PHOENIX GUMSHOE – G. L. Rockey

A MAX BAER TRILOGY

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In a four-part noir series, Phoenix private eye, Max Baer probes human trafficking, a drug company’s pandemic manipulation, incestuous relations of a U.S. Senator, and a narcissistic radio disk jockey.

“Phoenix Gumshoe” by G L Rockey is a fascinating trilogy that delves into the dark underbelly of human trafficking, the complexities of human relationships, and the intricacies of personal dilemmas. This trilogy includes three distinct stories—”Help Wanted,” “Massage,” and “High Stakes Pandemic,” each unfolding unique narratives. Readers follow Max Baer, a former police detective turned private investigator in Phoenix, Arizona. The trilogy takes readers on a journey filled with suspense, emotional depth, and raw human experiences.

EXCERPT:

CHAPTER 5
Wednesday, August 14, 9:30 AM

After a shower and before dressing, I checked my cell, a text: Max call me, Jill

I called her.

“Jill, what’s up?”

“I just got a call from a Mrs. Decker.”

“And?”

“Guess her daughter Susan, has gone missing. I gave her your name. She might call you.”

“Anything so far.”

“No, the FBI is on it too they are thinking human trafficking, connections to gambling, the Dixie mob.”

“OK, talk to you later.”

*****

Hot as some of the cloth say hell will be like, 120 Phoenix degrees, passenger Jets grounded due to something about lift couldn’t get off the ground in the heat, air too thin something.

My air conditioner working overtime in my Airstream.

I showered, shaved then dressed in light tan suit pants, white shirt, red tie, beige wingtip oxfords. Before putting on my coat I snugged on my leather shoulder holster with my Colt M1911

Outside, not like some places East where it cools off overnight, the 120-degree heat could fry an egg.

My maroon Fiat parked beside my Airstream, basking in the heat, I opened the front door and a blast like form a 400-degree oven greeted me.

I left the door open got in and lowered the windows. Engine turned over I started the air, air on high I got on the Black Canyon freeway and headed to downtown Phoenix, my office.

My office, about the size of a walk-in closet is on the second floor 502 Adams Street above a Mexican restaurant, LOS AJOS MEXICAN GRILL my favorite spot for breakfast. The establishment—single large room, four booths, six tables.

I picked up a morning paper from a streetside vendor, went inside the restaurant. Nodded to the owner Joe Caranza—five-five, a hundred pounds of pure Mexican––he nodded, “Hola.”

I said, “Hola.” and ten or so customers eating, I walked toward the back of the room and sat at my favorite table facing the front door.

Theresa, Joe’s daughter, petite cheerful like a church choir member, came by with a coffee pot and cup, poured me a cup said, “How’s Max this morning.”

“Good. You?”

“Always. Usual?”

“You got it.”

Usual was La Ajo’s Huevos Rancheros Literally meaning rancher’s eggs. I’m told it’s a traditional Mexican breakfast that originated in Mexican ranches and farmhouses in the 16th century.

Waiting for my order, sipping coffee I read a story above the fold:

Phoenix July 25…an investigative reporter for Arizona Republic was the victim of a car bombing. He had been lured to a meeting in Phoenix in the course of work on a story about human trafficking. Retaliation against his pursuit of human trafficking in Arizona is thought to be a motive in the murder.

*****

Finished breakfast, I left a two-dollar tip and went to the counter to pay.

I said to Joe, “How do you it for $6.99?”

Caranza said “Rezo mucho.”

Translated I pray a lot I said, “Me too.”

I stepped outside. The temperature like it had heated up beyond 120 degrees, I took five steps to the door that lead to fifteen creaky stairs that lead up to my office.

I climbed the stairs and before opening my half-glass office door, I noticed the black paint on the glass with my name, that the M was curling in the heat leaving AX Bear Private Detective showing.

I opened my office door, took off my jacket, and sat behind my metal desk.

