The primary aim of the "Novel Excerpts" blog category is to showcase my creative writing, specifically from the novels I've written. Hopefully, these posts will provide a glimpse into my storytelling style, themes, and narrative skills. It's an opportunity to share my artistic expressions and the worlds I've created through my novels.
The Boaz Scorekeeper, written in 2017, is my second novel. I'll post it a chapter a day over the next few weeks.
After rereading Nate’s article, I was packing my briefcase when Matt stuck his head in my office. “You got a minute?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I want you to meet two nice gentlemen. Can you come to the conference room please?” Matt said.
When I entered, I saw two young, clean-cut, well-dressed Hispanic males.
“Hello, I’m Micaden Tanner.” I said reaching my hand across the conference room table.
They both stood, smiled, and shook my hand. “I’m Santiago Castenada.”
“I’m Nico Castenada, Santiago’s brother. It’s nice to meet you.”
Matt explained that the two young men had completed graduate studies in California. Santiago received his Masters of Education from the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education, and Nico a Master’s of Divinity from Southern California Seminary in El Cajon, California.
“That’s impressive. Are you guys from Boaz?” I asked.
“No, but we are planning on moving here.” Nico responded.
“They are from Texas but have spent the past eight years in college and graduate school. They have hired us as general counsel.” Matt said.
“We are starting a Christian private school for Hispanics.” Santiago said.
“Again, I’m impressed. But, why Boaz?”
Our uncle was Mateo Castenada. We owe him so much. He is the reason for the opportunity we had to receive such an excellent education. We want to continue his work here in Boaz, although in a slightly different way. Until his disappearance, his church was instrumental in giving hope to hundreds, thousands of local Hispanics. There is now a void here, all while the Hispanic population continues to explode. It’s all about providing hope and opportunity. Education is the key.”
“That is a totally admirable pursuit. Also, a very expensive one. I assume you have already arranged your financing.” I asked.
“Not totally, but we are making progress. We have a few benefactors lined up. We are also participating in the Federal Department of Education’s new voucher program instituted by President Trump in 2017. As you probably have heard, it allows students to attend certified private Christian schools. The student’s tuition is paid by the program in an amount equal to the applicable State’s cost to educate a public-school student. Right now, here in Alabama, that amounts to about $10,000 per student per year.” Nico said.
“Here’s something you will find interesting.” Matt said. “I’ve shared Nick’s New York Times article with Santiago and Nico. They believe it will trigger rioting. Even before coming in today, they have spent the last several days in the local Hispanic community and observed the smoldering anger that is widespread.”
“Hispanics generally are quiet, peace loving, and law-abiding citizens. Like most people, they can be pushed too far. What has happened over the years is like bringing a pot of chili to a slow boil. I’d say the recipe is complete: the kidnapping and murders of Mateo, his wife, and Alma, the sex trafficking, and the general abuse Hispanics have endured for years, and now, this article that describes how five of the families who founded Boaz have been manipulating and pillaging the whole community. The pot is at full boil.” Santiago said.
The four of us talked for another hour before Nico received a cell call and the two of them had to leave. Matt and his wife were headed to their daughter’s in Atlanta for the July 4th holiday. I grabbed my briefcase and drove home. Tonight, might be the night that I had been waiting for.
The Pencil-Driven Life 