The beginning of Lea’s return to America from Russian Penal Colony 627 in “Stepping on Fingers:” “Thrasher glowered at her from the far edge of the gathering crowd, now focused on what was left of the accident rather than the…
Lea’s Daughter Clara in Danger
“Lea’s burner phone rang; “someone’s onto where you are. I’ve had someone trying to watch you and he saw some old woman go into your hotel room in Scranton where you and your daughter were sleeping…” The voice continued but…
Train to Russian Penal Colony
Beginning of Lea’s trip from an American religious court to a Russian penal colony: “Inside the crowded compartment, a robotic arm dragged Lea’s jerking body along the rail then dumped her onto a wooden bench beside a vertical window-slit. Corroded…
Source of “Stepping on Fingers” Title
Source of “Stepping on Fingers” title: “David was worried the professionally dressed woman still jammed against Gillespie’s right shoulder might remember him as the platform under him began to vibrate with the throaty rumble of the coming train’s arrival, its…
Remembering the Fallen
Remembering the crew of the U.S.S. Picuda in “Goshawk:” “Ensign Luther Marsden pulled himself up the ladder, eyes at the level of David’s scuffed and oil-stained boot tops, running his fingers through a short red crew-cut. “What’s up?” the young…
A Voice from the Past
After Buddy Lassiter finds Lea and their daughter in “Stepping on Fingers:” “Loud knocking at the front door interrupted the conversation. Drak stuck his pistol behind his belt in the middle of the back and scurried over to the front…
An Unplanned Procedure
Near the beginning of “Stepping on Fingers,” Lea awakens to a new horror: “As light and dark began to drift apart, I felt something very heavy holding my wrists tight against a frigid, waxy metal surface. Except for patches of…
Prologue of “Goshawk”
Diving into “Goshawk:” “Layla again wearily surveyed the pile of supplies on the frozen ground in front of her, which included a small, waterproof black plastic pouch of emergency rations, a larger canvas bag, and her own AK-47. The weapon…
Relieving some Tension
As “Stepping on Fingers” unfolds, saving Lea: “Despite some closure from disposing of Judge Beckinsale, Lea remained concerned about the explosive device embedded in her neck and the amulet between her breasts. It was supposed to fool the bomb about…
Hail to the Vegetable
Part of “Criminal Opera (coming soon)” is about the befuddled old man set up to appear as America’s President, whom I call the Vegetable. In light of today’s criminal conviction of President Trump, orchestrated by the Vegetable’s handlers, here’s a…
