Bridget Flynn - A Female Detective: Bridget Flynn Detective Series, #1

By Sidney St. James

Bridget Flynn – A Female Detective
Bridget Flynn Detective Series
Book 1 - A NOVELLA

"Whatever women do, they must do two times as well as men to be half as good. Fortunately, this is not difficult." Bridget Flynn said when interviewed by the Eagle Lake Headlight.

After nine novels demonstrating the career of the heroic and famed detective Vincent Gideon, the time came for his passing the torch to Bridget Flynn.

Times have changed, and the female detective found it was time to burst into the mystery scene, and she does it with wit and flair, paving the way for other women sleuths.

Fans around the world adored the woman detective, Bridget Flynn, in her debut as a side-kick with Vincent Gideon in the novel, Rosenthall, Book 1 in the Gideon Detective Series. She used her undercover name of Agatha throughout the case.

In this romance whodunit series, the lady detective, with the help of Chief Tommy Jackson of the Black Rock Cove police department, navigates her cases and sex life with good humor. Intelligence and an occasional longleaf Cuban cigar describe this attractive redhead detective.

This first novel in Sidney St. James widely acclaimed Detective Series tells story after story of our delightful, cunning and brilliant woman sleuth, Bridget Flynn. Watch as James makes the world a battlefield for this female investigator… from petty insults to opening her own door. Drop this woman into a man's world and watch the sparks fly.

Immediately upon setting up shop and hanging her shingle in a small office in Black Rock Cove, Flynn is hired to follow the Countess from Norderney Island after her husband, Count William died mysteriously. (Read about the beautiful countess in Book 7 of the Love Lost Series, NORDERNEY ISLAND)

After solving the case, she's invited to take on two high profile cases, one to break up a secret society, the Knights of the Silver Circle and the other, the robbing of valuables and cash from the U. S. Postal System.

What really rattled her cage, more so than investigating robberies, murder and cold cases like Rosenthall, is the lack of credit given to her by all the newspapers in the country. When interviewed by a journalist who knew Bridget was getting a bad shake, she said, "Whatever women do they must do two times as well as men to be half as good. Fortunately, this is not difficult."

Author James has found the opportunity to allow his female main characters the time to break the rules!

For example, with a stroke of James' keyboard in the Rose of Brays Bayou, the award-winning author brings to life in creative nonfiction the story of the Runaway Scrape starring Dilue Rose Harris. God Bless Texas Women.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BeeBop Publishing Group
• Release date: Sep 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393406280

Sidney St. James

Sidney St. James is an extraordinary author who has made his mark in the world of science fiction suspense. With a creative mind that knows no bounds, St. James weaves captivating tales that transport readers to thrilling and otherworldly realms. His unique ability to blend the elements of science fiction with heart-pounding suspense has garnered him a dedicated following of readers eager to embark on their next exhilarating adventure. Born with an insatiable curiosity and a love for all things speculative, St. James found his calling in the realm of science fiction. From a young age, he was drawn to the limitless possibilities and unexplored frontiers of the genre. Influenced by literary greats and inspired by the wonders of the cosmos, St. James embarked on a writing journey that would push the boundaries of imagination and captivate readers with their visionary tales. St. James' science fiction novels are a testament to their boundless creativity and meticulous attention to detail. With each page, readers are transported to intricate and fully realized worlds, where technological advancements, extraterrestrial encounters, and moral dilemmas abound. His skillful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, as they navigate through a maze of suspense, intrigue, and thought-provoking concepts. In addition to his literary accomplishments, St. James is an avid pickleball player. This dynamic sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, serves as a source of balance and inspiration for St. James. The strategic gameplay and the camaraderie of the pickleball community provide a welcome respite from the boundless realms of science fiction that occupies his mind. As St. James continues to push the boundaries of the science fiction suspense genre, his unique blend of imagination, suspense, and pickleball prowess sets him apart as a true force to be reckoned with. With each new novel, readers eagerly anticipate the next thrilling journey that St. James will take them on, whether it's unraveling the mysteries of distant galaxies or engaging in a high-stakes match on the pickleball court. Sidney St. James is a true visionary and an author whose stories and pickleball skills will leave readers and opponents alike in awe.

