North of Wrong: A Luke Landry Novel

By Jerry Lambert

An entertaining mystery/crime novel set in the wild north woods of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Fans of Bobby Cole, C.J. Box, Craig Johnson and Steve Hamilton will love Lambert’s fast-paced debut filled with action and outdoor adventure. *** Algonquian County Sheriff Deputy, Luke Landry strives to live by a code that his father instilled in him, “A strong moral compass will keep you living north of wrong.” Deputy Landry quickly discovers those who fail to live by the code. Marijuana farmers infiltrate the public woodlands, and the greedy outlaws resort to murder. Luke’s best friend, a decorated war hero coping with PTSD, becomes a prime suspect along with Mexican gangsters and local thugs. Under the legendary leadership of Sheriff Sam Stanton; a manhunt ensues and the rugged sportsmen administer north woods justice!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Greg McElveen
• Release date: Jul 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781937355975

Book preview

Jerry Lambert knows the woods, the law and a good story. Michiganders will especially enjoy this yarn. Bobby Cole, Author of The Dummy Line, Moon Underfoot, The Rented Mule and Old Money.

"If you're looking for a solid mystery with a hunting theme that does not denigrate the sport but rather separates the wheat from the chafe, then you know how hard it can be to find. Look no farther. Jerry Lambert has made one of my favorite corners of the world come to life in North of Wrong, and with 25 years in criminal justice under his belt, he knows what he's writing about. Our country needs more Luke Landrys driving the rural roads with a moral compass to give direction and an aim to putting criminals where they belong. And if they find time to catch a few trout and bag a turkey along the way, I'll pay to read that, too." Keith McCafferty, Field & Stream Survival editor and author of the Sean Stranahan mystery series, including The Royal Wulff Murders, The Gray Ghost Murders, Dead Man's Fancy, and Crazy Mountain Kiss.

"Jerry Lambert does it again. Trophy White Tales and The Hunting Spirit introduced us to this writer’s compelling story-telling abilities and North of Wrong delivers these same attributes in his entertaining debut novel. A fast paced narrative filled with action and outdoor adventure. Lambert successfully places your mind in the breathtaking scenery of the north woods. Historical facts about Michigan, enhance the story. Deputy Luke Landry is a compelling character shaped by a strong moral compass. I look forward to Luke Landry’s next adventure." Danny Defauw, Up North Journal

As I sit in the Michigan woods this morning, I’m reminded of all the great traditions and stories that come from our hunting family. Jerry’s new novel is another good book to add to your collection; a great author who highlights the hunting heritage shared with family and friends. Jeff Stanton, 6-Time National Motocross Supercross Champion

"North of Wrong is a rare story because it features decent, honest, hard-working outdoorsmen and gun owners as the good guys." Ron Spomer, Outdoor Writer, Field Editor for NRA American Hunter

NORTH OF WRONG

A Luke Landry Novel

JERRY LAMBERT

Copyright © 2016 Jerry Lambert

All rights reserved. Written permission must be secured from the publisher or author to use or reproduce any part of this book, except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles.

Distributed by Smashwords

Author: Jerry Lambert

Editor: Connie Crofoot

All photos except where noted: Copyright © 2016 Jerry Lambert

Cover photograph: Jerry Lambert

Library of Congress Control Number:

Library of Congress subject headings suggestions:

1. Mystery, Suspense and Thriller

2. Mystery - Thriller & Suspense - Mystery - Police Procedurals

3. Christian Books & Bibles - Literature & Fiction - Mystery & Suspense

BISAC Classification Suggestions:

1. FIC022000 FICTION / Mystery & Detective / General

2. FIC022020 FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural

3. FIC030000 FICTION / Thrillers / Suspense

4. FIC042060 FICTION / Christian / Suspense

5. FIC031010 FICTION / Thrillers / Crime

ISBN-13 for Black and White Paperback: 978-1-937355-99-9 V: 1.0

ISBN-13 for eBook: 978-1-937355-97-5

To purchase additional copies of North of Wrong or to learn more about the author go to (www.facebook.com/jerrylambertauthor) or his author page on Smashwords.

Other terrific books by Jerry and bestsellers in their class: Trophy White Tales and The Hunting Spirit, also available from Jerry or from at your favorite ebook retailer.

Big Mac Publisher Book Titles may be purchased in bulk at discounts. Contact Jerry or go to Big Mac Publisher’s website: www.bigmacpublishers.com

Big Mac Publishers, Kingston, TN 37763

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Readers Guide

About the Author

Other Books

Acknowledgements

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the following people for their helpful contributions towards the development of North of Wrong. First of all, I would like to thank those who took the time to pre-read the various rough drafts and offer their valuable input towards editing and technical advisement. This list includes Connie Crofoot and Tiffany Jones who contributed their talented editing skills. Retired Battle Creek Police Officer, Carter Bright, and Detroit Police Bomb Squad Sergeant, Matt Taylor offered valuable advice concerning police procedures and equipment.

