A black man is shot dead by a white police officer who says the man pointed a pistol at him. But when investigators arrive on the scene, there is no weapon. Officer Chris Martin then learns that cops don't always stick together, as he battles a cowardly police chief, who cares only about saving his reputation. Both the officer and the victim's family suffer the consequences of other interests. The Missing Piece is a story of tragedy that engulfs those involved when a peace officer uses a weapon in the line-of-duty. The author weaves a story filled with small town values, big city police work, influence of political decisions, and racial overtones, which come together as the story's characters make life changing decisions. It's the story of Chris Martin, a young Austin, Texas police officer who kills a black man who attacked him with a pistol. When investigators arrive, the man's weapon is missing. Martin begins a journey that includes defending his actions, seeing political expediency become more important than the facts, questioning the entire law enforcement system, and ultimately questioning his own actions that fateful day. The story shines a glaring light on the rationalization, politics, and investigative short comings inherent in many high profile police use of force cases. It also gives an insider's view of police union politics and decision-making when members' personal political views conflict with a police union's ability to best serve those members.--smashwords.com.