You ever have a friend that is close to you, then suddenly they're gone and it hits you like a ton of bricks? It's difficult to understand or cope with. This is my story of such a thing. Those of you who hate cops, and believe we're robots, need to read this.
His name was Heikoti "Koti" Fakava. When I heard his five children singing at his funeral, I completely lost it. He was one of the greatest men I'd ever known. We didn't hang out all the time, but I looked up to him. I curse myself often for not letting him know this. And, now it's too late. He was an Elder at this Church, an amazing family man, married to a wonderful wife, had five amazing children, and was well respected-even by criminals. Wrap your mind around that.
I asked and obtained permission from Koti's family to use Koti as a character in a novel, they said yes. Then, I asked the Sheriff for the same permission, and he too, said yes. I wrote and re-wrote his chapter at least twenty five times. I needed every word, when and how it was said, to embody what and who Koti was. You will know exactly what kind of man Koti was after reading the chapter. I named the novel, Collectors. It will make more sense when you read the novel. I'm donating the proceeds for sales to the Fakava Family.
I can't fix the public image of cops, but I'll be damned if I don't try. There are men and women in my profession who should not be wearing a badge or gun, I won't deny that. But, for every bad cop, there's thousands that are not. We love our families, try to protect and serve, and we'd give you the shirt off our back if we could. Most of us don't make much money, and if you haven't been watching the news, we're being hunted down and killed by criminals. It's not a glorious profession, but one that is needed. Explore this novel and try to understand the story behind the story. I'm not looking for handouts or a bro-hug from people every day at work, but judge me on me, not what others in my profession are doing.
C.L. Swinney
COLLECTORS
By
C.L. Swinney
“Nail-biting twists, expertly paced, with many surprises and genuine thrills.”-- Award-winning and bestselling True Crime Author and Publisher, RJ Parker.
“Acts of courage and compassion are still the backbone of our noble profession. What C. L. Swinney has done in this fast-paced novel, second in the Bill Dix series, is amazing and exemplifies the guts behind a badge. But, why he did the book, is extraordinary.”--Alameda County Sheriff, Greg Ahern.
“C. L. Swinney captures the essence of what crime fiction was intended to be, realistic and nail-biting (a trait shared with his man character, Bill Dix). Once I read the book I was hooked. When I learned the story behind the story, I was glad he asked for my support.”--San Mateo County Sheriff, Greg Munks.
“I had the opportunity to read C. L. Swinney’s latest thriller, Collectors, and was among other things, very impressed. It’s nice to see the author creating such interesting characters and an adrenaline laced plot. The fact he’s donating proceeds to a fallen deputy’s family makes this a no-brainer.”--Contra Costa County Sheriff, David Livingston.
“Years ago Chris Swinney and I were young buddies with an addiction to adventure…dreamers spinning huge fish stories believing they could come true. As we became adults, juggling families, mortgages, and careers, the stories lay dormant, but not the dreams. Chris' tales have been revived as this bestselling author weaves amazing tales capturing the reader with their energy and excitement. I can't wait to read his next work.”--World Renowned Oil Painter, Michael Flohr.
“A car chase and gun battle on the opening page draws the reader in like metal shavings to a magnet. C.L.Swinney’s real-life experience as a cop makes the action believable and exciting. Collectors, the second book in the Bill Dix Detective series, is a fantastic follow up to Gray Ghost. Don’t miss this one!”--John M. Wills, Award-winning author of The Year Without Christmas.
