LIARS & THIEVES

Note: This book was published as LIARS & THIEVES in the U.S. and Canada by St. Martin's Press, which didn't like the original title, WAGES OF SIN.  The British publisher, Orion, stayed with the original title.  Buyers should beware if they buy books over the internet... LIARS & THIEVES and WAGES OF SIN are the same book as published by two different publishers.

Stephen Coonts first introduced ex-burglar, now CIA agent Tommy Carmellini in the bestselling Jake Grafton novel, CUBA. Now Tommy takes center stage as Stephen Coonts brings his trademark edge-of-the-seat thrills and explosive writing to LIARS AND THIEVES—and tackles Washington like never before.

The defection of the archivist for the KGB, who escapes Russia with seven suitcases full of notes purloined from the files of his former employer, and a massacre at a government safe house put Tommy Carmellini on the trail of a dark conspiracy.

After he barely escapes with his life, he realizes someone in the United States government is behind it all. Which begs the question, who can Carmellini trust?

After ten Jake Grafton novels, I am often asked, Why Tommy Carmellini? The answer is multi-faceted. Years ago I began noodling about who might replace Jake Grafton. I wanted a character who would have the characteristics that I thought made Jake appealing to today’s readers without the limitations that I found increasingly hard to work with. At first I thought my new hero might be Toad Tarkington, Jake’s young sidekick. I introduced the Toad-man in FINAL FLIGHT, my second novel, and he was with Jake all the way, but finally I concluded that he was so closely allied with Jake that he could even be seen as his alter ego. Both were naval officers, which always presented problems when plotting thrillers.

Tommy Carmellini was a character I invented for CUBA, the seventh Grafton adventure. The more I worked with him, the better I liked him. He was a burglar by trade who had been sold out by a confederate. The prosecutors gave him an option—the CIA or prison. Naturally, being a patriotic American, he chose the green paycheck.

Like Jake, Tommy is a good guy who tries to do the right thing, when he can figure out what that is. Jake Grafton’s drive to do what he believed to be right regardless of the personal or professional consequences was the trait that I thought endeared him to the reading public. He wasn’t wise, witty or handsome, but he knew right from wrong, so he became a hero for our time—I thought that every headline trumpeting the dishonesty, mendacity, and fraud that infected the White House and many of the executive suites of our largest corporations made Jake’s star shine brighter. This point was made repeatedly to me through the years by fans from all walks of life.

Money was never what made Jake Grafton tick, and although Tommy was a thief by trade before he was forced into the government, money doesn’t make him tick either. We all need money, but money isn’t the measure of a life well lived. If money is all you have to show for your time on earth, you are indeed a poor person.

Jake Grafton stories became more and more difficult to plot. With Jake as the star, the story had to be a thriller, in which, by definition, the hero saves the world as we know it from the forces of evil. After Jake had saved America—actually western civilization—from destruction by terrorists and traitors armed with nuclear weapons in LIBERTY, I was at a loss as to what he could do to top that feat. The time had come, I decided, to turn Tommy Carmellini, the next generation’s action hero, loose to see what he could do.

After his introduction in CUBA, Tommy helped Jake uncover a British traitor in HONG KONG and launch a new Chinese revolution. He had a larger role in AMERICA, helping Jake discover and catch the woman who had planned the theft of USS America, the United States’ newest, most advanced attack submarine. In LIBERTY, Tommy was almost murdered by traitors buried in the CIA, then he helped Jake find the nuclear weapons that threatened America.

With Tommy starring in his own adventure, I wanted to write him in the first person, allow him to narrate his story. I was never able to do this with Jake because the thrillers in which he appeared had to have numerous complex subplots, which made first person awkward, if not impossible.

With Tommy telling the story, I thought I could make him a hip, cool, interesting guy, the kind of fellow readers would like to know and spend a few evenings with. With fewer subplots, the tales would be more linear and have a different feel. As a writer, I was ready for the challenge of writing Tommy’s voice. The folks who have read the manuscript of LIARS AND THIEVES, Tommy’s first solo adventure, tell me that I have succeeded. They like Tommy and want another Carmellini tale right now. Alas, they’ll have to wait a year.

In a nod to all those Grafton fans who have expressed horror and consternation that Jake isn’t still saving the world once a year, Jake and Callie appear in LIARS AND THIEVES and help Tommy, as he has helped them.

So come on aboard. Grab a chair, open LIARS AND THIEVES and say hello to Tommy Carmellini.
--Stephen Coonts, 2004

A friend gave me Liars & Thieves,LOVED IT. Going to Barnes & Noble to buy more Stephen Coonts books. THANK YOU.
Diane Wadas. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, October 5, 2008
 

Dear Mr. Coonts,
I am an eighth grader in New York. I recently read your book Liars & Thieves and I must say that I loved it. I have never gone through a book so fast. The story line is somewhat generic, I'll admit, but the way you wrote it and the little details in your writing made it unique. I love your books now and I can't wait to read more. I even got a small job helping at a nearby landscaping business just to make enough money to fund my reading and running accolades. I love your books and PLEASE PLEASE keep writing. God bless you, your family, and your extraordinary gift.

Sincerely,
George Gates July 8, 2008
 

Since The Flight Of The Intruder, which had the fastest ramp up of any book I've ever read, to just finishing Liars and Thieves, I've enjoyed your books over the last 25 years (I think it's been that long.)  As a former A6 driver (1970-73, USMC) I especially enjoyed The Intruders. I buy the books on Audible.com and hope you continue to license them. My wife of 40 years also can't put them down.
Thanks for the great stories. I'll look forward to Assassin.
Pat Dempsey June 23, 2008
 

I just finished your book "Liars and Thieves"! What a thrilling book that was to read; it was so difficult to put it down. A lot of excitement, a lot of suspense, sprinkled with some chuckles here and there by what Tommy would say now and then. Excellent reading!
Paul Troop March 9, 2008
 

I have just discovered your work through the book 'Wages of Sin' i'm very impressed, why are you not well known here in Australia? I shall be on the lookout for more of your excellent work.
Kerry Jackson December 18, 2007

Dear Mr. Coonts,
I have just finished reading your book "Liars and Thieves". It is the first of your novels that I have come across and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I shall be reading more.
Paul Howell November 3, 2007
 

Congrats on Liars and Theives! Your portrayal of female characters, Dorsey O'Shea and Sarah Houston, rings true! In the past, Rita Tarkington and the like were merely men with female names. Keep up the evolution!
Ruth Cohen August 25, 2007

