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Best Blood
by Raymond M. Simmons
399 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #03-1124; ISBN 1-4120-0756-9; US$30.50, C$35.00, EUR25.00, £17.50
This is a moving drama, with endless twists, which serve up a recipe of strained emotional relations, and strange family ties, which are intensified by the mysterious murder of a controversial group*s abrasive leader. Set in the modern south, where old fashion attitudes, manipulate the workings of public opinions and political machinery, while maintaining old traditions.
Lamont Savage was proud, hard working and poor, and now stood to become wealthy, if he was willing to make a sacrifice for the wealthy proud neglectful father, whom he had come to hate. The two must put aside their personal differences and work as a team in order to overcome an elaborate con game, a blackmail scheme and the results of an interracial relationship, that sets the stage for a complicated murder trial. Even then, the outcome of such uncontrollable circumstances remains dubious at best.
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About the Book About the Author Table of Contents or Excerpts Catalogue Information
The story of Lamont Savage, the long neglected son of Billionare, Jake Cooper, who only became considerate and attentive to him bcause he could afford the remedy to his other son's life threatening condition. Now Jake must turn to Lamont, the forgotten son, in order to save Jake Jr., his beloved pride and joy. Ironically the salvation of Jake's entire dysfunctional family depended on his ignored, forgotten son, and whether or not he had the capacity to set aside his hatred and learn to forgive.
About the Book
Lamont's hatred for Jake increased when he learned that his own recent misfortunes had been manipulated through the deceptive orchesstration of Jake, in order to create a situation that would limit Lamont's choices. Lamont was determined not to let Jake Cooper have his way, but disruptive circumstances forced him into a bizarre contract, which left him twisted, confused and feeling more despicable about himself than he did about Jake.
His stubborn and fearless actions affected all those things in his life, directly and indirectly. Lamont's unknown siblings, Cheryl, Anne, Ruth and Jake Jr., as well as his ex-girlfriend, Feclicia, and his best friend Hal, become potential victims of vicious circumstances, and notorious relentless men who are determined to reap the rewards of Jake's fortunes, regardless of the costs. Surrounded by helpless victims, incompetent police officers and hopeless losers, Lamont's life transofrms to an inescapable nightmare.
This poignant action, and mysterious drama about Lamont and Jake will constantly compel you to turn the page and frequently reward you with exciting new plot developments that will leave you wondering and rooting for both men to the final page.
About the Author
Ray Simmons was born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia and New Jersey. He entered the Air Force and served four years. The author attended college under the GI Bill and received an Associate Degree in Accounting. Ray Simmon's hobbies include reading, painting and trying to learn to play the piano. He lives with his wife and two children.
Table of Contents or Excerpts
Lamont hunched his shoulders. "That's a shame, man and I feel sorry for the poor guy. But what has this got to do with me? What does your client think I can do?" Lamont shrugged. "I'm no doctor.""I'm coming to that. My client has information that shows him that you have the same blood type, and very similar DNA as his son. In other words, he's sure that you are closely compatible to his son, and he's prepared to offer you a sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for your help. That's a small fortune Mr. Savage and you could do a lot of things with so much money."
"Are you saying what I think you're saying? Are you suggesting that I sell one of my kidney's to your anonymous client?" Preston was more nervous, as he gauged the look of anger on Lamont's face. Perhaps he had not been as delicate as he could have. "I wouldn't put it like that Mr. Savage. I'm merely here to offer you a proposition that will not only make you well off, but will gives you a chance to save a young man's life."
Lamont couldn't believe what was happening. After all, it wasn't everyday that a stranger knocked on his door, and literally offered to buy a piece of him. More questions formed, as he observed this man closer than before. How could this stranger enter his home, and speak so causally of something so serious? "Is this a practical joke or something? Did Hal send you here?"
Preston gave him an indignant look. "Trust me this is no joke. And I never heard of any one name Hal."
"Mr. Preston, you got a lot of nerve, I'll give you that. First of all I don't know who you really are, or how you got my address, or how your client would even know that I'm compatible with his son. Lamont stood and moved silently around to the window and peered through the blinds. "Is this client of yours having me watched or something?" "No of course not," Preston lied, hoping that Lamont didn't detect his uneasiness. "We were desperate and we simply accessed the computer medical data banks, searching for a match for my client's son. Your name came up as the most likely compatible."
That was only part of the truth. In reality, Preston knew that Lamont had been chosen in the first place because he is Jake's illegitimate son. However, Jake was firm about not revealing this information under any circumstances. Jake had gathered all the medical information on Lamont, right after JJ took a turn for the worst. He then hatched this plan to bargain for Lamont's kidney, a few weeks earlier. He knew that eventually, Lamont would probably find out, but hopefully, after the transplant operation.
Lamont had a strange feeling about this. "Why me? Even if I am compatible, what makes you think I would give up one of my precious organs to a stranger, just for money? That would mean I'd only have one kidney. What if something happened to my kidney? Who's gonna donate a kidney for me? I don't have a rich daddy to buy me another. Something doesn't sound right here. Why doesn't the father give one of his kidneys? A relative had more of a chance to be compatible than a stranger. Is he an only child or something? Doesn't this man have brothers, or sisters or cousins?"
"No he doesn't." Preston found it easier to lie now. "He's an only child, the father was not a match and the mother is dead. There are no close relatives." Preston paused and gave a sigh. "Mr. Savage, I can understand why you have so many questions, but believe me you have been singled out as the perfect match, and this boy is going to die if you don't come forth and help him. My client is begging you Mr. Savage. Please help his boy."
