Storms of Complicity

By Paul M. Valliant Ph.D.

Through his electromagnetic research, Dr. Steele struggles to understand its biomedical application as a way of curing disorders. In pursuit of his research, Michael Steele becomes embroiled in a struggle with Dr. Wilson, administrator of the Neurocognitive Institute. After a murder, Dr. Steele must evade the wary eye of Detective Callum whose main intent is to arrest him for the homicide. Other characters include Bob Jacks a police officer discharged for corrupt practises, Reuben Black a criminal lawyer with a shady past, and Jena Smith a woman who uses her charm to advance her agenda. These characters are woven into a story that delves into their complicit past. Through introspection and self-analysis these characters ponder their fate. A fast flowing final scene brings the villains and heroes together to provide an exciting finish to this novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jun 2, 2008
• ISBN: 9781426980817

Paul M. Valliant Ph.D.

Paul M. Valliant has been working with offender populations for the last 25 years. His research in the area of forensic psychology has prepared him with insight into the very topic which he explores in this fictional story.

Book preview

STORMS OF COMPLICITY

DR. PAUL M. VALLIANT

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© Copyright 2008 Paul Valliant.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

Note for Librarians: A cataloguing record for this book is available from Library and Archives Canada at www.collectionscanada.ca/amicus/index-e.html

Printed in Victoria, BC, Canada.

ISBN: 978-1-4251-5311-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4269-8081-7 (ebk)

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Contents

DEDICATION

FOREWORD

PREFACE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CLINICAL/FORENSIC QUESTIONS

DEDICATION

To those researchers who spend countless hours

in their quest for knowledge

FOREWORD

When I was asked to write the foreword to this psychological thriller, I was excited and enthusiastic. Paul Valliant has a unique perspective based on extensive research and experience with the intriguing world of atypical human behaviour. With his fast flowing writing style one feels they are in the world of the characters and at the same time learning psychological material. From the characters that portray many life like dimensions and through many colourful metaphors, this novel is a commentary on the lessons of villains and heroes. This book is exceptional in that it breathes life inside the minds of each character and thereby creates a unique perspective on the psychological challenges of their dilemmas.

What is also unique about this book is the way electromagnetic research was cleverly intertwined as a metaplot. Having worked on developing magnetic field devices for Neuroscientific research over twenty years and having co-invented the Koren Helmet with Dr. M. Persinger it is fascinating to see how this technology could be envisioned to take on a life of its own. This fictional account may turn out to be a true predictor of the future application of electromagnetic technology. It is very feasible to see electromagnetic technology being manipulated in a unique computer-human interface. It would not be the first time that fiction has predicted reality.

If I could venture a prediction, I believe that Complicity will be commercially successful and catch on as a teaching tool for Psychology courses from College to University. It is rare that a creative book presenting major psychological case studies using fictional characters enters the scene. But isn’t that what Psychology is all about? It can be a stage where unique individuals in the real world face multiple dilemmas which they attempt to solve. I hope that every psychology student does read this book and learns some valuable lessons from it. I think this book may lead the way as a motivational tool to draw students back into completing their reading assignments. It cannot be stressed enough that reading plays a pivotal role in learning. It is like having a conversation with an expert on a one-to-one basis and considered by many as a very important didactic tool.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found that as a fictional narrative it incorporates many dimensions with very interesting characters. We have hope for electromagnetic technology and to have it portrayed in this book is indeed a great honour. To the reader, I say be prepared to embark on a journey to a different place and time. Get ready and excited to learn Psychology from one of its great enthusiasts.

Stanley A. Koren

Electronic Engineering Technology, H.BSc.

PREFACE

This fictional novel was written to evaluate the complex interactions that take place in every day life. Through the use of its characters, I have attempted to explore the dynamics of relationships and the tragedy found in this dimension. Michael Steele is cast as the protagonist in this life like story. Through his electromagmetic research, he struggles to understand its biomedical application so that it can provide a panacea for physical and psychological ailments. In his pursuit, Michael Steele becomes embroiled in a struggle with Dr. Wilson, an administrator who attempts to control the laboratory experiments. Dr. Wilson is symbolic of the organizational pressure experienced in every day lives. Because of his rigid values and contemptuous nature, Dr. Wilson attempts to discredit Dr. Steele’s research.

Not only does he have to cope with his oppressive superior, but Dr. Steele must also evade Detective Callum whose main intent is arresting him for an unsolved homicide. One learns from his character development, that Detective Callum’s misanthropic ideals drive his relentless pursuit of Dr. Steele. Detective Callum’s beliefs are cast into his crime control theory which only allows him to envision a myopic world blinded by these rigid values. Detective Callum becomes symbolic of those individuals in society who fail to look beyond their own needs. These individuals because of their neophobic impression of life, have a distasteful view of those who are different.