Window facing Adams Street my window air conditioner on again off again. I turned it on, it groaned then began pumping some cool air. Office temperature hovering around hot the paper maps on my walls—United States, Arizona, Phoenix—were sagging.

At my desk I opened my dell laptop and checked my email:

Solar gadgets

Patriots journal

Triple AAA

You won

Facebook birthday

Not much there I deleted all closed the laptop then flipped on my ten-inch Sony tv and up popped channel 10 News:

BREAKING NEWS Amber Alert Missing is Susan Decker…

There was a tapping on the glass of my door. I looked a petite female wearing a pink t-shirt.

I waved her in and flipped the TV off.

She was about five-six and couldn’t have weighed more than ninety pounds, intense amber eyes, blonde hair in a pixie cut, white T-shirt, white shorts, purple tennis shoes, a brown waist purse hanging on her left hip.

She said, “Mr. Baer…”

“Call me Max.”

She extended her fight hand, “I’m Marlene Applegate.”

I noticed the wetness of her palm.

I said, “What can I do for you.”

“I think my husband is cheating on me.”

“Oh, what’s his name?”

“Shirley.”

Paused, “So you’re gay.”

“Yes.”

“What seems to be the problem?”

“Shirley wanted to be a mother, and well you know, I told her we could adopt but she wanted her own DNA.

“Well, this was a month ago, she said she worked with someone she thought had the type of DNA she would like her kid to be. Some waiter at the restaurant she works at, Chester something “

Marlene showed me a picture of Chester—white, short cut beard, pompadour hair, reminded me of the Bettle, Paul McCartney, without a beard.

Marlene continued, “Shirley works days, she’s a bartender at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, I think she’s seeing this Chester dude that works there too. The one we had picked out as our surrogate, waiter where she works, well, turns out I think he delivered his sperm COD if you know what I mean.”

I noticed she repeated herself.

“Why do you think that?

“She’s pregnant?”

“And why do you think it was this Chester fellow?”

REVIEWS:

Rockey’s writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, seamlessly blending gritty detective work with psychological insights. In “Help Wanted,” the narrative thrives on intense, fast-paced action as it unravels the horrific world of a human trafficking ring. Rockey’s detailed portrayal of the seedy underbelly of society is both disturbing and compelling, painting a vivid picture of the moral abyss that Baer navigates. The author’s choice to tackle such a dark topic through the eyes of a hardened yet vulnerable protagonist like Baer adds a layer of authenticity and emotional resonance to the story.

“Massage,” on the other hand, takes a slightly different turn, focusing more on dialogues and character interactions, particularly through a radio talk show. This section offers an interesting exploration of human sexuality, emotions, and the complexities of personal relationships. The conversations are raw and unfiltered, providing an honest look into the diverse spectrum of human experiences. However, the shift from a high-stakes crime narrative to a talk show format might be jarring for some readers, though it certainly adds depth and variety to the overall trilogy.

“High Stakes Pandemic,” the last story in this trilogy, dives into a world of deceit and danger within the pharmaceutical industry. In this crime thriller, Max Baer finds himself entangled in a complex plot involving the VP of a pharmaceutical company, who is coerced into creating a virus and its vaccine for financial gain. The story expertly intertwines elements of suspense, corruption, and ethical quandaries, as Baer navigates through a maze of lies and peril. The author’s adept storytelling shines in depicting the unraveling of the conspiracy, leading to a gripping climax where justice precariously hangs in the balance.

“Phoenix Gumshoe” is tailor-made for readers who enjoy crime dramas with a psychological twist. Its exploration of dark themes, combined with a deep dive into the human psyche, makes it an ideal read for those who appreciate narratives that don’t shy away from the grittier aspects of life. While the content can be intense, I think it’s well-balanced with moments of introspection and character development, making it a thought-provoking read. G L Rockey’s “Gumshoe” is highly recommended read for fans of crime thrillers, detective stories, and those who appreciate a deep dive into the complexities of the human condition. ~ Reviewed by Thomas Anderson