Whispers In The Nation's Capital: Secrets from the Seventh Floor Hardcover – Large Print, February 7, 2026

Newly single and ready to redefine his future, Marcus Hillard leaves behind the familiar rhythms of Kansas City to seize a prestigious opportunity at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. Young, ambitious, and full of promise, Marcus is determined to make his mark in the nation's corridors of power. But as he navigates the city's high-stakes professional world and its often dazzling yet isolating social scene, Marcus uncovers more than he bargained for.While reviewing documents for an interagency briefing, Marcus stumbles upon a cryptic set of communications. What first appears to be an innocent anomaly quickly spirals into a dangerous web of secrets, exposing a shadowy international crime syndicate with unsettling ties to the very heart of the U.S. government. Unsure of whom to trust, Marcus is drawn into a high-stakes game of deception, power, and survival that threatens not only his career but also his life.But the intrigue in D.C. is only half of Marcus's story. Back in Kansas City, his family grapples with challenges of their own: an older brother whose dreams were dashed by injury and now struggles with the revolving door of the criminal justice system, a retired father facing health issues, and a mother doing her best to hold everyone together. As Marcus fights to expose the truth in Washington, he must also reckon with his family's struggles and his own sense of identity and belonging.Adding to the complexity is the lingering heartache of a college romance that ended when he and his former sweetheart chose diverging paths. While she pursues a law degree in California, Marcus can't help but wonder if the choices that pulled them apart were the right ones—or if their unfinished story could have a second act.Balancing ambition, loyalty, and the weight of personal sacrifice, Whispers in the Nation’s Capital is a gripping thriller that delves into the intersections of power, race, and resilience. As Marcus uncovers the truth, he must confront the shadows of his past and the daunting challenges of his present—risking everything for justice, and for the chance to write a new chapter in his own story. Read more