The Sampson Project: The Sampson Project, #1

By Robert Steacy

The Sampson Project

As a scientist and graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, Robert Carlton pressed the limits of medical discovery, harboring secrets that could potentially redefine humanity and the delicate balance of world power. But without warning or provocation, his life was turned upside down, his research stolen, his Fiancé, Natalie Chapman, taken from his life without trace or reason. Did she betray his trust? Was she sent to destroy his life? Or was she only a pawn in a master plan to change the face of mankind?

Robert is unwittingly thrust into a world where nothing is as it appears, and his life seemingly rides on stolen secrets that may have been taken to the grave. Robert’s advisor, Professor Peter Gates, was a prime target by the investigating detectives; ruthless in his drive to exploit his discoveries. His work at the University was impeccable in design, earning him the highest awards for his achievements. But the investigative detective was not convinced. Could he have been a key component of The Sampson Project or just another diversion to keep Robert from the truth?

Secrets are uncovered as the curtain is pulled back on Taylor-Fiennes Industries, revealing the underbelly of a vicious plot to control and violently enhance the normal progression of life. Malicious Plans are undertaken, as the subversive interests of Jeremy Taylor continue to develop capabilities for a super-human race. Scott Benson, Robert’s trusted friend, provides a pathway of discovery to help guide his friend through the myriad of attacks and mistruth’s, allowing Robert the strength to find what he had once lost and expose his enemies before it’s too late. The consistent interweave of intrigue and suspense will drive Robert to the brink of having to choose between life or death… question is, who’s life and who’s death?

The Sampson Project is one of the most exciting mystery novels and suspense stories available in the marketplace today! If you’re looking for a refreshingly new slant on some of the great detective fiction books produced over the years, then look no further. Robert Steacy will take you on a ride across the globe that will mystify you and enchant you, as well as open your heart to new possibilities and adventure. You will lose yourself in Robert’s discovery as he begins to unravel the mystery of Natalie’s disappearance and slowly piece together the complex puzzle that has consumed his life. Captivating and mesmerizing classic thriller novels are few and far between, but this intriguing story will lift you to new heights of fascination.

The Sampson Project is that one great mystery book to catapult you to another place in time; an emotionally intense, heart rending modern gothic mystery thriller about the quest for truth beyond perception; and the man who is determined to save his one true love and reclaim his life from those he once trusted.

Take a Free Peek inside to get a special taste of the intrigue and suspense to come. You will quickly find yourself engulfed in the intense action as the dangerous riddles mount and continually tighten the grip on your senses.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steacy Publishing
• Release date: Jul 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501426346

Robert Steacy

Robert Steacy As a writer of fictional work, Robert Steacy has challenged himself to produce wildly fun adventures in an intelligent and picturesque manner. No matter the project, Robert utilizes his extensive skills as a creative communicator and analytical thinker to lead the reader though their own emotional discoveries. Robert has written artistic storylines as well as edited technical works for many publications including his own advertising and literary company.?Writing is a passion that he is compelled to do while working in varied genres. In addition to fiction novels, he is the author of poetry, short stories and film scripts, as he enjoys diversifying his talents through various writing experiences. Robert understands how incredibly important the nature of information is and the resultant inspiration that comes from a good story or well thought out project. He achieves his imagination from his many years traveling the world for work and sport, as well as his time coaching, mentoring and partnering through artistic expression.?? Robert has published many articles and ebooks throughout his professional life, including technical writing projects involving business plans, contracts and proposals, in addition to his many adventurous novels and comical short stories. Robert has also involved himself as an actor on stage and in films for much of his life. His acting experience has included the role of Drosselmeyer in San Jose Dance Theatre's Nutcracker, Lord Capulet in "Romeo and Juliet" and Dr. Coppelius in "Coppelia", as well as performing off-Broadway in "Mr. Male America" as Mr. California. Robert was also a guest "Leader of the Gang" Mouseketeer for TV's "Mickey Mouse Club". Since then, he studied stage and film performance extensively to hone acting skills. He has had appearances in various television shows such as "I Almost Got Away with it", and recent films such as "Moneyball". He is currently shooting and co-starring in an independent film "The First Day of Spring", scheduled to be released in 2015. Robert has always been inspired by the many great artists he has had the fortune to work with that allow him to push the boundaries of performance and literary achievement.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Chapter I – Stolen Lies

