Five things you would eat every day if you could justify it:
Pie, Pie, Pie, Pie, Pie - oh, wait, I'll think of four more.
Cheesecake
French Fries
Pasta
Steak
(Probably pretty obvious why I can't justify my list for everyday eating.)
How 'bout you?
Father, thank you for the elaborate food choices from all over your creation. Amazing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Taken in Rome, Italy, by my traveling friend. We stayed in at night and took pictures to pass the time. Two American girls on a big adventure. Amazing trip.
We worked and saved for a year after our first semester at the University of Washington. I talked her into going, and we did it! Traveled to Europe and Great Britain. She caught the traveling bug and went back to see all the things we missed on our nearly 3-month adventure.
Father, you watched over us and protected us, and I can't thank you enough for all the things you did for me before I met your Son. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Some of you probably don't know I made the efforts to go the traditional publishing route (nor do you care) for a few years. What I eventually discovered after discussions with some editors at the Christian writers' conferences I attended was this: My work is too Christian for the general market and too "raw" for the Christian market. The latter assumption is the one I feel is unreasonable. It's an assumption by Christian publishers that has always bothered me.
I know there are those out there in "trad publishing" who've actually said, "If it's good enough, it'll get published [by trad publishers]."
That implies that those of us who've chosen the indie way to get our work out there are on a lower level and the only way we'll see our words between two covers is to do it ourselves. There were and still are those novels out there in indie land that qualify for this evaluation. But, surprise, surprise, there are those novels in traditional publishing that qualify for that evaluation as well.
Bottom line, I do it my way. Neither way is easy. Neither way guarantees "success", but at least in today's publishing network, indie authors have gained some hard-earned respect. That's a good thing.
Father, you lead the way. May I always follow your directions. I know I fail miserably at times, but my desire is to obey. Thank you is never enough. I'm always desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Not intentionally, I've become a rebel in Christian Fiction. And I've yet to find my audience. Yes, I have those who read my work. And they actually enjoy it. Perhaps that makes them rebel readers.
Why "rebel"? Well, the current (for the past five or ten years, maybe longer) trendy label for Christian works of romance, cozy mysteries, regular mysteries, and suspense has been "clean". Notably because you can't really count on "clean" literature from general market/secular fiction in any genre including those geared to young people. The ominous cuss words, profanity, swearing, often graphic descriptions of sexual acts and encounters, etc., will often appear in non-Christian novels. So Christian fiction adopted the "clean" label to mark the difference between the two markets. The rebel in me figures that label implies unnecessary restrictions in those stories.
I in no way want to read - or write - graphic descriptions of sexual encounters. I've read enough secular literature to be disgusted and skip the pages of those descriptions or bag the books in which they appear because they contribute zero to the story - and if the story isn't strong enough to make me continue, that book is history and goes unfinished.
Having said that, I do believe in the reality of sexual temptation. Yes, even among Christians. I think it's an important factor in a love story or the romance genre. Especially for Christians. And that is where I differ from many Christian readers and authors. I've spoken with many women, young and old, along my life's journey. Those who were raised in the church, those who fell away for a season, and those who came to know Jesus later in their lives - as I did, after all the ugly mistakes, the sinful ways, the wrong decisions, etcetera. The experiences are all unique, some much harder, some much sadder than others.
I write for those readers who love inspirational fiction and aren't afraid to see the raw aspects of falling in love, the tantalizing temptation of sexual attraction, the beauty of experiencing romance, all addressed with the contrast of that experience in the world compared to it under God's direction clearly in evidence in the story. I've thought Christian readers would expect and enjoy the characters and the struggles that challenge their love and romance. I write what I want to read. Apparently, that makes me a rebel writer and a rebel reader.
If my design for the Christian fiction I write of the love stories heavy on the romance with the aforementioned contrast portrayed realistically appeals to you, try one my novels and discover if you're an undisclosed "rebel reader" too.
Raw Romantic Redemptive
Writing love stories with a passion.
Father, thank you for each book, every inspiration, everything. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
From my novel Seeing . . .
From the middle of Chapter One
He stared into the mirror above the sink, willing himself back to the present by focusing on his expression—clearing the evident sadness out of his eyes. It wasn’t that he wanted to forget any of it, even the grief. It’s that it was so long ago and he was just now desirous of moving on. To who knows where but somewhere else besides the gloom of sorrow’s place etched forever in his mind by the memory of his first and only too-short-lived love.
“Lord,” he whispered as another man entered the restroom.
A simultaneous nod and Micah exited.
He scanned the restaurant portion of the truck stop, noting the booth where he usually parked himself was occupied, so he sauntered over to the quieter side of the room and planted his now weary frame on the bumpy red vinyl seat. He picked up the menu from behind the condiment holder just to make sure he wouldn’t change his mind about what he planned to eat. A new breakfast special teased his hunger, and he couldn’t resist it. Before he closed the menu, a cup of black coffee was set on the table with three small cream containers.
“Thanks, Ros—” he started to say as he slipped the menu back in its place.
Sexual abuse.
“Not over here. This is my section,” the girl from outside the entrance said good-naturedly. “Rosie told me you take cream with your coffee.”
Her eyes were a pale blue with little expression in them in spite of the smile. Always when his eyes connected with certain strangers, it happened. Nothing to foretell it. Just the information. Concise. Sometimes chilling, as this was. He looked at her nametag pinned above her left breast on the short-sleeved red and white striped uniform blouse.
