Holly von Patton and the Price of Russian Doorknobs

By CH Roberts,4th

...Four teammates...
...Three confrontations...
...Two outcomes...
...One chance to save her world...

In this second book, Holly and her team hone their talents and take the defensive initiative against their arch-nemesis, the shifty and dangerous “Tsar Boris”. Holly and her friends finish their training and manifest new ranged mental powers and abilities.

Holly’s team lead “Tsar Boris’s” Russians on a chase that starts in Long Beach and ranges from there to Omniversal Studios Theme Park and then to the La Brea Tar Pits, culminating with a virtual battle in Alex’s mind.

Can Holly save her Soul Mate from the evil “Tsar Boris”? Or will Alex be lost forever—a casualty in the cybernetic war?

Whether you enjoy:

• Thriller Series Teen Romance,
• Teen Series Fantasy,
• Teen Series Fantasy Thriller,
• Teen Series Book Thriller,
• Series Fantasy Book Thriller,
• Teen Series Urban Fantasy Book,
• Series Action Adventure Book, or
• Teen Series Fantasy Romance

"Holly von Patton and the Price of Russian Doorknobs" will fulfill your desire for a great read in your favorite genre.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CH Roberts,4th
• Release date: Oct 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311308122

CH Roberts,4th

CH Roberts,4th holds degrees in Psychology with a BS from Union College, work toward a Masters at SUNY Albany, and Certification in Project Management from the University of Phoenix, as well as Certification in Computer Programming and Analysis. Before beginning his writing career, he researched the Masters in Fine Arts program at UCLA, and independently self taught himself from the curriculum.Charles now spends all his time writing novels and screenplays, as he believes working in both forms of media results in a better chance of reaching the largest base of fans, by supporting the overall marketing of his stories.In his spare time away from his passion of writing, Charles enjoys voraciously reading and playing music on his Guitars, Banjo, Piano and Flugelhorn. Charles is happily married to his soulmate with whom he enjoys traveling from their home in Southern California to visit his children in California and Tennessee."Holly von Patton and the Intelligent Design" is his first novel and "Holly von Patton and the Price of Russian Doorknobs" is his second. He is currently working on the third novel in a planned series of five, "Holly von Patton and the Asian Menace". Charles can be reached by:eMail: [e-mail]: http://www.CHRoberts4th.com

Book preview

Holly von Patton

and the Price of

Russian Doorknobs

by

CH Roberts, 4th

Copyright, Disclaimers and Credits

Copyright © 2014-2015 CH Roberts, 4th

—All Rights Reserved—

—Smashwords Edition, License Notes—

Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means now known or hereafter invented, nor stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author. This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy from a legitimate vendor. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Find out more about the author and upcoming books and sign up for special incentives to eMail list members online at

CHRoberts4th.com

This book is a work of fiction. All persons, locations, and events depicted in this book are fictitious. All incidents and dialog, and all characters with the exception of some well-known historical and public figures, are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Where real-life historical or public figures appear, the situations, incidents, and dialogues concerning those persons are fictional and are not intended to depict actual events or to change the fictional nature of the work. In all other respects, any resemblance to persons living or dead are entirely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms.

Chapter Filigree Designs used by permission

of Guido Henkel. Quotations from The Art of War

by Sun Tzu are Public Domain.

Pre-Publication Reviews

"Holly von Patton and the Intelligent Design"

I bought this book not knowing the author. After reading it, I feel like I discovered a book like Harry Potter before the masses did. Starting with the prequel, I got the author’s metaphor of how Holly and her friends got started, and it is super-realistic. The book was so good that I immediately purchased book 2, which was so well written that I am eagerly awaiting the third book, which is scheduled for a Fall release. (5 Stars)

CH Roberts4th is a new author who will be very well known soon. The central concept in Holly von Patton and the Intelligent Design is a completely new twist on the development of special powers - It just might be possible! By applying oneself in the way this book suggests, you may gain access to more brainpower! (5 Stars)

I really liked this book! I would have given it five stars but gave it four since it left me wanting more. I guess that’s why it’s the Prequel. So I bought the next one right away… (5 Stars)

I liked this book very much. The idea of Science meeting Fantasy is great. (5 Stars)

This book set up the stage for the others, so it’s truly a prequel. The story drew me in almost right away—I liked the realism of the fantasy. (5 Stars)

CH Roberts4th’s knowledge of Psychology is excellent—He creates a plausible progression that seems likely to work. I have never read a fantasy before that seemed to be real. Kudos to the Author! (5 Stars)

