Clearwater Hope

By Al Rennie

Three vets come to Joe with a proposal; a bereft mother asks Joe to find her daughter; the executors of the estate of a wealthy man are looking for a missing heir; a Bubba who has been scammed wants his money back and asks Joe to find the scammer; Bob Morse's young client has been railroaded into making a confession; Joe gets a call from a trucker who has picked up a hitchhiker; Mrs. F is almost killed ... Another romp in paradise!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al Rennie
• Release date: May 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463112014

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 Hope

By

Al Rennie

Dedication

For my wife and moral compass

Marsha

And to all the kind and supportive readers of the Clearwater Series

Thank You!

Copyright © 2020 by Al Rennie

All Rights Reserved.

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

Cover Image Credit: Rita Toews

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

Table Of Contents

Prologue: Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 – The Hit Squad

1. Friday, December 27th, 2019 – The Mother

2. Monday, January 6th, 2020 – Off- Season

3. Tuesday, January 7th, 2020 – The Search

4. Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 – Well, that sucks!

5. Thursday, January 9th, 2020 … Messed Up or What?

6. Friday, January 10th, 2020 – Day Off

Note to Joe and Mia fans

Acknowledgements: Thank you Gerry Pielsticker and Nancy Fox who, once again, supplied a collection of jokes that left me laughing so hard, I just had to find a place for only a few of them. Thank you Sally Wynn for keeping me updated on things of interest in Clearwater. Thanks also to Ken Jackman, City of Peterborough Deputy Chief of Police (ret.) for our occasional morning coffee time spent at Tim Horton’s. I always come away laughing with so many ideas to include in my books. You have the right to remain silent, sir … for about as long as you can withstand the pain.

I’d like to thank Donna VandenBroek and my wife, Marsha, for their masterful work in editing yet another episode of The Clearwater Series. The Tim Horton’s, Amazon or Starbucks gift cards are in the mail … hold on, what Gift Cards?

As some of you know, during the time that I was writing this Clearwater episode, I had two eye surgeries. Both were successful. I’d like to thank all of those Joe and Mia readers who took time to wish me well and send a positive thought or a prayer in my direction. Much appreciated…

This is the Clearwater Series in the sequence that 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

36) Clearwater Glitz

37) Clearwater Mirage

38) Clearwater Witness

39) Clearwater Cowboy

40) Clearwater Retirement

41) Clearwater Spring Break

42) Clearwater Gun Thug

43) Clearwater Flip Flop

44) Clearwater Kidnap

45) Clearwater Seduction

46) Clearwater Resue

47) Clearwater Blackmail

48) Clearwater Princess

49) Clearwater Hope

What Readers Are Saying About the Clearwater Series!

On the advice of the critics, editors and Ellen, I have limited the number of reader responses to a few of the more recent ones. 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.

I Loved Clearwater Rescue!

I love to read, but the story has to keep my attention and it is very rare that I find an Author and series that does that. There are books that I have read that take me a long time to get through, and I have come to realize that the Author has to have a 3-way gift. That is what Al Rennie has, he has an amazing imagination, plus a gift for telling the story that he artfully writes into this amazing series of stories that is The Clearwater Series. Clearwater Rescue is a bit different and that's what I loved about it. Mr. Rennie throws us these curve-balls every so often to keep us on our toes. The intelligence, humor, humanity, love, and mystery surrounding the characters in these books are addicting and inspiring. Clearwater Rescue is all that we come to expect from Mr. Rennie with a curve-ball thrown in. A Fantastic Read! Sharon

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

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

I have read the entire series more than once and it keeps getting better. Can’t wait for number forty… 5 Stars …Thanks again Al!

Clearwater Kidnap may have been the best of the forty plus books comprising Al Rennie's Clearwater Series. Al is a master storyteller, the plot twists are outstanding. The series is populated with memorable characters, characters I might add, that after 40 plus e-books, you start to take a personal interest in their well being. My preferred reading is adventure/action, written by the likes of Thor, Child, Sanford, Cussler, in my opinion Al Rennie does not take a backseat to any of these better known authors. Do yourself a favor, download Clearwater Journal and start the adventure that is the Clearwater Series.

