Q&A: Evy Journey, Author of The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel #Q&A #Interview #TheGoldenManuscripts

Evy Journey writes. Stories and blog posts. Novels that tend to cross genres. She’s also a wannabe artist, and a flâneuse. Evy studied psychology (M.A., University of Hawaii; Ph.D. University of Illinois). So her fiction spins tales about nuanced characters dealing with contemporary life issues and problems. She believes in love and its many faces. Her one ungranted wish: To live in Paris where art is everywhere and people have honed aimless roaming to an art form. She has visited and stayed a few months at a time. Her latest book is The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Thanks for this interview. Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regard to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing? Can you tell us about your journey?

The beginning was definitely a learning stage, mostly in unlearning the academic writing habits of social science research and adapting the ways of fiction writing. But my biggest hurdle is promotion and marketing, a process that seems to keep shifting, and with which I can’t seem to keep up.

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?

I do art in various media, although lately I’ve been drawn to digital art making. I love to travel—and am planning to go again, now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted. And, of course, I read; nowadays, mostly fiction. At night, I usually watch a movie on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Kanopy.

What makes your book stand out from the rest?

I think it’s a combination of things. It’s a cross-genre novel, for one. It’s about a medieval art form that’s seldom the subject of books, for another. And these themes are couched in a biracial young woman’s search for self and home.

Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?

The book starts with a Prologue:

April 1945

Spoils of War: East Germany

Everyone knew the end was near. But so much still needed to be done.

Hands on hips, shoulders stooped, and eyes weary, he stared at a dozen or so wooden crates. He stood before them, paralyzed, his body and spirit exhausted. Three years in training camps and on the battlefields—that was how much time this senseless war had stolen from his life. But for him, it was a lifetime of horror no one else could fathom who had not experienced it. Those years were about to end, and yet he couldn’t say he felt relieved. Another life was waiting for him—a life of peace his fellow survivors couldn’t wait to return to. But he wasn’t ready. He needed a sense of closure for the life of war he was leaving. But how? Could anyone rise out of the ashes of hell he had been through?

Had it only been a day or two since his battalion crossed the border into Germany from Belgium? They had been among the first to breach enemy territory. They had also been among the first deployed into the European Theater in 1943, landing in Sicily to fight the Germans.

In only a matter of days, the Allied Forces expected the Nazis to surrender.

He was lucky, he was aware of that, having seen too many dead bodies. After a while, it no longer mattered to him what uniforms they wore. They had all perished in service of a mad monster and his cadre of fiendish lackeys.

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?

I can think of two. Not federal holidays, but they’re obviously celebrations of the arts—World Art Day on April 15 and National Arts Day on October 25. The Golden Manuscripts has a lot to do with the art world.

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?

The book is the sixth and final installment in my series Between Two Worlds, but except for themes and two or more details like setting and the characters meeting in the same coffee shop, each novel is a standalone.

When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or full-time profession?

It was a dream. I wanted to become a journalist. But I was aware my parents and teachers expected me to go into the sciences. I ended up getting a graduate degree in psychology.

What’s next on your to do list?

I’m in the gestating stage for a historical novel, or maybe a dual timeline one.

Book Watch: Mastering Your Scenes by J.A. Cox #bookwatch

Title: Mastering Your Scenes
Author: J.A. Cox
Pages: 78
Genre: Writing/Nonfiction

Mastering Your Scenes was written with one main purpose, to help give authors and writers a creative boost in their scene writing and toss writers block into the oblivion of the abyss. In order to accomplish this each chapter is written in a workbook like format so that the steps provided can easily be implemented after they are explained. For each element of scene writing that is presented J.A. Cox explains the How, Why and When of its use along with his own description so that the information is easy to assimilate. He provides copious examples from his own writing of these elements in action as well as from shows and movies.

You will be given an anatomical look of what composes a scene and understand what goes into creating scenes that are engaging, seamless, and bristling with activity without any fluff. Mastering Your Scenes gives you the practical advice you need to keep your readers turning pages and falling in love with your characters. With the steps you will learn there will be no more question of if that scene fits or seems out of place.

