Slug Line

About the novel: The frighteningly primal nature of terrorism lies in the stark recognition that something as mundane as the suburbanite's sleepy commute to work can be subverted to forward a sinister plot that ensnares innocents and imperils the leader of the free world. Sayd el-Amyr is a frustrated terrorist, nursing a seven-year thirst for redemption as the failed "Fifth Cell" on 9/11. Now vengeance is at hand as el-Amyr constructs a bold plot on U.S. soil to humble the U.S. military and once again place the president of the United States within his crosshairs. Sayd has snatched a random group of ordinary citizens and military personnel from Washington DC-area commuter lines to leverage concessions from the U.S. government. His methodical planning enables him to manipulate events to create a window of opportunity for a second chance at eternal glory. As Sayd matches wits with the able director of the National Counter Terrorism Center, the hostages are plunged into a malevolent mix of terror, vengeance, and life-or-death events where their physical, mental, and spiritual fiber is subjected to the most brutal assaults. Though the formidable resources of the U.S. government are marshaled to deal with the crisis, salvation rests largely in the hands of two renegade operatives. An unlikely and unplanned partnership between two disparate characters - each with a personal stake in a rescue attempt that the government sees as a lesser priority - emerges as the hostages' best chance for survival. Detective Del Mayberry's knack for connecting the dots from divergent data points, combined with spymaster Zachary Tanner's unorthodox methods for neutralizing an enemy's advantage, will soon determine the fate of the victims and the very survival of the Executive Branch. From the gripping realism of hostage ordeals to the complexities of the government's crisis management, Slug Line weaves a highly credible narrative with compelling dialog to deliver a thrilling tale of zealotry, intrigue and heroism. Learn more at www.slug-line.net.
About the Author: Don Horan is a security consultant and freelance writer. Over his long career, he has consulted with hundreds of companies in matters of asset protection and security planning. He has authored the industry text The Retailer's Guide to Loss Prevention and Security, was a contributing author to Retail Crime, Security and Loss Prevention: An Encyclopedic Reference, and has written numerous articles published in trade periodicals. In 1996, Don participated in the security and logistics planning for retail venues at the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta among other high profile events. He received a BA in Criminal Justice from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, and makes his home in Charleston, SC. The author may be contacted directly via email at donhoran@slug-line.net or his website www.slug-line.net