Vonalt: Blog

As a bonus, Chapter 42 is being released early and is currently in the posting queue. James and his associates have released potentially damaging and embarrassing information about some of those in power in Washington. In order to protect his family and friends, James and his team have gone underground to avoid detection. Those under suspicion are desperate to find James and have resorted to extraordinary measures—including involving the FBI—to track him and his people down. Thus begins a cat-and-mouse game between James and the Feds, his former allies. Who will win?

Concerned for the safety of his family and coworkers, James quickly shuts down the office and urges everyone to “get out of Dodge” for now. He and his family also leave D.C. in a hurry, heading to a place they believe is safe. The Mercer Group’s discovery reveals widespread corruption and criminal activity—but uncovering the truth may have put them all at risk.

Chapter 40 is in the queue, ready to be posted. James and the people of Mercer, Frisch & Associates spring into action when the traitor Mike is discovered. They plan and execute a recovery operation worthy of special forces—fitting, since several associates are former operatives. This chapter is full of twists and turns. The people in power are about to have their secrets exposed to public scrutiny.

Chapter 39 should be posted soon. Things begin to pick up, there is a shake-up in the order of things, and a new reality emerges.

In experimenting with different writing styles and subjects, I found myself creating The Chest. I've always been an avid reader, but it wasn't until I retired that I finally had the time to sit down and explore writing for myself. Since then, I’ve dabbled in adventure stories, tales of wild ex-girlfriends, and even a somewhat successful political thriller.

But with The Chest, I ventured into new territory—a story that, for lack of a better word, leans into horror. I prefer to think of it, though, as a story about the skeletons every family keeps tucked away in the closet. The inspiration came from both a contemporary horror writer and the timeless works of Poe and Shelley. I hope I managed to capture something unique—a little creepy, definitely different, but an adventure to write all the same.

Some skeletons are just more interesting to read about. This is one of them.