|  Writers write. That's
what we do. Therefore, we always have at least one WIP (Work in Progress). Here
is a synopsis of my completed manuscript, FATAL MISTAKE. Publishers and agents,
please take note!
FATAL MISTAKE
When Sheriff Jacob
Anderson is called to investigate the murder of notorious Sam Nichols, he has
little reason to believe it will change his life. In rural Gibbon Glade, risks
are low, life is good. Carol, his wife, is safe. Secrets are tucked
away…behind the veil of boredom his present job offers.
Memories of bad
habits in a crime-ridden city, of debts paid with stolen money, have little
relevance to the everyday activities of a county sheriff. Until Nichols death,
Jake's previous experience as a Detroit Vice Detective hasn't been put to the
test. But if he finds Nichols' murderer and brings him to justice, he's earned
a decent paycheck.
The following day,
Carol is found dead on the back porch of their farm home. Has the past caught
up with the sheriff? The bucolic town is in a stir and Jake's confidence is
shattered.
Harry Collins,
Jake's deputy and friend, carries on while the sheriff grieves. Harry delves
into Sam Nichols' history and worries there is a connection between the two
victims. To get to the heart of Nichol's past, Harry decides to track down
Nichols' distant sister. The state wide search may be a dead-end -- but at
least the spotlight is off his boss, Jake.
As the
investigation progresses, they discover that several people in town have had
clandestine meetings with Nichols. The Mayor has reason to keep his association
with Nichols out of the limelight. But Crystal Deming, flamboyant and unruly,
is a more likely suspect. She's never been far from Nichols' bed whether he's
married or not. And rumor has it that Nichols recently became involved with
another woman. Would jealousy drive simple but sultry Crystal to pull the
trigger? Clara Morley, Nichol's housekeeper, thinks so.
During Carol
Anderson's autopsy, the town doctor-medical examiner learns she was pregnant.
Did Jake know? Dr. Cameron held a deep, secret affection for his friend's wife
and is grief-stricken. As an official of the county, he must share the results
of his laboratory findings with the State Police who take over the
investigation of Carol's murder. The callous Chief chides Jake about his wife's
pregnancy and deepens the enmity between the two officers. But Doc Cameron has
gained another piece of information during Nichols' autopsy, a piece which may
lead to another suspect and certainly offers a motive for murder. Sam's sexual
activity has left an unwanted trail, and an unaware, hapless victim resides in
town.
Harry, in the
meantime, believes Nichols' sister could have played a role in his murder but
can't tie her to Carol's demise. Could Carol's death just be the result of a
random burglary gone awry?
Jake won't accept
the possibility that Carol's death came at the hands of a petty criminal. If
her death was tied to Sam's murder, does it mean she betrayed him? The
alternative is someone seeking revenge for Nichols' misdeeds.
As the head of the
State Troopers weasels his way deeper into the Nichols investigation, he points
a finger of suspicion Jake's way and Jake flees.
Jake seeks out the
help of former Detroit Sergeant Norm Kirby, who now lives in Pittsburg. They
didn't have the best relationship on the force but Jake trusted Kirby. Kirby
listens with compassion but doesn't hold back when it comes to following
instincts. Kirby suspected Jake had a dark side, though he admired the
independent, intelligent detective who didn't succumb to the pressure of other
rogue cops. Kirby may have protected Jake in the past but he won't make that
mistake again. If Jake murdered his wife, Kirby will show no mercy.
Harry and the
deputies track down Maggie, the elusive sister. Maggie has an attitude, doesn't
show any remorse for her brother's death and is eager to collect insurance
benefits as the only person in line for the Nichols' estate. Maggie's boyfriend
Brad is the type of person who gives police officers a reason to work. He's
surly and defiant, tattooed like a hardened criminal and reeks of disdain for
civil order. Maggie keeps him on a tight leash by offering a share of her
inheritance but is money enough reason for either one to commit murder?
Maggie's world is turned upside down when she discovers that her brother's
child is soon to be born. Why should a stranger have what her brother should
have shared in the first place?
Questions linger
as to whether Jake will continue his job. His enthusiasm for life has waned.
Carol's death reminds him of his mistakes. Jake, Doc Cameron, Henry, Kirby
can't easily forget how one death leads to another. Past indiscretions? There
is no penitence that will bring back an innocent woman. Yet, Jake begins to
believe that judgment for transgressions should be made according to the times
in which they were made. Sam Nichols paid for his misdeeds -- but eternal
unhappiness for the survivors isn't justice.
Or is it?
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