Southern Crossed: A Mac Burns Novel

By Phil Perkins

Retired Atlanta police detective Mac Burns was trying to enjoy retirement in the lowcountry town of Bluffton, South Carolina. He had planned to live a quiet, solitary life after a challenging career and messy divorce.

Mac's dislike of the gated communities cropping up on Hilton Head Island and even in Bluffton was obvious to his friends, Richard Percival (Percy) and his college buddy and realtor Dan Wheeler. They'd often heard their friend talk about the restrictions of homeowner's associations and the boards that run them. He hated the incursion of planned developments that eat into the serenity of Old Town Bluffton.

When his younger lady friend, Shelby Crewe, pressed him to look into a situation with a widowed neighbor who was being taken advantage of by a developer, he reluctantly agreed to investigate. He had no idea of the layers of deceit and corruption that investigation would uncover. So much for retirement.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665574617

Phil Perkins

Phil Perkins is a writer, businessman, and musician who lives in Richmond, Virginia and Hilton Head Island with wife Sandi and two pups. He is the author of several business books and blogs frequently. His interest in surfing and surf culture motivated him to write his first works of fiction, The Legend of Corky Sandoval and the sequel, Corky's Beach Bar. Lowcountry Boil and Porch Rocker were his first departure from his beach-oriented roots and introduces new characters in the series of Mac Burns novels. Phil often says that his heart is in the lowcountry, that section of South Carolina that includes his much loved Hilton Head Island.

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© 2022 Phil Perkins. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  11/16/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7458-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7461-7 (e)

Cover design, photography, and graphics by Sandra Dube

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or

links contained in this book may have changed since publication and

may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those

of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,

and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-One

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Three

DEDICATION

As I mentioned in the dedication that preceded Porch Rocker, my second Mac Burns novel, I’ve been trying to take particular care in writing this part of my books. For a time, I had the habit of leaving out people I clearly should have mentioned. My only excuse was that I’ve had so many influences during my lifetime and so many friends and family that have positively impacted my life that it’s just plain difficult to give them all their due. So, I took a different approach on the last book and will continue with this one.

When I read a novel, I pay close attention to character development. If a character in the book whether protagonist or antagonist or even bit player is well defined and three dimensional the reader will accept them. They may love or hate a particular person in a book. They may root for the hero or against the villain. But part of the fun of immersing yourself in a good book is anticipating a character’s next move. It can become a little movie in your mind. At least it does in mine.

I want to start with the characters that emerged in no small part because of my wife Sandi. Not only have we enjoyed a long and loving marriage, she’s been my partner in every sense of the word. You’ll find that Shelby Crewe in Lowcountry Boil, Porch Rocker, and this book owes her empathy and sense of responsibility to others to Sandi. The character Abby in my first novella, The Legend of Corky Sandoval, owes her independence and creativity to Sandi. Greg’s wife Lee in Corky’s Beach Bar owes her ability to keep her perspective and stay strong in the face of adversity to Sandi. You’ll find lots of Sandi’s loving nature in all of my books. I can’t hope to repay her dedication to making every day a better one. My books in some small measure pay tribute to how she has changed my life.

You’ll find other loved ones and friends in my books as well. The dashing character Duke in the first Corky book is based in part on my equally dashing brother Randy. The fiercely competitive female surfer Alexa in the same book owes a debt to my sister Bethany. Both of my siblings are also authors, btw. Couldn’t be more proud.

The disbarred attorney, Percy, in the Mac Burns books has a bit of my brother-in-law Peter, mixed with my old friend Fergy.

And the list goes on. I thank our cousins Lana and Josh up in New England for our longstanding friendship. You know you’re in more than one of the books and your love and dedication inspires us.

I thank our nephew Jeff for his friendship and family devotion. You’re a good man, Jeff and knowing you helps shape some of our characters.

To the boys in our band Libra Sun, you’ll have to look but you’ll find yourselves in there from time to time. Our work together brings back all the fun of music from our younger selves.

And another quick thank you to magazine editor Annie Tobey who asked me in an interview why there are dogs in each novel. I told her because they just make life better. Thanks, Annie, for doing me the honor of publishing some of my articles.

They say write what you know. I also write who I know. Just sayin.

…and here’s to Mac and Hero wherever they are.