“Bonita,” he said aloud. “Thank you.”
Her eyes dropped slightly. “Crazy name, I know. My mom thought I was a pretty baby. She stuck me with it.”
“It fits,” he said kindly with no flirtation.
The girl had lived long past blushing, but she seemed to appreciate his comment, perhaps surprised there seemed to be no agenda attached to it. “Maybe once upon a time. Not so much anymore. Now, what can I getcha?” She managed another smile.
“The special, please. Eggs over easy. Skip the sausage. A tall glass of milk and please keep the coffee comin’.”
“Got it. Rosie said your name’s Micah.”
“That’s right.”
“Is it short for Michael?”
“No. Just Micah. Named after a biblical prophet,” he offered for explanation, more to see her reaction than for any other reason.
“Huh. Like the guys who predict the end of the world and stuff?” she asked, no sarcasm.
“Well, yeah, they did do that, but they also told of how and where God’s Son would come to earth and offer salvation.”
“And that would be Jesus?” she asked with the hint of a smile.
“That would be Him.” Micah smiled back.
“I’ll go place your order, Micah.”
It wasn’t easy knowing such intimate details about strangers, but he’d learned from experience it was the way the Lord required him to pray for people. There were a few whose names he never got to know—just how to pray for them. Until the time came when the Lord let the burden pass on to someone else he supposed.
The coffee pouring into his cup brought him back to the present tense.
“Sleepy?” Bonita asked.
“Yeah, maybe a little.” He gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks,” he said as she pulled three more creams out of her pocket.
When he glanced up at her, coffee pot in hand, he strained to keep his face expressionless as flashes of the terror and pain on her face at a much younger age zipped through his mind. “I’m sorry,” he said without meaning to.
“What? You’re sorry? About what?” she asked, confused.
He scrambled for logic. “Oh, uh, you know, not very talkative. That’s all.”
She laughed. “No problem. Sometimes there’s just nothin’ to say, you know?”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“I’ll have your order in a coupla minutes.”
“Thanks.”
The place had gotten busy during his reflections. Hungry truck drivers and a few of the townsfolk who knew where to come to get a good breakfast. The food here was good. Especially the breakfasts. Whoever their morning cooks were, they knew how to make the selections just the way you ordered them.
He sipped on his coffee and wondered why the Lord had allowed him to see this girl’s pain so vividly. That was a new twist to these revelations, and it took him by surprise, threw him off guard.
Lord, apart from you, I can do nothing. So I thank you for every story, every word, for sustaining me through each book. You're amazing. Please continue to help me be the one you designed me to be. In the Name of Jesus.
Thriller readers will recognize this amazing author Vince Flynn who passed away very young in 2013. The creator of the iconic and legendary - and best thriller hero ever - Mitch Rapp, Vince wrote incredible novels that were very much like prophetic pictures of the political climate and events in the USA and across the world. Truly gifted with the insider sources he needed to make his hero believable, Vince also gave Rapp the heart that many of today's thriller heroes lack. Vince made Rapp with a personal definition of good and evil that drove him to do the things he did with a clear conscience.
There was always only one thing in Vince's books that I objected to and that was the women Rapp ultimately fell for. Really didn't like them. So. I created one for fun in my debut fan fiction escapade.
I had the honor of being a Mitch Rapp Ambassador a couple of books ago, one of many Kyle Mills wrote as he continued the Mitch Rapp saga which ends for him after his final edition coming in September of this year titled Code Red. Kyle did a fantastic job of sustaining Mitch Rapp in exciting and also prophetic stories. In keeping with the storyline Vince had begun, Kyle kept the romantic relationship going. Another female I didn't like, although I sort of warmed up to her in Oath of Loyalty which concluded with some major, classic Rapp moments.
To get to the "throwback" part of this post, here's the complete introduction to the fan fiction creation of the woman I believe Rapp should have . . .
A little fan fiction here regarding the characterization of who I picture should be Mitch Rapp's love.
Her name is Christine Ravenswill, but it's not her real name. She's a psychiatrist who specializes in counseling veterans and operatives in elite warrior positions whether government sanctioned or not. Christine is tall, close to 5'10" with a deep blue to her eye color that sets off her long wavy natural honey blonde hair that she wears parted in the middle with bangs.
With elegant, efficient movements, Rapp wonders if she's athletic when she strides toward him to shake his hand. He deduces she's close to his age, her handshake takes a firm grip of his larger hand.
When she introduces herself, he smirks. "I assume that's not your real name."
She knows he doesn't want to be there in her office, nor does he want to talk to or confide in her. She recognizes he probably realizes he should be willing to do so, but that doesn't carry any weight as to him determining he will. She decides to go on the offensive.
"Mr. Rapp, I'm smart enough to know you don't want to be here. I get that. You're right about my name. Although Christine is my actual middle name, I chose Ravenswill for my last name when I came to terms with my dad's occupation. He too was a warrior with a similar job description and assignments as you've experienced. The last time I saw him was on my 21st birthday, but occasionally I discreetly visit his star. You would no doubt be familiar with his name if I was allowed to reveal it to you, so I apologize for not being able to share it."
