Anaiah Press proudly presents BOUND BY BLOOD by Scott Springer, an inspirational romantic suspense novel now available!
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About the Author:
Rick Mercado stood in the doorway, his mouth dry with nerves. He forced an easy breath and settled his focus on the man behind the desk, searching his eyes. The man rocked back in his chair and gave a satisfied smile. He was bald on top with gray on the sides. His hand swept the room, inviting inspection. “This is it,” he said. Rick scanned the small office as directed: Cluttered desk, leather high-back chair, a window shaded with plastic louvers, everything a little dusty. “It’s very nice.” The man puffed out his chest. “Oh, it’s not much, but it works.” Rick’s lips twitched up toward a smile. “I built this company on my own, you know. No silver spoon.” “Yes, I know,” Rick said. Ben was a self-made man. He had mentioned this several times during the employment interview, which had been coffee at the truck stop. At the end of which, Ben had reached across the table to offer Rick a calloused hand and welcome him aboard Ben Johnson’s Concrete Construction. Ben tilted forward and a spring squeaked. “Close the door.” He pointed to the small chair in the corner. “Have a sit. We’ll go over your duties.” Rick pulled the chair to the center of the room and faced the desk, but he remained standing. His hands rested on the steel tubing that framed the chair’s back and his head nodded with interest while Ben shuffled some papers. Rick had taken an instant liking to the old contractor. The glint in the man’s eyes reminded him of ringing door bells and running off. When the waitress had asked his age in a playful way, Ben had said, “I’ve been ordering from the senior menu for years.” Then giving her a wink he had added, “Nobody ever wants to see my driver’s license for proof.” Thinking of this, Rick’s grin widened. He was going to like working for Ol’ Ben Johnson. He had a good feeling. Except then Ben stiffened up. “What’s so funny?” Rick’s lips tightened. He said softly, “Nothing.” The old man studied the young one with a fatherly eye. “Times have been tough out here the last four years while you’ve been hiding in the books.” “Yes, sir.” Ben showed him the stack of papers. “But business is starting to pick up again.” Rick nodded agreement. “Been in this business all my life, and it’s cyclical. Feast or famine.” The old man gave the young one a significant look. “You hungry, Rick?” “Yes, sir.” “Then wipe that grin off your face. This is serious stuff.” Rick’s grip on the chair tightened, but then he caught that glint in the old man’s eye. Rick laughed and Ben joined him. “Got you, didn’t I.” “Yes, sir. Yes, you sure did.” Rick felt his body loosen. “But seriously, my point is this. If you are going to be running work for me you need to wipe that grin off your face. My crews are all good, but they’re roughnecks.” “I can do this,” Rick said. “I know you can, that’s why I hired you. Fine, strong young man. Got all the confidence in the world in you, boy. You’ll make someone a fine hand someday.” Rick warmed. That’s what his dad always said. “I’ve got some sidewalk repairs coming up. We’re replacing a driveway later this week. But I’ve got significant jobs to bid on. A couple of restaurants and even a small strip mall on the interstate. I’m sure I’ll keep you busy.” “That’s great.” “And if not, I suppose you can always do office work for your dad, huh?” “Sure,” Rick said. “But I’d rather make it on my own. When I walk out to take charge of a crew I don’t want them whispering Daddy’s Boy.” Ben’s round eyes gleamed. “I respect that, kid. I do. Your dad is a fine contractor and stiff competition. I can’t help but feel I’m cheating him a little.” “He’s fine with my decision,” Rick said evenly. “Then I’ll let it go at that.” Ben stood and stretched his hand across the desk. Rick knew the knuckle crushing strength of Ben’s grip and was prepared for it this time. The two locked on and worked forearm strength against each other. All the while Ben grinned. “You’ll get there, kid,” he said at last and loosened his grip. “Thanks again, Ben. I won’t mess up this opportunity.” “Of course you won’t, but look.” Ben’s gaze returned to the papers on his desk. “Everything is all formal now. I have a written job description for site foreman. You have to read it and sign it. And whatever else. Tax papers and such. Julia knows all that, so introduce yourself to her on the way out.” He glanced at the clock. “If she’s back from lunch.” “Yeah, sure. I will.” Rick turned to leave but hesitated before opening the door. “When do I start?” “Tonight. Be back at six. You can help us bid the strip mall. It’s big and I don’t want to mess it up.” “Sure,” Rick said. “See you then. I’ll bring a calculator.” He stepped out and saw the young secretary sitting at her desk in the small reception area. She was a real cutie with dark hair cut shoulder length and intense eyes, but there was something more there than merely good looks. The old man’s words hung in his mind. Are you hungry, Rick? Yes, he thought, surprising himself. Yes, I am.
