by David O'Neil
Martin stood and walked around the room. “Are you saying that this Sir Peter Mayberry is conspiring with supporters of Napoleon? Surely, that is treason?”
“Exactly. All I have to do is prove it. Then I can act and dispose of this irritating man with his secret signs, and agents who give our secrets to our country’s enemies. I have come across these people in the past when I have been in France. I have no doubts they are dangerous. I will deal with them without restraint when the time comes.
“How is marriage?” Martin asked.
Alouette looked at him with sparkling eyes, “It goes well. Antonio is anxious to get as many as his family together as possible, Although he has written to his relatives in Portugal he has not yet had a reply. Maria has adopted us I am happy to say.” Alouette looked sad for a few moments. Martin realised That not only had she lost her husband but her child as well.
Alouette continued. “We are still getting to know each other, and Maria has made herself part of our family already. I did point out that with you and Jennifer we were surrounded by family. I know he believes and understands that. But I can see if any of his own blood are still out there, he would want them to know and be in contact. If you are right and the Americans do declare war on us, he will be off back to sea before we can have a second honeymoon.
“I believe Maria and Lieutenant Hammond are discussing an announcement in the first week of May, but do not mention this to anyone until I can confirm it.” She tapped Martin’s arm with the sheathed dagger she used as a pointer when explaining something on a chart or map.
“My lips are sealed.” Martin said with a smile, “Can I ask if there is anything special she would like, in the form of an engagement gift?”
Alouette smiled, “As her favourite uncle, you are in a privileged position. Anything you could think of would be acceptable, I am certain. But I know she enjoys riding, and there are stables attached to our house.”
Martin shrugged, “I had in mind perhaps, something a little more personal as an engagement gift.”
***
In Knightsbridge at the house Martin entered the drawing room to find Jennifer playing with their daughter Jane.
Jane ran over to her father, and was swept up into his arms high in the air before being cuddled close in his arms. Jennifer crossed the room at a more sedate pace, to find herself gathered into Martin’s arms along with her daughter.
“Now I am home.” Martin murmured.
“Where you belong,” whispered Jennifer.
~*~*~
Also by David O’Neil
Action/Adventure/Thriller series
Counterstroke # 1
Exciting, Isn’t It?
O’Neil’s initial entry into the world of action adventure romance thriller is filled with mystery and suspense, thrills and chills as Counterstroke finds it seeds of Genesis, and springs full blown onto the scene with action, adventure and romance galore.
John Murray, ex-Police, ex-MI6, ex management consultant, 49 and widowed, is ready to make a new start. Having sold off everything, he sets out on a lazy journey by barge through the waterways of France to collect his yacht at a yard in Grasse. En route he will decide what to do with the rest of his life
He picks up a female hitch-hiker Gabrielle, a frustrated author running from Paris after a confrontation with a lascivious would-be publisher Mathieu. She had unknowingly picked up some of Mathieu’s secret documents with her manuscript. Although not looking for action, adventure or romance, still a connection is made.
An encounter with Pierre, an unpleasant former acquaintance from Paris who is chasing Gabrielle, is followed by a series of events that make John call on all his old skills of survival to keep them both alive over the next few days. Mystery and suspense shroud the secret documents that disclose the real background of the so called publisher who is in fact a high level international crook.
To survive, the pair become convinced they must take the fight to the enemy but they have no illusions; their chances of survival are slim. But with the help of some of John’s old contacts, things start to become... exciting.
Counterstroke # 2....
Market Forces
Market Forces, Volume Two of the Counterstroke action adventure romance thriller series by David O’Neil introduces Katherine (Katt) Percival, tasked with the assassination of Mark Parnell in a hurried, last-minute attempt to stop his interference with the success of the Organization in Europe. As a skilled terminator for the CIA, Katt is accustomed to proper briefing. On this occasion she disobeys her orders, convinced it’s a mistake. She joins forces with Mark to foil an attempt on his life.
Parnell works for John Murray, who created Secure Inc that caused the collapse of an International US criminal organisation’s operation in Europe, forcing the disbanding of the US Company COMCO. Set up as a cover for money-laundering and other operations designed to control from within the political and financial administration, they had already been partially successful. Especially within the administrative sectors of the EU.
Katt goes on the run, she has been targeted and her Director sidelined by rogue interests in the CIA. She finds proof of conspiracy. She passes it on to Secure Inc who can use it to attack the Organization. She joins forces with Mark Parnell and Secure Inc. Mark and Katt and their colleagues risk their lives as they set out to foil the Organization once again.
Counterstroke # 3....
When Needs Must...
