Character Spotlight: Tony Brindell. (Fine Dark, Adult Fiction)

Thriller novel SEETHINGS has a complex plot weaved around a few key characters. Tony Brindell, is a relationship therapist — on a life quest to repair the lives of troubled couples. You wouldn’t know he’s a Christian, but he walks the path of Christ every time he counsels. He’s a good man, personable and strong, a leader among his peers.

Tony Brindell

Age 42
Marriage Counsellor
Compassionate
Former High School Teacher
Pastor
Talk-Back Radio Host
Youth Minister

Anthony Brindell isn’t a conventional professional with his open-shirt approach to marriage counselling, but that’s what makes him so popular. No one in his community and Church would trust one in a tie and suit. He’s a guiding light to grassroots citizens who find themselves in various forms of emotional darkness. He makes a modest living out of counselling, and his extremely popular radio show, Teen Talk. Furthermore, he’s a caring man, empathetic and kind. Wife Sophie, and their two teenage daughters, bolster this man’s family image.

Tony wasn’t always a counsellor. His first job was as a high-school teacher. Fresh from college and loaded with optimism, he embarked on a journey to teach youth while identifying and mentoring those who struggled at school. It was a noble quest but it didn’t work out well for him or for those students. Some say he left the profession under a cloud but, according to investigators, those claims were baseless. Tony knew the deal. He simply felt he misunderstood the way the education system worked and expected too much of it. He left and that’s also about the time when he found God.

Samantha Felding heard his radio broadcast in her car. She liked the tone of his voice. He sounded sensible, civil. He said he was a man of God, and this appealed to her most. She picked up the phone and called the station right away. Sam, and her husband Mitchell, have been having problems. It’s been like that for a while, and things are getting worse. For four years, the couple has met with their street-smart counsellor for support and guidance.

And then one day, Mitchell arrives at Tony’s office unannounced, forcing him to listen to things that were never spoken during any of the couple’s previous sessions. Just when Mitchell finishes telling his tale, he drops another bombshell. He says he knows why Tony left teaching.

There’s more.

Mitchell claims to know what’s been happening at the youth camps Tony arranges for his Church once a year. It sends chills down the counsellor’s spine.

Is Tony’s silence guaranteed?

–Michael

Five women’s bodies are discovered after the nights of thunderstorms. Their spouses are suspected of the crimes, but it becomes clear that someone else is responsible. There’s no blood and few clues. A storm photographer who specialises in taking pictures of lightning may be the only witness.