Character Name: Julia Benson.
Character Bio: At twenty-two Julia is getting her life in order. She earned a bookkeeping certificate and now has a good job and Ben Johnson’s Concrete Construction. She just bought a cottage to spend her time and love on while fixing it up. She is also active in her church, but it wasn’t always this way. She had a rough time when she was young, being raised under her dad’s controlling thumb until she turned to drugs and then ran away from home as a teenager. Julia is healing from that experience, and she doesn’t need romance in her life to mess things up—at least not yet.
Describe yourself what is your worst and vest quality?
Probably my best and worst quality is the same thing. My independence. It keeps me strong and in control, but when I’m not in control, it keeps me from seeking help.
What is the one thing you wish other people knew about you?
I don’t have one really. I don’t need people knowing things about me. I’m happy by myself. And I’m a good person. Actually, that’s probably it, I guess. That I’m a good person. (Though I also wish Kathy would get a clue and realize that I don’t want to work in the nursery.)
What is your biggest secret something no one knows about?
After you read my story, it won’t be a secret anymore J
What are you most afraid of?
Slipping back into the world of Meth.
What do you want more than anything?
I want a place to call my own. I want to be in charge of my own life. I don’t want some man telling me what to do. I want to accept God’s forgiveness.
What is your relationship status?
Ha, ha. Single, of course! At least at the beginning of my story.
How would you describe your sense of fashion?
Shoes should be practical. I’m modest and keep my shoulders covered. Because I work in a construction office I’m usually in jeans and a blouse, but I wear a nice dress to church.
How much of a rebel are you?
When I was a teenager I did drugs. Then I snuck out the window and ran away from home. I’ve been on my own ever since. But now, not so much a bad one. I’m trying to get my life in order. I just bought a house. That’s a very unrebellious thing to do.
What do you considered to be your greatest achievement?
I got a bookkeeping certificate from the community college. Considering I did it on my own and it got me my job that got me the savings for the down payment on my cottage—yeah, it’s pretty big to me. And oh yeah, I’m twenty-two and I own a house—or at least the mortgage to one. That’s big too.
What is your idea of happiness?
Being off drugs, and loving the Lord.
What is your current state of mind?
At the beginning of my story I’m content, but that doesn’t last long.
What is your most treasured possession?
My cottage, which I mentioned earlier. I want nothing more than a place to call my own, and now I have that.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I’m quiet. A wallflower. A loner. I’ve learned to make it on my own, and I relish my independence.
What is it that you most dislike?
I’m not going to say my dad … no, I’m not. And I’m not going to say that it’s what I did to him. Not going to say that either.
Which living person do you, most despise?
Well, unfortunately, on a bad day, that person would be me.
What is your greatest regret?
Oh, ha, ha. Read my story. I’ve got a doozy.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Loyalty, truth, and valor.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
My best friend is so different from me. She heads up the nursery at church, she is warm and caring and easy to smile. I most admire her openness, and it must be true, opposites attract.
Who is your favorite hero in fiction?
I like knights in shining armor. It’s my guilty pleasure.
Which living person do you most admire?
Ben Johnson, my boss. He’s a self-made man, you know.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Well, you can’t change your past, but if you could I would. Otherwise, I just want to make that right and learn to get on with my life.
What is your motto?
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. That’s from Proverbs (28:13) and it’s kind of like the theme of my life.
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