She chose one of the chairs in front of her desk that faced the one he stood stoically behind, his hands on its back, picking up her pen and pad on it and setting them on her lap. "If you prefer to stand, I understand. I'm not here to play games with you. I respect you and what you've done for our country far too much to attempt any kind of coercion to speak with me. I of course hope that you would acquire a trust - or perhaps that's too strong a word." She briefly faltered but regrouped. "Let me put it this way: I have no way of knowing if I can offer you anything you can use or might need until I listen to what you have to say about anything that you care to offer in conversation. I've cleared my schedule for the rest of the day in order not to adhere to any annoying time requirements." She briefly looked down at the pad on her lap. Then looking directly up at the focused stare looking back at her, she said, "This is the absolute truth. I've admired you for a long time, and it's an honor to finally meet you face to face."
She noticed the brief surprise in those dark eyes, the quick parting of the lips before once again sealing shut.
"I'm very familiar with the standardized version of life in your profession. As for my life, I'm a fair marksman, know Krav Maga and Brazilian Jui-jitsu. I'm armed with my trusty Glock 19, and haven't had to kill anyone yet. I've been attacked once on the way to this office when I decided to jog to work. Fortunately, I subdued my attacker so here I am. Here you are. If there's anything you want to ask me, please do."
Rapp moved around the chair and sat in it folding his arms against his strong chest. "How much did Irene tell you?"
"Irene told me she would suggest you come to me, 'try me on for size', just for the purpose of releasing some of the pain you carry around with you because she believes it's intense. She said in no way has it ever affected your work, but that . . ." She stopped and studied his expression before continuing. "But that it hurt her to know you kept a lot of that pain as a constant companion in your everyday life and that just maybe you might be willing to discuss it with me - but not to count on it." She pushed herself farther back in the chair and crossed her right leg over her left.
Rapp examined her and noticed she met his gaze with an expression he rarely saw from women who looked at him. If he had to identify it, he’d call it empathy. Maybe because she’d come as close to experiencing the content of his rare lifestyle without ever physically having to live it. He dropped his defensive posture and cocked his head slightly to study her features.
Finally, he said, “You look like him, you know.” He paused. “Your father.”
Her lower lip dropped slightly, and tears instantly formed in her eyes. She reached behind to her desk for a Kleenex and blotted her eyes. “Thank you,” she replied quietly. “I didn’t know . . .”
“It can be a small world sometimes.”
Silence permeated the realization. He decided to let her take a moment, knowing the anguish that came from the remembrance. He watched her as she regained control. When he was sure she'd managed it, he added, "He was one of the few real heroes. He had a heart. That's one of the things I admired about him." Rapp stood again. "Thank you for understanding I don't want to be here, don't want to talk about myself, my pain, my life. It's not you. Seems pointless. It's done. It's not going to change. I chose this life. I'm sure the exit won't be . . . pretty."
She stood, carefully judging her motive first and then her next move. "Mr. Rapp--"
"It's Rapp or Mitch."
"Rapp, would you consider having lunch with me? I'm starving and it would be good to have lunch in a non-professional environment. If you have time. I'm not the kind of girl who's going to analyze your every word and response in conversation. I usually eat alone. It would feel good to spend some time having a 'normal' lunch. Are you game?"
He gave her a look with a barely there smile. "Can I trust you?"
She let out an abrupt laugh. "I don't know, can you?"
Rapp started for the door and looked back, “Coming? I’ll drive.”
“We can go in separate vehicles if you’d be more comfortable,” she offered, suddenly feeling a bit intimidated by the prospect of having asked this man she’d long admired to lunch.
He paused with his hand on the doorknob. “I thought you said you wanted a ‘normal’ lunch. I’m taking you to lunch. Is that ‘normal’ enough for you?”
She walked quickly toward him. “Yes, sir, it is.”
He gave a rare laugh and held the door open for her.
Once inside his bronze armored BMW X8, he asked, “Where to?”
“It’s fairly out of the way. You like Italian food?” she asked hopefully.
“I do.”
“Head south.”
He noticed as he repeatedly and routinely checked his mirrors she did the same. Conditioned probably from an early age by her father and now because of who her father was. Rapp knew there was simply no way you could hide from everyone. No matter how much you wanted to or how hard you tried.
“How long have you known Irene?”
She cut her gaze away from the mirror to look at him and followed it with staring out the windshield. “About 18 years or so. I don’t get to see her often, but we try to communicate fairly regularly and if possible to have lunch once a month. Doesn’t always happen, but it’s always good when it does. She’s recommended several clients over the years. It’s rewarding to have someone like her have that confidence in me. Truthfully, for her to recommend me to you? Priceless. I didn’t think you’d show up.” She quickly shot a glance at his profile.
“Not sure why I did,” he replied after a few moments passed.
She gave him further directions. He pulled into the tiny parking lot and backed into a spot near the entrance to what resembled a small restaurant where he once had dinner in Rome. Strange to have that memory surface.
Christine collected her purse from the floor and began to open the door.
“Sit tight, Doc.” He got out and did a careful but casual assessment as he rounded the front of the car to open her door.
Once inside the restaurant, they were greeted by a man who immediately extended his hand to grasp Christine’s and bring it to his lips.
“So good to see you again, Christine.” Returning her hand, he extended his to Rapp. “It’s a pleasure, sir.” He shook it firmly. “Follow me. I have your usual table available, Cara Mia.”