Chapter II – Pier 21

Chapter III – Night’s Betrayal

Chapter IV – The Bell Tolls

Chapter V – Revelation

Chapter VI – Suspicions from Abroad

Chapter VII – Field Games

The Sampson Project

Synopsis

As a scientist and graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, Robert Carlton pressed the limits of medical discovery, harboring secrets that could potentially redefine humanity and the delicate balance of world power. But without warning or provocation, his life was turned upside down, his research stolen, his Fiancé, Natalie Chapman, taken from his life without trace or reason. Did she betray his trust? Was she sent to destroy his life? Or was she only a pawn in a master plan to change the face of mankind?

Robert is unwittingly thrust into a world where nothing is as it appears, and his life seemingly rides on stolen secrets that may have been taken to the grave. Robert’s advisor, Professor Peter Gates, was a prime target by the investigating detectives; ruthless in his drive to exploit his discoveries. His work at the University was impeccable in design, earning him the highest awards for his achievements. But the investigative detective was not convinced. Could he have been a key component of The Sampson Project or just another diversion to keep Robert from the truth?

Secrets are uncovered as the curtain is pulled back on Taylor-Fiennes Industries, revealing the underbelly of a vicious plot to control and violently enhance the normal progression of life. Malicious Plans are undertaken, as the subversive interests of Jeremy Taylor continue to develop capabilities for a super-human race. Scott Benson, Robert’s trusted friend, provides a pathway of discovery to help guide his friend through the myriad of attacks and mistruth’s, allowing Robert the strength to find what he had once lost and expose his enemies before it’s too late. The consistent interweave of intrigue and suspense will drive Robert to the brink of having to choose between life or death... question is, who’s life and who’s death?

The Sampson Project will catapult you to another place in time; an emotionally intense, heart rending modern gothic mystery thriller about the quest for truth beyond perception; and the man who is determined to save his one true love and reclaim his life from those he once trusted.

The

Sampson Project

*******************

For the Righteous, revelations is a joyous event as the realization of divine trust celebrated without thought of betrayal.

But for the wicked of heart and deed, revelation may impugn a terrifying apocalypse as dark secrets are exposed and sinners are punished for their egregious trespasses and immoral acts upon

the innocence of the world.

-  Unknown

For Sampson is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out his wrath on the wrongdoer.

-  Romans

-—Chapter I—-

Stolen Lies

Playing God almost killed him, should have killed him. Still, that would not prevent him from reaching his destiny. But the truth he sought was not truth at all, only the price of arrogance stolen. Lies thrust upon him that had now become his life, his mission to unveil.

It was once said that to speak truth, we must seek truth with persistence and humility. But for those of us, who embattle truth’s value without grace or patience, shall experience a clear perception of lies untold as its own true punishment.

For Robert Carlton and the life he thought he understood and cherished, punishment was enforced through life’s inversion, without intention or provocation, caused by blinded sins of impaired judgment. He must now reach beyond a sense of shame and discovery, with willingness to subsume his opinions and preferences to a higher calling. His yearning for truth must exceed his yearning to prove himself right, if compassion is to guide his action, and reclaim his one true love.

It had been almost a month since she was taken from him. Even so, Robert could not stop thinking about the beautiful girl he once loved so faithfully, and what might have befallen her. For two years, his life was filled with happiness she gave so unselfishly. Then without warning, everything changed. Nothing was as it seemed, not any longer. The girl he thought he once knew, had disappeared, and left few clues as to why.

She was presumed dead by the investigating detectives, but he knew there was far more than what the evidence revealed. Her disappearance became the nexus of the mysterious web of lies that followed. But it was what she took with her that caused him to rethink his own values. His medical discoveries had taken over his life, probably to the detriment of their relationship, but that could not be the reason she left without a trace... leaving so many unanswered questions. Over and over, he had gone through the possibilities, and nothing added up. Why would someone want his research so badly that they would stage such an elaborate scheme and take from him the only girl he had ever loved.

