Final Option

Hartzmark ( Principal Defense ) turns in another convincing performance as murder lands Chicago lawyer Kate Millholland in the family affairs of futures trader Bart Hexter. On her way to a meeting at the Hexter home to prepare a defense against charges of trading improprieties, Kate discovers Bart in his Rolls in his driveway--pajama-clad and shot in the head. Pamela, Bart's widow, shows remarkable composure despite the shock, focusing on funeral etiquette. Bart Jr., a likable math professor, takes over running Hexter Commodities while claiming he really doesn't want all that money and power. His sisters are also far from distraught: Krissy is caught up in her own affairs, and ``Mad Margot'' gleefully says, ``The old monster's dead, and we get all his money.'' Tim Hexter, Bart's nephew and gofer, seems none too bright, but even he knows life will be easier without his tyrannical boss. As Kate maneuvers around these characters--as well as Bart's mistress, the woman who wanted to be his mistress, and the head trader who sees in Bart's death a chance to gain more power--she finds she is closing in not just on Bart's financial dealings but on his murderer. (Mar.)