An aimless teen office clerk discovers his company is a front for aliens harvesting human brain chemicals to fuel a galactic drug trade—and must stop them before the world snaps.
Eighteen-year-old Marlon Dempster takes a dead-end office job just to survive—until a coworker violently snaps. The cause: Yaluten, a highly addictive alien drug flooding the streets.
As reality unravels, Marlon uncovers a terrifying truth: aliens have infiltrated corporations and government, harvesting human endorphins to sell across the galaxy. With a handful of dysfunctional coworkers, he’s thrust into a desperate fight against an ancient, unstoppable enterprise.
About The Author:
J.S. Frankel was born in Toronto, Canada and grew up there, receiving his tertiary education from the University of Toronto and graduating with a double major in English Literature and Political Science.
After working at Gray Coach Lines for a grand total of three years, he came to Japan at the age of twenty-six and has been there ever since, teaching English to any and all students who enter his hallowed school of learning.
In 1997, he married Akiko Koike. He, his wife and his two children, Kai and Ray, currently reside in Osaka. His hobbies include weight training, watching movies when his writing schedule allows, and listening to various kinds of music.
His novels, all for the YA set, include Twisted, Lindsay Versus the Marauders and it’s sequels, Lindsay, Jo, and the Tree of Forever, and Lindsay, Jo and the Well of Nevermore, all courtesy of Regal Crest Enterprises. He has also written the Catnip series (five novels), Mr. Taxi, The Titans of Ardana and its sequel, The Titans of Ardana 2: Battlefield, along with Picture (Im)perfect and more novels, courtesy of DevineDestinies.com.
Future projects for Devine Destinies include the final novel in the Titans trilogy, the final novel in the Just Another Quiet… trilogy, The Undernet, the re-release of Star Maps, and more. He is also the author of The Menagerie and The Nightmare Crew trilogy, all courtesy of Finch Books.
Spring into Fantasy Adventure intertwined with Romance!
Enjoy the breakout novel, Book I of The StarWriters Trilogy, The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper.Continue the adventure with The StarWriters Club Book II (2024) and Return the Girl In The Toile Wallpaper, Book III coming 2025.
Want Fantasy, Adventure, Romance?
Lyly’s heart yearns for true love until family loyalty is betrayed by a greedy Noble.
Imprisoned by the evil Wizard, she became The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper.
That is, until fate beckons…
Will the young American tourist Tyler Charles remember his class physics in time to reverse the ancient curse and save the love of his life?
Or will Lyly be doomed forevermore?
The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper is the break out novel and Book #1 of The StarWriters Trilogy by Author Mary K. Savarese. The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper explores the fantasy genre, with mysterious worlds, magic cats and romances through the ages. Set in the medieval Tuscan cities of Siena and Florence, Italy, readers will relish in the rich detail and beautiful scenes presented by Savarese.
Royal Dragonfly Book Award (20022) Winner in Science Fiction / Fantasy & Young Adult Fiction
NYC Big Book Award (2022) Distinguised Favorite in Fantasy
Chanticlear International Book Awards (2022) First Place & Grand Prize Finalist
Spring into Fantasy Adventure! Enjoy Book II of The StarWriters Trilogy, The StarWriters Club; following the 2021 release of the award winning fiction novel, The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper (Book I). The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper explores the fantasy genre, with mysterious worlds, magic cats and romances through the ages. Set in the medieval Tuscan cities of Siena and Florence, Italy, readers will relish in the rich detail and beautiful scenes presented by Savarese.
The StarWriters Club follows twelve new arrivals to the band that surrounds Heaven. Together, they must train to deliver His Plan to the stars.
But when the evil Beck decides otherwise, the StarWriters are called into action to save three members who were just sucked through the gates and into the pits of Hell.
Follow our StarWriters as they trek across the villages of the band and learn how His Plan is distributed by those working in His Plan room. Will the good/evil clocks continue to click toward evil, or will our StarWriters prevail and turn the fate of time?
It is only by combining their strengths and wisdom not yet learned that they just might succeed. Perhaps by accepting their last few moments on Earth, they might endure what awaits. For it is Written in the Stars!
