Yes, elect me President. The first thing I would do is fire every one of Obama’s Czars. There are no Czars in America - only Russia had them, and they didn’t do well with them.

Second thing on my agenda would be stopping all money from going to any foreign country. We need our hard-earned money here. We’ve propped up too many governments who turned on us as soon as they could. Foreign aid would be out the window.

Third would be bringing our troops home from Afghanistan and Iraq. We did our bit to bring them democracy - if they truly want peace, let them earn it themselves. I really don’t believe either country is worth the price of one of our fighting men or women.

Fourth would be closing most of our bases in foreign lands. There are a few that are necessary, but very few. If those countries really want those bases, let them pay for them. South Korea does - why not the rest of the world?

Fifth would be enforcing the immigration law fully. What part of “ILLEGAL” don’t you understand? Why do we turn our back when someone enters OUR country illegally? It’s a crime, just like robbery, murder or rape. Those are all illegal - should we turn our backs on those who commit those crimes too?

And, yes, I’d hunt down those eleven million who are here illegally. There are people standing in line, waiting for citizenship in our great nation and doing it the LEGAL way. Why should they go to the end of the line? There would be NO amnesty. Again, ILLEGAL is ILLEGAL.

Then, I’d create the best mass transportation railroad in the world. Europe has trains that travel 200 miles an hour and get you there on time. We can do better!

Think of the jobs I’d create and the jobs connected with the railroad that would grow through small businesses.

I’ve travelled throughout Europe and have seen the shops in the main railroad stations in every city. Those are small businesses and they are flourishing.

Jobs by the millions would be created - people who sell tickets, track maintainers, conductors, waiters in the dining cars, porters to carry your bags, stewards to help you on board the train, and so on.

And, I’d drill, baby, drill in every place we find oil. Why should we ask other countries to drill off their shores and then pay the high prices they charge to save our shores? There are plenty of places on dry land to drill. Again, this puts people back to work.
Yeah, I know - we had ONE oil spill in over 50,000 oil wells drilled, and that was because it was drilled in DEEP water.

The tree huggers in California need to realize we must be self-sufficient in our energy needs. To help out there, I’d put up as many windmills as necessary to produce the energy we need. To me, they are beautiful.

I’d clean house in government. I’d hire Inspector Generals who really know their business and have them inspect every branch of government to find waste and fraud. Those who are doing jobs that have no meaning would find themselves in the unemployment line like the millions who are now looking for work - but with one exception - I’d create jobs for them.

Another item would be the people living on the “dole”. If you are capable of working and you are offered a job - you’d better take it. If you don’t, your free ride on the government money train is over. You are off welfare, regardless of how many children you have brought into this world to bolster your government paycheck.

I’d stop the flow of drugs into this country by putting thousands and thousands of our troops on the borders. Every box, crate, truck, van, car, ship, airplane and item that is imported into the USA would be searched thoroughly. Drug runners on the border would be met with deadly force and dealt with as criminals.

I’d stop the use of Marijuana as “medicinal”. Pot creates more problems than it ever solves.

The drug dealers in every state would find themselves targeted by a highly trained and equipped task force of FBI and local law enforcement. Anyone dealing in drugs would receive a life sentence.

And, speaking of prisons, I’d turn them into places where any sane man or woman would never want to return to. You wouldn’t lie about watching color TV in air conditioned comfort. You’d work outside in the sun and you’d work hard to earn your keep.

The sheriff in Arizona has it right. Baloney sandwiches and kool aide are fine, and pink jump suits would be standard. I love that guy!

I’d do away with earmarks. If I couldn’t get Congress to pass a bill making it illegal, I’d go on TV and read every single earmark to the American public and tell who the jerk was who sponsored such nonsense.

Congress would not vote for a pay raise for themselves. That would be a yearly national vote and the majority would rule, even if they wanted to reduce Congressional wages.

I’d make it illegal for any union to donate money to anyone running for a political office. And, I mean ANYONE!

I’d establish new Army/Air Force/Navy/Marine bases in every state that has a border with another country - that includes Canada.

I’d do away with the Income tax laws and establish a flat tax of ten percent across the board - regardless of how much you earn. Everyone would pay their fair share.

