Clearwater Birthday

By Al Rennie

The mother of a veteran who committed suicide asks Joe to investigate her son's death; CHIPs is recruited by the CPD to help find a small terrorist cell; June Franklin has a missing foster father and his 17 year old foster daughter ... "heads are going to roll" unless Joe finds them right away; Doc receives a death threat a few days before his birthday party; It's just another romp in paradise!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al Rennie
• Release date: Jul 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005961930

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 Birthday

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: -

The cake image is by: InspireCreateCelebrate of Australia via Pixabay.com

The beach image is by: David Frampton of Hurricane/USA via Pixabay.com

Cover design by: Rita Toews

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

Table Of Contents

Acknowledgements:

Note to Mia and Doc Readers

Prologue Clearwater Birthday!

1. Four Weeks Earlier – I meet Mary Doughty.

2. Day One - Four Weeks after Meeting Mrs. Doughty – Back to normal!

3. Day Two – And the beat goes on!

4. Day Three – Wednesday – Highly Irregular!

5. Day Four – Now we’re cooking!

6. Day 4 – Thursday - Will the real Simon step forward

7. The Surprise that Wasn’t, and then it Was!

Note to Joe and Mia fans

Acknowledgements:

The suicide letter in this book is a slightly edited copy of an actual note I found on the internet written by a U.S.A. veteran named Najwah Essop. It was penned somewhere around October 23rd, 2013. I want to be very careful to ensure that this letter is not an endorsement of Mr. Essop’s action.

Trigger warning: If you are dealing with suicidal thoughts, please don’t read the letter. You can easily get help at any of the Suicide Crisis Lines.

One of the characters in this Clearwater story has been credited with writing this letter. He, meaning I, did not write it; Najwah Essop did. To the best of my knowledge, the fictional character I have created is in no way similar to Mr. Essop except that they were both army veterans serving their country in Afghanistan.

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.). Whenever I’ve been able talk with you, I 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?

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

50) Clearwater Birthday

Clearwater Birthday

Note to Mia and Doc Readers

Who would believe that ten years after I sent Clearwater Journals (Book 1) away to Free e-Books in 2010, and then put it out for free under the Smashwords banner, I would be putting out the fiftieth episode in the series? Not me … that’s for sure! I would like to take this occasion to thank those many readers who have stayed with me and encouraged me through those years. There are too many to name, but you all know who you are. I also very much appreciate the recent interest in my stories by so many newcomers to the series.

Not for the first time, I have come to the not so difficult realization that I am never going to write the Great Canadian novel. I also know that I’m not destined to be the next Michael Connelly, John Grisham, David Baldacci or Elmore Leonard. That fresh recognition has allowed me to write for myself without commercial concerns present or future. This is my explanation and possibly my apology for Clearwater Birthday. For those who stick with me, I will continue to write and put out episodes until I no longer can. The act of writing keeps me off the streets and out of trouble and driving a new Cadillac. Writing these Clearwater episodes also prevents me from slipping into deep depression over the current world situation.

Best Regards,

Al

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 Star! 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.

Prologue

Clearwater Birthday!

I slipped my Beretta out of the back of my jeans and racked it under the table. If the Weasel was still watching me, and figured out what I was doing, he might think twice before he tried anything. In any case, I had this Bubba figured for at least two weapons. My eyes would be on him. As I started to pick my way across the bar’s dimly lit space, I paused to let our waitress deliver the food orders to our table. She said something like ‘foods up’. I nodded, but kept my focus on the Weasel. If anything was going to go ‘pop’, I knew that it would have to start with that dude. I kept my Beretta to the side and slightly to the back of my leg as I continued to pick my way towards their table. I watched as the Weasel pushed his chair away from the table a little and leaned forward to say something to the two guys with him. As I pulled to a stop six feet from their table, believing this wasn’t going to happen, the Weasel made his move. He was fast, very fast …

Chapter 1

Four Weeks Earlier – I meet Mary Doughty.

We were coming out of the mandatory shut down attached to the coronavirus. All of the CHIPs crew had been working from their own homes, and if you think that is easy when your business is private investigation and protection, you need a tight fitting, heavy, white canvas coat that securely does up in the back.

I had arrived on the job that morning, believing that I might get to work on my tan and catch up with some of the paperwork that needed to be done. I was wrong. I had just sat down at my desk and flipped on my computer to load a game of Spider Solitaire when Mrs. F called out to inform me that a potential client would like to see me. I shook my head … the gods were already against me … and stepped out into our small reception area.

A very well preserved, fifty-something, silver haired woman, dressed in her ‘going to church’ clothes was standing there talking to Mrs. F who was wearing a look of grave concern on her face.

Joe, this is Mrs. Mary Doughty. She would like to hire CHIPs, but you in particular.

Sure …

You’re Joe Holiday … the private investigator who I’ve read about in the news …?

It’s just Joe … and yup, that’s the rumour -Poster Boy for CNN. What can I do for you Mrs. Doughty?

Please … It’s just, Mary. And I personally like Fox News.

I smiled. Someone was stealing my lines … ‘it’s just, Joe’ was now ‘it’s just, Mary’ …’ I might enjoy this one.

Step into my office and tell me about this job you’d like me to do … Uh, do you mind if I leave the door open?

No, I suppose that would be alright, but may I ask why, Mr. Holiday?

Again, it’s just, Joe … and I’ll only have to tell Mrs. F all about your request after you leave. And I wouldn’t want her to hurt herself trying to listen in. She’ll be out of practice what with the time off for the virus.

Not funny, Joseph … Mrs. F chirped at me with a look of indignation and a tint of embarrassment.

Mrs. Doughty smiled … so that was good.

She’s welcome to join us if she’s not too busy …

Nice …

When the two ladies were seated across from me at my desk, Mrs. Doughty grimaced and abruptly reached into her leather handbag. I quickly reached into my open desk drawer for my Beretta. Mrs. Doughty took out a well worn piece of paper and extended it towards me. I left my Beretta where it was, and reached out to take the piece of paper.

My son committed suicide … At least that was the coroner’s ruling. I’m not saying that he did or he didn’t, but I have to know if I contributed in any way to his death.

Uh, huh … I’m sorry for your loss ma’am … I said, as I started to scan the paper which was, in fact, the single spaced, computer generated, suicide letter that her son left for her.

I would like you to find the answer to that question for me, Mr. Holiday. Was I in any way responsible for Mark’s decision to take his own life?

Just, Joe … how did you imagine I might be able to find the answer to that question, Mrs. Doughty? I mean given … and I’m trying to be sensitive here … the fact that your son has passed.

There was a pause of a few beats before Mrs. Doughty replied. I have absolutely no idea, but you’re the investigator. I’ll leave the ‘how’ to you.

Okay, off the bat, I see two problems right away ma’am. First, this could be a very time consuming and expensive exercise with no guarantee of results … good or bad.

I’m not concerned about the money. My husband left me very well off. I can leave you a cheque for a hundred thousand dollars today. What was the other problem?

A professional therapist would have to talk to you in depth about your memories of your son and then have your permission to share that information with me and possibly my investigators to chase down and verify. I suppose before anything comes to fruition with the therapist, we could start talking to his friends before, during and after his time in the service.

How do you know he was in the army?

There’s a strong suggestion of that being the fact in his letter to you, and I’ve only just begun to scan it.

I see … I’m not interested in meeting with any therapists. My personal faith is all that I need. Is there any other method you might employ to obtain that information?

Good question … I suppose you could create a journal for me. I’m not certain that would be as effective, but we could try it. May I ask you what the problem would be with seeing a therapist?

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