Kiss of Death — Charles Ray

The 16th title in the Al Pennyback mystery series. Al is hired by a low-level gang member whose boss has put a contract on his life. Reluctant at first to take the case, Al does it anyway when he learns that the mob boss is exploiting underage girls. It becomes personal when the gangster kidnaps Al's assistant Heather. He enlists the help of retired CIA agent Carlton Raine to take on the mob in riveting hand-to-hand combat.