DAVID and ANNA, A Trilogy

By Daniel Schorsch

Anna Dempsey, chased by Chicago mob thugs, ducks into David Tanvold’s shop looking for help. They’re strangers but David feels a spark and agrees to help her. Anna, brutally treated by different men has serious personal issues to sort out. David, with three purple hearts also has issue. As they flee across southern Illinois, they find develop mutual trust and respect and open up about things they’ve kept inside for too long. This is a love story about two people who learn they can help each other and in doing so help themselves. In book two, David and Anna are on a train headed for San Francisco. In the middle of Nowhere, Iowa, as Anna calls, it the train they’re on is blown off the track by a Chicago thug bent on revenge. David and Anna find residence at t B&B in Ottumwa, along with Harry Reiman, David’s long time school friend and army buddy. At the B&B Harry meets and falls in love with an exotic Asian woman, Wai Li Xiou. Book three starts with a double wedding, and the two couples go off on a double honeymoon prospecting for gold in British Columbia. While there, they are enlisted by the RCMP to stop an arms and counterfeit money smuggling operation. These are three connected tales of four people who become genuinely devoted to each other. The tales are about love, commitment, trust, respect, tenderness, and honor. There are surprises, and there is humor, but mostly there is love that manifests itself in many different ways.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Schorsch
• Release date: Apr 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781484839065

Daniel Schorsch

About the AuthorDaniel Schorsch is a retired Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, Reactor Engineer, and Attorney. He lives with his wife, Ellen, a pianist, and music teacher, in Waynesboro, Virginia. He is the father of two adult children and has two grandsons. In his first career he was involved in the design and construction of the Navy's first two nuclear surface vessels; the guided missile cruiser, USS Long Beach, CGN-9, and the guided missile frigate, USS Bainbridge, DLG(N)25,CLG(N)25. His second career, as an attorney started at the age of 45. He later became a senior partner in his own firm before retiring.

Book preview

Chapter One

Friday: 2:15 p.m.

"I need help!"

David Tanvold was standing with his back to the front door of his shop when he heard it open. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw a very attractive young woman standing in the doorway, scanning the store. Her black, shoulder length hair, in slight disarray, was in striking contrast to her ivory skin. She was wearing a pearl colored blouse, gray slacks and held a gray purse in her hand. From what David could see, she wore little makeup, but she was really quite lovely without it. She glanced once behind her then, scanned the store again. When she saw David, she started walking rapidly toward him, holding out her hand, palm down. When she reached him, she said with a tense smile, Didn’t anyone tell you it was rude to stare?

David took her hand in his and, at the touch, felt a thrill course through him. She noticed his reaction. He saw, despite her outward appearance of calm, that she was on the verge of tears, and he felt her trembling. I wasn’t staring. he said. I just couldn’t take my eyes off you.

David was the owner of a specialized stationery store and printing shop in Dwight, Illinois, a small town southeast of Chicago. He was 37, a retired Army combat officer with 15 years of service in ‘special operations,’ rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was the recipient of many awards for valor as well as three purple hearts.

Some people would say David was handsome, but not in the Hollywood sense, rugged might be more accurate. His brown hair was tousled and hung down over a high brow. There was a line of white hair running front to back, just above his right ear, the remnants of one of his bullet wounds. He had deep, piercing brown eyes, and chiseled, clean-shaven facial features. His nose was a little out of line from a combat injury, and his mouth was straight except for the slight scar above the upper lip. At six foot two and 200 pounds, David was in excellent condition and kept himself that way through daily exercise. Despite his looks, and his military accomplishments, he was quite modest, humble almost. Today he was dressed in khaki slacks and a rust colored button-down shirt, open at the neck. His shoes were dark brown, spit-shined brogans. He was alone in the store.

The young woman gave David a small, troubled smile, and before he could even introduce himself, she said, I’ll take that as a compliment. Then she said, rapidly, in a hush, her voice shaking, I’m in desperate trouble. There are four men following me. Three are out front. I think the other is in back. I have something they want and they’ll hurt me to get it. Then, I think they’ll kill me. They almost did once before. I’m very frightened. I didn’t know what to do so I came in here. I need help. Can you help me, please?

David made an instant assessment of the girl, noting her struggle to keep her composure even though she was clearly frightened. He also noted the tears forming and her willingness to ask for help, yet at the same time the way she broke the ice with her comment about his staring, told him she was aware of the impression she made on people. In the instant he had to think about it, he realized she was suggesting perhaps, that she was wary of being taken advantage of, and she would use his response to make an initial assessment of him. He hesitated only long enough for his instincts to kick in, responding with military discipline and without asking questions.

To your right is an archway. Just beyond that is a set of stairs leading to the basement. At the foot of the stairs is a door with a key in the lock. Unlock the door, go into the next room, take the key with you and lock the door. Don’t turn the lights on. It’s light enough for you to see. Find a place to hide where you can’t be seen from the door. Do not open the door for anyone but me. Smiling, he said, I’ll say, ‘I’m the rude one,’ so you’ll know it’s me. Go quickly." To himself he wondered, ‘What have you got yourself into Missy?’