I was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, going on to earn a business degree in accounting from City University, NY. Soon after I found myself working in insurance and financing and went on to marry my wonderful husband. We moved to New England.
I have spent thirteen years as a religious education teacher and have lived and worked in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. For the past decade, I have served as a Eucharistic minister at my local Catholic church, bringing the Eucharist to community nursing homes. After raising a family in CT, my husband and I became Florida Residents though continue to spend time in CT where I continue in my ministry
My debut novel is a contemporary Spiritual Mystery that transcends three genres: Mystery, Spirituality, and Romance. I love to write imaginative stories for all ages! I hope you enjoy this story and look out for more to follow! Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (who knew!) has received 5 Stars from Readers’ Favorites and global awards from Royal DragonFly.
A sci-fi-tinged action-adventure with heart and humor, the TimeLock series is set in the crime-ridden near future where a bold new technology transforms the justice system and challenges America’s moral compass. Only one problem—what happens if you’re innocent?
The Millennium Paradox
Time Lock Book 3
by Howard Berk & Peter Berk
Genre: SciFi Action Adventure
The Award-Winning series co-written by award-winning writer Howard Berk (“Columbo,” “Mission: Impossible”) and Peter Berk.
Newly relocated to the charming Alaskan town of Caribou Bay after bidding farewell to his best friends Morgan and Janine Eberly, Yoshi Ito inadvertently prompts his boss, geneticist Dr. Emory Layton, to try a new genetic acceleration protocol in a local prison. Using technology from the TimeLock process, the experiment goes awry.
Instead of yielding the desired medical benefits, it generates a terrifying outcome that infuses a convicted killer with superhuman powers. As the killer begins to exact revenge upon his enemies, local helicopter pilot Tom Brooks recruits the Eberlys’ help to stop the unstoppable force before the residents of Caribou Bay—and possibly the whole world—are forever at the killer’s mercy.
TimeLock stole twenty years from Morgan Eberly’s life. A terrifying new version of the radical technology might just end it.
Two years after the events of TimeLock, a new and unhinged president of the United States approves an immoral and illegal plan to develop a weaponized form of the TimeLock process for use on the battlefield. But only one man, geneticist Dr. Lionel Garvey, can execute the program. When both he and his wife Kiyoko are kidnapped in Kyoto, Japan, Morgan and FBI Agent Janine Price receive a frantic text from Kiyoko’s brother, Yoshi. Realizing they can’t trust anyone in their own government, Morgan and Janine fly to Japan and team up with Yoshi for an unauthorized rescue mission. After a daring raid of a research facility in Japan, the trio realize they have only delayed the president’s insane plan. They must now execute a dangerous assault on a frozen corner of Siberia to accomplish their mission. Can Morgan and Janine stop the president from unleashing a newly weaponized version of TimeLock before it’s too late?
“A deftly crafted dystopian style science fiction suspense thriller of a novel, “TimeLock” by the team of Howard and Peter Berk is a compulsive page turner of a read from cover to cover and unreservedly recommended . . .” —Midwest Book Review (TimeLock)
When everyman Morgan Eberly is arrested for a murder he didn’t commit, he’s subjected to an experimental new technology that instantly ages prisoners the number of years of their sentence. Now 43 and on the run, can Morgan and rogue FBI agent Janine Price unlock the truth about TimeLock before it’s too late to turn back?
An innocent man. A radical punishment. The clock is ticking . . .
With crime rampant, the President authorizes a hugely controversial program: TimeLock, a cellular acceleration process whereby select prisoners are instantly aged the total number of years of their sentence. In other words – three strikes and you’re old…very old. A sci-fi-tinged action-adventure with heart and humor, TimeLock is the first in a new series of novellas set in the crime-ridden near future where a bold new technology transforms the justice system and challenges America’s moral compass. Only one problem—what happens if you’re innocent?
What Readers are saying about the series:
TimeLock is a high-octane action thriller with a classic feel, reminiscent of Michael Crichton or Tom Clancy. It’s familiar, but in all the right ways.