Mr Coonts,
This message has been a long time in writing. From the copy of Flight of the Intruder that my wife bought me as a present in 1986 to Liars & Thieves, I have eagerly awaited your next book. I haven’t read the Traitor yet, but will soon. We recently moved from the East Coast to Las Vegas, where I now do all of the “Blue Air” flight scheduling for Red Flag at Nellis AFB. When we made the move, my wife and I decided we could not afford to move our entire collection of books, some 1500 plus. However, every single Stephen Coonts book made the trip.
My father was an Exec on Navy tankers during the fifties and I grew up with the Blue Jacket’s Manual, hoping someday to be a Navy aviator. Unfortunately, like one of your other readers, I was blessed with the eyesight of a bat and that didn’t happen. I did, however, manage to enjoy 14 years of flying as a member of the Comm Team on EC-135 and E-4A and B model aircraft, spending a lot of time in some of the places mentioned in your books. The next best thing to having been there and done that, is the way you so vivdly bring to life, the experiences of Jake Grafton. I look forward to reading The traitor and any future books that I can add to my collection.
George General May 21, 2007

Due to a recent trip to Hong Kong, I snatched up your book. Since then, I've read backwards all the way to Flight of the Intruder. Liars & Thieves is so far my favorite. Reading that book was like being trapped in a run-a-way Vette.  Thank you for the honest tips for writers. Reading your books is my study guide for better writing. I hope to be one of those 900 people you mentioned.
Brandon Jones May 19, 2007
 

Steve,
I usually stay away from TV or books that contain violence. I guess that is from many years of raising my son by myself and trying to set a good example for him
(and wanting to go to sleep easily at night). However, even though I suspected that "Liars & Thieves" would be quite violent, I did the unthinkable - I read the first 2-3 pages and I WAS HOOKED! The sad thing was, as I was reading I kept thinking all the while that this kind of stuff must go on all the time within our government. Just wanted you to know that usually I would put a book down which had violent plot - but not this one. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading more of your books.
Rhonda Harvey April 18, 2007
 

Hello Steve, I am a big fan of your work. I started reading Ludlum because of "The Bourne Identity". Even though I couldn't find that particular book in my dad's library, nor was the book even close to the movie, or I should say the movie close to the book, I really enjoyed it. When I ran out of those I finally relented to my dad's suggestion that there are other good authors and you were his first suggestion. Sorry for the circumlocution, the reason I am writing is to encourage you in the writing of Tommy Carmellini novels. He and Jake Grafton are cool as cool gets. I'm sure you get a lot of this, but I had to put my two cents in. Liars and Thieves was awesome and I am reading the Traitor. I don't know if it will sway you toward more Carmellini novels, but I had to tell you that there is gold there. Oh, and Hong Kong was stunningly good. Anyway, thanks for the terrific books and keep it up please!
Corey Watts March 15, 2007
 

Loved "Liars and Thieves". It was hard to put down. I couldn't wait to pick it back up and read what was going to happen. I would love to see it as a movie.
Maybe Mark Wahlberg, or Ben Afleck could play Carmellini.
Buf Peckham March 2, 2007

Dear Sir, Normally I do not write about the books I have read. I have just completed your
Liars & Thieves. My thanks and compliments on a job well done. After completing this, I see that you are originally from WVa. I grew up in Huntington. It is a beautiful state and a wonderful place to grow up.
Thanks for several hours of enjoyment. I live in Hilton Head SC and miss the wonders of WVa,(not enough to move back).
Larry Le Grand February 7, 2007

Steve,
Your characters Dorsey and Kelly in "Liars and Thieves" may be the most realistic women you've written. In contrast to a character like Rita Tarkington, the actions of Dorsey and Kelly ring true. Keep up the good work!
Debbie Williams January 18, 2007

Mr. Coonts, again i just wanted to say that im REALLY enjoying your book Liars & Thieves. this is one of those books you hear about that say in the cover "dont
start this book if you have to go to work in the morning" you really dont allow the reader time to breathe which i like a great deal. ive read books by other authors like clancy that have bored me to death as he discribes the color of whatever for like five pages.  just out of curiousity, how long does it take you to write a given book?  ive been reading this book for just two days and have read 80 pages (not a fast reader) but never have i once while reading it wanted ot put it down. thank you again for writing such amazing books. i cant wait to finish this one to go and pick up another one of your novels.
Ken Sprague November 30, 2006

I have read almost all of your books and just finished "Liars & Thieves" which I thought was terrific. I love what you have done with Tommy Carmellini as a character. Despite what I read in your FAQ, Tommy seems to enjoy a full and varied sex life (which I appreciate you revealing). Looking forward to reading "The Traitor" and the continuing saga of Jake and now Tommy. It seems that the original heroes of all my favorite authors (Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, Larry Bond, etc.) are aging well and passing the baton to the next generation (Clive Cussler even is keeping it in the family). Thank you for over twenty years of literary fulfillment and pleasure."
Tim Geddes July 16, 2006

"I just finished reading Liars and Thieves thanks to my wife. Who says she'll never buy me another book because all I did was sit around and read it until I was finished. It was great, non stop action, plenty of good characters both good and bad thrown in. Tommy Carmenilli is great. I just wanted to let you know I enjoy reading your books. My father was a B17 ball turret gunner and I have loved planes and military aircraft for as long as I can remember. He was a good man and I wish he was still here. I always passed on you latest book to him. Take care and keep up the good work," -- Chris February 6, 2006

"Hi Stephen, I found out about you when I bought Fortunes of war in 2003.It took me until the summer of 2005 to read it. I'm 44 years old and until then I maybe read 1 Book a year. Since Aug. of 2005 I've read Fortunes of War and all of the Jake Grafton/Tommy Carmellini Books Several of them twice. I can’t wait until the next Tommy Novel. Hopefully it wont be to long. I'm sure its going to be worth the wait! In the meantime I just finished Deep Black (awesome) so yesterday I went to Walden Books and brought the other three. That should keep me busy until the next Novel comes out. Will we hear from Jake Grafton in this one? Well thanks for all the great read material!!" -- Steve Brown February 5, 2006 