She nodded and David watched her for a moment as she turned, walked through the archway and disappeared down the stairs.

Chapter Two

Friday: 2:30 p.m.

"Hey, the boss said to get your ass in here, pronto!"

David’s store, or rather, his father’s store, which he now ran, sold a wide range of high-end stationery supplies; fine writing implements, quality papers and envelopes, calligraphy supplies, antique pens and ink wells, and sometimes antique desks among other unusual things, including a small collection of vintage books, all related to the written and printed word. The printing part of his business was to order, including manuscripts, engraved stationery, diplomas and special certificates, and occasionally limited edition prints for local artists. He was a master of the multicolor printing press in the basement. He also had a large on-line customer base, both domestic and foreign. He ran his business as a ‘one man’ operation, using part time help whenever his backlog looked like it might exceed his limits, or when he needed to be out of town or away from the shop. He was very successful. As a result he was a man of some ‘means.’

The street level included a small but elegant showroom, sales counters, display cabinets, a packing and shipping area near the back door, and his office. In addition to the press, the basement housed the rest of his printing business and some inventory. The store was not large but it was efficiently arranged, attractively decorated and suited his needs perfectly.

As a boy, he often helped his father and learned every facet of the business he loved. When David finished college, his father was still in good health but youthful unrest and the desire to see a little of the world made David think about leaving home, at least for a while. After discussion, it was agreed that David would accept his Army commission from ROTC, learn some additional skills, and broaden his horizons. His childhood friend, Harry Reiman, decided to do the same. It was understood that David would stay in the service until circumstances dictated otherwise. Combat injuries and his father’s onset of cancer made it necessary to return to help the ‘old man.’ By then, David was thirty-four and divorced. He had no children.

Now, David waited, leaning back against one of his sales counters, looking out the front door. He didn’t know what he was facing, but four to one, in the confines of his store didn’t cause him undo alarm. Even if they were armed, he didn’t think they would pull their weapons in broad daylight, and besides, to them he was just a shop keeper. He didn’t think that they would all enter the store at the same time, two maybe, not four. He was thinking about using his phone, when two men entered the store. The first was tall and thin, with a sharp face, blue eyes and graying hair. He was wearing a gray suit, the jacket unbuttoned at the waist, a light blue button-down shirt, a dark blue tie with white and light blue stripes and shiny black wingtip shoes. He was obviously the leader. The second man was more muscular; a henchman. His black leather jacket was also open. Under it he wore a tan tee shirt, tucked into blue jeans. He wore Nikes on his feet. His dark eyes, under a heavy brow, were darting back and forth and he was obviously edgy. This man wore a Yankee’s baseball cap. His hair was black and hung halfway to his shoulders. It was apparent to David, from the bulges under the left arms of both men, that they were right handed and armed.

Hi, said David, greeting them. At the same time, he walked toward them, moving a little to his left and positioning himself so the thin man was between him and the second man. How can I help you? he asked.

The thin man looked at David and said, We saw a young lady come in here a few minutes ago and we would like to speak to her. Is she still here?

I don’t think that’s any of your business, David said calmly.

The thin man moved his left hand a little, brushing back his suit jacket. It was just enough to let David see the gun in its holster. His henchman did the same thing. We saw her come in here, but we didn’t see her leave, said the thin man, so we know she’s here. Get her!

Whether or not she’s here is none of your business, David repeated quietly, so I’m asking you, politely, to please leave.

With that, the thin man slid his right hand into his jacket, reaching for his gun. David’s left hand shot out without warning, straight from the shoulder, with a slight upward movement, palm facing outward, fingers pointing to the ceiling. His palm connected with the thin man’s nose with all the power David could put into it. There was a resounding crack, like a pistol shot. The nose shattered, blood spurted out and gushed down his chin onto his shirt and tie. The blow sent the thin man reeling back into the second thug, knocking him off balance enough to prevent him from drawing his gun. David, taking a step to his right, followed the first blow with a lightning fast right cross to the jaw of the second man. The blow was dead on the point of his chin. Again, there was a crack as the jaw bone shattered. The thug was out before he hit the floor.

Even with blood now streaming from his nose, and with difficulty seeing, the first man was still trying to get to his gun. A quick, sharp kick to his jaw snapped his head backwards, and he, too, was out.

David removed both guns, took a spring loaded stiletto with a four-inch blade from the ‘suit,’ and a set of brass knuckles from the second man. He removed both wallets and put everything in an empty box which he set on the counter. Then, David got some strapping material he used for shipping, and bound the hands and feet of both men, leaving them where they had fallen.

Again David thought of using his phone to summon help, but decided not to. He didn’t yet know what this mess was all about. Involving the police might make