I feel like I’ve learned some basic Psychology after reading this-Painlessly and with a dash of humor-the way it should be learned. I told a friend who is a School Psychologist, and he also bought and enjoyed this book. He attested to the realism. (5 Stars)

I bought these books with no knowledge of the Author’s ability, and was quickly rewarded with a great story. Everyone has to start out with being unknown, but this author will be well known soon. The story is believable fantasy, a first for me. (5 Stars)

Try this book-You’ll like it! I could not put it down, and bought the second right away, so I would be able to continue. Terrific writing, great characters and dialog. (5 Stars)

This series is great believably written fantasy, with a grain of realism that seems possible. I’d recommend it to anyone! (5 Stars)

Holly von Patton is a believable heroine, with believable goals. She finds herself in an unbelievable situation and acts accordingly. Her friends are nice and her enemies are hard to beat until she figures out the secret. The Golden Rule applies… (5 Stars)

This book was one I purchased without knowing the Author from before. Now I will buy anything he writes, it’s that good! (5 Stars)

This book starts with some education on the subject, but quickly segues into fast paced action. Good read! (5 Stars)

The Author knows his subject, and explains it well. While this is a Fantasy, it has elements of Realism. (5 Stars)

Great beginning for the series. You will love the characters, I did! (5 Stars)

"Holly von Patton and the Price of Russian Doorknobs"

I could not be happier with this book. The story picks up where the first one left off in true serial format. Without giving away the plot twists I’ll just say that the characters are truly believable, including the villains. This author develops characters better than almost anyone I’ve read, and the use of Karma as a true cause of life’s failures and successes is spot on. (5 Stars)

I purchased the second book before finishing the first. The story is THAT GOOD! The second book continued the tale and there were surprises galore. I can’t wait for the next installment—CH Roberts4th is my new favorite author—What comes next is on my must-read list! (5 Stars)

Holly von Patton and the Price of Russian Doorknobs was even better than the first book! I am originally from Southern California, and the scenery is truly realistic. It’s like being there again! This book was so good I went to the Author’s website (CHRoberts4th.com) and signed up for email notification when new books are released. (5 Stars)

The second book had more of a humorous flavor which I liked. It started right where the first one ended, which is great in a serial series. Can’t wait for the next three books! (5 Stars)

Even before finishing the first book, I purchased the second. I just wish the others were available right away, because now I can’t wait to see what happens next! (5 Stars)

The second book in the Holly von Patton Series was even more fun than the first. I could not put it down, and now I am eagerly awaiting more from the Author! (5 Stars)

The story gets better and better as it progresses. The Villain (Tsar Boris) is funny as well as the Epitome of Evil. His girlfriend is really patient with him-more than he deserves. But that makes them seem human as well as giving some humorous touches. (5 Stars)

This book was even better than the first. If I could give it ten stars, I would! This may be the next best selling series. (5 Stars)

I felt like I was there in Omniversal Theme Park and at the La Brea Tar Pits. The twists in this story are very unexpected, but make sense at the end. Fantastic Reality and Realistic Fantasy at once! (5 Stars)

The second in the series shows the compassion for others that Holly has learned from the first. Holly is the best heroine in terms of being able to understand her opponents and treat even the worst of them humanely, This sets the story apart as being a good example of how to treat situations with morality. (5 Stars)

I bought this second book in the series when I was halfway through the first—the story is great, and I wish I could buy the rest! Now I have to wait—It’s like Harry Potter all over again. (5 Stars)

The second book is even better! I love the believability factor, and the characters seem alive to me. The Evil Villain (Boris) is as funny as he is despicable. The author has a good sense of humor as well as a great way of integrating Psychology into his work. (5 Stars)

The second book starts with a trial of the Villain’s Leaders, and then gets into a edge of the seat chase, followed by many twists and turns in the plot. The ending has a eye popping 180 that floored me, but made a lot of sense. (5 Stars)

An introduction to Pop Psychology told as an Action Thriller. Just believable enough to engross you into the tale, just far out enough to be entertaining. (5 Stars)

Like the Harry Potter series, this builds on the familiarity of the lead characters and their interactions. Well written and a great choice if you like Fantasy, but more believable with realistic locations and characters. (5 Stars)

Dedication

This work is dedicated to

Gina,

without whom none of my achievements

would be as worthwhile.

Thank you for everything you are

as well as everything you are not.

You are my muse,

my inspiration,


my cheerleader,

my source of nourishment,

my soulmate, and

my everything.

Quotations

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

Sun Tzu: The Art of War

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.

Sun Tzu: The Art of War

To know your enemy, you must become your enemy.

