When is it enough?

Hi Everyone:
     When is it enough? When do you know that you've done all that's reasonable? I'm not a quitter, but I would like someone to tell me when to quit trying to get a Literary Agent to read a manuscript. I had a good friend who used to say, "When you're doing the right things and you're not getting the result you want, you've just got to keep on keeping on."

     Now I know that there aren't an infinite number of agents so somewhere there has to be a number, a law, or a standard that says when you've reached this number without a positive result, it's time to move on, either to a new endeavor or a new vocation.

     I know that in order to get one of the major publishing houses to read my novel, it must come through a literary agent. They refuse to accept material directly from the author, so getting an agent is crucial if one hopes to be contracted by the likes of Random House or Simon and Schuster.

     That's not to say that you can't get your novel into print. There are two or three dozen independent publishing houses that will deal directly with the author, which is what I did for my forthcoming novel, Alex, Peanut Butter, and Me. It will be published shortly in both print and digital form by Second Wind Publishers, a N.C. firm. In addition, thanks to the internet, self publishing is a viable alternative. Three of my earlier works are available for nook, fire, and other electronic device readers. However, the Golden Fleece of publishing still belongs to the big five publishing conglomerates.
    
     I am not faulting Literary Agent's. There are just so many books that one person can read or authors they can represent. Many of these hard working people already represent as many active authors as they can handle in the time that's available to them. They are loath to take on a new author unless he or she is famous or infamous and I think it's a little too late in  life to rob a bank or kill someone.

     To attract a good Literary Agent, writers must compose a query letter. It's actually a sales pitch, condensed to a single sheet of paper and it's sent to those agents who indicate a willingness to consider the specific genre of the author's work, along with whatever else the particular agent requires, (sometimes a synopsis, a biography, and anywhere from a single chapter on up.) I'm not new to this process. I've written, what I consider an excellent query letter, which I have revised umpteen times for my 9th manuscript, The Unvarnished Truth.

     Initially, I selected twenty agents. Each time an agent refuses to consider my novel, I eliminate that agent from my list and replace him or her with another prospect, thus keeping twenty irons in the fire at all times. To date, I've sent queries to 75 agents.  WON'T SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHEN I'VE DONE ENOUGH?

  

Hi Everyone:

     The other day, a friend asked me if all novelists needed to have a literary agent. I knew that my friend wrote a lot of short stories (500-8,000 words) and vignettes (1,500-2,500 words) and even a novella or two (10,000-20,000 words).
     In light of fast growing use of electronic publishing, it was impossible to give him a quick 'yes' or 'no' answer. "That all depends," I said, and not wanting to come off as a wise guy, quickly added, it depends on what you want to accomplish.
     "You mean, on how much money you want to make," he replied. Both he and I knew that I had long ago published three novels electronically for Nook and Kindle readers as well as those using other electronic devices.
     "That could be a consideration." I said. In most cases, traditional print authors receive 10-15%, whereas each e-book purchase produces five to seven times that amount. Today, a good number of successful authors are opting to e-publish, which does not require the service of a literary agent, in order to reap these larger rewards. They count on their loyal followers and their name recognition to maximize sales."
     "In other words," my friend said, "the only way to see your book in print, is to get an Agent?"
     "No, not at all," I replied. For decades, authors have self-published in hard copy. This requires a financial investment on the part of the author because printing and book-binding is costly. There are also a number of independent presses that will deal directly with the author. These usually accept and publish a limited number of books each year, often use print on demand technology, and frequently have a limited system of distribution. My novel, "Alex--Peanut Butter--And Me," will be published by Second Wind Publishing, a small independent press based in North Carolina. They lean heavily on the author's marketing skills for the books success."
     "Josh," he said, "you once told me that you were happy about getting that book accepted for publication, that it gave you a sense of psychological confirmation that your work was worthy of publication, and yet, I know that you are still trying to find a Literary Agent. My question is why?"
     I grinned at him, "You're absolutely right, Having Mike Simpson, the publisher say that he'd like to publish my seventh novel was terrific. I am already making plans to aid in its success. At the same time I'm doing all that I can to find a good Literary Agent for my 9th novel, "The Unvarnished Truth." One of my goals for this tale is publication by one of the major publishing houses. Firms like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Doubleday insist on dealing through the Literary Agent, so if you want the power and prestige of one of the huge conglomerates behind your manuscript, you first have to obtain the services of one of these gatekeepers."
     "I see," he said. "I guess getting an agent is pretty hard," he said.
     "Hard? It's like pushing a dead elephant up a steep mountain."



