GATEKEEPER, Is this the Nation's Last Election?

Readers will need to remind themselves that GATEKEEPER was published years before the events of 9/11 or the current political and economic crises. . . .

As GATEKEEPER opens, America is more polarized than ever and the majority of an increasingly angry populace lives on the edge of poverty. Presidential candidate Don Cole sincerely believes his experience, dedication, and principled common sense can turn it all around. He is a focused, ambitious and unattached middle-aged male with a successful governorship on his resume. His squeaky-clean past, quick wit, and obvious good looks make him a credible opponent to oust the incumbent, Sonny Todd, who has much to hide, but trusts that both his past and his present corruption will remain covered.

Don's candidacy is in full swing when late one night on the balcony of his hotel suite, an intruder shatters both his sense of security and his optimistic assessment of his abilities. Appearing out of nowhere and holding Don at knife point, the assailant claims to represent a patriotic element within the military and government known as the Quick and the Dead who plan to expose America's highest ranking politicians along with their commercial benefactors. The man claims they want to see Don elected so that they won't need to resort to more drastic measures in unseating the current administration. Don is rattled to the core. Are these men patriots or subversives? Will he find himself on the side of truth or embroiled in a treasonous coup attempt? His dilemma grows as those in high places discover their crimes are about to be uncovered and they create large scale diversions while they cover their tracks.

The Quick and the Dead—a secret group of self-proclaimed "patriots" with but one goal: To return America to its former sovereignty and glory—one way or another.
The Vital Union—a cult with a growing national membership among those who are disenfranchised and fed up with the growing poverty in America. The strict religious Code of the Vital Union governs body, soul, and spirit. They hold open rallies to find new converts whom they hope will be "joined." You don't join the Vital Union, the Union joins you.

America teeters on the brink of chaos as the behind-the-scenes power struggles of several dedicated factions spill over into violence on an unprecedented scale.

GATEKEEPER is Book 1 in the Fellowship of the Mystery trilogy