C.G. Cooper's Blog, page 6

A New Corps Justice Novel Cometh...

Lethal Misconduct
First, a big thanks to everyone who's purchased a copy of Lethal Misconduct this month. It's doing fantastic on Amazon. That would not have happened without you. If you don't have a copy yet, or haven't had a chance to leave a review, here's the link: http://amzn.to/1yjB9e0.

Moral Imperative
The Novels Live team and I have been hard at work on Moral Imperative. The first draft will be done by next Friday, the 26th. Expect the novel to be published right around the middle of October. It's been a lot of fun, and I think you're really going to like it. ISIS beware...
Reviews
Thanks to everyone who spent the time to leave a review for one of my books. You don't know how much they mean to me and they really help the series grow.
End of The Year Plans
I can't believe it's almost October. 2015 is right around the corner. But don't worry, that doesn't mean I'll be sitting around drinking Famous Grouse and eating bonbons. Disavowed will be the final novel published in 2014. Help kick me in the ass so I can get it out before Christmas.
Next Year
Due to the continued success of the Corps Justice series, I am fully committed to bringing you as many new novels as you can handle. That means next year is going to be busy. I'm planning eight to ten new novels in 2015 alone.

Ambitious? Yes.
Doable? Totally.

I'd love to know what else you'd like to see from Cal and the gang. What things are happening in the world that you want to see resolved? Feel free to let me know via email or in the COMMENTS section of this post.

Thanks again for everything, and have a fantastic weekend.

Semper Fidelis,
  CGC

This REALLY Got Me Riled Up...

I don't know how much you follow the news. I can't stand watching it, but I do read it online. Have you seen the reports coming in from Iraq about the ISIS and the swath of destruction they're leaving? Conquering? Beheading? Murder? It's pissing me off.
You know me. I usually try to give every side of the political spectrum a fair shake, but this time I've had enough. Since I can't pick up a rifle and swim to the desert, I'm going to write about it. It's all I can think to do.  It's time for Cal and the gang to take their rodeo overseas...

This is where you come in.

I'm going to write this novel LIVE and it starts now. That means that in addition to the other novel I'm writing, I will also be writing one chapter every day for the LIVE novel. This will become a full length published novel.

I'd love for you to be involved and give me feedback as I go. It'll be raw and unedited, but fueled by the news coming in from overseas.

Here's your chance. If you're pissed about what ISIS is doing, or just want to read more of my stuff, help me with the new novel by joining HERE.

The first thing I'll need help with: coming up with a title for the book.

Submit your ideas for the book title in the COMMENTS section below.

Once I have the title I'll get a cover designed. You'll be there every step of the way.

Like the choose your own adventure drill we had a couple months back, you will only be part of the project if you subscribe HERE.

I'll say that again: if you are on the main Corps Justice list you WILL NOT be getting the LIVE updates. So if you want to wait for the finished novel, don't do anything. Totally cool.

So what do you say? Are you in?

Semper Fidelis,
   CGC


Need that link again? Here it is: http://forms.aweber.com/form/38/1878681338.htm

Here We Go, Team

Box Set (Books 1-3) Free
CLICK to Download I've built my readership with the help of book giveaways. I'm happy to do it because I want a rabid team who loves Corps Justice novels.

To that end, I've changed the first three book box set price to FREE to see how far we can grow the family. Help me spread the word by sharing them with your friends and downloading a copy for yourself.

Get your own FREE copy and submit a review by clicking HERE to help me push the box set higher in Amazon's rankings. Thanks in advance!
The Big Push
Now begins the big second half of the year push. Here's what I'm planning as far as new releases:
Lethal Misconduct (Late August/Early September)Disavowed (October Release)Title To Be Determined (Late December Release)
Amazing Ideas
I asked and you delivered. In my last update I mentioned wanting your ideas for upcoming novels. Without giving anything away, I think the combined power of the group gave me kindling to fire up at least four new installments for next year.

If you haven't chimed in, feel free to do so by clicking HERE.
Reviews Needed

If you read and liked National Burden, I'd love help with some more reviews. As of today, there are 21 reviews on Amazon. Let's see how high we can boost that number. If you have a second, tell the world how much you liked it by clicking HERE.
The Books In Order
Some of you who are new to the Corps Justice family have asked what order to read my books in, so here's the list in chronological order (click on the titles to be redirected to the Amazon purchase page):

Back to WarCouncil of PatriotsPrime AssetPresidential ShiftNational Burden
Prequels:
Adrift
Short Stories:
God-SpeedRunning Wanna say hello? Feel free to contact me HERE. I reply to all emails...