P.S. IF YOU'D LIKE TO READ THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS OF NOVEL # 9, CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE: joshswritingroom.com



    

Hi Everyone:
     It's been quite a while since I used this Blog. As you may recall, I was posting serialized chapters of my novel RAPE for your reading pleasure and to solicit your reactions, thus helping me to make changes in this unpublished manuscript. Things became hectic and I switched that effort to my website at joshswritingroom. com where you can find a summary of previously posted chapters in the Current Post section, as well as chapter 48. I hope to post chapter 49 on October 9th if everything goes according to plan. Of course, things seldom go according to plan, but I can dream can't I? (I think that's the name of an old song)
     My really big news is that Second Wind Publishing is about to publish my seventh novel, ALEX--PEANUT BUTTER--AND ME. I don't have an exact date, but I believe it will be sometime after the middle of this month. After that, the hard work of trying to get the novel stocked in bookstores across the country so people will have a chance to buy it. Stay tuned for the further adventures of this struggling author.

joshtruxton.blogspot.com

Serialized version

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I also encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH
STYLE.

          These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE

Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.

A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.

One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.

Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.

During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.

Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.

P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.

As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.

Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.

Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.

Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.

Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.

P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.

Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.

 

 

CHAPTER 30

 

Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.

 

Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.

Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.  

Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.

Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”

He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”

“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”

“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”

“You are?
What are you doing out there?”

“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”

“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”

He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”

“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”

“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”

“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”

“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been

thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”

“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”

“Check.”

 “Have you heard about Miguel?”

“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”

“Jim you
didn’t . . .”

“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”

“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”

“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”

“Will you be
home tonight?”

“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.

Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”

“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”

“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”

“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”

He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”

“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”

“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”

She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”

He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.

Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”

“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”

He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”

Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”

Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”

She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.

“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”

He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.

He willed
them not to blink.

Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”

She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.

“She is
staying with my sister.”

“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”

The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”

Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.

She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”

He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.

Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.

He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serialized version

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I also encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH
STYLE.

          These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE

Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.

A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.

One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.

Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.

During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.

Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.

P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.

As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.

Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.

Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.

Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.

Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.

P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.

Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.

 

 

CHAPTER 30

 

Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.

 

Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.

Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.  

Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.

Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”

He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”

“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”

“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”

“You are?
What are you doing out there?”

“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”

“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”

He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”

“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”

“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”

“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”

“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been

thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”

“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”

“Check.”

 “Have you heard about Miguel?”

“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”

“Jim you
didn’t . . .”

“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”

“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”

“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”

“Will you be
home tonight?”

“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.

Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”

“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”

“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”

“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”

He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”

“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”

“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”

She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”

He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.

Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”

“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”

He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”

Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”

Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”

She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.

“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”

He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.

He willed
them not to blink.

Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”

She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.

“She is
staying with my sister.”

“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”

The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”

Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.

She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”

He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.

Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.

He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serialized version

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I also encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH
STYLE.

          These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE

Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.

A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.

One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.

Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.

During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.

Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.

P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.

As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.

Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.

Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.

Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.

Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.

P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.

Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.

 

 

CHAPTER 30

 

Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.

 

Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.

Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.  

Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.

Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”

He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”

“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”

“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”

“You are?
What are you doing out there?”

“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”

“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”

He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”

“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”

“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”

“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”

“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been

thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”

“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”

“Check.”

 “Have you heard about Miguel?”

“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”

“Jim you
didn’t . . .”

“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”

“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”

“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”

“Will you be
home tonight?”

