Sam Henson is a bitter, cantankerous, old redneck whose world is a prison of depression and anger. It was not always so. Once, he had the love and adoration of his wife, Martha, and children. Now, his wife has deserted him. His daughter, Karen, who provides his home healthcare, is stealing his money, and his son, Tom, is gay. Sam’s health is bad and he’s terrified of dying—the means, not the final results. The thought of being bedridden and completely dependent upon his daughter is almost as frightening as the images he conjures up of an extended and painful death.
After a terrific argument with Karen, he determines to take an extended vacation. He liquidates his savings, puts his house on the market, loads his RV, and heads from Macon, Georgia to Alaska. His plan is simple. Along the way, he’ll spend all his money and shoot himself upon arrival.
At a truck stop, he meets Terri Warner, an eighteen year old, black, road whore running from her own demons. They come together like milk and beer—splashing at each encounter, but unable to mix. Terri is adept at spinning self-serving lies and Sam’s bigotry works like a poker in hot coals. Sam reveals bits and pieces of his story, and Terri learns of his family, the reason for the trip, and its intended ending. But it’s the dark secret Terri hides that shatters their world and forces them along a path of friendship and devotion neither desires.
My name is Doyle Duke; I’m seventy-two years old and retired. I’ve been married to my wife, Fay, for fifty-one years. We have two children, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. In the working world I made my living as a photographer and lab technician.
I spent eight years in the U.S. Navy as a photographer’s mate. I attended three photographic schools, was a designated motion picture photographer, and rose to the rank of Third Class before I decided not to make the Navy a lifetime career.
During my career in the real world my two major employers were the Chattanooga Times Newspaper and Hinkle’s Commercial Photographics. I attended local colleges, business and art, and managed to complete one year.
Sam meet an amazing lady who seems to have the ability to look into his mind.
Book Excerpt
Extended Vacation
Sam looked at the rose as she placed it in his hand. He didn’t understand, but for some reason, a lump formed in his throat. When his eyes met hers, he wondered why he’d ever thought of those lines in her face as heartache lines. There was nothing but beauty in the face before him.
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