I received valuable help in formatting the front cover from my wife Michelle, daughter Lindsey and friend Andi Gummer. I am also very grateful that Michelle formatted the books interior, a very tedious and detail oriented task. In addition, your love, support and words of encouragement are much needed and greatly appreciated.

I wish to thank Greg McElveen, from Big Mac Publishing for his valuable insight, guidance and words of wisdom in all things related to book publishing.

My niece Angie and nephews, Josh, Andrew, Jake, Eli, Sam and Aaron unknowingly contributed their first names in the process of naming several of the main characters.

North of Wrong is set in northern Lower Michigan or what many refer to as God’s Country. I love the natural beauty of this entire region and want to thank Almighty God, the Creator for gifting us this little piece of heaven on earth.

Chapter One

Do not be misled, bad company corrupts good character.

1Corinthians 15:33

Moonlight illuminates the night sky while a cool breeze refreshes the air with the strong smell of pine. Daryl Miller drains his beer and tosses the empty can to the ground. Looking up, he sees an enclosed box truck approaching with ACLS painted on the doors. The initials stand for Algonquian County Landscape Services. Bobby Cooper, known to everybody as Coop, is driving and the 25 year old Kid Rock wannabe brings the rig to a stop alongside Daryl. Coop is wearing his trademark white tank top and trucker cap. Long stringy hair droops over his bony shoulders. The deputies at the jail have sarcastically nicknamed him American Bad Apple, obviously making light of the moniker that Rock has named himself. Truth be told, Cooper idolizes the Detroit singer and even has an Old English D inked on his right forearm.

Miller is carrying two heavy bags that he places on the floor of the truck. As the fat man steps up into the cab, he barks out, Where’s Bernie?

Cooper shakes his head in disgust and replies, Man, he’s not coming. I stopped by Darlene’s crib like you told me to. Physically he was there, but mentally…he gone. Your worthless brother is all jacked up.

So he had a few drinks, so have I. Millers can handle their alcohol.

When I said jacked up, I didn’t mean Jack Daniels. The fool is on a meth high. He’s not coming.

Daryl slams his clenched fist hard on the dashboard and bites his lower lip. He’s easily agitated, tonight is a big score and his punk brother has stiffed him. You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family. For security purposes, Daryl was hoping to have all three of them on this deal. Bernie will pay for this transgression. Nobody stands up Daryl Miller without paying for it, not even kin. One thing’s for certain, he’s in for a hurtin’! Now it’s left up to Daryl and Coop to complete the deal. The risk is high but if all goes well, so is the payoff. Dollar, dollar bills! This will give them another few months of living on Easy Street.

Miller strokes his beard and appears deep in thought. Coop removes a pack of Winstons from his shirt pocket and offers Daryl a cigarette. He can be as ornery as a bear in heat. Maybe this will calm down the cantankerous curmudgeon. Miller accepts and they both light up as the truck rumbles down the road.

Coop turns onto a dirt road lined with tall white pines, County Road 233. Daryl knows the area quite well because he has spent a great deal of time hunting the surrounding forest. For a few years, he poached deer and sold the meat but soon found out that there was a lot more money to be made in trafficking drugs. Every summer, wealthy families visit northern Michigan and their spoiled kids spend their idol time partying. These rich kids like to throw big bashes to impress the local girls. Many of the teens are lazy and bored. Getting high becomes part of their daily routine. Their parents are simply too busy or just don’t care. Drink some brews and smoke some bud. Daryl thinks to himself, Who can blame them; I’d like to be young and dumb again.

The dirt road comes to a T and Coop turns north onto another tree lined road as they continue winding their way northwest. Their destination is located on the far outskirts of Algonquian County. Near the western line is a countryside made up of orchards and vineyards. The Lake Michigan coastline produces outstanding fruit: apples, blueberries, cherries and grapes. A large number of Mexican immigrant workers come north each summer to work on the farms. Coop turns down a long driveway, under a wooden arch that reads Hoyt’s Cherry Farm. A half mile back sits a contemporary house with a large pole barn.

A heavyset Hispanic man opens the barn door. He’s wearing an oversized white t-shirt, baggy cargo shorts and flip flops. Daryl has seen him here before; his name is Miguel Flores. Another man, an older gent with a head full of white hair, greets Daryl. This man is wearing a black Polo shirt, Polo jeans and Murrell boots. It’s Ben Hoyt, a former county commissioner who was ousted from the board for tax-fraud issues. The courts ended up sentencing him to fines and costs. In the court of public opinion, he was sentenced to a lifetime reputation of a low-life crook looking to get over on the system. The whole ordeal jaded him, and he still sees himself as the victim and remains quite bitter. He used to make financial contributions to the sheriff’s re-election campaign, but when the tax issues came about, the sheriff distanced himself from Hoyt. The greedy old man hardened his heart and now takes great pleasure distributing marijuana in the very county which the sheriff lords over.

