Into the Fire

                       From my solo mystery Race: 

(From Chapter 32)

     Next, Mark gave us each copies of the contents in Roman’s file box. Mark told us Roman’s cell phone had been locked inside it, apparently not used much according to the technician’s report, most of his recent calls to his parents’ number in Idaho and a couple to the chaplain’s.

     “The guy was smart. He even had a notarized will. Left everything to his parents. Strange if he thought he’d outlive them. Had a decent bank account, a credit card with no outstanding charges. Receipts from all paid purchases. Highly organized. And these. Three more items of significance, pertaining to his character.” Mark distributed additional photographs, copies of an envelope with Danny’s name on it in all caps and a letter comprised the first of the new pile.

     We each separated the two copies and set the rest of them aside without looking at them.

     “Danny,

     I’m sure you’re wondering what’s going on with me and your girl. So let me set the record straight. Nothing. Yeah, she’s gorgeous, but we both know she’s not like the other women we’ve shared at different times. She’s special, and I’m telling you man to man you better get with the program and stop drinking or you’re going to lose her. And I’ll be honest with you too, my friend. If you drop the ball, I’m going to be there to pick it up. I’ve never known love, but she could point me in that direction for sure.

     Danny, I’d never hurt you. We’ve been friends for our lifetime on these crazy racetracks. So I’ll get out of your way with Ronnie, but I’m letting you know she’s fed up with your drinking and if she’s not more important than the bottle to you, you’re flat crazy.

     One last thing. I’ve met Jesus Christ. Best thing that ever happened to me. I know this much. He won’t let you down. Think about it, my friend.

     Later, Roman.”

     Before I allowed my swelling emotions to get the best of me I picked up the next pile of copies. Several poses of the same item: a gift box with a necklace in it. Delicate gold chain with a teardrop diamond pendant. Next he gave us the pictures of the card that was tucked into a jewelry bag with the necklace. Again the envelope had “Ronnie” printed across it in all caps. The card itself showed a striking sunset with the silhouette of a horse against it. Inside were Roman’s words to Ronnie.

     “I’ve lived my life all wrong. You’re one of the few things that’s right in my life. You belong to Danny. Do for him what you’ve done for me. Thank you, Ronnie. Roman”

     Normally I’m not sentimental—or romantic. This immediately choked me up, and I had to excuse myself, knowing the guys would wonder at my emotionalism of late. Oh well. I had no choice.

     When I got to the restroom, I went into a stall and took out my handkerchief and put it up to my eyes. And lost it. I never realized how hard it was to keep quiet when you’re near convulsing with sorrow. When Sheila left, I drowned my sorrows in drink and only occasionally let the tears come. At home. Alone. Just let them fall or drain down my face. And drank some more. But now I had no alcohol to subdue the pain, and for whatever reason the loss of this young man crushed my spirit. My gut ached from trying to hold back noisy sobs. My face and handkerchief were soaked. I had to pull handfuls of toilet paper from the roll to keep my nose subdued and before too long I’d almost filled the toilet bowl with wads of snotty tissue.

     “Breathe, damn it!” I shouted inside my head. And then swore because I swore.

     “David?”

     Jesse’s voice. And I knew he came because he cared, but I didn’t want him to be here. “Yeah? What’re you doin’ followin’ me to the little boy’s room?” I tried hard to sound in control, but he knew me too well.

     “Look, I’m sorry. I just wanted to tell you I’m here for you. If you ever need me, I’m here. Okay?”

     I wanted so desperately to speak. To say something intelligent, thoughtful, grateful, funny even, but I knew if I tried, I’d blubber, and it would be humiliating. More than it already was. But I had to answer him. Had to say something, anything. And it pained me that all I could muster was, “Thanks.”

Thank you, Lord. I say it every day: Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

I loved this story and writing it. It's a bargain for your ereaders at $1.99. The reason some of my print novels cost more is because they're longer books than the typical Christian novel. The word counts are well over 100,000 words. Many readers prefer shorter novels or novellas these days because of their busy lives. Mostly, I prefer a good long book to read, but I concede some of the shorter ones are fun once in a while. 

Father, thank you for this story and all of the others. Apart from you, I can do nothing. That's the truth. I can't thank you enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

For your Kindle and other ereaders, . . . in a love song is now available! Enjoy. If you're a reader of romances (porn free), . . . in a love song is the novel for you. 

And you can also purchase it here:

Into the Fire: Heard it . . . in a love song (typepad.com)

Father, apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough! In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

A classic by the Beach Boys. They had some good ones. This was just one of them. 

Father, please bless the musicians and singers and lead them to the saving knowledge of your Son. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

From Costa Rica to New York to St. Lucia to the Philippines to North Korea, L.T. Ryan introduces his Bear Logan Thriller Series with Ripple Effect followed by Blowback.

