Jones has taken the case on speculation. With too few resources at his disposal already, his first task is to convince his reluctant friend and Associate, Dr, Horace Dodson, to accompany him to America. His success is never in doubt. Yet, it proves an interesting exercise. When they arrive in Las Vegas, the stew thickens. Jones soon finds himself in the middle of an extortion plot, mismanaged by his client.

Maranatha’s blackmail target is an unscrupulous bond agent who has hired a capable malefactor, Henry Allred. Allred’s favorite tool are murder, mayhem and manipulation, and is quickly leaving a trail of victims in his wake. Jones now has the task of mitigating the ongoing damage while trying to end the criminal careers of his client, the bond agent, and his hireling. In the balance lay his pride. He must still prove his brother wrong.

Many bizarre twists challenge Jones’ resolve on the journey. He makes some very questionable alliances and resorts to extreme tactics in order to achieve his goals. Through hard work, creativity, heroism and good fortune, the end justifies the means. The bad are vanquished. Only, the success he achieves is not what he had expected. Jones is left with new friends, new respect, and new insights into himself.

The Purloined Garfunkel

By

W. K. Jones

 Chapter 1

Jude Abernathy Jones made a fair living as a detective for hire. His home in an upstairs flat, number 242B, the Strand, London, did not represent the best his income could afford. That it had only two common areas, kitchen and drawing room, represented an uncommon luxury in the neighborhood. The Strand, almost more than any other part of the city, clung to its Edwardian history.

He kept rooms with friend and associate, Dr, Horace Dodson. The arrangement functioned well enough for two men accustomed to one another. As Men in different professions, they often did not share the same schedule, supper excluded. Both preferred a late meal. They most commonly kept company in the drawing room afterwards; this evening, enjoying their particular after dinner rituals.

Jones sat in a high backed, lightly stained, wooden chair, covered in a durable but elegant fabric, the color of the sea. It was one of a pair in the room. From it he looked up from his studies at the doctor, sitting directly across from him in a plush easy chair, reading the news. The scene had replayed itself so many times since they came to live together, the evening may have remained indistinct from any other had Jones not began to lure Dodson in his latest affair.