Semper Fidelis,
   CGC

Exciting Series News

Upcoming Releases


I'm hard at work on Lethal Misconduct. Look for an August release after a much needed R&R trip where I'll be sippin' and fishin' with some of my closest friends. Here's the new cover for the next, next Corps Justice installment, Disavowed. Basic premise: Cal's best friend, Marine Capt. "Andy" Andrews, is on loan to the CIA and gets nabbed by the enemy in Afghanistan. Disavowed by the CIA and the Marine Corps, Cal's the only one left who can save his friend. Lots of battles coming in this one.


After the two books listed above, I'll have time to write one more novel to finish out the year. Tell me below what you think it should be about. The winner gets bragging rights and a shout out in the book.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool. Back To War To Be A Graphic Novel!
I'm really excited about this. Every since I was a kid I wanted to draw cartoons. Too bad I never picked up that gift. Stick figures and terrain models were more my thing.

Luckily I met two very talented artists who've tackled the insane challenge of adapting Back to War into a graphic novel. When I'm saying these guys are amazingly talented I'm not exaggerating.

They're shooting for a December 2014 release, and as we get closer I'll introduce you to them. You guys get to get an advanced sneak peek of some of their work. Take a look at some of my favorites:
Cal Stokes Master Sergeant Willy Trent Dante West sketch Neil Patel Dante West and recruit Shorty Interview With Author Steven Konkoly

Some of you may have read some of Steven Konkoly's work. He's a former Navy guy who's tackling some awesome stories. Check out the quick interview I did with him HERE.
Have any parting thoughts? Let me know by replying in the COMMENTS section or via email.

Semper Fidelis,
   CGC
>> Buy the rest of my books HERE <<

Let's Celebrate The Fourth Together

Tomorrow is the 4th of July where, in America, we celebrate Independence Day. It's a time for remembering our history and celebrating with copious amounts of hot dogs and beer alongside friends and family.
photo credit: DaveLawler via photopin cc For those who've served, it's a time to remember old comrades and shed a few proud tears at the sound of our national anthem. You don't have to be an American to know the feeling you get when your nation's flag is raised, and for a moment you pause to reflect what it means to you.

This Independence Day I'd like to say how proud I am to be surrounded by patriots like you. We come from around the world, but we've joined together as a team, maybe even a family.

Every time I get an email from one of you, and we spend a few minutes swapping sea stories, it takes me back to my time in the Marine Corps when I felt like I could take over the world. I feel that way again, and it's only been because of your unwavering support.

With your help, I want to make Corps Justice a brand that is recognized around the globe as one that stands for patriotism and outstanding heroes. We don't have enough heroes in the world. This 4th of July, YOU are one of mine.

Semper Fidelis,
 C. G. Cooper

P.S. Thanks to you guys National Burden is climbing the charts on Amazon.

P.P.S If you haven't had a chance to submit a review for National Burden, feel free to do so here: http://amzn.com/B00L2X37QS

P.P.P.S Thought you might like to get a little taste of Lethal Misconduct below.
"Lethal Misconduct" Excerpt
(WARNING: SUPER DUPER LIGHTLY PROOFED AND EDITED. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...)
Coming Aug/Sept 2014 Chapter 1
North Florida Regional Medical Center
Gainesville, Florida
7:00am, April 6th

He walked with a practiced air, looking perfectly at home in his blue scrubs and well worn camouflage patterned scrub cap. Hospital staff were too busy with morning turnover and rounds to notice him. Besides, he looked like any number of surgeons, trim, serious, all business.

It hadn’t been hard getting into the most secure halls of the hospital. He’d been in too many to count and knew the level of deference given to doctors. He was a doctor, after all, just not a physician currently affiliated with any facility within the United States. It wasn’t impossible that someone would stop him, but it had only happened once in his travels. In the end, he’d reluctantly aborted that mission.
Finding patients was the easy part. Selecting the right one was tricky considering his dwindling supply. Success was paramount. What he wouldn’t give for access to his old lab. But that was impossible.

