The Twelfth Issue

 

How did that happen? I blinked and suddenly it’s February.  You’d think a guy named Love would be looking forward to all the special attention that comes with Valentine’s Day, the celebration of romance and true love smack dab in the middle of the shortest month. That’s never been the case.  I’ve never even gotten a discount from a restaurant on that day.   Ah well.

As Chuck Berry once sang, “‘C’est la vie’. It goes to show you never can tell.” Time to get back to work with a few bits about writing, a sneak peek at my latest efforts, an interview with a great author and of course, music.  So enough misdirection. Let’s get the party started.

 

Writing

Inspiration can strike at any moment. For a writer, that can often happen when you least expect it. I can be sitting there, minding my own business, maybe grading papers or listening to music and suddenly, Zeus hits me in the ass with a lightning bolt. Well, that may not be exactly how it works, but its close.

Here's a recent example.

I was talking with Eric, an old buddy I haven’t seen in half a dozen years or more. We were catching up on a video call when he asked about my latest project. I explained the premise of the cold case investigation, where Charity Gray, a 15 year-old girl, had disappeared on her way home from school and her remains had been found fifteen years later.  At this stage in the story, Chene was interviewing teachers from the school who might remember the girl.

Enter Zeus.

Eric has a love of all things related to the Civil War. He’s participated in reenactments and probably has over 800 books on the subject.  It occurred to me that Charity should have taken American History.  What better means of engaging the students in the topic of the war than to have the teacher involved in reenactments?  I hit Eric with a few questions.  It took less than a nanosecond to persuade him to be a source for the character and the book.

          Thanks, Zeus.

 

Work In Progress

Steady work on the next Chene book continues. Now that professional football is done until September, I should have more time to work on this book. In theory. The pieces keep clicking together. My unofficial target is to get the first draft done by the end of April.  Then it’s time for a revision or two and recruiting a couple of beta readers to get some much needed feedback and direction.

Once I have a good character in mind, it’s difficult to keep them out of the story.  Both Chene and Jamie Richmond have made guest appearances in each other’s novels. While it wasn’t intended, Jamie fit in well with the latest story.  Here’s an excerpt where Chene turns to her for some off the record assistance.

 

“Where are we headed?” Donna asked.  We were back in the Jag, travelling west on I 696.  She reached up and pressed a button near the ceiling. A smoky glass panel rolled back, letting fresh air into the cabin.  I could get used to this kind of ride.

“I need someone who is good with research.  Somebody accustomed to digging deep. We’ve got about thirty hours left on Pappy’s deadline.”

Donna tilted her head back, feeling the breeze on her face. “Something tells me you’re not headed to see a librarian.”

“Not exactly. But she does have a knack for gathering information. And she could crush the image of a librarian to pieces.”

“So, a naughty librarian.”

“Shut up.”

I rolled to a stop in front of the little ranch house. Movement inside the window caught my attention. The door opened before we were halfway up the walk and a slender redhead emerged. There was concern in her green eyes. She skipped down from the stoop and covered the distance between us quickly.

“Hey, Jamie,” I said.

“Hello, cowboy. You don’t need to get shot to come and visit.” Avoiding my wounded arm, she moved to the other side and gave me a gentle hug.

I’m still awkward around most women. There was a slight hesitation before my right arm circled her waist for a brief squeeze. “You remember Donna?”

Jamie let me go and stepped back. “Sure. We met during the Morrissey case.  Let’s go inside and you can explain.”

We settled around the kitchen table. There were tall glasses filled with ice and a pitcher of lemonade in the center. Jamie served us and settled on the edge of her chair to my right, a legal pad and pen within easy reach.

“How’s Malone doing?” Donna asked.  Jamie lived with another cop, a sergeant with the MSP. Malone worked at a post nearby that managed the highway patrols for part of the Motown area.

“He’s good. Had to be in court this morning.”

On the phone earlier I’d been reluctant to say much. It was entirely possible the feds or someone else was tapping my line.  Now I spelled it out for her. I needed whatever information she could uncover about organized crime, particularly the families that were involved thirty years ago.  While I talked, Jamie scribbled notes in her own style of shorthand.

“You mentioned a deadline?” she asked while I sipped the lemonade.

“I hate to impose, but we’ve got maybe twenty-four hours before things get even crazier. The feds are trying to make a statement, with a bust related to one syndicate or another. Right now, it’s all about politics, bullshit and headlines.”

Jamie smiled and batted her lashes at me. “Smooth talker, you know that’s what makes the world go ‘round.”

“Which is why you came to mind. You were extremely helpful with the Morrissey case and you certainly know how to dig. My only concern is that you might get someone’s attention who doesn’t want you poking around.”

She waved her hands apart as if chasing a pesky fly.  “I’ve got enough contacts who are still working that know how to bury any connection with me. I should get some information by early evening. And a lot may be available on the internet. Besides, I’m just a harmless little old lady writing mystery novels.”

“Old doesn’t come close to you,” Donna said with a laugh. “And Chene told me about some of your previous escapades. I’m not buying the ‘harmless’ image.”

Jamie shrugged away the compliment. I doubted she was even in her mid-thirties.  I waited until her gaze shifted back to me. “Is there any way you can dig without leaving a trail?  Whoever is really behind this didn’t hesitate to bring out the guns last night. And despite your past, I’m disinclined to let your stubbornness get in the way of your safety.”