During his struggle to remain free, Dr. Steele encounters other characters who also have tragic stories. Bob Jacks is one of these characters who emits a sense of pathos. After his mother’s untimely death, Bob Jacks is taken into care by the Childrens Services. He is adopted by a working class family who provide stability. Bob Jacks accepts the values instilled by his adoptive parents and attempts to make a life for himself. His education leads to a job as a police officer. Through the implementation of his values he becomes respected by his colleagues. Bob Jacks pursues his role zealously as a cop and attempts to instill a sense of fairness and justice in his work. With time however, he undergoes a transformation in character and succumbs to the negative pressure created by an over zealous prosecutor who is intent on controlling political corruption. This places Bob Jacks in a precarious role,- one in which he must go along with an underhanded plan, to plant evidence that will lead to the arrest of a politician with ties to Columbia drug trade, or one in which he must oppose the legal pressure. Unable to clearly understand the ramifications of his actions, Bob Jacks accedes to the request and engages in corrupt tactics. Like many who make tragic errors in life, Bob Jacks suffers emotionally and undergoes a personal tragedy and must struggle to regain some balance in his life. Through therapy and an inward introspective journey, he attempts to change so that he can reunite with his family.

A host of characters are brought forth in this novel. They provide the reader with some insight regarding personal values and the struggle to maintain professional status, social class and identity. One begins to understand that complex beliefs drive the human psyche and create struggles which complicate life. Many of the characters in this novel struggle for a sense of personal justice but at the same time become so enmeshed in their own dilemma that they can not see beyond their own needs.

This novel is a commentary on the social injustices that are encountered in life and the personal dilemmas that many face in order to cope with this challenge. The characters in this book exemplify the struggles often found in our society. Any resemblance to living or deceased people is purely coincidental.

CHAPTER 1

Through dark sunglasses the lone sunbather watched the rolling waves wash onto the golden Bahamian shore. He dropped the magazine to a shaded area beneath his beach chair and retrieved the tall glass. Beads of condensation collected on the perimeter and cool droplets ran down onto his fingers. Ice rolled forward as he tilted the glass to his lips. An audible dull sound resonated as the frozen cubes collided. Michael Steele cautiously scanned the beach. Repressed memories flashed to the present. He concentrated and was able to subdue them into his mind. He would try to forget them for now. His life had become a nightmare and the loner wanted the negative images forced into his unconsciousness until he had some answers. He could see an approaching figure ambling along the beach. At first glance, she reminded him of someone from his past. He fixed his eyes on her.

The interrogation still haunted him, the questions still lingered in his memory. Michael Steele would have to be cautious. He was now a fugitive from the law. He had been named as the prime suspect. For now, he would play it safe and act out the role of a tourist on the tropical Island. He couldn’t remain on the Island forever, but if he played his cards right, he would remain free. His paranoia had intensified since his arrival but he would have to play out the game or go down for a crime he didn’t commit. Hiding wasn’t his way, but it was survival and he was learning to rely on his instincts.

Michael Steele glanced over his left shoulder and closely inspected her bikini clad body. He had met her only a week prior. Her perfume floated in the warm breeze and the odour caressed his nostrils. Its aromatic fragrance reminded him of someone he’d known from his past.

Hi I thought I’d find you down here! Checked your room and found the note. I was wondering if you would like to go sailing this afternoon? I’ve rented a 32 foot Tanzier. We could explore Rock Cay. I hear there is a terrific coral reef for snorkelling. Maybe we could stay there over night, she said.

Sounds like a good plan, he responded.

Michael Steele didn’t think it a good idea to hang out at the resort every day. Someone might recognize him and put it together. His new found identity might not protect him if a composite sketch made it over from the mainland. A few days in seclusion would help settle his uneasiness, then he could decide on his next move. I’ve had enough sun for today Jena. Let’s get a cool drink at the hotel before we leave, he added.

She glanced up at the intense penetrating rays. Jena liked the sun but not the damaging effects of ultra violet radiation. The drink would set the pace for their trip to Rock Cay. Jena Smith had become somewhat bored with the slow pace on the Island and needed a diversion. Michael Steele had arrived just in time. Like a silent fog descending on a coastal village, he had appeared at the Albion Casino Resort. A brief conversation had followed after meeting her in the bar. Jena responded to his cues and the relationship had developed.

