Sins of the Father: A Jaz Blackwell Mystery, #1

By Odell Theadford

When Pastor Jaz Blackwell receives a letter with clues regarding his father's disappearance three decades ago he realizes that hidden secrets are about to come to light. Driven by a determination to uncover the truth Jaz joins forces with Mia, his police partner as they diligently follow every lead connected to the criminal organization that his father was investigating before mysteriously vanishing.

 

However, it becomes clear that influential forces are determined to keep their activities concealed in the shadows. As Jaz and Mia delve deeper into their investigation they find themselves entangled in a web of corruption that reaches ranking individuals within law enforcement and government. Despite being at a disadvantage and facing unbelievable odds these unlikely allies embark on a quest for justice.

 

Will Jaz ultimately unveil the mystery surrounding his father's fate? Will a dangerous criminal conspiracy shatter their hopes and dreams? Can the truth remain hidden indefinitely? As memories from the past resurface and present dangers escalate. Jaz navigates through desires for both justice and vengeance. This captivating story explores themes of truths, deception, and the potential for redemption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Odell Theadford
• Release date: Feb 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223533740

Odell Theadford

Odell Theadford is an ordained minister, aspiring mystery writer, and author of self-development and personal growth books currently living in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife Dr. Marcia Theadford. Though Odell has been involved in ministry for over 35 years, spreading the gospel and transforming lives, he has recently pursued passions for both mystery writing and penning self-help books aimed at personal growth.  He is drawing on his decades of experience working with people from all walks of life. His time providing counseling and facilitating workshops has given him deep insight into human nature and motivation - invaluable knowledge for crafting an intriguing mystery as well as for writing about personal development. He is dedicated to developing the complex characters and plot twists that exemplify the mystery genre, while also using his understanding of the human condition to write self-help books focused on empowering people, finding purpose, and achieving their potentials. He finds writing fiction and non-fiction to be creative outlets allowing him to explore new forms of storytelling. Odell is devoted to honing his craft as an author of both mystery novels and personal growth books. He spends hours each day writing and revising his manuscripts, striving to perfect the pacing, clues, and revelations that keep mystery readers guessing, as well as refining the practical wisdom and guidance offered to readers of his self-help works. He brings the same passion and dedication for writing that made him an inspiring minister. Pick up one of his books today and discover transformative wisdom or an intriguing mystery.

Book preview

Prologue

The night air was thick with tension as Ezekiel Blackwell crept along the edge of the shipping yard, squinting through the darkness. He could hear the lap of water against the docks nearby, punctuated by the creak of rigging and occasional shouts from the crew members loading cargo onto an aged steamer ship.

Ezekiel hesitated behind a stack of crates, hand hovering near the revolver on his hip. According to the informant, a major deal was going down tonight between the elusive Serpent’s Tail crime syndicate and a group of smugglers they often employed. If he could just get photographic evidence, it would be the break in the case he’d been chasing for years.

Up ahead, the bobbing beam of a flashlight cut through the darkness. Ezekiel shrank back into the shadows, breath shallow. The light drew nearer, and soon two armed guards emerged, flanking a man in a fine suit. The notorious crime boss himself.

Ezekiel silently cursed. His vantage point was too distant to get a clear shot. He’d have to get closer. Palming his camera, he crept around cargo containers until he found a spot with a direct line of sight. The crime boss was shaking hands with a smuggler, confirming the exchange. This was his chance.

With a steady hand, Ezekiel raised his camera to snap photos, the flash muted. But suddenly he sensed movement behind him a second too late. A heavy blow struck the back of his head and Ezekiel collapsed, vision blurring. Rough hands dragged him deeper into the maze of cargo.

Thought you could spy on us, Blackwell? a menacing voice growled. You won’t be sharing what you saw with anyone.

Ezekiel was thrown against a metal container, hitting it with a sickening crack. Dazed, he tried to fight back but took a savage punch to the gut that left him gasping for air. Blood streaming from his temple, he was forced to his knees.

Please... he choked out before a boot connected with his jaw, filling his mouth with the iron taste of blood. More blows rained down as he begged for mercy.

Finally, meaty hands closed around Ezekiel's throat, squeezing relentlessly as his face purpled and vision darkened at the edges. With a last desperate gasp, he choked out Jaz, Tasha...I'm sorry, before going limp.

His body was heaved into the freezing water without ceremony. The ship’s moorings were loosened and set off into the night, taking Ezekiel's hopes of making it home to his family. Justice would have to wait, but Ezekiel clung to faith that one day, the truth he had uncovered would come to light.

Chapter 1

Jaz Blackwell's athletic, imposing 6'2" frame stood confidently behind the carved pulpit at Spirit Song Fellowship. His muscular physique, honed from years of physical training, filled out his well-tailored suit. Jaz gripped the edges of the pulpit as if they were lifelines connecting him to his congregation. His deep set brown eyes, reflecting a lifetime of struggle and service, scanned the faces before him. Each face told a tale of concealed battles seeking solace within the knit community of this sanctuary. His smooth dark skin and precisely faded haircut gave Jaz an air of refined confidence. Taking a moment to compose himself, hints of a subtle smile playing on his features, he prepared to deliver a sermon that held meaning and personal significance.

Throughout texts, we often encounter the phrase 'Sins of the Father ' he began, each word carrying weight and filling the room with solemnity. You see the Bible addresses how previous generations leave their imprints upon us and how we inherit responsibilities as their successors.

He then turned his attention to a Bible resting on the pulpit's surface. Gently traced his finger along its pages until he found a passage from Ezekiel. With an unwavering conviction in his voice, he read aloud; The sins of a father shall not burden his son nor shall a father bear responsibility, for sins committed by his child. Each individual shall bear their righteousness or wickedness.

Taking a pause, he allowed the congregation a moment to reflect upon this scripture. So, what does this mean for us in today’s world? What does it mean to grapple with the notion of 'inherited sin', in relation to the obstacles we encounter? Jaz paced back and forth, his voice brimming with fervor. Just as some individuals inherit wealth, we also inherit injustices and inequalities that have existed before our time. However, the Bible also teaches us that each person bears their burdens. We all possess the ability to seek redemption.

He made eye contact with his congregation. "You see, the Bible is not only a set of instructions for life; it is a guide that adds complexity to our understanding of it. It impels us to confront the systems we have inherited, systems often constructed on falsehoods and biases, while acknowledging our power to pursue justice and truth.

Even Jesus Himself championed justice as a warrior flipping tables when merchants defiled the temple. He could have