ALL IN: Race for the White House (41 page)

The Jack Canon series will eventually be about 7 books, book three is tentatively titled, Jack Canon’s Ghost Operative, it’s a Presidential Agent Thriller and deals heavily in the shady dealings of Government Agencies like the CIA, Global Terrorism, and the do-what-ever it takes spy mentality. The attitude of President Jack Canon is to make things right, No matter what! My hope is to have people read the stories and let me know their thoughts. My dream is to write full-time and return to beautiful Maine in the summertime while spending winters in Florida. I probably share that goal with many people.

My Dad and Mom were artists, my father painted and my mother wrote poetry and loved to garden. Most Saturdays we loaded up the 1970 Chevy Impala to trek to a one-man show somewhere or other. I took a different track graduating with a business degree, owning and operating an Award Winning Franchise Fitness Center. Currently a professional manager I am living in Florida with my beautiful wife and children, and following my passion.

Excerpt: Love, Lust, and Loyalty

Sandy looked puzzled, “Soft doe face? What is that?”

“He means you have a very feminine, pretty face – there’s no hardness in it.”

Tip added, “The women I see usually have rougher facial features.”

“Where are you meeting these girls, Tip?”

“Strip clubs mostly.”

“That’s nasty, Tip! Ewe!”

“Beautiful woman are intimidating – at the clubs the girls are really friendly, easy going.”

“They’re friendly because it’s their job – they’re easy because you’re paying them—would you want to marry a girl from one of your clubs?”

“No, but I feel comfortable. I know it’s a job.”

“Gross, Tip, that’s so sad.”

“A lot of agents have trouble meeting women.”

“You need some serious help!” Sandy sounded like a concerned sister.

I coaxed, “He needs a good woman, – do you think you could introduce him to one of your girlfriends?”

“I’d really appreciate any advice you could give me, Sandy.” Tip was sincere.

“Tip’s not ready for one of my friends – seriously the girls I know are very needy emotionally – he’d be lost.”

Trying to help persuade her, “So, you’re basically resigning him to a life of strip clubs and hookers?”

Sandy looked at me wide-eyed, raising her eyebrows, “Crude, Jack, you’re enjoying this aren’t you.” She turned to Tip, “You’re a good man, – you deserve to be happy. Tell me, Tip, what do you think women want?”

“I don’t really know – I guess – to be made happy?”

“So how would you do it then – make a girl happy that is?”

“Agree with her, make her feel important, give her things I guess.”

“That’s a start, but a woman needs so much more. She wants someone who can share in her emotions without being swallowed up by them. A man who will take his time with her and make time for her—she does not want to be rushed, but still likes spontaneity and excitement. She wants to feel like your equal and be respected for what she brings to the relationship. And, I’m just scratching the surface here.”

“Men… do all this?”

“Some do—Jack does this stuff—he’s kind… caring—he listens. Jack enjoys what women are all about—He looks with great passion. Tip, —she wants to know that you’re desirable to other women and she didn’t just get stuck with you.”

“What about…?” Tip stopped himself, embarrassed.

“The bedroom... She’ll forgive you. Don’t worry, she’ll follow your lead. Just don’t make her feel bad by talking about it later. That’s the one place you can sort of be yourself... I can’t believe I’m saying this—the poor thing… take it slow.”

“Are there classes?”

“A good woman will teach you.”

“Did Jack know all this?”

“Are you kidding? All he had was a smile when I met him – and a wandering eye. It’s taken me years of subtle clues and hints to train him.”

“Some not so subtle,” I said, poking fun.

“She wants a friend – but not a guy that makes her feel responsible to make the first move or like she’s a locker room pal.”

Tip looked puzzled, “I’m lost.”

“Jack, just for fun – tell Tip what you’re really thinking… right now.”

“You’re serious –now? No holds barred – what I’m really thinking?”

“Yes, something you’d normally never share with me.”

Tip chuckled, “This oughta be good.”