The latest action adventure thriller in the Counterstroke series opens with a new character Major Teddy Robertson–Steel fighting for survival in Africa. Mark Parnell and Katt Percival now working together for Secure Inc. are joined by Captain Libby ‘Carter’ Barr, now in plain clothes, well mostly, and her new partner James Wallace. They are tasked with locating and thwarting the efforts of three separate menaces from the European scene that threaten the separation of the United Kingdom from the political clutches of Brussels, by using terrorism to create wealth by a group of billionaires, and the continuing presence of the Mob, bankrolled from USA. An action adventure thriller filled with romance, mystery and suspense. With the appearance of a much needed new team, Dan and Reba, and the welcome return of Peter Maddox, Dublo Bond and Tiny Lewis, there is action and adventure throughout. Change will happen, it just takes the right people, at the right time, in the right place.
Young adult action/adventure/ romance
thriller series
Donny Weston & Abby Marshall # 1
Fatal Meeting
A captivating new series of young adult action, romance, adventure and mystery.
For two young teens, Donny and Abby, who have just found each other, sailing the 40 ft ketch across the English Channel to Cherbourg is supposed to be a light-hearted adventure.
The third member of the crew turns out to be a smuggler, and he attempts to kill them both before they reach France. The romance adventure. now filled with action, mystery and suspense, suddenly becomes deadly serious when the man’s employers try to recover smuggled items from the boat. The action gets more and more hectic as the motive becomes personal
Donny and Abby are plunged into a series of events that force them to protect themselves. Donny’s parents become involved so with the help of a friend of the family, Jonathon Glynn, they take the offensive against the gang who are trying to kill them.
The action adventure thriller ranges from the Mediterranean to Paris and the final scene is played out in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower in the city of romance and lights; Paris France..
Donny Weston & Abby Marshall # 2
Lethal Complications
Eighteen year olds Donny and Abby take a year out from their studies to clear up problems that had escalated over the past three years. They succeed in closing the book on the past during the first months of the year, now they are looking forward to nine months relaxation, romance and fun, when old friend of the family, mystery man Jonathon Glynn, drops in to visit as they moor at Boulogne, bringing action and
adventure into their lives once again.
Jonathon was followed and an attempt to kill them happens immediately after his visit. They leave their boat and pick up the RV they have left in France, hoping to avoid further conflict. They are attacked in the Camargue, but fast and accurate shooting keeps them alive. They find themselves mixed up in a treacherous scheme by a rogue Chinese gang to defame a Chinese moderate, in an attempt to stall the Democratic process in China.
The two young lovers, becoming addicted to action and adventure, link up with Isobel, a person of mystery who has acquired a reputation without earning it. Between them they manage to keep the Chinese target and his girlfriend out of the rogue Chinese group’s hands.
Tired of reacting to attack, and now looking for action and adventure, they set up an ambush of their own, effectively checkmating the rogue Chinese plans. The leader of the rogues, having lost face and position in the Chinese hierarchy, plans a personal coup using former Spetsnaz mercenaries. With the help of a former SBS man Adam, who had worked with and against Spetsnaz forces, the friends survive and Lin Hang the Chinese leader suffers defeat.
Donny Weson & Abby Marshall # 3....
A Thrill A Minute
They are back! Fresh from their drama-filled action adventure excursion to the United States, Abby Marshall and Donny Weston look forward to once again taking up their studies at the University. Each of them is looking forward to the calm life of a University student without the threat of being murdered. Ah, the serene life.... that is the thing. But that doesn't last long. It is only a few weeks before our adventuresome young lovers find that the calm, quiet routine of University life is boring beyond belief and both are filled with yearning for the fast-paced action adventure of their prior experiences. It isn't long before trouble finds the couple and they welcome it with open arms, but perhaps this time they have underestimated the opposition. Feeling excitement once again, the two youths arm themselves and leapt into the fray. The fight was on and no holds barred!
Once again O’Neil takes us into the action filled world of mystery and suspense, action and adventure, romance and peril.
Donny Weston & Abby Marshall # 4....
It’s Just One Thing After Another
Fresh from their victory over the European Mafia, our two young adults in love, Abby Marshall and Donny Weston, are rewarded with an all-expense-paid trip to the United States. But, as our young couple discover, there is no free lunch and the price they will have to pay for their "free" tour may be more than they can afford to pay, in this action adventure thriller. Even so, with the help of a few friends and some former enemies, the valiant young duo face danger once again with firm resolve and iron spirit, but will that be sufficient in face of the odds that are stacked against them?
And is their friend and benefactor actually a friend or is he on the other side? The two young adults look at this man of mystery and suspense with a bit of caution. Action, adventure and romance abound in this, the latest escapades of Britain’s dynamic young couple.
Donny Weston & Abby Marshall # 5
What Goes Around...
Just when it seems that our two young heroes, Donny Weston and Abby Marshall are able to return to the University to complete their studies, fate decides to play another turn as once again the two young lovers come under attack, this time from a most unsuspected source. It appears that not even the majestic powers of the British Intelligence Service will be enough to rescue the beleaguered duo and they will have to survive through their own skills. In the continuing action adventure thriller, two young adults must solve the mystery that faces them to determine who is trying to kill them. The suspense is chilling, the action and adventure stimulating. Finding togetherness even among the onslaughts, Donny and Abby also find remarkable friends who offer their assistance; but will even that be enough to overcome the determined enemy?
