by Steven Henry
“She’s a hooker,” Webb said. “Look at the clothes.”
“What’s that got to do with it?” Jones retorted. “People kill hookers all the time.”
“Prostitutes get knifed or beaten to death,” Webb said. “Not blown away with machine guns. Ten bucks says when we ID this guy, he’s gonna be a mobster.”
“No bet,” Vic said.
“I’ll take some of that action,” Erin said. She was staring at the young face of the woman—more of a girl, really. “I got ten says you’re wrong, sir.”
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Acknowledgments
It’d be nice to be able to say I wrote and published this book all by myself. But the truth is even better. This book exists because of friends, family, and colleagues who believed in the story, and in me.
First, there’s Ben Faroe of Clickworks Press, who has devoted a great deal of time to editing, assisting with promotion, and all the gritty little details of actually getting this book from my brain into your hands. Thank you, Ben and Kristen, for your support.
Thank you to the Burnsville, MN Police Department and their Citizens’ Academy program. Thanks to you, I know a lot more about what it’s like to wear a shield. Stay safe out there. You’re doing a great job!
A big thank-you to my first-draft readers: Carl and Mary Caroline Henry, Dave and Marilyn Lindstrom, and Kira Woodmansee. A first draft is a good start, but it’s a long way from finished. Thank you for your moral support and initial feedback.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t give credit to Shelley Paulson for my author photo. She made me look better on the page than I do in real life.
Particular thanks go to my PI roleplaying group, for your character creation and interactions. This book is based on one of the first of our adventures together. I hope I’ve done well rewriting and adapting it to the page. David Greenfield, Justin Moor, Hilary and Mark Murphy, Bridget Johnson, and Ben Lurie, you made it possible, and you made it fun.
Last on the list, and first in my heart, is my wife Ingrid, who first came up with Erin O’Reilly and brought her to life. You are a constant encouragement and inspiration to me, listening to my rough-copy, brainstorming ideas, and never giving up on me.
About the Author
Steven Henry learned how to read almost before he learned how to walk. Ever since he began reading stories, he wanted to put his own on the page. He lives a very quiet and ordinary life in Minnesota with his wife and dog.
Also by Steven Henry
Ember of Dreams
The Clarion Chronicles, Book One
When magic awakens a long-forgotten folk, a noble lady, a young apprentice, and a solitary blacksmith band together to prevent war and seek understanding between humans and elves.
Lady Kristyn Tremayne – An otherwise unremarkable young lady’s open heart and inquisitive mind reveal a hidden world of magic.
Robert Blackford – A humble harp maker’s apprentice dreams of being a hero.
Master Gabriel Zane – A master blacksmith’s pursuit of perfection leads him to craft an enchanted sword, drawing him out of his isolation and far from his cozy home.
Lord Luthor Carnarvon – A lonely nobleman with a dark past has won the heart of Kristyn’s mother, but at what cost?
Readers love Ember of Dreams
“The more I got to know the characters, the more I liked them. The female lead in particular is a treat to accompany on her journey from ordinary to extraordinary.”
“The author’s deep understanding of his protagonists’ motivations and keen eye for psychological detail make Robert and his companions a likable and memorable cast.”
Learn more at tinyurl.com/emberofdreams.
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“Had me laughing so hard that I had to put it down to catch my breath”
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Learn more at clickworkspress.com/hts01.
The Dream World Collective
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“If you like interesting personalities, hidden depths… and hilarious dialog, this is the book for you.”
“a fun, inspiring read—perfect for a sunny summer day.”
“a heartwarming, feel-good story”
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Death’s Dream Kingdom
Gabriel Blanchard
A young woman of Victorian London has been transformed into a vampire. Can she survive the world of the immortal dead—or perhaps, escape it?
“The wit and humor are as Victorian as the setting… a winsomely vulnerable and tremendously crafted work of art.”
“A dramatic, engaging novel which explores themes of death, love, damnation, and redemption.”
Learn more at clickworkspress.com/ddk.
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