Devour, p.31
Devour, page 31
“C’mon,” Natalie chuckled. “Stop it, or my mascara will run.”
Laughing, Jasmine reached across the table and placed her hand atop Sebastian’s hand.
“We can only imagine what you’ve gone through all these years, but we’re certainly glad you’re here.”
“Me, too.”
While Natalie and Jasmine cleared the table, Michael gazed out the window. In an instant, his life flashed before his eyes. He recalled that day in the closet where he cowered in fear, desperately seeking refuge. Sounds of angry voices, his mother’s terrified screams, and the echo of a gunshot, rang in his ears.
But in the next moment—like a dream from which he feared he would never awaken—his agony slowly lifted like the morning fog.
And for the first time in decades, Michael felt a quiet release.
Returning to their seats, Jasmine and Natalie both looked from Michael to one another and back.
Sebastian followed their gaze. “What is it, son?”
Startled, Michael said, “Just thinking.” Then turning to them, he smiled at Natalie then Jasmine, and finally Sebastian. Letting out a deep sigh, he said, “And happy to say, Welcome Home.”
* * *
The End
Did you enjoy Devour? Would you consider leaving your honest review on any of your favorite online stores? And if you would like to enjoy any of my other books, visit: DavidTempleBooks.com
Digestivo
The initial idea for this book came to me several years ago, but in an entirely different form. While it is certainly my darkest work to date, I find it steeped in an odd sense of justice, sprinkled with a healthy dash of humanity—even if the sick and twisted mind of Warden Frederick Dalton is baked in.
From the instant I began imagining this story, my protagonist—Michael Rogan—was played by actor Gerard Butler. As is often the case, I mentally attach actors I admire to the characters I create. I’ve always liked how Gerard portrays characters with an everyman sensibility steeped in bravado while also showing vulnerability. Let’s not forget he’s a certifiable badass. And yes, my dream is to develop this for either film or television.
Now, for something oddly entertaining, turn or swipe the page to see Warden Dalton’s tongue-in-cheek mixtape he created for his Dinner Party.
Frederick’s Dinner Music
Melodies to tease the palate
I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli
If I Only Had A Brain by Harry Connick Jr.
Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis
Tip Of My Tongue by Kenny Chesney
Stiff Upper Lip by Ella Fitzgerald
Eyes Without a Face by Billy Idol
My Ding-a-Ling by Chuck Berry
Popsicle Toes by Michael Franks
Cheek to Cheek by Vic Damone
Cold Shoulder by Adele Adkins
These Eyes by The Guess Who
Lady Fingers by Bobby Darin
Bubble Toes by Jack Johnson
Fat Bottom Girls by Queen
Heart of Glass by Blondie
Lips On You by Maroon 5
Hot Legs by Rod Stewart
Sad Eyes by Robert John
Skin by Sade
About the Author
Thank you for reading Devour—my first psychological thriller. The novel I wrote just prior to this was a mystery entitled, The Poser. It stars Detective Pat Norelli, a woman with brains, beauty, and attitude. The sequel, The Impostor, is in the works for early 2021. If you haven’t read The Poser yet, please check it out on my website and where ebooks are sold.
My other books include a military-infused thriller series featuring former Special Ops hit-man Carter Matheson in: Lucky Strikes, Behind the 8 Ball, and Knuckle Down. The action-packed series is fast, fun, and wildly entertaining.
My family thriller, Discovering Grace, is an authentic drama about family, forgiveness, and redemption. What began as a first-time, self-published story became a screenplay—with a new title. In that adaptation, I raised the money, then produced, directed, and starred in the indie film, Chasing Grace. It can be seen on many On-demand channels like Netflix, and in over 100 countries around the world. While different from my thriller series, if you like heartfelt dramas with a lesson, you’ll enjoy it.
David and wife Tammy live in a groovy little town just north of San Diego. For future books, updates on his world, and to hear his podcasts, VoiceOver work, plus the audiobook versions of several of his books, please visit: DavidTempleBooks.com.
David Temple, Devour