Her life had reached an all time low and the relationship had lifted the creeping depression. Jena wanted to forget her past for now. In time, she would tell him the details but only when she could trust him. Then she would allow him to journey into her emotional past. Jena’s husband had recently died and her friends hadn’t been there when she needed them. They had quickly distanced themselves when they learned of the money she inherited. Social comparison had always been a part of their demeanour. Jena blamed herself for not recognizing their narcissism earlier.

Michael Steele seemed different. He didn’t interject his opinions but listened to her and often answered in metaphors. He had come to the Bahamian Island to finish writing his novel. Jena had interacted with many people in her profession and believed that most novelists had a dark side to them. Their moods were mixed with highs and lows. She hadn’t known him for long but he was not like the other writers she had met.

Were you able to come up with any ideas for your novel today? she asked.

I decided to leave it for a while. Maybe I’ll return to it in a day or two. I had a couple of blank spells,-just couldn’t put my thoughts together. It happens in the writing business, he responded.

Michael Steele had attempted to evade her question. He had been a writer but had not spent his time writing novels. In his earlier conversations with her, he had described his failing career as a real estate broker and his return to writing. His work with electromagnetics slowly filtered into his conscious mind. He thought back to the Koren Brain Helmet. In quiet contemplation he wondered whether his associate would be able to complete the experiment in his absence.

Jena Smith glanced over at Michael Steele’s muscular body stretched on the beach chair. He had drifted into one of his vacant stares. She reflected on her past. Jena had been in a profession where secrets had to be kept. The practise of law had once been her life. But after her husband’s death, Jena had lost the fine edge. She slid into a dark and omnipotent despair. After a brief stay at a private psychiatric facility, Jena had departed for the Bahamian Island. Over the last two weeks, she had been attempting to rebuild herself. With time she would learn to cope with his death.

Jena had never envisioned herself in a long-term relationship. But after her brief encounter with Bob Smith, life had taken on a new meaning. She had learned to repress much of the anger from her childhood. Jena hadn’t made a conscious decision to despise men but had reacted with contempt to an earlier period of her life. She would never forgive her father for the difficulty he had caused during her childhood. After her mother’s death, Jena had undergone therapy. At first it helped and permitted her to view things differently. Her perception of men had changed just enough to allow Bob Smith into her life. At first he became her lover, then her friend. Eventually Bob Smith transformed into the father she had never known. When he met his tragic death, Jena’s zest for life faded. Despair led to depression, hospitalization and electroconvulsive therapy. Slowly she had crawled from the crevice of despair and now was attempting to escape the misery of his death.

The Bahamian Island had provided her with the solace that she had needed. She had come to the Island a stranger, someone with a past but no imminent future. It had been six months since his tragic accident. Jena was beginning to accept her loss but deep inside burned a desire to know the cause of her husband’s demise. She needed to fill the void and cushion the emotional anguish. At first, she believed romance would allow her to clear the hurdle that blocked the pathway. But Jena’s lust was slowly fading and her emotional needs longed for comfort. She motioned to him, and Michael Steele lethargically lifted himself from the beach chair and followed. The firm wet sand gave way to each foot print as he made his way across the beach. Waves crashed onto the brown crimson grains. The retreating water lapped at his ankles like a over zealous puppy seeking attention. He sensed the tension in the muscles of legs working to propel his body forward through the soft sand. Deep in thought, Michael did not look up to see the palm trees swaying with the light breeze. He followed her into the hotel lobby and up the flight of stairs. As he glanced upward, he found his eyes fixed on her shapely figure. Jena described her daily exercise program of aerobics, weights and calisthenics. She had discussed the zen of body mechanics as being essential to a healthy body and a balanced mind. Jena mentioned that after her husband’s death, she had reached the depth of her depression only to crawl out of it with a psychotherapist and a personal body trainer,- both professionals had coached her back to life.

At the top of the stairs Michael Steele moved ahead and unlocked the door to his suite. She followed with a long graceful stride, her slender legs carrying her quickly across the room. Silently she reclined onto the bamboo pillowed sofa.

What are you drinking? he asked.

Rum and coke, she replied.

From the kitchenette he fixed his gaze on her. Jena Smith was feminine in many ways but exuded a sense of mystique. Michael Steele’s last relationship had been with a woman from a similar professional class but that relationship was over for now. Jena described some of her past but had not given him all the details. It had been an accidental meeting. He had been in the Resort bar and spilled a drink on her dress. She reacted with a tirade of expletives but quickly subdued herself. Michael Steele apologized and after a debate ranging from global warming to politics they had ended up spending the night together. The relationship had been steadily gaining momentum since that first