He ignored the bored look of a sleepy nurse and grabbed a chart from a metal rack. It wasn’t his first trip into the ward. He’d had to find his target beforehand, had to make sure the patient fit the profile. Failure would not be tolerated. He wouldn’t allow it.

Examining the chart as he walked, the intruder scanned the notes confirming his own determination. Diagnosed weeks earlier. Cancer. Terminal. According to her physician’s scribbled notes, she’d been told, but didn’t believe she was dying.

He opened the door to Room 307 after knocking lightly. “Hello?” Came the sleepy voice from inside and slight creaking of the hospital bed.
The doctor switched on the light inhaling the smell he’d come to associate with impending death, antiseptic cleaning solutions and a forced cleanliness.

“How are you feeling this morning, Mrs. Miller?” he asked, still studying the chart, careful not to make direct eye contact.
“Better, doctor. I really think the radiation is working.” Mrs. Miller squinted. “I’m sorry, are you one of my doctors?”

“Not really. Doctor Peterson is an old friend. He wanted me to stop by and have a look at your progress. Just trying to go the extra mile.”

Mrs. Miller nodded, relaxing. “That’s very kind of you, doctor.”

“It’s my pleasure, Mrs. Miller. Now, feel free to get back to sleep if you’d like. I’m just going to do a quick check on all these beeping things over here and then I’ll get out of your hair.”

Mrs. Miller smiled sleepily, her once round face now tightening around her cheekbones. According to her records, she’d already lost sixty pounds.

Turning away from the patient, the doctor pretended to be checking the array of monitors behind the bed. Once he knew Mrs. Miller was no longer looking, he slipped a capped syringe out of his pants pocket. It took less than twenty seconds to inject the solution into the IV line that was providing Mrs. Miller with a slow drip of saline and electrolytes.

He recapped the syringe and replaced it in his pocket, stepping around the bed to look down on the patient. Like every time before, he swore there was already a visible change in the patient, but he knew intuitively that it would take days for the drug to run its course.

Patting the resting woman on her hand, he said, “Hope you feel better soon, Mrs. Miller.”

She nodded with closed eyes and drifted off to sleep as he slipped out the door, now hurrying to leave, his guard up. This was the trickiest part, mostly because his adrenaline raced. He’d been careful to avoid the video cameras, opting for a circuitous route to the ICU.

Not five minutes later, Dr. Hunter Price stepped out of the service exit, the smell of rotting vegetables hitting him from the dumpster sitting askew against the brick wall next to the door. Glancing around, he grabbed the backpack he’d stashed behind the garbage receptacle, quickly slipping on a pair of track pants, windbreaker and stuffing his scrub cap in the bag in exchange for the white Nike running visor.

Price slung the backpack over one shoulder and headed toward the bus stop, knowing he was cutting it close before the next bus arrived. As he stepped to cross the street, still keeping his eyes downcast, he heard a car door shut. Looking up as casually as he could, his gaze locked onto the man standing next to a forest green Ford F-150, his arm resting on the side of the truck bed. He wore a pair of black wraparound sunglasses despite the overcast day. His dark tie and suit and made him look like a Secret Service agent, only with an added hint of menace that seemed to radiate from the man’s placid demeanor.

Dr. Price increased his speed, noticing the man walking in pursuit, stalking like a panther. Fifty yards to go to the bus stop where three nurses stood chatting and puffing away on cigarettes. To his left Price heard the revving of a large engine. The bus was coming.

He could feel the man behind him, closing the gap with his longer strides. How had they found him? He’d been careful, more so than in months past. And yet…

The bus come to a halt and opened its doors for the waiting passengers who hastily took last drags before throwing their still burning cigs on the ground. He was fifty feet from the bus, forty. He waved to the bus driver who motioned for him to hurry up.

He broke into a jog, thankful for the impatient public servant staring at him in annoyance. Dr. Price hopped aboard the bus, handing over his prepaid bus pass, glancing furtively behind him.

“That guy with you?” asked the driver, pointing.

“No, uh, he works for my wife’s lawyer. Trying to serve me papers. Can you step on it?”

The overweight bus driver took a split second to make his decision, closing the doors with a hiss and stepping on the gas just as the man in sunglasses reached to knock on the door.

Dr. Hunter Price breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks.”