Book preview

Dedication

In memory of Terry Causey, for being my first editor and giving me the best writing advice I ever received. Sidney, I think you should wait until you are done with sixth grade before worrying about being a failed writer.

Chapter ONE

The Return of Consciousness

Bridget Flynn awoke one morning with the kind of perplexity of mind which accompanies the return of mindfulness. The protégé of Vincent Gideon, the famed detective, laid and looked out through the window of her apartment in Black Rock Cove at a faint streak of peach color. It was dividing a cloud that just rose above the white-capped waves out over the Pacific Ocean, announcing the approach of the sun rising from the other direction from behind the Portland Mountain range.

No sooner did she finish her morning breakfast and read the local newspaper, a telegram arrived requesting she come to the downtown police headquarters. It was signed by Chief Tommy Jackson.

She finished making herself presentable, placed her 38 Special golden revolver in her purse, and jumped in her 1934 Ford Brewster, all white with burgundy fenders. It was the car that Vincent Gideon gave her when he went into retirement or at least said he did.

She turned a familiar corner and was threading the well-known avenues of Walnut. It was along a short street where little houses once covered the site that the headquarters of the Black Rock Cove Police were situated.

Once arriving, she pulled up into a space left vacant near the front door of the building. Several police officers who were standing outside admired her car. One came over and rubbed his hand over the headlamp. Nice car.

Bridget gave him a nod, Thank you, and continued up to the front door and entered the police station. Once inside, she was conducted into a room of limited dimensions. She didn’t have to wait long.

Coming from an adjacent room, a man of spare build who had dark and keen searching eyes, like those of a ferret, shook her, in a cold and business-like manner, by the hand, and said, Please, Miss Flynn, be seated. I am Chief Tommy Jackson.

Hello, Chief. Yes, I am aware of you from my once colleague, Vincent Gideon.

Old Vince. Have you heard from him in a while?

Actually, he went into retirement, and I haven’t heard one word from him in almost eight years.

I remember him well. Actually, I remember you, as well. That Rosenthall case was a mind-bender, was it not?

Yes. Yes, it was. By the way, please call me Bridget.

Very well, if you will call me Tommy. He carried himself with an air of self-confidence.

Bridget stared at the Chief and thought back to the first case she was on with Vincent on solving the case of the serial killer, Rosenthall. The Chief may not remember her, but she was on the sidelines and remembered him well. His forehead bulged out a little, indicating the talent of no doubt a thinker, a case solver. All who knew him directly, or by reputation, admired him. When on a case, he performed the demanding duties of an awkward position with strong consideration and with the most praiseworthy skill and perseverance.

He stood staring a moment before beginning his conversation with why he had invited the female detective to his office. He was head of the Detective Department of the Black Rock Cove police.

Little known to Bridget Flynn, it was her involvement with Gideon on the Rosenthall case he never forgot. He always thought Vincent was out of his mind to involve a woman detective to help solve the case. The Chief always believed in the back of his mind that Gideon’s petticoated detective was as successful as the most sanguine innovator. Chief Jackson had to pull out all the stops and decided he would do as Vincent, his old friend, did many years earlier. He would imitate the man who united the courage of a lion with the cunningness of a fox and top it all off with the sagacity of a bulldog.

Please, Bridget, sit down and be comfortable. Exclaimed the chief, handing her a chair.

She walked up and sat down with the chief, giving a little help and pushing the chair up underneath her. She did so with that prompt and passive obedience which please Chief Jackson.

