Clearwater Betrayal

By Al Rennie

Joe is asked to sort out a problem with the condo board governing the units owned by Max, Frank and Mia; an adult daughter is concerned about the quality of care her father is getting in a nursing home and asks for Doc's help; June Franklin at Children's Service has a dilemma that she believes only CHIPs can resolve; a Bellaire Beach neighbour returns home to find her child and the nanny missing and a ransom demand being made. Another romp in paradise!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al Rennie
• Release date: Mar 24, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311197849

Al Rennie

I was born and raised in Toronto. I attended Upper Canada College before taking a degree at Queen's University. I have worked as a lifeguard for the Toronto Harbour Police, a youth worker for the Toronto YMCA, and an English teacher in Lakefield. I am married with two great daughters and an extended foster family. My interests include Maple Leaf hockey - this is our year - New England Patriot football and writing.

Book preview

Clearwater Betrayal

By

Al Rennie

Dedication

For my wife

Marsha

And to all the kind and supportive readers

of the Clearwater Series.

Copyright © 2016 by Al Rennie

All Rights Reserved.

Cover Credit: Rita Toews – probably the most caring, patient and inventive cover creator ever!

Photo Credit:

Formatting Credit: Lucinda K. Campbell – as always, just great … thank you!

I am now up to five excellent editors on my team. It might be difficult for anyone to believe that as a former English teacher, I would need five editors. The scoop is, they are looking for a sixth and seventh. How is that for a confidence builder? In any case, they have once again returned to make my life miserable but your reading experience that much better. I’d like to thank my wife, Marsha, and youngest daughter, Jane, as well as Annmarie, Donna and Sue for their masterful work in editing yet another episode of The Clearwater Series.

The cheque is … hold on, what cheque?

A very few Reader Responses to Clearwater Series:

On the advice of the critics, editors and Ellen, I have limited the number of reader responses. The suggestion was that no one reads them anyway. I know that I do. Apologies to those cut.

Love the books, can’t put them down and I even find myself slipping into some of the phrases!!! Not sure that will always be a good thing though! Carol

I found you first on Smashwords; after that, I kept hitting the buy button in iTunes. I laughed, cried, and told my patients how I almost went to You Tube to look for your video. I see patients in long term care facilities. I have shared your stories with my patients living on the seawall in Galveston, Texas. You have brought life, love and a bit of silliness into the lives of my patients and have made me a better practitioner. I am forever in your debt. Katherine

Thanks Al for another chapter (Clearwater Hustle) in the lives of my favourite imaginary friends. I'll go and put some stars and comments on iBooks which is where I get my copies. Anthony

I love your books! I discovered Clearwater Journals while in the hospital. I downloaded every free mystery I could, and started reading. I thought your free book was a mistake because it was head and tails above the quality of everything else I’d seen! Once I started, I couldn’t stop and ended up purchasing every book you’ve made available on ITunes. Thank you so much for your work! However, it did create a little problem….Do you know how pissy world-famous heart surgeons get when you tell them to wait a minute because you have to finish your book before you will go to the operating room? It’s definitely not pretty! I’ve read the entire Clearwater series twice now, and can’t wait for the next book to come out. Please, please hurry! Cheers, Sue

This series is the best!!!! I read each one as soon as it is published. Al Rennie, you rock!!!! 5 stars! Marianna Smith

Better and better! ***** by AuntSuze (copied from ratings and comments on I-Books)

OK folks, full disclosure here. I'm a big fan of Rennie's work. All of his work is more New York Times Best Seller List quality than an indie publication.

Double Cross is the most complex and surprising book yet. The plot lines completely surprised me and I loved the twists and turns. His ability to describe scenes made me feel like I was right there in Florida! Best of all, his ability to create in-depth characters and make me care about them is a rare gift and makes his books so much more enjoyable.

How does one know a great writer? When one studies a written scenario and agrees with it like it was a real situation. I enjoy tearing apart his reasoning and putting it back together just like a study of Shakespeare or Confucius. Thank you for making your novels come to life. Write on, sir! Bearknoll

If you love slightly wacky mysteries, this book - in fact the whole Clearwater series - is a must read for you.

