Lucky: The Lucky Marks Mysteries, #1

By G.W. Pomichter

This homage to the era of classic "Detective Noir" stories is a fun and exciting journey through the streets of L.A. in 1945. Will Marks has just returned home from World War II hoping restart his life as a L.A.P.D. cop, but when civilian life begins to take it's toll, Will is challenged to keep his nose clean and pay his dues.  Near the end of his rope, a case nobody wants, a friend nobody believes and a dame with gams to die for all lead him on a perilous journey of self discovery he will never forget.  Love, lust, and lamentation, travel beside Will "Lucky" Marks down a winding road of intrigue, mystery and murder.  These events collectively conspire to twist the WWII veteran into just another L.A. Story gone bad or transform a war hero into a gritty and great L.A. shamus reminiscent of Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: G.W. Pomichter
• Release date: Jun 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781497486805

G.W. Pomichter

Born Garrett W. Pomichter in upstate NY in 1970, G.W. Pomichter is a graduate of Eastern Florida State College. The U.S. Army Infantry veteran began writing at an early age and published poems in anthologies in his early 20s. His poem, “Coming of Age,” was featured in the anthology, “An Eternity of Beauty.” Following a college internship with The Florida Today newspaper, G.W. Pomichter joined the writing staff at The Hometown News, read along Florida’s Central East coast, where he penned more than 400 byline stories. In his early 40s, G.W. Pomichter began his career as a full-time author. His first published work, a handbook on political campaigning, was a long-time labor of love. Having spent much of his early years politically active, the writer chose to author a collections of common tactical and strategic elements to successful political campaigns, and released “Mapping the Road Less Traveled,” as his inaugural work. Although his background was firmly entrenched in the familiar non-fiction, and technical news reporting style, G.W. Pomichter chose to flex his writing muscles to enter the fiction writing universe with another longtime project that was near to his heart. “Lucky,” a short homage to the classic Detective Noir novels of the 1930s and 1940s, was a project that was born out of his love of the genre and a lamenting of a lack of modest “escapist” stories that simply entertain audiences. “Words do have power. They can change the shape of the world in which we live. But another power that words have is to transport us briefly to a place where, for just a few hours, we can escape our busy lives and enjoy an adventurous journey through the imagination. That is what we call a straight read. It’s a place to set aside the complications of real life. It’s a place where the good guys might still wear white hats and the bad guys, black hats, and where for one fleeting moment all is right, and you return home to pick up the daunting tasks of daily life rested and with a little more enthusiasm.”

Book preview

Chapter 1: Home

It was a cool September morning in 1945.  The War was over.  As the sun rose behind the California Mountains, a lonely bus traveled down the steep rocky California hillside road toward the City of Angels.

Nearly four years ago, Will Marks had just graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy.  He was young.  He was energetic.  He was ready for almost anything. But war soon came to young America, and Will, like so many other energetic young men of just 19-years-old, answered the call to serve.  The tall muscular teen stood in the long line outside the recruiting station, and joined the Army.  He left the life he had, the career he planned and the home he knew behind, not knowing if he’d ever get them back again.

This day, he’s finally come home.

Through the windshield of the bus about a dozen people could be seen seated and slumbering in neat rows behind the bus driver.  The changing morning light reflected off the approaching ocean, and streamed through the windshield touching each of the passengers gently as if welcoming them to the waiting city by the sea.  A few rows behind the driver, the light grazed past an elderly couple still slumbering from the night ride.  There were a few gentlemen in suits clutching heavy sales cases as they struggled to hold on to that last moment of cessation before their journeys’ end.  A young girl traveling alone opened her eyes to the brightening blue hues of light as they poured through the bus, and turned toward an anxious Will seated in the row just in front of her and across the aisle.  She took notice immediately.  He was a Sergeant in the Army.  He was sitting beside a tattered duffle bag he threw onto the seat next to him.  Faded but recognizable letters stenciled onto the heavy bag spelled out MARKS U.S. Army.  Will stared intensely out the window unaware of her gaze. 

The bus stopped just inside the city limits at small café’, where the early morning breakfast crowd had already gathered.  Up the hill, behind the bus were  some of Hollywood’s most famous luxury homes, and the sidewalk leading away from the café was the precipice of the city teaming with life.  Will’s gaze was unbroken, as if far away in a place only he could see.  The girl tapped the soldier on the shoulder, and he flinched abruptly but turned to look over his shoulder toward her and smiled.  He gathered his bag, and placed his service cover on his head and walked toward the front of the bus.  As he cleared the stairs of the bus, he glanced once more over his shoulder at the girl and smiled.  He began to look around the open parking lot of the station, and his smile broadened.  After four long years at war, Lucky was finally home.

