Jim Sajo

Robert Orazio sits in a strip club in Torino, Italy. He is an American military veteran living an empty life as an English teacher. Robert’s only joy is Mariana, a beautiful Romanian stripper. His desire for her burns as fierce as her passion for art, particularly the works of Caravaggio.
Their conversation is interrupted when a fight breaks out between Hassan, the club’s massive bouncer, and a vile customer Robert calls The Creep. The Creep slashes Hassan with a knife and flees. The next day, an episode of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, leaves Robert flashing back to a roadside bomb in Iraq. He believes the only way to deal with his emotional trouble is through his love for Mariana.
One of his students mentions a painting by Caravaggio, Salome With the Head of Saint John the Baptist. Desperate to impress Mariana, Robert devises a plan to take her to see the priceless painting. When he hears the Creep brag about involvement with the secret transport of a famous painting, Robert’s plan to take Mariana to see the art transforms into a dangerous scheme.
As that scheme unfolds, Robert's world begins to close in on him. He is threatened by thugs, chased by police, haunted by his own demons, and confused by his chances to win Mariana's affection.
The Salome Effect is a story of pain and redemption.