Criminally Innocent

Carl Messina, a Manhattan-based partner at a global accounting firm, has achieved financial success, yet he considers himself a failure. An involuntary bachelor at 43, his only lasting relationship with a woman involves his mom, Anne, a woman who never met an opinion she couldn't express, or an Italian dish she couldn't cook (or eat). With Carl's father and brother dead, his mom's all the family he has left. As Carl tells us, he would never have made partner were it not for his best friend of 25 years, Kavi Chander. Kavi, a poor teenager when he emigrated from India, is now the Chief Financial Officer at ADG, one of the largest companies in the world. During an anniversary dinner, Kavi gets word of a scandal at ADG. Weeks later, it's pinned on him. He's indicted for securities fraud - maximum penalty, life in prison. Although he's innocent, it's a time when financial executives are essentially presumed guilty. Petrified at the thought of facing a jury, he explores alternatives, including those that aren't legal. When Carl learns of Kavi's troubles, he tries to help, leading him to Switzerland, India and Vicki Richards, a sexy yet troubled lawyer with a penchant for manipulating men. Only one thing is certain: Carl's life will never be the same.