The Frog and the Scorpion — A.E. Maxwell

Fiddler had no intention of getting embroiled in the ancient blood feud between the Jews and the Arabs. In fact, he'd just as soon stay home in Southern California, feed the freshwater koi and the hummingbirds, and watch the sun set over the Pacific. So why on earth did he ignite the passions of a sultry Israeli spy? And how did he get caught in the crossfire between a Jewish Iranian banker and some Muslim extremists?

Between detonating car bombs and lunching at Spago, Fiddler rides a wave of extortion and vengeance into the heat of a war where only the lucky die. But then that's what he gets for trying to help out a friend.