A Bad Hand

First he learned to be himself, then he learned to believe in himself.

James Webb faces challenges far beyond his years: trying to love a mother battling mental illness, enduring rejection by his high school baseball team, and navigating a tedious summer job. His refuge lies in baseball and his dream of restoring a vintage Japanese motorcycle - a project that symbolizes his longing for freedom and self-expression. However, his ordinary life takes a dark turn when he discovers a Yakuza-led money-laundering scheme tied to a ruthless fentanyl dealer who has left devastation in his wake, including the death of James' only close friend.

In Japan, Saito Masashi, a Yakuza leader nicknamed Hokusai, has his own struggles. He must balance the relentless demands of organized crime, his legitimate business ventures, and the fading traditions of the criminal underworld. A surprise meeting with his estranged daughter, Sora, exposes both Hokusai's vulnerability and his hopes for redemption. After receiving medical treatment, Sora and James meet and the two teenagers fall in love. James' love for Sora and baseball propel him into a zero-sum game of either bringing down the Yakuza (and his girlfriend's father) or becoming the next victim.

A Bad Hand explores the intersections of innocence and corruption, family and betrayal, and courage in the face of impossible odds. With heartfelt romance, high-stakes action, and heartwarming characters, this book tells a story of resilience, unexpected alliances, and the power of doing what is right, no matter the cost.