The central concept is brilliant . . . The novella is tightly paced, and there’s not a dull moment. . . .The introduction is particularly engaging, with an absolutely killer prologue that sucks you in right from the start. Reading TimeLock, I felt like I was watching a movie . . . It’s a crowd-pleasing blockbuster of a novella, with all the thrills you’d hope for, and a cracking start to a series. – Read the full review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Whoa!! Okay so this was awesome and I have to say first off- I hope like hell someone picks this up to make a movie or a show out of it!! This was a super interesting premise so I was hooked. It moved at a great pace and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. -Book Blogger @gryffindorbookishnerd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I vastly enjoyed this quick read . . . The writing was keenly honed and smartly detailed . . . In sum, was a well-plotted and shrewdly paced action-packed thriller featuring slightly frayed characters and storylines that were cleverly laced together with wry humor and witty snark. –Empress DJ/Honolulubelle, Books and Binding Book Reviews
An award-winning novelist and screenwriter, Howard Berk’s credits include memorable episodes of such classic TV series as “Columbo,” (including “By Dawn’s Early Light,” for which guest star Patrick McGoohan won an Emmy), “Mission: Impossible,” “The Rockford Files,” “The Fall Guy,” “The New Mike Hammer” and “The Contender,” starring “V” and “The Beastmaster” lead Marc Singer. Howard Berk also wrote the feature film, “Target,” starring Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon.
Peter Berk has written six novels, three TV pilots and a dozen screenplays, including several with his father, Howard Berk, which became the basis for the TimeLock series of novels. IE also published Peter’s political murder mystery, First Line of Defenseand will publish his forthcoming novel, Fireline. Peter and his family live in Southern California.
His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!
Twelve-year-old Matthew’s life has been incredibly challenging because of his Tourette Syndrome, a disorder which causes uncontrollable movements and sounds. Isolated and tormented by bullies at school, Matthew finds solace in the company of his lifelong imaginary friends, a lovable green monster and a tough-as-nails little girl.
On his way home from school one day, as Matthew is pursued by his relentless tormentors, they all crash into a mysterious underground lair. At first, it seems that being trapped with the bullies who make his life miserable is his biggest problem. That is, until he and the others discover that they are not alone.
Hunted by a menacing presence lurking in the depths, Matthew and the bullies must confront a threat to their very existence. Their desperate mission becomes clear: put their differences aside and work together to find a way to safety before they are all consumed by the darkness.
Although fictional, the book is inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette Syndrome. He set out to craft an engaging story while exploring issues many kids can relate to—told from the perspective of someone who has lived them firsthand.
He heard the patter of footsteps. The bullies were inside the building. He ran to the other side of the machinery so the gang couldn’t see him. As he moved through the factory, he attempted to pry his phone from the tight jeans pocket. When he finally got it out, he plugged in his passcode and started to text his parents. He typed Declan’s name and realized that if he could show the bully that someone might suspect him of wrongdoing, Declan might think twice about doing any serious harm.
He wished he had thought of that sooner.
Suddenly, he heard creaking. He spun around to see Declan standing over him on an old conveyor belt. Declan kicked the phone from Matthew’s hands, its screen cracking on the concrete below. Matthew dropped to his knees beside it as Declan jumped down, nearly stomping the tattered phone.
“You were going to call your parents for help?” Declan sneered as his friends caught up behind him.
Matthew scrambled with his phone, but the screen wouldn’t light up.
He started to cry.
“Enough,” Booker said. “Seriously, man. You already wrecked his phone. Just let him go home.”
“Not going to happen,” Declan said, inching toward Matthew. Matthew hurried to his feet and ran toward the other end of the factory.
“Booker’s right,” Sam called as Declan gave chase. “This has gone too far.”
Declan ignored his friends.
Matthew picked up a sharp piece of metal sitting on a workstation and held it in front of him like a sword.
Declan stopped. “What are you going to do?” he laughed. “Cut me?”
“O-only if y-you don’t go away,” he stuttered through tears, his eyes rapidly blinking as he spoke. “If you don’t leave me alone.”