We’d have a balanced budget, only better than that. I’d set a limit of 75% of the money that comes in that can be spent. 25% would go to pay down the huge debt we owe each year. There would be no slush funds or hidden money.

The money saved from not funding any more wars in other lands could help us become solvent in a few years.

I’d repeal Obamacare immediately. Then I’d work with both parties to establish a fair and balanced health care program. Insurance companies could sell across state lines.

Our troops would get the best care anywhere, anytime. If anyone in the government got a raise, it would be the military first.

Our bridges and roads would be updated, creating yet more jobs. There would be oversight to prevent corruption.

There are a million other things I’d do, but it takes too long to write them all down.

And, yes, my Presidency would be TRULY TRANSPARENT. I’d spend time in the oval office instead of making speeches throughout the land and attempting to get re-elected. If I do a good job, I’ll be in office more than one term. The people will speak for me with their votes.

So, pass this on and post it on You Tube, Facebook and anywhere the American public can see it.

I love America as it was when I was a child – free, hard working people who created the best country in the world. We can still be the same. We just need to get rid of the dead wood in our system by voting against any incumbent and elect GOOD people who really care for America and Americans.

I’m one of those. God Bless America.

Until next time,
Vote for me,
Karl Boyd Hoepfner
MSgt, Retired, USAF

This won’t be very long, because I am exhausted. Dennis and I went fishing today - we left after church about 12:30. It was one of the hottest days of the year so far, with little or no wind. Big mistake!

We stayed out for 3 hours and it about killed us. Both of us got sick from the sun beating down on us and reflecting off the water. I got cramps so bad in my legs I could hardly walk, and my hands are still feeling the effect of really terrible cramps I felt when we got home.

We drank water, and I soaked myself twice with a bucket, but it did little good - and, we didn’t catch much - mostly junk fish or fish too small to keep.

It was fun to be back out on the water after so long a time, but we definitely chose the wrong day to do it.

It will be a cold day in October before we go out again - LOL

We just returned from putting the boat away - we waited until the sun went down to clean it and do the little things like putting oil in the engine, etc. In that respect, we were a lot smarter than we were at noon. I guess time and the things that happen do make you smarter…

But, for now, it’s off to bed early. We have to run over to Corpus for a doctor’s appointment for Carol at 11, so I can sleep in until about 9. Thank you, Lord.

Until next time, stay inside and stay cool - I intend to.

Vaya con Dias, my friends,
Karl

Yes, as you can see at the top of my blog and on the home page of my website, both have been updated to reflect the cover of my latest novel, “The Texas Two Card Hold ‘em Heist” - the third in the trilogy, and one you’ll enjoy.

Thanks to all of you who have sent in your orders ahead of time. I’ll get your signed, first edition copies out to you the same day the books arrive - hopefully within two weeks at the most.

I believe this is the best of the three adventures by Roger and Carl and their gang. I hope you will agree.

As stated above, a review page has been added to my website. You’ll find reviews by other readers already posted there. If you’d like to send me your thoughts on any of my novels, please feel free to do so. Send them to author@karlboyd.com
Thanks in advance - your comments mean a lot to me.

I think the nicest thing that can be said to any author is what several of you have told me:
“You are now my favorite author.”

That is amazing and makes me feel ten feet tall. Thank you all!

I also think my computer expert did a great job on the cover of this new book - check it out.

I’m going fishing tomorrow afternoon, for the first time in many a month. I doubt we will catch much, but it will be nice to get out in a boat again and on the water. Rockport is a special place - come visit us and see what I mean.

It continues to amaze me how many people, even in foreign lands know of Rockport, or have visited here. It says something for what we call “paradise”.

That’s it for tonight. Check out my entire website tabs and give me your comments.

Until then,
Vaya con Dias, my friends,
Karl

First of all, welcome to all those from England who have been visiting my website lately. I don’t know what caused the great interest in my novels in Britain, but I’m pleased to have fans there too. Don’t be strangers - come back to visit often.

Yes, we have our reservations for Austin and the Texas Book Festival to be held October 16 & 17 in the state capitol. I hope to see many of you there.