Carl Hiaasen meets Elmore Leonard and ‘Bob’s your uncle’…

Congratulations Al on your 25th book in this wonderful series. I have enjoyed each and every one. It seems like I know the characters and can't wait for the next instalment to see what's happening in their lives. There have been many changes since Clearwater Journals. You have to write faster Bubba. I just finished this one and I need more Joe and cast, eh. R.J.

Mr. Rennie I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for your wonderful books and the enjoyment you have provided in my life. In March of 2012 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. In April I had a double mastectomy and began chemotherapy and radiation. Needless to say I spent a lot of time in the hospital. My wonderful husband, who has been an amazingly strong individual, bought me a Kindle because I am an obsessed reader. I was just learning how to download books on my new Kindle and came across Clearwater Journals and that was the beginning.... I now have all 27 in the series and can't wait for more. My husband and I have never been to Clearwater, and since I read him parts of the books, he decided to surprise me and planned a trip for my one year cancer free. We went last September and I would move there in a minute; it is everything you described in the books. We ate at Frenchy's - best super grouper sandwich ever! We went to Wings and Pier 60. My all time favorite snack is now chocolate coconut patties! I just really wanted to say thanks. I love Clearwater, the series, and the best vacation spot ever!

Sincerely, Lorrie

Just finished Escape, and it ranks right up near the top in the series. I have now read the series 3 times and it just doesn't get old!! I just don't believe some TV producer hasn't found this yet, would be the greatest detective type show since Columbo. Keep well and hurry up with the next one!!

Steve

Clearwater Escape is another winner in a long line of great books from Al Rennie. This one is complex, fast-paced, and keeps the characters charging into new territory. I hated to see it end. Mr. Rennie is only one of three authors to get a five-star rating from me, and the only one to achieve that more than once. Write on Sir, I'm having withdrawal symptoms already!

Nancy’s Amendment to Annie’s Amendment – she’s blonde!

The Clearwater Series in the sequence the titles were written.

1) Clearwater Journals

2) Clearwater Diaries

3) Clearwater Ambush

4) Clearwater Abduction

5) Clearwater Heat

6) Clearwater Kiss Off

7) Clearwater Showdown

8) Clearwater Magic

9) Clearwater Intrigue

10) Clearwater Danger

11) Clearwater Predator

12) Clearwater Extortion

13) Clearwater Killer

14) Clearwater Oops!

15) Clearwater Crazy

16) Clearwater Undercover

17) Clearwater Hunter

18) Clearwater Justice

19) Clearwater Skip Trace

20) Clearwater Assault

21) Clearwater Folly

22) Clearwater Homesick

23) Clearwater Hustle

24) Clearwater Stakeout

25) Clearwater Fit

26) Clearwater Double Cross

27) Clearwater Vice

28) Clearwater Escape

29) Clearwater Bubba

30) Clearwater Betrayal

31) Clearwater Penalty

Note to Joe and Mia fans

In today’s glutted writing environment, reader ratings and reviews can make a huge difference in the success of an indie author. If, as a reader, you have enjoyed a particular book, please take a few moments of your time to give it a favorable rating, and if you are so inclined, a positive short review. Your affirming assessment will mean a great deal to the author and to his or her chances of survival in the current literary marketplace.

The Harley Davidson story was sent to me by one of my newer editors, Donna Vandenbroek. Maybe she honestly believes that her contribution will help generate a cheque. As my old grandma would sometimes say, ‘Not in this lifetime, Sweet Cheeks!’

Prologue

We interrupt our regular programming to bring you this important, breaking news.

All traffic on Gulf Boulevard in the area of Belleair Beach has been reduced to a single lane.

Police are responding to a hostage taking situation.

We are asking the public to please avoid this area if it is at all possible. At this time, we are uncertain as to the nature of this situation. It is only speculation as to whether this is a terrorist or domestic threat.

If you are living in the immediate area, stay in your house and lock your doors unless police personnel arrive to evacuate you to a safer location.

More information to follow as it becomes available …

We switch now to Erica Thompson at the scene of the hostage taking on Gulf Boulevard in Belleair Beach … Hello Erica … what have you found out so far?

Yes, Don … I am positioned on the outer police perimeter where just an hour or so ago a beach home was invaded by at least one heavily armed person. We have learned that the residents in the house, including at least one child, are being held hostage. In the only phone contact with the hostages so far, the police were notified by the owner of the house that she was being held at gunpoint against her will and would be killed if the demands were not met. A police negotiator from Tampa Bay has been summoned to the scene. At this time, we have no information as to what the demands being made are.