“A slim, concise and well focused treatise on how to write and master scenes and how writers can become authors by mastering scene writing. The various elements of a scene are discussed with well known examples and the key facts of each element are presented in depth, with a well laid out structure. The focus on the when, why, how, and the practical application tie up the various aspects of an element neatly and are very well explained. The author’s observations based on experience in each area further adds to the utility of the treatise.”

– The International Review of Books

Buy Links:

Amazon | Kobo

Since this book is all about writing a scene, it would be a good idea to discuss what it is before we begin talking about how to build one. I am sure that you already have many ideas on how to answer the question above, but please humor me for now.

Let’s look at a scene in this manner:

As an episode.
As a segment of an episode.

Some episodes are short, and some are long, it really all depends on how they are made. Also, an episode is the medium in which a portion of a series plays out. A scene can also be viewed in the same manner, as a medium in which a portion of your story plays out. On that notion, some may be short, and some may be long, but they still fulfill the same purpose. They provide the boundaries to contain all of the myriad of things that will take place at a certain point in the story.

Consider that within an episode that there are segments in which very particular things happen, such as a robbery at a bank, a high-speed chase along the highway or even a ship being boarded by pirates on the high seas. All of these segments placed into a written format would actually be the scene itself. I hope I am not confusing you but am just trying to convey the fact that a scene in a story fulfills the purpose of both episode and segment combined.

The purpose of this book is to look at the pieces that go into creating the segment so that you can create the most dynamic episode possible. Another very important factor about a scene, is its continuity. Whether one scene directly spills into the next or it is briefly interrupted as you transition to something else for a few scenes and pick back up where you left off, you still want things to be seamless. One of my goals is through the use of these elements to empower you with the ability to do so with ease. You can think of each element as a layer on which to build each scene in your story and as your story evolves your use of each will shift as some may not be needed and others will be essential. I will help you to realize how they all tie together to bring out the best in your scene creation.

– Excerpted from Mastering Your Scenes by J.A. Cox, J.A. Cox, 2020. Reprinted with permission.

J.A. Cox is a husband, father and disabled veteran. He is passionate about Jesus Christ and has a desire to allow God to use his writing to bring glory to his name and reach others for him. His other passions lie in: 1) Empowering people by teaching about things that he is knowledgeable in in a simple and fun as well as interesting manner. 2)Inspiring others that they may realize how the true potential to overcome their perceived dilemma lies right between their ears and how they allow it to manipulate what their eyes behold. 3) Helping people to realize that being healthy truly begins with realizing how important it is for them to be intimately acquainted with their own body in order for others to help them resolve its maladies that beset it. Along with those, he enjoys entertaining with fiction based on the concept that fact is stranger than fiction and then stretching it just a tad to create some memorable page turning moments that you will likely recall for some time to come.

Author Links

Website | LinkedIn

Q&A: Jens Boele, Author of Urbex Predator #Q&A #Interview #UrbexPredator

Jens Boele, a veteran media designer in the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his debut book, “Sunshine,” in 2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and his latest spine-tingling creation, “Urbex Predator.” Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane. Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers alike. Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across borders, as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens’s passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity. Visit Jens’ website at https://jensboele.com/.

Thanks for this interview, Jens. Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regard to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing? Can you tell us about your journey?

Thank you for having me; I truly appreciate it. While I wish the journey had been smoother and success had fallen into my lap, I've come to realize that the challenges, the learning experiences, and the enjoyment of success are all part of the process. I strongly believe that starting from scratch and learning everything along the way is essential for true success. It's through the journey that we understand why we succeed or fail. So, my advice is to embrace the journey, walk the extra mile, and see where it leads you.

Now, let's talk about "Urbex Predator." It's been quite a journey indeed. While I've published two books before this one, "Urbex Predator" stands out because it's a horror novel, a departure from my recent crime thrillers, and it's heavily influenced by my experiences as an Urban Explorer. I remember one particular exploration when we stumbled upon abandoned barracks in the middle of nowhere. It got me thinking, "What if the worst-case scenario happened and we were trapped by a gang of thugs?" We had a close encounter with some hoodlums recently, narrowly escaping recognition. It felt like a scene out of the book when Nela and Tess spot what they think are other Urbexers, only for things to take a violent turn. These experiences, along with the abandoned places we encountered, inspired the book.