Hi, I received Liars & Thieves for Christmas. Today I got started on it. At 1st after a good laugh at one of the credits I laughed liked crazy (but shortly ate my laffs) from Hinton news...or even the master himself Elmore Leonard. I finished the 1st section quick. It then ate my words, completely. Damn your up to him, I hope u don't let me down. I read about 100-200 books a year, my late father favorite el Leo. The best, I agree, he'd be rolling over now. I have a very diversy (not work).6th black belt USA, national offshore powerboat champion, aerobatic regional champ (like u) and a long list. as u can see I can't wright but I can consult, for free, but a lot of knowledge here, to pick for free if u want. I venture to Vegas a lot, March next time. We have a lot in common, would be a nice chat. I also know a few x agents and others so we have a lot in common. if not be honest in your writing, or at least research to the utmost cause there are many like me u ban't bs. Thanks Vaughn ps. I have to get this book finished tonight, so far very good, keep going Steve."-- Vaughn Szarka January 31, 2006 

"I just finished my first book of yours, Liars and Thieves. Like a schoolgirl, I jumped online to see if any of your other books included Tommy Carmellini. I was reading up on your site, and saw where you mention you were asked "Why Tommy?" as the next character. As a happily married, young mother to 2, I commend your choice! I'm hoping your future books feature him as a main character again, I'll be first in line! Incredible incredible book, Thanks!" --Darlene January 19, 2006 

Looking forward to THE TRAITOR, and I'll definitely continue to collect your DEEP BLACK series with Jim DeFelice. Your efforts are greatly
appreciated by those of us who wish we could write as well as you do." -- Doug Newman December 19, 2005

"I read "Flight of the Intruder" when it came out in paperback and just finished "Liars & Thieves". I've yet to find any thing you have written that wasn't a "Just couldn't put it down" type of book. I snatch everything I see that you have written as soon as I see it on the shelf. To me you and W.E.B. Griffith are in a class by your selves. My attraction stems from knowing first hand you have done your homework before writing. (Army '58-'78 and a helicopter pilot with 5k plus hrs.) Thank you for providing many hours of enjoyment!" -- Bill Tausaro May 19, 2005

"I just finished Liars and Thieves. Man, that was a great book, Steve. I really enjoy your characters. Tommy Carmellini is very human and I hope that you continue to write him into your next books..." -- Russ Spears May 17, 2005

"Dear Mr. Coonts - I have just finished reading your latest novel. "Liars & thieves", and I must confess, I am surprised I had not read any of your books prior to now, and I look forward to reading more.
I have never been a huge fan of the "Spy" kind of novels out there, military, CIA style writings, although I am sure there are some great authors that turn out many wonderful books.
Except for Tom Clancy, who's character's always allowed me to visualize the actual story in my head.
Until now...
Tommy Carmellini is to me the next generation Anti-hero. He's not some big, muscular jar-head, who runs around with knowledge of every weapon ever made, with a crack shot every time. He's an everyman. Sure, he can pick locks, but anyone can learn to do that with time and patience. He's a criminal, albeit former, and i can related well to his personality, wanting to run and take a banana boat God knows where, but sticking it out to the end.
And I thought Grafton was a great side character, and thought "He might make a good leading man in his own story". Surprise me when I visited here for the first time to discover he has a ton of books with him as the lead. Books I am now anxiously waiting to get my hands on.
With that said - Tommy is one of the greatest characters I have read about in any novel, and I hope he gets more leads soon. And I look forward to reading all your books now.

PS - If you ever share the rights to do any movies with these characters, I would love to be Tommy =). I think I can pull it off."

-- Jeff Orange May 16, 2005


" Hi Steve, I have been reading your novels for over 15 years and have enjoyed every one. I have also read and enjoyed "The Cannibal Queen" as I am from Australia and have never been to the US, and the book gave me an insight into your experiences and the places that I probably will never visit. I always search the book shops for your latest offering and have never been disappointed when the latest arrives. I am truly a Jake Grafton fan however I am currently reading and enjoying "Wages of Sin" (published in the US as LIARS & THIEVES) with Tommy Carmellini - a great character!! Thank you Steve for the many hours of enjoyment your work has given my family and myself." --Peter Kelly, January 5, 2005

"Dear Mr. Coonts: I am a 72 year old grandmother who has just retired to live in Hawaii with my son and two grandchildren. I picked up one of your books at Borders several months ago and now I am hooked. Your exciting narratives about Jake, Callie, Toad, Rita and Tommy and friends keep me on the edge of my seat--I love them all, they feel like family. Thank you so much for keeping me entertained." --Robin Voorhies, December 11, 2004

"Dear Mr. Coonts; I am eagerly awaiting your next offering. Having recently completed LIARS & THIEVES, I enjoyed it as thoroughly as any of the Jake Grafton novels. I have been remiss however, in not sending you my compliments on THE CANNIBAL QUEEN. In February, I had surgery to remove a cancer on my kidney, and your book was my reading material during my recovery. It helped me to forget for a while about my problem. A co-worker had recommended it to me, but I had put off reading it until then. What a surprise and delight it was. I enjoyed the glimpses of your philosophy on life and your statement about encouraging young people to "not trim their dreams to match the size of their hometown," is such a profound remark. I have shared it with many of my friends in the months since. It says so well what I have tried to impress upon my own children...UNDER SIEGE remains one of my favorites still. I enjoy the way you have of turning a phrase. I remain a devoted fan, and will be looking forward to your next publication." --Karen Nutter-Ali, November 17 2004

"DAMN!, now that's a great book, engrossed from page one. No better way to stay up late and be late for work that one of your books. I've read them all, and to me this is by far the best yet." --Taylor Smith, October 12, 2004

"I have been following the career of Jake Grafton for many years, ever since he bombed the forbidden targets in Hanoi. I have enjoyed them all. However, I just finished LIARS & THIEVES. Wow. You have outdone yourself. Bravo. And I was glad to see Jake making appearance in that one, too. Thanks for writing it." --George Fore, October 4, 2004

"I just felt that I should thank you. Your books have entertained me beyond my expectations. Please do not stop writing." --Mark D. Meyer, September 29, 2004

"Hi Steven -- I picked up "Liars and Thieves" yesterday and I'm practically done with it already! An EXCELLENT read! This is the first time I've read you (I'm not into 'flight' books that much) -- "Liars" is one of the best books of its kind I've read in years. I sure hope you think about writing another one like that." --Frank Panero September 19, 2004

"Dear Mr. Coonts, All the clichés apply, including could not put it down! Tommy Carmellini has to be the most preposterous, outrageous protagonist to come out of your fertile imagination. Thank you for a great ride!" --Chris Smith, September 13, 2004 