Matthew shuffled backward through a set of large double doors and outside. Matthew shuffled backward through a set of large double doors, leading outside. Declan followed with his friends behind him.
They entered a courtyard with barbed wire fences on three sides. The only thing in the cement lot was a building with a wet plywood platform in front of a steel door. Holding the sharp piece of metal between himself and Declan, Matthew moved toward the door, his feet squishing with each step on the rain-soaked wood. When he turned the doorknob, it came off in his hand.
Declan laughed as Matthew was unable to push the door open.
As Declan walked onto the mushy sheet of plywood, Matthew rapidly blinked his eyes and yelped.
“I’m going to beat those stupid tics right out of you.” Declan stepped into reach, and Matthew gripped the metal tighter.
“Declan, stop it!” yelled Booker. Cricket and Sam stepped onto the platform behind Declan, also pleading with him to stop.
Cricket pulled out her phone. “Matthew, what’s your mom’s number?”
“Don’t you dare,” Declan said, unsuccessfully trying to grab the phone. “Cut it out,” Sam insisted.
Something shifted below his feet, and Matthew glanced at the plywood, which was bending under their weight.
Nabie and Garby appeared behind Booker. “Matthew,” Garby said, “you feel that, right? You need to get off.” But he couldn’t; Declan and the others blocked his way.
“Guys,” Matthew said, “you need to move.”
No one listened to him.
“Give me the phone,” Declan demanded as he grabbed the device. Sam held Cricket’s hand over the phone, and the girls tried to pull it away from Declan, but his grip was too strong.
“Enough of this,” Booker said, stepping onto the platform.
“Booker, don’t,” Matthew said, with his back against the door.
It was too late.
They all felt their feet sink through the plywood board. But so what? There was surely concrete underneath, right? But as the plywood fibers gave way and the wet board broke apart, their feet did not rest on solid ground.
They fell through a dark empty crevice into the unknown.
Giveaway
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When Michael Seidelman was growing up, his passions were reading, watching movies, enjoying nature and creative writing. Not much has changed since then.
Working in Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy.
His latest Middle Grade book, Imaginary Heroes, is personal for Michael. While fiction, the book is inspired by his own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette’s Syndrome. He set out to tell an entertaining story while delving into issues many kids can relate to, told by someone who has experienced them firsthand.
Michael was born in Vancouver, BC Canada where he continues to reside.
Since the 14th century, Robin Hood has proven to be one of the most enduring and versatile folk heroes. Medieval historians believed Robin lived during the 12th or 13th century but despite decades of intense research by contemporary scholars, solid evidence has never been found.
Until now.
Logan Daggett, son of Donald Daggett, well known CEO of one of Australia’s largest international corporations, has his 21st birthday celebrations disrupted by a family tragedy, the revelation of his mother’s decades-old secret—and a birthday gift of a collection of centuries-old family heirlooms. This series of events contrive to change the course of his life forever.
Accompanied by his two closest friends, the young Aussie sets out to uncover the truth behind the accident that irrevocably changed his life, and to research the authenticity of the priceless heirlooms, completely unaware of the adventure and dangers lurking around every corner.
During the course of their journey they uncover irrefutable evidence that causes further turmoil among the family, spark controversy among medieval scholars worldwide, and the potential of sparking upheaval to a country’s history and creating conflict between two nations.
Liam Cadoc’s stunning debut to historical fiction sweeps readers into a ruthless world where greed and corruption threaten to deprive a nation of historical riches and the world of the truth behind a legendary hero. This is Book 1 of a 2-book set.
**On Sale for 25% off at Smashwords with code PUHT7**
Cadoc endeavors to create a feasible balance of historical fact and fiction into his writing in order to meet his obligation, as an author, to his readers. To that end he spends a large part of his conceptual writing on researching the world in which the characters will inhabit.
“I’ve always had a fascination with history, particularly the medieval period of England and the Arthurian Legend. Though my genre is historical fiction, I hope that my readers will come away with a better understanding and appreciation for how people survived and endured before the inception of the basic luxuries we take for granted each day.”
Retiring in 2016, he then spent 9 years working on THE ARCHER’S DIARY, his first historical fiction / modern thriller adventure novel. Most of that time was devoted to in-depth research.
