Category: Action/Thriller Publisher: Publish America
ISBN-10: 1413710719
Type: Fiction
Pages: 227
Copyright: Jan 1 2003
As a sequel to "Concept of Justice", this Suspense/Thriller continues the story of Martin Lovett, whose concept of justice as it applies to himself, is somewhat schizophrenic.
We find Martin Lovett reveling in his victory over the Hillsborough County Grand Jury. He did win that bout, however the circumstantial evidence was almost strong enough to bind him over for trial. Almost, being the key word. The law enforcement officials involved, especially the FBI Agent, Antonio Guyardo, were all pretty sure Marty was guilty. If not guilty of the actual crime, they were sure that he was at least guilty of being an accomplice to the kidnapping and murder of Christine Sinclair thirty years ago.
Aging Martin Lovett believes that his criminal past has finally been laid to rest. The Grand Jury had not found the evidence sufficient to bind him over for trial. Marty's 'Concept of Justice' has been served. He and Cindy look forward to a quiet, peaceful retirement in their Florida home.
Now his past suddenly resurfaces, taking control of his life. Marty is drawn back into the life he had almost forgotten. It is difficult to protect his beloved Cindy from the harsh aspects of life as he finds it necessary to embrace a whole new lifestyle.
Some people just need killing. Marty is gratified to know that he is still able do whatever is necessary to get a job done. His conscience is not a problem. However, he eventually learns what we all know; that we must live with our past and there is a price to be paid.
While coping with Cindy's devastating illness, the seventy-four year old Marty is forced back into a life of crime. Because of age limitations he finds that he has to be rather innovative at times in order to get the job done.
New pieces of evidence seem to keep cropping up to haunt the law enforcement officers involved with the cases. While they are frustrated with the inability to prosecute Martin Lovett, Marty himself is trying to circumvent their efforts.
In the final analysis, Justice will be served, one way or another.
Available in paperback at $9.95 only from Publish America - search for Henry Custer. Hardcover version is out of print.
Excerpt
"Not yet," Felipe answered one of his roommates. He had just returned from the bus station in Bakersfield. It had been a long walk back, but he was lucky to have caught a ride for the six-mile trip into town that morning. He needed to find someone with a car to bring Ramona home. She would be too big to make the long walk. Her time must be getting very near.
"Tomorrow my friend, she will surely come tomorrow." His friend assured him.
But she didn't. Every day now, Felipe made the trip to town, usually having to walk both ways. But what else did he have to do? Their rented house was available now, so he moved over there. Each day he picked up whatever he could find in the way of cooking pots and used linens at the many yard sales in the suburbs.
He had called the little store in Mexico City, the one near Ramona's folks home. They told him that she had left on the appointed date in a big bus with some other people. Felipe knew the coyote, Jorge. This was the same man who had helped him to get into the United States last year. Felipe had trusted him with his life, and now was trusting him with his most treasured possession, his wife and son. But Ramona should have been here days ago.
Finally, Felipe could stand the tension no longer. He made a final call to the little store in Mexico City. Had they heard anything? No. Could they have Ramona's mother be there to take a call tomorrow?
"Sure, it's the least we can do," the lady at the store told him.
At the appointed time the next day, Felipe called again. Ramona's mother was in tears.
"No, Felipe. We have not heard anything since Ramona left. We thought she would be with you already. I just know something terrible has happened. I have heard that someone has seen Jorge in the city, but we don't know how to contact him."
"Well, don't worry Momma, if immigration has picked up Ramona they will send her back home on the bus. Anyway, it has been too long. I am coming home. We will find her, don't worry," Felipe repeated.
It was to be a long hard trip. Felipe didn't have money to fly to Mexico City. He left their new home, telling the landlord he would be back in a month when the next rent was due. He managed to hitch a ride to Nogales with a trucker. Since he was a Mexican citizen, he had no problem crossing the border. Then, he bought a bus ticket to Mexico City.
The old bus was hot and crowded. Most of the time people were standing in the aisle. Occasionally someone was carrying a live chicken or two. Probably going to visit a relative and taking something to contribute to dinner. But Felipe hardly felt the discomfort of standing or the constant stench of chickens, garbage and unwashed bodies. His mind was too occupied with thoughts of his Ramona. Where she might be, or what had happened that she didn't make it to California as planned. Jorge had better have some answers!
Felipe got off the bus at the nearest point from Ramona's folks home but it was still a couple of miles. He had more time than money; he would walk. He was greeted by her family, but with some reserve, which he understood. After all, he had left her here last year, then the news of her pregnancy, and finally asking her to leave her family to join him in the States. They respected him but doubted the wisdom of his decisions.
After only one night with Ramona's family, Felipe took his one small bag and left. Again there was the crying and doubts.
"I just don’t know where I will have to go Momma," he explained. "I may not get back tonight, but I will let you know when I find Ramona."
That said, Felipe walked away in search of the coyote, Jorge.
Professional Reviews
Henry Custer Has Done it Again!
THE MWLA REVIEW September 11, 2003
Mighty Write Literary Assn.
NOTE: This Is a Pre-release Review!
The sequel to “Concept of Justice” is finally here. With “Bizarre Justice,” Mr. Custer has once again pulled us in to Martin Lovett’s world. It’s not a bad place to be, unless you are Marty.
Henry has made the idea of a long lived hero a reality. He shatters the myth that advanced age means a life of fiber and bingo. Marty Lovett is no hero, he’s not even that nice a guy, but you will care about him anyway. You will want things to work out for him.
“Bizarre Justice,” is a very well written and compelling story. It will keep the reader wondering what more can possibly happen. It stays on your mind up until the end, where a Bizarre Final Justice is served.
Recommendation: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Tim Hancock is the Director of MWLA, a Reviewer and Author
Experience the thoughts and feelings of schizophrenic Martin Lovett as he attempts to maintain his status as a good father and loving husband.
Once again aging Marty is drawn from peaceful retirement back into the seedy realm of his past. You see, Martin Lovett is also an efficient and remorseless killer. Lies and deceit become the norm as Marty juggles his two very different lives. His concept of justice may not conform to that of the society in which we live.
An eye for an eye you say? What if you owe more than two eyes? However bizarre, justice must ultimately be served.
Another addition to what I'm sure will be a very long list of exceptional books by a gifted writer and storyteller. Godspeed to the publisher for getting this one available soon!
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