"I hope you don't mind that you have an old (chronologically) new convert to the Stephen Coonts novels. I just finished reading LIARS & THIEVES today, and, at times, I just could not put the book down. The dialogue was refreshingly bright and the action of the story never lagged. My son, Michael, has been enjoying your books since FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER and raved about them to me, but, alas, I didn't heed his advice until now. I am looking forward to catching up on reading those of your books that are still available. Thanks for a couple of days of great reading." --Ronald Herr, September 11, 2004

"I just wanted to say thanks-for Jake Grafton, Rip Cantrell, and all the other characters you have brought to us in your writing. I just finished 'Liars and Thieves' and, in my humble opinion, it was your best novel since 'Flight of the Intruder'. I literally couldn't put it down, even at the expense of meals. I must admit that I have never been too excited about stories told in the first person but loved this one. I suspected, after having read 'Liberty' that Tommy Carmellini would be the next hero in the Grafton series and think it was an excellent choice. I agree that Tarkington, while a great character, would be too limited. But I am just rambling...My original intent was simply to say thank you for the occasional roller-coaster ride through a world of suspense, intrigue, and pure excitement. Please keep it up!" --Scott Matheson, September 6, 2004

"I have been reading all of your novels since I inadvertently picked up a copy of Flight of the Intruder almost 20 years ago. I am sorry to see Jake Grafton retire, but if anyone is entitled to it he is. I feel that Tommy Carmellini is up to the task of filling a great pair of shoes. I am looking forward to another 20 years great reading. Thanks and keep up the great writing." --Tom Belowske, August 17, 2004

"Steve: Just finished LIARS AND THIEVES. Great! I knew Grafton had to come out of retirement. Can't let a good character die. Hope he goes on to help another President. There certainly are "hotspots" in the world. Keep up the excellent writing." --Bob Shapley, July 17, 2004

"Just finished LIARS AND THIEVES. Thanks for another non-productive day and most of a night. It was worth every minute. Very much enjoy the first person style. If you're ever near the Georgetown Airport (E36) stop in for a beer or coffee." --Steve Berkley, July 15, 2004

"Dear Mr. Coonts: I am fan of your work. I have read all of your books. i just finished LIARS AND THIEVES, and thought it was one of your best. My mom, who died six years ago, did not know much about military planes until I introduced her to FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER. Whenever she would go to an air show with me, she would ask if that was Jake's plane flying. I grew up in Hollywood, and watched them film some of the special shots from FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER movie. It was funny to see a cut up A6 at night bathed in red light. I knew what it was, but did not know what film it was for. I just wanted to say thank you for your great work and I look forward to future books..." --Greg Epstein, July 4, 2004

"I just finished this book and it was fantastic. Thank you for writing it. I am now mailing it to my son who is at basic training in South Carolina. It's been a tradition with the two of us for many years to buy your books the first day they come out and read them immediately, then talk about them for days afterward. This is the first one where we haven't lived in the same house, but we will persevere via the postal service. I hope you come to Albuquerque for a book signing sometime." --Randy Alden June 28, 2004

"Hi Stephen, I wanted to drop you a quick note. Once again I find myself writing you an email after reading your latest work of art. I loved the way that Jake the hero was still his usual self, yet took a back seat to Tommy. I enjoyed the way that you saw their friendship develop almost equal to that of Toad and Jake. As I read what I am writing I can see these characters as real people. As an author I can’t imagine it getting any better then that when your readers can assimilate to what you have created on paper and see there characters as real people. I find myself feeling a common bond or affinity to the characters in the story. I would like to say that my girlfriend shares in my enthusiasm for your books but as she aptly put it this weekend she asked me if there was a treatment such as Readers Anonymous for my Coonts ailment. I had to laugh at that one. So that leaves me with one question…what’s next?" --George Henderson June 7, 2004

"Hello Mr. Coonts. Just finished your latest and loved it. I've read all of your books, and they just keep getting better. I have to say that I've read all of the book of Clancy and Dale Brown. Clancy is the master of technical detail and long almost boring introductions. Brown is just plain fun to read because he does things in his books that we would all love to do. You, on the other hand, I feel are the most literary of the three. You have a way of really getting inside the heads of your characters and then getting
us to understand what they are thinking. You also have the rare talent of really getting your readers emotionally involved in your stories. I always look forward to your next story." --Norm Smith June 8, 2004

"Dear Mr. Coonts, I don't know why it has taken years to thank you for the hours I've spent appreciating your work. I apologize. I just finished LIARS AND THIEVES, and Carmellini is fun. It appears as if you enjoyed the exercise very much and your foray into the first person flat works. I visited your website and learned that it will take a year for the next one. I bet it wouldn't if you weren't doing so well... I missed a couple of your books. The good news (for me) is that I can find them at Half Priced Books, used, and at a habit of three to five books a week that makes it look like I'm not too obsessive about reading. I was very glad to learn that you are not dependent upon my personal sponsorship, and am dealing with the guilt quite well. Seriously, thanks for your hard work. I'm sure the first person role for Tommy caused some pucker. We're still here, chompin' at the bit." --Mike Ryan, May 28 2004

"Mr. Coonts, You have done it again. This book goes right to the top with "Flight of the Intruder." I was stunned by your first book. The following ones were very enjoyable, but this last one is a mature tour de force. Perhaps one of your greater strengths is main character development. That's what sticks in my mind (aside from the techno-realism): Jake and Tommy in their leading roles.
"One quibble (always have to have one). I never suspected Dunn, and was surprised when Tommy 'deduced' his involvement. All along I wondered about leaving the ballpoint pen tracheotomy guy alive. I thought he was the one who got the 'word' (written note) to his bosses. I assume (since all your other continuity in every novel has been impeccable) that you let someone talk you into 'softening' Tommy's image in a re-write -- and overlooked this problem after the Dunn part was already 'done' into the plot. That'll teach you to listen to others." --W. C. Morrey Ph.D., May 31, 2004

"Steve, Just wanted to let you know I've completed "Liars & Thieves," which was good. Maybe I'm missing Jake being in the center of it all, instead of in a supporting role, but to be quite honest; I've read better books by you. Like I said, it was certainly a good read, don't misunderstand. Maybe it was the way it was written, in the first person. There was only one other story by you that I've read written in the first person which was your short in "Combat"... Jake certainly hasn't lost his edge in retirement, that's for sure! I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars, where normally your books get 5 out of 5. However, I'm still looking forward very eagerly to your next release..." --Jesse Helmick, June 1, 2004

