In the sleepy town of Mountain Pine, Pennsylvania, the weeks before Christmas are marred by murder and intrigue. Everyone imagines murdering their boss at one time or another. When someone actually does knock-off the Mountain Pine's bank president and all evidence points to loan officer, Gina Rizzo for the murder of her boss, Gina's life goes into a nose dive. The only reason she doesn't hear the final clink of the jail keeper's gate is because of the man who, years ago, broke her heart. What dark secret causes the handsome solider to perjure himself and step up as her alibi? For Marine Cole Hanson, staring down death is easier than facing the woman who stole his soul and then betrayed him. He's committed to do what he came back to do and get the hell out Mountain Pine when evil explodes and brings the sleepy town to its knees. His gut tells him shocking events are on the arisen and witnessing his beautiful Gina handcuffed confirms his angst. To stop injustice and poke at the hornet's nest, he willingly steps up as her alibi. But can he defend his vulnerable heart while protecting her? As they work side by side to learn the truth, old feelings resurface, secrets are unveiled, and guilt over the past is battled. After that, the question remains. In the presence of evil, will love survive?