“Thank you, Paolo. How is Rose?”
He led them to the table as he spoke. “She is wonderful as always.” A genuine smile accompanied his words.
Rapp noted it was situated so that both of their chairs faced the front door and maintained a clear view of the kitchen’s entrance. He ordered a black espresso, she a tonic water with lime.
“You come here often,” he stated.
“Often as I can which hasn’t been often enough lately.”
A young man with olive skin and a dark pony tail tied back low on his neck set their beverages and menus before them, nodded and left them alone.
Perusing the menus, they closed them simultaneously and sipped their drinks.
“I’m not great at making conversation.”
“A man of few words. I can appreciate that.”
“What about you?”
She gave a brief laugh. “I have a tendency to spill my guts with little provocation. An open book mostly. Except where work is concerned.”
She noticed he gave her that almost smile.
“Husband, boyfriend?” He caught her quick look away and back to him.
“I believe we share a similar circumstance in our distant pasts. My fiancé was KIA. We were told it was in Afghanistan, but I suspect that was a ruse.” She adjusted her posture. “No one even remotely serious since.”
He studied her. She didn’t flinch. “But many have tried?”
She smiled, slightly embarrassed. “Some.”
The young man returned with pad and pencil. Rapp nodded at Christine and she gave him her order. Rapp followed with his. He thanked them and quickly returned to refresh Rapp’s coffee with the dark brew.
“So, you want to ‘spill your guts’ to me? Outside of work of course.”
She laughed. “Okay. I’m willing to tell you some things that Irene wouldn’t have mentioned and that you possibly might not appreciate.”
“Intriguing.”
She spoke directly to him, her tone firm and serious. “Not that ‘intriguing’, Rapp, but very real to me. I’m a Christian.”
She watched as the expressionless mask took over his face but not before she caught the minute moment of a reaction in his eyes.
The waiter arrived and carefully placed their plates in front of them. He spoke for the first time. “If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be back with a refill of your drink and more espresso.”
“I’m not surprised,” he said after they’d both taken a few bites and got their beverages refilled.
She set her fork down and took a drink from her glass. “Well, I’m surprised that you’re not.” She smiled at him.
He too set his fork down, sat back a bit, and looked at his plate, pensive.
She waited, her glass on the table still in her hand.
“As you’re well aware, we come across all kinds of people in this world. I’ve seen some of the worst.” He paused and grasped his cup but left it on the table. “You could say I’ve had to look the devil in the eye.”
She waited.
“I’ve wondered how I’ve managed to make it this far.”
He picked up his fork and went back to his meal as did she.
“I see why this is a favorite place of yours. Great food, nice atmosphere, good people. Feels good to have a few ‘normal’ minutes.” He took a drink of his espresso. “So what else?”
It took her a moment to realize his reference, but she added, “I love to hike, but I can’t do heights or cliffs. Really can’t. As a kid, I rode my bike everywhere, but I hate bike riding and bike riders now – at least those who think they should have equal space with cars.”
He gave one of his rare laughs but sobered quickly. “Yeah, thought I’d take up biking for a brief stint.” He paused. “Didn’t work out.” He finished his espresso. “Heights I can do. It’s caves for me. Do my best to stay out of them.”
She felt her face heat briefly as she considered what to say next.
“What?”
She glanced up from a quick look at her plate.
“It’ll no doubt strike you as silly, and comparably it’s downright ridiculous,” she said with a brief shake of her head.
“Let’s have it.”
“I,” she looked away and then sat up straighter. “I’ve taken some private military instruction with various weapons combined with my self-defense classes. I’ve learned so much, and, please don’t take this wrong, but I’ve found it to be quite fulfilling as I’ve accomplished certain challenges.” She knew she blushed. “It’s nothing like what you’ve had to do,” her voice dipping.
He cocked his head slightly and watched her. “I respect that,” he said after several moments. “Did your dad suggest you do that at some point?”
“He did.”
“He must’ve known you had the talent and drive to do it.”
“He didn’t want me to get involved in . . . in what he did, but apparently he thought I could have. My brain kind of operated the way his did, and he told me I was gifted with a gun. He was my hero, you know, so his praise meant everything to me.” She reached for her napkin and quickly patted under her eyes. “I’m sorry, Rapp. I didn’t mean to make this conversation about me.”
“That’s the best part of this conversation. I prefer not making it about me.”
She took another drink and hesitated briefly before saying, “Is there anything you want to tell me or ask me? I know you’ve been trained to evaluate people. Not only because of your line of work but because of your innate sense of self-preservation. You won’t easily trust me if ever at all. If you don’t want to be my client, I would hope that somehow we might be able to cultivate a friendship. Do you think that could ever be feasible?”
Rapp decided right then that he liked this woman. She was truthful and had no obvious desire to play games. She didn’t pry into his life even though he suspected she knew a fair amount about him, having said as much in her office when she told him she’d admired him for some time. He considered her offer.
“If you had to choose, which one would you take?”
“Friendship, hands down,” she replied without hesitation. “But before that could happen, I have a confession to make. Not here though.”
The waiter collected their plates, asked about their beverages, and replied he’d bring their check when Rapp asked for it. He returned quickly with two carefully wrapped dessert boxes.