The initial feedback upon publication was positive, and I even received an offer to read at a theater hosting a photo exhibition—an important milestone in my career. Unfortunately, the event was canceled at the last moment, which was disappointing. Nevertheless, I pressed on, and with family and friends in the US, it felt natural to enter the US market.

However, I soon realized that being a writer wasn't enough; I needed to become a marketer to publish a book in English. It was a challenge I accepted wholeheartedly. It took six months of preparation before the release date to get the book off the ground, but here it is, hitting the top ten Amazon ranks right after launch.

So, in summary, it's been a rocky road, but it's been a journey filled with learning and enjoyment.

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?

I have a deep love for travel. Beyond urban explorations, I relish the opportunity to journey abroad, exploring different countries and connecting with diverse cultures. As Mark Twain eloquently put it, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” Having traversed Europe, Africa, North, Middle, and South America, I can attest to the truth in Twain's words.

While I've had the pleasure of visiting many incredible destinations, my heart belongs to the USA. I've explored coastlines, reveled in the vibrancy of New Orleans and Key West, glimpsed Al Capone's final home in Philadelphia, ventured to Alcatraz, trekked through New York in a single day, and ultimately concluded that Florida holds a special place in my heart. So, if you ever find yourself in Orlando, let's connect.

Beyond travel, I'm also a fervent advocate for fitness. As the saying goes, "Mens sana in corpore sano" — a healthy mind in a healthy body. And that, my friends, is my final quote for today. Well, maybe.

What makes your book stand out from the rest?

I believe two key elements distinguish my book. Firstly, it delves into the fascinating world of urban exploration. Before crafting my story, I scoured the book market but found no mention of Urbexing or Bandos, as it's sometimes termed. For the uninitiated, urban exploration involves the investigation of manmade structures, often abandoned ruins or hidden components of the built environment. It's a hobby steeped in photography and historical intrigue, occasionally requiring ventures onto private property. This trespassing element is where the classic ingredients of horror stories emerge. Remember, a good scary tale demands three things: an initial sin, a confined space, and a formidable monster. Welcome to the forbidden barracks and the gang's Hades.

However, our monster isn't supernatural – no zombies or demons here. It's the most terrifying entity imaginable: the human being. In my experiences, I've encountered individuals who were far from pleasant, characters I've explored in my recent crime thrillers. Now, I've transplanted these criminal, malevolent souls into the barracks, shaping them into the ultimate monsters. Trust me, such individuals exist, and encountering them is not exactly fun.

So, what sets this book apart? A distinctive setting and chillingly real monsters.

Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?

Of course, I would love to. Enjoy!

Silence was all that was left. Neither the shouting of the officers nor the marching thunder of the soldiers had remained from the Cold War. Finally, it was time itself that had defeated all enemies.

Unwavering, indifferent, and relentless, it gnawed at the foundations of what the Allied forces had left behind. Heat had cracked the asphalt, rain washed out the concrete, wind and storm had smashed doors and windows. Tar paper had melted in the sun and frozen in winter. Tiles had cracked in the freezing cold. Weather had crept into the woodwork and driven the paint out of the wood. Moss and ferns clung to exterior walls, clogging gutters, and water pipes. The forces of nature had achieved what those of the enemy had failed to do.

In the cold moonlight, Scott and Billy wandered between the former apartment blocks near the barracks. Six-story residential silos had probably housed the soldiers’ families at that time. Today they were surrounded by trees that had not been planted yet when the houses were abandoned. In the moonlight, the open front doors of the house looked like the entrance to a more sinister and terrifying world than the darkness of the woods. The night wind carried the heavy smell of forest soil and damp cellars to their noses. Now the nocturnal animals came to life and mingled their calls with leaves rustling.

“Wait!” Billy put his hand on Scott’s shoulder. “There’s something up ahead.”

They stopped on a grassy path that once had been a road.

“What’s supposed to be there?” Scott folded his arms in front of his chest.

“Look …”

A black shadow emerged from the forest.

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?

Considering the recent hints, you can likely guess the holiday we're discussing. It's undoubtedly an adventure vacation, a rugged survival challenge. Better start gearing up!

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?

That's a fantastic question, and it's one that's been percolating in my mind as I wrapped up the final chapter. While I'm cautious about revealing too much, let me share this: there's a tantalizing possibility of revisiting certain characters in future adventures. But here's the twist – it's not just the heroes who might reappear. I've developed a deep attachment to every character, including the villains. And here's a little secret: I've already begun sketching out ideas for potential sequels or even an entire series. Picture it: new bandos, more rivalry, and a deadly cult lurking in the shadows.

