“Enough,” Katja said, muting the television.
“I always told you he was scum,” Ina said.
Katja rolled her eyes. Gage remained quiet.
“Gage, what about the security man you shot at Boden’s?” Ina asked.
“The polizei viewed it as self-defense. They’re trying to keep a lid on it.”
“Maybe you’ll have to come back to stand trial,” Katja joked. “You can stay with me.”
Ina finally stood, stretching. “I’m going to go out into that beautiful sunshine and cross country ski to the rear gate and back.”
“Thanks for rubbing that in my face,” Katja replied.
“You’ll be exercising again soon. And look at you…only you could have brain surgery and come out of it looking as good you do.”
“Yeah,” Katja answered glumly.
“If you see any press outside the back gate,” Gage warned.
“I’ll call you immediately,” Ina finished. “Mind if I take Sheriff?”
“He’ll be in heaven,” Gage responded.
Ready for exercise, Sheriff and Ina departed.
“Only you, Gage, could convince Ina to like a dog.”
“Sheriff did it, not me.” He leaned his head back on the sofa and stared at the ceiling. “Never in a million years, Katja, did I think this job would end up like this.”
“Welcome to life at the Vogel estate.”
He chuckled. “What bothers me most is I actually liked Boden when I met him. I’m usually a better judge of character than that.”
“Maybe you’re getting soft in your old age.”
“Old age?”
“Yes.”
“Soft, too?” he asked.
“Let’s see.” Katja aggressively slid her hand into Gage’s exercise pants.
“Hey,” he protested. “You’re not supposed to do that.”
“Says who?”
“Your doctors clearly stated you’re not supposed to exert yourself at all.”
Standing, Katja removed her clothes. Afterward, she lay back on the sofa and grinned at him. “Then I’ll lay perfectly still and let you do all the work.”
He stared at her.
“You’re still under our employ, correct?” she asked.
“Technically.”
“Then get to work, Gage Hartline.”
Gage nearly tore his shirt in his rush to remove it.
THE END
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This was my first attempt at writing a mystery. I hope you enjoyed it. While I’m well aware I have a host of flaws as a writer, my greatest desire is to provide my readers with fresh, enjoyable stories. In essence, I do my best to avoid writing the same book over and over. I hope Fallen Father provided a bit of mystery in your life.
A couple of my advance readers asked me why Michael Boden would have eliminated Il Magnifico since he had the sales network up and running. A great question and one I don’t have a detailed answer for. In short, Boden was greedy and obviously had some other way to sell the drugs that would allow him to keep more money. In my opinion, he’s among the scariest type of sociopaths, walking among us and fooling everyone with his winning smile, charm and wit.
(I’ve been told I have a winning smile, charm and wit. Haven’t been told that in a while, though. Who am I kidding? It’s been two decades.)
Anyway, speaking of my advance readers...
Ralph Rowland is a faithful fan with an amazing eye for detail. He and I have conversed about all of my books. He’s always amazed me with his insight and perception. Ralph, thank you for your willingness to help. You made this book better.
George Frankhouser, MD, brought a much-needed perspective from his career as a Navy surgeon with significant combat experience. Following his storied career, he served as a general surgeon in numerous capacities. Any mistakes regarding the medical portions of this book are my own. I also took license with several situations—probably to Dr. Frankhouser’s chagrin. As a side note, Doctor Frankhouser would have made a fine university English professor.
Don Phillips, you are such a steady, trustworthy encourager. Thank you so much for your insight, your knowledge, your advice and—perhaps most of all—your cigars. Kidding. Thank you, Don, for your friendship.
Dina Dryden, your editing has been such a help to me. Thanks for your willingness, your insight, and your speed. You have a calm confidence that’s incredibly reassuring.
To my good friends, the Godwins. Thanks for taking this book with you on your African journey. While I can’t compete with the Serengeti, I hope my book served as a nice distraction on the terminally long flights.
Anne Snow, you are amazing. Your insight and advice is so strong and correct. Pretty sure I used every suggestion you made—a new record. Thank you.
Herr Doktor, Großer Bruder, Big Frank…you’re an amazing friend and encourager. Thanks for all the help you provided with this book. I’m proud to call you a friend.
A.J. Norris, I appreciate the encouragement, the advice, the Scotch, the cigars, the candy, the cash money, the…
Nat Shane, another great cover. Nice work, my friend. Thanks for your willingness and your steadiness. You’re humble and talented—a rarity in your field.
To all my readers and fans, I cannot thank you enough. I cherish your support, words of encouragement, reviews, notes, and calls. You make the arduous task of writing a book and getting it out there (the toughest part) more than worth it. Please keep reading—if you do, I promise to do my part.
Readers, I’d love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected]. I do my best to return all emails.
Until next time, when we will either travel to the French Riviera for a 1970s mystery, or to Occupied France for a 1943 potboiler…God Bless.
About the Author
Chuck Driskell credits the time he spent as a U.S. Army paratrooper for
fueling his love of writing. During the week, he works in marketing & branding.
Seven mornings a week, usually very early, he writes. Chuck lives
in South