“Compliments of Paolo. He said he knew you wouldn’t stay for dessert.” He set the bill next to Rapp who picked it up, glanced at it and handed him a hundred dollar bill.
“Keep the change,” he said as he stood. “And please express our thanks for these and the first rate lunch.”
Once inside the car with their desserts in her lap, Christine said, “I won’t keep you long at the office, Rapp. I just need to speak with you for a couple of minutes.”
He glanced at her noticing the subtle worry on her face. “Okay.”
After arriving in the private parking area, he turned to her. “You seem worried about something. Want to tell me why?”
“I do. I’ve been given something to give to you. Many years ago. It’s a letter from my father addressed to you. He instructed me not to read it but to give it to you if I ever had the opportunity. I’ve kept it with me wherever I’ve been and gone. It was one of the last things he gave me on that fateful 21st birthday.” She dropped her head and took a deep breath. Sitting back upright and looking straight ahead, she said, “He gave me one also. About you. My instructions were to read it if and only when I ever felt truly threatened. I haven’t read it yet.” She looked at him and met his serious gaze.
He undid his seatbelt and said, “Well, let’s get to it then.” He got out, did his usual inspection as he walked around to let her out. Before she got out, she left his dessert on the console.
Once inside her office, Rapp took his seat, relaxed. He watched her set her dessert on the desk and quickly attend to her business phone. Keeping her purse, she came around her desk to sit across from him, unzipped a compartment of the large leather bag and pulled out two long envelopes, handing both of them to him.
Picking up on her nervousness, he listened as she said, “I apologize for the wear and tear. I did my best to keep them somewhat pristine. I know Dad wrote them in his own script, and I was afraid the ink might bleed or something might interfere with his message.” She stopped.
“One of these is yours.”
“I know, but I want you to read it. In case there’s anything in there you’d rather I didn’t know.” She looked down at her hands, having not felt this nervous since she couldn’t remember when.
“What do you think is in it?”
She looked directly at him, knowing he could see her discomfort. “I suspect he was truly concerned that at some point his family would be in danger due to his --”
“I get it. Definitely a concern. So you assume he wanted you to contact me somehow if you suspected your life might be threatened?”
She nodded, thinking she might not be able to utter another word without either saying something stupid or resorting to ugly crying, both of which she considered embarrassingly unprofessional. The loss of her dad still resurrected that intense grief, something she'd never displayed so openly with anyone else, keeping it well-hidden until now.
He stood. She stood, clutching her purse, then quickly set it on the chair, trying to hold his gaze and find her voice.
"I'll call you," he said.
"Thank you." It came out just above a whisper.
He turned and left her office, quietly shutting the door behind him.
Back in the car, he put the key in the ignition but didn’t start it. Instead he took the envelope addressed to him and used his knife to slice it open. Unfolding the letter, he scanned the handwriting. Easy to read, so he began.
Hello, Mitch.
This is no doubt an unusual circumstance if you’re now reading this. I’m assuming I got to know you a whole lot more since writing this. We’ve met in passing, and I’ve talked to Stan about you. I won’t bother writing his colorful reply, but beneath all the rhetoric he had a certain gleam in his eye when he spoke of you.
I’m sure you can relate to that innate trust factor which very few people in this world inspire in us. It’s the nature of the beast. I knew the first time I spoke with you on the one assignment where our paths crossed that I had it in you. It was instantaneous for me, and, because of that, I’m writing this to you with specific instructions for my daughter which I know she’ll respect and obey.
Personal experience tells us there’s potential for our loved ones to come under threats and terrible danger – some we see coming, and those we don’t. I’ve done my best to educate my daughter and teach her “the ropes” of self-defense. You know the drill. Know this: if you ever have the pleasure of meeting her – which I hope the reason for that isn’t because she’s in terrible danger – she probably could’ve been one of us with her talents, but her tender heart would’ve prevented it, and I’m grateful for that. I’ve told her to change her name as a professional, but her real name I want you to know: Raven Christine – and you know my surname. Her first name was decided upon by something significant between her mother and me.
All of that brief background to say this: I’m asking you, if there’s any possible way that you can, if you will rescue her if she is in trouble. There is no one else I trust to do what will need to be done. Since her mother’s death, we’re all we have, and we don’t have near enough time together. And if I’m around when you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be there for you no matter what. Just, please, if you can, take care of my daughter if I’m unable to do so.
Daniel Wilson
Mitch lowered the letter to his lap and stared straight ahead through his bulletproof windshield. He remembered Daniel well as he’d told his daughter. Respected his skills, professionalism, but mostly his heart. He didn’t “eliminate” unnecessarily. Their “jobs” made them cynical at best, but he also noted it could make psychopaths out of some, sociopaths of others, and almost suicidal and broken operators of still more. As he’d noted to Christine, he’d wondered why and how he was still around – especially of late.
Should he read the letter addressed to Daniel’s daughter? Picking it up off the console where his dessert rested, he slit it open and began to read.
Hey, Sweet Girl.
No time to waste here if you’ve opened this. You must find a way to contact Mitch Rapp. If you can’t locate him quickly, get to Irene Kennedy for assistance immediately on one of those burner phones I told you to keep handy.
Mitch is the best of the best. I’ve worked with the best and have even been the best at one time, but Rapp is the absolute top of the line. He’s around your age, and if anyone can help, it will be him.