“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.

Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”

“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”

“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”

“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”

He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”

“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”

“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”

She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”

He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.

Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”

“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”

He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”

Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”

Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”

She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.

“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”

He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.

He willed
them not to blink.

Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”

She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.

“She is
staying with my sister.”

“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”

The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”

Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.

She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”

He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.

Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.

He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serialized version

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I also encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH
STYLE.

          These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE

Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.

A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.

One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.

Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.

During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.

Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.

P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.

As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.

Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.

Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.

Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.

Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.

P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.

Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.

 

 

CHAPTER 30

 

Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.

 

Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.

Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.  

Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.

Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”

He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”

“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”

“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”

“You are?
What are you doing out there?”

“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”

“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”

He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”

“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”

“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”

“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”

“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been

thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”

“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”

“Check.”

 “Have you heard about Miguel?”

“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”

“Jim you
didn’t . . .”

“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”

“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”

“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”

“Will you be
home tonight?”

“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.

Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”

“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”

“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”

“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”

He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”

“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”

“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”

She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”

He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.

Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”

“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”

He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”

Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”

Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”

She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.

“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”

He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.

He willed
them not to blink.

Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”

She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.

“She is
staying with my sister.”

“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”

The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”

Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.

She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”

He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.

Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.

He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serialized version

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I also encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH
STYLE.

          These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE

Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.

A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.

One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.

Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.

During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.

Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.

P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.

As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.

Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.

Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.

Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.

Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.

P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.

Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.

 

 

CHAPTER 30

 

Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.

 

Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.

Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.  

Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.

Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”

He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”

“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”

“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”

“You are?
What are you doing out there?”

“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”

“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”

He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”

“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”

“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”

“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”

“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been

thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”

“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”

“Check.”

 “Have you heard about Miguel?”

“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”

“Jim you
didn’t . . .”

“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”

“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”

“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”

“Will you be
home tonight?”

“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.

Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”

“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”

“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”

“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”

He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”

“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”

“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”

She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”

He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.

Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”

“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”

He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”

Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”

Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”

She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.

“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”

He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.

He willed
them not to blink.

Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”

She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.

“She is
staying with my sister.”

“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”

The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”

Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.

She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”

He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.

Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.

He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serialized version

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish
chapter 30 of my novel, RAPE. After
reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. Your comments and suggestions influence
my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I also encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find,
the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can
purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the
website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN
STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH
STYLE.

          These
novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach
Style can be purchased at reduced prices, combined they cost less than a movie.
You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous
chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here
is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY:
RAPE

Prosperous
executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning
Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is
visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam
accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her
facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s
wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters
who publish stories favoring Miriam, surround Gary’s home and office. His
children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major
companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s
lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits
Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children
back to Boston.

A
January court date is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going
to Boston to live with her parents.

One
of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to
help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private
Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s
visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel
learns Consuela has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela
tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam
about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Miriam is forcing her to help
destroy him.

Bosley
meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel
and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a
job running his office.

During
lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam drinks too much and thinks about how she
advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol
consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert hits a classmate. He is suspended.

Gary
and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells
him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his
children.

P.I.
Jim Bosley finds an address where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.

As
they leave the restaurant, reporters accost Gary and Erica. Joe Flaherty tells
Gary that Bosley is going to interview a maid who may help his case and
cautions him not to tell anyone until he is sure of her testimony. Gary
promises.

Despite
giving his word to the attorney, Gary tells Carol the good news. She is not
impressed and denies him access to the children.

Reporter
Miguel Gonzales contacts Consuela and then talks to his editor about getting
her to go public with what she knows. They agree on a financial offer.

Consuela
tells her mother what she witnessed at Julia Walsh’s home and why she must
flee. Her Mother sends her to stay with her sister in Mexico.

Miguel
Gonzales is elated as he leaves the Arista home with a taped interview
describing what Consuela observed during Gary’s visit with Miriam West. His joy
is short-lived when his vehicle is hit, sending him to the hospital in a coma.