Lamont sighed. "Look, Mr. Preston, I really feel for the guy, but I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do. I'm sure that computer came up with some other names besides mine. There's got to be some one else, somewhere. Try some of them, I'm sure there are lots of guys out there who would jump on such a generous offer, I'm just not one of them.
"There's something about the whole idea that just doesn't appeal to me. I can't see going through that for a complete stranger, no matter how sympathetic I might feel for him. I can't see having a chunk of myself cut out to give to a stranger. Call that what you want, but that's the way I feel."
Preston was losing him, and felt desperate now. "Okay Mr. Savage, I have been authorized to give you five hundred thousand and that's double my original offer. What do you say to that?" He looked around the modestly furnished apartment. "That could go a long way. You could buy a lot of things with so much money." Lamont was visible angry. "Mr. Preston, you think I'm trying to bargain with you? You rich jerks are all alike. You think that everything and every one can be bought. This is not an auction and my kidney is not an item up for bid. I think you better leave now."
"But I'm trying to help you Mr. Savage. God knows you could use the money for your tuit..." Lamont was suddenly attentive. "What? What did you say?" Preston realized that he made a slip and tried to cover his mistake.
"I said you could always use the money."
Lamont studied him for only a few seconds, but it seemed like an hour. "I think you should go back to your client and tell him this fish is not biting, and to try another pond." He moved to the door and opened it. "Have a nice day Mr. Preston."
Preston picked up his brief case and moved slowly to the door. Everybody loves money, and he refused to believe that Lamont Savage was the exception. Especially now that his grant hadn't been approved. Jake had bribed certain people, to make sure Lamont didn't get his grant. Jake's strategy was to put Lamont into a position where he couldn't afford to refuse this offer, but it hadn't worked. How could he turn down so much money? Preston thought. He couldn't believe this was happening, after all the planning. He was authorized to pay Lamont more, but he had tried to negotiate. That was a mistake, his mistake. Now he would forget about bargaining, and offer him what he should have in the beginning. There was no way he would turn it down. He stopped at the threshold, and half turned to Lamont. "Okay Mr. Savage, one million dollars. Think about it. A million dollars tax free and.."
***** Lamont realized that the feel of the gun handle in his palm soothed him, and gave him an instant sense of power and control of the situation. It was up to him just how he would handle it. It was obvious he couldn't start taking shots at these idiots, even though they probably deserved such action. He had to be cool. All of These closet thugs were probably from well to do influential families, who would swear that their sons were well behaved choirboys.
He must prevail with a clear head, and not shoot them down like the animals they were. That could only bring him trouble that he wasn't ready for, or able to handle. These devils had support from those prominent families who were pillars of the community.
He slowed down as if he was going to pull over, and they did the same, assuming that they had convinced him that escape was impossible. Lamont sensed that they had purposely chosen this isolated stretch of road, miles from town, with so little traffic. It provided Mack and his thugs the opportunity to take advantage of them.
***** Once she was in the office, Jake made sure that the door was closed, then he pressed the intercom. "Pam, hold all my calls." He turned to Cheryl with a glare hot enough to melt polar caps. "What the hell are you trying to do? Don*t you ever again pull a stunt like that. This is a business office in case you didn*t know that, and I will have security throw you out of here if I have to." He paused and took a deep breath. "What do you want? Wait I don*t really want to know. Just get out of here, I'm busy running a company."
"Daddy, I'm in trouble." She ignored his indignation and threats, still pleading her case. She didn't care how angry he was right now; he was her only salvation from her financial crisis. "Cheryl, I don't have time for this. And I will get nasty if I have to." He picked up the telephone and pretended to speak to his secretary. He hoped to bluff her out of here. "Pam, get security in my office right now."
"I can't believe this." Cheryl gave him a horrid stare. You're calling security on me? You'd have me thrown out?" She paused and looked into his cold unblinking eyes. "What I'm I suppose to do?" Her voice became apologetic and her eyes were moist. No doubt she was feeling sorry for herself, he thought "I don't have no where else to go, daddy. Why are you doing this?"
Suddenly her face and attitude transformed. The fury in her eyes matched the fury in his, as she met his stare head on. "It's that bitch ain't it?" She pronounced the word bitch with contemptible emphasis, spitting it out. "That jealous wife of yours has never liked me. I know she talked you into abandoning me. I'm your blood, Daddy. She's just some gold digging slut you met in the street. You know that young hoe is just after your damn money." Cheryl was aware of the sunglasses flying off her face, at the same time she glimpsed the blur of his hand, and felt the hot sting on her cheek. Jake had closed the gap between them, and slapped her face before she realized it.
"Don't you dare use that language with me, or refer to my wife in those vulgar terms. Don't blame Candace for your shortcomings. Look at you." His mouth twisted in a snarl, as he made a gesture of looking her up and down. "You're pitiful, a disgrace. A loser. You come in here wearing your expensive clothes, and all made up and for what? A job interview? Oh no. You're dressed to beg. That's because you and that excuse for a man you married don't have the gumption to get off your shiftless duffs, and earn an honest living. I warned you about that good for nothing piece of crap, but you refused to heed. You want to talk about gold diggers, take a good look at that husband of yours. Then take a look in the mirror. You want to blame some one because you can't get your life together? Blame yourself and that sorry excuse for a man you picked for a mate.
Catalogue Information
