CARDS & CONSEQUENCES

About the Book

The use/belief in tarot as an adjunct resource for decisions is a central theme for the primary character, a woman who combines extraordinary physical, intellectual, financial, and spiritual attributes. After delivering a dramatic Tower clarifying card to Marlena Christie’s Hopes and Doubts position, the verdict talented Romanian tarot reader Vatche comes to is that whichever God people prayed to truly reigned in the Heavens, a singularly blessed man stood on the cusp of learning what she was willing to alter significant parts of her very desirable life for. Ten days after this major reading, having handled dozens of details involving projects for three art galleries and a jet-set lifestyle, Marlena has left her smart phones on the corporate jet and is parked in a C-level apartment complex, confident about sharpened-to-the-ultimate plans being set into motion. Marlena is highly motivated and capable of making information into necessary Next Steps in fixing the mistakes of the now almost-thirty year old man she loved, but modesty aside, second chances with a superstar woman will require specific changes and actions! Initially stunned at the magical doorway appearance of someone whose memory he’s mostly erased from his negative life, Eddie Starkes is indeed smart enough to grasp the joyous opportunity represented by this truly magnificent evolution of the gifted and sensual beauty he immediately thinks of as ‘Before Marlena’. From the time he exits a highly sexual shower that replays significant events from their intimate history and his personal stupidity, through an attempted mugging and ‘morning after’ talk that resets the relationship, Eddie deserves credit for displaying the qualities of character, intelligence, and sexuality that originally drew a 5-star great woman like Marlena Victoria Christie. When he recaps six weeks of togetherness (Poolside Thoughts-- Wet & Wonderful Things), from learning some conversational Italian to winning a celebrity doubles tennis tournament, trysting in unique locations without worrying how she knows about them, and making excellent progress personally and relative to her international art business, its obvious how right Marlena was about returning his good karma to her life. Corporate accomplishments and living the Truly Good Life take a uniquely different tangent after Marlena introduces Eddie to tarot reading, a powerful and unusual part of her mental arsenal, and they turn to achieving a short but highly rewarding laundry list of art thefts for Marlena’s powerful former guardian-now mentor Silas Randson. Jackson Rommel, a handsome but dangerous gigolo and sociopath from Marlena’s childhood, is the answer to continuing appearances of a negative, troubling Knight in her tarot readings, with an equally powerful but unknown link to Eddie. That he rejected, but was spurred to change his own position in life with a minor publisher by Eddie’s book proposal becomes a dangerous crossing point between four lives. After Silas interrupts early Travers Race Day reverie with news about violence involving the specific person they’d intended to relieve of a final masterpiece, Marlena, Eddie, and hoops buddy/electronics expert Rahim Maxwell fly back to Louisville to develop plans regarding the catching of whoever might be responsible for the vicious attack on Silas’ nominal friend. Whether tarot cards are predictive, or if information gained from inspecting what the Universe ‘knows’ can directly benefit actions becomes moot when a gun-wielding Rommel uses long dormant knowledge of secret passages in the Randson mansion architecture to surprise them. Rooftop heroics by Eddie, Marlena, and a less-feeble-than-imagined Silas in foiling Rommel’s long-harbored vengeance, a fabulous necklace again gracing a deserving neck, and the knowledge that while it’s not necessary, stealing artwork is still an exciting extracurricular activity, are included in the finale.

About the Author

It’s always been apparent that women loved the Richard Gere-Julia Roberts classic ‘Pretty Woman’ because Gere’s super-together ‘prince’ recognized certain desirable qualities in her ‘just a hooker’ woman, and placing her in an environment where economics and history were irrelevant, she could shine incredibly brightly beside him—so why wouldn’t female readers appreciate the reversed situation? Key to book was providing a specific rationale for belief that Marlena (the Magnificent) had about Eddie Starkes being absolutely right guy-- no matter the circumstances or what anyone else thought-- and having gotten a fairly incredible first tarot reading myself, locking the five-star great Marlena on Eddie by having a Gypsy foretell a future which any romantic mind could understand came through as that righteous/undeniable sign post. Being very middle of the road economically but confident is my qualities as an intelligent gentleman and worthwhile companion, building the bridge between lots of money-All That Woman and a less dramatically endowed guy began on a snowy drive back from Burlington, VT almost 20 years ago. With tarot as a core factor in story, I’ve historically utilized readings as a ‘thought provoking exercise’ since, and yes, it’s always a thrill to find several Marlena-type extra abilities in certain ladies I’ve met or dated. Born/raised in upstate NY (Schenectady), lived in Charlotte, NC since 1995. I’ve considered myself a writer since before first byline for HS newspaper, rip off E.L. Doctrow by stating, “(always considered myself a writer), and have done so even during those times I didn’t feel the need to prove it by actually producing anything.” Journalism as second half of double major (Bus. Admin.) at Brockport State (NY). Sports writer in Tampa, FL in early ‘80s, a political/ press release-events coordinator for two mayoral campaigns. A long-time freelancer, I keep skills sharp in executive asst. role for various executives. • Current blog-- gshorksbaselinethots2.wordpress.com combines personal essay, sports, and “an eagle eye view of the economy from register level.” • Currently project director-chief writer for a series of children’s read-along books being done by the South Carolina Hugh O’Brian Youth (SCHOBY) leadership organization. • I write what I know— a back stroker in college for a semester, I dropped it when it would have required staying there, paying for own food and finding lodging through January mid-term. I have historically had ‘a jump shot sweet as a baby’s smile’. Second oldest of 4 brothers. • I played hoops with ‘Rahim’ character here in Charlotte. While others said “Rahim, he talk a lot,” nobody doubted he could do too. When he told someone, “You’re out, he’s (me, the only ‘salt’ in game) in” there was no backtalk. • Played intramural hockey as a goalie, using my roommate’s equipment, and coached a girls club team playing inter-collegiately as a senior. • Favorite TV show is CASTLE, for obvious reasons.