He penned his first fiction while in high school and was quickly recognized by the English staff and his class for his vibrant imagination. He was also a talented artist and, after graduating, followed a 45+ year career as a graphic designer in the publishing industry compelling him to put aside writing for a number of years.
Empress Nehel must navigate the complexities of ruling a Jyistereerk at war — the Deken Karsaker — while facing personal struggles and unforeseen circumstances.
The balance, once restored, shatters again with the loss of the continent of Ryza, all while a lost realm to the Gesha revives. Yet, a conspiracy within the Kingdom of Fenn ignites doubt as Nehel faces harsh decisions in the tragedy’s aftermath.
A story of coming of age, first love, and personal growth. This gripping tale will leave readers on the edge of their seats as they journey through a world of magic, intrigue and unexpected twists.
Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.
Four years ago, Empress Nehel’s coronation marked the establishment of the Jyistereerk. The Deken Karsaker had not yet gained control, as the Korbas continued to resist the imperial forces and taint the land. Thus, a war without war. The current was the Tikl the Second of Nehel.
The sound of the doors being kicked open by the hooded man echoed through the tavern, halting the music and conversation, and plunging the room into a tense stillness. As a storm raged in the background, all eyes remained fixed on him.
Droplets of water fell on the wooden floor from his soaked black cloak. The mysterious male began walking across the tables. He seemed to search for something, or someone, with a rough brow.
The commensals from different races and genders assumed he was heading to the counter to order a drink, but he roamed around the tavern, disrupting the waitresses’ work as they balanced brew mugs on their trays. In the end, they saw him come to a halt at a particular table tucked away in a corner.
He stood at that exact spot, the sound of a cane hitting the floor reverberated, causing him to turn his gaze towards its holder—an elder with a disfigured face that revealed the effects of his corrupted soul. “So long time, and so far, yet, you have persisted in the search, Master,” accompanied by a nod and a menacing grin, he spoke in a voice that seemed to echo from the depths of a cavern.
Alessandro Eskar, Pillar of the Jyistereerk, lowered his hood and fixed him with a suspicious gaze. “I would keep searching for you until the last corners of Sankaris, Lord Rim,” a hoarse voice emerged from him as he replied, his words were with distrust. “Ever since our last meeting in the Dri, I have been determined to make amends for my failure with the treaty, as I promised the Divine Empress.”
Kong Rim’s eerie grin vanished as he scrutinized Alessandro, examining every part of him. “Youhave grown into a mature man,” the old man pointed at him with his cane, emphasizing each word. “I could not help but notice how much more determined and confident you have become since our time in the villa, in stark contrast to your insecure past.”
“Do not speak about me,” he warned, “as I request your presence. The Divine Empress will ensure justice is served!” Some commensals left the tavern in fear as they heard the Master’s firm and authoritarian voice, feeling a chilling tension.
“The only justice in this land is Ardek Korba! Lord of the Netherworld!” His grin appeared again, but more malevolent than before. “I must warn that the death of me will cause the utter ruin of your niece’s existence!”
Rim’s eyes turned fiery red as he shifted into a menacing black dragon, prepared to launch an attack on Alessandro, while the witnesses shrieked in terror. Determined to end him, the grotesque Korbeen jumped from his chair.
Kopel, Joseph. The Empress’ Palace: Tikl the Second of Nehel (The Nehel Series Book 2) (p. 4-6). Kindle Edition.
The Empress’ Journey
The Nehel Series Book 1
Amid turmoil and despair, a new hope arises as a young empress.
The Gesha obliterated the once thriving but ailing Kingdom of Aranka, triggering an imbalance in Sankaris. Epidemics, wars, pollution, and madness plague the land as the protagonists pursue for answers.
A glimmer of faith spreads throughout the maimed world as the Promise. Her rise to power brings a much-needed balance, ensuring a fresh start and the dawning of a new era.
Will she unravel the mysteries behind these afflictions and restore the balance to Sankaris?
Join this captivating tale of humanity, resilience, determination, and the search for truths in a world gripped by darkness.
Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.
“I am just a small girl with all the burden of an empire.”
Beings of pure evilness.
“I had an encounter with a wraith of nightmarish malevolence!”
Tests of loyalty.
“Do not ya see, indeed, the Promise is with this knight?”
The Gesha (Prologue)
So many stories about the Gesha spread throughout Sankaris. Unfolded in different accounts, but the same culmination.
Though restricted to half a continent, the influence reached all over the world.
None of the four moons were visible that night as dark clouds gathered over the ailing Kingdom of Aranka.
A realm so cursed by the plague and the sudden death of two monarchs in a short time.
The thunderstorm came afterward.
A massive roar echoed from the clouds, even in distant places on three continents.
The sound was too bizarre to be a rumble of thunder.
The blazing white lightning impossible to see fell to the ground somewhere in Aranka. A burning reverberation resonated, shrieking.
The powerful earthquake trembled the underground.
Twisted and massive, rapid winds danced along with the fire. It lasted a moment in time but seemed an eternity.
Then, void. Silence, darkness. Without a trace, the clouds vanished, unveiling the night sky with the imposing moons of No Sak and No Nunn.
By the morning, when the sun arose, Aranka was no more.
Nothing.
All existence of a realm gone.
Life became dead. Sand only sand. Desert.
A kingdom obliterated.
Everyone knew the morning sensed strange.
A severed balance immutably maimed Sankaris.
Excerpt from: Kopel, Joseph. The Empress’ Journey: Tikl the First of Nehel (pp. 7-8). Joseph Kopel. Kindle Edition.
“I have a feeling there is more you wish to reveal. Have you forgotten?” she said with a fixed stare. “What is my life stance?”
“Aye, Lakia,” he smiled with apprehension. “You were born as the Promise of the Jyistereerk, an empress entrusted with bringing balance to this ill world.”
The girl, feeling a sense of tranquility, turned her gaze towards the majestic Karekall Mountains. She understood what dwelt beyond the formidable mountains and knew her purpose. Still, an essence of chilling mystery hid behind.
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Joseph Kopel is an imaginative author who has transitioned from Sci-Fi to Space Opera and now ventures into the realm of Fantasy with his debut in the genre.
What began as a hobby has grown into thirty-five years of writing. Being bilingual, he switched between English and Spanish. The greatest influences on him were the Latin American literature in Mexico City’s libraries and the most famous American Sci-Fi authors.
When he is out of any fantastic realm to be in the world of reality, he enjoys his time with his wife, three kids, and his two pets.
Currently, he lives in Northwest Missouri, in a small peaceful country town of only 250 people.
Molly, accompanied by her son and his boyfriend, embarks on a high-stakes mission to rescue her kidnapped husband, unraveling secrets while racing against the clock to prevent a technology from falling into destructive hands.
Molly Halloran and her friends have a secret past.
Their bucolic retirement is suddenly upended when Molly’s husband is abducted and held for a steep ransom.
Now she, her friends, her tech executive son, Lukas and his Air Force pilot boyfriend must race against the clock and travel halfway around the world to meet the kidnappers’ demands.
But when they learn why her husband has been abducted, they realize how high the stakes truly are. Molly and her friends now must face their past in order to save the future. But not only their futures; the world’s.
Exerpt – The Poseidon Project, by E. William Podojil
It was a map of currents in the Persian Gulf. Taylor studied the map and asked everyone to move closer so they could see the screen. “Okay, so this is the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. There’s Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and up here toward the point is Dubai,” Taylor explained.
“That’s the Strait of Hormuz, right?” Donna asked.
“Yep, and right next door is Oman. Dubai is closer to Oman than it is to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE,” Lukas pointed out.
“So what does this have to do with John?” Linda asked. “Other than showing us where Dubai is located, what are you suggesting?”
“Not suggesting anything right now, but wanted to show you something,” Taylor replied. “Lukas, can you click the animation on this map?”
Suddenly the arrows within the map started to move as Taylor studied it. “See how the currents churn counterclockwise? That’s pretty consistent from what I remember. The current is affected by salinity and water temperature, so as it churns, it creates a system of lower pressure in the middle…more or less a gyre.”