Of course, whether this becomes a reality hinges on how readers embrace the characters and the story. If there's a clamor for more, I'm more than willing to dive back into the world of Urbex Predator.

But then again, I'm brimming with fresh ideas for entirely new literary ventures. Time, as they say, is the most precious gift. So, dear readers, if the prospect of an Urbex Predator series ignites your imagination, I'm all ears. Your wishes just might shape the course of the narrative to come.

When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or full-time profession?

When I was young, my career aspirations oscillated between becoming a stuntman like the ones in the TV show Fall Guy or a rebellious outlaw biker, the icons of yesteryears plastered all over the media (yes, I was a weird kid). Well, let's just say I've settled for a healthier lifestyle filled with sports and a keen interest in intriguing individuals. Rest assured, I never quite achieved those childhood dreams, but they did fuel my curiosity to explore the depths of the human psyche and delve into character studies. Unbeknownst to me at the time, those were the initial steps on my journey to becoming a writer.

Interestingly, my first two crime thrillers drew inspiration from real-life personalities and were received quite well. However, I soon grew weary of the gangster narratives, as they tended to blend into each other with similar tropes and themes. It might sound unconventional, but delving into horror allows for a richer exploration of the human character. In a horror story, anyone can be the protagonist, and that's precisely why the genre resonates with so many people.

Reflecting on your question, while I didn't initially see writing as a career in my youth, I believe my mindset naturally drew me into it as I explored various interests and passions.

What’s next on your to do list?

Like I mentioned earlier, being a writer these days also means being a marketer. So, my immediate focus is on monitoring the further development and success of "Urbex Predator" and learning from the happy accidents I'll encounter along the way. As for my writing career, I'm currently crafting a new plot that I plan to finish by the end of the year. Here's a sneak peek into the story: tentatively titled "The Podcast," it follows Josh and Abi, two young adults residing in the declining desert town of Dusthaven, who find themselves in a serial killer's nightmare when their hometown becomes the epicenter of a series of gruesome murders. They reach out to their favorite True Crime Podcast, "Deadly Idols," and become semi-reporters on the front lines of a manhunt. However, knowing me, things aren't always as they seem, and grim twists are to be expected.

Title: Urbex Predator

Author: Jen Boele

Publication Date: February 4, 2024

Pages: 394

Genre: Horror / Thriller

A relic from the Cold War, the old barracks beckon photographers, influencers, and adventurers, shrouded in secrets and peril. Nela and Tess dare the eerie ruins for their photography thesis, while Zander, Yelka, Vivien, and Damon embark on a simultaneous shoot. Amid the abandoned shadows, Yelka’s group runs into Steven and his ruthless gang, initially outsmarting them. Yet, Nela and Tess fall victim to a nightfall ambush, escaping but torn apart. As adrenaline courses through the gang, they stalk Yelka and her friends, unleashing a relentless manhunt. Vivien becomes their captive, setting off a chain reaction. Tess encounters Damon and Yelka, while Nela, guided by Ben, the barracks’ security manager, races to find Tess. Yelka strives to rescue Vivien, trapped in an abandoned outdoor pool. On his lone pursuit, Zander witnesses the gang’s brutality, delving into a darker realm within himself, spurred by the horrifying thrill of Steven’s actions. The scene propels Yelka, Damon, and Tess into a frenzy, unleashing chaos to liberate Vivien. Nela and Ben, attempting to overpower the gang, witness Yelka and Vivien’s escape as the gang closes in. With the arrival of Steven’s older brother, Henry, the stakes are set; the old military hospital transforms into a battleground. No one is to leave alive, and a matter of life and death ensues. In the ruthless clash, Nela and Yelka emerge as the lone defenders, while Zander pursues a mission for his own catharsis. In Henry’s basement, dubbed his Hades, the teams converge for a pulse-pounding final duel, where survival is the ultimate prize.

You can pick up your copy at Amazon.