“No problem. Just went through a nasty divorce last year. I fucking hate lawyers.”

Price nodded and watched as his shadow passed far behind, still staring at the bus like a statue. Menacing in his posture.

Dr. Price took a seat, his legs shaking, trying to figure out how he could avoid being found in the future. Then again, if he didn’t find a way to replenish his supplies, it wouldn’t matter.

TO BE CONTINUED...

>>BUY THE REST OF MY BOOKS HERE<< If you know of any service members who are currently deployed or otherwise, and looking for a good read, forward them this email and let them snag a free book on me. Here's where to send them:  http://www.corpsjustice.com/start-here.html 

Chapter One of "National Burden"

It's funny what happens when creativity takes over. I thought National Burden was going to be 40,000 words. I'm wrapping up this week and it looks like it'll be closer to 60,000 words. Who knew?
The good news is that I think it's gonna be a good one. Cal, President Zimmer, Travis Haden and Daniel all kicking ass. A bunch more political intrigue because, well, because our political system is so jacked.

The good news is that I've got a little taste for you. Here you go:

National Burden
Chapter 1

(CAUTION: SUPER LIGHTLY PROOFED AND EDITED)

San Pedro Plantation Resort, Riviera Maya
1:30pm, February 15th

The resort was new. In fact, it was even open to the public yet. Mexican laborers could still be heard pounding away, rushing to finish before the hoped for Spring Break rush. Their stay was a perk of the station’s they held. A favor from an a new friend, a developer who owned properties all over coastal Mexico. They wouldn’t be bothered in the elegantly appointed private penthouse on the edge of the resort. 

It was probably only seventy degrees, but to the man sitting in the white plastic chair, the temperature felt stifling. His senses were on edge, catching the whir of the air conditioning, the flip of the overhead fan, the light step of his captor.

“You failed.”

Santos Lockwood squirmed in his seat, the fabric of his patterned board shorts suddenly clinging to his legs. “It’s not my fault. I tried.”

The man at the window turned, casting a shadow across his face. “I can understand how the last president’s departure was not your fault, but I cannot fathom why you couldn’t make yourself useful to Zimmer.”

Lockwood looked up at his old friend, the annoyingly good-looking, perfectly tanned and quaffed Republican congressman from Florida, Antonio McKnight. “Come on, Tony. It happens every time a new administration comes in. Out with the old, in with the new. It was bound to happen some time.” He added a nervous chuckle, hoping his friend would lighten up.

Tony McKnight put a hand on his trim stomach and closed his eyes. “Yes, that happens when there’s a traditional turnover, but Zimmer took over abruptly when your old boss abdicated the throne. From what I hear, Zimmer hasn’t cleaned house, so don’t feed me your line of bullshit. I’ve bailed you out more than once, Santos.” McKnight’s steel blue eyes flared open. It felt to Lockwood like they were burning a hole in his forehead. “I got you that fucking job! You’ve always been a fuckup, even in college. If it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t have made it out of Florida State with a diploma.” As quickly as his temper burst, it melted away with the tropical air, blown by the seventy degree breeze whirring the scent of the newly constructed condo. “Now, tell me why I should even listen to you.”

Lockwood gritted his crooked teeth. He’d always played second fiddle to his playboy friend, but he wasn’t without his worth. Lockwood thought back to the nights spent tracking down his freshman roommate, finally finding him stumbling home from another girl’s dorm room as the sun peaked over the horizon. Nursing him back to health. Dragging him to class.

McKnight’s moves and cunning improved with age, eventually landing him a republican congressional seat in Miami. Lockwood was the liberal, but their half Hispanic heritage always pulled them together.

“I don’t know what to say, I…tell me what you want me to say.”

Congressman McKnight shook his head. “Wrong answer, Santos.” A shrill whistle from McKnight’s lips caused a side door to open. Two deeply tanned hispanics entered the room, faces placidly menacing, almost bored. “You remember my cousins, Felix and Miguel.”

The blood drained from Lockwood’s face. “What are they doing here?”
Antonio McKnight flashed the brilliant smile that had captured many a young girl’s heart and now captivated much of conservative America. To Lockwood it looked more like wolf preparing to strike, stalking its prey. McKnight nodded to the two men, supposedly his cousins, but Santos Lockwood knew differently. Hired thugs.