CHAPTER ONE

Mac Burns hated to see it happen. The retired Atlanta detective had moved to Bluffton, South Carolina to enjoy an easy and quiet existence. Now housing developments were springing up all along what they called the 278 corridor. Highway 278 as it passed through Bluffton was also known as Fording Island Road. Nobody could remember why. It certainly didn’t traverse an island. Nope, Bluffton was on the mainland, a reality that many folks across the bridge on Hilton Head Island liked to point out. Of course, once you crossed that bridge…to a real island….278 becomes William Hilton Parkway. Somebody just screwed up the naming conventions.

But Mac’s concern was that his chosen hometown was growing just a bit too fast. Palmetto Bluff was the first sign that the area had grown trendy. Homes there could easily reach well beyond a million. And there were several more developments that had sprung up in the area, some closer to Interstate 95 and some just a little too close to Old Town, where he lived in a modest two-bedroom cottage. Mac realized that growth was inevitable but hoped it wouldn’t spoil the feel of life along the beautiful May River. His angst was really piqued when he found out that Jimmy Buffett had decided that the area needed a Latitudes community. Oh well.

Shelby Crewe was the young lady who had changed his life and his plans for retirement. Several years his junior, she had renewed his interest in love itself. She was an independent and intelligent woman who held her own in any petty conflict they could dream up. Shelby maintained a residence in a newish townhouse community along the Bluffton Parkway. The couple acknowledged that eventually they would need to consolidate residences, but things were comfortable for the moment and they agreed there was no need to rush.

Mac’s next-door neighbor was one Richard Percival, a disbarred attorney who preferred to be called Percy. Percy was somewhat older and had lost his license to practice law after being jailed for fraud. Percy vehemently defended his innocence and Mac had begun to believe he was railroaded. Living with Percy was a young man named Kevin and his dog Hero. Kevin was as much of a rescue as was his dog. Mac and Percy had helped the young guy stay out of jail for a botched robbery and arranged for him to do community service at the food bank under the watchful eye of Mac’s neighbor.

Evening cocktails on Mac’s porch had become a pleasant routine. Percy had a knack for inventing new cocktails or at least versions of favorites like the mint julep. Shelby joined the men when she could. She worked as a server at a local fish house. She had tried to restrict her schedule to the lunch crowd but on occasion was called upon to pull dinner duty. She loved the extra money the evening yielded but lamented the lost time with Mac.

On this particular evening, as Shelby worked, the topic became Mac’s concern about the unbridled growth of the Bluffton area.

Doesn’t it seem that it just happened all of a sudden? Mac asked Percy.

I don’t know where you’ve been, Mac, but serious building started maybe ten years ago. Percy countered, Most of the new housing had been west of here because of access to the interstate. I guess it inevitably started moving east.

Did you ever drive through any of those cookie cutter neighborhoods? Mac asked.

One or two of them. There are some nice-looking homes but not my cup of tea. Percy responded.

I just find those communities kind of sterile. Mac said.

I suppose I agree with you there. Of course, that’s why both of us live in these little post war gems rather than condos near the highway.

Mac looked around appreciatively.

During one period when I was married we lived in a planned community. Little ranch houses all in a row and pages and pages of rules. One guy wanted to put a flagpole in his yard for the stars and stripes. Nope, against the rules. Mac told Percy.

You’re kidding? Percy looked incredulous, There as a rule against the American flag?

Not the flag itself, just the pole that it would fly from. Mac explained.

What happened?

The lawsuits and counter suits went on for years. Finally, the family just moved.

Probably broke! Percy exclaimed.

Another time there was all this uproar about dog shit.

Excuse me? They had rules against dog shit?

No. Mac explained, Just a rule against leaving it lay where the dog made the deposit.

Well, I guess I can understand that one. Percy chuckled, I’ve stepped in my share of excrement over the years.

Might not be the best example, but you get my meaning. Mac replied.

You know, Mac, it’s funny you mention all the rules and regulations. I’ve only lived in a community that had a homeowner’s association once but it takes some getting used to. I read an article just last week about a community near here where there was some investigation about, I don’t know, misappropriation of funds or something like that.

What’s the name of the community? Mac asked.

Pebble something….maybe Pebble Creek. Percy responded.

Mac thought for a moment.

Those homeowners boards can put a lot of power in very few hands. Mac replied.