Riley "Bear" Logan is a, well, bear of a man. Large and not easy to hide. However, in spite of his size, he's remarkably quick and well-versed in all the "spy" training even though he often works with Jack Noble in clandestine assignments which don't register on anybody's legal records anywhere. Though both have previously worked for "the government", they no longer abide by any formal restrictions. 

In Ripple Effect they were assigned to kill one rogue Congressman who had his greasy fingers in drug operations in Costa Rica. What they didn't know about was a government implant into this man's operation designated to take him into custody rather than to take him out. When Jack and Bear and this undercover operative learn of each other's mission, after much ado, they finally work together to do what needs to be done. What was supposed to be a simple in-and-out execution turned into an elaborate chaotic struggle with an unknown someone on the inside making it extremely difficult and dangerous to complete.

After the operation when the "Thorne" in the flesh was discovered, Daniel Thorne proved his arrogant competence was slick enough to cause both Jack and Bear to separate and get lost for a while. And the undercover government implant turned out to be the attractive and skilled "Sadie" who returned to the CIA when the operation was concluded. 

In Blowback Jack was off to who knew where, and Bear went to St. Lucia where he met and became friends with a couple who owned the bar and eatery where he often hung out. When tragedy strikes, Bear winds up in prison for the crime he didn't commit and when he tries to lie low on the weird inside jail heirarchy, he's rescued by none other than Daniel Thorne. 

Knowing he can never trust the man, Thorne cons him into making another rescue which turns out to be two problems and neither one is even remotely simple to solve, ultimately concluding in North Korea. Prior to his NK adventure, he contacts an old buddy in the Philippines to get him and one problem out of St. Lucia who eventually helps him with a friend who will transport Bear to the NK border. 

Both novels are chaotic thrillers, complex maneuvering stories, plenty of clandestine double-crosses, lots of old friends who go way back helping their brothers-in-arms from long ago. 

L.T. Ryan takes his time developing Bear Logan. He's underplayed in Ripple Effect but established for his cool-under-pressure character and slightly less inclined to go off on a wild tangent than his partner Jack Noble. But whenever Jack Noble is in the picture, he's the dominant force, the scene stealer. I lost track of where I left off with the Jack Noble stories. I'd gladly start where I left off once I remember where that was. Bear is a good character but we'll see how notable he becomes in the third installment Takedown.  

Some profanity.

Father, you lavish gifts and talents on your creation. Thank you for L.T's abilities to construct amazing stories. May he know the One who's blessed him. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

     Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Ephesians 6:23-24 (NIV) 

How many authors do you know personally? By "personally" I mean you've talked and/or communicated with them in person or by email or texting or managed to have a "back and forth" with them on their websites or other social media. 

I've managed to get to know several, some I've met in person and others I've had ongoing relationships with via email. 

Authors can be a fascinating bunch. There are definite similarities but there are equally as many or more differences. 

I know some who are regimental in their writing habits and others who do "story boards" and others who are like me in their "seat-of-the-pants" creating. Some relegate a certain word quota per day or week for themselves. Many do extensive research for their complex stories. Others write an entire first draft without any editing just to get that story "in writing". For a seat-of-the-pants writer, I do edit as I go – that is, I might not edit until a scene is done or until the next day, but I do correct as I go rather than writing chapters before I take a look at what's been written. 

When I'm involved in a story, I'm involved in the story. I think about it all day long, almost in the role-playing mode of my characters. I catch myself staring off into space with a smile on my face "hearing" the interchange between characters, picturing their stances or gestures. Yeah, crazy, I know. 

So what have you learned about authors? If you're an author and see this post, what would you add about us, yourself, or your fellow authors? 

Father, I can't thank you enough for the stories you've given me to tell. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

We're not going back too far with this novel. Just to give you a few sentences from Amazon reviewers here: 

Seeing… is a well written novel with emotional and spiritual depth that goes beyond mere sentiment when it comes to “second chances.”

Petrino-Salter also captures the pain, anger, shame, and defensive attitude that so often manifests in the lives of women who have been sexually abused.

This story has such a great message. In addition to that, I loved all the characters. They seem like real people. The main character Micah is a widower, and the portrayal of his response to losing his wife is so beautifully written.

Seeing . . . in the paperback form at the time of this post is being offered at an incredible price. Hope you'll purchase your copy before the price goes back up. 

Seeing…: Petrino-Salter, Nicole: 9781646450923: Amazon.com: Books 

Father, thank you for stories that touch my heart as I write them. Only you inspire and help me create. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Name three of your most recent favorite novels.

Name five of your favorite authors.

Name two of your favorite genres to read.

Name three novels with great covers. 

Name five of your favorite characters. 

God, you inspire, you lead, you anoint, you gift. Apart from you, we can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Good ol' rock 'n' roll. The Spencer Davis Group could rock on. Back in the day . . . 

Father, you give the gifts. We either use them for you or we don't. May each one know the One who provided their gifts and talents. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.