Book Watch: How To Be Resilient In Your Career by Dr. Helen Ofosu #bookwatch

Title: How To Be Resilient In Your Career: Facing Up To Barriers at Work
Author: Dr. Helen Ofosu
Publisher: Routledge
Pages: 196
Genre: Business/Careers
How To Be Resilient in Your Career: Facing Up to Barriers at Work shares vital career advice to help professionals navigate common "internally disruptive" career experiences such as harassment and bullying, imposter syndrome, membership in an underrepresented group, toxic workplaces, discrimination, and more.

Dr. Helen Ofosu draws on twenty years of helping employers acquire talent and coaching professionals through difficult career choices to unpack these layered and complicated issues in an easy-to-follow way. Dealing with the dark side of management, the book outlines various issues that can occur in the workplace, or during a person's career journey, and offers practical advice on how to overcome these obstacles and setbacks. Using her considerable HR experience, Dr. Ofosu also offers coveted insights from the employer's point of view. For people who have already tried other options to resolve their complicated career issues, this book offers an essential guide that equips readers with a knowledge base to make informed decisions around building and sustaining a thriving and resilient career.

How to be Resilient in Your Career: Facing Up to Barriers at Work is a reliable resource presented with nuance, depth, and specificity. Psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and HR professionals who are looking for effective advice when supporting people struggling with these issues, will greatly benefit from this book, as will early career professionals, and established earners looking to resolve their career issues.

You can purchase your copy at Amazon at https://t.ly/_rspc.

Other Buy Links:

Audible | Barnes & Noble | Indigo

As a Work and Business Psychologist, I have seen the immense value of using psychometric testing to support my clients’ efforts. Psychometric tests provide test-takers with objective feedback about themselves. Depending on the test, it can give insights into someone’s personality and how that may impact their relationships with their peers, subordinates, superiors, clients, etc. In terms of personality tests, I prefer those that measure or are linked to the "Big Five" Factors or traits of personality sometimes known by the acronym OCEAN or CANOE. Regardless of the preferred acronym, the letters stand for Openness to experience (intellectually curious, imaginative, and spontaneous vs. practical, confentional, and preferring routine), Conscientiousness (discliplined, dependable, and careful vs. spontantaneous and disorganized), Extraversion (warm, sociable, and emotionally expressive vs. reserved and thoughtful), Agreeableness (trusting, helpful, and empathetic vs. critical, suspicious, and uncooperative), and Neuroticism (anxious and prone to negative emotions vs. calm, even-tempered, and secure). Each of us will fall somewhere on a continuum for each of these traits and these qualities are stable across our lifetime.

In good times and bad, resilience is one of the major keys to success – including career success. Dr. Helen Ofosu believes this applies to employees and entrepreneurs, individual contributors, subject matter experts, leaders, and executives.

That’s why her approach to career and executive coaching is to help people get ahead in a way that insulates them from future setbacks – or recover if things have gone sideways. This is also why, as a consultant, she helps organizations become stronger and more resilient, so they are ready for both the anticipated and the unexpected challenges that all organizations face at some point.

Part of what sets her apart from many career and executive coaches is her experience on the inside, as an HR and professional development professional, within large corporate workplaces and her intimate knowledge of typical HR processes and systems.

Clients come to her when the stakes are high. They can count on her to share insights and customized services that few others can deliver. They love that she has developed countless hiring tools and helped to resolve many HR problems over the years.

Her “insider” experience gives her clients an edge in getting hired and promoted in the public (and private) sector, and in managing their careers as they progress.

And as an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist (her field is more commonly known as Work and Business Psychology), she takes an evidence-based approach by using the latest research and best practices to increase the odds of her clients’ success.

Author Links

Book Watch: URBEX PREDATOR by Jens Boele #bookwatch

You can pick up your copy at Amazon.

We better find a way out quickly. The editorial's deadline is getting close, we can't afford any further delay.

Damon’s words lay upon the group like a heavy burden. He was good at making his personal problems everybody’s business. When he felt spoiled, he meant business. And Damon wasn’t done yet.

“Moreover, we have no Wi-Fi here. Zero, nada, not a bit.”

He let the words sink in, then added, “Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t post anything out here.” He put his phone away and joined Zander.

“Here’s how it’s going down: While the girls are taking photos, you’re looking for an exit that will get us out of here A–S–A–P. Get it?”