“Before you do… let me guess.” Sandy squinted and looked up to the left, – “My bikini?”

“Close—what was left of those cutoffs you were wearing that day by the lake.”

“I was really close then. Tip, what did you think Jack was thinking?”

“I would have said World peace – you know to make you happy.”

“Coward- okay tell the truth, what are you thinking right now?”

“The truth… really? – What it would be like – you know… if you were my girlfriend.” Sandy rolled her eyes, pursing her lips.

“Not going to happen - but I’ll help. We just have to start really slow.”

“Jack gets to say what’s on his mind and you’re okay with it?”

“There’s a lot of trust built up that you and I don’t share. Stop whining – that’s a deal killer for sure.”

“Though you asked. I thought you wanted honesty?”

“Sometimes… oh forget it…”

Tip cut her off, “Am I a lost cause then?”

“No, I didn’t say… don’t feel like that – we’ve got something to work with. You’re good looking – dangerous – you might be a girl’s worst mistake, at least for the first few, but you’ll learn as you go.”

“So will you set me up with one of your friends? One who looks most like you—preferably?”

“Sweet, Tip…, but wrong. Not when you don’t understand the first thing about a woman. They’d thank me at first, but you wouldn’t last two weeks with one of my friends – try to imagine flying too close to a supernova. They’d burn you up and drag you into an emotional black hole. You’d never escape!”

“I can keep a woman safe, at least.”

“Of course you can. A woman wants to feel safe, understood, but she also wants a man that isn’t afraid of her -someone who can be honest. Tell her the truth once in a while. Then grab her and make love without asking. A woman wants to live the full range—she wants you to be able to feel her emotions with her – from misery to elation. Can you do that?”

“I can try.”

“That-a-boy, let’s go out sometime and find you someone suitable. A starter girlfriend.”

“That will be great, are you free tonight?”

“Tonight? I guess so – you don’t need for anything, do you, Jack?”

“No, I’m good – take him out – it’s on me.” I was happy to make the offer. Sandy would have a project and I wouldn’t feel guilty about leaving her behind.

“We’ll find you a girl with a doe face. You’ll have to show me – but once I know – I’m sure we can find you one. If that’s what you want.”

“Really? This will be great. Sandy, I’ll owe you!”

“You’ll owe me big time!”

Martha burst into the room, “Daddy, Daphne told me Sandy was still in here.” Martha turned to Sandy, “Can we go?”

Excerpt: Gabby, Angel of God

While running toward the car and brushing the bangs out of my face, I spotted Cassadee. She was in no particular hurry walking toward her mom’s anxiously awaiting car as if it was her own private limo service. She had a backpack slung over one shoulder and her cheerleading uniform over the other. She moved like a girl who had it all. I half expected to see paparazzi as I jumped into the back seat. I left shotgun for her because it was her car.

“Morning, Mrs. Cohen,” I trumpeted, a little out of breath.

“Good morning, Bo. Are you excited for today?”

“Yeah,” I answered politely, trying to hide my excitement to see Sally.

“You’ve got your big speech today, don’t you?” She quizzed.

“What speech?” I cross-examined, taken aback. I was hoping that she was mistaken.

“The one you’ve been practicing. Cassadee told me you were giving the keynote, it’s the freshman’s turn this year. What an honor to be picked, Bo!”

Cassadee opened the door and blithely slung her backpack onto the floor. She carefully placed the uniform, which was still in the plastic laundry bag over the front seat and then slid in as close to me as she could. It’s funny what people remember, for me it’s smells. Twenty years blurred my memory of what she looked like, but having her next to me, I remembered her perfume.

“Hi, Bo,” she whispered, too low for her mother to hear.

She was close enough for me to feel her breath on my face. I looked into her hazel eyes, “Hi.”

“I missed you,” she smiled and brushed my cheek with her hand. Either I didn’t remember her being this pretty or my fifteen-year-old hormones were out of control, maybe both. She wasn’t the typical girl-next-door either; she obviously worked at looking her best.

