A FACE ON THE FLAG... Order now, here's excerpt 4!

“My friend and fellow military veteran, Kevin Horgan, provides an evocative perspective on how PTSD significantly impacts not only the veteran but those around them. Kevin’s perspective has been gained from his military service and extensive volunteering in the military.”  

Lloyd Knight, VETLANTA President          USAF First Sergeant (ret)

A FACE ON THE FLAG, Horgan’s third novel, is a tribute to veterans and the friendships they carry through life. Vets young and old will find someone they know in A FACE ON THE FLAG.

Note that 100% of author royalties during the advance sale period until November 12th, 2020 will be donated to veteran support groups and charities. Check out the website and make your purchase today! www.kevinhorganbooks.com 

EXCERPT 4:

Exiting the car we saw a smallish but sturdy 20-something guy exit a beat-up late model pickup truck parked close to Heroes Who Hike. Black North Face jacket, jeans, and all terrain shoes, and a dreadlock ponytail tucked under a grey ballcap with a logo I didn’t recognize. Dark features, he walked like an athlete with a leg injury, but sprightly, directly to the Heroes door like he owned the place. I couldn’t see inside just yet, but I guessed that he was our client and was chatting up Boo. I was anxious to meet him.

Billy said the obvious, “That’s gotta be our man.”

We entered, and the kid was sitting comfortably on the top of the unused desk, smiling at Boo who was in the middle of a story. They both froze.

“Sorry to interrupt, guys. I know we’re early.” I tried to sound casual.

Boo stood. “You’re good, Clem; actually, Arlo is late.” He jerked a thumb at our client partly in reproach but more so in jest. Billy and I sat in the only chairs available after shaking hands all around.

“This is Arlo McIlhenny, army vet, friend of the family. He wants to do the Crooked Hooker with you.” Boo was smiling a little too broadly, the only time I ever thought he was forcing an emotion. Billy kept his shades on.

Arlo’s forearms were heavily muscled, his left one sporting a simple blue tattoo of a coiled snake. No rings, no other adornment. Clean shaven except for a manicured patch of close cropped hair on his chin. The hair tucked under the cap was more wiry than at first glance and seemed incongruous. Arlo had a friendly smile, his eyes a deep brown with heavy brows.

“You ain’t Irish, I guess.” I was trying to lighten the mood.

It came out wrong. Rival service branches are notorious for breaking each other’s chops, and I wanted our client Arlo, who seemed 30 years younger than me, to feel like he was one of the guys. I have a standard playbook of one-liners meant to show camaraderie and I usually get a laugh and a return volley equally harmless and predictable.

Billy let out some air, an “oooooo” that was patronizing. Boo shifted painfully in his seat. I kept up my grin to Arlo.

He hesitated, somewhere between a “What the …” and “Outside, old dude …” when Arlo barked a genuine laugh, his head shaking slowly.

“Whatever, man. No, just American.”

Note that 100% of author royalties during the advance sale period until November 12th, 2020 will be donated to veteran support groups and charities. Check out the website and make your purchase today! www.kevinhorganbooks.com