Welcome
to the web site of JEANA
KENDRICK
|
|
|
Excerpt from ST. ABIENT RUN:
Susan Pardue dropped into the worn leather chair across from her managing editor. "Jerry, you're not sending me to France again?" He leaned forward as if impatient, his hands grazing a
stack of papers on the walnut desk. "Sorry, but someone has to go." Susan stared out at the blue skies and line of forest greenery, a backdrop for Houston's surrealistic skyline. Another backwater assignment, she thought. Since her Andersen feature had boomeranged she’d been forced to eat her story on the oil tycoon, almost word for word. An informant she’d relied on turned out to be an undercover plant from a competing company. Not entirely her fault, but as she was learning, in this competitive business, one mistake could downshift a promising career into neutral. When Andersen threatened to sue, she’d been on the verge of being fired until Jerry went to the top honcho on her behalf. Reluctant as she was to stir up sentiments she’d been trying to put behind her, she must take this assignment. Jerry handed her a file with an enclosed brief. "There’s more to this than you imagine. I want you to delve deep on this one." She skimmed the pages. St. Abient, northern France: French author and pastor, John Volar, established a Christian Center, popular for retreats, conferences and training programs throughout Europe. Reliable off-the-record sources allege the Center may be a cover-up for illegal activities including drug trafficking. Her breath caught at the mention of drugs. She forced herself to continue reading, knowing that to give into the guilt would leave her paralyzed within. Forgiveness was the marrow of the new life she sought. On June 10, a banquet will commemorate the Center's twentieth anniversary. Influential church leaders and donors from across Europe are expected to attend. A member of the Trudeau family, the chateau’s former owners will present the award of excellence. Volar is a popular author in Christian circles throughout Europe and has a small but growing audience in America. Susan wondered if her friend Gayle would be attending. Shortly after her transfer to Paris, Gayle began seeing Dominic Trudeau. The connection might prove helpful. Beyond the air-conditioned walls of Random World's three-story glass building, the thick and humid heat of early June was already unbearably sticky. France, at least, would be cooler. She looked at her boss. "Tell me what this is really about." Jerry’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. "The word is, an international drug ring may be operating out of the place." A picture of her brother Matthew with his slow, easy smile and soft, bright eyes flashed before her. She tried to remain
calm. "So talk to the DEA or an investigative reporter who’s more fluent in French than I am." "We can't call in the authorities on hearsay. Besides it’s best to keep this quiet. Volar and his associates have wined and dined some of our board members. The pressure is on for the magazine to endorse him. If there is any chance these reports are true," he paused, "the last thing we need is another scandal. Fortunately, we have an inside track, Mark Ashley." Ashley was one of the big bosses at Random World who seldom came within her orbit. Winning brownie points with him could be terribly beneficial to her career. This might be an opportunity to make the upper echelon aware of her and regain some of the ground she’d lost. Feeling more sanguine, she asked, "What’s the board’s position?" "Most of them can't see past Volar's facade. To be frank, if Mark hadn't confided his concerns, I'd never have bought into an investigation." "Has the board agreed?" "They don’t know. Mark refuses to tell them until the rumors can be substantiated. It wasn't easy convincing him to bring you in." Why did he? she wanted to ask but Jerry didn't give her a chance. "Mark has a young cousin who dropped out of college to join Volar's discipleship program. Since then, his behavior has been erratic; he disappears periodically. He’s cashed in thousands in certificates of deposit, part of an inheritance from his grandmother, and won’t say why. The family is worried he might be on drugs." Susan couldn’t help thinking out loud, "It seems not only out of character but unnecessary for someone with Mark Ashley’s resources to take such a hands-on approach." Jerry winced. "Let’s just say Mark is both arrogant and concerned enough to believe no one else can do as good a job as he can." She felt the scrutiny of Jerry's gaze, probing, as if reassessing his choice of her one last time. Her thoughts turned inward, the familiar ache surfacing. Matt, oh Matt, she thought, twisting a curl around her forefinger in agitation. Outside, a siren split the air, a succession of horns blaring in the aftermath. Susan, this info is off the record. Take tomorrow off to pack and tie up any loose ends." He gave her the tickets. "Your flight leaves Wednesday at four P.M. First stop is Amsterdam." His upheld hands halted any further questions. "Don't ask why; Mark will fill you in when he's ready. For the next two weeks you will be his assistant." Jerry gave her a sympathetic smile as he opened his office door ending their discussion.
Click here to ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY
For More Information Contact: |