I hope you will meet him one day simply because you need to know that there are others out there giving their all in this thing we do. He’s young, focused, and utterly skilled. He knows good and evil and never confuses them. He’s had to do things – as I have – which are soul-crushing, but he’s withstood them and will continue to.
If you’re in trouble, find him, Sweet Girl. Do it quickly. Tell him I sent you. I love you more than life itself, and I hope I can always be there for you, but you know that’s not a given. Take good care, Raven. I love you.
Always,
Dad
What hit him first was that he wasn’t “young” anymore and was truly astounded that Daniel Wilson had given him that much credit so many years ago when the letter had been written, before he became more experienced – back when Irene was constantly running interference for him after his assignments.
And then it occurred to him that Daniel had an inkling of his own approaching death.
He inserted the letter back into its envelope, grabbed both letters and his dessert and got out of his car, locked it, and headed back to “Raven’s” office.
She tossed her purse to the floor and sat down hard on the chair, pushed off her shoes, folded her arms and crossed her legs. She forced back the tears and grief and frowned at her behavior. Completely at odds with how she’d conducted herself in front of Mitch Rapp, she admitted to herself that in person he personified the previously ill-defined cliché “larger than life”. Now she knew exactly how the expression translated in real time.
Over lunch, it had been easy. He, as expected, didn’t want to discuss himself and preferred she speak freely about herself which was easy to do on a surface level. Admitting her Christianity got the response she anticipated. Not negative. A moment of surprise quickly concealed.
A light knuckle tap on her door brought her abruptly to her feet giving a quick glance at the wall clock, knowing she had nothing expected for the rest of the day. She walked across the room to answer it after seeing Rapp on the camera image mounted beside her door. She quickly opened it wide for him and saw his dessert box and the two letters in hand. He walked in and she closed the door.
“We didn’t finish our lunch,” he said, continuing to the chair he’d adopted.
“You’re right.” She took her box off her desk, kicked her shoes out of the way, and once again sat across from him. “I have trays in the closet if you think we need them,” she offered.
“I’m good,” he said, placing the letters on the arm of his chair and opening his box.
It took him no time to unwrap the napkin and fork inside, taking a bite. “Wow. This is as good as the rest of the meal.”
She quickly sampled hers. “Mmmm.”
After a few bites, Rapp said, “So, Raven, I read both letters.” He looked directly at her, watching her startled expression.
Something happens inside a woman when a man she admires or is attracted to uses her real name and says it with deliberation, firmness, and just a hint of affection. Whether it’s actually chemical or some kind of romantic hit-piece to the heart, the sound taps a target, strikes its mark, and causes an unscheduled emotional reaction close to an inflamed melt-down – all of which must not appear visible to his naked eye.
With an extreme effort to keep her voice and expression neutral, she responded, “And . . .”
“Your assumption regarding your father’s intent in writing the letters is correct.”
She struggled hard to compose herself while he finished his dessert.
“If he was presumptuous in any way, I—”
“Don’t.” He said it without hesitation. “I get it. And if you know anything about me, you know I get it.”
“I do know that,” she responded quietly.
He put his fork and napkin inside the box and held it up as a request for where to deposit it. She turned in her chair and pointed to the waste basket beside her desk.
He returned to his chair and looked at her. She forced herself to meet his gaze.
“So you want to be friends.”
A statement. “I do.”
“I don’t know how good at it I’d be.”
She kept quiet for a moment as she pondered how to respond. “I have no demands,” she finally said.
He stood. She stood, set her empty box on her desk, grabbed a business card and a pen, wrote her private Sat-phone number on the back of it, and handed it to him.
He examined it. “Can I call you Raven?”
“Yes,” she forced out, knowing her voice sounded unsteady.
“Thanks for some ‘normal’ time,” he said.
“Thank you.”
He made it to the door as she followed him before turning back to her, pulled a scrunched piece of paper from his jeans’ pocket and wrote something on it against the door before handing it to her.
“I plan on honoring your dad’s request.”
With that, he gave her a final nod and walked out, once again quietly closing her door. As she walked back to her desk, she noticed he'd left her letter on the arm of the chair.
She picked it up as she moved past to sit behind her desk. Stared at the envelope. Considered not reading it – only because she knew the grief would erupt all over again, and she acknowledged to herself, maybe for the first time, she was weary of it. Tired of the intense pain of having lost both of her beloved parents. And later her fiancé.
She rarely addressed her loneliness, settling for busy-ness, indulging herself in her physical training and weaponry use, forcing herself to excel, to improve. Attending an occasional seminar specific to her area of expertise. She gave an abbreviated hard laugh at the thought: it surely didn’t seem like her specialty with high level operatives did much good for Mitch Rapp.
She ripped the letter out of the envelope and began reading it. Yes, the tears fell as the words registered and reminded her of her dad’s devotion and love and the stark and very telling instruction to find Mitch Rapp if she was ever in real trouble.
His final words confirmed what she’d suspected but had never admitted to herself prior to reading them: he suspected he might be heading into a potentially deadly situation. That 21st birthday celebration where he’d taken her to dinner, made a concentrated effort to listen to everything she probably babbled about that night, presented her with the engraved ring she wore on her right ring finger with a stunning birthstone sapphire arranged between two diamonds on a platinum band: Forever, Dad.
She placed the letter on her desk and stared away into her memories as the tears dried.
