Gatekeeper, Book I in the Fellowship of the Mystery trilogy

Readers will need to remind themselves that GATEKEEPER was written years before the events of 9/11 or the current political and economic crises. . . .

As GATEKEEPER opens, Don Cole's candidacy for President of the United States is in full swing. He s a focused, ambitious and unattached middle-aged male with a successful governorship on his resume. His squeaky-clean past, quick wit, and obvious good looks make him a credible opponent to oust the incumbent, Sonny Todd, who has much to hide, but trusts that both his past and his present corruption will remain covered.

While America is more polarized than it has ever been and the majority of an increasingly angry populace teeters on the edge of poverty, Don Cole sincerely believes his experience, dedication, and principled common sense can turn things around. But late one night on the balcony of his hotel suite, an intruder shatters both Don's sense of security and his naive assessment of America's condition. Appearing out of nowhere and holding Don at knife point, the assailant claims to represent a patriotic element within the military and government known as the Quick and the Dead who plan to expose America's highest ranking politicians along with their commercial benefactors. The man claims they want to see Don elected so that they won't need to resort to more drastic measures in unseating the current administration. Don is rattled to the core. Are these men patriots or subversives? Will he find himself on the side of truth or embroiled in a treasonous coup attempt? His dilemma grows as those in the white House discover their crimes are about to be uncovered and they create a large scale diversion while they cover their tracks.

Melvin Woodsworth plans to take his model of community activism to the world. The magnetic minority leader attracts the poor and disenfranchised to his political and religious movement called the Vital Union with a combination of authoritarian rule and communal benefits. When an explosion rocks one of his rallies, racial and economic tensions boil over sparking hellacious riots across the country that defy civilian authority and require the institution of martial law.

Ricky Ruiz is an EMT in New York City with a heart and frame as big as his desire to change the lives of others. His employers at a small city clinic, George and Edwina Grant, recognize him for the gem he is but are a little baffled about what makes him tick. When Edwina's college friend, Rosa Sanchez, turns up, Edwina tries her hand at match-making, despite George's warnings. Too bad Rosa and Ricky are like soda and vinegar.

Sara Reisling has taken her first teaching job in Denver. Learning how to handle her problems with a disagreeable principal, and fend off her mother s not-so-subtle hints about finding a husband will be the least of her problems when a 7.9 earthquake nearly levels the city. Don Cole puts a pause in his campaign to help dig out quake victims and work through doubts about his desire and ability to affect change. While there, he is made privy to information almost too monstrous to fathom.

E.E. Kressman is a major media mogul with an agenda and the means to ensure his desired outcomes. He likes picking and influencing winners and he has decided Don Cole is a winner. What doors can he open for the rising political figure and what price will he expect to extract for his favors?