P.I.
Bosley arrives in San Antonio and fails to gain entry into the Arista home. He
discovers Miguel is in the hospital and during a visit, finds and takes the
reporter’s tape recorder.

Gary
is served with a petition for divorce. He gets drunk.

 

 

CHAPTER 30

 

Swinging his
feet out of bed, Jim Bosley coughed several times, reached for his Marlboros,
and lit the first of the day. His watch lay on the nightstand, he squinted at
it in the semidarkness. Its luminous dial showed 6:13. He shrugged and shuffled
toward the bathroom.

 

Turning on
the water, he positioned his Marlboro on the edge of the counter with the
lighted end sticking out before brushing his teeth. Got to look pretty this
morning, Jim-boy, he thought.

Check. Have
to make a good impression on the old lady. He took a drag off the cigarette
before finishing his morning shave. He started to apply an extra heavy dose of
after-shave but thought better of it. “Easy does it big man,” he said to his
mirror image.  

Opening the
closet, he decided against the white business shirt and tie, instead donned tan
slacks and blue polo shirt. Keep it casual and friendly. Nothing rough or
official looking today, he reminded himself as he put on his watch and noted
the time, 7:15, which meant 8:15 back home.

Picking up his
cell phone, he speed dialed Connie. She sounded half-asleep as she mumbled,
“Hello.”

He lit a
fresh cigarette before snubbing out the last one. “It’s time to rise and shine,
sweet-thing.”

“I’ll have
you know I’ve been awake for the past five minutes. I’m just too lazy to get
out of bed. Where are you?”

“Why I’m in
the great State of Texas, darlin’!”

“You are?
What are you doing out there?”

“Tracking
down a witness. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to work with me have
you?”

“No, we’re
still on, why do you ask?”

He grinned,
“First because I’m interested and second because there’s something I’d like you
to do. I can’t because it might be considered a conflict of interest.”

“Sure,
technically I’m still working for the Dispatch, but whatever it is, I’ll get it
done.”

“My client,
Gary Sanders, has a lease on space over in Palm Beach. I believe he had six
employees; due to a legal problem, it’s closed. I’ve been thinking that my
current office is a bit small. I’d like you to contact him without mentioning
me and see if he’d be willing to sublease it. Then take a look at it to see if
you think it might be right for a three person office.”

“Three? I
thought it was just you and me. Are we having a baby?”

“No darlin’,
but who knows, if you play your cards right. . . Seriously, I’ve been

thinking
about asking my old partner, Mike Koyle to join us. He’s about due to retire
and he might want to stay active. With two of us working cases we can bring in
more dough.”

“Okay, I’ll
look into it. Now let me ask you something. Are you anywhere near San Antonio?”

“Check.”

 “Have you heard about Miguel?”

“Check, in
fact I stopped to see him in the hospital yesterday. He looks okay, except he’s
in a coma.”

“Jim you
didn’t . . .”

“No, Honey,
it took me by surprise. I just read about it in the paper and went to see the
guy that’s all, honest.”

“Okay, Jim,
it just seemed so coincidental.”

“It’s not
coincidental at all. We’re both working on the same case but he got here a day
ahead of me, or I’d probably be the one lying in the hospital. Listen
sweet-thing, I’ve got to go. I still have a few things to do before heading
back.”

“Will you be
home tonight?”

“Check. If
all goes well. I’ll call you when I know for sure.” He didn’t wait for her
reply; he shoved the cell in the pocket of his sport coat, packed up the rest
of his stuff, had a continental breakfast in the dining room and paid his hotel
bill.

Half an hour
later, he stood on Rose Arista’s front porch with a basket of fruit in one hand
and yesterday’s newspaper in the other. As the old woman came to the door he
called, “It’s me, Jim Bosley, Senora Arista, I brought you something.”

“I have
eyes, I see you standing on my porch. I’m still not opening my door. Go away!”

“Look, I
brought you a nice basket of fruit; it has some ripe melon, apples and even
oranges from Florida.”

“Very nice!
Leave it on the porch, por favor. I’m not letting you in.”