When she heard the knuckle tap on her door again, she pushed away from her desk and quickly covered the distance once again to see Rapp on the other side.
After she quickly pulled it open, he leaned against the jam, folded his arms, and with that almost smile in place, he said, “I figured you might need a friend.”
She outright laughed and losing all sense of decorum, she put her arms around that solid body and embraced him. “I do.”
Realizing quickly how presumptuous she’d been, she pulled back. “I’m so sorry, Rapp.”
“You said you had the rest of the day,” he said without reacting to her hug or her apology.
“Yes.”
“I know a place. You want to go?”
The gratitude she experienced from his offer threatened tears again. She forced herself to get control. “I’ll get my purse.” Pull yourself together now! She grabbed it and walked out the door in front of him.
Rapp knew better than to start something he never intended to finish. Why he’d come to her office in the first place was still a mystery to him other than to placate Irene. He and Irene had survived some treacherous things through the years but not without the residual pain and scars.
As a tribute to Daniel Wilson, he would help Raven if ever she got in over her head, but why was he inviting her now to do this? Hadn’t those scars and that pain been enough in his life? Hadn’t the regrets piled up to an untenable pile of memories he couldn’t seem to diffuse?
These useless thoughts assaulted him as they walked to his car. As he opened the door for her, she looked directly at him and spoke quietly.
“I can almost physically feel the conflict you’re experiencing with having invited me to go with you. I won’t be insulted if you want to withdraw your invitation, Rapp. I don’t want to contribute in any way to your adding unnecessary relationships or to infringe upon hard-earned freedom from the weights of this life.”
He returned her direct stare, noticing the blue of her eyes and the sincerity they divulged.
“Not a lot gets by you, does it?” he finally said.
“More than I care to admit, I’m afraid.”
“Get in,” he said gently.
Father, again and again, thank you for every word and inspiration. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Those of you who've kept up with the Mitch Rapp Series since Vince Flynn passed away in 2013, recognize Kyle Mills in the above picture. The article attached to the link of Kyle's name reveals he is leaving the series and being replaced by thriller author Don Bentley, whose second book in his Matt Drake Series is reviewed here.
A character in a previous one of his novels has surfaced in Kyle's literary life and must supersede all else at this time. Because of this, he's passing the torch to Don with all other series personnel intact to continue the amazing and iconic life of Mitch Rapp. Kyle concludes his journey with Rapp with much appreciation from his fans for a job well done. He didn't let us down when he undertook this huge endeavor. And for that reason, we give him our sincere thanks and applaud the job he did. He will be missed for his personal touch to all that the series entailed, i.e. the newsletters, responses to fans, book signings, podcasts, etc.
We fans welcome Don to the daunting task of continuing the stories of Rapp, knowing he's stepping into the challenge with the background and writing chops necessary to further our fascination and love for Mitch Rapp and all that he does.
Goodbyes are rarely fun, but often they can be appreciated when those that leave go positively into what they need to do. We wish Kyle the best with his future novels as we greet and welcome Don Bentley to the huge sphere of waiting Mitch Rapp fans.
Code Red is the final installment by Kyle Mills. Pre-order here.
Father, bless these men in their writing endeavors. Guide them, protect them, and continue to make yourself apparent to them as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
The Outside Man by Don Bentley is the second book in the Matt Drake Series.
For me, there are a few qualifications for espionage/political/military thrillers: solid heroes (or heroines or both), action-packed, necessary violence, wicked antagonist(s), and a fast pace. Usually, these kinds of thrillers have those unbelievable, unfathomable, illogical, and impossible moments. Can't be helped and unless you, the reader, are or has been in Spec Ops, CIA, even law enforcement, or are weapons specialists, etc., then it's probably best if you don't mention these "implausibles" in the story in your review because what the people in these professions have seen and done in unthinkable situations is no doubt in some cases stranger than fiction - and even physics.
Having described what I expect from thrillers, Don Bentley managed to include them all in a horror story of sex-trafficking, betrayals, and rescues that never should have happened. While Matt Drake drives down a street in Austin, Texas, a team of assassins come after him. Managing to survive the attack while convincing a stroller-pushing mom he's the good guy in the mess, and watching them gun down a young cop, naturally he wants to know who wants him dead. Former Army Ranger who's worked lots of clandestine ops, Matt's managed to accumulate enemies, but at present he's out of the game with some evidence of PTSD - until this happens.
Finding the culprit of the assassination attempt leads him to the Middle East after a disturbing anniversary dinner with his wife (Laila). After calling on an old informant who he assumed was his friend, now a highly successful Syrian smuggler (Zain), things take an unexpected turn but expose "The Devil" who assigned the attack back home. Turns out The Devil needs something from Drake (or Drake would be dead) and what he holds as leverage for Drake to do the job shocks him to his core.
Three quarters of The Outside Man rushes at the reader, leading Matt Drake into one race after another against death for him and others close to him at breakneck speed. If it could go wrong, it did. Time and time again. And yet . . . the conclusion is not a cliffhanger in the truest sense, but it does leave the basis for a satisfying hope to come along in the next novel(s).
I did appreciate the accurate Bible references. A refreshing change from most thriller characters even while establishing that this character was not a Christian man of faith.
(Profanity present.)
