Smudge — J.D. Webb

A smudge of blood involves a woman in the hunt for a mob killer, leading to a life threatening conclusion. All paralegal Trish Morgan wanted to do was grab a few bucks at her ATM one night, but she finds blood on the screen then hears a moan. Should she investigate or not? Fighting her apprehension, she ventures into the alley next to the bank and discovers a dying woman. While Trish frantically calls 911 for help, the injured woman slips a DVD into Trish's purse. Unknown to Trish the DVD is a video of a hit of a Chicago mobster, which identifies the hit man. The assassin stalks Trish, calling her at work and demanding that she return the disk. But the police are already involved. Trish is torn about what to do, and her best friend Heather, a wanna-be PI, tries to help. Each time Trish thinks a problem is resolved she realizes her troubles are far from over. Her marriage is falling apart and she decides to leave her abusive husband. But as she tries to begin a new life the police question her about her husband's business dealings. Unexpected ordeals and dangerous situations test her inner strength and wisdom.