framework of our governmental, economic and judicial structures. where is the positive recognition of this class of dedicated peoples known as "whistleblowers"?