1. At the beginning of this story, Carly finds herself struggling with a negative attitude, having been accused by the media of shooting an innocent man. How could she have better handled her frustrations? What would you do in her situation?

2. Carly refuses to back off from an investigation, even defying direct orders. Is she justified in doing so? When is it acceptable to oppose authority? How can one make certain whether such a decision, such an attitude, is right or wrong?

3. For a long time, Carly considers it impossible to forgive Nick, let alone forget the way he betrayed her. Have you ever been so wounded that you struggled to forgive? How did you address that hurt? How did you respond---or how are you responding---to the person who hurt you? Read and discuss Colossians 3:12-13. What makes these verses difficult to live out?

4. In what ways were Nick and Carly untrue to their marriage vows? Do you think it is wise or healthy for them to reconcile?

5. Sergeant Altman appreciates the pace of juvenile investigations, but Carly finds it dull and stifling. What should our outlook be when we find ourselves in unfulfilling roles or tasks?

6. Why do you think Carly chooses to trust Jeff Hanks after the numerous reasons she’s heard to be suspicious of him? Have you ever had to give someone the benefit of the doubt? How did you make your decision in that case?

7. Were you offended or scandalized by Andrea’s promiscuity or Londy’s poor choices even after he claimed to follow Jesus? How can believers maintain loving relationships with people who have different lifestyles, people who set different standards for their lives? What
do you make of Kay’s approach to Londy? Pastor Rawlings’s approach to Carly?

8. What would you say to someone who, like Carly, has trouble believing in God because of the painful circumstances of his or her life?

9. Many different characters’ lives were changed when they became believers: Nick, Nathan, Mark, even Londy. Whom have you known whose life was turned around because of Christ? In what ways has your own life changed?

10. When Jeff sacrifices himself to save Carly, she seems to finally understand Christ’s sacrifice for her. Read and discuss John 15:12-13. What are other ways you can show this kind of sacrificial love to those in your life?