Mrs. Cohen asked, “Do you think you’ll play tonight?”

I found that I couldn’t take my eyes off Cassadee’s hair. It was striking, so shiny and long enough to flow lightly curled over her shoulders. It was a medium brown with chunky blonde highlights, a gorgeous combination that doesn’t exist in nature. It was as if the two colors were locked in battle, neither side claiming victory, a strand either way might make the fight.

I forced myself to pay attention to Mrs. Cohen. “I don’t think so Mrs. Cohen, I’m third string. They’d have to go through two other guys to get to me.”

I turned to Cassadee, “You look nice,” I complimented, noticing her black baby doll dress.

“I’m changing for the rally. Are you ready to give your speech?” She asked this in a matter-of-fact manner. It was as if I’d been preparing it for weeks.

“Not really.” I responded.

“What do you mean, Bo? You practically had it memorized last night. Did you remember to bring your notes?”

I reached into my right pocket and found it was empty. I felt a slight bulge in the left and hoped. The last thing I wanted to do today was speak in front of the school. It’s funny that I can’t remember giving the speech. Somehow, Gabby dropped me into the wrong year and on one of the busiest days of my high school career. Today of all days it was packed with classes, a student body assembly, the big game, and of all things the homecoming dance. I remember this day being high drama and I couldn’t put my finger on it, but there was something else significant.

I reached into my left pocket, pulling out three hundred dollar bills folded with a note. I read the paper, “Bo, you might need some cash; remember not to change anything. Be careful and go with the flow, Gabby.”

Mrs. Cohen met my eyes in the rearview mirror, “Bo, haven’t you heard? Tyler’s arm is in a sling. Something about his elbow, his mother told me he’s out for at least half the season.”

“No, I hadn’t heard, Mrs. Cohen. That explains why the coach has me suiting up. It’s for backup, in case anything happens to Billy. Slim chance, though, he’s a tank!” I caught a glimpse of my face in the rearview mirror. In spite of everything, it was still a bit of a shock to see how young I looked.

Cassadee was ignoring her mother’s conversation and reading Gabby’s note. “Who’s Gabby?” She asked, cocking her head, as though she might not like the answer.

I thought quickly. “My aunt,” I said, “on my dad’s side. You haven’t met her. She’s really nice.”

“Oh, I should definitely meet her.” She said as though we’d be getting married and she needed to know all my family.

“Bo, why all the sudden are you calling me Mrs. Cohen? It’s been Becky ever since you and Cassadee started dating!”

I answered Cassadee, “Maybe next summer.” I was still thinking about how shocking it was to see how young I looked in the mirror. I was an unhatched bird compared to this full-grown woman beside me. Proof that girls mature faster was sitting right next to me!

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Cohen, I mean Becky, sorry,” I added sheepishly. I still did not remember ever calling her by her first name.

Mrs. Cohen pulled over about a block from school.

“Why are we stopping here?” I asked.

Mrs. Cohen gave me an odd look. “This is where I always drop you off. Cassadee gets embarrassed if she’s spotted with her mother.”

“What?” I turned to Cassadee. “That’s ridiculous! Everyone knows you have a mom.”

Cassadee rolled her eyes. “Oh my God, Bo! Don’t encourage her!”

I continued arguing the point, “Your mom’s awesome. Aren’t you grateful for the ride?”

“Yes, but I don’t want…”

I cut her off. “Becky, if you don’t mind, please drop us off at the circle.”

“Bo!” Cassadee objected. “All the kids hang out there before school, they’ll see us!”

“Yeah? So what? They’ll know you’ve got a great mom that drives you.” I looked directly into her eyes, “Any kid that has a problem with that isn’t worth your time.”

She nudged me, “Oh my God, Bo, you sound just like my dad!”

I smiled at that, thinking of my own kids. “Well, maybe that’s ‘cause he’s right. Think how silly it is for us to be dropped off down the street. What for?” I shook my head at her.