Father, you give talents and gifts generously. May each one know from whom their talents and gifts come. Please bless Don for using his. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Going back in time to The Famous One written as a fictional biography. A piece from the chapter titled "Different Endings".
Joey got in trouble in his gym class for hiding the most popular kid’s tennis shoes. He told the teacher he hadn’t done it, but the teacher didn’t believe him because Larry Miller was the best athlete in the class, and he told the teacher he thought he saw Joey looking at his shoes while Larry was headed to the bathroom. Joey had hidden the kid’s shoes because he’d heard him bullying Trey the day before. Joey had tossed them over the fence at the far end of the playground where there was a large patch of overgrown brush and blackberry bushes that stood about three-feet high. The shoes were an expensive brand, and Joey never retrieved them or gave up their location. As far as he knew, no one ever found them, but it earned him a trip to the principal’s office.
“So, Joey, do you have anything to say about this?” Mr. Welch asked, seated on the corner of his large desk with his hands folded.
“I didn’t do it,” he lied.
“Well, do you have any idea who might have?”
“Could’ve been anyone.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Miller’s a jerk. There are all kinds of kids who don’t like him.”
“I see. Any of these kids in your gym class?”
“Sure.”
“But you have no personal knowledge of which one might’ve hidden his shoes.”
“That’s right.”
“You know, Joey, those particular shoes will be quite expensive to replace,” Mr. Welch said thoughtfully.
“So? Kind of doesn’t matter, really, you know? I mean, a guy loses his shoes, he’s got no shoes. It’d be hard for anyone to replace their shoes, don’t ya think?” Joey asked cleverly.
Mr. Welch stared at Joey with an expression of both understanding and concern for the young man who he could see had already acquired an edge and the beginning of a cynical attitude. “Good point, Joey. Well, since no one can verify that it was you who hid the shoes for certain, you are free to go. However, just in case you did hide the shoes—and hear me out, I’m sure you would’ve done so with a motive that you felt was justified—there are always consequences to wrong actions. They just don’t always happen right away, and sometimes they do more damage to the inside of a person than to the outside. Now I’d prefer not to see you in my office again for anything of this nature. Fair enough?”
“Yeah, okay.”
Joey never told a soul—not even Trey—that he had done the deed until much later in his adult life. When he and Trey and Kelsey walked home from school, Trey asked him all about the meeting with Mr. Welch. Joey shrugged it off, saying it was no big deal.
“But, Joey, everybody says you did it, and some of the kids think it’s really cool,” Trey said excitedly.
“Well, it wasn’t me, so I guess I’m not so cool, huh?” Joey smiled briefly.
“Joey,” Trey said confidently, “you’ll always be cool.”
Joey looked over at Trey with a little surprise and embarrassment and then resumed looking down at the sidewalk as they approached Trey’s and Kelsey’s houses.
“See ya in about 15 minutes,” Trey said as he crossed the small lawn to the two steps that led to his front door.
![The Famous One by [Nicole Petrino-Salter]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41o2AVln6eL.jpg)
Father, only you know what's best for me. Only you give me words and inspiration. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Going way back to some of the best days of my youth: camping with my BFF's family at Sun Lakes State Park. We had such fun.
Lord, thank you for my friends and the blessings of growing up with them. You protected us and watched over us until the day we individually met you at different times in our lives. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Definition:
"Seeing… is a well written novel with emotional and spiritual depth that goes beyond mere sentiment when it comes to 'second chances'.” BB
"This story, set in Washington state, has it all: the supernatural, the romance, the sexual angst, the tension, and frustration that we all experience in our journey called life." GN
"Nicole outdid herself on this one! I cried, laughed, and was captivated, not only by the storyline but with Nicole's ability to portray the character of Jesus Christ." LD
"Recently, I experienced a deep loss and struggled with similar emotions. . . . This book is a 'must read.' Highly recommend it." MR
Father, thank you for each one who reads the stories you give me. May I always point those stories in your direction. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
It might surprise you to know that there are readers of Christian Fiction who can be some tough reviewers of the novels they choose to read. Brutal in fact. They've been known to give 1-star reviews to those stories where the author apparently doesn't support their legalistic theology or got a little too passionate in a scene or a thought in a romance novel (although never graphic), or the use of "hell" or "damn" was used in a circumstance (causing big meltdowns), or even if the book was longer than they liked (but they finished it - or didn't). Some of them are a tough crowd to please. I should note these particular readers are not the audience for my novels.
So when a reader acknowledges certain things about a novel that they loved, it makes an author's day.
"I appreciate the honest reality of the temptations many Christians experience and struggle with. This is a beautiful story of love, temptation, forgiveness and redemption!" HR
"If you love Christian romance, you will love this book!
Starting with the mystery of their meeting, it details how each character goes from God's forgiveness, to the forgiving of others, and ultimately, the forgiving of themselves." CN
"The message of God’s love and mercies are included in such a unique way that all readers, regardless of their religious leanings, can read how kind and merciful God is." LD
Those who enjoy my work know they will be seeing the reality of the world as it is and experience the redemption Jesus offers.
A truly sincere thank you to all who've read and appreciated my work.
Father, thank you to you is never enough. Never was, will be, or is. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Way back in the day . . . This old photograph has been in faraway places. Lots of scratches and color changes as a result.
Father, you looked after me even before I knew your Son. You rescued me from myself. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.