Lovely, Dark, and Deep

by Frank Zafiro

  I watched Adam as he stared down at the pieces in front of us. Then I asked him quietly, “Why are you still my friend, Adam?”

  He looked up, surprised. “Huh?”

  “After all that’s happened, why are you still my friend?”

  “Jeez, Stef.”

  “I mean it.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know. I guess because, for me, friendship isn’t about what’s happened.”

  “What’s it about then?”

  He fixed me with a look that said I’d just asked the dumbest question in the history of mankind. “It’s about who you are.”

  “So I could act like a total shit, and you’d still be my friend?”

  “Duh. What do you think’s been happening since you left the job?” He slid his rook half the length of the board and took a pawn.

  I stared at him, processing what he said. Then I realized he was right.

  There was nothing more to say, so I turned my attention back to the board. Right away, I reached for my other bishop, which was parked at an angle right next to his rook. Then I spotted the little smile at the corner of his lips. I scanned the board, and found his queen protecting the rook.

  “Shit,” I muttered. I leaned back and considered the board.

  After a few moments, I wasn’t really seeing it, or the pieces on it. Instead, I was thinking of the past couple of weeks and all that had transpired. All the work I did, the danger, the pain, the near misses, and for what? A few months’ worth of rent?

  That was nothing compared to what Rossiter would make on the development deal. Maybe he got it on the level, but somehow I doubted it. And then there was Bracco, who got a free bite at the corruption apple. If Tate had been able to swing the deal for them, Bracco and Beurkens would’ve made a killing. And all of it legitimate money, too. As it was, he probably even got his bribe money back from Tate’s safe, if my guess was right.

  I frowned at the absurdity of it all.

  Nothing happens to Bracco.

  Bassen gets off scot free.

  Now Browning hates me.

  Katie is disgusted with me. There’ll be no fixing that relationship. Not ever.

  And Monique goes back to being a call girl.

  All this, and I was barely richer for it, probably no wiser, and the world was loaded with more dangers for me in the future, thanks to the enemies I made.

  I accomplished nothing.

  “Your move,” Adam said.

  “You’re kinda pushy,” I said. “I’m sure that’s against the rules.”

  “So is taking forever.”

  I glanced at the pieces. The scenario was futile. I’m sure he already saw six moves ahead, including the checkmate. I should just tip my king over and offer my hand. Hell, it’s only a friendly game, and Adam has stayed my friend despite every reason not to.

  Instead, I reached out and grabbed my knight by his horse head and went on the attack with everything I had.

  Sometimes you try, and that’s what matters.

  THE END

  About the Author

  Frank became a police officer in 1993 and is currently a major. He has written and taught courses at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, written several college courses in police subject matter and co-authored A Street Officer’s Guide to Report Writing.

  Many of his stories and novels take place in the fictional River City, a mid-sized city in Eastern Washington, with recurring characters. The River City series of crime novels begins with Under a Raging Moon.

  Frank has authored ten novels, including crime novels with Jim Wilsky (Blood on Blood) and Colin Conway (Some Degree of Murder). Over fifty of his short stories have been published in more than a dozen different anthologies, as well as print and online magazines. His story “Good Shepherd” was a finalist for the 2006 Derringer Award. In 2007, his story “The Worst Door” was a finalist for this same award. Most recently, his story “Dead Even” was a finalist for the 2009 Derringer Award. These and other short stories are gathered together in three River City collections: Dead Even, No Good Deed and The Cleaner.

  In addition to writing, Frank is an avid hockey fan and a tortured guitarist. His wife, Kristi, supports both.

  You can keep up with him at http://frankzafiro.com or his blog at http://frankzafiro.blogspot.com or http://hardboiledpartners.blogspot.com. He also writes under his given name and you can check that out at http://frankscalise.com.

  Other Books by Frank Zafiro

  River City Series (Crime Novels)

  From Gray Dog Press

  Under a Raging Moon

  A violent robber is loose in River City. Meet the cops that must take him down.

  Stefan Kopriva, a young hotshot. Katie MacLeod, a woman in what is still mostly a man’s world. Karl Winter, about to retire but with one more good bust left in him. And Thomas Chisolm, a former Green Beret who knows how dangerous a man like the Scarface Robber can be.

  These are the patrol officers of River City – that mythical thin blue line between society and anarchy. They must stop the robber, all the while juggling divorces, love affairs, internal politics, a hostile media, vengeful gang members and a civilian population that isn’t always understanding or even grateful.

  Written by a real cop with real experience, Under a Raging Moon is like a paperback ride-along. Enjoy the ride.

  Under a Raging Moon is the first River City novel.

  “Engrossing, fast-paced, suspenseful…highly recommended.”

  LJ Roberts, DorothyL Mystery List

  “Gritty, profane, and compelling.”

  Lawrence McMicking, curledup.com

  “If you like McBain, or any gritty police procedural, then Zafiro is someone for you to pick up, enjoy, and then wait for the next book.”