My son, Kristopher, will be helping me in Austin while friends take care of Carol here in Rockport. The book festival will be too fast paced for Carol to handle right now.

But, she will accompany me to Branson, where we have motel reservations from November 4 thru the 11th. We’ll be in Veteran’s Village from 9 - 4 every day from the 5th thru and including the 10th. On the 11th is the big parade and fireworks display at night. Carol will get to ride in a jeep in the parade, and I believe I’ll get to participate too.

Again, we hope to see many of you veterans there. Come out, purchase a book or two or three, and help us support the Wounded Warrior Project.

And, finally, for tonight, after a long day yesterday attempting to order my first order of 250 copies of “The Texas Two Card Hold ‘em Heist”, and having all kinds of problems with the computer and credit card companies, I am pleased to announce that the books are on their way to me and should be here within two weeks at the most.

Get your orders in now and be the first to own a copy of this novel. You’re going to love what Roger, Carl and the gang have planned.

Send a check for $19.00 to: Karl Boyd Productions, P. O. Box 2096,
Rockport, TX 78381-2096.

But, it’s late and time for bed.

Until next time,
Vaya con Dias, my friends,
Karl

We made a fast run down to Houston, getting up at 5 a.m. and making it to the doc’s by 9:15. There was good news when all the tests were over - Carol’s eyes have both improved. The right one, which was operated on two weeks ago, had improved 100 points - meaning it went from say 400/200 to 300/150 - and, she read the smallest line of letters yet with her left eye. So, thanks for the prayers and good thoughts on her behalf and mine.

I approved my proof copy of “The Texas Two Card Hold ‘em Heist”, and attempted to order 250 copies for all of you who have been waiting for this novel - the third in the “Yes, we ‘con’” trilogy.
But, there were gremlins in the program and I couldn’t get it done. Hopefully tomorrow will bring a better day as far as the computer system is concerned and the books will be on their way to me and to all of YOU!

But, today was a VERY long day, it’s late, we’re worn out and it’s time for bed.

See ya next time,
Until then,
Vaya con Dias, my friends,
Karl

Yes, I received a very nice review from the Military Writers’ Society. Here it is:

From the black tip sharks in its lagoon, to its sharp coral formation, to its thick consuming jungle, Palmyra is as unforgiving as it is remote. The American atoll served as a U.S. Navy refueling stop during World War II and is infamous for the double murder highlighted in Vincent Bugliosi’s And the Sea Will Tell.

Karl Boyd takes the reader into this hostile environment through the pages of his book, Palmyra Isle of Death. The story follows parallel journeys separated by time. The first is of the Esperanza and pirate captains Vega Garza and Antonio de la Garza. These men and their crew are shipwrecked on Palmyra with their gold during the early 1800’s. Legend has it that the treasure remains there today. This draws the attention of Boyd’s second thread, following present day treasure hunters Skeeter Whitaker and Clete Williams who hope to find Esperanza’s cargo. Unfortunately, their sponsor - Carter Jennings, has other plans. While intertwining both threads, Boyd shares with the reader other elements that bring Palmyra Isle of Death to an exciting conclusion.

This novel is reminiscent of both Bugliosi’s account of the 1974 murders of Mac and Muff Graham and many of Clive Cussler’s undersea adventures. It is recommended for those who like mystery-adventure tales.
Review by Stephen Phillips, MWSA Reviewer (June 2010)

In other thoughts, I was struck by the number of older veterans I saw at the Carswell BX. There were too many with some sort of medical problem. It is times like that when I wish I had a magic wand to touch them and make them whole and well again. These men and women gave their all for us in WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, the Gulf wars, and now Iraq and Afghanistan. We owe them more than we could ever repay.

I was able to shake many hands of those wearing hats that displayed their service, and to the Vets from V/M, I always said, “Welcome Home!”

I hope you’ll take the time to do the same the next time you see a veteran.

I finished reading my proof and found only one small error, not enough to make it worth while sending it back for another delay. Besides, that will give you something to look for when you read your copy! I wonder how many of you will catch the small mistake I found??