Hey Soldier! A voice called out from the mob in front of the café.  The soldier smiled, and laughed lightly.

Hey! Hero!  Will!  Hey there, soldier! another voice rang loudly across the mass.  There amidst the crowd of loved ones greeting one another and hungry restaurant patrons pushing through to the café, two uniformed police officers waved as if to get the soldier’s attention.  He shook his head slightly looking down, embarrassed by the attention the two men had earned.

There he is! That’s our lucky," one exclaimed as his stare met Will’s.

What? You don’t know your old pals anymore? the other decried.  Big war hero now?

Yeah, Yeah, I know you guys, Lucky said laughing as he made his way through the bustling multitude.

Lucky, no longer shrinking from the loud officers, raised his voice, and laughing heralded for passersby and onlookers alike, Look here, Los Angeles’ finest... our everyday heroes! He raised his hands and pointed to his new companions.

People looked and smiled watching as the soldier greeted his police pals.  They exchanged handshakes and the customary embraces of old friends long separated.  It was an obvious welcome home scene as if taken from one of a thousand and one news reels. One of the officers took Lucky’s duffle bag and he and the other officer escorted the young soldier to a nearby squad car. While the officer put the bag into the car trunk, Lucky opened the rear door, and the other officer climbed in.  Lucky opened the front door and settled into the front seat.

Once the driver eased into his seat, he glanced pleasingly at Lucky seated beside him, placed the car in drive and cruised off down the street.  The two officers and Lucky could be seen through the rear window talking and laughing. The officer seated in the backseat handed something to Lucky. It was a badge, and a pistol coupled together between the palms of the men’s hands.

The Sarge said, you can start as soon as you’re ready, the officer told Lucky.  This city knows how to welcome its own back.

As the two men exchanged the kind of silent stoic glances of acknowledgement reserved to that brand of men committed more to action than to any display of warmth or emotion, the car disappeared into the city traffic.

Moments later, the three emerged from the black and white squad car and walked up the steps into the police station. At the top of the stairs, Lucky opened the black glass door, and held it agape for his friends as they entered.

Walking behind his two companions, Lucky could just make out a crowd formed in the station’s large lobby.  Police Sergeant Murphy, a fixture at Precinct 31 for almost 25 years, was sitting behind a circular reception desk. Officers were cheerfully gathered around the area to welcome Lucky home.  It was a party and Will Lucky Marks was the guest of honor.

Lucky, still dressed in his army uniform, smiled with surprise and drew a deep breath as a passing officer slapped him on the back and handed him an open bottle of Cocoa-Cola.  Obviously overwhelmed by the reception, Lucky’s eyes scanned the room, stopping briefly at each jovial face to nod in appreciation. He noticed each detail of the station as if it were his first time being there.  A bulletin board on his right displayed what were obviously the shift schedules listing officers and badge numbers assigned to times and city blocks, while another bulletin board to the left of that one had a series of wanted posters and warrants.

Lucky scanned each of the posters, but his attention was captured and held momentarily as he focused on one in particular.  It was someone’s idea of wartime team spirit: a wanted poster showing Adolf Hitler that someone had written over in heavy black ink, Collared 1945.

Sergeant Murphy reached over Lucky’s right shoulder passed him and grabbed the hand drawn poster, pulling it off the wall.  Distracted by the sergeant, Lucky turned his head toward him, and then back again.

Here ya go pup, he’s all yours, Sergeant Murphy exclaimed with a belly laugh.  So, you’re a full grown war hero... fresh from taking out that slimy son of a gun! 

... Hey Murph, don’t forget that Mousseline character! another officer shouted from the pack.

Sergeant Murphy nodded and smirked sarcastically, glancing over his glasses at the officer.

... That collar is all yours boyo.  That’s not bad for a young pup, Sergeant Murphy exclaimed as he put his arm around Lucky.

Just then, the aged sergeant whispered softly into Lucky’s ear.

Hey, you know, you’re still a rookie around here right boyo? We’ll get you out catching bad guys as soon as you heal, huh!? Just take it easy for a bit, he said.

