A Bird in the Hand

By M.A. Monnin

In an American community overseas, every scandal risks becoming an international incident. So, when a colonel on base calls about an incriminating photo, St. Killian knows the stakes are high. But how does he thwart a blackmailer if no one tells the truth?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wildside Press
• Release date: Jun 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781479466092

Book preview

Table of Contents

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

A BIRD IN THE HAND, by M.A. Monnin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Copyright © 2022 by M. A. Monnin.

Original publication by Wildside Press, LLC.

wildsidepress.com | bcmystery.com

A BIRD IN THE HAND,

by M.A. Monnin

Michael St. Killian logged into the computer at the shared desk for adjunct University of Maryland faculty in the Education Center office on Ramstein Air Base. Hmm. Only three students enrolled in his Palatinate History class. Hopefully it would fill, at least enough to be a go. PI jobs had been scarce. His part-time position with the University of Maryland didn’t buy much schnitzel, but it did keep him from paying German taxes under the Status of Forces Agreement, and it allowed him to exercise his benefits as an Air Force retiree.

A good life. How many people could retire with benefits from one career at thirty-nine, and be free to pursue a second one while enjoying retirement pay? Thank you, Uncle Sam.

Michael, Talia, the U of M secretary said from her desk across the room, did you hear Rose is leaving her husband? She’s going back to the States to stay with her parents.

He glanced at Rose’s desk. It was empty. He hadn’t seen the Education Center Program Coordinator in several days.

Don’t say anything, Talia said. I’m not supposed to know.

Won’t tell a soul, he promised.

When the phone rang, Talia answered, then put the caller on hold. This one’s for you.

Got it. He picked up, hitting