It is not necessary to refer to the circumstances which led her to embark on a career that was exciting and mysterious, but for whatever reason, Vincent Gideon had taken her under his wings many years earlier where she accepted his tutoring with pleasure.

Chief Jackson was from the old school. When she walked into the hotel bar and sat down with Vincent and interjected herself into his investigation in a murder mystery, she became what few people would call a Female Detective, one who had already seen forty years of age come and go.

Over the years, Bridget knew it was necessary to return the chief’s glance with one that was unflinching. She already knew that men in authority liked people who stare back at them because it betokened confidence in themselves. It also signified that they would not shrink away in the hour of peril when danger loomed in front of them and to the back!

I have sent for you Bridget, said the chief, to entrust to your care a serious case for you to help us resolve.

The chief awaited her answer. The long-time police officer may be getting older, but his memory was just as sharp as back in ’34. He knew Bridget was well-born and well educated. She was most definitely an accomplished actress and could play her part in any drama she was asked to perform. However, her performances were in real life, not the memetic representations which were reserved for the elevated stage.

I believe Bridget you have what it takes to help me with this tough case. It will be necessary to have the nerve and strength and the cunningness and confidence to pull it off.

Such kind words, Tommy. Her smile brought an immediate softening to her features.

I simply do not know a woman more fitted for the task than yourself. If you agree to help, your services will be handsomely rewarded. And, a gentle grin widened across his face, you shall have no reason to complain of my stinginess in the matter of the expenses associated with your working on the case.

That is kind of you. She was impressed by the apparent confidence he inspired.

I would like to also add I am not asking this case be solved by tomorrow. Don’t be in haste. Take your time. I always say that the rabbit may be swift, but the slow and sure turtle wins the race more often than not. I know that I need hardly talk to you in this way, but the advice is never prejudicial to anyone’s interests.

Tommy, I appreciate what you’re saying. I would gladly accept any suggestions you are kind enough to send my way for guidance.

Another reason I called you in to help is that I am very aware you possess an unusual amount of common sense. You are not at all likely to take offense at what is kindly meant on my part.

You are correct. I will never take unkindly for whatever guidance you can give me on the case. Of what nature is the case?

It is a very delicate one, Bridget. Responded the Chief. Her name has been on the front page for the last few days. Are you familiar with the Countess Emma of Norderney?

Bridget gently laughed. Yes. You’re talking about the broad who is dazzling all of Black Rock Cove at present wearing all of those expensive diamonds. The woman who is spending an immense fortune at the most outrageously expensive nightclubs in town?

Yes, one and the same. I have during the last several months been trying to figure out what the Countess’s fortune consists of. I haven’t been able to identify any property that she owns, any bank accounts with banks... nowhere have I been able to figure out where her money is coming from.

I know I should ask, but a job is a job. It’s not my place to ask the Chief why he needs to know this, just do whatever he is asking me to do.

Very well. What is it you wish me to do, Chief Jackson? She was still at a total loss of conjecture.

"The case I want you to work on is to discover where her source of income is located. The Lady of Norderney gets money which enables her to carry on some type of career, the splendor and profuseness of which even exceeds that of Herr Haber, the prince who visited our city a few years ago. (See the novel A Prince of Their Own by Sidney St. James.)

I accept the challenge, Tommy. It should be interesting.

Indeed, my dear Bridget. If you find the case not challenging enough for a woman detective as yourself, pray to decline it at once. It is not right to undertake a case when it involves services that might be objectionable to you.

On the contrary, Tommy, I am not at all put off by the quest you assign to me. I should, above all things, enjoy unraveling the secrets of the mysterious Countess Emma. I assure you I will bring you tidings and information you ask for within six weeks or my services will be free of charge.

It is not important that you finish in six weeks or eight weeks, just as long as we solve this matter.

I like to set a realistic goal for me to obtain. This way, I can map out my strategy and plan and meet it weekly or know I am falling behind. That is just the way I tick, Chief.

"Very well. Let me occasionally