"Dear Mr. Coonts, First off I'd like to say it was a great pleasure meeting you last Saturday. Thank you so much for signing my copy of THE CANNIBAL QUEEN as well as LIARS & THIEVES. I finished reading LIARS & THIEVES last night and I enjoyed it immensely. I think this is one of your best yet. Absolutely incredible. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Keep up the good work and thank you for writing such great adventures." --Eddie "Squirrel" Bowen, June 2, 2004

"Steve, I really enjoy reading your novels. I just finished Liars and Thieves last night. It was a great story. I really like Carmellini. I am an aviation fan and I do miss the the excitement of the aviation in the first of your books. T he Saucer books were OUTSTANDING and they keep us aircraft fans excited but I would still love to Jake or Tommy venture back out to a carrier or something like that... I am a true fan and I can't wait for the next book! God bless you and don't get up from that keyboard! WE NEED MORE! LOL" " -- Bear" Simpson August 25, 2005

"Just finished "Liars & Thieves". WONDERFUL book. I've read most, if not all, of the Grafton books, as well as a few of your others, and found the first-person style of this book a nice change. Carmellini has always been just a bit-player in the Grafton books, and it was interesting to see the plot from his point of view. Thanks for another great novel, and keep up the good works." -- Neil Ditzler November 15, 2005

Just finished LIARS & THIEVES, and once again - you kick much ass. Just when you had me lulled into thinking that Joe Billy Dunn *wasn't* dirty, he blew up Tommy's van and stuck a pistol into his back. And the first lady character (that reminded me of a cross between Hanoi Jane and the Hildebeast) was a real piece of...work, to put it nicely. :-)...

Reading about Jake Grafton's exploits has been extremely enjoyable, but I see you've got another interesting hero-character in Tommy Carmellini. I hope someday he'll meet up with Anna Modin again. Of course, with his unexpected (to him) new fling with Zelda Hudson/Sarah Houston happening at the end of LIARS & THIEVES. He has a bad habit of thinking with the wrong head, as shown by his attraction to Dorsey O'Shea. <evil grin!>

Awhile back I read SAUCER one Sunday when I had a week of vacation. I always wonder how an author will react to something like that. As in, "What? I poured my heart and soul into that story, and you went through that book like crap through a goose?!?" But it was that *good* and I didn't want to put it down. (THE CONQUEST was just as enjoyable, but I made it last for a few days.)

AN EXCERPT FROM STEPHEN COONTS' LIARS AND THIEVES Chapter One

When Dorsey O’Shea walked into the lock shop that morning in October, I was in the back room trying to figure out how to pick the new high-security Cooper locks. I saw her through the one-way glass that separated the workshop from the retail space.

My partner, Willie the Wire, was waiting on a customer. I don’t think Willie recognized her at first—it had been two years since Dorsey and I were a number, she had changed her hair, and as I recall he had only met her on one or two occasions—but he remembered her as soon as she said his name and asked for me.

Willie was noncommittal—he knew I was in the back room. “How long has it been, Dorsey?”
“I really need to see Carmellini,” she said forcefully.

“You’re the third hot woman this week who has told me that.”

“I want his telephone number, Willie.”

“Does he still have your phone number?”

That was when I stepped through the shop door and she saw me. She was tall, with great bones, and skin like cream. “Hey, Dorsey.”

“Tommy, I need to talk to you.”

“Come on back.”

She came around the counter and preceded me through the doorway to the shop. I confess, I watched. Even when she wasn’t trying, her hips and bottom moved in very interesting ways. But all that was past, I told myself with a sigh. She had ditched me, and truth be told, I didn’t want her back. Too much maintenance.

In the shop she looked around curiously at the tools, locks, and junk strewn everywhere. Willie wasn’t a neat workman and I confess, I’m also kinda messy. She fingered some of the locks, then focused her attention on me. “I remembered that you were a part owner in this place, so I thought Willie might know where to find you.”

“Inducing him to tell you would have been the trick.”

Obviously Dorsey had not considered the possibility that Willie might refuse to tell her whatever she asked. Few men ever had. She was young, beautiful and rich, the modern trifecta for females. She came by her dough the old fashioned way—she inherited it. Her parents died in a car wreck shortly after she was born. Her grandparents who raised her passed away while she was partying at college, trying to decide if growing up would be worth the effort. Now she lived in a monstrous old brick mansion on five hundred acres, all that remained of a colonial plantation, on the northern bank of the Potomac thirty miles up river from Washington. It was a nice little getaway if you were worth a couple hundred million, and she was.

When I met her she was whiling away her time doing the backstroke through Washington’s social circles. She once thought I was pretty good arm candy on the party circuit and a pleasant bed-warmer on long winter nights, but after a while she changed her mind. Women are like that… fickle.

I had the Cooper lock mounted on a board, which was held in a vice. I adjusted the torsion wench and went back to work with the pick. The Cooper was brand-new to the market, a top-of-the-line exterior door lock that contractors were ordering installed in custom homes. They were telling the owners that it was burglar-proof, un-pickable. I didn’t think there was a lock on the planet that couldn’t be opened without a key, but then, I had never before tried the Cooper. I would see one sooner or later on a door I wanted to go through, so why not learn now? I had already cut a Cooper in half—ruining several saw blades—so I knew what made it tick. I had had two pins aligned when Dorsey came in, and of course lost them when I released the tension on the wrench and walked around front to speak to her.

She eyed me now as I manipulated the tools. “What are you doing, anyway?”

“Learning how to open this lock.”

“Why don’t you use a key?”

“That would be cheating. Our public would be disappointed. What can I do for you today, anyway?”

She looked around again in a distracted manner, then sat on the only uncluttered stool. “I need help, and the only person I could think of asking was you.”

I got one of the pins up and felt around, trying to find which of the others was the tightest. The problem here, I decided, was the shape of my pick. I could barely reach the pins. I got a strip of flat stock from our cabinet and began working with the grinder.

“That sounds very deep,” I said to keep her talking. “Have you discussed that insight with your analyst?”

“I feel like such a fool, coming here like this. Don’t make it worse by talking down to me.”

“Okay.”

“It’s not that I didn’t like you, Tommy, but I never understood you. Who are you? Why do you own part of a lock shop? What kind of work do you do for the government? You never told me anything about yourself. I always felt that there was this wall between us, that there was a whole side of you I didn’t know.”

“You don’t owe me an explanation,” I said. “It was two years ago. We hadn’t made each other any promises.”
She twisted her hands—I couldn’t help glancing at her from time to time.

“Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?” I said as I inspected my new pick. I slipped it into the Cooper, put some tension on the torsion wrench, and went to work as she talked.

“Every man I know wears a suit and tie and spends his days making money—the more the better—except you. It’s just that—oh, hell!” She watched me work the pick for a minute before she added, “I want you to get into an ex-boyfriend’s house and get something for me.”

“There are dozens of lock shops listed in the yellow pages.”

“Please, Tommy, don’t be like that.” She slipped off the stool and walked around so that she could look into my eyes. She didn’t reach and she didn’t touch—just looked. “I feel like such a jerk, asking you for a favor after I broke up with you, but I don’t have a choice. Believe me, I am in trouble.”

Truthfully, when she dumped me I was sort of subtly campaigning to get dumped—I wasn’t about to tell her that. And you don’t have to believe it if you don’t want to.

I glanced at her. The tension showed on her face. “You’re going to have to tell me all of it,” I said, gently as I could. At heart Dorsey was a nice kid… for a multi-millionaire, which wasn’t her fault.

“His name is Kincaid, Carroll Kincaid. He has a couple of videotapes. He made them without my knowledge when we were first dating. He’s threatening to show them to my fiancé if I don’t pay him a lot of money.”

“I didn’t know you were engaged.”

“We haven’t announced it yet.”

“Who’s the lucky guy?”

She said a name, pronounced it like I was supposed to recognize it.

“So why don’t you ask him for help?” I said.

“I can’t. Tommy, even if I pay blackmail, there’s no guarantee Kincaid would give me the only copies of the tapes.”

“So you want me to break into his house and get the tapes?”

“It wouldn’t really be burglary. He made the tapes without my permission. They are really mine.”

Amazingly enough, when we were dating the thought never crossed my little mind that she might have a stupid stunt like this in her. I made eye contact again, scrutinized every feature. I decided she might be telling the truth.

I was trying to think of something appropriate to say when I felt the pick twitch and the lock rotated. It was open.

I put the tools on the table and was reaching for a stool when she moved closer and laid a hand on my arm. “Oh, Tommy, please! Blackmail is ugly. I am really in love, and it could be something wonderful. Kincaid is trying to ruin my life.”

I reflected that sometimes having money is really hard on a girl, or so I’ve heard. And the prospect of burglary always gets my juices flowing. She gave me Kincaid’s address. I made sure Dorsey understood that I wasn’t promising anything. “I’ll see what I can do.” She gave me her cell phone number, started to kiss me, thought better of it and left.

I sat wondering how that kiss would have tasted as I listened to her walk through the store. When the front door closed Willie came into the workshop.

“I don’t know what you got, Carmellini, that drives all the chicks wild, but I’d sure like to have some of it. They’re troopin’ in here all the time wantin’ to know where you are, what you’re doin’—makes a man feel inadequate, y’know? Maybe you oughta open a school or somethin’. Sorta a public service deal. What’d’ya think?”

“I got the Cooper opened.”

“How long it take you?”

“I wasn’t timing it. I was—“

“Three minutes for me,” Willie said with a touch of pride in his voice. “`Course I wasn’t looking at a dish like that when I did it. What does she want you to do—steal the silver at the White House?”

“I can beat three minutes blindfolded,” I told Willie, and by God, I did. And I had to listen to a lot of his B.S. while I did it.

* * * * *

I went into Kincaid’s place the following night. There was no one home and he forgot to lock the back door. When I found that the door was unlocked, I sat down at his backyard picnic table while I thought things over. For the life of me, I couldn’t see what Dorsey would gain by setting me up. Dorsey was waiting in my car halfway down the block with a cell phone—she was to call me if Kincaid returned while I was in the house.

If she was playing a game, it was too deep for me, I concluded. Even smart people forget to lock their doors.

I opened Kincaid’s back door and went inside.

After thirty minutes I was certain there were no homemade videotapes in the house, although I did find three high-end videocams and a dozen photographer’s floodlights in the bedroom, which had a huge round bed in the center of the room and electrical outlets every three feet around the walls. This guy was more than kinky—he was set up to make porno flicks.

So where were they? There were boxes of videotape—all unopened, still wrapped in cellophane. Nothing that looked like it had been in a camera.

I was going through his files at his desk in his den—he was reasonably well organized, I must say—when I found a receipt for a safe deposit box at a local bank. From the amount he paid, he must have rented a large box. The receipt was a month ago. The box key wasn’t in the desk and I didn’t expect it to be.

I couldn’t find a receipt or record that hinted that he owned a storage unit. He might have stashed a suitcase full of stuff at a friend’s house, but I doubted it. These days everyone had curious friends. His car was a possibility, though an unlikely one. If some kid took it for a joyride he could be ruined. Of course, he could have delivered the tapes to whatever lab processed them into movies. But if he did that with a tape of Dorsey and some porno kings, why try to blackmail her?

Dorsey was chewing her lip when I got into the car. “No videotapes,” I said. “Has a nice little home movie setup, but no tapes.”

“I could help you look. They must be there.”

“They aren’t. He didn’t even lock the back door.” I started the car and got it rolling down the street. “He’s set up to film some hot porno action. The raw tapes would have to be digitized and edited, and the equipment for that isn’t in the house.”

Her color wasn’t good. She didn’t meet my eyes.

“When did he first approach you demanding money?”

She thought about it. “Three weeks ago, I think. Labor Day weekend. I had some friends over for a small party and he showed up unannounced.”
The time frame seemed to fit. I decided the safe deposit box was a definite possibility.

I didn’t make a habit of burgling houses for ex-girlfriends, even if they are beautiful and rich and being blackmailed. During the day I worked for the CIA. It wasn’t something agency employees talk about and I had never mentioned it to Dorsey. I think I did once mention that I worked for the General Services Administration. She probably thought I was some kind of maintenance supervisor. Maybe that was the story I told her—I don’t quite remember.

Usually I worked overseas, breaking and entering for Uncle Sam, planting bugs, stealing documents, that kind of thing. Every now and then I did a few black-bag jobs stateside for the FBI, strictly as a favor, you understand, one federal agency helping another. I sometimes heard rumors that the CIA asked the FBI to ask for my help on domestic matters, but being a loyal employee, I immediately forgot those ugly whispers. In those days I was just another civil servant beating in time, working toward that happy retirement on the old 55th birthday, followed by a life of golf and restaurant meals courtesy of future taxpayers.

