Nighthawk Talks to Cynthia Young from Murder for Glacier Blue

"A bleached blonde struts into the studio, dressed in a slinky red dress, six-inch Manolo Blahnik heels, and a full-length sable fur."

No, this isn't the start of a blond joke. This is tonight's guest Cynthia Young, making her entrance. Ms Young appears in Diane Rapp's new book, Murder for Glacier Blue.

The book title refers to a painting which is taking an Alaskan cruise as part of a charity auction. Steven Young and his fiance Kayla are working security for the cruise line. As if art theft and murder aren't enough, the couple have to contend with Young's ex-wife, who is now coming through the door.

Anyone here? Hey, out there! Is anyone coming to chat me up? Bloody Hell! You’d think a proper gent would show up on time. Where is this Nighthawk chap?

Ms Young. Over here. Please sit down.

Who’s really talking through this here bird? I was married to a bloke who did a magic act, so you can’t fool me.

So, you were married to a magician. You were also married to Steven Young, right?

Yes, he’s my ex-husband. Stevie worked undercover for Interpol, but I weren’t allowed to tell nobody and got ever so bored. Now he’s all over the press as a bloody hero, saved a ship from sinking in the Mediterranean and arrested a ring of smugglers. Workin’ for the cruise line, I bet he makes lots more money. I might just give him another tumble.

What about his fiance?

Kayla? I don’t know what Stevie sees in her. She’s got no sense of style, loves to wear trainers and pulls her ponytail through the back of a sport’s cap. You know, I can steal Stevie away from Kayla any time I wants.

Mind if I take off me fur? It’s gettin’ a bit warm in here.

Sure but don't put it...


*****<silence> ****

Don't worry, Ms Young. My producer will put your coat somewhere safe. Away from our equipment. Let's get back to the interview. What prompted you to take a cruise at the same time as your ex and his fiancé?

I came along with Phillip, one of Stevie’s mates from school. Me and Phillip are engaged. At least we were engaged before Jeffrey got murdered…

The artist you were having an affair with, right?
I can’t talk about those events without me lawyer present. Are you recording this? Who can hear me? Honest! I never knew the details of Jeff’s scheme to steal that painting, and them coppers can’t hold me responsible for…

“I know! This is one of Steven’s tricks!

 Ms Young, will you please sit down.

That copper thinks he’s ever so clever, using a talking bird to get me to spill me guts. I won’t cop a plea without a deal in writing! You tell Mr. Law-and-order that he made a big mistake! He can’t trick me into tellin’ all I know before I gets into witness protection. That murderer is still out there waiting for me. I don’t care if Steven thinks he’s getting married! I’m in danger, and I’ll make him help me! We took our vows long before he met that tart, Kayla

And Cynthia Young has left the studio. I wonder if she'll remember her coat. 

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Jarrack from The Havenshire Resistance

When chaos erupts in the kingdom, Havenshire falls to Jarrack. Krystal must devise a plan to rescue Donovan and keep her daughters safe. She forms an underground black market to finance her “resistance army” of ragtag peasants, Samurai women, and renegades among the gentry. Can willpower and fortitude defeat Jarrack?

They say one man's villain is another man's hero. With that in mind, let's welcome Jarack to the studio.

How did I get here? Last I remember I was entertaining two of my wives and now I’m cast into this dingy, windowless room filled with archaic looking equipment.

I'm Nighthawk and this is my virtual radio station.

Radio equipment? I read about such devices in history books as a child, but since the Institute spread through civilized space, we’ve used hyperlink communications. I knew Drako was a backward planet, but employing radio to broadcast messages? Ridiculous!

Be that as it may, you've been invited here for an interview. Inquiring minds want to know your side of the story.

Ask me what you must, but your ploy won’t work! I know you’re in league with Krystal’s underground resistance. No matter how long you interrogate me you won’t learn how to release your precious King Donovan from my stasis device.

Not my king. Not my problem. But maybe this is a good place to start. Why do you have King Donovan in a stasis device? What is him crime?

(Gasp) Did I see one of those blasted telepathic wolves staring at me through the door? Keep them away or I’ll make you sorry you cast eyes on me.

I'm sure you're mistaken. We only brought you through. Look can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea? ... I'm not sure if you really want ...

(Sigh) Yes, thank you for that draught of whiskey, I feel much better.

Actually, that was my colon-cleanse. The doc thinks I've been eating too much fast food lately and...

You know my breeding program would not have been necessary if Donovan and Alexander allowed me access to their hidden Transfer equipment. I can’t stand the thought of aging for another span!

Breeding program? Span?

Span? It’s usually a period of fifty years, but as a valuable officer working for the Institute, I was granted Transfer more often. I’m proud to say that I’ve undergone twelve Transfers over the spans.

(Shuffling papers) Ah yes. The transfer system allows human consciousness to be transferred into a clone. With that technology, you could be immortal. I understand it has other benefits too.

Yes. I developed the ability to use mind control due to Transfer. No one is supposed to know about the side affects (chuckle) and I make sure they forget.

Yet, your adversaries must be aware of the side affects. Donovan, Alexander and Krystal all have enhanced abilities. 
No comment? How about the cloning program -- or lack there of? It must be awkward not having clones at your disposal... but that's why you've got a harem isn't it? To breed children to be your future hosts.

What? As King these wives and children are my property and I won’t explain my future plans to an underling like you. On the other hand, you could be quite helpful. Do know where Krystal hid her precious daughters? If you answer willingly, I can summon a chest of gold for your trouble.

So you can use them too? I don't think so.

No? Perhaps you’d like to feel my mind painfully strip the information! Weak minds like yours take less trouble to control, just look into my eyes.

Hey! That's enough of that!

Too bad you didn’t explain about your ignorance before I expended valuable energy. Let’s finish this sham interrogation.

Feel free to leave any time, Jarrack. Could someone get me an aspirin? This guy has given me a headache.


A headache is the least of your problems. Your army will never catch me and if it does I have a secret plan that will rock this world to its core. I need not wait forever, you know, since Institute’s battle drones will eventually hone in on this backward planet. I’ll be restored to my proper rank. (Laughing followed by screaming) I told you to keep those wolves away from me! Don’t come near me….


Well, maybe we brought a few wolves through as insurance.

If you want to find out more, I suggest you leave Jarrack alone and go straight to the source. Heirs to the Throne Series by Diane Rapp -  Book 1: Howl of the Wolf and Book 2 The Havenshire Resistance. If you want to learn more about the author, check out Diane's website: www.quicksilvernovels.com