Trouble finding Blondie (50 page)

“I’m on Francois’ side.”

“Well, his mother has done right by Francois all his life. She made sacrifices, gave him love, and raised him well. So what is your problem with Simona?”

“I don’t have a problem with Simona. I just wish she would give him a chance to explain.”

“Explain what? Another round of ‘Sorry, I fucked up, and I don’t really know why or how?’”

“Adam, stop it!”

“NO, you know what? You have not seen what I have seen. If your loyalty is to Francois, then you have a very funny way of showing it.”

“That’s not fair either.”

“Is your loyalty to Andre? Just say it. It’s ok. Don’t play politically correct for crying out loud!”

“Both of you stop it! This is not your fight to fight,” Andre finally spoke, trying to calm them down.

The kids came out of their rooms looking scared, standing in the same hallway where just a few hours earlier everyone was laughing hysterically. It was a buzz kill to the nicest morning they all had. A sad scene. They had never seen their uncle devastated like that. They had never seen their dad so mad. They didn’t quite understand who was to blame, but they felt that something went horribly wrong.

“I’m going to take the kids to grandma,” Adam needed to get out.

“I will stay with you, Andre,” Monique felt that he could use some motherly love and care.

“No, you go with them, Moni. I will be fine.”

“You are not fine. And I’m not going. Settled then.”

The kids were ready to go. Adelia and Amalie took their new phones, and Mateas took his money, just in case they would drive by the bike store. Everybody hugged mom and Andre, and they were out of the door.

“Oh, yes, I almost forgot. This was in the closet in the hotel room with your name on it.”

Adam handed Andre a small envelope. Andre’s hands were shaking when opening the card.

“The number was always five… Good-bye, Trouble.”

This is the ‘thank you’ page…
 

This novel is the labor of love of three people. It would never have seen the light without my two editors. Martin - I couldn’t have done it without you. Merci. Rebekah Staub…you were the perfect angel for my story.

The amazing book cover comes from a brilliant designer and artist from Prague… Radim Vlcek.
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This is a page where they usually say something about the author. So…here it is!
 

Keep in mind I’m still a work in progress… I was born in former Czechoslovakia, behind the Iron Curtain and under the Communist regime. I grew up with stories from grandparents who survived both World Wars. I was surrounded by boys, naturally turning into a rebellious tomboy. That trade carried me through life and everyone close to me knows not to dare me. I lost very few bets in my life and I was told I’m ‘always right’ too many times to count. Everyone who proved me wrong earned a kiss. I didn’t kiss many… just saying.

I had been poor and I had been rich. I have lived in many countries; with every color and nationality imaginable. My mother is half-Jewish, I was raised Christian, but I’m more spiritual than religious. I’m fascinated by the human body and the mind. Philosophy and psychology are my passions. Interestingly enough the majority of my heroes are male. Somehow, tough, I keep writing about strong women.
 

The older I get, the less I know. It must be wisdom. I’m an organized freak, a minimalist, a passionate reader and an expert gourmet. I love life, travel, my two amazing boys, my partner and the people in my tribe with the same vibe. I’m truly blessed.
 

I live in paradise with amazing ocean views, mountains, and rainbows of Maui. Even after 20 years I don’t take it for granted. I wake up every morning thanking God for another day.

Like any survivor, when you know hunger and meet death… you don’t sweat the small stuff.

I believe laughter is the original Prozac and my drug of choice is coffee and wine.
 

Why do I write? I have three lifetimes worth of stories from different continents and a long list of characters. Some of them finally made it onto the pages. This is my debut novel…