Some said that his cellular regeneration theories bordered on science fiction, but it was not complete. His results contained new revelations about the human body’s ability to heal itself, no matter the viral attack. The natural strengthening composition would make synthetic steroids mere child’s play and a thing of the past. Robert was on to something that could theoretically change the face of medicine. No one knew anything about his proposed hypothesis except for three people... Natalie Chapman, Professor Peter Gates and Professor Alfred Johnson. The question was... why would any of them want to sabotage his work?

Nothing made sense that day, the day she was taken. Never-ending questions haunted him relentlessly. Would he ever have the chance to share his life with the girl he once knew as intensely talented and passionately driven by her work as a scientist, but softened by her sweet natured personality? Were the playful moments and endless emotional support she so selflessly gave all a fake? Would the time come when Robert realizes that she is someone other than his Natalie... the day he accepts that she is never to return?... or worse, never to be seen again.

It all began so normally, a day that he would never forget. That fateful day, the day Natalie disappeared....

************************

A glint of sunlight fell on his face as he began to wake that beautiful late October morning. Blinded by the sudden glare, he sat straight up, taking his time to adjust his eyes to the brightness of the new day. As his vision slowly loosened, he realized something was missing from the normal ragged state of his bed... no Natalie. Just once, he would like to get up early enough to take over the bathroom before she did. But, like most days, Natalie was getting an early start or planning another crazy hide and seek game she enjoyed putting together, just to irritate him. She was a playfully smart little vixen, but fun as hell to be around, as he would always say.

Natalie was a tall natural beauty with deep penetrating brown eyes and long brown curly locks that flowed endlessly from the top of her head like a waterfall. She was an extremely athletic young woman with a strong sense of femininity, and soft porcelain skin that rarely ever needed to be made up, always turning heads when walking on campus or entering a local night club. Robert was a gifted athlete but had a highly intellectual nerdy side to him as well. He was quite strong for his 6’1" svelte frame and had a blonde handsome Nordic look about him that made most girls melt as he passed by, although usually unbeknownst to him and his oblivious nature. A little shy and introverted, he felt extremely lucky to have found someone like Natalie to have fallen so deeply in love with, as their relationship developed and blossomed quickly over time.

Although still groggy from another long night of work on his thesis, Robert decided to finally pull himself out of bed and make his way to the coffee machine; and that was when he saw the note.... the beginning of another infamous Natalie hide and seek adventure. Of all mornings to play games, this was not the one, as busy as his day was going to be. But, okay, let the games begin, he thought, as he read the poetic instructions to locate the coffee grounds. Instruction #1 was something about ‘the sweet smell under the well’.... found it, he proclaimed... a pound of coffee grounds under the stair well. Always the rhymer she was, but so very easy to figure out. Step one was now complete, but there were further instructions taped to the coffee grounds where he would find his special coffee mug. This step was a little more complex, but then again, how many places could you hide something in a one bedroom apartment, he concluded. After examining the confusing clue and investigating all the rooms, there was only one spot left unchecked. Feeling sure of his intuitive guess, Robert tip toed into the bathroom and pulled back the shower curtain, exposing his prey. There she was, wearing nothing but the necklace he gave her last Christmas... and, of course, holding his Cal coffee mug she recently gave him for his birthday.

Your coffee Sir, offered Natalie seductively, giving Robert that playful little smile that only she could give.

Well, I hope you got my order right ma’am, because most don’t include the proper amount of cinnamon and spice, and by the way, I thought that I ordered a blonde this time? he joked, quickly undressing as he slipped into the shower to join his future bride.

Well, Sir, I thought that brunette’s were the order of the day, and since blondes have that dingy stigma and all, well, I....

...No more talking missy, it’s not my thing.

He began to press his body onto Natalie’s... his hands gently caressing her waist as he began to softly kiss down her neck.

