Larry slammed his fist into the palm of his left hand. I can't take this anymore, Joe. I can't take this constant hat-in-hand jockeying for space on the bookshelves and exposure in the media. How can I continue writing when the people who are selling books don't read? And to make matters worse, these same people keep trying to second-guess the public about what they want to read.

Joe remained calm. I have an idea that might work.

Yeah, yeah.

I mean it.

Alright. What? Larry stood up and waited.

Actually, it's more like a scheme.

Don't edit your thoughts, Joe. Say it.

Joe crossed the room and closed the office door.

"It starts with your suicide."

******************
False, then lost identity. Betrayal and infidelity. Theft and corruption. Deceit and murder. These are the dark circumstances operating against struggling author Larry Meachum. His only defense is a desperate determination to survive in a world burdened by mystery, suspense, and crime--a world where Death Takes a Byline.