After my abortive inspection of Dorsey’s ex-flame’s house, I took her back to her car and dropped her. She was in a foul mood, chewing her lip.

I waited until she got inside her vehicle, then drove away to find a bar. As I swilled beer I compared how I felt two years ago when she dumped me and how I felt walking through the porno guy’s digs.

Oh, well.

* * * * *

A few days later I had to leave work after lunch for my annual physical, so after the doc finished with the rubber glove I took the rest of the day off. I went by the neighborhood bank where Kincaid had his box, parked, went in and rented one for myself.

It was a typical suburban branch bank, with a drive-through window and an interior lobby. A security door that had to be opened from the inside prevented people from entering the loan officers’ half of the building, and that was where the small safe-deposit vault was. I filled out the form and was admitted to the vault. A bank of boxes formed each wall. The largest boxes were on the bottom row. Beside the door was a cabinet that contained envelopes holding keys for the empty boxes, and on top of the cabinet, two steel boxes containing the cards that each box patron had to sign every time he wanted into his box. A single surveillance camera was mounted high on the wall opposite the door to the vault.

My escort in the vault was a young woman named Harriet who was wearing a wedding ring and maternity clothes, although the baby wasn’t showing much. I commented on that and she told me she had five more months to go. It was her first child. She and her husband were so excited.

“You’re lucky we have a large box available. This is the only one. It became available last week when the lady who had it was transferred to Europe. She’s with the State Department.”

She gave me my key and we checked that it opened my new box. The locks for the individual boxes were lever tumbler locks, which is the universal standard in American safety deposit vaults. Each box had two keyways. As usual, she had to insert the master key which she carried into one keyway and my key into the other and turn them both simultaneously for the box to open. Fortunately Willie had a bank of four safety deposit boxes complete with their lever tumbler locks back at the shop.

I confess, I was a little disappointed, although I tried not to show it. Some banks were getting in the habit of breaking off one of their master keys in the lock of each box in the vault, then admitting boxholders to the vault without an escort. Needless to say, those boxes were a breeze for guys like me to pop. I had my hopes up, but it wasn’t to be.

This bank was still doing it the safe, old-fashioned way.

I told Harriet I might be back in a few days to put some stuff in my new box, thanked her for her time, and departed.

Back in the shop Willie and I discussed lever tumbler locks and disassembled one from his safety deposit boxes. Lever tumbler locks require an L-shaped pick, the prong of which must be precisely the right length. I used my key to measure the length I needed and made myself three picks, each a slightly different length, just in case.
I spent the weekend practicing on Willie’s locks. My best time was twenty-six seconds, but two minutes was the average. And if I hurried or wasn’t paying strict attention, I couldn’t get the lock to open. Willie spent some time watching me, and even opened it a few times himself.

Willie the Wire was twenty years older than me, a slim, dapper black man who worked Washington hotels in his younger days dressed as a bellboy. Finally he quit carrying the bags into the hotel for the client and specialized in carrying luggage out—sans tip. The last time he got out of prison he promised himself an honest job, but with his reputation, no one would hire him. A friend of mine knew him and mentioned his plight to me. We had dinner a few times and he showed me a couple of things I didn’t know about locks, so I bankrolled this establishment and we became partners. He knew I worked for the CIA, but we never talked about it.

That weekend as we played with the locks on his sample safety deposit boxes, he wanted to talk about Dorsey O’Shea. “This might be a set-up, man. You think about that?”

“Why would Dorsey want to set me up?”

“Maybe somebody who don’t like you wanta burn you—how the hell would I know, man! You’re the fuckin’ spy, you tell me.”

“I can’t think of any reason under the sun.”

“She look like real money. That right?”

“She’s got it, yeah.”

“You don’t know what the hell you gettin’ into, and that’s a fact. This man got somethin’ on her besides movies of her gettin’ cock. Whoever looks at faces in those flicks, anyway? You in over your simple head, Carmellini.”

Perhaps he was right, but Dorsey O’Shea didn’t hang with Willie the Wire’s crowd. Although being a porno star wouldn’t hurt your rep in some circles, a lot of minds weren’t quite that open. If Kincaid was a real son of a bitch he could squeeze her for serious cash.

That’s the way I had it figured, anyhow. On the other hand, maybe I just wanted to see if I could pop Kincaid’s box at the bank. I had never done a safety deposit box before, so what the heck.

I called Dorsey on Monday morning, right after I called the agency and said I was sick . “Today’s the day. Pick me up at my house at ten o’clock.”

She showed up ten minutes late, which was amazingly punctual for her. I got in with her and directed her to a costume place that a friend of mine owned in a strip mall in Silver Spring. When we came out, she was wearing a maternity dress. We had a plastic shape strapped to her stomach to fill it out. I thought she looked about seven months along. I pushed on her new stomach and it felt real to me—the proper resistance and give. On the way to the bank I drove and briefed her.

“I don’t know if I can do this, Tommy,” she said when I finished.

“Do you want those tapes or not?”

“I want them.”

“You have two choices—pay up or do a deal. Killing Kincaid will leave the tapes for the cops to find. Odds are he has the tapes in his box at the bank. He thinks they’re safe there. He may have duped them—I don’t know. If we clean out that box we may get something he wants bad enough to trade for. Everything in life’s a risk.”

“My God!” she whispered.

“We’re about a mile from the bank. Think it over.”

When we pulled into the bank parking lot she looked pasty and haggard, which was fine. Anyone who looked at her could see she was not her usual self.

“All right,” she said.

I went through it again, covered everything I could think of, including contingencies.

“Make it good,” I said, and handed her the small bottle I had brought with me. She made a face and drank half of it.

“All of it.”

“Jesus, this tastes bad.”

“All of it.”

She tossed off the rest of the goop and threw the bottle on the back seat.

We went into the bank and sat outside the security door until Harriet finished a telephone call and came to open it for us. I had a leather attaché case with me, but it was empty.

A female loan officer was seated behind her desk talking on the telephone in one of the small offices off the main office area. The walls of all these spaces had large windows in them so everyone could see what was going on everywhere in the bank. The only privacy was in the vault, a series of cubicles for customers to load and unload their boxes, and the employee restrooms, which were right beside the vault. I didn’t see any other employees in this area of the bank.

Dorsey and Harriet compared due dates after I introduced them, then Dorsey sat at a chair by Harriet’s desk. While Harriet retrieved the master safe deposit box key from her desk, I checked that none of the surveillance cameras were pointed into the vault. They weren’t.