Parked in the barn is a newly purchased, $100,000 motorhome. Hoyt’s extra income has paid for this new toy, and he plans on buying a bass boat and a Harley Davidson motorcycle before the warmth of summer arrives. Tonight’s earnings should make these items easy to obtain. After his wife was taken from him by a quick-striking brain cancer, Ben realizes that life is short. He is in the winter season of life and may not have that many more years left. He’s out to get what is his, even if it requires bending a few rules. Anyhow, most people think that marijuana should be legal. Ben’s wife actually used the stuff to relieve her pain. Supply and demand is the rule of economics, and he is simply supplying those in demand.

Over the last few months, Miller has done quite a bit of business with Hoyt but is always anxious because he does not trust the old coot. The man has no soul. If you look into his beady little eyes, they are blank. Like most people who acquire their fortunes through ill-gotten means, Hoyt is a narcissist who only thinks of himself. One can never be too cautious when dealing with these cats. Daryl feels abnormally vulnerable as he hands over two large bags of cash to the elderly cherry farmer. Hoyt displays a wicked grin as he counts the money. Without thinking, he walks to a back room and places the stacks of $100 bills securely into a safe. The Hispanic man loads the product onto the truck with a bobcat. He never utters a word. It’s unknown if he even knows English. The marijuana is tightly wrapped with plastic into one-pound bundles that are packed tightly into oil drums.

Neither Daryl nor Hoyt have much to say to one another. This is a business, plain and simple. They are both in it for the money. The deal is done quickly and before you know it, Daryl and Coop are back on the road. The night air is cool but both men feel flushed and sweaty. Miller has never before picked up this large of a load, 1,000 pounds. Competition is growing; if he wants to stay in the game, it’s time to up the ante.

Miller has made alternative storage plans to throw off anyone’s attempt at finding his dope. He is going to stash the barrels in a barn where his old lady, Bonnie, lives. No one will ever suspect anything there. Heck, no one even goes down that road because it’s so far out in the boonies. Bonnie might protest a little but once he gives her a small stack of Benjamin’s, he’s sure that she will happily comply. After all, she knows better than to protest. Daryl is a feared man. He is bulldog mean and has a history of tall tales that support his reputation as one bad dude. Rumor has it that he murdered someone in Kentucky. Whether or not this is true, Miller likes the fact that the story adds to his notoriety. The money is added insurance that Bonnie will keep her mouth shut. There’s nothing worse than a rat.

Bonnie doesn’t know it yet, but Daryl is going to spend the night with her. She will let him for two reasons. There’s no one else in her life, and she doesn’t think that she deserves better. After all, she’s already been married three times, and she’s only 41 years old. Her first husband beat her on a regular basis, the second one loved alcohol more than he loved her, and the third sucker actually treated her quite well, however; she didn’t know how to handle that, so she sabotaged the marriage by cheating on him with Daryl. At the time, Daryl had a red convertible Mustang, while her husband drove an old F-150 pickup. Daryl totaled the Mustang before her divorce was even final and all she was left with was Daryl. Talk about epic fail.

Depression is Bonnie’s one constant friend along with frequent visits from another companion, loneliness. Her two children may call her on Mother’s Day and Christmas, but they try their hardest to distance themselves from her daily disposition of doom and gloom. Both of them left the nest before their 18th birthday. Naturally, with each situation, she blames society and their respective fathers rather than blame herself. Why accept responsibility? That, she knows, would bring on more guilt and even deeper moods of depression.

Coop is anxious to get going. He has to return the work truck to his law-abiding brother before he discovers its missing or he’ll have some explaining to do. It wouldn’t be the first time but just the same, he would rather avoid his brother’s hostilities. Daryl pays Coop with a stack of bills and says, I’ll holler at you tomorrow. I’ve got you in mind for a couple more jobs.

Coop nods as he lights up another cigarette. Tax-free cash allows Bobby Cooper to stay clear of making child support payments. Whatever Daryl has in mind, he’s in. He has way too many baby mammas to get a real job. Cowboy blasts through the truck speakers as Coop climbs the hilly road.

Algonquian County has a distinguished reputation for possessing a low crime rate when compared to the rest of the counties in the Upper Lower Peninsula. Much of the credit is attributed to Sheriff Sam Stanton. He’s a big son of a gun who carries strong street smarts. It would be so much easier running drugs in one of the bordering counties; however, Miller knows this area quite well, and on top of all that, he has a sick mind that craves the challenge of competing against the region’s top Lawdog!

Chapter Two

1. Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2. But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.

3. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither and whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 1: 1-3

Bob Seger has been playing for the entire drive north. It’s a tradition passed down to me by my father, John Landry. My name is Luke Landry and I don’t like all of my dad’s music but Seger’s sound transcends generations. As soon as we hit Interstate-75 North, we push play on the Bob Seger playlist that starts with Roll Me Away followed by Fire Lake. These are great anthems of the north country.

Today, I am driving solo. I shut off the music and roll down the windows. I smell pine. When my nostrils take in this outstanding scent, I know that I have arrived. This is just