Before he could react, they had his arms pinned to the glass table. “Let me go!” he yelled, panicking.

Neither man flinched, faces remaining expressionless. McKnight moved to the wet bar. “Now, the way I see it, normally there’s a time for forgiveness and a time for lessons. This may be a time for both.”

Sweat poured from Lockwood’s gray forehead. “Please, Tony, please don’t kill me.” He knew what his old pal was capable of. The friendly facade that the public knew masked a ruthless personality, chiseled and hammered into a vessel of power. His youth having turned him into a duplicitous monster, Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde.

McKnight laughed, turning back to the trio, now holding a long filet knife in his right hand. “If I wanted to kill you you’d already be dead.” He admired the blade, caressing its length with his index finger. “You had a very simple job. Stay close to the President. Did you do that? No.”

“But…”

“Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to give you one last shot, and only because I love you like a brother, and your mom was always nice to me. But if you fail me this time, if you once again forget everything I’ve done for you and for your family…” The wicked grin on McKnight’s face left little doubt in Santos Lockwood’s mind. What had happened to the affable kid he’d met that first sunny day of school on Tallahassee?

Lockwood’s shoulder’s slumped and his chin dropped to his chest. “Tell me what you want me to do.”

“I’ll tell you that later, right now,” Lockwood’s head snapped up at the feel of another grip on his hand. It was McKnight’s. “Now, I need to give you an excuse and a lesson.”

Without warning the razor sharp knife bit into Lockwood’s hand. The smile never left the congressman’s face, even as his friend screamed, he sliced away, blood spraying unceremonious across the table, accompanied by the wild cackle from his friend.  

TO BE CONTINUED...


>>BUY THE REST OF MY BOOKS HERE<<

If you haven't already, I still need reviews for:
Adrift: REVIEW NOW
President Shift: REVIEW NOW

Thanks!
If you know of any service members who are currently deployed or otherwise, and looking for a good read, forward them this email and let them snag a free book on me. Here's where to send them:  http://www.corpsjustice.com/start-here.html

Help Build Corps Justice Stories

I used to love reading Choose Your Own Adventure books. Remember, the ones where you chose what happened next in the story?

I've always wanted to write something similar. Two days ago, it hit me. A lot of you guys keep telling me you want more, more, more. Okay, here it is.

Help choose the adventure. In addition to the full length novels I'm writing, I want to write more.

Here's how it'll work. It could be every day, every other day or every week, I'll write a new passage, anywhere from 200 to 1,000 words. At the end I'll leave a decision/cliffhanger where you get to vote on what happens next.

Here's an example: Cal stepped across the putrid sewer grate, careful to avoid the broken glass in his way. Time was running out. He had two choices, should he A) take a trip through the rank sewer system, or B) take a chance scaling the dilapidated metal building?

Based on your answers, I'll write the next part of the story. I won't know what happens until you tell me.

One more twist: I'll also give you the power to add another option. If I really like it, I'll use your idea instead.

Again, this isn't for everyone. You might not want an email from me every day and that's cool. Only sign up if you want to be part of something new and exciting here at Corps Justice. If I get enough takers, I start on Monday. If this little experiment works, I hope to do it over and over again.

Oh, and did I mention that you'll also be one of the first to get a FREE copy of the finished story? Nice.

If you're in, sign up here--->> http://forms.aweber.com/form/38/18786...

Semper,
CGC

What's The Definition of a Patriot?

Being a patriot means different things to different people. For me, the word "patriot" invokes memories of the American flag, smoky battle in Gettysburg, sweat-stained Marines in Iraq, little kids in a 4th of July parade...

Here's Merriam-Webster's definition of patriot:

patriot: a person who loves and strongly supports or fights for his or her country

photo credit: thor_mark  via photopin cc Military Service Not Required

You don't have to serve in the military to be a patriot. We honor our brothers and sisters on the front lines, patriots shedding blood for our country, but they're not the only patriots.

Let's not forget about the policemen, public servants, wives, husbands, firemen, all patriots, all living an honorable life.

What Makes A Patriot?

The definition above says a patriot is someone who "loves and supports or fights..."

The first element is LOVE. I love my country just as much as readers I've connected to in the U.K. or in Australia do their own. There's nothing better than coming home to the country we hold dear.

