When Lu Bauer overhears a group of thugs on the verge of assaulting a crone, she takes action that saves the old woman's life. In return, Desma gives her a small gold heart with instructions to take it and place it inside a statue formed to represent Lu's ideal man. Within weeks, that ideal man will come into Lu's life and bring her riches and happiness, as long as she never questions his past.

Lu obeys, and sure enough, Eric walks into her life on schedule. Lu is even able to ignore the way those who would harm Eric in any way meet with misfortune until she slips and does ask something about his past. All deals or off then, and Eric not only turns to other women, but becomes the worst sort of playboy.

He has a plan, an agenda to fulfill for himself and for his unholy father that includes world domination. If Lu will not oppose him, Eric is even willing to give her a few crumbs, but Lu knows Eric is anything but human and has to stop him, no matter the price.

Subtle horror effectively moves the plot to a chilling conclusion. Lu is a very sympathetic heroine who finds that good intentions are often simply not enough. Ms. Watkins is a true master of terror.

Synopsis
The latest from E. F. Watkins, author of Dance With The Dragon, the 2004 EPPIE Award Winner for Best Horror!...

Homely Louise Bauer makes a deal with a mysterious "bag lady"-if Lu will perform a ceremony using a sculpture of her ideal man, he'll come into her life and love her as she is. Soon afterward, Lu meets Eric Troy, a handsome, charming and talented actor who lights up her days and heats up her nights.

Then Lu notices that anyone who crosses Eric suffers a violent punishment-yet Eric himself always has an airtight alibi. Could Desma, the ancient-looking "bag lady", be helping him through some kind of sorcery? Why did she warn Lu never to question Eric about his past? Are they conspiring to boost Eric's acting career, or do they have something even bigger and more diabolical in mind?

Lu digs for answers, knowing that this violates the original "deal". She also knows if she loses control of Eric, he could eliminate her, too-and perhaps the last hope of survival for the human race...