Clearwater Nemesis

By Al Rennie

The DEA has a proposal for Joe; Bob Morse needs help with a client charged with murder; Thandy calls with a request; a young woman sees an old tormentor and asks Joe for help; Max has to rush Frank to the hospital; Amber had hit a road bump at high school; two sketchy dudes come to Doc with an offer he can't refuse; Jeremy develops some attitude; a dying man asks Joe to do something for him after he passes; Doc gets information from a stoner; another romp in paradise!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al Rennie
• Release date: Feb 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370751280

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 Nemesis

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!

Cover Image Credit: Cresstock.com – uploaded by Sze Fei

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

I now have four excellent editors on my team. It might be difficult for anyone to believe that as a former English teacher, I would need four editors. The scoop is, they are currently 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 food stamps are in the mail … hold on, what food stamps?

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 go out to those critics who didn’t make the 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!!—Steve

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

35) Clearwater Nemesis

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

Three Weeks Ago

Thanks for meeting with me Doc…

I glanced over to my left as Edd Jenkins, the deputy director of Homeland Security, carefully lowered his athletic frame onto the bench beside me. Although he was in a catchy pair of white shorts, a red T-shirt that proclaimed his love for Clearwater Beach, brown sandals and a white bucket hat, he wasn’t here on a holiday. Edd doesn’t do holidays. He was trying to blend into the milieu. We were sitting in the late morning sun at the Clearwater Beach Marina. Tourists were strolling by or stopping to watch as the fishing charter captains gutted their morning catch while the pelicans and gulls perched nearby, watching and waiting for any of the scraps thrown their way. Little Toot, only half full with sightseers, was backing away from its dock to go out into the bay on its first dolphin sighting excursion.

No problem Edd … you look a little stiff sitting down there, Bubba. Are we talking an old war wound …?

More like a recent error in judgement while I was playing squash and believing I was still twenty-nine… which was the age of my opponent.

That was when a totally bald, well built, thirty something guy wearing dark aviator style Ray Bans sat down on the other side of me. I had never met this dude before but he seemed to be at peace with the world as he sipped hot coffee from a cardboard cup. I was thinking this must be one of Edd’s new bodyguards provided for him by Homeland. I waited for someone to say something in case I misjudged.

Edd looked over and nodded to the newcomer. This is Josh, Doc. He’s part of the reason I wanted to sit down and talk with you.

I’m disappointed Edd; I thought you had come here to discuss the philosophy of politics with me given what has happened since Mr. Trump won the presidential election.

Jenkins smiled weakly, That might be fun, illuminating even, but maybe another time … This is a little more pressing. I’m sorry, but I have to ask you if you left your cell phone at your office as was requested. There is to be no record of our meeting here this morning, and everyone knows just how much you love that little record button.

I did. The person who called me said this was to be a confidential chat, Edd, and yet you brought a friend.

A pelican came over to check us out and then, sensing we had no food for him, returned to his perch on the dock to wait for the next chunk of grouper guts to be pitched his way.

Edd was a busy guy. The niceties were over. For the next ten minutes in hushed tones, he outlined, in some detail, what he wanted me to do for the U.S. government and why Josh was a key to the task. From the get go, I didn’t like Edd’s proposal and started to prepare for the loyalty card which, no doubt, he would play when I did say, ‘no’. If anyone from the D.E.A. had come at me straight on with this dumb proposal, I would have had no difficulty laughing before I said, ‘no way Jose’. That would be right before I walked away from it. I wouldn’t still be sitting here trying to be polite.

But certain high ranking people in the various branches of law enforcement knew that I had dealt with Edd before. I believed that we had a certain mutual respect. And that, most likely, was why Edd had been enlisted to do the asking. Josh threw a few questions at me directly but more than that, he just sat, listened and nodded his bald head from time to time. Maybe he was there to frighten me into submission.

