sneak peek Ranger

[Carlos Hazday]

 

US Army Rangers Sergeant Bradley Thomas Kennedy lost his legs when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Ranger chronicles the first couple of years following the IED incident. Will he recover sufficiently from his physical and  mental wounds to lead a fulfilling live? Will he get the girl in the end? Here's a little look at the story.

 

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

January 2020

 

“So, what’s your story?”

Brad could not help chuckling. “Right to the point, eh? I like that.”

“Why pussyfoot around?” The man ran a hand over his shaved head and pointed towards the right. “We’re going there. Those legs of yours tell me you’ve seen real action. You may have left your original ones behind, but I’m certain you brought back a new outlook on life like most of us did. Life’s too short to waste our time with bullshit.”

“Yep. I have less patience for beating around the bush these days. I leave that shit to the politicians.”

Mark raised an eyebrow. “Like your friend?”

“CJ? I guess you know who he is. He’s not that bad. He actually cuts to the chase pretty quick. But then again, he’s not really a politician. Yet. He’s gonna work for the State Department once he graduates from college.”

“I’ve met him before, and I know he’s on the board of directors here. I was surprised and impressed a rich, gay kid would care enough to help us out.”

“He’s not one of those spoiled brats that grow up to be spoiled grownups. He’s not typical anything, and he’s not afraid to take a stand when he believes in something. Plus, he has strong ties to the military. One of his fathers’ a retired Marine, and he’s lived next to my Army vet dad for years. A close friend of ours was in the Navy too. When I enlisted, CJ was one of those who supported me instead of pushing for me to go to college. ”

“At least he doesn’t have any Air Force pansies around. Those guys think their shit don’t smell.”

Brad had to stop; laughter threatened to make him tumble on the icy path. “Dude! His stepfather was in the Air Force and his younger brother’s headed to the Air Force Academy in the fall.”

“FUCK!”

Brad laughed again. While Heroes Haven’s head honcho and Brad’s traveling companions ensconced themselves in an office to discuss who knew what, Mark had been assigned to show the military veteran around. Brad thought of him as his minder, making sure he did nothing to disturb residents or staff. He did not object to the babysitting. It reminded him of entering a new community while on patrol and being escorted around by village elders. The building Mark singled out as their starting point was a large structure at one end of the property.

 

[chris191070]

Sounds awesome, can't wait to read more of Brad's story.

[Daddydavek]

I'm looking forward to it and a little hesitant at the same time.  If it's realistic, it won't be a bed of roses....but I'm confident that he will get through to build a new life.  (That's my hope and I'm sticking to it!)

[Carlos Hazday]

5 minutes ago, Daddydavek said:

I'm looking forward to it and a little hesitant at the same time.  If it's realistic, it won't be a bed of roses....but I'm confident that he will get through to build a new life.  (That's my hope and I'm sticking to it!)

I think the opening chapter will set you at ease. There are a couple of touchy events, but those I tell instead of showing. Realism's relative when CJ's involved and he plays a little larger role in this one than he did in Singer. LOL

After the opening, most of the story's told in flashbacks starting with Brad's initial visit to Heroes Haven. Still experimenting with different formats, so we'll see how y'all react. 13 chapters, about 36k words.

[Carlos Hazday]

Five more days!

I can't wait until it starts posting. Hurry up, Sunday!

[Kitt]

Tuesday is the new Sunday

[Fae Briona]

3 hours ago, Kitt said:

Tuesday is the new Sunday

no no no no  no...    that would make Wed. the new Monday and I've already had one of those this week  ☹️

[Carlos Hazday]

I'm thinking of turning chapter one into a prologue. Any objections to having two chapters go live at the same time? Seems the first one in every double post always gets fewer reactions/comments. Feels like I'm taking a pay cut after doing double the amount of work. 

[Kitt]

 I promise at least two reactions for me if not a comment

[chris191070]

You'll get at least two reactions off me, if not comments on both the prologue and chapter one.

[Carlos Hazday]

Ready for the premiere tomorrow. Got my outfit set for the red carpet.

Hope to see you there!

[chris191070]

I'll be there, at the usual time I presume.

[tabaqui]

sitting ready with a comfy chair

[Carlos Hazday]

9 minutes ago, tabaqui said:

sitting ready with a comfy chair

No need for a tux, but wear clean boxers! LOL

[Carlos Hazday]

1 hour ago, chris191070 said:

I'll be there, at the usual time I presume.

Story, prologue, and chapter one are loaded and set to publish at 5:00 am my time!

[tabaqui]

51 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

Story, prologue, and chapter one are loaded and set to publish at 5:00 am my time!

 

1 hour ago, Carlos Hazday said:

No need for a tux, but wear clean boxers! LOL

good to know, guessing the time difference it will be between breakfast and lunch and since it's a sunday I'm probably lounging in comfy clothes

[Carlos Hazday]

One more attempt to compensate for a recalcitrant notifications system. Ranger is now live:

 

[Carlos Hazday]

I mentioned other communities similar to Heroes Haven existed in my reply to a comment. Here's an aerial shot of the one in Kansas City.

 

[Carlos Hazday]

Even four-legged veterans have found a home in the tiny houses.