Madelyn’s stepped on a lot of toes to get where she is. She’s one of the preeminent defense lawyers in all of Houston. And while she’s clearly got a gift in the courtroom, rumors circulate that her ability to convince a jury of her client’s innocence may not be due just to luck and skill.

Darla Bright has been known to fall for the wrong guy, but working as Madelyn’s secretary and personal assistant for the past five years has forced her to put all that behind her. Darla’s seen where the wrong guys end up—and where the women they once loved do, too. Still, Madelyn’s clients appreciate Darla’s vivacious personality—and her voluptuous appearance. But Darla’s more than a pretty face. Darla’s been attending law school at night. She won’t be fetching the coffee much longer.

Rush Skillay’s pocketbook is as big as the state of Texas—bigger, maybe. Rush heads up Transmex Oil Corp., one of the largest oil companies in the world. Although blessed with financial fortune, Rush’s personal life has proved tumultuous. Rush was charged with the murder of his wife Maria after she disappeared from their ranch last year. Rush’s legal troubles haven’t slowed Transmex Oil Corp. down one bit, though. Rumors circulate that Transmex’s next quarterly earnings report will show growth unlike that seen by any other corporation in the history of the United States. Rush Skillay is on his way to becoming the richest man in America.

Marguerite DeGuerin is the mother of Maria Skillay and the widow of Devon DeGuerin, the last son of the noble DeGuerin family. Marguerite is a well-known Houston socialite who doesn’t care about much besides money and showing it off. However, Marguerite has a second passion: her daughter Maria. In fact, Maria may be the only thing Marguerite loves as much as money. Marguerite has sworn—publicly and privately—that she won’t rest until Rush Skillay has paid for his crime.

Madelyn Hatcher’s party guests are brimming with curiosity about the mystery guest. Who is he or she? What is the shocking announcement? Is it about the Rush Skillay trial? Only one person knows the answers to these questions.

Sam Knight is the prosecutor in charge of the Rush Skillay case. Sam’s gone up against Madelyn Hatcher in court before—three times to be exact—and he’s lost all three. He’s vowed to the citizens of Houston, Texas that this time he will convict the Hatchet’s client.

Surveillance is Ryan Sharkstone’s middle name. He takes his Chief of Security job at Madelyn Hatcher’s office very seriously. No one comes in or out of the Law Office of Madelyn Hatcher without Sharkstone knowing who he is, what he ate for breakfast, and that special little nickname his momma used to call him.

Jesse Martinez was more than a lawyer. He was an orator. When Jesse Martinez walked down the street in his seersucker suit, people jumped to get out of his way. Jesse was the perfect mentor for Madelyn Hatcher. He taught Madelyn everything she knows. He even made her a partner in his law firm. Their firm was the talk of the town—until Madelyn decided to go solo.

Rush Skillay may be the Hatchet’s most famous client, but he’s certainly not her only client. Long before Rush Skillay, Madelyn Hatcher defended Chandler "Butch" Maycheck, a nerdy computer programmer, against charges of armed robbery. Unfortunately for Butch, Butch was convicted and has spent the last ten years in prison. Butch was released only two weeks ago. Prison wasn’t all bad for Butch, though. S/he developed a new hobby--weightlifting--and earned the nickname "Butch."

Missy Jackson is the youngest insurance agent ever to work for the American life insurance company, the company that insured Maria Skillay. Missy graduated from college three years early and has been working for American ever since. All her co-workers call her “kiddo,” but that’s okay. Missy knows her IQ is two times higher than theirs. Missy’s been put in charge of the Rush Skillay case.

Henry Ellington III, a second-year law student working as a clerk in Madelyn Hatcher’s office, comes from a long legal tradition. As the son of Judge Henry Ellington II and the grandson of Judge Henry Ellington I, Henry is expected to follow in their footsteps and become a judge. Henry’s mom has already begun sewing his robe.

Rena Smith works as a janitor in Madelyn Hatcher’s office. Rena is a hardworking, single parent of 3. Rena is respected for her wisecracking, no-nonsense attitude, but co-workers sense an anger brewing just under her spunky exterior.