When our three-way discussion had ended, I asked Mr. Jenkins if a private word with him might be possible. He nodded quickly, and we both waited for Josh to take a hike. The young guy gave me a smile, which was closer to a smirk, before he sauntered away towards the parking lot and the limo that, no doubt, would be waiting there. I couldn’t quite see myself playing golf with the guy anytime soon, but as my old grandma used to say, ‘you never can tell’.

Just so that we fully understand why I am saying ‘no’ to you, Edd … sorry, I’m guessing that it’s the D.E.A., and not really you who wants me to use my sometimes friendly relationship with our favorite Florida crime boss, Umberto McAdoo, to help Josh whatever insinuate himself into the world of distributing illegal pharmaceuticals so that he can rub up against this guy going by the name of Mike Innes. You do know that Mr. McAdoo has nothing to do with the drug trade since his son over-dosed on something laced with arsenic … right? In fact, he hates the guys who deal in that trade… with weed being the sole exception as it is quickly becoming legal almost everywhere.

…which is why the D.E.A. thought Big Mac would be willing to help if the request came from you. This Russian knock off opioid analgesic, Fentanyl, is killing people, Doc. It’s worse than OxyContin and you know what that has done in recent years. Just this last weekend, in the Pacific Northwest alone, there were sixteen deaths attributed to the use of this product. We know that the people bringing this stuff into the country are looking for more ways to distribute it.

I understand … I got that the first time, Edd as well as the fact that the best guess is that the product is coming into the Tampa docks from overseas, but here’s the deal, Josh whatever his last name is, isn’t going to cut it. And when they burn him down, and they will, they will work right back through Umberto to me and my family. You just told me yourself that the D.E.A. believes that the guys running this outfit make Marcos in Columbia look like a junior boy scout. Obviously, they don’t care about how many people they kill. If it’s the Russian mob, they will take their revenge to send their message… which will be ‘don’t friggin’ mess with us!’ You know that, and so do I.

I’m curious … why do you know Josh isn’t the one for this job?

… aside from the fact that he isn’t wearing a large cape and a T-shirt with a big yellow ‘S’ on it …?

Yes …

When we were still being friendly, he asked me why I was called Doc, right …?

Yeah, so what …?

When I explained how my brother and I used to be Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday when we were kids and how my name stuck, I was watching him. He didn’t have a clue what the hell I was talking about. Wyatt Earp name recognition in North America ranks right up there with JFK, Trump, the Clinton’s and Putin. So I don’t know where the D.E.A. found this guy, but I can tell you this … he’s not going to be able to pull off being a middle-weight, born in the U.S.A. drug dealer looking to step up in that world. I’ll do an Amazing Kreskin here and say that he’ll be dead inside of two weeks if you go ahead with this idea.

Edd nodded his head. A Kreskin …?

It’s something my dad used to say before he made a prediction.

Okay, I’ll pass along your assessment to the people who asked me to meet with you.

Tell them whatever you want about what I said, Edd … it won’t fly. Just don’t tell them I am going help them to make that introduction. And for what it’s worth, regardless of who asked McAdoo, he would never go along with anything like what is being proposed. In a heartbeat, Big Mac would recognize the danger this scheme represents to his business and to him personally. With all that we know about how the Russian mob works, you think we would have learned something.

Maybe the Donald will be able to do something. Take care Doc … Be safe.

That’s what I’m being Edd. You take care and be safe yourself, my friend. And watch those errors in judgement when you’re playing squash. They’ll get you every time.

Chapter 2

Monday, November 28th, 2016—Another Day at the Office!

Line one, Joe …! Mrs. F called out loudly from our reception area.

Even better than quietly using the neat intercom machine that we paid the phone company a king’s ransom to fricken install, Mrs. F… Hello, this is Joe Holiday …

Mr. Holiday … it’s me, Thandy Evans. I didn’t know who else to call.

What’s up …? Are you having more problems with Abe?

No, we’re great … we have a new apartment now that he’s not gambling. This is something that happened here at work.

Thandy Evans works as a server at the Radisson Hotel on Sand Key. A few months ago, in fact, the last time I had heard