Peter E. Fenton reveals deleted scene from Mann Hunt

****

As I get closer to the release of Mann Hunt on August 29th, I thought I would share some of the process that went into creating the book. During the initial phase of writing, there is a surge of energy. As the book takes shape, the structure and plot of the novel often shifts and something that seemed like a big idea at the time, is pared away so the narrative of the book is a bit more streamlined.

I often keep my cut scenes and shop from them later, but some scenes simply never make the book. This is one such section that was deleted from Mann Hunt. It is rough and ready … unedited, but I put it below for your entertainment … something that few others will see … except for you.

****

****

The Rouge was the place to be seen. Declan thought that if he had to entertain Max Simpson, this would be the place to take him. The prices were out of reason, and the decor—out of this world. Out of his world, at least. He would have been more comfortable at a local pub than this chichi establishment, but it was the destination restaurant in Calgary, and Mrs B had asked if he would show her nephew a special time. This was Max’s first time in Calgary, and she wanted to make it memorable. At least that was the story. But Declan knew better. He could see a setup coming a mile away like it was a fiery comet wearing a tiara. He wondered if Max had figured it out yet.

Mrs B felt that no man could be happy, truly happy, if he was single. Who could you tell your problems to? Who could you make long-term plans with? Who could you fight battles with annoying neighbours with? If you were single…

“But, I’ve got you to help me with life’s problems,” he had told her.

“I’m not going to be around forever. Who will you talk to when I’m gone? You don’t even have a cat,” she’d replied.

“I’ll get a cat. I promise.”

“You can’t snuggle up with a cat and expect anything more than a scratched face.”

Declan liked his single life. He could do what he wanted, go where he wanted, with whomever he wanted. He didn’t have to make plans keeping another man’s needs in mind, trying to work things around his schedule. He was thirty-five and, already, pretty well set in his ways. And he was happy…enough. Or so he told himself.

The problem with his relationships was that they usually went south pretty quickly—often as soon as the novelty of having a live-in sex partner wore off. It was around that time that one started noticing the flaws in the other person. It started small, like when they always left the milk out on the counter, or noticing how loudly they chewed—everything. Even yogourt.

In Declan’s idea of a perfect world, people entering a relationship would have to sign a contract in which they agreed to a mandatory three-year separation after five years. After that, if they still wanted to get together again, they could sign up for another tour of duty. Maybe it would have staved off the problems his parents had faced.

So here he sat, waiting for Max Simpson—Mrs B’s idea of his future husband. Was it too late to find religion and start praying?

It was at that moment that Declan spotted the hostess heading his way, weaving around tables with a handsome man in tow.

Declan quickly assessed the situation. Thirty years old, maybe. Fit. Well dressed—sadly, he probably wasn’t going to be able to convince him that the pub around the corner would be a better choice for dinner after a few drinks here. And he was…nice looking. Not stunning, which was good. He wouldn’t be spending the evening hunting for compliments on how clear his skin was, or how perfect his teeth were—“and I didn’t even have braces!”

As they approached, Declan stood and started to reach out to shake Max’s hand when…they walked by.

To save himself, Declan reached over and fussed with something across the table.

“Declan Hunt?” a voice from nowhere asked.

Declan raised his eyes to find himself face-to-face with—“Max?”

“That’s me. I recognized you from the picture my aunt sent.”

Before him stood a man—probably a few years younger than he was, and a little bit shorter. He was slim and dressed in a nice, comfortable suit.

“I hope I’m dressed alright for this place. I had no idea it would be so fancy.”

“No. You are dressed perfectly. We’re a pretty casual crowd here in Calgary.”

They both sat.

Max seemed…pleasantly normal. He had a gentle smile and a relaxed manner. His face verged on pretty. All of this made him quite attractive to Declan. This evening might not be as hellish as I thought.

With his date settled in and glasses of wine poured, Max asked, “So, I understand you know my aunt.”

“Oh, I know her, alright. She works for me.”

“She’s still working? Aunt Joan’s got to be what—eighty?”

“Not quite. She’s in her very-controlling late sixties.”

“A tough old bird, is she?”

“She keeps me in line, and that’s something my parents never could do. So, I understand this is your first trip to Calgary.”

“Yes. Business usually takes me to London and Frankfurt, but, and don’t spread this around, we’re working out a huge deal with the Alberta Treasury Board,” Max said in a whisper. “We thought it better to meet here rather than Edmonton. Better chance of going unnoticed, if you know what I mean.”

“Definitely.”

Declan had no idea what Max was talking about.

“I’ve never been west of Toronto, other than stop-overs in Vancouver on my way to Singapore. We do a lot of work there.”

Declan was beginning to calculate the point when it would be too rude to ask him exactly what line of work he was in. It was like going out on a third date with a guy and realizing it might be awkward to finally ask him what his last name was.

“Thanks for making time for me. Joan told me what a busy life you have. From the looks of it, a lot of it must be spent at the gym.”

Flirting. This could go well.

“I have my own gym at home.”

“Ooh. That’s handy.”

“And it’s right above my office, so I can get in a workout, shower and be at work in no time.”

“Very handy,” Max said, then smiled.

He is so flirting with me.

Max’s eye’s were large and clear. Their hazel-coloured irises complimented his wavy light-brown hair. Declan was mesmerized by his perfect porcelain skin. It was unflawed—not a crease or pore marked its surface. He’s like an extremely cute vampire, Declan thought.

Their conversation flowed as freely as the wine. Declan talked about all that the Calgary area had to offer. The mountains, the badlands, skiing in the winter, horseback riding in the summer. He had become a Chardonnay-fuelled travel consultant, and Max sat there, transfixed, laughing in all the right places, occasionally reaching to the centre of the table to put his hand on the back of Declan’s when he made a joke. Maybe Mrs B had the right idea, he thought. Having someone in his life like Max might not be such a bad thing.

With dinner over, and Max having snapped up the bill, Declan asked, “Would you like to go and grab a drink someplace?”

He hoped that Max would suggest that they go back to his place.

Max smiled and cocked his head to one side like an eager cocker spaniel. Declan watched him purse his lips and think for a moment.

“Why not. The night is still young. You lead the way.”

“What are you up for?”

“Anywhere, as long as it’s a good place to pick up women. I’m horny as hell and this boy hasn’t had anything for days.”

Declan led the way up the street, reexamining his life choices every step of the way, and trying to think of an appropriate way the break the news to Mrs B that her nephew was, sadly, straight, and the odds of a marital relationship with him looked a little less rosy.

****

****

So that’s a cut scene. To see what DID get left in the book, you’ll have to pick up a copy. The book is currently available in e-book form, and paperback will be available for pre-order in early August.

Mann Hunt will be released by Pride Publishing on August 29th of 2023 and can be pre-ordered by clicking here.