Max Johnny

By Douglas Robbins

Max Johnny has a secret.

Will tonight be his salvation or his ultimate ruin? Famous author, Max Johnny, is now down and out drinking away his sorrows in a New York City bar. A devastating secret keeps him locked in the past until one night, when an assortment of characters pushes him to the breaking point.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Douglas Robbins
• Release date: Nov 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215804209

Douglas Robbins

Douglas Robbins, a passionate writer and author, discovered the profound impact of words at a young age. When his teacher assigned the class to write a poem, Robbins unearthed a power within language that captivated him. Driven by an undeniable connection to words and ideas, Robbins began writing more seriously as time went on, realizing that it wasn't merely a career choice but a necessity. While he pursued higher education and joined the workforce, Robbins continued to dedicate his spare time to writing, seeking solace and purpose within his craft. However, a series of unfulfilling jobs left him frustrated and yearning for something more. Finally, after enduring years of waking up sick and dreading each day at a thankless corporate job, Robbins made a life-altering decision. Despite having meager funds in his bank account, he resolved that if he were to live or die, it would be by the pen. With unwavering determination, he bid farewell to the corporate world, embarking on a journey to fully embrace the profession that truly made sense to him. In 2019, Robbins unveiled his sci-fi novel, "Narican: The Cloaked Deception," marking the commencement of an enthralling sci-fi series. Inspired by his boundless imagination, he currently devotes his efforts to crafting the next two books in the Narican saga, promising readers more thrilling adventures in the near future. Adding another feather to his literary cap, Robbins released "Love in a Dying Town" in May of 2021. This poignant tale delves into themes of struggle, love, and commitment, set against the backdrop of a fading factory town. Through his writing, Robbins weaves together a narrative that touches the hearts of readers, leaving a lasting impact.

Book preview

Books by Douglas Robbins

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Leaves Piled High

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The Reluctant Human

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Max Johnny

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Narican: The Cloaked Deception

License notes: This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other individuals. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons—living or dead—actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Max Johnny

Published by Douglas Robbins

Cover by Van-garde Imagery, Inc.

Edited by Angela Brown, Author One Stop

Illustrations by: Jennifer Dawn

Copyright © 2012 by Douglas Robbins

ASIN: B00B6KXVJ0

ISBN: 978-1499546231

www.DouglasRobbinsAuthor.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

For Jennifer

Who makes it all happen.

Max Johnny

Tony the bartender wipes down the thick wood bar, getting ready for a night of drinks, fights, and God knows what else. It’s still early, only five thirty. He’s six-feet-four, with a slight beefiness to him in his black jeans and white button-down shirt. 

Photos of celebrities, politicians, and ball players line the far wall over the booths. Twenty years ago this place served the elite Upper East Side crowd. Now anyone walks through these doors: punks, drunks, couples, students, and down-and-out writers. The bar no longer has any real identity, but there are plenty of tables and booths where one can drink and soothe the soul with friends, strangers, or alone.

In a booth against the far side wall, a couple sits, laughing and holding hands; they’re the only customers in the place. From floor to ceiling the bar is solid wood the color of forest bark with a dark lacquer that makes it shine. A wide mirror behind the bar is obscured by the rows of liquor in front of it.

The door opens fully on its hinges, letting in rays of light as Max walks in. He doesn’t look around for other patrons. He isn’t here for them and heads straight to his post at the far end of the bar. This way he can watch the door and room. A habit he picked up over the years of writing, he can be in a room and not be a part of it.

Max is a short five-eight and sports two crescent bands of gray hair, separated by a scabbing bald scalp where a few raised bumps should be looked at by a professional. He wears blue jeans, sneakers, and a wrinkled black shirt that for days had sat in a pile of dirty laundry. Tony looks up; Max does not.

There’s my guy, Tony says. Here early tonight, huh?

Walking to his perch, Max replies, The walls were closing in on me. I had to get out. He stands at his post, unwrapping a fresh pack of Marlboro Lights, and leans against the bar.

How’s the famous writer? I’d say a little worse for wear. Tony slides him a double Dewar’s on ice. You’re not looking so hot, Max.

Max breathes out and smiles. "Nothing like coming in here to face the music. You’re supposed to cheer people up."

Nah, I save that crap for the new faces passing through.

Part psychologist, part drug dealer, Max says, as he lights up and drags on a cigarette even though they’ve been banned from most New York City bars for years. This place was grandfathered in; it was the reason Max started coming here. Interesting role you play in society.

It pays the bills and keeps the wife happy.

Max grins a bit. Because she doesn’t have to see you, right? He drags on the cigarette.

Max plays with the straw in his drink and places it on the bar as Tony continues setting up for the night.

"Ice, liquor, and the obligatory straw. Why do bartenders always serve me a goddamn straw? I’ve never asked for one. I’ve never needed one. And I’m not