Lukas pointed his finger to follow the current. “So if Dad’s boat was found off the coast of Palm Jumeirah, his paddle and life vest would have likely circled this gyre and ended up right back where they started.” Taylor nodded.
Molly jumped in. “The search is supposedly focused on where they found the kayak, but Taylor, you’re saying the boat had probably traveled a bit. John would have only been missing hours by this point, not days. How could his kayak still be relatively close to Dubai?”
“I’m going to take a stab here,” Taylor jumped in. “If currents were relatively predictable and there were no storms, which I don’t imagine there were since John probably wouldn’t have ventured out. But let’s assume it was normal, in thirty-six hours, John’s boat would have been closer to the coast of Iran than to Dubai.”
“The search was focused on the waters off Dubai. That’s what the embassy told me,” Molly responded.
“Mom, add that question to your list when you call the embassy. Ask them where the search has been conducted and where it will go next.”
Molly jotted that down. A question had been on her mind. “Isn’t the Persian Gulf pretty crowded with ships? I read there are traffic jams going through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Taylor nodded. “You have hundreds of oil tankers from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia going in and out of the gulf every day. It’s a prime target for terrorists and also disputes between Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Iran. Iran has threatened to shut off the Strait due to sanctions imposed by the Americans.”
“So it’s a pretty busy place,” Molly confirmed.
“And a disaster waiting to happen,” Donna commented.
“Which is why it’s so heavily patrolled,” Lukas added. “I read that about twenty five percent of the world’s oil passes through the Strait and Persian Gulf every day.”
“Molly,” Taylor asked, “Lukas said the kayak was found by a pleasure boat out on a fishing trip, correct?”
Molly nodded. “That’s what the embassy told me.”
“Fishing areas usually begin about forty miles offshore. I wonder why the boat that found the kayak was closer to shore…five miles wasn’t it?” Taylor asked.
“Maybe it was more like a booze cruise,” Linda commented.
“Mom, I think that could be another question for your call tomorrow,” Lukas added.
It was already ten p.m. and Molly and her guests were fading. “I’ve got my alarm set for three a.m. tomorrow so I can speak with the embassy during their business day. We spent so much time talking we didn’t have time to check flights.”
“We can do that tomorrow,” Linda answered. “I’m way past my bedtime.”
After cleaning up, Linda and Betty boarded Donna’s golf cart. “No way I’m walking home tonight,” Betty said. “Too many coyotes out. We’ll see you tomorrow, Molly. I hope the embassy has some good news.”
Lukas walked Taylor to the door. Molly gave him a big hug. “Thank you for talking to us tonight. You sure know a lot about the world. I feel more informed, but there is something that doesn’t add up. You touched on it, Taylor, and it’s been nagging at me.”
“And what part was that?” Taylor asked.
“The paddle and the life vest. Why wouldn’t everything be in roughly the same place; the kayak, paddle, and the life vest, regardless of whether John’s body was in it,” Molly pointed out. “I can’t understand why search and rescue has not turned up anything else.
“I don’t know, Molly. I thought about that, too. The search and rescue part of me is wired into my DNA.”
“Well, good night and I hope to see you again, Taylor.” Molly returned back into the house leaving Lukas and Taylor alone on the front porch.
“Well, you are a bountiful supply of information,” Lukas thanked him. “Thanks for engaging my mom and her friends. That was sweet of you. I think you gave my mom a bit of hope.”
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E. William Podojil is an international business executive and novelist. He has traveled extensively and visited over sixty countries while living in Europe and the United States.
Podojil works as an executive business advisor, and strategist while also pursuing his love of storytelling and writing. Podojil’s first novel, The Tenth Man, was published in 2004.
His second novel, The Poseidon Project, was be released in August, 2024 by The Wild Rose Press, and is the first in The Herb Society Mysteries, a series of adventure thrillers.
His novels and other writing are showcased on his website www.ewpodojil.com. Here he also writes a personal blog with humorous stories of his life and travels with his husband and three sons. He and his family currently reside in Northeast Ohio.
