Into the Fire

After an untold time alone – days and nights unable to be deciphered in the all white cell with no windows and one light constantly on – "the prisoner" is flown away in shackles, unlocked, and deposited on an icy tarmac with his duffle bag of dirty clothes and what few belongings he'd carried when imprisoned.

Prior to his release and unknowing exactly how long it had taken him to do, Gibson Vaughn allowed his mind to resurrect a childhood friend nicknamed "Bear" along with his father Duke Vaughn to keep him company. Their-invisible-to-others presence and conversations came when he needed their companionship most, noting this probably qualified him as having approached – if not embraced – insanity. As time went on, not all of the discussions were welcomed.

This begins the initial vengeful journey for Gibson whose sole purpose is to be reunited with his daughter Ellie, hoping his ex-wife will somehow understand his long absence. His dad keeps filling his thoughts with plans of how to exact revenge on the CIA man who imprisoned him, but at first Gibson's heart isn't in it.

Now looking like a homeless man with matted hair and a ratty full beard, his efforts to rejoin the human race are both clumsy and painful. Having been a former Marine and used for special missions, he felt nothing like the man he used to be, and even the simplest elements of regaining normalcy prove taxing and anxiety-inducing – especially with his dad hammering his thoughts with pursuing vengeance for the family honor.   

Added to Gibson's return to his unsure reality are old enemies, old friends, old betrayals, a short-term vengeance, real sacrifice, and a type of freedom. 

Cold Harbor (Book 3 in the Gibson Vaughn Series) by Matthew Fitzsimmons is a well-written entertaining suspense with unique story components leading up to a satisfying conclusion that feels right but not permanent. Definitely not a cliff-hanger, it still leaves the door wide open for whatever Gibson Vaughn might do next. 

Some profanity. 

A good buy on Kindle now.

Father, only you know the condition of our hearts. Please keep inspiring Matthew and may he realize every good and perfect gift is given by you. Encourage him as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.