GRACE
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
For some reason I liked Harry, but I didn't know much about construction, so I really couldn't speak intelligently on the subject. I tried to make small talk anyway. "The other night I overheard you and your compatriots talking about some kind of room. What's that all about?" "The room is special. The room is filled with all kinds of treasures. It's got things from the Civil War, old beer bottles, a piece of the Challenger, and hundreds of one-of-a-kind articles. It's a unique museum. Only special people get to see," he said, pointing to his right eye, "the room." "Where is this place?" "My house," he said as he drained his mug. "How does one become special enough to see it?" "I decide, man. I decide." "Well, it certainly sounds like an interesting--" my cell phone vibrated. "Excuse me, Harry. I have a call," I said, getting up from my seat so that I could take it outside the bar. I answered. It was Terri. "Dalton, I tried to reach you earlier, but you must've had your phone off." "Yes, I did. When I'm doing the interviews, I don't like distractions. I'm surprised you're calling me this time of the evening. Isn't my once-a-day check-in enough?" "The mail ran late today, and you have a letter that Aldous said you would want to know about, so that's why I'm calling." "Oh, shit! Don't tell me it's from the IRS?" "No, it’s nothing like that. The letter's from Italy." When she said Italy, I actually felt dizzy. My throat felt tight, and I could hardly say a word. "You there . . . Dalton, you there?" "Yes . . . I'm here." "Are you all right?" "Yes, Terri, I'm fine," I said, swallowing hard. "Who's it from?" "I'm not sure of the pronunciation, but it looks like M-o-d-i-g--" "Modigliani," I said as my face flushed. "Yes, that sounds like it. This that old friend you told me about who introduced you to Italian cuisine?" "I don't know, but it could be." I felt tears welling in my eyes. "I put it on your desk for when you come in Friday morning." "Thanks. I'll see you Friday," I said as I hit the off button. I just stood there stunned for a minute or so. My mind began racing. Why would she contact me now? Does she still love me? Does she want to come back to the states? God, help me get through this. I wish I'd been at the office when the letter arrived.
"Mr. M!" I turned around and Harry was standing there holding the door open. "Yes."
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Dalton Constantine McQuaide, a divorced business consultant and resident of St. Augustine, Florida found himself alone and buried in his work. His marriage had ended because of an illicit love affair with, Sophia Modigliani, his administrative assistant. She, too, eventually left him and returned to Italy because of guilt she felt over the breakup of his family. Four years later he discovered that Sophia was fighting for her life while his was hanging in the balance. His unrequited love continued to haunt him as a ghost from the past. Despite his emotional turmoil, he continued to work and run McQuaide and Associates. Eventually, a consulting job took him to Charleston, South Carolina where he met some unusual characters. On his way home one night back to St. Augustine he ran into trouble he'd never dreamed possible. He was eager to return home because of a letter he'd received from Italy in his absence. While he continued longing for Sophia, the highs and lows of his life emotionally intensified and became filled with suspense and intrigue.
About the Author
Wendell Vanderbilt
Fountain – author of the gripping suspense thriller, Love-40, that the Florida
Times-Union said is a “fine
summertime beach read,” is a lifelong resident of North Florida, a business
consultant, and college professor who has enjoyed the art of writing throughout
his life. Though he’s been published
many times, GRACE is only his second
novel. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
psychology from the University of North Florida, a master’s degree in human
resources management from Pepperdine University, and a doctorate in business
administration from Nova University. He
has completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard University. His interests include golf, tennis, reading,
and public speaking. He is currently
writing his third novel – If I Could Fly.