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A diabolical plot to take over the world's precious metal supply can spell the ruin of every economy on Earth. Gold, silver, and platinum are disappearing from supposedly secure bank vaults. How can hundreds of tons of heavy metals be stolen and transported without anybody finding out how the thefts were pulled off? That's what Italian-born Ricardo "Rick" Fortuna must figure out to stop the world from spinning into economic ruin. Tracking down criminals used to be fun and adventurous for highly trained and extremely beautiful Canadian intelligence agent Amanda Sanders, but her superiors have forced her to work with some jerk named Fortuna that claims to be an Italian Prince by birthright. If he wasn't so darn handsome, she might be able to ignore his arrogant attitude. He annoyed yet attracted her at the same time. Exotic and sometimes dangerous geographic locations are thrown into this mix of intrigue, romance, science, and adventure. Billions of dollars are at stake in this account of conspiracy, theft, danger, and romance. The world's monetary systems are in jeopardy, and financial disaster will cause widespread panic and collapse. Many twists and turns take place, but the Prince and the Spy must work together to solve the case without getting killed in the process.

What does an offshore hydrocarbon production platform located in the dark, dangerous and stormy North Sea have to do with spies, the world precious metals market, and romance? Learn about all these subjects and more in a tale of intrigue, danger, and conflict. Evil forces are trying to destroy worldwide financial markets, but the spy and the prince will be there to help keep banks secure and to put criminals in prison.  

About the Author Having authored many scientific and technical reports, this is the first "fun fiction" novel written by David Panaro. With time spent on both onshore and offshore drill rigs and drilling ships, much personal experience is reflected in the storyline. A native Californian and licensed Professional Geologist, he stays busy working his day job as a Hydrologist specializing in water well permitting and design, streamflow and rainfall measurements, water resource management, and water sustainability planning. Along with one of his younger brother, David also owns and operates a small winery on the southern coast of California, where he manages their tasting room every weekend. A self-professed jack-of-all trades, David's writing reflects the experiences and knowledge he's gained from being a helicopter mechanic, general building contractor, surveyor's assistant, solar system installer, soils technician, well driller, auto mechanic, plumber, and a host of other part-time or full-time jobs. With the water business as a profession, and winemaking as a passion, the authoring of books is something Mr. Panaro does during the precious little spare time he can find each week. He hopes to retire someday so he can write more novels, and most importantly - spend more time with family.