You’ll never know unless you get your orders in now. I ordered 250 copies and they should be here within two weeks. Several people have beaten you to the draw by ordering ahead of time. Why not do the same?

It’s late; we have a very early appointment in Houston tomorrow morning, so I’ll hit the sack with Carol and see you on the flip side.

Until next time,
Vaya con Dias, my friends,
Karl

We enjoyed our time in Fort Worth and met some great folks at the Carswell Reserve Base Exchange. It was a very hot week, well above 100 in the heat index most days, so the foot traffic was light. We did sell 27 books all told, 25 at the base and two to others we met through our good friend, Lynn G.

An idiot in a hurry almost got the new van from behind at a traffic light. How he missed me is beyond my knowing. I saw the driver fighting to turn the wheel in time, and thank God there was no one in the lane next to me so the fool could swing out and miss me. Then, he only went a half a block and turned into a mall.
(I think he or she might have had to check their pants for brown stains)!

Other than that, it was a pleasant trip of 982 miles, including the trips back and forth from Saint Francis Village to the base. We stayed on base the last two nights and came home today, Sunday.
Lots of catching up to do, but I think I’ve got a handle on tomorrow.

Then, it’s off to Houston for Carol’s eye appointment. We hope there has been improvement, but only the doctor can tell us for sure. Keep those fingers crossed.

My proof copy of “The Texas Two Card Hold ‘em Heist” is in - I have to pick it up from the post office tomorrow at nine a.m. Then to read it once more and approve it and it will be ready to publish. It usually takes two weeks for the final product to arrive.

I’m pleased to say I’ve received several letters and requests for copies already and I’m looking for more as the days draw nearer to publication. You’re going to love this adventure with Roger and Carl. I think it is the best of the three. Let’s see what you think… get those orders in now!

Time to hit the sack; it’s been a long week. I’d like to sleep in tomorrow, but duty calls, much to do. Take care; we’ll see you next time.

Until then,
Vaya con Dias, my friends,
Karl

Thank you to all who visited my blog and read the first chapter of my newest novel, (see the entry below if you are a late-comer).

Yes, Carol and I are off to Fort Worth and the Combined Reserve Base, Carswell NAS. We’ll be in the BX from July 12 - 16, 0900 to 1700 - 9 am to 5 pm for those non-military.

Come out and visit with us and pick up several of my books. You won’t be sorry and you’ll help our troops at the same time.

Carol’s eye is looking better all the time. She is down to one eye drop - three times a day now. Keep praying she can see at the end of all of this. Thanks.

So, for tonight, that’s all. See you in a week. Don’t be strangers. Read one or two of my short stories while I am gone. You’ll enjoy them. Go back to my website and click on short stories.

Until next time,
Vaya con Dias, my friends,
Karl & Carol

I met Norma, a writer from the Rockport Pilot in our favorite restaurant, “What a Burger” today at noon. She suggested I send her some information on my novels - so I did.

As promised in the article I wrote, here is the sample of part of the first chapter of “The Texas Two Card Hold ‘em Heist” - Enjoy!

