In my youth I remember reading a book that was filled with
so many unremarkable people with similar names that I had difficulty telling
them apart. If I couldn’t keep them straight, were other people having the same
problem? I considered that to be either laziness or a lack of imagination on the part of the author.
So once I started writing, it became part of my profile to
make my characters different. Just like the people you see at the store, in the
gym, walking through the neighborhood or driving in crosstown traffic, no two
people will look or behave the same. I
want the people in my stories to be memorable.
Now except for rare occasions, I’m a casual guy. Jeans, T
shirts, sneakers or boots pretty well covers it. So my knowledge of fashion is somewhat
limited. But thanks to the power of the Internet, it’s easy to find details on just about anything.
While working on “Fleeing Beauty” I wanted to include a
character who was out of the ordinary.
Someone who didn’t fit the standard background, upbringing or attire.
Someone who would stand out. So after several attempts, I landed on Harrison Mundy. He became the perfect
foil for Jamie, with just enough intrigue to keep her guessing. It took a few passes, but in the end it
worked well.
Here’s the scene where Mundy makes his first appearance.
Jamie and Linda are meeting him at a classy restaurant in the hopes that he
will have information about her father Peter’s stolen artwork.
Mundy flashed a smile at me that was
almost blinding in its brightness. “I prefer to know as much as I can about the
people I am meeting. Even though I am retired, I like to keep my senses sharp.”
“So you’ve retired from a life of
crime?” I asked.
“Really, Jamie, you know I am not a
criminal. I was never convicted or even accused of an illegal act. I have many
interests that have been cultivated over the years. Is there a particular area
of my expertise that appeals to you?”
I took a moment to study him while
phrasing my response. He was very handsome, with the dazzling smile, smooth
complexion, and thick silver hair. He was fit and trim, perhaps a little taller
than me, which would put him about five-foot eight-inches tall. I had no doubt the suit he was wearing was
tailor made for his frame. He spoke with an educated tone. His nails were
manicured.
“I would like to know about art
thefts, particularly the best way to do it. Did you always have a buyer in
mind?”
He chuckled dryly. “Jamie, what makes
you think I know anything about thievery?”
“Perhaps in your studies of the
subject, you learned how thieves work.”
“That is a very good answer,” he
said. “May I presume your interest stems from the recent discovery of your
father’s work?”
“You may,” I replied somewhat sullenly. It
dawned on me that I was mimicking his precise way of speaking. This wasn’t like
me at all. And it was obvious that Mundy was in complete control of the
conversation and the situation.
“So if you
were hypothetically going to steal some of Peter’s artwork, how would you go about
it?”
“There are many ways to execute a
perfect crime. But each one takes a great deal of careful planning and
preparation. Contingencies must be calculated as well.” Mundy paused. “Tell me about the building.”
Linda and I took turns describing the
structure. I was surprised how much detail she was able to give, knowing she’d
only been there today. But Linda is extremely observant. I described the
minimal security system. Before I could tell him what had been stolen, Mundy
raised a hand.
“Pardon me, Jamie, but I do not want
to know what is missing. You are asking me to postulate a hypothetical robbery.
I will need some time to consider various options. I must ask your indulgence.”
I realized Mundy was now on his feet.
“You’re leaving?”
Harrison Mundy dropped his linen
napkin on the table. I noticed his glass was empty and the appetizers were
gone. He shot his cuffs.
“Our meeting was for one hour. That
time has passed. I have another commitment.” He turned slightly toward Linda
and lifted her hand. Smoothly he bent forward and grazed his lips across her
knuckles. “It has been a delightful pleasure to meet you both.”
Linda’s cheeks flared red. “Thank
you,” she stammered.
Mundy turned to me. I was standing
now, trying to figure out how to prolong the conversation. His eyes were twinkling as he looked at me.
“Your reputation is well deserved,
Jamie. I must admit to be intrigued by your—situation. When the time is right, I will be in
touch.” With that he gently, but firmly,
took my hand and did the knuckle grazing kiss.
I felt a flush run through me. Who was this guy?
When it comes to Sharp Dressed Man, you know there's a song that goes with it.
Here are a couple of possible photos of Harrison.