Before the Sergeant’s soft words could settle into his mind, Lucky’s attention was diverted when he noticed a stout, neatly dressed man leaving the building with a beautiful woman in tow. The man walked through the precinct as if he knew his way around, but Lucky noticed by his expensive suit, he was definitely not a cop—not in those

Reviews for Lucky

[skstiles612 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story starts off with a man waking up. From the picture we see him smiling from his bed and waving to the sun, who waves back. He is a happy man but feels something is missing from his life. He decides to get a dog. He checks several places and finally finds the dog he wants. They have a great time together. One day the dog gets away from him and runs in front of a car. He is hurt. The doctor saves his life but he loses a leg. He has to learn to do the tricks the man taught him all over again. The man lets him know that no matter what he is still the same to him and he still loves him just as much. This is such a simple story to teach kids about disabilities and how just because someone with a disability can't do things the same way you can, doesn't mean they are not a great person to get to know. Wonderful book. Fun and whimsical illustrations.

[autumnblues · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderfully heartwarming and compassionate tale teaches children to see beyond imperfections. The irony of the name of the dog in this story and what happens to "Lucky," first and foremost teaches children that bad things can happen to anyone. How can a dog with the name "Lucky" have this happen to him? With its colorful and simple illustrations I find this book is a good teaching tool in helping children learn that luck is really just a myth and accidents are a product of actions, whether those actions be good or bad. It also helps children look past those with disabilities and not treat them differently because of that disability, whether it be an animal or a human. Setting an early foundation against discrimination and discernment during toddler and preschool years is the best gift a parent or caregiver can give a child. "Lucky" can help teach youngsters how to love unconditionally and also how to be a compassionate pet owner. "Lucky" can also help parents or caregivers teach these lessons before a child may come across a situation where the child is in the presence of a disabled person for the first time, which often leads children to stare or even point at a disabled person, making for an awkward and uncomfortable situation. "Lucky is one of those book that will end up with bent corners and crumpled pages as children will ask parents or caregivers to read it over again and again.

[kristibernard · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lucky is a wonderful dog and great company for a man who was all alone. Together they took walks in the park and Lucky learned cool new doggy tricks. He fetched, begged and sat on command. One day, Lucky darted across the street and was hit by a car. The man rushed Lucky to a pet hospital. It was touch and go for Lucky. The doctor could not save one of his legs. It didn't matter the man loved Lucky more than ever. Together they worked at teaching Lucky his tricks all over again. This time with three legs instead of four. Lucky was better than ever.Lucky is a fun story young readers will love. This is a great way for parents and teachers to start a conversation about pets with disabilities and even kids with disabilities. Lucky can teach young readers that people and pets with disabilities can still do lots of things.

[mom2lnb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lucky is a cute picture book about a spunky little dog who looses a leg in an accident, but doesn't allow his disability to hold him back. The story is a rather simple one and not quite as involved as I was expecting based on the synopsis. It is probably best suited for read-aloud with very young readers, and the easier vocabulary would be perfect for beginning readers as well. In spite of its simplicity, I cannot deny that Lucky conveys a positive message about not giving up when life throws you a curveball, as well as love and acceptance of anyone with a disability, and it does so in an upbeat way. The illustrations are a whimsical compliment to the story. There is a lot going on in the pictures that invites further exploration and interaction. My only complaint is that I wish Lucky's owner had adopted him from a shelter rather than purchasing him from a pet store. I think this would have passed along another subtle message to children about the importance of providing loving homes for all of our homeless animal friends. Overall though, Lucky was a gentle and enjoyable book that should appeal to any little one who loves animal stories.Note: I received a copy of this book from the author via the publicist, Bostick Communications, in exchange for an honest review.

[tarenn_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

LUCKY by Craig Inglis is an delightful children’s book. It is the story of Lucky,is a lovable terrier who is run over and losses a leg. This is the remarks my seven year old granddaughter said “The man said he wanted to have a pet dog. He wanted a Terrier,he named him Lucky. Lucky got run over by a car,and lost his leg.I loved Lucky the dog”. “Lucky”, is a story of physical disablity,determination,challenges and love for your pet. A must read for any animal lover,children,and anyone who loves a wonderful story. Received for an honest review from the author. Details can be found at Createspace and mybookaddictionreviews.wordpress.com. RATING: 5 REVIEWED BY: BK(seven-year old child) POSTED BY: April Renn