          Although it was early in November, as a hot wind blew off the desert and heated up the asphalt and concrete jungle often labeled “Tinsel Town”, it was sweltering outside. However, inside the many casinos that line the “strip”, it was air-conditioned, cool and comfortable, plus there were no clocks to disturb the gamblers.
          Each “take your money and run” establishment filled the interior of their gilded palace with a blaze of lights and multitude of mirrors to reflect that glow throughout the entire casino.
          If you didn’t consult your wristwatch, you would never know whether it was night or day outside. And that was the secret – keep the suckers inside playing your games. Don’t let them find another casino and lose their money elsewhere.
          In a corner of the Parisian casino, a single player sat at an otherwise empty bank of quarter, poker slot machines.
          Tasha Yoder, a shapely thirty-two-year-old beauty with coal black hair and eyes to match absentmindedly fed quarters into one of the few old–time machines that remained in play.
          Tasha’s attention was not focused on her machine. She didn’t give a damn if she won or lost. Far more important thoughts rolled through her mind. The main thing she listened for was a roar from the crowd in the Universal Poker Tour main event room.
          Tasha dropped five more quarters into the slot and pushed the “deal” button. “I would have thought by now they’d be down to two players.”
          She paid little attention to the cards dealt. Tasha was more interested in the game that was being played in the poker room located fifty feet to the rear.
          Finally, (to her eternal gratitude), the noise of the crowd that filtered out through the doors to the main event room suddenly increased in volume. The shouts of joy Tasha awaited came just as predicted.
          She murmured, “Hallelujah”, and reached down, removed a cell phone from her purse and punched the number two to speed dial.      When the phone was answered, she spoke quietly into the mouthpiece, “Fifteen minutes.”
          Without waiting for a reply, Tasha snapped the phone shut and returned it to her purse. Then when she glanced at the video screen of her machine, she found she had been dealt four cards to a royal flush in spades. All she needed to win the jackpot that was flashing above her head – (sixteen hundred, forty-nine dollars and counting), was the queen.
          Tasha was not pleased at the chance to win the money. Under her breath she said, “Damn”, and punched only two of the silver tabs, the ones under the ace and king. Then she pushed the “deal” button. Much to her relief, she was dealt another king and received five credits.
          She fed five more quarters into the slot. “All I need is a jackpot to draw attention to me.”
          Fifteen minutes later, although Tasha expected it, when the first series of bombs went off, the noise still startled her. Tasha’s hand opened involuntarily and she dropped a fistful of quarters.
          Most coins clanked noisily into the metal hopper next to her knees, but four missed the tray. Like merry pranksters, they rolled slowly across the floor. As thick, black smoke filled the casino, Tasha lost sight of them.
          Around the entrance to and inside the main event room, a combination of twelve sleeping gas and smoke canisters exploded and added their noise and fumes to the confusion. A minute later, a second series of loud smoke bombs went off throughout the entire casino.
          After she pulled her headscarf from her shoulders, Tasha held it close to her mouth and covered her nostrils with her other hand. Then she turned her head and joyfully observed the result of her hard work and the plans of her leader.
          Like lava as it spews forth from Mount Haleakala, pandemonium and confusion broke out among the players at various tables. Those with thievery on their minds reached across the felt tops to grab handfuls of chips in various denominations – the bigger amount - the better. Others with survival instincts hastily made for the exits without regard to their fellow players’ safety or welfare.
          As thieves made off with their loot, Tasha heard shouts of “drop it,” and peals of laughter.
          Several little old ladies and elderly men were caught unaware and trampled by the hysterical mob. Their screams of pain only added to the confusion.
          Dedicated casino employees and a small force of security personnel who guarded the various venues did their best to control the crowd. But it was no contest. Currency, coins and chips flew through the air, while fights broke out everywhere. Exactly as Tasha’s husband, Alan predicted, greed was their ally.
          Twenty minutes ago, Alan passed by Tasha’s seat without pausing or indicating he knew her. The eyes in the sky were watching.
From the corner of her eye, Tasha saw Alan enter the bathroom located outside the main event room.
          Then a few moments later, at five minute intervals, Alan’s buddies, Roger Booth and Carl James emerged from the main event area. They also made their way to the same bathroom.
          A triangular yellow sign in the doorway indicated the facilities were closed for cleaning, but they paid no attention. As Roger and Carl approached the entrance, the attendant on duty, another member of their gang, a black man named A.J. Rose unlocked the door and allowed them to enter. Then he bolted the door once more.
          Tasha’s mind returned to the present. As more bombs exploded and the smoke became too thick to see further than a foot in front of her face, Tasha struggled to make her way slowly through the hysterical mob to her assigned position. She stumbled and almost missed the overstuffed chair located twenty feet from the main event room.
          Dark black smoke swirled around her head. As she took her seat, Tasha coughed and felt lightheaded. A stranger bumped into her and Tasha felt his hand on her breast for a fleeting moment. Then he was gone, lost in the darkness and panic which was slowly but inevitably taking command of the casino.
          A few seconds later, three minutes into the assault, twenty additional sleeping gas canisters exploded throughout the area. Like ten pins scattered into a bowling pit by a well thrown ball, the casino soon became littered with unconscious customers, employees and security personnel.
          “Out-a sight,” Tasha thought while she attempted to keep her eyes open for a moment or two longer to relish the proceedings, but she was unable to do so. They closed against her will and she coughed again.
          Then the sleeping gas took effect and she slipped unconscious to the floor. Tasha’s right elbow caught between the cushion of the chair and a small ottoman, which caused her arm to bend at the elbow so her open palm rested against her brow. It appeared as if Tasha was giving a salute to the former unruly members of the mass of humanity who were now lying on the floor as still as discarded cigarette butts.

