Golden Orange
by Joseph Wambaugh
An alcoholic ex-cop falls head over heels for an Orange County gold digger Prenuptial agreements have not been kind to Tess Binder. Although briefly married to the 303rd richest man in the world, their marriage contract ensured that she got nothing when he left her for a manicurist he met playing singles at the John Wayne Tennis Club. A Westport lifestyle is expensive, and without a husband to subsidize it, Tess will be broke soon. In need of a sucker, she calls on Winnie Farlowe. An ex-cop with a bad back and an even worse drinking habit, Winnie recently achieved notoriety by piloting a ferry while blackout drunk. He rammed three yachts but, killing no one, got off with probation. Though Tess is miles out of his league, he doesn't ask questions when she throws herself at him. Drunk on love, Winnie Farlowe is heading for the worst hangover he's ever had.