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"If I ever get on a case where I need help, I’ll call on Ben Gates first of all. The guy’s terrific."

When Ben Gates took the job guarding the presents at a ritzy upper-class wedding, he thought it would be a simple assignment: stand around, look tough, and make sure none of the bridesmaids walk off with the jewelry.

But that was before someone slipped sleeping pills into Ben’s coffee and a bizarre robbery attempt left two people dead. Now Ben’s reputation is on the line—and if he doesn’t figure out which of three beautiful women is hiding a murderous secret, his life may be as well…

• First publication in almost 40 years!
• Ed Gorman on KILL NOW, PAY LATER: "A terrific read...one of my favorite Hard Case books."
• Hard Case Crime edition reunites author Terrall with painter Robert McGinnis, who illustrated the Ben Gates novels in the 1960s

"Ben Gates proves himself a much better than average private eye…the telling is crisp and well paced."

— The New York Times

"Savagely funny."

— Publishers Weekly