Donny Weston & Abby Marshall # 6
Without Prejudice
Donny Weston and Abby Marshall, on their way to park their beloved boat Swallow in Malta to be ready for the summer, encounter the schooner Speedwell at La Rochelle, where problems arise for Commander Will and his wife Mary Pleasance. Tom Hardy and Lotte Compton, both from the Speedwell join forces with Donny and Abby to oppose the threats to the Commander. From Valetta the four follow up the threat, only to find themselves faced with a plot to use a famous mercenary in an assassination that will rock the foundations of the Euro community, and the western world. Backed by Russia and with the tacit approval of the head of MI6, a rogue CIA operative has set things up for a public shooting at a Euro summit.
The four foil the plot and the assassination fails, but ironically the CIA agent, is credited with foiling the coup and promoted. He wants revenge, and comes after the four with blood in his eye and his guns loaded. The outcome is decided in a action-packed shoot-out in high speed boats in the cold waters of the Thames estuary.
Borders
Sea Adventures
Better The Day
From the W.E.B. Griffin of the United Kingdom, David O’Neil, a exciting saga of romance, action, adventure, mystery and suspense as Peter Murray and his brother officers in Coastal Forces face overwhelming odds fighting German E-boats, the German Navy and the Luftwaffe in action in the Channel, the Mediterranean, Norway and the Baltic – where there is conflict with the Soviet Allies. This action-packed story of daring and adventure finally follows Peter Murray to the Pacific where he faces Kamikaze action with the U.S. Fleet.
Distant Gunfire
“Boarder s Away!” Serving as an officer on a British frigate at the time of the French Emperor Napoleon is not the safest occupation, but could be a most profitable one. Robert Graham, rising from the ranks to become the Captain of a British battleship by virtue of his dauntless leadership, displayed under enemy fire, finds himself a wealthy man as the capture of enemy ships resulted in rich rewards. Action and adventure is the word of the day, as battle after battle rages across the turbulent waters and seas as the valiant British Royal Navy fights to stem the onslaught of the mighty French Army and Navy. Mystery and suspense abound as inserting and collecting spy agent after spy agent is executed. The threat of imminent death makes romance and romantic interludes all the sweeter, and the suspense of waiting for a love one to return even more traumatic. Captain Graham, with his loyal following of sailors and marines, takes prize ship after prize ship, thwart plot after diabolical plot, and finds romance when he least expects it. To his amazement and joy, he finds himself being knighted by the King of England. The good life is his, now all he has to do is to live long enough to enjoy it. A rollicking good tale of sea action and swashbuckling adventures.
Sailing Orders
For those awaiting another naval story of the 18/19th century, then this is it. Following the life of an abandoned 13 year old who by chance is instrumental in saving a family from robbery and worse. Taken in by the naval Captain Bowers he is placed as a midshipman in his benefactor’s ship. From that time onward with the increasing demands of the conflict with France, Martin Forrest grows up fast. The relationship with his benefactors family is formalised when he is adopted by them and has a home once more. Romance with Jennifer the Captains ward links him ever closer to the family.
Meanwhile he serves in the West Indies where good fortune results in his gaining considerable wealth personally. With promotion and command he is able to marry and reclaim his birth-right, stolen from him by his step-mother and her lover.
The mysterious (call me merely Mr Smith) involves Martin in more activity in the shadowy world of the secret agents. Mainly a question of lifting and placing of people, his involvement becomes more complex as time goes on. A cruise to India consolidates his position and rank with the successful capture of prizes when returning convoying East-Indiamen. His rise to Post rank is followed by a series of events, that sadly culminate in family tragedy.
While still young Martin Forrest-Bowers faces and empty future, though merely Mr Smith has requested h
is services????
Adventure thrillers
Minding the Store
O'Neil scores again! Often favorably compared to America's W.E.B. Griffin and to U.K.'s Ian Fleming, and fresh from his best-selling action adventure, "Distant Gunfire," O'Neil finds excitement and action in the New York garment district. The department store industry becomes the target of take-over by organized crime in their quest for money-laundering outlets. It would seem that no department store executive is a match for vicious criminals, however, David Freemantle, heir to the Freemantle fortune and Managing Director of America's most prestigious department store is no ordinary department store executive and the team of ex-military specialists he has assembled contains no ordinary store security personnel. Armed invasions are met with swift retaliation; kidnapping and rape attempts are met with fatal consequences as the Mafia and their foreign cohorts learn that not all ordinary citizens are helpless, and that evil force can be met with superior force in O'Neil's latest thriller of adventure and action, romance and suspense, mystery and mayhem that willl have the reader on the edge of his seat until the last breath-taking word.