Clearwater Promises

By Al Rennie

A frequent flyer has taken another hike and her step-dad wants Joe to bring her back. June has a task that only Joe can do and then another one. Frank has a new problem. Morse needs Joe to investigate a situation where due diligence was not done. A Bail Bond outfit asks Doc to locate a fugitive. Billy wants to take another shot at Mr. Florida; Natalie isn't so sure. Another fun romp in paradise!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al Rennie
• Release date: Dec 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370660322

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 Promises

By

Al Rennie

Dedication

For my wife

Marsha

And former editor

Sue Ross

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!

Cover Image Credit: https://pixabay.com/ uploaded by Mariamichelle.

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

I am now up to four 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 fifth and sixth. 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 and Donna for their masterful work in editing yet another episode of The Clearwater Series.

The cheque is … hold on, what cheque?

Once again I am indebted to Gerry Pielsticker for two of Frank’s jokes.

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.

Hi Mr. Rennie, Once again you nailed it with Clearwater Penalty. You have an amazing sense of timing and a creativity that can’t be topped. I read about 100 books a year and you are by far my favorite author. I am thrilled by your ability to keep me engrossed by every one of your books. I appreciate Grisham, Brown, Balducci and many others; however, you are the guy that keeps me coming back as soon as you next book is released. You have an unbelievable gift and don’t let anything or anyone discourage you from entertaining your public. Thank you once again. Nancy

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 and with my patients living on the seawall in Galveston, Tx. 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 Templeman

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, you have to finish your book before you will go to the operating room? It’s definitely not pretty! I’ve read the entire series 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 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 installment 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 the 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!!

Ste

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

This is the Clearwater Series in the sequence that the titles were written.

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

32) Clearwater Deception

33) Clearwater Confession

34) Clearwater Promises

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

Chapter 1

Monday, September 12th, 2016 – Surprise!

When I pulled to a stop beside Mrs. Finelli’s 2009 Buick in Bob Morse’s St. Pete Beach law office parking lot, I took a quick glance over at her. Maybe she was sleeping or possibly she was praying; but honking the horn did not seem the appropriate thing to do in either case. She must have sensed the presence of my Camaro because she raised her head and looked over at me before smiling and offering a quick finger wave. I waved back and piled out of the car. This was not where I wanted to be this morning – not even close – but a late night call on my voicemail from Bob Morse, CHIPs major employer, had made it impossible to be elsewhere. One of his wealthy clients had made a request that could not be denied and I was an integral part of the request. That was the message anyway.

Do you know what this is about Mrs. F? In the voice memo that he left for me, Bob didn’t actually say anything other than it was extremely important that I be here. ‘Integral’ is what he actually said.

Amy Sue Stuart … she has taken off again and …

Aw jeez, I got out of bed to hear that crazy girl has taken another hike again. I was up late last night watching New England trounce the Arizona crew which was a bit of a surprise as Tom Brady is suspended for three more games.

On the news, it was reported that the Patriots had barely scraped out the win when the Cardinal field-goal kicker missed on the final play of the game. That’s hardly what I would call ‘trounced’, boss …

It’s called hyperbole Mrs. F … exaggeration for poetic effect or emphasis. And they got it done without Tom Brady. Jimmy G looked pretty good doing it too. I believe that this is going to be our year.

If you say so, Joseph … but you say that every year. I think there’s more to Amy Sue this time. I think her step-father is looking for a more permanent solution.

I’m not going to shoot her no matter how much he’s willing to pay. I’ve told Bob that more than once. What’s this, the fourth or fifth time she’s taken a walk?

I see that you still have your sense of humour even this early on a Monday morning. You’re going to need it, Joseph. I know that you’re not a big Henry Stuart fan, but be patient and kind. He’s trying to do the best that he can for his step-daughter. It’s been a difficult time for him since Amy’s mom died. In part, Bob wanted you here today because of your involvement with Children Services and the foster care system. Also, you do know that Bob believes you have a certain creative intellect. He’s really looking for your help.

Patient and kind are my middle names, Mrs. F.

Mrs. F sighed quietly before she shook her head. Then we walked into the law office.