Loved it! Another great adventure in Paradise … Merle

This action packed book makes me salivate for the next one. You can practically feel yourself in Florida with the pelicans begging for food while the shenanigans of the PI life go on. And as my old grandma would say, A dull moment is one that’s not lived! A real spitfire she was herself! Christine H

Reading the Clearwater Series is always enjoyable. Clearwater Seduction entertains us, continuing the chronicles of Joe Holiday, CHIPS and all the rest. Al Rennie has set the standards high with his developing characters and true-to-life situations. This book does not disappoint. There is insane humor, action, familiar people, and a slice-of-life vibe going on. No spoiler alerts. However, I will say I could not put it down until I finished it. The storylines threaded throughout keep you reading until you are through. He continues to keep us up to date with the familiar characters and introduces new ones. He does not disappoint. Five . He keeps us looking forward to the next escapades. Ellen

How can this latest book be the best one yet? I don't know but I'm certain it is. I swear I feel like I'll pass you on the beach one of these days soon. Wait, what beach? I'm in Arizona.... Thanks!

I have read MANY books and this is the first time I have ever written a review.

Al, you did it again! I couldn’t put this one down either! I have read all of your Clearwater books and a number of others you’re written as well.

You are a wonderful, talented writer! I feel like I know your characters and have come to love them! I cried when Mia lost the babies and laughed at all of Frank’s jokes!

Please keep writing! Your huckleberry, Michelle

Clearwater Glitz

Loved the book … As usual I always want more … Looking forward to the next one!

This has been a great month for favorite author releases. First Cussler, then Sanford and finally Rennie. Oh you don't know of the Canadian Al Rennie, do yourself a big favor with summer 2019 just around the corner, start Al Rennie's Clearwater Series. Mr Rennie is one great storyteller, the series is easy reading, the books are populated with memorable characters, his sense of humor is second to none. Grab the 1st in the series, Clearwater Journal, you can work on your tan and experience many hours of pure entertainment! Rennie is simply one of the best!

Hey Al, how do you do it? I read this book in one sitting! This book kept me glued to my swing until I finished reading it. So many people, so much going on, how does Joe go on 2 hours sleep a day( lol ). One of your best books yet. So Bonnie is running for what was it.? Lol Great story line as so many women are kidnapped for sex trafficking or by perverts.

Your friend and avid reader … Bonnie

Al Rennie's CLEARWATER series is never dull. He is a very talented writer who can take current events and add just enough imagination to them to make the story familiar but yet different. His writings are so far beyond other authors I have read, that I find myself wanting more at the end of each book. There are so many twists and turns in the CLEARWATER series and just when you think you figured it out, then BAM, another twist. This book, CLEARWATER SEDUCTION is just a bit different and this book shows his talent and versatility in storytelling. Al Rennie, you wrote this one a bit different and I loved it just the same. You have the talent sir and that is what keeps me coming back to Clearwater and the Holiday Clan. You took a risk and I applaud you, it really paid off. "It's just another day in paradise.

Prologue

Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 – The Hit Squad

It was just after eleven in the morning. I was in my office putting the finishing flourishes on the report that I’d been writing for my employer, Uber lawyer, Bob Morse, a legal legend in his own mind. That was when Mrs. F beeped me on the intercom. The very fact that she used the intercom and didn’t just yell, Joe! as she usually does, was a not so subtle tip off that she was dealing with something out of the ordinary in our reception area adjacent to my office. The fact that she added the word ‘nine’ to her request that I join her was not quite so subtle. The fact that Mrs. F and I have a dictionary of code words speaks to the nature of my business.

Mr. Holiday, there are three interesting men out here to see you, and I have those nine documents ready for you to sign.

She almost never calls me Mr. Holiday and ‘nine’ was the clever code we use when Mr. Beretta might come in handy. The word ‘interesting’ denotes that the three guys waiting for me were a bit on the sketchy side. I quietly opened and reached into the top right hand side drawer of my desk where I keep a loaded nine millimeter Beretta pistol. I flipped off the safety and racked it as quietly as I could.