Sun Tzu: The Art of War

Unfortunately Sun Tzu is pretty vague about fighting enemies that hide on the other side of the world, using Mind Control…

Charles Alexander Warren

Enemies do not have to be killed, just beaten.

Holly von Patton

Table of Contents

Copyright, Disclaimers and Credits

Pre-Publication Reviews

Dedication

Quotations

CHAPTER ONE—Tuning into Trouble

CHAPTER TWO—Tsar Boris Knows

CHAPTER THREE—Advance on Goal

CHAPTER FOUR—Tsar Boris Intervenes

CHAPTER FIVE—The Furnace

CHAPTER SIX—The Heat Rises

CHAPTER SEVEN—Red Hot and Fiery

CHAPTER EIGHT—Tsar Boris Doubles Down

CHAPTER NINE—The Double Fails to Materialize

CHAPTER TEN—Out of the Frying Pan

CHAPTER ELEVEN—And Into the Fire

CHAPTER TWELVE—The Turn

CHAPTER THIRTEEN—The Fiery River

CHAPTER FOURTEEN—Holly Masters the Battle

CHAPTER FIFTEEN—Taking it Home

CHAPTER SIXTEEN—What Dreams May Come?

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN—Epilogue – Nine Months Later…

Other Books by CH Roberts4th

About the Author

CHAPTER ONE—Tuning into Trouble

Holly and the Team showed up at the Institute for lunch at noon the next day, as they had planned. As soon as they arrived in the parking lot, Duncan sent Good Morning, or should I say, Afternoon. I hope you all slept well, and are ready for the next important phase in our on-going campaign. Come on in to my office for a private lunch and a short strategy session. And… I have some surprises for you all, a few accouterments I think you’ll all take pleasure in—as they will make future undertakings easier for you.

They had all parked their cars at the end of the parking lot, which for some reason was always empty. Maybe because most people did not want to walk so far, or maybe other people did not care about minor damage to their cars. Whatever the reason, they parked in their usual spots and started walking in, Duncan’s message had gotten their attention and they happily chatted on the way.

Wow, the Boss must be in a good mood, said Turo.

Yes, he sounded positively magnanimous, said Holly.

I wonder what he’s chosen for us, said Alex.

Probably somethin’ he thinks we’d be likin’, or needin’, knowin’ him, said Juji.

By this time they had entered the lobby, so they greeted Eva, the Receptionist, and headed right into Duncan’s private Office. The door closed automatically behind them as usual, to ensure their privacy. The pungent exotic aroma of the luncheon was the first thing they noticed. The spices smelled unfamiliar and flamboyant to Holly and Alex, yet had Turo’s and Juji’s mouths watering for a taste of home cooking.

Duncan bid them welcome and had them sit down at the table immediately. Since they were drawn to the corner table anyway, they just followed the delicious aroma and sat down. Duncan began by taking the covers off the caterer delivered dishes, and there were several Jamaican specialties, starting with Curried Goat, Jerked Chicken, Run Down Soup—a mixture of spicy mackerel and coconut milk, Rice and Beans stewed with coconut milk, and a full tureen of Okra Pepperpot Soup.

This smells delicious. Thank you, Duncan, for makin’ me feel like home, said Juji.

Turo’s ethnic cuisine was not forgotten, as Duncan revealed Arroz con Pollo, Carne Asada, Chorizo con Queso Burritos, Chile Rellenos and Enchiladas, along with a large assortment of Tortillas, both flour and corn, freshly prepared spicy salsa and cool richly smooth guacamole. There were freshly made Cinnamon Churros for dessert. Duncan smiled at the group and said, Let’s dig in, there’s plenty here for all, and try everything—it’s all great!

They chatted pleasantly as they ate, with Juji and Turo suggesting this or that delicacy, saying it was just like they had at home. Alex and Holly enjoyed the spicy lunch very much as well, trying the few things they had never yet experienced. When the meal was finally finished, Duncan suggested that they temporarily adjourn to their respective locker rooms, to change before the strategy session. He said Your first surprises are in your lockers, I do hope you will like them.

Holly and Juji headed for the Women’s locker room and Alex and Turo for the Men’s.