This would seem to suggest that there is more than one person involved. Can you confirm that for us, Erica?

I really can’t Don. It is early into the stand-off … it might only be one person or it could be several. Regardless, a very tense and dangerous situation exists here. You get that feeling watching the movements of the police on the scene. I can report, however, that all windows in the home have been blanketed from the inside. From where I am, it is impossible to tell what is going on in there. I will keep you up to date as more information is made available. Police officers are telling us something right now.

Before you disconnect, Erica, do you know what the hostage takers are demanding?

As I said, not at this time… the police are now telling us to move further back. There appears to be some fear that a bomb or explosives may have been taken into the house when it was invaded. We are being moved further away from the property. There are more emergency response vehicles and personnel arriving by the minute. The heavy rain has hampered visibility. Hold on, yes, it appears that a drone has been launched by police technicians.

Erica … Thank you. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people being held captive inside that house. Be careful and try to stay warm and dry. We will speak to you at the next update.

Thanks Don. I will alert your viewers to any new changes in the situation. A police helicopter is landing on the beach on the far side of the house. This might be the negotiator arriving on the scene now. Back to you Don…

Chapter 1

Monday January 11, 2016 – A new week in an almost new year

The sun was brilliant in the clear blue sky. The afternoon temperatures were supposed to edge into the low seventies today which, in Clearwater Beach, is like a chilly day. Mrs. Finelli had not returned from her regular Monday morning meeting at Bob Morse’s legal office in St. Pete’s Beach, so the efforts to work off the extra pounds put on during the festive holiday season continued at an even pace on the top deck of the CHIPs office.

For two of us, that would be Luke and I, our workout was finished. That meant that we were trying to find a comfortable position with maximum sun exposure on our chaise lounges. The tricky part there was catching the sun while we continued to watch Natalie in her nifty red and white abbreviated exercise suit that we had bought her for Christmas. She was busy still pedaling the recumbent exercise bike while she mumbled her workout mantra. Her main man, Billy Ray, a steadfast believer in the principle of ‘no pain; no gain’, was still pumping iron. At that moment, he was busy impressing us with his sixth set of bicep curls using sixty pound dumb-bells. The veins in his massive arms stood out like writhing snakes.

Jeremy doesn’t work out with us. He has been blessed with a metabolism that permits him to eat as much as he wants without moving off his skinny body weight of one hundred and forty pounds on his six-foot frame. He was either working on some research for Homeland Security in his ‘Captain’s Cabin’ on the lower deck or sleeping there. If I was a betting man, and I am, I’d go with sleeping.

Since Christmas, business has been a little slow… actually, a lot slow. In part, that is because Bob, our main client, and his wife went on a second or third honeymoon to Hawaii. Maybe it also has something to do with the time of year, Christmas and the idea of ‘Goodwill to all men!’ Not too many people have the money or the inclination to come to us with any personal problems that might be resolved with the help of CHIPs, (Cooper Holiday Investigation and Protection Services)

From previous experience, we all knew that busy could happen at a moment’s notice in this game, so we were making the most of the down time and adjusting to the new arrangement that had reduced the number of people coming and going from the marina dock where our on-board office is located. Just before Christmas, the always busy Protection side of our operation, run by my fellow Canadian, Doug Willsie, set up a very impressive satellite office in Tampa to be closer to where their services are more likely to be needed. Jeremy’s wife of almost nine months, the former Lisa Goodman, had been commissioned to do the interior decorating for the new office. That little error in judgment had cost us just south of the Gross National Product of a middle-weight, third-world country. I still meet with Doug for lunch every few weeks to say ‘hi’ and check out any of his business needs. It’s a good working arrangement for both of us.

Joe, could I talk with you for a few moments?

Sure Jeremy, pull up a lounge.

Er … no, I mean privately … I want to show you something in your office.

Oh, okay … this isn’t going to be something gross that you found online … right?

No … nothing like that …I promise.

The last time I went for a ‘can I talk to you for a moment’ invitation like this, boy genius showed me a digital photograph of a two-headed calf that had been born that day on a