Send them in, Mrs. F …

A few beats after that, an old ragtag, bald headed guy, tanned to the colour of an over ripe coconut slowly opened my office door and cautiously poked his head inside. His gnarly hands were clearly visible and empty. Two more guys, who roughly fit the same description as the first Bubba, followed him into my space and the three of them stood on the other side of my desk like twelve year old kids who had been caught smoking in the washroom and subsequently sent to the school’s vice-principal … that would be me.

Uh-huh … so what can I do for you guys today?

Apparently, the first dude into my office was also the spokesperson for the trio.

We got a good deal for you, Mr. Holiday … real good …

Uh- huh … I don’t need any more grouper guys. My freezer overfloweth …

We’re not selling any fish, Mr. Holiday … we got a real good plan to help you out.

I didn’t know I needed any help fellahs … but colour me curious. What are you trying to sell me this morning?

Can we sit down and tell you about our great idea? Charlie’s knees ain’t no damn good no more, and we ain’t had much to eat the last day or two. And you won’t need that nine milly in your hand under the desk. We come in peace, sir … honest to God …

Uh-huh …. Just so many things wrong with that sentence, I wouldn’t know where to start. But sure … grab another chair from the reception area and tell me your scam … er, plan.

No scam, man … a solid idea. You’re gonna love it …

The guy I guessed was Charlie pulled out one of the client chairs and flopped into it. The guy who had done all the talking so far took the other client chair. The third dude, who looked to be the youngest of the three, scooted back into the reception area to get another chair.

Bubba, tell Mrs. F …. That’s the lady out there with the phone in her hand … tell her that she doesn’t have to call 911 just yet. She can wait until she hears gunfire.

That put a little smile on the lead guy’s face.

I thought she looked a little bit worried when we came on board. Nice office you got here, Mr. Holiday.

It’s just, Joe … and you would be?

Teddy … Theodore to my mom and dad, God rest their precious souls …

And your, not so healthy friend here is Charlie, I presume, and the third guy is …?

Ross … Charlie don’t say much, and he’s hard of hearing too. He was an artillery guy mostly. Screwed up his ears real bad if you know what I mean. But he’s reliable and loyal.

Sort of like a German shepherd, so good to know …

Ross arrived with one of the chairs from our reception area we have for our limited walk in trade. He gave me a toothless smile and settled on it across from me. When he was nicely seated, his head went on a swivel. He started looking at everything in my office. If I was of a suspicious mind, I might have convinced myself that he was ‘casing the joint’.

So tell me your idea, Teddy …

Yeah, okay … so we’ve been to the library, we went on-line and we’ve read up on you and your CHIPs investigating company. You’ve got quite some operation going on.

Uh-huh … did you find anything that was of special interest to you?

Oh yeah …We’re thinking you probably get some people … clients that is … that want you to take care of their problems for them in a permanent fashion.

Right away, I was thinking, ‘now there’s a red flag if ever there was one’.

I’m not in the ‘have gun will travel’ business, Teddy, and I tell any clients who ask that question as soon as they bring it up. You three wouldn’t be some kind of entrapment cops would you? Just asking is all …because you’re good if you are … very good.

Teddy started to chuckle at the idea of me thinking he was an undercover cop. which is what a good undercover cop, trying to entrap me, might do.

No, we ain’t cops … we’re veterans of wars past, but that’s why you’ll like our idea when I tell you about it.

Okay … I’m still listening guys, but you might want to make it fast. I have some stuff to get done today. Fish to fry as it were …

Okay …

For the next eight minutes, I listened half heartedly as Teddy told me where each of them was from and then gave me – bullet fashion – each one’s military background. If his information was accurate and believable, and if they really had earned the various service medals and commendations that he described, the three of them were pretty impressive warriors. Then he moved on to how they could help me out while at the same time help themselves out as well. Basically, their plan involved me giving the contact information for Teddy and his two pals to any clients looking to hire me to ‘take care of business’ for them. They would then look after everything from there, and I would earn a ten percent commission for doing ‘basically nothing’.

It’s all about a ‘make the connection’ problem for us, Joe … like if we was selling the best hamburgers ever but nobody knew about it. But you could help us out there … like for your ten percent.

"It’s sort of like a marketing problem … yeah, Teddy? How can you