Holly said See you guys in a few minutes, as she headed into their locker room. She and Juji opened their personal lockers and found new outfits—lightweight and form fitting, they were solid black with Golden Intelligent Design Logos adorned over their hearts. The material that the jackets and pants were made from was light and strong, seemingly non-rip, and thick and tough despite the softness. Duncan had ordered the perfect sizes for them, and they fit like gloves, accentuating their trim athletic feminine figures. They also found new wrist monitors with large screens that toggled multiple built in functions for showing Health, GPS and Telephone and Internet Access. The zippered jackets had matching belts with multiple toggled storage compartments. Two of these each contained a pair of regulation heavy duty police handcuffs and were located in the small of the back. Several other ones existed for small items they might need, one of which was a new pair of matching sunglasses with perfect optics. These they stowed in the elongated and softly lined protective pouch on the left side of the front buckle, which was also a Golden Intelligent Design. Adding a few personal items to the other empty pouches, they then closed and secured their lockers and exited to the Main Gymnasium.

There they found Alex and Turo dressed in masculine versions of the same uniforms, which showed off their physiques quite attractively. They all had fingerless gloves and comfortable new ankle high performance shoes to complete the outfits. The guys had the distinctive Golden Intelligent Design Logo emblazoned over their hearts as well as the same Golden Intelligent Design buckles on their belts.

After complementing each other on their new looks, they all decided to head right back to Duncan’s Office to thank him and get the strategy session started. When they arrived, Duncan told them, You look great in those uniforms. I thought it was time to ‘Dress for Success’, as they say, since you will probably be seen today due to the logistics involved with rounding up all the Coven members. You’ll need to work with the Police to have them rounded up. Likely, an anonymous tip to 911 will do the job. You’ll find that the new wrist phones all have unlisted top security clearance numbers, provided at my request from the federal government—I have a good friend who is highly placed in the Department of Homeland Security.

Duncan then took them out front where they witnessed the final stages of the delivery of their new ride—A brand new 2014 Tesla S in Jet Black, with Golden hardware trim and darkly tinted windows. Duncan said Now you won’t have to use your own cars while on the job and I’ve taken the liberty of ordering it with four keys—you never know who might have to drive… It handles like a rocket ship—it goes 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, has a top speed of over 130 miles per hour, is nearly silent, and with the 21 inch wheels it goes over 300 miles between charges. Today, they’re building a special garage in the back with a supercharger charging station that fully recharges the vehicle in 2 hours. This miracle of automotive engineering has all the available options and is the absolute latest in modern technology—and I’ll be willing to bet that either Alex or Turo will be able to use their uniquely developed powers to top off the energy source by themselves in a pinch.

Duncan’s proteges were all enthusiastic, having heard of this vehicle but never yet seeing it live. Duncan forestalled any delay by saying Come on back into my office. We’ve got a great deal of strategy to discuss. You can and will drive the car later, I promise.

They all sat around the round table in Duncan’s Office, and Duncan started speaking.

You have come so far in a few weeks, it’s hard to imagine. But we still need to completely put an end to Boris Sumonavitch’s grandiose plans for taking over LA. Last week, you went undercover to The Grotto" and as a result, two confused Coven thugs were arrested and are in Jail. Then just yesterday, you fought the remaining Coven members to a standoff, forcing them to retreat back to West Hollywood. With their Warehouse destroyed, we must assume they are spread out in the area, which is confirmed by the Initiate Head’s Up Display. Duncan brought up the display and zoomed it in on the details of West Hollywood.

"You can see here that there are two bright Red Dots in the Beverly Hills Jail, and four bright Red Dots with two dimmer dots at South Fuller Avenue, near West Third Street, and two remaining dimmer dots, one on Colgate Avenue and one on Drexel Avenue, both being South of West Third Street. I propose you begin by capturing the two dimmer dots first since they represent the untrained women. Juji can easily give them each a long term memory wipe, which will end their threat to anyone. After that, we can flush the larger bunch at South Fuller Avenue, which represents the four trained Coven members, with two initiated, yet as of now untrained women.

Do not underestimate these untrained women. They are still dangerous as they may and—in fact are quite likely to be—armed. This is another reason I have provided you with your new team uniforms. You may have noticed the substantial feel of the garments, which are constructed of the latest in light-weight Kevlar, and are able to resist repeated armor-piercing bullets, explosion shrapnel and knife attacks without permitting or even showing the slightest bit of damage. I know you each have now practiced and learned the art of becoming insubstantial, but it doesn’t hurt to strive for extra safety, and this will give you one less thing to think about, which may make all the difference in a long drawn out fight.

We’d better get going, it’s almost two o’clock, the Coven Members always sleep late but maybe they are planning a different escape route. Are there any other available friendly ships they might find in the Port of Long Beach? asked Holly.

"No, there are no other options for them in that area, the only Russian Super Tanker is currently under investigation and in any event is certainly not sea-worthy due to the massive destruction to the