  PJ Coldren, Amazon.com review

  “Under A Raging Moon is an extraordinary crime novel. Like Ed McBain’s Isola, River City is a combination of the best and worst of the human species, and its cops are as complex and haunted as the criminals they battle each day. Frank Zafiro has created a gritty, totally authentic world with believable characters, nonstop action, and snappy dialogue (think Hill Street Blues in Washington state). Don’t miss this book–It’ll keep you turning pages well into the moonlit night.”

  John M. Floyd, award-winning author of Rainbow's End

  “In Under a Raging Moon, Frank Zafiro doesn’t tell you about the mean streets, he takes you to them with clear, concise writing as solid as the asphalt beneath your feet. You feel the tension between those out there to prey and those there to protect. You feel the anxiety of knowing every routine traffic stop could turn into a killing, and every junkie and pusher you bust wants you dead. He also takes you deep behind the badge. His ensemble cast of cops have issues within themselves and with each other and can’t leave them at home any more than we can. You’ll be there with them in the squad room, in the patrol cars and in their favorite watering hole.

  “Frank Zafiro has woven a powerful story with realistic, memorable characters, a suspenseful plot and a climax that will leave you breathless. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it would be like to put on the blue uniform, wear a badge and carry a gun, this one is highly recommended.”

  Earl Staggs, Derringer Award-winning author

  “Zafiro shows his readers some of the grim realities of law enforcement.”

  Brian Triplett, Examiner.com

  Heroes Often Fail

  The men and women of the River City Police Department are sworn to protect and to serve. But when six-year-old girl is kidnapped off a residential street in broad daylight, each cop must rise to heroic levels. Detectives scramble to solve the kidnapping while patrol officers comb the streets looking for the missing girl. Racing against time, every cop on the job focuses on finding her. Before it is too late. Before they fail her.

  Heroes Often Fail is the second River City Crime Novel

  “[a] complex police procedural with multi layered characters, a rich setting, and plent
y of action.”

  Kevin Tipple, independent reviewer

  “[An] affecting novel from a writer who knows not only the job, but the grueling toll certain cases can take on the victims and those charged with upholding law and order.”

  Russel McLean, Crime Scene Scotland.

  "Strap yourself in for this citizen’s ride-along! Frank Zafiro pits cop against perp in the race to save six-year-old kidnap victim Amy Dugger. The problem for the River City PD is that Amy’s abductor isn’t the only creep in town. Zafiro not only drops us right into the precinct during business hours, but he also succeeds at presenting the human side of cops. We come to know these men and women who risk everything to do their duty. We hope they become heroes. And we pray they do not fail."

  Jill Maser, award-winning author of “Unspoken.”

  “Heroes Often Fail is a riveting, intimate account of a parent’s worst nightmare and the men and women of the River City Police Department. The author skillfully portrays the protagonist’s inner conflict. Moving and real. Impossible not to get caught up in the emotional roller coaster crafted by this talented writer.”

  T. Dawn Richard, author of the May List Mystery Series

  “Heroes Often Fail delivers what we've come to expect from Frank Zafiro--sharp-edged dialogue, vivid characters, and an intimate knowledge of the way things work in an urban police department. A tense, frightening tale, and the best River City novel to date.”

  John M. Floyd, award-winning author of Rainbow's End

  “Heroes Often Fail could be one of the most authentic police procedurals I've read. The story appears deceptively simple--a six-year old girl snatched from the streets, but as it jumps around between the lives of the detectives and uniformed officers trying to find her, it adds a more layered, sophisticated texture. Written in short chapters and lean, muscular prose, this is an exceptionally satisfying and engrossing read, and a book that would've made Ed McBain proud!”

  Dave Zeltserman, author of Bad Thoughts

  “A standout amongst police procedurals, Frank Zafiro's Heroes Often Fail does the job of not only showing the nuances of police work, but also the effects of crime on the victims. In a literary world populated (and dulled) by shiny lab technicians and ridiculously elaborate set pieces, Mr. Zafiro never forgets the dirt under the nails approach and the heart of any great story - the characters. The writing is brutally dark and jolting in places, hopeful in others, not an easy balancing act that Mr. Zafiro pulls off seamlessly. A small(er) town offspring of Wambaugh and McBain, it stands amongst the greats and finds enough room to be completely on its own terms.”

  Todd Robinson, editor of Thuglit

  “A riveting, suspenseful novel in both the human condition as well as storyline. Excellent!”

  Cynthia Lea Clark, FMAM Magazine

  “[T]he book presents a realistic and depressing look at how crime affects both the victims and the police officers who try to protect the public.”

  Brian Triplett, Examiner.com

  Beneath a Weeping Sky

  River City is plagued by a serial rapist. His attacks are becoming more brutal and Detective John Tower is sure that he’ll go from rape to murder if he isn’t stopped soon.

  Meanwhile, the rapes stir up ghosts for both Officer Katie MacLeod and Officer Thomas Chisolm. Both struggle to put those haunted memories to rest even as they are drawn into the center of Tower’s investigation. When a series of mis-steps and near misses push the rapist even further, everyone involved must face their old fears…or be destroyed by them.

