When Diplomacy Fails — Michael Z. Williamson

Alex Marlow and Ripple Creek Security's best personal security detail return to action. This time, they really don't like their principal, World Bureau of State Minister Joy Herman Highland -- a highly-placed bureaucrat with aspirations to elected office. Even worse, Highland's assistant wants to publicize every movement and action for her boss's pending campaign, which is anathema to good security.

With a person of this status, it's not a case of someone wanting her dead. The only question is how many people want her dead, and what are they bringing to the fight?

The enemies are from without, within and all over. They have resources, funding and political cover. Ripple Creek needs to be cautious.

But the enemy also needs to worry. They're going to be getting in each others' way in the process of carrying out their plans. And Ripple Creek has no qualms about explosions on galactic news. In fact, they enjoy it.