He smiled at
her, “All right, Señora, I understand that you are concerned about letting a
stranger in your house. Maybe you will do me the honor of coming out on your
lovely porch where all your neighbors can see that I am not a mean hombre. I
have something to show you.”

“You said
you were coming back later. Porque
you no come yesterday?”

“I had to
see an old friend who is in the hospital.”

She didn’t
respond right away and he began to think that she might be through talking to
him when he heard her say; “You wait! I get my coat and broom.”

He stood
without moving; he thought about putting the basket of fruit down on the dark
green wood planking but decided he’d look less threatening if she saw him
holding it.

Several
minutes passed before the front door opened. He pulled the screen-door toward
him and stepped back. “You’re not going to hit me with that broom, are you?”

“Not as long
as you behave yourself. The neighbors, they will see me using this broom to
clean my porch, and not get too nosy about me talking with a stranger. Oh, the
fruit does look good, Gracias. Why
don’t you put it on the little table next to my swing,” she suggested pointing
at a glass topped brown wicker table. “I think it will be all right if you sit
and swing.”

He took a
seat, leaned back against the brown cushions, and held out the front page of
the newspaper. Pointing to Miguel’s photo he said, “This man and I, we are amigos, old friends. We both live in
Florida. He is now in Bexar Baptist Hospital, I had to stay with my friend.”

Rose sighed,
and then smiled at him. She reached in her coat pocket and offered to return
the business card he had left the day before. “I think, yesterday I know you
are a good man.”

Yellowed
fingers reached for his Marlboros but stopped in mid-motion. “Please Señora, keep the card. If you or
Consuela ever need my help just give me a call. Yesterday, at the hospital,
Miguel gave me this and asked me to look after Consuela.” He pulled out
Miguel’s G.E. recorder and turned it on. Once he became certain that Rose
recognized her daughter’s voice he turned it off and put it back in the pocket
of his sport coat. Miguel asked that I get a picture of Consuela to run with
the article. Do you have a recent photo?” He watched her nod and added, “I
promise to return it.”

She propped
the broom against the porch rail and retreated to her bedroom. When she
returned, she handed him a four by six inch color photo.

“He took the
picture and thanked her. There is one more thing that I must ask you to trust
me with. The trial involving the incident that Consuela witnessed is a month
away, so I am not going to look for her until it becomes necessary, and based
on the interview she gave Miguel, it may not ever be necessary, but I must have
an address where I can find her.”

He watched
as the old woman pursed her lips, dropped her chin, and then heaved a huge
sigh. She looked into his eyes.

He willed
them not to blink.

Finally, she
gave him a single nod and said, “Wait here!”

She returned
and thrust a scrap of paper into his hand. He looked at it and noted that it
contained the address and phone number for Estrella Toledano in Sabinas
Hidalgo.

“She is
staying with my sister.”

“Gracias, Rose. I shall guard this very
carefully. And if you will take some advice from an old detective, it is not a
good idea to share this information with anyone else.”

The old
woman selected an apple from the basket and handed it to him; “You speak
wisely. I almost didn’t share it with you. Now give an old woman a cigarette,
por favor.”

Bosley got
to his feet; he gripped Rose’s shoulders, bent down and kissed her on the
cheek, then handed her a cigarette and offered a light.

She shook
her head; put it in her coat pocket; “For later. Not for neighbors to see. Now
go before I beat you with this broom.”

He drove
back to Baptist Hospital and after parking took out Miguel’s recently cleaned
sport coat, still protected by its plastic bag. After extracting the tape, he
slipped the recorder in a side pocket and returned to room 411.

Nurse Millie
greeted him again and proved happy to have him hang the garment in her
patient’s room.

He stayed
for a few minutes, talking to his old friend about what he had done and why. He
hoped the reporter heard his words and understood, but he had no way to tell.
Miguel gave no response. The P.I. wondered if he’d ever recover. “What a rotten
break,” he said in a half-whisper before leaving the room.