Linda Fairstein & Steve Martini 
Surfing the Panther 
Paul Madriani vs. Alexandra Cooper

In this short story from the New York Times bestselling thriller anthology Face Off, Linda Fairstein and Steve Martinialong with their popular series characters Alex Cooper and Paul Madrianiteam up for the first time ever.Paired together on a legal conference panel, Assistant Manhattan D.A. Alexandra Cooper and Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Paul Madriani butt heads over a hypothetical case. But Madrianicurrently representing a defendant in the suspected murder of an L.A.-area madamruns afoul of Coop within minutes over the issue of empathy for the victim, real or hypothetical. Still, after the panel there are no hard feelings and the two colleagues plan to enjoy a drink at one of Coops favorite New York City watering holesthat is, until they are approached by an audience member claiming to know something about Madrianis real-life case that will exonerate his client. Cooper and Madrianis meeting with the source will lead them into the thick of a global conspiracy that reaches to the highest echelons of powerand ultimately, justice will be done. For more exciting pairs, check out all eleven short stories in Face Off!