The second element is SUPPORT. We don't have to agree with everything that happens in our nation's capitol (trust me, I don't), but we do have to support the overall mission. In America I believe our mission is to spread freedom, inclusion and prosperity throughout the world. Do you agree?

The final element is FIGHTING. How many men and women have died throughout the ages fighting for their countries? We honor them by remembering their sacrifices, by taking care of the loved ones they've left behind.

How Can You Be A Better Patriot?

Define Your Love: Instead of complaining about the crooked politicians and the rising cost of milk, remind yourself about why you're here, why do you love your country?

Help Your Fellow Patriots: You're surrounded by patriots. Open your eyes. Say hello to your neighbor. Buy a soldier a beer. Lend a helping hand.

What else can we do to be better patriots?

Quick Corps Justice Update
Thank you all for spreading the word. Thanks to you March was my best sales month ever. Being able to connect with more and more readers really makes my day.
"National Burden" Chugging Along
As you might've noticed, I upgraded the book cover. Looks pretty good, don't you think?

I'm about halfway through writing the book. Looks like this one's gonna be a little longer than the last two. These damn politicians keep throwing piles of crap at President Zimmer. Good thing he's got Cal and the boys on his side.

In the next update I'll include Chapter 1.

Until next time...

Semper,
CGC

Get All The Corps Justice Novels HERE
photo credit: Old Shoe Woman via photopin cc

"National Burden" Is Coming...And More Corps Justice Updates

Based On Your Votes
Thanks for your votes on the next novel in the Corps Justice series. Based on your feedback, National Burden is in the works. Tentative release date will be sometime in May 2014.
Coming May 2014 What Did You Think?
Hopefully you've had time to read Presidential Shift by now. I've gotten great feedback from some of you. Thank you.

If you haven't written a review yet, I'd love one. Here's the direct link for you: http://amzn.com/B00IFTSTTC Veteran Spotlights
I've had some great conversations with Student Veterans of America, United States War Dog Association and Adventuro-us. Check out the interviews and spread the word about these awesome organizations run by fellow veterans.
With The Editor
Adrift survived Round 1 of proofing and is now with my editor. If all goes to plan, you'll have the new Daniel "Snake Eyes" Briggs installment at the end of March. Here's the first chapter:
Chapter 1 (Unedited)

Your fault. The accusation floated along the edges of my subconscious, teasing me, blaming me, haunting me. I moved to swat the thought away, but my hand smacked into something hard. Wincing, I tried to open my eyes. They felt caked closed, rebelling from the night before.

The smell of must and dirt made their way into my muted senses. Finally cracking my lids open, I saw that I was lying on my side, facing a hay bale. I tried to rise, my stomach lurching at the movement. I closed my eyes again, willing the nausea to subside even as the spike headache stabbed painfully. Where was I?

After a few deep breaths, I eased to my feet, clutching a moldy wood railing for support. Tongue scraping along my parched lips, I looked around, squinting at the bright rays of sunshine streaming in through a crack near the door.

“He’s around here somewhere,” came the shout from the sunlit morning.

“Let’s check in the barn.”

I ducked behind two stacked hay bales just as three figures stepped into the barn, cautiously peering into the relative darkness. As my vision adjusted, I saw that one of the guys, a hulking figure in overalls, had a bandage covering his nose, the next one, almost a twin to his buddy, had his arm wrapped in a sling. The others looking healthy, one sporting a baseball bat, the other a long crowbar. By their appearance, they looked like brothers, or at least cousins.

“You two look behind the hay, I’ll take a look up in the loft,” Mr. Busted Nose whispered harshly.

They’d find me in a second, and I didn’t want to hide.

“You guys looking for me?” I asked innocently, standing up, stretching with a yawn.

Their eyes whipped around at the sound of my voice. “You’ve got some payback coming, boy,” said the leader.

“I’m sure we can talk about this, fellas. Why don’t…” I started as the farmboys cut off my lanes of retreat.

“Ain’t gonna be that easy. You broke my nose and busted Honey’s shoulder. There’s…”

“Wait, his name is Honey?”

Honey’s face turned beet red. “Let me take him, Johnny. I swear he’s…”

“I told you he’s mine,” said Johnny, slowly pulling an old revolver out of his pocket. “Now, it’s up to you whether you just lose your pecker or I fucking kill you.”