“We’ll take the pictures, don’t worry about it” Yelka hooked in from behind. “And tonight, from our hotel, we’ll be able to watch your follower numbers skyrocket in no time.”

“I assume so,” Damon replied curtly. “The sore point in the planning is the way back. But Zander will take care of that. And I know for sure he’ll find a really fast way out for us.” Appreciatively, he patted his shoulders.

“Damon, when do you think we will break the 30,000 mark? I really want that to happen by this weekend.”

“Yes, starlet, we can definitely do that. Your pretty sister will do a fantastic job and Zander will get us back to the hotel in no time.”

Zander wasn’t concerned about Damon’s problems at all. If it were up to him, Vivian should just do blunt erotic shots on the beach or in a studio. Or better, shoot soft porn. That was what it was all about, after all. Maybe he would watch that too. Vivian naked in the sand. Hmm … Anyway, none of this had anything to do with the fascination of abandoned places. And this barracks had so much of it to offer.

“If we continue along this path through the forest, we will soon reach the residential block. From there, another path leads to the recreational facilities. There is a pool, a sports field and a theater, but it could also be used as a cinema. In parallel …”

“Sis, shouldn’t we take a picture of me in this outdoor pool?” Lasciviously, Vivian played with the strap of her top.

“Absolutely” laughed Yelka.

Why wasn’t she actually on his side? After all, he had planned the whole trip just for Yelka. Zander wanted everything to be perfect today. Yet, that wouldn’t work with Vivian and Damon. Honestly speaking, they shouldn’t have joined in the first place. When the forest suddenly opened up to reveal a settlement, Zander’s heart began to pound faster.

Weathered multi-story apartment blocks rose into the sky, overgrown with birch and fir trees. Moss clung to the entrance areas; ivy sought its way upwards. The scenery looked like a modern Sleeping Beauty castle, sprung from the premonition of a sinister dystopia.

For a moment, the group stopped and let themselves be captivated by the magic of the place. Speechless, their eyes wandered up the multi-story buildings, lingering on the dark building openings and absorbing the surreal atmosphere.

“This is incredible,” Yelka was the first to return to her words. She put an arm around Zander and hugged him. “Just incredible.”

Zander felt overwhelmed. His excitement was looking for a channel. “Considering that the residents lived here for 40 years, and nature has taken over for 30 years, then … well …” He didn’t know how to finish the sentence. Zander was overwhelmed, both by the place and by Yelka’s closeness.

“Darling sister, you can start thinking about whether you want to be photographed on the steps or the old climbing frame” Yelka indicated as she dug her camera out of the small backpack.

“The steps are great!” exclaimed Vivian, settling down on the moss-covered steps.

“Perfect,” Damon joined in again as well. “That looks excellent, starlet! Lie back, let your hair fall to the right.”

Zander walked thoughtlessly over the moss that covered the former street. Here, families must have once walked home, children played on the sidewalk, and vehicles drove north to the barracks. With a kick, he plucked the green from the ground and looked at the dark asphalt. This was how the place had been left nearly three decades ago.

He squatted down and let his fingers slide over the old pavement. A shiver came over him. At that moment, he felt the same fascination for these places as Yelka. Stealthily, he glanced over at his secret love as she took photos of her hot sister.

Vivian had leaned back dramatically, her chest up, her hair hanging down behind her. Her belly was exposed, her breasts pressed against the top. She stretched her long legs, like she was riding a bicycle.

Zander’s gaze drifted off to Yelka, who held her camera with both hands. She was shifting positions from time to time. Although she was wearing cargo pants, boots and gloves, she didn’t look one bit less sexy than her younger sibling.

He averted his eyes and let them roam over the facade of the apartment block again, only to look back over at the sisters.

“So, now …” Damon was about to intervene in the shooting when heavy dog barking made their blood run cold.

Yelka stopped her shots, Vivian lost body tension and Damon turned his head.

The big, short-haired yapper hung on the leash of a young guy in his early 20s. His tattooed arms were pumped up, stretching a red shirt. His chest jutted out as he stood wide-legged, holding the dog. A sharply cut face framed his full lips. He wore a gold necklace, his hair was shaved short. Behind him, four boys and a girl had set up. Two of them held metal pipes in their hands, brandishing them menacingly.