          Inside the main event room, just before the first gas containers and smoke bombs exploded noisily above his head, Mike, “Mad Man”, Morrison was counting his blessings as well as his chips. The air conditioning must have been set at sixty-five, but it wasn’t the chilly air that caused shivers of excitement to run up and down his arms and legs. “I can’t believe my luck has held this long.”
          Mad Man was afraid to pinch himself to see if this was a dream. If it was, he didn’t want to wake up – not now!
          A long seven days ago, a record entry of ten thousand poker players began their quest for the impossible dream – to win the main event of the Universal Poker Tour. Each entrant paid a fee of ten thousand dollars, and five Nevada casinos sponsored the promotion.
          One by one, through days of drudgery, stiff backs and sore butts, at three casinos spread throughout Las Vegas, one in Laughlin and another in Reno, unlucky players were eliminated as their chips became the property of a luckier person. When only ten very fortunate gamblers remained, the final table was moved to the Parisian Casino in Las Vegas and the real challenge began.
          Over the next two hectic and exciting days, each of those ten players either survived or was eliminated. Just over thirty minutes ago, Mad Man went “all in”, (betting all his twenty million chips), against one of the other two men, Harry, “The Hatter”, Porter.
Harry called Mad Man’s bet with just under eighteen million chips in his stack.
          Mad Man hit a diamond flush on the river, (the last card turned up), and won all of Harry’s chips.
          Then the celebration really began. With only two players remaining, the promoters of the tournament staged their long-standing tradition of bringing the grand prize to the table in cold, hard cash, (in this case, twenty million dollars).
          As confetti flew and multi-colored, almost blinding lights flashed overhead on a fancy chrome set, the tournament director, Harriette Turnbow shouted, “Here are the girls.”
          Twenty young, beautiful, shapely and well-endowed girls dressed in revealing gowns strolled in and dumped the contents of their silver trays onto the tabletop. Each platter was loaded with one million dollars in packets of one-hundred-dollar bills. When the ladies were done, the money made a hell of a pile.
          Along with more than two hundred spectators on hand, Mike was duly impressed.
          Once the gaudy display was completed, Mike and his opponent, Donald, “Little Slick”, Peterson got down to the serious business of determining which would walk away with the money.
          Although most professional gamblers bragged constantly to anyone who would listen about their supposed “skill” at cards, Mike and Donald knew now it would be mostly luck that would prevail at this table. Skill was out the window. The winner would need the Goddess of Poker to smile down on his shoulders and grant him good fortune, plain and simple.
          Mike glanced across the table at his opponent and said, “I’m glad it’s you Little Slick. I can read you like an open book.”
           “You’re not immune to some ‘tells’ yourself,” Donald replied.
He smiled evilly and waved his hands in the general direction of their redheaded, blue-eyed dealer, Sue, “Sugar Lips”, Grafton, who was mixing the deck of cards in a circle on the table top. “Give me the high cards, Sue, and let Mad Man have the little ones.”
          Sue smiled at them both, licked her lips sexily and said “Good luck.”
          Both men knew she meant it.
          Mike leaned across the table, shook Donald’s hand and echoed her words. “Good luck, Little Slick”. But he didn’t mean it.
          After he pumped Mike’s paw once, Donald murmured something under his breath that sounded the same, but Mike knew Donald wasn’t sincere either.
          For the next ten minutes, as each won alternating hands, the two men traded small amounts of chips. A slight advantage went to Little Slick as he added a little over one million chips to his stack.
          It appeared it might be a long night. Mad Man and Donald each possessed more than forty million chips. Neither was about to risk all on an “iffy” hand.
          Then to Mike’s surprise, he caught a pocket pair of kings, which is a great hand in heads-up play. It was his turn to bet first, so he studied his cards carefully.
          Then he pushed six million chips toward the center of the table and said, “Raise.”
          Across the green-felted tabletop, Little Slick found two aces in the hole. He took his time, while he let Mike stew in his own juices and checked both cards again.
          Then Donald said, “I’m all in.”
          This meant he was betting every one of his chips, (more than forty million), on his superior hand.
          Mike stared at Little Slick with murder on his mind. “It figures. He’s either on a bluff or has a pair of aces. I’ll bet they’re aces, but maybe they’re face cards smaller than my kings. Either way, it’s a crapshoot. It’s been a long tournament, I’m worn out, and win or lose I’ll still be an instant millionaire. Eight million bucks for second place ain’t bad.”
          Under his breath, Mike whispered silently, “To hell with it.”
          “I call,” Mad Man said.
          He flipped over his cards to show Little Slick his kings.
          Donald attempted to smile, but his face was an ugly sneer, as he stood up, shouted in joy and threw down his aces.
          Mike shrugged, silently repeated his previous curse and said a quiet prayer for a third king on the flop, (the first three cards turned face up by the dealer).
          The crowd went wild. Supporters of both men shouted their encouragement and called out for a king, an ace or low cards that wouldn’t match either player’s hand. Both men stood up, shook hands and wished each other luck – again, neither meant it.
          “Now for the flop,” Harriette said.
          Dead silence returned to the room and you could almost cut the tension with a dull filet knife.
          Sue burned a card and then turned over three cards in a row to display not only another king for Mad Man, but also a third ace for Little Slick. The third card of the flop was a deuce of diamonds, which did nothing for either man.
          Donald’s smile grew larger and he couldn’t contain his joy. “I’ll be damned,” he shouted.
          His outburst brought a frown from Harriette, who discouraged such language at the table.
          Mike shook his head in disgust. The only card now that would beat Little Slick was the fourth king on either the turn, (the fourth card), or the river. As far as Mike was concerned, the odds of such an occurrence were both astronomical and dismal. Yet hope beat strongly in his heart.
          Then the sleeping gas canisters exploded and within fifteen seconds, everyone in the room was unconscious.
          Mike had time to think, “What the devil…” and take one step toward the doorway before he slipped to his knees and darkness overtook him.
          Two hours later, after the gas was cleared from the room by a team of fire fighters and Mad Man was revived, the first thing he noticed was the pile of money was missing.