Robert then whispered... "What tremendous talents you have young lady, serving a hot cup of coffee to your customer while tightly enveloped in my arms.... all this without a stitch of clothing on, just amazing.

"In fact, this could be the next craze... I can see it now... ‘Espresso it Bare’  topless coffee house."

Better be careful, I may just take that idea and run with it... which is what you need to do right now Mr. Carlton, since it appears you’re running late for your meeting.

"Seriously unfair young lady! Actually, unfair does not even come close to covering your latest fun and games coffee hunt tease!" he exclaimed, realizing that she was probably right.

Well, if you get back early enough, maybe we can take this coffee house idea you have to the next level, she reacted with a playful wink.

Love to, but don’t you remember... we’re supposed to get together with Scottie for dinner at Blakes around five o’clock tonight.

Blakes, that’s right!...Blakes! I totally forgot. I can finish up my work at the lab early, but then I have a couple errands to run after. I should be back to the apartment by five though. Now, you need to get your cute little butt in gear if you’re going to be on time young man. You know how Professor Gates hates it when you’re tardy... his fangs and horns start sprouting out from his comb-over and he turns that funny red October color when he gets mad.

Yeah, yeah, as soon as I find my pants, which you probably hid as well.

Now, Doctor, I don’t have a hiding problem, I just accidentally misplace your things once in a while.... well, maybe just a little on purpose.

Natalie cutely shot Robert a smirk, then quickly ran past with a light kiss on his cheek, still naked and wet from the shower.

You wouldn’t mind if I take a quick video of your running prowess before I leave, do you? he quipped. Just something to remember you by, and of course, all the guys at the lab would get a real kick out of the YouTube posting.

Will you stop it and get ahold of your maleness before I have to kick your ass, she snapped with a wink. Oh, and I hope you remember, we have plans to meet my parents next week, they’re flying into San Francisco from the Ukraine on the red eye.

Yeah, how could I ever forget that? Really looking forward to the Ukrainian invasion... can’t wait!

Now, now, it’s just my family... they don’t bite and they even speak pretty good English. And since we’re getting married in a couple months, they need to meet the wild and crazy man of my dreams, even though he likes to run around naked with his precious coffee cup in hand.

Natalie continued to laugh as she hurriedly pulled on her tight jeans and a stylish two piece top that Robert just bought for her birthday.

And by the way, love the new shirt you got me, fits like a glove!

Just accenting that beautiful hour glass figure of yours, retorted Robert, shaking his head in amazement at her beautifully toned athletic body. 

Always the slick schmoozer, you are... Now, I gotta go!

She reached for her keys and bag, then playfully skipped over to Robert for a kiss. As they embraced, she whispered into his ear, a special French phrase she would say every time they hugged for a quick good-bye, Toujours Mon Amour, meaning ‘Forever My Love’.

Robert pulled back slowly after returning her sweet kiss and smiled lovingly at her. "You always make me smile my Mona Lisa, no matter the crazy insanity that seems to constantly surround us.

One day young lady, when you least expect it, I’m going to surprise you and whisk you off to the Louvre in Paris on the most romantic trip ever, so that I can show you the real Mona Lisa.

As he spoke, his tone began to soften. He then reached over to gently touch Natalie’s face, gazing at her with loving reverence. Natalie instinctively covered her hand over his and returned his longing stare with an adoring smile.

Just make sure you marry me first before falling too deeply for this Miss Mona girl! Maybe we should rendezvous there after dinner and pretend not to know each other... then you can make your choice between us over a bottle of my favorite Bordeaux.

Sounds like a stellar plan, except for the 8,000 mile trip and all. But let’s definitely make it a date someday soon.

Okay, it’s a date!... and believe me, I‘m going to hold you to it, she declared. We can do some heavy duty people watching... you know how I love to give everyone their own cool story... well, as I see it anyway, and the French would be such an easy mark! Now, seriously, I really have to go, and so do you doctor!

Alright, okay... you can be such a little bully! Oh, and I’ll be sure to give your regards to Professor Gates, since I know how you love his sexy eye twitch so much.

"Please do