“Good day to you all!” The words didn’t sound like a greeting, but more like a threat. “This is private property. No trespassing!” As if to underline his words, the dog growled insistently. The group slowly approached. Those two men carrying the batons grinned menacingly. “The whole compound is surrounded by a concrete wall.”

Yelka was the first to speak up, “Hey, we’re just taking pictures, we’re not destroying or stealing anything.”

“So what?” told Ryder Yelka. “Fuck it, you guys are still illegal. There are signs on the outside walls and gates that state that this place is off limits.”

“Yeah, but you’re still coming here,” the dark-haired boy with the scratched forearm shouted.

“Even though it’s forbidden.”

The group had surrounded the four, leaving no way out. Gazoo barked at Vivian, tugging at Ryder’s leash.

“What you are doing here is forbidden, you know that.”

“Okay, we made a mistake,” Yelka tried to concede. “How about we pack up and get out of here?” Seeking help, she looked over at Zander, but he was transfixed.

“Yeah, you just thought so.” A grim smile played around Ryder’s face. “I want to see everyone’s IDs!”

“IDs out!” repeated Jesse, roaring.

Yelka looked at Zander first, then at Damon. “Please, let us just go our merry way and everything will be cool,” she offered the boys.

Damon had regained his composure and was surveying the situation. Yelka and Zander getting married would be more likely than these guys being security guards. There was danger in the air. They were in the middle of nowhere and were being threatened by a gang of rednecks, carrying a loose dog.

Dave lifted the steel pipe and touched Yelka’s chin. “Ain’t nothing cool here,” Ryder told them. “Either you show us your IDs or else.”

As if to make an example, Dave hit the ground with his club.

Yelka flinched. Gazoo jumped up at her, held back only by Ryder’s leash. “Chop, chop, IDs out!” Ryder roared indignantly.

“I think we need to make a cut here!” With a brisk step, Damon put himself between Yelka and Ryder. “To me, it seems like a misunderstanding.”

For a moment, there was silence. Gazoo stopped barking, Dave’s steel pipe hovered in the air, and Ryder waited to see what Damon would say.

“My name is Duke. Damon Duke, of Duke Executives.” He spread his arms and stood between Ryder and Yelka.

“We rented this location today to hold a photo shoot.”

He pointed to Vivian, who was still sitting on the steps. “This is Vivian Donahue, one of our most important models, known as Violet-D.”

Damon waited a moment, watching the gang as they stared over at Vivian. He could see the aggression draining from the young men’s faces. Desire appeared in their eyes.

“We are taking pictures for the centerfold today. Vivian’s work needs a relaxed atmosphere. So, I’d be grateful if we could do the shoot without any further disruptions. Later, I’m sure she’ll have time for a short meet and greet with autographs. If you have any further questions, please contact Councilor Wilbanks. Please carry on, we don’t have any time to lose. Hush, hush!”

A stunned silence hung over the scene. The gang hadn’t quite taken their eyes off Vivian when it dawned on them that they had just been set up. Yelka and Vivian were already preparing to resume the photo shoot when Ryder suddenly straightened up again. “Are you kidding me? I want to see your fucking IDs–no photos until I say so!”

“Good,” Damon turned abruptly and held out his ID to Ryder, “that’s me, Damon Duke.” He gave him a moment to compare ID photo and face, then pulled out his cell phone. “And now I’d like to know what company you’re with.”

Damon held the phone to his ear and waited for Ryder’s answer. But he remained silent.

“Mr. Wilbanks, this is Damon Duke speaking. I apologize for the interruption. Contrary to our agreements, we were evicted from the place by security.” His and Ryder’s eyes met. “They didn’t hire any security at all? Then I assume this is a misunderstanding.”

Dave looked at Ryder, waiting for any reaction. But he just stared at Damon indecisively.

“No, I don’t think we need police here. Thank you very much, and again, I’m sorry to bother you.”

Damon dropped the phone into his purse, then pulled out a slew of business cards. “Here you go.”

First, he handed Ryder his card, then to the rest of the gang. “We’re still looking for security employees. If any of you want to make money, you’re more than welcome to contact me.”

Dazzled, the gang looked at each other. “Have a nice day! Now, starlets, we’ll move on to the next location.”

Ryder looked grimly after the Urbexers as they walked on. Soon they would find out what kind of a nice day they were going to have.