(Does this make you want to read more? I hope so - check out how to order this and all of my novels on my website.

To receive a signed, first edition, send a check for $16.00 for each novel, ($14.75 + 1.25 tax + $3.00 shipping), to PO Box 2096, Rockport, TX 78381
Include the name of who you’d like the book signed to.

Be the first to own a copy of this new novel - you won’t be sorry!

Until next time,
Vaya con Dias, my friends and fans,
Karl Boyd

Although it’s a little late at night, I still wanted to wish you a Happy Fourth of July and to thank those fore-fathers of ours who gave us our constitution and bill of rights, along with the declaration of Independence from Britain.

Did you know that in a recent poll of high school students and some college students, only 56 % knew who we fought in the War of Independence. The other 44 % thought it was German, Japan, France, or who knows??

Another case of dumbing down America. The schools don’t teach History anymore - at least not about our Constitution and how we came to be the greatest nation on earth. What a shame!!

Carol’s eye continues to do well. We are keeping to the schedule of eye drops - haven’t missed a one and don’t intend to, even while we are absent to our book signing in Fort Worth.

I sent out many E-mails today to let friends from Carol’s old Reserve Unit know we were coming. We hope to see many old friends there and make a lot of new ones.

We flew our flag that had 13 stars in a circle today -= it seemed appropriate. I wonder how many students know we originally only had 13 states?

I have a few more pages to edit on “The Lost Priest” - caught a big mistake in my addition or division. Glad I was paying attention in school…

But, it’s back to editing.

Until next time,
Vaya con Dias, my friends,
Karl