I raised my hands, not wanting a fight, wondering if my weakened body would respond to commands. “I don’t want any trouble, why don’t I just walk away before we do something stupid.”

“You shoulda thought of that last night, faggot. Tell you what, I’ll give you a chance. You take my cousins and win, then maybe I’ll let you walk away.”

I looked over at his cousins, noticing the bulbous nose of one and the cauliflower ears of the other. They were fighters. “Let me guess, boxer and wrestler?”

The cousins both smiled wickedly, showing off their yellowed teeth. Surprising they still had them all.

“Doesn’t seem fair to me,” I said. “I’d be happy to pay for…”

Without warning, the boxer cousin charged, swinging his baseball bat, aimed straight at my pounding head. Click.

My mind switched and reflexes took over. Crouching under the lumbering swing, my fist smashed into his groin, his momentum taking him over my right shoulder. One down.

Cousin #2 roared, but came on more tentatively, sobered by the easy takedown of #1. Thwap. Thunk, thwap, came the swings, hitting the elevated hay bales and railing, narrowly missing my dodging body. He was methodical, slowly corralling me into a corner.

The chop came, and I stepped into it, catching his hands overhead, a dribble of tobacco juice seeping out of his grimacing mouth. We struggled there for a moment, knowing that in a straight up strength contest, #2 would win. Not a possibility. I stepped wide with my left foot, swung my right leg behind him, and kicked back, pulled forward with my arms, flipping him over my right hip.

He landed with a thud, barely stunned, but I was on top. Take out the threat, came the order. #2 looked up, eyes wide, seeing the demon in my eyes, hand cocked, ready to deliver the death blow.

“I think that’s enough,” came a deep voice, followed by the rack of a shotgun shell.

I didn’t lift my eyes, still poised to strike, seething.

“Let him go, son,” came the order from whoever had entered the fray.
It took an extended moment. Inside, I uncoiled, easing off my opponent.

“Now look here, Mr. Herndon, this guy attacked us…”

“Let me guess. This happened at Pappy’s last night?”

“Yes, sir. Sent me to the hospital with a broken nose, and Honey with a bum shoulder.”

“Seems like I already heard the story, Johnny. A little bird told me you boys were harassing that pretty little waitress and this kid stepped in. Now, you gonna tell me that didn’t happen?”

Johnny hesitated.

“That’s what I thought. Why don’t you take your cousins on out of here. Enough fun for one day.”

“But Mr….”

“I said, get your tails off my property. I could just as easily call the sheriff for trespassing and assault. Your choice.”

The leader of the redneck band grumbled, but ended up gathering the wounded and headed out the barn door... >>> CLICK HERE BUY THE CORPS JUSTICE NOVELS  <<<

Rolled Sleeves And Other Updates

Rolled Sleeves, It's A Marine Thing
Gen. Gray's official photo with rolled sleeves. Now that's a Marine. I'll keep my opinion of certain senior Marine staff to myself, but I will say that I was very pleased to hear about the Commandant's decision to bring back rolled sleeves. It may sound silly to some of you, but it was part of the culture that I was drawn to before raising my right hand. Tradition.

If you're not a Marine, or you want to brush up on the particulars, here's a Wall Street Journal article on the Marine Corps' decision: http://on.wsj.com/1cWOPzr Adrift Update
Good news for those of you who want more, and don't want to wait long. The rough draft of the Daniel Briggs novel Adrift will be done tomorrow. It tells the story of how our favorite Marine sniper, now home from war (before he meets SSI), lands in a small town and all hell breaks loose when a drunk Briggs tries to do the right thing.

If you all like this book, there will be more exploring the depth of Daniel's pain and struggle with PTSD.  I think you'll like it. Much ass-kicking involved. Tentative launch date will be sometime in March.
The Next Novel
With Adrift off my list tomorrow, next Monday I start a new Corps Justice novel. I have some ideas, but wanted to get your opinion. Voting ends Sunday, so please check out the survey now. Don't worry, there's only one question:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FDN5T6H Sales and Reviews Update
Thanks again to everyone who has read Presidential Shift . Because of your support it's doing very well on Amazon. If you haven't written a review yet, please do so HERE. We've got 15 reviews so far. Let's see how many we can get. More reviews means more readers.
Share, Share, Share
Don't forget to share Corps Justice with your friends. Help me recruit readers to the family...