“I can use some back channel approaches. There are a couple of academics I know who’ve done papers on Detroit’s organized crime dynasties,” Jamie said. She tapped a polished fingernail on the legal pad. “Besides, it’s just research for a book. My focus is on fiction now.”

Donna glanced at me. “Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.”

“Sounds like something from Mark Twain,” Jamie said.

“Yeah, but there’s no arguing it,” I said.

“You didn’t want to talk about this on the phone. How do I get you the details on whatever I find out?”

I’d been thinking about that for a while. “Let’s go old school. Nothing digital, just print whatever you can find.”

“Then what?”

“Is Malone working tonight?”

She nodded.  “Three to eleven.”

“Well, if you put whatever you find in an envelope that would be easy to deliver to the post, along with a burger or two. Or maybe some sushi.”

That earned me a grin. “That’s a good plan, cowboy. And once Malone has the details, he can pass them on to you.”

“One brother cop to another. That also keeps you in the shadows.”

Jamie pushed back from the table and stood. “Then I’d better get started.”

“You don’t sit still long enough to get dusty,” Donna said.

She walked us back outside.  As was her custom, Jamie looped her arms around my neck and gave me a tender kiss on the lips.  Donna just stood there with a sloppy grin on her face.

“Give Simone a hug for me,” she whispered as she pulled away.

“Will do. And thanks, Jamie.”

“Go to work, Chene. There are bad guys that need catching.”

 

Interview

 

February has a number of events, such as Groundhog’s Day, Super Bowl Sunday, President’s Day and yes, Valentine’s Day.  So for a little change of pace, it seemed only appropriate to interview a guy who would actually know how to deal with Cupid’s holiday.  Enter Malone, the guy who takes Jamie Richmond’s breath away.

Here’s a picture of what Malone might look like.

How did you and Jamie meet?   I was at work. She came in to do a ride along with one of the state police troopers, to get background for a character she wanted to include in a book. (Shrugs) I was in charge of the shift.

 

What first drew you to Jamie?  There was a little spark when Jamie and I met. It wasn’t ‘love or even lust at first sight’, (chuckles) but there was definitely something there. She’s very bright, with a great sense of humor. And she’s a bit of a smart ass. That’s refreshing. A lot of people I meet are either intimidated by my job or tend to be a little cocky. I’m just a regular guy. That’s how Jamie treated me.  Of course, that red hair got my attention in a hurry.

What was the most memorable moment for you?  There’s the scene where Jamie and I become lovers. The tension between us had been gradually building up. In my mind it was going to be this slow, romantic, passionate encounter. Two adults seeking to give intimate pleasure to their partner, taking their time. (Laughs and shakes his head at the memory) Instead it was like two horny teenagers who finally had ten minutes alone. We practically tore each other’s clothes off.

What do you do for fun?  I like to cook. It’s a way to be creative with a very immediate reward. You get to eat what you make.  I grew tired of dining in restaurants all the time. So I have a number of recipes that always turn out well. And I’ve been known to check out a cookbook or two.  Which is helpful because Jamie’s culinary talents are rather…limited.

What is your greatest fear?  That someday Jamie will get in over her head. She seems to attract trouble like a redheaded magnet.  Each time things get a little more dangerous.  We have a good thing going.  I don’t want to lose that. Or her.

What do you think is your strongest attribute? A sense of calm. I’ve been through a lot in the military and on the job. It’s important to be able to remain calm and take charge of the situation if need be.

What is most attractive to you about the opposite sex?  A dazzling smile. One that encompasses the whole being, not just the mouth, but the eyes, the face, the whole persona. Sometimes it’s not overpowering, but you know it’s there, just beneath the surface.

What trait or characteristic do you most dislike about the opposite sex? Phonies. I don’t like it when people try to act how they think I want them to. Just be yourself.  Be honest. Be real. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing the latest designer doodad or drive a snazzy car.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a snowy afternoon?  I like old movies. Maybe catch a game on the television. Chase Jamie around the house. Not necessarily in that order.

You can get to know more about Malone in the Jamie Richmond series.

  

Devious

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Y9XMHC

Vanishing Act

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0190T15Y6

Fleeing Beauty

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019WPCIBM

 

Music

Variety is always part of my playlist.  Lately there have been a lot of tunes from Stevie Ray Vaughan.

 

Vaughan’s music was a mixture of blues, rock and jazz.  A sensation in Texas at the start of his career, he gained notoriety at the Montreux Jazz Festival.  From there he became a national treasure.  His career included winning a Grammy and being inducted in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame.

While his life was cut short in 1990, dying in a helicopter crash, his legacy lives on. Vaughan’s style continues to inspire other performers, including John Mayer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and others. 

Here’s my top five favorites. 

Pride & Joy https://youtu.be/0vo23H9J8o8

Riviera Paradise:  https://youtu.be/KfGBQHM1EzI

The House is Rocking: https://youtu.be/vYb0ZylEMbg

Hide Away: https://youtu.be/3F0dSPqPnpU

Give Me Back My Wig: https://youtu.be/83Ep9CTzQmQ