  Beneath a Weeping Sky is the third River City novel.

  "Frank Zafiro channels Ed McBain and Joesph Wambaugh in this taut and frightening thriller."

  Simon Wood, author of Terminated

  “Frank Zafiro's River City series succeeds where so many fail of late, in not only delivering whipcrack plotlines, but characters as real as the breath in your lungs. You feel with them, rage with them, and bleed alongside these cops. Mr. Zafiro's writing deserves more than comparison with the greats of the police procedural sect, it holds it's own amongst them.”

  Todd Robinson, editor of Thuglit

  And Every Man Has to Die

  Every city has organized crime. But only River City has a Russian gangster like Valeriy. He's meticulous, cunning, and willing to sacrifice anything--and anyone--to see his conquest through.

  In Val's way are the men and women of the River City Police Department, including rookie B.J. Carson. She's trying to fill the shoes of a legend while the pressures of patrol and her own past catch up to her. She and her colleagues must unite and work together with a former River City cop turned FBI agent to face down the single biggest organized crime threat River City has ever seen.

  In this novel, Frank Zafiro explores what honor and courage mean on both sides of the law, weaving a complex and engrossing story of crime, justice, and relationships. There are plotters and detectives, usurpers and leaders. Plans within plans. And in the end the price of victory and justice can both be high... and every man has to die.

  And Every Man Has to Die is the fourth River City novel.

  “The novel has a complex plot...that Zafiro has woven together with seeming ease."

  Debbi Mack, author of Identity Crisis and Least Wanted

  "Possibly the most complicated and hard hitting novel in the series...Frank Zafiro has created another gem."

  Kevin Tipple, independent reviewer

  "...the crime genre prides itself on pacing, and this is where Zafiro delivers."

  The Inlander

  “I’ve always been amazed over how well Zafiro handles the female perspective in the past books--mostly through MacLeod’s point of view-- and in And Every Man Has to Die he proves that strong believable characters is definitely his forte, no matter which gender they are. If you like well written, fast paced novel with great characters, then the River City series is definitely for you.”

  Asa Bradley, bark

  “There are many wonderful things to savor in the novel.”

  Brian Triplett, Examiner.com

  "This book should put Frank Zafiro on the fast track."

  Wil A. Emerson, BookFetish

  “This was a compelling read...even though I had to use a Kindle app on my PC. I soon forgot that as I scrolled faster and faster through the involving story. This book deserves wider recognition; perhaps someone will bring it to the attention of a film-maker, as it would make an excellent movie with its short, sharp scenes and rapid pace.”

  Karen Treanor, New Mystery Reader Magazine

  Dead Even: A River City Anthology

  Detectives and mobsters, missing mummies and a shootout with Gypsies – here are fifteen stories featuring major and minor characters from the novels of Frank Zafiro, now given their own chance to shine. The good, the bad, and the in-between of River City come together in this fast-paced collection of theft, mystery, murder and detection, where the heroes of River City will keep fighting until the scales of justice are once again…Dead Even. Some of these stories are action packed, others heart-rending, but all will leave you satisfied.

  "The range of different character voices that Zafiro masters is amazing."

  Asa Bradley, bark

  “Frank Zafiro’s work is the kind readers won’t soon forget. It strikes deep into a reader’s mind and heart creating people and situations so real, they stick with you long after you’ve read the work. From the details of a crime in progress to police banter on and off the job to the gritty particulars of life in River City, Zafiro is a winner. He becomes his characters and you see life and crime and police work through their eyes. It’s impossible to choose a favorite in this collection, they are intertwined and work together in a way that creates a resonance in those who read these tales. Frank Zafiro’s work is powerful and memorable, two things every writer strives for in their work.”

  Joseph R.G. DeMarco, author of Murder on Camac

  “While Dead Even is a great introduction to the characte
rs of Frank Zafiro’s River City novels, it is also a superb collection of short stories. From the heartbreaking, “The Worst Door” to the lethal combination of “Pride Goeth” and “And a Fall Cometh”, Zafiro has something for everyone. These aren’t just crime stories, they are stories that touch on the human emotions of both the cops and the criminals while taking readers on a roller coaster ride through the streets of River City.”

  Sandra Seamans, short story author

  “Frank Zafiro’s stories possess a ring of realism that can only be created by someone who has actually lived the life of a police officer. For readers who are seeking to get as close to the action as possible without being exposed to the dangers of police work, DEAD EVEN: A RIVER CITY ANTHOLOGY will be a real treat. They’ll be transported to a world where they’ll be able to actually see, hear, taste, and smell what it’s like to be a cop—but they’ll get to live to tell about it. Frank Zafiro continues to impress with this one.”

  BJ Bourg, Chief Investigator, Lafourche Parish DA’s Office

  “Hyper-realistic fiction at its best. Come ride along with cops in DEAD EVEN: A RIVER CITY ANTHOLOGY by Frank Zafiro. It's like being in a squad car, taken to a crime scene.”

  O'Neil De Noux, SHAMUS and DERRINGER Award Winning author of the LaStanza New Orleans Police novels.