Character Interview: Harry from Graham Smith's "Harry Charters Chronicles"
Please welcome today Graham Smith and Harry Charters, from Harry Charters Chronicles. I'd like to thank Graham for giving me the chance to write a little bit about a big-shoulder broad in his hard-boiled world!
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I was dumping the empty bourbon bottle into the trash can beside my desk when the door opens and in walks 5'10″ of long-legged blonde. She looks thoroughly around the room before removing her sunglasses. "Harry Charters?"
"Yeah, that's me."
She folds herself into a chair, stretching out her slender calves, delicately crossed at the ankles. "I hear that you're a man who is willing to go a little… beyond the usual efforts for a case."
"Ain't too many people would share that information. Tell me who told you so I can pay them a visit."
"I don't think that's the issue here, Mr Charters, but if it puts your mind at rest all I've heard were rumours. Your reaction, or should I say over-reaction, confirms what I heard about what you did for the girls at the dock. At least, I heard what's been said about it." She tilts her head, a pointed look in her blue eyes. She doesn't look like she's going to say how she heard about it, but she seems to be telling the truth.
Taking the last bottle of bourbon from the case in the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet, I refill my glass and after a quick search find a clean one into. I pour three fingers which I give to the dame.
"Don't go believin' all the bad stuff you been hearing about me."
"Who said it was bad?" She was a cool one, I'll give her that.
"All I do is solve the cases. If I have to defend myself and my clients then that's what I do. I've been called a vigilante, a mercenary and an assassin. I ain't none of those things, and to me those are just words dumb folk use to describe things they don't understand."
She inhales slowly, deliberately. "Is it the right case, or just the money that compels you to such… extraordinary lengths?"
"Anyone who came in here trying to hire me to hurt someone or kill for them would get thrown out on their ass. I deal with things as they come up. I don't go planning on hurting people, it just kinda happens when they cross me."
She gives me a full length coat of looking at before pushing me further, "So if the case and money don't dictate your actions, then what does?"
"Conscience and the moral satisfaction of seeing justice done. When I see bums and punks running round acting like big shots and hurtin' ordinary folks then I take the time to show 'em the error of their ways."
Taking out a cigarette, she lights it like she has all the time in the world. "And just how far would you be willing to go, if it was called for?"
"Ain't no way a law abiding man can answer that without putting his ass in Ol' Sparky. Let's just say that I've been in fights for my life and I'm still here."
"Well then, Mr. Charters," she takes a long drag, "I have a job I'd like to hire you for…"
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Author Bio: Graham Smith is married with a young son. A time served joiner he has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. For the last eleven years he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland. An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton's Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer for the well respected review site Crimesquad.com for over two years. As well as reviewing for Crimesquad.com Graham has also interviewed such stellar names as David Baldacci, Jeffrey Deaver, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Matt Hilton, current CWA Chair Peter James, Mark Billingham and many others. When not working, his time is spent reading, writing and playing games with his son. He enjoys socialising and spending time with friends and family.
Blog: http://grahamsmithwriter.blogspot.com/
Buy Link: Kindle
