The Meal Ticket begins with a glimpse into the psyche of Amelia Sapphire, a young, beautiful and ambitious woman whose penchant for retribution outweighs societal norms. Hampered by trauma from her past, Amelia pays no mind to decency. Instead, she aims to satisfy her thirst for wealth through the manipulation of men who she regards as too simple in their needs to be a challenge to her cunning.

Miller Gast, baseball’s number one prospect, becomes the target. The “Gasman” is on a clear path to the big leagues as he has soared through each level of minor league baseball. A premiere athlete and clean cut, Miller has the look of a superstar destined to become the face of baseball for the next decade. Unfortunately, he is also naïve to the trappings of celebrity.

Enthralled by the looks and sophistication of a woman unlike any other, he lets his guard down. The morning after his conquest, the images were disturbing and vague. She initially surrendered to the touch of his lips, that much he remembered. But, at some point during the night the fleeting moment of pleasure morphed into violence. Her eagerness was both perplexing and unstoppable as she mocked him with her devilish grin.

To Miller’s agent, the truth mattered little. The ramifications of sexual assault to his career were immense. He’d be immediately banished from consideration from the big leagues and the press would have a field day. Forget about any endorsement deals. Even if the truth eventually surfaced, the scarlet marking from mere accusation would make Miller toxic to any company. No, the best thing to do was acquiesce, keep the matter silent and move on with life. Or could there be another strategy?