Retribution: Who would you kill to escape your past?

by Diane Demetre

  A flock of low-flying yellow-crested cockatoos lifted in a cloud of wings as the Jeep sped toward them.

  Tracing odd geometric shapes, sheep tracks criss-crossed the grassy hillsides.

  …lined with wisps of spinifex that whispered the details of the passing vehicles.

  The scene when Jessie and Brad arrive at Coodravale is authentic right down to the lopsided sign, the driveway, and the first impressions of the property. It is a glorious place filled with history, charm and a bountiful supply of possibilities for a writer. We stayed for three days in the Garden Wing during which time the plot developed further. John and Rosemary were generous with their time, answering my questions, taking us on walks around the property and ensuring we saw the flying goats. True story, as is the rifle practice scene. In fact, I asked a friend of mine who owns a .308 to teach me how to shoot it, so I could experience what Jessie does in the story. I posted the clip from this fun bit of research on 23 September 2016 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dianedemetreauthor In fact, I kept the spent casings and shooting target from that day as souvenirs. Again, here are some of the notes, I jotted down after that experience as I tried to steady my trembling hands…

  Holding a lethal weapon in my hands sent distress signals to my brain

  Even with earmuffs, the sound of a single gunshot was unexpectedly loud

  After firing the rifle, I wanted to be rid of it, to return to my peaceful self

  Then there is the antagonist, Skip Norton. On purpose, I switched POV for his scenes as I wanted you, the reader, to be in his head. What a delight he was to write. I know that sounds odd, but he appeared so clearly in my mind, I felt I knew him. As his past grew into the sordid history it ended up being, I was repulsed by Skip’s behaviours, while feeling great sympathy for him because of his horrendous childhood. Once he became fully formed, I went on the research trail as to his personality type. It seems Skip is a violent malignant narcissist. The statement Angel makes about most murderers, rapists and violent offenders being made is based on current psychology. What a child experiences in their formative years fashions their adulthood. And if you’re a dog owner like me, you know that your dog is probably the best judge of character you could have. Beware of who your dog dislikes.

  The Wee Jasper Caves proved to be the perfect place for Skip’s lair. These amazing limestone caverns tunnel under the earth for miles and are spectacular. The owner of Carey’s Cave, a cracking bloke named Geoff Kell, took us on a private tour. He regaled us with all the details I needed. He even turned off all the lights, sending the caves into pitch blackness. It was too spooky for words. It proved a dramatic and major turning point in Jessie’s journey. If you’re ever in this part of Australia, put these caves on your must-see list. And say hello to Geoff for me http://www.weejaspercaves.com/

  In summary, Retribution is about the abuse Jessie, Brad and Skip experienced in their childhoods, whether physically, sexually, emotionally, mentally or a combination of all. Brad’s father blamed him for Tony’s death, Jessie’s Uncle Frank molested her (this is based on a true story of a friend of mine) and we all know what Skip went through with his crazy mother. I wanted to explore how these harrowing events colour people’s lives, affect their futures and the decisions they make. Then there is the guilt…of Ken who could never prove his suspicions, of Father Conlon who could never break his vows, of Frank who eventually showed signs of remorse, of Joanna for being too tough on Jessie, of Brad over Tony’s, Rachael’s and Tiffany’s death, and the list goes on. Guilt from the past is interwoven in just about every character in the story. If you reread Retribution you will probably notice it, quietly gnawing away at the story.

  Then I needed a provocative headline for the book cover. It is a question few of us consider. Who would you kill to escape your past? What decision would you make if you were pushed to the edge? Would you choose good or evil? This is the ultimate choice my characters had to face when confronting their pasts—to either choose for redemption or retribution. In the end, their choices fashioned their futures, as do the decisions we make every day in our lives.

  I hoped you’ve enjoyed reading Retribution as much as I did writing it.

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