Elizabeth, Bob’s legal assistant, met us in the foyer of the office. She was frowning as she turned to lead us back to Bob’s office. As we followed along behind her, she told us that Bob’s client, Hank Stuart, had arrived fifteen minutes ago. He was angry at the world then, so there would be no telling what he might be like now – furious was her best guess.

Let me be perfectly honest; I really didn’t care. I wasn’t paying close attention to what was being said about Hank Stuart. I didn’t really like the guy, and I was far too busy following Elizabeth. I always enjoy that stimulating adventure. Mrs. F quietly cleared her throat. When that didn’t get the response she was looking for, she elbowed me. She had caught on to where my attention was focused.

Bob pushed back his obscenely expensive ergonomic executive chair and stood to greet us as we entered his office. Without any provocation on my part, Hank Stuart glared daggers at me like somehow his step-daughter running away once again was totally my fault. To his credit, he did offer a quick smile for Mrs. F. She often has that effect on older men… younger men too sometimes.

I knew some of the background of the Stuart family and played it back in my head as I barely listened to Bob give a quick summation of the newest conundrum that had brought us together in his office this morning.

Henry Stuart MBA CPA had been the CFO of a successful local manufacturing business. He had married for the first time in his mid-forties and that marriage, so he claimed, had been a match made in hell by Satan himself. That marriage had lasted a few days longer than two years and the separation had taken a huge toll, both financially and emotionally, on Hank. Bob told me that, at the time the divorce was being fought out in court, Henry swore to him that he would never make the same mistake again. ‘Fool me once; shame on you; fool me twice; shame on me’ … He was done with women. Never again …

Three years later, Hank had tried for marital bliss yet again. This time he had gone for a variation of trophy wife and modern day mail order bride … they met on E-Harmony. Mia and I had met his very charming wife, Mieko Stuart, an accomplished artist and a stunningly beautiful woman of Japanese-American descent, two years ago at a charitable benefit being held for a four-year-old little boy. In order to survive and see age five plus, the youngster needed to have an innovative procedure of open heart surgery that, at the time, was only performed at one hospital and that was in Canada. When we met Mieko, I did not know that she was Hank Stuart’s wife because I had not yet met Hank. I also did not know, at that time that Mieko, from a previous marriage, had a very bright (some claimed precocious) thirteen-year-old daughter named Amy Sue.

Later on, I learned that Mieko’s first husband and Amy Sue’s biological father was the last in a line of ‘old money’ wealthy New England families and a highly regarded law professor at one of the Ivy League universities… Harvard I believe it was.

We had met Amy Sue with Mieko at another charity event a few months later. We had been impressed with how socially mature Amy was for a girl of fourteen. Last February, Mieko had gone with a group of friends to Switzerland on a ski trip. Rumour has it that going on the trip had been against Hank’s wishes. He didn’t fit in with, or care for, her younger group of friends. And he was very possessive. Mieko Stuart had died in a freak mishap at an after-ski party when she slipped and struck her head on the edge of a fire-place. That was the story that was circulated by Hank in the Clearwater/St. Pete’s area at the time.

Now Amy Sue was alone in the world with Hank Stuart as her guardian and so far, she had run away four times and each time my CHIPs crew (Cooper Holiday Investigative and Protection Services) had eventually found her and returned her to Hank. I had first met Henry Stuart when Amy Sue had taken her first hike. There had been an animosity between the two of us from that moment forward. At the outset of each of those searches, I had pointed out to Hank that Amy Sue was still a minor and the police had a lot more manpower to find the girl. Each time, he insisted that he wanted no police involvement in the search or in his life. I had responded by saying that we would give it forty-eight hours and then I would have to report the disappearance to the police and he could pound salt and deal with the fallout from that.

In each case where Amy Sue walked, we found her within the two-day time period. I knew that Mr. Stuart didn’t like my attitude. He liked and expected total compliance, not negotiation. Maybe that’s why I was still getting the evil eye from the guy. This would be Amy Sue’s fifth escape. The girl had to be sixteen by now. I was thinking that if I was a kid and Hank Stuart was my guardian, I’d be running right alongside Amy Sue, only no one would