TINK'S TRIP

About the Book

A young man boards a train and begins an adventure of love and intrigue that searches the surreal. Isn’t it wonderful to ride and eat and drink and make love. And do it day and night. And again. But a body is found and an inspector begins to ask questions. Things begin to change. The only constant seems to be the train hurtling along as a devilish pace...never stopping...as the once soulful whistle takes on the long encompassing shape of a shroud.

There are so many stories but Tink has to wonder - how many are real? Is Pop real? Old King Cole, old Harry Cole. An ancient lothario with a fantasy braggadocio sex life. Is Inspector Haines more than a policeman from central casting; an imposter with power. And who was the corpse, who should be off the train, somewhere else, not a bumping along companion to these commuting time travelers. And Bus, Simone, and Ted...and Mr. Rhee. All the others. All waiting. And Helen, beautiful Ms. St. Clair...who fell...and Tink caught her. Is she waiting too? For Tink the wait is over. There’s plenty of time. Endless time. They must have called ahead. An alert has cleared all switches as towns slide past, mute and sufficatingly indifferent. Tink and Helen lock themselves in the lounge, and Tink wants to stay there forever. Where the hell is this train going? The same thoughts, the comforting sameness. Let this asylum on wheels ride the rails, the most crowded lonely place imaginable.

Helen hears them. Knocking on the door...pounding now...wanting to get in.

Don’t bother getting dressed. The doors are locked.

About the Author

Ronald Pratt Fritz is a painter, writer and filmmaker whose art is included in the permanent collection of American Art at the Library of Congress. He formed his own film company in New York City winning awards at International Festivals including Cannes, Tours and New York City. Ronald has illustrated books for Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Scholastic, including a “Book of the Month Club” selection. The father of six children, Ronald lives in Westchester, New York with his wife Martha.