New Beginnings

By Hazel B. West

Jack has made a new life for himself as a budding homicide detective in a small town in New Mexico, but it’s harder to let go of the past than he realized. Faced with a friendly new partner and an apparent vigilante murder case the first week on the job, Jack tries to put his past behind him and focus on the future. After all, there’s no going back to his old life now, so maybe it’s time to look for a little redemption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hazel B. West
• Release date: Aug 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005171940

Hazel B. West

I spend a good bit of my time writing historical fiction about brave men and women who have graced the pages of history, trying to bring more light to their legacies so readers of all ages will enjoy them.My favorite things/hobbies: Writing obviously, listening to and playing Irish and Scottish folk music, practicing with all eras and types of historical weaponry, GOOD COFFEE, reading of course, dark (dark) chocolate, sketching/painting, hats and boots, collecting little old-fashioned things of all kinds, buying books, and don't forget dressing in period clothing!My favorite kinds of books: Good adventure (sometimes with a little romance), Epic historical series, anything having to do with brotherhood or camaraderie--I'll read anything if it has a strong brotherly bond between two or more guys, time travel novels as long as they are traveling back in time (and not in their own lifetime), good steampunk novels (heavy on the clankers and none of the weird things), military adventure, historical fiction that's either well-written or has unique twists, meaningful or bittersweet war novels, occasionally a good funny book especially ones that are spoofs off old stories or fairy tales, and classics--always the classics!

Book preview

NEW BEGINNINGS

A Sweet Vendetta Blues Story

By Hazel B. West

Smashwords Edition

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All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious; any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental

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Redemption, New Mexico, 2223

Jack parked outside the small police department building and sat in his car for a few long moments, just taking deep breaths to steady himself.

This was a new start. He had to keep reminding himself of that. Put away everything that had come before. Lock everything that had happened inside the box in his mind. One that was getting quite full. But there was a certain amount of relief that came with the notion that he could actually be allowed to forget now. He had no reason to cling to the past—in fact he had every reason to let it all go.

Of course, he knew it wouldn’t be that easy. It never was. But he would do his best and he would start today.

He finally cut the thrusters on the car and turned off the engine, stepping out and breathing in the cool dry air of the early morning desert.

It was so quiet out here in this small border town in New Mexico. Growing up in New York he had always been surrounded by noise. It was both a difficult change to get used to, and also almost a comfort because of that.

But enough thinking about the past. Jack straightened his jacket, squared his shoulders, and headed inside toward his new job and future.

The bustle inside the precinct was more comforting. People going about their jobs with the practiced ease of a Monday morning. Jack headed toward the front desk and asked where he could find the captain’s office.

Once he was pointed in the right direction, he headed over there and knocked on the door.

Come in, came the voice from inside.

Jack stepped in and took in the middle-aged man sitting behind the desk, ill-fitting suit, loose tie, picture of his family on one side of the desk, and the plaque at the front that said Captain Connolly.

Abberline, I take it? the