Inside the vault, Harriet asked, “Do you remember your box number, Mr. Carmellini?”

“Number six, I think. It was one of the large ones.” I pointed at it.

Harriet opened the card catalog and looked me up while I watched over her shoulder.

She removed my card from the box. “If you’ll just sign and date this.”

I did so and handed her my key. She inserted her master key into my box lock, then mine, and opened it.

“Do you want to take your box to our privacy area?” she asked.

Before I could answer, I heard Dorsey moan, then I heard a thud as she hit the floor.

“My God!” I said, and darted out of the vault. Harriet was right behind me.

Dorsey lay face down on the floor, moaning softly and holding herself. The woman from the loan office rushed out and bent over her. Dorsey began retching.

“The bathroom,” Harriet said, and grabbed one arm. The other woman took her other arm and they assisted her to her feet. Dorsey gagged.

As they went through the door of the ladies’, I faded into the vault. Bless Harriet, she had left the master key sticking in the keyway of my box!

I turned sideways to the camera, and removed a halogen flashlight from my trouser pocket. I snapped it on as I aimed it at the camera. The light was so bright I had to squint for several seconds. I placed the light on the cabinet beside the card file, arranged it on a flexible wire base so it was pointed at the camera. The beam would wipe out the picture.

I knew that Carroll Kincaid also had a large box, based on the amount he had paid in rent. It took just seconds to find his name in the card catalog. He had box number twelve, and hadn’t visited it since he rented it.

Leaving the lock on my box open, I used the master key on Kincaid’s, inserted one of my picks and a torsion wrench in the second keyway, and went to work. After ten seconds, I decided I had the wrong size pick, and tried another.

I closed my eyes so that I could concentrate on the feel.

Perspiration beaded on my forehead. That never happens to James Bond in the movies; it was a character defect that I just have to live with.

Time crawled.

I concentrated on the feel of the pick.

Bang, I got it, and felt the lock give the tiniest amount. Keeping the tension on the torsion wrench, I turned the master key… and the lock opened.

Kincaid’s box had something in it. I didn’t open it. I merely transferred his box to my vault and put my empty box in his, then closed the lock flap. I replaced the master key in the lock on my box, closed it, retrieved my key and the halogen flashlight, and was waiting in the lobby with my attaché case when the women came out of the rest room.

Dorsey looked as if she had been run over by something. Her face was pasty and her hair a mess.

Harriet and the other woman helped her toward the door.

“I’ll get her home,” I said, and slipped an arm around her. “Thank you so much.”

Dorsey murmured something to the women, put her hand over her mouth as if she was going to heave again. Harriet opened the door and I half-carried Dorsey through it.

I put her in the passenger seat of the car and got behind the wheel.

“You son of a bitch,” she snarled. “I nearly vomited up my toenails.”

“Remember this happy day,” I remarked, “the next time somebody wants you to star in a fuck movie.”

“Did you get the tapes?”

“I got something. I’ll go back in a couple of days and get whatever it is.”

“I’ll go with you. I want those tapes.”

“Those women have seen you for the last time. When I get the tapes, I’ll call you.”

She didn’t like it, but she was in no condition to argue.

* * * * *

When I went back Wednesday afternoon, Harriet gave me a strange look. “How’s your wife?”

“Better, thank you. You gotta be tough to have a baby.”

She obviously had something on her mind. “After you and your wife left Monday, I had the strangest call from our security officer.”

“Oh?”

“Apparently the surveillance camera in the vault stopped working while we had your wife in the restroom.”
I shrugged. “Did it break?”

“Oh, no! Merely stopped working for a few minutes. They monitor them from our main office in Silver Spring.”

“That is odd,” I admitted. “While you were in the bathroom I used the time to put the items I brought into my box.”

“The master safe deposit key was still in the lock of your box after you left.”

“You have it now, I hope.”

“Oh, yes.”

“I really appreciate the way you and the other lady helped my wife,” I said warmly. “I apologize for the inconvenience, but you know how these things are. I’ve written a letter to the president of the bank. I feel so fortunate that the bank has such wonderful employees.”
Harriet beamed.

We opened the locks and I pulled my box from its shelf. I carried it to a privacy cubicle. There were a dozen videotapes, four whopping big stacks of cash with rubber bands around them, and a Smith & Wesson .38 revolver, which was loaded. I put a handkerchief around my fingers as I checked the pistol. The box was the best place for it, I decided; I left it there. The money and tapes I put in the attaché case.

Harriet and I chatted some more while I put the box away, then I left.

I played the tapes on a VCR I had at home. Dorsey was on three of them. The same men were on all twelve. I didn’t recognize any of the other women. When I finished with the nine tapes Dorsey wasn’t on I smashed them with a hammer and put them in the garbage, where they belonged.

The cash amounted to twenty-seven grand in old bills. I held random bills up to the light, fingered them, compared them to some bills I had in my wallet. It was real money, I concluded. Tough luck for Carroll Kincaid—easy come, easy go.

I met Dorsey that Friday evening in downtown Washington at a bar jam-packed with people celebrating the start of the weekend. As the hubbub washed over us, I gave her the three remaining tapes. I put my mouth close to her ear and asked, “Is any of these men Carroll Kincaid?”

“No.” She refused to meet my eyes. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“For whatever it’s worth, you weren’t the only one.”

She grunted, and slugged her Scotch down as if it were Diet Coke.

“A thank-you would be in order,” I said.

She laid a hand on my arm, tried to smile, got up and walked out.

I drank a second beer while I contemplated the state of the universe. On my way home I stopped by the first church I saw—it was Catholic—and went in to see the priest.

“Father, I have unexpectedly come into some serious money. I won’t burden you with an explanation, but I wish to donate it to the church to use in its ministry to the poor.”

The priest didn’t look surprised. People must give him wads of cash every day. “As you probably know quite well, the need is great,” he told me. “On behalf of the church,

I would be delighted to accept any amount you wish to donate.”

I handed him the money, which I had put in a shoebox and wrapped in some Christmas gift-wrap I had left over from the holidays.

He hefted the box and inspected it. “Do you want a receipt?” he said, eyeing me.

“That won’t be necessary.” I shook his hand and hit the road.

A few weeks later the agency sent me to Europe, where I spent most of the winter and spring. I didn’t hear from Dorsey O’Shea during my occasional trips back to the states, and probably would never have run into her again had I not gotten into a jam the following summer.

Copyright 2004 by Stephen Coonts