Elizabeth Roderick

The Hustle Elizabeth Roderick

Liria is nineteen, homeless, and addicted to heroin... She's also determined to not end up dead-like her mother. But every time she tries to get clean, on her feet, and back on the employment train, everything falls apart. This time is different. This time, she knows there are only two choices-recovery or death. Once she gets clean, though, her life ends up even rockier than before. Desperate for help, Liria goes to the one person she can count on for a safe place to stay and regular meals-her father, Cyryl Czetski. However, she soon learns Cyryl isn't her real father, and he wants a very different kind of relationship. Liria ultimately rejects his advances and ends up on the streets yet again, this time working in an illegal strip club. Finally taking control of her life, Liria lands a job in a Vegas nightclub, where she meets Arty-the woman of her dreams. Arty is beautiful, funny, and rich. But when other nightclub employees turn up dead-including Liria's best friend, Lee-Liria suspects the business might be a front for something far more sinister. When Arty reveals Liria's life is also in danger, she promises to keep her safe. But Arty's acting strangely, and seems to know too much about the mysterious deaths. Is she really trying to save her, or is she holding her hostage, using her as a pawn in a game Liria doesn't understand? Liria thought she was used to always second guessing everyone's intentions. That's how life is. But if the drugs don't ruin her, The Hustle will...