Having been a cop, Mac was no dissident. Rules, regulations and certainly laws were there for a reason. Civilized society requires a playbook. Often that playbook was unpopular, particularly with folks used to living an unrestricted life. Mac had arrested a few of those folks during his time in law enforcement and heard their stories. Freedom of speech itself was not absolute. You still can’t yell fire in a crowded theater.

During the pandemic, many people rebelled against any mandates to wear masks, even though the government swore that particular rule was to protect public health. No matter. Any rule was one too many, so they thought.

Mac had to admit he saw both sides, but in matters of the law he had had to enforce those enacted by people in higher pay grades, agree or not.

Mac and Percy relaxed and enjoyed the relative peace and quiet of a beautiful evening untouched by any invasive rules.

At least for the moment.

CHAPTER TWO

The next morning was Mac’s favorite kind…the kind where he woke up to Shelby laying by his side. She’d gotten in late the night before but they had managed to stay awake long enough to fully enjoy each other’s company more than once.

Shelby had taken the day off so they decided to explore the sights and sounds of Savannah, a scant 23 miles from Mac’s home. The couple had long ago discovered the interesting restaurants and bars along the Savannah River. Even though River Street drew the tourists, Mac tolerated them to enjoy the abundant fresh seafood and European flare.

Mac found it a little difficult not to overindulge when he visited the storied city. The fact that you could walk from bar to bar with a go cup in your hand made staying relatively sober a little more challenging. But he was an ex-cop and knew better than to overdo a good thing. So, he learned to sip and smile.

Shelby wasn’t a heavy drinker but, for a young woman with a near perfect figure, she could pack in the raw oysters and other culinary delights when visiting Savannah. They often allowed themselves to eat to their hearts content when visiting the Georgia town.

Walking along the cobblestone sidewalks, Shelby pointed to the grand Westin hotel across the river.

We should come down one weekend and stay there. I hear they run water taxis to this side. Sounds romantic.

And expensive! Mac chuckled.

Ah, come on. Live a little. Shelby poked Mac in the side but held on his arm lovingly as the took in the sights.

You ever think of moving down here? Mac asked.

Not really. Shelby responded, I mean we already live in a beautiful river town near the beaches. But our river is pristine and quiet. The ships coming in and out on the Savannah can be really disturbing or at least noisy.

Mac tended to agree with her. Savannah was anything but a metropolis, but it did have some of those big city problems. Noise pollution was an issue and getting worse since the Port of Savannah was a bustling trade venue. One of the largest in the United States. So nearby Bluffton was a great alternative.

You know, Percy and I were just talking yesterday about how fast Bluffton is growing. Mac said, At least in terms of all the houses and apartments they are building along 278.

Oh, I’ve noticed. Shelby responded, I just have to wonder where all of those people work.

I have a hunch that many of them work in Savannah. The commute is manageable and the cost of living in South Carolina seems lower.

Is there that much work here? Shelby asked.

You’d be surprised. Their economic development people work in overdrive to attract businesses, everything from manufacturing to film production.

And how do you come to know all that? Shelby looked up at him.

When I was a cop in Atlanta we all kept track of living conditions, costs and other factors around the state. A lot of times we had to track a suspect and knowing the lay of the land and something about the economy was helpful.

Why the economy?

It gave us a clue as to where to look for someone with a particular skill set. For instance, someone with experience on a cargo ship might be attracted to Savannah. If they hooked a job they could not only make some money but disappear out to sea for a while.

I never thought of it like that. Shelby admitted.

Plus, when we were involved in that case around Jimmy, I did some additional research on the area. Force of habit I guess.

Mac and Shelby had been deeply embroiled in a case involving a man Mac knew in Atlanta. They had ended up visiting Savannah several times in an attempt to put the case to bed.

Good thing you learned to use the internet. Shelby opined.

Thanks to you.

I don’t want to go through something like that again, but I didn’t mind learning more about Savannah.

Mac and Shelby were growing hungry and ended up going to Joe’s Crab Shack. They had passed up many local seafood joints and simply ducked into Joe’s to get out of the heat.

After being seated Shelby stated the obvious.

You do know that we walked right by several locally owned restaurants who no doubt have Michelin chefs on staff to walk into the one chain restaurant along this strip?

Want to double back? Mac said starting to rise.

No…it’s cool in here. Cool is good.

They ordered oysters and beer while looking over the menus. Both had to laugh when the waitress suggested the James River oysters. Sensing